Azreal finally arrived at Prince Aldric’s palace, his raven form gliding down gracefully before touching the ground. As soon as they landed, Islinda and Aldric stepped down from his back, their feet sinking slightly into the soft earth. Azreal transford back into his human form, his towering figure solidifying as feathers receded and flesh replaced them. He crossed his arms, watching from the side as the couple prepared to say their goodbyes.
"Do you really need to leave?" Aldric asked, his voice tinged with reluctance as he caressed Islinda’s face, clearly unwilling to let her go.
"You know I can’t leave Maxi alone in the palace," Islinda replied, her voice soft but firm. "And I’m honestly scared that Andre has already figured out my disappearance. If so, she could be in trouble."
Aldric sighed, his hand slipping into hers. He pulled her close, his lips eting hers in a deep, lingering kiss. Ti seed to stop for them, the world fading away as they lost themselves in each other. Their kiss was a silent promise, a shared mont of vulnerability and love that neither wanted to end.
Azreal, standing a few paces away, finally decided to interrupt. "You do know that the longer she waits, the harder it will be for her to return to the palace," he remarked, his tone dry, but his intentions clear.
Aldric, still holding Islinda, raised a hand behind her back and gave Azreal the middle finger without breaking the kiss. When he finally pulled away, he turned to Azreal with a defiant gleam in his eyes. "I might die tomorrow, forgive if I want to spend more ti with the woman I love."
Azreal snorted, unimpressed, though a hint of amusent flickered in his eyes. He knew Aldric well enough to doubt the possibility of his untily demise. The prince was far too stubborn to die easily.
Islinda, however, was completely taken aback by Aldric’s words. Her heart pounded hard in her chest, and for a mont, she felt like she couldn’t breathe. Aldric really loves her? By the gods, the realization hit her like a wave, leaving her stunned and overwheld.
Aldric didn’t seem to notice the impact of his words, as he continued, his concern evident. "I’m worried about you. Perhaps, I should co with you," he suggested, his protective instincts kicking in.
Islinda shook her head, her voice gentle but resolute. "I can take care of myself. It would only cause more trouble if they saw you with . Don’t worry, I’ll be fine."
Although Islinda wanted to ask him to confirm his earlier words, she knew there wasn’t any more ti to waste. She leaned in for one final kiss, pouring all her emotions into it, before she activated the dallion around her neck. The magic flared to life, and in the blink of an eye, she was gone, leaving Aldric standing alone in the courtyard.
Aldric watched the spot where she had disappeared, his heart heavy. He was already beginning to miss his mate.
"You’re a hopeless cause," Azrael shook his head in mock sympathy, his tone light but edged with an undercurrent of genuine concern.
Aldric responded with a rude gesture, flipping him off without missing a beat. Azrael felt the corners of his mouth twitch, a smile threatening to break through his usually stoic expression. He caught himself at the last minute, his cool deanor firmly in place once more.
"Still, you should tell her," Azrael continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "When are you going to reveal to Islinda that she’s your mate?"
Aldric’s eyes flicked toward Azrael, a dangerous light sparking in their depths. "After the competition."
The very thought of the competition made his blood hum with anticipation and as well guilty. It was just a few hours to daybreak now, and he would soon have to kill his brother. In the past, the idea would have excited him, sending a rush of adrenaline through his veins. But now, as the mont approached, he felt sothing else creeping into his mind—hesitation.
Aldric frowned, pushing the unfamiliar feeling aside. He knew what it was; he was growing weak, developing a conscience. It disgusted him, but there was no turning back. He couldn’t afford to quit the fight now, not with so much at stake.
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of wheels crunching over gravel. Aldric’s gaze snapped to the courtyard, narrowing as he watched a carriage approach. A sense of unease prickled at the back of his mind. Who could that be at this hour?
The carriage ca to a halt, and the door swung open. Recognition dawned on Aldric’s face as he saw the familiar figures stepping out—his staff, who had remained in the Winter Court after he had left with Islinda. They were accompanied by the others: Islinda’s personal maid servants, Gabbi the human, Milo, the little half-breed human, and the annoying Wrry cat that Aldric still hadn’t ward to.
Aldric’s eyes narrowed further as he watched the group. The Wrry cat’s presence was still a sore point for him, but before he could dwell on it, sothing else caught his attention.
Azrael, who had been standing beside him, suddenly went rigid. His usually calm, composed fra tensed, muscles taut as if struck by a bolt of lightning. Aldric turned to him in confusion, but Azrael’s focus was elsewhere, his eyes locked on Gabbi as she began to walk toward Aldric, her face a mask of nervousness.
The next few monts unfolded in a blur. One second, Gabbi was cautiously approaching Aldric, her head bowed in respect, and the next, her feet left the ground as Azrael moved with a speed that even Aldric found shocking.
Azrael’s hand shot out, grabbing Gabbi and leaping into the air with a grace and power that defied reason. As they ascended, massive, dark wings erupted from Azrael’s back, their span casting an ominous shadow over the courtyard.
"Mine!" Azrael growled, his voice deep and possessive, reverberating through the night.
Gabbi’s eyes widened in terror, her face pale as the realization of what was happening dawned on her. Then, she scread, a piercing sound that echoed across the courtyard, filled with fear and desperation.
Aldric could only watch, stunned, as Azrael, with Gabbi in tow, soared into the night sky, the dark wings beating rhythmically as they carried them higher and higher, until they disappeared into the darkness above.
What the fuck just happened?
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