Azriel and you had descended for breakfast in the House of Wind. As usual you two were talking quietly with soft smiles even if the conversation from last night weighed down on both of your minds.

Azriel knew he should have told you the truth when you had asked about him and Elaine. But he decided to do what he thought was right and not tell you, thinking it would spare you both. Oh boy was he wrong.

As you both sat down at the table and chatted with the rest of the Inner Circle, with Azriel’s hand on your thigh, Cassian suddenly grinned as he glanced at Azriel.

“Hey Az, remember when you used to have the bond with Elain? You used to be so whipped for her man.”

The room fell eerily silent and you tensed up beneath Azriel’s hand, immediately retreating from his touch and raising your mental shields through your mated bond.

Azriel felt a sudden sense of dread, but kept his usual stoic demeanor. On the other side of the table, Elaine shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

“What about it? And I was not whipped for her.” Azriel responded calmly. He glanced at you for a second with a hurt and confused look before turning back to Cassian and shooting glares at him. “Now can we change the subject?”

“Woah chill out man, I was just trying to lighten the mood” replied Cassian, a bit surprised at Azriel’s defensiveness.

“Well that obviously failed” snapped Azriel, his gaze hardening.

Nesta must have told Cassian something through the bond because Cassian visibly paled as he glanced between you, Azriel and Elaine and muttering an “oh shit.”