“Well, good-bye for now,” he said. His eyes locked on mine, wide and wild, and his nostrils flared. Shock—pure shock flashed across his features at whatever he saw on my face, and he stumbled back a step. Actually stumbled. “What is—” I began. He disappeared—simply disappeared

Azriel bristled and turned to Rhys. “And you agree with her?” “She’s your High Lady,” Rhys said coldly. “What she says is law.”

Rhys looked up, his face gleaming with tears. He went still as I leaned in, kissing away one tear. Then the other. As he had once kissed away mine. When my lips were wet and salty with them, I pulled back far enough to see his eyes. “You’re mine,” I breathed.

“Don’t let her see you cry. Put your hands at your sides and stand up. Don’t give her the satisfaction of seeing you break. Count to ten. Just stare at her. Keep your chin high. One step after another.” Rhysand’s words echoed through my mind, holding me together.

“So I’m your huntress and thief?” His hands slid down to cup the backs of my knees as he said with a roguish grin, “You are my salvation, Feyre.”

I sipped from my wine. “And if he had grabbed me?” There was nothing but uncompromising will in his eyes. “Then I would have torn apart the world to get you back.”

"Was I interrupting? I thought it was over?" Rhys gave me a smile dripping with venom. He knew-through that bond, through whatever magic was between us, he'd known I was about to say no. "At least Feyre seemed to think so."

“To the people who look at the stars and wish, Rhys.” Rhys clinked his glass against mine. “To the stars who listen—and the dreams that are answered.”

What a pretty little wedding,” Rhysand said, stuffing his hands into his pockets as those many swords remained in their sheaths. The remaining crowd was pressing back, some climbing over seats to get away. Rhys looked me over slowly, and clicked his tongue at my silk gloves.

I scowled, clenching my fork harder. “And how often do you just rifle through my mind when my shields are down?” All amusement faded from his face. “When I can’t tell if your nightmares are real threats or imagined.”

“And if you can't be bothered, then I hope you're wise enough to keep your mouth shut, because the next time you look at my mate with that disdain and disgust, I won't bother to explain it again, and I will rip out your fucking throat."

His words were a lethal caress as he said, “Did you enjoy the sight of me kneeling before you?

“There you are. I’ve been looking for you,” said a deep, sensual male voice I’d never heard.

"Stay with the High Lord,” human, the Suriel said. "That's all you can do. You will be safe. Do not interfere do not go looking for answers after today, or you will be devoured by the shadow over Prythian. He will shield you from it, so stay close to him, and all will be righted"

“There you are. I’ve been looking for you,” said a deep, sensual male voice I’d never heard. The three lesser faeries paled, their dark eyes wide. “Thank you for finding her for me,” my savior said to them, smooth and polished. “Enjoy the Rite.”

“I will kill anyone who harms you,” Rhys snarled. “I will kill them, and take a damn long time doing it.” He panted. “Go ahead. Hate me—despise me for it.”

"You were born on the longest night of the year." His fingers again stroked down my back. Lower. "You were meant to be at my side from the very beginning.

“I love you,” I said again. I hadn’t dared say the words in my head. “And I’d endure every second of it over again so I could find you. And if war comes, we’ll face it. Together. I won’t let them take me from you. And I won’t let them take you from me, either.”