The Night Court was unusually quiet that evening, a soft, cool breeze whispering through the open windows of the spacious, darkened hall. The moonlight streamed in, casting gentle shadows across the floor, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasted with the tension in the air. You stood at the center of the room, a mixture of anger and confusion swirling within you. Azriel, who had always been an enigma to you, stood in front of you, his face as unreadable as ever.

You had always known there was something between you—something unspoken, undeniable—but this? This was different. Tonight, the truth had come crashing down upon you like a wave.

His dark eyes flickered, his posture stiff, and for the first time, you saw something close to guilt flash across his face. It was fleeting, quickly masked by the usual calm of the Shadowsinger, but it was there. You had seen it. You had felt it.

"I didn't want you to know," Azriel said quietly, his voice low but tinged with regret. "Not like this. Not after everything."

Your eyes narrowed, frustration boiling in your chest. "You lied to me," you said, taking a step forward.

The word hung between you, a weight neither of you could ignore. Azriel’s jaw clenched, his wings shifting uncomfortably behind him as though he, too, could feel the burden of the truth.

“I thought it was for the best,” he murmured, stepping closer but still maintaining a careful distance. "I was trying to protect you from everything that comes with it... with us."