The unstoppable force of time marched on, war or not.
It was time that Feyre and Rhysand would never get back, no matter how many tears were shed or pleas shouted through the atmosphere.
Velaris was no more than a skeleton on a hill.
Feyre didn't dare look at the others as they ventured closer, taking their time on the beach to pick up any lost treasures that time had forgotten. Bits of clothing- a toy here and there. Things the sea somehow hadn't claimed.
The City of Starlight, once a formidable force, its streets filled with laughter and joy, was dead. Children didn't run and laugh through the streets, and shop owners didn't invite people in for a hot meal.
Stepping into the streets felt more like a lucid nightmare than reality.
However many storms had passed during their time under Hybern's control, most of the blood from the streets had been washed away.
Most of it.
Feyre clenched her jaw at the old splattering of blood the rainwater hadn't been able to reach.
"They're all gone…" Mor murmured as she leaned down and carefully took something from the ground, still littered with debris.
It was a little toy top, the type spun on a flat surface during games.
"There aren't any remains," Cassian muttered, arms crossed over his chest, not meeting anyone's gaze.
Feyre risked a glance at Rhys, knowing too well she wouldn't keep her composure if she stared too long.
His home- their home.
His everything- their everything.
Was gone.
Feyre followed his gaze out to the windswept ocean, and nausea coiled inside her. The people of Velaris…thrown out to unforgiving waves, never to return home.
All eyes turned to Rhysand, Feyre's included.
No one asked, though he answered.
"We rebuild," he paused, a muscle feathering his jaw, "And we destroy them."
Where Feyre had been so sure she'd see deep grief in those violet eyes, she saw only one thing.
One thing that matched her own so seamlessly.
Rhysand was murderous.
"But first," he continued, looking down at Feyre. He stroked her hair behind her ear and nodded, "We bring our daughter home."