The artwork above is not mine.

◦═══✦═══◦

    Mikael sat on the edge of Estelle's bed, watching her as she slept. Five days had passed since their meeting with Eris, and they'd barely had a moment to themselves ever since. Mikael and Estelle were staying in the Night Court for now, helping with the preparations for the meeting that would be held within the coming weeks.

    Thesan and Ameer had gathered up a few belongings for Mikael and sent them to him after they returned home. They offered to remain in Velaris as well, but Mikael declined. His friends were still in Windhaven, although the next exchange was occurring in just a few days. He was planning to visit them later today. Who knew when he would get a chance to see them next?

    Besides, Mikael needed to see if things had improved between friends. He knew Celeste and Sienna were doing well, but Calden and Celeste? According to Estelle, that could be going much better. She'd told him about Celeste's renewed advances on Lysander too. Mikael wasn't sure how to feel about that new development.

    On one hand, he wanted them to try to make things work. He'd never seen Celeste as happy as she was with Lysander. But he still couldn't see past the way Celeste had treated his brother. The way she had used him. Estelle hadn't mentioned if Lysander said anything in particular about where his feelings towards Celeste lay, but Mikael knew there was more to the story than he had been told.

    And that seemed to be a reoccurring thing as of late. Mikael still hadn't questioned Estelle about her behavior regarding the news of Wynter and Evren's disappearances, and what other things she might've dreamed about. They hadn't spoken about the warning the creature gave him. They hadn't spoken about anything yet.

    They needed to, but Mikael couldn't find it in himself to ask. Not yet. Not while Estelle seemed so anxious and on edge. Not while her nightmares returned every night, terrifying her to the point where she forced herself to stay awake to avoid them. It was a wonder she'd let herself fall asleep now. Mikael leaned down, brushing his knuckles across her cheek. A few of the shadows wrapped around his wrist.

    He breathed in her scent, smoke and snowdrops, and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Mikael stood, grabbing his swords and sheathing them in between his wings. He adjusted the straps on his brown and beige Peregryn leathers before leaving the bedroom. Mikael closed the door softly behind him.

    Lysander was waiting in the hallway. They fell in step with each other wordlessly, heading down the stairs. Seren was reading in the sitting room as they walked past. "Are you heading to Windhaven?" She called.

    "Yes, Mom," Lysander replied.

    "Where's Estelle?"

    "Asleep." Mikael hovered in the doorway and motioned for Lysander to go on ahead. "Would you keep an eye on her? She's had nightmares all week. She barely lets herself sleep anymore."

    Seren's amber eyes reflected the concern he felt. "Of course. I'll go up and check on her soon." She lifted her gaze to the ceiling, as though already contemplating going. "Thank you for coming, and for staying. I know she doesn't want to admit it, but she needs you here."

    "I know." Mikael smiled. "She likes to do things by herself. She's independent."

    "She is, and sometimes, I think she forgets that it's all right to ask for help. To admit she needs it."

    "Because there was a time she needed help," Mikael said. "And when help came, they both wound up hurt." Seren closed her eyes with a silent nod. "She would rather do it all by herself, and end up hurt or dead, than see someone she cares about wounded."

    Seren opened her eyes and sighed. "Just like the rest of her family." Mikael gave her a small smile. "I'll keep an eye on her. Don't worry. Go see your friends."

    "Thank you," Mikael called, and dashed out the door.

    He found Lysander waiting near the gates with Nyx and Corbin. "There you are!" Corbin slung an arm over Mikael's shoulders. "I thought we might have to leave without you."

    "I said I was coming, didn't I?"

    "Yeah, but we all know you and Estelle seem to prefer spending quality time together in the morning." Corbin wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. Mikael shoved Corbin's face away, rolling his eyes.

    "Hey," Lysander elbowed Corbin. "Some people actually like to sleep."

    "True. Unlike Nyx and Venelia." They laughed together and it was Nyx's turn to roll his eyes.

    "The fact that the two of you seem to keep track of what we do and when we do it is slightly concerning," Nyx chuckled.

    Mikael arched an eyebrow. "Slightly?"

    "Well, it's not like we intentionally know," Lysander replied. "We just notice when some people don't come out of their room before noon but somehow look well rested..."

    "And when others come out of their room after noon and look half asleep," Corbin laughed.

    Mikael crossed his arms, fighting the urge to smile. "Are we going to Windhaven or are you two going to start telling us exactly how long we should be taking and what we should be doing on top of everything else?"

    Lysander raised his hands in surrender. "What my sister does with you behind closed doors is none of my business, unless it's something harmful to her."

    "Let's go. I have to be back to help Ven with something this afternoon." Nyx grabbed Mikael's shoulder, and Lysander and Corbin held onto him. Wind roared in Mikael's ears as Nyx winnowed them out of Velaris.

    They arrived in Windhaven shortly. The war camp was exactly how Mikael remembered, bustling with activity and the sounds of training warriors. As Corbin and Lysander wandered off, Mikael studied the camp. Jorah stood near one ring full of novices, calling instructions at regular intervals. He was surprised to see Emerie close by, also instructing a class.

    Devlon crouched behind Jorah, his hands folded over Orion's. The small boy held a wooden sword and Devlon was showing him how to swing it. Orion was grinning ear to ear. Jorah's gaze flickered to them and she smiled too.

    "He's always asking to train with the warriors," Nyx said, noticing Mikael's stare. "They don't let him, of course, but Devlon has begun doing this more often. Bringing him outside, close to the warriors, and letting him act like he's training."

    "He takes after his parents," Mikael replied.

    "More and more each day." Nyx crossed his arms, studying Orion with a curious gaze.

    "Estelle told me what Madja said about you and Venelia having a baby. Does she still want to have one?"

    "Desperately." Mikael waited for him to continue. "I'm still worried about something happening to her and the baby," Nyx sighed. "But Madja has reassured both of us that they'll be fine."

    "Is Ven pregnant?"

    "If she is, she hasn't told me yet."

    "Do you want a baby?"

    The corner of Nyx's mouth twitched up. "It's a little late to be asking that question." He glanced at Mikael. "But yes, I do. I want Venelia to be happy. I want our family to grow. As much as I'm afraid of what could happen, I'm excited too."

    "I can understand why."

    "Mikael!" A familiar voice hollered, interrupting him. Mikael glanced over his shoulder and saw Calden sprinting towards him. Celeste and Sienna weren't far behind. Calden pulled Mikael into a brief embrace.

    "We heard what happened to Estelle," Sienna said. "I'm glad she's all right."

    "And we heard about Wynter and Evren's disappearances," Celeste added.

    Nyx tapped Mikael's shoulder. "I'll catch up with you later." Mikael nodded as the male headed off in search of his cousins.

    "I'm sorry I wasn't able to come before now," Mikael said. "I've been busy, as you've noticed."

    "It's all right," Calden replied. "You haven't missed out on much." He nudged Sienna. "Except for her latest victories."

    "Victories?"

    Sienna blushed, lowering her gaze. "They weren't very big victories. I've just spent more time with Morai, and she asked me to go to dinner with her before we leave."

    Mikael grinned. "That's great. Are things going well between you two then?"

    Sienna nodded. "Yeah, they are."

    "What about you?" Mikael faced Calden. "Have you got your eye on any pretty Illyrians?"

    "No one in particular."

    Mikael narrowed his eyes, a joking smile on his lips. "You didn't try to seduce my mate or her cousin while I was gone, did you?"

    "Which cousin?" Calden laughed.

    "You know which. Unless... Have you been trying to seduce Corbin?"

    "I might have flirted with him a little, but I wouldn't call that seduction."

    Mikael laughed and turned to Celeste. He hesitated before asking, "And you?"

    "My offers have gone unanswered." He didn't miss the way Calden tensed and Sienna averted her eyes. Celeste lifted her chin proudly. "But it's all right. I understand why. I should get back to training."

    "I'll come with you," Sienna volunteered. They waved to Mikael before returning to the training rings.

    "I can't believe she would think it's all right to ask Lysander for another chance after what she did," Calden grumbled.

    "Maybe she thought about what you said and wants to fix things," Mikael replied. "Either way, that's between the two of them. Despite how we might feel about it, there's not a lot we can do."

    "I know." Calden rubbed his forehead with a sigh. "I'm trying to fix things with her too, but it feels like the harder I try, the angrier I get. I just can't seem to forget...or forgive anything."

    Mikael pursed his lips. "I don't know what to tell you, Calden. I don't want to see you and Celeste stop being friends..."

    "But that might be what it comes to." Calden shook his head. "I'm not even angry with her over things she's said or done to me. It's all things she said and did to Sienna and Lysander. It doesn't concern me, so it should be easy to let it go, but for some reason, it's not."

    "Sienna and Lysander are your friends. What hurts them hurts you. I feel the same way. But Celeste is, or was, your friend too. Maybe you should find out what's hurting her and see if there's something you can do to help. That might make things better for everyone."

    "Maybe. Come on. Let's go do some sparring. I bet I can kick your ass now, seeing how much you've been sitting on it lately."

    "I've done just as much training as I have researching," Mikael retorted. "But you're welcome to do your worst." They took off towards the nearest vacant training ring, arms draped over each other's shoulders.