Adapting to her new life wasn't difficult at all, but Fallon couldn't help but feel guilty for leaving Phoenix alone in Windhaven. Her mind was wandering to unforgettable memories with her best friend, wishing he could see the view before her eyes, the view she'd gotten used to and dreaded ever leaving when Cassian and Azriel came out.

In her weeks here she'd learned how to sense them before they were behind her. She'd had to learn it because Cassian'd been having way too much fun scaring her.

They plopped down on the chairs next to her, their membraneous wings spreading behind them, and Cassian said, "We're doing a check-up at some Camps."

Fallon turned to face Cas, not sure if this was an invitation or just them letting her know what was going on. "Are you visiting Windhaven?" Fallon's heart hurt when she thought of Phoenix again. She really missed him.

By the sympathetic look in Cassian's eyes and by the way Azriel wouldn't face her, Fallon assumed she couldn't come with. She wouldn't be able to see her best friend. Just like the last few times.

"We're visiting four camps and Windhaven is the third on that list," Fallon was surprised at the gentleness of Azriel's voice, "we can't spare that many people for as long as we'd be gone."

Fallon's face fell, and she failed to put on an understanding smile. She did understand why she couldn't come. Her job was to be here and guard the city, not visiting other places. But it still sucked.

Azriel must have noticed how down she was because he suddenly stood up, "I'll try to find a way for you to visit Windhaven without affecting the protection of the city."

Before Fallon could even thank him, Azriel stood up and went back inside.

When she shot a confused look at Cassian he just shrugged, "That's just Azriel."

Just Azriel?

The more time she spent here, the more she noticed the roles of the friends in their little group. Mor was the fun and upbeat spark, Amren the one who'd never admit she loved them although she obviously did, Cassian was the joker who knew how to ease the tension, and Azriel was the most thoughtful of them all, Fallon thought.

In his little - mostly unnoticed - ways he made sure everyone was happy and safe. And he never asked for a thank you.

"Why is Azriel so reserved?" Fallon asked Cassian who was almost asleep in the chair next to her. She wanted to understand him better, but didn't want to push him in case he wouldn't want to share.

"Nobody told you?" Cassian seemed to be thinking over how much to tell her, or whether to tell her anything at all.

Fallon locked eyes with Cassian, letting him know it was fine even if he didn't tell her.

But Cassian sighed, his wings rustling behind him as he stretched them, "Azriel has a difficult past," his eyes were clouded by distant memories, "when he'd lived with his father, stepmother and two step brothers Azirel's life was little short of imprisonment."

Fallon shivered and Cassian looked at her, "He wasn't allowed to use his wings for eleven years."

As Illyrians, wings were their pride and Fallon's heart broke for the boy who couldn't use his birthright, who couldn't fly.

Cassian's tone grew somber but also angry, "While living with them he was locked in and ..." he paused again to face Fallon. "Have you ever wondered how he got the scars on his hands?"

She had. The first time she'd seen them she'd almost asked Azriel, but then swallowed her curiosity. If he'd meant to tell her, he would have, and now she wasn't sure if she was supposed to be hearing this. Still, she couldn't help the dread building up in her stomach.

"Those scars are courtesy of Azirel's step-brothers," Cassian's tone was spiteful and laced with violence.

Fallon had sometimes wished for siblings, for someone who could understand what she'd gone through. But to have your own family treat you this way made her reconsider.

The hateful look on Cassian's face dissolved when he began speaking again, "But then Rhys and I came into his life," a small smile played on his lips, "and here we are."

It was a lot to take in. A new sort of understanding about Azriel appeared. Fallon touched her bracelet and smiled.

Just like Azriel could finally be himself when he'd met Cassian and Rhys, she could be more of herself too. She hadn't used her bracelet of protection since she'd got here. At first her friends looked at her, confused, but after she'd explained her story, everything went back to normal.

That was what family was supposed to feel like. Like she could be who she was without any judgements. It was funny how she'd known them only for a little while and had told them her biggest secret. While she'd known Phoenix for far longer, yet she'd never told him. It wasn't that she didn't trust him, but the conditions at the Camp were just too threatening, especially for a girl.

---

Azriel returned to his study, trying to think of a way for Fallon to visit Windhaven. He'd felt her longing to see her friend and her home. It took him no thought to promise to try to find a way.

Azriel was going over an option that seemed promising when his room darkened and the shadows around him stated whispering.

Cassian is sharing your story to the girl.

In a flash he saw Cassian and Fallon on the balcony, her hands wrapped tightly around her own body like she needed comfort.

Azriel would have stopped it. He hated when others talked about his past. But this time he didn't move. This was the better alternative. If Cassian told her, he wouldn't have to, so Azriel dismissed the shadows and went back to work.

The solution came soon after. Fallon wouldn't stay in Windhaven for the two days they were in other camps, but she would fly there a few hours before them and then leave with them. This way she wouldn't be gone long and still be able to spend some time alone with her friend.

Azriel waited until the shadows informed him Cassian and Fallon were done talking about him before going outside again.

While he explained the new plan, Azirel watched as Fallon's eyes went from full of understanding to shining brightly with excitement.

"Thank you," she said smiling at Azriel. Somehow he could feel her true gratitude and appreciation deep in his soul. Most of the time he would brush the thank-you away as if it was nothing. But this time he smiled back just as Cassian stood up and went inside to grab some dinner.

Azriel stepped to the railing, savouring the wind blowing over him, drowning his loud thoughts. The night sky above was filled with stars and the city beneath them still lively.

"I mean it, Azriel," Fallon's eyes shone with sincerity, "thank you."

"It was nothing," Azriel shrugged, not facing her.

But Fallon just took his scarred hand into hers like she knew he'd heard Cassian tell her his story, like she didn't mind his scars, his past. Like she understood, with her own scars to prove it.

"It was many things, but definitely not nothing." Fallon tightened her grip on Azriel's arm, hoping he would get the message that she was there for him too.

He did and nodded, finally looking into her eyes.

"You're a great guy, Azriel." Fallon's expression was now laced with amusement. Just like that she was back to teasing him.

"Well, thank you, Vivienne." He teased her back, waiting for her reaction. Somehow in this moment, Azriel didn't feel like the Spy with thousands of secrets. He felt like a normal friend, enjoying his evening.

Fallon threw her head back in laughter, "You're getting better, Azzie." There was no way Fallon was going to let him win this little banter. Even if it caught her breath when her name'd left his lips. Like she wanted to hear it again.

Azirel raised his eyebrows at the nickname she'd given him. What felt weirder than the nickname itself was that he didn't mind her calling him that.

Not wanting to let her succeed in teasing him again, he stood up, "Goodnight, Viv."

Azriel didn't turn around but knew she was gaping at him as he walked inside. A smile tugged on his lips.