Chapter Text
Rhys woke to the sound of Nyx fussing. It took him a moment before he realized what the sound was, His son. The thought of him being a father and a mate was still so foreign to him. He didn't wait for Feyre to stir before he got up and went to the bassinet near Feyre's side of the bed.
He picked up his wailing son, cradling his neck and bringing Nyx to his chest to comfort him.
Nyx snuggles close but continued to cry. His little wings are flaring out behind him and flapping furiously, making him look even more distressed. Rhys wasted no time in summoning a baby bottle. He warmed it under the running water in the bathroom sink. All while holding Nyx, who was still mewling against his chest.
Rhys sat down in the rocking chair in the corner of the nursery. The nursery was a small room that was attached to his and Feyre's bedchamber. Near the large window that overlooked Elain's gardens and the sidra to the rainbow beyond.
He situated Nyx in his arm to cradle him in the nook of his right arm and feed him with his left. When Nyx began sucking on the bottle, his crying finally stopped. Nyx stared up at his father. His bright blue eyes were wide with curiosity and an awareness that few his age possessed.
In these moments, Rhys felt the beast that raged inside of his soul calm. The tension in his shoulders eased as Nyx blinked up at him again, his eyes drooping sleepily.
He continued to rock back and forth, back and forth. The soothing motion was calming Nyx as he continued to suck on the bottle. At one point, Rhys began humming a lullaby, one that Rhy's mother had sung to him when he was small.
La La Lu, La La Lu,
Oh, my little star sweeper,
I'll sweep the stardust for you,
La La lu, La la lu,
let the night be your keeper,
The moon shines just for you,
La La Lu, La La Lu,
may The stars always listen,
for your dreams to come true,
La La Lu, La La Lu,
as you pursue your mission,
with your hope lift this world with you
He continued to hum the melody of the song quietly.
Rhys felt Feyre stir on the other end of the mating bond. A spike of fear rippled down the bond. Rhys, in turn, sent a wave of warmth and comfort, sending her an image of the nursery and the open window.
A few moments later, Feyre appeared in the doorway. She was adjusting her bathrobe. She stood there leaning against the door, watching her mate and son.
"Feyre, you didn't need to get up," whispered Rhysand, bringing Nyx to his chest and methodically patting his back.
"I know." She said simply.
A knock on the nursery door pulled Rhysands attention to the light frantic rapping on the door. Loud enough so that, Nyx, who was starting to fall asleep on his father's shoulder, began to cry. He stood up and handed the baby to Feyre. He summoned a tunic and putting it on before opening the door.
Standing in the doorway was Nuala. She seemed to be nearly frantic.
"My lord, the townhouse there is something that requires your immediate attention."
"what's the matter?"
"Azriel just returned from the spring court," Nuala said as if this was reason enough.
Rhys sighed," do you want to come with me," he asked Feyre.
"You go; I'll put Nyx back to sleep."
Rhys nodded. He hated leaving his mate and son alone, but he knew if anyone could handle it, she could. She would probably kick his ass if she thought for one moment that he was incapable of protecting herself.
He grabbed Nuala's hand and winnowed straight to the living room of the townhouse.
Nothing could have prepared Rhys for what he saw.
Standing in the main entryway of the townhouse stood Azriel. In his arms he was holding an unconscious female in his arms. Her dark matted hair swept across her face, hiding her features from his full view, but Rhys knew without a doubt who she was.
Serena. His little sister.