The day had been one of the good ones amidst the constant tension that effected Prythian. My brothers Cassian, Rhysand, and I had laughed and trained for most of the day, and then the whole inner circle had a nice meal and wine together.

But my shadows pulled tighter to him as one by one they left the dinner room. Amren and Mor headed to Ritas for drinks, Elaine went with Nuala and Cerridwen back to the townhouse, and Nesta dragged Cassian to their room with a coy smile.

Baby Nyx started to grow restless in Feyre's arms and she and Rhysand shared a look as they stood to leave.

Rhys sighed. "Well it seems our time tonight is up. Goodnight Az."

"Of course, goodnight, Rhys." I responded with an even tone that always failed to reflect how I felt.

I sighed as I looked at the vacant room. I didn't want to go to my empty bed. It seemed I somehow ended up as the Mother had made me. Alone. I shook my head as I pushed away from the table and stretched my wings. My head ached and I rubbed my temples as I made my way to the balcony.

... why did the Mother give my brothers mates and not me... I thought a bit bitterly as my shadows pulsed around me.

It wasn't that I resented them or their mates, it was just hard feeling so lonely all the time. My shadows seemed at times like my one lifelong companion. They swirled and danced, a beautiful and dangerous extension of me and yet an entity all their own.

I leaned against the balcony railing twirling truth teller as I looked down at Velaris. After a while I quietly began huming an old Illyrian lullaby. The song was one of longing, a wistful and sad melody of lost love.

Then my shadows spiked. Something was off. And then my eyes narrowed scanning until they found her.

I was already moving. Gliding down quietly, and already reaching out to Rhysand and Cassian through the spot he always left open between our minds. Someone is here. Might be danger. I knew they'd respond soon enough.

I landed silently on one of the rooftops. Nothing more than a shadow as I took her in closer.