Daylight

Chapter 5

That night, Nesta didn't go back to Amren's. Elain was almost certain it was because of their new houseguest. And she imagined that if Nesta had known about Lucien's return the previous day, she would have rushed straight home instead of staying overnight at Amren's.

Elain expected Nesta to hover like an overbearing parent, but her sister surprised her by excusing herself shortly after dinner to retreat to her room. No one argued, though Cassian did look a bit put out that she didn't even bat an eye at the teases and taunts he tossed at her.

Elain sat at her vanity, idly running a wide brush through her honey-brown curls. The strip of leather Lucien had given her to tie her hair back sat on the tiny table littered with combs, hair accessories, and ribbons.

There was a soft knock at the door but before Elain could even get up to answer it, the door swung open and Feyre strode in.

"You know, usually people wait to be told to enter after knocking," Elain teased.

"That rule doesn't count for sisters," Feyre teased back as she flopped onto Elain's bed.

"By all means, make yourself comfortable."

"Thanks, don't mind if I do."

Feyre kicked her sandals off and sat cross-legged.

"That's not a very dignified posture for a High Lady," Elain teased.

"I'm your sister first. High Lady second."

Knowing how much Rhysand meant to Feyre, her comment touched Elain's heart.

"So—"

"Before you start gossiping," Elain tittered, "put up that wall of air you so love to use that prevents anyone from eavesdropping."

Elain felt a cool breeze move her hair, which she knew was for her benefit. Her sister was adept enough with her abilities that Elain knew she could activate her power without anyone knowing she'd even done it.

"So," Elain repeated, inviting Feyre to continue.

But her sister didn't say anything. She simply sat atop Elain's bed and watched her as she resumed brushing her hair, a faint smile pulling at the corners of Feyre's mouth.

"What?" Elain asked.

"I'm just... really happy."

"Any particular reason?"

"You," Feyre said simply.

"Me?"

"I was so afraid for you when I first returned from the Spring Court," Feyre admitted. "It made me sick to think you were so miserable. I would have given anything to take back what was done to you."

"But?"

"But..." Feyre continued slowly. "Is it wrong to say that I'm happy we didn't find a way to reverse it? That having you and Nesta here, among all the other people I love, brings me more joy than I ever thought my life would have."

Elain considered for a moment. "No, I don't think that's wrong at all."

Feyre got up from the bed and crossed the room to the vanity. She leaned over and draped her arms around her sister in a tight embrace.

"I sometimes forget I'm younger than you are," she said to Elain. "You and Nesta always seemed so fragile and defenseless whenever I'd come home from a hunt."

"We owe you our lives a thousand times over. We'd be dead if it hadn't been for you."

"Well, we'll never have to live that way again."