A Song of Ice & Shadow

Waking up, Y/n found a blanket draped over her, courtesy of Feyre before she left. It took her a few minutes to gather herself before heading directly to Azriel's tent. On the way, Cassian intercepted her.

"You look like hell" he remarked with a smirk, giving her a once-over.

She walked past him without replying, her attention fixed elsewhere- or rather, on someone else.

"No biting back today?" He fell into step beside her, walking backward to meet her eyes, eyebrows raised in mock surprise.

"I don't have time for you today, General" She replied flatly, giving him a brief, dismissive glance.

"When do you ever?" He tilted his head, still keeping pace with her.

"What do you want?" She sighed, her irritation growing as she stopped.

"Where are you headed?" His curiosity sharpened his tone.

"None of your business" She tried to sidestep him, but he quickly moved to block her path. She shifted to the left, but he anticipated her move, stepping in front of her again.

"Move!" She snapped, her frustration evident as she clenched her jaw.

"Hmm, I don't feel like it" He responded, folding his arms over his chest, his smirk deeping as if daring her to try something.

"Don't you have a war to prepare for? Soldiers to command?" She glared up at him, her hands balling into fists at her sides.

"I do, but not at the moment." He shrugged, his tone casual, as though they were discussing the weather.

"Get out of my way" She demanded, her voice lowering with a dangerous edge.

"Or what? You're going to take me on? I'm fully healed now, so you have no excuse. I'd like to see you try" he taunted, his eyes gleaming with challenge as he leaned forward slightly, his stance loose and ready.

"Grow up" she muttered, rolling her eyes.

"The offer still stands, you know" he continued, undeterred. "I could train you. It's not too late. I mean, we are in the middle of a war, but even a few lessons could help."

"For the millionth time, piss off. I'm not training with you. Now, Let. Me. Go" she retorted, punctuating each word with a deliberate pause as she took a deep breath, visibly trying to keep her temper in check.

"Cassian! Why are you tormenting our poor Y/n?" Rhys called out as he strolled toward them, a grin spreading across his face, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"I would never" Cassian replied, pressing a hand to his chest as he feigned hurt, his expression exaggeratedly solemn.

"Is he bothering you?" Rhys asked, raising his eyebrows as he looked at her.

"Yes, but I can handle him" With a Swift motion, Y/n punched Cassian in the groin. He let out a low growl, doubling over with a pained grimace.

"See?" she shrugged, a satisfied smirk tugging at the corners of her lips as she watched him struggle to catch his breath.

"Son of a-" Cassian hissed, his jaw tightening as he clutched his lower abdomen.

"I told you to move, asshole. Lesson one: never underestimate your opponent. Lesson two: don't get cocky" Y/n stated, crossing her arms. There was triumphant gleam in her eyes as she watched him slowly straighten up, his face still twisted in discomfort.

Rhys laughed, shaking his head. "Damn, you've got some courage, attacking the commander of my army like that."

"He'll get over it. It was just a little punch from an 'untrained' girl, as he'd put it" She replied, her smirk widening.