𝐂 𝐎 𝐒 𝐌 𝐈 𝐂   𝐋 𝐎 𝐕 𝐄   !

𝙲 𝙷 𝙰 𝙿 𝚃 𝙴 𝚁   𝚃 𝙴 𝙽   !

( 𝔟𝔬𝔫𝔡𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔱𝔦𝔪𝔢 ! )

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⬩❖⬩ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

          "𝐘𝐎𝐔'𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆."

Ana jumped slightly. She was sitting cross-legged on her bed, looking down at the blood crusting on her hands. She hadn't washed it yet, unable to really do much after the events of that night. So many memories clouded her mind as she picked at the crusted blood, tears slowly drying along her cheeks.

The bed dipped as Rhys sat down beside her, his violet eyes gleaming in the moonlight. As they'd agreed, he'd come to her instead of her going to him. But if he was there, then that meant Ana had fallen asleep at some point during her wallowing. Not that she minded, since she kind of needed someone to rant to that she trusted. And to her amazement, Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, had her trust. 

Ana brushed at her cheeks, sniffling still. "Cherish this moment because you'll never see me cry again. Trust me."

"Why would I cherish a moment where you were crying? That would mean I enjoy seeing you cry." His hand wrapped gently around her wrist, pulling her hand from her face. "And while you look beautiful when you cry, I would prefer not seeing you so upset. So what made you cry?"

The blonde didn't even have it in her to joke about how he called her beautiful. "I witnessed an innocent faerie die today, and I was unable to do anything to help him." She wiped at her eyes again. "And it just . . . it reminded me of a time when I used to not be able to do shit. And I hated that time. By the Angel, I hated it." More tears were beginning to fall. "I couldn't save him. Amarantha took his wings, and I couldn't save him."

She hated that this one incident had taken her back so many years. Back to when she was just a little girl, unable to fight her own battles and unable to protect herself and her friends. Back when she was just as useless as a mundane when it came to fighting demons. Back to when she could do nothing against Viktor, allowing him to . . .

She didn't despise crying because she believed it made you weak. No, she didn't think releasing emotion was a weakness. She hated crying because she'd spent so much of her childhood crying. She cried so much when she was younger that she could only manage dry sobs. Crying took her back to those horrible, horrible times before she found the Brooklyn Institute and became friends with the Lightwoods and Jace.

A hesitant arm wrapped around her waist, and Ana soon found herself curled into Rhys's side, sobbing into his satin shirt. Her fingers gripped the fabric, using it to ground herself and pull herself out of that pit she'd put herself in. She wasn't in Russia anymore. She wasn't defenseless anymore. She could do so much⎯so much⎯that she couldn't before. Ana was no longer that little girl, but damn, did she feel like her.

Rhys was quiet, rubbing her back to ease her. She should've been embarrassed, but she was so tired. She couldn't find it in her to be embarrassed about this. 

A couple minutes passed and Ana was left hiccuping with dry eyes and stained cheeks. She pulled back and went to wipe her tears, but Rhys beat her to it. The feel of his calloused thumb brushing her cheek made something inside her warm. Her stomach flipped and her heart nearly stopped as she met his eyes. His violet eyes that held such deep concern for her. And understanding.

"I couldn't save him." Her voice was hoarse.

Rhys nodded. "And that's okay. You can't save everyone, I know you know that. That doesn't make it stop hurting, I know, but it's true. If you spend your whole life trying to save everyone, you won't ever live."

Ana managed a watery chuckle. "When did you become so wise?"

His eyes twinkled. "I've had hundreds of years to perfect my wisdom."

"So you're saying I'm currently in the arms of a something-hundred year old man? That's . . . perverted." Rhys laughed loudly as Ana pulled a face, backing away from him slightly. Though, if one looked close enough, they could see her fighting back a smile. "Now, pushing away that awful moment, I remember a certain High Lord telling me through some strange telepathy shit that he would answer any questions I had for him."

Rhys perked a brow. "Oh, really?" Ana nodded. "Well, then, ask away, Ana darling."

Damn that nickname.

Ana felt her body shift, but she didn't pay attention to it as she thought of what she'd wanted to ask him. By the time she actually allowed herself to speak, she was leaning against his shoulder, eyes locked on the ceiling. The ugly fucking ceiling.

"What's the Nigh Court like?" she asked, her voice light. "I've read the history books, which say it's nightmarish, and I've asked Tamlin and Lucien, who agree, but . . . it doesn't seem right." She sighed, messing with one of her kindjals, which she'd picked up while thinking. "Knowing you're the High Lord of the Night Court makes all the stories I've heard and read seem wrong."

Rhys hummed, and she felt the vibration through his body. "And why's that?"

"Because you aren't nightmarish or cruel. Or, at least, the parts of you I've seen aren't." Ana didn't trust easily, and sometimes she struggled with reading people, but one look at Rhysand and she knew exactly who he was . . . sort of. In his eyes, she saw the same thing that resided in her own⎯an urge to protect something that he loved. A huge secret that he just couldn't tell for the safety of others. A crushing weight to save everyone hanging off his shoulders. And a thick obsidian wall protecting himself. "They say it's a court of nightmares, but with you as a leader, it just . . . I don't know. I'm probably wrong."

Rhys was silent for a moment, letting her words sink in. He hadn't realized just how much of an open book he was to this girl. This girl, who he'd met a few months ago in a dream. This girl, who held so many burdens and secrets, she should be crushed. This girl, who had such a bright, golden light burning inside of her, it was hard to believe she was connected to him. To Prythian. 

Finally, he loosed a breath, his finger tracing over the silencing rune on her arm. A smirk surfaced on his lips when he saw goosebumps rise along her skin at the gentle touch. "You know, it's odd having someone tell me that they don't think I'm some nightmarish creature after only a few meetings with me."

Ana frowned. "Really?"

He nodded, keeping his eyes on her side profile, distracting himself from the blood on her hands. "Most people call me a monster. A ruler of monsters, actually. And yes, part of my court is filled with nightmares. The part that I let the world see."

It was piecing together in her mind. She didn't outright say it, and neither did he, but they both knew she knew. Ana straightened and turned to meet his eyes, pursing her lips. "That's why you willingly stay Under the Mountain. Why you are waiting for Tamlin to break his curse. Because of them."

Rhys's eyes shone like a million stars in a dark sky. That same soft look he'd given her once before, during another midnight meeting. "Have I told you that you're too smart for your own good?"

Ana laughed, resting her forehead on his chest. "Yes. Many times, actually."

"Well, you are, Ana darling. And you deserve to know." He gave her that feline smirk. "So, any other questions?"

The blonde grinned. "Millions."

⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⬩❖⬩ ⎯⎯⎯⎯

Ana despised third wheeling. She'd done it with Clary and Jace. She done it with Magnus and Alec. And now, she was stuck third wheeling with Tamlin and Feyre. Well, Lucien was there, too, but still. She was stuck with a couple-not-couple and it was making her wish she'd said no to going for a ride across the grounds.

The four of them sat atop a grassy knoll, overlooking a glade of oaks so wide and high they could have been the pillars and spires of an ancient castle. Shimmering tufts of dandelion fluff drifted by, and the floor of the clearing was carpeted with swaying crocuses and snowdrops and bluebells. It was an hour or two past noon by the time they arrived, but the light was thick and golden.

Though the four of them were alone, Ana could hear a faint singing coming from somewhere in the distance. A singing that reminded her a bit of what her mother's voice had sounded like. Faint, but beautiful.

Ana sat atop Astrella, the two having bonded in their time together. The Fallon girl had grown to love the horse, the two going on rides as often as they could through the lands of the Spring Court. And while Ana still despised spring, she loved the time she spent with Astrella. Just the two of them, alone with nature. 

"We brought a blanket," Tamlin said toward Feyre, who was laying in the grass with a broad smile. He set down the blanket and Lucien plopped down on it, stretching his legs. Ana dismounted Astrella, giving her a kiss and a carrot, and laid down on the blanket beside Lucien, her eyes locking on the sky above. 

Feyre refused to sit on the blanket⎯not that there was much room with how Lucien and Ana were situated⎯and instead remained on the grass. Ana didn't pay much attention to the two, only tuning in on their conversations because, and let's be honest, it was hilarious to hear Tamlin try and flirt. 

"What is this place?" Feyre finally asked.

"Just a glen." Lucien snorted, causing Ana to laugh. "Do you like it?"

Feyre was silent, just taking in her surroundings. "What?"

Ana wanted to laugh. Feyre had forgotten the entire question while admiring the glen. 

"Do you like it?" Tamlin repeated.

A moment. "Yes."

Tamlin chuckled. "That's it? 'Yes'?"

"Would you like me to grovel with gratitude for bringing me here, High Lord?"

Ana actually laughed this time. By the Angel, now she didn't regret third wheeling with Tamlin. This shit was funny as hell. Even Lucien was cackling beside her, the two unable to conceal their amusement. 

"Ah. The Suriel told you nothing important, did it?"

Feyre's next words had Ana choking on her spit. "He also said that you like being brushed, and if I'm a clever girl, I might train you with treats."

Tamlin roared with laughter as Ana's eyes watered, her stomach aching and her ribs hurting. She was a mess of giggles and snorts, rolling around on the blanket and kicking her feet. When did Feyre get so bold around Tamlin? 

"I might die of surprise, if Ana doesn't pass first," Lucien said. "You made a joke, Feyre."

"You don't what to know what the Suriel said about you," Feyre threatened, causing Ana to nearly keel over from her laughter. Oh, she loved this.

"I'd pay good money to hear what the Suriel thinks of Lucien," Tamlin said.

Ana raised her hand. "I bet it's something along the lines of 'if you put something shiny in front of him, he'll be distracted for a good amount of time.'"

Lucien popped the cork from the wine bottle, aiming it at Ana who flicked it away with a smile. She stuck her tongue out at him childishly, watching as he began to chug.

The two barely even noticed that Tamlin and Feyre had left them, too engrossed in making faces at one another. Finally, after a while of just the two of them drinking⎯the fair folk knew how to make wine⎯Lucien spoke up.

"Tamlin told me you know of the . . . issue."

Ana's mood dropped a bit as she passed the wine back to him. "The Suriel revealed a lot to me when I caught him. Told me everything about the blight, and the truth behind why Tamlin brought Feyre here."

Lucien hummed. "Thoughts?"

"It's a stupid fucking deal and I kinda wanna stab Tamlin for causing it, but I understand that he's Prythian's last hope of surviving the blight." Not true, but like hell she'd tell Lucien about hers and Rhysand's conversations. "I think they seem to genuinely be falling for each other in a way that neither expected, though. Tamlin seems to truly care for Feyre, and vice versa. But I swear to Raziel and the Cauldron and the Mother, that if he hurts her, I'll rain hell fire on him."

Lucien passed the wine over to her, his eyes holding understanding. "I don't doubt that, Anastasia."

"Fuck you for using my full name." She flipped him off before finishing the bottle. "Do we have more of this. I need to be shit faced to deal with the ride back."

Lucien pulled two more bottles from thin air, smirking. "Let's get . . . shit faced?"

"Fuck yeah."

They toasted their bottles and began chugging, laughing at the little things as their bottles got emptier and emptier.

⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⬩❖⬩ ⎯⎯⎯⎯

According to Lucien, Ana should've been wasted by the time they got back on their horses and started toward the manor. Apparently, faerie wine affected mortals differently than faeries, but Ana wasn't completely human, so . . . That, and Ana had a very high alcohol tolerance. Very, very high.

Ana was beside Feyre, the girl telling the blonde all about her time swimming in a pool of starlight with Tamlin. Ana listened intently, nodding and smiling with her friend. Feyre seemed genuinely happy, so she'd be happy as well. But she stuck by her promise of making Tamlin's life hell if he fucked with Feyre in any way, shape, or form.

Lucien came to a walk beside them. "Yes?"

Feyre pursed her lips. "I never got to thank you for your advice with the Suriel."

Lucien tensed. "Oh?"

"If you still want me dead," Feyre continued, unbothered, "you might have to try a bit harder."

Ana watched Lucien let out a breath. "That's not what I intended, but I wouldn't shed any tears." No shocker there. "But what happened to you⎯"

"I was joking," Feyre said, giving him a smile.

Ana was a little surprised by Feyre's maturity about the whole situation. If Ana had been sent out to her death by Lucien, she would've caused him so much pain if she'd survived. But Feyre? She was easily accepting Lucien as he is, which was something that took people time. Ana accepted that Lucien would rather she burst into flames than remain in Prythian, but still. Getting sent on a death trip . . .

"You can't possibly forgive me that easily for sending you into danger," Lucien said.

"No. And part of me would like nothing more than the wallop you for your lack of warning about the Suriel. Ana beat me to it, however." Ana grinned shamelessly. "But I understand: I'm a human who killed your friend, who now lives in your house, and you have to deal with me. I understand."

Again, Feyre was much more mature than Ana would be in this situation.

Ana studied Lucien's face as he remained quiet, stewing over her words. "Tam told me that your first shot was to save the Suriel's life. Not your own."

"It seemed like the right thing to do."

The blonde nudged her friend and nodded. "It was. And I'm sure the Suriel thanks you."

Lucien's look was nothing but contemplative. "I know far too many High Fae and lesser faeries who wouldn't have seen it that way⎯or bothered." He reached into his saddle bag and pulled something out, tossing it to Feyre. A jeweled knife. "I heard you scream. And I hesitated. Not long, but I hesitated before I came running. Even though Tam got there in time, and Ana was on her way, I still broke my word in those seconds I waited." He jerked his chin at the knife. "It's yours. Don't bury it in my back, please."

Ana, of course, had to tease him. "Awe, who knew little Lucy had a soft spot for humans."

Lucien just sent her a vulgar gesture before trotting away, leaving behind a pair of giggling nineteen year olds. 

⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⬩❖⬩ ⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next few days, Ana was on her own for most of the time. Feyre spent her days locked up in the gallery painting, leaving Ana to either spend her time with the High Fae or by herself. Obviously, she chose to go off on her own, spending her mornings riding through the Spring Court on Astrella's back. The horse was better company than the faeries. 

"Whoo!" Her hair was blowing in the wind as Astrella galloped across the fields. She could feel the horse's muscles shifting beneath her thighs, powerful and strong. Freedom rushed through Ana's veins, laughter filling the air as she flicked the reigns to go faster.

They only slowed down once they reached the gates of the manor, Ana finally taking in the sights that she'd missed earlier in the day. Her eyes were wide as she watched masked faeries set up piles of wood for fires on the surrounding hills. Her brows furrowed in confusion, multiple questions floating around her mind. Why were they building bonfires? 

Ana spotted Tamlin and Feyre and made her way over to them, dismounting quietly. "Hey, what's going on?"

Feyre jumped in surprise while Tamlin merely turned his head. "They're setting up bonfires⎯for Calanmai. It's in two days."

The two girls frowned. "For what?"

"Fire Night?"

Feyre shook her head. "We don't celebrate holidays in the human realm. Not after you⎯your people left. In some places, it's forbidden. We don't even remember the names of your gods."

"I just don't know what the hell you're talking about," Ana admitted. "The Seelies keep their celebrations pretty . . . exclusive. So what's this Cala⎯Fire Night celebrate?"

Tamlin rubbed his neck, as though it was embarrassing to say. "It's just a spring ceremony. We light bonfires, and . . . the magic that we create helps regenerate the land for the year ahead."

Feyre frowned. "How do you create the magic?"

Ana laughed silently when she saw the way Tamlin seemed to stiffen. "There's a ritual. But it's . . . very faerie." He clenched his jaw. "You might see more faeries around than usual⎯faeries from this court, and from other territories, who are free to wander across the borders that night."

"I thought the blight had scared many of them away," Feyre said.

Ana's fists clenched at the mention of the blight. She was still pissed about the faerie. 

"It has⎯but there will be a number of them. Just . . . stay away from them all. You'll be safe in the house, but if you run into one before we light the fires at sundown in two days, ignore them."

The Fallon perked a brow. "So, what you're saying is, that we humans aren't invited to your ceremony?"

"No. You're not." Tamlin's answer was final. But, he should know that telling someone not to do something is just asking for them to do it.

Ana handed Astrella off to one of the servants before following Tamlin and Feyre back to the house. She was already coming up with different ways of sneaking into the celebration. "A very faerie ritual"? Ana wanted to see this ritual, and potentially make fun of the faeries for their stupid celebrations. 

They had just reached the gardens when Ana and Feyre were shoved behind one of the hedges of roses. "Stay hidden," Tamlin growled, "and no matter what you overhear, don't come out."

Then he was gone.

Ana felt Feyre grip her hand, searching for comfort. The blonde squeezed her friend's hand, trying to show confidence and support even though she felt just a twinge of panic as well. Just to be extra safe, Ana reached into her pocket and pulled out her stele, tracing it over her silencing rune. She didn't trust Fae magic to keep both her and Feyre safe, especially if it was coming from Tamlin.

Tamlin snarled, and the air stilled. Ana peered through the holes in the hedges, her eyes widening when she saw what lay beyond. 

It was a creature that resembled a bat of sorts, but with leathery skin, sagging wings, and sharp yellow fangs that matched its equally as sharp and yellowed talons. Ana watched as it flapped its wings to remain in the air, its dark eyes so black and soulless. It chilled the blood in her system, making her want to shake with fear.

You've fought deadlier demons than this, she reminded herself. This is nothing compared to them.

Her nerves steeled and her fear went away, jaw setting in defiance. She'd killed creatures worse than this before, so this was nothing. 

"I know what day it is," Tamlin growled. Lucien stood beside him, as stiff and cross as the blond.

"Your continued behavior is garnering a lot of interest at court," the creature said. "She has begun wondering⎯wondering why you haven't given up yet. And why four naga wound up dead not too long ago."

"Tamlin's not like the other fools," Lucien snapped, his shoulders pushed back to raise himself to his full height. Like a warrior. "If she expected bowed heads, then she's more of an idiot than I thought."

Amarantha. That bitch.

The creature hissed. "Speak you so ill of she who holds your fate in her hands? With one word, she could destroy this pathetic estate. She wasn't pleased when she heard of you dispatching your warriors." Andras and the others. "But, as nothing had come of it, she has chosen to ignore it."

So Amarantha doesn't know about Feyre being in the Spring Court? Ana found that strange. How could someone who controls Prythian not know something so big?

Tamlin growled again, but his words were calm. "Tell your lady I'm getting sick of cleaning up the trash she dumps on my borders."

The creature chuckled. "She sets them loose as gifts⎯and reminders of what will happen if she catches you trying to break the terms of⎯"

"He's not," Lucien snarled. "Now, get out. We have enough of your ilk swarming on the borders⎯we don't need you defiling our home, too. For that matter, stay the hell out of the cave. It's not some common road for filth like you to travel through as they please."

Tamlin loosed a growl of agreement.

The creature laughed. "Though you have a heart of stone, Tamlin, you certainly keep a host of fear inside it." The creature smiled evilly. "Don't worry, High Lord." It spat out that title. "All will be right as rain soon enough."

"Burn in Hell," Lucien replied, and Ana felt respect for him. 

The creature went to fly off, only to stop and sniff the air. Its beady eyes landed on where Ana was hiding, and she felt her breath hitch. "I smell . . . interesting." 

Before either faerie could ask it what it had meant, the creature flapped its wings, a foul wind flooding Ana's face, and disappeared. 

Ana breathed in deeply and squeezed Feyre's hand again, reassuring her that they were okay.

"It's gone," Tamlin said. Ana guided Feyre from out behind the hedges.

"What did you hear?" Lucien demanded. His arms were crossed and he was still pissed.

Feyre stumbled over her words, so Ana stepped in for her. "Nothing really. Well, nothing either of us understood." That was a lie. Ana understood. "What the hell was that?"

Tamlin pursed his lips as he paced. "There are certain faeries in Prythian who inspired the legends that you humans are so afraid of. Some, like that one, are myth given flesh."

Ana perked a brow. "That doesn't answer my question, genius."

"If the Attor saw them⎯" Lucien said, glancing around. "I mean, it sniffed out one of them."

"It didn't," Tamlin growled.

"Are you certain it⎯"

"It didn't," Tamlin spat, lips tight and face pale with fury. "I'll see you at dinner. Both of you."

Ana let go of Feyre's hand and released a breath. "I'm gonna go bake something." She turned to Feyre. "Wanna join."

All Feyre did was nod, and the two left for the kitchens.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⬩❖⬩ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

𝐀 𝐔 𝐓 𝐇 𝐎 𝐑 𝐒   𝐍 𝐎 𝐓 𝐄   !

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⬩❖⬩ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Another filler chapter of sorts. I wanted there to be another chapter filled with stuff before I had Calanmai start. Plus, Ana needed to overhear the whole Attor thing. And yes, she could see through the glamour. Things are happening for her and I'm living for it.

CALANMAI IS NEXT! Guys, I am super excited for everything that will happen after this chapter! Rhysand and Ana will finally meet in person and some things are going to happen that I'm super stoked for! Ana will show just how much of a badass she is.

Please comment and vote!

Love you all!

~ a.h.