A Court of Revenge and Pain: Rhysand's Sister

Part 4

Azriels POV
Azriel was used to pain. Physical at least. That's why he trained and fought..for his family  and for himself. Never again would he feel weak like his brothers made him feel. Never again would he be locked away to be tortured.
However, it was the emotional pain that hurt the most. There is no escaping it, no blocking the attack, no training to protect it.
It comes and hurts however it pleases. Staying longer than a Physical wound.

Azriels heart nearly died along with his mate when she was killed. The pain never left him, always there, but faintly. After that dream, or vision, the pain was potent. His heart ached, mourning all over again.

The bond is alive once more. He felt it snap within him when his mate was killed out of cold blood. Azriel and Rhysand and the High Lord were going to meet Circe and their mother in the Illyrian camp.

When they arrived, they heard females screaming and fighting, males voices shouting and taunting. Rhysand's father beat the younger males to the room first and found bloodshed and the Spring High Lord. Azriel and Rhys came in seconds later. Their mother was already dead, Circe was alive for a second when they came in. Not long before the Spring high lord sliced her head clean off. He and his sons winnowed away before they could fight.

Circes screams haunted her mate for centuries. Waking up in cold sweats, enduring panic attacks, nightmares. He just barely stopped having them.

Now...it was different. He had begged Rhysand to go spy on the King of Hybern, but his brother didn't want him in danger and it was just a dream. After all, the High lord just got back and didn't want anyone else gone or risking themselves.

Azriel urged and fought, knowing deep down that Circe may be back. He could feel it calling to him. However, Rhys was not having it and wouldn't allow his brother to go anywhere near that palace. Not until there was a plan and a reason. Right now his reason was based on a dream. And a poor one too. Azriel let his brother look in his mind to show him exactly what he saw, but he believed it was his subconscious conjuring nightmares since his brothers return.

But it wasnt. He was sure of it. He would find her. One way or another...

                                      ☆

It has been a year and a half of being held captive by the King of Hybern. Circe endured much pain and suffering, but refused to give up, give in, and let him win. She would play smart with his game. He used her as a pet. Toyed with her body when he needed. Which was more often than not.

She was always a prisoner, but some days he glamored her injuries and dressed her up. When he had meetings or had to speak to his people, she must play whore. If she didn't act so madly in love or support him, he would hurt more mortals and herself.

As her memories came back, she remembered her values and beliefs on humans. She loved and cared for them. Wished to protect them. She would do anything to keep the innocent out of harms way. So, she played the part. Even if his hands on her touched her without her consent, toyed her in front of his people, owned her, she would play the part.

Months ago, he resurrected Jurian, the human general. He was the same as she last saw him in the war. Centuries ago apparently. His soul was still alive thanks to Amarantha. She didn't like the guy very much, but that kind of torture was something she didn't wish on anyone. Well...she thought of one person.

Jurian was adapting to life a little faster than she did a year and a half ago. It helps that he's still been technically alive, so his memories were still there and jumped back into reality. They barely exchanged a few words. Mainly because the King was always present, so they couldn't talk around him. Only head nods, eye glances, and facial expressions. Circe didn't dare to speak to him through his mind.