trigger warning! violence, blood, (graphic details)
there will be another a/n in the story meaning the violence, blood, etc is over!!! enjoy :D
Florence's POV
She wiped away the blood seeping from a small cut on her face. Dirt and blood stained her as she whipped her hand across her body. A blade made from darkness was now held in her hands. She inhaled another deep breath, ignoring the pain coming from her right arm where she was deeply cut.
It would heal in a matter of time.
Florence lunged forward with her blade shielding her. She hit the Fae's sword as she came to a halt. With her free arm, she pulled another blade from thin air, and from below, quickly shoved it into his stomach, curving it into his heart.
An audible gasp was heard from him as his body began to falter. He fell to the ground as blood splattered around him. She pulled back her blade of darkness and removed her stare from the once, alive Fae.
A couple days ago, she would've faltered at this sight. Cried, even. But now, it didn't matter. The scene didn't affect her as much as it would've.
Florence hated that it didn't affect her. She wished with every part of her that it would because the view of others dying not affecting her, proves to her that she has little humanity left. Whatever compassion and sympathy she once had was so little now.
She looked around her. Arae were engaged in battle, fighting. They were warriors with experiences from lifetimes, eternities. Koschei stood no chance. But that doesn't mean a few Arae haven't fallen.
It took everything in Florence to not go over and help them, if not resurrect them. She had one job, get through his followers and go to him. Kill Koschei.
With a sharp inhale of air, she moved to the next Fae in front of her. This time it was a female. The female lunged first, initiating the attack, and dodged Florence's blades.
She needed to feel something. Proof that some part of her was still human. So she let the female lunge her sword into her, right through her stomach, and out into her back.
Florence gasped at the raw feeling. It felt odd. Having something plunged into your stomach so deep. She watched the blood escape the wound as the female twisted her cold sword before pulling out. Florence could feel the metal move around her and it made her cringe.
Expectedly, it pained her. And for a heartbeat, she was stunned, unable to move.
The female, believing Florence was going to die out soon, watched.
The Goddess only took in another sharp inhale of air, ignoring the mild pain, before tilting her head and clicking her tongue. "Better luck next time, perhaps?" She smiled before lunging towards the now, stunned female.
Without a second thought, she sliced her head off. The cut was clean and smooth. Blood spilled onto the ground and across Florence's face.
Florence stood there, out of breath, waiting for the pain to go away. She closed her eyes, facing her head up, trying to catch her breath. She whipped both arms across her body, causing the blades to disappear
"It's not smart to close your eyes during an active war." A voice called out from beside her. A familiar voice. "And unarm yourself."
She opened her eyes, turning her head to the side. General Liljia.
Florence smiled. "No, it's not." She softly shook her head. "I do not condone my behavior."
Liljia tilted her head, furrowing her brows. "Don't tell me you're already tired?" Then quickly shot her attention back to a female plunging towards her. She pranced forward, using her armored forearm to block the sword as she launched her sword forward into the female's heart.
The Goddess shook her head, her starlight curls braided away from her face. Though, shorter strands still managed to escape. "No, not exhausted." She glanced down to her injured stomach that was more than halfway healed.
General Liljia's jaw gaped open as her eyes slightly widened. "You can't just injure yourself."
Florence let out a loud, hysterical laugh, throwing her head backwards as she still tried to catch her breath. It was difficult when she had a small hole in her stomach with blood seeping from it. "I can. I won't die."
A male caught Florence's eyes. He was heading for her.
She inhaled deeply, quickly glancing at the Arae General, nodding, before flinging herself towards the male. He took this opportunity to quickly lunge his sword forward. Unfortunately for him Florence was quicker due to her being Divine. She caught the sword in hand and used it as momentum to plunge herself closer to him. The sword's blade slightly cut her hand causing blood to escape.
The male, clearly confused, furrowed his eyes for a second before returning back to reality. Florence caught sight of another blade, a dagger this time, sheathed in his armor. She quickly took a hold of it before ramming the dagger into his throat.
Florence left as she heard the male struggling to breathe, choking on his own blood.
"Brutal." General Liljia sighed before turning her attention away to another.
And for what felt like hours, Florence made her way through the army, killing many, and letting many harm her. Though she didn't feel anything when she was killed, she still didn't like it. She could feel them leave. Their souls lifting from their body. It sent shivers down her spine.
Perhaps it was bad to be near death when she controlled it.
Florence took another jab at the male in front of her before moving past him. She was so close to Koschei. She wouldn't give up now.
But she had let so many slice her, her body hurt. She was exhausted. So for a second, she stood there with her eyes closed, wiping the blood and sweat away from her face. Florence sighed before taking another deep breath.
By now, there was a small group heading towards her. A group of three. She could take them on. She had to.
But she was just exhausted.
So the Goddess took a step forward, lashing her arm across her body. In a blink, the small group of three lay dead. She killed them with her powers.
Of course, she could have killed them all with her powers, but that would exhaust her powers out and she'd be unable to kill Koschei. And his army had been bigger than they expected.
Fortunately for Florence, none of the Courts arrived. She prayed to the Cauldron-to the Mother, that they won't.
Taking a few quick steps forward, she whipped both of her arms across her body, pulling both blades from earlier, into her hands. She couldn't wait any longer. She wanted the war over with. She refused to watch anymore Arae fall.
With that as her last thought, she sprinted forward, slashing any and all Fae across the neck, ensuring they'd die. The deaths were quick and easy. It'd leave none suffering. At least it should leave none suffering.
No matter the reason they sided with Koschei, they didn't deserve to suffer.
She inhaled more quick breaths as she continued her sprint.
But Koschei did. He deserved to suffer-and he would. At Florence's hands, she'd kill him. She'd make him beg for death. Koschei will beg for death on his knees at Florence's mercy. Only then, will she kill him.
The screams of agony and gasps of disbelief were silenced as she severed their heads. But they were also muted before she could even slice them. She ignored the screams. Refused to hear them.
Because no matter what, she couldn't cave in. She would kill Koschei. Even if it killed her and took every ounce of her, she'd kill him.
She gritted her teeth as she sliced another.
Her life, it didn't have to be this. She could be happy right now. She could be so different. But Koschei ruined it. He ruined it all.
Her breathing became labored as she finally approached the Old God's confinement. Koschei ruined her life and he would pay for it with his life.
A life for a life.
a/n: VIOLENCE IS OVER NOW!
Azriel's POV
"We know where she's headed, what are we waiting for?" Cass asked.
They had all been sitting silently in the meeting room for awhile now.
"An injury from their weapons could be deadly." Tamlin rubbed his chin. "I do, I want to help her too. But this could kill us." He shook his head softly.
"Then let it!" Mor scoffed as she waved her hand. "Most of you are cowards anyways." She sneered as she glanced at each High Lord, excluding her own.
"We need a plan." Rhys added as he tilted his head upwards towards Mor who was standing.
"It's war." Azriel eyed Rhys. "War is unmethodical. Particularly when you're in our position." He grumbled, turning his eyes away from Rhys and back onto the letter.
But whatever truth you find in the end, Azriel, know I love you. Incredibly and infinitely.
He couldn't get it out of his head. His eyes just kept rereading it. Almost as if he was assuring himself that Florence loved him.
He finally understood what he felt. And he had to tell her, too. Before it was too late.
Incredibly and infinitely.
Florence loved him, incredibly and infinitely. But he knew that, so why was he so bewildered?
I think-
You wear your feelings in your eyes, Brother. Rhys interceded his thoughts.
In response, Azriel blinked his eyes, inhaling deeply, before briefly looking at Rhys. Rhys nodded at him.
"Then we'll go." Rhys stood. "Night Court will go and aid the Goddess and her legions." He peered around, looking for any other volunteers.
Reluctantly, Tamlin stood from his seat. "Only because I know her Arae would be upset with me that they did not participate in the war." He shook his head, sighing.
Azriel forgot about Florence's deal with Tamlin. He still had her Arae. It felt wrong to laugh, but he couldn't help it. He softly laughed internally at the thought of Arae snarling at Tamlin.
Helion sighed, nodding. "I suppose she kept her word about keeping my Court safe."
Silence fell as they all eyed each other, waiting for the next volunteer. Azriel glared at every High Lord who had not yet volunteered.
"Then that's that." Beron cleared his throat. "Autumn Court will not be participating in this war."
"Cowards." Azriel could hear Mor mutter.
It angered Azriel how Beron's horse was so high. How he behaved as if this was an enjoyable activity you do everyday.
He could only nod in agreement with Mor.
"We'll be taking our leave, then." Feyre nodded, standing up as she took Rhys' hand and interlaced them.
As they stood up, Azriel called out towards Rhys.
He couldn't wait. He had to go.
I'll meet you on the field.
Rhys locked gazes with him, pausing, his eyes roaming Azriel's, before nodding.
You and Cassian. He responded.
Azriel turned his attention to Cassian who was now headed out for the door. He watched as his brother sighed deeply, taking in the sunset.
"Let me go back to Nesta first." Cassian's eyes never met Azriel's.
Azriel understood what he meant. Faebane weapons could kill them. There would be no coming back. If they were injured, their body would not heal as quickly. This war was life or death.
The Shadowsinger nodded in understanding.
Together, they winnowed to Velaris. They were outside of the House of Wind. The tall architecture towering over them.
Before they could open the door, Nesta and Gwyn opened it. Nesta's arms were crossed. Concern written all over her face. Gwyn tucked her bottom lip in between her teeth as she watched Azriel.
Cassian took one last look at Azriel before heading inside with Nesta.
After they left, Gwyn spoke. "So you are going into the war?" Anticipation in her eyes as she waited for Azriel to say no.
He nodded, softly. "I have to."
"You don't," Her tone was soft and low. "She gave you a choice. You don't have to, Azriel." The redhead tilted her head.
"Then I choose to go." Azriel amended.
Gwyn stepped forward, latching onto Azriel's hands. "It's selfish, what I'm about to ask you." She mumbled. "But please, don't go." She squeezed his hands.
"You can't ask me that. I'm making my choice, and I choose to go." Azriel inhaled a deep, sharp breath, closing his eyes.
"And you can't ask me to live without my mate." Gwyn's voice became a little more stern and louder.
"I could never ask you to do that, but I could never live with myself if I didn't try to see her once more." He softly whispered, opening his eyes.
He wouldn't leave Florence alone. He once told her, he refused to leave her alone while she was hurting. And he did just that-he left her alone. Not now, he wouldn't. He would go and fight beside her.
Gwyn became silent. Her eyes were blurred with tears, but she swallowed her soft sobs. Azriel watched as she slowly, stepped away from him. Her eyes never diverting from his. Her breathing became heavy. Her teal eyes void of life.
She watched him, her eyes roaming his face for any other response. But he never faltered.
"You don't see it, do you?" She asked, biting her bottom lip softly. "You're going into a war with the smallest chance of survival. Faebane may not affect you so as it does Faeries, but you are not entirely immune. Not like her and her Arae." The redhead softly shook her head, crossing her arms across her chest.
Gwyn added on. "She's given you no reason to participate in this war. And yet, here you are, being the first I'm guessing, to volunteer. To jump at the opportunity." She breathed. "When are you going to realize there are others who care for you, Azriel?"
"I realize that," Azriel paused, "but I must." His eyes softened.
Gwyn waited for a second, watching Azriel carefully before responding. "You know," Gwyn said. "Ever since you've met her, you've changed. You've become more talkative. You express what you're feeling more." A soft grin plastered itself onto Gwyn's face. "I hope you do get to tell her."
"It's okay," Her shaky breath admitted. "It's okay to care for Florence. I know you do. I know you care for her a lot more than you'd like to admit. And you think you love me, but it's the mating bond. That's your pull towards me-the mating bond. But Florence and you have no mating bond.
"Your pull towards her is love, Azriel. That's why the pull is so strong, because magic cannot create love. Love is a feeling. A genuine feeling.
"You have to realize it sooner or later before you lose her. Because one can only wait so long, Azriel." The redhead closed her eyes. "Realize that you are in love with her, before you lose her." Gwyn breathed.
The Shadowsinger stood there at a loss of words and thoughts. His face was full of bemusement. He felt as if he was suffocating, drowning. A heavy pressure he'd never noticed on his chest.
"It's okay to admit that what you and I have isn't love. That instead, you're in love with Florence." She sadly smiles, tilting her head as she wipes away her own tears.
And that maybe, in the end, Azriel did love Florence. Because when he finally admitted it to himself, the heavy weight of pressure on his chest was lifted. Everything else seemed so much easier. He was no longer drowning or suffocating. He felt free.
He didn't know what to say about Florence. She made him feel so many things. So instead, he didn't talk about Florence, he only wiped the rest of Gwyn's tears away. "Thank you," he murmured.
"Now go, go tell her." Gwyn faintly laughed as a small sob escaped her mouth.
He wanted to, but he was scared. Would he be too late? Would he ever reach her?
Someone cleared their throat from behind Gwyn. Azriel raised his head to see Cassian with furrowed eyebrows.
"Did I interrupt something?" Cassian asked, cocking a brow as he tilted his head.
"Obviously." Gwyn laughed, wiping away the tear stains on her face before she looked at Cassian.
"I'm ready if you are." Cassian grinned at Azriel.
A small smell of arousal lingering on Cassian. Azriel cringed at the smell, scrunching his nose, before he nodded. "Ready,"
"Be safe! And come back," Gwyn called out as they shot up into the air. "Both of you."
Cassian's grin deepened at the redhead and Azriel just nodded. When the redhead was no longer a figure, but something small and red, Cassian nudged Azriel.
"I don't want to say I was eavesdropping, but-" Azriel cut him off.
"Bastard," The Shadowsinger mumbled as he softly grinned, faintly shaking his head.
"But, I did overhear a little." Cassian nodded arrogantly. "And I hate to say it, but I told you so." He pointed a finger in the air. "Mates aren't always written in the stars." A mischievous grin on his face.
Azriel nodded in agreement as he glanced at Cassian. "I'm not going to say it."
The General rolled his eyes. "I wasn't going to make you." He paused. "But if you want to, I'm always here to listen."
The Shadowsinger shook his head in disbelief at his brother. The rest of the flight was full of questions and short answers.
─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Once they arrived, the stench of blood and dead bodies had been so strong, it almost overtook their senses.
Azriel immediately began looking for white, silky curls, but there was none near him.
a/n: TRIGGER WARNINGS, mentions of blood and violence! (no graphic details)
Before he could continue his search, an attacker plunged towards Azriel. He quickly moved to the side, just before it could touch him. They were on the battlefield now and he couldn't risk getting injured.
Azriel took out his dagger and plunged it into the back of the attacker's neck.
"Shadowsinger, General, I'd say it's good to see you again, but considering the circumstances, I'd rather not." An Arae General approached them. General Zaliki.
"Is she okay?" Azriel immediately asked.
"More than okay, but you shouldn't be here."
"Too bad," Cassian interceded as he stabbed someone in the heart. "Night Court has decided to not let Florence and her legions take all the glory." He finished before releasing his dagger from the body. The body fell quickly onto the floor as blood spurted out.
"Well I'd expect more than two warriors," The General cocked a brow at both of them.
Cassian sighed. "I've missed you and your horrible sarcasm."
The General only rolled her eyes before returning to combat.
Cassian turned towards Azriel. "Go and find her. I'll be right behind you."
The Shadowsinger nodded and seeped into the shadows. Becoming one with the shadows, he glided across the battlefield looking for Florence.
Where are you, Florence? He asked.
Once again, no response came.
Unable to find her, he drained himself from the shadows and began attacking Faes. Perhaps he'd find her easily through the crowds as he fought.
As he engaged himself into battle, he sent his shadows to go look for her.
It was difficult for Azriel to fight and avoid major injuries as he still thought of Florence. But he tried his best, the only major injury being his left bicep.
He slashed another's throat before turning around and jabbing the side of a female's throat. Ignoring the blood shed, Azriel went on calling on his powers from his syphons.
Wiping the dirt off his face, he went on through the crowds of Fae and Arae, doing his best to stay uninjured.
As Azriel took his dagger and plunged it into someone's heart, another came behind him before he could turn around. If the injury came, it didn't hurt.
Would he die before reaching Florence?
"Why are you here?" A voice asked. A feminine voice, one similar to General Zaliki's, called out.
He turned around to see Davina. He hadn't seen her since Florence first visited her realm.
"I'm not letting you guys go into war alone." Azriel gritted through his teeth as the pain finally settled in on his left bicep.
"You and your Court are a liability." Davina sighed.
"I guessed as much," Azriel shrugged.
"If you die, do not expect Florence to resurrect you with a smile on her face." Davina ripped her shirt, wrapping the cloth tightly around Azriel's arms.
"If I die, I do not expect her to resurrect me." Azriel fought back, his breathing hard.
"It's a blessing for her to even consider it." Davina turned her back on Azriel. "Don't be foolish."
"Wait!" Azriel called out to the Arae. "Where is she?" He asked her, letting out small breaths.
Davina came to a halt, before looking at him. She let out a wicked, cold laugh, throwing her head back, before she answered. "Survive and you'll find her." And with that, she left.
Davina was right. He had to survive. Azriel couldn't be a liability to Florence, he had to survive first.