A Court of Ash and Fire

Chapter Twenty-One

Before anyone could open their mouths, Aelin look down at herself and whined, "Oh, shit! I ruined my dress." She wiped her hands down the front of her gown, which was indeed splattered with black blood.

"Seriously?" Cassian gaped. "You just kicked ass on some fucking shadow monsters and you're complaining about your dress?"

Aelin shrugged. "Priorities."

Rhysand advanced on her, but Aelin pointed her diamond dagger at him. "Uh, uh uh. Not another step."

The small woman stepped forward instead, hissing, "Is that my missing diamond necklace?"

Aelin flipped the dagger in her hand. "Perhaps. Though, I have to admit, it makes a better knife. The design was way to bulky and tacky."

"You little bitch," the small woman hissed and lunged at her, but Rhysand held her back.

"The Valg," Rhysand said, his violet eyes glowing. "Will more come?"

Aelin shrugged, flicking a hunk of flesh off her pretty dagger. "Probably. Well, sucks to be you. I'm off."

She went to turn around and stride out the balcony doors when a hand latched onto her arm. Feyre spun her around, and Aelin snarled, locking eyes with her-

Agonizing, excruciating pain struck her body, and Aelin screamed, falling to her knees. Feyre cried out, dropping too. Rhysand shouted, rushing to her side, but Aelin couldn't see anymore before white light flashed.

A beautiful voice, both female and male, young and old, whispered through the blinding glow;

When night meets day,

And the stars combine with the clouds

Then, and only then,

Can darkness disappear from both worlds

One, a child of the moon,

The other, a daughter of the sun,

Both must meet in a clash of magics

For the damage to be undone

The two must unite

Nameless and the Named

For good to prevail

And for evil to be tamed.

With the aid of the Star,

A new power will be discovered

To help you defeat evil

And avenge those who had suffered

Come forth, fire-blessed

And the one of every kind

For it is almost too late.

You are running out of time.