Chapter Text
Aelin was falling. Falling through skies, through space, through time itself.
She could not comprehend the thought of it all fast enough. Her mind in scrambles as blurs of colors flashed through her eyes. Reds, Blues, purples and blacks. A mirage of pastels swarming all around her.
Her body tossed and turned with no sense of direction. The wind knocked her around as if she was just another feather soaring along its sky. A thing to be treated with not an ounce of care. It made her stomach clench and tense up. Made her mind try to grasp for any ounce of normality amongst this sea of chaos. It gave her no time at all to scream or process the newfound danger she was in.
As her body spun more it was becoming clearer to Aelin what exactly was happening to her. She had sealed the gate. Borrowed a fraction of the Goddess Mala’s powers. Thrown the gods themselves into a world of hell. And through it all she had found a way home, a way to seal the deal that the gods refused to do themselves. And though she hadn’t paid the ultimate price it was clear that all this would still cost her something. A path home would not be easy. And she would have to do it the way few others had.
World walk.
The flashing mirage of colors were worlds. Similar and unlike her own. She saw glimpses of ice mountains. Deep oceans stretching out for miles. Lands of fire and endless darkness. Worlds so grand and lavish. Filled with divinity and despair. Lands she had no right of witnessing.
It was beautiful, astonishing, breathtaking and devastating. It broke something in her to witness this. This greatness that only she was here to see.
She continued to fall. Soaring as fast as light, disappearing from one world to the next in the blink of an eye. It was accelerating, it was heart breaking. So many places, universes that she could see. And yet only one thing was on her mind. Home. Aelin Ashryver Galathynius needed to get home. Back to her people, her friends, her kingdom. And above all, her mate.
She grasped for that thing in her chest. That golden strand that was embedded in her soul. To the very markings that burned on her back.
“Come back to me.”
The words rang in her ears. Edged into her mind. The thing that kept her pushing.
She fell faster, more worlds passing her in a flash. She was falling fast. Faster than she should have been. With all the worlds she saw, there was only one thing she knew for sure. If she kept at this speed, she would, without a doubt, miss her world. Miss that glorious land of hers completely. The thought terrified her. It would destroy her.
It is the strength of this that matters. Wherever you go, Aelin, no matter how far, this will lead you home.
I name you Elentiya. “Spirit that could not be broken.”
You do not yield.
The words of her mother sounded through her. The words of Nehemia, a dearest friend. They were the sayings that followed her. That got her through those months of hellish torture. That got her through healing. That made her who she was today.
To whatever end, Fireheart
The words her mate uttered to her. The promise of a life where they would stand together. Survive together. To bear that cost together, to fight through it all and live. They brought tears to her eyes.
She had fought for her ending. For her kingdom. Family and friends. Fought even when all hope was lost, even when she too were lost for a time. She paid the price, knowing what it would mean, what it would save, what it would do to those she loved. She had survived the impossible and could come out of it. She found a way home. And she would be damned if she stopped fighting now. If she gave up on that chance from a harsh challenge. She had faced far worse and come out greater. She would do the same, starting here and now.
I am Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius, and I will not be afraid.
You do not yield, Fireheart
Nameless is my price
She paid the price. Fulfilled it. She did not yield to the fate the gods set for her. She remade it and chose her own path. She was Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius, the Queen of Terresan, and she would not be afraid.
And with those words she roared with it, her power bursting free and shooting around her. Flashing across the endless cycle she was in. Her forehead burned as the marking of Brannon etched itself there once again. She had reached into that final piece to save herself, to slow her descent.
She fell forward into a new world, slow enough to take it in. It was a world where a grand city had been build. Along the vast curve of a river in a crescent style. The building towering over another with many small dazzling lights.
She fell into the next. A land filled with green. With harsh winds and roaring rain that fell hard. Her flames burning off whatever drops clung to her skin before she fell into the next one.
This was a world of Ocean and Sea. With no land that could be seen for miles. It was as if only water covered this world, running so deep that she could see nothing beneath. There was no time to think more as she soared into the next one.
She still soared so fast. She could almost smell the scent of pine and snow. It made the ink on her back burn. The mark on her forehead pulse. Her power thrummed at the thought.
Finally, she passed into a world of night and snow capped mountains. And all around Aelin were shining stars. Falling just as she as she did. Engulfing and hiding her. As she passed over one of those mountains she saw a winged male standing beside a heavily pregnant female. The two gazing up at those very stars. They were fae. Just like her. But this was not her world.
As she fell further down she flung out a hand. Her amulet burned brightly at her neck. Pulsing with power. Her own hand tingled. As if to send out some type of signal, a sign to help.
Just when all hope was lost the male proceeded to lift up his head. He was beautiful beyond reason. A beauty so rare like the night itself. His gaze held hers as he watched her soar through his starry sky. Just as quickly he lifted a hand, the briefest of things. And she saw it, a power shooting of from there and slamming right into her.
Upon contact she felt a warmness so dark, shimmering like the stars. It slowed her, but just as fast as the contact came her own power roared back, in greeting or terror she did not know. It made her gasp as her body shined, so bright. The mark and ink at her back burning fiercely. Her amulet glowing around her neck. In the next second her flames burst out of her. So huge and endless in arrays of hot red, orange and gold. They filled the night sky, pouring out of her. Rolling in waves across the sky and into the world. It was so powerful and breathtaking. Lighting up the night sky briefly and outshining all the stars to be seen until she was but the only one.
She saw it then as she opened her eyes. Another world. Hers, the smell of pine and snow so close and far. All other doors a golden hue surrounding it but not near as close. She let out a cry flinging her hand, her own power shooting out. Something in her chest flared as she soared, but she wasnt falling there. She was falling straight to the ground, past one of the mountains and directing onto another. A falling star. The impact would kill her and she wouldn’t allow it. She used the kindling of flame and wrapped it around her like a blanket. The last though before she hurdled to the ground, hitting it and offering a shock to the world.
----
Rhysand already knew how this night would play out. First, it would start with the small gathering of other fae from Velaris and other courts meeting up at the house of wind to witness the once-a-year occasion of Starfall. Then it would go on late into the night until finally the stars would start to fall. There he’d hold Feyre as they gazed up at those very stars. He would admire the way the people would watch those very stars and his city below. Relax into that comfort feeling. And finally, as the party died down, he would take Feyre back to their home. Where he’d comfort and assure her and perhaps do much more than that. It was perfect.
At the moment he was at the end of the 1st phase, entering closely into the second. He had offered greetings to his court. To both Helion and Kallias. Along with Viviane who has also recently found out was with child.
It was a joyous occasion, and one meant to be celebrated. It would be his fourth viewing of Starfall since the end of Amarantha’s reign. And he found that ever since then, a new sense of profound joy at finally being able to witness the glorious stars again. It was a feeling of freedom he would not trade for the world.
He briefly rested his hand on Feyre’s hip. Holding a wineglass in one hand, his eyes drifted along the crowd of overseers. Mor was communicating with Viviane. Azriel lurking in a corner, his shadows curling around his feet and shoulders, no doubt keeping an eye on every fae on the balcony. Ameren was somewhere amongst the crowd and Cassian…
Off somewhere far to the side, he noticed Cassian strolling in, carrying a very much tired looking Nesta on his arms. She looked calm. Calmer than he had ever seen her in the past months. At peace as she snuggled her head into Cassian’s chest. Something almost like a smile drifted to his own face as his eyes locked with Cassian’s. He gave his brother an even softer one. One that the latter returned back as he and Nesta proceeded to disappear together.
“They look lovely together, don’t they?” Feyre uttered quietly beside him.
Rhysand dipped his head down, staring at his mate. A feeling of softness fluttering through their bond. “They sure do, Feyre darling.”
“They deserve it.” She uttered even more softly as her head drifted to rest against his own shoulder. “That trust and love in one another. It makes me so happy to see.”
“Funny how fate works. It seems most mates have their ups and downs before they can truly find one another.”
"Are you suggesting that our own bond had its ups and downs?”
“Are you saying it didn’t?”
Feyre let out a snort at that. Lightly swatting his hand as she stared back up at the sky. Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw it, that first star soaring across the sky.
Feyre, upon noticing it as well, placed a finger over his lips. “Hush now, Rhys. The stars have begun to fall.”
He chuckled at that and laid his gaze on the night sky. After the first star fell, the rest soon came to follow. Sounds of amusement and wonder filled his ears as the other fae watched. A rare moment of peace passing over everyone at this lovely event.
This moment was precious to Rhysand. And nothing could ruin it. He was here with his mate, his people, and friends he’d known for years. Nothing could top the moment.
And just then, something did. A huge, blaring red star soared through the sky. Standing in it amongst the other sea of greens, blues, and purples. It was bigger and bound to catch the most attention. Almost like the star wanted to be seen, calling out to all those who would see. Rhys didn’t know what it was that propelled him to lift his hand toward it. Maybe curiosity or his power secretly sensing something he himself couldn’t.
An inkling of his power shot from his hands. So quick and dark that Rhysand himself barely noticed. It flew up and straight towards the red star. Disappearing in the blink of an eye.
Rhysand barely had time to think of it as nothing as the whole air around him shifted. Something still. The calm before the storm. And high up in the sky, the storm came. That red star erupted into a sea of power. So bright and shining, it lit up the entire night sky into something rivaling day for mere seconds. It soared across the sky and stretched wide. No doubt going all across Prythian and perhaps beyond that. A wave of power. Something that rivaled the cauldron.
All around him, the party halted, people breaking out into gasps of shock and stillness at what was happening. Other fae pulling back as if sensing the danger or newfound power. Rhysand himself took a step in front of Feyre, momentarily blocking her. His power surged to cover him and everyone, and the great balcony.
Rhysand watched as that star started to fall. Its power shifting and blowing out somewhere far as it started to disappear into a small gold light. Something about the star rattled Rhysand’s bones. His own power ruling up to the call as if sensing something of the same might or even greater.
He continued to watch as the star fell far and deep past one of the night courts mountains. Behind the prison and disappeared. He felt it and no doubt the rest of prythian. A shame, an earth shattering feeling. This scene today would no doubt go down in history. And Rhys knew that every High lord would soon know what happened. And that it started here tonight.
He whipped his head around. Eyes locking with both Azriel and Cassian. “Mor get Feyre to safety and exit the guest.”
“On it.” His cousin quickly came over taking his mate’s hand, and quickly led her away. Yelling at the other guest that Starfall was quickly coming to an end.
He noticed Amren coming over. A look of fury and deep confusion was etched on her face. “What the hell was that.” She seethed.
She was quickly joined by both his brothers. Who had similar looks among them.
“Nesta is back inside and escorting the other to safety. What the hell is going on Rhys? What was that star? And that godforsaken power.”
“I don’t know,” Rhys uttered. “But rest assured, we are all about to get to the bottom of this.” And with that, he moved in close. Taking each of his court’s hands as they all winnowed away in a fit of darkness.
Upon finishing the 10,000 climb, Nesta was met with the sight of Cassian Standing in the doorway. Dressed in a glorious outfit fir for the night court. The sight of him in such a way would have made Nesta catch her breath if she weren’t already panting from the long climb.
Nesta didn’t think as she crossed those last 5 steps towards her mate. Her arms shot around her neck as she held onto him. Her lips crashing against his. She kissed, and Cassian welcomed it, his own arms holding her tightly against his as they held onto one another.
Finally, when she pulled away, breathless, she was once again met with the sight of Cassian’s smile.
“The party has started.” He spoke, his hand stroking her back. “But don’t worry, it’s still reaching its peak.”
Nesta could indeed hear the music and laughter taking place far above. The sound resonated through her.
Cassian held out his hand, and Nesta took it, letting him lead her down the hall. They reached a few steps, and Nesta could feel her legs turn shaky. The thought of going up anymore suddenly became unbearable to her.
Cassian chuckled and scooped her into his arms. Carrying her up the stairs and to the party ahead. Nesta did not protest whatsoever. Her head leaning against his chest as her eyes fluttered shut. The sound of his heartbeat so comforting against her ears.
Soon, the open air hit her skin. The sound of music flowing all around her. Voices could be heard and cheers of all kinds. It was the kind of party where everyone felt some semblance of peace. Nesta herself had yet to experience such a feeling. The last Starfall, she had been drunk. Sunk into a space she couldn’t crawl out of. But over time, she had found the peace, the healing, and family she needed. And it had helped her beyond repair.
Cassian set her down gently on her feet as she leaned down to whisper in her ear. “The stars have started to fall, Nes.”
Nesta took a step forward at that, toward the Veranda at the top of the house. Nesta could feel the sweat drying on her back beneath her leathers. Yet she could not find herself to care one bit. She didn’t mind that she wasn’t dressed in glory like everyone else. Her mind was only on the stars that shot out over her head.
She stood there a bit, admiring the sight. The rest of the night, the court was most likely lurking around. She could see Feyre and Rhysand gazing up at the stars. Feyre’s own head rested on her mate’s shoulder as he held her by the waist. A sight that would no doubt be worthy for one of Feyre’s paintings.
To her left was her sister Elain. Chatting with those night wraiths she always seemed to be hanging around with. Azriel most likely doing God’s know what, and Cassian probably mingling with the many guest. It gave Nesta the time to be alone. To gaze at the stars and dream.
It felt good. All of it felt truly good. Nesta hadn’t realized before how beautiful the world was. It was wonderful. Filled with all its ups and downs. She found herself grateful for it. A sense of joy so profound it startled even her.
Nesta stuck her hand out over the railing. A star shot past so fast, grazing her fingers. She turned her hand over, her fingers now covered in glowing blue and green dust. The sight made her laugh out loud. A sound radiating pure joy. Tears at the corner of her eyes from how good it felt.
“That’s a sound I never thought to hear from you, girl,” Amren said from beside her.
The voice made Nesta turn. Amren was dressed in a regal gown of light gray. Diamonds at both her throat and wrist. Her black bob changed with silver starlight.
A small silence passed as Nesta wiped the tears at the corner of her eyes. Letting the stardust powder stain her cheeks and give them a glow. She lifted her head and felt her throat clam up as her lips pursed together. Taking all but one deep breath as she knelt on one knee before Amren. She bowed her head slightly. “I’m Sorry.” She uttered.
She could hear a small sound of surprise leave Amren’s lips. But Nesta did not dare stop before she kept the words on her tongue. “You gave me kindness, respect, and your time. I treated them all as garbage. You told me the truth, and I did not want to hear it. Some part of me was scared, and too proud to admit it. But losing your friendship was something I couldn’t endure.”
The silence ate at Nesta, causing her to lift her head and come to find the second smiling. One filled with wonder, her eyes sparkling with that line of silver that she once held.
“I went poking around the House when we arrived an hour ago. I saw what you did to the place.”
A look of confusion settled on Nesta’s face. The words confusing her as Amren reached for her arm and pulled her up.
“The house sings.” She continued. “I can hear it in the stone, and when I spoke to it the damn house answered. Granted it gave me a pile of romance novels by the end of it, but… you caused the House to come alive girl.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“You made the House,” Amren uttered, her smile widening. “When you arrived here, what did you wish for most?”
Nesta thought hard on the words. Watching the stars race fast above them. “A friend.” She mumbled quietly. “Deep down, I wanted a friend.”
“So you made one. Your power brought the House to life with a silent wish born from loneliness and desperate need.”
Amren’s words made her chest tighten. The thought of her power being able to make something so wonderful was beyond her. “But my power only creates terrible things. The House is good.”
“Is it?”
Nesta considered it. Thinking back to all the moments the dear house welcomes her. Rejoiced in her company and comforted her when no one else had. “The darkness in the pit of the library—it’s the heart of the House.”
Amren nodded with a pleased look. “And where is it now?”
“It hasn’t made an appearance in weeks… But it’s still here. I think it’s just being managed. Perhaps the House’s knowledge that I’m aware of it, and don’t judge it. Making it easier to keep in check.”
Amren moved forward, placing her hand above Nesta’s heart. “That is the key, is it not? To know the darkness shall always remain, but how you choose to face it, handle it. That’s the important part. To not let it consume. To focus upon the good, the things that fill you with wonder.” She held her other hand out, gesturing to the stars above. “The struggle with that darkness is worth it, just to see such things.”
Nesta took her words to heart. Her gaze sliding from Amren to the stars. She turned her head, finding a familiar face in the crowd. Cassian was with Mor. Dancing without a care in the world. His head thrown back as he laughed. A rich sound filling the night. The sight made something warm bloom in her chest.
Amren chuckled from beside her. “And worth it for that, too.”
Amren smirked, folding her arms. Her face shining as the stars zoomed past. “Welcome back to the Night Court, Nesta Archeron.”
Nesta let her own smile bloom on her face. “It’s good to be back.” She uttered.
Just as Nesta turned to grip the railing, she noticed something catching her eye. A star. This one so bright it outshone the rest. Blazing a furious red. It felt different in some way. Like it told a tale of its own.
The sight was so lovely that it almost made Nesta miss the feeling in her. Her magic warning her of what was to come.
Before she knew it, that warning passed, and that red star bloomed. Bright and powerful, it sent out signals that shook the whole of Velaris. Red-hot gold power stretched out all along the sky. Causing the stars to blink out and for night to turn to day for mere seconds. Nesta watched as those rolls of magic stretched further and further, leaving the bounds of the night court and far across Prythian. Perhaps even to the continent.
Amren was beside her in a heartbeat. Her own hands were gripping the railing tightly. “What in the mother..”
Nesta felt her own power recoil in her chest. Those flames threatening to break free to greet the new and unknown power. It was frightening just how much control she had to use to keep that magic inside of her. To refuse to let it out.
She felt a hand grip her shoulder, and she lifted her eyes to Cassian, who stood in front of her. Glancing down at her. “You alright?”
Nesta nodded weakly. “I’m fine, Cassian. But what the hell was that?”
“I have no clue. But we’re going to find out.”
She glanced to her let and Amren was no longer beside her. Most likely stalking up in search for answers.
“Nesta, can you help evacuate the people. Gather Elain and Feyre.” He glanced back high in the sky, where the star was falling behind the mountain. The prison “Whatever that was…I have a bad feeling about it.”
Nesta didn’t linger to argue. Just squeezing her mate’s hand tight as she headed for her sisters, who were being led inside by Mor. She spared one more glance up to the sky. And she could almost swear she saw more small golden lights. The biggest blinking out as the powerful magic wrapped around it. Something about that star was calling out to Nesta. And soon enough, she would know the reason why.