A Song of Ice & Shadow

Azriel did not need Y/n to explain what felt wrong before he went to get Rhys and Cassian and head to Velaris to check. After an hour, they returned, finding nothing amiss. While Rhys and Cassian dismissed the thought and retired to their rooms, Azriel remained wary.

"If you need anything, I'll be right outside your room" Azriel informed Y/n, his words soft and assuring.

"You're not going to sleep?" she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.

"I only need a few hours, remember?".

"I don't know how you do it" she rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips before retreating to her room. "Good night, Shadowsinger".

The next day, Y/n woke up with a headache, her face paler than usual. The black dress she wore only accentuated her pallor. They all attended the second meeting, where they were greeted by Thesan. As the discussions began, Y/n felt progressively worse. Azriel jumped to her side when she suddenly gasped for air, emitting a sharp noise, and almost stumbled as she stood from her seat. He gripped her shoulders to keep her from falling, his face etched with concern.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.

"I-" she started but lost her balance again. Azriel caught her immediately, one hand resting on her waist.

"I thi-" before she could finish, she felt a nauseating sensation and pushed Azriel's hands away, throwing up all over the floor.

"Poison?" Kallias questioned, positioning himself protectively in front of Viviane. The other High Lords took defensive stances before Helion and Thesan rushed to Y/n's side, placing their hands on either side of her arms.

"Nothing" they said in unison as they finished examining her.

Azriel helped her up, placing a hand around her waist to keep her steady.

"Something is not right with the Cauldron" she finally managed to say, looking up at Azriel, then Rhys and Feyre.

Rhys spoke in Cassian and Azriel's minds, ordering them to check it out. Azriel seemed hesitant, not wanting to leave Y/n's side, but with another look from Rhys, he obeyed. His jaw clenched as he guided her back to her seat before striding toward the window.

Just as they were about to fly out, Y/n collapsed again, expelling the contents of her stomach when the earth shook beneath them. Stones from the palace broke and fell into the room, and the mountains and buildings outside were affected as well. Luckily, no real damage was done to the city.

Azriel rushed back to Y/n's side, covering her with his body as stone debris fell around them. Then, everything stopped.

Rhys looked out the window, his gaze distant before he finally spoke "the King of Hybern just used the Cauldron to attack the wall. He destroyed it. We're too late".

As everyone began to leave, heading home to prepare for what was to come, Y/n informed her sister that she wished to stay.

"Y/n, you are not well. Why do you even want to stay?" Feyre asked, her brow furrowing with concern.

"I'm fine. It was because of the Cauldron. I feel fine now. I wish to see how they make the antidote to Faebane. Maybe we can produce it as well" Y/n expressed, her voice steady but determined.

"There isn't enough time to learn that and Thessan will send shipments soon. There is no need for you to stay here" Feyre argued.
"But I want to" Y/n insisted.

"I'll stay with her" Azriel volunteered, surprising everyone before he added "I'll stay and make sure she's safe".

"I don't need your protection" Y/n replied sharply, her eyes narrowing.