icarusflewsworld

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 19 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you enjoyed reading and had a good time!!!

Since it's Christmas next week, the next chapter or maybe the next chapters will be posted in a week. On Friday, December 27th.

So I wish you an excellent day and a good weekend. But above all I wish you a very very very merry Christmas with lots and beautiful presents under the your Christmas tree. I hope you are happy. With all my love, ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

! Don't forget to read the other chapters ! : Here

Enjoy the read ! ❤️❤️❤️

Chapter 19 

Azriel's leg bounced nervously up and down and his fists were clenched on his thighs. Despite the fact that he was sitting on the living-room sofa, his back was straight, contracted all over. He stared at his lord in awe, "You're not seriously considering this, Rhys?" He'd thought he was hallucinating when his brother had offered to take Luxiana to the Weaver to retrieve her mother's ring. He'd thought he was hallucinating when his brother had proposed taking his little, smiling, sunny, weak and fragile mate to steal from a creature as powerful, crazy, cruel and dangerous as the Weaver. "It's far too dangerous! She's only human!"

Rhysand sighed again. He had crossed his arms. He was trying to stand up straight and look confident as his two brothers stared at him in horror. "Precisely, as she has no magic, the Weaver won't feel her. She'll just have to be as quiet as possible." He'd given it a lot of thought last night. His mother had left his engagement ring with the Weaver for several reasons: so that he wouldn't misuse it, and to make sure that the woman he wanted to marry was strong enough. His mother had explained to him that becoming the wife of a high lord was dangerous, and that the person he wished to marry would have to be at least cunning and courageous enough to steal his ring from the Weaver. Even so, he couldn't quell the huge ball of anguish clenching his stomach violently. He knew Azriel was right. It was so dangerous and he was so afraid for his mate. 

"And if she detects her, what are we going to do, eh, Rhys?" spat Azriel, rising from the sofa abruptly. He could feel that his eyes were wide open and he could well imagine them injecting with blood. He wanted to make his brother eat the floor. How could he contemplate putting their soul mate in such danger over a stupid ring? He held back from staring at his lord with a grimace of disgust. He didn't deserve Luxiana. 

Cassian was on the other sofa. He had his neck bent back and a thinking gaze on the ceiling. He was thinking. His two brothers were right. He didn't like knowing his mate was in danger, but he knew Rhysand's mother would have wanted Luxiana to be able to get through this. Especially when she was linked to the three of them. He wanted so much to respect the woman who had saved him from cold and starvation, but at the same time, he was terrified that his cute little human would end up hurt. Or worse. But he also knew she was resourceful and could survive. In any case, he wouldn't let anything happen to her, even if he had to die under the power of the weaver, he'd get his future wife to safety first. "Then we'll go get her and protect her," he asserted to Az, straightening his head to stare at the Illyrian with the blue siphons.

Azriel turned towards Cassian to widen his eyes. "Because you're okay with this???" he shouted through clenched teeth. He felt like he'd been plunged into water so cold he couldn't breathe. He was tetanized by the hatred he felt for his brothers.  

"Cass is right, there's no reason for her to get hurt, we'll prevent that from happening," Rhysand added in a calm voice he didn't even know how he managed to have, while inside he was as anxious and trembling as Azriel. 

"What if we don't make it in time??" The spy master gesticulated in all directions. "Need I to remind you who the Weaver is? She's considered a goddess because she's so powerful! Far more powerful than the three of us put together, Rhys. She's protected by laws and a high lord isn't allowed near her. Whatever happens, it will only get us into trouble. And I don't want any of that trouble to be my soul mate being injured!"

Rhysand let all his air go as he dropped onto one of the sofas. He knew he'd break every law to keep his soulmate from getting hurt, and that he'd take the consequences without flinching. But he also knew that Azriel was not wrong and that many things could go wrong. He rested his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands. He stayed like that for a moment, hating himself with every fiber of his being. He hated himself. He'd never get over it if Luxiana was hurt because of him. The Weaver was so powerful that anything could happen to Luxiana before he could reach her and teleport her away. But at the same time, all Luxiana had to do was to go in, steal the ring and come out all silent. The Weaver was blind, she wouldn't even know she was there.

He dropped his forearms to his thighs to stare at Azriel with a worried but sad look on his face. "I believe in fate and I'm convinced that my mother knew what she was doing. I'm convinced that she subconsciously knew that the three of us would share the same soul mate and that's why she adopted you. I'm convinced she suspected that our soul mate would be able to get that ring back. She wouldn't have left it there otherwise."

"Rhys, do you hear yourself?" shouted Azriel, flabbergasted. "Your mother wasn't a prophet! You want to risk our soulmate’s life for a stupid ring!"

Rhysand gritted his teeth and lowered his eyes.

Cassian leapt to his feet, anger pulsing through his veins all at once. "Be careful how you talk. She saved us. We owe her respect. And anyway, I told you, I wouldn't let our mate die."

Azriel glared at him. How dare he think he didn't respect Rhys's mother when he considered her his own. But he could believe whatever he wanted. The important thing now was his Luxiana. "What if she's hurt? Can you imagine her in pain? Can you bear the thought of her suffering, even for a second? I can't. I can't! It would destroy me to know she's in pain, even if it's just a scratch! And you too, for God's sake. Even ignoring the fact that she's our soul mate, we're Illyrians, it's in our fucking genes. It would kill us to see her hurt!" He grunted, trying to calm himself but failing. He turned to his lord to speak more calmly. "Rhys, you know I loved your mother, but there's no way she could have known our soul mate was human and fragile. She certainly wouldn't have left that ring there otherwise."

A heavy silence settled over them, pressing down on their chests. Azriel couldn't breathe, but he didn't even realize it, too absorbed in killing his two brothers with his eyes. Cassian looked doubtfully between Rhysand and Azriel. They were both right, and he was lost. He didn't know what to do or think. Rhysand was staring into space. He felt so bad. So guilty for having suggested this. He'd never get over it if Luxiana was hurt because of him. 

"Maybe we're getting in over our heads," Cassian finally says, forcing his two brothers to turn questioning irises on him. "Let's just tell her the idea and the risks and leave it at that. It's her choice, after all."

Azriel rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Haven't you figured out who she is yet? I mean, she's bound to want to. She doesn't seem to give a damn about putting her life in danger. It's up to us to stop her, but you don't seem to have figured that out yet."

Rhysand cleared his throat so as not to look as bad as he felt. "Maybe, but anyway, if we don't keep her busy, she's going to want us to go and get the book of breathing so she can get back to Feyre as soon as possible. At least this way, we keep her with us a little longer."

Azriel closed his eyes fiercely, his nostrils swelling. He couldn't believe his ears. None of them deserved Luxiana. And worst of all, he didn't stand a chance against them. They were two against him. 

"Let's go wake her up and talk to her about it," Cassian breathed as he rose to his feet. "We'll see what happens and what she says."

Rhysand nodded, stood up and set off. Azriel reluctantly followed his two brothers. They walked in a heavy silence. Azriel gritted his teeth so hard his skull ached. His gait was stiff. Rhysand walked swiftly with an air of determination, but it was mainly to get there as quickly as possible before ducking out. He felt like throwing up. Cassian could feel a mixture of similar emotions running through his veins. He felt everything his brothers felt. He was lost. He moved forward with folded arms.

They arrived in front of Luxiana's room. Rhysand's almost trembling hand rose to knock on the door, and they waited there, restraining themselves from running away. The door opened slowly, revealing their soul mate. And when they discovered her - in a white silk nightie reaching halfway up her thighs, with what seemed to be the remains of a bun around her tangled hair that went in all directions, with a face marked by the folds of the sheets as she looked at them with half-closed eyes - nothing else mattered. Nothing else mattered to the three Illyrians but her. 

"Hum?" she groaned, squinting a little more. She glanced at the morning sunlight seeping through her bay window before shifting her pupils to the three Illyrians. What time was it? What were they doing there? God, they were so sexy. She wasn't used to this kind of vision as soon as she woke up, but she liked the idea. She rubbed both eyelids with her fists. She rested her irises on the three Illyrians in front of her, whom she suddenly found abnormally white. "Is everything all right? What's going on?" She cleared her throat, but her voice was still raspy.

Cassian couldn't help but laugh tenderly, almost mockingly, as he detailed her. Her pupils sparkled so brightly he could feel them. He stared down at her hungrily. She was so sexy like that. The desire awakening inside him heated him up completely. God, he wanted to kiss every inch of her legs.

Fireworks exploded in Azriel's chest, spreading through his whole body to tickle him. His arm muscles burned, he wanted to hug her. His fingers stung, he wanted to touch her. He moistened his dry lips, he wanted to kiss her. How could anyone be so cute? His soul mate was the sweetest woman who'd ever walked this earth. There was no way he was going to let Rhysand put her in danger.

Rhysand's heart missed a long beat. A very long one. So long that he felt like falling, forcing him to take a step back to catch himself. He wanted to see this every morning. He just wanted to spend his life with this woman. His whole life. But she was only human. It would be so short. He had to preserve her to keep her alive as long as possible. Anyway, he couldn't even imagine hurting her. "Nothing," he finally breathed, smiling.

Cassian and Azriel turned a shocked, questioning gaze towards him. Rhysand took another step backwards, paying no attention to his brothers. "Nothing at all," he added in the same way. He took a deep breath, relieved. It was safer this way. "Sorry to have bothered you." Unable to restrain himself, he raised his hand to gently caress the angle of his soulmate's jaw with his fingertips. It had only lasted a second before his arm fell back, but he'd been electrocuted through and through. He took another step backwards.

"But Rhys...," Cassian began in their heads with total incomprehension and glancing at Azriel who was in the same state.

"Az was right, I'm an asshole," he replied telepathically. "How could I even think for a second about putting our soul mate in danger. Look at her. It's out of the question. I don't want to risk it," he turned to start walking away from the room. He cursed himself. How could he have considered taking such a risk?

Azriel took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. His brother had come to his senses. He wasn't so bad after all. He returned his gaze to Luxiana, who detailed them with a curious, tilted head. He smiled tenderly. She was so adorable. "Go back to bed." He reached for the handle to close the door, but Luxiana shook her head at the sight of him. 

She slipped through the room's narrowing opening to chase Rhys, grabbing him by the sleeve of his black jacket. The lord stopped abruptly to turn back to her with wide-open eyelids. "Why are you here?" the blonde insisted.

Rhysand took a breath to speak, but Luxiana interrupted him by crossing her arms with a stern look. "And don't tell me it's nothing. There's got to be a reason." She suspected he hadn't just come to wake her up, he would have told her otherwise. No, something had happened and she was determined to find out what.

Cassian leaned against the wall beside him, quietly watching the scene unfold before him. He smiled, knowing that Luxiana was about to martyr his two brothers.

Rhysand looked at her tenderly, he couldn't help it. She was so stubborn and reckless. He couldn't lie to her and anyway, he had no other explanation coming to him. "We...," he searched for his words as he lowered his eyes, feeling ashamed. "I wanted to take you somewhere but it's too dangerous after all. I've changed my mind." 

Luxiana frowned so hard that it distorted her whole face. She squinted. "Go where?" Then she smirked, "if it's dangerous, I'm in!"

Azriel looked up at the ceiling before casting a reproving look at his soulmate. "Of course," he growled. "That's why we're not going. You're too reckless."

"It doesn't matter anymore, anyway," Rhysand added, shaking his hand toward his brother. "We're not going, that's decided." 

Luxiana made a disappointed, whimsical pout. "If you don't want to go because I'd be in danger, don't you think that's for me to decide?" 

"That's exactly what I said," Cassian smiled proudly.

"Owwwn," moaned the blonde, turning to Cassian with a tender look on her face. "I knew it, you're the cutest of the three."

Cassian smiled with all his teeth as he puffed out his chest, but Azriel and Rhysand glowered at him. 

Luxiana turned back to Rhysand with determination and a little anger. At least, that's what she was trying to let on, because she wasn't really angry. She thought all three of them were cute. "Besides, I don't see why you're worried about me. It can't be that dangerous."

"It is," Azriel articulated, crossing his arms.

"That's for me to decide," she glanced sideways at the master spy before refocusing on the lord. "Where did you want to take me?" 

Rhysand, unsure of what to do, glanced at Cassian, who nodded in encouragement, then set his pupils on Azriel, who shook his head from left to right to dissuade him. The lord huffed. “We wanted to take you to see a creature called the Weaver. She's a fae who.... "

"Oh Stryga!?" she exclaimed, interrupting him with a big smile. "Yes, I know," she nodded, waving her hand in the air to urge Rhysand to abbreviate his explanation and resume.

The three Illyrians frowned, casting confused glances at each other. "What do you mean you know?" asked Azriel, staring at her from the side. Cassian straightened up to walk over to Rhysand and get a good look at his soulmate's face.

Luxiana looked up, opening her mouth several times in search of her words. She held back a grimace. She had spoken too fast again, without even thinking about what she was saying. She needed to collect herself now. "I read a lot of books," she shrugged, throwing the shadowsinger a smile, it wasn't a lie after all. "Stryga is the super-powered fae from another dimension exiled to the forest hundreds of years ago, blah, blah, blah, I know my stuff. So what did you want me to do? You wanted me to kill her?"

The three Illyrians raised their eyebrows in surprise, blinking several times at this unexpected statement. But although they found it strange, they didn't suspect it was a lie. In any case, there was no way she could have known the Weaver otherwise. 

Cassian blew out a laugh at the last words of his soul mate, who had the most serious face possible. "No, no, I doubt it's even possible to kill her, and even less by you."

"Oh well, I'm pretty sure I can," she asserted in all seriousness, nodding several times.

Azriel caught the bridge of his nose and sighed. Damn it, if she really knew who the Weaver was, how could she think she could kill her? She was so naive.

Rhysand looked at her tenderly. He smiled, shaking his head. "No, we wanted you to go steal something from her."

Luxiana darkened her brows, "Steal what? Why me?" Then she widened her eyes after a moment's thought. "This is some kind of test before summer court to make sure I'll be able to steal the book, right???"

Rhysand let out a little laugh with Cassian. He nodded, trying to hide the mocking glint in his pupils. "That's right, but...," resumed the lord before being interrupted by Luxiana.

"Hihi," she said, shaking both her clenched fists in front of her. She turned in one swift motion, gliding gracefully across the floor as she started to make a dash for her room. "I'm going to get ready."

Azriel had the reflex to catch her by the forearm before she entered her room. His soul mate turned to him to find out what he wanted. "We said no, we're not going. It's much too dangerous for you."

Luxiana turned to glare at the master spy. She crossed her arms. "But if I'm the one who'll be in danger, then that's my decision."

"No, precisely, it's not your decision, since you're not capable of making a reasonable one," Azriel spat dryly. Then he closed his eyes for a second, cursing himself for his tone and words, but Luxiana wasn't even a little intimidated or hurt. 

She shrugged with a doubtful grimace. "She's old and blind, certainly no threat to me." 

Azriel thought she was so cute, he could have smiled if he hadn't been so worried.

Luxiana anchored pupils glowing with supplication in those of the three Illyrians in turn. "Listen, I just want to prove to you that I can do it. Because I can. Trust me."

Rhysand's heart slammed against his ribs. He couldn't resist his mate’s adorable face. And he didn't want to hurt her when he trusted her. He took a deep breath. "Are you sure about this?" he asked her, because he wasn't sure at all.

"Yes," she assured serenely. "It's my decision, not yours."

"No," Azriel screamed in horror, turning to his brother. "The Weaver could disintegrate her just thinking about it." 

Cassian huffed, rolling his eyes. He was worried too, but his brother was abusing them. They were going to protect her and their mate was smart. She wasn't a child. "Stryga won't do it, she has a habit of slowly killing people who infiltrate her home." 

"Is that supposed to reassure me?" gasped Azriel with wide eyes. He was almost trembling with fear. He felt like he was going mad. Was he the only reasonable one here?

"She won't be hurt. We'll intervene first," Cassian assured, taking a threatening step towards Azriel, who was beginning to irritate him.

Rhysand breathed imperceptibly before stepping between his two brothers and breaking the distance between himself and his soul mate. He placed his hands on Luxiana's cheeks to cling to her face. He slowly drew his head closer to hers, while she merely looked at him with affectionate eyes and a reassuring smile. He swallowed hard. How could anyone look at someone who approached them like that? She was so sweet. 

Luxiana's heart pounded violently in her chest. The high lord approaching her was having quite an effect on her, and when he'd placed his hands on her cheeks, her whole body had begun to tickle. She did everything she could to keep smiling and not look as upset as she was.

Rhysand stopped only inches from his soulmate's lips, zoning in on them for a moment before plunging an intense gaze into the blonde's. "Are you sure you want to do this?" He lowered his eyes for a second. "To tell you the truth, it's an important object for me that you'll have to get back, but if you don't want it, we won't go. You're much more important. If you're feeling even the slightest bit of stress, or any other disturbing emotion, we'll stay here. You don't have to prove anything to us anyway."

"Rhys, I'm not afraid," she assured comfortingly. 

But Rhysand's heart had trembled. She'd called him by his nickname. Could he really risk putting her in such danger? What if something unexpected happened? What if something went wrong? It wasn't worth the risk.

Luxiana, almost able to read Rhysand's hesitation in his eyes, let out a small cry of frustration. "There's no point thinking about it any more. Now that I know all this, I'll go to the Weaver with or without you, even if it's years away. So either you stay here, or you come with me."

Rhysand laughed softly as he glanced at Cassian, who nodded to confirm that he suspected Luxiana would. Rhysand lowered his eyes to detail the blonde in his hands for another second. He was worried, but he suspected she'd try. She might even hurt herself trying. Or worse, she might succeed and they wouldn't even be there to defend her. He took a deep breath, then nodded in silent thanks. "She won't be able to see or smell you," he explained, suddenly regaining his seriousness.

"Fuck, Rhys," Azriel tried to interrupt, realizing that his brother was giving in. He put his hand on his lord's shoulder to get his attention, but Rhysand took no notice.

"If you're as quiet as possible, you can go in, steal the object and come out without her even knowing. She won't be able to hurt you."

"Rhys, I said no," Azriel shouted authoritatively, pushing Rhysand, who had to release Luxiana.

Cassian growled as he lashed out at his brother with his pupils. "It's her decision, Az, respect it. And if it's not then go, we'll go without you."

Azriel gave him a look so black that his irises were that color too. The three of them were against him. There was nothing he could do, and it was driving him mad. But there was no way they could go without him. He had to be able to protect his soul mate. He gritted his teeth but said nothing.

Cassian, having realized that his brother was giving up in spite of himself, turned to Luxiana with a confident, serious expression. "We'll be there in case of trouble. She won't hurt you, I'll make sure of that."

"If there's the slightest problem, we'll intervene," continued Rhysand with a reassuring face, but a ball of anguish emerged in his stomach. 

Luxiana simply nodded with a broad smile. Then she happily ran to her room to get ready. 

A few minutes later, while Azriel was still trying to convince his brothers not to go, and while they weren't even listening to him, Luxiana resurfaced. The three males turned to her and gasped. She was wearing black leather pants, equally dark thigh-high boots, a white shirt under a corset of the same color, and she'd pulled her hair back into a ponytail. "It's great," she raved happily. "All I have to do is ask at the house and she gives me the outfit I want, I love it!"

Cassian rolled his eyes to close them. He raised his head as he turned away from the blonde and ran his hands vigorously over his face. She looked so sexy in that outfit. He wanted to make love to her in this outfit, damn it. He was dying to jump on her, and he didn't know what kind of self-control would stop him, but he was admiring himself.

Rhysand smiled pretentiously as he detailed her with eager pupils. She immediately looked a lot less cute like this. He loved it, but he couldn't help smiling at the irony of the situation. She was so sexy when she was just cute. 

Azriel paced all around them. He was so anxious that he only noticed his sister's outfit for a second before he started walking nervously again. Damn, he'd have to make her a suit of armor. She wouldn't be protected enough with this leather.

Then Rhysand finally held out his hand. "Ready?"

She caught him with a confident smile and a strange gleam of coldness in her pupils. "Ready." 

Without further ado, the lord teleported them a few steps away from the Weaver's house. 

Luxiana spun around, letting go of Rhys, to take in the tall trees and dense vegetation that now surrounded her. She glanced coldly at Stryga's house. The corner of her mouth lifted in a kind of spasm that the Illyrians couldn't see. Then she turned her determined gaze back to the three males in front of her, who were staring at the building with apprehension and even fear for Azriel. "What shall I steal?" 

Rhysand turned his violet irises on her and was surprised for a second. She looked serious, her eyebrows slightly furrowed and her eyes cold with determination. The lord lifted his chin, smiling in a corner to give himself a haughty, confident air he didn't have at all. He didn't want to worry her, it was stress that made you make mistakes. "You will know when you see it," he replied simply.

Luxiana frowned, pulling her head back in surprise. "Probably not, no."

Azriel gritted his teeth and took a sharp breath. He glanced sideways at his brother. "Rhys, at least tell her what the object is that she has to steal, so that she spends as little time as possible in this damned shack." 

Rhysand didn't even turn to him to answer and remained with his eyes planted in the blonde's. "I'm sure she'll find what she has to steal. You'll feel it."

Luxiana scrutinized him for a second with squinted eyes. Then, as she detailed him, she realized that he seemed really sure that she was going to guess what to steal. And she believed him. Anyway, it wasn't as if she was risking anything. So she nodded once and only once. "All right, I'll trust you."

Cassian took a step closer to his soul mate. He caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger to turn the blonde's head towards him and plant an authoritative gaze in hers. He was trying to calm the stress and anguish rising inside him and wanting to make him tremble. "You enter, opening the door as quietly as possible. Walk carefully, taking slow steps. Be careful not to breathe too heavily either, and above all, watch where you step. You absolutely mustn't make any noise! Don't rush," he advised with concern.

"Okay," Luxiana breathed, laughing softly with an expectant face. "You're too cute, but I swear everything's going to be fine. It'll be over in a jiffy." Then she turned to walk in the direction of the house. "I'll be right back." 

But fear suddenly exploded in Rhysand, who moved on his own to hold her by the arm. She turned to him. "Are you sure? We can still go away?" he said hastily, dying of worry.

Luxiana huffed and rolled her eyes, a little wearily. If only they knew. But they couldn't suspect anything. So she smiled to comfort him. "It's my decision. I am."

Rhysand let go of her, but before she could get going again, Azriel caught her by the arm and pulled her sharply towards him. "What ag...?" Luxiana couldn't finish her sentence as Azriel turned her around to tighten the strings of her corset and wedge them inside so they wouldn't disturb her or get caught somewhere. 

Azriel was scared to death. A mixture of adrenalin and terror coursed through his body, making his muscles feel like they were being torn apart. "You watch yourself and your surroundings," he warned with a cold voice. He turned her around again to face her, crouching for a second to pull a little more at the top of the blonde's boots and make sure they were secure and held in place. 

Luxiana watched him with wide-open eyes, completely paralyzed. Her heart was dancing in her chest. No one had ever been so kind to her. 

Azriel stood up, "If you're scared or feel something's wrong, you turn back immediately." He grabbed the wide sleeves of his soul mate’s white shirt to fold them a little dryly up to her elbows. "If something happens that we haven't felt or heard, you run. If she attacks you and we're not there, you call us, screaming at the top of your voice to warn us." Then he grabbed the back of the blonde's hand to raise it and present his palm to the sky. He grabbed Truth teller to pull it from its scabbard, twisting it between his fingers to grasp the blade and be able to slide the dagger's handle over his mate’s palm. "If she comes after you and we're not there, you shove this dagger down her throat. It won't kill her, but it'll give you some time, okay?" 

Luxiana shifted her pupils between Azriel and the weapon he had just given her, her mouth half-open in astonishment. Then her cheeks flushed in realization. She blinked in search of her words, but found none. She simply nodded, closing her fingers around the handle.

Azriel grabbed her by the shoulders to shake her once and back to accentuate his words. "You really must be as quiet as possible." Luxiana wanted to speak but Azriel cut her off. "Promise me! Promise me you won't do anything inconsiderate or stupid?"

Luxiana finally pulled herself together and managed an affectionate smile. "I promise."

Azriel slowly released her against his will. He had to fight every muscle in his body not to grab her and drag her away.

The blonde stared at the three of them hesitantly and a little wearily, to make sure none of them were going to interrupt her again. But they didn't seem to have anything left to say, and only looked at her with concern. She nodded, tucked the dagger away in her boot and turned, so that at last she could leap happily towards the Weaver's house.

Azriel could feel himself trembling as his soul mate walked to her death. "I swear, if anything happens to her, even a scratch, I'll kill you," he threatened in a nasty voice.

Rhysand's heart missed beat after beat. "If anything happens to her, we'll let you.”

"Damn the ass she's got," Cassian admired with a big grin and twinkling eyes while avidly detailing his soul mate as she walked. He hadn't heard a word his two brothers had just tell. That said, he snapped out of his trance and lost his smile as he felt Azriel's murderous and Rhysand's jaded gaze. "What? We've never seen her in pants before, I profit."

They gave back their attention to Luxiana. From where they stood, between the thick forest trees and a little diagonally from the house, they could see the front door from the side. Their mate stopped in front of it. 

"Come on, open it, all. slow.ly," Azriel mumbled, articulating each syllable to encourage the blonde, as if she could hear him. 

But... Luxiana raised her foot, gaining momentum with her leg to crush her heel on the wood and smash the door, which opened with a wrenching sound, slamming even louder against the wall that held it. 

The three Illyrians gasped, their eyes widening as the sound continued to spread through the trees. "Fuck!" shouted Cassian. Their hearts missed a beat. They started to run towards her, but halfway there, the blonde turned back to them, grinning with all her teeth. "There's no one there," she assured them with a shrug. 

The three Illyrians froze in their tracks a few steps from the house. They couldn't see inside, but if the Weaver had been there, she would already have pounced on their soulmate. They couldn't believe it. The three males glanced at each other in confusion. 

"She's not here?" exclaimed Cassian in an almost high-pitched voice, bewilderment distorting his features entirely. 

Rhysand shook his head, frowning, but his irises were still fixed on the blonde, and his muscles tense, ready to react if Stryga threw himself at Luxiana by surprise. "It's not possible, she can't leave her house." He couldn't believe it.

Azriel's breathing was rapid and noisy. He couldn't breathe. "No, something's wrong. We're leaving!" He took a step forward.

Luxiana prevented him from advancing any further by raising her palm towards him, and against all odds, he stopped. "No, it's all right. And Rhysand can’t come closer. I'll be right back." She infiltrated the house. 

Azriel hiccupped almost silently as he saw her enter. He was about to chase after her, but Cassian held him back by the arm. "Wait, let's give her some time. If the Weaver isn't there, she's safe." 

"He's right," Rhysand added uncertainly. He shoved his trembling hands into his pockets without taking his eyes off the house. "If she were here, she wouldn't have allowed Luxiana into her house. I don't know how it's possible, but she's certainly not present." 

But the weaver was there. She was there. She was standing in her living room, a few steps away from her door. Facing Luxiana. She was far too far from the light of the entrance to be visible to the Illyrians. 

She was there. The goddess of death was there, facing Luxiana, but she wasn't moving. In fact, from the outside, you'd have thought she was completely paralyzed, but... her muscles were trembling, her precarious, almost non-existent breathing was shaking her chest spasmodically, and her eyes were widening a little more every second with fright. 

Luxiana moved slowly towards her, entering the chalet a little further, making her disappear from the Illyrians' view. But even if they saw her from behind, the three males wouldn't suspect a thing. They couldn't imagine that, from the front, Luxiana's face was cold, haughty, and cruel. They wouldn't even be able to imagine that their soul mate was heading straight to one of the most powerful faes, totally terrorizing her. 

The weaver was blind, but when she heard her door being kicked in, she got up from her chair and ran to tear the thief's bones out. Only, she was paralyzed in her step. She had completely frozen in fear. She'd smelled her. She'd smelled that scent she knew so well. The scent she couldn't forget. The scent of cruelty, suffering and death wrapped in a touch of vanilla. 

The fae said nothing. She didn't move. She knew it would only make it worse. She was terrified. Why was she there this time? Was she going to kill her?  Or was she going to do one of those much worse things she knew so well how to do?

Luxaina walked quietly through the house, circling Stryga with a wry smile as she detailed her up and down like an animal around its prey. Then, remembering that the three Illyrians were waiting for her outside and that she had no time to play, she refocused on observing all the objects around her. She even began to touch and move them with her fingertips, hoping to irritate Stryga a little. 

She glanced at her sideways, but her smirk faded. The weaver didn't move. Luxiana was disappointed and made a pout that matched her feelings. She would have liked at least a little challenge, a little action. But apparently, Stryga had learned from her mistakes from last time. Anyway, with the three Illyrians just a few steps away, there wasn't much she could do.

She regained her seriousness and hurried to analyze all the objects. She had to get out of here as quickly as possible before they showed up and wondered why the god of death was terrorized in the middle of her living room. She couldn't see herself explaining. 

After a quick but meticulous search, she grabbed the object that attracted her most, then headed for the exit to join the Illyrians, but as she passed by the Weaver, she stopped. 

The blonde suddenly stood in front of her and smiled mockingly at Stryga who -sensing the presence of cruelty incarnate before her - flinched. Luxiana moved a little closer to the livid face and lifeless eyes of the Weaver - who was forcing herself not to back down but was still trembling a little more - to stare at her with a hungry smile, tilting her head left and right. 

Luxiana held back a laugh. In the end, she preferred it when Stryga greeted her like this. With fear. She deviated her face to reach the Weaver's ear and be able to whisper to her as quietly as possible so that the three Illyrians outside wouldn't hear. "Good girl."

She ignored the brunette's umpteenth startle to turn cheerfully and hop out of the house. She closed the rickety door behind her, smiling a little wider as she heard her host's body fall to its knees in relief at her departure. 

Then, she made her way towards the three Illyrians, who took a step forward when they saw her exit. Cassian leaned forward to put his hands on his knees and try not to fall. Azriel trembled, but took a deep breath. Rhysand's heart stilled and his breathing calmed.

"I don't know why, but no one was there," she assured them again, shrugging her shoulders as she came up in front of them. She threw a look at Azriel. She wasn’t lying, after all, no one else was there. 

"I don't want to know," said Cassian, moving his eyes frantically in all directions, expecting to see the Weaver emerge from the vegetation to attack them. 

Azriel whirled around his mate, looking her up and down to make sure she wasn't hurt. "It's fishy, let's get out of here," he ordered Rhysand.

The lord's eyebrows were furrowed and he looked at Luxiana and the house with confusion. It wasn't normal, but the main thing was that Luxiana wasn't hurt. They had to leave before the Weaver became aware of their presence. Without further ado, he teleported them all into the living room of the Town house. 

"Told you it'd be easy," Luxiana smiled happily, putting her fists on her hips. Then she hiccupped as she remembered she still had Azriel's dagger. She leaned forward to grab it and hold it out to him. "Thank you so much, I didn't need it."

Rhysand was completely paralyzed by shock and although he was staring at Luxiana, he couldn't even really see her, too busy thinking about what had just happened. 

Cassian ran his hands through his hair, sighing for a very long few seconds. "What the hell was that?" he articulated disbelievingly.

Azriel reacted at last, savagely grabbing his dagger from his soulmate's hands. "Damn it, she didn't do anything we told her to do," he shouted, killing the blonde with his eyes. His face was red under the anger provoked by the memory of the fear he'd felt. "You're completely insane!"

Luxiana winced with agreement as she nodded vigorously. "Because you doubted it until now?"

Azriel shrieked as he swung his dagger into the sofa. He turned to clamp his hands violently over his face as his shoulders rose and fell rapidly with his breathing. He couldn't believe it. How could his soul mate be so reckless and unconscious? She was the most fragile person he'd ever met, yet the one who took the most risks. He was scared to death. He wanted to cry. How was he going to protect her?

"He's right about that one," Cassian exclaimed sternly, crossing his arms to glare at Luxiana. They couldn't hide her temples throbbing with anger. "What possessed you to break down the door?"

"If the weaver had been there...," Rhysand rumbled in his cold high lord voice, unable to stop his shiver of anguish at the prospect of what would have happened. "She would have killed you on the spot. It was unconscious, irreflexive and incredibly stupid."

Azriel turned abruptly toward his soulmate, but when he noticed Luxiana's smirk, her laughing air and her innocently tilted head, his anger redoubled as it exploded in his chest.  "This isn't a game, Luxiana! We're talking about your life! We told you to be fucking quiet!"

Luxiana rolled her eyes, sighing exaggeratedly. "At least twenty times, yes." 

The three males could hardly breathe because of the anger oppressing them. Rhysand was doing all he could to keep his cool and his mind of steel, but he sensed that Luxiana was going to wear him down. Cassian had to fight with himself not to go and shake his soul mate to set her straight. Azriel broke the distance between him and the blonde, almost sticking to her with a menacing air. "Don't roll your eyes when we're talking about your life and safety! It's important, dammit!" he spat dryly, his voice vibrating with hatred. But Luxiana didn't flinch, just looked down at him with a curious smile and expression. Azriel breathed to speak more calmly. There was no point in shouting at her anyway, but he felt so bad. "You promised me to be careful, aren't promises worth anything to you?" 

Luxiana chuckled a cute laugh as she flashed her dimples, "well, technically, I promised not to do anything inconsiderate or stupid, but believe it or not, my door-busting was quite considerate and thoughtful." She crossed her hands behind her back and smiled innocently.

The three Illyrians were speechless. Fear and anguish made them want to vomit, shake and fall. Their soul mate was completely mad and suicidal.

Azriel took a step backwards, shaking his head, unsure of what to do. Then he turned back to his two brothers, pointing at her. "I'm going to lock her in a windowless room and tie her to her bed so she doesn't escape and put herself in danger."

Rhysand forced himself to take deep breaths as he closed his eyes to regain his composure." The important thing is that nothing serious happened and she's fine." He nodded. That was what mattered.

Cassian ran his hands through his hair and over his face, cursing. He glanced back at his mate.  "At least tell me it wasn’t all for nothing and that you found the object we wanted."

"Yes, I found it!" she exclaimed happily, jumping up and down as if poised on springs.

The eyes of the three Illyrians, especially Rhysand, began to sparkle.

Then Luxiana put her hand between her breasts, where she had hidden the object, under her corset. She pulled it out to show them with a big smile. "Tada!" 

But the three Illyrians lost their expressions and Rhysand's gaze went fade. She had stolen a necklace. A steel chain with a wire holding some kind of small, sparkling violet stone dangling from it. It wasn't her mother's ring. Rhysand touched the stone with his fingertips, not quite believing it. 

Cassian closed his eyes and huffed, completely disgusted.

Azriel gritted his teeth as he turned his head. "All of that for this, I don't believe it."

Luxiana frowned, playing innocent. "What?" She slowly lowered the necklace with a startled look, "this isn't the object you wanted, is it?"

Rhysand looked at her for a moment before giving her a gentle smile to reassure her. She looked so worried and sorry. "Don't worry, it's nothing." 

Luxiana opened her mouth as she furrowed her brows, adopting a guilty face. "I'm sorry, I had no idea what to look for."

"Of course not, it's not your fault," Cassian tried gently to reassure her.

"It's mine," Rhysand resumed, lowering his eyes. "I should have told you what we were talking about, but... I'd thought..." He had thought that, since she was his soul mate, she would have known it was the ring she was supposed to steal. Anyway, it wasn't as if he needed any more proof that this woman was really meant for him, but he would have liked it. His mother would have wanted her to. "Anyway, it was stupid. Let's forget it."

Luxiana studied them for a moment with half-closed eyelids. They had given her no clues, no answers. 

Rhysand, disappointed, was about to turn and leave, but Luxiana retrieved the very first object she'd stolen from her corset and held it out under the noses of the three Illyrians. "I suppose this isn't it either, then?"

All three looked up at her before widening their eyes. 

Cassian let out an exclamation of surprise. "So you found it?" 

Luxiana was still staring at them with squinted eyes, searching for information in their expressions. "Looks like it."

Rhysand began to bubble with joy and hope and a host of other emotions that could be seen sparkling in his irises.

Azriel looked at her in amazement before smirking. "So you were playing us with that necklace?"

Luxiana returned his smile. "Looks like it," she repeated, shrugging her shoulders with an air that was half provocative and half innocent.

Azriel's smile widened and his eyes sparkled. Oh, she was his soul mate, for sure. 

Rhysand raised his hands to grab the ring, but Luxiana moved her arm away, placing it behind her, as far away from the lord as possible. 

Rhysand threw her a quizzical expression as he dropped his arms.

Luxiana shook her head sharply. "I'm not giving you this object until you explain how I knew this was what I had to steal." No matter how much Luxiana racked her brain, she couldn't understand why she'd been drawn to that ring and why as soon as she'd seen it she'd known it was the one to retrieve.

"We could take it from you by force," Cassian smirked with a twinkle of amusement in his pupils.

"No you couldn't," Luxiana replied haughtily, wrinkling her nose. "So?" she insisted for answers. 

Rhysand smiled confidently without difficulty. He was just so certain now. She had passed her mother's test. It didn't matter if the Weaver hadn't been there, maybe it had even been fate, that Stryga hadn't been there to stop Luxiana getting the ring back. She was his soul mate. She was his wife. "You just knew, that's all." 

Luxiana glowered at him. "That doesn't answer my question."

"It'll answer it one day, believe me," laughs Cassian with irises shining with mischief.

Luxiana squinted her eyes to stare at them one by one, trying to understand what they were referring to, then huffed in defeat. Well, for now. Because she was determined to get the answer to her question. "May I at least know why this object is so important to you?"

Rhysand's smile turned wistful and his gaze sad. "That was my mother's engagement ring."

"What?!" gasped Luxiana, dropping her arm limply against her and frowning. "But what was she doing at the Weaver's??" 

Rhysand burst out laughing tenderly. "My mother dropped it off by herself to... keep me out of mischief." He searched for words, he had to be vague. "She was afraid I'd rush off and marry someone who... who wouldn't live up to her expectations."

Luxiana first widened her eyes in realization before hiccupping in surprise and then alarm. "And you used me to get it back?!" She clapped Rhysand on the shoulder, making all three of them laugh.

"Yes," he admitted deadpan. "I was convinced you were the right person for the job, and I was right." He leaned forward to catch the ring in Luxiana's hand, but she took a few steps away with an offended expression. 

"Then no, certainly not," she refused, shaking her head curtly from left to right and glowering at Rhysand. "There's no way I'm going to be one of the reasons you marry a woman your mother didn't think was up to the job. I'm not going to let you disappoint your mother, I'm telling you. This ring, I'll keep it and you'll have to introduce me to anyone you want to marry, and I'll..." she searched for words, thinking. 

The Illyrians glanced at each other with laughter. Cassian held back as best he could to keep from laughing even harder at the irony of the situation. Azriel shook his head, looking tenderly at his soul mate. Rhysand raised a provocative eyebrow to encourage Luxiana to continue.

"You know what? I'd put them through tests!" she exclaimed suddenly as she got the idea. "They'd have to be up to it to marry you, believe me, I'd be a lot worse than your mother or the Weaver." She crossed her arms to glare at Rhysand. "Ah, that'll teach you not to use me again to cheat your mother's goals. I wouldn't let you do that, no."

Cassian burst out laughing, unable to hold it in any longer. He laughed so hard that he leaned forward. 

Azriel detailed her in the same way before turning to Rhysand. "Oh I'm sure your mother would have loved her." 

Rhysand nodded without taking his eyes off his soulmate. He leaned forward with a smirk but a seductive gleam in his pupils. "You can keep it, Luxiana, this ring is for you anyway." 

Luxiana's heart leapt into her throat. She swallowed hard, forcing herself not to back down. She bit her tongue to keep her cheeks from heating up, but it didn't work. Her whole face was probably completely red. "You bastard," she muttered through her teeth, making all three of them burst out laughing.

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 18 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you enjoyed this reading too and that you discovered the little clues I left all along concerning Luxiana's true painful past.

Thank you for your readings and thank you for all your kind and funny comments, you are really too adorable. It makes my heart BOUM BOUM. I looooooove you! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I also hope you have a great day and I wish you good luck for all the things you will have to go through. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

The next chapter will be Friday, December 20! They are going to take Luxiana to see the Weaver but Luxiana is going to destroy everything.

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Enjoy the read ! ❤️❤️❤️

Chapter 18

Luxiana's eyes widened. "Oh well you know, my childhood has nothing to do with yours." A ball of anxiety compressed her stomach. She didn't want to tell them about it. She still felt so bad, so guilty. What would they think of her? She had to lie but her anxiety grew heavier as she remembered Azriel's presence at her side. Everything would be fine if she didn't lie. She just had to omit certain details.

"Were you happy?" Rhysand asked anxiously. He gave his brothers a doubtful look, who returned it, feeling the same way. He shoved his hands in his pockets to hide his clenched fists. He was so afraid she would tell him she wasn’t.

“I was probably the happiest little girl ever.” Luxiana exclaimed with a big smile. “Really!” she breathed, trying to focus only on the happy days, and not on the heartbreaking pit of sadness, death, and guilt that haunted her every second. “My parents were so in love. I swear. They loved each other with all their hearts. They always laughed together and never fought. They looked at each other with shining eyes and were always hugging each other.”

Rhysand, Cassian, and Azriel were able to take a deep breath as they looked at her with dreamy eyes, shining with hope and relief.

“My mother was the sweetest, most loving woman I’ve ever met. She was always taking care of my father and me,” she laughed softly as she remembered. “She was the one who fixed the furniture in the house, who did odd jobs, who went to chop firewood or who went hunting. She would insist on my father for her doing things that men usually had to do and she always won against him. She was really strong. So my days were spent either with my mother teaching me how to hunt, making me carry big logs and teaching me how to survive in the forest, or with my father cleaning, cooking, or any number of other things. And I loved every moment I had with them.”

Azriel's eyes were shining. She looked so happy as she talked about all this. "Was your father a good person?"

“He was the best. He treated me like a princess, really. He indulged my every whim. Sometimes I wanted to eat in the middle of the night so he would cook me a huge meal. When I was afraid of the dark or that there was a creature under my bed, he would sit against my closet with a knife in his hand and he would stay up all night so I could sleep peacefully. Every night, before I fell asleep, he would read me stories about the wonders of the world. He even built a small fireplace to put in my room and he would get up every two hours to feed it with wood. And he would always iron my sheets before I crawled into bed or he would wrap me under a mound of blankets,” Luxiana’s heart broke as it rose up into her throat but she didn’t let it show. She even put her trembling hands under her thighs to hide them.

The three Illyrians looked at her with big smiles as a weight they hadn't even realized they had lightened their hearts as it evaporated. She had had a happy childhood. "Were you still living with them before you came here?" Cassian asked.

"No... uh" Luxiana lowered her head for a moment, searching for words. "We lived in a remote corner of the forest, far from any form of life or civilization and my parents were so afraid that I would be hurt or meet a bad person who wanted to hurt me that they always prevented me from going with them to town or even seeing other people."

Cassian straightened. Rhysand frowned. Azriel lost his smile as he tensed. They didn’t like this. It wasn’t good to keep a child away from everything. It was like keeping her in prison.

“For years, I had never seen anyone but my parents. But my father often told me about the wonders of the outside world and that… that awakened in me a crazy desire to leave and go discover the world. And that's what I did.”

“You left?” Azriel asked for clarification, his breath hitching.

Luxiana nodded slowly with an expressionless face. “I was nine years old.”

“Nine years old??” they all exclaimed with wide eyes.

“Yeah, I was already completely crazy back then, I think. Only I would want to leave such a harmonious and happy home. I left a little note for my parents saying, ‘Hey, I’m leaving, kisses,’” she laughed falsely, hoping it would ease her heart. “I had never set foot in a city or met people before that.”

Rhysand saw the sadness she was trying to hide in her blank expression and it made him sad in turn. "Do you regret it?"

She nodded. "Yes, I miss them. But I'm sure that one day I'll see them again." She shook her head to regain that expression of confidence that protected her when she wasn't okay. "And the worst part of all this is that I stopped at the first town I visited to stay because I met Feyre there. She seemed so in need of help that I taught her everything I knew about the forest, about how to hunt or skin an animal. Everything my mother had taught me, I passed on to her. Then I understood that to survive and especially to travel, you needed money, so I tried to find a job while waiting to have the means to leave and while waiting to finish learning everything I had to teach to Feyre. But I was just a little girl in an adult world."

“You must have been terrified,” Mor observed in horror.

"Not really," Luxiana laughed. She gritted her teeth imperceptibly. She hadn't been afraid, because she had nothing left to lose. "I just went into the first bar I found and demanded the boss to take me on as an employee for any job he had to offer me. And that's where I met Keydan."

“Your boss,” Azriel said with a frown, hoping she would confirm it again.

"He became a little more than that over time. He took care of me, protected me and raised me. He taught me a lot of things that my parents could never have taught me and thanks to him, I felt at home again somewhere. Then another one came to join our gang, Josher, he's my best friend. And when I was old enough, Keydan pushed me to go see the world but I never wanted to. Well, until three years ago when I finally decided to go."

“All alone?” Mor asked in a mixture of surprise and admiration. “That must have been horrible. Terrible things could have happened to you.”

The three Illyrians glanced at the cousin. She was right and they didn't like it.

Luxiana laughed, shaking her head negatively. "I'm pretty resourceful and then I left my parents' house for that reason. I left them for that so, it had to be worth it. And then, I'm not really afraid of much, you know."

Azriel raised an eyebrow as he nodded with a bored look. "We noticed that."

"I've been all over the world, met loads of amazing people, but there was always something missing. I was always missing Feyre, Keydan, and Josher. So after seeing everything, I came back, but..."

She looked down and lost her smile. “It was too late, Feyre had been taken by Tamlin. And the rest, you know.”

The three Illyrians had healed hearts. They felt like they were floating because they were so relieved. Their soul mate had a happy life. Of course, she missed her parents but no one had ever hurt her. They sighed. Their soul mate was happy, alive and sunny, it was certain that she had never known misfortune but hearing it from her mouth reassured them so much.

That said, realizing this, a hint of anxiety rose in Rhysand. She had never known danger and he had just brought her closer to where the danger was stronger than anywhere else. He had just brought her closer to him.

Azriel slid his hand -which had been on Luxiana's neck the whole time- to pass it over the back of her skull, taking his fingers into her braid. He smiled as he saw her shiver under his touch. Then he stared at her with a determined look. The only dark spot in her story was her parents. She missed them so Azriel promised himself to find them and bring them back to her so that she would be reassured and happy.

Cassian couldn't help but take a deep breath. His soulmate had never known pain, suffering, or loneliness and he was going to do everything he could to keep it that way. He was going to protect her until his last breath.

“By the way,” Mor began, suddenly curious. “How old are you?”

"I'm twenty-three," Luxiana answered simply, still fighting against herself to not let her bad memories resurface in her mind.

“You’re twenty-three?” Mor exclaimed in shock, slamming her palms down on the table. She looked at Rhysand, “ she’s a baby !!”

“Don’t say it like that,” Rhys scolded, giving her a disapproving look. Cassian laughed, but Azriel let out a sound that looked like a growl.

Luxiana smiled but frowned for a second as she looked at them all one by one without really understanding. "Why? How old are you?"

"I'm 536 years old," Rhysand said.

Luxiana turned to face him with wide eyes. She knew they were old but not that old.

“I have 537, young lady,” Cassian added next.

“What?” she gasped in shock, turning to Cassian.

“538,” Azriel muttered under his breath.

“WHAT???” Luxiana yelled, her gaze swinging wildly between the three of them. “Guys you’re super old !!”

“We’re not old!” Cassian said, his voice almost shrill. “That’s still very young for fae.”

Luxiana burst out laughing, pointing at them. "No, no, you're grandpas."

Mor was literally dying of laughter despite the dissuasive look Rhys was giving her. Then the lord gave Luxiana a weary face. "Please don't think we're grandpas," Rhys almost begged. He certainly didn't want to lose his soulmate because she thought they were too old.

Luxiana calmed down slowly, gradually stopping laughing. "Don't worry, I'm joking. You don't have any wrinkles or white hair yet, anyway." Then she narrowed her eyes at Cassian in front of her, pretending to notice something. "Well... if that's a wrinkle I see at the corner of your eyes there."

Cassian stood up from his chair, offended to the core of his ego. "What? Not at all!"

Luxiana burst out laughing. And the others followed her.

Cassian strode toward his soulmate. He rounded the table, unable to hold back his broad smile. "I'll show you if I'm an old man." He walked behind Rhysand to approach Luxiana, who was still laughing heartily.

When she saw him coming, and although she was still laughing, she began to wave her hands in all directions to shout softly, "no, no, wait!" But Cassian did not stop. He arrived at her side and wanted to lean towards her but Luxiana fled to the only place where she could. Where Cassian could not intercept her. On Azriel's legs. She leaned on his thighs with both forearms to throw herself head first between his torso and the table. Her chest landed on the legs of the master spy who froze.

Azriel's eyes were wide. He threw his hands up in the air, unsure of what to do. His heart began to pound in all directions in his chest.

Cassian and Rhysand looked at each other in surprise and then back at their soulmate. They both froze for a second when they saw Luxiana's position forcing her to put her ass on full display, almost revealed by her dress. Rhysand's eyes widened before starting to laugh again , placing his hand on his face.

Cassian couldn't laugh because of all the dirty images that were flashing through his mind at the sight of his soulmate's position. She seemed to have a perfect shape. Cassian was already imagining the day he could grab her hips to pleasure her.

Luxiana began to crawl away, trying to escape. She managed to touch the ground with her hands to hold on and move forward, rubbing her stomach even more on Azriel's thighs.

The spymaster was dying. At least, that was the impression he gave, as he had become so white. He looked up at the ceiling, taking a deep breath to try and calm the erection that was swelling in his pants.

Cassian pulled himself together, shaking his head. There was no way he wasn't going to take advantage of his soulmate like Azriel was doing now. He wanted her on his lap too. He grabbed her ankle before she could completely escape. Luxiana screamed in surprise when Cassian tried to pull her back. But Azriel slapped his brother's hand violently, forcing him to let go.

The shadowsinger was certainly not going to let him steal her. His soulmate had chosen to throw herself at him for protection and he intended to defend her. "Hands off," he growled.

Cassian moved his hand away in mock surprise. He knew his brother would react like that because he would have reacted the same way.

Luxiana snapped her upside down head at Azriel after his words. "That was downright sexy," she breathed with eyes shining with admiration as she looked at the fae beneath her pelvis.

Azriel closed his eyes, exhaling wearily, but his heart was pounding in his chest like crazy. She had found what he had done sexy. He wanted to smile. He threw a sideways glance at his brother. "Go away!" Then he grabbed Luxiana by the hips to lift her up and sit her back down on her chair before she felt his erection against her stomach.

Cassian went back to sit down but he stared at his soulmate with narrowed eyes, falsely vexed. He pointed his index and middle fingers at his eyes then at Luxiana's. "We'll resume this discussion." He tried to look threatening but he smiled which, inevitably, caused everyone to laugh.

After all those hours of talking and telling their stories, dinner time had finally arrived. And the three Illyrians couldn't help but look affectionately at their soulmate who had jumped in surprise when she saw the food appear in front of them. And when Rhysand had explained to her that the house was magical and that she only had to think of a dish for it to appear in front of her, Luxiana had gotten up to throw herself, arms and legs spread, on one of the walls of the room to give the house a hug.

"You're a good house. You're my favorite house. I love you so much, you know." She whispered to the house, caressing its cheek on the wall.

The three Illyrians felt like they were hallucinating but Mor's ungainly laughter brought them back to reality. Azriel jumped out of his chair to run towards Luxiana as she slowly slid off the wall to land on the ground. He grabbed her by the stomach, wrapping one of his arms around her to pull her away before she crashed but when he pulled her away from the wall, the house began to shake.

A silence fell as everyone stared at the ceiling in a mixture of shock and fear. "I think the house likes her too," Cassian laughed.

“Put it back on the wall,” Mor insisted, afraid the ceiling would fall on his head.

Azriel growled but didn't give in to Mor's request. He hadn't even heard it anyway, his ears were tickling from Luxiana's laughter. He put his soulmate back on the chair next to his.

Then they were able to eat happily, talking about everything and nothing in a good mood. The three Illyrians felt good. They had taken another step forward in their relationship with their soul mate. She now knew everything about them and they knew everything about her. Well, at least, that was what they thought.

“Would you like to visit the city?” Rhysand asked after the meal.

Luxiana turned a wide-open gaze towards him, so bright that it almost dazzled Rhysand.

Azriel smiled seeing her over react as always. "We could go buy some ice cream, do you like ice cream?" he asked, grabbing a strand of her hair that was hanging over her face. He stroked it with his fingertips for a second, savoring the silky texture, then he put it behind her ear.

Luxiana then turned abruptly towards Azriel with even brighter eyes - like two little suns - then she began to nod vigorously.

Cassian burst out laughing. "She likes ice cream apparently."

Rhysand stood up, his eyes sparkling and his chest vibrating with emotion and eager. He held out his hand to her. "Let's go then."

Luxiana grabbed it without arguing to jump to her feet and follow Rhysand with Cassian and Azriel joining them.

“Have fun!” Mor called affectionately before they left the room.

Luxiana turned back to her and Amren with a surprised face. "You're not coming?" She wanted to stop but Rhysand tangled his fingers with hers to continue pulling her.

Mor laughed as he glanced at Amren who was raising his glass of wine. “Oh no, we’d be too many. Next time, though, with pleasure!”

Rhysand led her out onto a large balcony. The cool air swept through Luxiana's hair, making her fur tingle and sending a waft of her vanilla scent into the nostrils of the three Illyrians who could have melted. As they neared the edge, Luxiana's eyes widened and she gasped in surprise when she noticed Velaris lying below. She wrenched herself, reluctantly, from Rhysand's grasp, and ran toward the barrier.

Azriel, who was still studying her with bright eyes, suddenly panicked when he saw her rushing towards the edge of the balcony. He raised his hands towards her, chasing her to try to catch up with her, but he froze when he saw her leaning on the barricade without going over it. He suddenly stopped, blowing out a breath. He put his hand on his heart, trying to calm his frantic beating under Cassian's laugh but understanding gaze from Rhysand. Since they had seen her run away from his room to climb a mountain without protection, they had understood that their soul mate was completely crazy and that they had to expect anything from her. Especially the stupidest things that would put her life in danger, like jumping over the balcony barrier.

“This city is beautiful!” she exclaimed, leaping up and down, her pupils reflecting the city lights.

Rhysand let out a small laugh. The dreamy look his soulmate currently had filled his heart with contentment. It had been worth it to do everything to protect this place if Luxiana loved it. He grabbed her chin with his fingers to make her look up to the sky.

The starry sky above them was wonderful, almost unreal. It took Luxiana’s breath away. She began to spin around to observe every corner, but when her eyes fell on a high mountain where on top were three stars that shone brighter than the others, she froze, frowning.

Azriel, Cassian, and Rhysand, who were eyeing her up, noticed her discomfort. "Is something wrong?" Azriel asked, casting a concerned look at Rhysand.

"No, no," their soulmate breathed, though a little lost. "It's just this mountain... and this sky... I feel like I've seen them before in a dream."

The three Ilyrians looked at each other with understanding and complicity. She had seen that in one of her dreams because she was linked to them and one of them must have unconsciously sent her that image one day through their link.

“Whatever,” Luxiana said, shaking her head. “Shall we go?”

Rhysand nodded and then smiled cockily with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “We have to fly. Which one of us three do you want to ride?”

A kind of anxiety arose in the pit of the stomachs of the three males, which they hid very well. All three of them wanted to be chosen.

Luxiana raised an eyebrow, surprised at first by the lord's turn of phrase. Then she smirked as she stared at Rhysand and the other two with a seductive expression. Of course, she began to blush but the low light reassured her that the three males couldn't see it. "Oh," she breathed, pouting in exaggerated disappointment. "You mean I can't ride all three of you? You're destroying my dreams."

Azriel looked at her tiredly, shaking his head from left to right, but he couldn't help but smile. His fingers burned, he wanted to touch her. Rhysand returned her seductive expression to his soulmate, but each of his muscles vibrated with excitement and desire. Cassian burst out laughing, leaning his head back , but his heart was pounding in his chest and his lower stomach was pulsing. "I'm sure we can find a solution , if you want."

Luxiana snorted, rolling her eyes. "No but seriously, I can't choose between the three of you!"

They were so reassured by her words that they almost had a hard time hiding it as they calmed down immediately, but Luxiana continued with a mischievous look. "Finally," she said, pointing at Cassian. "It's too dangerous to ride with him. He's too old, he could get a cramp in his wings and kill us both."

Cassian lost all trace of humor on his face to open his mouth wide, offended. Rhysand and Azriel burst out laughing. "I'm not even the oldest of the three!" Cassian defended himself before recovering and closing the distance between Luxiana and him in the blink of an eye. "Oh you'll see if I'm an old man."

"No, no, I was joking, wait," Luxiana laughed uncontrollably. She placed her palms flat on Cassian's chest to keep him at a distance, but he still got close enough to grab her hips firmly, pin her to his chest, and flew away.

Luxiana screamed in surprise, clinging to Cassian's shoulders and wrapping her legs around his pelvis as he flew into the air at full speed. The other two watched in hilarity as Cassian flew around the city with astonishing speed while their soulmate clung to him, screaming the whole time.

The commander of the armies, after a few seconds, and not wanting to scare his soul mate too much, decided to land in a street of the city. Azriel and Rhysand joined them immediately after.

Cassian had released his soulmate but she was still clinging to him like a mussel to its rock. She had her head in his neck and was breathing fast. Very fast, even giving the impression of having a physically tight throat. Cassian could hear, from where he was, his soulmate's heart beating madly in his chest. And he smiled with all his teeth as he realized that he could only hear one beat for both of them. Their hearts were beating in unison but surely not for the same reason.

"Cass, you're annoying," Rhysand stopped laughing as he saw Luxiana's distress and glared at his brother. He grabbed Luxiana by the hips to pull her away from Cassian and set her feet on the ground.

Cassian leaned towards her with a smirk. “So I’m still a grandpa now?”

Luxiana was all disheveled , her gaze wide open on the floor. She was still gasping for air but she shook her head vigorously from side to side, making Cassian laugh.

Azriel smirked. She was so cute. He ran his palm over the top of his soulmate’s head, smoothing her wild locks back onto her head. “Are you okay?”

Luxiana blinked back to her senses and began to smile with all her teeth as she jumped out off joy. Then against all odds, she began to nod vigorously this time. "That was incredible!" she yelled as she moved closer to Cassian. "Again! And faster this time!"

The three males flinched in surprise, but the Illyrian with the red siphons' eyes began to sparkle. He was going to grab her and lift her up, but Azriel pulled Luxiana by the arm, a little jealous that she was asking Cassian for another ride. He led her toward the city. "Later."

"Oh no," Luxiana said suddenly sad but when she turned to follow Azriel, in spite of herself, and saw the streets of Velaris bustling, crowded with people and where the shops were still open despite the late hour, her expression changed. She gasped in surprise, widening her shining eyes. She jumped for joy, moving her eyes in all directions to look at everything. She started to run towards the nearest shop to see what it was selling, but Azriel's hand held her back, preventing her from going more than two arm's lengths away. Luxiana didn't even try to find out what was stopping her or to make the Illyrian let go, when she saw another shop open at the opposite. She then changed direction to go there but was just as held back.

"Let her go," Cassian laughed as he followed them and tried to calm his anger and disappointment at the fact that Azriel had stopped him from flying with his soulmate again.

“No,” Azriel growled, intertwining his fingers with the blonde’s, “there are too many people, we’re going to lose her.”

"Wait, Luxiana, if you keep shooting, you'll tear my spymaster's arm off," Rhysand remarked with a tender smile as he joined his brothers and put his hands in his pockets. "We'll show you everything around anyway, don't worry."

And they visited everything. Absolutely everything. Luxiana took them to every shop in spite of themselves and she spoke with everyone she met, complimenting them, saying hello or even - for the shopkeepers - congratulating their work or asking them questions.

Azriel had to interrupt some of her discussions - all of them, in fact - when people in front of his soulmate smiled at her a little too much, looked at her a little too closely, or when she took on her attentive expression when she listened to their explanations. He had to pulled her away each time and she was so excited that Luxiana had never said anything about it.

On the other hand, she had never stopped talking to the three Illyrians behind her about what she saw. Cassian took great pleasure in showing her other things and even ran around with her while being just as excited. Except that it wasn't for the same reasons. Rhysand answered her questions by smiling so much that his cheeks were starting to cramp. He wasn't used to it anymore. And Azriel didn't even look where he was going, his bright eyes permanently fixed on Luxiana who was dragging him everywhere.

They eventually stopped at an ice cream stand as Luxiana and Cassian squealed in joy like children as they jumped.

Azriel let go of his soulmate's hand to place his palms on her shoulders and make her stop moving. "What's your favorite perfume?"

"Vanilla! Of course!" she replied, pulling away to turn around and stick her head against the window in front of the ice creams. Cassian joined her to do the same. Rhysand laughed, placing his hand on his forehead. "And you?" she asked, turning back to Azriel. "No wait! Let me guess. Hmmm... raspberry!" she exclaimed. "Am I right?"

Azriel smiled, "I guess we'll find out soon enough. One raspberry and one vanilla," he demanded of the seller. He may be deathly allergic to raspberry that he'd be enjoying this ice cream anyway, and maybe he'll like it after all.

“Guess for me too,” Cassian asked, jumping to Luxiana’s side.

Luxiana turned fully towards him to cross her arms and look at him with narrowed eyes. "You're caramel flavored, that's for sure."

Cassian raised an eyebrow in surprise. “How do you know?”

Luxiana grimaced exaggeratedly in surprise, not suspecting for a second that she was going to be right. She laughed before turning to Rhysand. Then she got serious again. "Oh no," she leaned back to bring her face closer to Cassian's behind her and whispered, "don't tell me he's a chocolate mint." Cassian pursed his lips to keep from laughing under Rhysand's dark gaze.

“He is a chocolate mint,” Cassian agreed in the same tone. Then he and Luxiana began to eye Rhysand with judgmental expressions, both nodding their heads from side to side. “He’s so weird.”

Luxiana nodded. She glanced at Cassian who glanced back and unable to hold back any longer, seeing each other trying not to laugh, they exploded. They stared at each other, leaning forwards while laughing.

Cassian calmed down slowly while detailing his soulmate. His heart slammed fiercely against his chest, even asking to go out. He felt, for once in his life, considered, really noticed. By Luxiana, what's more ? He loved the complicity he had with her. He loved that she didn't take herself too seriously. He loved that she was so alive and that she enjoyed every moment. And despite himself, he loved it when she teased him. This woman was his soulmate but what he felt for her at this precise moment had nothing to do with that. The butterflies that tickled his entire body were only there because he had made her laugh, because this woman in front of him was beautiful and because he had felt so good all day in her presence. Of course, Luxiana was important from the beginning. As soon as he knew she was his soulmate but from now on she was important for something else. He could never do without her now.

Cassian and Azriel finally got the four ice creams and Rhysand paid. Seeing him, Luxiana threw herself at him to wrap her arms around his for a second before gathering her courage. She delicately grabbed Rhysand's chin with her thumb and index finger to hold his head in place. Rhysand froze, wondering what she was doing as she stood on tiptoe to give him a kiss on the cheek, almost at the corners of his lips. "Thank you," she whispered to him as she moved away to wrap her arm around Rhysand's.

The Illyrian's eyelids widened as he felt his soulmate's lips land on his cheek while electrocuting his entire face. He began to smile with all his teeth as he looked down at Luxiana who was staring at him with pupils shining with a sort of admiration. "It's just an ice cream," he breathed, laughing, "I'm rich, I remind you."

Luxiana looked away with a smile. “Thanks for the ice cream too, but I wasn’t thanking you for that originally.”

Rhysand frowned as he tilted his head, silently urging her to elaborate as he turned fully towards her.

Luxiana let go to stand in front of him, giving a serious and intense gaze in the lord's. "Thank you for this city. Thank you for protecting it. It may not mean much to you, but I spent one of the best evenings of my life, here, with you. Truly."

Rhysand's face relaxed in realization. His heart skipped a beat. His soulmate had had one of the best nights of her life thanks to him. It made him so happy. He was so happy. He brought his hand up to Luxiana's cheek and held on tight. "You have no idea how much what you just said means to me. You really have no idea how good it feels to hear you say that, especially coming from you." Surprisingly, he was able to take a deep breath, feeling lighter than ever. Everything he had been through felt more worth it with every second he passed with Luxiana. His heart pounded against his burning ribs and electricity felt like it was coursing through his body nonstop as he took in the pretty blonde in front of him. Rhysand felt so lucky. What then awoke in his breast was something even stronger than affection.

Luxiana felt her cheeks heated so much that it burned her. She smiled in the hope that she had managed to calm Rhysand's bad thoughts a little. She pointed with her head at the ice creams in the hands of the two Illyrians at their sides. "Let's eat before it melts." She let go of Rhysand to grab her ice cream from Azriel's hands.

Rhysand clapped Cassian on the shoulder as he grabbed his ice cream.

Luxiana began to lick her ice cream happily as she started running around again and then she arrived at the edge of a river. She rushed towards it, clinging to the iron barriers that separated her from the water, very quickly joined by the three Illyrians. She turned towards them. Cassian was in front of her, Rhysand on her right and Azriel on her left. "This city is magnificent!" she exclaimed again, amazed. She leaned on the barrier with her free hand to lift herself up and put her buttocks on the metal, wanting to sit down to enjoy her ice cream in peace. But inevitably, she lost her balance and capsized backwards. She was going to catch herself by doing a clever movement but Azriel reacted before her.

Before he could even widen his eyes and drop his ice cream, his body - which had been tense since he had seen his soulmate get a little too close to the barrier and the river - reacted almost automatically to catch her with one hand by her arm and stabilize her. Azriel's heart exploded in his chest in fear before calming down when he saw that she was okay. "Be careful," he ordered her, giving her a stern look, but his expression melted into tenderness when he laid his eyes on Luxiana's face.

When she almost fell, she tried to catch herself but her ice cream hit her face. So she had vanilla all over her nose. She closed her eyes, cursing herself for being so stupid and trying to hide her blush of shame. "Sorry," she laughed, lowering her head to hide herself.

Cassian and Rhysand openly mocked her, laughing heartily, but Azriel could only laugh softly, he was far too absorbed in the cuteness of his soulmate. His heart was beating so hard in his chest that it warmed his entire body in a way he wasn't used to. He was so eager to spend more time with her. So eager to be able to hold her in his arms. So eager to possess her. He had never wanted anyone as much as he wanted her. Never. And it wasn't just because she was his soulmate, but because what she awakened in him made him feel alive, and vibrant. She brought such light to him. His smile slowly faded to seriousness. He brought his hand to Luxiana's face to gently rub the cream on her nose with his thumb. "It's nothing," he answered her. "I'll always be there to catch you, anyway." 

Luxiana had to swallow hard at his words, feeling tickled all over. She blinked several times quickly before smiling and shaking her head. Then she went back to talking about everything and nothing with the three Illyrians. And this, until they put her back in her room.

And when Cassian, Rhysand, and Azriel laid their heads on their pillows, they were smiling with all their teeth, their hearts still beating wildly in their chests. They weren't going to be able to sleep. They were way too excited, happy, and turned upside down by all the things they felt for Luxiana. They loved it. Everything she made them feel. But despite that, they still wanted more.

Luxiana flopped down on her bed, her eyes blank and her tired face staring at the ceiling. Everything she had said about herself today had brought back her memories, her guilt, her pain. She was so tired. So tired. She brought her hand to her shoulder, trying to massage her back. Ever since she had remembered, it had hurt. So much. Her entire back was burning and the mattress she was lying on only made it worse. So she leaned on it a little more, hurting herself even more to punish her for what she had done. She felt so guilty.

But despite that, tonight, with these three Illyrians, she had spent an excellent evening. And she had forgotten all the wrong things about her. She had been able to breathe a little thanks to them. And it was bad. So bad, especially since they only saw her as a service to be performed. But she intended to take advantage of the good they were doing to her.

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 17 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

Finally, I'm posting two chapters today because what I originally wrote was too long, (11000 words which is an average of 40 minutes of reading) so I divided it into two. So there is a chapter after this one!

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Enjoy reading!! ❤️

Chapter 17

They had ended up sitting around the large table in the dining room. Cassian had sat facing Luxiana, Azriel was to her left and Rhysand to her right, at the head of the table. Mor was next to Cassian and Amren was facing Rhysand.

The two blondes had been talking together for several minutes now. They hadn't stopped for a second, chatting about everything happily. So much that the three Illyrians hadn't been able to interrupt them for a single moment.

Mor loved Luxiana. She was full of life and so cute that she understood why her three best friends were obsessed with her from the beginning. Even if she hadn't been their soulmate, she would have understood that the three Illyrians liked her.

Amren had been staring at Luxiana nonstop since the beginning. Between sips, she swirled her wine glass in her hand. Outwardly, Amren looked calm and relaxed but her muscles were tense. She felt threatened. And although the blonde knew she was being spied on, she had only thrown Amren a small haughty smile, not even a little intimidated by the brunette's intense gaze. Amren couldn't help it. Something about this woman intrigued her to the highest degree. She had the impression that Luxiana could kill them all but at the same time, she gave that impression to be so fragile that she could just fall and break her neck. The brunette didn't know on which foot to dance on. It was strange.

Luxiana was in turmoil. She loved meeting new people especially when those people were women as powerful as Mor and Amren. She was a big fan. She gave Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel a tender look. They weren't like all the other Illyrians. They had surrounded themselves with warrior women and they seemed to regard them with respect. Of course, they seemed to regard Luxiana as weak and fragile but she could see that it wasn't mean.

Cassian had eyes only for Luxiana. He had rested his elbows on the table and cupped his face to look tenderly at his soulmate. She talked a lot, making a lot of expressions, making big gestures and laughing and Cassian liked every single thing she did. He just couldn't stop looking at her. He felt so good. Luxiana had just asked Mor how she had become a true warrior and she was listening to Rhys' cousin tell her story with a tilted head and an attentive face that reacted to each of Morrigan's words. Her expression was so cute that Cassian melted in his chair. He memorized his soulmate's face so much in his mind that unconsciously, he sent this memory to his brothers via their bonds.

Azriel listened intently to the exchange between Rhys' cousin and his soulmate but he only looked at Mor with suspicious narrowed eyes. She must not flirt with his mate. Was she even attracted to women? Damn, wouldn't he have noticed in those five hundred years if she didn't like men? Suddenly, he saw the image Cassian sent him. His breath caught in his throat. He turned his head towards his soulmate to see her make the same expression again. His heart skipped a beat. "I swear to you, there is no fucking way she would make that face anywhere but here and with anyone but us, is that clear?" he spat through their link.

Rhysand had a smile from ear to ear. He was leaning back on his chair and looking at the table in front of him with a swollen heart and bright eyes. He felt like he was fulfilled. He took a deep breath. His family. They were all there. And now that Luxiana was with them, he finally felt like he was missing nothing. Seeing in his mind what Cassian was showing him, he stared at Luxiana with a tender look. He looked her up and down without being able to stop, happily observing every perfect millimeter of his soulmate's skin. Then, at Azriel's possessive words, he held back a laugh by pursing his lips. He noticed out of the corner of his eye Cassian nodding discreetly to answer his brother but he said nothing. He would never have been able to prevent his soulmate from making any expression just out of jealousy. But, he was glad to know that Azriel wouldn't let his soulmate be so cute in front of someone else. It even suited him a little.

Mor explained what had happened to her. That her parents had wanted to force her to marry the son of the High Lord of the Autumn Court but that she had managed to have it annulled. She had not given Luxiana more details on how she had stopped it but the look she had given Cassian and the disapproving one he had returned by nodding his head from left to right to dissuade her from saying something, had explained it to Luxiana for them.

Luxiana's face had gradually faded, making her lose all trace of joy, forcing the three Illyrians -who noticed it with concern and disappointment- to understand what was happening by concentrating on what was said. Then Mor recounted that her parents had left her at the border of the Autumn Court with a note nailed to his stomach. Luxiana put her hand over her mouth to try to hide her fright while empathy and pure sadness sparkled in her eyes.

Cassian clenched his fists at the memories that stirred a mixture of anger, injustice, and guilt within him, "And when that bastard Eris found her, he didn't help her. He left her there, for dead in the middle of nowhere." Mor looked down and Rhysand and Azriel had their jaw muscles throbbing in their cheeks, signs of their clenched teeth.

But Luxiana's face changed completely. The horror and sadness left her to give way to confusion. She frowned as she blinked several times. "Eris did..." Everyone turned their gaze to her, she then stopped herself as she realized her familiarity. She shook her head to correct herself. "Um, the son of the Lord of the Autumn Court did that?"

Rhysand narrowed his eyes as he glanced at Azriel and Cassian. She had spoken of Eris as if she knew him. But there was no way that was the case. So why was she surprised by his cruelty? “Does that surprise you?”

Luxiana refrained from grimacing or reacting. "A little, because unlike you, I had never heard a bad rumor about him. On the contrary, in fact, he has a rather good reputation," she explained, sinking into a lie. Well, now she knew that Azriel could detect when people weren't telling the truth, so she convinced herself that she wasn't lying but more that she was only telling part of what she knew. "So, I thought that given how adorable you three are, he must be even more so."

The three Illyrians relaxed, confusion slipping from their expressions. Rhys smirked, “So you think we’re adorable?”

Luxiana gave him a half-open, tired look. Of all she had said, he had only remembered that. She rolled her eyes, smiling in spite of herself, proud to see that none of them had been able to detect that she was not telling everything. Then she turned back to Mor to resume the discussion, "How did you manage to get out of it after being left there?"

Mor smiled sadly as she turned a nostalgic look towards the Illyrian with the blue siphons who didn't even see her, too absorbed in observing Luxiana. The white-haired blonde intercepted the expression of Rhys' cousin, so she began to go back and forth between Azriel and Mor with her pupils. She understood that something had happened between the two of them too. "Azriel found me," Morrigan explained, "and since then, I've been living alongside Rhys."

Luxiana raised her eyebrows. She knew the Illyrian was a good spy and was therefore able to find anyone anywhere, but she also knew that the defenses of the Court of Autumn were nearly impenetrable. Suddenly, she realized. She had to suppress a smile of relief or even react at all. Eris must have weakened her court's protection spells to allow Azriel to find Morrigan. She knew he wasn't evil. Not her Eris. "I'm so sorry," Luxiana finally breathed.

Everyone stared at her intensely. Morrigan frowned. "Why would you be?" she asked, confused.

Luxiana leaned against her backrest. She pulled her knees up to press them against her chest and she put her feet on her seat, wrapping her arms around her calves. "What happened to you is awful. You seem like a good person Mor, you didn't deserve to go through this. But I'm sorry for something else. I'm sorry in advance for what I'm going to do to your parents to get you a revenge. Because believe me I'm going to find them and I'm going to break their bones."

Mor smiled softly as she lowered her head, blushing. It had been a long time since she had blushed, actually. She looked back at Luxiana tenderly, silently thanking her for her kind words.

The three Illyrians detailed their soulmate, smiling for Cassian, nodding from left to right with a disapproving look for Azriel and rolling their eyes for Rhysand. They thought she was cute to hear that she believed she was capable of avenging Mor but they were a little worried. Luxiana seemed really saddened for Rhys' cousin, as if what she had told was the most horrible and cruel thing Luxiana had ever heard. It worried them a little because they had just plunged her into a world where she would be surrounded by suffering permanently from now on, but at the same time, it relieved them. Their soulmate must have never lived or heard terrible stories. She must have been happy all her life and no one had ever hurt her. The hearts of the three Illyrians slowly lightened.

Then Luxiana cleared her throat as her electric blue irises flickered between the three males. "What about you?" She asked, suddenly curious. "How did you meet? Although all three of you are very hot, you're not biological brothers, right?"

Cassian burst out laughing because of the explosion of happiness that was bubbling in his chest. He wanted to jump around screaming because he was so happy to know that she found all three of them sexy.

Azriel smirked, a little proud. Their soulmate was intelligent and perceptive.

Rhysand looked at her tenderly, but a glint of haughty ego floated in his pupils. "It's a long story."

Luxiana dropped her feet to the ground to raise an eyebrow at Rhys and lean towards him. “Well, do we have something to do? I don’t think. So I’m listening.”

Azriel lost his smile to grimace for a second. "It's not a very pretty story to hear." He had seen how his soulmate had reacted to what had happened to Mor, how he had seen her heart break on her face or how empathetic she seemed. She seemed to take on the misfortunes of others when they weren't hers. And he didn't want his soulmate to feel sad, not for them. He wanted to make her happy.

Luxiana turned to Azriel, pouting imploringly like a child. She pushed her lower lip out a little more, looking at him intensely with ultra-dilated and bright pupils while blinking exaggeratedly.

Azriel's heart felt like it was melting in his chest at the sight of this cuteness. "I'm saying this for you." He sighed in resignation but swallowed hard despite himself. How did she manage to be even more adorable each time?

“But I want to know everything about you! Absolutely everything! From the day you were born until now,” she insisted, her eyebrows furrowed in determination. “I want to know who you really are.”

Cassian, Rhysand, and Azriel couldn't resist anymore. They wanted her to really know who they were, based on what they had experienced and not what she had heard about them because of the bad rumors. Azriel nodded, "fine but I would have warned you."

Amren frowned indignantly as she let out a strange sound. She slammed her fist on the table, “Are you really going to tell her everything? We don’t know if we can trust her.”

"Amren," Rhys growled with a stern look at her, forbidding her to continue.

Amren protested curtly, "Don't forget that her best friend is our enemy's wife. And if only that were all." The brunette began to look Luxiana up and down with an even more suspicious look. "She's..."

“I won’t say anything,” Luxiana interrupted before Amren could say too much. Then she turned her attention back to Rhys. “I won’t say anything, I promise. I just want to know everything about you so I can trust you. But I won’t say anything, not even to Feyre.” Suddenly, she had an idea. Her face was sincere and determined as she abruptly extended her pinky finger toward Rhysand. “Pinkie promise. You can’t break a pinkie promise.”

Cassian laughed softly with Mor and Azriel. Rhysand smiled tenderly. Then, although he did not believe the solemnity of this promise, he tangled Luxiana's little finger with his own, unable to refuse contact with her.

"What does tell us you won't break that promise?" Amren asked warily again with a hissing voice.

"I won't!" Luxiana was offended by the brunette's insistence. She was going to get angry but she didn't want to lose her cool. She huffed as she turned to the high lord. "You know what, you just have to create a magic pact between us! Something that would stipulate that if I tell anyone about what you're going to tell me, I'll die on the spot. I think you high lords can do that, right?"

Rhysand laughed, a soft, melodious sound. “I can, but I won’t. I trust you.”

Luxiana jumped up in her chair in surprise and joy, grabbing Azriel's arm and shoulder with both hands to hold on to something. But vibrating with an excitement she couldn't contain, she began to shake the Illyrian in all directions. She turned to Cassian with wide eyes and a broad smile without stopping to move Azriel. "The Lord of the Night Court trusts me," then she cried out a high-pitched sound.

Cassian, Rhysand and Mor burst out laughing at Luxiana's reaction and Azriel's, who let himself be shaken with a jaded look and eyes fixed on the ceiling. Then they ended up telling her everything. Really everything.

Rhysand first started by explaining who his parents were. Who his mother was and how his father had saved her wings. Luxiana's gaze began to sparkle with a thousand flaming lights and a tear, which she had not even felt, ran down her cheek. Rhysand stopped talking when he noticed it. He frowned in worry as he straightened up in his chair. "What's wrong?" He rushed his hand to his soulmate's face to wipe the tear from the back of his knuckles.

Azriel gritted his teeth. She was crying? He didn't like it. He didn't like it at all. "I told you so," he growled, "we should stop there."

“No, no, it’s nothing,” she smacked Azriel’s shoulder once, giving him a dark, disapproving look. Then she focused back on Rhysand, “I just think it’s really cute. Please, continue.”

Azriel glanced at Cassian who sighed and shook his head. Their soulmate seemed to feel everything multiplied. They had never seen anyone look so impacted by the story of someone they barely knew.

Rhysand continued. He explained about the relationship between his mother and father. That they didn't really love each other but that they were soulmates and that his mother had always been grateful to his father for saving her wings.

Luxiana nodded, she could understand her mother but she frowned nonetheless. "Is it possible? To have a soulmate and not love him? I mean, from what I know, it's the cauldron that binds two people together because they're made for each other, right? They're just made to match their soulmate."

Rhysand smiled tenderly, thinking she was right. He was even sure of it. Because Luxiana was perfect. She was made for him and he for her. "It's not that simple, many other factors come into play. And my father was not a good person, he was really cruel."

Luxiana could feel the apprehension and fear creeping up on her, freezing her cells. "Was he with you too?"

Rhysand gritted his teeth for a second as he looked down at the bad memories and Cassian and Azriel gave him an understanding look. Mor answered for his cousin with a voice full of resentment, "He was especially with him."

She closed her eyes in desolation, pursing her lips. No parent should be mean to their children. She imagined how he must have felt. How much he must have blamed himself for everything. How bad he must have felt in his own skin, weak and stupid for never having received his father's pride. He must have never felt good enough for anything because his father had never been able to give him affection. Luxiana's heart cracked.

But Rhysand continued his story. He explained that he and his mother had to go to an Illyrian camp -so he could train- where he had met Cassian.

Then the army commander took over to tell his own story. He explained what he knew about his parents, that he slept outside and had to fight for everything.

Luxiana grimaced in sadness, her chin twisting. He had been only a child and he had had to fend for himself. All alone. She imagined the evenings when in the cold, curled up on himself, he cried over the absence of his parents' love. His heart tore a little more in his chest, even hurting a little. Cassian spoke of all this with a smile on his lips and a proud face, but she could see that it was false and that deep down, he was still hurt. "You must have felt so alone," Luxiana remarked almost inaudibly, seeking comfort in Cassian's tender eyes.

The Illyrian, seeing her distress, tried to comfort her. He then told her about the time he had met Rhys and how he had beaten him out but that despite that, Rhys and his mother had invited her to sleep at his place.

Luxiana gave the high lord an affectionate and admiring glance. So he was that kind?

Then they continued explaining that they had then met Azriel and that, although at first they hated each other, as they were not loved by anyone, they started making an alliance and even ended up liking each other.

Luxiana turned to Azriel, waiting for him to talk about his childhood, but he didn't. "What about you? What happened before you met them?"

Mor looked back and forth between the spymaster and Luxiana, huffing as he struggled for words. "Azriel doesn't like to talk about it much."

Luxiana glanced at the blonde, realizing that Azriel must not have had a happy childhood either. She swallowed loudly in apprehension as she turned fully to him, "You really don't want to talk about it?"

“No,” Azriel said, looking down at his soulmate with shining eyes. She looked so worried and anxious. He didn’t want to tell her, but he knew it would have been worse for her not to know. She would imagine even worse things. “But I’ll tell you. I’ll always tell you what you want to know anyway.”

Luxiana was biting the inside of her lower lip to keep from blushing.

Azriel looked at her for a second with a proud smile, noticing her confusion before beginning to tell her that he was the son of an Illyrian lord and a commoner. He explained to her that he lived with his in-laws and that his mother-in-law kept him locked up in a dark cell where he was only allowed to go out for an hour a day. He had neither the right to fly nor the right to live.

Luxiana clenched her teeth so hard that her cheeks hurt. She, who had some hope that the spymaster's childhood would be less terrible, now had a completely upset stomach. They forbade him from flying. How horrible to have wings and not be able to use them. She imagined him curled up in a dark corner of his cell. Her heart felt like it was being crushed in a fist. She opened her eyes again, holding back her tears but placed her pupils on Azriel's hand on his thigh. She grabbed his fingers delicately to bring his arm closer to her and look at his scars more specifically. She began to caress the burn marks on his skin with the tips of her fingerprints. "Is that where you got that?"

Azriel watched her do it with a tilted head, observing her reactions with curiosity, learning what kind of person she was. He nodded slowly, explaining to her about his half brothers who had set his hands on fire.

Luxiana wanted to throw up. How could anyone be so cruel? Well, how could anyone be so cruel to an innocent child? She knew why people were cruel… Because she was going to be cruel herself -as she had been many times before- to avenge the three Illyrians and Morrigan.

Then Azriel ended up adding that at eleven years old, he was released into the Illyrian camp of Cassain and Rhysand where his mother had also adopted him.

Then the high lord explained about his sister and mother and Tamlin's betrayal. Then he went on to talk about the war and his father who had recruited him, Azriel and Cassian but who had separated them. Rhysand vaguely recounted the atrocities they had seen and experienced during that time. Then he tensed up, the atmosphere getting a little heavier. He explained that he had been captured by Amarantha's soldiers towards the end of the war and that they had beaten and tortured him.

Luxiana's breathing was precarious. She pursed her lips as she swallowed with difficulty, her heart felt like it was tearing into a thousand pieces. She knew so much what it felt like that it hurt her to hear that someone else had experienced this. Her eyes burned but she did everything not to cry knowing that Azriel would want to stop them from continuing.

As Luxiana was facing Rhysand, her back to Azriel, the latter, sensing her discomfort, narrowed his eyes as he leaned towards her to see her face. But when Luxiana caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye, she hid herself by turning her head a little more. The master spy understood. "You want to cry," he remarked with a slightly tired look.

Luxiana shook her head sharply, "no..." she said in a much higher pitched voice than usual.

Azriel gave him a disapproving look, and Cassian scoffed, chuckling. But Rhysand reached up to grab his soulmate's face and turn it toward him. "They didn't break me," he added firmly to reassure her. "They didn't know that since I was Illyrian, all they had to do to destroy me was to cut my wings."

Luxiana's face contorted further, her chin quivering, her lips pursed and her dimples protruding. She rolled her eyes to stop herself from crying. Their stories brought back so many bad memories for Luxiana, she couldn't help but feel as bad as she had felt. His wings. Her wings. "How did you get out of there?" she asked, hoping to think of something else and change the subject. Rhysand released her.

Azriel sensing his soulmate's distress sighed but said nothing. His heart ached for her. Or maybe it was the weak bond that already united him to her and that allowed him to feel what she felt. In a comforting gesture, he placed his palm on Luxiana's back then gently moved it up in a caress to her neck, which he gently gripped to massage it.

Luxiana gave him a look filled with surprise and then gratitude, silently thanking him while smiling at him. Then Rhysand continued. He explained to her about Jurian, and about Amarantha's sister. He told her about the fight that the general of the human armies had led against the fae. Then how the redhead had made Jurian suffer for that.

Luxiana clenched her fists on her thighs, grabbing the lace of her dress with her fingers. She knew Jurian well and remembering what Amarantha had done to him filled her with anger.

Rhysand added that his father had found him but as punishment for allowing himself to be captured, he had ordered that the ash stakes be left in his wings.

Luxiana slid down on her chair, leaning back a little more. She was seething with anger, so much that she was dying of heat. How could a father do that to his child? Luxiana knew how much it hurt to injure the Illyrians' wings, they were so sensitive. She cursed Rhysand's father with all her might. She was mad with rage.

The High Lord of the Night Court continued on Amarantha. He spoke of the assassination attempts he had planned against her because he found it unfair that she was not punished. And he came to the moment when he had been imprisoned under the mountain. The room became silent, the atmosphere heavy, hunching everyone's shoulders and making them lower their heads. Luxiana could see the guilt on the faces of Rhysand's friends. They would have liked to help him, to accompany him. But Rhysand had sacrificed himself for them.

She looked at the brown-haired fae with purple eyes who had remained evasive. "What happened to you under the mountain?" She suspected what Amarantha had done to him but she wanted so badly for him to tell her something else.

Rhysand smiled sadly. “Things I’d rather forget. Things I wouldn’t tell anyone about, least of all to you.” They looked at each other in silence for a second.

Cassian took a deep breath, apprehension gnawing at him. “Now you know our story. You know everything. So what do you think of us?”

Luxiana's breathing was rapid. No matter how hard she tried to hide it, she wasn't feeling well. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest and only the adrenaline coursing through her veins kept her from crying. They had all been through horrors here. Yet, they all seemed so kind. She felt so sad for them. She placed her hand on Rhys' forearm on the table, squeezing it gently in a comforting gesture. Then she crossed her arms. "Okay so I have three questions," seeing that everyone was listening attentively, she continued. "Number one," she turned to Rhysand, "is your father dead? And you better tell me he 's dead because if you don't , I'm going to kill him and that could cause a lot of trouble for a lot of people."

Everyone laughed -except Amren- not suspecting for a second that she could compete against the power of the former high lord. When she could. She could reduce all the high lords to nothing all in one same time. Rhysand raised an eyebrow, pleasantly surprised by his soulmate's words. "He is," he confirmed with a nod.

“Finally some good news,” she breathed, somewhat reassured. “Then, second question,” she turned to Cassian. “Did you beat the shit out of all the Illyrians who doubted you?”

Cassian smiled proudly, lifting his chin, "of course I do."

"Great! Another few people off the list," she exclaimed, making the others laugh. Then she turned to Azirel. "Last question, did you make your mother-in-law and brothers-in-law pay for what they did to you?"

Azriel nodded slowly from left to right. “I don’t want anything to do with them anymore.”

Luxiana gritted her teeth, she didn't like that answer. She was going to burn everything. "Well, that makes," she started counting on her fingers, "Mor's parents, Azriel's brothers and mother-in-law, a few Illyrians just for fun and to go shit on Rhysand's father's grave. Phew, I'm going to have work."

They all laughed heartily -even Amren who smiled softly- and despite everything, their laughter soothed Luxiana.

"She's crazy, I love her!" Mor yelled, banging on the table.

They all calmed down gradually. "Your turn," Cassian finally said, crossing his arms and leaning back against his chair. Luxiana tilted her head questioningly. "It's your turn to tell us about your childhood. You know everything about us, now we want to know everything about you."

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 16 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I wanted to apologize, I'm posting late and the chapters aren't even very good. Plus, I won't post the next chapter until Wednesday the 18th. I have a lot of things to do and I need to get a little ahead on writing this story. Then after, I'll bring the posts closer together and post the chapters every two/three days.

Sorry, I hope you still liked the reading a little bit, though. I wish you have a very good and happy day. With all my love, ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Enjoy the read !

Chapter 16

The four of them appeared in a huge room with a high ceiling. The Town house.

Luxiana frowned, still stuck on Rhysand's words. She barely had time to recall what Feyre had learned during their meeting with the queens - and therefore what she had told her afterwards about this city called Velaris that Rhysand had hidden and protected from everyone - before she was already somewhere else. She opened her eyes wide and hiccupped silently in surprise as she took in her surroundings. She released Rhysand's hand in spite of him, and began to spin around. 

She was in what appeared to be an entrance hall. The place was bathed in light and had the look of a dream. There were decorations on the walls that seemed to cost a small fortune, and the several rooms adjacent to this hallway appeared to be a huge living room and dining room with an enormous table. She looked down and lifted her feet one by one as she saw that she was walking on a soft red carpet. The whole place was luxurious and exuded wealth. 

Cassian couldn't hide his big, mocking smile. She didn't seem used to so much opulence, and he adored her even more for it, but seeing her so amazed filled him with hilarity and affection. And then his heart swelled with joy. Since he'd met her, he'd imagined countless times what would happen and how she'd react if they succeeded in bringing her here. Now she was here at last, and he couldn't have wished for better. She was even more beautiful than he could have predicted. The light from the building made her skin, hair and eyes glow. Then Cassian noticed something, vibrating even more. Here, his soul mate looked like a star. 

Azriel detailed her with a gaze he knew to be shining. He could literally feel his eyes sparkling. And if he hadn't been completely absorbed in memorizing his soul mate's every expression, to make sure he could continue to see her even with his eyes closed, he probably could have tried to hide it. He could almost feel his muscles trembling with excitement. They'd taken another step forward in their relationship today. She was now truly at home with them, and she was no longer upset. Azriel couldn't wait to see where this was going. 

Rhysand looked at her with a slight stress that compressed his stomach. He was afraid his soul mate wouldn't like his home. Well, it didn't really matter, because he'd modify the whole building to suit Luxiana's preferences, but he'd like her to feel comfortable already, to feel at home already. Because this was her home. Forever. It didn't even matter if she didn't accept him as her soul mate, she'd still be welcome with him. Because even if she never loved him back, she was still that sunny, smiling, funny young woman whose company Rhysand already enjoyed so much. "We're at the Town house, this is my place," he said, shoving his hand back into his pocket so as not to show her that he was playing with his fingers nervously. 

Then he glanced at Cassian and Azriel. He blew out a smile, reminding himself that they shared the same soulmate now and that if he wanted to live here with Luxiana, he'd necessarily have to include his two brothers in the equation. Rhysand realized a little more. He was going to have to share everything with his brothers if she accepted all three of them. Really everything, including his girl, his houses, his wealth, his rank. But he didn't really mind. Cassian and Azriel were his brothers and he already shared a lot with them. Besides, if it meant he got Luxiana in return, then it would be worth it. "Well, to the three of us," he added. "Do you like it?"  

She raised her eyes to the three Illyrians who were staring at her avidly, but she paid them no further attention. She'd already noticed that they often stared at her strangely, but she just thought they were strange. "Daaaaaaaaaammmmmnn yeah," she exclaimed, laughing. She placed her hands on her hips, looking at Rhysand with eyes wide with pleasant surprise. Even the other courts didn't have buildings this beautiful. This was indeed the prettiest place she'd ever seen, and yet she remembered loving the winter court. 

Cassian burst out laughing so hard he leaned back, holding his stomach. He laughed for so long and so uncontrollably, he couldn't even breathe. His soul mate didn't disappoint. In all the scenarios he'd imagined, he'd never once thought she wouldn't swear when she saw the place. He was so proud to see that he already knew her well. "Of course the first word she could say in our home was a bad word."

Azriel smiled tenderly, still detailing Luxiana in the same way. "That's not very distinguished of such a pretty young lady," he teased gently. 

She gave them a dark look between her wrinkled eyelids. "Don't judge me, I was caught off guard." Then she bit her lower lip, her eyes shining with mischief on the lord of the night. She leaned toward him a little, detailing him up and down, "sssoooooo, are you that rich?" She pointed out the hall and the works of art with a vague movement of her finger.

Rhysand's heart pounded so hard at the sight of his soulmate's pretty face leaning towards him that he almost jumped. He smiled wryly, bringing his face close to Luxiana's, almost pressing his nose to hers. And he had to force himself not to break the distance a little more, especially as she didn't back down. "Much richer, in fact," he declared proudly. 

Luxiana tried not to weaken and had to fight herself not to take a deep breath as she closed her eyes. She didn't want to seem drawn in or turned inside out by Rhysand's scent, but it had tickled her lungs. So she hiccupped theatrically in surprise as she jerked upright. She cleared her throat, glancing away. She tucked a lock of hair, that had escaped her braid, behind her ear. "And...um...are you...," she joked, giving herself a shy look and pretending to stammer. "Uh...single, by any chance?" 

Cassian calmed down, stopping laughing all of a sudden, returning to a serious face. He blinked several times. Had he heard what he'd just heard? He opened his mouth wide. He could see from the mischievous flash in his mate's pupils that she was teasing them, but the fact that she'd asked Rhys that question had done something to him. He was both jealous and pleased. It was so strange that he froze, not knowing how to react. She was a little interested in them. Well, in his brother. And maybe she was only joking, but he'd vowed to become even richer than Rhys if it attracted his soulmate.

Azriel raised an eyebrow and smiled. He knew she wasn't the kind of girl to be baited by money, especially not by looking so kind and sweet. But he certainly hadn't expected to hear such a direct and bold question from such a cute young woman. 

Rhysand's eyes widened for a second, bewildered, before he burst out laughing, so hard he had to take a step backwards. But he wasn't laughing because he found his soulmate's joke funny, he was laughing because he was bubbling with joy. 

Luxiana pursed her lips to keep from smiling. She definitely thought she was very funny and was really proud that she had managed to make the lord laugh. Remembering what Feyre had told her about Velaris, she recalled what she'd understood about Rhysand and what he'd had to sacrifice to protect that city. So she just wanted to give him a good time and appease him.

Rhysand calmed down slowly, gradually stopping laughing, but he couldn't help showing all his teeth. He was just vibrating with happiness at the idea of her asking him that. And at the idea that, maybe, she was interested in him. His heart was beating so fast in his chest that he was sure she could hear him. He raised his hand slowly, running his index finger under Luxiana's jaw, caressing the skin from her throat to her chin as he lifted her head a little toward him. He plunged a serious gaze into his soulmate's. "I haven't got anyone. I've been waiting for you." 

Luxiana's heart missed a beat at the lord's words and she couldn't stop her cheeks from flushing. She shook her head, biting the front of her tongue, cursing herself as she looked up at the ceiling. She couldn't believe he'd managed to turn his stupidity against her, and she hated herself for blushing at such words. But she wouldn't admit defeat so easily. She crossed her hands behind her back, giving herself an innocent look. "Great then, so I can try to seduce you ?" 

Rhysand wanted to scream and jump around like a teenager. He was so happy to hear these words from his soul mate. He knew it might just be a joke, but that was enough for him. "Oh you weren't trying until now? Because it was already working just fine." 

Luxiana blew out a laugh, rolling her eyes. "I guess it must be my natural charm, I'm not very surprised," she quipped haughtily, trying not to look as taken aback as she was. His body tickled her. "But anyway, will you show me around?"

Rhysand took a deep breath, his chest heaving with a strange feeling of affection and peace. He loved the look of confidence and seduction his soulmate had adopted, and he loved knowing it was meant for him. Luxiana was no longer angry with him, and it had been as simple to change her behavior as taking her to see her best friend. The lord extended his elbow, his arm bent, inviting his soulmate to embrace it, "with pleasure, demoiselle."

Luxiana leapt on the spot once and for all, letting out a squeal of delight, before grabbing Rhysand's arm and wrapping herself around it. Then she enthusiastically followed the handsome purple-eyed Illyrian as he began guiding her towards what appeared to be a living room. 

Azriel watched them walk away with a look he wanted to be jaded, but he couldn't stop smiling.

"Hey!?" screamed Cassian as he followed them, running. "We're here too I remind you, and we're rich too ! Luxiana !"

Rhysand restrained himself from bursting out laughing at Cassian's jealousy. He leaned toward his soulmate's ear, "I'm richer," he breathed.

The blonde let out a small laugh before turning back to Cassian while continuing to follow Rhysand, "You'll be option three, then. If option one," she pointed at Rhysand with her index finger, "or option two," she pointed at Azriel, "don't want me."

Azriel and Rhysand burst out laughing at the blonde's words, while Cassian held back his mirth. He opened his mouth wide, hiccupping with fright. "What? I'm option three?" he exclaimed, falsely offended. He could tell his soul mate was joking. At least, he hoped she was.  "And may I ask what they have that I don't?"

Luxiana laughed so hard that she had to let herself fall a little more on Rhysand's arm and hold on to him a little tighter so as not to fall. She didn't answer; she wouldn't know what to say anyway. They really had nothing less or nothing more than the other two. Luxiana found all three of them just as sexy, tall, strong, muscular, handsome, charismatic, kind, rich, sensual... She shook her head and laughed even harder, thinking that she'd had a good time and was going to enjoy the weeks ahead in such charming company. 

Rhysand laughed, but not because he was amused by the situation, unlike Azriel, but because Luxiana's closeness filled him with happiness and hope. He wasn't used to feeling this good. So vibrant. Things could move forward between his mate and them now that she no longer held a grudge. 

Cassian followed them -ignoring his brother who was trying to show his mate the mansion by showing her the rooms- continuing to ask Luxiana the same question over and over, insisting on an answer. "No, but what do they have that I don't?" And, although Luxiana was trying to ignore him, the Illyrian could see that she was pursing her lips to keep from laughing. It encouraged Cassian to keep going.

Azriel followed them silently, delighting in all Luxiana's expressions, those "Woah" every time she entered a new room, even when it was just the bathroom. She seemed genuinely amazed by the smallest thing, and that made Azriel's heart melt a little more. She was so enthusiastic. She'd ask questions about building construction, about things that didn't even matter, but Azriel loved hearing them and Rhysand loved answering them. His mate was so alive, so sunny. She awakened every part of his body.  

Rhysand introduced Luxiana to her bedroom, and he laughed as she shyly stepped into it, detailing it. "Oh," she said, her mouth wide open as she admired the beauty of the room, her eyes shining. "It's gorgeous, I love it."

Rhysand smiled affectionately. He loved that she loved his home. "Good, make yourself at home. And if during the night you need anything, anything at all, my room is the door just to the right of yours. Cassian's is to the left and Azriel's is opposite, so don't hesitate."

Luxiana's body burned. It was adorable. She stopped circling to turn around and rest her eyes on the three Illyrians. "That's really too sweet, thank you." She didn't even flinch when she noticed that Cassian was only inches away from her, arms crossed, his gaze insistent because he'd just asked her again why he was the third option. She knew he was there even if she hadn't heard him, she'd felt him. Azriel was leaning against the doorframe, watching her with a smirk. Rhysand had his hands in his pocket and was detailing her with a tilted head. "So you three really live that close together? Isn't it complicated living as roommates with his two brothers?" 

"Cassian and I didn't live here before. We only moved here a few days ago," Azriel explained without even realizing what he was saying. God, he'd dreamed so long of having his soul mate here with him, in this house, and now it was finally happening. He almost couldn't believe it.

"For what reason?" asked Luxiana, curious. 

"For you," Rhysand simply blurted out as he detailed her reaction, eager to see how she would react. 

Luxiana squinted for a second. Did she really know who she was to feel the need to place her between the three of them under close surveillance? Anyway, it wasn't as if they could stop her doing anything. She raised an eyebrow, trying to look pleasantly surprised, but she wanted to know more. "Well, I'm flattered that the three most powerful warriors in this court feel the need to keep such a close eye on me. But I promise I'll keep my head down and stay calm, at least until I've discharged Feyre from the service she owes you. After that, though... you probably won't be too much of threes."

Rhysand winced, lowering his eyes. He didn't know what to say. He didn't like his smate thinking that they were so untrusting, that they needed to keep an eye on her when they didn't. But neither could he see himself giving her the real reason why they'd taken over the rooms around hers and why they were still glued to her. 

Azriel's smile faded. He didn't like the idea that his soul mate thought they couldn't handle her. Of course, he was convinced of the opposite. They were the three most powerful and probably the most intelligent and influential Illyrians in the country, and they certainly wouldn't let themselves be outmaneuvered by a human. Even if this human was their beautiful mate. But it had to be said that some doubt lingered in the master spy's chest. She seemed so casual and reckless. He was worried. 

Cassian laughed out loud. "Oh because you think you can put up with all three of us?" He asked this question as if it was nothing, but a double meaning resonated within Cassian. He was a little dreading the answer to his question. He didn't really know what to expect, but he hoped he'd be reassured. He hoped she could really deal with all three of them in a possible future relationship.

Luxiana glanced up at him with assurance. Then, very slowly, the corner of her lips lifted, "Oh, because you think the three of you will be able to stand ME? No," she nodded haughtily, "I'm going to wear you out."

The three of them froze for a second in surprise, then burst out laughing in spite of themselves. 

Cassian was relieved, breathing a little easier. An huge weight, though back again, had left his shoulders for just a second. How could she reassure them without even knowing it?

Azriel had never laughed so much in one day as he did today. "I'm afraid it could be true," he admitted, talking about his doubts and uncertainties. 

Rhysand slowly calmed down. Everything seemed so simple yet so complicated with his soul mate. It was a strange sensation to hold her close and talk to her. She was so interesting. He dreamed of being able to discover her freely. He held out his hand to her. "Come, I'd like you to meet two people. They've just arrived."

Luxiana inclined her head as she caught his hand and followed him, curious as to where he was going to take her and who he was going to introduce her to. "Who?"

"The last two members of my inner circle, my closest friends...," Rhysand glanced intensely and brightly at Luxiana beside him. "My family."

They walked to the dining room, where Mor and Amren were waiting with impatience for the blonde and boredom for the brunette. They turned as one towards the three Illyrians and Luxiana as they entered the room. 

Mor had a broad smile on her lips, wanting to appear as sympathetic as possible to meet the soulmate of the three men in her life. She felt a little anxious. What would she do if this woman didn't like her? When she laid eyes on Luxiana, her breath caught in her throat. She tried not to let anything show, but like the first time she'd seen her, she'd been completely taken in by this woman's beauty. If she wasn't tied to Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel, she would have taken a chance on her.

Amren was bored in advance by this encounter. Sitting cross-legged in her chair, she breathed heavily as she checked her manicure, but when she laid eyes on Luxiana, everything changed. She contracted. Her face closed a little more than usual. She rose slowly from her chair, not wanting to make any sudden moves, feeling ... in danger? She detailed the young woman attentively. Her eyebrows furrowed as she continued to stare at her, forcing her lower jaw not to lift from the top of her face.

Luxiana hiccupped as she caught sight of Mor. Her eyes widened as she stopped in her tracks, bringing Rhysand to a halt, unable to pull her by their entwined hands. He turned back to her with a puzzled look. But Luxiana only had eyes for Mor. She vaguely remembered seeing her at the Archerons, but she'd never been able to talk to him. She regretted it. Luxiana couldn't keep her eyes from shining with admiration. She'd also heard stories about Morrigan and what a powerful warrior she was. This fae was one of the few female warriors, in fact. She had earned the respect of the worst fae and even the worst Illyrians in this country. Luxiana was overwhelmed with admiration. She hoped with all her heart that one day she would become one of her friends.

Azriel and Cassian stopped at their soul mate’s side, turning their gaze towards her. An awkward silence settled over the room as the three Illyrians scrutinized Luxiana inquisitively. Why was she suddenly silent? It wasn't like her. Noticing this, and not wanting to appear intimidating, Mor hastened to break it. She rushed to Rhysand's side, facing Luxiana, holding out her hand in front of her. "Hello, my name is Morrigan, but you can call me Mor!" she exclaimed cheerfully, trying to sound as nice as possible.

Luxiana opened her mouth wide this time.

Azriel frowned. His soul mate seemed uncomfortable, or at least taken aback, and he didn't like it. He pivoted fully towards her to place his hand on her cheek. He shivered as his fingers made contact with Luxiana's cold, bouncy skin. He turned her head in his direction except that Luxiana continued to stare at Mor. "Are you all right?" asked Azriel, genuinely concerned.

Luxiana blinked several times as she looked up at Azriel, finally noticing him. She shook her head, returning her eyes to Morrigan. She opened her mouth several times, searching for words, but nothing came out. She didn't know what to say. She wanted to express her admiration for her, but she wanted to play it cool and not besiege her with every one of her thoughts she has. Under everyone's insistent stares, she moved automatically to grab the blonde's hand and shake it vigorously, unable to hide her excitement. "Uh... I'm sorry! My name's Mor! Uh, no, no, that's me! I mean, that's you! I'm Luxiana. Oh, sorry, isn't it hot in here? Phew, I'm so hot." The stream of words flowed out of her without her being able to stop it. She was talking nonsense. "Sorry I'm freaking out a little. You know you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Really you're beautiful," she spoke without any filter, her thoughts coming out raw, as they appeared in her head. "Oh my god, maybe I'm gay. I think I'm gay," she turned to Cassian as she continued to shake Morrigan's hand. "Am I gay?"

Everyone's eyes and mouths dropped open in surprise. 

Rhysand was no longer of this world. Was his soul mate flirting with a woman? His cousin no less? Didn't he have a chance with her... again!?

"No!!!" cried Cassian, a strange sort of jealousy spreading through him, burning his skin. He was shocked; if he thought he had no competition with one person, it was Mor. But now that this was the case... Something else awoke in the Illyrian’s mind. Such things as naughty images of Mor and his soulmate together.

Azriel's eyes darted frantically back and forth between Mor and Luxiana. "Is this some kind of fucking joke?" Anger froze his vessels so hard it burned.  His chest compressed. He swore silently as he looked up at the ceiling. Was this fate's way of playing with him? By making his soul mate fall for the woman he'd loved for 500 years and could never have?

Mor burst out laughing, finding her cute. Her pride was reassured to see that Luxiana liked her. How ironic that she was the soulmate of her three best friends. "It's adorable, especially when I think the same of you. I think you're even more beautiful than I am. Just my type," she winked at her, almost making Luxiana stumble. 

Rhysand forced himself to laugh, but the syllables of the sounds he made were so far apart that everyone could see it was fake and that he wasn't enjoying the situation at all. Was his soul mate really flirting with his cousin??????? Did his cousin was flirting back? He turned back to Mor after she'd spoken. " No," he said weakly, to forbid her to approach her.

Luxiana paid no attention to Rhysand. She took a deep, exaggerated noisy breath, still shaking Mor's hand. Then she swiveled towards Rhysand with a wide, dazzling smile. "She thinks I'm beautiful!!!" she almost shouted, jumping for joy.

"No," Rhysand repeated, apparently the only thing he could say as he was so taken aback by this unexpected situation. 

"Certainly not, in fact!" gasped Azriel. He grabbed Luxiana by the hips to make her let go Mor’s hand and swing her over his shoulder. He almost ran out of the room with Luxiana bouncing on top of him. They were both followed by Rhysand and Cassian, still in a state of shock.

They arrived in the hall where they had first set foot. Rhysand closed the door behind them with an absent look, while Mor was still laughing her head off. Azriel abruptly placed Luxiana on the floor. 

With Mor no longer in her field of vision, the blonde pulled herself together. "Woah," she yelled, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. "That was completely crazy what just happened. It was fucking Morrigan."

"And what just happened?" shouted Azriel, both hands raised, breathless with shock and anger. 

Luxiana detailed Azriel with incomprehension. Then she understood him. "Oh," she realized. He was jealous. She grimaced. “Oh no, is that your girlfriend? I didn't mean to sound inappropriate, I just..."

Azriel blew out a breath, catching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. Then he turned his jaded gaze back to Luxiana as she continued to speak. "No," he interrupted her curtly.

Luxiana frowned, then, trying to understand, she turned to Cassian. "Is this your girlfriend?"

Cassian blew out a laugh, shaking his head negatively. 

She then turned to Rhysand, no longer understanding anything.  She went to ask him the same question, but he beat her to it. "No, she's my cousin."

"Oh," she then added, lowering her eyes. No matter how hard her brain worked, she couldn't understand what had just happened. "What's wrong then?"

"You're not gay!" screamed Azriel again, aghast, eyes wide with the obvious. 

Luxiana raised an eyebrow before scowling and crossing her arms." And how do you know?"

Azriel huffed and let out a growl. He closed his eyes tightly. "Because, I just know it!" This woman was his soul mate. He'd already died of jealousy at having to distrust all males, half the population, now he was learning that he also had to fear a woman stealing her from him. He was going to collapse. 

"After…one doesn't preclude the other," Cassian observed with a light shrug and a salacious grin on his face.

Luxiana pointed at Cassian and nodded vigorously, as if he were absolutely right. Rhysand and Azriel gave their brother a look so black, the night would look as bright as the sun beside it.

Cassian raised his hands in the air. "What?" he defended himself. "Oh come on, I couldn't be the only one who was turned on by the situation."

"Yes!" cried Azriel. "Yes," breathed Rhysand wearily at the same time.

Cassian rolled his eyes. "You joyless bunch."

Azriel blew out all his air again. "Don't flirt with Mor, okay?" he ordered sternly.

"I wasn't flir..." then she paused. She hadn't meant to flirt with Mor. She'd just completely panicked and said anything. The woman was just incredible and Luxiana had been under pressure. And she could have said that to Azriel, but who the hell did he think he was to forbid her to flirt with someone? He'd already done it with Lucien. So once was okay, but twice? Was he going to do this every time she met someone? Luxiana took offense, "And why not?"

"Because," Azriel growled with an insistent dark look. "Just don't anymore."

Luxiana, wanting a clue to explain their behavior, glanced at Rhysand. But he was staring at her with furrowed brows, seemingly of the same opinion as Azriel. She then looked to Cassian, who only shrugged his shoulders in acceptance. 

After all, the Illyrian with the red siphons was also a little jealous. He wouldn't have said no to sharing his bed with the two blondes, but no matter how much he pretended otherwise, the idea of Luxiana touching anyone other than the three of them would drive him mad with rage. 

Luxiana huffed through clenched teeth. "You're weird, but okay." Then she smiled viciously. "Well, for now. Can we go back now?"

Azriel gave her a jaded look before stepping aside to let her pass, still not believing his ears.

Rhysand cast a sidelong glance at his soul mate. Maybe she'd been right earlier, maybe she'd managed to wear them out.

Cassian opened the living room door and let Luxiana enter inside with an elegant gesture. The blond rushed back into the room, but she could feel Rhysand and Azriel's suspicious eyes burning into her back. They were surely making sure she didn't get too close to Mor.

Luxiana stopped in front of Rhys's cousin, who was still laughing. "Sorry about that," she apologized with a smile. "It's nice to meet you, Mor, you can call me Lux. I hope we become friends."

"Just as happy, Lux," she replied, glancing mockingly at the three Illyrians behind Luxiana who were killing her with their pupils.  "I'm sure you'll brighten up our lives."

They laughed together and then Luxiana finally noticed the little brunette woman behind the tall blonde.The little fae had her arms crossed and was staring at Luxiana with squinted eyes. She was scrutinizing her as if she were from another planet, which almost made Luxiana uncomfortable. But the white hair girl had also heard of her. Amren. She was powerful, she knew. But she stepped cheerfully towards the brunette, holding out her hand as if she knew nothing. "Hello, I'm happy to meet you! You're just as beautiful as Morrigan. Rhysand seems to have a knack for surrounding himself well."

When Luxiana had approached Amren, the three Illyrians had put on a serious face. They tensed up, muscles contract, ready to intervene. None of them really knew how Amren would react. Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel had warned her. They'd even threatened her. If she dared even think of harming their soulmate, they would act. But they knew Amren wasn't intimidated by threats, and if she really wanted to hurt Luxiana, just because she was human, she would. The breaths of the three Illyrians had stopped and even their hearts seemed to have stopped beating.

There was silence as Luxiana continued to hold out her hand to the brunette. 

"Amren," Rhysand warned her curtly, silently ordering her to be very careful what she did and above all not to upset her soul mate. She might be disappointed or sad if Amren was mean to her, and he didn't want to see those expressions on Luxiana's cute face. 

But the brunette didn't even hear him, still too focused on Luxiana. Her eyebrows furrowed a little more every second. The three Illyrians had described her as weak, fragile and human, but Amren couldn't see it. Something was wrong. She didn't know what it was, she couldn't guess, see or feel it, but she was convinced that something was wrong. And the flashes of confidence, threat and madness she saw shining in the depths of the young woman's pupils didn't fool her. They couldn't be a sign of naivety. This young woman knew very well who Amren was and what she was capable of, but despite this, her gaze exuded no fear, no hesitation, only pure danger. A danger that made Amren shudder. A danger she'd never seen anywhere else. Ever. "What are you...?"

"...doing?" Luxiana replied so quickly afterwards that it made everyone think Amren hadn't finished her sentence, even though his question was well and truly over. “I’m introducing myself.” She gave her a fake innocent smile that only the little fae could see.

Amren's eyelids twitched. This creature knew in advance what question she was going to ask her and had already anticipated what she was going to do. So much that she had already prepared her answer and the timing of it. It was as if she'd already anticipated her reactions and this discussion. But above all, as if she didn't want the three Illyrians behind her to suspect anything. And the smile she gave her… It was a threat. 

Amren could have killed Luxiana, but something told her she couldn't even hurt her. Amen could have mentioned something to Rhysand but she said nothing because all the threat she glimpsed in the blonde's gaze was clearly not directed at them. In fact, it was wrapped in a layer of tenderness and kindness. The corner of Amren lips twitching upwards for a split second before disappearing. This creature was intriguing. She couldn't wait to find out what she was capable of.

The other four present behind them widened their eyes. "Did Amren just smile at Luxiana ??????" shouted Cassian into Rhysand and Azriel's heads.

"We probably just all hallucinated," Rhysand replied, not believing his eyes either.

But Amren reached out to Luxiana and grabbed her hand, shaking it just once. 

The lower jaws of Mor and the three Illyrians dropped, almost falling to the floor. "I've got to sit down," Cassian muttered, dropping into a chair.

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 15 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I wanted to apologize, I'm posting late and the chapters aren't even very good. Plus, I won't post the next chapter until Wednesday the 18th. I have a lot of things to do and I need to get a little ahead on writing this story. Then after, I'll bring the posts closer together and post the chapters every two/three days.

Sorry, I hope you still liked the reading a little bit, though. I wish you have a very good and happy day. With all my love, ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Enjoy the read !

Chapter 15

The Three Illyrians waited for their soulmate in the hall of the moonstone palace in deathly silence. Cassian was leaning against the wall facing the staircase. His arms were crossed and his gaze downcast. He was apprehensive. Rhysand had his hands in his pockets, but despite his relaxed expression, he was tense. He was nervous. Azriel was pacing around them, clenching his jaws. He was anxious. Neither of them wanted to see Tamlin again. Not after what he'd done to Rhysand, to his family, to their family. 

Azriel grunted as he made his U-turn and headed back along the hall in the opposite direction, his feet clicking heavily on the floor. He glared at Rhys as he passed him, shouting into his head: "How could you suggest to lead her to Feyre?  How could you let her go near Tamlin again after what he did to you?"  

Cassian didn't move, but he huffed. He decided to answer for Rhysand, "Luxiana needs to see Feyre. It's her best friend and she seems to mean a lot to her. If we want our soul mate to like us, we need to do at least that for her."

Rhysand looked up at the ceiling. "Believe me, I don't like it any more than you do, Az, but... If our soul mate likes Feyre that much, I guess we'll have to get used to seeing Tamlin more often. And that, in spite of ourselves."

Azriel turned curtly to his lord, freezing from head to toe. "Wait, are you kidding me right now? If they want to see, Feyre will come here."

The violet-eyed fae shook his head, “Tamlin won't let her come here on her own and there's no way he's setting foot in my court."

Azriel let out a sort of guttural sound, then started pacing again, thinking of a solution to keep his soul mate from going to Tamlin's too often. "There's no way she'll go there too much, at least not alone. It's too dangerous."

"Tamlin won't hurt her," Rhysand admitted, the words burning his tongue. "I've seen the way he looks at Feyre, he loves her and as long as he loves her, he won't hurt his best friend. Besides, I hate to admit it, but he seems to like Luxiana too. He stood between us and her to protect her when she threw the bouquet in my face."

Azriel puffed exaggeratedly, a ball of anxiety squeezing his stomach a little more with each of his brother's conciliatory words. "It's still too dangerous. I don't want her to go there without us."

Cassian rolled his eyes. "Do you think it's dangerous for her safety or is that your jealousy talking, knowing she's too close to Lucien?"

Azriel turned wickedly towards Cassian, stopping in the middle of the hall. His head hurt from his brothers' voices inside his skull. "Don't act like you're not dead jealous too."

"I am, but the problem isn't Luxiana seeing her best friend, it's Lucien," Cassian replied, finally raising a dark eyebrow at Azriel. "Oh this one, I'm going to..." He stopped abruptly as he heard someone coming down the stairs. 

All three raised bewildered pupils to the top of the steps. Their breaths got caught in their throats, they froze and even their heartbeats stopped as they watched their mate hurry down, staggering on her stilettos, wobbling from left to right to keep her balance.

Her hair was pulled back over one shoulder and she was casually braiding them with both hands. She was wearing a long black dress made entirely of transparent lace, opaque only around her breasts and lower abdomen. The long sleeves were wide, the top was reminiscent of a corset and the entire fabric was covered with a multitude of shiny dots that made them think of a starry sky. The petticoat was split at the side and should have revealed one of her legs, but she had clutched the bottom of her dress in her teeth, holding the front of it high so as not to step on it and trip. Except that, as a result, her panties, the same color as her dress, and the bottom of her belly were exposed for all to see.  

The three Illyrians were completely frozen, immobilized even in their thoughts, and the only thing they could do was stop themselves from opening their mouths and eyes wide. But it wasn't ice running through their veins, it was molten lava from the heart of an exploding star. Suddenly, they were hot. Very hot. 

They could see their soulmate's firm, pale legs and the sculpted skin of her lower abdomen as they hungrily detailed everything, memorizing every inch. And by the cauldron, they'd never cursed a piece of fabric as much as they were now cursing this dress. They wanted to see more.

Cassian realized that maybe she didn't know they could catch a glimpse of her panties. She seemed so awkward sometimes. Maybe she was prudish. He didn't want to embarrass her. In a daze, he straightened up from the wall he'd been leaning against, pointing his hesitant index finger at his soulmate and at her visible underwear. "Uh we... we can see your..." He shook his head. Was he stuttering? Him? And since when? He cleared his throat, picking himself up and adopting a forced smirk. "Not that I mind, but your panties are showing. Very sexy, by the way."

Luxiana, still descending the stairs and still focused on trying to finish her braid, gritted her teeth to keep her petticoats in her mouth and from falling off. She rolled her eyes, smiling from the corner of her lips at Cassian's words. "Oh it's okay," she mumbled as best she could with her jaws closed, "it's probably not the first time you've seen a woman in underwear, get over it."

Cassian smiled, for real this time, raising an eyebrow in pleasant surprise. So she wasn't very prudish, it seemed, and that was only to his delight. He then unapologetically returned his eyes to his soulmate's thighs, imagining all the lewd things he'd like to do to her in this outfit. He smiled a little wider, baring all his teeth, as he noticed that Luxiana wasn't even a little intimidated by the intense pupils he and his two brothers had set on her. That said, perhaps she hadn't even noticed them; she seemed far too absorbed in standing and doing her hair.

Halfway up the stairs, she capsized a little too much, almost falling but barely catching herself without even breaking an ankle. "Phew," she breathed in relief. Then she went back down and braided her hair as if nothing had happened.

Azriel, almost seeing her fall, was electrocuted from head to toe with such violence that he gasped. His heart had slammed into his chest to wake him up. She was so fragile, she could kill herself stumbling down the stairs. He panicked, feeling the adrenaline pulsing through his body. He began to run towards her, hands in front, ready to catch her if she fell. 

Luxiana, noticing the Illyrian with the blue siphons striding towards her, stopped in her descent, even though she had almost reached the bottom. She frowned, recoiling slightly, uncertain as she saw him still approaching with a worried expression on his face. As a defensive reflex, she let go her braid to bring her hands in front of her, preparing to react if necessary. She opened her mouth to speak, letting her petticoats fall back on her legs, allowing the other two Illyrians to snap out of their trance. But she had no time to say anything when Azriel pounced on her. And curious to see what he was going to do, she didn't stop him.

Without waiting for permission, Azriel grabbed Luxiana by the hips and lifted her up. He could carry her at arm's length, but he wanted so much to feel her close to him, to feel her glued to him, that he pulled her back onto his chest. He passed one of his forearms under her buttocks to hold her in place. He tensed even more as Luxiana wrapped her legs around his pelvis and her arms around his neck, while the blonde's beautiful face was only inches from his. She looked up at him with a questioning face and her head tilted slightly. He wanted to smile to reassure her, but he'd been so worried. Why had she put her life at risk so stupidly again? He descended the few remaining steps with her in his arms. "Are you drunk? Or do you just not know how to walk in stilettos? You could have fallen and broken something," he scolded her harshly. 

She squinted for a second at Azriel's words, then realizing, she lowered her head, blushing. Was he really worried about her? It sounded so much like it, but she knew it was only because they needed her to steal the second part of the book. "I told you," she tried to justify herself. "I don't have much balance. Especially on stairs. But I wasn't going to fall, I was still careful not to tumble down the steps in front of you. That would have been too embarrassing." She laughed as she rolled her eyes, trying to divert attention from her colorful cheeks.

When Azriel stopped in front of Rhysand and Cassian at the base of the stairwell, Luxiana, thinking the Illyrian was going to put her down, uncrossed her legs to put her feet on the ground. But Azriel wouldn't let her go. He wanted to keep her close to him, and he had even planned it. He would have told her that he would keep her in his arms to make sure she didn't fall and to protect her until she completed the service she owed them. That way, he could keep her in his arms forever. But as she rested her feet on the ground, he thought she wanted to get away from him. So, reluctantly, torn by disappointment and the shattering of his dreams, he let her go.

"Thanks for carrying me to keep me from falling," she said to Azriel, smiling at him with an endearing face. She stepped back to swivel toward Rhysand and Cassian with dimples that destroyed them. She grabbed the sides of her dress to lift them and spun around elegantly. "So how do I look? I wore black to match you!"

The lord of the night court swallowed hard. His soul had even given him the impression of having left his body since he had laid eyes on her. She was wearing his colors. And damn it, he could never have predicted that black would suit her so well. Besides, it was one of the dresses his mother had created. The only one he'd put in the wardrobe, but yet she'd chosen this one out of all the others. He smiled, his eyes shining with a mixture of hope and warmth. This dress and this color suited her divinely. She looked so beautiful. He could never have believed that with her pale skin, she was made for the night, yet it only brought out her light and even accentuated it. She was made to wear this. In this outfit, she exuded the aura of a high lady. Her high lady. His heart pounded vehemently against his ribcage, demanding to get out and embrace Luxiana. He moistened his lips so he could speak. "You look... beautiful. It suits you divinely."

Luxiana, not expecting such a compliment from a face torn between sincerity and hope, began to blush in spite of herself. She smiled, giving herself a false air of confidence. "I knew it." With a haughty gesture of her hand, she flicked her hair down her back but the elastic-free braid was in the process of unravelling. When she felt her hair loosen, she regained her seriousness. She hiccupped as she caught back up her braid to tie it, but realized, as she glanced at her wrists, that she had no hair tie. She bit her lower lip, cursing herself inside. 

When he zoned in on his soulmate's mouth, Cassian's knees weakened for a second, causing him to stumble vaguely to the side. 

But Luxiana took no notice, pressing her palm to her forehead. She'd hurried off and got ready as quickly as possible, so as not to keep the high lord, who was kind enough to take her to see Feyre, waiting too long. And with all this, she'd forgotten all about her hair band. Her hair, if left untied, would end up so tangled by the end of the day that she'd hardly be able to untangle it. That's why she always wore her hair tied. Besides, in the event of an attack, they wouldn't bother her for fighting. 

She looked left and right for something to hold her locks in place, but found nothing. Well, she did find something. A rubber band. In Cassian's hair. She smiled at him with all her teeth, probably a little creepily as Cassian, seeing her looking at him like that, recoiled and frowned. Luxiana broke the distance between them and stood on tiptoe, smiling innocently. She raised her hand to Cassian's face, which surprised him a little more, wondering what she was going to do. But instead of touching him, and in one swift movement, she grabbed the elastic band that tied the top of his hair into a bun, pulling it out and stealing it. Cassian's locks fell back onto his cheeks, and she let out a cute little laugh at the realization. She took the opportunity to tousle his hair a little more, rubbing the top of his head energetically for a second. It was crazy how much she wanted to tease this mass of muscle. "You look good like that too."

Cassian watched helplessly, then when he heard her mocking, he smiled and glanced at his brothers. She'd just stolen his rubber band and messed up his hair as if he wasn't one of the most powerful Illyrians in the country. As if Cassian wasn't dangerous. She was so naive, it was almost hard for Cassian to believe. But she was so cute she could honestly steal anything from him, he'd let her. 

She tied the elastic band at the end of her braid then turned to Rhysand with a sparkling look of excitement and a big smile. "I'm ready! We're good to go!" 

Rhysand smiled as he held out his hand. Luxiana looked at him quizzically. "You don't need to touch me to teleport me, it seems."

Cassian laughed and Rhysand's smile deepened. "No it's true," he breathed before leaning toward her. "But I want to."

Luxiana squinted and contracted her face, giving herself a skeptical expression, but it was only to try to stop her cheeks from reddening. She didn't usually flush that much. Hardly ever, in fact, and yet she did receive compliments. But with these three Illyrians, her body heated up every time. Especially that she'd never heard that the Lord of the Night was the type to flirt with anyone, but he'd given her the impression of doing just that with her since she'd met him. And that flattered her ego in spite of herself. She blew out a breath and rolled her eyes, then gently grabbed Rhysand's hand.  

The clear-eyed Illyrian's fingers tickled him as his soulmate's fingers brushed against his own. He held back a shiver as he tried not to appear disconcerted by the contact. He entangled his fingers with Luxiana's, who let him, smiling. Then, without waiting, they teleported to the spring court. To a few meters in front of Tamlin's immense castle. 

Luxiana wanted to let go of Rhysand and start running towards the mansion, down the alley to the door and back to Feyre as quickly as possible, but the lord stopped her by pulling her towards him. Her soul mate turned in his direction with a questioning look.   

Azriel grunted as he watched the green landscape before him. He wasn't happy to be here. "You can go no further, Tamlin has surrounded his home with a shield of magic and several defensive spells to keep intruders out."

Cassian sneezed, then forcing himself to ignore his eyes which began to sting from the pollen, he laughed softly. "He must not have liked it the last time we were here. He's completely locked himself in his abode, the coward."

Luxiana slowly extricated herself from Rhysand's grip to cross her arms and glare at Cassian with her pupils. "You interrupted his wedding to steal his fiancée, of course he didn't appreciate it. And it's only natural that he'd want to protect himself so it wouldn't happen again." She let out a sound of irritation and frustration as she turned and headed for the mansion. She already knew very well how to get around Tamlin's defenses and penetrate them, this wasn't her first time. 

But Azriel caught her by the arm and turned her towards him. "Wait, Tamlin sensed us. He knows we're here, he'll coming."

No sooner had he finished his sentence than Tamlin, Lucien and Feyre appeared before them. "Luxiana!" cried Feyre with a face relaxed with relief.

"Feyre," she called as she turned to face her. Azriel reluctantly released her as she ran towards her best friend. The Illyrian with the blue siphons could now look at Lucien with squinted eyes and clenched teeth. If the redhead tried anything, he'd cut off his hands.

The two best friends bumped into each other and hugged. "Are you all right?" they asked at the same time, and when they heard this, they laughed. Luxiana took a deep breath, relieved. But a big doubt still compressed her chest.  "Were you able to finish the ceremony? Did you get married?"

Feyre nodded with a smile, her head in Luxiana's neck. Her best friend cared so much about her and others that the first thing she asked her, when she'd been kidnapped, was whether she'd gotten married anyway. "Yes, we finished it because I knew it was what you would have wanted but I wasn't really happy and, it wasn't the same without you."

Luxiana breathed a sigh of relief, her shoulders sagging at the weight leaving her. Then she shrieked, jumping for joy as she grabbed Feyre by the shoulders. "AAAAAAAAHHH. So you're married! You're married."

Feyre rolled her eyes, then grinned broadly as she grabbed Luxiana's forearms and leapt up with her. She was screaming too. "I'm married, I'm married." 

Tamlin, who had been staring warily at the Illyrians until now, pressed his palm to his forehead, weary of the two women as they exploded into laughter.  

Feyre gently calmed down to let go of her best friend, moving away from her so she could detail her and make sure she wasn't hurt. But Lucien took advantage of this moment to walk past Feyre. "Are you all right?" he asked with a worried face. He stretched out his hands towards Luxiana to take her in his arms and give her a hug.

Azriel reacted immediately and clenched his teeth, a bubble of anger bursting in his chest. He was about to draw out his knife, but Rhysand grabbed his wrist without even looking at him, preventing him from moving. Cassian was also holding back with all his being from lunging at Lucien, but Luxiana reacted. 

She leaned back, bending her back at an almost impossible angle. "Hopla, otter dodge," she enunciated as if it were a super defense technique. Then, in this position, she spun around, shifting a few steps to the side to avoid Lucien, who had frozen with his hands in the air when he saw her do it. She straightened up to look at him, grimacing with guilt, "sorry, nothing personal, I'll explain later." Then she walked away, taking four large steps, as Azriel and Cassian had instructed.

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel's eyes went wide before their hearts swelled. Azriel's pupils were shining brightly. He was so relieved he could have flown without using his wings. Cassian couldn't even feel his snot flowing. In fact, he wasn't sure whether the tears beading from his eyes were due to his allergies or to the joy he felt at seeing his soulmate avoid another man's touch. Rhysand, though trying not to show anything, sighed in spite of himself, reassured. They had every chance. She hadn't yet chosen Lucien.

"So to answer your question," Luxiana resumed. "No, they haven't hurt me and I'm actually doing very well. They're super nice, in fact.”

"Nice? I can't believe it," Lucien replied, detailing Luxiana warily from head to toe and finally dropping his arms limply down his body. 

"We didn't talk to you, shut up," Cassian sighed wearily. He didn't even consider Lucien an enemy anymore, not after Luxiana had shunned his hug. 

Luxiana cast a jaded, half-closed glance at Cassian before turning back to Feyre to smile reassuringly. She was only there for her anyway. "I assure you, they're adorable."

"Yes well, they may be very nice, but you know how to push people's buttons," grinned her best friend uneasily.

Tamlin nodded, completely in agreement, then looked up at Rhysand. "By the way, you lasted twenty-four hours before you got fed up with her and brought her back to us, I'm pretty impressed."

Azriel gritted his teeth. "Be careful how you talk about her."

"We're not here to put her back in your hands," Rhysand clarified sharply, "We're going back with her. She just wanted to come and reassure Feyre, but we'll be keeping her with us for several weeks."

"Several weeks?" exclaimed Lucien and Feyre, their eyes wide with surprise and concern.

"Oh by heavens, thank you," Tamlin breathed in relief as he raised his pupils to the sky. Feyre turned to glare at him. He cleared his throat. "Uh, I meant... Oh no... It's really too bad," he corrected himself without even really trying.

Luxiana blew out a laugh as she raised an eyebrow, "since when are you funny?"

"Since you've been out of my house, it's changed a fae. Life is good, now I see it." He replied seriously. 

"Okay that's enough," interrupted Feyre, raising his hands between them. "You have to stay there for several weeks? Why?"

Luxiana took a deep breath and winced. She didn't like lying to her best friend but she glanced at Rhysand who confirmed with a nod not to say anything. "It's a long story and I can't really tell you the reason today but I assure you that once it's done, I'll tell you about it. I just asked them to drop me off here to let you know and to tell you not to worry until I get back." 

"You're going to spend several weeks with the cruelest lord in the land, of course I'm going to worry!" cried Feyre, scared to death. 

"If it makes you feel any better," Rhysand looked down at his nails, giving himself a bored look, "it's not in my interest to hurt her." 

“It will soon be, don't worry about that," Tamlin breathed more to himself. "I'm surprised you haven't cracked yet, by the way."

Rhysand glared at him. His teeth were clenched so tightly that his jaws ached. How dare he talk about his soul mate like that!? If he hadn't been Luxiana's best friend's new husband, he'd have disintegrated him.

"And what tell me you're not manipulating her mind and deceiving us into thinking she's fine?" remarked Lucien, detailing everyone with squinted eyes.

"Why would we do that?" grinned Rhysand evilly. "It's not like you can stop us from doing anything to her." 

"Why are you here, then?" spat Lucien suspiciously. "You expect me to believe that you just decided to do a good deed by bringing her here so she could just hug her best friend."

"Yes, they did. I told you they were adorable," smiled Luxiana, jumping up and down with joy.

A silence fell between them, with everyone eyeing each other warily. Feyre huffed, turning to Luxiana. "Are you sure you're alright, and will be?"

Luxiana's eyes softened, "Yes, and you know I wouldn't let myself be manipulated or tortured so easily. You know me."

"Yes, that's exactly what worries me. I know you. And you're always getting into trouble," exclaimed Feyre as if it were obvious.

Luxiana burst out laughing. "It'll be fine, I promise. So don't worry too much." 

Feyre nodded in a breath before hugging her best friend one last time. "Take care of yourself," they breathed to each other at the same time. 

Cassian wanted to sigh in a bored tone but it was snot he expelled from his nose, not air. "Well, now that you're both reassured, can we go?"

Luxiana looked back at the three Illyrians, then nodded with a smile and a sympathetic face, silently thanking them for bringing her here. Then she moved closer to them and held out her hand to Rhysand. "We can go now."

Rhysand's heart pulsed violently in his chest at the sight of her intentionally giving him her hand. "Well, you’ll no longer risk your life to send a message to Feyre? And do you still want to kill me?"

Luxiana grimaced with guilt. "Uh no, not anymore, none of that."

"Awesome," Rhys breathed in relief, genuinely reassured to know that she was no longer angry with him. "In that case, we're not going back to the Moonstone Palace." He grabbed Luxiana's hand, entwining her fingers with his again, shivering almost imperceptibly. 

Luxiana frowned, tilting her head. "Where are we going then?"

Rhysand smiled. "To Velaris, the city of starlight."

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 14 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

Thank you for readings, I love you guys ❤️❤️

Feel free to tell me what you think about the direction the story is taking! Thanks for reading, voting and for your comments. You brighten my day.

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Enjoy the read !

Chapter 14

Azriel half-opened his heavy eyelids with difficulty. He noticed the room in which he had locked Luxiana yesterday without really seeing her. He repositioned himself a little more comfortably on the wall where he was leaning, his buttocks a little numb from the cold, hard floor he was sitting on. Then, suddenly, he realized. Luxiana! He scrambled to his feet, breathless and heart pounding in his chest. He searched the room frantically for his soul mate.

Then he froze, seeing Luxiana on the bed, in the same place they'd left her yesterday. He could release the air he'd been holding in his lungs, relieved, his shoulders sagging. She was on her back, her face half-covered by her hair, and the drool dripping from the corner of her mouth made Azriel smile gently. Even like this, she was cute. Her arms and legs were at dubious angles, and one of her hands was flat against Cassian's face, which was sleeping as soundly and similarly as Luxiana beside him. 

He grimaced. That bastard. He was so close to Luxiana. Luckily, he hadn't taken advantage of the night to take her in his arms and hug her. Well, maybe that was why she had a hand on his face, because she'd pushed him away. 

Then he looked down and noticed Rhys, on the floor beside Luxiana, lying full length on the ground, completely asleep.

He frowned as he ran his hands through his hair, watching the room a little more for a threat. The sun was fully up, and the warm yellowish rays streaming through the bay window confirmed to him that it was already late. His eyes widened. Had he slept all this time? Had they slept that long? 

He couldn't believe it. He had slept. He usually had great difficulty sleeping. The voices of his shadows, although he was used to them, and whatever else was still bothering him, usually prevented him from doing so, but here, he'd just felt so good. He'd been so reassured to know Luxiana was by their side, and the fact that his shadows had fallen silent, he'd dozed off deeply. 

He glanced at Rhysand. He was sleeping well too. It was crazy. In the last few weeks, thanks to their new bond, he'd felt all the times Rhys hadn't been able to sleep because of his worry about Luxiana, but he'd also felt the nightmares he'd had that distressed him greatly. But now Rhys was sleeping peacefully. Was he as reassured as he was to know Luxiana was by their side?

Azriel winced. They'd been foolhardy to sleep at all. Anything could have happened. Luxiana could have run away again, foolishly endangering her life as she had done so well last night. 

He took a deep breath, then let it out as he dropped onto the wall behind him and slid down to sit up again, but the clanking of his weapons and armor made more noise than expected. Rhysand and Cassian awoke suddenly, straightening up at once, tense and on guard. They looked left and right, ready to fight, but frowned as they remembered where they were. 

"Everything's fine," Azriel said to his two brothers through their telepathic link, not wanting to wake Luxiana, who was still snoring softly. "We just fell asleep."

"Asleep?" repeated Cassian aloud, still confused as he stared at the sunbeams streaming through the bay window.

"Shut up, you'll wake her up," Azriel ordered him, then glanced at Luxiana. Her hand, which had been resting on Cassian's face, had fallen on the mattress when he had straightened up, but she hadn't even felt it. She still hadn't moved. He smiled, at first relieved, but then a worry gripped his gut. She was such a heavy sleeper, it could be so dangerous for her. 

Rhysand cast a puzzled glance at Azriel, who nodded in agreement. “We slept really well," affirmed the shadows singer. "It's past noon."

Rhysand's eyes widened, and he glanced at Luxiana. He'd been so reassured to know she was close to him that he'd fallen asleep. But he hadn't had a single nightmare. He hadn't had one in a long time. He ran his hands over his face to wake himself up, and as he moved he realized he was in his combat gear. So were Cassian and Azriel. They'd slept in those uncomfortable clothes, even with their shoes on. It was crazy. 

After what had happened yesterday, Azriel had rested on the wall on the left side of the room so as to have his eye on Luxiana, the bay window and the front door. Rhysand had then lain on the floor on that side too, jealous of the closeness she had with Cassian in the same bed. And he hadn't even had time to think about what had happened before he'd fallen asleep. Cassian hadn't lasted long either. He'd watched Luxiana sleep, finding her so pretty, before he himself dozed off without even realizing it.

Rhysand turned his head to Luxiana and smiled as he saw her asleep, hair matted, facial muscles relaxed, sprawled like a starfish on the bed and half on top of Cassian. She looked so cute. 

Cassian, still seated, shrugged his shoulders and grinned in acceptance. He'd slept really well and was ready to do it all over again. Especially as the bubble of vanilla perfume surrounding him and emanating from his soul mate calmed him so powerfully that his heart felt as if it had stopped beating. He lay back down and turned towards Luxiana, tucking his wings behind him. He detailed the landscape of tangled hair and drool that offered to him with a smile. He remembered when he'd opened his eyes that night and seen her curled up in a ball under the blanket Azriel had laid over her. She looked cold and he'd wanted to warm her, so he'd reached up to wrap his wings around her body but, without even waking up, she'd pushed him away with a firm hand on his face. And her palm hadn't left Cassian's face all night. 

The army commander's smile widened. She was his soul mate. He could see his brothers in his field of vision, and he noticed that they were staring at her too. In any case, the feeling of peace, tenderness and comfort he felt in his chest wasn't just Cassian's. It was their soul mate. It was their soul mate. "How are we going to do this?" he asked through their bond.

"How are we going to do what?" replied Rhysand, deflecting her eyes towards him just as Azriel did. 

"When she will love us. Will we have to make a schedule so that each of us can take turns spending the night with her? It’s horrible to think that" A ball of stress and apprehension crushed Cassian's stomach, and the same feelings arose in Azriel and Rhysand. "Will she even want this? One of us is already a lot for one woman, so three for the same one, will she want this? Will she put up with all three of us? Will she even be able to unite with three people? Does the ceremony foresee such a possibility? Will she have to marry just one of us? What about sleeping with her? We've never shared the same woman in bed, so how do we ...?"

"That's enough," interrupted Rhys, "calm down. We'll sort it all out in due time. She doesn't like us yet anyway. Let's take it one day at a time and try to get her to like us first, then we'll see. Besides, given her character, I'm sure she'll sort things out on her own." Rhysand said this, but doubt was also eating him up inside. He'd been asking himself all these questions every second since he'd met Luxiana.

Cassian nodded, relaxing as he took a deep breath. Rhysand was right. Their soul mate was no slouch, and she'd probably manage all three of them just fine. She already did. He returned his gaze to Luxiana and smiled. It would worth it to give everything and fight for her, he was convinced. She was his mate, after all. He reached up to brush the hair from her cheeks, stroking the skin of her face with his fingertips. "My bed would be big enough to receive all four of us. Maybe I'd always known we'd share the same soul mate."

Rhysand smiled wryly as he sat cross-legged. "I swear, if we come to sleep in the same bed for her, if either of you get too close to me or to touch me, especially if you're naked, I'll disintegrate you."

Cassian and Azriel burst out laughing, trying to be as quiet as possible despite everything.

Wanting to get closer to her again, Cassian slid in her direction, but the bed was far too small and limited his movements. He wanted to try again to take her in his arms. He grabbed Luxiana by the hips to turn her towards him and bring her close enough to fall asleep again for hours, but his soulmate grunted. 

Azriel rolled his eyes, cursing his brother by their bond. "Cassian, I'm going to break your fingers, let her sleep."

Luxiana, without even opening an eye, pressed both palms and both feet flat against Cassian's abdomen to push him away. And she remained in that position, bent in two and still completely asleep. Cassian couldn't help himself and burst out laughing loudly. 

"Cass," Rhysand scolded to make him stop laughing and not wake up Luxiana, but it was too late.

The blonde sat up suddenly, letting out a cry of frustration. She grabbed the pillow behind her to press it against Cassian's face with both hands, surely hoping to smother the brunet with it. But Cassian laughed even harder. The Illyrian gently pushed back the cushion and Luxiana, not wanting to murder him just yet, decided to pull it away. She struck Cassian's thigh once with it, then returned it to its place behind his back. She ran her hands over her face to wake herself up, then crossed her arms, detailing the three Illyrians and their positions. "This isn't the best way to wake me up, you know," she growled in a broken voice.

Rhysand smiled wryly as he slowly rose to his feet. He looked down at Luxiana from his heigh for a moment as she stared at him intently. He leaned towards her, "what's the best way to wake you up then?"

Luxiana swallowed hard, lost for a second in Rhysand's beautiful violet-blue eyes before squinting, remembering that she was angry with them. But why was she already? "Not to," she replied coldly as she lay back down, curling up into a ball with her back to Rhysand. 

Cassian laughed softly.  "Are you always in such a bad mood in the morning?"

Luxiana muttered through her teeth. "Only when you're the one who wakes me up." 

The three Illyrians grimaced as they glanced at each other. Either she was always in a very bad mood in the morning, or she was still angry with them. Rhysand huffed, resting her buttocks beside her soul mate on the bed.

Luxiana, feeling the mattress in her back sink, closed her eyes a little tighter as she moved back, sliding further until she couldn't, coming into contact with Cassian. She preferred him for the moment. 

Azriel jumped to his feet and approached the bed, ready to move away Cassian and Rhysand, who were oppressing his mate. Azriel understood that she couldn't be enjoying this too much. He understood that when you're a young woman, you can't necessarily be very reassured by the presence of two unknown men so close to you in a bed. But Rhysand spoke. "We'd like to apologize.”

Azriel stopped a few steps away from Rhysand with some surprise. He'd never seen him apologize for anything before. To apologize was to admit his wrongdoing, and Rhys was the high lord; he couldn't afford to do that, it would have denied his authority. And when Cassian had spoken of making amends to their soul mate, Azriel hadn't thought those words would be uttered by Rhysand. But they had been. He smiled. Rhysand had put aside his pride and his role for their soulmate. He was a good man. He was reassured to know that Luxiana would be treated well with her two brothers too. He was happy to know that relations with his brothers would take a whole new turn thanks to Luxiana.

The blonde, completely taken aback by Rhysand's words, jumps to sit straight, startling the three Illyrians. She leaned back against the headboard and crossed her hands over her thighs. She looked at Rhysand with an attentive and serious face. "Why?" she asked slowly, in a drawling voice as she squinted her eyes. 

Rhysand glanced at Cassian and Azriel, and the three of them smiled softly, realizing that their future words could determine the rest of their relationship with their soulmate and her behavior towards them. "For interrupting Feyre's wedding and behaving like cads," continued Rhysand, gazing into his soulmate's electrifying blue eyes. 

Luxiana frowned for a second. Was he sincere? Was the high lord of the night court apologizing to her? For real? "Really?"

"Oh we can promise you we really blame ourselves, yes," Cassian smiled as he straightened up and leaned on the bed in the same way as Luxiana.

Luxiana glanced at him sideways, wary. "Why did you do it then?"

Rhysand took a deep breath, he didn't want to lie to her too much so he inspired from the truth. "Yesterday we learned something very... disturbing and..."

"What have you learned?" she asked, inclining her head and detailing the fae lord with piercing eyes. 

Azriel and Rhysand glanced at each other. Cassian laughed softly. "Someday you'll find out, believe me."

She crossed her arms, puckering up her face and settling a little more herself in the mattress, making the Illyrian smile triple. "And then what?" she sought to know more.

"And so," Rhysand continued, trying to regain a modicum of seriousness.  "As a result, all the decisions that were made yesterday were hasty and made in anger. Like the one where we decided to go and get Feyre to return the favor she'd promised."

"Which is?" she interrupted him again.

Azriel crossed his arms, glancing half-closed at Luxiana. "He could come to it if he wasn't interrupted every two seconds."

Luxiana gave him a dark look, which Azriel returned.

Rhysand placed his hand on the young woman's cheek, then forced her to turn her head towards him and take her eyes off Azriel. He wanted her to see how sincere he was. "We decided this on the spur of the moment, thinking it would be a good idea, and went straight for Feyre. We really didn't think we'd be interrupting her wedding."

Luxiana loved the contact of these three Illyrians far too much. It turned her inside out so much that she couldn't even think straight. When she spoke, her voice was weak, uncertain and a little too high-pitched. "Despite how much you hate Tamlin, you still wouldn't have interrupted his wedding?"

Cassian blew out a laugh. "We would have interrupted him in other circumstances but not here, not knowing he was marrying your best friend and certainly not knowing what she means to you." 

Luxiana's eyes widened as she stared at Cassian before her cheeks flushed violently. "Liar," she said, lowering her head. 

Azriel felt his heart pounding against his ribcage. She was so cute.

"We don't lie, I assure you," Rhysand said, shifting his hand from Luxiana's cheek to her chin to catch her jaw. He raised his soulmate's flushed head to him. 

She looked at Rhysand with doubt. She wanted to believe in his sincerity, but the massacre they'd made at the wedding wasn't erased. "Why do you need Feyre, or me, or anyone?"

Rhysand straightened his back, letting go of Luxiana and putting on a serious face. "Time is running out to neutralize the cauldron and prevent Hybern from destroying the wall. We must save the humans and to do that we must find the second part of the book of breathing. We already know it's in the summer court, but despite our many searches, we haven't been able to find out exactly where it is in the summer court. So we have to go there, locate it and steal it. And that's where we need someone. We're going to need all the help we can get to find that part of the book. And it's because of all this that we were in such a hurry. We hastily decided yesterday to stop searching and get on with it. It was a bad coincidence with Feyre's wedding."

Luxiana frowned. Part of her wanted to believe him, and to believe the glint of supplication that shone in his eyes. He seemed to really want her to forgive them. But another part of Luxiana, her logical, thoughtful part, which was putting all the events together and analyzing them, was screaming at her that something was wrong. That there was something the Lord wasn't telling her. 

Even so, she had to admit that his story made sense and could be true. After all, it could really be. She wanted to believe them. She liked them. Besides, it would make sense, that's why they needed a woman, to seduce the lord of the summer court and make him tell her where he'd locked the book. She could do that. "I can do that," she affirmed, nodding seriously. Everything that had happened at the wedding had been terrible and she was still a little upset, but Rhysand was right, time was running out. Now she understood why he'd done it in such a hurry, so she blamed them a lot less. But the doubt lingered in the blonde's mind with a bitter taste in the back of her mouth. What if they were lying? But why would they lie to her? She had nothing to offer them that they could possibly want. And in any case, she'd know in due course whether what they were saying was true or not. "But why didn't you talk to Feyre about it in that case?"

Rhys smiled wryly, she was clever but he'd planned everything. "Because this mission must remain secret, we can't compromise it... there were a lot of people at the wedding and a lot of people we don't trust. That's why we didn't say anything. But when we will be in possession of the second part of the book, we'll talk to her about it."

"And why didn't you let me say goodbye?" She insisted. She intended to get to the bottom of the whole affair. 

Azriel huffed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Why the hell was she so relentless? "As Rhys said, we were on edge. We acted without thinking and seeing all those people, it surprised us. We just wanted to get away as quickly as possible."

Luxiana took a deep breath, then lowered her eyes. She finally had answers to her questions, or at least she could settle for that for now. But it didn't help her solve her problem. She needed to contact Feyre or see her to reassure her. She knew her best friend was worried sick about her. She thought Rhysand was cruel and was probably torturing her. She just wanted to reassure her. Living in anguish would hurt Feyre and she didn't want that.

Rhysand noticed the gleam of concern and disappointment in Luxiana’s eyes. "Is it that important for you to see Feyre?" 

Luxiana simply nodded, her mind elsewhere, already imagining hundreds of plans per second to contact Feyre.

"Then we'll take you to see her. Whenever you want."

Luxiana raised a wide-eyed look of surprise at Rhysand before both her pupils began to glow brightly. "For real?"

"For real?" repeated Azriel just as surprised as Luxiana. He had clenched his teeth and his voice was wheezy. Luxiana was also his soul mate and he had something to say about it too, but Rhysand didn't seem to care. He didn't want his soul mate to get too close to Lucien again. He was going to have to have a talk with Rhysand. He had to learn to share all things concerning his soul mate, including decisions.

The lord glanced at Azriel before returning his gaze to his mate and nodding, more than happy to see that dazzling smile on her face again. 

Luxiana let out an exclamation of delight as she passed Rhysand and leapt to her feet. She didn't really believe in Rhysand's kindness, but wanted to find out if he had something on his mind or if he just wanted to please her. And either way, she intended to benefit from this moment to see Feyre. "Now then! Let's go now! I'm going in the shower!"

Cassian, who had crossed his hands behind his skull, watched the scene with tenderness. He would love to see this kind of scene every morning. Seeing his mate bickering and talking with his brothers. His heart was doing strange things in his chest, but it didn't seem wrong. 

Just as she was about to pass Azriel, he caught her by the arm, immobilizing her with a single blow. She gave him a confused look, but Azriel pointed at her. "We'll go on one condition."

Luxiana inclined her head to let Azriel know she was listening, and to encourage him to continue. 

"You don't touch Lucien, if he touches you you push him away and you don't get closer than three steps to him." he said in a growling voice.

"Four," Cassian accented, nodding in agreement with Azriel. 

"Four steps," Azriel then modified. "Is that clear?"

Rhysand huffed, casting dark, reproving glances at his two brothers. They mustn't let her think she was their soul mate, she'd get scared and intimidated, but Azriel's jealousy was stronger than that. Rhysand hoped Luxiana had no idea.  

The blonde frowned so much her forehead hurt. "What's your problem with Lucien? He's really..."

Cassian jerked to his feet with a growl, "If you're going to speak out about oh how wonderful you think Lucien is, I'm out of here, it'll be without me." He started for the door, but Azriel stopped him by raising a hand.

He caught Luxiana's chin in his grip, turning her head toward him. "It's none of your business what's wrong between us and Lucien. We're allowing you to see Feyre, but we've set a condition in exchange, so we expect you to respect it. Is that clear?" Azriel gritted his teeth. He didn't like talking to his soulmate like that, but he was so jealous, so angry, that he couldn't contain his dry tone too much.

Rhysand squinted at Azriel. He was seeing a whole new side to his brother thanks to Luxiana, and he'd had no idea he was so dominant and authoritarian in his relationships before now. He knew that the three of them were having a hard time dealing with all the amplified emotions they were feeling, but Rhysand, though deadly jealous, would never have forbidden his soulmate to approach anyone. But he said nothing; he knew it was better for everyone if she stayed away from Lucien. And despite that, a bad part of him was reassured to see that Azriel was like that. A bad part of him was reassured that he'd have that role in the relationship and that he'd make sure their soul mate didn't get too close to any other man. But he'd keep an eye on him. He wouldn't let him stop their soul mate from living.

Luxiana smiled as she tilted her head, glaring at the Illyrian who held her attentively. She was determined to find out what was wrong between them and Lucien. She didn't like taking orders, but part of her appreciated Azriel's authoritarian behavior. This time, she intended to stay away from Lucien until she'd got to the bottom of the whole thing and got to know the three Illyrians a little better. After all, as much as she liked the redhead, she didn't really care whether she got close to him or not. He was only her friend. And the important thing was Feyre. She shrugged. "If you like."

Azriel released her slowly, and Luxiana wasted no time going to the bathroom. He watched her walk away with a mixture of emotion in his chest. She'd shrugged her shoulders as if she didn't care about Lucien, and his whole body lightened at the realization, but it wasn't the answer Azriel would have wanted. He would have liked her to tell him that Lucien was nobody to her. But at least she wouldn't go near him. Azriel was so afraid that Luxiana would realize that Lucien was better than him, better than them. 

"Luxiana," Rhysand called to her as Luxiana went to close the bathroom door. She turned to him with a questioning look. "We'll wait for you in the hall" 

Cassian and Azriel glanced at him half-surprised, half-furious, but Rhysand paid them no mind. He had no reason to keep an eye on her now that she'd not run off to see Feyre like they were going to see her now. And he was giving her some space. He didn't want her to be sick of them already. "There are clothes in the closet," he added feverish to see her in his colors, "please, help yourself."

Luxiana nodded and closed the bathroom door. The three Illyrians reluctantly left the room. The three of them were really going to have to have a talk, especially as they didn't want to behave in the same way with their soul sister.

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 13 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

Thank you for readings, I love you guys ❤️❤️

Feel free to tell me what you think about the direction the story is taking! Thanks for reading, voting and for your comments. You brighten my day.

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Happy reading!

Chapter 13

The three Illyrians walked with stress and apprehension towards Luxiana's room. They passed through the corridors of the Moonstone palace, and although they hadn't seen them for a long time, they didn't take the time to detail them or remember them. They were far too busy trying to anticipate the discussion they were going to have with their soul sister, imagining everything that might happen, everything they should say. 

Rhysand was scared to death. He was a Fae high lord, he hadn't had an easy life, but he'd never been more stressed than since he'd met his soul mate. He didn't think he could ever be more anxious than he was now. He hoped with all his heart that they would succeed in calming her down and making her forgive them. He just wanted to finally get to know her. He just wanted to be able to spend time with her. He knew he should have given her some time. He should have had this talk with her tomorrow or when she wanted to have it, when she was more relaxed, but he was just in such a hurry to know that she didn't hate him anymore. He didn't want her to go to sleep pissed off at him. Not on her first night with him, and never after. 

Azriel walked with a tense, robotic gait, almost limping. He dreaded this future encounter with every fiber of his being. His muscles were painfully contracted, his throat tight and his stomach oppressed. No matter how many deep breaths he took, nothing calmed him. His brain even began to hurt from the shadows around him, whispering things in his ear without interruption. "Where is she?", "our soul mate", "where?", "we must have her near". He should be used to them by now, but lately they'd been so insistent. Ever since he'd met Luxiana, the voices had been silent only when he was close to her. When she wasn't within sight, his shadows claimed her, constantly, preventing him from even getting to sleep. Usually, they knew everything about everyone, but not about Luxiana. Her shadows either refused to tell him anything about his soul mate, or they really didn't know anything about her. His shadows couldn't even smell her, know where she was or what she was doing, who she was with. No matter how hard he tried, how much he wanted to, how much he concentrated his power, he could never get any information. He just couldn't. And that wasn't possible. This had never happened to Azriel. He could have gone completely mad, but when Luxiana was around, everything fell silent. When she was around, he was so at peace.

Cassian walked with his hands in his pockets, almost whistling with excitement. Of course he wanted Luxiana to forgive them. He wanted her to regain her characteristic cheerfulness and good humor, which she seemed to have all the time except since she'd been here. But at the same time... He loved it so much when she was upset, he loved it when she hated them. It awakened something in him, something tender that made his heart melt because she was so cute, but it also awakened something primal, something he didn't want to hold back. So, although he could feel his brothers' anguish, he was quite relaxed, because in any case, his soul mate was there. She was safe with them. She was close to them and she was their soul mate. He wanted to jump out of joy. It didn't matter what happened during this discussion, whether she forgave them or hit them, because either way, Cassian would love it and enjoy the moment.

They arrived at the large bedroom door and stopped in front of it, doubtful. Rhysand glanced at his brothers and, under Cassian's encouraging nod, took a deep breath and knocked. A few seconds passed as they waited for their soul sister to open the door with a growing ball of anxiety, but no one came.  

Cassian, Rhysand and Azriel glanced at each other in confusion and concern, frowning. Cassian knocked on the door, a little louder than Rhysand this time, but still no answer. "Perhaps she's fallen asleep?" he observed, detailing the entrance to the room as if an answer were written there. 

Azriel blew out a laugh. "Considering how upset she was, it seems surreal to me that she dozed off after that."

Rhysand looked down, realizing with some disappointment. "Maybe she just doesn't want to open the door and see us." 

Cassian didn't like the mixture of feelings simmering in his chest, echoing the disappointment he and his brothers felt. Were they really going to leave without getting what they'd gone for? No. "Never mind, she'll only be more upset," he said before opening the bedroom door uninvited.

Azriel winced as he tried to stop him, but Cassian dodged him to enter the room.

"Cassian, no," Rhysand chided him curtly, but his brother had already entered. 

Rhysand and Azriel swore. Luxiana was going to hate them even more now. They followed him almost at a run, adrenalin pulsing through their vessels. They intended to grab Cassian by the scruff of the neck and pull him out against his will. They stopped beside him, ready to extricate him, but they were tense, their shoulders slightly raised, expecting to receive tons of insults or things thrown in their faces by their soulmate. But they froze in the middle of the room, receiving nothing. Only silence greeted them. 

They looked around apprehensively, almost expecting to see Luxiana tetanized by shock somewhere, but they didn't see her. They gradually widened their eyelids before moving their eyes frantically, starting to turn on themselves. "What the hell?" cried Cassian, running into the room to lift the sheets and look under the bed. 

"Luxiana," Rhysand called as he ran to the bathroom, but the door was open and she wasn't inside either. Rhysand began to panic. What if one of his enemies had found a way to penetrate his defenses and had attacked Luxiana? His heart began to leap wildly in his chest and he began to tremble. 

Azriel reflexively cast his shadows as far around him as possible, scanning every inch of the house as if they could detect his soul mate, when in fact they couldn’t. He looked behind every piece of furniture to make sure she wasn't hiding there either. The air refused to enter his lungs. Where was she? Was she hurt?

Cassian caught his hair in both fists as he spun around, detailing every corner of the room, even the ceiling. He could feel himself dying. He'd have been happy in every case except the one where his soulmate disappeared. Damn it, had they got the wrong room? No, impossible, it was the one he'd put her in earlier. The one between his and Rhys's and the one facing Az's. 

Rhysand and Azriel ran to the door to search for her elsewhere in the house, thinking that they might not have felt her leave. Thinking that perhaps she'd managed to outwit the protection and surveillance spells they'd placed around. But as they passed Cassian's side, the Illyrian with the red siphons stopped spinning to freeze and hiccupped in surprise. The other two Illyrians turned to face him. 

Cassian was breathless. He stared at the bedroom's large bay window with eyes wide with awe. It was fully open and the cool wind was blowing inside, waltzing the dark blue lace curtains towards them. He took a step towards the small balcony before running towards it, imagining the worst. 

Rhysand and Azriel understood too. Their hearts rose in their throats and their breaths were cut off. What if she'd fallen? They ran, wavering, towards Cassian. They arrived in front of the silver barricade where they placed their hands, clutching at it to keep from faltering. They leaned forward, almost capsizing in the void, to look down in growing fear that their soulmate had crashed to the ground, but all they could see was the abyssal drop several kilometers long, whose darkness of night prevented them from seeing very far. 

Rhysand was scared to death.  He'd been wrong earlier. He'd never been as stressed and scared as he was now. He was completely tetanized and couldn't even breathe. He had no composure. He was panicking. He couldn't think. He didn't know what to do. 

Azriel gripped the railing so tightly that it deformed into the shape of his fingers. He frantically moved his gaze around in search of his soul mate. What the hell was going on? Why did nothing ever go as planned with this woman? He was so scared his eyes were burning. If something had happened to her, what would he do? 

Cassian leaned on the fence to climb over and jump. He let himself fall into the void, hoping with all his might not to see Luxiana's corpse at the foot of the mountain. He was trembling and almost didn't want to flap his wings to stop his fall. 

Rhysand and Azriel joined their brother, flapping their wings to take flight and then sticking them to their backs to dive steeply to the ground. But Cassian noticed something on the mountainside. He opened his wings suddenly, stopping in mid-fall, looking with squinted eyes to better analyze the green and white dot moving on the rock a few meters from them. He opened his mouth wide, unable to believe what he was seeing and feeling downright hallucinatory. "Is this some kind of fucking joke?" he shouted.

Rhysand and Azriel stopped in the air beside him, staring at his expression for a second without understanding, before turning to look at what he was seeing. They turned white, feeling as if they too were having a nightmare, completely shocked.

Over there, in the distance, someone was climbing the mountain. Or rather, de-climbing. Someone was descending the mountain, clinging to the fragile, crumbly stones protruding from the wall. A person with a green dress and a bun of white hair. Luxiana. 

"What's she doing there?" shouted Rhysand so loudly that the sound echoed through the valley. 

A drop of sweat trickled down Luxiana's forehead. Despite the fairly cool temperature, she was dead hot from the effort. She hadn't anticipated that the holds would be so few and so fragile, yet they were. She was having a bit of trouble, but nothing she couldn't overcome. Anyway, she'd already climbed something even worse. Her hands ached from clinging so tightly to tiny bits of mountain, and her muscles trembled. 

Suddenly, she came to a halt, flattening herself against the mountain. Had she just heard the voice of the lord of the night court, or had she been dreaming? She looked left and right in panic. She'd been waiting for dinner to pass and for them to dismiss her for the night in her room so she could have all that time to get down the mountain and send a message to Feyre. There was no way the lord would know she was running away, right? Had he installed defenses and spells to guard her that she hadn't found and circumvented? 

Azriel twirled, a flash of anger and madness electrocuted him from top to bottom. Did she really want to die or what? She could fall! He was mad with rage. "She's taking the piss out of me?!" He rushed towards her, flying at breakneck speed, flapping his wings with all his might.

Cassian and Rhysand followed. 

Hearing all the noises behind, Luxiana turned her head to see three angry Illyrians rushing towards her. She hiccupped in surprise, jumping so sharply that her fingers slipped from her grip on the rock. She turned her head, eyes wide, her heart missing a beat. She tried to grab hold of the mountain, slamming her hands against the wall, but she couldn't grasp anything. She fell off the cliff. She screamed at the top of her lungs, realizing that her body was in freefall and that she was about to crash to the ground. She flailed her arms and legs in all directions to find a hold and catch herself. Would the Illyrians save her? She wasn't going to die like that, was she? But she stopped screaming, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She hadn't felt this way in a long time. This peace. This freedom.

Azriel, Cassian and Rhysand's hearts stopped in fear as they saw their mate fall, paralyzing them for a microsecond before starting up again wildly, urging them to catch her before she crashed to the ground. They rushed towards her, trembling, eyes burning, stomachs turning. 

Azriel was the fastest and the first to reach her. With one arm, he grabbed Luxiana by the pelvis, but with the other hand, he grabbed the back of her skull to hold her steady and prevent her from breaking her neck at the sudden stop of the fall. He pinned her to his chest as Luxiana groaned in relief. She wrapped her legs around Azriel's hips and her arms around his neck, clinging to him a little tighter, holding him. Azriel straightened up, pivoting upwards, skimming the ground only a few meters away. He flapped his wings hastily to return to the room they'd just left, unable even to rejoice at the proximity of his soul mate, still reeling from what had just happened, as if his body were anesthetized. 

Luxiana was even more dishevelled, but her heart calmed. She'd almost died, no big deal, especially since it hadn't happened so many times to her already. So everything was fine. 

Azriel landed on the balcony and grabbed Luxiana's hips. He pushed her back almost brutally, as if Luxiana's body was burning him, forcing her to land on her feet. He grabbed her shoulders. "What the hell were you doing there???" he shouted in her face, shaking her lightly back and forth.

Luxiana breathed loudly and exaggeratedly as she began to smile. She put her hands on her hips, still breathless from what had just happened. 

But Cassian and Rhysand joined them, landing heavily beside them. Cassian ran towards Luxiana, nudging Azriel with his shoulder to make him let go of his soul mate and take his place face to face with her. He began to observe the blonde frantically, looking for wounds, his eyes burning. She was human, she could die if a scratch got infected. He grabbed the blonde's arms and lifted them to peer underneath. He turned her to look at her back, then turned her back to face him again to look at her legs, barely noticing that she'd ripped off the bottom of her dress to shorten her petticoats so as not to be disturbed on the way down.

Luxiana let him do so, frowning and casting a confused glance at Rhysand and Azriel, but they were only detailing her up and down in the same way as Cassian. Were they really afraid of her being hurt? She thought the three of them were really cute, weird but cute.

Azriel, noticing no trace of blood, took a few steps away, spinning in circles, no longer holding his ground. He ran his hands through his hair, clutching it in his fists, almost tearing it off. He couldn't believe what had just happened. They couldn't believe it. 

Rhysand had to crouch down. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't stand it. He couldn't stand it. They could have lost her today. They could have lost her so stupidly. They could have lost her when she was only two steps away from them, just because she wanted to... run away? He jumped to his feet, rage replacing fear. "What the fuck was that?" he swore, forgetting all convenance.

Luxiana laughed out loud, causing the three Illyrians to freeze and widen their eyes. She huffed theatrically. "That was a close one. I almost died. Nice save, thanks!"

None of the three Illyrians could believe it. She was taking it so lightly when she'd almost died that it seemed surreal. 

Rhysand was completely paralyzed, staring at her with wide eyes, still trying to recover from his emotions and what had just happened. He was still shaking and she was laughing and acting as if nothing had happened. 

Cassian was equally flabbergasted. He'd been so scared he felt like throwing up. But he detailed her again to make sure she really wasn't hurt. He huffed as he took a few steps back. Hearing her laugh reassured him, despite everything. She wasn't dead, but she could have been. What the hell was she doing there? He began to realize, anger pulsing through his body. He breathed rapidly and noisily.

Azriel imploded. His muscles felt like they were painfully compressing his bones, and his heart ached. It hurt so much. He'd been so scared. He exploded. He turned to Luxiana, breaking the distance between them in the blink of an eye. 

He grabbed her throat, simply resting his fingers loosely on her skin. He pushed her to tackle her gently to the wall of the building, right next to the bay window. "Are you completely insane? You could have died! What the hell were you doing on that fucking mountain, Luxiana?" he shouted, searching for an answer in his soulmate's eyes, or at least a little lucidity. 

She hadn't even blinked when he'd thrown himself at her, and she'd smiled when he'd tackled her to the wall. She just stared at him with big eyes full of interest. As if she couldn't wait to find out what he was going to do next. As if she was gauging his reaction. But the truth was that the proud, confident look she'd taken on was to hide the fact that she was aroused by Azriel's movement and proximity. 

Cassian rushed at Azriel, putting his hand on his brother's shoulder. He was about to pull him back and punch him in the face for daring to grab his soulmate by the throat and tackle her to the wall, but he stopped when he saw Luxiana's expression. She was smiling and didn't even seem a little perturbed; on the contrary, she seemed intrigued. She detailed them both with shining eyes and a tilted head. There was no fear in her gaze. No doubt. Yet she should. Not that Cassian wanted to intimidate or scare her, but she was surrounded by three powerful, angry Illyrians. She didn't know them and they had a reputation as cruel faes. She should be frightened. Anyone would be scared. But not her. As if she had nothing to fear from them. As if she had complete control over the situation.

Rhysand placed his hands on his face, a little more violently than necessary, before rubbing it vigorously. His soul mate was going to kill him. He was going to have a heart attack because of her, he was sure of it. He'd never experienced so many different emotions so intensely as he had in the last twenty-four hours. He was exhausted. He ran his hands through his hair, then intertwined his fingers together to hold the back of his neck. He looked up at Luxiana. His heart was finally calming, but he gritted his teeth. She was completely unconscious. Completely mad. His arms fell limply back. "Answer the question, Luxiana," he articulated coldly, regaining his high lord mask.

Luxiana set her blue eyes on Rhysand then realized, losing her smile. She wrinkled her nose and winced. She couldn't believe it. They'd found her. They'd managed to know she was out of her room, how had they done that? She rolled her eyes, blowing again. She relaxed, dropping a little more onto the wall behind her as she rested a confident gaze on Azriel. She shrugged with a smirk, "I was exercising."

Azriel let go of her abruptly. He turned and took a few steps away, his fists clenched. This woman was going to push him to his limit. He glared at her, breathing fiercely. 

Cassian walked away, laughing falsely. She was mocking them. She didn't care that she'd almost died. He wasn't well. How could he protect his soul mate if she was so intent on dying?

Rhysand calmed down. There was no expression on his face, only a wintry chill. But inside, he was boiling with rage. The lava flowing through his veins could have dried up entire oceans. He moved closer to Luxiana, still leaning against the wall, detailing the three of them with the same intrigued air. Once in front of her, he placed his index finger under her chin, lifting her head, forcing her to look only at him. He leaned forward, "Don't forget that at any moment, we can bring you back and take Feyre at your place, so I strongly advise you not to cause us too much trouble, stay put and answer our fucking questions." He hated the way he'd talked to her, but if it was the only thing that would get him answers and that would help to protect his soul mate then he'd keep going.

Luxiana gritted her teeth. She remembered what had happened and how angry she was with them. She bit her tongue to keep from slapping Rhysand across the face, but she pushed away his index finger under her jaw with violence, sending the brunet's arm flying further away. She straightened up to the wall, moving a little closer to Rhysand, their faces almost brushing against each other as she glared at him.

Rhysand held back a shiver at the electricity between them and the ghostly touch of his soul mate’s skin so close to his own. He didn't show how disturbed he was, but his breathing had stopped and he swallowed hard. 

She shifted to the side, extricating herself from between him and the wall to move away. She positioned herself under the bedroom window frame, crossing her arms and killing them with her eyes. 

Luxiana had to move away. She'd like to think it was because she was angry with them, but it was because it was too much. She'd been far too disturbed by the proximity of Azriel, then Rhysand after him and Cassian's eyes watching her intently before all that. Her heart had begun to beat strangely and irregularly. Her body had burst into flames, tickling her all over. She knew she had an attraction to villains and found the three Illyrians sexy, but she'd always had control over how she felt, except now. "Alright, you got me, congratulations to you," she laughed curtly as she turned and stormed into the room. She couldn't forget that she'd been pissed off at them for destroying Feyre's wedding.

Cassian huffed, rolling his eyes, but finally let out a smirk. She was completely crazy. He followed her to grab her by the elbow and swivel her towards him. He opened his mouth to speak, but when he saw her face wrinkled with anger, he stopped. He huffed, unable to do anything but study Luxiana's blue pupils. She was stubborn. Being upset would only upset his soul mate even more. The discussion would go round in circles. He raised his hand to the blonde's face, resting his palm gently on her cheek.

Luxiana couldn't help closing her eyes for a second, much more comforted than she should have been by Cassian's big, warm, calloused hand on her skin. She was so exhausted after what had just happened today, but she forced herself to open her eyes again, trying not to let anything show. But Cassian and his tender smile had surely seen something. 

The Illyrian's smile widened as he watched her shudder violently as he slid his fingers down her arm, caressing her skin with his fingertips to her wrist, her palm and then her fingers. He then placed this hand on Luxiana's other cheek, framing her face with his palms. 

Luxiana couldn't help but take a deep, invigorating breath, completely relaxed by Cassian's warming touch. 

Cassian detailed her with interest. She was so beautiful. The silver light from the palace made her pale skin glow and suited her so well. He didn't quite realize it yet. She was his soul mate and his brothers. And they'd almost lost her already. He'd just been so scared. He'd never been able to take it. "You really scared us," his voice was so soft it felt like satin was coming out of his mouth. 

Luxiana, although she didn't think it was possible and was beginning to wonder if the Illyrians didn't have some superpower to relax her, calmed down another level. Her shoulders slumped. The sincerity she saw in Cassian's eyes made her heart dance. She knew it wasn't because they cared about her that they'd been frightened, and that it must have had something to do with the service she had to perform for them, but Luxiana's body couldn't help reacting. Her chest and stomach tickled. Perhaps she had gastroenteritis?

Cassian pulled her gently towards him with his grip on her cheeks, unable to do otherwise, wanting to feel her even closer to him.

She slid towards him without resistance, brushing her chest with the Illyrian's. All she could do was stare into Cassian's pupils with wide eyes, as if she was hypnotized. 

Cassian smiled a little wider at this realization and his whole body vibrated with joy. "Why were you on the mountainside?" His eyebrows had furrowed a little under the worry he remembered feeling when he saw her hanging miles above the ground. 

Luxiana opened her mouth several times, searching for words. She wanted to recapture the anger she had previously felt for them. She wanted to remember what they'd done today at her best friend's wedding, but she was completely drained of all negative feelings and anesthetized by Cassian's touch. All she could see were his brown, almost black eyes. They were beautiful. So deep. They made her think of pure strength, an earthquake of power, but at the same time, a shield of protection and a hug of tenderness. She was completely amazed. Cassian could ask her anything in this position, and she'd give him all the answers he wanted. "I just wanted to find a way to contact Feyre and be able to tell her that everything was okay, that you weren't torturing me like she probably thinks you are doing." Her voice was just a breath, she barely realized what she was saying. "I thought you wouldn't have realized anything. I would have been back by dawn."

Azriel gritted his teeth. He crossed his arms, taking a few steps forward so as to place himself in Cassian's vision, several meters behind Luxiana, just where he could make sure his brother saw him glowering at him.  "You bastard," he spat at him via their barely accustomed telepathic link. And the fact that Cassian gave him a laughing look, pursing his lips so as not to laugh at him, irritated him thirty times over. He couldn't believe it. It was that roughneck Cassian, the roughest of them all, who'd managed to calm their soulmate down and get the answers they wanted. Since when was his brother capable of being so gentle with anyone anyway? And the way she looked at him? With her big eyes, so attentive and cute. He was dead jealous. 

Rhysand felt like Azriel. He was touched for a second to see his soul mate so cute and cooperative, but her words finally got through to his brain. He understood what she had just said. He exploded, his heart sending his blood pulsing noisily in his ears. His eyes widened, he still couldn't believe it. He shouted, "You climbed down a mountainside and risked your life to send a message to Feyre ????? Just to send a message???"

Luxiana flinched a little at Rhysand's scream, blinking several times, slowly coming back to herself.

Cassian growled, glowering at his brother who had just broken the bubble of intimacy he'd established with his soulmate. 

But Rhysand took no notice. He was out of himself. "And you wouldn't have come back at dawn because you'd have fallen! You'd be dead!" his voice broke at his last words. She'd be dead... He couldn't believe his ears at what she'd just said. Was she so reckless? So crazy? Was this the punishment the gods had given her for doing so many bad things? By tying him to a suicidal woman he'd have to watch break his heart? "Are you completely insane?" he shouted, unable to breathe.

Luxiana didn't like the way he talked to him. This lord thought he was allowed to do anything. How dare he call her crazy when all she wanted to do was reassure her best friend? Something she'd asked him to do and he'd refused. Something she wouldn't have had to do if he hadn't been such an asshole. An anger -which not even Cassian's warm, powerful, reassuring hands could assuage- stirred in her chest. She grabbed Cassian's wrists to make him lower his arms and release his hold on her. Luxiana shifted a few steps to the side to get a better look at Rhysand and better kill him with her eyes. "I would never have fallen! I fell because of you, because you surprised me. I was doing just fine before you came along."

"You bastard," Cassian growled at Rhysand via their link. He was angry again, but this time it was because his brother had just broken his moment with his mate. And he was quick to show it by turning back to Rhysand and glaring at him, hoping his clenched jaws gave his high lord a clue as to how he was feeling. 

Azriel, relieved to see the contact between Cassian and Luxiana broken, was able to relax, but his respite was short-lived as he realized and understood his soulmate's words. She was accusing them when if they hadn't been there, she'd be dead? He spoke curtly, hoping to make her understand, anger commanding him, "You were doing just fine? You were barely clinging to a crumbly rock several kilometers off the ground. You'd have been dead if we hadn't got there in time!"

Luxiana crossed her arms, gritting her teeth and frowning. She cast a dark, sideways glance at Azriel. "You don't know that. And anyway, if I had fallen it would still have been your fault!" She turned her angry black eyes on Rhysand, "I wouldn't have had to go down that mountain if you'd at least let me say goodbye to Feyre! Besides, how did you know I was no longer in my room? Are you tracking me? Are you spying on me? What kind of spell have you cast on me?"

Guilt gradually replaced Rhysand's anger. He closed his eyes under his breath. She'd been a little right. She'd put herself in danger because of him, so she could reassure Feyre, because he'd almost kidnapped her. She could have died because of him. He reopened his eyes but almost gasped when he saw Luxiana standing in front of him, looking down at him with clenched fists, arms stretched out towards the ground and a face... so cute. 

"Answer my questions!" she commanded with authority, as if she wasn't a fragile little thing next to a big, powerful fae lord. As if she was the one with the power here.

Rhysand smiled softly, but couldn't help it. He could feel her eyes shining with tenderness. He'd have liked to hide it, but she was so cute, he couldn't. He'd so much liked it to be simpler. He so wished everything were simpler. "Why do things seem so complicated with you, Luxiana?" He couldn't help saying her first name. 

Luxiana crossed her arms, trying as best she could to camouflage the shiver she'd felt when he'd said her name. She squinted, "That wasn't an answer to one of my questions, it seems."

Rhysand couldn't help laughing softly under his breath. He wanted to touch her. He just wanted to touch her skin. Even with his fingertips. Even a graze he would have accepted. "No indeed, it wasn't." 

Luxiana almost took that as an answer. Had they really put a spell on her to track her without her realizing it? Were they that powerful? She didn't believe it for a second, but doubt made her purse her lips. "You have no right to track me."

Azriel growled. "We've had every right to since you decided to escape to risk your life needlessly!"

She turned to face Azriel, "So what, I'm your prisoner now? Take me to a cell, then, so I know what to expect."

Azriel broke the distance between the two of them quickly, "if that's what it takes to keep you in place." He grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the bedroom exit. He wasn't exactly going to lock her in a dungeon, but he wanted her to believe it. He wanted her to panic a little so she wouldn't escape again and put her life in danger. 

But inevitably, Luxiana being Luxiana, she laughed. "As if that's going to stop me escaping." She let herself be dragged along, even following him cheerfully. She knew that, in fact, it was generally easier to escape from a cell than from a room so close to these three. 

Azriel froze, glaring red with anger. He opened his mouth to speak, but Rhysand stepped between them, pulling Azriel away from Luxiana and forcing him to let go. "That's enough," he said.

Cassian -who had leaned against a wall and was watching the scene with great pleasure, seeing his brothers being martyred by the little piece of woman who served as their soulmate- winced in disappointment. "Oh no," he protested, "this was just getting interesting."

Rhysand paid no attention to his brother. "I think we're all a little tired and irritable. Discussion won't lead to anything if we're in this state."

Luxiana, despite a slight contraction of her jaws, huffed and then nodded. 

Azriel took a deep breath to relax. Rhysand was right, but he would take up this discussion with his mate tomorrow. It was out of the question for him that she put herself in danger again. Never again. He had to make her understand and, above all, obey. Feeling a breeze of fresh outside air caress his skin, even cooling him through his leather armor, he turned back to the bay window to close it. He didn't want Luxiana to get sick. 

"Go to sleep," Rhysand gently ordered Luxiana, pointing to the large bed with his hand. Then he crossed his arms and waited.

Luxiana stared at them one by one with a confused look. "Okay? So... get out."

"No fucking way," Azriel replied, pulling out one of the room's one-seater armchairs, one of those set around a small tea table, before sitting down in it, staring at his soulmate.

"What do you mean ‘no’??" Luxiana said offendedly, opening her eyes wide. 

Cassian straightened up from the wall he was leaning against, laughing softly. He approached Luxiana. "There's no way we're leaving you alone for a second now. Not after the scare you just gave us."

Luxiana opened her mouth wide at this, then huffed as she looked up at the ceiling. In any case, that wasn't going to stop her from finding a way to send Feyre a message. Besides, it might help her find out what spell they'd cast to track her. She let out a sort of growl of frustration as she turned back to the bed and threw herself into it. She landed flat on her stomach on the gray silk sheets, bouncing on the soft mattress. "I'll take the left side of the bed, you three must share the right."

Thanks to their soulmate's position on the bed, revealing the back of her pale legs, whose dress fabric didn't even cover her to mid-thigh, the three Illyrians finally noticed that she'd shortened her petticoats for the descent. A host of obscene thoughts passed through their minds before Cassian and Rhysand finally assimilated their soul mate's last words. She'd told them to share the right side. So she'd allowed them to sleep with her. Except that the three of them wouldn't fit in that little bed. Whoever got in first would then get to sleep alongside their soulmate. Cassian and Rhysand rushed to the side of the bed, elbowing each other and even knocking each other down. 

After a fierce struggle, it was Cassian who landed on the bed violently, provoking a grunt of displeasure from Luxiana at his side. The Illyrian with the red siphons smiled with pride as he saw Rhysand on the ground at his feet, where Cassian had left him, killing him with his eyes. 

Azriel walked around the bed, judging them, detailing them with contempt and shaking his head from left to right. He opened the closet door, grabbed the first long, covering nightgown with collar and sleeves to the wrists he could find. He didn't want his soulmate to be cold. He also grabbed a wool blanket. He walked over to Luxiana and handed her the garment. "At least get changed before..." He stopped speaking, frowning, leaning forward toward his soulmate. Did she have her eyes closed? He directed his fingers towards her face, pushing back the strands of hair that hung over her cheeks, eyelids and nose. He tucked them behind her ear without Luxiana stopping him, confirming that her eyes were closed. He listened attentively. Her heart was calm, her breathing regular. She was already asleep. He felt he was hallucinating. He understood that she must be really exhausted to fall asleep so quickly, but still... To fall asleep next to three Illyrians with a barbaric and cruel reputation without any difficulty... He ran a hand over his face. His soul mate really had no concept of danger. Any other ill-intentioned man could have taken advantage of this moment to do her bad things. Damn it, he'd have to explain to her how the world worked. 

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 12 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you like it! Thank you for reading.

Thank you for all your comments, I love you guys ❤️❤️

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Happy reading!

Chapter 12

Luxiana was still staring straight ahead, her eyes put where Feyre should have been if Rhysand did not teleport her. She barely noticed the change of scenery and the beauty of the immense hall she'd landed in, completely frozen, even flabbergasted. Had Rhysand really transported her before she could say goodbye to her best friend? She couldn't believe her eyes.

She gradually widened her eyelids, realizing a little more each second what had just happened. She slowly turned her head towards the three Illyrians, looking at them with a psychopathic air. She wanted to pounce on them and slit their throats, but she was a little more shocked to see them standing just a few steps away from her, staring at her, an almost worried expression on their faces. 

Rhysand stood still, breathless with apprehension at her reaction. He gritted his teeth, cursing himself for not letting her say goodbye to Feyre. But he'd been so mad with jealousy that he'd been unable to do anything else. He hadn't been able to contain himself. He'd just wanted to get her away from Lucien as quickly as possible. 

Cassian breathed a sigh of relief at finally seeing his soul mate in the roughly familiar landscape of one of Rhys's houses. He leaned against the wall of the hall closest to him, dropping his shoulder almost violently against the building. He ran a hand over his face, trying to relax. Nothing had gone according to the plan, but the important thing was that now she was with them. She was with them. He took a deep breath as he lifted an excited gaze to his soul mate. But the eyes with which she looked at them made him wince with concern. Knowing his fiery temperament, this was far from over.

Azriel gritted his teeth. He crossed his arms, staring uncertainly at his soul mate. He certainly wasn't going to like what will come next, but that didn't matter now that she was with them. Besides, she had no right to be upset when it was her fault. If she hadn't approached Lucien, they wouldn't have had to intervene so hastily.  

Luxiana began to take deep breaths, miming with her hands the entry and exit of air as if she was encouraging herself to breathe. She was really trying to calm down and relax. She didn't have to kill them right away. She had to get her revenge first. Arf, and besides, did she really have to hurt them? The lord had saved Feyre after all. She gritted her teeth. She wasn't going to hurt them. At least, not until she'd rid Feyre of the favor she owed to Rhysand. And first she had to make sure Feyre was okay, that she'd married and wasn't unhappy. If she was unhappy because of what those three had just done, she'd forget that one of them had saved Feyre and put them through hell. 

Despite this reasoning, images of the chaos they had caused and what had just happened emerged in her mind. She was mad with rage. She could no longer calm herself. They'd ruined everything. Unexpectedly, she screamed as she lunged at Rhys. She was going to make him eat just a little of his teeth. Not much, but just enough to calm her down. 

Rhysand lowered his eyes, not even backing away. He had no intention of moving. He could understand her wanting to hurt him after what he'd just done. Especially since she had absolutely no idea why they'd done it. In any case, it was killing him to see her so angry.

Cassian looked up at the ceiling, raising his hands in a silent sign of the obvious. He'd been so sure she'd act like this. He smiled wryly as he detailed with glittering eyes the fury that is his soul mate while she still ran screaming toward Rhys.

Azriel knew that Rhys wouldn't move and that Cassian was enjoying the moment far too much to do so, so he waited no longer, rushing over to Luxiana. He positioned himself in front of her and leaned forward, avoiding the slap she'd just thrown at him. He grabbed her by the hips and pulled her towards him, pinning her to his chest. He wrapped his arms around his soulmate's, preventing her from moving at all. "Calm down!"

Luxiana screamed in frustration as she struggled, "Don't tell me to calm down, I'm very calm. I'm the calmest woman on this planet," she yelled ironically. She tried to get away from Azriel and make him let go to assassinate Rhysand. 

"Ah yes you look very calm," Cassian laughed, watching the scene with hilarity. She really was cute when she was pissed off. And seeing her like this in her brother's arms was definitely doing something to him. It gave him way too much pleasure. His heart swelled with joy. Or maybe it was Azriel's joy.

Rhysand gave him a reproving look, forbidding him to make fun of their soulmate. She had every right to be angry after what they'd just done. They'd acted without much thought, and they hadn't even taken the time to find out if they were going to interrupt something like a Spring Court wedding, for example. 

Luxiana tried to drop to the ground, kick Azriel's calves or put her hands on his belly to push him away, but nothing helped. And Luxiana didn't know how to get rid of the Illyrian's hold on her without hurting him. 

"Calm down!" repeated Azriel in an even more authoritative and stern voice as he tightened his grip around his soulmate. He didn't like seeing her like this. He didn't like knowing he was responsible. Especially since her frail, fragile body could get hurt. But Azriel's whole body tingled at the proximity of his soul mate.

She breathed out a sort of frustrated growl, gradually coming to a halt. She pressed her forehead against Azriel's chest, breathless from the struggle. She didn't want to hurt him unnecessarily. She had to find out why they'd done all this in the first place. And for heaven's sake, was she so desperate for affection that she suddenly felt so good and soothed in the arms of a fae who had just ruined her best friend's day?

As Azriel loosened his grip on her slightly, as she no longer struggled, Luxiana's body reacted automatically. She took advantage of this moment to push his arms away from her, making him let her go completely, then quickly moved away, taking a few steps backwards. She had to cross her arms, trying to fill the absence her body felt as she moved away from Azriel.  She closed her eyes fiercely, trying to calm the hatred that had returned in waves when she had left the Illyrian's arms.

Azriel grinned softly, taking advantage of the fact that his soul mate's eyes were closed. He felt so cold now when he'd felt so comfortable and warm with her in his arms. 

Rhysand and Cassian also felt this emptiness through their link, and gods he didn't like it either. 

Rhysand took a step forward with a sorry expression on his face, wishing things were simpler. He'd like more than anything to fix their relationship. "Luxiana," he shivered, loving her name.

Luxiana shivered discreetly, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. She liked the sound of Rhysand telling her name a little too much.

"Luxiana," he repeated more softly, almost inaudibly, just enjoying the feel of his mater's first name on his lips.

Luxiana shook her head, coming to her senses. She was there for Feyre. And after what they'd done.... Despite the fact that the three Illyrians seemed to have a strange gift for calming her, anger pulsed in her ears, in her chest, throughout her body. She reopened her eyes abruptly, planting them in Rhys'. Under the light of this palace, the high lord's pupils looked even more purple. They were mesmerizing. "Let's not waste any more time," she said in a voice she forced herself to be cold as if she wasn't just completely caught up in the beauty of the three faes before her. "Tell me, what should I do? The sooner it's over, the sooner I'm back with Feyre."

Azriel gritted his teeth, Rhysand lowered his eyes and Cassian looked away. Did she want to leave them already? That wasn't supposed to be the case. They were her soulmate and if she hadn't been human, she would have felt something for them too. That said, now that she was with them, there was no way they were going to let her go again, at least not without the certainty that they'd tried everything to make her fall in love with them. 

Cassian straightened up, crossing his arms and looking very sorry. It was really out of the question who wouldn't keep her close to them from now on. "It doesn't work like that."

"What do you mean, it doesn't work like that?" asked Luxiana, glaring at Cassian.  

Rhysand winced, he had absolutely no idea what service he was going to ask her to do. He didn't know a damn thing about it, and they hadn't really taken the time to think about it after the Suriel had told them Luxiana was their mate. They needed to buy some time before coming up with an idea. "You're going to have to stay here for several days, maybe several weeks."

"I beg your pardon?" screamed Luxiana, widening her eyes. She must stay with them for several weeks without knowing how Feyre was doing? She had to tell her at all costs and let her know she was all right. She didn't want Feyre to worry about her. "What requires me to stay here so long?"

Rhysand glanced at Cassian and Azriel, looking for an answer they didn't have either. "You must be exhausted after all that's just happened, so we'll take you to a room where you can get some rest. We'll talk about all this later." Rhysand took a step towards the huge staircase to lead Luxiana to the room closest to his, but he stopped, interrupted by the blonde.

"No," she protested, offended at being dismissed. "I'm not tired. Let's talk about it right now."

Azriel huffed, his teeth, clenched from earlier, beginning to ache. He strode towards Luxiana. The young woman looked at him with dark eyes, not even backing away, barely disturbed by Azriel's intimidating presence. What the Illyrian felt was strange. He didn't like her provocations, but at the same time he loved it. "That wasn't a call for discussion." He grabbed Luxiana by the elbow to pull her towards the stairs, but the blonde shook off his grip with a jerk as she stepped back. 

"Fuck it," she ranted, abandoning all politeness. "I want to know why I'm here. I want to know what was so important to interrupt my best friend's wedding."

Rhysand winced again. He understood why it meant so much to her and wished he could tell her it wasn't on purpose. But unfortunately, and even though his brain was working as hard as it could, he still couldn't come up with a valid excuse. He needed to buy some time and sit down to think about it. He wanted so much to apologize for interrupting Feyre's wedding, but that would imply they'd acted without any thought, and as long as he had no idea what favor he wanted to ask of her, he couldn't do that. 

Cassian sensing Rhysand's dilemma, decided to speak up. "We'll let you know in time." He tried to give his voice an authoritative tone, but it came out soft and reassuring. He felt he could only talk to his soul mate this way.

Luxiana grunted in frustration but forced herself to close her eyes to calm down. She sighed, then reopened her eyelids to look at Rhysand with a determined expression. "Take me back to Tamlin's mansion for at least two minutes so I can say goodbye and reassure them."

Azriel's wings contracted. "Are you that eager to hold Lucien again? Haven't you had enough contact with that ginger bastard?" he spat helplessly.

Rhysand glared at him, blaming him. He mustn't let her think she was their soul mate. Not right away, not while she hated them, that would scare her.

Luxiana frowned, not understanding their behavior with Lucien. She clenched her fists, anger swarming so violently in her vessels that it felt like molten lava burning her whole body. "What do you have against Lucien? He's a very smart and kind man compared to you! And you know what? Yes, I want to take him in my arms and so why do you care??"

Rhysand gritted his teeth, his jaws flapping in his cheeks. "Great," he only managed to growl, even struggling to breathe. Had they arrived too late? He didn't want to lose his soul mate. Not like this.

Azriel's insides felt like they were imploding, chilling his body in an ice storm that would have even paralyzed the winter court. "You'd better not even touch that dirty redhead again or I promise I'll..." but he was interrupted by Cassian. 

Jealousy was devouring the Illyrian with red siphons from inside. He had lowered his eyes and couldn't even calm himself. Lucien was kind and intelligent and perfect, just the opposite of him. His soul mate... HIS soul mate, would be so much better off with Lucien. She'd be so much better off with someone other than him. It made him feel like his heart was being ripped out of his chest. He clenched his fists. The discussion was going nowhere. The four of them were far too upset. He moved towards Luxiana, breaking the distance between them with the blink of an eye. He grabbed her by the hips and threw her over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes. Then he set off for one of the bedrooms, climbing the stairs with a heavy step.

Luxiana cried out in surprise as she was lifted before freezing, shocked to find herself standing on the shoulder of the Illyrian who had started to walk. She snapped out of her torpor as she watched him climb the steps. "What the hell are you doing? Let go of me, now." She began to struggle, trying to knee Cassian in the chest and pound his back with her fists, all the while trying not to touch his wings. She knew how sensitive Illyrian wings were and how painful it could be to touch them. She didn't want to hurt him too much anyway, and she had far too much respect for that part of the Illyrian body. Then, knowing how they protected their wings and not knowing how powerful Cassian was, she didn't want to risk him cutting her hand for touching them. 

Cassian gripped her even tighter, wrapping both arms completely around his soulmate's pelvis to keep her in place and prevent her from moving too much. She cried out, telling Cassian repeatedly to let go.

"Cass, that's not a solution," Rhysand breathed as he hurried after them. This wasn't the way their soul mate was going to end up liking them even if the discussion went nowhere. Especially not when he didn't know the favor they were going to ask of her. 

Azriel, having been interrupted, gritted his teeth but rolled his eyes. He took a deep breath. He decided to follow them anyway, but swore he'd end up having a serious talk with his mate about the carrot that was trying to steal her from them. 

Luxiana looked up at Rhysand and Azriel behind Cassian. "Tell him to let go of me!" she ordered with a dark look. 

"I can try, but he won't do it," Rhysand replied under his breath, overwhelmed by the scene. If his soul mate didn't hate them after they interrupted her best friend's wedding, well, now she would.

"It's your fault we're in this mess," Azriel scolded, returning his glare. 

Luxiana struggled and twisted in every direction, but nothing made Cassian let go. "Let go of me right now or I'll bite your wing off," she threatened as the top of Cassian's right wing strutted in front of her nose.

"Don't even try," Cassian growled, forcing himself to articulate even though his jaws were clenched so tightly he could barely speak. They had arrived at one of the mansion's bedrooms. Cassian jerked the door open, almost destroying it. He was about to step into the room. 

Luxiana had warned him. Too bad for him. She threw herself full mouth on Cassian's wing, exerting just a little pressure on the limb with her teeth, not wanting to hurt him too much.

But the contact of his soul mate mouth on his wing startled Cassian before electrocuting him from top to bottom. He flinched and pushed Luxiana back abruptly, resting her on her feet on the ground. He stared at her with wide eyes, as did Rhysand and Azriel. Had she really just bitten him?

Luxiana glared at him with her pupils. "Told you."

But Cassian hadn't been hurt; she hadn't even hurt him. He wasn't even angry. He would have killed anyone who dared touch his wings. It was the most precious thing to Cassian. But what he was feeling right now wasn't anger. The shiver that ran through him and the heat that spread through his lower abdomen were not at all synonymous with a bad feeling. 

Rhysand breathed loudly, feeling what Cassian was feeling. He gently pushed Luxiana inside the bedroom before things got out of hand.  "We'll come get you for dinner. Get some rest and make yourself at home." He wanted to close the bedroom door again, but Luxiana let out another frustrated yell and beat him to it, slamming the door in their faces. 

A silence fell over the three Illyrians, paralyzed for a few seconds, their mouths half-open. Azriel was the first to move. He took a step forward and rested his forehead on the door. "It didn't really go as planned." He just wanted Luxiana to love them. She was their soul mate. Damn.

Dinnertime had finally arrived. Rhysand was seated at the end of the table. Cassian was seated to his left facing an empty chair, the one they had planned for Luxiana, and Azriel was seated next to the empty chair. Rhysand had sent one of his servants to fetch her. Thinking it would be a bit more of a burden for them to fetch her themselves. Especially not after the way they'd deposited her in her room.  

One of Cassian's legs was bouncing up and down. Azriel was agitated, and although Rhysand hid it better, he felt as they did. They were stressed. This was going to be their first dinner alone with their soulmate and the day had started so badly. They didn't want dinner to go that badly. They wanted so much to see her smile again.

Maybe it would go better. Although, knowing her temperament, they doubted she'd calmed down, but they'd been able to relax, think and assimilate what had happened. They'd spent the afternoon thinking about it. They'd found their soul mate. Good heavens. It was such a rare event and for that reason alone, they were so lucky. And she, she was so incredible. They had to do everything they could to make it work. 

They'd worked it all out too. They'd discussed it and found a reason for her presence. Everything was put into place and it would all work out in the end. At least, they hoped so with all their hearts.

Rhysand's maid opened the door, allowing Luxiana to enter the dining room. The three Illyrians rose from their chairs out of politeness, watching her with hopeful eyes. She was wearing the same dress she'd worn to Tamlin's wedding. 

Rhysand smiled. He'd asked his servant to bring her a dress in the colors of the night court. He was eager to see her wear his colors and didn't like her wearing Tamlin's, but he couldn't help smiling at the idea that she'd had to fight her maid not to put on her dress. The semi-angry, semi-apologetic look her maid was giving him confirmed all this.

Cassian detailed her with a smile. She looked calmer despite her wild look with her undone bun and rumpled dress. Maybe it would go better tonight. 

Luxiana took a few steps forward, arms crossed and looking a little intimidated. At last, she took the time to admire the magnificent room in which she found herself, and the heaps of food on the table. 

Azriel grabbed the back of the empty chair he was standing next to, pulling it away from the table. "Come and sit down," he invited her gently, pointing to the chair with his hand. He tried not to show the mixture of emotions he felt at the idea that his soul mate was coming to sit beside him and that he was finally going to be able to spend some time with her.

Luxiana stared at Azriel for a second, her face impassive, before looking at the empty chair beside him. She held back a grimace. She didn't want to be that close to them. She was still so upset about what they'd done. She'd spent the afternoon searching anything the room and trying to come up with a plan. And she'd come up with one. She couldn't arouse suspicion and had to make herself look small. All she had to do was survive the dinner and get back to her room. And from there, she could escape to find a way to contact Feyre and tell him she was all right. She'd come back after that, of course; she still had to rid Feyre of that damned favor Rhysand wanted her to do. 

So she took a few steps forward, but instead of heading for the chair beside Rhysand and Azriel, she headed for the other end of the huge table. Opposite the lord, several chairs away from Cassian and Azriel. 

The three Illyrians looked at her with furrowed brows, wondering what she was doing. Then she sat down on the chair at the end of the table, drawing her knees up to her chest and hugging her legs. She detailed the Illyrians with squinted eyes. 

Rhysand dropped back in her chair and sighed. Perhaps she hadn't calmed down after all. 

Cassian couldn't help laughing out loud as he sat back in his chair. How could he have thought she'd be so docile? Apparently it wasn't his soul mate's type at all. He loved that.

"Come and sit here," Azriel ordered in a firmer voice, still pointing at the chair beside him. He hated the way he was with her and the way he talked to her, but he wanted to feel her close to him so much he was going crazy. 

Luxiana didn't answer, continuing to look at them in the same way. She didn't want to be near them and would have loved to hurl insults in their faces, but she just had to make herself small. If she pissed them off and they decided to lock her up in a cell or somewhere other than the room she'd been in, she might not be able to get away. 

Azriel breathed out through clenched teeth. He was going to have a hard time with his soul mate. He extricated himself from his chair and moved towards Luxiana, who was watching him approach without batting an eyelid. He leaned towards her, while an ounce of hesitation and doubt finally showed on Luxiana's face. He passed one of his arms between her legs and belly to grab his soulmate by the pelvis and lift her up. 

She gave a little cry of surprise as Azriel placed her under his arm between his torso and biceps. Luxiana's arms were hanging down and her head was also down, but she didn't struggle, cursing the Illyrian for ten generations in her head, repeating to herself that for the sake of her plan, she must not create conflict. 

The scene provoked even more hilarity in Cassian, and even Rhysand had to purse his lips to keep from laughing. Azriel gently placed Luxiana in the chair next to his, ignoring his soulmate's murderous stare. He sat down beside her, proud of what he had just done. 

But Luxiana felt uncomfortable between the three Illyrians, she didn't want to be so close to them. She put her feet down and slid her chair to the floor with a creak. Moving as far away from the table as she could. But Azriel grunted, rolling his eyes. He grabbed the bottom of the chair and pulled it towards him, putting it back in its place. 

Luxiana winced in anger, pursing her lips and flaring her nostrils, realizing it was no use trying to move away. She'd have to stay there in spite of herself. 

Cassian tried to calm himself gently, tenderized by his soul mate's oh-so-cute face." What do you want to eat?" he asked, pointing to the spread of food on the table. 

"I'm not hungry." Luxiana replied curtly, giving them a wicked look with the same grimace. She imagined scenes in her mind where she'd hit them with a chicken leg to calm down.

Cassian exploded with laughter again.  "Of course."

Rhysand took a deep breath, smiling in a mixture of tenderness and sadness. He wished everything were simpler. "You need to eat something."

Luxiana squinted and the three Illyrians could see her gritting her teeth. "I. Am. Not. Hungry."

Rhysand loved the way she talked to him. She didn't care who he was or that he was the high lord of the night court. She was either afraid of nothing or completely oblivious, but with him, he loved it. 

Azriel grabbed the empty plate in front of Luxiana and filled it with various foods. He could feel his soul mate's burning gaze on him, but he ignored it. He placed a full plate in front of her. "Eat!"

Luxiana's reply was not long in coming. "No," she spat. 

Azriel took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling. His soul mate was definitely not going to make it easy for him. He grabbed his cutlery, cut his meat and poked at some pieces of food with the fork before presenting it to his soul mate, placing it in front of his mouth. " AAAAhhh," he mocked an open mouth in a cold voice. 

Luxiana opened her mouth and eyes wide in surprise. Was he making fun of her? "May I ask what you're doing?"

Azriel smiled falsely. "I'm treating you like a child since you've been acting like a little girl all this time."

Luxiana was offended, but anger made her frown, which the three Illyrians noticed. 

Azriel smiled, proud of himself. She seemed determined to give them a bad time, and he was glad he could return the favor. 

Cassian watched the scene apprehensively, dropping onto the back of his chair. She was annoyed, but it had to be said that the scene and her expressions were hilarious.

Rhysand glared at Azriel; this was certainly not the way to improve things between them and their soul mate. 

Luxiana was still detailing Azriel with hurried breathing and clenched teeth. But she finally had an idea. Did he want to play that? Very well, so be it. She leaned back in the chair and crossed her arms, taking on a mischievous expression that made the Illyrians squint. She smiled wryly before opening her mouth, waiting for Azriel to really feed her. 

Cassian was still laughing as he ran his hands over his face. She had exceeded all his expectations. 

Rhysand couldn't hold back either. He nodded from left to right, smiling gently. 

Azriel gritted his teeth for a second before returning her smile. If she thought he minded feeding her, she was wrong. So he brought the fork up to his mouth and fed his soul mate. And he did it again and again after each bite. He and Luxiana glaring at each other to see which one would give in first and crack.

The meal passed in silence. The three Illyrians had wanted to start a discussion, but the only response they got from Luxiana was a glare. He could always tell from the anger radiating from her that she wasn't yet ready to talk with them. 

At the end of the meal, while she and Azriel were still killing each other with their eyes. Rhysand tried again, hoping for an answer this time. "Can we talk?" his voice was soft and friendly. She liked that about Lucien, maybe she'd like it about him too.

Luxiana barely glanced at him. "If it's not to tell me you're taking me to Feyre, then no," she spat. She wasn't going to get into a conflict with them, so she had to avoid discussions that would get her in trouble. 

Rhysand huffed. " The maid will take you back to your room then. Perhaps you'll be more able to talk tomorrow." He closed his eyes, holding back a wince. His tone had been more cold and haughty than he would have liked.

Anger electrified Luxiana through and through. She had every right to be angry and not want to talk to them. She was there to accomplish something, not to make small talk with them. She jerked up from her chair. "Fuck you," she couldn't help saying. She turned and almost ran out of the room, slamming the door behind her. 

In spite of herself, the maid waited outside the room and led her back to her room. Although she only followed Luxiana. The blond was so angry that she was walking fast, ahead of the maid, and she'd already mapped the place so she knew perfectly well where she had to go.

An icy, heavy, empty silence fell over Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel, making them realize that although Luxiana hadn’t talked, the mere presence of their soulmate was noisy. After long minutes, maybe hours, they sighed. Damn, this woman was definitely full of surprises. 

Cassian ran his hands over his face but couldn't help smiling. "The way she is, she won't be any less angry tomorrow." His tone was light, laughing, but he was much impacted by being so close to his soulmate yet so far away. 

Azriel smiled back as he relaxed, still not believing what had just happened and that he'd just fed his soul mate. He laughed softly. "She's got a lot of character. The next few days promise to be rich in emotion."

Rhysand wasn't laughing. He ran his hands through his hair, tousling it a little. He had no time to lose with her. Their days were numbered and he didn't want to waste any oh them. Not like this, not when his soul mate hated him. He hated it. He wanted so much to do everything in his power to please her, but he couldn't take her back to Tamlin. He couldn't bear Lucien touching her again. "What should we do to stop her being angry with us?" he asked in a voice more desperate than he would have liked to show. 

Azriel and Cassian resumed their seriousness, thinking, then Cassian spoke. "We should apologize for interrupting the wedding, tell her the truth: that we didn't know. That's part of the reason she's mad at us. And then, if we tell her why we're bringing her back here... well what we decided we were going to make her do to hide the real reason she was here, maybe she won't be too mad at us anymore."

The other two Illyrians nodded in agreement. They all rose from their chairs and headed for Luxiana's room, determined to have this discussion with her right away. 

But Luxiana was no longer in her room. 

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 11 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you like it! Thank you for reading.

Thank you for all your comments, I love you guys ❤️❤️

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Happy reading!

Chapter 11

Feyre stood in front of the massive wooden door, a bouquet of Lilies in her hands, her favorite flowers. She took a deep breath, her eyes shining with joy. She turned her gaze to Luxiana on her left. 

The white-haired young woman gave her a reassuring, encouraging smile, trying to contain the joy that almost made her jump up and down. Her best friend was getting married today to a fae who also loved her in return, who was desperate to protect her and make her happy. She grabbed Feyre's hand, intertwining her fingers with those of her best friend. 

When the door in front of them opened, revealing the white Lys petal alley that would lead her to her future husband, Feyre's heart leapt in her chest in a mixture of stress and excitement. She was going to marry Tamlin. She loved him so much. Especially since her best friend was here. She'd nursed them back to health and eased their nightmares. She'd made their lives so much easier and her relationship with Tamlin so much more fused. She gripped the petticoats of her milky-white wedding dress with her free hand to lift them so she didn't step on them. "I'm so happy you're here with me today, Luxi."

Luxiana's heart swelled with joy in her chest, forcing her to tighten her fingers on the bouquet of Lilies she held in her other hand. "Me too." She glanced down the aisle of flowers -and at Tamlin, who was staring at Feyre with a glint in his eye at the end of it- silently pointing the blond man at Feyre with her eyes. "Are you sure you really want to marry him? No, because we could just run away really fast, you know, we'd just have to..."

She was interrupted by Feyre's laughter, which echoed through the great hall of the Spring Court high lord's home. 

Luxiana then stopped talking, smiling with tenderness. She'd managed to make her laugh, and that was all that mattered. Feyre needed it. "Are you ready?"

Feyre took a deep breath and nodded. She was ready to marry Tamlin. She smiled as she thought of all Luxiana had done for her and all she had said to Tamlin. She'd thrown his bad truths in his face and always made sure Tamlin didn't make any mistakes with her. Feyre also suspected that her best friend was giving her lover tips on how to make her happy. And one thing led to another, they'd even learned to put up with each other gently. Feyre was fulfilled. She spent her days with Tamlin and Luxiana. The two people she loved most in the world. 

Feyre then walked towards Tamlin, and Luxiana followed. The white-haired blonde noticed how Tamlin looked lovingly at Feyre. He always looked at her that way. She smiled a little more. He wasn't so bad. He really loved Feyre. In fact, that was why she'd let him marry her. She would have kidnapped Feyre to take her somewhere else if it wasn’t the case. 

Feyre stopped in the middle of the aisle, bending forward to pick up one of the lilies on the white carpet. She caught it and brought it up to her nose to smell it, not caring about the slightly astonished or mocking looks of the people gathered around her. 

Tamlin observed the scene with a tender gaze before casting a knowing glance at Luxiana. He nodded, silently thanking her for having recommended lilies and not roses, as Ianthe had wanted. On the advice of Feyre's best friend, he had banished the color red from their wedding and even from his entire home. He burned all the clothes and had all the red flowers cut off, making everything of that cursed color that brought back bad memories for his wife disappear. He had also forbidden all their guests to wear purple clothing. And to think that Ianthe had wanted to make red the main color of their wedding. Fortunately, she hadn't stayed long. 

Luxiana smiled, happy to see Feyre happy, following her as she walked down the aisle again. Her gaze swept over the assembly, who stared at her with bewildered eyes, surprised to see a human-like creature here. She paid no attention, however, far too satisfied to notice that Ianthe hadn't come. Surely she couldn't have after the astronomical dose of laxative plant she'd poured into her tea three days ago. 

That evening had been the funniest for Luxiana in a long time. She'd never laughed so hard as when she'd seen Ianthe turn white, holding her stomach gurgling so loudly that everyone around her could hear, including Lucien, Tamlin and Feyre sitting around her at the dining room table. But it was when she got up to run out of the room, farts escaping her despite the hand she'd clamped to her bottom where a brown stain spreaded across the back of her white dress, that Luxiana laughed so hard she fell out of her chair. 

None of the four had ever seen Ianthe after that. Tamlin and Lucien held back their gentlemanly laughter, but they suspected that Luxiana had something to do with it. Lucien was grateful and Feyre had laughed so hard that Tamlin hadn't blamed the white-haired woman.

Feyre stopped in front of her future husband and the priestess who was not Ianthe. Luxiana stood behind her, squeezing her best friend's hand one last time in a gesture of comfort before letting her go. Tamlin and Feyre looked at each other with such love that Luxiana's heart melted under so much tenderness and relief. He was going to take care of her.

She was making little jumps out of joy, restraining herself from screaming and running around. She was so happy for her best friend. Lucien, behind Tamlin, laughed to see her so happy. They looked at each other with a look of complicity and fun. 

Luxiana liked the redhead. He was intelligent and the long discussions they had together late at night did her a lot of good and even made her happy. Sometimes, she even lived her day looking forward to that moment with him in the evening.  

She tried to calm herself, huffing and puffing, enjoying the moment. Enjoying seeing her best friend happy. Enjoying the fact that she might even become friends with Tamlin. Enjoying her friendship with Lucien. Enjoying her new home where she didn't feel so bad. 

The ceremony was magnificent and full of emotion. Luxiana had jumped up and laughed silently throughout, unable to contain her joy and excitement for her best friend at all. But just as the wedding was almost over and Feyre had yet to say "I do" to Tamlin, a powerful bolt of lightning struck right in the middle of the long aisle of lilies, only a few steps from the girls. 

People in the assembly hiccupped in surprise, while some screamed in fear as they rose from their chairs. 

Luxiana was about to grab Feyre by the arm to put her behind her back and protect her, but she froze in motion, seeing Tamlin react before her, protecting Feyre by placing himself in front of her. Luxiana realized for a microsecond that her best friend really would be safe with him, before looking to see who had interrupted them. 

She frowned, widening her eyes. They were the three Illyrian leaders of the night court. Their faces were contorted with anger as they detailed the landscape around them hurriedly, seemingly looking for only one person but seeming not to give a damn that they had just interrupted a wedding. They'd dared to interrupt her best friend's wedding? Luxiana's blood ran cold before seething anger crushed her chest. But her heart was filled with doubt and apprehension. She liked them, why did they have to do this? She liked them, but they'd just ruined everything. They'd just ruined the happiest day of her best friend's life. Anger made her tremble.

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel were filled with rage and jealousy. Lucien wanted to steal their soul mate. They had to protect her and keep her for themselves. They had no more time to lose. But when they landed in the middle of a wedding aisle, they froze, though they didn't try to show their surprise. They saw Tamlin in a suit in front of a priestess, and behind him was Feyre in a wedding dress. They had just interrupted Feyre and Tamlin's wedding. They couldn't even smile at the slight burst of satisfaction that roused in their chests, far too irritated by the idea that Lucien had gotten close to their mate. 

When they shifted their gaze to Feyre's right, they didn't immediately see the animosity and confusion radiating from Luxiana, far too caught up in her beauty. She was wearing a pale green dress, the fabric of which almost resembled lace and was embellished with darker green leaves. The fabric over her belly was transparent, revealing her skin. It was attached to a green breast cover in the same color as her petticoats. Her shoulders and arms were completely uncovered, forcing the three Illyrians to slide their eyes over such pale but soft-looking skin. Moving their gazes upward, they saw her for once well coiffed in a thick, sophisticated bun of curly hair. The skin of her face had taken on a few cute blushes in the spring court sunshine, bringing out her adorable freckles. 

They were in awe of their soulmate's breathtaking beauty. Their eyes began to sparkle, but at last, they locked gazes with Luxiana's pupils glowing blue in the sunlight. It was only then that they finally realized how angry she was. 

Cassian couldn't even think straight. He didn't put much effort into it in the first place, but with such a beautiful woman in front of him, who was his soul mate, his brain felt like it had completely melted down. He no longer had any coherent thought and probably couldn't put two words together if he spoke. He could only restrain himself from opening his mouth wide and throwing himself on his knees in front of her to thank fate for having given him such a beautiful soulmate. Hell, he still couldn't believe it. 

Rhysand was paralyzed through and through, holding himself back from wincing. In any other situation, he could have melted with relief and fallen to his knees crying, happy to see his soul mate in good health. Glad to see Tamlin hadn't done anything to her. But he couldn't even take a deep breath, completely blocked by Luxiana's glare and clenched jaw. He remembered what Feyre meant to her. And he'd just interrupted her wedding. His soul mate looked angry. His soul mate looked very angry with him. It was a very bad start. And a very bad condition for the plan to work. She wouldn't come willingly with them if she was angry. 

Azriel gritted his teeth as he saw the irritation on his soulmate's face. He gave her a reproachful look. How dare she be angry when she dared to flirt with men other than them? If it had been up to Azriel, he'd have kidnapped her and locked her up with him. He clenched his fists at this realization, cursing himself for his thoughts. He wasn't like that. He would never have locked up someone he loved against his will, not after what he'd been through as a child, but with his soul mate, his body and brain making him feel like he was going mad. This woman was driving him crazy. 

"Hello, Feyre," Rhysand greeted with an evil air, forcing himself to let go of his soulmate's gaze. He leaned forward with a proud, pretentious smile on his lips as if he knew exactly what he was doing. He had to put his plan into action. 

"What are you doing here?" growled Tamlin as he took a step forward, ready to fight. He'd lived in fear ever since Amarantha's death. Fear that Rhysand would come to claim the favor he'd asked of Feyre in exchange for saving his life.

Rhysand laughed out loud with that same wicked expression. He hated the face he had to put on when an assembly of strangers around him stared at him, but he had no choice. He used to pretend to protect his loved ones and prevent attacks, but today he had to do it to win back his soul mate. Today, it was even harder because she was there to see him. He was so afraid of scaring her. He was so afraid of disgusting her. He was about to speak, but all of a sudden, a bouquet of lilies landed in his face. Although it was thrown with great force, it hadn't been strong enough to hurt him. He stopped laughing suddenly, taking a small step backwards in surprise. 

He widened his eyes, in fact everyone had widened their eyes as they stared at the one who had thrown him. Luxiana.

"You bastard," the white-haired blonde spat as she pointed at Rhysand, a glint in her eye giving her an almost scary face. She brought her clenched fists down along her body to take a step towards Rhysand with a face bent with hatred. "You'd better say you're here to witness the wedding in peace or I swear I'll tear your beautiful violet eyes out."

The entire assembly of Faes gathered for the wedding hiccupped in surprise, staring at Luxiana with wide eyes, mouths wide open and hands clasped over them, more than a little taken aback by the audacity of this simple human who dared to provoke the powerful high lord of the night. They froze completely, too afraid of being killed by one of the Illyrians.

The three dark hair faes were in the same state as the others. Had she really just thrown a bouquet of flowers at Rhys's head? At the head of a Fae as powerful as him and especially in front of all these people?

Azriel let out a guttural sound that resembled a growl, understanding that she had an annoying tendency to put herself in danger and provoke intimidating and powerful fae lords like Rhys and Tamlin. Hell, she was just a fragile little human, and they had to protect her, but she was determined to provoke the first thing that moved? He really didn't like that. 

Rhysand tensed up all over, a ball of anguish turning in his stomach. Under normal circumstances, he would have made anyone disappear for this affront, he had to, especially in front of so many people. But today, he couldn't even think of doing it to someone in front of his soul mate. And yet, if he didn't, what would people say about him? That he'd gone soft? And that would open the door to attacks that would indirectly put Luxiana in danger. Why had she done this? Was she that angry? 

Cassian had come to understand the urgency of the situation and the heaviness of the atmosphere. His soul mate had gotten them into trouble. A monster mess from which they had to find a way out at all costs. If they didn't respond to her affront, people would suspect she was their soul mate and would hurt her. Actually, no. It didn't matter how much shit it got them into, because either way, his soulmate was going back with him, and he could then protect her. They'd wanted to use the easy way with the plan they'd been able to vaguely work on before coming, but if that didn't work then they'd use any other way. 

Rhysand took a step towards Luxiana, trying to appear angry and threatening, hoping for divine intervention to save them. "Do you know that I could blow you to smithereens with a snap of my fingers?" The words had burned his mouth and his heart had torn itself from his chest. It disgusted him so much to talk that way to his soul mate. He deserved to rip his tongue out for it. Rhysand continued to curse himself inwardly as he forced not to let anything show. 

But Luxiana gritted her teeth and frowned a little more, "Dare."

Rhysand stopped himself from closing his eyes in despair. He was about to laugh to gain some time and try to find an excuse not to disintegrate his soulmate, but Feyre hiccupped in fear. She grabbed Luxiana's hand, begging Rhysand with her eyes not to hurt her best friend. Tamlin stepped aside, placing himself between Feyre and Luxiana to protect them both. 

At the sight of Tamlin stepping in to protect their soulmate, the three Illyrians gritted their teeth. The sight of their enemy protecting their soulmate was more than unpleasant, but it was Lucien's movement that struck the three Illyrians with anger.

The redhead rushed forward, passing between Tamlin and Feyre to grab Luxiana by the arm, putting her to his chest and wrapping his frame around her to protect her. Giving his back to Rhysand.

Lucien refused to let anyone hurt Luxiana. After all those days spent by her side, he had sincerely begun to appreciate the blonde. She was the kindest, sweetest, most caring young woman he'd ever met. She was full of surprises and had brightened his life. 

Cassian's eyes widened and his teeth clenched so hard they almost broke. That bastard. He'd stolen his soul mate. He couldn't even move. His heart was breaking. Was it too late? His soul mate hadn't even been his that he'd already lost her? Lucien had stolen her from him. He was mad with rage but mad with sadness.

Azriel's breath caught in his chest and his throat tightened. His eyes burned with hatred and his vessels pulsed with frozen fury. He was going to kill him. He wanted to kill him so badly. So badly. And the only thing holding him back was that the death of this orange rat might make Luxiana suffer. And that, he couldn't bear. So he did nothing, but doubt paralyzed him. He didn't want to lose her before he'd even had her. 

Rhysand froze. Every fiber of his body had frozen. His heart was aching. He hated it so much. He hated seeing her in another man's arms. Should he go? Should he leave her here? With Lucien? She'd be safer away from them, away from the danger they'd be to her. But the Suriel had told them to protect her. They certainly weren't going to leave her soul mate there. He refused, and in any case, she was all his now. And even though he was exhausted from sacrificing himself for others, it couldn’t when it came to this woman. He wanted her more than anything, and today he had an excuse to get her. 

Suddenly, as if all his barriers collapsed, as if all his strength abandoned him, he had a vision of Luxiana, his soul mate, sharing her life with someone other than him. He exploded all at once. It was as if all the hatred and fear he'd held back and all the terrible things he experienced over the last few years poured into him, overwhelming him, drowning him. His muscles contracted. He couldn't breathe. His mind seemed to have left his body and immersed itself entirely in his rage.

His power released in spite of himself, surging violently from his body in a wave of darkness that began to swirl around him, spreading further and further, taking up more and more space outside him. The faes in the assembly screamed in fear and ran everywhere, fleeing the chaos and death they thought Rhysand would bring them. 

Tamlin deployed his power in turn, ready to fight and protect Feyre. 

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel saw nothing, their eyes clouded by the anger and darkness of Rhysand's power, swirling around them, hiding their visions. 

"Rhys," Cassian said through their telepathic link. He put his hand on his brother's bicep and had spoken in a calm tone, trying to soothe him. "You're going to scare him."

Rhysand came to realize, blinking several times, putting his gaze to Cassian. The storm around him hadn't gone away, though, as he was still mad with rage, but it had stopped getting bigger. He must not show the full extent of his power anyway. 

Only, Luxiana slipped out of Lucien's arms to bypass him and run towards Rhysand with such speed that neither Tamlin, Lucien nor Feyre - who had stretched out their hands to catch her - had been able to stop her. She faced the black wind of power that surrounded the three Illyrians, running through it without fear. 

Azriel and Cassian's eyes widened when they saw her coming, they took a step forward and were about to protect her with a shield of magic, but they froze. She had passed completely through the cloud surrounding them unharmed. How had she done that? She should have vanished into thin air. Had Rhys's power sensed that she was their soul mate and spared her? A wave of fear washed over them, they could have lost her just like that. 

Rhysand, too focused on trying to calm himself, too focused on trying to contain his power, regain his composure and get air into his lungs, didn't see her right away. The first thing he smelled was her vanilla perfume. Was she there? No, it couldn't be. He could hurt her. Was he hallucinating? He turned his gaze to her, but barely had time to react and calm his power so as not to hurt her, that she placed both hands flat on his chest to push him with all her might. "Stop doing that right now," she cried with a mixture of concern and sadness pronounced on her face. Rhysand's body reacted before he could even realize what was happening. She was there, he couldn't hurt her. His stomach clenched as his power retracted at once, returning to his body. The threat disappeared. 

Luxiana opened her mouth and eyes wide, looking around her, surprised that the storm of shadows had disappeared and that he really had obeyed her. Then she noticed the crowd gathered in a bundle further on, their eyes panic-stricken and their expressions terrified. Some chairs were overturned, flowers had been crushed and chaos reigned all around her. 

She turned her head towards Feyre, who was watching the scene with teary eyes, and Tamlin, with a fear he was trying to disguise as anger. The three Illyrians had just ruined the happiest day of his best friend's life. Her heart felt like it was being torn apart. She lowered her eyes. She liked those Illyrians. Too bad, not anymore. She raised a cold gaze to Rhysand. Her pupils were filled with such hatred and madness that the lord of the night court almost flinched, telling himself they'd really screwed up. 

Luxiana gritted her teeth. She had to save what was left of Feyre's wedding. She rushed over to one of the chairs beside them and righted it on its four feet, "It's all right, come back," she shouted to the frightened crowd. She lifted a second chair and correctly replaced the flower garlands on it. The people tried to relax, not seeing the Illyrians move, but fear never left them. "It's all right!" she repeated. She laughed softly to reassure the crowd while repeating over and over that everything was fine. She walked over to Tamlin to take him by the shoulders and put him back in his place in front of the priestess, then did the same with Feyre. She put her hand on her best friend's cheek, smiling comfortingly and wiping away a tear of sadness. Luxiana's heart broke a little more. 

The three Illyrians were unable to move. They'd really screwed up, and their soulmate's saddened expression stirred such a burning guilt in their chests that they felt like vomiting. 

Luxiana turned around, rushing towards Rhysand. "It's all right," she repeated again to the assembly. She grabbed Rhysand by the forearm and pulled him down the flower path and towards the mansion, while she grabbed Cassian by the hair. She grabbed his bun with such force that Cassian groaned in pain as he leaned forward, forced to follow her as she pulled him too. Luxiana forced herself to smile to make everyone believe everything was all right, but the dark look she cast at Azriel left no doubt as to what she was really thinking. "Follow us," she sternly ordered to the Illyrian with the blue siphons.

Azriel was at first surprised to see her grab her two brothers and start pulling them along, while she then ordered him to follow her. He raised an eyebrow, glancing at Rhysand and Cassian who were dragged away from him and who couldn't believe it either. He huffed, glancing at the carnage they had wrought, before deciding to follow her anyway. 

Luxiana was almost running down the alley, crushing the lily petals in spite of herself. When she reached the large wooden door of the mansion, still open since her entrance with Feyre, she propelled Cassian inside, who didn't even struggle, too afraid of ending up bald. Then she pushed Rhysand and Azriel inside. She turned to close the door behind her, repeating to the people staring at her strangely that all was well now.

Once the door closed, leaving her alone with the three Illyrians in the hall of the mansion, she stood still, palms flat on the wood. She breathed, holding back a sad moan. She rested her forehead on the door. She wanted to cry. Her heart was in pieces. They'd ruined everything. Her best friend's happiest day. Her vessels began to burn. She let out a kind of growl as she turned to kill the three Illyrians with her eyes, anger making her clench her fists. "How dare you?"

Seeing the mixture of sadness and anger that distorted their soulmate's cute face, the three Illyrians' hearts twisted. 

Cassian looked away, unable to bear to see his soul mate like that, especially not when it was them who had provoked it. He ran his hands through his hair, combing back what his soulmate had almost torn from his head. 

Rhysand had to grit his teeth to keep from apologizing. He didn't have to, not right away, but seeing his soulmate a little sad because of him hurt. 

Azriel took a step forward to raise his hand to his soulmate's cheek, trying to calm her down, but she pushed his arm away violently.

"Don't touch me! You've ruined everything!" she cried with red eyes, holding back tears. Her fists were so tight that her fingernails were digging into her palms. 

Azriel winced; he hated hearing those words come out of his soul mate's mouth. It drove him crazy. He hated that she forbade him to touch her. She had no right to. He fucking hated it. 

Luxiana wondered what was keeping her from ripping out their throats. She closed her eyes trying to breath. She knew what was holding her back. Rhysand had saved Feyre under the mountain. She couldn't kill him for that, but she'd trusted him. She'd believed he was a good man, yet today he'd just ruined Feyre's wedding. What was she supposed to do? She wanted to find an excuse, to find out why he was there, but first she had to calm down. She concentrated on taking deep breaths. 

Rhysand blew out his breath, massaging his temples. Nothing had happened the way it should have, but he couldn't forget why they were here. For her. He straightened up, puffed out his chest and looked confident as he shoved his hands into his pockets, hiding his trembling. He was about to speak, but Tamlin, Lucien and Feyre burst into the hall. 

Luxiana took a few steps to the side, grimacing with sadness at the realization that they hadn't continued the ceremony, before clasping her hands over her face so that no one would see her sadness. She had failed, she should have intervened before. How could she have been so stupid?

"Why are you here?" screamed Tamlin, slamming the door savagely behind them. His face was contorted with hatred, while Feyre's was distorted with confusion and grief. 

All eyes were on Rhysand, so Cassian and Azriel gave him a knowing look, nodding, silently encouraging him. They had to go back with Luxiana, the plan could still work. 

Rhysand set his eyes on Feyre, smiling carnivorously. "I've come to claim my due. You owe me a favor, it seems, Feyre."

Tamlin grunted, grabbing Feyre by the arm and placing her behind him, but she put a hand on her husband's shoulder to calm him down. "What do you want?" she asked Rhysand coldly. 

The lord of the night court took on a bored look, staring at the ceiling as if it were more interesting than the Faes before him. "I need a woman to do something... a very important mission." He laid mischievous eyes on Feyre and Tamlin with a smirk. "And I thought it was about time you paid me back."  

"There's no way she's coming with you!" groans Tamlin, his breathing short and hurried. 

Rhysand wasn't even calculating Tamlin. He cast a discreet sideways glance at Luxiana, hoping the plan would work and she'd volunteer in his best friend's place, but she only looked at him with clenched teeth and a dark glare. He gauged Feyre again. "I saved your life in exchange for something in return, now it's time to fulfill your part of the bargain. You promised. If you break our deal, I'll force you to fulfill it, and that won't be pleasant for you."

Luxiana couldn't believe her eyes, she felt as if she'd been knocked down. She'd been wrong about him. About them. I mean, she knew they were cruel, but she hoped he wasn't that cruel, at least not with Feyre, not when she'd warned them not to be. Not when she'd asked them not to be. And after the way they'd behaved with her, she'd thought they liked her enough not to hurt her best friend. Yet today, they were ruining the most important day of her life. She'd been so wrong to trust them. She had to make them pay. She took a step forward, determined. "You said you needed a woman, can that be me?"

Cassian couldn't help but smirk; he'd been sure she'd offer to take Feyre's place. She seemed the type to sacrifice herself for others, and she loved Feyre more than anything. 

Azriel closed his eyes tightly. He'd argued with his two brothers that she wouldn't step into Feyre's shoes simply because he hoped she had some sense. Apparently she had none. Hell, she really liked putting herself in danger unnecessarily.

Rhysand relaxed discreetly, their plan was finally working. He didn't even notice the looks on everyone's faces, waiting for his answer with bated breath. He shrugged his shoulders to give the impression that he didn't attach any importance to the question, before simply nodding.

"No," Feyre screamed, clutching Tamlin's arm to give her a look begging him to do something, dead scared for her best friend. "I'll go with you," she offered before shaking Tamlin's arm. "Tam do something. Stop them from taking Luxi."

Tamlin waited no longer. He snarled, then drew his sharp, pointed claws from his fingertips. He raised his hand in the air to threaten Rhysand, but froze in mid-motion, noticing his beastly nails varnished in candy pink. He widened his eyes, while all the others frowned as they noticed it in turn. Tamlin understood. He lowered his arms limply to his sides, clenching his teeth but glaring wide-eyed in anger at Luxiana. His nostrils flared with tension.

Luxiana glanced sideways at Tamlin, unable to hold back a grimace. She'd screwed up. She'd found a magic formula in Tamlin's library to turn him into a beast, and when she'd sneaked into their room a few nights ago and turned him into a beast to paint his nails pink, she certainly hadn't thought something as important as this would happen. Something or some intimidating Tamlin without pink nails would have been much more practical.

Tamlin huffed, closing her eyes. "You know what, take her with you, it will give me some vacation. She is a pain in the ass."

"Tam," Feyre snarled in outrage, slapping his husband on the shoulder.

"What?" he replied offended. "In two hours they'll drop her off back here because they'll be sick of her."

The three Illyrians gritted their teeth, they didn't like the way Tamlin talked about their soulmate, but they said nothing, they had to show nothing. Especially as they were here to leave with her, and Tamlin saying this was helping them too much. 

Many expressions passed over Feyre's face. First surprise, then anger, then realization and acceptance. She was afraid that her best friend was beginning to like the three faes and that was why she was a little worried, and also because she was afraid she wouldn't be able to rivalize Rhysand's power. But she knew that Luxiana was intelligent and knew how to defend herself. If anyone could make the lord of the night court pay for his behavior today and turn this Fae lord's daily life into a living hell to avenge her, it was Luxiana, not her. And from the way she looked at the three Illyrians, with burning hatred, she didn't seem to like them much any more.

Lucien's eyes widened at Feyre's expression, as she seemed to be seriously considering the hypothesis. He grabbed Luxiana's arm and pulled her behind him. "You're not really considering this, are you?" he exclaimed, shocked. 

Rhysand still had to restrain himself from pulsing his power out of himself, and the other two were also holding back from killing the redhead. Hell, the way they were going to kill that clementine and rip his skin off at the first chance they got would be so terrible it would give them nightmares. 

Luxiana almost savagely disengaged herself from Lucien's grip - much to the redhead's surprise - to stand in front of Rhysand with the same look of rage on her face. Her brain was working at a thousand miles an hour to find solutions and imagine a thousand and one ways to avenge Feyre. And by going with them, she'd have more than enough opportunity to make them suffer. "If I fulfill her part of the contract for her, do you promise you'll leave her in peace?"

Rhysand nodded with a serious air, silently trying to reassure Luxiana and make her see his sincerity. "I promise."

"Then take me, with you." didn’t hesitate Luxiana. 

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel had to hold back with all their might from showing relief as their chests lightened. They'd done it, they were going to bring their soulmate home. Excitement and joy began to take over their bodies, making them vibrate. 

"Luxi, please don't," Feyre implored, walking towards Luxiana. 

The white-haired blonde turned to her best friend. She gave her a reassuring smile and wanted to move towards her to take her in her arms and calm her down, but Rhysand had only waited for Luxiana's agreement. Now that he had it, he wasted no more time - and no more risk of Lucien touching his soul mate again - to teleport the four of them to the Moonstone Palace, Rhysand's residence above the court of Nightmare. Preventing Luxiana from saying goodbye to her best friend and reassuring her. 

So, although she was already furious, no longer seeing her best friend in front of her, Luxiana went berserk.  

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 10 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you like it! Thank you for reading.

Thanks again to everyone who commented. You brightened my days, you are the best thank you. ❤️❤️

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Happy reading!

Chapter 10

“It’s been three fucking days, Rhys,” Azriel exploded, standing up from behind the bushes where they were hiding. He looked down at his two brothers kneeling beside him, his breathing shaky and rapid. He tried to calm down but nothing worked. He never could. Ever since he had met Luxiana, he had been angry all the time, angry because fear was devouring him. He needed to be near her to know she was safe, but the whole world seemed to want to get between her and him.

Rhysand blew out a breath as he closed his eyes, used to his brothers' mood swings during those last weeks, but he had to say that these last few days were even worse. Even for him. He also had so much more trouble concentrating. He knew it was because it had been three weeks since they had returned from the Archerons and that, consequently, Luxiana was with Tamlin during all this time. 

He wasn't sleeping anymore. Cassian wasn't eating anymore and Azriel was screaming and fighting all the time. They were losing their minds. But they were so scared. So scared that something would happen to their soulmate. So many bad things could happen to her that it was driving the Illyrians completely crazy with worry.

They hadn't heard from her and hadn't been able to take any news anyway. Firstly so as not to arouse Tamlin's suspicions but also because they were busy elsewhere. Busy finding a reliable way to capture the Suriel. They had even completely neglected the other matters concerning the King of Hybern, they weren't even looking for the second part of the book when it was more than vital to find it. No, as soon as they got back, they had thrown themselves body and soul into the search for the Suriel. Even Cassian had read countless books to try to find a way to capture the creature.

They had ended up, after two weeks of intensive searching, going to a dark and gloomy forest to the west with the aim of setting a trap for the Suriel. They had read in some books that the creature had a taste for freshly dead chickens.

They had been hiding in the bushes for three days, hoping the Suriel would fall into their traps. And the number of chickens they had to kill, and which now lay in a mountain in front of them, was astronomical. But the Suriel was still not there.

Cassian stood up in turn, sighing. "He's right Rhys, it's not working. We're wasting our time. We have to find another solution. We have no more time to waste away from her. I... I can't anymore." He looked sad and tired. The dark circles under his eyes made him look puny and he had lost a little weight.

They all three looked equally bad anyway.

Rhys stood up too, his eyes downcast. They were right. They were so pitiful. But what else could they do? It was a dead-end solution. He needed to know if this woman was their soulmate but at the same time it seemed so true that it seemed wrong to have to ask. Besides, in the meantime she was at Tamlin's, she might be in danger and that was killing him. "Alright," he breathed with all his might, "let's find another solution."

Cassian nodded and Azriel gritted his teeth. He had been gritting his teeth for weeks anyway. “Let’s go,” he spat nastily but involuntarily.

Rhysand took a step forward, moving closer to his brothers so he could teleport them with him. But suddenly, a furtive shadow danced at the corners of their pupils, making them turn their heads to the side.

They almost jumped, their eyes widening in surprise. There, perched on a huge fallen and half-rotten tree, only a few steps away from them, was a pale, livid creature. The Suriel. It had just appeared and sat on the trunk, as if nothing had happened. The creature crossed its legs as it raised one of its thin hands, playing with its long fingers and making appear with a strange magic a white teacup more ordinary than anything there that was here.

The three Illyrians gaped, even less surprised when the Suriel took a sip of his steaming hot tea. What the hell was going on? They glanced at their trap and frowned when they saw it still intact. The Suriel had come on his own?

“You had questions for me?” the Suriel spoke in a distant voice, as if from another dimension. He took another sip of his drink, savoring the flavor of the Illyrians’ surprise in front of him.

“You…” Rhysand began, searching for words, still not believing his eyes. He glanced at his brothers who looked as confused as he did. He took a step forward, towards the pale creature. “You surrendered on your own?”

The creature nodded and raised his teacup into the air. "You had questions," he repeated as his only reply.

Cassian frowned. He was going to ask the Suriel why he was here. Why he had come of his own free will, but the omniscient creature already knew his question. It answered him without Azriel even having to speak. "Because you have questions to ask me, the answers to which are extremely important."

Azriel narrowed his eyes. He was disturbed. His shadows didn't even seem to detect the creature and the fact that it surrendered itself was more than suspicious. It was hiding something and he didn't have time for secrets. Not when his soulmate was in danger. Not when Luxiana was possibly his soulmate and that he had already wasted too much time away from her. "Why didn't you surrender before then? Three days ago when we arrived, for example, or even before if you know everything. We've been trying to meet you for weeks."

“Because it wasn’t the right time, now it is. Now, you are ready to hear the answers to your questions.” The creature stared at them with a blank, creepy gaze that made Cassian shiver. The Suriel didn’t seem to feel any emotion, but when he looked at the three Faes in front of him, feelings stirred in his chest. Their relationship with that girl would determine the future of the world. “Ask your questions.”

It was at that moment that the three Illyrians realized. The Suriel was in front of them. It didn't matter why or how he had gotten there. He was there. That meant they were going to have the answers to their questions. The questions they had been asking themselves for weeks.

A ball of anxiety crushed their stomachs in one violent blow, burning their eyes, making their breaths cut and their muscles tremble. It might all be over very quickly. She might not be their soulmate and then it would all be done. But damn, they were so afraid of that. Of losing this woman. And if she was their soulmate… Yes, it would fill them with joy, of course, but also with anxiety.

A silence fell. A silence that none of the three Illyrians wanted to break. They were too afraid of the answers they might get. Normally, they could have been brave but today, this fear was overwhelming. After all, they didn't only have their fear and anxiety to deal with but those of their two brothers as well.

Cassian looked down. He was tired. He and his brothers were warriors. They had lived through wars and battles. Seen and suffer through horrors but they had never been so afraid and they had never felt so cowardly as they did now. It wasn't him. It wasn't them. This had to end. He needed to know.

Azriel froze, with all his muscles tense. He was terrified, he felt almost in danger of death. Then suddenly, he thought of Luxiana, he saw her smiling face in his mind and smelled her vanilla scent even though she wasn't there. He relaxed. He had no doubts anyway. He knew who she was to him. She was his soulmate and that was all that mattered. He just needed her. And then, he could accept sharing her with his brothers if it meant he could have her for himself a little.

Rhysand had to ask the question. He had to, he knew it. It had to come from him. He was Cassian and Azriel's lord. He had to help them through their trials. He had to be braver and more courageous than they were. But the truth was, if he were truly brave and courageous, he wouldn't be here. He would have left Luxiana far away from them, far away from him. Far away from the danger they are for her. But he was selfish. Terrified and selfish. He wanted her. "Is Luxiana our soulmate?" He spoke, softly, trembling, almost inaudibly, but the Suriel didn't really need to hear the question.

The Suriel was just waiting for him to ask it, because that would mean they were ready to hear the answer. And now, they were. "Yes," he answered simply.

A weight lifted from the shoulders of the three Illyrians before crashing down on them again, making them capsize and stumble, as if the earth beneath their feet had trembled. Rhysand fell to his knees, his gaze fixed straight ahead. Cassian let himself fall buttocks to the ground in the same state as Rhysand. Azriel tensed his muscles so much that he gained a few centimeters.

Rhysand couldn't breathe anymore but at the same time he took in deep breaths of fresh air that filled his lungs. So many conflicting feelings were overwhelming him. His eyes began to sparkle. She was his soulmate. Luxiana was truly his soulmate. He began to smile, his heart beating painfully in his chest. Then his joy faded. She was his soulmate and she was with Tamlin, his worst enemy. She was his soulmate and she was human. But he had met his soulmate!

Cassian's legs couldn't hold the weight of the enormity that had fallen on him. This sexy, intelligent and characterful woman was really his soulmate? He was so lucky. But at the same time he felt cursed by the cauldron. His wings fell limply on his back, he no longer had the strength to make them stand up straight. A barbed wire surrounded his throat. His soulmate was a human. She was fragile. She only had a few precious days before leaving him... He couldn't bear it. His eyes began to burn. He had to take advantage of the time he still had with her.

Azriel felt empty. Completely and abysmally empty. He had experienced so much in the last few weeks and it had all stopped suddenly. He didn't realize it. He didn't understand. It wasn't possible. There were three of them. He couldn't accept sharing his soulmate with his brothers. "It's impossible. She can't be our true mate. Not for all three of us. We can't have multiple soulmates."

He thought out loud but the Suriel had only been waiting for this opportunity. And the intrigued eyes of Cassian and Rhysand who had looked up at him were just waiting for an answer. "It is very rare, so rare that the history of the world has only seen this phenomenon occur three times. Three small times in billions of years of existence."

Azriel shook his head, still not believing it. "But how? Why?"

The Suriel took a slow sip of tea, waiting to fully capture the attention of the three Illyrians. "Sometimes, when the history of the world is at one of its turning points, fate takes the side of a part. Unfortunately, it cannot drastically influence the course of history but it can rig it. Help its favored side win by giving it advantages and facilities."

Cassian stood up slowly, reeling, just as confused as his two brothers. "I don't understand," he said, feeling like none of this had to do with them or Luxiana.

The Suriel already knew what the Illyrien with the red siphons was going to say, he smiled. "Some people are born to influence the history of the world, such as Luxiana. And fate took your side by binding you to her."

Rhysand sank further towards the ground, somehow stopping himself from falling completely onto the damp earth. Each of the Suriel's words made his realization and what was happening grow ever larger.

“Why the three of us?” Azriel cried, his eyes burning, his fists clenched. There had to be a reason. There had to be a reason why fate had decided that he would not be enough for his soulmate on his own.

"Because destiny is not the only entity to decide. Because other factors that come into decision have decided to give a balance to everything. And that's what they did with Luxiana. A being so capable of great things cannot subsidize for eternity. That's why she is so fragile. So strong but so fragile. It is the balance of nature that destiny wanted to thwart a little by binding you to her. To protect her. To save her so that she can influence the world as she is supposed to do."

Azriel realized suddenly. Like a hammer blow that fell on him, breaking him into lots of little pieces. His legs gave away and he joined the ground with Rhysand, the air no longer even penetrating his throat that was too tight.

The three Illyrians, trembling until then, understood. They finally understood. They had been bound to Luxiana by destiny to love her, cherish her and protect her. To allow her to change the course of history.

It necessarily implied that she would be in danger and that terrified them but it also implied that everything made sense. That she was so important to the world that destiny had decided to bind her to the three strongest warriors in this country. Their soul mate. It was now a certainty. She was their soul mate. She was their soul mate!

Cassian laughed. He laughed with all his might, bending in two to hold his stomach with both hands. The weight of worry and fear he had felt all those days had disappeared. He laughed with relief, then joy, then excitement. He was going to have to fight to protect his soulmate and damn it, he would do it with pleasure. He knew how to fight and he was even very good at it. His soulmate would be fine because he would protect her with all his might. She was his soulmate and he was going to be able to go get her, he was going to be able to spend time with her. His heart swelled in his chest and his dark circles almost disappeared by themselves. He had found his soulmate and she was incredible. She was perfect. And she was his soulmate.

Rhysand began to smile too, lightening up just as much as Cassian. Everything was explained. Everything. And at the same time, everything that the Suriel had just told them was so unimportant. So unimportant when he was now certain that he had met his soul mate. He was able to take a deep breath and although his heart was still a little tight with apprehension and fear, it didn't matter. It didn't matter because he would face the difficulties with his soul mate by his side. A tear ran down his cheek. He almost felt like he was floating in the air thinking about Luxiana and her scent. Already imagining the life they were going to have together. At four. That was why destiny had made him so close to his brothers. He no longer had any doubts about anything now. He was going to do everything to protect his soul mate. Everything. And he intended to enjoy his days with her.

Azriel closed his eyes and took a deep breath. In fact, he took several. He was terrified. He had to resign himself for the well-being of his soulmate, to share her with his brothers. He had to do it for her to be happy and to protect her. In truth, the more he thought about it, the more it chased away the enormous weight from his body. The more he thought about Luxiana loving her brothers, the calmer he became. As long as she was happy, that was what mattered. That was what he wanted more than anything. For her to be happy and safe. Especially since he was going to need his brothers' help to protect his clumsy soulmate. His Luxiana. The Suriel had said that nature had balanced things out by making Luxiana fragile, and he was so afraid of not being good at the task of protecting her. He was so afraid of failing. But at the same time, he began to vibrate. To vibrate with excitement. He had then deserved to meet his soulmate and even if destiny punished him by giving him a fragile woman, he would do penance and protect her with all his soul. She was human but he was not going to let her be hurt.

The Suriel suddenly laughed, startling the three Illyrians. "Is she?" he asked, taking a sip of his tea.

The three brothers slowly calmed down, and looked at each other in confusion. What was he talking about? No one had spoken and none of them had said anything.

"You should go," the Suriel said, interrupting their train of thought. "Go to her, because she's not going to affect the history if you're not by her side, and you won't be by her side if she falls in love with someone else."

The three of them froze, jumping up, suddenly looking cold and serious. They had just learned that Luxiana was indeed their soulmate. They had just learned that they could finally possess her and that nothing was holding them back anymore but now, the Suriel was telling them that she could fall in love with someone else.

"A redhead for example, one of the sons high lords. She seems to like him much more than she should."

“Lucien?” Azriel cried out, realizing who the Suriel was talking about. His heart began to pound wildly in his chest and his fists clenched. He should have killed that bastard when he had the chance. How dare he even think about stealing his soulmate?

"I'm going to crush that bastard's head!" Cassian spat, clenching his fists in front of him, imagining the redhead's face in them. He swore that if it was too late and his soulmate had started loving someone else, he would kill him to take his place. All his evil instincts were awakening under this jealousy. But now that he knew that Luxaina was his soulmate, he had no reason to hold them back because after all, she was his.

Rhysand felt a mixture of emotions. Fear, stress, but also joy and excitement. He had gotten a kind of green light from the Suriel to love this woman and that was all he had been waiting for. He felt like he had lived only for her. Only to meet her and although that was maybe a little bit of the case, it made him happy. She seemed so worth it. He was suddenly so eager to get to know her. She was his soulmate for goodness sake, the woman of his life. He had no reason to keep her away from him anymore, even less now that the Suriel had told him he had to protect her. "Let's go get her," he wanted to look up at the Suriel to thank him but in a cloud of strange magic, he disappeared.

They had no more time to waste. All three of them took a deep breath, calming themselves down, regaining a cool head, mentally preparing themselves, thinking of a plan. Then they teleported to Tamlin's. They were going to get their soulmate back.

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 9 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you like it! Please feel free to comment and telling me what you think of the story, it would make me very happy. In any case, thank you for reading ❤️❤️

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Happy reading!

Chapter 9

“Hey, what are you doing,” Feyre asked worriedly as she walked around the table to follow them, ready to defend her best friend.

Azriel growled, being the only thing he could do, still filled with anger and jealousy that burned in his chest. He continued to pull Luxiana who followed him, laughing softly and trying not to lose balance and fell. Azriel had the logical thought to tell himself that she really had no survival instinct to laugh as she was dragged by three faes into another room.

Cassian didn't even turn around to Feyre who was following them to tell her coldly, "This is something between her and us. It doesn't concern you."

"Rhysand," Tamlin called out in a threatening voice, glaring at the other high lord and joining Feyre.

The three Illyrians froze stiffly at the sound of their enemy's voice, stopping in the hall, a few steps ahead of Feyre, Tamlin, and everyone else.

Rhysand grimaced in a mixture of disgust and anger. He was facing Luxiana who watched this reaction with a tilted head. Feeling the blonde's eyes on him, he looked down at her and instantly calmed down. "We're just going to talk."

They all three started moving again and so Azriel started pulling Luxiana. "It'll be okay Feyfey, don't worry, they just want to talk." She threw a mischievous and hilarious look at Feyre who gave her a jaded look back.

Feyre knew her best friend could defend herself, but she doubted her ability to overpower the Lord of the Night Court if he was as powerful as Lucien and Tamlin said.

They all stood frozen in the hall as the three Illyrians entered an adjacent room, throwing the door open abruptly.

"Hey, this isn't your place, where do you think you are going?" Nesta cursed as she took a step towards them but was stopped by Feyre who motioned her head to her, silently telling her not to go. She didn't want her sister to get into trouble unlike Luxiana who knew very well how to defend herself.

The three Illyrians paid no attention to Nesta's reflection, far too consumed by anger for Luxiana and her unknown man. Azriel pulled Luxiana inside what looked like a living room with two sofas on either side of a small table. He abruptly placed her in front of him, while Cassian slammed the door behind them to close it.

Azriel glanced at Rhysand to confirm that he had indeed erected a sound shield around them so that no one could hear the discussion. Rhysand nodded, silently assuring him that he could speak freely.

Luxiana looked them over one by one with a smile on her lips. She was eager to see what they had to say to her and why they had reacted like that. It was full of mystery and she loved it. "You wanted to talk to me?" she pointed out in a confident voice, not even a little intimidated, or at least not that she showed it.

Azriel barely waited for her to finish her sentence, which he hadn't even heard, to grab her chin with his free hand, digging his index finger and thumb into each of her cheeks. He lifted her head and pulled her towards him, sticking her to his chest. "Who the fuck is Kayden?"

"Az," Rhysand called out. He wanted to order him to let her go and calm down, but the truth was that he was in the same state as him. As them. They were now one with his brothers, and they could feel how jealous Cassian was, how angry Azriel was, and how hurt he was by her seeing another man. He knew because they all three felt the same way now.

Luxiana's eyebrows twitched for a second, restraining herself from frowning. What was that question? Why was he asking her that? Had he brought her here for this? It didn't make sense. She tried to back away and get out of Azriel's grip but he tightened his grip on her cheeks and arm, pulling her closer to him again.

"You better not hurt her," Cassian warns, glaring at Azriel and placing his hand on his bicep to try to make him let her go.

Luxiana frowned uncontrollably this time. He wasn't hurting her. He looked mad with rage at her, for some reason she didn't know -the veins in his eyes were bursting and his temples were pounding fiercely- but despite that, he wasn't hurting her even though he looked like he wanted to kill someone. It was cute. "I barely feel it," she replied with a smirk at Cassian.

Cassian raised an eyebrow in surprise before finally smiling in turn, reassured and adoring her behavior.

"Who is it?" Azriel repeated more firmly, throwing an insistent and furious glance at Luxiana. His teeth were clenched so tightly that it hurt, but when she smiled, he was completely destabilized, especially when her fingers dug into his dimples. And he almost couldn't look away from her red lips that she wore so well.

"Why do you care?" she replied suspiciously, narrowing her eyes to take in each of their reactions.

Rhysand closed his eyes, concentrating on trying to compartmentalize his and his brothers' emotions as waves of anger and arousal at Luxiana's provocation crashed over him. Over them. Of course, he was dying for that answer too, but the way she was behaving around them was turning him on far too much. Far less than it was turning Cassian on, though.

Cassian, feeling the wave of anger turning Azriel from the inside -and him and Rhys at the same time-, did not decide to wait for his brother's reaction to push him and force him to release Luxiana.

Azriel had growled and was going to insist on making her spill the beans but Cassian pushed him, forcing him to release her so as not to hurt her. But he would never hurt her. He moved away a few steps, forced by Cassian, to whom he threw a dark look.

Rhysand leaned against the door with his hands in his pockets, trying to appear calmer and more confident than he was. “We just want to know who this man is.”

Luxiana still had her eyes narrowed as she looked at Rhysand. She crossed her arms. "I repeat myself, but what does that matter to you?"

Azriel almost jumped as he shouted, "You are not allowed to see another man." His eyes widened as he realized what he had just said, but he didn't calm down, his furious expression returning. He ignored the dark looks from his two brothers to focus on Luxiana. He just wanted that damn answer.

Luxiana flinched, surprised by his words before bursting out laughing. She didn't understand a word they were saying. "I beg your pardon?" she laughed.

Rhysand gritted his teeth as he closed his eyes, grabbing the bridge of his nose and then opening them to look Luxiana. "What he means by that," he tried to correct as he had an idea, "is that you're not allowed to see anyone while we were meeting the queens."

Luxiana laughed even harder "But what does that have to do with that?"

"It seems that you could have betrayed the secret of this meeting or its importance," Rhysand said, trying to sound wary of Luxiana, but he couldn't hide his bright eyes as he admired her. She was so beautiful when she laughed. "You could have defeated the purpose of the meeting."

Luxiana instantly calmed down, stopping laughing, widening her eyes. Everything cleared up in her head. That was why they were so angry. "I didn't betray the secret of this meeting. I didn't tell anyone about it." She assured, trying to sound as sincere as possible although her voice came out louder than expected, a little offended by these accusations.

Azriel narrowed his eyes, first surprised and then startled. "You're lying," he pointed out.

His two brothers turned a shocked look towards him before giving an equally startled one to Luxiana who had widened her eyes.

The blonde took a step back. How in the hell had he known she was lying? There was no way. She crossed her arms, putting on her angry expression. Either it was a bluff, or he thought she was so stupid or untrustworthy that they were convinced she had betrayed them. “No, I’m not lying!”

Azriel let out a guttural sound, clenching his fists. “You’re lying again.” His breathing was rapid, his eyes burning.

Luxiana was startled. How did he do that?? "How did you..."

"Did you tell anyone about this meeting?" Rhysand exclaimed in shock, standing up from the door, interrupting Luxiana. She had betrayed them? Wasn't that possible? Not his soulmate. He couldn't breathe anymore.

"Whose?" Cassian added as he took a step towards her with wide eyes still shocked. "Do you know how stupid this is?! Not only could you have jeopardized this meeting and ruined everything, but you could have put yourself in danger too!" His stomach gave him the impression to explode, someone could try to kidnap her to get information about this meeting.

"To whom did you tell about it?" Rhysand repeated as he moved closer to her.

Luxiana huffed, rolling her eyes. They were strong, the bastards. "I only told Kayden, and trust me, he's not going to tell anyone." She locked eyes with Azriel, "and that's the truth."

Just when she thought it would calm them down, their gazes flared with anger.

Cassian spun around, seething with anger, his wings contracting. He threw his hands up to the ceiling. "Who the fuck is that guy??" He yelled, turning back to his soulmate, his gaze filled with rage. "Take us to him!"

"Yes, do that," Azriel managed to say, shaking with anger. He closed his eyes, tilting his head left and right to stretch his neck. A smile emerged on his lips at the images of all the horrible things he was going to do to that Kayden.

Rhysand huffed, his heart breaking and his eyes burning. This man must have meant so much to his soulmate if she had decided to tell him everything. "Who is this man to you?" he asked, his voice intended to be firm but sounding almost as desperate as he was. He cleared his throat at Luxiana's frown, trying not to let it show. "I mean, can we trust him?"

Luxiana looked at them one by one, trying to see through them. Then she sighed. She was really going to answer them when normally she would have beaten people up for less. What were these faes doing to her? They were downright sexy. "He won't tell anyone, trust me. He's just my boss." She glanced at Azriel, making sure he didn't detect half the lie.

The latter narrowed his eyes.

“He’s my boss!” she repeated insistently, seeing Azriel’s expression. And it was true. Today, he was just her boss and nothing else.

“Is she telling the truth?” Cassian asked his brother.

Rhysand also looked at Azriel hopefully, praying for a positive response.

Azriel analyzed his soulmate then gradually relaxed. She was telling the truth. She seemed to be hiding something but this Kayden was really her boss. He nodded.

The three Illyrians relaxed with such power that they almost fainted. She was not intimate with that man. She did not love another man. They were not going to have to torture a stranger. They relaxed.

Cassian ran his hands through his hair, loosening his high bun a little. His muscles relaxed.

Rhysand took a deep breath and blew out all the air, closing his eyes fiercely.

Azriel's legs nearly gave up under the weight that left his shoulders. He ran his hands over his face.

Luxiana detailed their reactions one by one, finding them very strangely relieved. They didn't trust her to believe that she had betrayed them but they trusted her enough to truly believe that Kayden wouldn't say anything about their meeting with the queens. It was so strange. They seemed to be hiding something.

"Why did you tell him?" Azriel asked coldly, more calmly, hoping for an answer that would not displease him.

“Because he’s my boss, and when Feyre came back, I wasn’t at work that afternoon and…” She bit her tongue. Why was she telling them all this? She huffed through gritted teeth, speaking carefully as she eyed Azriel warily. “I just snapped. I burst into tears when I saw him after everything Feyre had told me and everything that had happened to her. He needed an explanation and I needed someone to talk to, that’s all.” She shrugged.

Azriel relaxed a little more, noticing her pure sincerity this time, relaxing his two brothers at the same time, making them understand that she was telling the truth. That said, it saddened them to know that their soulmate had not been able to count on them to comfort her at that time.

"But I promise you he won't tell anyone. He promised me and I believe him. He never revealed anything I told him and he doesn't talk to many people anyway." she assured with a truly apologetic look on her face.

They didn't care if this man could tell someone about this meeting, they had the book but what worried them was that someone could attack her for information. But her guilty look melted the hearts of the three Illyrians. She was so cute. She was beautiful.

Cassian then realized something, frowning suspiciously. "What kind of job do you have that requires you to look this good?" He pointed at her fully, gesturing at her dress and face. "Since you were apparently with your boss this afternoon, that means you were working, right?"

Luxiana's gaze began to shine with pride. She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms and pursing her lips to keep from laughing. "So you're implying that you find me beautiful?" She leaned forward towards Cassian, to closely examine his expression and make sure he wouldn't lie in his answer.

Cassian smirked, returning her smile. He raised his hand to her, brushing his fingertips over her plump cheek, shivering softly at the touch of her skin. She was so soft. He grabbed a strand of her hair that hung over her face and wrapped it around his finger, shivering once more. Her hair was so fucking silky. He tucked the strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m not implying anything, I’m shouting it out loud, you’re beautiful, Luxiana.” Damn, his soulmate’s name sounded so right, spoken through his lips.

Luxiana's face changed completely. Her confidence slipped to surprise and then realization. She straightened up slowly, her cheeks and ears heating. "Oh," she said simply, looking away, unable to keep her eyes fixed on Cassian's intense pupils that made her chest tremble. She pursed her lips but to avoid cursing herself out loud this time. Since when did she blush that much at someone's compliment? This was new.

“And you’re so much cuter when you blush,” Rhysand added, eyeing her up tenderly.

Of course, the comment from the Lord of the Night Court only made her feel more uncomfortable, making her blush a little more. It wasn't supposed to please her so much to receive this kind of compliment, yet the fact that it came from these three faes tickled her all over. She glanced suspiciously at Rhysand, wondering why they were telling her all these nice things and why they weren't angry anymore when she had betrayed them anyway and had told someone about this meeting with the queens.

"Every expression she makes makes her cute anyway." Azriel added, crossing his arms and eyeing her up in the same way Rhys did. He also had Cassian's smirk. What he had just said was the truth, but he admitted he said it out loud to make her blush even more. Which happened to the delight of the three brothers.

Luxiana's heart was beating wildly in her chest and she could feel her entire face heating up. A sort of guttural noise of irritation escaped her as she glared at the three Illyrians who had caused her this discomfort. All three were looking at her with bright eyes and smiles and she was convinced it was because they were mocking her. "If that was all you had to say to me, then this discussion is over." She started almost running towards the exit but Rhysand gently grabbed her wrist as she tried to step around him.

“Wait, stay, we’re not done,” he pleaded softly. “You avoided the question again. We’d like an answer.”

Luxiana played the innocent card knowing full well what he was talking about. Those faes surely wouldn't like to know what she did for work. She shrugged. "I don't know what you're talking about."

“Where do you work?” Azriel repeated harshly.

She glanced at him sideways, smiling innocently. "In a bar." And it was true. At least, in part. After all, the question hadn't been what she did for a living, but where she worked at, and her boss had set up in a bar. It was the perfect place to gather information, and people felt safe asking Kayden for favors there.

“Are you a waitress or something like that?” Cassian asked, staring at her.

“Something like that,” she replied in the same falsely innocent way.

And the three Illyrians said nothing more, settling for that answer, thinking she was a waitress or a bartender, at most. He didn't really like the idea that their soulmate worked with drunk men but it explained why she had to go out late last time and that she disappeared the whole night.

“I see,” Azriel breathed, looking down, then looking back up at Luxiana with a determined look. “You have to stop.”

“Excuse me?” Luxiana cried, turning to face Azriel.

"Az," Rhysand reprimanded in thought, giving him a menacing look.

Azriel gave him back his air, continuing the discussion in their heads. "You refuse to let her come with us until the threat of Hybern has passed, very well, I can understand, but there is no way she is going to be around this bar and especially this Kayden for a second longer. Imagine all the things that could happen to her. It's far too dangerous."

"For once I agree with Az," Cassian added through the same link with a serious face that didn't quite match him.

A silence had settled in front of Luxiana who was looking at the three Illyrians and who understood from their changing faces and the looks they threw at each other that they were having a secret conversation. It was quite impressive and much too secret for her. She didn't like it very much.

Rhysand huffed. "Kayden is her boss, you heard her, they are not intimate. We have nothing to fear on that side and she apparently is used to working in this bar, nothing ever happens to her, there is no reason for her to end up hurt now. And I prefer to have her here, far from the danger we represent for her than close to us. At least, until Hybern threatens us."

“But…” Cassian tried before being interrupted by Rhys.

"It's over. And you know I'm right."

Azriel growled and walked towards Luxiana. He pointed at her once he got in front of her. “Just watch yourself. Be careful.”

Luxiana narrowed her eyes. Those three were really weird. She nodded and then turned around, blowing her hair near Azriel's nose and sending a whiff of her vanilla perfume into his nostrils. He took a deep breath as he closed his eyes, his entire body tickling. What was this woman doing to him?

Luxiana stepped around Rhys to open the door. She rushed into the hall followed by Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel while everyone looked at them strangely, wondering what they could have said to each other.

“Well,” Tamlin wasted no time seeing his wife’s best friend return safely. He took Feyre’s hand. “We can go now.”

Feyre wanted to protest as Tamlin pulled her towards the front door but Luxiana slid lightly towards Tamlin, positioning herself on his other side and grabbing the high lord of the spring court free hand with both of hers. Tamlin froze, looking down at her with a wide gaze.

Everyone gave Luxiana a surprised and wide-eyed look.

The eyes of the three Illyrians were almost going to fall to the ground. What the hell was going on? One of Azriel's eyelids began to jump nervously, Cassian's wings contracted and relaxed in time with all the muscles in his body, including his heart which was now beating randomly, and Rhysand was at two fucking fingers away from releasing his power and destroying everything for five miles around.

The Lord of the Night Court was actually going to say something, or rather threaten Tamlin with destroying everything he had if he didn't move away from his soulmate, but Luxiana spoke.

"Okay let's go" she smiled with all her teeth at Tamlin. Her smile was fake without a doubt, it really disgusted her to have to smile at this idiot and have to touch him but she had promised herself when she made her decision that she would make an effort for Feyre and that was what she was doing.

“Excuse me?” Tamlin scream in response.

“Excuse me?” Rhysand repeated in a voice filled with uncertainty as he eyed Luxiana with fear.

“Huh?” Cassian cried at the same time, his face still paralyzed with surprise.

“I don’t think I heard you right,” Azriel spat coldly with a wild look.

Luxiana gave them another puzzled look. They were really weird. She shook her head. It didn't matter, it wasn't about them, it was about Feyre. She looked back at her, letting go of Tamlin and putting on a serious face. "I'm coming with you. I won't leave you alone anymore."

"What?" Feyre exclaimed, breathing quickly. She glanced at her two sisters who remained in the corner of the room. She would love for her best friend to join her, she even dreamed of it, but then who will protect her sisters.

Luxiana caught Feyre's gaze and understood. She gave her a reassuring smile. "I asked Kayden and Josher to watch over them. They'll be fine. I won't leave you alone anymore. Not with this war brewing."

Feyre's eyes filled with hope. "But you can't leave your whole life, everyone you love, for me."

Luxiana smiled softly. “You’re the most important one of it, Feyre. I owe you my life, you know that.”

The three Illyrians barely heard the conversation. What had happened between the two girls?

"That's not true, stop with that, it was..." she tried before being interrupted by her best friend who was laughing softly. Feyre stopped to stare at her. Then she smiled with all her teeth, her heart swelling with joy. Luxiana had already made her decision and she knew that nothing could ever change her best friend's mind. She then raised a bright look of hope and joy to Tamlin, even making her hand tremble in her future husband's.

“No way,” the blond said, eyeing the two women beside him. He loved Feyre, but he hated her best friend. She was a pain in the ass, and there was no way he was going to live with her twenty-four hours a day.

"No fucking way," Rhysand almost shouted at the same time from where he stood, still shocked.

Everyone glanced at her but Luxiana didn't calculate Rhysand's words, ignoring him completely, making the three Illyrians rage. They really couldn't believe it. Was their soulmate really asking their worst enemy to go live with him?????

“Please. I’ll make myself small, you won’t even know I’m here. Besides, I’ll just have to make sure Feyre is happy and okay. If she is, I’ll leave,” she pleaded in a way that surprised Tamlin.

She had never spoken to him so kindly. He narrowed his eyes as he studied her. Then he blew out a breath through gritted teeth, remembering that she had already crossed the wall and its defenses once to look for Feyre and that she could do it again if she wanted. He looked down at Feyre who implored him with her eyes and the joy shining in his wife's pupils got the better of him. He blew out one more time. "Good."

Feyre's eyes widened and she jumped in joy. She kissed Tamlin's cheek in thanks then jumped into her best friend's arms who gave her a hug. Their laughter echoed through the hall making Nesta roll her eyes.

“There’s no fucking world where that happens,” Azriel laughed falsely, almost like a psychopath.

The girls stopped laughing, splitting up to stare in confusion at the three Illyrians who were white as sheets and looked like they were living a real nightmare.

"But what's wrong with you? What's between you and Luxiana?" Lucien asked, looking at them strangely.

“Take his name out of your fucking mouth,” Cassian spat disdainfully.

"You're already very lucky that I haven't ripped off your skin and tongue yet, you dirty carrot, don't you dare get involved in this or approach Luxiana." Azriel shouted, barely breathing, as he moved wickedly closer to Lucien.

Tamlin growled, ready to lunge at them.

Rhysand held back his power with all his might from exploding so hard he felt like he was going to implode. He wanted to kill them. He swore he wanted to kill them all but there was so much more at stake right now. His soulmate couldn't be afraid of him, of them, he refused to. And as much as it killed him to admit it, in Tamlin's court, she would be safer than here and in fact even safer than near him. No one would attack her to get to Tamlin. It was a good compromise despite himself, even if it tore his chest in two to admit it. It even made him tremble with fear to know she was in Tamlin's hands, especially if he were to learn that she was his soulmate but Tamlin would not hurt her. Not as long as he loved Feyre. He took a deep breath and tried to explain all this to Cassian and Azriel minds, to reason with them and calm them down.

Which didn't work at all. Both of them turned to him with a mixture of rage and surprise. How could either one of them agree to accept this??

"Let's not put her in unnecessary danger," Rhysand added in thought.

“She’s our soulmate!” Cassian shouted inside his two brothers’ heads. “She’s bound to us, she will be in danger at some point.”

Rhysand gritted his teeth as he barely saw his two brothers eyeing him up as if they were looking at an alien. "You're right, so let's first make sure she's our soulmate with the Suriel and if she is, then we'll go get her even if she's at the Spring Court. In the meantime, we need to let her go with Feyre, we mustn't hurt her or scare her."

“She’s our soulmate too,” Azriel spat, glaring at him. “We have just as much right to decide as you do.”

"Maybe, but I'm still your high lord," he said coldly in a tone he hated to use because it wasn't him.

Azriel and Cassian clenched their teeth and fists. They knew Rhysand was partly right, but damn, knowing their soulmate was close to Lucien and in such a dangerous world when she was just a fragile human, it destroyed them. But reluctantly, they finally agreed.

“They’re a little weird,” Feyre whispered to her best friend, detailing their silent discussion.

"Yeah but they're hot," replied Luxiana in the same tone but the situation was so serious that -although the three Illyrians had heard- they didn't even smile, not even being able to rejoice in knowing that their soulmate found them sexy.

“Well then it’s decided,” Tamlin said, still looking out of the corner of his eye at the three brunettes. “We’re leaving.”

Rhysand, Azriel and Cassian would have liked to run to Luxiana to make her promise to be careful, not to approach Lucien or Tamlin, not to leave her castle, or to make Tamlin promise to take care of her but they couldn't. They couldn't let their enemy think that she was their soul mate.

But this game was over. They were going to go meet the Suriel to make sure she was their mate, to find out if it was possible. And if it was, then there would be no more time to lose. They would keep her with them, willingly or not.

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 8 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you like it! Please feel free to comment and telling me what you think of the story, it would make me very happy. In any case, thank you for reading ❤️❤️

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Happy reading!

Chapter 8 

The day of the meeting with the queens had arrived. The three Illyrians, after passing the wall, had flown towards the Archerons' domain. Rhysand had to hold Mor in his arms for the journey.

The latter had her gaze into the void thinking about what had happened before their departure. She had turned with a big smile towards Azrielle so that he would carry her and they could fly together -as they had always done since he had always insisted on having her in his arms when they flew- but there, he had categorically refused with a cold "no" even taking a step back. Mor had asked him why and Azriel had not answered but Mor knew why, it was because he had met his soul mate.

Azriel simply couldn't bring himself to take another woman than Luxiana in his arms. The very idea disgusted him so much that it burned his skin. He almost wanted to grimace in front of Mor if he hadn't had respect for her.

Mor had given him a sympathetic smile, making him believe she understood when she didn't. Nothing had happened with Luxiana and he wasn't even sure if she was his soulmate, yet, and while he had loved her for five hundred years, suddenly he decided to ignore her because of a stranger. She was completely disgusted, but when she had gone to Cassian to have him carry her flying and he had told her "Sorry, I can't... I don't want to either" she had felt like her heart was being ripped out.

Cassian had frowned in incomprehension as he saw Azriel reject Mor. Carrying her while flying was nothing wrong or romantic, he didn't understand why he hadn't wanted to do it but when Mor had walked towards him, a ball of anxiety had tightened his stomach. He had simply told himself that it was wrong. Mor was his friend of course, but holding her like that when it wasn't Luxiana made him feel like he was dying. He simply couldn't bring himself to do that. To touch another woman than Luxiana even if it was Mor his friend.

She had then looked towards Rhysand with apprehension but he had given her an apologetic smile as he opened his arms to her. She had clung to him smiling as if nothing had happened but a bitter taste lingered on her tongue.

Mor was his cousin and he needed her to meet the queens so he had resigned himself to taking her with him but he was still afraid. He was afraid of doing something wrong, he was afraid that Luxiana would see him in the arms of another woman and think he was taken. He was afraid that she would think that he loved a woman. He was afraid that she would think that she had no chance with him.

For several days, Azriel and Cassian had been anxious for the exact same reason as last time. They were going to see their soul mate again and hoped with all their might that she was okay. Rhysand was anxious for the same reasons but on top of that, there was the stress of meeting the queens. But the anxiety of the meeting had completely vanished when they arrived at the Archerons and Luxiana had not been there.

Feyre, who had joined them with Tamlin and Lucien at the Archerons and who had arrived at the same time as them, had gotten ahead of the three Illyrians. “Where is Luxi?” she had asked worriedly.

“Busy,” Nesta had simply answered in her usual coldness as she led them into the large dining room.

Feyre had frowned a little more. Her best friend wouldn't have missed this meeting with the queens for nothing in the world, especially not when it could get out of hand and when she was surrounded by dangerous Faes. She must do something very important and knowing Luxiana, very dangerous. Now she was worried. And what worried her even more was the way the lord of the night court and his two brothers looked as worried as she did. They were throwing each other looks of worry and stress, which Feyre didn't like too much. She didn't really know what it meant but she knew she didn't like what it implied.

The queens finally arrived and the meeting took place. Rhysand, to prove his good, showed them Velaris, revealing to the world this city kept secret for centuries. Tamlin, Lucien and Feyre were surprised to learn of the existence of this place where life seemed peaceful, far from the rumors that overwhelmed the lord of the night court.

Despite this, all the queens refused to listen to Rhysand, and they all ended up leaving one by one. All of them, without even leaving Rhys the first half of the book he needed to neutralize the cauldron.

They were all still in the living room, arms hanging, staring into space, as the last queen had just left. A heavy silence had settled in where no one was really coming back from what had just happened.

Feyre was completely confused and panicked. How was she going to protect the wall and her sisters from Hybern? Without this book, they had no chance of stopping her. She had told Luxiana all this, and she was sure she would have found a way to get this book, so why wasn't she here?

Azriel hadn't listened to a damn thing about the meeting or what the queens had said. He had spread his shadows everywhere trying to figure out where his soulmate was and what she was doing. He was worried sick, shaking and not even able to breathe properly. He looked nervously out the window, and towards the hall and the front door, hoping to see her arrive but she hadn't come and none of his shadows could find her. She had disappeared again and damn it, it was killing Azriel with rage and worry. He was really going to have to lock his soulmate away somewhere.

Cassian may have looked confident, sitting there in his chair, but his smirk was fake, his breathing was rapid, and one of his legs was bouncing up and down. His heart was beating wildly in his chest. His soulmate wasn't there, and on top of that, the queens hadn't wanted to give them their half of the book. How was he going to protect his soulmate? And where the hell was she? Why wasn't she there? What if she was injured somewhere in the cold and couldn't move? What if someone had hurt her?

Rhysand was disappointed. He was so disappointed in himself. He wanted so badly to convince the queens to trust him. It would have been a first step towards the dream world in perfect cohabitation with the humans that he wanted to see but he had failed. He had failed to make them give him the book. He had failed to protect his soul mate. If Hybern destroyed the wall, the Archerons' house would be one of the first to fall. Luxiana would be one of the first to be impacted. His soul mate. He slumped into the chair behind him, staring into space. He couldn't let this happen. He had to find a way. He had to. The air was starting to rarefy in his lungs and his throat was starting to tighten. He had to protect her. But where was she? Why wasn't she here? He needed to see her.

As if she had heard the prayers of the three Illyrians, Luxiana entered the house. She opened the door hastily, rushing into the hall quickly sighing happily as she felt the warmth of the building. It was so cold outside and she had to wait for the queens to leave to be able to enter and once again… She hadn't brought a coat.

The three Illyrians looked up as they heard the front door open. From where they were, they had a good view of the entrance hall and the door. They could then see their soulmate enter.

She wore a red dress under a white corset with some pattern of the same color as her petticoats. Its wide sleeves fell limply on her arms, revealing the skin of her collarbone and shoulders. The skin on her cheeks was reddened and her breath was visible as she must have been so cold. Her hair was wavy today and gathered in a huge ponytail still half undone, strands hanging on each side of her face. She wore red lipstick and her eyelashes were made up black.

The three Illyrians widened their eyes and gasped as they looked at her. She was gorgeous. Usually she was beautiful, the most beautiful woman they had ever seen but today she was just breathtaking.

Luxiana walked towards them with a very happy face, almost jumping with each of her steps. She stopped in the doorway of the room where they were all, detailing everyone. Then when her eyes fell on Rhysand she smiled at him. She smiled at him with all her teeth in a joyful and reassuring way, revealing her dimples.

Rhysand, Cassian, and Azriel were just in awe, unable to do anything but stare at her. She was so beautiful.

Rhysand could take a deep breath, relieved. She was fine and just seeing his soulmate's face and smile at him felt good, lightening the weight on his shoulders. He suddenly felt like everything was going to be okay. His soulmate was a ray of sunshine that had literally chased all the dark thoughts from his brain. She made him breathe, damn it.

Cassian sat up straight in his chair, his mouth half open in surprise, eyeing his soulmate hungrily. It was not possible to be this beautiful. It simply wasn't. The red of her skirts and on her lips gave her a sensual look that made Cassian hot from head to toe. This woman was his soulmate and she was so attractive. What god had he prayed to for such a soulmate? What had he done in his life to be lucky enough to have Luxiana as his soulmate? Damn, and if it wasn't really his soulmate and it was a trick from Hybern then he would thank him because this woman was incredible, she was a gift.

Azriel was paralyzed. His shadows hadn't heard her arrive. The shadows he'd left here to watch over her hadn't even felt her. She'd disappeared and appeared without him knowing how. And on top of that, she was beautiful. She'd put on makeup and she was well dressed. She was attractive. She wasn't just sexy, no, she'd gotten ready. She'd gotten ready for someone. He had no other possible reason. She'd made herself beautiful for another man and disappeared with him. That's why she hadn't been there when they'd arrived. The more he thought about it, the more he boiled with rage. His rapid breathing did nothing to help the overwhelming anger that was compressing his muscles. He gritted his teeth. No matter what happened, no matter how much Rhys refused, he wouldn't leave her alone here for another second. He would kidnap her if he had to but there was no way she was going to stay there with the possibility of seeing another man who could touch her when only Azriel had the right to do so.

But it was Mor who was the most surprised. This woman was downright hot and that was just an understatement. The more Mor looked at this woman, the more she reassured herself in the idea that she liked women. But who was this woman? She glanced at Rhysand to see if he knew her and then she understood. She understood when she saw Rhys take a deep breath while looking at the young woman. She understood when she shifted her gaze to Cassian who was looking at the blonde with hair even lighter than hers with a look shining with wonder. She understood when she saw Azriel clenching his teeth and fists in rage. This woman was their soul mate. An aftertaste of jealousy emerged in Mor. So it was her. She was the one who had stolen the hearts and thoughts of her three best friends. And the worst part of all this was that she couldn't even blame her. She seemed so cute that she too would surely have given up everything for her if she had been her soulmate.

Feyre shot up from her chair, leaning on the table in front of her, angry at her best friend. “Where have you been? We needed you.” She knew her best friend could have gotten that book. She was sure of it. Didn’t she understand the importance of this meeting? And damn it, she needed her help.

The three Illyrians glanced at Feyre, glad she had asked the question for them. It would have seemed weird if they had done it, but they were dying to know where she was and, more importantly, who she was with.

Luxiana looked at Feyre and her smile faded to one of sympathy. She huffed with an apologetic look on her face. "Excuse me, I wish I could have been there but I... I got held up somewhere." She took a step towards Feyre and was about to take another but was interrupted by Azriel.

“Somewhere or with someone?” he spat, one of his nostrils flaring with anger. He was dying of jealousy and felt like he was burning inside. He saw Rhysand and Cassian give him a disapproving look out of the corner of his eye and he saw everyone else, including Luxiana, give him a surprised look at his words and tone but he didn’t care. He just couldn’t help it. He was almost convulsing. He swore he would find out who she had been with and he would burn every inch of his skin.

Luxiana had to blink several times as she searched for words, looking at Azriel in surprise. Why did he care where she was and if she was with someone? She crossed her arms, scowling. "Both, I suppose, but it doesn't concern you."

Azriel twitched, gritting his teeth a little more painfully. He took a step forward to approach Luxiana with a threatening air.

Luxiana had this defense mechanism: to take on a confident and haughty air when she was disturbed by something so as not to show her weaknesses, what she really felt or how impacted she was always because of everything people were constantly saying. And there, facing this Illyrian who seemed jealous and angry and who she found more than sexy, it was the only reaction her body could have. Defense mechanism to not show what she really felt. How intimidated she was. How ready she was to tell everything she had just done to this fae because he was downright sexy just so he would smile at her. Damn, she probably had a slight psychological problem.

Azriel seethed even more at the young woman's reaction and took another step forward, determined to cross the distance with his soulmate, to lead her into another room and make her spill about who she was with. But Cassian stood up from his chair, bypassing the table to run towards Azriel. He put a hand on his chest to stop him. Azriel stopped, almost growling in anger and disappointment, not even seeing Cassian's disapproving look.

"Az," Rhysand called out, but his brother didn't hear him. The purple-eyed Fae huffed, running a hand over his face, then looked at Luxiana. "Excuse him," he said, trying to find excuses for them. "We're a little upset by the unsuccessful meeting we just had, we put a lot of effort into failing. It's quite unpleasant."

Luxiana looked back at Rhysand, taking him in completely. He was handsome. Why were those three Illyrians so damn hot? That said, he looked genuinely disappointed that he hadn't managed to convince the queens, which made Luxiana a little sad. She nodded, accepting his apology, and then moved to sit on one of the chairs across from Rhys, where one of the queens had been sitting a few minutes before. She had to play it smart. "The queens wouldn't give you their half of the book?"

Rhysand shook his head and was about to answer but Feyre cut him. "No, and it's partly your fault."

Luxiana's eyes widened. "What? And how can it be my fault?"

"Because if you had been there you would have managed to convince them yourself!" Feyre looked a little sad as she said that although her tone mostly conveyed anger. "Where the hell were you ? What did you have to do that was more important than that?"

Luxiana was speechless. Everyone was staring at her intently as if her life suddenly mattered to everyone. She finally noticed the pretty blonde in the corner of the room and narrowed her eyes as she studied her. She was downright sexy. Who was she?

“Answer the question,” Azriel spat again, his eyes bloodshot. He was on Luxiana’s side, a few steps away from her. Cassian was still in front of him, holding him by the torso, preventing him from going any further.

"Az, this is the last time I warn you." Rhysand said, glaring at his brother. If he spoke to his soulmate like that again, he'd make him eat his teeth.

Luxiana rolled her eyes at Azriel's words through gritted teeth. She had to come up with an excuse and fast. She had to do something but she couldn't do it while Cassian and Azriel were on that side of the table. They would definitely see her move. "I was with Kayden, okay? I didn't see the time go by."

Rhysand froze, gritting his teeth, stopping himself from widening his eyes. Trying to appear as inconspicuous as possible.

A ball of anxiety exploded in Azriel's stomach, cutting off his breath and burning his eyes. So she was with another man? And if she hadn't seen the time pass and if she had missed a meeting so important to this man, they were surely doing inappropriate things. He wanted to throw up. He wanted to destroy everything.

Cassian turned abruptly to Luxiana, his eyes wide. Kayden? Was that a man's name?! "Kayden? Who is that?" He widened his eyes even more as he glanced guiltily at Rhys, realizing his words.

Rhys blew out all his air, running a hand over his face. Lucien and Tamlin glanced at each other, understanding that the behavior of the three Illyrians was more than strange. And Luxiana studied Cassian and Azriel strangely, her eyes narrowed, not understanding their behavior.

“Both of you get out,” Rhys ordered his brothers.

Cassian gave him a look that was burning with anger. She was their soulmate too, he had no business ordering them out. Didn't he also want to know who this Kayden was?

Rhysand answered him with a stare that was irrefutable. Of course, he wanted to know who this man was with whom she had spent her afternoon and what their relationship was, but he didn't want to disturb her. He didn't want anyone to suspect who she was to them, especially not Tamlin standing just a footstep away. He could attack her to get to him like he had done with his mother and sister and he wouldn't survive that. Not a second time.

Cassian's jaw clenched suddenly, understanding Rhysand's thoughts and emotions through the new connection between them. He reluctantly turned toward the exit and strode toward the hall.

Azriel, who had not taken his dark eyes off Luxiana, followed Cassian with a robotic gait. He was going to find out who this man was himself and he was going to do it now.

Luxiana, seeing the only two faes at her side with their backs turned, took advantage of this moment. She leaned forward, letting herself fall on the table, theatrically feigning a desperate expression. She slammed her forehead on the wood. "I can't believe they didn't want to give you the book? Why didn't they do that? Didn't they understand anything? It's absurd, I can't believe it..." And she continued to speak, waving one of her hands next to her head pressed against the table to divert attention while her other hand was busy going under her petticoat to catch the part of the book of breathing that was stuck in her lace garter on her thigh.

She couldn't help but smirk as she felt the book on her fingertips. Luckily, no one could see her face pressed against the table as she continued to spout words with no purpose other than to distract their attention.

She grabbed the book and slid it discreetly down her leg. Feeling the magical leather fabric she had wrapped the book in so no one could feel its power. She pulled herself together and melted her smile so no one could hear in her words how proud she was as she remembered what she had to do to get that piece of fabric and how many books she had to read to know about its existence.

She fought back a smile as she remembered how she had cleverly stolen half of the book from the queens just a few days ago and they still hadn't noticed.

She stood up suddenly, making Lucien and Feyre-who weren't expecting it- jump. "No but seriously, if the wall is destroyed we're done! We're right next to it, there's going to be a lot of dead people, what are we going to do?" She continued to speak while in fact she was checking that everyone wasn’t noticing what she was holding in one of her hands. She turned around, making sure that Cassian and Azriel were still not looking at her and that they had indeed left the mansion.

She caught a glimpse of the two Illyrians still in the entrance hall. They had almost reached the door but seemed to be walking very slowly, listening to her. Except that they didn't have their eyes on her, which was enough for Luxiana.

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel listened very carefully to what Luxiana was saying. She seemed so sad and panicked that the queens didn't want to help them. She felt in danger and it broke their hearts. Their poor fragile soulmate didn't feel safe at her home anymore because they had failed. They cursed themselves. They were also scared to death. She was right, this house would be the first to fall if the wall were to be destroyed. Their soulmate would be the first to be affected and in danger. They clenched their fists.

She continued speaking as she pulled the book out from under her skirts and shoved it under the chair she was sitting on, pretending to panic and grabbing the sides of the chair seat. Then she suddenly froze, falling silent, frowning and tilting her head. Her acting must have been good.

Everyone looked at her in confusion as she stopped and even Cassian and Azriel turned to look at her.

"What's that?" She leaned to the side to look under the chair and then pretended to pull the book out from underneath it as if she hadn't been the one to put it there. She lifted the book up to bring it in front of her and show it to everyone.

Rhysand and Tamlin stood up suddenly, their eyes wide.

Rhysand gently reached for the book that Luxiana was now holding out to him. Azriel and Cassian strode over to watch as Rhysand placed the book on the table and unwrapped it.

"What is this?" Cassian asked as he positioned himself next to Luxiana ready to protect her if it was something dangerous.

"I don't know," Luxiana answered, continuing her fake expression of confusion, "it was under the chair."

Rhysand opened the cloth and a general exclamation of surprise echoed through the room. "This is the queens' part of the book of breathing."

"The queen who was sitting there must have put it there earlier!" Lucien exclaimed, pointing at Luxiana and the chair she was sitting on.

Luxiana quickly stood up, moving away from the chair as if it scared her. And to say she didn't think she was a good actress.

Feyre narrowed her eyes at her best friend and then smiled. It was her. That was why she hadn't been there during the meeting. She had stolen the book from the queens. Feyre lowered her head to hide her smile so no one could see it. How could she have doubted Luxiana? She raised her head to give a knowing look to her best friend who came out of character for a second to give that look back to Feyre.

Rhysand breathed out in relief. "We did it, we have part of the book." He would be able to save his soulmate and the humans. He looked up at Luxiana with shining eyes, silently thanking her for finding the book. The queens had wrapped it in a magical cloth that would prevent her from detecting it, if she hadn't found it, it could have stayed there for a long time or could have even fallen into the wrong hands.

Luxiana caught his gaze and smiled kindly. A smile that made Rhys breathe.

“We should go,” Rhysand added, even though he didn’t want to leave. He wanted to spend more time with Luxiana, but Tamlin was here too, and now wasn’t the right time. Not when Hybern was threatening his mate. “Now that we have this part of the book, we need to get the second part. There’s no time to waste.”

“You better keep us informed,” Feyre insisted, staring at Rhysand coldly.

The latter only nodded solemnly before going around the table to join Azriel and Cassian but he stopped next to Luxiana who smiled innocently at him with all her teeth. Rhys' heart beat a second more firmly in his chest. He loved it when she smiled at him like that. It made him forget absolutely everything. He looked her up and down greedily with eyes that he knew were sparkling. Damn, she was so beautiful. But he gritted his teeth, looking down for a second, remembering that she had made herself beautiful for another man.

Azriel -feeling a change in the bond that now united him to Rhysand, understanding that he finally realized that his soulmate was seeing another man- took advantage of this moment to move to Luxiana. He grabbed her by the arm, without thinking more, to start pulling her towards the hall.

Cassian and Rhysand followed him without question, knowing full well what he was going to do. What they were going to do.

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 7 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you like it! Please feel free to comment and telling me what you think of the story, it would make me very happy. In any case, thank you for reading ❤️❤️

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Happy reading!

Chapter 7

The time had come. They had flown at a crazy speed after crossing the wall but had still not been fast enough. When they had decided that they could finally return to the Archerons' domain to find out if Feyre's sisters had received answers from the queens, none of the three Illyrians, despite the amount of work they had to do, had wanted to miss this opportunity to see their possible soulmate again.

They hadn't even had time to go see the Suriel and in fact, none of them really wanted to. They had wanted to do it but every time one of the three suggested going, a ball of anxiety formed in their stomachs. They were far too afraid of what the Suriel could say because in both cases, it would change their lives forever.

They were afraid that the Suriel would tell them that this link with Luxiana was a lie, that this link with this sunny, cute and pleasant young woman was not true, and then, they would never recover. They had felt so many emotions, fear but especially happiness when meeting her that telling them that this link was false would make them feel like they were losing their true soul mate even if she was not.

But deep down, that wasn't what the three Illyrians feared the most. No. What they were afraid of, what kept them awake at night, wasn't that this bond forming between the three of them and their soulmate was false, but that it was true. Because that meant a whole world of change.

It meant that their sibling relationship with their brothers would change forever, that they would be connected in a much greater and deeper way than before.

It meant they would have to share the woman of their lives with two other men and they wouldn't be able to have her all to themselves.

It meant putting their soulmate in danger because of who they were. It meant days of anguish and fear trying to protect a fragile, seemingly suicidal human who was absolutely not going to help them in the process.

But most of all, it meant that their time with her was limited. She was human and so, she would grow old. She would grow old without them. And she would eventually die without them. Of course, they would never get over it. They didn't know her but it was already a certainty for them, they would follow her anywhere even in death. That said, knowing that their days with her would be so short killed them with sadness. When they thought about it, their shoulders hunched, their eyes faded, their stomachs exploded and their hearts tightened. They would not have an eternity with their soulmate but a few precious days numbered. And that terrified them.

But it also meant one thing, that they had already wasted too much time away from her. Their bodies and minds couldn't stay away from her for too long without driving them completely crazy anyway. Their hearts, their stomachs, their skins and every single muscle they had were aching with every second they were away from her and their minds were slowly killing them by making them imagine the worst. By making them visualize Luxiana's body in another man's arms, laughing with another, or by making them imagine her cute little face looking lovingly at someone who wasn't them. Sometimes, when they were really not well, when they were worried, they remembered that their soulmate could get sick and even die because of a simple stupid thing. They imagined her injured or sometimes even lifeless and it destroyed them. It would destroy them.

They were already worried sick even though they didn't even know her. It was all that anxiety and sleepless nights that had made Rhysand decide. He had waited as long as he could, but those few weeks away from her had been hell. He knew he should have waited a little longer before returning to the Archerons, and that he had to give the queens a little more time to answer him, but he couldn't wait any longer. He needed to see her. He needed to make sure she was okay. He needed to make sure she could still be his. Theirs.

He hadn't even asked his two brothers if they wanted to come, knowing full well that these last few days had been as hellish for them as they had been for him. He had simply gotten up this morning and given in to his desire to want to find her. "It's time," he had just said to his brothers when he arrived in the dining room this morning and they had followed him hastily without even asking what he was talking about, knowing full well that it was about their soulmate. It was always about their mate anyway.

They hadn't even had lunch. Actually, they hadn't eaten much these last few days. Even Cassian. His love for food had completely disappeared, which worried Mor and even Amren a lot. In fact, the way the three brothers had been behaving since they had met that girl worried Mor and Amren. They didn't know what they could do to help but Azriel was on edge all the time yelling at the first thing that pissed him off, Cassian had become as silent as Azriel before and Rhysand had lost his taste for everything. In fact, the only time they had seen excitement and joy in their eyes since they had returned from the Archerons, had been when they talked about that girl and this morning.

The three Illyrians were breathing again. They were going to see her and that was all that mattered. Cassian was flying around, smiling with joy and excitement at the thought of seeing her again. Rhysand was flapping his wings with all his might to get to her as quickly as possible. Azriel was fighting against his anxiety at the thought of finding her injured or with someone else.

They weren't even sure if she would be in the Archerons' house today but they knew that either way, they would look everywhere for her and not leave until they saw her or made sure she was okay.

As they landed, invisible, in front of the door of the mansion, the excitement and reluctance bubbling in their bodies nearly made them jump on the spot. Cassian knocked on the door, much louder than necessary.

After a few moments, an old woman, a servant, comes to open the door for them. Seeing no one at the door, the three Faes being invisible, she frowned as she looked a little more closely at the door frame. But Rhys allowed himself to get into the old woman's head to force her to go and warn one of the Archerons of their presence. Which she did, her gaze devoid of life.

The maid left, even leaving the door open, having only one goal: to warn one of the Archerons of the presence of someone important at the door. Azriel closed the door, not wanting to let a cold that could make his soulmate sick enter the house.

Unfortunately, the old woman returned with the coldest of the Archerons, Nesta.

Nesta descended the stairs with a heavy step, almost irritated, going with an anger visible on her face towards the front door. She did not want to see the Faes again and in addition to not having announced themselves, they had dared to enter the head of their servant to force her to do something. Nesta was shaking with anger and if it had not been those powerful Faes on her doorstep, she would have left them outside. Especially since they had announced during their first visit that they would return next week, why were they already there? She opened the door a little wider than necessary, silently inviting invisible Faes to enter by pointing to the hall with her hand and moving to the side.

Seeing the sister who had opened the door for them, Cassian grimaced, Azriel sighed and Rhysand closed his eyes tightly. They would have preferred to come across someone else. A pretty blonde, with almost white hair for example.

The three faes rushed into the house in a hurry. Fortunately, because Nesta slammed the door a little too quickly, probably hoping that one of the Faes would take it in their face. A little disappointed that this was not the case, Nesta grimaced with disdain as the sound of the door closing violently still echoed in the hall. She rushed with heavy steps up the stairs while the Illyrians followed her reluctantly. She climbed up to the first floor where she opened the door to one of the rooms.

Nesta half-stepped into the room, pressing herself against the door to let the faes enter. The Illyrians looked around the vast chamber from floor to ceiling, noting the gold silk sheets on the enormous bed and the blue velvet curtains on the large bay windows.

“I am not dealing with that,” Nesta spat coldly as she stormed out of the room and slammed the door behind her.

The Illyrians frowned as she left, thinking they would be left alone in a room, but suddenly a white-haired head came out from behind a three-drawer dresser at the other end of the room and slightly away from the wall.

Luxiana's head raised, her eyebrows furrowed, a confused and surprised look fixed on the door, on Nesta who had just left.

Rhysand, Cassian, and Azriel's eyes widened as they noticed the blonde in the room. A ball of anxiety and a weight of disappointment left them, allowing them to take a deep breath. Then their chests swelled with joy, excitement, and apprehension. She was there.

She still had a completely undone bun that made the Illyrians smirk. She looked careless and they loved it, especially since she looked so cute with all her strands of hair hanging around her face.

Luxiana straightened up fully from behind the dresser where she had been, a butter knife in her hand, making every muscle in the Illyrian tense. What was she doing there with a butter knife? She could hurt herself.

“Huh?” she said simply, still staring at the door, not seeing the faes who were still invisible. “Nesta?” she called out, almost running towards the door. “What are you talking about?”

A wave of fear electrified the Illyrians as they saw her running with a knife in her hands. What if she fell and stabbed herself? When she put her hand on the doorknob to open it and catch Nesta, Rhysand put his hand on the blonde's, stopping her and Azriel almost threw himself on her to snatch the knife from her hands.

Luxiana gasped in surprise as she felt an invisible person's fingers on her hand while another stole her knife. She turned and put her back to the door, her brow furrowed, her muscles tensed ready to defend herself but her hand was still in Rhysand's.

The three Fae made themselves visible and Cassian raised his hands in the air in front of him in a sign of appeasement. They could not, however, help but examine her greedily, feeling relieved, almost believing that she was a dream. She was there, in front of them and she was fine. She was fine.

“Forgive us, we didn't mean to scare you,” Rhysand whispered, smiling kindly at her, looking at her with concern.

When she recognized the faes, Luxiana relaxed, blowing out all the air she had been holding. And to think that she had nearly slit their throats, to such sexy creatures, what a sacrilege it would have been. She placed her free hand on her heart, a relieved expression on her face. “Are you crazy? I could have hurt you!”

The Illyrians looked at each other in surprise before bursting into laughter as they looked tenderly at the young woman. Cassian's hands pressed against his stomach and Rhysand had to reluctantly release his soulmate's hand on the doorknob.

Luxiana opened her mouth in shock, before gritting her teeth and narrowing her eyes, glaring at them, realizing they were openly mocking her. She crossed her arms. If only they knew she could knock them down whenever she wanted, and she didn't know what was stopping her from doing so when she had made others eat the ground for less than that.

“Forgive us,” Rhysand repeated, seeing the blonde's annoyance and wiping a tear of hilarity from the corner of his eyes to stop laughing softly at the same time as his brothers.

The blonde huffed as she relaxed. They were lucky they were so hot and that one of them had saved Feyre. “So you’re what Nesta was referring to, I guess.”

Cassian grimaced as he suddenly stopped laughing, “I think she doesn’t like us, actually.”

Luxiana laughed softly as she turned her head to the side “Don’t take it personally, she doesn’t like many people.”

But when she turned her head to the side, the Illyrians could notice a huge bruise on the corner of her jaw, the skin of which was completely damaged and still had dried blood on it. Someone had hit her. They froze from head to toe, their eyes widening and their smiles faded away.

Rhysand's heart tightened in his chest. Cassian tensed every muscle in pain. A wave of anger washed over Azriel, paralyzing him entirely.

Sensing the change in the atmosphere, the blonde looked at them and lost her smile when she saw their serious, angry and surprised expressions. They could almost seem intimidating like that.

Cassian blinked and went to ask her what had happened to her, but Azriel reacted without being able to stop himself. He grabbed the blonde's chin with his thumb and index finger, tilting her face to the side so he could observe the purple, bloody angle of her jaw. The sight made his anger raise. His breathing rushed. He couldn't breathe. They couldn't breathe. If anyone had hurt her, they swore they would set the world on fire.

“Who did this to you?” scream the Illyrian with the red siphons with a mixture of surprise and anger in his voice.

The blonde pulled away from Azriel's hold - who groaned as he felt the blonde's skin leave his - then she stepped back in shock, sticking herself completely to the door behind her. She frowned a little more as she looked at them one by one with incomprehension. What were they playing at? In which way could it possibly matter to them? That said, it was cute.

“Did someone hurt you?” Rhysand asked, taking a step forward, his body almost pressed against Luxiana’s.

“Someone hit you,” Azriel added in a cold voice, detailing her with anger so strong it rang in his ears.

Luxiana's eyes widened in realization. "Ah, that," she exclaimed, pointing at the angle of her jaw. She fake-laughed, running one of her hands over the back of her head, embarrassed. She couldn't help but look away, blushing in shame. "Uh, yeah, I fought," she tried to find an excuse.

“You fought?” Cassian repeated, his eyes widening in surprise. This little woman fought?

“Uh yeah, yeah. Ha ha.” she looked away again, searching in the four corners of the room for a solution. “That was quite a fight, the guy i fought never got up.” She adorably threw her fists in front of her as if she were hitting someone.

Azriel frowned.

Cassian grabbed her fists, forcing her to stand still and eyeing her seriously. “Easy, you’re going to hurt yourself.”

“And you’re lying to us,” Azriel added with a little uncertainty, looking her up and down with narrowed eyes. He wasn’t sure, but she seemed embarrassed to talk about something. She seemed to be making something up.

Luxiana twitched, frowning for a microsecond. “What?” She giggled at Azriel’s accusations, blushing a little more. “No, not at all… I…” She stopped under the accusing and scrutinizing gaze of the three faes in front of her. Ugh, she really was a bad liar. That was her only flaw. She sighed in resignation. “Yes, yes, I’m lying… I fell.”

“You fell?” Rhysand repeated, almost shouting in surprise. “What do you mean you fell ?”

“Yeah, miserably.” Luxiana grimaced, her face now completely red. She bit her lip. Damn, those Faes weren’t going to be intimidated by her after that, if they ever could have been. “I just splayed out like a pancake on the floor.” She pursed her lips together, making them almost disappear into her cheeks, grimacing embarrassedly.

The Illyrians looked at her without being able to do anything else. She fell? She fell? Their soulmate fell ? And she told them this while making the cutest face possible.

Rhysand stared at Luxiana with narrowed eyes. Was she that clumsy? Was it possible? He took a step back. Had fate really given him such a clumsy soulmate when his own life was filled with danger? His heart felt like it was trembling with fear and apprehension in his chest.

Cassian smiled as he detailed the blonde's expression. She was cute. He relaxed his muscles slowly, one by one. He released his fists which she let fall limply to her sides. He crossed his arms as he stared at her with a mocking look that Luxiana intercepted by shooting him with her pupils, accentuating the Illyrian's hilarity.

Azriel took a step back, huffing as he did and pinching the bridge of his nose wearily. His soulmate fell. Was he really going to have to bubble wrap her and lock her in his room to make sure she didn’t hurt herself? Damn, she could have broken her neck. He clenched his fists. He really didn’t like this ball of anxiety in his stomach. He was already worrying too much about her.

“Yeah, I know what you’re thinking.” Luxiana chuckled. “And the worst part is that it happens to me a lot… Like… A lot…” She crossed her arms, suddenly staring into a blank space with sadness. She wanted to take a step back, but she was already backed up against the door. She grabbed the bracelet on her wrist. A simple silver chain with blue gemstones on it. She stroked it with her fingertips. “I… I kind of lost my balance when I was little.” An infinite sadness crossed her face for a second. A sadness of such power and depth that it disarmed Rhysand, who had been the only one to see it.

Luxiana shook her head, her usual haughty demeanor returning. Rhys narrowed his eyes, realizing it was one of her defense mechanisms. He didn't like it. He didn't like it at all. What had she been through to act like this?

“But I still can kill you with this butter knife,” Luxiana said as if nothing had happened, pointing at the knife still in one of Azriel’s hands. “So do not mock me.” 

She took a step forward and with a quick movement tried to take the knife back but, although Azriel was surprised to see her move so quickly, he had the reflex to avoid her, withdrawing his arm and raising the knife in the air.

Luxiana started jumping to try to get it back but she was too small. “Give it back to me” she shouted out of breath from her jumping.

“No,” Azriel replied coldly without meaning to. He hadn’t been able to concentrate on his tone, obsessed by the vision of the blonde jumping near him and disturbed by her proximity, making his heart explode in his chest. Luxiana’s scent climbed up to Azriel’s nostrils. Vanilla. She smelled like vanilla. Azriel had to grit his teeth. He loved it.

Cassian laughed, taking a few steps back to rest his butt on the foot of the bed, admiring the scene mockingly but the truth was his heart filled with joy.

Rhysand in turn detailed the scene with a smile but a bitter aftertaste remained on his palate. He hoped with all his guts that he was wrong and that the sadness he had seen in his soulmate was just him imagining things.

“Why did you steal it from me in the first place?” she screamed, jumping around Azriel trying to grab the knife still in his raised hand as high as she could. “Give it back, damn it!”

Rhysand huffed with a smile, he placed his hands on the young woman's shoulders, immobilizing her. She gave him a questioning look from her small heigh and Rhysand thought he would melt inside. His soulmate.

Cassian laughed heartily. She was so cute and she fit in so well with him and his brothers. “Why were you walking around with a knife anyway? And what were you doing behind that dresser?”

“That's…” she huffed, scowling and crossing her arms. “You're always asking questions. It's none of your business.”

Azriel raised an eyebrow at her, urging her with a stern look to tell him what she was doing. It concerned him, after all.

Rhysand narrowed his eyes, leaning slightly towards her, trying to see through her, even trying to catch a thought of hers that would be the answer to his questions but her mind still remained closed.

Cassian looked at her intently, tilting his head, a smirk on his lips.

A silence settled where the young woman's gaze oscillated between the three Illyrians who stared at her with a piercing gaze. Luxiana did everything not to feel intimidated, or at least not to show it because inside she was completely red under these intense looks. She took a step back, lowering her eyes for a second and clearing her throat to give herself composure. How did these three faes manage to disconcert her every time? She sighed in resignation. "Elain lost the key to her dresser so I was trying to unscrew the back to get the inside."

The three Illyrians smiled satisfied to see the effect they had on their soulmate and that they had managed to make her give in.

“You wanted to unscrew with a butter knife?” Cassian laughed at the top of his lungs.

She glared at him, biting her tongue. He was annoying and his superior air was getting on her nerves. He honestly had no idea what she could do with that butter knife and she was dying to show him but he was way too sexy to ruin his pretty face with scars.

She groaned and then rolled her eyes. “But you’re surely not here for that,” trying to change the subject of conversation and trying to regain control of her emotions.

Cassian could see how much he was getting on the little blonde's nerves and boy did he love it. She was so cute when she was angry.

Azriel put the butter knife in one of his pockets under Luxiana's dark gaze that was glaring at him. There was no way he was going to give her back her knife when she could hurt or even kill herself with it. He crossed his arms but his muscles were still tense, ready to intervene to prevent her from getting the knife back if she wanted to. She actually had no interest in even thinking about it. It would drive Azriel crazy. He would have to teach her to obey.

Rhysand regained a minimum of seriousness, still looking at the blonde with tenderness, not even able to think properly anymore. Why did they come here? They were here to see her, right? “The queens,” he reminded himself. “We came to know if you received a response from them.”

Luxiana tilted her head with a frown, eyeing them suspiciously one by one. Why were they already here? “I thought Feyre had told me this visit would take place next week. Was I mistaken? Was there a problem that would require moving this appointment forward?”

Rhysand holds back a grimace. He had to find an excuse, and fast. “No. That was what we agreed to, indeed.”

Luxiana looked at the high Lord waiting for an explanation that didn't come. "Then why did you come today?" she insisted.

Cassian smiled “because we were a little too eager to see you again.” Luxiana narrowed her eyes at him, electrifying him once again. It did that to him every time she laid eyes on him, damn it.

Luxiana knew that these words were not true and that it was only to hide the reason for their visit today but she couldn't help. She had to hold back a smile of pleasure. She would have loved for Cassian's words to be sincere. She huffed and rolled her eyes, giving up on the idea of getting the answer she wanted. They were apparently not ready to tell her why they had moved up the date of their meeting. She would have to investigate and find out why herself.

She turned her eyes back to Rhysand, ignoring Cassian and his words or Azriel’s intense gaze. “To answer your question, yes, we did receive a response. Yesterday, in fact.”

Luxiana grabbed her pale blue petticoat to lift it up. She first revealed her ankle, then her calf and her thigh where a white lace garter holding a folded sheet of paper was located.

Rhysand froze, Azriel's gaze flared, and Cassian had to sit up straight. What was she doing? Her legs were thin and her skin felt so soft. Their hearts began to pound wildly in their chests.

Luxiana grabbed the piece of paper from under the garter to pull it out. She handed it to Rhysand as she released her skirts which fell back down to her legs much to the dismay of the three Illyrians. “This is the letter we received.” She kept it on her to make sure no one got to discover it.

Rhysand blinked a few times to come back to reality and grabbed the piece of paper she handed him.

“They agreed to meet you,” Luxiana added. “They gave a date.”

Rhysand unfolded the letter and began to read it, once done he smiled as he gave a hopeful look to Cassian and Azriel who returned it to him.

Luxiana intercepted this look and expressions with great curiosity. “Can I ask you a question?” she asked Rhysand.

“Whatever you want,” he replied, looking back at her.

“Why are you doing this? Why do you want to help humans? I mean, you clearly have nothing to gain from this.” Luxiana looked at him, hoping to understand something in his expression. No matter how hard she torments her brain, she didn’t understand why he was doing this. He had nothing to win from this. She had thought about the fact that maybe he was trying to betray them and that he was on the side of the King of Hybern, but none of her sources of information, that she had devoted the last few days, had found any connection between him and Hybern. And then, he had saved Feyre, she simply refused to believe that they were that bad.

Azriel, Cassian and Rhysand smiled as they looked at her. She was so beautiful and she seemed so intelligent.

“My mother dreamed of seeing humans and Faes living in perfect coexistence together. She considered all living beings equally. I wish I could make her dream come true.” Rhysand said, his voice heavy with meaning and feeling.

Luxiana heard his sincerity and understood the sadness in his eyes. He had lost his mother. “Then why not let Hybern destroy the wall, we will all be forced to live together.”

“Not like this. Cohabitation must be wanted by both sides and Hybern doesn’t just want to destroy the wall, he wants to enslave your species. I won’t let him.” Rhysand lifted his hand, gently placing it on Luxiana’s soft, plump cheek, caressing it with his fingertips. His gaze went blank. “I couldn’t let him hurt humans, not when you’re one of them.”

Luxiana frowned for a second, surprised by his words. He seemed absent and had given the impression of thinking out loud which added a bit of sincerity to his words. But she didn't really understand the meaning of his sentence. Why would he do that for her? She glanced at Cassian and Azriel to see their expressions and try to get some kind of answer but they were both looking at her intensely with a serious face. She frowned even more and then gave Rhysand a suspicious sideways glance. She leaned towards him with a mischievous look, causing Rhysand’s arm to fall limply to his side. “Is this some way of flirting with me, my lord?”

Rhysand came back to himself, smiling. He looked down on her but not in a haughty way, in a tender way. “Maybe so, does it work?”

Luxiana smiled, holding back a laugh. “Maybe.” She remained mysterious despite herself because, holy shit, it worked.

Rhysand smirked and took a deep breath to speak but was interrupted by the door opening abruptly. He took a step back to avoid getting hit in his head and grabbed Luxiana by the arm to shift her to the side. Azriel reacted just as quickly by grabbing the blonde by the forearm to pull her towards him, but due to lack of balance, Luxiana stumbled and crashed into the chest of the Illyrian with the blue siphons. He wrapped his arms around her to catch her and prevent her from falling. A wave of adrenaline and worry surged through Cassian's body who straightened up with wide eyes, hands raised, ready to catch Luxiana if she fell.

Nesta remained in the entrance of the room, positioning herself under the door frame. She detailed the scene before her, observing Rhysand holding Luxiana's arm, Cassian a few centimeters away standing with his hands outstretched towards her and Luxiana in Azriel's arms. She grimaced with pronounced disgust.

Cassian and Rhysand breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that Luxiana hadn't hurt herself, then glared at Nesta. Azriel didn't even see the oldest of the Archeron sisters, too disturbed by the waves of warm feelings that stirred in his body because of the blonde's face buried in his pectorals and her body so thin and fragile glued to him. He had never felt such a feeling of comfort, warmth and tenderness. Such a feeling that made his heart melt in his chest.

Luxiana leaned her palms on the Illyrian's chest to straighten up but Azriel could only tighten his grip around her, preventing her from moving away. Luxiana threw him a questioning look from below although her cheeks were completely red as she was embarrassed by the situation. It was the shame of her life. She had been so absorbed by Rhysand's violet eyes that she had not reacted when Nesta had opened the door. She had had to be saved by Rhysand and Azriel and she had almost fallen again.

“I can’t keep the servants from entering the corridor and passing by the door much longer. They’ll hear your voices eventually,” Nesta said coldly, still eyeing them with a grimace. She noticed the queens’ letter in Rhysand’s hands. “You got what you came for. Go away.”

Cassian's arms fell limply to his sides and his nostril flared in anger. He hated this sister, she had nothing to do with his soulmate.

Azriel finally noticed Nesta, raising a dark look towards her. How dare she speak to them like that and above all, how dare she look at his mate with so much disdain? If Luxiana had not been in his arms making him the happiest fae in the world, he would have wanted to tear out the tongue of this viper.

Rhysand fought back a grimace. Nesta’s tone was clear, they had to leave. They couldn’t stay with their soulmate any longer. He could get inside the eldest sister’s head and force her to leave them alone, but as much as a part of him wanted to, wanting more than anything to stay with his soulmate, his good conscience screamed at him that it was wrong and that Luxiana would surely hold it against him. And he couldn’t jeopardize a potential meeting with the queens in a perfect place like this anyway. He nodded. “We’ll leave.”

Azriel and Cassian looked at Rhys in surprise before understanding and glaring at Nesta. Luxiana detailed the silent interaction between the three Illyrians, trying to understand those reactions. She put her hands on Azriel's chest again, propelling herself further away from him with a little more force than before.

Azriel looked down at her, growling as he felt her try to pull away from him but eventually reluctantly let go of her, knowing they had to go.

Luxiana was able to take a few steps away, lowering her head, dead with shame and completely red.

Cassian, Rhysand, and Azriel felt like every muscle in their bodies was vibrating and their chests were swelling at the sight of how cute their soulmate was. She was adorable like that.

Cassian raised his hand to the blonde's face with the intention of raising it and admiring her blushes with a proud smile, but Rhysand, not wanting to let anything show in front of Nesta, grabbed his brother's wrist and lowered it.

“We're leaving,” said the high lord, taking a step toward the door.

Nesta pressed her back against the door to let them pass. “You know where the exit is.”

Rhysand nodded and then took another step towards the door, stopping beside Luxiana. He leaned towards her, shivering at her vanilla scent. He placed his lips gently and quickly on her cheek, giving her a little kiss. “Be careful, please.”

Luxiana shivered at the contrast of the heat that exploded in her lower abdomen at the high lord's breath on her ear. She raised her now even redder face towards him at his words.

Rhysand straightened up, a smirk on his lips, proud of the reaction he had provoked on his soulmate. He took a few steps forward, past her and closer to the door, reluctantly moving away from his mate. Then he glanced at Cassian and Azriel, nodding towards the door, silently indicating that he had to leave.

Cassian huffed through gritted teeth, disappointed that he wouldn't be able to stay with his soulmate longer, then he looked at her and relaxed. She was so cute. Damn, he couldn't stand being away from her for much longer. He didn't even feel like he could breathe without her anymore. These weeks away from her had already been pure torture when they didn't even know each other. He needed to touch her so much. He slowly closed the distance between her and him and then gently took her in his arms, jealous of what Azriel had done previously. He put his hands on her back, pulling her closer to him, furtively placing his nose on the top of her head to breathe in her scent. He had to stop himself from growling. Her scent tickled him all over.

Luxiana's eyes widened, throwing her hands up in the air next to Cassian, surprised by his gesture. Was this fae hugging her? She had frozen but as she was about to come out of her stupor to hug him back, feeling far too comfortable in his arms not to, Cassian quickly released her, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable.

He put his dark pupils into the blonde's electric blue eyes, his hands on her shoulders. "Don't fall and don't start a fight." He smiled at her tenderly before looking her over one last time and then releasing her to stand next to Rhysand.

Azriel stood in front of the blonde, placing his index finger under her chin to force her to raise her head towards him and look him in the eyes. The blonde blushed a little more under the intensity of his gaze and his gesture, making Azriel smile. He slowly leaned down and gave her a kiss on the forehead, his lips barely brushing the blonde's skin, too afraid to scare her. "If anything happens to you, I won't be happy, so be careful."

Luxiana shivered again, her eyes shining in surprise as the three Illyrians turned invisible and exited the room. Nesta gave her one last look of disdain before closing the door, allowing Luxiana to let out a huge breath. What had just happened here? Besides, she needed a new butter knife now.

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 6 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you like it! Please feel free to comment and telling me what you think of the story, it would make me very happy. In any case, thank you for reading ❤️❤️

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Happy reading!

Chapter 6

After a silence, Luxiana, realizing that she was still not touching the ground, put her hands on Cassian's forearms around her and bent her neck backward to try to look at the Fae who was holding her in his eyes. Cassian lowered his gaze as he felt her move and their pupils collided, causing something to explode in Cassian's lower abdomen. Luxiana smiled innocently with all her teeth, fluttering her eyelashes a few times.

“Could you possibly grace me with your benevolence and release me to let me touch the ground again?”

Cassian smirked, his eyes shining with playfulness as he detailed her. He thought she was so beautiful, that the dimples that formed at every word she said were so adorable and the way she spoke was so cute he could have physically melted. 

“I can, but I don't want to,” the Illyrian with the red Siphons simply replied, taking advantage of the closeness with his soul mate to detail her and enjoy the feeling of well-being that was bringing every cell in his body back to life.  

Luxiana raised an eyebrow in surprise at the audacity of Cassian's answer. This fae had guts. She liked that. “Don't make me force you, Commander.” Her tone was playful and light, but an aftertaste of terrifying menace in the depths of her pupils made Cassian swallow hard, making him frown. 

She was such an intimidating little woman. Cassian's smile widened before he reluctantly resigned himself to releasing her, raising his hands in the air beside his face in remission. 

Luxiana smiled with pride as she put her foot on the ground. She took a step forward to distance herself from the imposing mass of the Fae behind her, to whom she had enjoyed being close to far more than she should have. Then she returned her gaze to Rhysand, who had tilted his head and detailed her with interest. She liked his piercing gaze. 

“There are also things that don't deceive, you know...” she said, regaining her seriousness. “You had no reason to save Feyre after Amarantha's death, yet, even though she was your enemy's wife, you did it out of charity because you're not such a bad guy and then...you were alone. Under the mountain. You were alone and no member of your court was locked up with you, while the entire court of Tamlin had been cursed, and while the entire other courts were locked up with their lord, you, you were alone. I may not know exactly what you did, but I'm convinced you did it to protect those you cared about. I'm convinced you're a good person. And even if you're not...” She smiles. “...I'll protect you anyway. I'll protect you as much as I can in the hope that it might offer you a break, or just bring you some peace.” 

Rhys took a step back, shocked. He was breathing. His heart beat with such force in his chest that it hurt, and his eyes burned. He was convinced he was ready to cry. After everything she'd just said, he felt like everything made sense. His whole life, everything he'd been through. It had all led to this moment, to her, and then all those horrors had been worth it. 

The three Illyrians said nothing, only smiling tenderly as they approached the blonde. Their large bodies surrounded Luxiana's small body, but she was in no way intimidated. She detailed them one by one with her head bowed and a broad smile on her lips. Something felt right. Something made her feel good, at ease. 

The same feeling that gave Cassian, Rhysand and Azriel the impression of having found their place. To have found something they'd been missing.

“You're very intelligent,” Azriel observed, gazing at her avidly from top to bottom, a hint of admiration shining in his eyes. This woman was intelligent and was very probably his soul mate.  

Luxiana gave him a look of shining confidence that excited Azriel with a force far too insane. “Oh, you haven't seen anything yet, you know.”

This girl was mysterious and the three Illyrians loved and hated it at the same time. 

Cassian was intrigued. He hated the idea that this woman didn't fall under his charm enough to reveal her whole life to him, but he loved the fact that the pretty blonde was a ball of secrets waiting to be discovered.

It was Rhysand who was the most frustrated. No one ever had a secret from him, not with his power and certainly not a human, yet Luxiana's mind remained entirely closed. So hermetically sealed that Rhys had never, for a second, been able to access her thoughts. Rhys thought she probably wasn't doing it on purpose, but this mental shield indicated that she didn't feel safe in his presence, and that hurt him slightly. 

Azriel was good at understanding people and getting the answers he wanted; nobody had any secrets from him. Yet this girl never gave him any clues as to what kind of person she was, either in the way she acted or in what she said. He didn't know what to do with her. He hated to see people resist him, but he loved to see them capitulate. 

The Illyrian with the blue Siphons slowly raised his hand to the blonde's face, giving her time to step back or prevent him from touching her, but she didn't move a millimeter, piercing him with two confident but intrigued pupils. Azriel's chest felt like it was on fire at the young woman's casualness. He delicately caught her chin in his hand, gently digging his fingers into her cheeks. He suddenly pulled her possessively toward him, Luxiana's chest colliding with his.

“No matter how much of a bastard Tamlin is,” he growled in a calm voice yet vibrating with anger and with cold authoritative eyes anchored in the blonde's, ”You must avoid provoking a high lord. You could have been hurt.” 

Luxiana's gaze flashed with a barely perceptible glint of playfulness. She squinted as she detailed the blue siphon fae, trying to give herself the air of anger she should have, but the truth was that she was far too amused by these three Illyrians. And boy, what that one had just said and the way he'd pulled her towards him had been soooo sexy. Her heart was still beating wildly against her ribs. She couldn't hide her provocative smirk because, damn it, she liked to provoke. 

“Yes, by the way, Spymaster, I don't remember to have authorized you or your brothers to stop me from beating up a Fae.” Her tone was condescending, and she didn't need to feign the bitter aftertaste in her mouth as her intonations twisted with anger. She hated it more than anything when someone thought they were stronger than her, or when someone stopped her from doing something.  It was a clear lack of confidence on that person's part and a sign that he or she thought himself or herself superior to her, and she hated that.

Rhysand detected immediately from her words and the way she said them that she was angry. He had understood that she had taken their intervention badly and he would have liked to apologize, but the truth was that he wasn't sorry and would do it again at the first opportunity. He simply couldn't bring himself to see her hurt, but he understood that for her, their behavior didn't make sense, or at least not a very reasonable one. 

Like Rhys, Cassian could only see one side of Luxiana's face, yet he was more than certain that she had a confident expression thanks to the charisma and confidence she exuded and which left no room for hesitation. He was more than admiring her, and his eyes sparkled as he detailed her. This small woman was surrounded by three Illyrians twice her size in length and breadth, whose reputations would strike fear into the hearts of the most hardened of men, but she didn't blink. Not even an ounce of doubt could be felt in her demeanor. Cassian was burning from head to toe.

Azriel gritted his teeth, anchoring his fingers a little more firmly into the skin of the young woman who wasn't even a little intimidated by his tone. He'd seen how her words and gesture had sent shivers down Luxiana's spine, and although he'd been seething with joy at the sight, he'd quickly become disillusioned at her provocative words. She hadn't 'allowed' him to save her life? A cold anger froze Azriel's vessels blood, making his whole body ache. He almost winced. She had no instinct for survival, blaming them for saving her, but above all, she was provoking him. She'd talk back to him and tell him she hadn't 'authorized' him to do anything. He was the one who authorized things, he was the one who was going to authorize things for her, and his whole body trembled with anticipation at the idea of making her assimilate this notion. At the idea of dominating her to teach her not to endanger her life. 

Cassian leaned forward, his warm breath hitting the young woman's ear. “We kept you from ending up in tatters, my dear,” he said with a condescending smile as he noticed her shiver. 

Luxiana felt her body and heart trembling. Her lower abdomen began to implode and burn with excitement. It was only a bodily reaction to Cassian's hot breath on her lobe, Azriel's possessive grip on her chin and the piercing purple gaze of Rhysand's side-tilted head, but it had to be said that she didn't want to fight her resentment either. She found them downright sexy and intriguing, even if they were Illyrians. 

They were Illyrians. They hadn't shown any typically disturbing characteristics of their species so far, yet they were Illyrians. This thought made his eyelids twitch for a microsecond, which might go completely unnoticed or might appear to be a lack of magnesium, yet Rhysand noticed. 

He instantly sensed her discomfort. The blonde's expression hadn't changed, but he'd felt it, he'd experienced it so many times over the last fifty years, and like her, he'd tried so hard to hide his weaknesses and discomfort, that he'd immediately noticed the sudden slight tension in her shoulders. He didn't know why she'd suddenly felt threatened, but he didn't like it. He liked it even less to see that the blonde's body had acted out of automatism to hide what she was feeling, which meant she must have picked up the habit as a child. The difficult childhood and the problems she must have gone through and which were foreshadowed by this behavior compressed Rhysand's stomach. He'd have to wait for her to talk to him about it, but in the meantime, as she still didn't move back, surely forcing herself to keep her composure in front of them, he gently took her by the shoulders to pull her towards him and away from his two brothers. 

Azriel had to let go of Luxiana and glared at Rhys, furious that he had broken off contact with his soul mate. Cassian straightened up, also glaring at Rhysand, but with a confused expression.

Rhysand positioned her beside him and released her, even taking a step backwards to distance himself from her and give her some space. 

Luxiana gave a questioning glance at the Fae high lord, staring at him for a second before squinting under the sympathetic gaze he cast at her. She understood that he understood. And understood then that he didn’t have an easy past either. She shook her head and took back her haughty face, directing her gaze back to Cassian and Azriel, whose hand was still raised in the air.

“The only one who would have ended up in tatters would have been him.”Luxiana no longer had to feign anger, now a little irritated by the behavior of the three brothers. She knew she wasn't very intimidating to behold, but she really was capable of the worst. She crossed her arms, squinting her eyes and furiously detailing the three of them. 

The Illyrians stared at her for a second, seemingly out of time, and then realized. There, like that, with her arms crossed, her eyebrows furrowed, her nostrils dilated and her little expression of irritation, she was the cutest woman they'd ever met. She was so sweet and so innocent, she had no idea of the atrocities that could befall her and how dangerous this world was, and although an ounce of fear lingered in the guts of the three Illyrians, their hearts swelled with joy and pride in their chests at such cuteness. She was their soul mate. A wave of joy swept through them, so powerful that they had to laugh heartily, laughing out loud at the little blonde who frowned a little more. 

“But yes we don't doubt it,” said Rhysand, patting the top of her head affectionately, but he froze for a microsecond, holding back a wince. Her hair was soft, damn it, how was it possible to have such silky hair?

He withdrew his hand hastily, suddenly realizing that he'd acted unconsciously and touched her when he'd found her uncomfortable two seconds before. He didn't know what had come over him, but she'd been so cute with her angry little face that his body had needed to touch her. Fortunately, it had been just that, he didn't want to make her uncomfortable by touching her in a way she might find inappropriate or that might upset her. But when Luxiana turned to him, glowering at him despite her flushed cheeks and an adorably vexed face, Rhysand had to focus every fiber of his body on stopping himself from pouncing on her and kissing every one of her freckles. 

The blonde was seething with rage. They'd just treated her like a child. Oh dear, they were lucky their lord had saved Feyre, otherwise she'd have made them eat the floor for this behavior. She was about to speak up in her own defense, but stopped when she saw the faces of the three Illyrians change dramatically to become more serious. They stared at the door for a moment, before Azriel and Rhysand threw themselves out of the house without a word. 

“What's going on?” asked Luxiana as she watched them leave the house. She took several steps forward, intending to run after them, but Cassian, who had stayed behind, caught her by the hips and lifted her to the opposite of the door, far away in the hall. He placed her on the ground and put her back against the wall, wrapping his large frame around her.

“Is that Feyre?” Luxiana worried, trying to free herself from the Illyrian's grip on her hips. “Let me go, I've got to join her.” 

“Rhys and Az have gone to help her, don't worry,” Cassian reassured her, pinning her down a little more.

Luxiana's eyes widened. So something was going on and it had something to do with Feyre. Her heart began to beat wildly in her chest. She had to protect her. “What the hell is going on?? and Elain and Nesta?” She grabbed the Illyrian's wrists on her hips and put pressure on them to try and get him to let go, but he was far too strong for her to move him more than a millimeter. 

“They're in the dining room. You're safe, I won't let anyone enter in the house.”

“I don't need to be safe. Let go of me,” Luxiana struggled even harder, trying to push him away with her hands pressed to his chest. Anger buzzed in her ears. Why was he preventing her from reaching her best friend and helping her?

Cassian almost took a step back under the unsuspected strength she had just shown, so he grabbed her wrists and pinned them to the wall beside her pelvis. He leaned his body over her, encircling the blonde a little more with his wings and preventing her from seeing further than his tall frame, bringing his face closer to hers. 

He tried not to appear as disturbed by the young woman's proximity as he was. The Illyrian tried to hide the warmth spreading through his chest and body, but this was the first time he'd felt this way for a woman he'd only known for a few hours, and only because of a light touch of her breast or the simple vision of him holding her wrists. God, what he'd like to do to that woman against that wall, right now. 

“If I let you go, do you promise not to run straight into danger?” he questioned in a hoarse voice, unable to take his eyes off the young woman's mouth.

“No, that's exactly where I'm going, but if you don't let go, I'll emasculate you,” Luxiana threatened with a dark look.

Cassian smiled. It had been a long time since someone had stood up to him like that.

“You don't want to hurt an attribute that could do you some real good,” Cassian proclaimed seductively.

Luxiana raised an eyebrow, then a smirk emerged on her face. She slowly approached Cassian, standing on tiptoe. 

Luxiana could feel her eyes shining and she wasn't sure if it was desire or mischief, but her whole body was vibrating with excitement. She could easily have succumbed to that feeling of security he'd disarmed her with when he surrounded her with his body or even wanted to go further, but first she had to make sure Feyre was okay.  

She brushed her lips against Cassian's, which elicited a grunt from the Illyrian whose body had just been struck by the contact. He had to use all his self-control not to fall over backwards. This woman hadn't even kissed him yet, he'd felt more with her than with any other. 

Taking advantage of his moment of weakness and absence, and proud of her move, Luxiana deftly turned her wrist to release it from Cassian's grip. She then grabbed the brunet's forearm and spun around, taking his arm with her and draping it over her head. The Illyrian had to twist to the side, wincing under the pain, which created a small gap between his wings and the wall, large enough for Luxiana to pass through.

Cassian's eyes widened in surprise as he realized the empty space between him and the wall, where Luxiana wasn’t anymore. The blonde released his arm and ran towards the door. Cassian barely had time to blink and understand what had just happened that Luxiana had almost reached the outside.

She was about to open the door and run out, determined to protect her best friend, but the latter stormed back into the house. Luxiana stopped in the middle of the hall. 

Feyre looked a little shocked as she entered the house. Her gaze was on her best friend, but she didn't seem to see her. Tamlin and Lucien were following her.

“Feyre,” Luxiana cried, throwing herself into her best friend's arms for a little hug. “What happened?” 

“The Ator waited until I was alone to attack me,” she replied, regaining consciousness and throwing herself at Luxiana to wrap her arms around her and give her a hug back.

“The Ator? What's this? Are you all right?” Said Luxiana, placing her hands on Feyre's shoulders and detailing her up and down, making sure she was okay. 

“It's a creature under the orders of Amaranta and the king of hybern now,” Lucien said in a deep voice, looking at Feyre with concern and at the black anger on his lord's face in the same way.

“Yes, I'm fine...,” Feyre breathed. “Thanks to Azriel and Rhysand.”

Luxiana first widened her eyes but then saw red as she turned back to Tamlin.“Weren't you with her?” she cried accusingly, with a hint of surprise.

For God's sake, Rhysand had once again saved her best friend, while Tamlin had no excuse this time. What would have happened if the Illyrians hadn't been there? She'd been so stupid, so careless to think that Feyre wasn't in danger here.

“No, we had a fight because of you!” growled Tamlin menacingly.

Luxiana froze and winced, guilt welling up in her chest. She could have lost her best friend over such a stupid thing. “Where are Rhysand and Azriel?” she asked.

“They took the creature home to interrogate it and find out why it was there,” Lucien explained.

“How did they know I needed help?” Feyre asked Cassian, turning to him.

“The Azriel’s shadows,” replied the Illyrian, arms dangling in the middle of the hall and who was still recovering from the emotions the blonde had just made him feel.

***

Cassian had received a telepathic order from Rhys to accompany Tamlin, Feyre and her sisters to post the letters to the queens and make sure it was done. Cassian did so, disappointed to leave Luxiana alone with Lucien. However, his disappointment turned to jealousy when he saw Luxiana laughing with Lucien once back in the mansion. Intense jealousy radiated through all his muscles, urging him to do something, urging him to stop the redhead from making his soul mate laugh, urging him to stop the redhead from hearing that melodious sound that was only his. Only theirs. How dare he make her laugh!

Without even being able to prevent it and acting on a strange instinct, Cassian directly sent the image of Luxiana sitting on the couch, laughing heartily with Lucien at her side, to Rhysand and Azriel. Cassian had absolutely no telepathic power and Rhysand was far too far away to be able to read his thoughts, yet Rhys and Az had received the image in their minds. Cassian had just sent the memory via a link between the three of them that had formed, defying time and space and of which they were not even aware until then. 

Rhysand, leaning against the wall of the cell in which the Ator in front of him was being tortured, suddenly straightened up, receiving the image in his head. He frowned as he detailed the memory and even heard Lucien's laughter echoing in his mind mixed with the one of his soul mate. His chest tore with such violence that it physically hurt him. He frowned. She was only laughing with someone, yet it hurt him so much. But how did he receive this image?

Azriel froze, his knife planted in the Ator's thigh, kneeling in front of it. He widened his eyes, his gaze fixed on the pale creature, but not even seeing it, focused on the images of his soulmate laughing with this carrot bastard that appeared in his mind. His heart began to beat like crazy in his chest and a wave of frost crushed his limbs. How dare she laugh with someone else?

Rhysand glanced at Azriel in front of him and quickly understood from the glance that threw him back, that they had both seen the same thing and that they were both wondering how it was possible.

That said, all three of them quickly understood that it was the bond that now united them with their soul mate that allowed Cassian such a thing and that now bound them three in a completely different way. If it was real, it was a bond that would be very useful to them in the future to protect, love and cherish their mate, they were sure of it, but in the meantime they were burning with rage, pain and jealousy. 

That said, 2/3 of these emotions were not theirs. This jealousy that they felt and that suffocated them, really preventing them from breathing, was mainly Cassian's. The rage that consumed them from top to bottom by making them tremble was mainly Azriel's. But the pain that tore their hearts from their chests was mostly Rhysand's.

The three brothers had always reacted differently to problems, they thought differently, they felt differently, and today the bond that united them allowed them to become one and feel what the other two felt. Only, it was complicated. The faes felt more intensely when it concerned their soul mates and the Illyrians were known for having trouble controlling their emotions. On top of that, today, they also had to feel those of their brothers and experience everything multiplied by three.

Azriel had removed his weapon planted in the Ator's thigh and had turned robotically to face the cell door. He began to walk towards it in a tense manner, smiling, imagining all the horrible things he was going to do to Lucien. He was going to fly there, join them, and he was going to rip the ears off that bastard who had been able to hear the melodious sound of his soulmate's laughter.

Rhysand turned too, ready to follow Azriel. He knew that what they were about to do was wrong but he simply couldn't reason with himself and calm down. Not when he wasn't the only one to reason with and calm down.

"Am I interrupting something?" Cassian had spat, shooting Lucien with his brown pupils, being the only one who could act, his two brothers being for the moment still at the Night Court. He would have liked to be angry and kill Lucien but when Luxiana turned to him, jumped up and down with joy at the sight of him and started explaining to him what she had said to Lucien to make him laugh, he calmed down. He hadn't even listened but she spoke to him with such joy that he relaxed uncontrollably. And the other two too.

Azriel and Rhysand both stopped in front of the cell door, ready to go out, seeing in their minds Luxiana talking cheerfully to Cassian, almost ignoring Lucien at her side. They were able to take a deep breath, realizing the insane anger that had boiled in their bodies two seconds before. And although an aftertaste of anger, jealousy and pain remained in their guts, it was now less urgent to kill the redhead. They turned back around and resumed their activity, calmed down. They told themselves they could wait a little before killing Lucien.

Azriel had then been able to gratuitously and more violently plunge one of his blades into the Ator, taking advantage of the outlet it offered him.

Rhysand no longer even took pleasure in watching the creature suffer despite what it had done to him, his mind too focused on torturing him by playing the sound of his soulmate's laughter mixed with the one of another man.

Despite everything, they were a little calmer.

After that, the Faes at the Archerons’ domain had been able and had to leave. Cassian had kissed the back of Luxiana’s hand to say goodbye and after a last wink, he had flown away, fighting against the worry that took place in his heart and that told him to stay by his soulmate’s side.

Cassian was somewhat disappointed not to be able to spend more time with her, but the irritable mood of these two brothers told him that they were even more disappointed not to have been able to say goodbye to her. They would have liked to bring her back to Velaris to keep her close to them, but with the war against Hybern looming and all the things they had to do, it was not the right time, especially not for a fragile human who would be in danger.

So all three of them did not know when they would be able to see her again, doubting that they might not see her again for a long time, and this realization hurt their feelings in a way that was completely new to them. Especially since no matter what they did, they could not get her out of their heads. 

Luxiana's face, her hair, her perfume, her smile, her curves, her voice, all dragged through their minds with such vehemence that they had almost become zombies unable to concentrate on anything but her.

The only times they were not absent, diving into their thoughts, was when they talked about this girl among themselves or to Mor.

Morrigan had wanted to see her. Meet the woman she was a little jealous of and who had managed to capture Azriel's attention, who had won Cassian's loyalty and made Rhys smile again in just a few hours.

Rhys only smiled when he thought of her or talked about her. He had never felt that before. This strange way of having only one person in his head all day long with such irreversibility that it had chased away all other thoughts. Including the bad ones, including memories. There was only her and without even knowing it, she was doing him good. His body was pushing him to find her as if he needed her to live. So Rhys had sworn that at the first opportunity, when things were calmer, he would go find the Suriel and then, when he had confirmed to him that she was indeed their soul mate, he would go find Luxiana. 

Azriel detailed Morrigan. He detailed her as he used to do before Luxiana but now it sounded false and wrong. He had remembered the existence of Rhys' cousin and what he had felt for her for five hundred years when he saw her in the dining room but he no longer felt anything special for her. Not after laying eyes on his soul mate. He had even come to wonder how he could have been obsessed with Morrigan for so long when Luxiana was there, outside. He didn't know why this girl obsessed him so much... Well yes, he knew and he also knew why it was so strong but damn, he could have done anything to see her again just for a second. He needed the light that this girl brought him and her amazing way of making his shadows flee by shining.

Cassian was boiling. He was irritable like never before. He had tried sleeping with women to calm down and try to stop his brain from thinking about Luxiana, but his body had just refused to feel aroused. His body even gave him the impression to be disgusted by all the women he met by giving him a strong feeling of revulsion even the most beautiful of them, he no longer found them attractive. Cassian would have almost believed he was sick if he did not have an erection every time he thought of Luxiana, that is to say almost constantly since he had met her. Every cell of his being called him to do obscene things to Luxiana and apparently desired only her. He had to explore and discover every corner of the skin and mind of the beautiful blonde who haunted his thoughts. 

In the meantime, the three Illyrians threw themselves into their work, eager to finish as quickly as possible, at least until they had to go to the Archerons to find out if they had received a response from the queens. 

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 5 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you like it! Please feel free to comment and telling me what you think of the story, it would make me very happy. In any case, thank you for reading ❤️❤️

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Happy reading!

Chapter 5

Morning came far too slowly for the Illyrians, who had been unable to sleep at all, unable to keep their thoughts away from the pretty blonde haunting them. Was she all right? What happened to her? Why did she go out alone so late at night? Where did she go? 

They'd wandered outside for hours, examining every inch of earth, rummaging under every bush, analyzing every human mind in the city near them, but nobody saw her and they didn’t find her anywhere. She simply disappeared. They try to reassure themselves, remembering that she'd told them she was used to going out that late but they couldn't help worrying. If she was indeed their soulmate, she was the woman of their lives and they couldn't bear to lose her now. She was human, weak and fragile, and this world was full of dangers. Anything could have happened to her tonight. 

Rhysand was lying widthwise on the bed, his feet dangling over the side, his hands clasped behind his skull and his violet eyes glued on the ceiling. He didn’t move since he let himself fall there earlier when they'd finally given up on the idea of finding Luxiana. After hours in the snow, watching Cassian and Azriel lose a little more control every second, he'd decided to give up and to come back to the Archerons' house. He had to keep a cool head for his brothers, but in truth he was as panicked as they were. In truth, he'd hoped she'd be back at the Archeron mansion, but she still wasn't there. He remained motionless, but his heart pounded and his body vibrated. He wanted to be close to her, he needed to be. He'd written the letter to the queens after coming back, but had to force himself to concentrate and stop deviating his thoughts to Luxiana. He didn't know what it felt like to meet his soul mate, but all the things he was feeling right now were both terrifying and magnificent.

Cassian was pacing up and down the room. He had the impression that this was all he’d been doing since he'd met his soul mate. He didn't really know how he'd react or how he'd feel when it happened, but now that he did meet his mate.... Hell, it had only been a few hours since and he'd already gone through every possible shade of emotion. In fact, Cassian had never felt so much. He didn't really know what it was, but he could have sworn that whenever it came to his soul mate, the sky felt like it was falling on his head. He was bubbling over with worry, concern, anger, doubt, but at the same time, joy and excitement. Many conflicting feelings fought fiercely inside him and he was filled with many doubts and questions, but it didn't matter, because the only thing he wanted was to see Luxiana again. And they'd lost her. 

Azriel sat in a corner of the room, leaning against a wall, staring straight ahead into the void. His shadows rages around his figure and everywhere else, searching for her, searching for his soul mate. If she passed under the shade of a tree, if someone uttered her name in a dark corner of the city, if she whispered near a piece of gloom, if a piece of her white hair caress the darkness, if the sound of her laughter echoed not far from his shadows, he would find her. All his abilities and power were deployed, but even so, he still didn’t hear from her. Where the hell was she gone? If something happened to her while he didn’t even have a chance to get to know her, Azriel would never get over it. He had a right to happiness and he was sure she could bring it to him. She was his key, his solution. 

So when the first rays of sunlight broke through the bedroom window, Rhysand, Azriel and Cassian didn't even try to understand. She'd said she'd be back at dawn, it was dawn and she still wasn't there. It was time to start looking for her again.

“She didn't come back, did she?” Cassian asked his brother, knowing full well the answer to that question, but also knowing that if anyone had to know about things before he did, it was his brother, who had planted spying shadows all around the property.

Rhysand stood up in the positive hope of an answer, though he also already knew it was negative. 

“No,” growled Azriel, leaping to his feet.

Their chests were crushed under worry and anguish. Cassian ran his hands through his hair then, unable to resist it any longer, threw himself at the bedroom door to open it. He didn't even need to consult his brothers about what to do; they had to go in search of their soulmate to make sure she was all right, and this was obviously also very clear in the minds of Azriel and Rhysand, who followed him without question.

Their fists were clenched and every muscle contracted, giving them a robotic gait. It was utter nonsense to feel a hurricane of overwhelming emotions like this, yet if the three Illyrians didn't have to move to find her, they'd curl up in a ball somewhere and try to calm down. 

So when they left the room, almost running in the corridor, to go down the stairs, they petrified on the spot in the middle of the steps when they saw Luxiana crossing the hall alongside Feyre.

The three Illyrians widened their eyes, only to be instantly relieved by the young woman's presence. A weight that had been on their shoulders disappeared, and did so much good to them, that they were finally able to take a deep breath. That said, confusion soon set in. The three glanced at each other in surprise and accusation. Azriel's shadows had not noticed Luxiana's presence. Rhysand hadn't felt her return with his power and Cassian hadn't heard her come in. How the hell was that possible?

Their gaze returned to the woman who was probably their soulmate, and their breaths remained trapped in their throats. She was divinely beautiful. She changed into a pale yellow petticoat that matched the flowers of the same color on her corset. Her hair was gathered in a large, high, slightly undone bun, from which strands escaped to fall across her face. She was radiant, with no dark circles or traces of last night's outing. She looked so pure and innocent that the three brothers would never have dared approach her under normal circumstances, with their blood-soaked hands and the danger that constantly surrounded them. But with this woman, they had no choice. She was their soulmate. They still had to verify the information, of course, but their bodies, instincts and spirits were in no doubt about what this woman was to them.

Luxiana set her eyes on them, freezing in the middle of the hall, stopping to smile at what Feyre had just said and making her dimples disappear. The three black hair males were electrified from top to bottom, unable to breathe normally, paralyzed under the young woman's bewitching blue pupils, which were the only things they could think of now, their minds going blank. 

When the blonde noticed the three imposing Illyrians, stoically standing in the middle of the stairs, she let out a loud exclamation of joy as she made a little jump of excitement. She smiled again with all her teeth as she detailed them. They were downright sexy and she was glad to see these beautiful creatures in the mansion, it was a good difference from cold Nesta and apathetic Elain. Her gentle, friendly smile made the heads of the three Illyrians turn. 

“Hello,” said the blonde in a soft voice, coming towards them almost at a run. She bounded up the few steps to them, leaving a jaded Feyre at the bottom of the stairs. She stopped right in front of them, clasping her hands behind her back, her dimples digging her cheeks in the most adorable way possible. “Did you sleep well?” 

She was glowing. It was the only thing the brothers could think of. She was so sunny and cheerful that she seemed to glow. She looked so innocent, for God's sake none of them could make her dirty with the atrocities they had committed. 

“Not as good as if we'd spent the night with you,” replied Cassian, as he was the first to come out of his torpor. 

Luxiana's eyes widened before she realized what he just said. Her cheeks flushed and she rolled her eyes at his answer, which nevertheless pleased her. She loved having succeeded in charming the commander of the Armies of the Night Court. Her smile grew more shy. 

Luxiana's cute expression made Rhysand's chest vibrate. Cassian's heart missed a beat and a smile of pride sprang to his lips, while the sight of the blonde's expression drew an involuntary growl from Azriel, whose chest was awash with possessive feelings. 

“How was your night?” asked Rhysand, hoping to get some information about her escapade. “Was it pleasant?”

Luxiana winced, wrinkling her nose at the memories. She'd cried a lot last night. She'd had to tell her family of heart that she was leaving them to follow Feyre and protect her. Then she smiled, remembering that she'd felt someone following her last night. Three people with wings flying invisibly beside her. It was them, she had no doubt about it. She didn't know why they'd followed her, but she'd been proud to have sown these three fae warriors so easily. 

“Much less than if I'd spent it with you,” Luxiana replied, mimicking Cassian's tone and echoing his words.

The Illyrians had to summon up all their self-control not to start jumping like children at the joy they just felt at what she just said. Though, her annoying way of remaining mysterious about her occupations only made them seethe inside. 

“Be careful what you say in front of Amarantha's whore, he might turn it against you,” Tamlin spat in disgust as he and Lucien entered the hall.

Rhysand tensed with his whole body, but tried not to show that Tamlin's words were having an impact on him by smiling haughtily. He lifted his chin and puffed out his chest, giving himself a superior air. Rhysand hated that nickname and the memories that went with it. His two brothers' fists clenched until they were white, as they couldn't bear to hear their friend and lord spoken of in this way, especially not after the atrocities he had endured for fifty years under Amarantha's control. They glanced threateningly at Tamlin and were about to hurl a scathing retort, but Luxiana interrupted them. 

She glanced at him sideways, not even considering him enough to turn back to him. “Be careful where you walk, you might step in the shit that comes out of your mouth.” 

Rhysand widened his eyes, then smiled, his chest lightening. Was she defending him? 

Tamlin gritted his teeth and wanted to take a step forward, but Lucien at his side held him back by the arm. “You're defending the wrong man. You don't know what he's done, all the atrocities he's committed,” the redhead interjected with a grimace of disgust, pointing at Rhysand with his chin. “How cruel he is! How the members of his court are the most violent and detestable beings!”

The little blonde's face contorted cutely in anger. Her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pursed as her fists clenched. Maybe these men were cruel, but she didn't care. It was thanks to one of them that her best friend had survived, and that was all that mattered. “I know what he had to do instead of your high lord and that's more than enough for me,” replied the pretty blonde with a fierce anger that surprised everyone. 

Feyre huffed, “He could have done it differently, been nicer.”

Luxiana gritted his teeth. She loved her best friend no matter what, but she couldn't let her believe such silly things. She turned entirely to face her best friend, crossing her arms as if she were using her body as a shield to prevent bad words from reaching Rhysand.

When Rhysand noticed it, he thought he was imagining things, but his heart began to beat wildly in his chest. Cassian's eyes sparkled, she had guts and he loved that. Azriel's jaws muscles were pounding, she was unconscious, putting herself in danger by not necessarily provoking creatures stronger than herself. 

“Oh, you think so?” Luxiana gasped. “And that without putting yourself in more danger than you already were? Or attracting even more of that madwoman's insanity to you?” 

“Rhysand chose to work with Amarantha,” Tamlin defended her. “He did horrible things for her and because he wanted to. He's responsible for…” 

“It doesn't matter,” the blonde interrupted authoritatively, slicing the air in front of her with her hand. “if Rhysand had not been there, Feyre would have died under that mountain and that woman would still be in power because you couldn't even get your brainless ass to help her, so shut up. You shouldn't even be allowed to open your mouth, you don't even deserve to be able to touch Feyre, or to love her.”

Tamlin snarled and half-transformed into a beast - blond hairs grew on his cheeks, forearms and the backs of his hands, while sharp claws took the place of his fingernails - to take several menacing steps towards Luxiana. The three Illyrians tensed, ready to intervene, but Feyre held Tamlin back by placing his hands on his torso.

“You don't know what I've been through under the mountain,” growled the blond, pointing at Luxiana and stepping around Feyre. “That man you're so keen to defend is just a traitorous little whore who betrayed his whole country.” 

Luxiana saw red. He dared to position himself as the victim in all this? A smile emerged on her face. A cold, menacing, creepy smile that paralyzed Tamlin for a second. Lucien’s face turned white, while he took a step backwards, surprised to see so much madness on the face of such a pretty, innocent young woman.

“You bastard,” she blurted out with terrifying calm and coldness. “How dare you talk about him like that?” She began to walk slowly down the steps towards Tamlin with an air of assurance, confidence, but creepiness.

Tamlin shuddered. That girl seemed completely crazy.

Luxiana was mad with rage. She hated Tamlin, she hated him, and it was beyond belief how angry she was with him. She hated Tamlin because he was just like her. He had failed to protect Feyre just as she had. The hatred she felt for Tamlin wasn't for Tamlin, it was for her. So she certainly wasn't going to let that dirty bastard denigrate Rhysand when only Rhysand had managed to help and save Feyre. He'd won Luxiana's loyalty. 

The air entering Rhysand's lungs caught in his throat. His whole body vibrated with a strange warm sensation he'd never felt before. Someone was defending him. She was defending him. It was the first time anyone had defended Rhysand. Even as a child, he'd always had to fight for respect; he'd never been defended by anyone. After all, he was the lord of the night court, he was the shield of his soldiers, the pillar of his court, the one who defended his friends, who sacrificed himself for his family, but today, she, a fragile human, stood up for him without fear. His heart missed a beat.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” screamed Tamlin as he pounced on the blonde, her face flushed with anger, trying not to look intimidated by the death glare in the Luxiana’s blue pupils.

Feyre and Lucien had no time to move when their two best friends were already facing each other. Tamlin's claws were raised, ready to bring them down on Luxiana. The three Illyrians reacted without even consulting each other. Cassian slid in behind the blonde with mad speed, wrapping his arms around her belly to pin her back to his chest and lift her up, taking a few steps backwards. Azriel's shadows rushed in waves to grab the lord of the spring court's wrist and immobilize him in mid-air, while Rhys placed himself between the young woman and Tamlin. 

“Let go of me!” spat Luxiana, mad with rage, her face now distorted with anger as she realized Cassian had caught her. She struggled, throwing her fists and feet into the void in front of her, hoping to reach Tamlin, while Cassian took yet more steps backwards, pulling her further away.

The hatred boiling in the veins of the three Illyrians was painful and explosive, but it was different for all three of them. 

Cassian was mad with rage, how could Tamlin, that dirty rat, traitor personified, have dared to speak of Rhysand in this way, but above all, how could he have dared to want to hurt this young woman? His soul mate. 

Azriel was almost out of control, but it wasn't because of Tamlin's lack of respect for Rhyand, it was because of Luxiana. Was she crazy? She was just a fragile human and had thrown herself head first at a powerful fae without a second thought. 

Rhysand tried to keep his posture straight, confident and cool, not wanting to show how much he could care about what happened to Luxiana, but damn it, if they'd reacted a second too late, she'd have been hurt and it would still have been his fault.

“Get out of here before we rip your head off,” ordered Rhys in a sharp voice.

His power buzzed in his muscles, just waiting to be unleashed on Tamlin and tear his limbs off. Ever since his betrayal that had cost the lives of his mother and sister, Rhysand had wanted to make Tamlin pay for his behavior, but the hatred he now felt towards him for just wanting to hurt his soulmate was driving him even crazier. It hurt to hold back and he didn't even know what good conscience was stopping him.

Tamlin gritted his teeth and was about to say something, but Feyre stepped between him and the murderous gaze of Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel to pull her husband back towards the exit, but he couldn't move until Azriel had finished breaking his wrist with his shadow. 

Lucien grabbed Tamlin and pushed him towards the exit, hurried out of the house.

Feyre froze in the doorway for a moment, then half-turned, pinching the bridge of her nose between her forefinger and thumb as she closed her eyes. Eventually, she opened them again to cast a jaded, slightly irritated glance at her best friend before also leaving the house without a word. 

Luxiana's heart ached at the sight, feeling bad for having acted impulsively again, but she felt so much anger. At herself.

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel were able to relax when the three faes from the Spring Court disappeared from their field of vision. The violet-eyed fae and the blue-syphoned Illyrian half-turned to Luxiana, still in Cassian's arms, to give her a surprised look. 

For Rhysand, surprise was mixed with admiration, for Azriel it was mixed with anger. Cassian's grip on Luxiana's belly would loosen slightly, but the young woman still couldn't touch the ground, her legs and arms dangling in the air. Cassian just couldn't bring himself to let her go. 

She crossed her arms, squinting as she gently glared at Rhysand and Azriel facing her. “Did you see the way he talks about you? You should have let me smash his face, he deserves nothing but that.”

Rhysand raised an eyebrow, still staring at her strangely, but a smirk emerged on his lips. He turned fully towards her and took a few steps in her direction. “Are you defending my honor, Miss?” His voice was more playful, admiring and confident than he would have liked to show her, but he couldn't hide his excitement. “And for what reason? Everything they say is true, you know.”

Luxiana frowned, recoiling with her head hitting Cassian's torso. “Oh, but I couldn't care less about all the atrocities you've committed, my lord.”

The three Illyrians widened their eyes.

“I don't care if everything that's just been said about you is true, the only thing that's certain for me is that you saved Feyre’s life and from that moment on, you earned my complete loyalty. So no matter how horrible and cruel you are, no matter if you're the most evil fae in this country, I'll defend you and your honor until my body won't let me or until you do something bad to Feyre that outweighs saving her life.”

She was breathless from the stream of words that had poured from her mouth and which she hadn't been able to hold back from saying with glaring determination and sincerity. Her bun was now even more undone, the strands of her hair hanging around her face giving her a wild look, but it was the brilliant gaze, with which she pierced Rhysand, that made her the most beautiful woman in the world in his eyes. No one had ever protected Rhysand, not like this. Some people had protected him physically, but no one had protected his honor, especially not by being a fragile young human. 

Azriel burned with a mixture of anger and admiration. She was a brave little woman, daring to defend a powerful fae twice her size, but above all she was completely mad and suicidal. If they hadn't been there to protect her, she'd have been injured and might even have died. Azriel broke out in a cold sweat; his soul mate was completely unconscious and had no instinct for self-preservation. He was going to have to be very careful with her. 

Cassian tightened his grip around Luxiana's belly. His body hummed with admiration. She had so much guts. She was so brave to have thrown herself headfirst against a fae twice her size and at least thirty times more powerful. And the bright, life-filled look in Rhysand's eyes warmed her heart. She apparently had the gift of warming them from head to toe in more ways than one.

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 4 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you like it! Don't hesitate to let me know if you prefer the OC to become y/n and/or gender neutral.

Also, I apologize for any mistakes you might find, I'm just a French girl doing her best with Google Translate and her average score of 5 in English classe.

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Happy reading!

Chapter 4

Luxiana laughed silently as she made an apologetic face at the three Illyrians, asking them silently to forgive Nesta's behavior. 

They sat down around the table, leaving Tamlin's sleeping body on the ground, which Lucien and Feyre had gently put his back against a wall, waiting for him to wake up. Nesta had taken her place at the end of the table, and Elain at her side soon found herself facing Lucien. Feyre positioned herself at the redhead's side and Rhysand, to Feyre's dismay, took his place beside her. Cassian and Azriel sat in front of them, with Luxiana at the end of the table between Rhys and Cassian.

Dinner was very tense. Nesta didn’t stop throwing cutting remarks at Feyre and Lucien defended her, although he was quieter with Elain, to whom he only gave blushing glances. 

As for Cassian, Rhysand and Azriel, who understood nothing of the animosity between the sisters, remained silent, not caring how Feyre was treated or what had happened to them. That said, giving sideways glances at the pretty blonde at their side, the three Illyrians could see that she’d lowered her head. Their soulmate seemed saddened by the quarrel between the three Archerons, and this was what made them curious and wanting to know more about the situation. 

Azriel tried to find out more and Elain vaguely explained that they didn’t take care of Feyre when they should have. Cassian was irritated to see the situation impact his soul mate, so he wasn’t able to restrain himself from throwing bad remarks at the viper who was their host. Rhysand, as a good high lord, had to contain his anger despite wanting to do the same as Cassian, and so, he deviates the conversation to the subject of the queens, the meeting and the letter he would like to send them. 

Luxiana kept her eyes focused on her plate, her head bowed, her eyes sad. She didn’t listen to any of the conversation, her thoughts still focus on what Feyre told her she'd been through in the past few months. She was sad, and she knew she couldn't totally hide her sadness when she raised her head from time to time to pretend to listen to the sisters' words, but she couldn't stop her heart from breaking. She had let Feyre suffer. She failed to protect her despite the fact that Feyre saved her life. She couldn't make the same mistake again. She couldn't let Feyre go back on the other side of the wall. At least, not alone. 

“Write the letter to the queens, Elain and I will go post it tomorrow. We're leaving,” said Nesta, rising from the table with an air of disdain that allowed Luxiana to shake her head and come back to herself. “Luxiana will show you your rooms.” 

They both disappeared, allowing the atmosphere in the room to lighten a little. 

Feyre turned a somewhat shocked gaze on Luxiana, realizing something. “Do you live here?”

Luxiana nodded, smiling. “They offered it to me when they realized I was sticking to them all the time. Besides, I'd almost settled here in spite of them anyway, so it was easier to keep an eye on them.”

“Wow,” exclaimed Cassian with shining eyes, “you've managed to charm that viper?” 

He was undoubtedly talking about Nesta, which caused Luxiana to burst out laughing uncontrollably. 

Cassian began to feel pride swell in his chest at the hilarity he had provoked in the blonde. Azriel couldn't believe her ears. How was it possible to have such a melodious laugh and look so beautiful? Rhysand had to hold on to the table with both hands, his whole body tickling. 

“Do you doubt my capacity for seduction, Commander of the Armies? I can charm anyone when I want to,” Luxiana said with a smirk, winking at the brunette with the red siphons.

Cassian had to brace himself to keep the member between his thighs from swelling. This woman was his soul mate, damn it, he could feel it in his bones, in his heart, under his skin. 

Azriel felt a wave of jealousy and anger devour him from the inside. He didn't want her to charm anyone, just him, and she'd already succeeded very well.

Cassian was his best friend, but Rhysand could have sworn he'd have ripped his skin off if he wasn't also his soulmate's mate.  

“You haven't changed a bit,” exclaimed Feyre.

“What?” smiled Luxiana, already knowing full well what her best friend was going to say.

“Stop flirting with everyone,” mocked Feyre. 

The three brothers couldn't help but tense up even more, gritting their teeth. They really didn't like hearing that their mate had already flirted with men before them. They felt even more irritated than before. Although Cassian's ego took a whack at the understanding that she didn’t only flirt with him and that he has then nothing special, his disappointment was rapidly replaced by sharp anger and all-consuming frustration. Azriel had the irrational urge of wanting to find her previous lovers and rip off their hands, eyes and tongues. Rhysand had to restrain his power to explode around him and kill every man in the land because some of them had once laid eyes on his soul mate. 

No matter how much they tried to reassure themselves that this woman was far too charming to have never had a relationship before, the idea that other men had already laid hands on her seemed to plunge them into an incomprehensible rage. They were so jealous that it made them feel as if they were being torn into a thousand little pieces. It was a completely strange, crazy and incoherent sensation. Illyrians were possessive, but the way they were with that girl although they didn't even know her was already far too insane. As if they could feel more emotions than before... As if… As if their feelings were multiplied by three. 

***

Luxiana gave a room to Feyre, who hoped to be joined by Tamlin during the night, and left Lucien in another room with a polite smile. 

“Are the three of you going to sleep together?” asked Luxiana, opening the door to the largest room in the house to allow the Illyrians access.

“Yes, as we don't know the place, it would be safer for us to stay together,” replied Rhysand. 

The three brothers entered the room, examining it from floor to ceiling, then turned back to the blonde unable to take their eyes off her for too long.

“Unless you invite me to sleep in your room,” Cassian whispered seductively to the blonde.

Luxiana returned his expression. She really wasn't intimidated by Cassian or his obvious way of flirting with her, and he loved it. 

“My room's at the end of the corridor, you can sleep there if you want, but unfortunately I won't be there tonight.” 

The three Illyrians froze, tensing their muscles, trying to hide their irritation. Why the hell wouldn't she be in her room tonight? Whose room would she be in?  

“Are you leaving?” questioned Azriel, frowning and gritting his teeth.

“Indeed, I must...” Luxiana began hesitantly, “...go and do something.”

“In the middle of the night?” grumbled Rhysand, squinting with incomprehension. “What kind of thing do you have to do?”

The blonde lowered her eyes for a second, her empty gaze shining with a glint of sadness. “The kind of thing that's not going to do me any good if you ask me, but... I've got things to elucidate before…”

She shook her head before saying too much. She didn't know if she could trust them, and anyway, what she was going to do with her life, how much she wanted to protect Feyre or the goodbyes she was going to give tonight were none of their concern.

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel didn't like this at all. Luxiana remained mysterious about her occupations and distorted by a bitter taste of jealousy on their palates and a vice in their guts, they felt like they had a bad feeling. They really didn't like it.

“Isn't it dangerous for humans to walk alone in the streets in the middle of the night, especially for a woman as pretty as you?” asked Cassian, clasping his hands behind his back so he could clench his fists without her noticing.

Luxiana shrugged mockingly. “It is, but I'm in a good mood today, I shouldn't be attacking anyone.” 

Cassian smiled for a second, he loved her confidence, but he soon lost it. He and his brothers were no longer in the mood for laughter either. 

“Will you be alone?” asked Azriel in a much colder intonation than he would have liked. 

Luxiana squinted and gritted her teeth, shivering. Part of her didn't like the tone, but another thought it was far too sexy. “You three do ask a lot of questions,” she remarked suspiciously as she crossed her arms, forcing herself to scowl. She didn't understand their curiosity or the point of all their questions, and then suspiciously thought they were trying to get some compromising information.

Azriel's anger buzzed in his ears. Why was she being so secretive about her destination and intentions? Was she meeting another man? Someone she would love more than him and who already took his heart? He gritted his teeth. 

The irritating mix of feelings Cassian was trying to contain as best he could was insane. He couldn't stop the flow of anger and frustration inside him. He knew all these questions were intrusive, especially for people who didn't know each other, and he didn't want to sound indiscreet, but damn it, it was killing him not to know where she was going or what she was going to do.

Rhysand held back a grimace as he noticed the young woman's discomfort and realized they'd gone much too far, “Let's just say we don't want anything to happen to a woman as charming as you coming to our aid.”

Luxiana had to lower her eyes and head for a moment, biting her tongue to stop herself from blushing. She didn't believe his concern for a second, but the way he'd tilted his head and leaned forward toward her with a piercing gaze had the merit of warming her cheeks.

She raised her head with a confident look, forcing herself to appear self-assured “Your concern is touching, but don't worry, I'm used to it. I'll be back at dawn. Have a good night.”  She wasted no more time, going out of the room, and closing the door behind her, leaving shocked and angered Illyrians there.

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel said nothing more, standing with swinging arms in the middle of the room. Each of them struggled with the irrational urge to follow their soulmate, whom they barely knew, to make sure she was all right and didn't go off with another man.

“We should follow her,” Azriel gave up first.

“No, we can't penetrate into her intimacy like that,” Rhysand remarked reluctantly, his own insides making him pay. He needed so much to follow her, to touch her, to feel her. His whole body was burning all over, clamoring to be near her, but he knew full well it was overstepping his rights and interfering in her privacy. “She said she was used to it, so there's no reason for us to worry.”

“Speak for yourself I've got a whole bunch of reasons running through my head right now,” Cassian retorted with a worried look, his breathing suddenly panting. He plopped down on the bed and rested his forearms on his thighs, despite one of his legs jumping up and down in a hurry. “It's been months since we haven’t seen you smile, Rhys. Ever since you came back, you've been like a ghost, but there, in front of her, you gave the impression of being you again, of being alive again.”

Rhysand didn't answer, his gaze still focused on the door where his soulmate had just left him. He knew his brother was right. This woman was his mate, and the burst of life she had awakened in his chest was doing him a world of good. He felt alive again. Ever since he'd laid eyes on her, Rhysand was breathing. He was breathing, for God's sake. She'd given meaning to everything he'd experienced. Everything. He didn't even know her yet, and yet the mere words he'd exchanged with her had already filled him with excitement. 

Azriel also detailed Rhysand. Cassian was right, Rhysand hadn't behaved like this since he'd returned. The Illyrian with the blue siphons was very worried about his brother and what he must have gone through under the mountain. It pleased him to see that Rhysand seemed to be coming back to life a little thanks to this girl, but it drove him crazy with rage because he too felt alive thanks to her. He would always sacrifice his happiness for his brother's, especially after what one of them has been through for fifty years, even if it made him tired to have to do it, he'd have done it. He would have left his brother the woman he loved. But here, with her, his soul mate, he simply couldn't think of not having her, even if it was at his brother's cost. She was his. 

Cassian looked at his two brothers in turn. He could almost read their minds and know what they wanted. Luxiana. She was their soulmate. He knew they felt strange things for this girl, something beyond simple attraction because he felt the same way they did. This woman intrigued them. Her mind and body reacted in a thousand ways in her presence. Hell, there was no doubt about it. Especially not the way her body tingled whenever she laid eyes on him, or the way his mouth burned with the desire to taste her. And it wasn't just physical; Cassian had already been physically attracted to a woman and it had never disturbed him so much. Even now, with Luxiana gone, he still thought of her and his muscles burned with the desire to pursue her. She was everything and the only thing he and his brothers wanted, because she was their soulmate. 

“What if she's going to join another man?” growled Azriel, mad with rage and jealousy at the thought, his teeth clenched so tightly it was hurting him. 

Cassian growled as he clenched his fists, his jealousy tearing at his stomach. 

Rhysand felt the same, but his good conscience was stronger for the moment. “It's her life. We can't stop her from doing what she wants.” His words burned his tongue.  Hell, he wanted to give up and join her, but it feels so wrong. 

“We're not stopping her from doing anything, we're just making sure she doesn't get hurt,” Cassian said as he gripped the edge of the mattress, squeezing the sheets between his fists. What he just said was only part of the truth. He also wanted to make sure she didn't join another man tonight. He couldn't help it. 

Azriel was shaking, an image of a man touching that fragile little woman to hurt her emerging in his mind. “Stay here if you like, I'm going.” He threw himself at the door to open it and step out of the room.

That was all Cassian and Rhysand needed to follow him. The three of them made themselves invisible and ran silently towards Luxiana. They caught up with her in the entrance hall. They winced as they watched her rush out of the house without even putting on a coat or grabbing a cloth to cover her arms. 

Luxiana stepped into the biting cold of the night and headed for the stable to pick up a horse. When she'd seen Feyre in the house, she'd forgotten how she'd frozen to death this morning fulfilling yet another mission Kaden had given her, and how she'd promised herself to take a coat the next time she went out.

The cold was brutal this evening, but Luxiana, because of her guilt over what had happened to Feyre, accepted the wind's bite on her face and arms as a deserved punishment. Her best friend had suffered far worse under the mountain because she'd been too stupid to trust herself and that she hadn't gone to make sure she was okay. 

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel followed her, flying at a distance as silently as possible, but worry, anger and jealousy made their bodies hum loudly. Such a fragile little human should not be wandering out alone in the dark night in such cold temperatures without any protection. From where they stood, they could see her arms and face reddened by the temperature in the negative, and notice her limbs shaking violently.

Cassian had to fight with every cell in his being that urged him to throw himself at her to warm her up and bring her back to the Archerons' abode. He didn't like the idea that she had someone so important to see that was so worth putting her life on the line for. He didn't like the fact that she hadn't even thought of taking a coat. He didn't like the fact that she hadn't wanted to tell them where she was going. And fuck, he didn't like the tugging, aching sensation of his body which just wanting to take her in his arms.

Azriel was angry. She should have brought a coat. She needed to be punished for going out so late, especially if it was to join another man, so the cold was an excellent way to do it for her. But damn, it was so crazy and reckless for a young woman to be walking around half-naked in a frozen landscape. It meant that the person she was joining was more important than her own life, and the idea that it might be a man drove Azriel mad with rage. If that were the case, he'd burn every inch of this man's skin that had come into contact with his soul mate and he would make her watch.

Rhysand was worried. Humans got sick very easily. She could become seriously ill from this cold. His soul mate. His fragile, human, little soul mate. He was already so worried about her when she wasn't even his yet. A part of him - which he didn't even know how his good conscience still managed to fight - just wanted to kidnap her and lock her up in his house, where she'd be safe, cherished and loved. But he knew she wouldn't be happy, not by being forced into a place against her will. And it was knowing his soul mate was happy that mattered most to Rhysand.

Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, Luxiana disappeared. The three Illyrians froze in mid-air for a moment, before rushing down to the place where they last saw her. They put their feet down, looking in all directions, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, but she had vanished.

“What the hell?” panicked Cassian, spinning around in circles, trying to catch a clue to the disappearance of his soul mate. 

Rhysand's heart pounded in his chest and a ball of anguish crushed his gut as he prayed that nothing bad had happened to his soul mate. 

Azriel managed to keep a controlled calm, or rather a controlled panic. He noticed the footprints of the horse his soul mate took, which were still very much present in the icy white layer of the ground, despite the thick snowflakes that were falling. 

Their visibilities were reduced, but the tracks Azriel could see showed him that his soul mate had turned off to the side in one fell swoop, leaving the road and entering the dense forest ahead. 

“This way,” he told his brothers in a voice louder and sharper than necessary, a voice filled with anger and uncertainty. 

They threw themselves body and soul into the wood, following the horse's footsteps and chasing their soulmate to make sure she was all right. But the forest was too dense, the trees too close together, the grass far too tall for them to follow the trail properly and quickly, and above all, there were other tracks everywhere. Animals that had passed by and were unintentionally blurring the trail. All that, until they totally lost the track of their soulmate.

Worry, anger, guilt and frustration made them tremble. How could they lose track of her so stupidly? They felt so dumb. Their mate !

They searched everywhere for hours and hours, but they hadn't found her. Not even in the next village, where Rhysand had searched everyone's minds to see if anyone had seen her, but she had simply disappeared. 

In the end, they resigned themselves to returning to the Archerons' home, their only hope being that she knew where she was going, what she was doing and, above all, that she would come back safe.

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the chapter 3 of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you like it! Don't hesitate to let me know if you prefer the OC to become y/n and/or gender neutral.

Also, I apologize for any mistakes you might find, I'm just a French girl doing her best with Google Translate and her average score of 5 in English classe.

! Don't forget to read the previous chapters ! : Here

Happy reading!

Chapter 3

The servants had been kicked out of the house within hours. Nesta and Elain waited by the window in the large dining room, while Feyre went to open the door to the Faes. She led them through the house.

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel were burning with barely concealed excitement at the prospect of seeing their mate again, whom they had only caught a glimpse of earlier. But they still had many questions and doubts. Was she really their soulmate? Did she have character? Was her hair silky? Was her skin soft? Would she like them?

So, when they arrived in the dining room accompanied - unfortunately for them - by Tamlin and Lucien, they were more than disappointed not to see the young woman. 

Feyre had the reflex to say to herself that she had done well to choose the dining room with the high ceiling when she saw the imposing stature of the five faes in front of her sisters. They looked extremely intimidating, and the fear on Elain and Nesta's faces only confirmed her hypothesis. Feyre quickly introduced her sisters to the faes.

Nesta stood in front of Elain in a protective gesture, while Elain kept herself from fainting.

“And where's your other sister? Luxiana,” asked Rhysand, trying to sound as detached as possible. 

Feyre squinted for a moment. Rhysand was looking at every corner of the room and had used a peculiar tone as if he were asking the question out of curiosity, but she had clearly seen how Cassian and Azriel had frozen and strained their ears waiting for the answer.

Her best friend was beautiful and she knew it. In other circumstances, knowing she'd made a great impression on these three faes might have made her smile if it weren't for those three evil faes over there.

“She's not my sister, she's my best friend,” replied Feyre. “And she makes sure the last member of house staff has left. She shouldn't be… long.”

Feyre had barely finished her sentence when the pretty blonde entered the room. She froze at the sight of the faes, but there was no reaction on her face. It was as if she'd expected or was used to seeing such handsome and imposing creatures.

Luxiana's expression was cold and serious, that said, and though she tried to hide it, she was tired from the tears she'd shed all afternoon and which were still glistening on her cheeks. 

This realization could have torn the hearts of the three Illyrians apart, but they were just far too caught up by the beauty of their soul mate and the dozens of strange sensations stirring in their chests to pay any more attention to anything else. Perhaps it was simply due to their mating bond, but they could have sworn that the room and the atmosphere around them had become brighter and more colorful when she entered.

Luxiana was in no way intimidated when she first laid her eyes on Azriel, slowly detailing him from head to toe. A shiver ran down her spine. He seemed cold and intimidating. It occurred to her that he was the most dangerous in the room.

Azriel had squinted in surprise and his heart had started pounding like mad in his chest when the blonde's electric blue eyes landed on him. She'd seen him first. Nobody usually saw him first, especially not when he was trying, as he was now, to blend into the shadows to be less intimidating. No, people, even the most experienced faes, usually only saw him when he decided to be seen, or just by chance out of the corner of their eye. But she had set her eyes directly on him. Without knowing why, though, the shadows that always surrounded him had gone to hide behind his back, as if it was intimidated by the young woman and her light. That said, Azriel could hear them whispering from here. ‘Our mate’, ‘Our’, ‘Mine’, they kept repeating, or perhaps it was Azriel's inner voice. 

Luxiana then slid her gaze to Rhysand and detailed him in the same way. He seemed arrogant and pretentious. He tilted his head with a smirk. He seemed confident, but a flash of playfulness shone in his eyes and Luxiana loved to play. She could only return his expression, but squinted in an attempt to see through him.

Rhysand was trying to make a good impression. He almost prayed to the cauldron that the blonde's eyes would land on him too, and when they had, he was intrigued by her reaction to him. He almost collapsed. Fortunately, he recovered so quickly that no one sawn it, but he almost fell to the ground because of the blonde that was so fucking breathtaking. In fact, that's what happened to him, he was breathless by the mere fact that this girl noticed him, and he was thanking the cauldron he was a good actor when all he wanted to do was throw himself on his knees in front of her and beg her to touch him.

Then Luxiana set her eyes on Cassian without leaving the smirk she stole from Rhysand. The last Illyrian was the most imposing of them all, the most muscular and should look the most dangerous, yet Luxiana just had the impression that he was the least intimidating. Her smile widened to the point of sympathetic mockery. She just wanted to pinch his cheeks.

When the blonde laid eyes on him, Cassian was dead. He died at least three or four times, his heart having stopped beating, then bursting violently against his chest before stopping again. He stared at the woman in front of him and could do nothing but admire her beauty. He was doing his best not to think about the obscene things he wanted to do to her lips or that irresistible urge to plunge his tongue into her dimple that had formed on his cheek at her smirk. A smile Cassian was more than eager to make her lose by kissing her until she forgot to breathe.

Although the scene and Luxiana's analysis were unfolding rapidly, time seemed to stand still and the world to stop to contemplate the encounter between the three faes and the blonde.

When their mate's eyes fell on Lucien at their side, a feeling of anger and jealousy gripped the guts of the three Illyrians. They didn't like the idea of their betrothed setting her eyes on anyone other than the three of them. It was an intense jealousy that none of them had ever felt, and it burned through their entire bodies, forcing them to clench their fists. They tried to reassure themselves that they certainly wouldn't overreact to a simple glance, but the only thing they wanted was to rip Lucien's skin off.  

Then Luxiana's gaze fell on Tamlin and she lost her smile. Her expression regained the gravity with which she had entered the room. Her eyebrows furrowed and her teeth clenched. She was annoyed. She recognized him. He was in the spring court high lord's palace when she infiltrated to find Feyre, because he was the spring court high lord. It was because of him that her best friend had ended under the mountain and had to go through all those atrocities. He did nothing to save her, and perhaps he could have done nothing other than what he'd already done to protect her, but it wasn’t enough. It wasn't enough for Luxiana. 

Explosive anger bubbled in the blonde's chest. She clenched her fists as she took long strides towards Tamlin.

“You,” she spat, pointing at him.

Tamlin winced, raising both hands in the air and rolling his eyes. This human was driving him out of his mind uncontrollably and he would love to shut her up, but she was the person Feyre cared about the most so he had to try and calm things down. 

“Listen,” he began, only to be interrupted by a monstrous slap from Luxiana.

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel were initially surprised by the anger that emerged on the pretty blonde's face. Firstly, because they found her even sexier that way, but also because she seemed far too sweet, affectionate and innocent to feel that kind of negative emotions. So when she fearlessly slapped the high lord of the spring court, they could only admire the bravery of this human girl who just provoked a powerful fae almost twice her size in length and breadth. 

Tamlin, who looked as if his ego was bruised by being slapped by a human, was wide-eyed at first, before turning his murderous gaze on Luxiana. Without waiting, she wanted to slap him again, but Tamlin fiercely grabbed her wrist before she could reach his cheek.

Tamlin let out a menacing growl which snapped the three brothers out of their contemplation. How dare he touch her ? If he just thought a second of hurting her, the three Illyrians knew that anything would stop them for tearing him to pieces, no matter what that meant for the Spring Court or the Night Court. The three of them were about to throw themselves between him and her to protect their mate from the bastard, but before they could even move, she gave him an impressively forceful calf kick to his genitals.

Tamlin fell to his knees as he released her, hands between his thighs as he groaned in pain with such power it sounded like he could cry. 

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel froze, then exploded with laughter. Admiring to see so much anger and courage in such a small body as Luxiana's. 

Rhysand laughed. He was laughing, and he hadn't laughed in fifty years.

The blonde didn't even give them any attention, far too focused on killing Tamlin with her eyes.

“It's all your fault!” she shouted at the kneeling blond. “Feyre has suffered because of you!”

“Luxiana,” Feyre called out, grabbing her by the arm and trying to pull her back. 

Feyre knew that Luxiana was angry and that she thought Tamlin was responsible for everything that had happened to her, and although a part of her had relished the beating her best friend had given to her lover, she knew she was entirely to blame. She had decided to go into the mountains to save him, even though he had kept her away to protect her. She still had nightmares about it, but it was in no way Tamlin's fault. 

Luxiana knew all that, she understood it. But she needed to throw her hatred and guilt on someone other than herself. She was the only one who failed to protect Feyre. She would have died under that mountain if Rhysand hadn't been there.

So Luxiana gently extricated herself from Feyre's grip and moved closer to Tamlin. The latter stood up abruptly, growling, anger distorting his face. He towered over Luxiana.

“Tam, stop,” Lucien advised worriedly.

“I am a high lord,” Tamlin hissed through clenched teeth, ignoring his friend, ”I forbid you to disrespect me like that.”

The scene had the merit of calming Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel, who regained their seriousness. Their fists clenched until their knuckles turned white. 

“Oh, you poor thing,” scoffed Luxiana.

“I could snap your neck like a twig,” threatened Tamlin with a glare as she took a step towards her.

Azriel growled an animal sound far more violent than the one Tamlin had uttered, Cassian took a step forward to grab Luxiana by the elbow and place her behind him and Rhysand took a step forward. 

“I'd advise you to be extremely careful about what you say and who you threaten if you don't want me to rip out your tongue and give it to that girl as an apology trophy,” Rhysand growled in a deep voice with a threatening cold face.

Luxiana opened her mouth wide as she detailed the three imposing Illyrians who had stood in front of her to protect her from the high lord of the spring court. She had no need of protection, but she loved the fact that they protected her without even knowing her, and she loved even more the hatred that burned in their eyes as they looked at Tamlin. These faes seemed to hate Tamlin as much as she did, which made them Luxiana's best allies. 

Tamlin petrified, but an angry grimace twitched his nostrils and distorted his expression. Luxiana noticed that he had tensed up and was clenching his fists. He seemed to be afraid of the violet-eyed high lord who had just come to her defense, which meant that this fae was more powerful than Tamlin. Everything lit up in Luxiana's mind.

The blonde was well aware of the animosity that reigned between the lords of the courts, but she sensed that the three brown haired males were just waiting for a good reason to attack Tamlin. They had now irrevocably become her best allies and were, above all, faes capable of hurting Tamlin more than she was, especially as she didn't want to cause her best friend's husband too much pain, even though she was dying to do it. 

Luxiana shifted slightly from Cassian's body to put her head between the Illyrian's imposing wings and the violet-eyed fae's body.

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel heard her move and turned to look at her. 

“Yeah, watch your mouth or they'll beat the shit out of you,” said Luxiana haughtily.  

The blonde's words made the three Illyrians smile uncontrollably, their chests lifting with pride as they raised their heads. There was no doubt that they loved what their soulmate was implying: that she felt safe with them and that they looked stronger and more intimidating than Tamlin. 

The high lord of the spring court glared menacingly at Luxiana and growled a warning. 

Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel's blood ran cold. How dare he look at her again? Rhysand unleashed his power without warning. Tamlin collapsed.

“Tamlin,” cried Feyre, throwing herself on top of her husband.

“He's not dead,” said Rhysand disinterestedly, without even looking at Feyre. “He's just asleep. And it'll be better for everyone that he remains until tomorrow.”

She glared at Rhysand, who didn't even calculate her, then at Luxiana. 

“What? You heard him, he'll get over it,” the blonde huffed, rolling her eyes. 

Feyre wasn't really surprised by her best friend's behavior. She'd always had guts and a fiery attitude. She was impulsive and always regretted her actions afterwards, that said, she didn't like seeing the man she loved down, unconscious because of her best friend.

Feyre huffed. Her face was contorted with worry as she tenderly stroked Tamlin's hair.

The three Illyrians turned to Luxiana, who was staring at Tamlin's body with pursed lips and a mocking expression. When she realized they were looking at her, she detailed them in turn for a moment, crossing her hands behind her back and smiling innocently with all her teeth. They were beautiful, and Luxiana only noticed it now as she detailed the three of them again quickly. They were the most beautiful creatures she had ever seen. Ever. 

The blonde returned her gaze to the pointy-eared fae, and the instant her blue pupils plunged into his violet eyes, Rhysand was electrified from head to toe. 

“You're the high lord of the night court, aren't you?” asked Luxiana, squinting her eyes to detail him further. 

She was asking, but she had no doubt. In any case, there was only one high lord who terrified all the others, and that was him. 

Rhysand nodded with a smirk and an air of pride. He loved the idea of this woman knowing him.

“You're the one who helped Feyre under the mountain,” she added. 

Rhysand lost his smile at the memory and the surprise. He hadn't expected her to bring up the subject. He nodded, not sure what else to do. 

“Helping is a big word,” Feyre grumbled, laying her lover's head on her lap.

Luxiana smiled without taking her eyes off Rhysand. 

“Don't pay any attention to what she says,” she rolled her eyes and smiled. “I understand that without you, Feyre would be dead.” 

She held out her hand with a gentle, sympathetic smile that made Rhysand swallow loudly.

“My name is Luxiana and thank you,” she added. “Thank you for saving my best friend.” 

Rhysand had no reason to take this woman's hand, no merit in doing so, yet he couldn't resist touching her. He reached out to squeeze the blonde's palm and was far too disturbed by the simple contact, which electrified him entirely. 

He leaned towards her to bring his face closer to the blonde's, trying to ignore the pleasant sensation of her slender hand in his.

“I didn't do it for her,” he whispered.

Luxiana chuckled, lowering her head. “It doesn't matter who you did it for, you did it, and that's what counts. It may not mean much to you, but you saved the life of the person I love most. I owe you a lot for that. I sincerely do. Thank you.”

Rhysand straightened in surprise. He had unknowingly saved the person his soulmate loved the most? She seemed sincere, and he wasn't sure why, but her thanks lifted a heavy weight from his shoulders and allowed him to take a deep, invigorating breath. Suddenly, everything that had happened under the mountain didn't matter that much if it meant he could receive the thanks of his mate. If it prevents his soul mate from suffering. If it allows him to meet his soul mate. 

“A human may not be able to give you much, but if one day you do need something,” she continued, leaning towards him with a smile, “oh great and powerful high lord of the night court Rhysand, and I will do my best to help you.” 

Rhysand laughed. He knew exactly what he'd like to ask her, but had no idea how to do it without sounding indecent or forcing her to do something. 

“Only my enemies call me Rhysand, call me Rhys,” demanded the high lord, keeping Luxiana's hand in his, impossible to tear himself away from her touch.

Luxiana smiled with all her teeth, bringing out two dimples that drove Rhysand mad and incoherent. Unconsciously, he tightened his grip on the blonde's hand to try to regain composure and not pounce on her, doing things to that mouth that would even make Azriel blush. 

Realizing that her hand was still into the lord's one, the blonde extricated herself from his grip. Rhysand had to fight the unpleasant feeling that a piece of himself was being torn away when she retrieved his hand, and had to grit his teeth to keep from taking it back. 

“Very well, oh high lord of the night court Rhys,” she teased him. “Don't hesitate.”

Cassian laughed and Azriel and Rhysand smiled.

“Mocking a fae lord,” remarked Cassian, ”you've really got guts. Do you know who we really are and how powerful we are?”

Unconcealed pride swelled the Illyrian's chest as Luxiana laughed and looked back at him. He loved it when she looked at him. 

“I've got an idea,” declared Luxiana. “You're Cassian, the commander of the armies.”

She returned her gaze to Azriel, who froze from head to toe, trying not to appear tense.

“And you're Azriel, the spy master.” 

She returned her gaze to the Illyrian with the red siphon.

“I've heard about you,” she continued.

And it was true. She had heard of them. The strongest Illyrians and the lord of the night court. All the rumors about them weren't very nice to hear. 

“Rumors say you're terrifying, that your people are unhappy and that you even torture children.”

A muscle twitches in Rhysand's jaw. Normally, these rumors about him making his people miserable didn't bother him and that's why he didn't waste his time contradicting them - it served his interests too well against his enemies - but today, he hated the idea of this woman thinking of him in this way.

“And you believe them?” asked Rhysand with a sudden cold voice. 

Luxiana smirked.

“I don't know yet, but to tell you the truth,” she replied, “you're not as intimidating as the rumors say. In fact, you're not at all.”

Cassian raised an eyebrow in astonishment. This little piece of woman didn't find them intimidating, even though she was probably as small as Amren and a fragile human with no powers. Did she have guts or simply no instinct for self-preservation?

“Well, except him,” she continued, pointing at Azriel, “he's intimidating. Well, a little bit.”  

Azriel squinted. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. He certainly liked the fact that he appeared more intimidating than his brothers and would be harping on them for a long time, but he certainly didn't like the fact that he was scaring the one who was undoubtedly his soul mate. He almost cursed himself that this was the case, but it wasn't fear that trailed in the blonde's blue eyes when she set them on him, but intrigue. If Azriel intimidated her, she loved it, and this realization could only make him smile. He loved having that effect, especially on this woman.

“What's he got that we don't?” vexed Cassian, directly wounded in the ego. 

Not that he'd like the idea of intimidating his mate, but that normally shouldn't be the case for all three of them. 

Luxiana smiled, hilarious in anticipation of what she was about to say and knowing full well what it meant to Illyrians.

“He got bigger wings.”

Cassian and Rhysand made big eyes at Azriel, who burst out laughing. 

“What?” gasped Cassian. “No, he did not.” 

Luxiana pursed her lips to keep from laughing and had to lower her head so they wouldn't notice. 

“That's enough,” raged Nesta, “enough wasted time. The cook has left us a meal. Let's eat so it'll be over quicker.”