To the Shadowsinger | Azriel

Chapter 10: I'll end you

Waves of nausea hit Raisa over and over again. She still felt ill from the venom, but didn't want the High Lord to see her weak. She was glad he hadn't seen her rolling around in her own filth and sickness for the past few days. He may have even killed her, she thought.

But there was only so much she could hide, and vomit wasn't one of them. Neither male said a thing as she pushed her chair back and raced to the bathroom. Her stomach was nearly empty though, all she hurled was bile and water as her stomach lurched.

"Uh," she coughed into the toilet. Cold sweats took over her body once again, all she could do was shake as she sat on the floor clenching the toilet. "You're fine," she whispered to herself.

She needed food. She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten and while she felt like she would vomit if she ate again, her body needed the strength.

"I believe that Bryaxis is hiding in the woods where I found her. There was a cave that felt like something was inside," she faintly heard Azriel say. "Cassian and I can check it out."

The High Lord spoke, "It's been 100 years and we haven't heard a peep from Bryaxis until now. Feyre thought we should give up the hunt because he wasn't causing trouble. I think hunting him again would just stir up trouble." His voice dropped so low she almost missed it, "And now we have a bigger issue."

"Indeed."

It was time for Raisa to climb to her feet despite her muscles protesting. She had her arms crossed as she returned to the dining room and met the High Lord with a peaceful gaze. "I want to be your ally," she said, placing her palms on the table and leaning in. "So make me your ally. Let me have the mirror and Vallahan will never be a problem for you as long as I live." Her eyes darkened, "But stand in my way, and I will show you that my husband and Bryaxis are the least of your worries. I know a lot more about you, your mate, children, and your court than you would think."

The High Lord stood from his chair just as wings of darkness spread out wide and shadowed his face. Raisa had every sense to be afraid, especially as his face twitched with a silent rage and his sharp teeth caught the light, "If you want to threaten my family, I'll end you right now then deal with Vallahan myself."

His threat may have made anyone else wet themselves, but she considered his offer honestly. It would spare her so much work. That actually doesn't sound like such a bad idea.

She imagined herself stepping out onto the balcony to see the twinkling stars one last time and then turning around to see the Shadowsinger, Azriel, and smiling as she took in his beautiful face just as the High Lord turned her into a spray of blood with the flick of his wrist.

Something on the High Lord's face changed, almost as if he could read her mind and see the dark image of her death. His face went slack as he waited for her response.

"I'd never touch your family," her voice cracked as she spoke. It was the truth though, she would do anything to watch her husband and lords fall, but harming innocents wasn't one of them. She had other methods of achieving her goals. "Killing me would only make your job harder and do you really want another war? Plus I am the Queen of Vallahan with allies spread out throughout the whole faerie realm. My husband would rally them and while you may win, the slaughter on both sides will be horrific. Right now, the art of surprise is on our side. Let's not waste it."

The High Lord considered her words. He took a deep breath and his wings finally relaxed at his sides, "I'll have to discuss this with the High Lady. For now, we're on neutral grounds. You're free to stay in the city and regain your strength until we return with our answer." He turned and looked at Azriel, who had almost faded completely into the shadows, "make sure she doesn't do anything stupid." The High Lord sniffed the air and let out a soft chuckle, "and maybe don't feed her burnt food."

The High Lord was gone right before smoke and curses flooded the kitchen.