You are Azriel's half-sister, that is, you are the daughter of his father and stepmother. When you turned 15, you got your period, which meant your parents were going to clip your wings and marry you off. In a surprising turn of events, you discover that you are a Shadow Singer. Like calls to like, which is why Azriel appears after centuries in the camp where he was born. Seeing the situation unfolding before his eyes, he saves you, taking you with him to Velaris, the city of starlight. While you are recovering from your wounds and assimilating your new life, Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court, travels to Under The Mountain and for 49 years, Velaris and its inhabitants are closed to everyone, including Rhysand, as a protective measure.