siderealxmelody

[siderealxmelody]

Sebastian growled, almost hearing those words sent months ago on the wind.

❝I am yours as much as you are mine, ��� she'd whispered, hissed the words as her nails had dug in their grip firmly on his arms. Natalia's eyes, piercing in their darkness, stared deep into Sebastian's, the moonlit sky reflecting in the onyx depths...And if I ever scent another upon you, I'll rip their heart out. Bleed them slowly. Watch their ashes wither away on the desert wind as their bones become dust-- Do you understand me, Sebastian? You are mine. ❞

He lept through the window setting the bird nearby, he barred his teeth at Morganthia who rolled her eyes at him. She stood, stalking toward one of her knives to begin preparing dinner.

Sebastian was restless, she was his. His. He wondered about that bond, did Iron witches have them?

For now he'd settle for the mental bond he'd made. It wasn't the same obviously but it got the job done. Especially when he didn't feel like shifting this form had claws and teeth.

Mine.

He stalked around Natalia, sniffing at her licking her cheek. He laid down next to her, placing his head into her lap. It didn't really beat the allegations he was her mutt, but he didn't mind those.

Will your coven actually miss her? We could say it was some fae accident.

He looked up at her, nuzzling her neck, inhaling her. Let Morganthia report back, if Natalia had an issue with his affectation she'd tell him...right?

Are you okay? I'm sorry I wasn't here.

Sebastian's ears flick back in apprehension. Were they talking of him? Had he caused some tension? He hadn't meant to - he didn't want her to her loose her home.

He quietly sniffed at the dirt, maybe he was overthinking things. Clearly she seemed fine, there had been no violence -

Morganthia met her eyes, glaring back at her. The wind pulling at her clothes, at her hair.

"If it's not meaningless take another to your bed. The fact you're defending that half-breed mutt only makes me suspicious Natalia. You haven't even dragged a witchling from the thing."

She exhaled, moving back and away from the fire. She bowed her head even as her nails dug into the stone, scratching at it.

"I am not Challenging you. Your will is mine. I just wish to know what he is to you. He's hissed at other males your hiss. It's insulting to think he can lay claim to you. Like you're a piece of meat, like we aren't forces of nature."

Sebastian pressed his belly to the earth, whining very quietly. Oh, oh he'd probably made a very big mistake then. But she hadn't disoavowed him - that was good right?

[siderealxmelody]

Sebastian's ears flick back in apprehension. Were they talking of him? Had he caused some tension? He hadn't meant to - he didn't want her to her loose her home.

He quietly sniffed at the dirt, maybe he was overthinking things. Clearly she seemed fine, there had been no violence -

Morganthia met her eyes, glaring back at her. The wind pulling at her clothes, at her hair.

"If it's not meaningless take another to your bed. The fact you're defending that half-breed mutt only makes me suspicious Natalia. You haven't even dragged a witchling from the thing."

She exhaled, moving back and away from the fire. She bowed her head even as her nails dug into the stone, scratching at it.

"I am not Challenging you. Your will is mine. I just wish to know what he is to you. He's hissed at other males your hiss. It's insulting to think he can lay claim to you. Like you're a piece of meat, like we aren't forces of nature."

Sebastian pressed his belly to the earth, whining very quietly. Oh, oh he'd probably made a very big mistake then. But she hadn't disoavowed him - that was good right?

"I don't doubt you, I worry for you."

Morganthia clenched her hands together in her lap.

"He's charming, they're all charming. What if he steals you? Would you let him?"

Because she wasn't under any illusion Natalia wouldn't do what she wanted. She'd never be a female caged - never.

But they were past their first bleeding, they were adults, they had their own Coven now. And for her to still only keep him? To snub every other male who tried to bed her?

It sent signs.

It said something.

"The Elders talk Natalia. I'm just passing on what I've heard. If you'd take others when he isn't here they wouldn't worry you're bespelled by -"

------

Sebastian shook himself out, his tail wagging as he held the duck he'd taken in his mouth. His fur would dry soon. He hoped Natalia had kept some of the herbs they'd bought in one of those villages.

He had to trust her, this wasn't his world even if he'd been here for the 10 years. She hadn't given him a reason to worry yet. Though Silba and others did, whispered that these witches weren't monogamous. That she'd take another eventually, that she'd grow bored and discard him.

Sebastian paused hearing his name. He crouched under one of the windows listening. He had to trust her, if - if he thought she was simply using him.....if someone truly as vibrant as her couldn't see anything good in him maybe there wasn't anything worth seeing.

But he'd not think of that now, he'd shatter if he did.

[siderealxmelody]

Fandomless Races exist now!!

[siderealxmelody]

What if the Asteri civil war had nothing to do with Sotoria but everything to do with Odysseus and Samkiel? They're twins and Ody was pretty disciplined compared to Sami, he wasn't as blind to the way things worked than Sami 👀

And if we take inspiration from TOG and SPN. Samkiel and Calaena in their youth meeting, thinking the other dead?

Calaena joining Odysseus "faction" or whatever the rebels are in this and wanting to burn the entire thing down?

Odysseus and Samkiel forced against each other? By whatever machinations....the Eye/Rebels??

@starlsssankt

@luxmaeastra

Which puts the Sotoria stuff to happen during Seb and Nat's lifetime? I mean I always di HC that the war they went through was harrowing.....

[siderealxmelody]

©

[siderealxmelody]

"I don't doubt you, I worry for you."

Morganthia clenched her hands together in her lap.

"He's charming, they're all charming. What if he steals you? Would you let him?"

Because she wasn't under any illusion Natalia wouldn't do what she wanted. She'd never be a female caged - never.

But they were past their first bleeding, they were adults, they had their own Coven now. And for her to still only keep him? To snub every other male who tried to bed her?

It sent signs.

It said something.

"The Elders talk Natalia. I'm just passing on what I've heard. If you'd take others when he isn't here they wouldn't worry you're bespelled by -"

------

Sebastian shook himself out, his tail wagging as he held the duck he'd taken in his mouth. His fur would dry soon. He hoped Natalia had kept some of the herbs they'd bought in one of those villages.

He had to trust her, this wasn't his world even if he'd been here for the 10 years. She hadn't given him a reason to worry yet. Though Silba and others did, whispered that these witches weren't monogamous. That she'd take another eventually, that she'd grow bored and discard him.

Sebastian paused hearing his name. He crouched under one of the windows listening. He had to trust her, if - if he thought she was simply using him.....if someone truly as vibrant as her couldn't see anything good in him maybe there wasn't anything worth seeing.

But he'd not think of that now, he'd shatter if he did.

The structure was crumbling but they had solid stone walls. There was the smell of rain on the wind. Sebastian stood stepping away from the fire.

"I'll hunt something down."

Morganthia didn't bother to respond, he wasn't talking to her. She wasn't the Blackbeak Heir anyway. She went back to sharpening blade, watching as Sebastian lingered speaking to Natalia.

She'd sat back watching as she met halfway as he leaned down to kiss her. He was bounding out of the ruins as a wolf moment later.

She had nearly ripped Beron's head for implying what she was seeing now. Natalia falling for some male who wasn't even one of their own? That she was falling so hard she was loosing sight of who she was?

Clearly Keir should have tried hard to kill the male.

Because what the fuck was this?

It took far too long for Natalia to notice she was staying for Morganthia liking. Her lips thinned and she leaned back bracing her hands behind her.

"What? Do you have something to say Morganthia?"

"Am I speak freely?"

"Since when my opinion stopped you?"

Morganthia leaned closer, sheathing the blade. This wasn't a Challenge, clearly whatever mess of genetics that male was twisting her head.

"He's just a body to warm your bed isn't he?"

Natalia didn't dignify that with a response. Morganthia pushed forward regardless.

"There are ridiculous rumors that he means something to you Natalia. That you plan to marry him."

They weren't court females, they weren't fae. They were free, untamable like the wind. She wanted to bed him? Fine. Hopefully he produced strong children.

But tying herself, the fate of their clan to him?

She'd grown up with the same stories they'd all had. Of the Daglan and Valg stealing their sisters away.

Why would she willingly give herself to such a thing?

Was he truly that good in bed?

Was it keep him closer as a weapon?

Morganthia dropped her gaze and leaned back.

"All I wish is to clarify your thoughts Natalia. If you're keeping him close as a weapon and entertainment I apologize. These rumors were too ridiculous for me not ask."

@siderealxmelody

Natalia stills, the darkness cold as ice inside of her veins. Eyes remain cast outward because if she so much as turns to look at Morganthia right now, she might be incapable of keeping herself from killing the female.

Which, admittedly, would be unfortunate.

The other's words whisper over Natalia's mind, drift inside. They're the same ones that taunt her every single moment, that repeat the promises of how weak it is, to let Sebastian in. To let any of the iron walls down.

To let a single piece of the armor fracture even the tiniest bit.

❝ And do you believe in them? ❞ she finally says, her voice betraying nothing of the torrent of emotions ripping through Natalia. Fingers dig into the stone as she rests her hands on the railing, as the shadows slip around her wrists, slither like snakes up her arms.

❝ Do you think the rumors have merit enough to be repeated, Morganthia? Do you doubt who I am and my ability to wield this power--no matter what male I allow in my bed? ❞

Dark eyes suddenly jerk back as Natalia turns to face her, lips tight, fingers curled as her nails dig against her palms. Blood seems to burn hotter inside of her, trying to melt the cold darkness.

Or burn it into the inferno it seeks to become.

❝ Are there those who question me in any of this? Who think it is any of their concern what I do with him? ❞

[siderealxmelody]

Ulla bit back another growl and maybe it was her mother's look or maybe it was feeling Augustine come closer and her walls falling in response. She was tired - she wanted to trust him but what if -

"What if Augustine hurts me like Fen did to her?"

If she looked at her mother she could pretend he wasn't here.

"How - how did you trust Papa wouldn't hurt you? That - that it wasn't weak."

That it was okay, normal to want Augustine to shield her, to take the pain from her shoulders. She looked at her shoes, trying and failing to hide the shaking in her voice.

"What if I give everything and he - he finds I'm too much?"

Sure they'd gone through a war together and survived. And sure they'd been happy these last few months too. But that was then, things were real now what if she couldn't rely on him?

What if he got disgusted by her emotions?

----

Sebastian closed his eyes, Gods he hated her family. Except he didn't not really. He understood why they were the way they were. Besides Maeve seemed fond enough of Ulla so that was fine.

Athril smirked back at Maeve letting Fenrys go, not bothering to acknowledge anything the other had said. Sebastian sighed watching him fly away out one of the windows. His shoulders slumped and he gave Maeve a tight smile.

"Thank you. Can I stay? I was going to bring Xaden and Orsus here. I haven't seen them in weeks...."

Rowan focused on Fenrys, stepping closer. Perhaps he'd take it upon himself to see if the other cleaned up.

"Can you even stand?"

He wanted to say love wasn't enough though. He loved Lyria but the loss of their child, of him choosing to follow orders and stay - had driven a wedge between them. He almost wanted to linger to ask Sebastian about her.

But she was probably safe and happy - he didn't want to cause her more pain.

Sebastian hummed and exhaled looking finally to Rowan.

"Don't let him die Rowan."

He rubbed at temples and looked back to Maeve, jerking his chin at Athril.

"And is your mate allowed off his leash to go find his sister?"

Athril flashed gold eyes at him, stepping closer.

"Careful, disrespecting my mate in her own court is a stupid move even for you. Especially since if my sister doesn't want to answer you that seems like a you problem doesn't it Sebastian?"

Maybe Gahreis had a point about Sebastian growing soft - or stupider. Maybe he shouldn't have let Natalia stay when he'd Yeilded. She could do better clearly.

Athril snapped his eyes to Fenrys, crouching down to grab the boy by the hair.

"Anything you want to say in your defense Little Wolf?"

------

Ulla growled at him, snapping her teeth. She could taste the iron on them, in her blood. She wanted to rip the world apart - rip Fenrys apart. He'd gotten off too easily, he should die.

If Papa could survive Yeilding surely Talia would survive his death?

But would she ever forgive them?

She'd said in her letter to not kill him. She'd begged that of them.

And their father had listened.

Ulla turned away, storming away from to where her mother was.

"Send him home. We can move faster without him and his fucking dragon. Why was Augustine dragged into this anyway -"

Talia would say she was running again, that she should confront the emotions head on. And she was, she was angry and hurt.

Why hadn't Talia told her?

They always told each other everything, when had that changed?

[siderealxmelody]

Sebastian hummed and exhaled looking finally to Rowan.

"Don't let him die Rowan."

He rubbed at temples and looked back to Maeve, jerking his chin at Athril.

"And is your mate allowed off his leash to go find his sister?"

Athril flashed gold eyes at him, stepping closer.

"Careful, disrespecting my mate in her own court is a stupid move even for you. Especially since if my sister doesn't want to answer you that seems like a you problem doesn't it Sebastian?"

Maybe Gahreis had a point about Sebastian growing soft - or stupider. Maybe he shouldn't have let Natalia stay when he'd Yeilded. She could do better clearly.

Athril snapped his eyes to Fenrys, crouching down to grab the boy by the hair.

"Anything you want to say in your defense Little Wolf?"

------

Ulla growled at him, snapping her teeth. She could taste the iron on them, in her blood. She wanted to rip the world apart - rip Fenrys apart. He'd gotten off too easily, he should die.

If Papa could survive Yeilding surely Talia would survive his death?

But would she ever forgive them?

She'd said in her letter to not kill him. She'd begged that of them.

And their father had listened.

Ulla turned away, storming away from to where her mother was.

"Send him home. We can move faster without him and his fucking dragon. Why was Augustine dragged into this anyway -"

Talia would say she was running again, that she should confront the emotions head on. And she was, she was angry and hurt.

Why hadn't Talia told her?

They always told each other everything, when had that changed?

Athril turned from Maeve as the doors were thrown open. Rowan moved but stopped as they all saw the body thrown at Maeve's feet.

Athril bit back a sigh and eyed Sebastian.

"Can you do anything without being - what happened?"

Sebastian's eyes were things of lighting, his entire body was vibrating with his Daglan magic. Athril refused to step back, if Natalia could weather it so could he. He would not be second to his sister.

"He hurt Talia."

Athril turned to look at the body, shoving it over with his foot.

"He's still breathing."

Sebastian stalked closer, blatantly ignoring Rowan, fixing his eyes on Maeve.

"Take the boy. Don't kill him, Talia won't survive that. Unfortunately."

He glared at the body. There burns and Athril couldn't see much beyond the rags and the dried blood.

"Where is Talia? How was she hurt?"

Weren't they mates?

Sebastian sneered at Fenrys beginning to pace behind him.

"Possessive according to the letter she left Ulla. Controlling too. She was scared enough she took her boys and left for the isles - we haven't found her yet."

Athril snapped his head to him.

"She fled? Why didn't she just come to you? Or any of us?"

He may not be close but like hell would he allowed any of his nieces be hurt by some degenerate male.

Sebastian glared back.

"You know if we find her I'll ask her that. I -"

He exhaled and rubbed at his eyes.

"Can you find Natalia she isn't answering me. I can't track her shadows like you."

It was a Valg trait probably. He tried not to think of all the things their Valg magic could do. The Blood War as the scribes were calling it was too fresh.

Athril looked to Maeve.

"Love?"

---

Ulla spun back to Augustine, her hands clenching at her sides. He should have told her, he -

She should have seen it. But no, no she was too happy. Too in love to -

"You do realize Augustine Fenrys has just cost you me too right? The moment Talia told you her plan you should have told me. Why didn't you? If you're still in love with her -"

@siderealxmelody

Maeve drums her nails in a rhythm on the edges of her chair, staring down at the (admittedly) rather pitiful form below her. She spares Sebastian barely a glance at first, her mind weighing multiple options, many variables, considering each one before accepting or dismissing its worth.

Like she always has.

She isn't completely sure if she wants such a... beast. But perhaps it could be molded. Trained. Used in a beneficial way, despite its obvious defects. It won't take much effort to mend it, either--despite the rather horrid state it is currently it.

Inches from Death's door, it appears...

❝ I suppose I can make some sort of use out of it, ❞ Maeve says with a casual sort of shrug of a shoulder, boredom in her tone. ❝ For your sake, Sebastian, of course. ❞

~

In and out of consciousness. Pain. Grief. Anger. Numbness. In and out.

It is all Fenrys seems to know for awhile; he can't remember how long it's been since the last time something didn't hurt. But a part of him thinks he deserves it. Probably more. He hates himself now, and yet, the anger is directed outward almost as much as inward.

He feels too much, and he feels nothing at all.

Fen can hear the voices speaking around him. One is Sebastian, he knows that much. The steps are familiar, the tone doesn't seem as pissed--more exhausted now, if Fen is to put a word to it. He thinks he can vaguely recognize another, but names escape him.

They're talking about him. He knows that much, at least. Because he hears them say Talia's name.

Which means they're talking about him. And her.

❝ -- can make some sort of use out of it. ❞

Fen groans just as the female's words end, slipping more into the state of conscious versus the unconscious he'd been in, that drifting area where he hadn't been aware enough to figure anything out. To know only by the occasional word or scent or sound what is going on.

But he hears the female's full sentence--or most of it.

He's (mostly) awake now.

And everything still fucking hurts.

~

He shakes his head, sighs. ❝ Ulla. No. ❞ Weariness enters his words, his voice, his entire body. He doesn't want to have this particular fight, but he feels like there's no way to completely avoid it, either.

As much as he wants to.

❝ Do not put Fen's sins, Fen's faults, on me. And I was only-- I was only keeping my word to Talia. It is honor, vow. Nothing more. ❞

At least, not any longer.

[siderealxmelody]

Keir stepped back, letting Ramiel stumble to curl against Azriel's side. She pressed closer, she'd break later. She'd demand later why he waited - why didn't use this magic then in the throne room.

Why didn't he save Rhaenyra then if he could do this? She turned, trying to see Rhysand through the shadows.

"Why won't you let me be happy? Why is is to hard for you to understand I'm worthy of him? Why can't I have him Rhysand?"

One day she'd be angry, maybe she'd torture Aelin and make Rhysand watch. Keir slid his eyes to Rhysand, clasping his hand behind his back.

"Let them mate."

He wondered if he should threaten him. If Rhysand was told the many allies and favors people owed Azriel's parents. If he really wanted to deny them and risk that wrath when he'd need every ally to help Aelin.

Ramiel's shadows curled tighter around Azriel's, echoing the words back. She could hear them now, as if they were distict and right by her ear.

Mate.

His.

Ours.

Ramiel found the energy to reach for his mind, like she'd used to. Like she'd learned his father and hers had done before their bonds had shown. Her mother had always joked she hadn't noticed the bond because they always spoke mind-to-mind.

You came back for me. You didn't abandon me. You aren't ashamed of me.

Keir slowly shook his head, he squeezed the boy's shoulder, his eyes softening.

"Aphaelon said you found her twice before anyone else did. Once here in Hewn when she was letting her teachers use pain to push her Sight farther, and again in the mountains. He said if you hadn't found her when you did either time she'd probably die. She's physically strong but clearly mentally fragile..."

Keir's lips pulled into a softer sardonic smile as he nodded to the papers in Azriel's grip.

"You'll find your parents plans for most things. There is only one reason you'd knew she was in danger. Your mother demanded a Bone Quill be used so it was bound with blood. I'm sure your parents have a Caritas Orb as well if Rhysand is being particularly stubborn about seeing what's clearly obvious."

It was an ancient weapon of the Daglan, even if Sebastian only spoke of it with reverence. A tool to find one's mate - where was the dark side in that? He hadn't grown up in the stories Keir had them. The ones where Daglan and Valg had enslaved entire covens by taking their mates hostage - taking clans hostage by taking Matron's mates and mutilating them till they were husks that simply existed.

He cleared his throat turning to the hall.

"We should hurry before he does irreversible damage to her."

------

His words only move to spiral her further into anguish. She can't stop the tears now, the shaking either. She can't even voice the words to beg him to stop, to say she didn't mean to doubt it.

There were many dark areas in Hewn weren't there? If she was the one to sign Azriel's death perhaps she'd find a quiet place to curl up and die.

How did Rhysand survive her death? But no she hadn't truly died back then did she? But even if she hadn't, she wondered if some part of him had back then.

She places her face into her hands, the tears coming faster now. She was Shadowsinger, a Seer. She shouldn't be so easily broken, shattered like this. But her shadows aren't a comfort now, they kept whispering for her to wait - to hold on.

As if there was anything else she could endure. Retreating far, far away was better. If she could disassociate she'd be better off. She was about to curl onto the floor when the door was thrown open.

Keir strode in, tisking as he took the scene in. His eyes slid to Rhysand.

"It seems I should have protected her from you instead of Hewn. Azriel has something for you."

He gestured to Azriel and then went to her. He knelt in front of her, gripping her chin to make her look at him. The girl was barely hanging on, her eyes were dead.

He slid his hand down to her shoulder, digging his iron nails into it. She jerked, awareness crashing back into her.

She jerked away trying to fall back into that numbness. Keir growled at her, shaking her now.

"You are a Ironteeth, you have Iron blood in you girl. You have a Valg blood in you, descendant of of King. You are not going to break now, you're going to listen."

Because she needed to hear this, hear this conversation run it's course. How many times had his own mate demanded such a thing? How many times had she worried he wasn't true and loyal?

He looked back to the children, he was going to demand Natalia's best vintage for this day. He didn't have the patience for this. He wasn't a fucking bleeding heart like her mate. He focused on Azriel dragging Ramiel to her feet. She swayed but didn't fall apart. Her eyes were focused on Azriel. She tensed and he glared at her and then looked back to Azriel.

"Whenever you remember how to speak boy."

[siderealxmelody]

Keir slowly shook his head, he squeezed the boy's shoulder, his eyes softening.

"Aphaelon said you found her twice before anyone else did. Once here in Hewn when she was letting her teachers use pain to push her Sight farther, and again in the mountains. He said if you hadn't found her when you did either time she'd probably die. She's physically strong but clearly mentally fragile..."

Keir's lips pulled into a softer sardonic smile as he nodded to the papers in Azriel's grip.

"You'll find your parents plans for most things. There is only one reason you'd knew she was in danger. Your mother demanded a Bone Quill be used so it was bound with blood. I'm sure your parents have a Caritas Orb as well if Rhysand is being particularly stubborn about seeing what's clearly obvious."

It was an ancient weapon of the Daglan, even if Sebastian only spoke of it with reverence. A tool to find one's mate - where was the dark side in that? He hadn't grown up in the stories Keir had them. The ones where Daglan and Valg had enslaved entire covens by taking their mates hostage - taking clans hostage by taking Matron's mates and mutilating them till they were husks that simply existed.

He cleared his throat turning to the hall.

"We should hurry before he does irreversible damage to her."

------

His words only move to spiral her further into anguish. She can't stop the tears now, the shaking either. She can't even voice the words to beg him to stop, to say she didn't mean to doubt it.

There were many dark areas in Hewn weren't there? If she was the one to sign Azriel's death perhaps she'd find a quiet place to curl up and die.

How did Rhysand survive her death? But no she hadn't truly died back then did she? But even if she hadn't, she wondered if some part of him had back then.

She places her face into her hands, the tears coming faster now. She was Shadowsinger, a Seer. She shouldn't be so easily broken, shattered like this. But her shadows aren't a comfort now, they kept whispering for her to wait - to hold on.

As if there was anything else she could endure. Retreating far, far away was better. If she could disassociate she'd be better off. She was about to curl onto the floor when the door was thrown open.

Keir strode in, tisking as he took the scene in. His eyes slid to Rhysand.

"It seems I should have protected her from you instead of Hewn. Azriel has something for you."

He gestured to Azriel and then went to her. He knelt in front of her, gripping her chin to make her look at him. The girl was barely hanging on, her eyes were dead.

He slid his hand down to her shoulder, digging his iron nails into it. She jerked, awareness crashing back into her.

She jerked away trying to fall back into that numbness. Keir growled at her, shaking her now.

"You are a Ironteeth, you have Iron blood in you girl. You have a Valg blood in you, descendant of of King. You are not going to break now, you're going to listen."

Because she needed to hear this, hear this conversation run it's course. How many times had his own mate demanded such a thing? How many times had she worried he wasn't true and loyal?

He looked back to the children, he was going to demand Natalia's best vintage for this day. He didn't have the patience for this. He wasn't a fucking bleeding heart like her mate. He focused on Azriel dragging Ramiel to her feet. She swayed but didn't fall apart. Her eyes were focused on Azriel. She tensed and he glared at her and then looked back to Azriel.

"Whenever you remember how to speak boy."

She wanted this to end, this nightmare - this conversation. Could she burn herself alive faster than he could stop her?

Her gut twisted, her heart skipped a beat. She felt nauseous, panicked - like she could run fast enough away. Like -

"Yes. And if I had told you what then? I told Mama, she didn't seem to have a hard time understanding it. Ask Aleksander or Anatasiya. It's not like it was a secret from anyone but you or Rhaenyra, ask his cousins. Ask..."

She trailed off, fingers digging into her clothes, into her skin. She didn't feel any of it, the crescent moons of her nails only fascinated her. She stared at them, digging deeper and deeper.

"One of my teachers once said that our skin dies and regenerates. That we have layers, how many layers do you think till I hit bone?"

She looked at the door, she was getting dizzy, numb. She was terrified she knew, that everything - the entire foundation of her world view was a lie. She couldn't handle that, couldn't handle loosing Azriel on top of everything else.

What if he simply said no? What if he just made a joke that it was a fun way to pass the time? That he was going to make her wait till he was bored or drunk enough that -

"Rip - rip into his mind see if he lies then."

The tears felt like a betrayal, this entire thing felt like a betrayal. Shouldn't she trust him implicitly? That's how all these stories went right? She was at the climax and Azriel would walk in demand to marry her so he'd stay. Or - or he'd stage some daring rescue and they'd run away into the night.

What if he valued power over her?

What if those rumors about him and Morrigan were true? What if she was a placeholder for her? Mor was more sophisticated than her in everyway. She'd have known the right questions to ask to make sure he wasn't playing with her.

What if he had loved her but was disgusted with her now? She looked terrible and she was - there was more blood now down her arms. She kept going trying to dig these feelings out, the toxic thoughts.

What if he thought her too weak for his noble family and everything he was looking to achieve?

What - what if he thought it best to let her disappear to protect her? She inhaled, feeling glass in her chest - that - that he thought she couldn't handle this court - that she wasn't stronger with him...that was probably the worst one.

She should be like Annie shouldn't she? Annie probably never doubted Aleksander. Was that why she was being punished? Because she didn't have enough faith?

------

Keir huffed at Azriel, turning back to the door.

"Pacing won't speed up the time boy."

Azriel ground his teeth, every minute here was another minute they were alone. Ramiel needed to get out of this alive, they both did. What was Rhysand saying that -

"I don't know why you expect me to wait here Keir. I have other things to be doing, whatever important documents you think I need from my parents I can get -"

But then the doors burst open and Keir grabbed them shoving the folder at him as he went to unlock Aphaelon's old desk. He spoke, sharing the details in case Azriel hadn't opened them yet.

"It's a betrothal agreement, bound in blood. No matter who takes the throne Rhysand or Rhaenyra need to honor it. To allow you both to marry, Aphaelon dragged me to witness he, Selestea and your parents signing that it after she was attacked by Spring."

Keir waved Aphaelon's copy tossing it on the desk. He moved to the door, the smile he flashed was serpentine.

"That should be enough for you yes?"

[siderealxmelody]

Okay but don't Valg have wings 👀

And they already have some ranks

Queens

Kings

Princes/Princesses (and maybe only some can become Kings/Queens?)

Soldiers

Valg feed on magic just like Vennin so....If we add Vennin...

Generals (Mavens)

Captains (Sages?)

Lieutenants (Asim?)

Cadets (Initiates?)

But like now after how the Yellowlegs were treated in Morath.....oh my God. 👀 No wonder they're terrifying.

@faerieheart (this doesn't effect your oc at all I'm mostly tagging you for the Vennin connections AHHHH)

But like if the Valg were good once....after their civil war they didn't have the resources to care about morals when they were dying....ahhhhh

@starlsssankt - I'm so sorry Michael 😭

@luxmaeastra

The violent urge to resurrect my angels 👀

@starlsssankt - Megan imagine 👁️ I have no idea how or if they fit into any of what we have. But like they're a true Hive society? Like ants?

Like they were at the height of their empire and then the whole Watchers, the civil war everything decimated them.

Megan, Amren?? Ahhh

@harbingersofdeath - The family dynamics this will bring especially for ones like Mal hunted for being a mix or whatever he is revamped into 👀

@luxmaeastra - the Roman/militaristic aesthetic of them too. Ahh

[siderealxmelody]

She wanted this to end, this nightmare - this conversation. Could she burn herself alive faster than he could stop her?

Her gut twisted, her heart skipped a beat. She felt nauseous, panicked - like she could run fast enough away. Like -

"Yes. And if I had told you what then? I told Mama, she didn't seem to have a hard time understanding it. Ask Aleksander or Anatasiya. It's not like it was a secret from anyone but you or Rhaenyra, ask his cousins. Ask..."

She trailed off, fingers digging into her clothes, into her skin. She didn't feel any of it, the crescent moons of her nails only fascinated her. She stared at them, digging deeper and deeper.

"One of my teachers once said that our skin dies and regenerates. That we have layers, how many layers do you think till I hit bone?"

She looked at the door, she was getting dizzy, numb. She was terrified she knew, that everything - the entire foundation of her world view was a lie. She couldn't handle that, couldn't handle loosing Azriel on top of everything else.

What if he simply said no? What if he just made a joke that it was a fun way to pass the time? That he was going to make her wait till he was bored or drunk enough that -

"Rip - rip into his mind see if he lies then."

The tears felt like a betrayal, this entire thing felt like a betrayal. Shouldn't she trust him implicitly? That's how all these stories went right? She was at the climax and Azriel would walk in demand to marry her so he'd stay. Or - or he'd stage some daring rescue and they'd run away into the night.

What if he valued power over her?

What if those rumors about him and Morrigan were true? What if she was a placeholder for her? Mor was more sophisticated than her in everyway. She'd have known the right questions to ask to make sure he wasn't playing with her.

What if he had loved her but was disgusted with her now? She looked terrible and she was - there was more blood now down her arms. She kept going trying to dig these feelings out, the toxic thoughts.

What if he thought her too weak for his noble family and everything he was looking to achieve?

What - what if he thought it best to let her disappear to protect her? She inhaled, feeling glass in her chest - that - that he thought she couldn't handle this court - that she wasn't stronger with him...that was probably the worst one.

She should be like Annie shouldn't she? Annie probably never doubted Aleksander. Was that why she was being punished? Because she didn't have enough faith?

------

Keir huffed at Azriel, turning back to the door.

"Pacing won't speed up the time boy."

Azriel ground his teeth, every minute here was another minute they were alone. Ramiel needed to get out of this alive, they both did. What was Rhysand saying that -

"I don't know why you expect me to wait here Keir. I have other things to be doing, whatever important documents you think I need from my parents I can get -"

But then the doors burst open and Keir grabbed them shoving the folder at him as he went to unlock Aphaelon's old desk. He spoke, sharing the details in case Azriel hadn't opened them yet.

"It's a betrothal agreement, bound in blood. No matter who takes the throne Rhysand or Rhaenyra need to honor it. To allow you both to marry, Aphaelon dragged me to witness he, Selestea and your parents signing that it after she was attacked by Spring."

Keir waved Aphaelon's copy tossing it on the desk. He moved to the door, the smile he flashed was serpentine.

"That should be enough for you yes?"

She stared at him beginning to laugh. She was near hysterical as she launched herself at him. She gripped his collar, her shadows twisting faster and faster around her. They whispered over and over his and Rhaenyra's words - others things..She could never pick them up the way Azriel did with his own.

She didn't want to. Maybe she should have learned now.

For this moment.

"Why? Why?! Have you died along with our sister?"

She shoved him away, recoiling. He still smelled like her, like that fucking moment. She began to pace, if she stopped she'd - she shouldn't stop.

"You always glowered at him, always made some pissy comment -"

She spun back to him, her hands clenching at her sides. The ventilation did nothing to hide her crawling revulsion.

"Shouldn't you be asking him these questions? Doing an Earning of whatever it is our ancestors did when they crossed the Wyrdgate."

She wondered if Aelin knew that, knew what exactly their blood held. If she'd be so eager to share her bed when she realized Rhysand had the same blood as the things she fought now.

She slumped against the wall, gripping the edge of a table.

"We never - he didn't bed me Rhysand. I wanted him to, I begged and cajoled repeatedly he - I supposed he was avoiding this moment. Not wanting to be seen as using me."

Was he?

Why hadn't he done something? He'd once wanted to hurt a brink for ruining her dress and now...

She slid to the ground, her mind felt like it was cracking open. She could hold on by sheer force of will - hurt them all. Or she could give into the growing numbness.

She -

She stared at the fire. What would it be like to burn? Would Aelin set torch to all of this? But no, no she was an assassin wasn't she? She'd probably revel in all of this.

The tears came again, slower now. The mourning of the life she'd had. She stared up at him, her vision blurring. Even now she wanted to protect Azriel, to - to just have him hold her. To -

Did he not claim her because he didn't want to be like Aleksander? Every male in his family whose weakness and strength was his mate?

Was she so far gone that she'd throw a decade away?

But Azriel could have changed like Rhysand couldn't he? He -

"I want my mate. You have spies. Use Cerridwen and Finnula. Force him to choose or -"

Her shoulders slumped, her eyes closing. She was growing so fucking tired. She laid down, the carpet was nice - soft.

Did Rhysand know who those two even were? Did he know their father had smuggled them Terresan when their mother Sancia had died?

Did he even know his own court?

The vultures he was surrounding himself with?

[siderealxmelody]

The violent urge to resurrect my angels 👀

@starlsssankt - Megan imagine 👁️ I have no idea how or if they fit into any of what we have. But like they're a true Hive society? Like ants?

Like they were at the height of their empire and then the whole Watchers, the civil war everything decimated them.

Megan, Amren?? Ahhh

@harbingersofdeath - The family dynamics this will bring especially for ones like Mal hunted for being a mix or whatever he is revamped into 👀

@luxmaeastra - the Roman/militaristic aesthetic of them too. Ahh

[siderealxmelody]

Someone stop me from fantasying of making Arobynn a bastard of Autumn

Either Autumn Court or Einar 👀

@starlsssankt

@faerieheart

@luxmaeastra

[siderealxmelody]

She stared at him beginning to laugh. She was near hysterical as she launched herself at him. She gripped his collar, her shadows twisting faster and faster around her. They whispered over and over his and Rhaenyra's words - others things..She could never pick them up the way Azriel did with his own.

She didn't want to. Maybe she should have learned now.

For this moment.

"Why? Why?! Have you died along with our sister?"

She shoved him away, recoiling. He still smelled like her, like that fucking moment. She began to pace, if she stopped she'd - she shouldn't stop.

"You always glowered at him, always made some pissy comment -"

She spun back to him, her hands clenching at her sides. The ventilation did nothing to hide her crawling revulsion.

"Shouldn't you be asking him these questions? Doing an Earning of whatever it is our ancestors did when they crossed the Wyrdgate."

She wondered if Aelin knew that, knew what exactly their blood held. If she'd be so eager to share her bed when she realized Rhysand had the same blood as the things she fought now.

She slumped against the wall, gripping the edge of a table.

"We never - he didn't bed me Rhysand. I wanted him to, I begged and cajoled repeatedly he - I supposed he was avoiding this moment. Not wanting to be seen as using me."

Was he?

Why hadn't he done something? He'd once wanted to hurt a brink for ruining her dress and now...

She slid to the ground, her mind felt like it was cracking open. She could hold on by sheer force of will - hurt them all. Or she could give into the growing numbness.

She -

She stared at the fire. What would it be like to burn? Would Aelin set torch to all of this? But no, no she was an assassin wasn't she? She'd probably revel in all of this.

The tears came again, slower now. The mourning of the life she'd had. She stared up at him, her vision blurring. Even now she wanted to protect Azriel, to - to just have him hold her. To -

Did he not claim her because he didn't want to be like Aleksander? Every male in his family whose weakness and strength was his mate?

Was she so far gone that she'd throw a decade away?

But Azriel could have changed like Rhysand couldn't he? He -

"I want my mate. You have spies. Use Cerridwen and Finnula. Force him to choose or -"

Her shoulders slumped, her eyes closing. She was growing so fucking tired. She laid down, the carpet was nice - soft.

Did Rhysand know who those two even were? Did he know their father had smuggled them Terresan when their mother Sancia had died?

Did he even know his own court?

The vultures he was surrounding himself with?

Rhysand stared at Ramiel they'd put her away, Keir had had least done that to watch her not slit her throat.

"You called him love."

Ramiel stared at the fire, tears running down her face. Her grip tightening on the arms of the chair, her nails chopping.

"Are you going to say I'm delusional again? And I don't see what's there?"

"Did he defile you?"

She flinched staring up at him in horror.

"He is mine as Aelin is yours. How can it be a defiling?"

@siderealxmelody

He feels...

nothing.

It's silent in his head, and there's a numbness inside of him. Rhysand isn't sure if that's good or not. Shouldn't he feel victorious? Or at least more than just... nothing?

Even as he'd let Keir make sure Ramiel been taken care of, even as he'd put the first of many plans finally in motion that had been delayed (in Rhysand's opinion) for far too long, the numbness remained.

The nothingness remained.

He supposes he can deal with such a thing later, as his attention right now is on his (only) sister.

❝ If you say he is that important to you, then why not speak of it before now? If Azriel is your mate, Ramiel, why hide it? ❞

Prove to me it isn't a tryst, a defilement. Prove to me that he worships you.

[siderealxmelody]

Keir shoved the note to the runner who took off through winding passageways. If he was smart he'd cut through to Autumn to get to them. Sebastian and Natalia would at least be able to sleep peacefully tonight.

Their boy was alive.

The war was over.

He glanced toward Ramiel at his side, she was staring at nothing let herself be moved. These fae males knew nothing of how to be Males.

"You'll owe me one day Keir! Consider that favor your repayment!"

Sebastian had even winked at him that day in Spring with all that blood around them. It had coated the roses then. Was that why they used Bloodroses now to mark their enemies?

He couldn't believe he was doing this.

He couldn't believe he didn't let Beron stab Sebastian when they'd had the damn chance.

"Boy!"

He stopped before Azriel and gently pushed Ramiel into his arms. She gripped his leathers, shaking now.

Keir rubbed at his jaw meeting Azriel's eyes. He wished his mate and daughter were here, but no - no they were safer away. They could fight but that wasn't what was needed here.

"We have a couple hours before Rhysand comes to interrogate her on that scene. The room I'll take her too has ventilation he won't scent you."

He began walking, snapping his fingers at him. His parents were at least faster on the uptake.

"I owe your parents a life debt. Natalia saved my life when we were young Witchlings....I wouldn't have my mate if Sebastian hadn't helped me storm Spring to get her. Now come, we only have so much time. She's going into shock and she'll Fade if you don't do something to ground her."

Least the boy think he cared for any of them. No, Natalia had asked him to stay here so he had. As Beron had pushed Zefera to take Autumn. Though he guessed Zefera had been in one that particular decision.

They were loyal to their Queen.

It felt like a horrible nightmare, this thing that wouldn't end. Rhaenyra was in chains the crowd was jeering but silent. She couldn't - her dress fell too tight. Rhysand took their father's blade from Keir. He held it at his side as the charges were written. She shoved at the soldiers keeping her here, who had dragged her to the horrible, horrible scene.

"Rhysand stop! Stop! Please! Exile her! Send her away but please - please don't -"

Rhysand glared at her.

"Be silent. You are here to witness not speak Ramiel -"

She lunged harder twisting to see Azriel. He'd stop this wouldn't he? He'd stop all of this from -

"Azriel please? Please love don't let him do this. Don't let them -"

"You will watch Ramiel. You need to see the High Lord our brother will become."

Rhysand sneered down at Rhaenyra.

"You would have used her to win your war."

"You act like you wouldn't have used the most powerful Seer in generations to do the same Rhysand."

She'd flinched back into the soldiers holding her up. Rhysand didn't respond bringing the sword down. She watched her head roll, the silence and cheers. She would have had her knees buckle if the soldiers hadn't held her tighter.

Was that what they saw her as now? A weapon? Was that why her mother had taken her to the Illyrian mountains to recover?

@siderealxmelody

It takes all the control that Azriel has in that moment not to move. Not to say a single thing, not even to look in Ramiel's direction. He can't, because if he does, he knows he'll shatter. What will holds him together right now won't be strong enough if his gaze locks with hers--not when she's pleading like that, not when she's begging--

He'd tried to prevent this. To keep her from this moment. Out of the entire conflict, as Azriel saw things slipping further and further, as the male he'd known Rhys to be seemed to replaced by someone else with every new decision, every new attack and battle, Azriel could barely recognize the male he'd called a brother.

Not now. Especially not now.

Azriel knew, too, that Rhaenyra hadn't been any better, that even if Ramiel hadn't seen the darkness covering her brother, her sister-- and he never wanted her to, for who would ever wish for their faith in their family to be so destroyed?

So he cannot look at her. He cannot move. The slightest inclination that he will act against Rhys right now--

I can't, he wishes he could tell Ramiel, as he hears her scream, as hears the crowds, as it all eventually drowns into the background static. I won't risk you.

[siderealxmelody]

Sebastian's face softened, he pressed a kiss to his temple as he stood.

"She's fine, they were difficult last night."

He sighed and rubbed at his eyes.

"And I know you can do more, you shouldn't have to."

He should be able to take care of them all no matter if Natalia said he was ridiculous for wanting to do so.

Xaden yawned he'd gotten bored reading and playing with Alaric and Adrian. They'd finally crashed in Orsus room laying near him as he read in his bed.

"Ma?"

Sebastian put a finger to his lips as Xaden quietly opened the door to their sitting room. Xaden eased the door closed seeing his mother asleep in his father's lap, Azriel already dozing.

Xaden grinned and squatted in front of Aleksander who was on his back playing with his mobile. It twinkled in the afternoon sun, stained glass with suns and moons. Aunt Silba had outdone herself making this one.

"Sasha not sleepy?"

Sebastian shook his head and looked to Natalia gently setting her on couch as he stood and stretched.

"He's refusing to sleep, I think he likes seeing the light patterns with the sunlight. Did you all eat? Do you want me to make you anything?"

He squinted at the door and ruffled Xaden's hair as he squatted next to him.

"Are you hiding from the Twin Terrors or have they both fallen asleep?"

Adrian and Alaric were a handful on a good day. Now with Aleksander and Azriel here his and Natalia's time were even more limited. He and Natalia made special effort not to parentify Xaden but he had taken on the role of an older brother happily.

Sebastian often wondered if he compensated because of Ulla and Talia not being for the younger ones like they'd been for him.

@siderealxmelody

Xaden grinned as he continued to watch Sasha's utter fascination with the suns and moons, even as he shrugged at his father's question.

❝ They fell asleep in Orsus's room. I think it was just pure exhaustion, though. I don't remember when they stopped last. ❞ His tone was amused, however, not the barest hint of frustration. Adrian and Alaric had more energy between the two of them than it seemed an entire city could deal with most days.

He glanced back over where his mother slept on the couch, his voice still low as he asked, ❝ She's just tired, right? ❞ Because he didn't want to let the little voice inside the back of his head take any root, any powerful hold, that tried to whisper any harm could come to his parents, his siblings...

He wouldn't let it.

❝ And you know I like watching out for them, right? I mean... I can do more, too... ❞

He wasn't a small child anymore, as Xaden was constantly trying to prove.