A Court of Shadows and Stars; Azriel

XVII

It was around two in the morning, and I was seated on the balcony of my small studio apartment in Velaris.

I left the party shortly after Mor and Cassian decided to go clubbing at Rita's. Elain, and Nesta stayed at Amren's apartment while Feyre and Rhysand left to the Court of Dreams, no doubt having a fun night for the both of them...

I looked up at the night sky. It truly was the most beautiful art. Stars shined like sugar spilt across black marble, glistening in the moonlight. Constellations pulsed alive with a raw type of energy, like it was serenading a song for the eyes.

The velvet darkness of the late evening brought me an overwhelming sense of peace. Sweet puddles of pure stillness seemed to double the shadows that were present. The kiss of the evening air acted like a salve on my thoughts.

Thoughts.

So many were twisting and turning, suffocating me with their whispers. Yet, at the same time, my mind felt blank.

Memories of the war we had just fought, and won. Thoughts on Amren's new being, on my new being...

Sorting through my feelings with Azriel.

What are my feelings with the shadowsinger?

I let out a deep sigh and looked back up at the moon and the black richness surrounding it.

A masterpiece.

That's what the darkness reminded me of.

Like the world around me had became a pencil drawing. It was as if nightfall were the curtains closing, and the dawn were their opening each day. An artist sitting at his easel, far away, watching this night and re-creating it on his easel.

The picture became complete as a winged silhouette took place beside me.

A velvety rich voice cut through the night air, "How are you doing?" Azriel asked.

"Fine," I sighed.

He nodded and fidgeted with his hands.

I raised a brow at the uncharacteristic behavior- one he only does when he's nervous.

"How are you doing with the- um..."

"The whole 'turning immortal and Fae' thing?" I smiled at his awkwardness.

"Yeah, that."

"I'm still processing it. I was planning on going to the House of Wind in a couple of days and testing what I can do," I sighed.

My eyes narrowed as he continued to avoid making eye contact with me.

"Have you felt any different?" he visibly gulped.

I ignored his weird behavior, "A little, I guess."

"In what way?"

I thought for a moment.

"When fighting, I felt more powerful and faster. But, also when I'm around you," I said, and he looked at me for the first time tonight.

"Don't laugh, but since I've changed... I've craved your presence more. It calms me."

His eyes widened considerably and a blush made its way to his face. "Lore, there's something I need to tell you-" he started.

"Hey!" *hiccup* "Mor, look! It's our friends!" a loud voice called.

Azriel and I shot to our feet and leaned over the balcony railing. Sure enough, Cassian and Mor stood below us in the street, very drunk and both giggling at nothing.

I internally face-palmed at my friends antics and Azriel sighed at the interruption. "Guys," I whisper-shouted. "There are people sleeping-"

"WHAT," Cassian boomed.

I hurried into my apartment and down the stairs. When I opened the front door, there stood my two friends, smiling like idiots.

I quickly pulled them in and looked around before closing and locking the door.

"What are you guys doing?" I asked.

Mor slung an arm around my shoulder and the sour smell of alcohol flooded my senses. "We need a place to stay," she asked, pouting and giving me puppy-dog eyes.

I looked to Cassian, who was nodding furiously, then Azriel.

"What's wrong with your houses?" Az asked, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.

"Ooh," Cassian not-so-whispered in his ear. "Az wants to get some tonight. My man-" he said, clapping the shadowsinger on the shoulder.

Azriel cheeks became pink and he hit the Illyrian on the back of the head while I shot Cassian an incredulous look.

Mor bounced in front of me. "Pleaseee Lai-Lai," she drawled, Cassian rubbed his head and nodded next to Azriel.

'Wtf? Did she just call me Lai-Lai?'

"I guess, but never call me that again," I seethed.

Cassian jumped and picked me up in a big hug, "Yay," he shouted. "Sleepover!".

Mor pumped her fists in the air and I pinched the bridge of my nose.

'This is going to be a long night...'

After pulling out an extra mattress and setting it up beside on the floor, I threw a bunch of pillows and blankets at Cassian, laughing slightly when he stumbled back.

"So," I started. "How do you want to do this?" I asked.

Cassian stroked his chin in a thinking manner, "As much as I would love to cuddle with Azzy, it didn't go well last time because of our wings..."

I raised a brow at the 'last time' part and Az shook his head.

I glanced at the two drunkards and then the brooding Illyrian in the corner.

"Okay. Azriel, you're with me. Mor, you can sleep with Cassian or on the couch."

Azriel looked relieved and joined me under my comforter, wrapping his arms around my torso and pulling me close.

The blonde took one look at Cassian, who was patting the bed beside him and smirking up at her, before she plopped on the couch a few feet away.

Cassian shrugged before pulling a blanket up to his shoulders and closing his eyes.

"Goodnight," Mor said.

She received a choruses of 'goodnights' back before Cassian ruined the comfortable silence.

He pointed an accusing finger at Azriel and I, "Now, I better not hear any-"

Before he could finish that sentence, Azriel chucked the lamp from beside him at his Cassian's head.

*A/N- Sorry for the filler chapter! Another chapter will be out soon and although ACOWAR is coming to an end, this book with continue on after.*

*shameless self-promo*

Also, if you are into the Percy Jackson series, I have a Nico Fan-fiction on my page. Check it out and LMK what you think about it.

Thank you for reading :)