𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐡

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ 𝟎𝟑.

Feyre P.O.V

3 days later

I wake up to complete darkness, a familiar sort of darkness that normally left me peaceful and calm, would have left me peaceful and calm if it were under any other circumstances. I gently move Rhys's wing over and slip out of bed. We received a letter last night, it was from the Spring Court saying...no, demanding that we come to a meeting today for urgent matters. Of course Azriel has promised to send his shadows beforehand to ensure that it isn't a trap, but it still had got me worrying. I knew Tamlin, he wouldn't have sent for all the high lords unless it was a big deal. Before I could wear out the navy blue rug with my pacing, I spotted the book from yesterday. Maybe a little reading would do me good? I gently pick up the book, careful not to wake up Rhys, and walk over to one of the huge black, leather chairs. I place a barrier of air around me so the continuous sound of flipping pages wouldn't disturb my sleeping mate. I know that it won't be long until he notices my missing presence and wakes up, he's been tired so much lately and it hurt me to see him like this. I could feel him trying to push through the day's work and still trying to be there for Audra and me. And his male ego won't even allow me to help. I sigh, looking outside to see the City of Starlight slowly awakening, the hustle of the town bringing back life and energy to the beautiful, just previously sleeping beast of Velaris .

I bring my attention back to the book, staring at the silver embroidered title. It wasn't that I wasn't happy. I was ecstatic to have these years with Rhys and our gorgeous little girl but there was something missing. The thrill of the hunt or the feeling of an adventure. I could practically feel the chill of the winter breeze on my cheeks and the smell of pine and wood that had brushed my nose that day, my only ash arrow focused on that mighty wolf...it made me want to laugh now, oh how that wolf had changed everything. With war and Hybern, I had been so caught up, always wishing for peace and for all of it to be over, was it ironic that I now wished for a little thrill. Not that there was much of a thrill in Prythion anyway, the talk of rebellions had ceased and most of our problems had been about taking down the wall. I enjoyed the stillness and the joy and laughter that had taken over my once dreadful life of course but....there was always that little something in me that missed the wild.

Realizing that I had been staring at the title for quite a while now, I reopened the book to the last page I was on and immediately forgot all about my worries, Queen Aelin's world taking over my imagination.

Before I could flip the page to see what Rowan and Aelin were about to do to Maeve, the bubble of air surrounding me is penetrated with ice, fire, and darkness all at once. I'm ready to lash out a whip of my own darkness and call for my mate through the mating bond but I smell the scent of jasmine and lemon lingering on those bursts of power and my gaze finally settles on 2 pairs of violet eyes that both seemed to be gleaming with delight at my startled expression. I scowl at them, standing up and placing the book beside a vase of lavender on a small table next to the window. Audra is in Rhysand's arms, her head tucked away in the crook of his neck, her tiny hands wrapped around his neck. Rhys slowly and softly placed her down. She gives me puppy eyes as she walks over carefully as if I would snap at her at any moment, and then she does something that I certainly didn't expect. She runs the remaining space toward me, a grin on her face as she buries her small head into my nightgown as she squeals "Daddy made me do it!" I give an amused glance at Rhys as I pick her up.

"I can't disagree but I'm not admitting to anything either", he says while playfully tickling Audra. He doesn't stop until she's squirming in my arms begging him to stop. I loved these moments where it was as if there wasn't a care in the world.

Rhysand P.O.V

When my eyes landed back on a pair of stormy blue ones that seemed to shine with happiness, I smiled. She smiled back knowing that we were both thinking the same thing, these were the moments that mattered.