Nothing had gone to plan. It had all been a trap, it was too easy getting into the castle, but you had all foolishly hoped you had all gotten lucky.

But that wasn't true when Azriel had been struck in the chest by an arrow, a poisonous arrow. And when more arrows fired, aimed for Azriel's vulnerable form, Cassian had thrown himself over his best friend and taking the hits himself. You felt sickened as you watched your mate scream as his wings were shredded.

Now as you all knelt before the King at his mercy, your sense of smell was overwhelmed by the hauntingly scent of your mate's blood. His body was almost limp in a pool of his own blood, and yet he was still moving, trying to help, defend, and protect.