A Court of Horizon and Shadows

37.

For a moment, nothing was said between them.

Auriella, Feyre, and Rhysand stood in the High Lord's office. The High Prince was in his mother's arms, playing with the jewelry around her neck, letting the jingle of the chains be the only sound.

The Daughter of Dawn stood, eyes locked on with Rhysand's. He stared at her with such dark intensity that even her shadows hid behind her, but she kept her calm, knowing that he wouldn't dare try anything.

Perseus seemed to sense the tension throughout the room, sitting right next to his owner. He licked his lips, staring at the High Lord without fear.

Auriella was the first to speak, "May I know the reason why you called me in here? Or are we going to have a staring contest for the entire night?" She asked, feeling darkness rumble in the corner of the room.

Rhysand scoffs, "You know why, Daughter of Dawn. What happened yesterday down at the library?" He asks.

She debated on telling him, knowing that he was craving answers. But Auriella was also, the vision flashing in her mind as if to remind her to be careful with how much she reveals to them.

"I am not able to tell the entirety of what happened. But what you can know is that... this being that is out there... is powerful. It was the reason for my collapse in the library." She tells him.

Feyre sets down her son on the couch, fumbling with a bracelet that she had taken off from one of her wrists. She raises her brow at Auriella, "We already know that this being is powerful, Auriella. But what happened to you down there? The priestesses mentioned that you were unable to hear them nor Emerie, that you somehow blanked out." The High Lady says.

Auriella nods her head once, "That is true. I wasn't able to hear anything around me. My vision was blurred. And my head felt like it was caving in. This powerful being spoke into my mind saying things that-" she stops herself, taking a deep breath, "I cannot say right now."

Rhysand tilts his head. Auriella knows that his anger is reaching its breaking point, but she doesn't care. She does not abide by his rules. Instead, she continues, "I have to speak with my brother before I reveal anything more to anyone. There is a possibility that he could have felt this too." She explains.

"Auriella, you must understand how desperate we are to receive answers. If you know something important that affects all the courts, then you need to tell us. If this being spoke to you, what did it say?" Feyre asks her.

Auriella shakes her head, "I understand completely, especially since I am of the Daughter of Dawn. This affects me too. But I have to know if my brother has felt anything like I have. I promise once I know, I will tell you." She says.

Rhysand bites the inside of his cheek, "Tomorrow, Helion will be present at the competition. Your brother, along with Elain and Lucien, will be attending. They will be staying for two nights before heading back to the Day Court. I expect answers after this, Auriella." He tells her.

The Daughter of Dawn scoffs, feeling the anger bubble under her skin. She doesn't like taking orders, especially if it's by someone other than her fathers. But she knows that it's not just Rhysand looking for answers, it's every High Lord who is trying to uncover who this mystery being is and how to put a stop to them.

She nods at the High Lord of Night, "I'll make sure to inform you. But if my brother reveals something more to me that I don't know, I must tell my father immediately. He will make sure to inform you and all of the others." Auriella says.

Feyre takes a step towards her, "Can you at least tell us why the being spoke with you, Auriella? Give us something to relieve some of the stress." The High Lady pleads.