Lewis’ Pov.

I awoke early like always; the birds sang from the gardens outside my window. I decided to have breakfast outside this morning. The storm that was raging last night had vanished by sunrise leaving only flattened grass and puddles. I dressed in plain dark brown slacks, and a cream dress shirt. I wrapped myself in a light, dark green over coat before telling a maid to bring my breakfast outside. Tiara the gardener was working on the roses today. She had frizzy blond hair tucked under a sun hat. Her tan skin scattered with a few thorn scratches. “Tiara, how have you been?” I called out to invite her over. “I’m well Louis, the storm has damaged some of the delicate roses though.” She frowned thinking about her plants. “I hope the young master made it back, okay?” She asked concerned. “He didn’t go out yesterday.” I replied. “Yes, he did? I watched him leave through the back gate in the morning.” I just stared at her. “I take it he didn’t inform you of his departure?” I shook my head before standing up and leaving the garden with a hasty goodbye.

I shoved his bedroom doors open to find a made bed and clean room, but not him. I closed the doors again behind me, hearing a heavy slam as I walked swiftly down the echoey hallway. “I told him not to go out in the storm, that idiot.” I muttered to myself as I continued to search the rooms. I eventually stumbled upon his personal butler. “Miles, do you know where he is?” he looked up from his task, “I do not know where he is, but he left yesterday morning after breakfast and hasn’t come back yet.” I was thoroughly pissed at the young master. “He told me not to tell you,” Miles added. I whipped around fuming and headed to the study to work and cool off.

Aelin’s Pov.

I woke up slowly, my blankets felt soft and warm as I buried my face in them groaning at the light. I jumped as a chirp caused my eyes to flutter open. When I rolled over more squawking sounded in the room. It was then I realized... I was laying on top of the void bird. I sat up to quickly and was lightheaded for a moment. The bird jumped up too, ruffled his messy feathers before walking to the bedroom door waiting for me. I got ready in the bathroom, the bird strolled right downstairs where I heard a few eeps and squeals. When I came downstairs the bird was sitting on the kitchen counter nibbling at a pastry. I smiled at the sight while eating my own. The house was quiet, the guest must had already left. When he was done eating his pastry he waited at the back door. When I opened it he turned and chirped at me, then opened his wings, crouched and launched himself into the air.

 After the bird had left, the remainder of the day passed normally. I went into the forest to hunt before dinner. Tonight, we had melty roast sandwiches with cooked vegetables. I ate my dinner adding in a few words about my day or the bird. My parents talked a lot about the guest’s journey, they hoped that Mara would be able to cook a few recipes mother had given her. Afterwards I warmed up near the fire before heading to bed. I opened the window and leaned out to say goodnight to the bird. Except he wasn’t there? I crawled into bed anyway and waited for him to appear and sing me to sleep like he normally did, but he never came.

 I had slept fitfully, and you could see my lack of sleep by the bags under my eyes. I trailed through the forest disappointed he didn’t show. I decided a day with Cherise would cheer me up, we spent the day running through the trees and smelling flowers. I listened to all the forest drama and rumors adding my insights to cancel some. I went home before lunch, looking forward to the fruit salad, sandwiches and fresh squeezed juice. We were seated in the living room and the second I was in my chair I dug in. “We haven’t seen you bird today?” Father asked about him, “Neither have I.” I responded a little harshly. My parent frowned at each other before moving on with the conversation.

 In the middle of lunch there was a knock at the door. I was closest so I stood up and made my way to the doorway. I opened the door on two men, their horses grazing in the yard. The man in the front had dirty blond hair with dark blue eyes. He seemed a bit stressed due to the crease between his brows. He was a bit short for a man but still taller than me. When he stepped to the side a bit, I observed the other man. The other man was taller than father, he had broad shoulders that lead to a firm chest and strong limbs. His face displayed slightly tanned porcelain skin that had 2 grey globes centered proportionally. The gray had and edges of green and blue. Thick luscious lashes bordered his eyes. Deep brown hair parted carelessly was styled with a sweep of his hand. His soft pink lips parted with a smirk as I looked him head to toe. A cheeky twinkle in his eye paired with the cocky smile made my ears heat up. I recognized him immediately. No one other than my bird had eyes like that.

 The blond man in front cleared his throat looking at me. “Hi there!” he said, “My name is Lewis and that’s Ward.” He pointed at the one I recognized. “Aelin,” was all I responded with. “Oh, hello!” Mother appeared behind me. I didn’t listen to the introductions taking place, but instead at the man that was my bird. I only noticed that they were still talked when my mom invited them inside. “Please come in and join us for lunch, we just started but there’s plenty of food!” she spoke welcomely. “Will you be staying a few nights?” Asked father who had joined during the introductions. “Yes, only a few. We were hoping to stock up before we continue our journey,” Lewis replied. I had noticed that Lewis was the only one to talk so far, he kept glancing at me too. Ward seemed to be trying not to look at me and instead pretended to be enthralled with the house or furniture. He was totally faking it because he had already seen the inside of this house, just not in this form apparently.

 It was pretty awkward during lunch; my parents tried their best to string along conversation. Lewis answered with vague practical answers, while I tried not to stare to intently at Ward and Ward tried to avoid my eyes at all costs. We found that by the end of lunch silence was the best course of action.

 I stood and collected the plates, as my parents attempted to herd the guests to the porch. “Please let us help wash the dishes, it’s the least we can do for dropping in unannounced.” Offered Lewis, “No no we get guest all the time!” Mother politely responded. “Actually, I could use one extra hand.” I spoke for the second time since meeting them. Lewis seemed partially shocked, but it disappeared quickly. The two men looked at each other before Ward moved to enter the kitchen doorway.

 We did the dishes as my parents chatted with Louis on the porch. Their conversation drifted through the open window in waves. As he washed and I dried in silence I watched his smooth motions and muscles flex in his hands and forearms. His slim fingers moved in sequence as he handed me another plate. When we finished the dishes, I reached out with my towel to dry his dripping hands. He seemed surprised I had boldly helped him dry them. I met his word stuttering gaze as I caressed his rough hands. I leaned in a bit inhaling a scent of crisp apple, honey and a dusting of smokiness. “Good boy.” I whispered in his ear, one last deep inhale before I turned around hanging the towel up slowly, his eyes drilling into my back.

 “You know? How could you tell?” His deep rumbling voice moved my core as I turned back around leaning my back on the counter, hands placed behind me. I looked at his feet, he took two steps towards me before he stood in front of me. My gaze drifted up meeting his paralyzing eyes. They took my breath away, then I inhaled deeply drunk on his scent. “Your eyes...” I whispered so quietly it sounded like a breath, but he heard it anyway. My hand moved on its own, lifting off the counter behind me and softly touching his face. My fingertips traced the line of his cheek bone then his jaw. I trailed along the warm skin to his chin with a butterfly delicacy, as I was about to run my finger against his lips, our trance was broken.

 I whipped my hands down as he turned away, and I saw the faint red of his cheeks.