CHAPTER SIX

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          THE STREETS OF VELARIS WERE UNLIKE ANYTHING WILLOW HAD EVER SEEN. Sunlight spilled between the cottage like buildings, casting golden autumn hues over cobblestone paths. The city buzzed with life, but in a way that felt peaceful rather than overwhelming. Artists displayed their crafts in open markets, laughter echoed from nearby cafes, and every now and then, a sweet melody drifted from street musicians playing along the riverbanks.

She was utterly speechless. 

Feyre led Willow through the city with ease, her pace relaxed and her eyes filled with pride. The High Fae pointed out beautiful gardens, hidden courtyards bursting with colour and the towering spires that made up the heart of Velaris. Every corner seemed to reveal something new, a shop selling delicate handcrafted jewelry, a bakery with the scent of fresh pastries wafting through the air. Even a gallery with paintings so vivid they seemed to be alive.

"I can't believe this place is real." murmured Willow as they passed a row of small shops, their windows gleaming with glass sculptures and shimmering fabrics. It was hard not to get lost in the charm of it all, but despite her awe, she felt a small knot of tension in her chest.

Willow noticed the smiles of passerby's, all sorts of different fae walked the streets. They nodded at them as they walked by, and thought their kindness seemed genuine, it made her feel slightly on edge. How they did not bow for the High Lady of the Night Court was a mystery to her, it was something that was so foreign. 

Feyre noticed her silence and paused in front of a shop with large, open windows showcasing shelves filled with books upon books. "You're quiet," she observed gently, her tone more curious than concerned. "Are you all right?"

Willow hesitated for a moment. "I'm just... not used to this," she admitted, glancing around at the bustling yet friendly faces surrounding them. "All these kind strangers. It's a little overwhelming."

Feyre nodded in understanding and gave her a comforting smile. "I know it can feel like that at first," she said, motioning for Willow to follow her inside the bookstore. The atmosphere inside was calm, the scent of old paper and ink enveloping them. "But Velaris is different. The people here aren't waiting for you to prove yourself. It takes time to get used to, but you don't need to carry any weight here. You can just be."

Willow's fingers grazed the spines of the books on a nearby shelf, taking in the comfort of the quiet space. "I've spent so long waiting for the other shoe to drop," she confessed. "It's strange to feel like I don't have to be on guard."

Feyre nodded, her gaze thoughtful as she ran a hand along the polished wood of the shelves. "I felt the same way when I first came here," she said softly. "It's hard to believe a place like this exists when you've been through... well, everything else."

Willow looked at her, appreciating the unspoken understanding between them. Feyre wasn't just offering her a tour of the city—she was offering her a glimpse into a life that felt impossible, one where kindness didn't have a price and safety wasn't an illusion.

"I guess I just need time," Willow said, her smile turning a little more genuine as she picked up a book and turned it over in her hands.

Feyre smiled back, her eyes warm. "Take all the time you need," 

They left the bookstore and continued down the winding streets of Velaris, where the hum of life seemed to blend seamlessly with the beauty of the surroundings. 

They stopped briefly at a small tea shop, where Feyre ordered a fragrant blend that filled the air with the scent of jasmine and spices. The shop owner, a woman with silver hair and a kind smile, handed them two cups, her eyes twinkling as she greeted Feyre warmly.

"Welcome, My Lady." said the shopkeeper before her gaze landed on Willow. "You've brought a friend?"

"This is Willow, a guest of ours," said Feyre, her tone friendly but with the weight of someone respected in the city.

Willow gave a shy nod, still getting used to the attention she received when she was with The High Lady. The shopkeeper's smile widened, and she handed Willow her tea with a knowing look.

They continued on their walk, sipping their teas occasionally and the warmth of it settled the brunette's nerves. Feyre guided her toward a riverside path, where sunlight glinted off the water and the sound of the flowing river gave her a sense of calm.

"This is the Sidra," said Feyre as she pointed out the river. "It runs through the heart of Velaris, and on the other side, you'll find more of the residential areas and some quieter parks. But over here is where the city truly thrives."

The riverbanks were lined with trees, their branches swaying softly in the breeze as autumn neared, casting dappled shadows over the path. The breeze smelled strongly of salt and lemon verbena, something she decided she quite liked. They passed a series of bridges, each one adorned with carvings and delicate ironwork.

A sudden thud echoed behind them followed by the sound of wings unfurling. Startled, Willow spun around to see Cassian descending with effortless grace. His massive, dark wings stretched wide, casting a large shadow over them and the path. The sheer size of him, his broad muscular frame and the powerful span of his wings, made her catch her breath, his presence both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

Willow's heart palpated behind her ribcage, not just from the suddenness of his arrival, but from something else she couldn't quite place. He looked a bit different than the night before. His hair was loose and reached his shoulders, dark and wavy. He wore fighting leathers, as if just having come back from a battle and his red siphons were slightly dimmed. It was the same way he looked in the woods, but this time he wore a grin on his face instead. 

 Cassian had rescued her just days ago, yet there was an undeniable depth to his presence that stirred something within her. Whenever he was near, she felt slightly off-balance, as if there was an invisible pull tugging at her chest, leaving her pulse racing.

"Cassian," Feyre greeted with a knowing smile, her gaze flickering between him and Willow, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Cassian tucked his wings behind him and flashed Feyre a crooked grin before turning his attention to Willow. As his dark eyes settled on her, the intensity in his gaze softened, his usual commanding presence easing into something warmer and more gentle.

"Enjoying the tour?" he asked, his deep voice rolling over her, both friendly and slightly teasing.

Willow swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. Cassian's presence was undeniably overwhelming to her and she did not know why. He was the Lord of Bloodshed, a warrior feared by so many, and yet here he stood. He was gazing at her with what felt like ... care? It was hard to reconcile the terrifying stories she'd heard with the way he looked at her now. Despite her nervousness, there was something about him that made her feel strangely at ease—like she could trust him, even though her heart still raced whenever he was near.

"It's beautiful," said Willow, her voice steadier than she had expected, though her gaze briefly flickered to his wings before she quickly looked away again, feeling flustered. "Velaris, I mean."

Cassian's grin turned more playful as he stepped closer, his wings trailing lightly behind him. "It is," he agreed, a teasing glint in his eyes as they stayed locked on her. "But it's even better when you have good company to share it with."

Willow's cheeks flushed and she glanced down, feeling even more self-conscious under his unwavering gaze. Cassian was larger than life, his presence overwhelming and intense. There was something about Cassian that both unsettled and intrigued her. The way he looked at her wasn't intimidating. It was something else entirely, something that stirred her insides in ways she couldn't quite comprehend.

"You startled her, Cassian," Feyre said with a smirk, clearly enjoying the interaction. "She's not used to your... dramatic entrances."

Cassian let out a low, rumbling chuckle. "Dramatic? I prefer to call it tactical," he said, though his gaze remained fixed on Willow, his eyes glinting with soft amusement. "But if you think it would help, I could be a bit more subtle next time."

Willow glanced up, a shy smile tugging at her lips as she tried to sound more confident. "I... I think subtle might be a good idea," she said, her voice a little hesitant but determined. "But, honestly, I don't mind the dramatic entrances too much. They're, um, memorable."

Cassian's smile widened, and he gave a playful bow. "Noted," he said, his tone warm and teasing. "I'll make sure to balance the drama with a touch of subtlety. After all, we wouldn't want to overwhelm you every time I show up."

Willow rolled her eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips as the tension eased. "Oh, please," she said, trying to sound exasperated but failing to hide her amusement. "I suppose I'll just have to get used to your dramatic flair."

Feyre snorted, unable to hold back her laughter. "Well, it's good to see you both getting along," 

"Thank you," Willow said quietly, her voice carrying a weight of sincerity that went beyond just the moment. Her eyes flicked between Cassian and Feyre, her gratitude reflecting not only for the present but also for the rescue days ago when she had felt utterly lost. She wasn't sure if she had conveyed her thanks properly before, but now, standing in the light of Velaris with both of them by her side, it felt important to say.

Cassian's expression softened and he took another step closer, placing a hand over where his heart was. "You don't have to thank me, Willow. Seeing you safe and well is thanks enough for me." He paused, feeling a pang in his gut as he sensed her vulnerability. "If you ever need anything, anything at all, you just have to ask."

There was a note in Cassian's voice that made Willow's heart skip again, a strange, compelling pull deep within her.

Feyre, sensing the shift in the air, stepped forward with a knowing glance at the two of them. "Cassian, why don't you join us?" she suggested with a smile. "We're exploring the city, and I'm sure Willow would love to see more of Velaris through your eyes."

Cassian's grin returned, though it was softer this time. "I'd be happy to," he said, his eyes turning back to Willow with a gentle, almost hopeful look. "If that's all right with you?"

Willow hesitated for a second, still a little on edge around him. But something in his eyes—something warm and reassuring—made her nod. "Of course."

And so, they continued through Velaris with the general walking beside Willow, his wings tucked close to his body. They gave a silent reminder of the strenght and protection he offered as he walked with both females. Though her nerves lingered, Willow found herself slowly relaxing as they explored the city, surrounded by the beauty of Velaris.