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His Shadows & Their Starlight

Storyline:-(Ver.2.0) Azriel is sitting next to Elain as you sit by the fireplace reading. You've been staying with Azriel, Cassian, and Rhysand for the past two months in Velaris. You're a mortal but Rhysand says you have different abilities that no mortal should be able to have. For example, winnowing or teleporting. Azriel is in love with Elain Archeron even though Elain already has a mate.

Word count:- 1.1k

Warnings:- Insecurity, Lonliness, Jealousy, Angst.

Series:- Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5

Chapter 6: Tangled Threads

Isla's POV

The first time Azriel's shadows saved me, I thought it was a coincidence.

I was wandering the streets of Velaris late at night, lost in my thoughts. My powers—whatever they truly were—had been acting up again. Unpredictable and dangerous, they stirred inside me like a storm, refusing to be tamed. It was becoming harder to control them, harder to stay grounded.

I should have stayed inside, but the walls of the townhouse felt too close, too stifling. So, I walked. The quiet streets and cool night air offered some relief, even if my thoughts didn't.

I turned down a dimly lit alleyway, taking a long way back to clear my head. But halfway through, something felt off. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, a warning that I wasn't alone.

I heard footsteps behind me—heavy, deliberate. I quickened my pace, trying not to panic. The footsteps matched my speed, closing the distance. My heart pounded in my chest, and just as I was about to break into a run, they appeared.

Azriel's shadows.

They curled around me like a protective cocoon, whispering in that strange, soothing way they always did. I felt their warmth, their reassurance, and suddenly, the fear that had gripped me loosened its hold.

The footsteps behind me halted. I dared a glance over my shoulder to find nothing but darkness. Whoever—or whatever—had been following me was gone.

I exhaled a shaky breath, resting a hand against the wall to steady myself. The shadows lingered for a moment longer before retreating, as if waiting to be sure I was safe.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

After that night, I began paying more attention.

It wasn't just in moments of danger. The shadows were there when I struggled to make decisions, when I felt overwhelmed by the weight of this strange, immortal world I had somehow become part of. They were subtle, but always present, guiding me in ways I couldn't quite understand.

At first, I thought it was just their nature—a reflexive response to emotions or danger. But the more it happened, the more I realized it was something more.

They didn't react to anyone else this way. Only me.

And despite Azriel's distance, despite the tension that hung between us like a storm waiting to break, he allowed it.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

One morning, I found myself in the training yard again. Cassian had been attempting to teach me how to fight, though I suspected it was more to keep me distracted than anything else.

"Focus, Isla," Cassian said, circling me. "If you keep drifting off, you'll be flat on your back before you know it."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm trying."

He smirked, lunging toward me with his wooden practice sword. I barely had time to react, stepping back just in time to avoid getting knocked over.

"Better," he said, lowering his weapon. "But not good enough."

I was about to snap back when Azriel appeared at the edge of the yard, his expression unreadable as always. Cassian noticed him too, raising an eyebrow but saying nothing.

Azriel's gaze flicked to me, then to the shadows curling around my feet. I hadn't even realized they were there.

"Again," Cassian said, drawing my attention back to him.

We went through the motions a few more times, but I couldn't focus. Not with Azriel standing there, watching. His presence was a distraction in the worst way, making my pulse race for reasons I didn't want to acknowledge.

Eventually, Cassian called it a day, clapping me on the shoulder. "Not bad. You're improving."

"Thanks," I muttered, wiping sweat from my brow.

Cassian walked off, leaving me alone with Azriel. He didn't move, didn't speak, but his shadows drifted closer, brushing against my ankle like a question.

"Are you going to say something, or just stare at me all day?" I asked, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

Azriel's lips twitched, almost like he wanted to smile but didn't quite know how. "You're getting better."

"High praise from the spymaster," I said dryly, though my heart skipped a beat at his words.

He stepped closer, his shadows trailing behind him like a second skin. "You need to trust your instincts more. You hesitate too much."

I crossed my arms. "Maybe because I don't have centuries of experience like you do."

Azriel's gaze softened, just a fraction. "Your instincts are better than you think. You just need to stop doubting yourself."

His words lingered in the air between us, heavier than they should have been. There was something in his voice—something unspoken, like so many other things between us.

"I'll keep that in mind," I said quietly.

He nodded once, then turned to leave. But before he did, his shadows brushed against my arm, a silent farewell.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

That night, I couldn't sleep again. The conversation with Azriel played over and over in my mind, along with the countless other moments we'd shared—moments where his shadows had comforted me in ways he never could.

I didn't understand what was happening between us, but I knew one thing: it wasn't something either of us could ignore forever.

The bond growing between us, whatever it was, felt like tangled threads—impossible to unravel, impossible to break. And despite the fear it stirred in both of us, it was there, undeniable and real.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

A few days later, I found myself on the balcony overlooking the city. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the rooftops.

I heard the soft rustle of wings before I saw him. Azriel landed beside me, silent as always. He didn't speak, didn't look at me, but his presence was enough.

For a while, we stood there in silence, watching the city come alive as night fell. His shadows drifted closer, wrapping around me like a blanket.

"You don't have to do this, you know," I said eventually. "You don't have to keep protecting me."

His gaze flicked to me, something unreadable in his eyes. "It's not something I can control."

The honesty in his voice took me by surprise. I opened my mouth to respond, but he continued before I could.

"My shadows... they have a mind of their own, to some extent. But with you, it's different. They act without me telling them to."

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling over me. "Why?"

"I don't know," he admitted. "But it scares me."

I looked at him then, really looked at him. The shadows that surrounded him weren't just a part of his power—they were a part of him, a reflection of his heart. And for some reason, they had chosen me.

"It doesn't have to," I said softly.

He didn't respond, but his shadows tightened around me as if offering their silent reassurance.

And in that moment, I realized something.

Whatever this was—this connection, this bond—it was real. Tangled and messy, yes, but real.

And maybe, just maybe, it was something worth holding on to.

Taglist:- @donnadiddadog@onebadassunicorn-blog@wintersquirrel@rcarbo1

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His Shadows & Their Starlight

Storyline:-(Ver.2.0) Azriel is sitting next to Elain as you sit by the fireplace reading. You've been staying with Azriel, Cassian, and Rhysand for the past two months in Velaris. You're a mortal but Rhysand says you have different abilities that no mortal should be able to have. For example, winnowing or teleporting. Azriel is in love with Elain Archeron even though Elain already has a mate.

Word count:- 1.2k

Warnings:- Insecurity, Lonliness, Jealousy, Angst.

Series:- Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4

Chapter 5: Unspoken Words

Isla's POV

The days blurred together, each one more tangled than the last. The weight of unspoken things pressed against me, a silent reminder of the tension that had taken root between Azriel and me.

He avoided me now, or at least tried to. His presence was still a constant shadow in my life—both literally and figuratively. Even when I didn’t see him, I felt him. His shadows brushed against me in moments of quiet, soft and fleeting like they were checking in on me.

It should have made me feel uneasy, but it didn’t.

Instead, it felt like we were speaking a language that only we could understand. A language that Azriel himself didn’t seem to know how to handle.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

One evening, I found myself sitting by the Sidra, watching the water shimmer under the moonlight. The city was quiet, the kind of peaceful that only came when most of its inhabitants had retired for the night.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t notice him approach me until his shadows brushed against my arm.

I looked up, my heart skipping a beat when I saw him standing there, his wings partially furled, his face unreadable in the dim light.

“Isla,” he said, his voice low and rough.

I nodded in acknowledgement, unsure of what to say.

For a moment, he simply stood there, as though debating whether to join me. Then, finally, he sat down, leaving a careful distance between us. His shadows, however, had no such reservations. They curled around me, brushing against my skin like they were saying hello.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” I said softly, breaking the silence.

Azriel didn’t respond right away. He stared out at the water, his jaw tight. “I thought it would be better that way.”

“Better for who?”

“For both of us.”

I shook my head, a bitter laugh escaping me. “Do you believe that?”

He turned to look at me then, his hazel eyes burning with something I couldn’t quite name. “You don’t understand what you’re asking of me.”

“Then explain it to me,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended. “Help me understand why you’re so determined to push me away.”

His wings shifted, the movement agitated. “It’s not that simple.”

“Why not?” I pressed.

“Because I’m not free to feel this way,” he said, his voice breaking on the last word.

The rawness of his confession hit me like a physical blow. I opened my mouth to respond, but he cut me off.

“I have a bond,” he said, his gaze dropping to the ground. “A bond that ties me to someone else. Someone who doesn’t… who can’t love me back.”

“Elain,” I whispered, the name heavy on my tongue.

He nodded, his shadows retreating slightly as though they, too, felt the weight of his words.

“But she’s not with you,” I said carefully. “She’s with Lucien.”

“That doesn’t change the bond,” he said, his voice filled with self-loathing. “It doesn’t change the fact that I’m supposed to love her.”

Three Sisters For Three Brother

“Supposed to,” I echoed, my heart aching for him. “But do you?”

His silence was answer enough.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The days after that conversation were quieter. Azriel and I kept our distance, but his shadows were still there, ever-present and watchful.

I found myself studying them more, trying to decipher the way they moved, and the way they seemed to react to my emotions. They weren’t just an extension of Azriel’s power—they were a part of him, a reflection of his innermost self.

And they were telling me a story that he couldn’t.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

We crossed paths again a few nights later, this time in the library. I had come to lose myself in the comfort of books, hoping to quiet the storm of thoughts in my mind. But the moment I saw him sitting there, his wings tucked close to his body, I knew it wouldn’t be a peaceful night.

“Isla,” he said, his voice soft but strained.

“Azriel.” I hesitated, then sat down across from him.

For a while, neither of us spoke. The silence between us was heavy but not uncomfortable.

“I’ve been thinking about what you said,” I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He looked up, his hazel eyes meeting mine. “And?”

“And I think you’re lying to yourself.”

His wings twitched, but he didn’t respond.

“You say you’re supposed to love Elain,” I continued, “but your shadows… they tell a different story.”

His gaze sharpened, his shadows curling around him protectively. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I?” I asked, leaning forward. “They’re always there, Azriel. Always with me. They’re trying to tell me something, even if you won’t.”

For a moment, he simply stared at me, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he stood, his shadows flickering like a storm around him.

“I can’t do this,” he said, his voice raw. “I can’t be what you need.”

“Who said I need you to be anything?” I shot back, standing as well. “I’m not asking for your love, Azriel. I’m asking for your honesty.”

He turned away, his wings flaring slightly. “I can’t give you that either.”

And then he was gone, leaving me alone with the shadows he’d left behind.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

That night, I couldn’t sleep. The conversation replayed in my mind over and over again, each word cutting deeper than the last.

I didn’t understand why he was so determined to push me away, why he couldn’t see what was right in front of him. But I did understand one thing: his shadows didn’t lie.

They were his heart, his truth, even if he couldn’t admit it.

And they were reaching for me.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The next morning, I found Azriel in the training yard again. This time, I didn’t hesitate. I marched straight up to him, ignoring the wary look he gave me.

“We need to talk,” I said firmly.

He sighed, sheathing his blade. “Isla—”

“No,” I interrupted. “You don’t get to walk away from this. Not this time.”

His wings tensed, but he didn’t argue.

“I don’t care about the bond,” I said, my voice trembling. “I don’t care about what you think you’re supposed to feel. All I care about is what’s real. What’s here, between us.”

His shadows stirred, reaching for me even as he tried to hold them back.

“You’re afraid,” I said, stepping closer. “Afraid of what this means. But you don’t have to be.”

For a moment, he simply stared at me, his hazel eyes filled with so much emotion that it took my breath away. Then, slowly, he reached out, his hand brushing against mine.

“I don’t know how to do this,” he admitted, his voice barely audible.

“Then we’ll figure it out together,” I said, lacing my fingers with his.

His shadows wrapped around us then, a silent promise that we weren’t alone.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I belonged.

Taglist:- @donnadiddadog @onebadassunicorn-blog @wintersquirrel @rcarbo1

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Petals & Shadows

Storyline:- Where after his near kiss with elain, he's left confused and lonely, taking a new mission from rhysand he left for some lone time to wander around when he met Her. A Garden Fairy. So beautiful and god he was hooked the moment his eyes fell on her.

Azriel x Garden Fairy

Words:- 2.3k

Warning:- Fluff

Azriel’s mind was a mess, swirling with thoughts he didn’t want to linger on. The near kiss with Elain haunted him, her delicate scent still clinging to his senses. He had thought for a fleeting moment that maybe—just maybe—he could be happy. But happiness was an illusion, wasn’t it? One he had never been destined to grasp.

Rhysand had given him a mission shortly after, sensing Azriel’s need to get away. He didn’t ask questions, didn’t prod. He only gave him space, which Azriel desperately needed. So he left Velaris behind, flying over endless forests and valleys, hoping the open sky and cold wind would clear his mind.

Yet nothing seemed to help.

He touched down in a meadow, his shadows curling around him protectively. The place was vibrant, teeming with wildflowers in every colour imaginable, and the air smelled fresh, earthy, and rich. It should’ve calmed him, but even here, he felt restless, a storm churning beneath his calm exterior.

That’s when he heard her laugh.

Azriel’s head snapped in the direction of the sound. It was light, musical, and utterly captivating. His shadows swirled toward it, eager to explore, but he didn’t need them to tell him where she was. He could see her.

She was standing in a small patch of greenery, her hands on her hips as she glared at a puddle of mud. Her friends, other garden fairies judging by their leafy attire and small, translucent wings, were giggling beside her.

“Yeah, no, I don’t like mud,” she said, wrinkling her nose adorably.

One of her friends tilted her head, clearly amused. “But you’re a garden fairy,” she pointed out as if that explained everything.

The fairy rolled her eyes dramatically, crossing her arms. “Ironic, isn’t it? Such a drama queen,” she added with a huff, earning more laughter from her friends.

Azriel found himself smiling before he could stop himself. There was something about her that drew him in, something light and warm that made the cold shadows within him retreat. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt that way.

Her friends egged her on-again, gesturing toward the other side of the puddle. “Just jump.”

The garden fairy groaned, stomping her foot. “Okay, alright. I’m coming,” she said with exaggerated frustration before leaping over the mud in an awkward yet endearing manner.

Azriel’s shadows stirred around him, curious in this strange, captivating creature. He found himself stepping closer, careful to keep his footsteps silent, not wanting to disturb the moment.

But she noticed him anyway.

Her head turned toward him, and their eyes met. Azriel froze.

She was breathtaking.

Her skin seemed to glow under the sunlight, and her hair was a cascade of soft curls that shimmered like spun gold. But it was her eyes that held him captive—bright, sparkling, and filled with a mischievous warmth that made something stir in his chest.

“Oh, hello,” she said, tilting her head in curiosity. Her friends glanced at him, wary, but the garden fairy herself didn’t seem the least bit afraid. Instead, she took a step forward, closing the distance between them slightly. “You’re not from around here, are you?”

Azriel cleared his throat, trying to gather his composure. “No. I was… just passing through.”

Her lips curved into a teasing smile. “Well, you don’t look like the passing-through type.”

His brows furrowed. “What does that mean?”

She shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. “You look more like the brooding-in-the-shadows type. Very mysterious.”

Azriel blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her boldness. He didn’t know whether to be annoyed or amused.

“I’m Azriel,” he said, deciding to ignore her teasing tone. “And you are?”

“Faye,” she answered with a grin. “Guardian of this little garden paradise.”

“Guardian?” he repeated, arching a brow.

“Well, technically a garden fairy, but guardian sounds cooler, don’t you think?”

Azriel found himself chuckling softly, something he rarely did. “Cooler, yes. Accurate? I’m not so sure.”

Faye placed a hand dramatically over her heart. “You wound me, stranger.” But there was no malice in her words, only humour. “So, Azriel, what brings you here? Besides brooding, of course.”

“I’m on a mission,” he said simply, though even he wasn’t sure what his mission was anymore. He had come here to find peace, but instead, he had found her—and she was anything but peaceful.

Faye studied him for a moment, her gaze sharp despite the lightness of her demeanor. “Well, if you’re going to be hanging around, you might as well help. This garden doesn’t take care of itself, you know.”

Azriel raised a brow. “Help? With what?”

She gestured to the greenery around them. “Watering, planting, weeding… you know, garden stuff.”

He looked down at his dark leathers, clearly not designed for gardening, and then back at her. “I don’t think I’m dressed for it.”

Faye laughed, a sound that made his shadows flicker in response. “Don’t worry, I won’t make you touch any mud. I know how awful it can be,” she said with a wink.

Azriel couldn’t help but smile again. This fairy was unlike anyone he had ever met. Bold, bright, and full of life—a stark contrast to the shadows that clung to him. And yet, he found himself drawn to her as if she was a light he hadn’t realized he needed.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Over the next few days, Azriel stayed in the garden, helping Faye with her tasks despite his initial reluctance. They fell into an easy rhythm—she would chatter endlessly about the plants and flowers, and he would listen quietly, occasionally offering a dry comment that made her laugh.

They talked about everything and nothing, sharing stories and experiences. Azriel found himself opening up in ways he hadn’t thought possible, and Faye… Faye was simply herself, vibrant and unfiltered.

There were moments of quiet too, where they would sit together, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of gold and crimson. In those moments, Azriel felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time—peace.

And with that peace came something else.

Something deeper.

Something he wasn’t sure he was ready to name.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

One afternoon, Azriel found Faye sitting on a rock, her hands covered in dirt as she tended to a patch of flowers. She looked up when she saw him, a smudge of dirt on her cheek.

“Don’t say it,” she warned, pointing a finger at him.

“Say what?” he asked innocently.

“Something about how ironic it is that a garden fairy doesn’t like mud.”

Azriel smirked. “I would never.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, clearly not believing a word he said. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re dramatic,” he shot back, his tone light.

Faye laughed, the sound like a balm to his soul. “Touché.”

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The days passed in a blur of sunlight and laughter, and with every moment Azriel spent with Faye, he found himself growing more attached to her—this bold, vibrant garden fairy who somehow made his shadows feel less heavy.

For as long as he could remember, Azriel’s life had been one of duty, shadows, and unspoken desires. He had never allowed himself to entertain the idea of a different life—a lighter one, full of joy and warmth. And yet, here he was, standing in the middle of a blooming garden, watching Faye tease her friends and stomp around with exaggerated drama when forced to touch mud as if it were the bane of her existence.

He knew he should have left by now. His mission was complete—he had investigated the disturbances in the nearby forest, reported back to Rhysand, and confirmed there was no imminent threat. There was no reason for him to stay. And yet…

He stayed.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Azriel leaned against the trunk of a towering oak tree, arms crossed over his chest as he observed Faye from a distance. She was busy arranging a cluster of flowers into neat rows, her delicate fingers brushing over the petals with surprising care despite her earlier disdain for all things muddy.

“You’re staring again,” came a light voice from beside him. Azriel glanced to his left to see one of Faye’s friends—a fellow garden fairy with sharp green eyes and a knowing smirk.

“I wasn’t staring,” Azriel replied smoothly, though his shadows betrayed him, swirling restlessly around his shoulders as if they were unsettled by the accusation.

“Sure, you weren’t,” the fairy said, her tone teasing. “You know, if you like her, you could just tell her.”

Azriel shot her a warning look. “It’s not that simple.”

The fairy raised a brow. “Why not? You’re here, she’s here. You enjoy each other’s company.” She paused, her expression softening. “Faye may seem like she’s always full of light and laughter, but she doesn’t let people in easily. If she’s let you stay this long, it means something.”

Azriel’s gaze shifted back to Faye, who was now attempting to balance a watering can on her head, much to the amusement of the other fairies. Her laughter rang out across the meadow, clear and pure, and something in Azriel’s chest tightened.

Maybe the fairy was right. Maybe it did mean something.

But how could someone like him—who carried so much darkness—ever hope to deserve someone like Faye?

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the garden was bathed in a warm golden glow, Faye found Azriel sitting alone on a flat rock by the stream. His shadows danced lazily around him, blending into the growing dusk. He looked so out of place in the peaceful garden, a figure of darkness surrounded by light. And yet, to Faye, he fit perfectly.

“Mind if I join you?” she asked, her voice soft.

Azriel glanced up, surprised. “Of course.”

She plopped down beside him, close enough that their shoulders almost touched. For a moment, they sat in silence, listening to the gentle burble of the stream.

“You know,” Faye began, her voice thoughtful, “I’ve been wondering something.”

Azriel tilted his head slightly, waiting for her to continue.

“Why did you stay?” she asked, turning to face him fully. “You finished your mission days ago. Most people would have left by now.”

Azriel hesitated, unsure how to answer. How could he explain that he stayed because of her? Something about her had captivated him in a way he hadn’t thought possible.

“I needed time to think,” he said at last, which wasn’t a lie—it just wasn’t the whole truth.

Faye didn’t press him, but there was a flicker of disappointment in her eyes, gone so quickly he almost missed it. “Well, whatever the reason, I’m glad you stayed,” she said with a smile. “You’re not half bad to have around.”

Azriel’s lips twitched upward. “High praise coming from someone who called me brooding and mysterious.”

“Hey, I call it like I see it,” Faye said with a playful shrug. Then, after a brief pause, she added, “You know, you don’t always have to be so serious.”

Azriel raised a brow. “I’m not serious all the time.”

“Oh?” Faye challenged a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “Prove it.”

Before Azriel could respond, Faye reached over and plucked a small flower from the ground, twirling it between her fingers. “Here. Hold this.”

Azriel took the flower, his large scarred hand dwarfing the delicate bloom. He stared at it, unsure what to do.

“Now,” Faye said, leaning closer, “smile.”

Azriel blinked. “What?”

“You heard me. Smile. Come on, I know you can do it.”

Azriel shook his head, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re avoiding the challenge,” Faye shot back, crossing her arms.

With a resigned sigh, Azriel allowed himself a small smile—just enough to satisfy her demand.

“There it is!” Faye declared triumphantly. “See? Not so serious after all.”

Azriel’s smile widened just a fraction. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re adorable when you’re trying to be grumpy,” Faye teased, poking him lightly in the side.

Azriel chuckled softly, a sound that surprised even himself. He couldn’t remember the last time he had laughed—truly laughed. But with Faye, it felt natural, like breathing.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

As night fell and the stars began to twinkle above, Azriel found himself dreading the moment when he would have to leave. He didn’t want this—didn’t want to say goodbye to Faye and the light she had brought into his life.

But he knew he couldn’t stay forever. His duties in Velaris awaited him, and he had never been one to shirk responsibility.

Still, as he looked at Faye, who was now lying on the grass, pointing out constellations and spinning fanciful tales about them, he felt a longing he couldn’t ignore.

“I have to leave soon,” he said quietly, the words tasting bitter on his tongue.

Faye stilled, her hand pausing mid-gesture. Slowly, she sat up, her expression carefully neutral. “I figured as much.”

Azriel looked away, unable to meet her gaze. “I don’t want to.”

“Then don’t,” Faye said simply.

He turned back to her, surprised. “It’s not that simple.”

Faye sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know. I just…” She trailed off, searching for the right words. “I like having you here, Azriel. You make this place feel… different. Better.”

Her confession took him by surprise, and for a moment, he didn’t know how to respond. But then, before he could overthink it, he reached out and took her hand in his.

“I feel the same way,” he admitted, his voice low. “You make me feel different. Better.”

Faye’s eyes widened slightly, but then she smiled—a soft, genuine smile that made Azriel’s heartache in the best way.

“Then stay a little longer,” she whispered. “Just a little longer.”

Azriel tightened his grip on her hand, a silent promise. “As long as you’ll have me.”

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Taglist:-

@donnadiddadog @rcarbo1 @onebadassunicorn-blog @wintersquirrel

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His Shadows & Their Starlight

Storyline:-(Ver.2.0) Azriel is sitting next to Elain as you sit by the fireplace reading. You've been staying with Azriel, Cassian, and Rhysand for the past two months in Velaris. You're a mortal but Rhysand says you have different abilities that no mortal should be able to have. For example, winnowing or teleporting. Azriel is in love with Elain Archeron even though Elain already has a mate.

Word count:- 1.7k

Warnings:- Insecurity, Lonliness, Jealousy, Angst.

Series:- Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3

Chapter 4: The Shadow's Embrace

Isla's POV

The weight of Velaris pressed against me, invisible yet suffocating.

It wasn’t the city itself—Velaris was beautiful, a sanctuary carved out of light and dreams. It was the expectations, the constant reminder that I was living in a world far beyond my own. Powers I didn’t understand coursed through me, untamed and unpredictable. Most days, I felt like a child stumbling through the dark, reaching for something solid but finding only shadows.

And yet, it was the shadows that seemed to understand me the most.

Azriel’s shadows had become a constant presence in my life. They moved around me like silent sentinels, their dark tendrils curling in ways that felt almost… affectionate. They offered a solace I didn’t think I deserved, a quiet reminder that I wasn’t as alone as I felt.

But Azriel himself—he was another story.

I found him in the training yard one morning, his back to me as he worked through a series of precise movements with his blades. His wings flared slightly with each strike, the muscles in his back rippling under the soft light of dawn.

For a moment, I simply watched him, my heart pounding in a way that had nothing to do with fear.

“Are you going to stand there all morning?” His voice was low, tinged with the faintest hint of amusement.

I flushed, stepping into the open. “I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Azriel lowered his blades, turning to face me. His expression was unreadable, as always, but his shadows stirred at the edges of his form, shifting like they were pleased to see me.

“You’re up early,” he said, his tone neutral.

I shrugged, wrapping my arms around myself. “Couldn’t sleep.”

He nodded, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. Then, without a word, he gestured for me to join him.

Training with Azriel was… intense. He didn’t coddle me, didn’t treat me like the fragile mortal everyone else seemed to see. He pushed me, challenging me to face my fears and my limits.

But today, I wasn’t up for it.

Halfway through our session, I dropped to the ground, my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath. “I can’t,” I said, my voice cracking.

Azriel stood over me, his brow furrowed. “You’re stronger than this, Isla.”

“Am I?” The words came out harsher than I intended, but I didn’t care. “Because I don’t feel strong. I feel lost. Like I don’t belong here. Like I’m drowning.”

For a moment, Azriel said nothing. Then, slowly, he crouched down in front of me, his shadows curling around us like a protective cocoon.

“You’re not drowning,” he said softly. “You’re learning how to swim.”

The words hit me harder than I expected, and before I could stop myself, tears filled my eyes.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” I whispered.

Azriel didn’t respond, but his shadows moved closer, brushing against my skin like a gentle caress. I closed my eyes, letting the sensation wash over me. It was like being held, like being wrapped in a warmth I hadn’t realized I needed.

For the first time in weeks, I felt safe.

But when I opened my eyes, Azriel was gone.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

That night, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. About the way his shadows had comforted me, the way they seemed to know exactly what I needed.

It wasn’t just the shadows, though. It was Azriel himself. He was distant, yes, but there was a depth to him that I couldn’t ignore. A quiet strength that drew me in, even when he tried to push me away.

I found him in the library later, sitting alone at a table with a book in his hands. His shadows were restless, shifting and curling around him like they couldn’t decide whether to settle or flee.

“Am I interrupting?” I asked, hesitating at the edge of the room.

Azriel looked up, his expression guarded. “No.”

I took a deep breath, crossing the room to sit across from him. “Thank you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“For what?”

“For earlier,” I said, meeting his gaze. “For being there when I needed someone.”

His jaw tightened, and he looked away. “It was nothing.”

“It wasn’t nothing,” I insisted. “You didn’t have to stay, but you did. And your shadows…” I trailed off, unsure how to put it into words.

Azriel’s gaze snapped back to mine, something flickering in his eyes. “They shouldn’t have done that.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s not their place.”

His words stung, but I refused to back down. “Maybe it’s not their place, but they did it anyway. And I’m grateful for it.”

Azriel shook his head, standing abruptly. His shadows swirled around him, agitated. “You don’t understand.”

“Then explain it to me,” I said, standing as well. “Help me understand.”

He turned away, his wings tensing. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because you make me feel things I’m not supposed to feel!”

The words burst out of him, raw and unguarded. For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of his confession hanging between us.

“I didn’t ask for this,” he said, his voice quieter now. “I didn’t ask for any of it.”

“Neither did I,” I said softly.

Azriel’s shoulders slumped, and for a moment, he looked more vulnerable than I’d ever seen him. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice barely audible.

Before I could respond, he was gone, his shadows trailing behind him like a dark tide.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

In the days that followed, I found myself avoiding him, unsure of how to face the emotions his words had stirred within me. But his shadows—they didn’t seem to understand the concept of distance.

They were always there, always reaching for me in moments of quiet. They were my comfort, my solace, even when their master couldn’t be.

Slowly, I began to realize that they weren’t just shadows.

They were Azriel’s heart, laid bare in a way he couldn’t bring himself to show.

I didn’t know what it meant, this connection we shared. But I knew one thing for certain: I wasn’t ready to let it go.

Taglist:-

@donnadiddadog @wintersquirrel @rcarbo1 @onebadassunicorn-blog

[azrielmasterlist]

His Shadows & Their Starlight

Storyline:-(Ver.2.0) Azriel is sitting next to Elain as you sit by the fireplace reading. You've been staying with Azriel, Cassian, and Rhysand for the past two months in Velaris. You're a mortal but Rhysand says you have different abilities that no mortal should be able to have. For example, winnowing or teleporting. Azriel is in love with Elain Archeron even though Elain already has a mate.

Word count:- 1.3k

Warnings:- Insecurity, Lonliness, Jealousy, Angst.

Series:- Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Chapter 3: A Mortal's Heart

Isla's POV

I didn't realize how lonely I had been until I started feeling like I wasn't anymore.

The Night Court was not an easy place to belong. Everyone here seemed to have a purpose, a role carved out of fire, magic, and history. They were warriors and dreamers, protectors and rulers, each of them larger than life in ways I could barely fathom. And then there was me—a mortal girl who had stumbled into this world like a leaf blown in by the wind.

Rhysand had a way of making me feel at ease, though. There was a kindness to him, a patience that never felt patronizing. He spoke to me as if I were an equal, even when I doubted I ever could be. Feyre, too, was warm and inviting, her smiles carrying the same quiet strength that seemed to define the Night Court itself.

But Azriel... Azriel was different.

He was always watching me, though he seemed to think I didn't notice. His gaze lingered in ways that made my skin prickle—not out of discomfort, but out of something I couldn't quite name. It wasn't just the way he looked at me, though. It was the way he didn't look at me, too. The way his attention would flicker away, as though he were fighting something within himself.

I could see his pain, even if he tried to hide it. It was in the tension of his shoulders, the careful way he moved, as though he were always ready for a battle that might never come. It was in his silence, in the way his shadows curled around him like armor.

But those same shadows—they didn't act that way around me.

They moved differently when I was near. Softer, gentler, like they were reaching for me, offering something unspoken that I didn't fully understand. At first, I thought I was imagining it, that I was seeing things that weren't there. But the more time I spent in Velaris, the more certain I became.

It wasn't just the shadows. It was Azriel, too.

I didn't know what it meant, but I couldn't ignore the way he seemed to be drawn to me, even as he tried to keep his distance.

One evening, after dinner with the inner circle, I found myself wandering through the halls of the House of Wind. It was quiet, the kind of silence that felt alive, as though the walls themselves were listening.

I didn't realize where my feet were taking me until I stepped out onto a balcony overlooking the city. The view was breathtaking, the lights of Velaris shimmering like a sea of stars. But I wasn't alone.

Azriel was there, standing at the edge of the balcony with his back to me. His wings were partially unfurled, the faint moonlight catching on the dark, leathery expanse.

I hesitated, unsure if I should interrupt. But his shadows shifted, curling around him before stretching out toward me, as if they were inviting me closer.

"Couldn't sleep?" I asked softly, stepping up beside him.

He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "Something like that."

The silence between us was heavy but not uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that felt like a conversation in its own right.

"You're always watching," I said after a moment, my voice barely above a whisper.

Azriel's gaze flicked to mine, sharp and searching. "And you're always noticing."

There was something in his tone—an edge of curiosity, maybe even amusement.

"I can't help it," I admitted. "You're... not easy to ignore."

He let out a soft, almost bitter laugh. "That's not usually a good thing."

I turned to face him fully, my heart pounding in my chest. "It's not a bad thing, either."

Azriel didn't respond right away. His shadows shifted around him, curling and uncurling like restless creatures.

"You don't belong here," he said finally, his voice quiet but firm. "This world—it's not meant for mortals."

The words stung, but not because they weren't true. They were. I knew that. But hearing him say it—it felt like a rejection, even if I knew he didn't mean it that way.

"I know," I said, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest. "But I'm here anyway."

Azriel's gaze softened slightly, and for a moment, I thought I saw something flicker in his eyes—something raw and unguarded.

"You're stronger than you realize," he said quietly. "Stronger than most of us."

The words caught me off guard, and I didn't know how to respond.

Before I could say anything, his shadows moved again, brushing against my arm like a gentle caress. The sensation was strange but comforting, like a warmth I hadn't realized I was missing.

"Do they always do that?" I asked, nodding toward the shadows.

Azriel's lips curved into the faintest of smiles. "Not usually."

I didn't know what that meant, but I didn't press him. Instead, I let the silence settle between us again, the weight of the moment sinking into my bones.

As the days turned into weeks, I found myself spending more time with the inner circle. They were kind to me, in their own ways, and I began to feel less like an outsider and more like... something else. Not quite one of them, but not entirely separate, either.

And Azriel—he was always there, hovering at the edges of my awareness. He didn't speak much, but his presence was impossible to ignore.

It was in the quiet moments, though, that I felt closest to him. The moments when his shadows would reach for me, offering a silent kind of comfort that I couldn't put into words.

I didn't know what it meant, this bond that seemed to be forming between us. But I knew it was real, even if neither of us fully understood it yet.

One night, as I lay awake in my room, staring up at the ceiling, I couldn't stop thinking about him. About the way his shadows moved around me, the way his gaze lingered just a little too long.

I didn't know what to do with these feelings, these thoughts that seemed to consume me. But I knew one thing for certain: Azriel was more than just the sum of his pain and his shadows.

And maybe, just maybe, I was more than just a mortal girl trying to find her place in a world of immortals.

Maybe we were both something more.

Taglist:-

@donnadiddadog

[azrielmasterlist]

His Shadows & Their Starlight

Storyline:-(Ver.2.0) Azriel is sitting next to Elain as you sit by the fireplace reading. You've been staying with Azriel, Cassian, and Rhysand for the past two months in Velaris. You're a mortal but Rhysand says you have different abilities that no mortal should be able to have. For example, winnowing or teleporting. Azriel is in love with Elain Archeron even though Elain already has a mate.

Series:-

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Epilogue

Available On:-

Wattpad:-His Shadows & Their Starlight

Inkitt:- His Shadows & Their Starlight

Note:- Chapters are first updated on Wattpad.

Taglist:-

@donnadiddadog @onebadassunicorn-blog @rcarbo1 @wintersquirrel

[azrielmasterlist]

His Shadows & Their Starlight

Storyline:-(Ver.2.0) Azriel is sitting next to Elain as you sit by the fireplace reading. You've been staying with Azriel, Cassian, and Rhysand for the past two months in Velaris. You're a mortal but Rhysand says you have different abilities that no mortal should be able to have. For example, winnowing or teleporting. Azriel is in love with Elain Archeron even though Elain already has a mate.

Word count:- 1.15k

Warnings:- Insecurity, Lonliness, Jealousy, Angst.

Series:- Chapter 1

Chapter 2: The Haunting Past

Isla's POV

I was still learning how to navigate the quiet corners of Velaris. They felt both beautiful and unnerving, like living inside a painting that could come alive at any moment. The Night Court was steeped in an elegance that seemed almost otherworldly, yet its people were undeniably vibrant, alive with a spirit I found both comforting and overwhelming.

I didn't know how to place myself in this world of power and magic. I felt more like an intruder than a guest. A mortal—a temporary flicker of existence—among beings who had centuries carved into their souls.

Azriel, however, was a puzzle all his own.

He was distant, a ghost that hovered at the edges of every room, every conversation. And yet, when his shadows moved, it was like they betrayed the parts of him he tried so hard to keep hidden. Those shadows weren't silent. They whispered, they reached, and sometimes... they found me.

I caught glimpses of him in those quiet moments when his focus faltered, and something more human slipped through his carefully crafted mask. That morning, as I stood on the balcony overlooking Velaris's sprawling, shimmering streets, I thought about those moments. About him.

The door creaked softly behind me, and I turned, expecting to see Feyre or perhaps one of the others. But it was Azriel.

His presence felt heavier than the others. He didn't speak right away, and the silence stretched between us like a thin thread, taut and fragile.

"Good morning," I said cautiously, unsure of how to fill the space.

He gave a small nod, his wings rustling faintly as he stepped closer to the edge of the balcony. His gaze flicked over the city below, but his attention wasn't on the view. He seemed... preoccupied, his brows furrowed as if lost in a memory.

I wanted to ask what he was thinking, but I didn't dare. Instead, I waited, letting the silence settle again.

Finally, he spoke, his voice low and rough. "Do you ever think about what you've left behind?"

The question caught me off guard. I turned to face him, unsure of what to say. "All the time," I admitted. "I don't think it ever leaves me. My life before this—before here—it feels like another world entirely. Like I'm not the same person I was."

Azriel's gaze shifted to me, his hazel eyes sharp and searching. "And does it make you want to go back?"

It was a complicated question, one I hadn't fully allowed myself to answer. "Sometimes," I said honestly. "But... even if I did, I'm not sure I'd fit there anymore. Not after this."

He nodded slowly as if he understood. His wings stretched slightly before settling again, and for a moment, he looked like he wanted to say more.

"Do you?" I asked carefully, my voice barely above a whisper. "Think about what you've left behind?"

A shadow passed over his face, and for a moment, I thought he wouldn't answer. But then, quietly, he said, "It's not what I've left behind that haunts me. It's what I've lost."

There was a weight to his words that made my chest ache. I didn't know the details of Azriel's past, but I knew enough to understand that it was filled with pain, with scars that ran deeper than anything I could comprehend.

I wanted to reach out to him, to say something that might ease the burden he carried, but I wasn't sure if he'd let me. Instead, I stayed quiet, hoping my presence would be enough.

His shadows moved then, curling around his feet like restless tendrils of smoke. They shifted subtly, almost imperceptibly, and I felt that strange pull again—the way they seemed to acknowledge me, to reach for me.

"Your shadows," I murmured before I could stop myself. "They're always... moving. Always watching."

Azriel's gaze snapped to mine, sharp and wary. "They have a will of their own," he said simply, but there was something in his tone that made me think he didn't entirely believe his own words.

"They comfort me," I admitted, my cheeks flushing slightly as I spoke. "When I feel... out of place. Like I don't belong here."

For a moment, he looked genuinely surprised. His shadows stilled as if they were listening to me, and I wondered if he felt what I did—the warmth they carried, the strange sense of solace they offered.

"I didn't realise they could do that," he said, his voice softer now, almost hesitant.

"Maybe it's not them," I said quietly, my gaze dropping to the floor. "Maybe it's you."

The words hung in the air between us, and I instantly regretted saying them. But when I glanced up, I saw something shift in his expression.

"It's not me," he said, but his voice lacked its usual certainty. "I've never... I'm not the kind of person who offers comfort, Isla."

I didn't know what to say to that. He seemed so sure, so convinced that he was nothing more than the sum of his shadows and his pain. But I wasn't convinced. There was more to him than that—there had to be.

Before I could respond, his gaze drifted away, his features hardening slightly. I followed his line of sight and saw Elain standing at the far end of the balcony, her delicate features framed by the soft light of the morning sun.

The tension in Azriel's posture was immediate, his shadows shifting restlessly around him. I felt like I was intruding on something deeply personal, something I couldn't possibly understand.

Elain's gaze flicked to me briefly before settling on Azriel, and for a moment, it felt like the world held its breath.

"Azriel," she said softly, her voice carrying a note of something I couldn't quite place.

He nodded to her, his expression unreadable, and then, without another word, he turned and walked away. His shadows lingered for a moment, hovering around me like a fleeting whisper before following him into the shadows.

I watched him go, my chest tight with an ache I didn't fully understand.

Elain didn't say anything to me, but she didn't need to. Her presence alone was enough to remind me of the gulf between us—the mortal girl with no place in this world and the woman who seemed to hold a piece of Azriel's heart, even if it was fractured and complicated.

As the day wore on, I couldn't stop thinking about the way Azriel had looked at me, the way his shadows had reached for me. There was something there, something unspoken, and I couldn't shake the feeling that it mattered.

But it wasn't just about me. It was about him—about the pain he carried, the battles he fought within himself. And as much as I wanted to reach out to him, to offer him some semblance of comfort, I wasn't sure if he'd let me.

All I knew was that his shadows had chosen me, and maybe, just maybe, that meant something. Something neither of us fully understood yet.

Put some suggestions for the story scenes in comment section If you'd like. I am open to any new ideas or recommendations.😊😜.

Taglist:-

@donnadiddadog

[azrielmasterlist]

His Shadows & Their Starlight

Storyline:-(Ver.2.0) Azriel is sitting next to Elain as you sit by the fireplace reading. You've been staying with Azriel, Cassian, and Rhysand for the past two months in Velaris. You're a mortal but Rhysand says you have different abilities that no mortal should be able to have. For example, winnowing or teleporting. Azriel is in love with Elain Archeron even though Elain already has a mate.

Word count:- 1.3k

Warnings:- Insecurity, Lonliness, Jealousy, Angst.

Series:- Chapter 2

Chapter 1: The Shadows in the Room

Isla's POV

I didn’t belong here.

That thought echoed through my mind over and over as I sat at the large, intricately carved wooden table in the Night Court’s expansive dining hall. The room was filled with an air of quiet sophistication, bathed in the soft light of glowing crystals that flickered in hues of violet and gold. It was beautiful, like something out of a dream, and yet all I could feel was out of place.

I was a mortal. A mere human with abilities I still didn’t fully understand, lost in a world of immortals—Fae, gods, and creatures far beyond anything I had ever imagined. They were kind to me, at least outwardly, but the strange feeling of being different, of being a thing that didn’t belong, weighed heavily on my chest. The shimmering elegance of Velaris seemed to mock my smallness, my humanity.

I tried to focus on the conversation happening around me, but it was all noise, all blur. Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, was speaking to someone, his voice smooth and calm, but I couldn’t pay attention to the words. My gaze wandered around the room, falling on a lone figure at the far end of the table.

Azriel.

The spymaster. The shadowsinger. The brooding, silent warrior with eyes that could pierce straight through you, as if he could see everything—every flaw, every mistake, every fear. He had always been the most mysterious of the Night Court, and no matter how many times I tried to make sense of him, I always came up short.

He was seated far from me, his posture stiff and rigid, his eyes fixed on something that wasn’t there. He looked like he didn’t want to be here, like he was waiting for something to end.

But even in his detachment, there was something about him that drew me in, a pull I couldn’t quite explain. It was more than just his dark, handsome features or the way his presence seemed to fill the room despite his quiet demeanor. No, it was deeper than that. It was the aura of sadness, of anger, that seemed to cling to him like a second skin.

I had only been in Velaris for a few weeks, but I had already sensed the tension between him and Elain, the youngest member of the Inner Circle. They rarely spoke directly to each other, and when they did, it was cold, distant. Sometimes, their exchanges felt like a battle of wills, neither one willing to yield.

Elain was kind, gentle, the kind of person who radiated warmth and light. She was everything Azriel wasn’t, and yet the connection between them was undeniable. But it was also complicated. She had her bond with Lucien, the fiery redhead who always seemed to be in the middle of everything, and Azriel… Azriel had his own battles.

Watching them from a distance, I couldn’t help but feel like an intruder. They were tied to each other in ways I couldn’t understand, and I didn’t know where I fit in. As a mortal, I was a guest, a foreigner in their world, and I had no place in their intricate web of relationships.

But despite that, my eyes kept drifting back to Azriel. There was something about him, something that pulled at me even in my confusion and isolation. I couldn’t stop noticing the way his shadows flickered around him like extensions of his very being, like they were alive, whispering secrets to each other.

It was in the way his shadows moved that night that caught my attention.

They weren’t just there. They were… reaching.

As the conversation continued around me, I felt a strange sensation creeping along my skin, like an electric charge in the air. My heart skipped a beat as I realized the shadows that trailed behind Azriel were moving, stretching toward me. They were subtle at first, almost imperceptible, but as the night wore on, they became harder to ignore.

My pulse quickened. I was in the middle of a conversation, but my attention had completely shifted. I couldn’t take my eyes off the shadows. I looked up at Azriel, who had yet to notice my gaze, and felt a twinge of unease. Why was I feeling this? Was I imagining things?

“Isla?”

Rhysand’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I blinked rapidly, snapping back to reality. I looked up to find him smiling kindly at me, though there was a glimmer of concern in his violet eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. “I was… lost in thought.”

Rhysand’s smile deepened, but there was still a touch of curiosity in his gaze. “It’s all right. If you’re not feeling up to this, we can call it a night.”

I shook my head quickly, not wanting to appear weak. “No, I’m fine.”

I forced my attention back to the conversation, but my thoughts remained on Azriel, on the way the shadows that swirled around him seemed to reach out to me. They were drawing closer now, moving like tendrils of smoke, curling and uncurling as if beckoning me.

There was no reason for me to feel this way. Shadows were nothing new to me; I had learned long ago to accept that I had strange abilities, some of which I didn’t fully understand. But this… this was different. These weren’t just shadows. They were alive, and they wanted something from me.

I glanced again at Azriel. He hadn’t moved, hadn’t acknowledged the strange movements of the shadows at all. His face remained impassive, as though he didn’t even notice the way his own shadows responded to me. But I could feel them. They were reaching for me, wrapping around me in a silent embrace.

The moment felt surreal. My skin tingled with an odd warmth, and I felt… comforted. The shadows, cold and dark as they were, seemed to understand me in a way no one else had. I wasn’t sure if they were reaching for me because they recognized something in me or if it was just Azriel’s quiet power influencing them. But I was drawn to them, to the silence they offered, to the unspoken promise they seemed to whisper.

I wanted to pull back, to escape the weight of the moment, but I couldn’t. The shadows surrounded me like a second skin, offering their quiet, silent support.

“Isla?”

This time, it was Azriel’s voice, low and gravelly, and I flinched. My heart raced as I turned to face him. His piercing hazel eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, the tension between us seemed to stretch out in a tight, invisible line.

He was watching me closely, studying me with an intensity that made me feel exposed, as if he could see right through me.

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words failed me. I wasn’t sure what I could say. I didn’t understand what was happening.

“You’re… staring,” Azriel said, his voice softer now, though it held a faint trace of curiosity.

I didn’t know how to respond. The shadows were still with me, curling around my legs and arms like a gentle caress, and yet, I could feel their weight. Azriel’s shadows. The shadows that followed him wherever he went.

I wanted to ask him about them. I wanted to ask him why they reacted to me, why they seemed to care. But I couldn’t. Something about him—his distance, his silence—kept me at arm’s length.

“I’m sorry,” I managed finally, though the apology felt hollow. “I just… felt something.”

Azriel’s brow furrowed slightly, but he didn’t push further. He merely nodded, his gaze never leaving mine.

I wasn’t sure what happened next. But I knew, deep down, that this moment, this strange connection with the shadows, was only the beginning of something I couldn’t yet comprehend.

As the night wore on, the shadows stayed with me, their presence never fading, and I realized that no matter how much I tried to escape it, I was bound to this world. To Velaris. To Azriel.

And perhaps, just perhaps, I was meant to be here.