Sweat rolled down your temple, as you breathed shakily, as quietly as you could. Golden hair mussed and thrown behind your shoulders to cool your heated body.

In the townhouse. You’re safe. Safe.

Flashes of Keir’s words and hands on you send a shiver going up your spine. Suddenly the bunched up silk sheets at your hips weren’t warm enough. Your back was heavy, and your hands held your weight as your feet took grip on the bed as your knees were bent.

You glanced out of the window that overlooked the street of Velaris. Velaris. You’re haven on earth.

Sleep wouldn’t come easy after that. You were awake. Painstakingly, frustratingly wide awake. Your breaths were slightly uneven as you slightly panted to calm your pulse.

You’re safe. Safe. Relax.

But that’s just it, you couldn’t. Whenever Feyre or Rhys would wake, panicked, they had each other. They could lull the other to sleep. You had no one. And the one you wanted, didn’t show any emotion.

Azriel. Callous, cold, silent Azriel. The Azriel who was protective, but barely possessive. Doesn’t make sense. The gorgeous, bat winged Illyrian warrior kept you on your toes,

But where was he when you needed him? Needed arms to hold you. Lips to kiss you. Mouth to whisper sweet nothings. Hands to massage and caress.

Unbeknownst to you, he was awake. The shadow singer could hear your erratic breathing and it stirred him. Even from different rooms he listened. He cared, but would forever deem himself unworthy. Shirtless he sat in bed, legs bent, arms resting on his spread knees.

“Go back to sleep.” He murmured silently, not for you to hear, how could you hear through walls. He couldn’t rest if you weren’t safe. If you weren’t okay.

Still your erratic breathing continued and he sighed, forcing himself out of bed, silently walking to outside of your room.

He knocked lightly on the door.

“Can I come in?” He murmured softly.