#Azriel attacked Eris during the High Lords meeting | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

parkerslatte · 12 days ago

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The Purest Kind of Love || Part Three

Azriel x Fem!Reader x Eris Vanserra

Word Count: 6.2k

Warnings: murder attempt. minor panic attack.

Summary: Eris Vanserra arrives at the Night Court to discuss trade deals, alliances and anything that would benefit him as High Lord. During a meeting, things go south quite quickly.

The Purest Kind of Love Masterlist

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•••

Weeks had passed since Y/N had felt that damned bond snap with Eris Vanserra. There were days where the bond was faint, as if it no longer existed but on others, she felt a strong pull, barely able to resist it. Concentrating on her work on those particular days was beginning to get increasingly difficult. All of her work had been conducted from her own cottage, she hadn’t given anything to Rhys as of yet, their final conversation replaying in her mind. Anger coursed through her veins whenever she thought about it. If she saw Rhys’s face anytime soon she was sure she was going to connect her palm to it.

Y/N hadn’t seen anyone from the Inner Circle since the day after Eris’s celebration. For once, she was not sure about how they would react to the news of her new mating bond– assuming Azriel had already told them. She knew that there would be a few angry faces amongst the group, Mor’s especially.

With a sigh Y/N pulled away from her open notebook, rubbing her eyes. The words she had written had only begun to blur together. Her concentration had only begun to slip once again. It didn’t help that she could still faintly smell Azriel’s scent. Many of his clothes were still within her cottage, he hadn’t come to collect them yet. There were many times where Y/N had considered returning them to him herself but just the thought of returning the only things that held his scent made her heart sting. She also wanted to give him the space that he requested.

A knock sounded through the cottage and Y/N perked up. She hadn’t spoken to anyone in weeks– she probably hadn’t even spoken aloud in weeks. She stood to her feet and walked the short distance from her office to the front door and opened it wide. The beaming face of Mor stood on the other side.

“Mor?” Y/N said, surprised to see her.

“Are you happy to see me?” she asked. “Because I am happy to see you. It’s been weeks since I have even heard from you.”

Y/N laughed nervously. “I’ve been busy with my work.”

Mor hummed, as if she didn’t believe it. Thankfully she didn’t call Y/N out on it. Mor held up a letter in her hand. “This came for you a few days ago. I thought Azriel would have delivered it to you but I haven’t seen him around either.”

Oh, Y/N thought. Mor didn’t know.

“I haven’t seen Azriel either,” Y/N said, her voice sad. “Our relationship ended, Mor.”

Surprise lit up Mor’s face. “You split up?”

Y/N nodded. “A few weeks ago.”

“I’m sorry,” Mor said, gesturing to Y/N to sit down. “How are you?”

“Honestly, I am finding it hard,” Y/N said. “Having someone beside you for years and then they are suddenly gone is certainly an adjustment. I still have some of his clothes here.”

“I can take them to him for you–”

“No,” Y/N cut her off. She cleared her throat. “No, it’s okay. I’ll send them to him soon.”

Mor nodded and handed Y/N the letter. “I’m unsure of who it is from as there was no name given.”

The writing on the letter was exquisite and beautiful and was a piece of artwork within itself. It was much better than the fast scrawl that filled Y/N’s notebooks.

“As much as I would love to stay here with you, Emerie and I planned our own trip to visit the Day Court,” Mor said.

“It’s okay,” Y/N said, her eyes snapping up from the letter. “Enjoy yourselves.”

A small smile toyed at Mor’s lips. “We will, I’ll tell her you said hell0.”

A long hug and another goodbye, Mor was gone, leaving Y/N alone in her cottage once more.

***

The letter sat on the table unopened. A wax seal on the back of the letter clearly indicated who it was from. The wax was a near perfect match of the sender's eyes. Not that Y/N would recognise them immediately of course.

Why would Eris send me a letter? Y/N thought.

As she took the letter back in her hands, Y/N contemplated opening it. As much as she liked to believe the stories that depicted Eris as a terrible male, Y/N personally didn’t see it. They had only shared a dance and a few conversations together but for some reason she could see that careful constructed mask he hides behind. It had slipped just before he left her room the morning after his celebration. Somehow she believed that her whole family was wrong about him.

Y/N carefully broke the seal of the letter and took the parchment out. It faintly smelt of a crackling fire. Y/N couldn’t help but breathe it in. Once the letter was unfolded, it was written in the same delicate handwriting that was on the front. It was shorter than Y/N was expecting. She began to read.

—----

Dear Y/N,

I am currently on a tour around Prythian to work out trade deals and build stronger relationships between my court and others and hopefully fix all the hurt my father caused. I only have two stops to go before I finish this little task of mine; Night and Winter. Due to circumstances in the Winter Court, I would need to visit the Night Court first.

Now this is where my problem resides. The Night Court is your home and I do not wish to intrude. It is true that we have a mating bond between us and it is true that it connects our souls. Though I do not wish for you to be uncomfortable in your own home. If you truly feel uncomfortable with me being in your home court, I can conduct my business from my home in Autumn.

If you wish for me to stay in Autumn, don’t open this letter.

If you wish for me to come to Night, open this letter–

—----

Y/N stopped reading as if she couldn’t believe her eyes. Though she couldn’t help the laugh that slipped past her lips. The nerve of him, Y/N thought. Though he did bring a genuine smile to her lips for the first time in weeks.

Truthfully, Y/N wouldn’t mind for him to come to the Night Court. If she did feel uncomfortable in his presence, she would simply stay away. Even with the mating bond’s desperate attempts to pull her closer. Saoise cast her eyes back down to the letter.

—----

It may be obvious to you now that I am indeed on my way to the Night Court, depending on when you read this, I might already be there now. But I am being serious when I say that if you truly are uncomfortable with me around, happily tell me and I will be gone before you even have the chance to blink.

I hope this letter finds you well.

Your mate

Kind regards,

Eris Vanserra, High Lord of Autumn

—----

The smile tugged at the corner of Y/N’s mouth and she consciously removed it. She folded the letter and placed it back in its envelope, tucking it away in the drawer under the table. There was a possibility that Eris was already in the Night Court. The thought made her chest contort, nerves itching. She shouldn’t feel nervous. Eris was her mate and she knew how to handle him, evident from the dance they shared.

Perhaps the reason Mor and Emerie were going to spend some time in the Day Court was because of Eris’s arrival. Why hadn’t anyone told her about it? Despite how Rhys might not think of her as part of his family, she was still a member of the Inner Circle whether he liked it or not. Her research was a large part of what kept the court running and kept people safe, even if Rhys deemed them not worth saving like the people in Hewn City. Y/N would go out of her way to warn him about possible dangers that target the area.

If Eris was meant to be arriving at the Night Court, she should have been informed of it. Perhaps he hadn’t arrived yet and that was the reason. Though deep down, Y/N already knew that both Rhys and Cassian would choose Azriel’s comfort over her. If Azriel didn’t want to be within a certain distance of her, Rhys and Cassian would do all they could to make it happen.

Y/N closed the drawer containing the letter from Eris and returned to her research, her mind becoming consumed.

***

A whole day had passed and Y/N couldn’t stop thinking about the letter Eris had sent. By her estimations, he should have already been in the Night Court for at least No one had reached out to her. Even Eris, which Y/N hated to admit, disappointed her a little. The work she had been doing had been completed and Y/N had felt fidgety. For the majority of her work, she would assign herself jobs but Rhys did task her with conducting research for him. She had completed it all and had no motivation to do any of her own.

The hot mug in Y/N’s hand was placed upon the table as she walked over to the front door. Being trapped in the cottage where Azriel’s scent still lingered was not doing her any good.

Y/N swung the door open and a surprised Cassian stood just down the cobblestone pathway. A frown found its way onto Y/N’s face.

“What are you doing here, Cassian?” Y/N asked.

Cassian chuckled nervously. “So I don’t get a hug of greeting?”

Y/N folded her arms across her chest. “No I don’t believe you will. Why are you here?”

Cassian sighed. “Eris is meeting with Rhys and the rest of us to discuss some trade deals and to strengthen his alliance with us.”

“And Rhys is the one who assigned you to get me?” Y/N asked.

“No,” Cassian answered and Y/N’s heart sank. If it wasn’t clear by her last conversation with Rhys, it was evident now that he didn’t even view Y/N as part of his Inner Circle. “It was actually Azriel who demanded that you be there as part of the Inner Circle.”

Surprise filled Y/N’s eyes. “Azriel demanded it?”

“He threatened to not attend the meeting himself if you weren’t there,” Cassian explained.

Somehow that made Y/N feel worse.

***

The tension in the room was thick and it only amused Eris to his core. While everyone around him was alert, he casually lounged in his chair, waiting for the meeting to begin. He wasn’t told the reason for the delay but he had noticed that both of the Illyrian warriors were nowhere to be seen.

Rhysand sat at the head of the table with Fere by his side, a clear sense of who was actually in power. The smaller fae with short black hair, Eris hadn’t ever bothered to know her name, sat to his right, her piercing gaze never leaving him for a second.

It had only been a matter of hours since Eris had been welcomed into the Night Court and he had yet to leave this very room. If he were to be confined for the week he was meant to be staying, Eris was sure that he would go insane. Despite his dislike towards certain members of Rhysand’s Inner Circle and the Night Court itself, Eris did have to admit that what he had seen of Velaris had been rather beautiful.

The door to the room opened, cutting through the silence. The shadowsinger stepped inside, eyes full of carefully concealed rage. Eris watched his movements carefully as he slowly pulled out of the chair opposite him and took a seat, wings tucked tightly into his back, shadows restlessly moving over his shoulders. Just from the look of him, Eris could tell that he was finding it hard to keep his emotions in check. Perfect, Eris thought.

Two more figures entered the room soon after. The first was Cassian, probably the only member of the Inner Circle who Eris could have a semi-pleasant conversation with. Stepping in after him however was the person who made his chest ache deliciously.

That pull that Eris had tried his best to ignore the past few weeks was now pulled taunt as his eyes met Y/N’s. She was just as beautiful as she looked at his celebration. The only difference was the dark circles under her eyes. It was clear that she hadn’t been sleeping and Eris wanted to know the reason why. Perhaps he could do something to help her. But what if the reason she was losing sleep was because of him?

The stories the Inner Circle must have told her about him were certainly not pleasant. What if she was kept awake at night after finding out that she was mated to such a diabolical male. After all, that is what he wanted everyone to think when his father was alive. But knowing that Y/N most likely thought that way about him– that filled Eris with a sadness that was foreign to him.

The chair next to Eris was pulled out and Y/N slowly sat down and shuffled the chair back in, her hands folded in her lap.

“Now that everyone is here,” Rhysand began, his eyes lingering on Y/N for a brief moment and in that moment Eris fought the urge to reach across the table and connect his fist with his face. “I would firstly like to set some rules for this meeting.”

Eris rolled his eyes. “Rules? Are these rules for me or for you brainless servants?” Eris said, gesturing to Azriel and Cassian. Eris’s gaze fixated on Azriel. The shadowsinger’s gaze was locked on Eris and it seemed as if that he had no intention of looking away. “And if I may be completely honest. All of you are terrible hosts, locking me in a room with surveillance for hours, no offer of a drink or food. When I had my meeting with Helion, we had already discussed what we needed to and were sharing a bottle of wine on the balcony.”

The smile that spread across Rhysands face was nothing short of malicious. “My apologies, Eris. Would you like a glass of my finest wine?”

“Absolutely not,” Eris replied, leaning back in his chair. “I wouldn’t put it past you to poison my glass.” Eris’s gaze slowly shifted to Y/N whose gaze was cast to the table. “Except Y/N here. Unlike all of you, she seemes to have her head actually screwed on.”

The shadows resting on Azriel’s shoulders moved around his body, seemingly readying to strike Eris at any moment– Eris simply ignored him. Y/N’s head lifted and looked at Eris and when their eyes locked once more, Eris couldn’t help the small twitch of the corner of his mouth. Y/N seemed to notice it as the corner of her mouth twitched too. The pull only became stronger.

Clearing his throat, Eris turned to face Azriel who still hadn’t looked away from him, a burning hatred resided in his eyes. Eris smirked. “Are you jealous, Azriel? That I can get a female to smile at me while you simply pine from afar, struggling to gain even the smallest bit of affection. It's quite sad really.”

The shadows that rested upon Azriel’s shoulders reached out to Eris and the fury in Azriel’s eyes grew. Eris knew that he had touched a nerve.

“Stop with the threatening look, Azriel. How do you ever wish to seduce anyone into your bed with an aura of murder surrounding you. No wonder you’ve been alone for centuries,” Eris said, casually crossing one leg over the other.

Shadows wrapped around Eris’s throat and most air was cut off. The feeling of the tightness around his throat made Eris immediately panic. Azriel loomed over Eris as everyone around them tried to stop what was occurring.

“Azriel,” Rhysand warned. “Stop this. You know what will happen if you harm him.”

“I don’t care,” Azriel growled.

“Az,” Cassian said, placing a hand on the shadowisnger’s shoulder. Azriel just shrugged it off. “You need to stop.”

“Stop this!” Feyre demanded, looking between Eris and Azriel.

“Azriel!” Y/N snapped. “Are you out of your fucking mind?”

For the first time since he entered the room, Azriel looked away from Eris and to Y/N. The tightness around his throat faltered but there was still no way for Eris to escape. He clawed at his throat but his hands only clawed at his skin.

“Let him go now,” Y/N said, her voice dangerous.

The shaowingers eyes found Eris’s again and the shadows tightened as if it were instinctual, as if they were connected to his emotions. It was beginning to get harder and harder to breathe. Eris desperately tried to claw at his neck again but it only made him scratch his own skin more, this time drawing blood.

As he began to feel fainter and fainter, Eris couldn’t stop the rising panic within him. It was almost as if he could feel the ghost of his fathers hand wrapping around his neck. Eris scratched at his neck even more and drew more blood, desperate to breathe again. Black spots clouded his vision and all attempts from the Inner Circle to get Azriel to stop fell on deaf ears.

“Azriel, please stop,” Y/N pleaded and Eris felt gentle hands rest on his shoulder. It was the only thing that grounded him against visions of his father looking over him with his hand around his neck.

“Stop…” Eris begged Azriel.

Something within Azriel’s eyes seemed to snap him back to reality as the shadows recoiled from Eris as if he had burnt them. They rested on Azriel’s shoulders before shrinking away entirely. Stumbling back, Azriel blinked as Eris’s chest heaved up and down, slowly getting air back into his lungs.

“Azriel…” Y/N was the first to speak, a hint of disappointment in her tone.

“I-I’m sorry,” Azriel said before he swiftly left the room.

Eris continued to breathe heavily as Y/N’s hands remained on his shoulders. He wanted to shrink into her touch. Just feeling all eyes on him made him want to hide– he was too exposed, too vulnerable. Eris never wanted to feel that way again.

“Why don’t we finish this meeting tomorrow once everything has calmed down?” Feyre suggested, looking at the blood smeared on Eris’s neck.

“That would be a smart idea, Feyre darling,” Rhysand said. “Cassian, you can escort Eris to–”

“I will do it,” Y/N said firmly. “I don’t think he wants to be around any of you right now.”

Eris closed his eyes and allowed his body to slump against the chair as he tried to even out his breathing, nothing seemed to work.

“But–” Rhysand began.

“I will take him to his room,” Y/N said, sending a glare Rhysand’s way. “Do you have a problem with that, Rhys?”

Rhysand studied Y/N for a moment, his eyes lingering on where her hands were gently holding onto Eris’s shoulders. He slowly nodded. “Of course not, Y/N. Make sure he doesn’t go anywhere anacompanied.”

“I’m not a prisoner, Rhysand,” Eris said quietly.

There was no reply as the footsteps of the Inner Circle slowly grew quieter as they all left the room until only Y/N and Eris remained. Eris’s chest still heaved up and down as his breathing still hadn't returned to normal. Beron’s phantom hands were still wrapped around his throat.

“Let me clean that away,” Y/N said quietly, procuring a small cloth from thin air.

When his eyes met Y/N’s, they were filled with concern as she looked at his neck. Eris didn’t want to know what it looked like.

“I can clean it myself,” Eris mumbled, taking the rag from Y/N’s hands.

A simple nod was her response. The scratches on his neck were already beginning to heal as Eris wiped the blood away, the previously white cloth now crimson.

“Do you wish to return to your room?” Y/N asked.

Eris chuckled, no humour behind it. “I’d rather not be concealed in a small room right now.”

The two sat together alone in the room until Eris’s breathing had evened out. The phantom hand still remained but the panic within his body was washed away. Almost immediately, a switch flipped in Eris as he turned to Y/N. The facade he put on lit up his face once more.

“Well, why don’t you show me around Velaris? I’m sure someone as beautiful as you knows where the stunning sights are,” Eris suggested, a smirk toying at his lips.

Y/N frowned, immediately seeing through the facade. “Cut the bullshit, Eris. You can parade this fake attitude to everyone else but not me.” A gentler expression replaced her frown. “You…are my mate. You don’t need to hide your true self away from me.”

Slowly but surely, the smirk fell from Eris’s face. “Mate? That is the first time I have heard you admit that aloud.”

“We have only had one conversation since it snapped,” Y/N said, an amused tone filling her voice.

Eris huffed out a laugh, looking down at the blood stained cloth in his hand. “That is true. But it still feels…surreal that someone is telling me that I am their mate.”

Y/N sighed. “It is strange for me too. If a mating bond did snap for me, I thought it would be with…someone else.”

Eris raised an eyebrow. “And that someone is?”

A saddened expression fell upon Y/N’s face and Eris immediately regretted asking. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“I apologise for asking,” Eris said, throwing the bloodied cloth on the table.

“Don’t apologise,” Y/N said firmly.

Eris nodded and slouched back in the chair, all sense of formality disappearing from his posture. If it were anyone else but Y/N in his presence, Eris wouldn’t be caught dead slouching in his chair, but he felt…comfortable.

“Well, aren’t you going to take me to my prison– I mean room?” Eris said.

Y/N smiled. “The rooms might not be as grand as the rooms in the Autumn Court, but I assure you that your room isn’t a prison. It was my old room, actually.”

Eris suddenly perked up. “Your old room?”

Y/N nodded. “It was always the nicest room and now it is used as a guest room as Nesta demandes to make guests feel comfortable when they stay here. There have been a lot of…strange guests over the past few years. And I wasn’t going to take you there anyway. You said you didn’t want to be concealed in a small room so I’m taking you out to see Velaris.”

Surprise filled Eris’s body. “You are letting me leave?”

“Despite what Rhys tells you, Eris. You can go anywhere you want unsupervised. I trust you. If Rhys wants to shout at anyone about it, send him my way,” said Y/N, standing to her feet.

“Now come on,” Y/N said. “This beautiful female, as you like to put it, is going to show you some stunning sights.”

***

Despite the sun being high in the sky, it didn’t stop Y/N from shivering as they walked down the cobblestone streets. Some stopped and stared, clearly confused as to why the new High Lord of Autumn was walking through the streets of Velaris. Eris didn’t seem to care as he looked around, clearly taking in every small detail.

Y/N wasn’t exactly sure what came over her when she suggested that she take Eris out in the city, all that she did know was that it had been instinctual to spend time with him. It wasn’t in her plans to get to know her mate, at least not so soon after her relationship with Azriel ended– but when Eris was clawing at his throat and Azriel loomed over him, she had the strong urge to protect him. There were still a few scratches that hadn’t healed yet from how deep Eris had scratched himself.

“You’ve been shivering for the past hour,” Eris commented as he stopped to look in a window of a shop.

“Unlike you, I don’t have fire coursing through my veins,” Y/N said, wrapping her arms tighter around herself.

“If I had a jacket I would offer it to you,” Eris said, finally turning to her. He frowned once he noticed her thin dress for what seemed like the first time.

“It's okay,” Y/N said with a wave of her hand. “I can return to my cottage to get a jacket, it isn’t too far away if you don’t mind the walk.”

Eris shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

With a nod, Y/N led them down the street and away from the shops. “You can stay here if you wish, I’m unsure how long I will be.”

“It’s fine,” Eris said. “If I am being honest, I do wish to see more of this city– don’t tell Rhysand I said that.”

Y/N nodded. “Don’t worry, I am unsure if Rhys and I are on speaking terms currently.”

“I am not prying you for an answer but if you would like to tell me, I am awaiting your answer eagerly– unfortunately for you, I do enjoy some gossip,” Eris replied.

Y/N huffed a laugh. “Unfortunately for you, I will not be telling you. You may be my mate, Eris, but sharing personal conversations is not on the table yet.”

“Yet,” Eris smirked.

“Sorry?” Y/N questioned.

“You said ‘yet’,” Eris remarked. “So that means that one day you will tell me.”

“I–shut up,” Y/N said, pulling her arms closer to herself as a chill ran down her spine.

A low chuckle emitted from Eris that sent pleasant shivers down Y/N’s spine. “My, my, just when we were getting along too.”

“Who said that we were getting along?” Y/N questioned, raising a brow.

“Well, you haven’t threatened to harm or kill me yet, so I am taking our brief relationship thus far as a successful one,” Eris remarked.

The two continued walking for a while longer in silence. Though it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence like Y/N expected, she was perfectly at ease. Eris seemed to be keen on taking in his surroundings as they walked down the cobblestone street. Y/N nearly slipped a few times when her attention fixated on Eris for a moment too long so she missed where the stone was raised higher than the others, thus causing her to trip. Whenever she did, Eris huffed out a small laugh.

“May I ask you a question?” Y/N questioned suddenly after a long silence. The question she wanted to ask was burned onto her tongue.

“Depends what the question is,” Eris answered with a raised eyebrow.

“That letter you sent me,” Saoirs began and Eris laughed. “Why didn’t you give me a choice if you were going to come here regardless.”

“Oh Y/N,” Eris said, her name flowing from his lips like a beautiful poem. “You are mistaken, I did give you a choice.”

Y/N laughed. “A choice? You said in your letter that if I was comfortable with you coming to my home, I should open the letter– how would I even know what the letter contained or who the letter was from if I didn’t open it?”

Eris glanced at her. “You knew who the letter was from as soon as you picked it up, didn’t you?”

“I might not have,” Y/N defended, folding her arms across her chest.

“But you did,” Eris said. “And despite how little time we have spent together, I knew that you would have never opened that letter if you were uncomfortable with me. Am I correct?”

“No,” Y/N said, sending a small glare his way. She hated how correct he was.

“Liar,” Eris whispered.

Their faces were close as Y/N cleared her throat and turned away. “My cottage is just up this street.”

Seemingly snapping back into reality, Eris took a step back, clasping his hands behind his back. “You said that this walk wasn’t too far. You live quite far from the city.”

Y/N shrugged. “It’s a short walk for me. It helps me focus more on my work. When I used to live in the House of Wind with everyone, I could hardly focus on my work as I was interrupted almost every time I tried to get anything done.”

Despite the fact that her home had been her sanctuary for many years, always full of life and love– it now held an aura of sadness around it. Even though Y/N had lived in her cottage years before she and Azriel made their bargain, it was the place where they had started building their life together. Residing all over the cottage and land surrounding it held small reminders of the shadowsinger. His chair for instance, which allowed him to sit comfortably with his wings. The bed which Y/N had surprised him with once when she had noticed how much he had ached whenever he slept in her previous bed. The decorations Azriel had bought for her whenever he had business elsewhere.

Y/N unlocked the door and stepped inside, Eris followed after. The room was cold, it had been ever since Azriel had left. But with Eris standing next to her there was a flicker of warmth that spread through the air.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Y/N muttered, stepping away from Eris.

There was no reply from Eris, or if he did reply, Y/N didn’t hear as she made her way to her bedroom. Only one side of the bed was slept in and the other was still perfectly made, she hadn’t wanted to move anything just yet, not while the scent of Azriel still lingered. Moving onto her wardrobe, Y/N pulled out a thick coat, trying her best to ignore Azriel’s hung up just beside hers. She needed to return it to him– just not yet.

When she exited her bedroom, Y/N found Eris looking over the various decor pieces. She cleared her throat to announce her presence. It felt strange bringing Eris to her cottage, perhaps she should have left him in the city while she came back here alone. Despite the terms of their bargain, it felt wrong to bring Eris into the place where she had just begun to build a life with Azriel. Yet– the High Lord fit in well with her decor.

“I’m ready to leave now,” Y/N said.

“May I ask you a question now?” Eris said suddenly.

“Depends what it is,” she answered, putting on her coat.

“I don’t mean to pry while asking this question, but do you live with someone else in this cottage– the spymaster more specifically? His scent is blocking all my other senses,” Eris said, clasping his hands behind his back.

The question wasn’t one Y/N was prepared for, of course she planned to tell Eris at some point but not so soon. But Eris was very perceptive and would know that she was lying if she denied his statement. With a sigh, Y/N nodded. “Yes he lived here with me– four years to be exact.”

“So at my celebration, the two of you were…together?” Eris questions.

“We were, yes,” said Y/N honestly.

“Ah, so that is why he was glaring at me for the entire length of the dance we shared,” Eris said. “But I cannot help but notice you are speaking in past tense about your relationship.”

“We are not together anymore,” Y/N said, the statement sending a pain through her heart. “That ended the night of your celebration.”

A guilty look washed over Eris’s face. “That wasn’t because of me, was it? Even though I do not like the shadowsinger, I do not wish to harm you in any way.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his sweet words but Y/N gave him a tight lipped smile. “The only reason why you are involved is because the mating bond snapped between us. Even if it snapped between me and anyone else that night, our relationship would have ended the same way at the same time.”

“You do not need to tell me if you don’t want to, Y/N,” Eris said earnestly. “I might act like a gossip, but most of the time, I do prefer staying far away from it.”

“It’s okay,” Y/N said. “I would have eventually needed to tell you at some point. Four years ago, Azriel and I made a bargain. We were both so sick of being alone, everyone around us was happily mated and were starting families or already had one. At the time we thought it was an incredible idea. We would form a relationship with each other but if one of us were to ever find our mate, we would walk away from one another and our relationship would end. Realistically, we both never thought we would find our mates. We are both over five-hundred years old, if a bond would have snapped with anyone, then it would have snapped by then.”

“We lived together for four years, were steadily building a life together until–”

“Our bond snapped,” Eris finished.

“Correct,” Y/N said. “That night when I told him, I was in so much pain because I tried to fight the terms of the bargain. I begged him to stay with me but we both knew that we couldn’t continue our relationship because sooner or later the bargain would have killed me. Azriel left me in that room the night and never came back. The meeting earlier was the first time I had seen him since.”

“That morning when I came to speak to you and you were upset,” said Eris, taking a hesitant step forward. “It was because of the bargain.”

Y/N nodded. “I didn’t mean to be snappy with you, I couldn’t help it.”

“I didn’t mean to provoke you that morning, if I did, I apologise,” Eris said before proceeding to let out a breathless chuckle. “It’s funny, that morning I wanted to see if you were okay and I was pacing outside of your room for nearly an hour trying to gain the courage to knock. I didn’t want to seem invasive.”

Saoise’s face clouded over in surprise. “You needed to pluck up the courage to do something? Colour me shocked.”

With a shake of his head, Eris laughed and the sound was beautiful. “Don't get too used to it, Y/N, I never back down from a challenge.”

“Except when it consists of asking someone if they are okay?” Y/N asked.

“It was only because it was you– my mate– if it were any other member of your so-called ‘Inner Circle’, I don’t think I could have cared less,” Eris replied before his eyes suddenly turned serious. “There is still a lot that you don’t know about me, Y/N– and there is still a lot that I don’t know about you. I am not the monster that Rhysand and his lapdogs have made me out to be.”

Y/N took an unconscious step forward. “Believe it or not, Eris, I can already tell that you are not the male I have heard stories about.”

At that statement, Eris’s face lit up and he seemed relieved. “If you are open to it, Y/N, would you mind getting to know one another? I know that we eventually need to address the glaring topic of our mating bond– but right now, I am asking as a friend. Because believe it or not– I don’t have many of those.”

Despite Y/N’s previous feelings about the guilt trailing down her spine at Eris standing in the home she had made with Azriel, she now thought he fit in perfectly with her belongings– even the ones Azriel had picked out.

A bright smile stretched across Y/N’s face. “I would love that, Eris.”

Eris dipped his head in a nod. “I am glad to hear that, Y/N.”

As their conversation had progressed, Y/N now found herself standing barely an arms length away from Eris, it was as if the taunt bond between them had slowly pulled them closer. Slowly, she linked her arm with Eris’s, the warmth of his body seeping through her coat.

“Now, there is a small tavern that I like just down the street from my cottage,” Y/N said as she led Eris to the front door. “If we are getting to know one another, we might as well do it over a few friendly drinks.”

As the door to her cottage shut behind them, Y/N couldn’t help the small weight lifted from her shoulders. Walking with Eris by her side eased her in a way she couldn’t describe.

Though perhaps it was because of the faint scent of cedar mixing with a cracking fire.

Taglist:

@22hilda @lazypostfandomer @inkedinshadows @awkardnerd @azysmate @therealmoonstone @lets-talk-about-xyz @starryevermore @babypeapoddd @tothestarsandwhateverend @batboyrhyrhy @callsigns-haze @wildflowermooon @wildfloweroutlaw @acourtofbatboydreams @bookandtealover @queenoffeysand @the-sweet-psycho @the-starlight-way @curiosandcourioser @cheekym8s @honk4emoboyz @paleidiot @buckystevelove @that-girl-reading @readinggeeklmao @hextech-bros @scarsandallaz @paige0103 @k8r123-blog @asweetblueberry2 @bloodicka @eddsthemunson @fourthwing4ever @crypticme @that-one-bibliophole @lilah-asteria @sassybluebird @ninthcircleofprythian @imma-too-many-fandoms @happyt0exist @spiritualmooshroom @phoenix666stuff @imagoddessinmystories @sveretrice @stormieandateacup @impossibelle @opium-den @pit-and-the-pen @julesvanslutta @circe143

#acotar #acotar x reader #a court of thorns and roses #azriel x reader #azriel #azriel acotar #azriel shadowsinger #eris vanserra #eris vanserra x reader #eris acotar #eris x reader #azriel x eris #azriel x eris vanserra

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stormhearty · 1 year ago

Text

Death's Magic

Note: This is an idea that I’ve had for awhile, though the original idea had a merge with the World of Harry Potter, I thought it might have been better and easier to just keep it in the world of ACOTAR but change up a few things. please do forgive if I have some wrong information, I have only read up to ACOWAR. This scene is based on chapter 58-59 of A Court of Mist and Fury when Velaris was attacked by the Attor-like creatures. Also, I wrote this in Notion and decided to put it in Word to see how long it was — it was 5+ pages and I was like wow.

Summary: When the truth of your powers is revealed to your bonded mates, Eris and Rhysand, and your Court, histories are exposed, insecurities are talked about. But you know… all you know despite the navigating that your mates will always be with you.

Word Count: 3k

Triggers: death, fighting, insecurities

Parings: Eris x Death!Reader x Rhysand (feat. Night Court characters)

“You will never know how that child’s feels…” Armen growled, silver eyes glowing as she glared at the two lords that held her lady. Eyes shifted from the two males, that was bonded to the female that was at the center of everything, those silver eyes shifted from pure anger to something softer — something that was rarely seen with the ancient being. Eris brought you closer to his arms, as he watched Rhysand’s hand gently caress your brows, the two of them hoping you’d wake up to explain what had happened in the span of twenty-four hours.

It had been a long day for everyone in that room — the attack on Velaris by the Attor by Hybern, shook everyone to their core. None of them thought that the King would be able to break through the shields that surrounded the city; however, he did and almost plunged their home into destruction. Cassian and Azriel were barely able to winnow to the city on time to try to defend it. Mor had been away on official business while Armen was with Varian at the Autumn Court with Eris to try to convince Eris’ father to fight against Hybern. Velaris’ High Lord was on a search, attempting to find Myriam and Drakon to help with the looming threat that is Hybern. It had left the city vulnerable, the King believing it was an easy attempt to wipe out its growing enemy without its High Lord and protectors. However, it was futile, unaware of the shadow and darkness that lingered there — that you had stayed behind to quietly protect the city.

When you had been introduced by Armen to the Inner Circle, you were a person of mysterious origin — the Inner Circle very wary about you, for a very good reason. The only reason why you were able to stay in Valeris was because of Armen. She was able to find you a place to stay in the outskirts of the city, accompanying you to every Inner Circle meeting and staying by your side while you had adjusted to your new life. Whenever Rhysand had inquired about you — your history, your origin, you in general, Armen had become over-protective — silencing the Night Court Lord with just a glare.

“Her past is something I cannot share. She has her own darkness, that she has to hide to live with us in the light. Do not inquire anymore than you should. She is loyal, that is the only thing you should know about her,” was the only thing that Armen would ever share.

You had accompanied him and the Inner Circle — as the substitute of Armen when the ancient being was busy or reluctant of accompanying the group to another Court. You had been nothing but a whisp of shadow during those times, similar to Azriel, hiding within the shadows, watching over those who lived in the light.

One day when you had accompanied Rhysand to the Autumn Court to visit its High Lord. Another attempt to convince the Vanserra Lord to rally against Hybern. When the two of you had stepped into the massive throne room, you were greeted by the eldest Vanserra son. The three of you looked at one another before you felt a snap against your chest.

You pressed a gloved hand against your chest, it was an unusual feeling for you; however, you watched as the High Lord and the High Lord heir collapse onto their knees, feeling on how strong that snap was against their chest.

Brows furrowed as you watched them in confusion — their panting, and their equal amount of confusion as they looked at each other before turning to you, violet and amber eyes staring at you. Silence surrounded the three of you, and a heartbeat later, the two of them stood up, slowly surrounding you. Tilting your head up to look at the two, confusion still evident in your features, “… Are you two alright?” you voiced.

Apparently you had no idea what had just transpired, and the only thing that had to be said was, “… You are our mate…”

It had been a long, winding road for Eris and Rhysand to accept that they shared a mate. It was difficult… you rarely opened up to either of them, it was a slow tedious thing, and Eris was rarely available to grow the mating bond with you. The three of you had to meet in secret to ensure the safety of this bond. The bond had made both males over protective and Rhysand understood why Armen was so, over you. Both of them could feel the obscurity on your side of the bond, them understand that you had no idea what it had meant to be in a Cauldron-blessed bond. It took a lot on both their end to figure you out, open you up to the point you trusted them, and in turn, trust you.

By the time Rhysand had winnowed to the House of Wind where the Attor had been successful in infiltrating, the High Lord had found you — your delicate stature fighting against the Attor. Magic fighting against magic, anything that Attor tried to use against you would bounce off the glimmering shield of darkness that surrounds you. Rhysand watched you, your movement swift and smooth, much like the creature you fought; as if you were the wind itself, you were shadow itself. He felt the air move around him, feeling his brothers and the rest of the Inner Court arriving, watching the scene fold in front of them. Rhysand watched as Armen arrive with Varian in toe, eyes widening slightly as he saw Eris arrive along with them. Eris moved, fighting against the wind that swirled around the throne room towards the High Lord of Night Court, towards his mate. Eris placed a hand on Rhysand’s shoulder, a movement of support as they locked eyes for a moment before looking back at the fight — back to the third of their mating bond — towards you.

All of them watched as a slender hand reached above, magic pulsating around them as another wind of glimmer and darkness wafted through the air — growing wider and bigger. Rhysand watched as that shield surrounded not only him but his family and soon his whole home. Eyes looking out the window to see a swarm of Attor-like creatures, flying towards the open balcony, attempt to enter the House of Wind, only to be stopped by the barrier. The magic preventing the destruction of his home.

A high shrill scream returned his attention to the action, Rhysand’s body entering into fight mode. Violet eyes looked back at fight, watching as your figure was enshroud by a shadow, one that grew large until it was large enough to reach the ceiling of the throne room. Cloaked in black robes, hood drawn over its head — a creature much like the Attor itself, much like the Suriel, something similar to the Bone Carver in the Prison, to the Weaver in the Middle — but they knew that this creature was nothing like the previous, it was something darker… something more powerful. They watched as the shadow extended its hand, a hand — nothing but bone and tendon exposed, pointing its long bony finger towards the Attor, who had knelt on its knees, bony prominences pressed against the marble floor — panting, blood and sweat clinging onto its cloak as if it was apart of it. When that bony finger touched the top of its head, another scream tore from the Attor’s throat, its body disintegrating into nothing but ash.

The air stilled, and the shadow faded away, leaving your figure in its wake. Time seemed to pause as they watch you tilt your head slightly before turning their direction. When your eyes — dark as the night sky, dark as black locked eyes with him before drifting to Eris’ by his side. You had given them a soft smile, eyes squinting into crescents their names nothing but a whisper against your lips before you body collapsed onto the floor.

Eris was the first one to come out of the stupor, his body immediately running towards yours. He skidded onto his knees as he heaved your body into his arms, a hand against your cheek to try to wake you up. Rhysand was hot on his heels, kneeling on the other side of your figure, sharp talons against you mind, trying to probe through the darkness that had shrouded your mind.

That is where it landed you now. The Inner Court at the Townhouse, your body still in Eris’ arms as both High Lords tried to interrogate the ancient being to tell why you had not woken up. Armen did not tell them anything, her stubbornness tenfold when it came to you; but it was hesitant now, knowing that the males that held you would stop at anything to ensure your safety.

A heartbeat of silence surrounded the room before Armen sighed.

“I pray the Mother would forgive me…” she muttered before she steeled herself against the stares of her family, “(Y/N)… is a God Made into a High Fae. When I had escaped the Prison, she was standing outside, an empty shell. I didn’t know what kind of God she was but she was lost as I and, that, immediately made us stick to each other. I had adapted faster to this world that she did, and so I kept her hidden while I became part of this world — part of your Court. I looked, looked into books, looked into the past, talked with the Gods of Old in the Prison to find out what she was…”

Eyes looked from Rhysand and Eris, to your form that was resting soundly in their arms.

“… She is Death itself. Death reincarnate. The Bone Carver, the Attor, the Suriel all made in her likeness… or what she used to be. The reason why she couldn’t… assimilate easily as I do was because she was never even part of this world originally. And so when that bond snapped between the three of you, I was surprised.”

Rhysand and Eris glanced at each other, remembering that moment when it was revealed to Armen that they were your mates. The surprise and hesitance in her features — it all made sense. You were a God and they were Cauldron-bound to you. You were as old, even older than Prythian itself. And yet you were mated to the two of them.

Armen shrugged, another sigh escaped her lips. Varian wrapped an arm around her shoulders, comforting her, “She was like a child, lost in this world. She didn’t know of her powers, it sometimes leaked out of her… You all have seen it.”

And they have, the flittering of shadows and darkness. Everyone had thought originally it was from Azriel — lights flickering when you were angry, shadows and night seeped out of your fingertips when you were training with Cassian. And all unknown to you.

“She has been trying to figure out herself, figure out her powers… She doesn’t know how to use it to her full conscious. Both of us have tried to rein in her powers, make it fully under her control.”

“… So what happened earlier?” Azriel questioned from his position in the corner of the room, his tone tight, “That thing that she had summoned that disintegrated the Attor.” The shadowsinger wasn’t mad, he was more frustrated than anything — they were your family, and yet you hid this part of you from them.

Another shrug from Armen, “I’ve tried to read… read anything concerning her. That thing I am unsure of. All I could think of —”

“The Grim…”

Eyes snapped towards your form, Eris and Rhysand looked down at you as you started to awaken. Apparently, you knew what they were talking about.

“It’s called the Grim…” you opened your eyes, your eye color back to normal — not the black color they had seen after the battle, but your own, ‘…A servant of Death itself.”

“(Y/N), Darling…” Rhysand breathed, as he kneeled in front of you as Eris shifted your form in his arms so that Rhysand could hold your cheeks, assessing you, ensuring you were unharmed. While Eris pressed his lips against the crown of your head, muttering, “Thank the Mother…”

A small smile tugged at your lips, feeling the bond tugged at both ends from your mates, eyes fluttering close as you let a wave of assurance down the bond. It had taken awhile for you to get used to using it to give comfort to both males, and longer for you to accept any sort of feeling from their end.

Once hands were off of you, Eris helped you to sit on the couch, large hands from both of your mates steadying you as you looked back at Armen. Your eyes staring into her silver ones, unvoiced betrayal in your look — Armen had promised to never let anyone know of what you were — and yet here she was, exposing your history. She let out a whimper, her way of apologizing to you before Varian wrapped her in his arms.

Silence again filled the room before the shuffling of feet. You had assumed that Rhysand had asked for everyone to leave, leaving you with your two mates. You took a breath, in and out, trying to rein in whatever you were feeling at the moment — you didn’t know what to feel.

Sure, you were exhausted, the fight with the Attor depleted your magic. You had not only protected yourself but the whole of Velaris with your magic. That you could deal with, but not this raw emotion of betrayal from your friend. Deep down, you knew that Armen only did what was necessary, to ease the tension in the room — to try to explain what had happened with you and the Attor hours before — to prove that you belonged there with them. That you were not a threat, that you were not an enemy to the Night Court. You knew that. You would talk to Armen properly later.

No matter how many centuries had passed, you were still figuring out your powers… still figuring out yourself. Today was another thing you’d have to figure out… and you wondered if, now, you have to figure it out yourself.

A tug at the golden string in your chest made you look up, staring at the violet hues of the third of your mate. Rhysand had looked at you were such worry, brows furrowed as he assessed you, a caress of your mental shields from his end. Another tug at that string made you look up at Eris, a similar look of worry sat on his face. You took another breath, one that shuddered through your figure before you reached out, both hands extended, to your mates only to pause in midair.

They were tainted with black, as if your fingertips were necrotized, as if the darkness lingered on you. A frown tugged on your lips, as you assessed them, retracting them slightly as if afraid to touch your mates with such hands. Hands were immediately on your wrist, your right in Rhysand’s and your left in Eris’, as you watched both of them press your hands against their chest, showing that you weren’t going to hurt them.

“…I’m sorry…” you slowly apologized, not even sure of what you were apologizing about. Was it the fact that you withheld your past from them? Or was it just the need to apologize to them.

You heard twin sighs before you felt identical kisses on the top of your head and that alone wrecked your body into another strong shudder, tears lining your eyes. You didn’t want to not tell them about you, you just… you couldn’t. You didn’t even know what you were, you didn’t know the extent of your powers.

“Is that the reason why you never told us? Even after the bond made itself known?” Rhysand asked, as he pulled away to look at you with a raised brow, “That you were Death? That you didn’t know yourself nor your powers?”

All you could do was nod your head, teeth biting into lower lip, as if you were a child being reprimanded, “… I was trying to figure it out,” you started off, fingers bunching at both of their shirts, to try to ground yourself to at the moment, eyes dimming for a moment before returning to the now, “Trying to figure myself out, my powers, to fit into this world. I just felt so…” a shrug lifted your shoulders, “I’m sure Armen told you… I felt lost, out of control. Like I was not here and here at the same time. That my powers had a mind of their own, controlling themselves through me. I just… didn’t know what I was doing.”

Eris and Rhysand always had seen it, how spaced out you were at times. Even with the bond between the three of you, your bond seemed frazzled, and much longer than the one that had connected the two males. They had worked so hard to get to you, to have you be in the moment with them, to be connected to you. And it wasn’t as if you weren’t doing the same, you worked with them… got used to being part of the Court, to be part of something much bigger than yourself — to be part of them. You had opened up to them, slowly but surely. You accepted the bond with much courting from both of the High Lords — many dates, many stolen kisses, many whispers during the night.

But hearing you, sound more vulnerable than you’ve ever been before, even during those moments at night when both Eris and Rhysand had expressed their darkest fears, their worries to you, they had never seen you more powerless.

Fingers slipped from their grip on their shirts, as you brought them back closer to your body, wringing your fingertips as if an attempt to wash off the stained darkness that lingered on your skin, “I also… didn’t want to scare either of you…” you confessed, almost a whisper, “The bond was formed and you two were almost fighting tooth and nail at each other at times —” a chuckle from both of the males made a small smile tug onto your features, “ — All the while ensuring that this bond was going to work. You guys set a lot of your differences aside to…” tears eventually overflowed, “Make sure that I was okay. And yet…”

You felt choked up. They had worked so hard in this bond, and yet… you didn’t even tell them — about who and what you were, you held the truth from them. Insecurities started to build up in you — that you were not meant for this bond, you didn’t deserve to be part of the Night Court… or any other court in that matter… that you weren’t meant to have such amazing mates — High Lords in the matter of a fact.

Your insecurites zip lined through the bond and it smashed towards Rhysand and Eris, and they couldn't help but tear up as well. Eris gently picked you up and back into his lap, strong, secure arms wrapping around your body, letting the bond open wide to provide you comfort and show how much he had loved you. Rhysand mimicked that, showering you with love and attention; reaching out to hold your hands in his.

“Oh sweetheart…” Eris hummed into your hair, pressing kisses on the top of your head, “… You should never be sorry about anything… It had been hard to understand from our side. We wondered on why you withheld such an important piece of yourself away from us; we had thought it was because you never trusted us fully —”

You were about retort up at him, only to have Eris press a kiss on your lips to silence you. He hummed before pulling back to gaze at you.

“— But, now we understand, and we're not going to reprimand you for it. Just know that we love you and, gosh…” a laugh escaped his chest, causing you to blink up at him in surprised, “You would never scare us away, (Y/N)… Not before finding out what you are, and not now, after finding out your Death reincarnate…”

“And…” you heard Rhysand shuffle into his feet before flopping down next to the both of you, taking your form from Eris’ lap and onto his own. Your two mates situated themselves — you on Rhysand’s lap, while your legs laid on Eris’ thighs.

“The thing with your powers… we can figure them out together. We can go to Day Court, ask Helion if they have any books about you and your powers…” he hummed softly, tilting your head up to press a kiss on your lips, “And even if we don't… All three of us will figure it out together..”

You smiled against his lips, nodding your head.

Eris reached over and gently held your chin to tug your lips towards his way, placing his own kiss.

“Can you imagine, Rhys…” The Autumn Heir murmured against your lips, “That our mate is in history books? Her name written for everyone to remember?” He teased, another kiss on your lips.

Rhysand let out a hearty laugh, “Well… she is amazing…”

A soft laugh escaped you as you pulled away from Eris’ lips, one arm wrapped around his shoulder and the other holding Rhysand’s hand that was around your waist.

“Well…” you whispered as you looked at both of them, their eyes shining as they looked at you, “Your names will be right beside mine then… We’ll ask Helion to fix those books…”

Chuckles escaped all three of you, as you remained in their arms, as you basked in the love and care of your two mates.

Even though you are uncertain about the future, the prospect of navigating your powers, you know at least your family and your mates were there to help you every step of the way.

#( .one-shot : death's magic )#acotar x reader #acotar fic #acotar fanfiction #rhysand x reader #eris x reader #rhysand x you #eris x you #a court of thorns and roses #acotar fluff #acotar angst

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readychilledwine · 2 years ago

Text

Enough

Reader is struggling after returning home from Under the Mountain. After the High Lords meeting, it has all finally become too much, leading to Rhysand having to comfort his mate and High Lady as her self-worth and panic come into play

Warnings- negative self talk, references to anxiety and depression, is being unedited a warning? Probably should be.

Author's note- it's been a rough week, and I wanted to hear this from someone tonight. So, this happened, and maybe one of you needs to hear it too. 💜 you're not alone, and you are enough.

Rhys held his mate's hair back as she threw up for the 3rd time this evening.

Since coming home from the place. She hadn't been herself.

Little noises made her jump.

Social interactions tended to lead to her crying.

Her mind would become blank and filled with white noise when she felt put on the spot or pressured.

She was constantly fidgeting with something. Her mind was constantly racing and trying to focus all at the same time.

Her "focusing" became hyper focus, though. She'd focus on perfection. On overworking whatever task she was working on to death.

Worst of all? She'd become a people pleaser. She was constantly trying to make sure all parties in situations were happy. Even to her own detriment.

And today, in her mind, she had failed.

She failed when Azriel attacked Eris.

She failed when Feyre attacked Beron.

She failed to maintain peace. A task that was never assigned to her.

"Darling," Rhys whispered. "You did nothing wrong." He was in her mind and reading her through the bond as well.

Failure. Not good enough. Not worthy. Stupid. Ugly. Powerless. Over Emotional. Damaged.

Damaged.

Damaged goods.

He felt his heart shattered piece by piece at the voice she heard those words in. His voice. Amarantha's voice. Her own voice.

"Darling, please." He rubbed her back. "You can not control what others do."

A loud sob was her response as she began to cry. "I can't be High Lady," she finally said in broken breaths. "I- The Night Court needs better. I can't even stop Azriel from attacking someone we have an alliance with. I-" Her voice trailed off, breaking at the end as she moved to lean against the wall. "I'm not good enough."

Rhys studied her tear soaked face. Her distant eyes. The look of defeat on her face. Amarantha had destroyed his once confident wife. "My love-"

"Swear in Feyre," her voice broke again. "I see how you look at her. I won't hold you back, Rhysand."

"Darling, what are you talking ab-"

"You deserve better than me. You can do better than me. I'm a broken toy you had fun with for a few hundred years, and now I'm beyond repair. I'm a burden, Rhys. I-"

Rhys finally lost it. Tears fell from his eyes as he interrupted her, "Y/N, you can not be serious right now. You are my mate. When you hurt, I hurt with you. When you bleed, I bleed with you."

He took a few breaths before forcing her into his lap and arms. "You are not broken. You are hurting. You are healing. I do not want, nor need, anything besides this. Besides you. There has never been anyone else but you."

He paused to take another calming breath. "I see into your head, your dreams, your heart. Darling, I know. I know you are struggling. I am, too. But I am here for you. I am here to listen, to hold you, to LOVE you through all of this."

"Rhys-"

"I am not done. You carry so much, my love. Too much. You are trying to hold the weight of the world on your shoulders, and it is destroying you. It is eating you alive. Let me shoulder the burden with you, darling. What happened down there does not change that you are my mate, my wife, my everything. I can not and will not lose you because of her."

He listened to her shaken breathing and began rubbing small circles on her back. "What happened does not change that I love and support you. That I want to have a family with you. That you are the best damned Lady of any court in History. Even during our time there, your laws, your improvements, and your goals changed the Night Court, Illyria, and Velaris for the better."

He paused as she calmed down slightly. "Your work for the poor and underprivileged has started a movement and vast improvements, darling. Your work for females in Illyria is changing the more progressive camps daily. Your work for our family-" he chuckled lightly, "My love, we would not survive a day without you."

"But-"

"No. There are no buts in this, y/n. You are our rock, our anchor. You are the light in the darkness for our family. We would be lost without you, even on your worst days. But my love, even you, as powerful as you are, can not control what people do. You put so much pressure on yourself to do so, to make us all happy, and all you truly need to do to make us happy is be, y/n."

He stopped talking for a second as her watery eyes met his violet ones. "You just have to be, darling. You are enough. You are worthy. You are so loved. I love you. More than anything in this world, and above all else, I love you. I have loved you since we were children, and I will love you long after our children take over this Court.."

Her hand touched his face gently as she nodded, tears still falling. "You are enough, y/n. You will always be enough." She nodded slowly. "I love you."

"I love you," she repeated back.

He leaned their foreheads together and repeated one last time.

"You are enough, Y/n."

#acotar #rhys x reader #rhysand #rhysand x you #rhysand x reader #acotar x reader

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sharksscripting · 4 months ago

Text

ERIS WEEK 2024 | BOND

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Eris and Azriel both find out they share a mating bond at the same time, just different perspectives.

When discovering this fact about their life… Azriel seeks out a location to discuss it, but he didn’t expect the other to be so… reciprocative.

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WC: 1.1k | Fluff | Azris

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/1461933287-𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬-𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐬-𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚-𝐱-𝐀𝐳𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥-𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫-𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐬

Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/58810765

————————————————————————

It started recently, Azriel's obsession with Eris Vanserra. He would see the male at meetings to further discuss their alliance following Beron's passing, he would see the male upon his spying, he would see the male whenever his shadows dared to show him glimpses of the man in his sleep; Eris' toned chest bare and relaxed—something his body rarely was—one leg slung over a pillow while his other was straight down, his arms were clutched tightly around the same long pillow his leg was over. The man's body was stunning, Azriel had learned during the night.

This was all a lie though, the addiction to the new High Lord of the Autumn Court was not recent, no. Azriel's obsession began the moment he first saw him, there was something about the man that his body couldn't refuse—despite the situation that was occurring when he first laid eyes on him.

Or maybe Azriel's obsession began when he felt a new form of rage take over his body when he realized that the red-head was stuck under the mountain alongside of his brother, how he wouldn't be able to see either cunning men. The separation drove him mad.

Maybe it was when his High Lady freed both males and his thoughts were only focused on the Autumn Fae, not on his life-long friend, self proclaimed brother, and High Lord.

Possibly when Cassian attempted to gut Eris when they were saving Feyre; he wanted to do the very same to the illyrian General rather than focusing on the mission at hand. His hands itched when he watched the blade pull out of Eris' chest, the blood leaking from his abdomen. He was infuriated.

Regardless of when this... infatuation began, Azriel began to realize things; he wanted nothing more than to be beside the man whenever he could. Whether it be at events or when doing his job for the Night Court, he wanted Eris Vanserra present. But, he still couldn't figure out why.

At least, that was the case until the High Lord's meeting during the war.

His hand tightened around the males throat as he straddled Eris; Tan, scarred hands against perfect, smooth pale flesh. Eris' eyes looked up at him, wide with shock from the sudden attack on him, his mouth agape. The sight didn't make Azriel's issue better. So, he leant down and whispered something that made the Autumn Fae's face deathly pale.

He then released his esophagus, but not just because his High Lady commanded it, something deep inside of him stopped him. Azriel didn't want to hurt this male... no, he wanted the opposite he realized.

That something that tugged deep inside of him, the spymaster knew what it was; After all, he had heard his brothers describe the feeling repeatedly.

Eris Vanserra was bonded to him, Eris was his mate.

—

Eris began to notice odd things lately, the darkness inside of his room at night seemed almost darker, he always felt eyes on him—no matter where he was—the presence of something always seemed near, but when he turned there would be no one.

It started after the incident with Morrigan and Azriel, nearly five hundred years ago. It felt as if there was an invisible force by him. Something always by him after that.

When he went Under the Mountain though... the presence seemed to vanish, Eris almost missed it, at least when he felt that mysterious thing, he felt safe somehow. But, the second Feyre freed them from Amaranthra's curse, the presence was back within seconds—this time it felt stronger though.

On the day when he kidnapped the Night Court's High Lady, the feeling only became stronger—though he was distracted at the time by a blade in his chest—when he looked at the two men who swooped down to save her, especially the Shadowsinger.

When Eris arrived pack to The Forest House that day, he began to brainstorm, everything he did was overlooked by this force, but it only began when he saw Azriel.

That's when it hit him, the shadows, the presence was Azriel's wisps of darkness; they were watching him.

This theory was confirmed when the High Lord meeting occurred, when Azriel pounced onto him, pinning him down with his strong, stunning thighs. Not to mention his hands, and gods, Eris could only focus on those very things when Azriel's arms flexed as he pinned him down—the beautiful veins on them made Eris feel as if he were a mosquito, ready to suck and leave a mark.

But, when Azriel leaned down and whispered a location, the shadows swarmed them—he knew the feeling of them and instantly knew that he was correct.

—

Flames flash in Azriel's eyes as Eris winnows before him, it made the spymaster of the Night Court step back in fear—but it was short lived as the sight before him distracted him.

Long, luscious red hair was loose, his clothes were ready for bed, a white blouse like shirt was over his chest, slightly baggy dark pants upon his lower half—Eris looked beautiful no matter what he was wearing.

Azriel quickly snapped back into reality when Eris glared at him.

"We need to talk." The Shadowsinger finally says.

Eris scoffs, "Obviously, now make it quick, I do have to get to bed." His arms cross over his chest.

"It's serious!" The Illyrian hisses. "This is a life changing discovery for the both of us."

"Oh?" Eris cocks an eyebrow up, questioning. "And what could that possibly be?"

"We are mates, we share a bond, Eris." Azriel says frighteningly. "Do you even know the gravity of this? This has never been recorded in all of history, Two males sharing a bond?" He exclaims.

Eris stares at the man before him before replying, "Is that a bad thing, Azriel?"

The spymaster halts, "I'm sorry?"

"You should be, it's quite rude to assume that I would reject something the Mother placed upon us, Shadowsinger." Eris hums.

The Illyrian's eyes widen, stunned by the Autumn Fae's reply, "You... are alright with this?"

"I mean, we have centuries of history with each other that should be discussed..." Azriel nods in agreement as Eris speaks, "But, that doesn't mean we should disregard it completely, no matter how hard it may be." The ginger concludes.

"You would like to try to work this out... with me?" Azriel emphasizes the last word.

"Yes, bat, you're not unwanted." Eris replies with a bit of sass. "Would you want to try?"

"Yes." He says instantly, despite his initial reactions to finding out about their mating bond. "I... I would like that very much, Eris."

Azriel watches as a small smile curls onto the Autumn Fae's lips, Eris then replies by walking over and pecking his cheek.

"Then we can, but later." Eris hums before winnowing away, back to his court for rest.

Azriel remains there stunned before his hand reaches up to where the male just kissed.

He smiles.

————————————————————————

Tag List: @chunkypossum, @talibunny30, and @molcat07

And: @erisweekofficial

#a court of thorns and roses #a court of mist and fury #acotar #a court of silver flames #acofas #acomaf #acosf #acowar #azris #azris supremacy #erisweek2024 #eris my beloved #high lord eris #eris acotar #eris vanserra

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azsazz · 2 years ago

Text

Bloody Knuckles and the Songs of Death (Part 3)

Azriel x Reader

Summary: Reader is everything that Azriel is not. Opposite feelings but equal death in the end.

AKA: Half a rewrite of chapters 43-47 of ACOWAR where reader is now there as part of the Autumn Court, excited to meet Azriel. The other half are my own ideas.

Warnings: Major themes of death, ACOWAR spoilers, blood, gore, mentions of abuse, smut.

Word Count: 4,818

(Part One) (Part Two)

_________________________________________

Only Rhysand’s friends don’t seem surprised.

Tamlin’s eyes are a green flame, golden light flickering around him as his magic seeks to wrestle free from Rhysand’s control. As he tries and tries again to speak.

“If you want proof that we are not scheming with Hybern,” Rhysand says blandly, “Consider the fact that it would be far less time-consuming to slice into your minds and make you do my bidding.”

A flare of interest carves a hole in your mind.

Only Beron is stupid enough to scoff. Eris angles his body in his chair, not towards you, but to block the path of his mother.

“Yet here I am,” Rhysand continues, and you can’t take your eyes off of him, hanging on to every single one of his words. If you play nice with the Night Court would he be able to break into Beron’s mind and force your deal off?

The High Lord of Night doesn’t deign to give Beron a glance of acknowledgement. “Here we all are.”

Absolute stunning silence.

The Tarquin, silent and watchful, clears his throat.

Everyone waits for his words as he turns to Feyre, to Rhysand, “Despite Varian’s unsanctioned warning…” A glance at his cousin, who doesn’t so much as look sorry about it, “You were the only ones who came to help. The only ones. And yet you asked for nothing in return. Why?”

Rhy’s voice is a bit hoarse as he asks, testing the salty waters between Summer and Night, “Isn’t that what friends do?”

It’s a subtle, quiet offer.

Tarquin takes him in. Then Feyre. And the others. “I rescind the blood rubies. Let there be no debts between us.”

“Don’t expect Amren to return hers,” Cassian mutters. “She’s grown attached to it.”

You could swear that a smile tugs on Varian’s mouth.

But Rhys faces Tamlin, whose own mouth remains shut. His eyes are still livid. And Feyre’s mate says to him, “I believe you. That you will fight for Prythian.”

Kallias doesn’t appear so convinced. Neither does Helion.

Rhys loosens his grasp on Tamlin’s voice, the only give is the low hiss that slips from the High Lord of Spring. But Tamlin makes no move to attack, to even speak.

“War is upon us,” Rhysand declares. “I have no interest in wasting energy arguing amongst ourselves.”

The better man–male. His restraint, his choice of words…All of it a careful portrayal of reason and power. But Rhysand…you know he means what he says, you can sense it in a way you can sense all threats, not just the ones that result in death, although with war upon you all, it does hang heavy in the air.

But Beron says, “You may be inclined to believe him, Rhysand, but as someone who shares a border with his court, I am not so easily swayed.” He gives him a wry look. “Perhaps my errant son can clarify. Pray, where is he?”

Even Tamlin looks towards the Night Court, towards Feyre.

Your heart clenches at the thought and you dare not look at the son next to you. You know you won’t see a flash of emotion in Eris’ auburn eyes, he’s carefully mastered the art of schooling his features neutral, learning just how dangerous wearing his emotions on his face can be. Beron made sure of that.

“Helping to guard our city,” she answers simply. It’s not a lie, not entirely.

Eris instead snorts and surveys Nesta, who stares back at him with steel in her face. Oh how you know that he likes that. “Pity you didn’t bring the other sister. I hear our little brother’s mate is quite the beauty.”

It’s your turn to clamp your hand over his under the table and give him a squeeze of warning. Not even you would bait the Night Court during such an already tense meeting. Your friend is going to get himself into more trouble than he can handle, and even if you’re itching for a fight, you don’t want it to be against the only court that might have a chance of helping you get free.

Mor replies smoothly, “You still certainly like to hear yourself talk, Eris. Good to know some things don’t change over the centuries.”

Eris’ mouth curls into a smile at her words and your hand slips away from his. There is no going back now, not as his fiery gaze locks onto her chocolatey brown eyes, preparing to melt her.

The pair are good at pretending they haven’t seen each other in years, and Eris responds, “Good to know that after five hundred years, you still dress like a slut.”

One moment, Azriel is seated across from you.

The next, he’s blasted through Eris’ shield with a flare of blue light, tackling him backwards, the wood of Eris’ chair shattering beneath them.

“Shit,” Cassian spits, and is instantly there–

Meeting a wall of blue.

Your heart aches in your chest, eager to move closer, to join in perhaps, to feel the blood pouring from Eris’ nose on your fingers, to lick away the remnants of crimson from Azriel’s split knuckles. You’re nearly vibrating in your seat with need, hands clamped around the arms of your chair so tightly your skin is stretched white over your bones, teeth grinding in your mouth.

You allow yourself a deep inhale of the heady scent of blood.

Azriel has sealed them in, and as his scarred hands wrap around Eris’ throat, Rhys says, “Enough.”

But Azriel’s hands only tighten, and you can feel the pinch of Eris’ breath being cut off underneath those marred hands, born from Death. Even though it’s your friend thrashing beneath the shadowsinger, you know that Death is nowhere near, but you can’t help but to want to crawl closer, watch how the Taker finishes the job, watch his shadows consume Eris; eyes as his body goes slack and his soul fades to black.

“Enough, Azriel,” Rhys orders. Perhaps the shadows that slide and eddy around him hide him from the wrath of the binding magic. No one else makes a move to interfere, as if wondering the same.

Azriel digs his knee–and all his weight–into Eris’ gut. He’s silent, utterly silent as he rips the air from Eris’ body. Beron’s flames strike the blue shield, over and over, but the fire skitters off and fizzles out on the water. Any that escape are torn to shreds by shadows.

“Call off your overgrown bat,” Beron orders Rhys.

The High Lord of Night is enjoying it, as you’re sure many of the people in this room are. But despite the bargain they’d made with Eris, he could have ended it seconds ago. Beron swings around in his seat, a warning in his eyes, a command for you to stop it, pure unadulterated fury in that molten amber gaze.

You swallow harshly at the sight. You know exactly what that look is, the underlying threat if you don’t stop this immediately.

Holding Beron’s gaze, at the same time Feyre stands, placing a hand on the hard, near-invisible curve of Azriel’s shield and says, “Come, Azriel,” You let your powers out.

Azriel stops.

You flood his mind with your presence, slipping past those well built barriers made from darkness and shadow. They part easily under your gentle caress, as if you are one of them and they can’t tell the difference, letting you pass like a wisp of wind.

He knows you’re in his mind, curling up against his walls and it sets his teeth on edge. But there’s something different about it, about how easy it is for you to overtake him, command his fingers to loosen from where they’re locked around Eris’ throat. The princling gasps for air as his scarred hands loosen and he feels like a prisoner in his body. He’s angry about it but you don’t seem to give off any threatening feelings, only calm ones.

Azriel’s gaze slips over yours as you relinquish control just long enough to let him look up at his High Lady, demanding his attention. In that single glance he really sees you for the first time. You can feel the cogs turning in his head as you slip away, releasing your powers on him completely.

Feyre offers him a hand. “Come sit beside me.”

You notice that her sister has already moved her seat, and an extra chair has appeared beside Feyre’s.

Azriel’s eyes slide back to Eris, the High Lord’s son panting beneath him. And the shadowsinger leans down to whisper something in his ear that makes Eris blanch further.

But the shield drops. The shadows lighten into sunshine.

Beron strikes–only for his fire to bounce off of a hard barrier of Feyre’s making. She lifts her gaze to the High Lord of Autumn and it’s all you can do not to roll your eyes at the hot-headed male’s antics. “That’s twice now we’ve handed you your asses. I’d think you’d be sick of the humiliation.”

Oh, you like her.

Helion laughs and you smother your smile, eyes flicking back to the shadowsinger. He’s already looking at you, gaze narrowed as he assesses you from where you sit next to Eris’ empty seat.

He takes Feyre’s still-offered hand and rises.

Mor opens her mouth to say something to Azriel, but Cassian puts a hand on her bare knee and shakes his head. Feyre leads the shadowsinger to the empty chair beside hers–then walks to the table to pour him a glass of wine.

No one speaks until she offers it to him and sits down.

His motions are too smooth, too calculated for the pure rage you’d felt in his mind. You watch closely as his rough hands hold the wineglass gently, waiting for the stem to snap in half.

“They are my family,” Feyre says at the raised brows she receives while waiting on him. Tamlin shakes his head in disgust and finally slides that claw back into his hand. Feyre meets Eris’ fuming gaze, her voice as cold as Azriel’s face as she says, “I don’t care if we are allies in this war. If you insult my friend again, I won’t stop him the next time.”

The look Azriel’s backs her up with makes your heart stumble and your powers urge to reach out again.

Only Eris knows how far their alliance goes. The one that he doesn’t think you know about, but it’s your job to know these things, even if this particular secret is one you’ve withheld from the current High Lord of Autumn.

Mor stares and stares at Azriel, who refuses to look at her, who refuses to do anything but give Eris his death-gaze.

Eris, wisely, averts his eyes. And says, “Apologies, Morrigan.”

Beron gawks at the words. But something like approval shines on the Lady of Autumn’s face as her eldest son settles himself once more.

When Azriel’s sure that the son of Autumn sitting next to you won’t look Mor’s way again, he turns those golden beams on you.

Thesean rubs his temples. “This does not bode well.”

Helion smirks at his retinue, crossing an ankle over a knee and flashing those powerful, sleek thighs. “Looks like you owe me ten gold marks.”

Helion waves a hand, and the stacks of papers Tamlin had compiled drift over to him on a phantom wind. With a snap of his fingers–scar-flecked from swordplay–other stacks appear before every chair in the room. Including your own. “Replicas,” he says without looking up as he leaves through the documents.

A handy trick–for a male whose trove is not in gold, but in knowledge.

Perhaps if the High Lord of Night wouldn’t hear you out, the High Lord of Day would. Maybe he’d be able to break the curse holding you to Beron’s side, though if he had possibly refused Tamlin’s request to free Feyre from her bargain so long ago, why would he help you?

You can feel Azriel’s eyes on you, so you turn to meet his flickering gaze. The wine glass has been set down, not a single drop missing from when Feyre had filled it up, as he thumbs the corner of the papers before him, like learning about you is suddenly more important than the impending war with Hybern.

A shadow so light it’s nearly invisible to the keen Fae eyes in the room curls around your ear as he scrapes against your walls with icy, death-dipped claws. You shudder. It feels good.

You raise your brow at him, daring him to continue, but he finally ducks his head and tucks into the paperwork before him.

“If all of this is true,” Helion clicks his tongue, and Tamlin snarls at the haughty tone, “Then I’d suggest two things: first, destroying Hybern’s cashes of faebane. We won’t last long if they’ve made them into so many versatile weapons. It’s worth the risk to destroy them.”

Kallias arches a brow. “How would you suggest we do that?”

“We’ll handle it,” Tarquin offers. Varian nods. “We own them for Adriata.”

Thesean says, “There is no need.”

Everyone blinks at him. Even Tamlin. The High Lord of Dawn just folds his hands in his lap. “A master tinkerer of mine has been waiting for the past several hours. I would like for her to now join us.”

Before anyone can reply, a High Fae female appears at the edge of the circle. She bows so quickly that you barely glimpse more than her light brown skin and long, silken black hair. She wears clothes similar to Thesean’s and yet–her sleeves have been rolled up to the forearms, the tunic unbuttoned to her chest. And her hand–

Her right hand is solid gold–mechanical. The way the youngest son of Autumn’s is. It clicks and whirrs quietly, drawing the eye of every immortal in the room as she faces her High Lord. Thesean smiles in warm welcome.

“My Lord,” she greets Thesean.

The High Lord of Dawn gestures to the female standing tall before the assembled group. “Nuan is one of my most skilled craftspeople.”

Rhys leans back in his seat, brows rising with recognition at the name, and jerks his head to Beron, to Eris. “You might know her as the person responsible for granting your…errant son, as you called him, the ability to use his left eye after Amarantha removed it.”

Nuan nods once in confirmation, her lips pressing into a thin line as she takes in Lucien’s family. She doesn’t so much as glance your way, her gaze skipping over yours, and she doesn’t even so much as turn in Tamlin’s direction. He certainly doesn’t bother to acknowledge her, regardless of the past binding them, their mutual friend.

“And what has this to do with the faebane?” Helion demands. Thesean’s lover seethes at the High Lord of Day’s tone, but one glance from Thesean has the male relaxing.

Nuan turns, her dark hair slipping over a shoulder as she studies Helion. She does not seem impressed and you bite back a snort. “Because I found a solution for it.”

Thesean waves a hand. “We heard rumors of faebane being used in this war–used in the attack on your city, Rhysand. We thought to look into the issue before it became a deadly weakness for all of us.” He nods to Nuan. “Beyond her unparalleled tinkering, she is a skilled alchemist.”

Nuan crosses her arms over her chest, the sun glinting off of her metal hand. “Thanks to the samples after the attack in Velaris, I was able to create an…antidote of sorts.”

“How did you get those samples?” Cassian demands.

A flush creeps over Nuan’s cheeks. “I–heard the rumors and assumed Lucien Vanserra would be residing there after…what happened.” She still doesn’t look at Tamlin, who remains silent and brooding. “I managed to contact him a few days ago–asked him to send samples. He did–and did not tell you,” she adds quickly to Rhysand, “because he did not want to raise your hopes. Not until I found a solution.”

You watch Feyre and Rhys exchange a glance, obviously unaware of the fox they’d let into their lands.

Nuan continues, “The Mother has provided us with everything we need on this earth. So it has been a matter of finding what, exactly, she gave us in Prythian to combat a material from Hybern capable of wiping out our powers.”

Helion shifts with impatience, that glistening, white fabric slipping over his muscled chest.

Thesean reads that impatience, too, and says, “Nuan has been able to quickly create a powder for us to ingest in drink, food, however you please. It grants immunity from the faebane. I already have workers in three of my cities manufacturing as much of it as possible to hand out to our unified armies.”

Even Rhys seems impressed at the stealth, the unveiling.

Tarquin asks, “But what of physical objects made from faebane? They possessed gauntlets at the battle to smash through shields.” He jerks his chin to Rhys. “And when they attacked your own city.”

“Against that,” Nuan says, “You only have your wits to protect you.” She doesn’t break Tarquin’s stare, and he straightens, as if surprised that she does so. “The compound I’ve made will only protect you–your powers–from being rendered void by the faebane. Perhaps if you are pierced with a weapon tipped in faebane, having the compound in your system will negate its impact.”

Quiet falls.

Beron says, “And we are supposed to trust you,”�� a look at Thesean, then at Nuan–“with this…substance we’re to blindly ingest.”

“Would you rather face Hybern without any power?” Thesean demands. “My master alchemists and tinkerers are no fools.”

“No,” Beron says, frowning, “But where did she come from? Who are you?” The last bit is directed at Nuan.

“I am the daughter of two High Fae from Xian, who moved here to give their children a better life, if that is what you are demanding to know,” Nuan answers tightly.

Helion demands of Beron, “What does this have to do with anything?”

You couldn’t help but to agree with the Day King.

Beron shrugs. “If her family is from Xian–which I’ll have you remember fought for the Loyalists–then whose interests does she serve?”

Helion’s amber eyes flash.

Thesean cuts in sharply, “I will have you remember, Beron, that my own mother hailed from Xian. And a large majority of my court did as well. Be careful what you day.”

Before Beron can miss a retort, Nuan says to the Lord of Autumn, her chin high, “I am a child of Prythian. I was born here, on this land, as your sons were.”

Beron’s face darkens and you tense in your seat. “Watch your tone, girl.”

“She doesn’t have to watch anything,” Feyre cuts in, coming to her defense. “Not when you fling that sort of horseshit at her.” She turns to the alchemist. “I will take your antidote.”

Beron rolls his eyes.

But Eris says, “Father.”

Beron lifts a brow. “You have something to add?”

Eris doesn’t flinch, but he seems to choose his words very, very carefully. “I have seen the effects of faebane.” He nods towards the High Lady of Night. “It truly renders us unable to tap our power. If it’s wielded against us in war or beyond it–”

“If it is, we shall face it. I will not risk my people or family in testing out a theory.”

“It is no theory,” Nuan says, that mechanical hand clicking and whirring as it curls into a fist. “I would not stand here unless it had been proved without a doubt.”

A female of pride and hard work. Something you didn’t consider yourself to be.

Eris says, startling you, “I will take it.”

Even Mor blinks at his words.

Beron studies his son with a scrutiny that makes you itch. You’d often catch this look between them, a father examining his son as if trying to decide if he’s proud or that his son is worth less to him than the lower-tiered fae of his court.

Beron only says, “No, you will not. Though I’m sure your brothers will be sorry to hear it.”

Indeed, the others seem rather put-out that their first barrier to the throne isn’t about to risk his life in testing Nuan’s solution.

Rhys says simply, “Then don’t take it. I will. My entire court will, as will my armies.” He gives a thankful nod to Nuan.

Thesean does the same–in thanks and dismissal–and the master tinkerer bows once more before leaving.

“At least you have some armies to give it to,” Tamlin says mildly, breaking his roiling silence. A smile at Feyre. “Though perhaps that was part of the plan. Disable my force while your own swept in. Or was it just to see my people suffer?”

Those claws poke through his knuckles again. “Surely you knew that when you turned my forces on me, it would leave my people defenseless against Hybern.”

Feyre says nothing in return.

“You primed my court to fall,” Tamlin says with venomous quiet. “And it did. Those villages you wanted so badly to help rebuild? They’re nothing more than cinders now. And while you’ve been making antidotes and casting yourselves as saviors, I’ve been piecing together my forces–regaining their trust, their numbers. Trying to gather my people in the East–where Hybern has not yet marched.”

Nesta says drily, “So you won’t be taking the antidote, then.”

Tamlin ignores her, even as his claws sink into the arm of his chair.

Thesean clears his throat and says to Helion, “You said you had two suggestions based on the information you analyzed.”

Helion shrugs, the sun catching in the embroidered gold thread of his tunic. “Indeed, though it seems Tamlin is already ahead of me. The Spring Court must be evacuated.” His amber eyes dart between Tarquin and Beron. “Surely your northern neighbors will welcome them.”

Beron’s lip curls. “We do not have the resources for such a thing.”

“Right,” Viviane says, “Because everyone’s too busy polishing every jewel in that trove of yours.”

Beron throws her a glare that has Kallias tensing. “Wives were invited as a courtesy, not as consultants.”

Viviane’s sapphire eyes flare as if struck by lightning. “If this war goes poorly, we’ll be bleeding out right alongside you, so I think we damn well get a say in things.”

Damn straight.

“Hybern will do far worse things than kill you,” Beron counters coolly. “A young, pretty thing like you especially.”

Kallias’ snarl ripples the water in the reflection pool, echoed by Mor’s own growl.

Beron smiles a bit, the same smile he gives you when he pulls such a reaction from talking down to you. “Only three of us were present for the last war.” A nod to Rhys and Helion, whose faces darken. Your gaze slips to Azriel, but his level-minded gaze is focused on Beron. “One does not easily forget what Hybern and the Loyalists did to captured females in their war-camps. What they reserved for High Fae females who either fought for the humans or had families who did.” He puts a heavy hand on Amaretto's too-thin arm. “Her two sisters bought her time to run when Hybern’s forces ambushed their lands. The two ladies did not walk out of that war-camp again.”

Helion watches Beron closely, his stare simmering with reproach.

The Lady of the Autumn Court keeps her focus on the reflection pool. Any trace of color drains from her face.

“We will take your people,” Tarquin cuts in quietly to Tamlin. “Regardless of your involvement with Hybern…your people are innocent. There is plenty of room in my territory. We will take all of them, if need be.”

A curt nod is Tamlin’s only acknowledgement and gratitude.

Beron says, “So the Seasonal Courts are to become the charnel houses and hostels, while the Solar Courts remain pristine here in the North?”

“Hybern has focused its efforts on the southern half,” Rhys says. “To be close to the wall–and human lands.”

Feyre and Nesta exchange looks.

Rhys continues, “Why bother to go through the northern climes–through faerie territories on the continent, when you could claim the South and use it to go directly to the human lands of the continent?”

Thesean asks, “And you believe the human armies there will bow to Hybern?”

“Its queens sold us out,” Nesta says. She lifts her chin, poised as any emissary. “For the gift of immortality, the human queens will allow Hybern in to sweep away any resistance. They might very well hand over control of their armies to him.” Nesta looks at her sister, at Rhys. “Where do the humans on our island go? We cannot evacuate them to the continent, and with the wall intact…Many might rather risk waiting than cross over the wall anyway.”

“The fate of the humans below that wall,” Beron cuts in, and you know what will next fall from his mouth will not be good, tensing up in your seat alongside Eris. “Is none of our concern. Especially in a spit of land with no queen, no army.”

“It is my concern,” Feyre says. The voice that comes out of her is different, more sure, like how a High Lady’s should be. “Humans are nearly defenseless against our kind.”

“So go waste your own soldiers defending them,” Beron says dismissively. “I will not send my own forces to protect chattel.”

You watch closely as Feyre takes a breath, your own ire rising at his insolent words.

“You’re a coward,” she breathes to the High Lord of Autumn. Even Rhys tenses.

Beron only says, “The same could be claimed of you.”

“I don’t need to explain myself to you.”

“No, but perhaps to that girl’s family–but they’re dead, too, aren’t they? Butchered and burned to death in their own beds. Funny, that you should now seek to defend humans when you were all too happy to offer them up to save yourself.”

“As my lady said,” Rhys drawls, “She does not need to explain herself to you.”

Beron leans back in his chair. “Then I suppose I don’t need to explain my motivations, either.”

Rhys lifts a brow. “Your staggering generosity aside, will you be joining our forces?”

Your stomach plummets at Beron’s answer.

“I have not yet decided.”

Eris goes so far as to give his father a look bordering on reproach. From genuine alarm or for what that refusal might mean for his alliance with the Night Court, you can’t tell.

“Armies take time to raise,” Cassian says. “You don’t have the luxury of sitting on your ass. You need to rally your soldiers now.”

Beron only sneers. “I don’t take orders from the bastards of lesser fae whores.”

Feyre looks positively wild at his insult. Not only her, but the wrath on Casisan’s face and the icy rage on Azriel’s and Rhys’ is enough to get your blood stirring, excitement rushing through your veins at the prospect of a blood bath right before your very eyes.

If Beron is occupied trying to fight off the three stacked males of the Night Court, maybe you will be able to slip in with a few punches or kicks of your own.

And if they kill him, surely your bargain will break.

You already know that hateful bastards blood will taste like the finest of wines, and his death between the shadowsinger’s and your own will give you peaceful dreams for the next few centuries.

“That bastard,” Nesata says with utter coolness, though her eyes begin to burn, “May wind up being the only person standing in the way of Hybern’s forces and your people.”

She doesn’t so much as look at Cassian as she says it. But he stares at her–as if he’s never seen her before.

This argument is pointless.

Feyre says to Beron, “Get out if you’re not going to be helpful.”

At his side, Eris has the wits to actually look worried. But Beron continues to ignore his son’s pointed stare and hisses back, “Did you know that while your mate was warming Amarantha’s bed, most of our people were locked beneath that mountain?”

She doesn’t offer him a response.

“Did you know that while he had his head between her legs, most of us were fighting to keep our families from becoming the nightly entertainment?”

Cassian’s trembling two seats down from Feyre, who is looking sickly pale.

Rhys says nothing.

It’s Tarquin who murmurs, “That’s enough, Beron.”

Tarquin, who had guessed at Rhysand’s sacrifice, his motives.

Beron ignores him. “And now Rhysand wants to play hero. Amarantha’s Whore becomes Hybern’s Destroyer. But if it goes badly…” A cruel, cold smile. “Will he get on his knees for Hybern? Or just spread his–”

Fire explodes out of Feyre.

Raging, white-hot flame that blasts into Beron like a lance.

#Azriel #azriel/reader #azriel x reader #acotar #acomaf #acowar rewrite #azsazz #acowar #acosf

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bookofmirth · 1 year ago

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I just realized something; when Azriel & Elain were about to kiss but Rhys interrupted them by speaking into Azriel’s mind, wouldn’t that mean since Rhys was inside Az’s mind that he could see how Azriel truly felt about Elain? Rhys said “if you need to fuck someone” he didn’t say love. I think if Azriel did have actual romantic feelings for Elain and told Rhys that, then his brother would be more understanding and want Az to be happy.

I think Azriel is scared his brothers are straying away from him and if he has Elain he’ll stay close with them. He’s so focused on three brothers and three sisters. Do you think Rhys saw/felt Azriel’s true feelings and do you think in some way that Az is taking advantage of Elain holding off on her mating bond?

Anon, this is such a great question and I'm so sorry to make you wait six weeks for an answer! I have thought about turning my inbox off just because I feel bad about making people wait, but I like checking it for little treats like this.

I think it's definitely possible that Rhys felt what Az was feeling, and that's why he stopped Azriel.

It begs the question, what was Rhys doing prying in the first place? How long was he "watching" Azriel, and for what reason? (If it's just for the sake of plot and drama I will pull my hair out.) Perhaps it was intentional. Perhaps it was something Rhys does every night, doing a quick little psychic scan of his house before bed. Or perhaps acosf really did take everything we thought we knew about Rhys and turned it on its head *coughpregnancyplot* because...

The only thing is, Rhys has said before that he sees going into someone's mind like that as a violation. Feyre views it the same way, as an inherently negative thing, an abuse of power, and we see that when she goes into Tarquin's mind, Lucien's, and when Nesta gets angry when she realizes that Feyre did that, asking if she'd (Feyre) ever done it to her (Nesta).

However... Azriel has been clenched tighter than... really tightly clenched things, every analogy I came up with was inappropriate bordering on offensive lmao. So I can see a scenario in which Rhys noticed Azriel being more uptight than usual during Solstice, and then deciding that he needs to keep a closer eye on his friend. It's worth noting that it's not just Solstice. Azriel's fight over spying on Briallyn occurred before Solstice, obviously the High Lord meeting occurred before that night, so Az has developed a pattern of losing his shit at inappropriate times. Rhys has probably been concerned about his friend/brother/sex-in-the-same-room buddy for quite a while now.

And that's the thing, right? During Solstice, when everyone was together and happy and Az was definitely Not, he acts out that night, with Elain. I don't see it as romantic for a bajillion reasons, but one of the major ones is that we saw him being tense and standoffish all night and the result of that wasn't a declaration of feelings or affection or caring, it was more akin to a teenage boy throwing a temper tantrum (rather than a man in love with a woman he can't have). That's how he acted when Rhys confronted him. He got angry, and rebellious, and fuck the consequences - which is exactly how he has been reacting to every other situation thrown his way lately (the high lord meeting, being told he can't spy on Briallyn). It isn't about Elain.

Eris slutshames Mor in the High Lord's meeting - Az loses his shit and attacks Eris

Rhys and Feyre tell him he can't spy on Briallyn - Az loses his shit and fights them all afternoon ("I wasn't asking permission" lmao jackass)

Rhys tells Az to back off of Elain - Az loses his shit and throws snowballs

There's something going on here, and it's not about one person. It's deeper and more personal than that.

Whether Rhys was in Az's mind and prying around in there intentionally, or just really observant of Az's behavior, I think he could have come to the same conclusion that there are no romantic feelings there. It'd definitely be interesting if he had been able to glean Azriel's emotions and that's why he put a stop to things in the first place. I'm not sure it's something we'd ever know, unless it gets referenced at some later point, but... that would be awkward for anyone who hasn't read it.

I don't know if I'd say Az is taking *advantage* of the fact that Elain hasn't acted on her mating bond. To me it more seems like he wants a mate of his own and is incredibly jealous of those around him who have one, it's playing into his feelings of not belonging. I can see him being frustrated that people (Elain and Lucien) who have the one thing he wants (a mating bond, belonging) are basically squandering it. Imagine someone who has something you want, and taking it for granted. IMO that's at play here.

#antielriel #acotar #ask #anon #azriel

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melonsfantasyworld · 2 years ago

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Chapter 20

Thank you all for your patience! This chapter features: High Lords being honest, High Lords deciding they need more High Lords, soft Azris moments, and another OC vignette. Read here for the whole chapter and below for a snippet. Enjoy!

“I am not lying about the monsters no longer crossing my border. The attack on Theros was…substantial, but the beasts were destroyed before they could move past the town. I had assumed the insurgents were behind the attack, given the scope of the damage.”

The High Lords and Azriel lapse back into silence before Kallias huffs. Eris notes that the icy exterior of the Winter High Lord must have thawed in the warm weather and throughout the countless hours listening to testimonies and opinions of others. More likely he has grown more impatient to return to his very pregnant mate.

“It is just us.” His eyes flit over to Azriel, but he doesn’t retract his statement. “We were allies once, Under the Mountain. I have not so easily forgotten what occurred, and who was lost.”

Tarquin looks away briefly, his eyes filling with emotion. While Eris still finds himself coming to terms with everything that happened under Amrantha’s rule and the war following it, he often forgets that Tarquin and Kallias came into their power during that time. They do their best to fulfill the duties of their station, and even Eris can begrudgingly admit that there are fewer males more worthy of the High Lord status. But they are young, and their ascendency to power will forever be marred with the bloodshed that occurred to get them there. It is no wonder they are reluctant to do anything that may once again upset the balance of power. Kallias continues.

“I am tired of the double speak, of these games. Yes, Eris, there are monsters coming through your border. There are those in my court who wonder why that should concern us. And yes, Tarquin, I do think that taking direct action against Tamlin is not a good idea, especially since no one has brought forth a viable solution. Everybody has been dancing around with their words, so afraid to step on someone’s toes or actively trying to infuriate another. So please, spare me another day of meetings and secrets and just speak.”

A moment of realization dawns on Eris. Bodhi was right, Kallias had been on edge, but it wasn’t separate from the High Lord’s meeting. It was because of the meeting. The last time High Lords had been gathered, it had been all seven courts. Kallias had no need for political maneuvering when it was the Night Court asking for aid from the other six. But with just the three courts present, his neighbors at that, Kallias knew he would be forced into making a controversial decision for his court. He had not trained all his life under the thumb of a father like Beron, nor was he the dreamer and revolutionary like Tarquin. Kallias is a level-headed, straightforward and honest male; a leader, but not a politician.

#azris #azriel shadowsinger #eris vanserra #azriel x eris #care less more #fanfic #ao3

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kevindavidson · 6 months ago

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Also, during that time post-UTM, Tamlin has just spent 50 years without his full wealth of magic. Maybe, just like Feyre, he was struggling with relearning how to control the true depth of what it means, magically, to be a high lord.

That’s not to mention that during the High Lord meeting, the Night court’s plan was tho “show the other lords who they truly are, beneath the masks” then they attacked. Twice. Eris did instigate, but it wasn’t Azriel’s right to attack. It’d have been a more compelling scene if the IC had ignored him, had decided his taunting wasn’t worth a response. Again, no consequences.

Then Feyre, burning LoA. And Rhys commends her for it later. You handled it beautifully, he tells Feyre. And when she asks, despite my explosion? He doubles down with, Because of your explosion. Like dude, I understand you needed to show the other HL’s her power, but there are other fucking ways to make them fear you. Which was what he wanted, their fear. Again, no lashback.

It’s utter bullshit. The NC/IC’s ability to do what they want to other people without consequence at all becuse Rhysand smarted up as a child and surrounded himself with: one, an ancient being that terrifies everybody. Two, Morrigan who has some kind of power that is strong than Rhys, Az, and Cass out together. A war winner, her. Three, Az. A Shadowsinger who had no one and was probably really easily manipulated as a child. Four, Cassian. Another warrior child who needed love and friends, and was easy to manipulate because of it. And five, the newborn High Lady with immense power who didn’t stop to fucking think, Oh, Tamlin might not believe that note because before now , I couldn’t read!

Honestly, this add-on got away from me. But I totally agree with OP’s post. The IC needs a damn knock on the noggin. For Daemati who can see through other people eyes, they really cannot see other perspectives all that well.

So I'm going to preface this by saying I am not justifying how Tamlin acted towards Feyre. I am merely a writer and reader who deeply enjoys characters with nuance and tragedy, characters who are ACTUALLY morally grey and struggling in a world that seems built against them. If you leave comments of hatred or vitriol, I will block you. THAT SAID

In the beginning, you really have Feyre freshly fae and not understanding herself or her powers. Directly from under the mountain, you don't really see her having much of a difference from her mortal self. It makes Tamlin's desperate need to keep her safe and guarded a bit shocking. Worse still, when his powers explode it seems a violent outburst that is mirroring a real-life abusive partner. But as the story continues with Feyre trying to maintain and learn her various powers, the underlying truth is that simply isn't true. She herself becomes possessive and losing control of her powers when her emotions run high. In a rush of anger, she burns an abuse victim who had gone out of their way to help Feyre. The Lady of Autumn had never been anything but kind to Feyre, and yet it her, probably the most innocent of everyone at the HL meeting, that ends up injured. No matter what Tamlin does or says in the narrative, both Feyre and Rhysand take great joy in kicking him, even when he's already in the dirt. It's absolutely disgusting. But I wish there had been some kind epiphany, an understanding, a vague single thought in Feyre's head that wasn't selfish and terrible, that perhaps Tamlin never wanted to hurt her. It was never meditated, he was never truly violent, but he was terrified and angry at all the things he couldn't control, and all he wanted was to keep her safe.

Instead, Feyre's violence has zero consequences. She doesn't even feel guilt. No one confronts her, even though by virtue of Rhysand INSISTING she is of equal rank to him, Beron could demand reparations for the attack and injury to his wife, not even speaking on the fact that the NC broke the laws of the meeting.

I hate that I cannot let go of this series.

#acotar #acotar critical #sjm what the fuck #tamlin redemption arc

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385bookreviews · 1 year ago

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1.71.3 A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas

SPOILERS

Pages: 699

Read Time: 11 hours and 47 minutes

Overall Rating: 4.5★ Storyline: 4★ Dialogue: 5★ Characters: 5★

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

TWs for the book: War, violence, s*xual content, death, blood/gore, death of a parent, injury/injury detail, grief, torture, vomit, kidnapping, body horror, toxic relationship, domestic violence, cursing, fire/fire injury, emotional abuse, genocide/colonization, mental illness, gaslighting, panic attacks, misogyny, slavery, s*xual assault, child death, medical content, abandonment, r*pe, animal death, biphobia, homophobia, su*c*dal thoughts, alcohol, child abuse, eating disorder, infidelity, racism, incest (implied), self harm

POV: First person; Feyre/Rhysand

Time Period/Location: The Night Court, The Spring Court, The Autumn Court, The Dawn Court, The Summer Court, The Winter Court, The Middle and the human lands of the fictional continent of Prythian

First Line: The buzzing flies and screaming survivors had long since replaced the beating war-drums.

After being brought back to the Spring Court by Tamlin, Feyre plays the part of Tamlin's fiancé in order to bring down the court from the inside. She also gathers information from the presence of Brannaugh and Dagdan, two Hybern commanders, and Jurian, the crazed, resurrected human commander from the war 500 years ago. The commanders search for a way to bring down the Wall using the Cauldron, and Lucien and Feyre accompany them on their journey to find the hole. During this time, Feyre sows seeds of discord and mistrust throughout the court, and finally makes her move to leave and return to the Night Court. She encounters Lucien, however, being assaulted by Ianthe, and she orders her to smash her own hand to pieces. Brannaugh and Dagdan reveal that they knew what she was doing the whole time and have laced her and Lucien with faebane, a stone that negates faerie magic. She kills them regardless, and flees with Lucien to the Autumn Court. While there, they are confronted by Lucien's brothers, and manage to escape into the Winter Court to be rescued by Cassian and Azriel. Rhys and Feyre are reunited, and she goes to the House of Wind to see her sisters that have now been turned into High Fae. Nesta is enraged at the situation, not for herself but for Elain, who is withering away from grief at losing her chance at being married to Grayson, the human boy she was in love with. Despite Lucien being her mate, she shows no interest in him. Cassian and Feyre plan to unleash the Bone Carver, a death-god kept in the Prison, in the upcoming war, but he demands a mirror called the Ouroboros from her that is kept in the Court of Nightmares. The Court of Dreams (minus Cassian, Elain, and Lucien) go to the Court of Nightmares to ask for the mirror and request Morrigan's father Keir to promise is Darkbringer legion in the coming war. Rhys offers a deal with Eris, the eldest son of Beron, High Lord of the Autumn Court, and Morrigan's former betrothed, to Keir for his forces. Keir demands that the Court of Nightmares also be granted access to Velaris. Morrigan is appalled and begs Rhys not to agree, but he does, and Keir also agrees to part with the Ouroboros, but only if Feyre can take it by looking into it, which is rumored to drive the person mad. Mor and Rhys have a brief fall out after this encounter even though he assures her that he has taken precautions to ensure Velaris won't get ruined. Rhys demands a meeting of all of the High Lords. Elain begins speaking in riddles. While waiting on a response, Amren, Nesta, and Feyre all delve into research about a way that Nesta can maybe repair the holes in the Wall. When Nesta went into the Cauldron, she took a piece of it's power, and it wasn't strong enough to bring down the Wall on its own. Nesta and Feyre are in the library when the King of Hybern's "Ravens" attack. They are saved by a mysterious, terrifying creature at the bottom of the library named Bryaxis. Bryaxis and Rhysand kill the Ravens, and when they return to the townhouse, they realize that Elain had warned them of the attack before it happened, and they realize she is a Seer. Elain also reveals that the sixth human queen was sold to a death-god on the continent and he cursed her to be a firebird by day and a human by night and that she was sold out by her fellow queens. Lucien agrees to go and search for her in case she can make a difference in the upcoming war. Adriata, the capital of the Summer Court, is attacked by Hybern, and despite the blood rubies on their heads, Rhys, Feyre, Mor, and a unit of Illyrians go to try and help Tarquin defend his city. He is still angry at them for stealing his half of the Book of Breathings, but doesn't have them killed and agrees to come to the meeting of High Lords.

The meeting takes place in the Dawn Court, and all of the High Lords attend, even Tamlin. A lot of bickering ensues, and Tamlin claims that he intended to betray Hybern the whole time, but was now weakened by Feyre destroying his court from the inside. Feyre ends up attacking Beron, causing him to flee the meeting, but the other six High Lords stay the night and agree to reconvene the next day. That night, Nesta says there is something wrong, but the rest of them, unable to sense anything, stay. The next afternoon, Nesta begins profusely vomiting and they all feel a huge blast wave. Nesta then explains that they are too late and the King of Hybern used the Cauldron to bring down the Wall. They immediately leave and prepare for war. They first go to the Summer Court to beat back Hybern's invading forces, and then go north to ensure they don't reach the Winter Court. It was a trap, however, and the mass of Hybern's army went and invaded the human lands. Elain is kidnapped by the Cauldron, and Azriel and Feyre infiltrate their camp to retrieve her. They barely make it out alive with the assistance from Jurian and Tamlin, both of whom were double crossing the King of Hybern, and rescue a human girl named Briar while there. The final battle begins in the human lands with Hybern holding the high ground. Feyre reveals that she went and retrieved the Ouroboros mirror and freed the Bone Carver and Bryaxis, and Rhys reveals he freed the Weaver of the Woods to fight for them. The battle is going alright until Nesta feels the Cauldron about to wipe out the Illyrian forces. She screams for Cassian and he rushes to her, just in time for him to avoid being incinerated by the Cauldron. The Bone Carver is also wiped out. Their forces begin to lose, only for the Autumn Court army, the remaining Spring Court army, and a human army led by Grayson and Jurian to join the fray. Feyre, Amren, Nesta, and Elain plan to neutralize the Cauldron, but Nesta is damaged by the affects of the Cauldron being used, and Elain was too shaken. The rest of Hybern's army appears on ships, largely outnumbering them. But then another fleet appears, along with an aerial legion from Rhys' long lost friends, Miriam and Drakon. The ships belong to the sixth firebird queen, Vassa, who was temporarily freed from her bond to the death-god by none other than the Archeron sisters' father. The tide starts to turn in their favor, and Nesta and Cassian agree to be distractions for the King so Amren and Feyre can neutralize the Cauldron. Nesta is about to kill the King, but he had captured her father and kills him, making Nesta lose focus on her powers. Cassian is brutally injured, and they are about to die when Elain stabs the King through the neck and Nesta finishes the job by beheading him. At the Cauldron, Feyre realizes that Amren lied to her about neutralizing the Cauldron. Amren uses Feyre as a conduit to free her from her High Fae form and she becomes the creature that she came to Prythian as 15,000 years ago. In one fell swoop she kills the entirety of Hybern's army and then fades away. Her doing this breaks the Cauldron into 3 pieces, and reality begins to unravel and be sucked into a void. Feyre uses Rhys' magic to heal the Cauldron, but it kills him. She begs the High Lords to bring him back to life as they did with her, and they all agree, except for Beron, who is forced to by Mor. Even Tamlin steps forward, and wishes Feyre to be happy, and agrees to bring him back. Amren also appears in the Cauldron, except only High Fae this time.

The High Lords and humans and all other remaining factions meet and discuss a new Treaty. It doesn't go badly, but also doesn't go well, but they all have a path moving forward.

Feyre Archeron (Feyre Cursebreaker): The one thing I especially love about how Feyre is in this book is that she makes mistakes. In the first part of the book she is so angry and hellbent on revenge against Tamlin (rightfully so) that she doesn't consider that destroying his court would make it easier for Hybern to take hold. While she doesn't necessarily apologize to Tamlin for this (because he acts like a real asshole), she does realize her mistake. Also, after she looks into the Ouroboros, she tells Rhys that she loves and forgives everything she saw in the mirror, all aspects of herself, the good and the bad, and I found that to be really beautiful character development from her and a lot of growth from the self loathing she felt in A Court of Mist and Fury.

Amren: There has definitely been a lot of speculation of what Amren really is but my favorite interpretation (and one I think might have been confirmed?) is that she's a biblically accurate fallen angel. Which is so cool and makes her ten times more awesome and scary in my opinion.

Tamlin: Tamlin became even more unlikeable than I thought possible in this book, but the ending really leaves it open for him to get a redemption arc. The scenes with him in it can definitely be difficult to read if you've ever had an abusive ex though.

Storyline: Once again, Sarah J Maas did not disappoint with the plot twists and heart stopping scenes. I've reread this series more times than I can count but Rhys' death and then subsequent resurrection at the end still makes me shed tears. There are a few minor plot holes and convenient occurrences, but in my opinion it doesn't do much of anything to take away from the story.

Representation: Madja, Tarquin, Varian, Cresseida, Helion, Rhysand, Cassian, Azriel, Miriam, Drakon, Vassa, and quite a few other characters are described as being POC. It is revealed that Lucien is mixed, as his true father is Helion, not Varian. Lucien still has his mechanical eye, Nuan, an alchemist from the Dawn Court, is an amputee with a mechanical arm, and Nephelle, a Seraph from Miriam and Drakon's land is described as having malformed wings. Morrigan is revealed to be bisexual (or perhaps a lesbian, it's left a little unclear), Thesan has a male lover, and Nephelle has a wife. Mor also mentions that Rita, the owner of the club she frequently visits, is also "like her".

Summary: This was a great end to the first part of the ACOTAR series. The plot was always compelling and kept you sucked in, and all of the characters, while flawed in their own ways, are deeply loveable and you are rooting for them the whole time.

#book review #book blog #books #book reviews #fantasy #acotar #a court of thorns and roses #a court of mist and fury #a court of wings and ruin #a court of frost and starlight #a court of silver flames #sjmaas #sjm books #sjm #sarah j maas

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honeybeefae · 3 years ago

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All We Have Is Now (Eris Vanserra x Reader)

Summary// When Eris discovered you were mates he made sure to keep you hidden, knowing his brothers and father would take any chance to hurt him. After the fight with Azriel during the Hybern meeting, he seeks you out to calm himself. However, Eris’s fear overcomes him and he ends up hurting you…and sealing his fate that he was just like his father. Until you remind him otherwise.

(I’m just going to be honest, this was supposed to be a quickie smut that was just pure filth. And it turned into something more and i am in love with that something more. Eris might seem a little OOC but this is how i imagine him with his mate, the only person who is on his side.)

WARNING// 18+, smut, secret relationship, love confessions, crying, wishful thinking, angst, comfort, use of safe word, desperate Eris, he just needs to know someone out there cares about him, choking (slight dubcon?), make up sex, Eris just needs to be loved every now and then.

Taglist: @highladyofautumnn

If you would like to be added to my taglist, please comment and I will add you! If you only wish to be added for a specific character, mention them and I will write it down <3

You had known the two of you were mates from the moment you saw Eris. His family had come to your court to discuss treaties and trades, sitting in the great hall to which you had just happened to walk past. Your father was one of the top healers for the Dawn Court and you were studying to take his place, both of you residing in the walls of Thesan’s home.

As you casually strolled past you had glanced up and caught the eyes of the eldest Vanserra brother. The bond hit you like a punch to the chest, stealing your breath away as you stopped midstep to gape at him.

Eris had it as well because he dropped his wine glass in the middle of the conversation. The sound of it shattering snapped you back into reality and made you rush to your room. You holed yourself up until the moon was high in the sky, when everyone would be asleep, and then snuck to the kitchen to grab a snack.

It was there that he was waiting for you, lounging on one of the counters as if he owned the place. You had tried to run but he was swift to catch your wrist and demand you talk to him.

He had tried to deny the bond and even threatened you to never seek him out, his eyes cruel. You did avoid him for quite a while until you happened to run into one of his younger brothers during a visit, your skin crawling as he backed you into a corner and whispered vile things into your ear. Eris must have felt your fear through the bond because within moments he ripped his brother off and winnowed the two of you away.

You cried into his shoulder for hours after in the quiet of your room.

From then the two of you began a secret relationship. He refused to reveal you to his world as he knew what his father and brothers would do to you if they thought it would harm him. You also knew what it would do for your reputation if anyone found out you were sneaking out for years, especially with the Autumn Court heir.

Tonight was no different. Thesan had graciously allowed his home to be used for the High Lord's meeting to discuss the plan for Hybern. You didn’t know if the court could take so many egos in one place and you were correct, hearing one of the servants whispering about an Illyrian attacking Eris in a fit of rage and also about Feyre and Beron’s scuffle.

The latter didn’t nearly worry you as much as the former. Beron had everything coming to him and you were happy that the High Lady handed him his ass on a silver platter. But Eris…it took every ounce of control to not storm into the room when you heard the news.

You knew it would do much more harm than good and instead slipped a note in your and Eris’s secret crevice beside your room, knowing he would come to check it soon enough.

Hours went by with no knock or word from your mate. It was now late in the evening and you were starting to debate on whether you should head to the infirmary to see if he was there until the door began to squeak open.

Eris appeared in the doorway, agitated. You threw yourself into his arms and buried your face in his chest, breathing in the scent of embers and pine. “I was so worried about you.” You confessed into his shirt. He petted the top of your head to calm the quiver in your voice.

“You fret too much. It was a disagreement at most.” Eris said as you pulled back to take in his full appearance now that he was closer. There were no physical marks to show what happened but you could tell his ego took a hit.

“What happened?” You asked. “I thought there was a barrier or spell of some sort to prevent fighting?”

“Physical fighting, yes. Rhysand’s shadowsinger decided to use his shadows to attack me when I insulted a…friend of his.” His tone faltered at the end and you knew exactly who he was talking about. Eris had told you what had happened that day and although you had urged him time and time again to talk with Mor, he put it off. “Feyre was able to call her hound back in time before any damage could be done.”

You let both of your arms fall away from the embrace to cross them over your chest. Eris had a habit of not thinking before he spoke and you weren’t going to coddle him for his mistake. And he knew it.

“Mother above, Y/N, you’re giving me the same look my mother gave me afterward.” He scoffed.

The only reply you gave was a raise of your eyebrow.

He frowned and grabbed your upper arm to pull you back into his arms. “I apologized to Mor if it’s any consultation.”

“Perhaps a slight one.” You mumbled, staring into those beautiful amber eyes. “You should be more careful with that mouth of yours, however. I’d hate to have to say ‘I told you so’ after you get your ass kicked by someone.”

Eris gave you one of his signature smirks as he bent down to whisper into your ear, breath hot on your skin. “I guess we’re going to have to find a better use for my mouth than aren’t we?”

Before you could retort he pushed you back into the door and claimed your mouth possessively. One of his hands grabbed your wrists and held them above your head so that you were completely at his mercy, just the way he liked it.

His lips were hot against your own, molding perfectly together, and your agitation with him started to fade away. You swiped his bottom lip with your tongue which had him opening up for you. Eris’s unoccupied hand came up to cradle your cheek in a rare tender moment, pulling away from you slightly so he could press his forehead against yours.

“I wish we didn’t have to hide like this.” He confessed, fingers tightening around your wrists. It was scarce that you would see this side of him. The meeting must have shaken him more than he let on. “I want to show you off, want you by my side as I kill my bastard of a father. To see you standing with me for the rest of eternity.”

You bumped your nose against his and smiled sadly. “One day, Eris. One day.”

Neither of you knew if that day would ever truly come. The risks, the everchanging future, nothing was set in stone. All that was guaranteed to you was now and you weren’t going to waste it for dreams of tomorrow.

He seemed to have the same thought because he kissed you again, picking you up so that you could wrap your legs around his hips as he carried you over to the bed. You both fell back and lost yourselves in each other, fingers grasping at bare skin to try and ground yourself in the moment.

Your hips started to grind up on the thigh between your legs without your permission, making you whimper at the friction. He swore under his breath at the sound.

Without warning, you heard a loud rip followed by the cool air caressing your chest, the breeze making your nipples pebble into hard peaks. Eris didn’t even spare you a glance as he started mouthing down to your breasts. One of his hands slipped underneath you and cupped your ass that you pushed up against him again.

“Eris!” You mewled, back arching as he flicked his long tongue over your left nipple. The action sent your nerves into overdrive, your hand flying up to cover your mouth as he ground that thigh into your sex without a care in the world.

He was being much more reckless than ever before. You noticed he didn’t even bother to put up a barrier so that no one would walk in if they heard you yell.

You were pulled from your thoughts when he shoved his fingers past your underwear and into your wet heat. Eris didn’t give you any time to adjust as he began to fuck you with those slender digits, his thumb reaching to circle your clit forcefully. He was like a mad man, eyes wide as he took in your flushed face turning back and forth in overwhelming pleasure.

It was all becoming too much, too fast. He had brought you to your peak within minutes, knowing just how to crook his fingers to get you to say his name. You bit down on your lip to contain your cries but that only made him angry.

“Don’t hide those sounds from me, Y/N. Not now.” He snarled, doubling down on his efforts while your eyes began to prickle with tears. “Scream for me, pet. Tell me you’re mine. Tell them you’re mine.”

“Eris I can’t. I can’t-” You panted, not entirely sure what you couldn’t do. The line of pain and pleasure was blurring until it was completely jumbled in your mind.

A large hand wrapped around your throat and started to squeeze lightly. It wasn’t the first time he had choked you but it was the first time you were scared. His hair was falling in his face like a curtain, eyebrows scrunched together in pain or concentration you couldn’t tell.

“Yes you can!” He said as he squeezed harder. “Tell me, Y/N! TELL ME!”

“Red! Red!” You squeaked from underneath him, watching him snap back into his body. Eris instantly removed his hand from your throat and sat back on his legs, staring at you as if he was seeing you for the first time.

It was the safe word he had given to you the first time you had sex. He had warned you that his taste in the bedroom was on the…kinkier side and that this was for your safety if it ever got too much. You’d never used it before, always willing to take what he gave you no matter what.

You sat up and pulled the blanket over your bare body as you caught your breath. He remained as still as a statue, fists curled at his side as his chest rose and fell in shallow breaths.

The room grew quiet and the sun had set ages ago, casting the room in soft darkness save for the lamps beside your bed. The flames danced across the wall and Eris, flickering back and forth like a wildfire. It would be a wonderful painting if no one knew the tragic story unfolding before it.

“Eris…” You began softly, reaching for his thigh. He flinched back as if you had burned him, refusing to meet your eyes. “Eris, it’s okay. I’m fine. It just got…a little intense.”

He shook his head, grimacing as he looked at the bruise on your neck that was already starting to fade. “Don’t coddle me.”

“I’m not coddling you. I’m telling you the truth, I’m fine.” You pressed further, inching closer to him. The guilt in his eyes was enough to drown someone. “Please look at me.”

You didn’t realize the tears had come back until you heard the quiver in your voice. Eris was one of the most guarded people you had ever met. It had taken you years for him to even let you comfort him after a nightmare. You felt like all that progress was shattering before your eyes, seeing him start to build up those walls that you had broken down.

“I hurt you, Y/N.”

It was always something he swore he would never do. Eris saw how his father beat his mother, leaving bruises in places that couldn’t be seen while knowing she would never breathe a word. She would beg her son to let it go, to pacify him so that some semblance of peace could be maintained in the Autumn Court.

Eris knew that she was terrified of Beron, that that was the reason she didn’t want him confronting his father. She knew he would take it out on her.

That had been one of the few promises he had made to you. He didn’t want to be like his father, no matter what kind of front he put on for everyone else. They could think what they wanted but he knew and you knew he would never harm you.

Until tonight. When he got so caught up in his adrenaline and wanting somebody, anybody, to be on his side and make him feel less alone. That was what this was about. Because when Azriel had attacked him, and started to strangle him, no one cared enough to save him.

Eris needed you to say that you were his and only his, needed it like fish needed water. It was driving him mad that you were forced to hide from everyone in fear of your life. He could protect you, he could take over the Autumn Court and give you everything you wanted and you would love him and he wouldn’t be alone.

And when you had said the safe word, when he saw the fear in your eyes and felt your racing pulse underneath his fingertips, he felt disgusted. It took all of his willpower to not winnow away and now, with you so quick to reach back out for him when he did not deserve any of it, Eris now worried if you did it out of fear or love.

The war raging in his mind was one you wish you could calm. He was tearing himself apart from the inside out and your words weren’t enough to stop it.

You reached out and grabbed his fist, prying it open with a gentleness he wasn’t used to. He watched warily as you placed it over your heart, pressing it down so he could feel your heartbeat.

“Close your eyes.” You whispered while rising on your knees to match his height. He hesitated before following your instructions. “Do you feel that?”

A slight nod was the only response he gave. You used your other hand to cup his cheek, brushing some of the stray hairs away. “It beats for you. It does not fear you, it does not vex you, it does not loathe you.”

You watched him inhale through his nose, wanting to fight the sweet words that were coming out of your mouth, but you did not yield.

“Everything in me belongs to you, Eris. I yearn for you in ways I never knew someone could. The Cauldron chose you for me and I have never, ever, questioned that decision.” You were pouring every ounce of your emotions into this declaration. “In every world of every universe of every story, you and I will always find each other. No matter what stands in our way.”

Eris dropped his hand after you got quiet, opening his eyes that you could have sworn were glistening with tears. He stared at you, waiting, and when you gave him one of those smiles that took his breath away he pulled you into his chest.

His arms were wrapped tightly around your bare body, your breasts pressed flush against his chest as he buried his nose into your hair. You drew small patterns into the planes of his shoulder blades, content to stay this way forever, while he gathered to courage to talk.

“I was scared.” Eris breathed into your hair. “When Azriel tried to kill me…no one helped me. No one cared if I survived. I was alone.”

You knew this was a huge step for him so you resisted the urge to remind him that he wasn’t, kissing the hollow of his throat softly as he continued. “It made me angry, angrier than I have ever been because you couldn’t be there with me. Every moment we spend together puts you in more and more danger.”

Eris pulled away to cup your face in his hands, tracing your lips with his thumb as he mesmerized every feature of your face. “And at that moment, I needed you to claim me, to say my name. I lost myself and I ended up hurting you.”

His touch was feather light as he bent down to kiss you, letting you take the lead. It was a stark contrast to how the night had begun. Hundreds of thoughts swept through your mind, words to say to let him know how you were feeling, but you knew Eris believed actions more than words.

So you deepened the kiss while guiding him to lay on his back, auburn hair splaying out like a fiery halo on the pillows as he gazed up at you. Warm hands gently held your hips as you kissed up his jaw and down his neck. You could feel his pulse fluttering at the unexpected intimacy and you gave a light peck over it.

“Y/N,” He murmured. “You don’t have to do this. After what I did I-”

You put a finger over his lips to stop him, shaking your head. “I want to do this. I want to show you.”

Eris was lost for words and you took full advantage of it, kissing down his bare chest while cheekily teasing one of his nipples. He grunted at the sensation and shot you a wicked glare. You answered him by circling the other one with the tip of your tongue.

His chest rumbled with a low growl while you continued to descend down, making a mental note to explore that later. When the two of you had sex, Eris was always the one in charge. It was fun to watch him get flustered under your hands.

When you got to his pants you could see his erection through the material, a small wet spot near the head. You began to untie the strings and when you got them free, tapped his hip to get him to lift them. He responded instantly, hands fisted in the cream-colored sheets.

“You look so beautiful like this.” You teased, earning an eye roll from him. After rolling his bottoms halfway Eris kicked them the rest of the way off, his cock slapping against his stomach.

You weren’t very experienced when it came to sex but Eris’s cock was one of your favorite things about him. He was long and somewhat thick, able to hit those hidden spots inside of you that no one else could, with a tuff of red hair at the base.

Right now it was red and weeping, begging for your touch. You ran a single finger from tip to base, enjoying the way he twitched under you. When you glanced up at Eris he had an arm thrown over his face to hide how needy he was for you.

“Look at me, love.” You purred while crawling between his legs. He raised his head and cursed at the sight of you, cheeks flushed with lust. “I want you to watch me.”

Without wasting any more time you grasped the base of his dick and brought it to your mouth. You slid your tongue over the tip before taking him further in, feeling his hips raise in earnest to feel more of your mouth. One of his hands came down to brush away the hair from your face so he could see you swallow him.

“Oh, fuck.” He groaned as he hit the back of your throat. “That’s it, that’s it.”

He held you there for a few moments before letting you pull back, spit and precum drooling out of the sides of your mouth. Eris had never thought you looked more beautiful. You gave him a wink before going back down again, bobbing your head just the way he liked it while also hollowing out your cheeks.

The look on his face was one of bliss as he pathetically tried to fuck your mouth. His stomach was tight as you moaned at the taste of him, sliding one of your hands down to your cunt to ease the ache that was beginning to grow there.

Eris immediately picked up on what you were doing, the smell of your arousal making him feel high. You let out a small yelp when he swiftly pulled you up and hovered you over his cock.

“I need you, Y/N. I need to feel you wrapped around my cock, around my body.” He urged, cupping your tits so he could pinch your nipples to watch you moan. “Please.”

It was the first time he had ever used that word in regards to you. He was the type of man to take what he wants, asking for forgiveness rather than permission. Eris was truly desperate and you knew he needed you, needed to know that you weren’t going to leave him.

You guided his cock to your entrance and began to slowly sink down, enjoying the delicious stretch that he gave you until you bottomed out. He moaned your name as you started to bounce on him, leaning up to suck on your nipple as you rode him.

“E-Eris,” You whimpered as he rutted into you, meeting you halfway. “You feel so good inside me.”

He grinned against your skin before flipping you over onto your back, remaining inside you so that he could pick up the pace as you wrapped your arms around his neck. You pulled him down until he was flush against you, his face buried into your neck as he pulled your legs higher in the air.

The new angle had him going impossibly deep. You could feel your walls tightening around him as he started to whisper in your ear.

“I know, pet, I know. You can take it though, right?” He praised before biting down on your earlobe. His thrusts were starting to get sloppier and you could tell he was getting close. “Such a good mate, my good mate.”

You gripped a fistful of his hair and arched your back, feeling yourself near that peak again. “Yours, Eris. Always yours.”

Eris felt his bones rattle as you said the words. It was what he needed, what he craved, and what you willing gave to him no matter what. You were his and he was yours and everything was right in the world for this moment.

“Cum for me, Y/N. Let me claim you.” He growled. You whined when he started to rub small circles over your clit and within seconds, he had you cumming harder than you ever had before.

He felt your cunt get tighter and tighter and when you started to throb around him, started to cry out his name as you fell over the edge, he followed you blindly. Eris moaned your name into your neck as his hips stuttered, spilling inside you as his final declaration.

Both of you were trying to catch your breath as he rolled off of you, bodies slick with sweat and each other’s juices. It was well past the time that Eris needed to go back to his room but he couldn’t find it in himself to care.

And when you rolled over onto his chest, snuggling into his side and promptly falling asleep, Eris knew that no matter how much time had passed…he would never be alone as long as he had you.

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