A Court of Secrets and Desires - Book 1

¤ Chapter Five ¤

Word Count: 1876 (much shorter but it has a purpose to being that short)

TW: pain, abuse (in a way)

KIRAN:

When Kiran had woken up, he found himself in the arms of Azriel. The spymaster still been asleep, his face calm, mouth slightly parted. Kiran twisted so he faced the shadowsinger's chest. He ran his fingers through the black locks of Azriel's hair. A small smile appearing on the healer's face. He poked the tip of the other male's nose. It scrunched up in return to the prod. Kiran huffed out a laugh. Azriel opened his hazel eyes and looked down at the male resting between his arms.

"Good morning." Kiran said.

Azriel let out a sigh and snuggled closer, "Morning." His voice was rough from sleep. The shadowsinger closed his eyes.

"You have work today," Kiran sat up in the bed and pulled on the muscled arm, tying to pull him off the bed. Azriel grunted in response, "Come on. You've got to help me here! You're too heavy!" Kiran pulled once more on the tan arm.

The spymaster's head snapped up, "I'm not heavy, I'm muscular." He sounded genuinely upset at the accusation.

The healer laughed, "You sound like a child who didn't get the right candy. Come on, you still have work to do. The quicker you leave, the quicker you can come home." At that, Azriel leapt form the bed and hurried to get dressed. Kiran smiled; bribery always worked.

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

The healer walked through the cobblestone streets, watching the citizens of Velaris shop and entertain themselves. He headed towards a section of the city called the Rainbow. It was prospering with people selling paintings, sculptures, and the likes. Azriel had told him briefly of the best places to visit and how to get there. Kiran had been intrigued by the Rainbow of Velaris and wanted to see for himself what it was like. He wasn't disappointed.

He traveled through the city, unable to buy anything, just enjoying the city for what It was worth. He came across a small studio. Inside the windows was a group of children painting on canvas's in a large room. A High Fae walked through the organized sections of children, checking in on them and what they were depicting on the canvas before them. The female had golden-brown hair and blue-gray eyes. She looked familiar to Kiran. He looked closely. The more he watched the more the female became obvious. This was the High Lady of the Night Court, mate to the High Lord, Cursebreaker. Feyre.

Kiran spin and fled from the studio. He couldn't let her see him, or there would be questions. It was too early for questions to be asked or answered. They had both agreed to only tell the Inner Circle of The Night Court when they both felt comfortable. Kiran ran through the Rainbow, ignoring all those who looked at him in confusion. He didn't realize how far he had run until he come to a stop in front of Azriel's apartment complex. He panted and placed his hands on his knees. His heart pounded in his chest. Kiran leaned against the side of the building, his head bumping against the hard stone.

I wonder how Azriel is holding up. What is he up to?

AZRIEL:

Azriel wiped the blood from his sword on the clothing of his recent victim. He had ended their life quite quickly, quicker than he would have liked. The spymaster inwardly sighed. This person had been useless, they had given no information and proceeded to attack him.

Placing his sword back in its scabbard, the shadowsinger tucked his wings in close before walking away. He needed to see one of his spies, they might have the information he needed. Azriel dissolved into shadow, winnowing away. He landed in a forest. Massive trees surrounded him, the sunlight beating down. Rays shining through the gaps in the foliage. Shadows swirled around Azriel's shoulders, whispering in his ears. He travelled through the trees before stopping at a small house.