CHAPTER SEVEN

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          THE AFTERNOON HAD STRETCHED INTO GOLDEN HUES AS THE SUN BEGAN ITS SLOW DESCENT OVER THE CITY. Willow had been led through nearly every corner of Velaris, each spot more magical than the other. But now they were standing at the Rainbow of Velaris, the final stop on their tour and Feyre's most beloved place in the entire city.

"This," Feyre said, her voice filled with joy as she looked around the street. "is my favorite part of Velaris."

The Rainbow was a vibrant neighbourhood perched on a gentle rise that overlooked the Sidra.  Its streets were lined with colorful galleries, theaters, and artist studios, their bright hues shining in the setting sun. Music floated through the air, filled with joyful melodies, as artists sketched and painted in open studios, and performers entertained in the squares. Every corner seemed to hum with creativity, as if the very heart of Velaris lived here.

Willow stood still, taking in the overwhelming beauty of it all. The colors, the sounds, the energy it was as though she had stepped into another world entirely.

"It's incredible," Willow whispered, her voice barely audible.

"I hoped you'd like it." Feyre said, gently squeezing Willow's arm. "This place has been a sanctuary for me. When I was at my lowest, the Rainbow became a beacon of hope. It reminded me that even in the darkest times, beauty still exists in the world. It's a reminder that there's always light to be found, if you know where to look."

Cassian, who had been quietly walking beside them, turned to Willow and she had to crane her neck to look up at him, his expression softer than she had seen before. "It's a special place," he said, his voice low and steady. "And you belong here, just as much as anyone."

Willow smiled up at Cassian, warmth flickering in her chest at his words. His presence, so solid and comforting, eased some of the nervous energy that had followed her all day. 

"Thank you," she whispered, her smile soft but genuine.

Cassian's lips curved into a small, almost private smile in return, and for a second, the world around them seemed to fall away.

Feyre, sensing the moment, gave Willow's arm another gentle squeeze before letting go. "Shall we head back?" she suggested, her voice light but warm. "It's been a long day, and I'm sure you could use some rest."

Willow nodded, feeling the weight of the day settling in. She took one last look at the stunning view of the Rainbow before turning to follow Feyre and Cassian down the winding path.

The walk back to the townhouse was peaceful, the golden glow of twilight bathing the city in a soft, dreamlike state. The streets had quieted slightly as the city prepared for evening. Willow felt a sense of contentment wash over her and she was so grateful to have ended up here after she had escaped that vile war camp.

As they walked, Cassian stayed close by her side, but Willow felt a twinge of discomfort whenever his arm brushed against hers. It wasn't that she didn't like him—she actually liked him a lot. But his close presence and solid demeanor made her feel a bit unsteady. She wasn't used to having a male so close and attentive, and it stirred feelings of vulnerability she wasn't quite ready to handle.

Cassian noticed right away, his brow furrowing with concern as he took a small step to the left, giving her more space without saying a word. The subtle gesture eased Willow's discomfort, and she felt a wave of relief with the extra distance. Cassian's thoughtfulness surprised her, especially given his reputation as the Lord of Bloodshed. He felt a pang of guilt for making her uneasy.

Feyre, who was walking just ahead, occasionally glanced back over her shoulder to see them walking silently beside one another. She noted Cassian's considerate behavior towards Willow and felt a surge of relief and happiness. Though, she had already know he'd be anything but. 

The dynamic between the three of them felt easy and natural, and Feyre was glad to see Willow starting to open up and feel more comfortable.

When they finally reached the townhouse, the sky had turned to soft purple hues and a pleasant chill filled the evening air. Feyre stopped at the front door and turned to face them. "I think I'll leave you here," she said, brushing a hand through her hair. "Rhys is waiting for me, and I promised I wouldn't be too long."

Willow nodded, though a faint unease settled in her stomach as she realized Feyre was leaving. She had grown comfortable with Feyre's presence throughout the day, and the thought of being alone with Cassian set her nerves into a frenzy.

"Thank you for today," Willow said, her voice quieter than she intended. "I really... it meant a lot."

Feyre smiled warmly and pulled Willow into a tight embrace. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," she said softly. "Get some rest now. Feel free to help yourself to anything in the kitchen. And if you need anything, Rhysand and I are just a few streets away."

With that, she turned and, with a small wave, made her way down the street, disappearing into the fading light.

Willow watched her go, suddenly hyper-aware of Cassian's lingering presence beside her. When she glanced up at him, she saw that he hadn't moved, his dark eyes still watching her with that same intensity he'd had all day. There was nothing threatening in his posture, he was calm, at ease but there was a weight to the silence between them.

"Do you... need anything?" Cassian asked, his voice gentle as if he could sense her unease. He wasn't pushing, wasn't invading her space at all, just offering.

Willow shook her head quickly. "No, no, I'm fine," she said, forcing a small smile. "You don't have to stay if you have somewhere else to be."

Cassian's expression softened, his wings shifting slightly behind him. "I don't mind staying. But if you'd rather be alone, I understand." There was no pressure in his tone.

The brunette hesitated, unsure of what to say to him. A part of her wanted to reach out and stay close, after all, Cassian had been nothing but kind since they first met. But another part of her, the part that had been wary of strangers, of males in particular, wasn't sure how to handle his closeness. She had almost been forced to marry a barbaric ... prepared for much worse and she didn't know if she was ever going to feel comfortable around a male again without a female present.

Cassian's brow furrowed with concern as he noticed the change in Willow's posture and the way her breathing became uneven. Her shoulders tensed, and a deep sense of frustration stirred within him. It angered him to think about what she must have endured, how anyone could have hurt someone so kind. Though he had seen this kind of guardedness before, it never failed to pain him to witness it.

Cassian's wings shifted behind him, folding a bit closer to his back as if to make himself seem smaller and less intimidating. "Willow," he began, his voice low and gentle, careful not to startle her. "I may not know everything you've been through, but I want you to understand something. You're safe here. With me, with Feyre, and with everyone else in Velaris."

Willow swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to the cobblestones beneath her feet. She had kept the details of her past and the threat of a forced marriage to a ruthless, power-hungry male to herself, sharing them only with Feyre and Rhysand. She guessed that Cassian might know too, as he had seen her so bloodied up in the forest. 

"I'm sorry," she sighed, rubbing her face with a hand. "I don't know why I'm so on edge."

Cassian's expression softened, and he took a gentle step closer. "It's alright," he said softly. "You don't need to apologize. It's completely natural to feel this way given what you've been through. Just know that you're safe here, and we're all here for you." 

His heart ached as he felt her pain through the bond, a deep sense of sorrow and empathy washing over him.

Willow looked up at him, her throat tight with emotion. His words were kind, but the fear still gnawed at her, irrational though it felt in this moment. She wanted to believe him, but her body had a mind of its own, reacting to the ghosts of the past.

Cassian, sensing her continued hesitation, took a deep breath, his expression thoughtful. "I don't want you to feel like you have to trust me overnight. It'll take time and that's okay. But if it helps... I could teach you how to defend yourself."

Willow blinked, caught off guard by the offer.

"Self-defense," Cassian clarified, his tone steady with a glint of determination in his eyes. "It's about learning combat skills and how to protect yourself, so you never have to feel powerless again." He paused, allowing her a moment to take it in. "No one will ever lay a hand on you without your consent. And if they try, you'll be ready."

Willow stared at him, her mind racing. The idea of learning to fight and stand her ground was something she hadn't considered before. She had always been the one in need of saving, the one who had to flee. The thought of gaining such control and strength sent a shiver of both fear and hope through her. Though, she had her own power but had never used it before. It usually happened in small accidents. 

"You'd... teach me?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Cassian's lips quirked into a gentle smile, his dark eyes warm and encouraging. "Of course. I've trained warriors, but I've also trained people who've never held a weapon in their life. We'd go at your pace, no pressure. Only if you want to."

Willow bit her lip, considering the offer. There was something empowering in the thought of it, of not having to rely on others to keep her safe. The idea of knowing how to defend herself stirred a quiet sense of determination within her, a flicker of the person she wanted to be, free from the chains of her past.

"I... I think I'd like that," she said finally, her voice firmer than she expected.

Cassian's smile widened, and he nodded, his wings twitching slightly as if pleased. "Good. We'll start whenever you're ready. No rush."

Willow took a deep breath, the decision settling more comfortably within her the longer she thought about it. She looked up at Cassian, more certain. "Actually, I'd like to start as soon as possible. If that's all right."

Cassian's smile widened further, and his wings gave an almost imperceptible twitch, a sign of his approval. "Tomorrow it is, then," he said, his tone both encouraging and pleased. "We'll take it slow, but I promise you, by the end of it, you'll feel stronger. More in control."

Willow nodded, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and anticipation. She wasn't sure what to expect, but there was something about Cassian's confidence and steady reassurance that made her believe she could do this. Maybe, for once, she could be the one standing strong.

"Thank you," she said again, this time with more conviction.

Cassian dipped his head, his expression softening. "I'm glad you're ready for this. Get some rest tonight, you'll need it."

Willow couldn't help but smile, a sense of purpose settling in her chest. Tomorrow was the beginning of something new, something she'd take into her own hands. And for the first time in a long time, she was ready to fight for herself.

Cassian's smile lingered for a moment before he took a small step back. "I'll see you tomorrow then," he said, his deep voice carrying a note of something soft gentle reassurance. "Goodnight, Willow," he added, his wings shifting slightly in preparation for takeoff.

"Goodnight, Cassian," Willow replied, watching as he turned and stepped into the cool night air.

With a powerful beat of his wings, Cassian lifted off the ground, the wind from his ascent stirring her hair. Willow stood at the doorway, watching as he rose higher and higher, his dark silhouette stark against the evening sky. His wings spread wide as he gracefully glided away, disappearing into the deepening twilight.

For a moment, she stood there, staring up at the sky where he had vanished, her thoughts swirling. There was something freeing about watching him fly, a reminder that strength wasn't just about power—it was about choice, about freedom. With a soft sigh, Willow finally turned back toward the townhouse, a flicker of hope now quietly burning within her.