Shadows of the Fallen ~ Empyrean Series

Aetos sprinted through the crowded training grounds, his breath coming in rapid bursts as he carried Violet in his arms. Her usually confident demeanor was replaced by a pale, pained expression as she clutched her injured arm. They weaved through clusters of onlookers and recruits, heading straight for the healers' quadrant, the urgency in his movements clear as day.

Meanwhile, Aelin stood near the sparring ring alongside Rhiannon, her sharp eyes fixed on the final fight of the day. The clash of blades and the roar of the crowd filled the air, but her focus was divided, a wry smirk playing on her lips.

"Well, everyone saw Dain completely lose it," Rhiannon said with a laugh, her tone dripping with amusement.

Aelin's smirk deepened. "Yeah, not sure how he's going to come back from that." Her tone was equal parts humor and derision, the words sharp but not without a hint of satisfaction.

As the two exchanged their observations, Liam approached, his confident stride betraying no hint of the exhaustion he must have felt. He stopped next to Aelin, a mischievous grin lighting up his face.

"Hello, Ferocious. How's your cheek?" he asked, his voice light but teasing.

Aelin turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "It's fine, thanks. How's your neck?" she replied, her gaze pointedly drifting to the vivid purple and red marks marring his skin.

"You're pretty strong, you know that?" he admitted, his tone tinged with surprise and just a touch of admiration.

Aelin blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Oh... thanks," she said, her cheeks warming ever so slightly. She cursed herself silently—blushing over a compliment? That wasn't like her.

As the final match wound down, Liam's expression shifted to something more serious. "Can I talk to you privately?" he asked, glancing around.

Aelin hesitated for a moment but nodded. They walked to a quieter corner of the grounds, the din of the crowd fading into the background.

"We're having a meeting tonight," Liam said, lifting his wrist to show the relic strapped to it. "I can come by and pick you up, so we can head there together." His words were casual, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his gaze—something unreadable.

Aelin studied him carefully, curiosity and a hint of wariness flitting across her face. After a moment, she nodded. "Alright," she said simply.

Before Liam could say more, Rhiannon bounded over, her energy as infectious as ever. "Okay, we've gotta go! Bye, Liam!" she called, grabbing Aelin's arm and dragging her away before she could protest. Liam stood there for a moment, a faint smile on his lips as he waved.

Later, Aelin sat on her bed, her movements precise and methodical as she stitched her own cheek. The dim glow of the candlelight cast long shadows across the room, highlighting the steady determination in her expression.

"Ew! Lillian, you know we have healers for that!" Rhiannon exclaimed from across the room, her face scrunching in disgust.

Aelin rolled her eyes. "Rhi, what happens when you're in battle? No healer can save everyone," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact.

Rhiannon stared at her in disbelief. "Where did you even learn to do that?"

Aelin shrugged, keeping her focus on the needle in her hand. "I don't know. I just... did. Guess it came naturally." Her voice was calm, but there was a hint of something darker in her words, something unspoken.

That night, Violet walked into the room, her right arm cradled in a light blue sling. Despite her injury, she wore a small, reassuring smile.

"You're here!" Rhiannon jumped off the bed, relief flooding her face.