Nyx

I didn't see Father or Mother the rest of the night. Laila had been pestering me nonstop since Father suddenly winnowed out of the dining room. Dinner had been silent after that, no one finding the urge to talk about what had just happened. A briefing would come soon enough as this was not something we could all easily hide.

Standing outside, I allowed the crisp air fill my lungs. Winter would be here before too long, just a few more months before the show would fall and coat Velaris in a beautiful white blanket. Then it would be Starfall and Mother's birthday.

The door to the roof opens behind me and I turn to see Father walking out. His wings were tucked away as to not frighten the woman we brought back.

"How is she?" I ask, turning back towards the city.

He sighs and stands next to me. "In pain, but she will live. She's terrified more than anything, though. Thanks to Kier and Eris it will take her a long time to recover, and a long time for us to gain her trust."

"And her name?"

Father gives me a sideways look. "Anwyn, but you can't tell the others I've told you this yet. You looked disturbed by what you saw in the Hewn City and you deserve to know that she will be fine."

"Thank you."

There was a beat of silence. We have not needed much to communicate with each other, finding it relatively easy when it is not business related. Father is hard on me, but not only am I the Heir of the Night Court, I have to look after Cynthia, Laila, and Janus should something happen to him and Mother. I see reason in his behavior, and he makes up for it by always being here in these moments of peace when I need him most.

"Care for a flight?" Father asks, his wings coming out from their invisible barrier.

I had already flown once, but if he was offering then I could see the city once more tonight. Nodding my head we walk closer to the edge of the roof before both taking off into the night. I followed Father for a while, flying the length of the Sidra as it wound its way through the city. Then, we left the confines of the city, towards the Illyrian territory. I knew we wouldn't go all the way to their camps, but even Father needed to get away from the city.

We didn't speak to each other as we flew between mountain peaks, following a river or a creek through them. It was a peaceful night as we got far out and then turned and headed back to the city.

Your mother has been worried about you lately, Father's voice fills my head. I let my walls down farther so I could listen to him.

She sees you getting up early and flying off. You might want to go see her tomorrow, let her know you are alright.

I nod in his direction, letting him know I heard him. I will see her tomorrow. Tell her not to worry too much.

But are you okay?

His words did not feel prying, just the words of a concerned father looking out for his son. I glance over to see him watching me as we flew. I don't know. I finally admitted.

Do you want to talk about it?

I shake my head. Not right now.

He would respect my boundaries for now. Though, I would have to come clean with him eventually, but not now. There was too much to unpack, and with Anwyn in our home, it was all too much to go into.

So we continued to fly in silence, and didn't speak until we made it back to the river house for the night.

"Thank you," I said as I folded my wings in.

Father gave me a reassuring smile and a clap on the shoulder. "I didn't do anything," he responded. "Go get some rest, we'll have a busy day tomorrow."

Nodding, I head inside for the night, Father close behind me as we walk to our separate rooms. As I pass Anwyn's room, I pause and glance at the closed door. A busy day indeed.