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ruhnweek · 6 months ago

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Fall From Grace

Insert with: Ruhn Danaan

Reader: Female (she/her)

Words: 1300+

Warnings: (spoilers for the story ahead) cheating?

A/N: Last day of Ruhn Week 2024! (sorry it took an extra day!) The prompt is "Fall from Grace". @ruhnweek

And thanks so much to the fabulous @cadiawrites for the great event. You've awakened a monster, but it was a helluva lot of fun to write with all of you.

Ruhn Danaan had always believed his relationship with you was built on trust. How wrong he had been. He knocked back his third drink of the night, but it wasn’t even touching the image of you that tarred his mind is sticky webs. He’d seen you, and he couldn’t make it go away.

“Yo, Prince Charming.”

Ruhn didn’t have to look for the owner of the shout. He had planted himself right in front of him, standing tall against the backdrop of The White Raven.

Ruhn glared at him. He was not drunk enough for this. "What do you want?"

The male met his glare without flinching. "We need to talk."

“We’ve got nothing to talk about.”

The male prodded, “Y/N?”

“Don’t say her name.” Ruhn’s eyes flashed.

“What? You think ignoring her will make it all go away?”

“You don’t know anything about me.” He did not need a lecture from the dude you were screwing behind his back.

“I know you’re a shitty boyfriend.”

“And what are you? Her knight in f*cking armor?” Ruhn grabbed a shot from a passing waiter’s tray and downed it.

“I’m not supposed to be, but when the prince is too scared to even get on the horse…”

He was baiting him. Ruhn knew it. And he hated that it was working. "I saw you two. At the Aux. After hours."

"And you think I want to screw her? Don't make me sick."

Ruhn snapped to his feet. “Watch it.”

"Oh, feeling protective, are you?" the male jeered. "What right do you have to act like that? You're so wrapped up in your jealousy, you can't see straight."

“I can see just fine.”

“Really?” He laughed. “Only a blind fool would think that girl could cheat on you. She adores you. It’s why she’s such a fucking coward.”

“Don’t talk about her like that,” Ruhn snapped, shoving him. He stumbled on the one stair down from the VIP area.

When he straightened, he was still taller than Ruhn but at least he didn’t tower over him anymore. “Wow, I mean, I get it. I wouldn’t tell you anything either.”

“What?” he bit out.

“If this is how you react?”

His fist had connected with his face before Ruhn could stop it. Fueled by alcohol and rage, it surprised even him.

“Feel better?” the male asked.

No. He didn’t. But it was like all the fury had been expelled from his body. And suddenly he could hear the words he had said. “What hasn’t she been telling me?”

The male pointed at him. “See? You don’t even know. You’ve been too busy assuming the worst to even talk to her.”

He was right. You’d come to him the morning after, days ago, tried to talk to him. You didn’t know why he was acting this way. It’s not like he had burst into the room when he’d seen you and this guy at the Aux. He’d hid in the shadows like a fucking coward and then just walked away.

“You’re right.” He admitted. And just like that, all the heightened energy surrounding them was gone. Maybe it was never there. Maybe it had always been in his head. "Take me to her."

Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Just like that?"

"Just like that."

Charlie studied him for a moment then motioned for him to follow.

He took him to a hidden, back-alley bar hall in the heart of the city. As they entered, Ruhn’s eyes caught sight of the stage. It was set up with a drum set, a couple of guitars, and a handful of mics. It was the bare set-up, but it was the set-up for a band.

You sat on the edge with two other women. Your feet pulled up to your chest, and he could tell you were upset. Ruhn’s heart tightened.

The male shoved a chair out of the way and the loud screech drew immediate attention. You were on your feet in a heartbeat, no doubt seeing the black eye, shrieking, "What the hell happened?"

"Ask your boyfriend,” he growled, brushing past you.

You turned to find Ruhn standing in the doorway. His name was the only word that fell from your mouth.

Ruhn stepped forward, his eyes tracking you. You had every right to kick him out of there. "Dude tracked me down. I need to talk to you."

You wrapped your arms around yourself. Ruhn felt guilty as hell. "I thought you were cheating on me. With him," he added, gesturing.

“With Charlie?” Charlie raised an eyebrow when you looked at him incredulously. “Ruhn, no. Charlie and I are just friends. He is very gay and—”

Ruhn's eyes widened in surprise, eyes shooting to the man in question. "He’s gay?"

Charlie snorted. "Really, really gay. And happily married, I might add." He wiggled his finger, the gold of his wedding band twinkling.

“And even if he wasn't, I would never—” You couldn’t even say it. “I love you, Ruhn."

You stepped closer to Ruhn, taking both his hands in yours. "I'm sorry I made you doubt us. I was scared to tell you about all of this.”

“All of what?”

“All of this,” you repeated, gesturing to the stage.

Ruhn glanced at the stage again, seeing where the male—Charlie—was pulling a bass guitar into his lap. He breathed in the realization. “You’re in a band.”

“And a damn good songwriter,” Charlie called from his stool. He muttered something else that Ruhn couldn’t hear.

You were blushing when Ruhn met your eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Part of me worried I would be fun rebellion against your father. And then, I worried that it wouldn’t be a good look for you, the Crown Prince dating a rock star. And I didn’t want to make trouble for you with your dad…” She trailed, and then whispered. “But really, I was just afraid of what you would think.”

Ruhn reached out to cup your face in his hands. "I can go, if you want me to.”

“No,” you said too quickly, and he smiled. Calmer, you added, “Stay. I want to show you. We’re practicing for the concert.”

Charlie called out, "Not that we need it."

"Concert?"

“It’s a big deal,” you emphasized over your shoulder. "We've got two other bands doing songs with us, and they're kicking out that back wall for the expanded hall. There's a huge waitlist, and there’s talk of them airing it on TV—"

"And now, I’ll be in the front row.” Ruhn's heart swelled with pride. You were nervous. It was cute. He bent for a kiss, your lips warm against his.

"Yuck, you two. Get a room."

The little redhead behind the drums hit Charlie with a drumstick and piped up. "Would you like a preview, Prince Ruhn?"

Ruhn turned to you. "Absolutely."

You looked a little less nervous once you saw his big smile. He pecked your lips before you jogged off to claim your spot.

“Got any requests?” Charlie called. He was teasing him—knowing Ruhn wouldn’t know any of your songs—but Ruhn had an answer.

“Play me your favorite. Your favorite you’ve ever performed.”

He learned later, the song you played was set for premiere at the concert. He was the first one outside the band to hear it, and that made up for every perceived slight he’d ever thought. It had bothered him that night, seeing you and Charlie sharing music when he had thought the worst. Ruhn knew you loved music, and it had bothered him to hear you say to the male that the song you were sharing was your favorite. Because Ruhn hadn’t known what it was.

But now he did.

(A/N: If you're interested, this is the song she played.)

#ruhnweek24 #prince ruhn x you #prince ruhn x reader #ruhn x reader #crescent city fanfiction #crescent city x reader #ruhn crescent city

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ruhnweek · 6 months ago

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okay, i lied. it’ll be monday when all the master lists are up and running 😭😆

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ruhnweek · 6 months ago

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A New King

Ruhn x reader

Notes: Happy last day of @ruhnweek ! For Ruhn’s fall from grace I thought what would cause him to be disowned. Could he finally have partied too hard? Spent too much of daddy’s money? But none of that would piss the Autumn King off or make him pay attention to Ruhn. What would really piss the Autumn King off is if Ruhn started getting into politics, shadowing his father, attending important meetings.

Getting into a large disagreement about how to rule the Valbaran and Avallen Fae, the Autumn King casts his son out. Angry and on his own, Ruhn leaves Lunathion with his most loyal subjects following him. Establishing his new rule in the north, just outside of Nena, the rogue prince starts his campaign for his father’s throne. Ruhn is looking for alliances, even if it means getting married. The prince will go to any lengths to take down his father.

Warnings: none

Watching the snow covered country side blur past the car window you fidget with the fur gloves in your hands. Your winter ensemble was fit for a princess, which made sense, as you were going to be one in a week.

The maid had dressed you in a snow blue dress, heeled boots of the same color. Diamonds dangled from your ears with the matching pendant around your neck. The set was a gift from Ruhn, along with the promise of a ring to match.

You had been counting down the minutes until you would arrive at King Ruhn’s stronghold. Once a headquarters for the Asteri they abandoned, Ruhn thought it the perfect place to take up residence. It was out of reach from his father and any unwanted visitors would surely die of frostbite or hypothermia if they didn’t travel in from the main road, which was heavily guarded.

You were getting closer now. The increase of military vehicles on the side of the road gave away your proximity. When Ruhn left Lunathion he took a good chunk of the Aux and the 33rd with him. Once the news broke of the war between the king and his son more defected to his side, including some of the Asteri’s army.

Whether the Asteri sent the soldiers or not remained a mystery to the public. Questions ran through your mind when your parents told you they were allying with Ruhn. Would the Asteri let this happen? Would the fae and the city change for the better? You had even more questions when they told you you’d be his bride.

You had no issue about marrying Ruhn, besides the fact that your parents just gave you up without warning. Ruhn wasn’t cruel or crazy. You had never really thought he was serious about ruling in all honesty.

Your family was the wealthiest and oldest fae families after Ruhn’s. They had power and influence, everything the new king was looking for. Clearly your parents liked his idea of ruling better than the Autumn King’s. Otherwise you’d still be at home in the city, not hiding away in the country side.

The car pulled to a stop a little ways away from the entrance, parking near a row of military vehicles. Your nerves had your stomach in knots. Taking a deep breath you slip your gloves back on in anticipation of the few minutes you’d be outdoors.

“Ready?” Your mother asks enthusiastically. Shooting her a nasty scowl you open the door, sliding out of the black SUV.

Looking around you spot angels and fae dressed in thick winter wear, checking crates and cars, standing guard armed with guns and knives strapped to their thighs.

The old metal doors creaked open, catching your attention. A familiar looking red headed female makes her way over to you, her smile dazzling and welcoming. “Hello, I’m Bryce Quinlan, the king’s second hand.” She said in greeting, clearly very pleased with what her brother is doing. “You must be y/n. I’m here to take you to Ruhn.” You slightly bow to her, “It’s wonderful to meet you Bryce. Thank you for greeting us.”

“Come, I don’t want to keep him. The King has a packed schedule unfortunately today so you might not see him again until dinner.” Bryce turns to lead you and your parents into the stronghold.

Walking through the halls you expected the place to be more run down. It was quite the opposite, everything was polished and pristine. Everything was updated to be more modern looking from the flooring to the first lights.

Before you knew it you were all entering the “throne room”. Bryce had used air quotes when describing it because it wasn’t exactly that. More of a meeting room with a slightly larger chair for Ruhn. He was intent on an ostentatious display of power. You figured it was to not be anything like his father, which you respected him for.

Bryce cleared her throat, breaking up the conversation between Ruhn and three males you didn’t know. The one with angel wings gave the princess a loving look, only snapping on a cold look when he realized the company she was with.

The three males stood to the side, leaving the dark mysterious prince and you to just stare at each other. You couldn’t help but be captivated by his beauty. You’d only ever seen pictures of him on your phone and thought he was hot. Up close was something else. Ruhn’s blue eyes sparkled as they roved your body as your own took in each of his exposed tattoos and muscles outlined by his tight shirt.

Remembering your position you cleared your throat dipping into a small curtesy. “It’s an honor to meet you, your grace.” You didn’t know if he preferred prince or king. Ruhn, a slight smirk pulling at his full lips, bowed his head. “It’s an honor to meet you, y/n. I also want to thank you for agreeing to this, and for your support.”

“Of course,” you respond quietly. You could feel your parents staring intensely at the back of your head making your nerves return. It seemed Ruhn could sense your discomfort. Standing taller, commanding the attention of the Ruhn, all eyes went to him. “Could I have a moment alone with my bride-to-be,” he phrased it as more of a command than a question.

The three nameless males nodded along with Bryce, leaving with your parents in tow. Your mother seemed reluctant to leave you alone with Ruhn. Not for safety concerns, more because she was nosy and wanted to control the situation.

Once the doors shut and you were alone together you felt more relaxed. A shyness you had never felt before in your life took over, making your cheeks heat. Ruhn approached you, pulling out a chair for you from the long meeting table. “Thank you,” you whispered, taking a seat.

Sitting next to you he gives you a reassuring smile. “I know our marriage is not something you anticipated or even wanted. It’s a sacrifice whether you think so or not, and I will do everything in my power to make this as easy for you as possible. If there is anything you want or need please don’t be afraid to ask.” The sincerity in his voice made your heart soar.

When contemplating an arranged marriage by your parents you had always pictured them choosing a male who was stuck up and in his own world. While Ruhn is in his own world there is a kindness to him you’ve never seen in other males.

Ruhn continued asking you questions about yourself. What you went to school for, your interests, favorite foods, stuff like that. Before you knew it over an hour had passed. Staring at the clock you slightly jolted, remembering Bryce saying Ruhn had a busy schedule. “What is it?” Ruhn asks, worry lacing his tone.

“Oh, umm Bryce said you have a busy day and I didn’t mean to keep you this long,” that shyness came creeping back in, a blush dusting your cheeks again. Ruhn smiles sweetly at you. “Don’t worry about it. I am prince of this place, remember.” He teases with a raised brow, his piercing glinting in the sunlight coming through the tall windows.

“I don’t want to stress you out by thinking you’re keeping me.” He says, standing from the table and holding out his hand for you. “Come on, I’ll show you to your room.” You laced your fingers with his, letting Ruhn pull you along.

As he gave you a history of the stronghold you let your mind wander. Maybe this wouldn’t be as bad as you thought. Ruhn seemed to want to get to know you and he was quite charming. With time maybe your relationship can grow into something…more.

#crescent city fic #crescent city fanfiction #crescent city fanfic #crescent city ruhn #ruhn crescent city #prince ruhn #ruhn x reader #ruhnweek24

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ruhnweek · 6 months ago

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The Witchling (Part I)

Writer: im-a-writer—im-in-distress.tumblr.com

Insert with: Ruhn Danaan

Reader: Female (she/her)

Words: 2100+

About: Ruhn and his girlfriend are having a rough night…

Warning(s): (spoilers for this story ahead) violent fighting, character death, near death, vampirism (TVD), werewolf bite (sorry, Ruhn)

A/N: Day Six of Ruhn Week 2024! The prompt is "Night". @ruhnweek New stories all week! So, y’all can blame @danikamariewrites for this post, because that’s what gave me this idea. I was at a loss for this day until I saw that (amazing!) post. So, yeah. @danikamariewrites your fault.😏 (I’m already working on a Part II. *cough cough*)

Ruhn sat on the edge of his desk at the Aux, phone pressed to his ear. "I’m so sorry I can’t be there to see you off."

Your laughter floated through the line, a balm to his guilt-ridden mind. "Stop, it’s fine. The city needs you more than me. I can manage one night without some grand farewell."

He ran a hand through his hair. "You know I’m always here for you, right? Even when you’re out with your coven?”

"You worry too much, prince. We take care of each other.” Your heart tightened at the lie you told, your fingers tracing the edge of the blood bag hidden in your coat. “Plus, I have my own magic to protect me, remember?"

"I know, but…" He hesitated. I want to be with you. "I just hate the thought of you out there without me."

"I know," you whispered, showing your heart. "And I love that about you. But you have to trust me. I can handle myself."

"I do trust you, witchling. It’s just…” It’s dangerous. “I miss you."

Your breath hitched, the weight of your secret pressing down on you. "I miss you too, Ruhn. More than you know."

The silence between the two of you was thick, filled with half-spoken lies. You broke it first, your playful tone meant to mask the ache in your chest. "I’ll make it worth your wait."

Ruhn’s chuckle was warm as he joined in on your joke. "I’m gonna hold you to that.”

But the warmth fell flat even for himself. He knew these hunts were part of your culture, and because they were, he would never be invited to come along, but he didn't like you spending an overnight outside the city. Even if your coven was with you. “Be safe, okay?"

"Always," she replied. "I love you, Ruhn."

"I love you too, Y/N. Call me when you get back, please?"

You didn’t respond, but he heard your breathing change. “Y/N? What’s wrong?”

Ruhn heard the phone clatter to the ground, and other voices over the line. He called to you, but no one responded. Only the sound of shuffling and yelps of pain.

Your heart raced as you crouched low, shadows coiling around you like dark tendrils enveloping an egg. Your phone lay on the ground, Ruhn’s frantic voice faint in the stillness of the standoff. The creature that had knocked your phone out of your hand breathed heavily just out of sight. It stepped into the moonbeam, his eyes gleaming. It was a… human?

"Who are you?" you demanded. "What do you want?"

A hulking wolf-shifter stepped forward with a sneer. No, he was the one whose breathing you’d heard. "You’re trespassing, witch. This is our territory."

Your eyes narrowed. The Auxiliary had strict patrol zones, and you had been careful to avoid them. Sometimes that meant betraying other borders. "I'm not here for trouble. Just passing through."

"Passing through?" said another voice, dripping. An angel stepped into the dim light, his wings casting eerie shadows on the alley walls. "Looks like you’re doing more than just passing through."

Your hand closed on the empty blood bag in your pocket. “I don’t want any trouble,” you said.

But you were already in trouble. The shadows beyond these men rippled and half a dozen more of their pack stepped forward. It was a mixed pack, one developed by those exiled from their own; it was exactly the kind of unholy union your kind was meant to manage.

These packs always had something to prove. And you was their new target.

One of the shifters lunged at you, claws extended. You dodged, your body moving with heightened speed. It was fast enough to get away, but not as fast as you were capable of. Hunger gnawed at your insides, weakening you. You retaliated with a swift kick that sent the shifter sprawling back. His pack growled. They weren’t done.

"Come on, then," you said, summoning your shadow magic to envelop your attackers. Tendrils of darkness wrapped around their limbs. In your weakened state, though, the shadows couldn’t hold tight, and one by one, they broke free.

You didn’t have time to think about it. Another beast charged, jaws snapping. You sidestepped, slashing with a blade concealed in your sleeve, drawing blood. He howled, and you took a step back, your breath coming in ragged gasps. The angel watched, a cruel smile on his lips.

"Is that all you've got?" he asked in a genuine voice, then launched himself at you. You blocked and countered, but each movement was draining. The depleted blood in your veins was already a concern; without it, your strength would continue to wane.

A sharp pain exploded in your side as a shifter’s claws raked across your ribs. You staggered, barely avoiding a second blow. Your mind raced. You needed to escape. You couldn't die here, not like this. Not without seeing Ruhn again.

The angel laughed, his blade glinting as it slashed at you. You managed to land a punch that sent him reeling.

But it wasn’t enough.

Their pack of misfits surrounded you, eyes glowing. You felled one, then another, but they kept coming, relentless.

Each dodge you made, each strike you landed— They all stripped your energy, your weakened state making each step more and more unsteady. Your instincts were dulling, too, confirmed by the barrelling strike one of the shifters surprised you with. His big paws pinned you down as your blade skittered away across the pavement. His teeth bared down on you, inches from your face, when his nose caught a whiff. "You smell… different." He sniffed you again, and his pupils swelled with primal recognition. "Prey."

Your blood ran cold. They could scent your true nature. You were in over your head.

You didn’t have a choice. You let your true eyes show, glowing red in the dark. The wolf in him sneered, thrilled. But then, he faltered. Your eyes seared into his, and his body heated from the inside out. Panic threaded into his eyes. Then, he was crippling off of you, sharp cries falling out of him as his blood boiled.

You took the chance to scramble away. A heel landed on something with a crack. It was your phone, the cracked screen gone black. Ruhn… You’d forgotten about him. He’d heard all this?

"Interesting." The angel gleamed, sadistically delighted, as he stepped closer. "You're not just any witch, are you?"

“What gave me away?” You spat, pushing to your feet. The blood magic had faded from your eyes. But so had the energy you desperately needed.

The angel kicked your blade back across the pavement. It landed by your feet, but you didn’t dare take it. “Go on,” he said. “We’ll wait.

You eyed him, your muscles prepared to leap at any sign of movement, and kneeled to retrieve your blade. As soon as your fingers wrapped around it, the human—a Vanir, you realized—launched at you. He held two blades, and he wielded them well. You struggled to dodge, landing only one blow good enough to stun him. Your speed glitched behind him and you cracked his neck, letting the limp body fall.

You were breathing hard now, unable to catch your breath. This was it. You weren’t going to survive this fight. Now, you just needed to make your body as presentable as possible for when Ruhn inevitably found your corpse.

The angel hmph-ed in amusement. He stepped forward. “Let’s finish this.”

You launched at him, focusing your strength into your feet to stay balanced as you parried with each other. He was good, and tonight, you weren’t much better. Tonight, he was a worthy opponent for your last fight. He shoved you with his arm and you tripped, landing hard on your knees. “Stay down, witch.”

Pain and exhaustion threatened to overwhelm you. How could you fight when your own body was betraying you? You pushed to your feet. If this was your last, you were gonna make sure it was one hell of a fight.

Teeth sank deep into your shoulder and you cried out at the searing pain, the sound echoing in the narrow alley. Agony washed through your veins, frying every nerve ending in your body, and you collapsed under it. Terror struck you. A wolf bite. No…

‘Y/N!’ You heard your name on Ruhn’s voice crash in your mind, the first sign it was over. Your mental block had fractured and crumbled, and Ruhn knew it.

That only made this worse.

The angel laughed, a deep, haunting laugh. "Finish her," he ordered.

You lashed out, catching the angel off-guard. Your blade sliced the base of his wing, shaving feathers off to the quick. He stumbled back, cursing, but his pack was relentless. Claws and blades tore at you, your only defense to pull shadows around you like a shield. You could feel the venom spreading, your body—and your magic—growing weaker with each passing second.

One last desperate, crazy idea. Gathering the last drops of your strength and magic, you pulled the shadows tightly to ball at your chest. They resisted the tight compression, needing to be free, but you held tight, sweat and blood streaking down your skin. It took all your strength to hold them tight.

The angel towered over you, bright white under the moonlight. “Goodbye, witch,” he said, and daggered his blade down at you.

You released your hold and the shadows splintered from their confines, exploding in all directions. Their razor edges ripped through the last of your attackers. You saw the blurry image of angel wings fall to the ground as darkness overtook you.

The bullpen was in chaos, and it was all Ruhn’s fault. He had burst out of his office towards the boys when he heard the fighting on the other side of the line. He put it on speaker-phone and watched the men get white in the face.

Flynn and Ithan had wrestled with him, trying to calm him down, but the second the phone line went dead, Ruhn lost it. His roar of frustration and panic echoed through the building, silencing everyone. Flynn's grip on his arm tightened, and Ithan stepped in front of him, an attempt to calm him that didn’t do much.

"Dec, find her!" Ruhn snapped. Declan was already hunched over his station, fingers flying over the keyboard as he scanned security footage. "Check every damn camera near the gates!"

"She's with her coven, right?" Dec asked, but didn’t wait for an answer.

Ruhn's mind raced. He had to focus, had to think. Your mental block was up, and that was a good sign. It meant you were still conscious, still fighting. But it also meant he couldn't reach you, couldn't tell you he was coming. His chest tightened, helplessness crushing him.

Your agony sliced into Ruhn’s mind like a white-hot iron, the force of it physically knocking him to his knees. It was a raw, guttural sound like nothing he’d ever heard.

"Ruhn!" Flynn shouted, dropping to his side. "What's happening?"

"Y/N," Ruhn whispered, breath coming fast from the flash of your pain. You’d never spoken in his mind before. He couldn’t help the sick feeling that came with it this time. Flynn's face was a pale blur before him, eyes wide with alarm. Ithan dropped a hand on his shoulder.

"We’ll find her," Ithan said, his voice strong like he meant it. "She’ll be okay."

Ruhn nodded, swallowing hard. He forced himself to stand, unsteady on his limbs. "We need Hypaxia," he said, his voice raw. "She might know where Y/N is."

Flynn nodded, and Ithan pulled out his phone, dialing the witch-queen's number, and handed it to him. It felt like an eternity before she answered. "Where’s Aurora?" he barked. No time for pleasantries.

"Ruhn, what happened?"

"She's not with her coven, is she?"

"No," Hypaxia admitted, her voice soft. "She's alone."

Ruhn's fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles white. "Where is she?"

"I don't know, but she would've gone to her caches.” Hypaxia said. “I know where one is."

"Give me the address," he growled. He snapped his fingers at Flynn and he bolted over.

Hypaxia rattled off the address, and Ruhn relayed it to Declan, who immediately began triangulating it on his screens. "I'll meet you there," Hypaxia added. "I have the key."

"Fine," Ruhn bit out, then gave Ithan his phone back. He turned to Flynn. "You're coming with me. Ithan, keep your phone hot. I'll send you another address if she's not there."

Flynn nodded, already pulling on his coat. Declan called out from his station, "I don't see anyone on the cameras."

"She's alone," Ruhn barked, his voice echoing through the bullpen. He didn't wait for a response, didn't look back as he darted out the door.

Part II coming soon.

#ruhnweek24 #ruhn x reader #prince ruhn x reader #prince ruhn x you #crescent city fanfiction #crescent city x reader #x reader

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ruhnweek · 6 months ago

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💗💗💗

Day 7: Fall From Grace...

For: @ruhnweek

Main Masterlist

Ruhn week masterlist

Corpse Bride!AU

Ruhn fixed the collar of his jacket, anxiety cursed through his veins as he got the speech wrong for the tenth time in the past hour. Nothing seemed to work to keep him focused on the moment, and on the female in front of him. His mother and father were clearly disappointed in him and Lidia, his future wife that he barely knew anything about, was displeased with the whole ordeal.

He never intended to marry, especially at such a young age, barely 24 years old, but his parents decided he should marry a respectable rich lady, in order to impulsionate their social status as the new rich family of the region. Ruhn wasn’t ready but the Danaan name needed him.

Lidia was a sweet young lady, 20 years old and from the noble Cervos family, he wondered if she wanted to marry him or was doing it out of duty just like he did. She was a beautiful sight to see, her blonde hair was tied in a bun, a delicate corset wrapped around her frame. Her anxious golden eyes roamed around, landing on the angered figures of her parents.

The guests at the rehearsal ceremony groaned for the millionth time as Ruhn let the wedding band slip from his fingers, rolling around on the ground, spinning three times in its own axis to land in front of her mother’s feet, just underneath her skirts.

“I’m so sorry, just let me..” He said, lowering his body until he snatched the little thing, Lidia’s mother gasped in outrage, swatting him away from her. His mother fanned herself quicker, almost passing out with the behaviour of her son she swore she had educated well.

“What is wrong with you boy? Do you even want to get married?” The priest asked and Ruhn was quick to deny, perhaps too quick, as his bride lowered her eyes in shame. “We are done for the day, you should rest and as be good as new tomorrow.” The Priest emphasised the word tomorrow and Ruhn felt his skin tighten in embarrassment. This was going to be disastrous.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

As expected, his parents had scolded him until they reached their house, the ride home being excruciating under his father’s harsh gaze and the high pitched tone of his mother’s voice. He needed to be alone, so he left, his mind wandered far as he walked around town, ending up in the middle of the woods.

Owls howled in the distance, and the winds carried snowflakes around. His voice echoed through the empty space, as he practised his vows, even alone, away from everyone’s expectations he managed to get every single one of the words wrong. He groaned in frustration, walking further inside the woods.

He sat on a wood log, rubbing his face in a foolish attempt to calm himself down, reaching for the wedding band on his pocket. He saw the golden reflected by the moonlight, accompanied by the flower branch he was supposed to use on the ceremony too. Lidia deserved better than this.

Holding the branch in between his thumb and index finger, he took a deep breath, letting the flowery smell fill his mind and give the boost of confidence he needed, his family needed him and he was going to make them proud. Looking at the wedding ring, Ruhn got up, encouraged by the sudden breeze, he recited his vows.

“With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never be empty for I will be your wine.” The words flowed out of his mouth and a grin overtook his features. “With this candle, I will light your way in darkness.” He said, breaking a piece of wood and pretending it was a candle. “ With this ring, I ask you to be mine.” He said, placing the ring on a branch that looked exactly like a hand.

He had finally managed to get everything right, when he married Lidia tomorrow, everyone would be proud of him for doing his part well. Ruhn smiled, feeling the courage building up in his chest.

The winds around him started to howl, ravens flew above his head, making noises as their wings carried them in circles. A creaking noise sounded just above him, and he felt a shiver creeping up on his spine. Something grabbed his arm, pulling him down, his face touching the cold snow.

Ruhn felt fingers wrapped around his wrist, and he pushed himself away from the ground in despair, the branch that once was just a branch, wrapped itself around his skin in an iron grip, instead of wood, the awfully human looking hand was made of yellowish bones. Forcing him against the floor again, he fought with all his strength to get it to let go of him but to no avail, he was stuck.

Ruhn finally managed to free himself, in what felt like an eternity, and as he fell to his ass, panting with the effort, he saw that the hand was still glued to his wrist, he tried shaking it away in fear but it still didn’t let go.

The snow started to collapse, like someone was trying to get from underneath, his heart beated rapidly against his rib cage making it hard to breath, and he gasped in a mix of horror and surprise as a female emerged from the snow, dressed in a wedding gown.

Ruhn took in her appearance, the hollow cheeks, the blueish aspect of the corner of her lips and her eyes, a part of her cheek was missing and looking down, one of his arms didn’t have flesh anymore, just the bones, he could see a lot of bones and at the same time he was terrified of the sight in front of him, he was mesmerised, despite being clearly dead, the female was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid his eyes on. She was breathtaking.

Her voice was a sweet whisper, sending shivers down his body, like a phantom breeze when she looked at him and replied the question he didn’t even have an idea he had asked with an “I do!”

His lungs burned, and his legs were almost giving in as he ran away from her, but she kept going after him, no matter how fast he walked. He got lost in between the cemetery, tombstones scattered around him. Panting, he kept running, his knees failing him and he collapsed on the bridge that led him home. He turned around in a swift motion, looking for her but she was gone. Ruhn took a stabilising breath, feeling his heart wanting to jump out of his chest. His eyes widened when she appeared again, slowly approaching him.

“You may now kiss the bride.” She said, leaning against him, her boney hand cupped his cheek and the feeling was weird against his skin, but he didn’t flinch when her cold lips wrapped around his own in a searing kiss, prompting him to lean on her and close his eyes as he let her guide the kiss.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

“Are you okay?” Her sweet voice sounded as he blinked awake, her curious eyes scanned his frame, around her, dozens of different people stood, all of them in various stages of death. Ruhn had no idea of what was happening, he tried to run away but he was surrounded by skeletons.

“What is happening?” She smiled at him.

“Our wedding, you made the perfect vows in the woods.” She lifted her hand where the golden wedding band rested and Ruhn felt his blood run even colder in his veins.

“I don’t even know who you are, how can we be married?” One of the skeletons turned to him with what he could only describe as being a smirk, his hand cupping her chin, she closed her eyes with affection, blinking sweetly towards Ruhn.

“That's a very long story.” The skeleton spoke, his bones creaking as he did so. “Our beautiful girl over here met a very handsome man once, but he had no money! Despite her parents' objections, she fell in love with him.” Ruhn could see the sadness and hurt clouding her gaze. “He convinced her to gather some jewellery so they could sell and run away. When she arrived at the agreed location in the dead of the night, she saw a silhouette. When she opened her eyes again, she was dead, waiting for a love that would free her from this torment, our lovely corpse bride.”

Ruhn watched her, really seeing her for the first time, she was so young, and he wondered what type of monster would take a life that precious away from someone like her, he felt his heart squeezing in his chest, pity for what was taken away from her filled him, suddenly becoming too much, so Ruhn ran away.

The underworld was nicer than he expected, if he didn’t give a deeper thought about the fact that he was walking among the dead, he could hear her calling his name in the distance, but he kept going, not wanting to see that hurt and longing in her eyes. But his efforts were in vain when he collided against someone, his hands flying to her waist to prevent her from falling.

“There you are, I've been looking for you.” She smiled at him, pulling him by the hand and making him sit with her. “Isn’t it a lovely view? It always makes me breathless, or would, if I could breathe.” She giggled and Ruhn turned towards her, facing the side of her face.

“I’m so sorry about what happened to you…” Ruhn started and those big eyes turned to him. “I wish I could help but I really need to go home.” Her eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

“This is your home now.” She pointed out and Ruhn took a deep breath.

“But I don't even know your name.” She blinked like she had suddenly remembered this fact as well.

“Well, my name is Y/N.” She then smiled at him, reaching for something under the bench. “I almost forgot..” She handed him an old dusty box. “Your wedding gift.”

Ruhn held the box, shaking it to try and see what was inside, the content of the box shook with it, and when Ruhn opened it, bones greeted him, he confusedly thanked her before the box fell to the floor, the bones moving until they assumed the form of a dog.

He knew the collar the dog held in between his teeth, his childhood fog that his mother always hated and never allowed inside, Ruhn missed it dearly, and his heart almost burst with happiness when the dog jumped in his lap and he started to pet its head.

“Oh boy, I missed you.” He smiled at her.

“Oh you’re so pretty.” She scratched the dog’s chin.

“You should’ve seen it when it had fur.” Ruhn laughed and she followed him. “My mother didn’t like it when he jumped on my lap. But she never liked anything anyway.”

“Do you think she would’ve liked me?” She inquired and the engines in his head started to work.

“You’re lucky you don’t have to meet her.” Then an idea crossed his mind. “You know what? We should meet them, as we are married, it’s the right thing to do.”

“Let’s go then.” She said, jumping from her seat. “Where are they buried?”

“They’re not here.” Ruhn pointed to the sky.

“Oh, they’re still alive.” She sounded almost disappointed. “But there’s something we can do.” She grabbed his hand and started to lead him somewhere.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

Ruhn found himself in the same woods everything happened in the first place, she had taken him to an old looking skeleton, if you could really put an age to an amount of bones. She spun around, delighted to be outside once more.

“I’ve been in the darkness for so long that I almost forgot how beautiful the moonlight is.” She said, her face towards the moon as she basked in its light.

“You should wait here, while I prepare my parents for the unexpected news.” She looked at him confused but he almost sighed with relief as he saw her nodding her head in agreement.

He ran to his house, that wasn’t far from the Cervos residence, just to find it empty, with the news of his disappearance, he knew his parents we’re trying their best to ease the situation, but when he found himself at the front doors of the Cervos’s estate, hearing Lidia’s father angrily demanding his head, he had to improvise, climbing the vines that gave him access to the young lady’s room.

“Ruhn?” She asked curiously, opening the window he slowly banged on.

“Lidia, it's so good to see you.” He said, and she pulled him near the fire.

“What happened to you, you are as cold as the dead.” She held his hands, trying to get them warm.

“Lidia, I must confess that this morning I wasn't ready to get married, but I'm willing to try and be a good husband for you, as you deserve to have.” Lidia blushed and Ruhn watched as she closed her eyes, leaning in to kiss him.

He gasped in surprise as he saw Y/N climbing over the fence of her balcony, he saw how her eyes darkened when she spotted Lidia in front of him.

“Darling who is this?” She asked, and Ruhn ran to her side, poor Lidia looked at them with confusion, so lost.

“Who is she, Ruhn?” Lidia Cervos inquired back and he couldn’t even muster a response before Y/N leaned towards the smaller girl, her boney hand displaying the wedding band.

“I’m his wife.” The young lady gasped in surprise and Ruhn cleared his throat.

“Lidia, you don’t understand..” He lifted his wife’s arm. “She’s dead.” This time Y/N was the one to gasp and as Ruhn turned to look at her, sadness clouded her eyes, tears lining in her orbs as she pulled him by the arm, saying the words that would take them back to the underworld.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

“You lied to me.” She said, tears falling from her big eyes. “Just so you could get back to that other woman.”

“You don’t understand.” The hurt in her eyes made something stir in his guts. “You are the other woman.”

“NO!” She protested, the crying getting more hysterical. “You married me, she’s the other woman.”

“I’m so sorry..” He started walking towards her, she now had her back turned to him. “This can’t work.”

“Why not? You don’t think I'm pretty enough?” Ruhn almost scoffed at that, on the contrary.

“What? No. You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, we’re just too different. Well, you’re dead.” He stated.

“You should've seen it before asking me to marry you.” Ruhn ran a hand through his dark locks.

“Why can’t you understand? It was a mistake, I would never marry you.” She went completely still, her eyes wandering around his face. Y/N opened her mouth a couple of times, like she was going to say something, but decided against it, her tear welled eyes was the last thing Ruhn saw before she walked away from him. It was in that moment he knew he had fucked up.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

He had to apologise to her, he knew that, the thought of being the one causing her pain was a weight he didn’t want to carry, so he went looking for her, finding her discarded bouquet of flowers near the entry of the bar he had been when he first arrived.

She sat by a piano, sadly stroking the tiles in a slow melody, he approached her with care, standing behind her with the flowers hanging from his hands.

“I think you dropped this.” He started but she didn't even turn around or acknowledged him. “I’m sorry if I lied to you about my parents, the day hasn’t been easy.” Nothing, not a single word left her lips and he sighed, sitting by her side at the piano. “I understand.”

He started to play a melody too, trying to get a reaction out of her but she still refused to give in, despite looking tempted to do so, so he kept going, until she was playing with him, smiling towards him with a tenderness that warmed his heart. He admired that smile, feeling that warmth spread through his whole body.

“I’m sorry for my enthusiasm.” She shied under his attentive gaze.

“Don’t apologise, I love your enthusiasm.” He grabbed her hand, lacing their fingers together. They stayed like that for a while, looking at each other's eyes, she could see all the apologies and the regret for the words that he had said back there, and that was enough for her.

Their trance was broken as bells started to ring and the skeletons filled the bar, screaming around about a newcomer, Ruhn wondered if that was the same commotion when he arrived. Skeletons and corpses ran around excitedly, trying to make a nice welcoming for the newcomer.

Ruhn watched curiously the male that stepped inside the bar, he knew him somewhere, and when he looked closer, was the driver that worked for his family.

“Chester, it's so good to see you.” He greeted only to gasp in surprise as the male turned to him, of course he was dead. “Oh, my condolences.” What else could he say?

“Don’t worry, I never felt better.” Chester replied with a smile and Ruhn couldn’t help but laugh.

“Oh Chester,I have to go back.” Ruhn pleaded. “They must be so worried about me, how are they?”

“Well, they're wondering where’d you go.” Chester sipped on a cup of beer. “And Miss Lidia is going to get married tonight.”

“With who?” Ruhn asked more out of curiosity than anything, he hoped that it was someone that treated her nicely.

“Some lord, since you were gone, I guess they accepted anyone to not waste the cake.” Ruhn nodded, needing some time to think. Leaving his bride behind as she pleaded for him to stay.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

“He left without saying a word.” He heard her voice, and following the sound he found her in the kitchen talking to a trio of corpses.

“Males are complicated.” The chef of the trio patted her shoulder and she nodded her head in agreement.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but we have a problem with your marriage.” He watched the old skeleton appear and she turned to him with a concerned expression.

“What is wrong?” Her voice sounded worried.

“Your vows are only valid till death do you part, and it already did.” She gasped and more tears filled her gaze.

“If he finds out, he will leave.” Despite not wanting to get married to Lidia, he still wanted to go back, didn’t he? “What can we do?” She inquired and something inside him twisted nervously as he waited for the answer, why did he care?

“There’s a way, but it demands a great sacrifice.” Her nose scrunched. “We would have to kill him.” Ruhn gasped, feeling dread setting in his gut, but relief was quick to sooth over him as she turned around in disbelief. “He would have to give his life up, repeat his vows on the world of the living, drinking for the wine of the times.”

“Poison.” She shook her head in denial.

“This would stop his heart and only then he would be free to give it to you.” The skeleton finished and Ruhn watched as she turned around with a determined expression.

“I would never ask this of him.” She sat with her head low, as heartbreak once again filled her, when would she find her happiness?

Ruhn watched the sad female, his heart contorting in his chest as he saw her, what did he have for him up there? A life following his father’s orders, having everything picked out for him, never having a choice or never truly loving anything. He had surprised even himself when he opened the door, making his presence known as he spoke.

“You don’t have to ask.” He crouched in front of her. “I’ll do it.” She looked him in the eyes.

“Son, if you do this you will never be able to go back, do you understand?” The skeleton asked and as love filled his heart, he replied.

“I understand.”

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

Ruhn smiled at her as he announced that they would get married again and they all should get ready to take their party to the living world. Skeletons helped him get in a better form, escorting him to where they waited for her.

The candlelights illuminated her figure as she walked downstairs, and Ruhn couldn’t contain his expression as he watched the beautiful female he was getting married to. He grabbed her by the waist.

“You are so beautiful.” She batted her lashes at him. “Let’s get married.”

Their hoard followed to the portal that separated the living being from the dead ones, crossing that veil and finding themselves back at the town Ruhn lived in. He could hear the people screaming and running around in horror as they watched what should be dead among them.

Ruhn escorted his beautiful bride towards the church, where the priest tried to keep them away, just to be shushed by someone telling him to be silent in the house of God. Ruhn laughed a little at that, and rolled his eyes at the expression on the priest’s face.

The Elder Gutknecht, as Ruhn finally learned his name, prepared everything for them. He felt excited to complete and finally be bound to someone by love, not for power or status, but just because he wanted to be. Y/N started to walk down the aisle, and Ruhn couldn’t contain his grin as he watched her getting closer, the beautiful of them all, and his soon to be wife.

“To all those present and those who are gone, we’re here today to unite this man and this corpse.” The Elder started. “Now the vows. First the living.”

“With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never be empty for I will be your wine.” He grabbed the golden goblet.

“Now you.” The skeleton pointed to her and she turned fully towards Ruhn.

“With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never be empty for I will be..” She grabbed the bottle with the poison, the sizzling liquid falling to the goblet. Her eyes drifted to someone behind him, the lady Ruhn had visited watched them closely with a hurt expression covering her face. Y/N felt her heart shattering at the scene. She tried to focus, but all she could do was mumble the words over and over again until Ruhn interrupted her.

“I will be your wine.” He lifted the goblet to his lips but she stopped him.

“I can’t, this isn’t right.” Ruhn tried to look to where her eyes drifted but she cupped his cheek. “I was a bride and my dreams were stolen away from me, now I'm stealing someone else’s dream away from them.” She blinked the tears away. “I love you Ruhn, but you’re not mine.”

She reached her hand behind him, bringing Lidia Cervos forward, the female looking at them and slowly allowing Y/N to put intertwine their hands together, and as much as Ruhn tried to convince himself, Lidia’s hand felt wrong against his, she wasn’t who his heart beated for, the one he would die for. Ruhn was going to say something, tell Lidia the truth when someone spoke from behind him.

The male was blonde and beautiful, a cruel smirk adorning his face as he watched the scene, he had never seen him before, but by the looks of him, he knew this male was up to no good. He crossed the church hallway swiping invisible tears away, as he walked towards the aisle, snatching Lidia away.

“I always cry at weddings.” His voice was laced with sarcasm. “You’re just forgetting that SHE’S MINE.” He kept pulling Lidia away. “And I won't go away without the money I'm owed.” Y/N watched that male closely, memories flooded her mind as she gasped.

“You!” She pointed her finger to an older version of Pollux. The male took a deep breath.

“Y/N?” He asked incredulously and Ruhn watched the exchange with worry, did they know each other?

“You!” She repeated angrily.

“But I left you…’ He couldn’t bring himself to finish but she was quick to do it for him.

“Dead!” Ruhn felt anger rising in his chest, he was the monster that took that beautiful life away, who took her happiness and her money. He wasn’t going to let him get away with it again.

“She’s having hallucinations.” Pollux accused and started to drag Lidia away from the church, pulling a sword from the wall to prevent her from running away. “I’m sorry to interrupt but we need to go.”

“Let her go.” Ruhn demanded and started to walk towards them.

One of the skeletons threw him a knife instead, and as Pollux shoved Lidia away, the two started to fight, with a smaller blade, Ruhn was completely disadvantaged and there was also the fact that Pollux was really skilled with the sword. Ruhn kept trying to defend himself, none of the dead could interfere as much as they wanted to, so it was him and him alone responsible for stopping the vile male.

Ruhn ended up falling on the stairs, his knife away from his reach and Pollux ready to make the final blow to him, except that it never came, his sword piercing the exposed ribcage of Y/N. Her angry expression as she pulled the sword out and pointed at him demanding he to be gone did nothing to scare the male, he just laughed, circling her and leaning against the table.

“Tell me, does the heart still break after it stops beating?” He grabbed the goblet, lifting it in the air. “Let’s make a toast to Y/N, always the bridesmaid, never the bride.” He emptied the cup and the skeletons watched him attentively, wanting to protect their beautiful bride. Pollux felt his heart twisting as the poison worked as fast as it should, allowing the dead to drag him back to the underworld.

Y/N watched as Lidia clung to Ruhn, feeling her heart break just one more time before she went back to where she belonged. Ruhn watched her, this wasn’t over yet.

“Wait.” He asked and she turned to him. “Lidia, you are a great woman and I’m sure any man would be lucky to have you as their wife, but my heart belongs to her.” His eyes searched for hers, and he could see her loved filled gaze focused on him. “You were wrong, I’m yours and you’re mine.” He pulled her by the waist, closing the distance between them and capturing her in a searing kiss.

Ruhn turned towards the table, emptying the rest of the bottle and both Y/N and Lidia watched as he died and came back to life, to be with the love of his life.

“I hope you find happiness, Lidia. And if you ever need it, I’m sure my parents would love to help you.” The female hugged him.

“Be happy, Ruhn.” With a hand extended for his wife, he pulled her to his side by the waist.

“I will be.”

#ruhn x reader #prince ruhn #ruhn crescent city #ruhnweek24 #crescent city x reader #crescent city fanfiction #crescent city fanfic

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