A Song of Ice & Shadow

Part 10

"You call that a little punch?" Cassian grumbled, glaring at her.

"Know your opponent, your strengths, your weaknesses, and aim for where it'll hurt the most." Y/n said, holding his stare. "Honestly, I thought you'd be able to block my punch."

"I was distracted and didn't anticipate you doing something so vile" he straightened, his tone laced with both annoyance and reluctant amusement.

"Duly noted for next time. Thank you for the tip." She retorted, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.

"If you two are done, Amren is waiting for you" Rhys interjected, his expression one of mild impatience as he glanced between them.

"Me? What for?" Y/n frowned.

"To tap into your powers, or have you already forgotten? It's been less than a day." Rhys teased.

"If she's gonna keep asking about my feelings, you can tell her to forget about it." Y/n muttered, crossing her arms defensively.

"Ah, so talking about your feelings is your weakness. Thank you for the tip" Cassian quipped, a smirk forming on his lips as Y/n shot him with a withering glare before turning away, heading toward Azriel's tent.

"You know that's not where Amren is" Cassian called after her, his voice dripping with amusement. Without turning around, she raised a hand and gave him a vulgar gesture, earning a chuckle from him as she pivoted and walked alongside Rhys.

After a moment of walking in silence, Y/n finally spoke up, her voice quieter than usual "How's your Shadowsinger?"

"Alive" Rhys replied, the corner of his mouth twitching upward in a faint smile. "His back is healing quickly, but his wings... it's slow, Thesan hasn't healed many Illyrian wings. But I've sent word to Madja, she should be here tonight or tomorrow morning."

"Will... will he fly again?" Y/n's voice was hesitant, her brows knitting together in concern.

"I'd say yes, but not anytime soon" he admitted, his tone shifting to something more serious.

"So he won't be flying on the battlefield?" she pressed, a hint of relief mixed with unease in her expression.

"Unfortunately not" he confirmed, his gaze flicking to her curiously. "Is that worry I sense. ? For our Shadowsinger?" Cassian clicked his tongue as he caught up to them.

"He saved Elain and brought both my sisters back to me in one piece. It's only natural I inquire about his... state" Y/n tried to explain, attempting to keep her tone neutral as she avoided meeting their eyes.

"I'm sure." Cassian murmured, glancing over at her with a knowing look. "I heard you helped bandage him up yesterday. It's also because he saved your sisters, right?" There was a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Y/n's glare could have burned a hole through him. She turned away from the males and strode determinedly toward Azriel's tent, unwilling to entertain any more questions. The two exchanged a look before turning back to discuss war plans.

Y/n entered the tent slowly, more hesitant now. "Hey, I came to see how you're doing. I heard from your High Lord. I'm sorry" She began, her voice softer than usual.

Azriel adjusted his position, shifting slightly on the bed to face her "What do you have to be sorry about?" His brow furrowed slightly, his expression a blend of confusion and curiosity.

"Your wings. I heard you won't be able to fly any time soon" she murmured, her gaze dropping to the floor.

"Perhaps," he replied with a small shrug. "Nothing is for certain, I'll try my best to heal as fast as I can."