CHAPTER TEN

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          WILLOW WAS STILL NOT SURE WHAT KIND OF MAGIC FLOWED THROUGH THE NIGHT COURT BUT EVERY SINGLE EDIBLE THING SHE HAD PUT IN HER MOUTH TASTED LIKE HEAVEN. There were multiple plates of food laid out before her and Cassian and each dish looked more delectable than the last. The room smelled delicious.

The General of the Night Court armies watched her with a satisfied grin as he admired the healthy glow she was beginning to regain. Willow looked so different now from the fragile figure he had first laid eyes on. His mate. While the brunette savoured her meal slowly, he tore into his with the usual enthusiasm. His appetite far greater after training, even though today, Willow had been the one to put in most of the hard work.

"Told you the food was great," he said, voice muffled by a mouthful of food as he shot her a playful grin. "No matter how long I'm away, I always look forward to coming back here. The kitchen can whip up just about anything you want."

"Anything?" Willow asked, her tone carrying a hint of skepticism as she glanced at her plate as she was unconvinced.

Cassian chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Well, almost anything. The House has its limits, but it's pretty flexible," he said with a grin. "It's...sentient. Not like it'll talk to you or anything, but if it likes you, it'll make sure you're comfortable."

Willow raised a brow, still unsure. "And if it doesn't like you?"

Cassian shrugged, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Then you might be stuck with a few stale crackers."

Willow gave him a skeptical look, still trying to wrap her mind around the idea of a sentient house. "That seems... odd. How does a house decide whether it likes someone or not?"

Cassian grinned, enjoying her reaction. "It's all about vibes," he said, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. "But don't worry, you've been fine so far. I mean, you've been fed, warm, and ..."

Willow's brows furrowed as Cassian was cut off by the sudden and gentle clink of her glass. The brunette watched in awe as it slowly filled itself with fresh water, the liquid pouring as if from an invisible pitcher. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open slightly in surprise. 

Cassian shrugged his shoulders and shot her a toothy grin. "See? The House likes you."

Willow blinked, staring at the now full glass. "I didn't even ask for that."

"Exactly," Cassian said with a satisfied grin. "It knows what you need before you do sometimes. Just part of the magic."

She hesitantly reached for the glass, lifting it to her lips as if testing whether it was real. After a sip, she set it down, still amazed by what she'd just witnessed. "That's... incredible. And kind of unsettling."

Cassian leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he picked up his own glass. "You get used to it. Honestly, it's one of the things that makes this place feel like home." He took a sip, then glanced at her with a more thoughtful expression. "Speaking of which... how are you settling in? I know Velaris can be a bit overwhelming, especially for someone who's just been through everything you have."

Willow's eyes shifted away from her drink as she considered his question. "It's... different. It's beautiful here, but I feel like I'm just waiting for something to happen." 

Willow's fingers traced the rim of her glass as her thoughts drifted back to the Winter Court. A place so cold, not just in climate but in spirit. The endless snow, the biting wind, none of it compared to the chill she felt from the people around her. The frost-touched landscape might have been beautiful, but it had never felt like home. Not since her mother had passed away when she was a child.

She shook her head, her voice quiet. "I guess I'm just not used to... feeling safe." The words slipped out before she could stop them, and she blinked in surprise, unsure of how to explain the weight of her past to someone like Cassian, who was so full of life and light. "Back in the Winter Court, everything felt... fragile. Like you could never let your guard down, not even for a second. It's hard to shake that feeling."

Cassian's expression softened, the usual playfulness in his eyes replaced with something more solemn. "I can't imagine what that must've been like. But you're here now, and no one's going to hurt you. Not while I'm around, and not while you've got the rest of us looking out for you."

Willow shook her head, her brow furrowing as a surge of doubt welled up. "But you barely know me, Cassian." she whispered, her voice thick with uncertainty. "I'm just... some stranger you found in the woods. You don't owe me anything. None of you do."

Cassian's chest tightened at her words, and for a moment his usual confidence faltered. It hurt to see her like this—to see his mate filled with so much doubt, so much fear. She didn't see what he saw, didn't realise how deeply her presence had already rooted itself in his heart. Every look, every moment with her had only deepened the bond he felt, and yet she couldn't see it.

Willow's gaze flickered to his face just as his expression faltered, and for the briefest second, her breath hitched. A sudden, unfamiliar tightness pulled at her chest—almost as if something was binding her heart. Instinctively, her hand flew to the spot, pressing against the fabric of her shirt as if it would ease the sensation.

Cassian's eyes widened in alarm as panic edged into his voice. "Willow?" His hands hovered in the air between them, unsure whether to reach for her or give her space.

Before he could react further, the pressure in her chest vanished as abruptly as it had appeared. Willow took a shaky breath, forcing a small reassuring smile. "It's nothing," she said softly, her voice steadying. "Just... a strange feeling. I think I'm okay now. Might be from all that training you forced me to do."

Cassian's eyes lingered on her, the worry in them evident despite her attempt to downplay what had happened. He wondered if it was the mating bond and that she had felt the emotions he had felt, but she kept her mouth shut. He tried to mask his concern with a playful grin, though it was clear he wasn't entirely convinced.

"I didn't realize my training sessions came with a side of heartache. Maybe I should ease up a bit next time." he said with a wry smile. "But hey, at least it wasn't because you were bored out of your mind."

Willow managed a small laugh, the humour in his voice helping to ease her discomfort.

Just then, the door of the dining room creaked open to reveal Mor as she sauntered in with her usual grace and air of confidence. Her long blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves, and her attire looked like it cost more than The House of Wind itself. The female gave Cassian a teasing smile before her gaze shifted to Willow.

"Well, well," Mor drawled, her voice carrying a playful lilt. "I see you two are enjoying yourselves. I hope this brute wasn't too much of a challenge for you. He can get quite competitive in the training ring."

Cassian rolled his eyes but couldn't help the amused grin that spread across his face. "And here's Mor, right on cue. As always, your timing is impeccable."

Mor's smirk widened as she took a seat at the table. "Just making sure you don't get too cozy without me. So, what's the verdict? Are we all still on speaking terms, or has Cassian driven you to the brink already?"

Willow looked up from her plate, her earlier unease momentarily forgotten in the face of Mor's easy charm. "Actually, Cassian's been quite the gentleman." 

Mor laughed softly, a melodious sound that seemed to brighten the room as she ran her hand through her long silken blonde locks. "Ah, that would be a first."

Cassian shrugged, his smile not fully reaching his eyes. "I do my best."

Mor raised an eyebrow with a teasing smirk. "As much as I'm enjoying the banter, I have to say, you two could use a bath. You're starting to smell like you've been rolling around in the mud."

"You're a bitch." Cassian rolled his eyes at the blonde.

Mor's laughter echoed through the room as she retorted to the warrior. "And yet, you still love me. But honestly, you two look all sweaty. How about a bath before you're subjected to more of my charming company. Do you want to stay, Willow?"

Willow glanced between them, a hint of apprehension in her eyes. "I wouldn't want to impose. I can head back to the town house if it's better for either of you?"

Cassian shook his head, his expression softening. "No need for that. You're welcome to stay here the rest of the day. We have plenty of spare rooms, and if you'd like, you can use the bathroom in one of them. Mor has plenty of clothes that you can borrow as well."

Mor nodded in agreement as she tapped her dark red nails against the oak table. "Exactly. We'd be more than happy to have you stay."

Willow's cheeks flushed slightly as she nodded shyly. "I could use a bath. Thank you, Mor."

Mor's eyes sparkled with excitement as she stood up from the table, extending a hand toward Willow. "Come on then, let's get you sorted. I'll show you to a room with a lovely bathing chamber."

Willow glanced at Cassian and took in his toothy grin as Mor pulled her away from the dining room. They marveled through the home and she took in the hallways she hadn't seen yet with awe. Mor led her to a spacious, beautifully decorated spare room.

"Here we are!" Mor announced, pushing open the door to reveal a large bathing chamber adjacent to the room. The chamber was lavishly appointed with a deep, freestanding tub, surrounded by shimmering tiles that seemed to reflect light in every direction. A large window allowed natural light to flood the space, adding to its serene atmosphere.

Mor gestured grandly. "Feel free to make yourself at home. I'll find you some clothes and bring them over shortly. Enjoy your bath!"

With a warm smile, Mor left Willow to her privacy.

Willow approached the tub and turned on the faucet, letting hot water flow into the basin. The gentle rush of water quickly filled the room with a calming sound. As the tub began to fill, Willow adjusted the temperature to ensure it was just right, letting the warm steam rise and envelop her. She noticed a neatly arranged array of bath salts and oils on a marble shelf beside the tub. 

The brunette picked up a jar and read the label, stating it was supposed to smell like oranges. Willow opened the lid and the scent hit her instantly and she poured a generous amount under the running water and the entire room now smelled of oranges.

Willow glanced around to ensure she was alone, her cheeks still flushed from the warmth of the bath and the lingering embarrassment. Satisfied that no one was in sight, she slowly undressed, carefully folding her clothes before letting them fall to the floor in a neat pile.

Grabbing the side of the rub, she stepped into the hot water and it immediately engulfed her in comfort. As she sank into the water, the bath salts and oils began to work their magic, the scents creating a calming atmosphere that helped ease away the tensions of the day. Willow leaned back, allowing herself to fully relax and enjoy the comforting warmth of the bath.

Mor entered the room with a soft knock, carrying a neatly folded pile of clothes. As she opened the door, she caught sight of Willow trying to hide beneath the water, her cheeks flushed with self-consciousness.

With a gentle smile, Mor set the clothes down on a nearby bench and approached the edge of the tub. "I'm sorry to intrude," she said, her voice soothing and light. "I just wanted to make sure you had everything you needed. I'll leave you to it."

Willow peeked out from beneath the water, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. "Thank you, Mor."

Mor nodded and closed the door softly behind her, leaving Willow to her privacy once more.

As Willow sank deeper into the warm, soothing water, she let out a sigh of relief. The day's events replayed in her mind like a vivid movie. 

Her encounter with Cassian and the unexpected surge of power had left her feeling drained. Her thoughts wandered to the new environment she found herself in. The House of Wind, its magic, and the people she had met were all so different from what she was used to. It was a lot to take in, but she felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a place for herself here.

She closed her eyes, allowing the warmth of the bath to ease her tension in her aching muscles.

thank you for the votes and comments on this story so far, they mean so much to me and I am glad you're enjoying this so far <3