CHAPTER SEVEN

          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 colourful galleries, theaters and artist studios. 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 frozen, her breath hitching at the sheer beauty before her. 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, giving Willow's arm a gentle squeeze. "This place has always been a sanctuary for me. When I was at my lowest, the Rainbow was my reminder that beauty still exists, even when everything else feels hopeless. That there's always light 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 muttered, her smile soft but genuine.

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

Feyre, ever perceptive, gave Willow's arm one last reassuring squeeze before releasing her. "Shall we head back?" she asked, her tone warm. "It's been a long day you must be exhausted."

Willow nodded, the weight of the day finally settling over her. She cast one last glance at the Rainbow, at the vibrant colors and endless life, 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 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 never reared far from her but she felt a twinge of discomfort whenever his arm brushed against her own. It wasn't that she didn't like him, she actually liked him a lot. But having a male this close, this attentive, left her feeling unsteady and exposed. Vulnerability wasn't something she knew how to handle anymore.

Cassian noticed immediately. Without a word, he shifted slightly to the left, giving her space. The small gesture eased the tightness in her chest, a quiet relief washing over her. His awareness surprised her. For all his reputation as the Lord of Bloodshed, he had a startling gentleness about him. Still, a pang of guilt settled in his gut for making her uneasy.

By the time they reached the townhouse, the sky had melted into deep purples, a crisp chill settling into the air. Feyre stopped at the front door, brushing a hand through her hair. "I think I'll leave you here," she said, a smile tugging at her lips. "Rhys is waiting and I promised I wouldn't be long."

Willow nodded, but unease flickered beneath her skin. She had grown used to Feyre's presence throughout the day, and the thought of being left alone with Cassian sent her nerves into a quiet frenzy.

"Thank you," she said, her voice softer than she meant. "For today. It meant a lot."

"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 stepped back, gave a small wave, and disappeared down the street, swallowed by 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.

"Do you... need anything?" Cassian asked finally, his voice careful. Offering, not pushing.

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. "I don't mind. But if you'd rather be alone, I understand."

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 him. 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 noticed the change immediately. The way her shoulders tensed, the way her breathing hitched. Frustration stirred in his chest. Not at her, but at whoever had made her this way. He had seen this kind of wariness before, but it never got easier to witness.

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, careful not to startle her. "I don't know everything you've been through. But I need you to understand something. You're safe here. With Feyre, with me, with everyone in Velaris."

Willow swallowed, 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 shook his head. "You don't have to apologise," he said softly. "It's natural. Given everything, it would be stranger if you weren't on edge." His voice was quiet, unwavering. "Just know that you don't have to carry it alone."

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. 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 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 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 sigh, Willow finally turned back toward the townhouse, a flicker of hope now quietly burning within her.