To the Shadowsinger | Azriel

Chapter 51: I'll disappoint you

"Wylla," Azriel dragged his hand down his face. "What are you doing here?"

Her confidence sank, "helping you..."

Harani looked between Azriel and Wylla with a confused smile, "Is this your daughter?"

The question caught him off guard for a second. He and Wylla looked nothing alike, she wasn't even an Illyrain nor was he a High Fae. "No," he said firmly, not looking at the little girl.

Wylla took a step closer to him, her hand reaching out as if she wanted to touch Rai. His instinct was to pull his defenseless mate away from anyone, but instead, he let Wylla get close. She stopped with her hand inches from Rai's forehead, giving Azriel a questioning look. He trusted her, so he nodded and swallowed the lump in his throat.

Ever so gently, Wylla touched the back of her hand to Rai's forehead as if she was feeling her temperature. Azriel wasn't sure why she was doing it, but he watched in silence.

"It's like she's sleepwalking," Wylla whispered. And then she paused, sniffing the air and then the back of the same hand that had touched Rai. Azriel wasn't able to understand the cause of Wylla's confused frown.

"You said that her mind is trapped in a mirror," Harani spoke to Wylla with a tone that said I'm an adult and you're a small child. "And that you can get it out?"

"I said I think I can get it out," Wylla whipped around. It wasn't in her personality to snap, Azriel could tell it was from stress.

"How?" Azriel asked. He still had Rai in his arms. Her eyes had drifted shut as he continued to run his fingers over her skin in soothing circles. Gods he hoped she was okay and Wylla could actually fix this. He was terrified because he had no idea what to do and he couldn't stomach the idea of losing his mate again. His Rai.

Wylla opened her mouth to speak then closed it when she nervously looked to Harani. Azriel moved his wing back as Wylla shuffled over and sat beside him on the couch. He leaned in when she cupped her hand to her mouth and whispered in his ear, "Okay, I really don't want to disappoint you."

His face went slack. What was he going to do with this damn kid? He might end up kicking her through the window if she ended up saying she was lying about knowing how to get Rai's mind out of the mirror... "You lied?"

Her blue eyes went wide, "No." Noticing she said it too loud, she went back to whispering through her cupped hand. It was useless really, Harani had the hearing of a High Fae. But if it made Wylla feel better, why not. "I've been seeing Rai in my dreams. If I can figure out how to talk to her, maybe I can guide her through the mirror. I just..." Her eyes were sad. "I want to help you and I'll do my best but I'm scared it won't work and I'll disappoint you."

He pulled away from the little girl to look at her. Communicating and physical affection were never his talents, but he had the urge to hug her. That's what Rhys always did when his kids were sad or needed him. Instead, Azriel found himself resting his hand on the top of Wylla's head and giving it a few pats, "Of course I would be disappointed."

The sound of Harani's hand slapping over her mouth echoed through the room. Wylla's frown deepened.

Azriel continued, still patting Wylla's head, "But I wouldn't be disappointed in you, I'm proud of you and would greatly appreciate any help you could give me. Right now... I'm lost."

Wylla's frown turned into a smile, "Well, step number one is finding the Ab-boo-roas-so."

Harani had her arms crossed over her chest, "If it's in the palace, I'll find it."

Azriel titled his head, "You mean the Ouroboros?"

"Yeah, that's what I said." Wylla continued, unfazed, "I'm also going to need a nice place to sleep. It's already hard for me to travel through dreams but it's impossible if I can't fall asleep."

"Some alcohol would make it easier for her to sleep." Azriel looked at Harani, "Do you have any?"

Harani laughed. It took her a moment to realize he was being serious, "I'm not giving a child alcohol."

"I don't like how it tastes. Mor gave me a sip of her wine once," Wylla cringed.

Harani had a motherly voice, "I'll sleep in my son's room. She can sleep in my bed tonight and I can get you a bedroll."

It was a risk to let them stay in the castle. He could use the sleep but he would have to keep his guard up. Harani could change her mind at any moment, though he doubted it, or anyone could come search the room. He found himself looking down at Rai's peaceful face. This is all for you.

"Thank you," Azriel bowed his head to Harani.

"Thank you," Wylla mimicked.

"Alright," Harani clapped her hands together. "You two should say your goodbyes to the queen. Your scent is very dominant in this room right now and I have to clear it out before anyone comes to collect her."

Azriel didn't want to say goodbye. His arms tighten around Rai, he studied her face, felt comforted by her scent, and placed one final kiss on her head. He wouldn't say goodbye but he knew they had to part ways for now. If he took Rai, the king would turn this castle upside down looking for her and they would lose their chance at finding the mirror. Harani would also be exposed as a traitor.

"Hey, Queen Raisa," Wylla whispered. "If you can hear me, dream about walking into this lady's room. I don't know her name but she has short hair. Okay? Bye."

Azriel didn't even realize a small smile had crept onto his face. For the first time in a long time, he had a small glimpse of hope. Maybe there was a future where everything worked out in their favor. He sure hoped so...