#MOR BEING A SWEETHEART

[acourtofinkandpapyrus]

YOU KNOW, THE NOTIFICATION FOR THIS POPPED UP AND IT JUST MADE MY DAY. I AM DOWNRIGHT SICK BUT WATCHING MOR COMFORT Y/N IS THE MOST AMAZING THING I'VE EVER READ

Not So Routine - Chapter 2

Summary: You try to process the discovery of your mates. The only place you can think of doing that is Rita's.

Pairing: Nessian x Afab!Reader

Warnings: Cussing, drinking, pleasure hall, dancing and sex. 18+ Minors do not interact.

Word count: 1977

Bookshelf Series Bookshelf

You stood staring at the door where your mates had slipped through mere moments ago. A foggy haze had overtaken you as you tried to process what had just happened. You weren’t sure you had blinked while you stood there until your best friend slipped back through the door. 

Suddenly you weren’t sure what to say to her. How do you explain to her that you just found not only one mate but two. Not only that but that they were already mated. Then on top of that they were esteemed members of the Night Court. In the time it took for her to come to the counter beside you, you decided not to tell her. 

“Would you be okay to run the shop the rest of the day?” She gave you a bewildered look at the question. But you must have been wearing an absolutely dreadful look because she was responding to you quickly.

“Are you feeling alright? Did something happen while I was at lunch?” her eyes scanned the store quickly and she didn’t see a thing out of place. The almost horror on your face was still worrisome however. She scanned your body quickly and didn’t see anything visibly wrong. 

“I’m just not feeling very well, I think I need to go home and take a tonic.” You wanted to get out of the store as quickly as possible. Needed to leave the place where their scent lingered. The combined smells left you in a frantic panic to seek them out.

“Yea go ahead. Do you want me to stop by your apartment later and check on you?” You had never shaken your head so fast in your life. Your neck ached a little at the aggressive movement. You wanted to tell her about what occurred. Neither of you kept secrets from the other. But you knew you couldn’t handle the reality of the situation at the moment.

“No, I'll be fine. Thank you though. I will see you tomorrow.” You grabbed your things and were winnowing home instantly. The floor was rough on your knees as you collapsed against the ground. Hands threaded through your hair wildly as you tried to clear your thoughts. Your heart beat suddenly decided to become erratic as the thoughts of them swirled through you. Every moment they were in your presence replaying on a loop. 

You needed a drink you concluded after sitting on the floor so long your stomach growled. So you stood up and went through the motions of getting ready for a night at Rita’s. The pleasure hall always seemed to ease you. You’d always tell people it was the drinks and the music or even the large array of food when they asked why you enjoyed it. But it was actually a certain blonde that frequented the establishment that had you going back every time. 

You put on a dress that was just tight enough to show off your curves but loose enough to not feel suffocating. It reached the top of your feet before stopping, two slits went down both sides starting just above your knees. The material was light which was appreciated as it made moving easier. A pair of short heels that matched your dress perfectly were slipped onto your feet. You did a simple look with lipstain and kohl, wrapping your hair in a put together messy bun. You gave yourself a once over appreciating the simple jewelry you chose before leaving your apartment in a hurry.

There was nothing saying that the blonde you were seeking would be there. In fact you hadn’t seen them around in a few weeks. But you were hopeful as you came up to the building after the short walk there. You breathed in deeply as you entered, the smell of wine and sweat took over your senses. It had the smell of your mates that seemed to be plaguing you even after leaving the boutique clearing your head. You had a few drinks in you by the time you saw the reason you came in the first place. 

“Mor!” The name left your mouth excitedly as she came closer to your spot at the bar. Your body immediately started to heat in anticipation of where the night may lead. She licked her lips as she came to the same conclusion. 

“Take an early day?” She was surprised to see you here at this time. She was even more surprised to see you alone. You normally came later in the day and with one or more of your friends. But neither was the case today it seemed. Which wasn’t something she was complaining about. It made leaving together immensely easier. 

“Had something happen. But I don’t want to talk about it.” You gave her a shrug as you waved down the bartender. You ordered yourself and the delicious looking blonde beside you a glass of wine which was much appreciated by the female. 

You’d known each other for decades. She had stumbled into your boutique and invited you to this very establishment after a simple conversation. After you’d had a couple drinks and a few dances you woke up the next day tangled in sheets and limbs. The relationship has proven beneficial for the both of you since then.

“Why don’t you tell me about you? I haven’t seen you around in a while.” A smirk adorned her lips as you mentioned noticing her absence. You bit your lip at the look she gave you. Her eyes raking up and down your body. But you couldn’t help but think about the fact that it wasn’t the way Nesta had raked her eyes over your body earlier in the day. 

“I was away in Vallahan, I think I’m close to winning them over.” The bartender placed your glasses of wine down in front of you and you were both quick to take a sip. She continued to tell you some vague details of her trip as you both drank. You would pipe up occasionally with questions or comments. 

Once your glasses were empty you were being pulled away to the dance floor by the striking blonde. You danced against each other, getting lost in the familiar beat of the music. No one paid the two of you any mind. You looked like any of the other pairs of female friends dancing together on the crowded dance floor. 

A male came up and offered you both drinks which you graciously accepted. The liquid burned in the best way as it slipped down your throat. You took in her scent that normally drove you into a frenzy but it missed the mark this time as you realized it wasn’t the smell of leather and sandalwood that was so distinctly Cassian.

“I found my mates.” You leaned in and whispered to the dress-clad female that was grinding her ass into your front. She paused and turned around to look at you. Shock was a clear emotion as she took you in. Her head nodded towards an empty table in the back and you were quick to follow her to it. You told her what had happened once you sat down. Worry set in as she sat and stared at you. 

“What are you going to do?” Your shoulders sagged at the question. You didn’t want to think about that right now. You just wanted a distraction from the problem you had been dropped in thanks to the Mother. 

“I don’t want to think about that tonight. I just want a distraction.” You looked at her with a familiar cloud of lust in your eyes and she was nodding at you quickly. This was familiar territory for the two of you.

“Let’s get out of here then.” You reached across the table at her words and she grasped your hand with her own. You didn’t bother about paying your tab knowing they had your information as you winnowed away. 

Your lips were locked together the second your feet hit the floor in your apartment. The feeling of your dress leaving your body had you trembling in anticipation. You and Morrigan had come to an understanding some time ago. The two of you enjoyed each other when you could. You kept the friends with benefits situation under wraps. 

As you both frantically became a mix of limbs and lips within the confines of your bed you were hit with feelings of lust. Which would have been fine but the feelings weren’t your own. You tried to push them away. But the feelings only got stronger. You pulled away from where you were locked into a heady kiss and took a large shaky breath. 

“Fuck.” Mor pulled back as well, her lust filled eyes slowly blinking open. She took in your breathless state and figured it was just because of the current activities. One of her hands carded through her blonde locks as her chest heaved slowly. 

“We’ve barely gotten started.” Her words seemed to shake you from your thoughts. You turned your attention back to her but as you roamed your hands over her body all you could imagine was the body of your female mate, how her beautiful skin would feel as you trailed your fingers along her. As her lips met yours again you were desperate for them to feel like those of the handsome Illayrian you had met hours before.  

“Mor.” You said the word in a defeated manner. You couldn’t stop the thoughts of your mates swimming through your mind. Especially as their lust filled the one sided bonds inside your soul. You started to wonder what they were getting themselves into. Which of them liked to leave trails of kisses upon the other's skin. Whose knees would hit the floor in anticipation of giving pleasure. Couldn’t stop the thought of how they would moan and praise you as you all laid wrapped up together in a mess of bliss. 

“Are you feeling alright?” You were so sick of people asking you that question today. But still you reluctantly shook your head. She could scent the mating bond in the air and gave you an understanding look. You knew she would be the last one to judge you. 

You had held her many times as she wept. The feeling of not being able to be open about her sexuality was something that plagued her relentlessly. You were always quick to soothe her on those nights. You held her as the weight of the court fell on her shoulders when her cousin was locked under the mountain. You did your best to ease that stress from her as well. 

“Do you want me to stay?” The question caught you off guard but you nodded your head anyway. She was quick to snap night clothes on the both of you before she laid back and opened her arms for you. You moved across the bed until you were laying your head upon her chest. She ran her hands through your hair while whispering reassurances to you. 

Through your weeping you told her of your worries and concerns. About the way you were terrified they would find out. That you were terrified that you would be banned from the city you had called home for so long. But she reassured you that she’d never let that happen. As you shook against her chest she swore to you that she’d help you any way she could.

You laid there for hours after that and talked about anything and everything either of you could think of to distract you from the looming problem. She told you of her friends in other courts. You told her of a new material you got in recently that you thought she’d look delectable in. Eventually you both slipped into the throws of sleep together. 

A/N: As always thank you all for reading! Likes, comments, reblogs and follows are much appreciated.

Tags(open): @kmc1989 @dream-alittlebiggerdarling @luvmoo @wolfsbane44 @acourtofinkandpapyrus @moonlwghts @maddietheshoe @hyemishii @fanboyluvr @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @pinksmellslikelove @waytoomanyteenagefeels

[acid-ixx]

again &. again masterlist

by the bird and the bee

ft. platonic soft! yandere batfam! x gn! neglected reader

— TRIGGER WARNINGS !

- emotional neglect, allusions to sexual assault, prostitution & physical abuse, kidnapping, alcohol abuse, drugging, themes of depression, dissociation, vague traumatic events, mentions of murder, other warnings would be added soon.

— CHAPTERS ! ; 34k+ words

00. — oh, please leave me be.

01. — because you only notice me once i'm out the door.

02. — and you don't even remember my face?

03. — i need a drink, away from everyone.

04. — mors tua, vita mea / your death, my life.

— DRABBLES ! ; #series: again &. again

dick grayson calling you his baby bird

why now? (yan! damian wayne)

brutus (villain au concept)

brutus: out for blood

what if you were never neglected?

just a taste (yan! conner kent - suggestive)

laughter is the best medicine (yan! dick grayson, jason todd, tim drake, damian wayne)

to you, my greatest passion (non-neglected au-verse)

brutus: both arms cradle you now

bruce finding your graduation picture

how to be a heartbreaker! (yandere harem)

— ASKS ! ; #series: again &. again

dick's spiral into yandere-ism

leaving gotham, resenting alfred, changing last names

your mysterious identity &. conner being your love interest

dick seeing you as a child & damian's need to be your favorite

damian and his cool, matching bracelets

does dick close the door on you? nah, he doesn't even know you were behind the door

wally west as your love interest

you care now?

conner as your angry, protective bf

jason trying his damn best to be a brother to you

calling bruce by his last name only

calling alfred your dad ft. jealous bruce

how are damian and jason obsessed towards you

their nicknames for you

how bruce and damian would try to bond with you

will you still go to college after being kidnapped?

— INCORRECT QUOTES ! ; #a&a: incorrect quotes

yan! villains kidnapping you

hostage situation

how to become a target to the wayne family

— FANART ! ; #a&a: fanart

happy birthday by @luffyadolover

diary by @luffyadolover

another reason they're broke &. finished art by @oh-nowo-i-got-uwu

a take on the reader's appearance by @luffyadolover

reader trying to study ft. the batfam's endless calls &. finished art by @ghostdoodlen

reader finding bruce and damian watching a movie by @luffyadolover

again &. again mv by @luffyadolover

reader and their playlist by @luffyadolover

a comic panel by @lucioleestolie

conner and reader flying through the skies by @ghostdoodlen

when all of a sudden, i hear this agitating noise by @punpunsonny

villain au reader by @lazyemmy

a&a oc: emile by @questionthegrapevine

graduation pic, conner comfort, and mirrors by @ghostdoodlen

neglected &. non-neglected reader by @lazyemmy

— TAGLIST ! ; taglist is closed!

@.lilyalone, @.secretomelettetroops, @.earlqurl, @.simpingfor-wakasa, @.amber-content, @.ruiroku, @.okaybutfullhomo, @.trasshy-artist, @.obsessedwithromance, @.jjsmeowthie, @.fairy-lenaa, @.ilovvmyhusband, @.6uuyuuhgy, @.plsfckmedxddy, @.lavender-moony, @.sweetheart-era, @.chemicalsandghosts, @.darling006, @.starringyau, @.samanthahanes, @.rosecentury, @.jaythes1mp, @.pi1nkl0ver, @.i-thirsty-boy, @.sharks-are-cool-l, @.silverklaus, @.samanthathanes, @.traumaramacenter, @.maddimoon, @.anxrq, @.thedarknesslord, @.h0rr0r-10ver-69, @.lazy-idate, @.cupids-pretty-boy, @.alishii, @.mel-star636, @.sitepathos, @.freakyotaku059-blog, @.dirtydiavolo, @.sunbleachedantlers, @.24hrsoflanii, @.ceramic-raven, @.une-lueur-dans-la-nuit, @.tdickensstuff4, @.thickerthanthieves, @.arlandvery, @.distressed-lezbo, @.bunbunboysworld, @.bellethesleepypotato, @.naina326, @.nebuluma, @.alliwantisadonut, @.alishii, @.kusakiguzen, @.sirenetheblogger, @.emmbny, @.ryukyuin, @.solkara, @.starsdotalk

[pellucid-constellations]

R&R

Pairing: Cassian x Reader

Summary: Cassian was tired and you were taking forever to get your ass back home.

Word count: 1k

Warnings: nothing! fluff <3

a/n: A little drabble as I ignore my homework.

~~

Cassian was tired. 

He felt it in his bones and the cracks of his skin.

Dirt was ingrained in every crevice of his leathers, dusting out as he shucked the articles to the ground and stepped into the steaming bath. Training didn’t usually take this much out of him, but there were a host of recruits that he needed to train, all so eager to be part of the troops after the victorious War with Hybern. 

All eager but so, so inept.  

And then you weren’t home when he got here, which pissed him off. 

All he could think about during the hours of training drills and conditioning and corrections was coming home to you, pressing his face into your neck, and falling asleep to the warmth of your skin. He had sent a spark down the bond when he started his journey home, which—to him—was a request for you to come home as well. 

You did not. 

Cassian dried himself off and threw on the closest pair of cotton pants he could find, falling into bed with a huff. 

Ridiculous. 

He was in bed and he was alone. 

He covered his eyes with the bulk of his arm. 

He’d sleep then. Fine. 

Only he couldn’t sleep. The bed smelled like you and he tugged at the bond again. This time, you actually did offer him a reply, and Cassian wanted to drown in the warmth you sent through his chest. 

Where the hell were you?

He flipped onto his stomach and shoved his face into a pillow. He should be able to sleep without you there. He was Illyrian; he had slept in far worse conditions. On rocks, in a tree, standing up against war-torn buildings—Cassian could sleep anywhere at any time. But then he met you and he fell in love with you and you weren’t getting your ass home fast enough.

Cauldron help him if you ever decided to go on vacation. 

Mor had tried something like that when you were freshly mated, posing a girl's trip to you and Feyre. That idea hadn’t gone far.

It had been more about sex and lust and being so enamored by you that he couldn’t breathe back then. Right now he just wanted to get some damn sleep. 

The bedroom door clicked open and unrelenting joy washed away the irritation he was harboring for you. Because how could he be irritated when you came into the room all soft and smiley and bright? Upon further contemplation, Cassian decided that no, he wasn’t ever irritated at you, actually. 

“Hi, Cass,” you called, the sound muting the headache that had begun to form behind the general’s eyes. “How were the recruits? Are they ready to charge into battle?”

You flitted about the room, taking off your coat and setting your bags down and not paying attention to him at all. Cassian fought the urge to tackle you onto the bed just to get you to stop moving. He couldn’t even get a good look at you like this, and he hadn’t seen you all day. He left before you woke up. 

“Yeah maybe in a few years,” Cassian grumbled, following you with his eyes as you started cleaning up the damn room. “C’mere, sweetheart.” 

“I will in just a moment. This place is a mess. You got dirt everywhere, did you know that?” 

“I know. I’m sorry. I’ll clean it up later, just come here.” 

You tsked and ignored him. Cassian cursed at the ceiling.

“I was out with Mor earlier and we stopped by Nyx's school to surprise him,” you giggled, grabbing a stupid broom. “He was adorable, of course. He painted you and Az for one of his projects in art. You’ll have to see it when he brings it home. I swear, Cass, he is just hmph—” 

The broom clattered to the floor, forgotten along with the dirt that lined the wood. Your cheeks were encased by Cassian’s hands as he kissed you, and he ran one back to entangle it with your hair. Gods, you smelled good, like strawberries or apples or whatever fruity perfume you were trying while you were out shopping. Cassian deepened the kiss and relished in the surprised sound you made. 

“You didn’t even kiss me when you came in,” he practically pouted, lips brushing against yours as he spoke. “Or look at me.” 

You gripped at his biceps to keep yourself upright, his body pressed so closely to yours. “I didn’t mean to,” you whispered. 

“I know.” He nudged your nose with his. “Lay down with me.” 

“But the floor—” 

“Lay down with me,” he repeated.

A brief pause, a small nod; right now, it took very little to make Cassian so inexplicably happy. 

He gathered you in his arms the moment your body hit the sheets, burying his face in your neck like he was supposed to do about thirty minutes ago. And then you ran your fingers across his scalp and Cassian decided he was dead. There was no other explanation for this type of bliss. 

“Did you have a bad day?” you asked softly. 

“Day was fine. Long, but fine,” he grumbled, pulling you tighter, pressing his lips to your skin. 

You hummed. “Then why couldn’t I clean the room?” 

“Because I’m tired and you were over there.” 

“Not seeing the correlation, my love.” 

Tire was weighing heavy on Cassian’s mind. His body relaxed even more into the bed as his hands ran down the length of your body. 

“I need to hold you to fall asleep,” he replied as if it were obvious. Because it was. 

“Oh.” 

He grunted out a confirmation.

“Well, I’m not exactly ready for bed yet and I told Rhys—” 

“I love you,” Cassian interrupted. “Please stop talking.” 

And then Cassian was no longer pissed or annoyed or tired because nothing was out of place. Sleep found him quickly.

[bat-boys]

besotted

pairing: Azriel x fem reader

word count: 3.7k

warnings: none, just tooth rotting fluff

summary: Rhys and Feyre have asked you to babysit Nyx for the day, meaning you get to spend the whole time enjoying one of your favourite weaknesses: your mate cuddling cute babies.

a/n: thank you so much for the love, it's been so lovely 🫶🏻. this fic is completely self-indulgent - I don't even want children but the thought of handsome men with babies? lord have mercy. My inbox is always open for a chat or fic suggestions /requests. Enjoy loves.

Velaris was truly stunning in every season, every weather, at any time of day, but for you, your favourite time in the city was during the height of summer. When the weather was perfect, the warmth not too stifling, and the evenings cool, the sun glistened on the smooth water of the Sidra, and the air was filled with the soft chattering and laughter of its citizens that lasted well into the evening.

A soft grin played on your lips as you strolled through the streets of the city you had grown up in, the warm breeze gently blowing the gauzy material of your trousers and licking at the stretch of skin exposed at the waist due to the cropped top you wore - the beautiful outfit a gift from your close friend Amren who shared your sense of style. Your confident and sure steps took you past familiar shops, filled to the brim with their exquisite wares as you approached the handful of shops you needed to visit. 

As you neared the first shop you needed to visit, you turned your head slightly when you felt one of those familiar shadows that followed you everywhere. It slipped up your arm and affectionally curled around the skin between where your shoulder met your neck. The darkness cooled your warm skin, causing a soft smile to fall on your lips when you thought of the man to whom they belonged. Since being mated to Azriel, a handful of his shadows were always with you, and you had grown very fond of your own little shadows. According to the spymaster, they had left him on their own accord, feeling as protective of you as their master did. They acted almost as a messenger service between you and your mate. 

"Are you okay, babe? One of your shadows just tapped me on the shoulder." As you entered the small shop, you spoke gently through that sparkling, glimmering thread you shared with your favourite person in the whole wide world. 

"When are you heading back?" His deep, midnight-laced voice slipped into your mind, and you had to hold back the involuntary shudder as you touched one of the children's toys hanging on a rack before you. 

"Why are you missing me already, Az?" Judging by the chuckle you heard that echoed in your head, he could practically hear the teasing smirk in your words. 

"Always, sweetheart." There was a pause, and your eyebrows furrowed. You realized that something was actually amiss, and he wanted you home. "Nyx is fussing, and I don't know what to do."

This time, you chuckled out loud as you grabbed the toy from the rack and took it to the counter at the back of the shop to pay for it. You smiled gently at the shopkeeper, who warmly greeted you.

"He's probably hungry, babe; give him one of those bottles Feyre left. They're in the fridge." Rhys and Feyre had to attend a last-minute meeting today with the Court of Nightmares and Eris from the Autumn Court. They politely asked if you and Azriel could babysit Nyx on short notice. Initially, Azriel had put up a bit of a fuss, arguing that he needed to be there at the meeting, but Rhys had reasoned that Cassian would be there, as would Mor and Amren. Plus, he would show Az everything through his daemati ability. Feyre had sweetened the blow by telling Az you and him were Nyx's favourite aunt and uncle and that they trusted him the most to look after their precious son. 

You had beamed at Azriel's shocked face, winking at Rhys as you had shared in your amusement. Azriel was absolutely besotted with the tiny babe and would protect him with his life if needed. You had no doubt Azriel would immediately sacrifice his life for Nyx, no questions asked. Privately, you had agreed entirely with the idea of you and Azriel protecting Nyx from a security perspective - both of you ready to use your extensive abilities to protect the tiny fae - but also because it meant you could watch Azriel cuddle the baby. In the last couple of months, it had become one of your favourite weaknesses when it came to the shadowsinger. 

"Oh yeah, ok." Relief washed down the bond as he moved towards the kitchen and grabbed the bottle from the fridge, remembering how to warm it and test its temperature. 

"You've babysat Nyx before, Az; you're a natural at this—trust your instincts, babe." You assured him as you passed the money over to the shopkeeper, gave her a warm smile, thanked her, and took the small bag she set on her counter. Wishing her a goodbye, you left the shop and stepped back into the warm streets of Velaris, heading towards the next shop. 

"I've never babysat him before on my own!" You could practically hear the panic in his voice, and you shook your head absentmindedly at his lack of confidence in something he was exceptionally good at. 

"You're his favourite uncle for a reason, Az! I won't be long, promise." 

"Hurry back, sweetheart. I miss you too." A warm caress reached you through the bond, accompanied by the feeling of his shadows sliding up your thigh, the phantom feeling of his hands on your skin causing you to jolt ever so slightly. Wicked little things.

You had been hesitant to leave the Town House, which you and Az now called yours, this afternoon, but with Nyx arriving at such short notice, you needed more time to get some supplies in. You desperately needed some baby stuff and food for both yourself and your mate. You were just exchanging money with the butcher when you felt another frantic pulse through your bond. 

"Babe, he's crying again! He's had the whole bottle." You sent your mate a pulse of affection through his bond, trying to calm him down as you slid the package of food you had just brought into one of your bags. 

"Sweetheart, you need to burp him now." You gently reminded him. 

"Oh shit yeah." You laughed at your mate, drawing some strange looks from passersby, which caused a slight blush to rise on your cheeks. 

"No cursing around the baby!" This time, you felt Azriel's amusement through the bond, a warm beat of laughter that you would spend forever trying to coax from him - his laughter, deep, rich and full, was one of your favourite sounds.

"He can't hear me." He reasoned, his voice now calm now that you had given him a plan of action. He thrived in coordination and planning, able to adapt in times of chaos, but he preferred a detailed and methodical approach to everything. Even in the bedroom. 

As you stepped out of the final shop, your purchases swinging from your hands, your face turned up to catch the afternoon rays as they gently warmed your face, you felt another shadow creep up your arm to practically tap on your shoulder. 

"Fuck, now he's crying so loud I think he might bring the roof down!" Azriel was panicking again, and you could imagine him running his slender fingers through his hair - tuffs of midnight black standing up in a messy array as he started to pace.

"Az, calm down - he needs to sleep." In the Town House, Azriel felt a wave of calm wash over him as he listened to your levelled voice. No hint of irritation or annoyance in your voice. Even after all these years, he still had to fight his instincts that told him you would get tired of him and his pestering, overprotectiveness or panic, but you had been steadfast the entire time. Making sure he felt supported and loved through everything, and he could never be so grateful for the connection you had built together, the love you shared and the life you had crafted with each other. 

"I've tried putting him down, but he screams louder." He sounded tired, and you had to stop yourself from teasing, knowing that wasn't what he needed right now. 

"Pick him up. He probably wants you to cuddle him while he falls asleep." If you were being honest, you couldn't blame Nyx. Nothing, and you mean absolutely nothing, compares to Azriel's cuddles. You always felt so safe, so protected, and so comforted in his arms.

"Ok, yeah, I can do that. Gods, why are you so good at this love." You chuckled at the exasperation in his voice. Azriel must have been so agitated because, through the bond, he sent you images of him gently picking up a crying Nyx, his sweet face red and crumpled as he cried, and holding him to his chest. You tried so hard not to focus on those broad, beautiful, strong, scarred hands as they firmly held Nyx, thoughts of how he had held you last night entering into your mind unbidden and causing you to stumble on the uneven cobblestones of the path you were walking, "Careful love." You felt Az chuckle. 

"Ass." You felt his amusement through the bond and his relief as Nyx began to calm down and snuggled into Azriel. "You're a natural at this, Az, though. I'm nearly home."

"See you soon, love." At the sound of his husky voice, filled with love, you felt your pace pick up as you made your way towards the beautiful home you shared, eager to get home to your waiting mate. 

…

The Town House was quiet and bathed in darkness when you stepped inside. Trying to make as little noise as possible, you carefully set your bags on the entryway floor and slipped your shoes off, the cool wooden floor of the house soothing your hot feet. 

A handful of shadows flew through the air towards you, darting around your body and playfully getting tangled up in your hair and clothes. They whispered at you to be quiet and told you that Azriel and Nyx were in the main living room. 

With a grin on your face, you tip-toed over to the doorway to the living room and leaned against the frame as you took in the heartwarming scene before you. You had to physically stop the tears brimming in your eyes as you gazed at your mate, gently napping on the sofa with a content and fast asleep Nyx resting on his chest, softly snoring in the way only babes can. 

The scene before you was so soft and sweet that you indulged yourself for a moment, picturing your own child fast asleep on your mate's strong chest. You stared for a while, marvelling at the beauty of Azriel. His strong arms were exposed due to his sleeveless top, his Illyrian tattoos proudly swirling around his dark skin - arms you know would hold you close in the dead of night, keep you standing when you were weak and protect you until the ends of the earth. His soft, slightly curled, midnight hair gently fell on his proud forehead, making him look almost boyish and not the formidable man he presented to the rest of the world. His soft, full lips that were parted slightly in sleep. His strong jaw and proud nose, his sculpted body and thick thighs. He truly was heaven-sent.  

"I can feel you staring." He mumbled through the bond, and you had to stifle a soft laugh. Of course, Azriel wouldn't be entirely asleep - he rarely was; at least some part of him was always awake and alert. You think the only times Az had ever wholly given in to peaceful sleep was those precious weeks after you had accepted your mating bond when he was so tired and content to be next to you and holding you close that he couldn't resist falling into a deep slumber. But only after he had made sure the wards protecting the secluded cabin were still secure, ever the spymaster. 

You pushed away from the doorframe and padded towards where your mate was sitting. He opened his eyes slightly, still sleepy from his brief nap, and his lips curled into a warm smile as you approached. 

"Hi, love." You whispered as you bent over the back of the sofa to grip his face and press your lips to his in a sweet kiss. Kissing Az was something you would never get over, even after decades together. The feel of his plush but slightly chapped lips against yours, his delicious taste and scent enveloping your senses, had your toes curling against the cold wooden floor. 

"I'm so glad you're back." You beamed at him as you stared at his upside-down face, gently stroking his jaw and feeling the slight stubble against the soft skin of your hands. 

"Seems like you've got it handled," you teased as you turned your attention to the sleeping child on Azriel's chest. You reached out a hand to gently brush Nyx's soft hair off his forehead, desperately holding in the coo that threatened to leave your lips as he let out a soft sigh and nestled further into Az's chest. Who could blame him, you thought? You had the exact same favourite sleeping position. 

"You're definitely better at this than me," he mumbled as you skirted around the sofa to sit beside your mate. He ever so slowly and ever so gently shifted so as not to wake Nyx so you could tuck yourself into his side. His arm curled around your shoulders to bring you closer, planting a gentle kiss on your temple. 

"How long has Nyx been asleep?" you whispered as you snuggled closer to your mate, hand reaching out to gently stroke up and down Nyx's back in a soothing manner you knew he liked.

"About 20 minutes." You hummed, proud of Azriel for handling the situation. He had been so nervous around the babe when he was first born—so conscious of the tiny, breakable fae he now felt some reasonability for.

"I'd say you've had it completely covered, babe." Nyx stirred ever so slightly, and you knew from experience that you had exactly 5 minutes before he woke up and was agitated again due to not sleeping enough. 

A soft hum filled the quiet air as you got up and gently took the sleeping child from Azriel, whispering soothing noises. He stirred slightly as you manoeuvred him into your arms. You bounced ever so slightly on your toes, continuing to hum a lullaby you had heard Feyre singing to him the other day as you walked over to the travelling crib Azriel had set up next to the sofa. Ever so gently, you lowered Nyx into the plush mattress, stroking a finger down his cheeks in a way you knew he liked as you watched him settle back to sleep. 

Azriel just sat back, arms spread out on the back of the sofa behind him, as he watched you so expertly soothe Nyx. He could practically feel his eyes turning into hearts as he watched you, almost unable to control the all-consuming feeling of love that was threatening to spill from him. He loved you so much and had done so for hundreds of years, but in recent months, watching you become so enamoured by your nephew, a new tentative love grew. 

You turned around, and Azriel offered you one of his sweet smiles before holding out an outstretched hand and silently bidding you to return to his side. With a matching grin, you took his hand and let him pull you in beside him before shifting you both, so you were lying down on the sofa, both facing Nyx as Azriel wound his arms around you to pull you flush against his chest. 

A feeling of absolute contentment flooded Azriel as you lay there, breathing in your sweet scent and kissing your soft hair. You shifted closer to him, fingers stroking over his hands wrapped around your waist, holding you close. Mirroring smiles danced on your lips as you watched your nephew and enjoyed the comfortable silence that had settled over the Town House.

"I love seeing you with Nyx Az." You whispered into the soft silence, and you felt a pulse of utter adoration through the thread you both shared. 

"Hmmm, do you, love?" He mumbled into your hair, an ear-splitting grin stretching on his lips. He was unable to deny that primal part of him that basked in the glow of your words—that you had admitted enjoying seeing him with children. 

"It's my ultimate weakness." He chuckled softly. 

"Seeing you with him is mine, too," he confessed back, his arms loosening as you turned around to face him. For a minute, you just looked at him, eyes drinking in his handsome face, flitting over his lips and his nose before settling on his hazel eyes, which were gazing at you with such emotion that a lump formed at the back of your throat. 

Slowly, lazily, you brought your hand up to trace the features of his face before gently pushing a soft curl of his hair that had fallen over his forehead. The ring he had gifted you nearly 60 years ago glinted in the dim light. 

"Have you ever considered it?" You whispered shyly. It wasn't a topic you had discussed with Azriel much; there simply hadn't been enough time. Shortly after the bond had snapped for the both of you - after years of pining and yearning for each other - Rhys had gone under the mountain. You had spent those long years trying to hold everyone together, and then Rhys had returned, and you had been focused on bringing him and Feyre back from that dark place where they had found themselves. Then, the devastating war you had all been plunged into. It had not been an environment you could ever bring a child into. 

"What?" He knew what you meant, but he wanted to hear the words come from your lips. 

"Having children of our own?" The words felt fragile between you. Deep down, you knew you were both on the same page, but still, this was not a conversation you had had before. The soft smile dancing on Az's lips soothed you, however, as he, too, brought his hand up to delicately trace your features. 

"I didn't think I would ever get the opportunity to be a father, certainly didn't think I would be a good one. But seeing you with Nyx these last couple of months…yeah, I have." His confession was soft, and you couldn't help yourself as you closed that small distance between you two to press your lips to his in a kiss that held a promise and contained all of the love you could ever feel for the male. His arms wrapped tightly around you again as he held you close and lost himself in the delicious feeling of your lips on his. 

You broke away gently, slowly, languidly, eyes still closed as you leaned in to press short kisses to his lips. Resting your forehead against his, you stayed there, breathing him in, hands softly caressing his face. "You will be such a good dad, Az. You will be patient, kind and considerate. Fun when you want to be, firm when you need to be, and comforting when they're sad or frustrated. I've thought about it too." You made sure you delivered the words whilst looking him in the eyes, conveying just how much you meant the words.

"Yeah?" His voice was hoarse, and you spotted tears brimming in his beautiful eyes, your heart breaking in your chest at the fact that he had so desperately needed to hear the words. You leaned in to kiss his lips again, hand resting on his chest to feel his thundering heart as he breathed in a shaky breath. 

"I don't think I'm ready just yet. I still want to experience life with you," you whispered, an amused smirk playing on your lips. You hadn't had enough time with Az yet. There was still so much of the world to see, so many things you wanted to explore with just your mate before you put down roots and grew a beautiful family of your own. 

"I feel the same." He reassured, pulling you closer again, desperate to make sure not a single inch of space was between you two. 

"But when the time is right, when we are ready. It would bring me nothing but joy to have children together." A stunning smile you had not seen before stretched across Azriel's face, and you gasped at the powerful pulse that reverberated down the bond from your mate. It was pure light—beautiful, gleaming light—such happiness radiating from between you two that you imagined both of your skins glowing with it. 

"I love you so much, Y/N." He said reverently. 

"I love you too." The distance between your lips closed again as you placed a sweet kiss on his lips, tilting your head slightly to deepen in - determined to convey just how much you love him, how thankful you are to the Mother and the Cauldron for giving you, Azriel as your mate. You felt him moan softly as you slipped your tongue past the seam of his lips, gently licking into his mouth as you swallowed the soft sounds you were both making. You pulled away with a mischievous grin dancing on your lips, "Gods, our kids would be cute."

"Do you think so?" He asked, pushing your hair behind your pointed ears so he could see your face clearly.

"What, you don't?" You asked in mock shock and horror, causing another chuckle to rumble through his chest. 

"As long as they take after you, sweetheart, they will be the cutest children Prythian has ever seen." You laughed at him, but secretly, you hoped they looked nothing like you and took after the incredible man you had been mated to for all of these years—that they had his kind eyes, gentle smile, and luxurious locks of soft midnight hair.

"I can't wait." You whispered as you laid your head down beside him, nuzzling into his neck and breathing in his scent of mist and cedar, the smell of home. 

"Neither can I, my love." He whispered back to you as he held you close, kissing your hairline and temple. You both let your heavy eyelids droop as your limbs tangled on the sofa. Nyx continued to sleep softly beside you. One day soon, it would be your child in that crib, you promised yourself and Az through that golden thread deep in your heart before you both fell peacefully asleep. 

[siriuslystyle1989]

Illicit Affairs

Eris Vanserra x Rhys!sister reader

warnings: Angst, Rhys being annoying :(

masterlist

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"We're all going to Rita's tonight, if you want to join." Mor spoke to her cousin, motioning to the inner circle.

"I would love to, but I'm visiting a friend tonight." Y/n replied her voice laced with false apology that was so convincing it even surprised herself.

"I swear you're always visiting someone Y/n" Cassian spoke, chewing loudly on his toast as Nesta scowled at her mate.

He leant forward and smirked at her knowingly.

"Ew stop." Y/n grimaced "It's nothing like that just a few friends I've got back in contact with recently."

"Hmmmm." Cassian was not convinced.

"Anyway, I've got to go, I'll see you all in a few days."

And with that, Y/n left. Her leather boots clicking on the cobblestone streets as she winnowed away.

............................................................................................................................

The girl arrived in front of the large doors of the forest house, breathing in a sigh of relief at the comforting atmosphere.

She raised her hand to knock but it met nothing as the door swung open to reveal her mate.

Eris Vanserra.

The redheaded male looked down at her with a smirk and spoke, voice smooth and sultry.

"Hello my fawn."

Y/n moved towards Eris, swinging her arms around his middle, snuggling her face into his chest as he kissed her hair.

"I missed you." She murmured, trying to pull him impossibly closer to her.

Eris let out a low chuckle, as he moved them further into the house.

Falling down onto the sofa, Eris dragged Y/n on top of him, resting her head on his chest snuggling down.

Kissing the top of her head, Eris stroked her hair seemingly in a comfortable bliss.

"Eris." Y/n spoke up, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Yes my love?" He replied, concern lacing his tone.

"I'm afraid my family have become... suspicious of me." She bit her lip and looked up at him with worry.

Eris sighed and continued stroking her hair.

"Whatever you want to do, I will back you. If you want to tell them, tell them, if you don't, don't. The decision is yours sweetheart." He stated.

"I just- I just don't know how much longer I can keep this from them all, especially Rhys." Y/n felt her eyes well up with tears.

Eris' heart broke at the sight as he pulled his mate closer to him, kissing her tears away.

"So there's your answer baby, tell them."

Y/n nodded, anxious thoughts consuming her mind as her head fell into the crook of Eris' neck.

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Leaving Eris was always hard but the pair had to carry on as normal. Eris not wanting his father to know about Y/n and Y/n not particularly wanting her family to know about Eris, it was something they had to get used to.

They found ways of communicating: sending emotions through the bond, meeting up whenever they could, writing letters to each other.

This is how Y/n found herself on a Tuesday morning, reading through the copious amounts of love letters her mate had sent, over a cup of morning tea.

Unfortunately this was short lived as a harsh knock was heard on her door, followed by the sound of it opening.

"It's just me." Her brother's voice bounded off the walls before she even had time to consider hiding the letters.

"Hi Rhys."

"Hey Y/n/n" He spoke with a smile, pulling the girl into a hug.

"I just came to check up on you, I feel like I haven't seen you in-" His words paused and Y/n felt her heart drop into oblivion.

"Who are all these letters from?"

"Rhys, they're- they're private!" She tried to grab the letters as he picked one up.

Clear as day.

'from your mate, Eris.'

"What the fuck Y/n."

"Rhys just- just let me explain- please" She attempted to reason with her brother as anger flamed his eyes.

"What is there to explain Y/n! After what he did to Mor..." He spat, his face laced with disgust.

"You never tried to hear his side of the story Rhysand. Maybe he's not as bad as you think he is-" Y/n spoke, trying to get her brother to look her in the eye.

"Who are you. Genuinely I don't even know you." Rhys muttered looking down to the floor, shaking his head and pulling at his hair.

"Rhys- please- just listen-"

"It's him or us." He finally looked her in the eye.

"W- what?" Y/n replied, fresh tears rolling down her cheeks.

"It's him or us. Your family or him. Your title or him."

"Rhys, don't make me choose you can't-"

"Oh I can." Rhysand replied, eyes wild with anger.

Y/n looked down, eyes scanning the letters on the table. She couldn't begin to imagine a life without Eris.

"Him."

Shock fell to Rhysand's features

"You are no sister of mine." He muttered as he barged out of her home, leaving the door swinging wide open.

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Eris lay his head back on the sofa, one of his hounds making its way up to put its head on his lap.

KNOCK

The sound made the hound jump up and start whining. Eris looked down concerned and began making his way to the door.

As it opened with a creak, Eris was met with the tear stained face of his mate.

"Y/n/n, my love what happened."

"Rhys knows, he saw the letters." She spoke in between sobs falling into his arms.

"Shhhh" Eris cooed, stroking her back to calm the girl down "Its okay sweetheart, everything will be just fine."

They moved into the house, Y/n letting out a wet laugh as Eris' hounds fussed over her.

"Okay fawn." Eris spoke, sitting her on his lap. "Tell me what happened."

"Rhys came into my house, and saw the letters." Y/n shakily begun as her mate nodded, holding her hand coaxing her to go on.

"And he told me I had to choose you or my family. And when I said I'd choose you, he told me- he told me I was no sister of his." At this she let out a small sob and turned to look Eris in the eye.

"You chose me?" he spoke up.

"Of course I chose you." Y/n laughed through a sob.

"Y/n. I promise this will sort itself out, Rhysand will come around. You're his sister, he just needs time to process it." He kissed her face gently, pulling her closer.

"I love you." She sighed into him, feeling the most at ease she had all day.

"I love you too, whatever happens I swear to you, I'll always be here."

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A/N: I am SO sorry for my absence school is killing me. Anyway SUE ME im obsessed with Eris

[hereathemoment]

I just remembered that Cassian sat across from Mor sipping tea while she talked about how Nesta should be in a dungeon or being tortured by being locked up in hewn city and he’s just there blown the fuck away by Mor’s beauty AND THEN LATER she winnows to Illyria where Cassian is training, ogles him and talks to Nesta about how she’ll never deserve him and how attractive he is

Nesta stood up for Cassian during the high lord meeting, in front of EVERYBODY and he can’t take his family aside and tell them to stop starting fights with her? He’ll stand in front of Mor when Eris is around but sit by and do nothing when Rhys threatens Nesta’s life?

He. Does. Not. Love. Her. Funny also that his attitude changed toward her after the war when she was taking other men to her bed. Sjm made her sleep around out of character so that nessian can have hate sex but sjm still virtue signals feminism as if Cassian in acowar wasn’t calling her sweetheart and Cassian in acomaf didn’t wipe away her tears in front of the queens and everyone. He promised her time together as his would-be last words. But then sjm writes that Nesta uses sex to cope and now all-of-a-sudden Cassian is telling her that everybody fucking hates her and that he never asked to be shackled to her. Making it clear she can only use sex as a coping mechanism if it’s sex WITH HIM.

Suddenly he’s not understanding. Suddenly he isn’t gentle with her. No, now he’s an incel who locks Nesta up until she caves and sleeps with him.

It’s hard to imagine a being with wings, who flies in the air, would want to confine his MATE to a house she can’t escape from. Azriel, too, was locked up as a boy and then acts as a prison guard against her? And for Feyre to be the one to do it when she was supposedly traumatized when Tamlin locked her in his mansion? I understand why elain packed her clothes and sent her on her way— she’s the type to save herself and if she sided with Nesta she’d be locked up alongside her.

I’m just saying, ACOSF is a lot to unpack and I’m still processing my shock and disgust years later. I truly can’t believe it happened.

[readychilledwine]

A Helping Hand

Rhysand Week Day 4 : Lord of Night

Summary - High Lord, Husband, father. Rhysand's plate is just far too full, leading the Inner Circle to take over some duties.

Warnings - workaholic Rhysand, discussions of classism, new dad Rhys, platonic bond, loose editing so forgive me if I fix things later

A/N - I am so sorry this is late! I think someone *cough baby daddy cough* accidently deleted it when he did a run through for me. But anyways, happy late day 4 and day 5 of @officialrhysandweek! It'll be a double post day 💕

✨️Rhysand Week Masterlist✨️Rhys Masterlist✨️Master Masterlist✨️

“Please just let me handle this for you,” you were firm in the request, hand still on the request of approval to renovate the Opera house in the Rainbow. “We both know this project is completely unneeded. There is no reason for you to waste your time penning the letter.”

Rhysand stared at where your hand met the paper. His eyes were heavy with exhaustion, “I-”

“No. It's time for us to have a serious discussion.” You took the paper from him and then held his hands. “Rhysand, you have spread yourself far too thin. You are not sleeping well with a newborn, you are helping Feyre as she's healing, you are recovering from trauma. Let me help you by organizing the report by who should actually be handling them.”

Rhys seemed to consider your words before nodding, “I want final-”

“Rhysand, we have known each other for 500 years. Do you truly not trust me enough to make a decision based on your preferences?”

He tugged that power exchange bond between the two of you, silently asking for a bit of your energy. You offered it to him without hesitation, without even so much as thinking about your well-being over his. “I do not want the fae in this court knowing I'm not the one running the court.” You couldn't help but sigh and roll your eyes and stare at him, blinking as if to say, “Duh.” His lips twitched into a smile at you, “What are you going to do, sweetheart? Forge my signat..” His eyes went wide as he realized that was exactly what you had planned. “I expect brief rundowns first.”

“And you will have them. Now go take a nap.”

The Inner Circle gathered in the new father's office claiming reports left and right. Cassian took anything involving Illyria and the training camps. Azriel took anything involving newcomers to the City of Starlight, border related issues, and requests for visiting. Mor and Amren split Hewn City. Dividing those reports among issues relating to rumors of uprisings or requests for help and sanctuary from tortured females. It left you with things regarding the inner workings of Velaris. You were curled in your own office, writing the rejection letter for the Opera House Project. The Opera House had been a gift to Velaris after Rhysand's return home. It was barely more than a few years old and every single feature had been planned to perfection by you and Rhysand as a way to heal the odd bind that tied you two together. The wealthy fae of Velaris were asking to redo the seating. Specifically, they wanted the seats to be made larger. 

You knew this wasn't for comfort. You had fallen in love with studying the patterns of consumerism throughout Prythian history. You knew this project was aimed at accessibility. Less sears meant higher prices for shows. Higher prices meant exclusion of the middle and lower classes. Exclusion from the arts was dangerous, though. Something you, Rhysand, and Feyre stood firmly against. 

Hours seemed to pass as you finished one thing and moved to the next, realizing how far behind Rhysand had gotten. He was hardly sleeping, rotating nights with Feyre, or just forcing her to sleep while he handled nights with a newborn alone. He was being the father he never had. One who earned the title of Dad, and you knew the last thing he'd want was the fae he cared so much for to suffer because of it. 

The sunset when Cassian arrived, his work completed. “Rhys has been given the gist of everything. I am to only have to send one thing to the camp leaders,” Cassian slid a letter, one penned by himself over to you. “Rhysie is having them start to direct all issues to me first. Using your whole chain of command idea.” 

Silence. 

Cassian's words were met with silence as you swallowed hard, holding in tears of pride. “He's delegating?!”

The commander nodded, scarred lips twitching to smirk. “He is.”

You'd never faked his signature so fast, quill flying across the parchments, “This is good.”

Azriel was next with Nuala and Cerridwen in tow, “City guard is to report issues to the twins from now on,” he leaned into his chair. “If they deem it serious enough, they will handle it unless I need to get involved.”

“And if you can't handle it,” you questioned as a joke. 

Azriel scoffed before schooling his reaction to your jab, “Then, and only then, is Rhys to get involved. My part of his reports are done and sent. I didn't think anyone would have issues with me answering security related issues.” 

They'd be a fool to, is what you wanted to reply with. Azriel was not the type of male to fuck with unless you had a death wish. He was petty at times and loved to plot. 

Mor came next, throwing herself dramatically into the chair. “I hate how your Office is a dry zone,” she groaned. “I'll be visiting daddy dearest.” 

You gagged at that and the two of you launched into a gossip session. Turns out, her father had taken Rhysand's recent absence in Hewn City as an open invitation to run a few illegal trade rings. Rings Mor was all too happy to be putting an end to. 

“That summarizes what Amren and I will both be dealing with,” she yawned, perfect red nails flying to her lips. “I'm going to bed.”

10.

11. 

Midnight.

2am rolled around and your door opened again, a sleepy Rhysand carrying a sleeping Nyx. “Go to bed,” his tone was commanding but held an air of affection to you. “You're no better than me.”

You only maintained eye contact, smirking as you put his name on a document approving a community vegetable garden and greenhouse, “Yet here we are,” you whispered. “All your reports, acquisitions, and petitions done and handled.”

His face fell, eyes shutting as he nodded, “You all got me caught up?”

With a wave of your hand, all the stacks vanished to their proper locations where they would sit and wait to be opened by their receivers. “We did,” you stood as silently as possible and moved to him and Nyx, “Do you want me to go lay him down?”

Rhysand only responded by pulling you into a tight side hug, his face burying in your hair, “How can I repay you for this? You have no clue what this meant to Feyre and I.”

The hug was payment enough. Contact with your best friend making that power bond hum as you hugged him back, “No repayment is necessary, Rhys. We all need help sometimes.”

“But-”

You whispered again, interrupting him, “We all need help sometimes.”

Understand, gratefulness, and admiration filled his almost violet colored gaze, “How did I get blessed with Feyre as my mate and you as my carranam?”

“Good question,” you shot back. “Maybe it was so we could keep you humble.” You took Nyx slowly, moving to walk the little heir back to his nursery. “Or maybe it was to keep you from dying in your office. Goodnight, Rhysand.”

You could tell he wanted to sass you back, to have the last word. It had been so long since that side of him came out, and you were glad to see a day of rest brought some fire back to him. He seemed to settle with nodding, walking backwards as he watched you take Nyx, “This isn't over. Once I wake up refreshed tomorrow, it's on. Goodnight, Y/n.”

General Taglist:

@hnyclover @glitterypirateduck @slytherinindisguise @mischiefmanagers @bloodicka @starsinyourseyes @the-sweet-psycho @mariahoedt @rinalouu @sarawritestories @starryhiraeth @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @loneliestluvr @eternallyelvish @azrielsmate3 @daughterofthemoons-stuff @meritxellao @aria-chikage @hungryforbatboys @lilah-asteria @fandomrejects @sleepybesson @tayswhp @itsswritten @milswrites @littlest-w01f

[sarawritestories]

Starfall With The General Pt 2.

CassianX F Female

A/N: I am going to go ahead and let you know this is my first time writing smut. I fully anticipate this being bad but I tried my best, but that aside I am really proud with how this part came out! Also thank you for sending all the love on my first Cassian story! As always feedback is welcomed!

Find Part 1 Here

Summary: Finding out Cassian, the Lord of Bloodshed, your best friend is your mate, the two of you spend the evening embracing the bond.

Warnings: SMUT NSFW (Minors DNI), teasing, (Fem Oral sex and m/f sex), disgustingly cute fluff, Brief mentions of grief

Word Count: 3.3K

Cassian’s gave you a full smile that made you grateful he had a toned arm wrapped around your waist as your legs began to quiver. “I have been waiting for you to say those words for so long, Princess.” He gives your nose a light kiss, “That’s the other reason, I waited, I was hoping it would be a mating gift not a Starfall gift.” Cassian separated from you getting a better look at your face tucking stray lock of hair behind your ear. “If you wanted to accept the bond that is –“

You reach up on your tiptoes and silence him with a kiss of your own. He wrapped his other arm around your waist and squeezed. You pulled away, “I’ve loved you for so long Cassian,” the confession caused the Illyrian to blush, and you placed a hand on his cheek that he leaned into, his eyes shutting. “My Mate.” Cassian groaned at the words, you kissed his cheek and whispered, “My mate,” a kiss on the forehead, “My Mate,” he growled his nails clawing at your back, the sound rumbling against your check. Kissing his other check, “My handsome,” Kiss on his nose, “Kind,” peck on his eyelid, “Strong,” then the other eyelid lowering yourself, feeling how your words were affecting him. Your mouth hovering over his, gripping the nape of his neck, “Mate.” You mold your lips to his and there is another growl reverberating from Cassian’s chest.

The General lowers his hands and grips the globes of your ass giving it a squeeze, and lifting from the ground you instinctively wrapped your legs around his waist. His growing arousal rubbing against your center causing you to moan in his mouth as he makes his way back into the bedroom.  He lays you gently on the bed and grazes his one hand up to your breast and squeezed sending you into state of bliss and his other hand lowers and grips your thigh exposed from the slit of the dress and he pulls away from you. His gaze primal no hint of hazel in his eyes, “This dress is downright sinful, Sweetheart.”  He slides the hand that gripped your breast grazed upward, past your locket and his eyes drifted to the red jewel on your choker his fingers gripping the gem his siphons singing in response, “Was your goal to let all of Velaris know you’re mine by wearing this?” Your eyes fluttered shut as the hand on your thigh rose nearing the apex of your legs, your hips lifting in hopes he would move them closer.

He chuckled and removed his hand from your leg and your eyes flashed open and gave him a pout. He winked at you and you thought that your heart was going to give out as he wrapped his hand around her neck and squeezed lightly, “I asked you a question, Sweetheart.”

Your hand went up to wrap around his wrist your thumb drawing circles on his pulse. “Mor picked this outfit, “She waited a beat and gave him a playful smirk, “Though Azriel did say I could have the Lord of Bloodshed on his knees worshipping me tonight.”

He squeezed your neck slightly his eyes darkening, “Did he now?” you nodded, he smirked his eyes glinting. The General released her grip and helped her stand from the bed, spun you around and unzipped the dress and dragged it over your hips and let it fall to the floor, your black laced panties the only thing covering you. “Turn around, Y/N,” on instinct you faced him you’re his nostrils flaring as he takes in your bare breast, and he hooks his fingers on the elastic of your panties.

He hummed as his wings flared out the moonlight highlighting the membrane of his wings and entranced you, “Y/N,” Cassian’s gruff voice brought your gaze back to his. He smiled a primal smile that caused heat to reach down to your core as he closed the distance and pressed his lips to your ear, “Never say another male’s name in bed again,” The sound of fabric ripping causing your heart rate to spike as Cassian ripped your underwear in half “Unless you want your panties in your mouth.”

“Yes, General.” You purred giving a playful smirk.

Cassian darkened stare lightened for a moment, and he flicked your nose, “Smart ass. Lay on the edge of the bed for me.”

You do as you’re told and lay on your back your elbows holding your weight to keep you up to watch him, your legs dangling over the edge of the bed. Cassian took a step back and took off his shirt exposing his toned tan muscles glistening in the moonlight the silver scars glittering his skin, each one. He threw it over on the chair in the corner and slowly turned back to you and caused your breath to hitch. You almost passed out as he got on his knees and began to crawl to her. The tattoos across his chest resembling flames rising with his slow languid movements. “Cassian,” You whispered in an exhale.

He reached the bed, and his calloused hands gripped your ankle and peppers kisses up your leg and you moaned, the Lord of Bloodshed paused at your thigh and his hazel eyes met yours, “Say my name again, Princess,” and he held your gaze as he grazed his tongue up her thigh.

You toss your head back and whimpered, “Cassian,” he hummed against your skin as his breath hovered over your folds. “Please, Cassian.”

Cassian gave a long languid lick against your folds, “Hmm I like the way you beg,” you mewled as he began to devour you. Your clit was met with licks and nips causing your back to arch. Cassian presses his forearm against your torso and presses you down to the bed.  He as he sucks your clit, he slips a finger in your folds and your eyes rolled in the back of your head. Cassian began to slowly move his finger pumping and you clutched the sheets. Cassian inserted a second finger, and his movements became in sync with his tongue. Sweat began to form on your brow and completely unraveled as he curled his fingers hitting that sweet spot just right.

You tried wiggling your hips to move faster but the arm on your hips wouldn’t budge, and as stars sparked in your eyes you screamed out your mate’s name as pleasure washed over you. Cassian removed his fingers and replaced it with his tongue as you rode out your orgasm. When your body relaxed Cassian rose again and kissed up your torso and up until he reached your lips once more. You could taste yourself on his mouth and bucked your hips and he huffed, “You are insatiable,” He whispered his hazel eyes meeting yours, “my beautiful girl.”

You rolled your hips again, at him calling you his girl, and you grazed your nails down his torso and grip the edge of his pants. He lightly grips your wrist and kisses the inside of your palm maintaining eye contact with you. His gaze causes you to writhe, “Cassian, please.” He releases your hand and removes his pants, and he crawls back onto the bed, his hands finding yours, interlacing his fingers to yours. “Cass,” you pant, as he teases at your entrance.

“I love you, Sweetheart.” He says before thrusting into you, giving you little time to adjust to him. Cassian began leaving open mouth kisses against your neck as he pulls out and slams back and your head falls back in a silent scream. He released your hands, and you wrapped your arms around his back avoiding, your nails clawing at his back trying to bring him closer to you. Cassian flared his wings in response.  Cassian’s lips trail down, and his teeth grazed over your nipple before taking it in his mouth. His fingers pinching and groping your other breast.

Pleasure was building as Cassian’s thrust moves in tandem with his tongue against your breast, and your hands move to the General’s hair and gripped it tight, and he moaned against your nipple, releasing it with a pop, he picks up the pace as he grips the back of your thigh and wraps it around his waist. His hair still in your grip you pull his face toward yours and pecked his lips, “I love you, Cassian.” You whispered over his lips.

Cassian’s face gleams with sweat as he smiles and his thrust becoming erratic, “Say that again, Princess.”

“I love you,” you moaned as his hand slides down and his thumb begins to rub against your clit and your eyes shut as your back arches as pleasure takes over. Cassian at the same time moans as his release fills your pussy.  His wings are trembling as he rides out both of your orgasms.

Cassian nuzzles his face in the crook of your neck, and you wrapped your hand around the nape of his neck and rubs circles with her thumb. Cassian hums in contentment as the two of you lay entwined for a while. The Lord of Bloodshed snakes an arm around your shoulders, and he slowly pull out of you, protesting with a whine at the emptiness you were feeling.  Silently, slid an arm behind your knees and hoisted you up. Laying your head on his shoulder you let your eyes droop as he makes his way to the bathroom where the house has already had a bath ready.

He lowers you in the tub and the warm water hits your skin and you sigh. You open your eyes and see that he is getting soap and oils prepared, “Are you not joining?”

He looked over at you and the love in his features made you grateful you were sitting. Your heart was racing, the gold bond between the two of you shining. He cups your cheek, and his thumb strokes your cheek. “Another time, Sweetheart,” you nodded as he removed his hand, “wet your hair for me?” You adjust until you can tip your head back to get your hair submerged underwater.

Cassian rubs the soap in between his hands, he pats the edge of the tub, and she leans your head back and he begins to lather the soap in your hair, and you groaned as he continues washing your hair. You open your eyes the warm glow of the fae lights casting shadows on the ceiling thoughts of the events of the night swirling in quick images. “Cass?”

“Hm?” he responded as he massages your scalp.

You bit your lip debating asking the question lurking on your mind, “When did you know?”

You didn’t need to elaborate when he began rinsing your hair. “The day Rhys was taken,” He stated matter of factly as he ran his fingers through your hair gently pulling the tangles bunching at the ends.  You tried to level your breathing as he continued, “Az had just told you what happened and you locked your eyes with mine, tears beginning to gather there, and it snapped, and you barreled into my arms and sobbed.” You remained silent.  “I was so angry with the Cauldron and the mother. Why would they have the bond snap at this point when we lost Rhys? You didn’t need the pressure of accepting a mating bond and mourning the loss of a friend. I also wanted you to come to terms with this bond on your own.”

 He pressed his palm against her back, a silent request for you to sit up and you move your hair swiping it over your shoulder. A warm rag reached her back as he began washing her body, “This explains why I was always aware of you following me on my walks.” He chuckled as he grazed the rag across your arm. Your brows furrowed in thought, “Was that the reason you were following me, because of the bond?”

Cassian’s hand paused at the question, he hooked a finger under your chin forcing you to look at him, “Absolutely not. Do you honestly believe I would have just let you cope with Rhys being taken alone? Or did you not know that I was in love with you well before Amarantha?”

Your eyes widen slightly, “You were?”

Cassian winced, “I guess I wasn’t as obvious about it as I hoped.” He resumes washing your body, “I thought you were beautiful when we met you in the forest that day. The fierce determination in your eyes, but then we brought you back to Velaris and you had asked me to train you, and we had grown close, and I got you to laugh for the first time since you escaped your former lover.” You heard him drop the rag and he held out a hand for you to grab. You take it and he helps you up. Cassian wraps a soft towel around your torso and stole a kiss his hands gripping your arms. He pulls away and says, “that gorgeous laugh was when I knew that my heart was yours and would forever be yours.”

Your breaths were shallow, at the confession, you watched as your mate grabbed a bottle of oil and led you back to the bedroom where a pair of sleeping pants and a nightgown appeared on the bed. Cassian chuckled and placed the oil on the bed and put on the sweatpants as you slip off the towel and put on the nightgown it accentuated your breast and fell to the middle of your thighs. You grab the oil and stare at your shirtless mate tying his hair up in a bun causing you to bite your lip. You gaze down to the oil and grab it “On the bed, General, my turn.”

Cassian winks at you as he finishes tying his bun, “As you say, Princess.” He moves to lay on his stomach and lets his wings sprawl out. You get on the bed and kneel beside him. You put some of the oil on your hand and warm before you rub his shoulders and begin kneading out the knots there.

A few breaths go by before you say, “That day in the forest,” you felt Cassian still as you proceeded to massage his back the raised skin of scars, he has earned in battle kissing the pads of your finger, “I felt like I was at my breaking point when you three found me, I never thought I would be able to love or be loved. I thought I was broken. The way you held out your hand and gave me a warm smile, I knew I was in danger.” You could hear him snort and you pinched his back, “I was in danger of finding hope in that smile, ass.” The chuckling stopped as you moved to massage the patch of skin between his wings careful not to touch the sensitive membrane. “Though you never looked at me like I was someone who needed fixing, someone who needed to be put back together.”

Another low moan as you eased the tension in his back though Cassian adjusted his head only, so his words were clear for you to hear, “You were never broken, Y/N. You never needed to be fixed.”

You lean down and kiss between his wings in appreciation, “I know that now, I didn’t at the time. Though I did know I wanted to be closer to you. So, would you believe me if I told you that was my whole motivation in asking you to train me.” You move to his lower back, and you saw there was a shit-eating grin on his face at the confession, “I never wanted to risk the friendship we made and the strong bond we already had.” A pause. “I couldn’t handle the idea that you would reject me, and the gnawing thought that I was not worthy of your love.” Your hands laid idle at the confession; Cassian shifted to a sitting position his hazel eyes meeting yours and his face fell. “Rhys, told me I needed to be brave, and tell you how I feel.” A tear fell on your cheek and your mate was quick to swipe it away as you gave a pathetic chuckle, “He said if you returned my feelings we would celebrate with a drink and if you rejected me, that there was a 2000-year-old aged wine that had our name on it in his office.” You averted your gaze, finding your hands interesting. You closed your eyes and inhaled through your nose, “So I did, I entered the library of the townhouse,” you winced at how unsteady your voice sounded as more tears threatened to fall, “You and Az had solemn look on your faces, and I knew something was wrong.”  Cassian scooped you in his arms and you laid your head on his shoulder breathing in his scent. His wings cocooned us providing an extra level of warmth and comfort. “You told me Rhys was taken and all those feelings of helplessness rushed back to the surface like the day in the forest.” Soothing circles were rubbed against your back as your mate pressed his cheek against the top of your head. “Though this time, I made sure that despite my feelings, I would make sure that those around me would not feel the way I was feeling. Pushed my feelings toward you aside, to help our people, to do something Rhys would be proud of. So I did.”

At the end of the day that is what kept you getting out of bed those 50 years. Putting in the work to help the people that Rhys loved dearly, that had welcomed you with open arms. In hopes that he would come home one day and be proud of you for all the work you did.

You must have left your shields down as a familiar voice filtered in your head, “I am so proud of you, Y/N.”

“Busy body,” you retorted as you could hear his laughter.  “Love you, Rhys.”

“Love you too, Darling,” There was pause, “Try not to keep my general up all night, will you.”

You rolled your eyes and sent him an image of you flipping him off, “You’re Insufferable, Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Y/N,” There was one more pause, “I am happy for both of you, you two bring out the best in each other.” And with that your Highlord, Brother, best friend left your mind, and you were quick to put your shields up.

A kiss was planted on the top of your head, “Where did you go?” Cassian’s voice grumbled a look of concern in his eyes.

You leaned in to kiss him and he didn’t protest you could feel the bond thrumming as you pulled back, “Oh just dealing with a busy body Highlord.” Cassian growled and placed a hand over his beating heart and how it raced at her touch. “Relax, my thoughts were just loud, and my shields were down, he told me not to keep you up all night.”

Mischief was in your handsome mate’s eyes, “He’s an idiot if he thinks I’m leaving your side tomorrow anyway.” Butterflies trembled in your stomach at the commitment, “I mean by the sound of it, we have well over 50 years of time to make up.

You smirk, “Should we start now?” You question, quirking a brow. Cassian’s smile is perfectly primal as he cups your cheek and crashes his lips to yours in a bruising kiss and places you on the bed, clawing off your nightgown and the room is filled with the sounds of moans and proclamations of love.

Later that Night

Cassian was watching as your chest rose and fell as you were asleep, unable to prevent himself he let his knuckles graze your cheek. You stir slightly only to nudge closer against his bare chest searching for warmth. His arm wrapped around your waist tucking you closer to him along with his wing. He took in your beauty, how he longed for this night, to have you in his arms and finding comfort in his embrace. He smiled and kissed your sleeping forehead. His mate. His beautiful, selfless, kind mate was in his arms, his brother was finally home and for the first time in 50 years the General drifted into a peaceful dreamless sleep.

Bonus Part

[azriels-shadowsinger]

Hi! Can I please request 1 and 16 for Cassian x reader 🥹

“He treats me well-" "Okay good for you." "-but he isn't you."

Cassian x Reader

wc: 1.3k

a/n: so i couldn’t decide how i wanted to combine those 2 different prompts so i’m just writing 2 separate cassian fics i’m sorry. working on the other one right now, but for now here’s this!

warnings: angst, slight suggestiveness at the end

prompt list

Cassian was sick of it. He was sick of watching you date these undeserving males, fall in love with them, and then get your heart broken. Every single time, you run to him to console you. And every single time, he wipes away your tears and assures you that somewhere out there, there is someone who will love you and treat you right. Little do you know, he’s silently praying to the Mother that one day he can be that person for you. Not so silently, he prays that the stupid prick that broke your heart will drown in the Sidra, which usually earns a laugh from you.

Currently, Cassian was trying to keep the irritated expression off of his face as you told him about your most recent date with some new guy.

“He even paid for dinner! How sweet of him, right Cass?” You ask excitedly.

Bare fucking minimum, Cassian thought.

“That’s great y/n.” The words come out a bit more annoyed than intended, making you frown.

“What’s your problem?” You ask.

“Nothing.” He mutters.

“Bullshit, Cass. Did I do something to piss you off?” You try to think back over the past few hours to remember what you did to upset him, but nothing comes to mind.

“I just don’t really care to hear about yet another male that you think is your one true love, who will inevitably break your heart in a week.” You stare at him, stunned.

“Well, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I wasn’t allowed to talk about my love life to my best friend.” You argue stubbornly. He lets out a laugh.

“I wouldn’t call getting broken up with every other month a love life, sweetheart.” He regretted the words the moment they left his mouth, but it was too late.

“Fuck you, Cassian.” You storm off before he can even apologize.

———

Unsurprisingly, the new guy ended up being a jerk and stood you up the following evening. You had waited at the restaurant for over an hour, earning apologetic looks from the waitress.

Cassian tried to act casual while he sat on the couch at the House of Wind, waiting for you to return from your date. He picked up some random book that Azriel had left and began scanning the pages when you winnowed home. Cassian can’t help but let his eyes roam over you, admiring your stunning figure accentuated by your dress. As soon as his gaze reaches your face, he notices the tears threatening to spill and stands up immediately. He debates walking over to comfort you with a hug or letting you come to him, still unsure if you are mad at him.

“I don’t want to hear ‘I told you so.’ And I know you don’t want to hear about my dating life anymore, so I’m going to bed.” You rush from the room quickly, leaving Cassian alone once again.

Yeah, you’re definitely still mad. Cassian has to fight the urge to follow you. He knows how your brain spirals in these situations, blaming yourself and doubting your self-worth, all because of a stupid male. He wants so badly to go up to your room and console you. He wants to wipe your tears like always and say some idiotic joke to make you laugh. More than anything, he wants to reassure you that this isn’t your fault. But he can’t, so he just sighs and sits back on the couch, picking up the book again.

———

It had been a few weeks since you and Cassian had a proper conversation, both of you too stubborn break the silence first. There had been a few short exchanges, usually just during training or when others were around, but the tension was apparent to everyone.

Cassian had heard from Mor that Feyre set you up with one of her artist friends, Kallum. He can’t be mad at his High Lady for doing what she thinks is best for her friend, but gods he was pissed about it.

You had gone on several dates with him over the past few weeks. He overheard you telling Feyre about them, describing the romantic gesture that Kallum made recently.

Was this it? Would this be the male who finally stole his best friend from him for good? If this male is a friend of Feyre’s, he must be a good guy.

Cassian hurries past the sitting area, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, but somehow you catch his eye. He can’t help but notice the flicker of sadness in your stare.

———

After four weeks of stubborn silence, you approach Cassian at training.

“Hey.” He turns to you, surprised.

“Uh, hey y/n.” He notices that you’re picking at your nails, a nervous habit from when you were a kid.

“So, I’m bringing Kallum to dinner tomorrow evening. To meet everyone.” You say awkwardly.

Oh.

“I know you and I are still in a weird place, but can you please be nice? I want to make a good impression and see what everyone thinks of him.” You bit your bottom lip nervously.

“Why do you care what we all think of him?” He huffs.

“Because I care what my family and friends think of the person I’m dating.” You counter defensively.

“Do you really? Or do you need us to like him in order to convince yourself you like him too?” You scowl, but Cassian has that stupid cocky smirk on his face. He’s not wrong, which only pisses you off more. You had tried desperately to like Kallum. He’s a nice guy and he seems to like you a lot, but you just couldn’t find a spark between you two.

“He’s a good guy Cassian!” Your face turns red and you are too flustered to come up with a more clever response.

“If you say so.” Cassian rolls his eyes. You sound like you’re trying to convince yourself, not him.

“He is! He treats me well!” You argue.

“Okay, good for you.” He says sarcastically. You stay silent for a long moment. Cassian turns to leave, not wanting to argue any longer.

“He treats me well…but he isn’t you.” You say softly.

Cassian freezes. Surely, he misheard you. He turns back to face you and is faced with the vulnerable expression on your face.

“Seeing as you don’t seem to want to be my friend anymore, there’s no point in hiding it any longer.” He takes a long stride towards you and takes your face in his hands.

“You’re right. I don’t want to be friends anymore.” Cassian presses his lips to yours, kissing you deeply. You melt into his touch and tangle your fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. The kiss quickly turns heated, and you let out a soft moan. Cassian pulls away, and you give him a confused look.

“As much as I want to continue this, sweetheart, I plan to take you to dinner first. I want to show you how you deserve to be treated on a date.” He leans in close, brushing his lips over the shell of your ear. “And then maybe I can show you how you deserve to be treated in bed as well.” Your face turns bright red, and you nod. Cassian lets go of you, but you pull him in for another kiss, this one lasting a bit longer than the last.

“I should probably go break up with Kallum.” You giggle between kisses. Cassian growls at the mention of another male’s name and pulls you closer.

“That is the last breakup you are ever going to have. I’ve waited 500 years for this, I’m sure as hell not going to mess it up.”

Feel free to keep requesting prompts :-)

prompt list

[harrystylesfan2686]

Crush On Them

Pairing: Nessian x Reader

Summary: When your small crush ends you up with you in their bed. MDNI

Warnings: Little smut with plot. A little fluff.

A/N: There isn't enough Nessian on this app😤 also first time writing smut please forgive any mistakes and tell me your thoughts😁

Masterlist

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You had always liked Cassian, from the moment the two of you met. Your crush was so obvious to everyone around you, it was like watching a lost puppy follow it's master. Everywhere Cassian went you were there, no matter where or what time. You would somehow always find yourself seeking Cassian's attention. You love having his eyes on you all the time, and you thought he did too.

But then Nesta came along.

She walked around with so much anger and hate towards everyone, you worried she would get in serious trouble because of her snappy mouth. Little did you know, she managed to pull off Cassian.

You were jealous as hell at the starting few months. But when they accepted their mating bond, the one you couldn't ever guess they had, all that jealousy and anger had dissolved in a pool of sadness.

You distant yourself after that.

Gave them the privacy they should have. After all who would want anyone lingering around them when their newly found mate was standing with them. It was very hard considering you lived in house of wind. The mating frenzy was disastrous. And the noises, gods, you would scratch out you ears if you could.

There were so many moments where you wondered if you wanted to be them, or be with them. Like the one morning while training, you and Azriel sparred while the newly mated took each other. In the small one minute you took to drink water, you nearly chocked to death, catching a glimpse of Cassian and Nesta.

The smooth and sweaty skin of Cassian not wearing any shirt, shining glitters thanks to the early morning rays, looked so good. Nesta, too, the fighting leathers hugged her body in all the right places. The slight smirk on both of their faces as they attacked and defenced each others moves with persistence. That was the first time you looked at Nesta, not with envy but admiration.

There were a lot of times where you thought maybe they want you too. Like the time you were shit drunk, coming back from Rita's.

You didn't realize how much you drank until you couldn't see straight. Cassian and Mor being the only ones there were to bring you back home but Mor having disappeared with someone, Cassian was left with the responsibility of taking you home.

"Where is Nesta, Cass?" The pout on your face seemed permanent for the night as he flyed to your house.

"Nesta's out with Gwen and Emerie for the night, remember?" His smile at your state seemed permanent too.

"Right! She told me about that!" You giggle to yourself. You were still babbling nonsense as he lands on the roof, walking to your bedroom with you still in his arms, not trusting yourself to walk without face planting on the floor.

"Alright, sweetheart. You should go to sleep now." He layes you down on the bed and gently removes you shoes and jewelry. Tucking you in, stilling smiling at you as you hum in comfort.

You don't remember much from the night but clearing remember his lips kissing you to sleep, lingering near your mouth as slumber pulls you in completly.

Or like the time you accidentally cut your finger while attempting to make dinner.

You hissed in pain, throwing down the knife to look at your first finger. You were so distracted by the smell from Nesta that reeked sex while walking into kitchen for a glass of water. She was at your side in a second, taking your hand with gentleness and aspecting the small cut that now bled red. Her lips thinned and eyes furrow just a little as she looked at you with a hint of worry.

She didn't say anything but take you finger in her mouth. Your breath hitched as her tounge swept over the injury, licking away the blood, all while keeping her eyes on yours. She pulled away when the cut healed, her lips curling at the sight of your flushed face, eyes on her lips and breathing heavily.

She pulled back and walked out of the kitchen, leaving you red faced and with a shocking realization of your crush on the female.

These along with all the other confusing interaction that happened with the couple left you speechless, having no idea what to take of them. Your small crush somehow growed into full on love feelings. You have no idea when it happened but you had realized it one day while readying (more like trying to read) a book that you loved them.

It killed you knowing they didn't share the feelings and having to see them together, loving each other, having to hear them together, everyday. It's not like you can go to all day missions like Azriel to get away. No. You had to say hear and endure it all without doing anything that raised questions.

Little did you knew, they knew about it all long before you knew yourself.

On their side, Cassian and Nesta were doing everything they could to talk to you, look at you, have your attention all to themselves. They loved playing with you and making you blush over the slightest of touches. They were working with each other from the start, trying to get to you confess your feelings to any one of them.

They loved watching you try to not look at them, try to control your blushing expressions, control your arousal around them. They found it funny whenever you stutter while talking when they eye your figure, found it annoying when someone else grabs your attention from them even for mere seconds.

Why do you think they are so loud at night? To have you listen to them. To only have them on your mind at nights, thinking of all the ways they would please and pleasure you.

They loved this game so damn much.

Which is why when you walk in on them in the exposing position, they smirk at you instead of scolding you away as you thought they would, they let you watch.

Watch how their naked bodies blend together. How Nesta's back to Cassian's chest plush against one another. On they're knees with his one arm holding her upright while the other rubbing her sweet botton and hers in his hair, clucking on for dear life as he slams himself into her again and again and again.

The sight waters your mouth.

Gods, you knew they had good bodies but your imagination does not do justice to the real thing. You knew he had a big cock but not could never guess the actual girth, and her body, the lipstick speared mouth, the peachy nipples begging to be sucked on, and her thighs...

You squeeze you thighs together as you look where they join, feeling yourself get so wet. The smell of sex heavy in the air and your hands form fists to keep from moving.

"Like watching us sweetheart?" Cassian's voice heard above the sweet little moans of Nesta. You nod once, not seeming to know what words are.

"Yeah? Wanna watch her cum for us?" You can hear the smirk in his voice. You nod again and he says,"Come here then, help me make her cum."

You swallow and move without thinking, kneeling in front of them on the bed, facing Nesta. Not knowing what to do, you look at him. "Come on, Y/N. Don't get shy on us now." His hips not stopping their blissful torture. You look into her eyes and lean forward, resting your hands on her waist and taking the pink bud of her breast into your mouth and suck.

Her moans coming out louder now, as Cassian grunts, enjoying the view of his girls. You take the other nipple between your fingers and pinch, and she cries out. Cassian letting go of her clit to hold her tighter for harder thrusts. Your other hand replacing his on her nub, moving in fast circles and you whisper, "Cum for us, Nesta."

She screams as her orgasm hits her, rocking her to her very core, harder then any she's had before. Cassian and you don't stop your movements, prolonging her pleasure. You only slow down when she whimpers, silently begging you to stop from overestimating her and Cassian pulls out of her heat.

Only deep heavy breaths sound in the room for a few seconds and she comes down from her high. You feel hard chest behind you at the same time Nesta grips your jaw, forcing your eyes on hers. Cassian's hands slid into your top, up to your breasts and Nesta orders.

"Now, your turn, sweetheart."

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[starsxblazing]

hi! i absolutely love your writing and was wondering if you could do a request for azriel, a bit of angst with fluff.

i'm a very sensitive person and i get hurt by people easily and just let stuff get to me wayyyy too much. it just really gets me down and upset. looking for some comfort from az or cassian <3.

Perserverance

You overheard Feyre speaking to Mor about a simple mission that Cassian and Azriel were leaving for in the next two days. It was nothing more than hiding in the shadows and watching the target’s movements. You knew the general was capable of spying but you also knew that it wasn’t something that he particularly liked to do. It was a job that you wouldn’t mind doing, especially since it was with your mate.

The two of you could sit in complete silence for hours and it would never be uncomfortable. You both simply enjoyed each other's presence so you weren’t sure why you were overlooked. In truth, you were often exiled from missions because they thought you incapable, which hurt more than you could put into words. You weren’t anywhere near as skilled as they were, this much you knew, but you had been training hard.

“Did I hear you say that there’s a mission coming up?” you asked as you officially entered the sitting room with them, both females going still at your question.

“Cass and Az are heading out tomorrow,” Mor answered carefully. “It’s simple and should be quick.”

“I could take Cassian’s place and-”

“No.” Rhysand had entered the room with the three of you, his face set in his determined refusal. “You do not need to be anywhere near this.”

“But why not?” Your heart was hurting but you fought against the tears. “If it’s so simple and easy, if it’s just hiding, why can’t I be a part of it?”

“Because you aren’t-”

“It’s just hiding and watching!” you exclaimed, becoming more frustrated by the minute. “I’m perfectly capable of being quiet!”

“Nobody said that you weren’t,” Feyre replied gently as she tried to pull your attention to her. 

“You need more training than you have.” The High Lord sat beside his mate, an ankle crossed over a knee as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “The last thing that any of us need is for you to get hurt simply because we rushed you.”

“It’s spying for Mother’s sake.” You crossed your arms over your chest as the tears finally lined your eyes. “It’s not that hard-”

“Even a spying mission has the possibility of becoming an outright fight,” Rhys countered. “You’re not ready and nothing you say will change my mind.”

Just as the tears began to fall, you were running out of the river house and felt more defeated than ever. It was very rare to hear about a mission of Azriel’s missions going wrong because he had been spotted and that made it hurt worse. You finally made it home, the trip feeling longer than it usually was, and simply fell on the couch to cry.

You wanted nothing more than to help contribute to the court in some way but none of them ever gave you the chance. All that you had was wandering around Velaris or training with Cassian or your mate whenever they had the time to. It was the later hours of the night before Azriel returned home which was nothing unusual. You would never speak on it but all of the time apart weighed on you heavily, making you feel more lonely by the day.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

His worried voice sounded through the silence just as soon as he had his boots off. You weren’t able to conjure up a response, still stuck in the way that your heart ached. The couch dipped beside you and you felt the comforting warmness of him as he pulled you into his arms. He stroked your hair, a sweet and loving action that usually comforted you.

“Do you think I’m as useless as everyone else seems to think that I am?”

“What?” he asked, disbelief filling his voice. “Why would you think that?”

“Feyre was talking to Mor about your mission and they all basically told me that I wasn’t good enough.” More tears started but your mate simply held you until they subsided. “It’s just hiding and I just want to get some experience and help. I want to help you.”

“You help me every single day that you are still here waiting for me even though I am gone so often.” His voice was low and gentle, his hand still stroking your hair. “You are more than enough but we all love you and we don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“But I want to help!” you screamed, your breaths coming heavy as you stood.

“I know.” Azriel placed his forehead against yours, cupping your face in his scarred hands. “I know.”

He picked you up gently and carried you to your bedroom. The softness of your bed paired with his arms wrapped tightly around you when he joined you was enough to calm your breathing. Your quiet breaths was all that could be heard for a long time but it was comforting simply because he was with you. Any time that you got with him was cherished more than anything else in this world and you would be content to spend the rest of your life just as the two of you were now.

“I will tell Rhys in the morning that you are coming with us.” His voice was still soft as his hand rubbed gentle circles on your back. “With both me and Cassian with you, you will be well protected if something were to go wrong.”

“Really!?” you asked excitedly while leaning back to look at him, your previous heartache easing slightly.

“You will never learn unless you have true experience,” he answered, his gaze was confident but there was a hint of worry there. “I need you to promise me that you will still continue to train.”

“I will,” you agreed eagerly. “You are the best mate that a female could have.”

His answering grin was breathtaking and you could only press your lips to his. It was so easy to get lost in him every single time, always leaving him to be the one to pull away. You could never get enough and he was the brightest light of your life.

“I love you so, so much,” he murmured against your lips. “You are absolutely perfect.”

All that you could do was press your lips to his, reveling in the fact that at least one person would always have your back.

Tag List:

@amara-moonlight @allygrace74 @sidthedollface2 @historygeekqueen @hnyclover @kalulakunundrum @historygeekqueen @bubybubsters @thisblogisaboutabook @mybestfriendmademe @caroline-books @justvibbinghere @wisdomofthebrain @nighttimemoonlover

[sapphicmsmarvel]

feysand x reader: the afterglow

set after getting together but you don't necessarily have to read that to understand this one!

under the cut bc its over 1K!

tw: a bit of anxiety

-After you guys officially mated, you knew the world was gonna take it weirdly. 

-There’s never been a triad bond that would be so well known. 

-To be honest, you were mostly nervous about how the inner circle would react. 

-You knew they loved the three of you dearly. But you also weren’t stupid and knew this was unconventional. You also knew you were freaking over nothing but alas, you were still anxious about it. 

-In the middle of the frenzy, Rhysand sent a message saying that you had accepted the triad bond and you three would be gone for a bit. 

-When you guys came back, it was a party. Mor had hung up a banner that said “congratulations!” There was a buffet table full of foods that Elain had clearly worked so hard over. 

-Cassian was…collecting coins from everyone?

“I bet that you’d be the first to make the first move.” He explained. 

Technically, he wasn’t wrong. It was you yelling at them that made the first move. 

“Did everyone know before we did?” you asked as he collected a few coins from Azriel. 

“Well, Rhysie isn’t subtle. Feyre was oblivious to your struggle just like she was to Rhysie-“

“Hey!” Feyre pouted. “You aren’t wrong, but hey!” 

You kissed her cheek. “And you!” Cassian pointed to you. “Are affectionate with everybody! Do you know how hard it was to convince Feyre and Rhysand that you actually liked them like that!” 

“I’m so sorry my reluctance to fuck our friends made your life harder.” You said dryly. 

He scoffed, “better be!” 

“Quit yelling at my wives, Cassian.” Rhysand said darkly, the alpha-asshole coming out. 

“Here we go.” Feyre muttered. 

“Made it two minutes this time.” Mor added. 

“Instead of two seconds.” Amren finished. 

Cassian gave you a smile that you had you wincing, because you knew what was coming. “Hey Y/N, want a ri-“ He didn’t get to finish because of the punch to his stomach from Rhys. 

“Welcome to the family.” Mor nudged you. “Even though you were already in.” 

“I’m just relieved I don't have to see Y/N pining anymore.” Nesta said from the doorframe. “Over twenty years of that bullshit.” 

You should’ve hit her harder when you were kids. 

Azriel, Lucien and Elain, like the sweethearts they were, just smiled without a sarcastic comment. 

-Your next worry was Nyx. How would you fit into his life? Would you be a stepmom or another mom? 

-You easily loved him more than anything, that was even before being mated to his parents. Now? Somehow you loved him more. 

-You were holding him one day when Rhysand sat down next to you on the porch swing. You were just enjoying the breeze with your-well it felt wrong to call him your son but you were his parents' wife? 

“How are two of my favorite living beings?” Rhysand said kissing you. 

“Good but what kind of greeting is that?” You chuckled. 

“I know he’s a person, but it’s weird to call him that. He’ll always be my baby.” He cooed and brushed back Nyx’s tuft of hair. 

Rhysand sat next to you, putting his arm around your shoulders and pulling you into his side. You leaned as much as you felt comfortable with Nyx in your arms. You didn’t like not being on your guard when you were holding him. He was precious. 

Rhysand kissed your temple, you felt peace. You were just missing one vital part. Feyre usually came home from the studio around this time. Rhysand and you had accidentally made it a tradition to sit out on the porch and wait for her. 

“Do you want kids?” Rhysand asked. “You don't have to answer now.” 

“I mean, I kinda have one now. Kind of late to say no.” You giggled and gestured to Nyx. “He may not be biologically mine. And I can be a stepmom or stay Auntie. Whatever’s the most comfortable with you and Fey. I don't want to overstep.” 

“Would….would you be one of his moms?” Rhys asked, you could tell he was incredibly nervous. 

“I would be honored.” You whispered, your gaze never leaving the baby's sleeping face. 

You missed the look of utter adoration that Rhys shot your way. 

Pretty soon, Feyre joined you guys on the porch coming home in paint splattered overalls and a paint stained face. She was glowing, you could tell how happy that studio made her. It made you incredibly happy. 

She leaned down to kiss Nyx, then you, then Rhys who pouted about being last. But he was okay with it, he loved your family so incredibly much. It kind of scared him what he’d do to protect it. 

Later that night, Feyre came up behind you in the mirror as you got ready for bed. She pressed her head against yours. Your cheeks lined up perfectly and were smushed together. Her arms were wrapped around your waist. 

“You are his mother, if that’s what you want to be”. She whispered. “I may have birthed him, but I would be honored to share the mom spot with you.”

“Fey, I just did my skincare, you can’t make me cry like this.” You said, your voice wobbly. She squeezed you tighter in response, her nose scrunching with her closed mouth smile, her eyes half closed and lips scrunched slightly. She kissed your temple and went back to Rhys. 

That was that. Rhysand was dad/daddy, Feyre was mom/mommy and you were mama. 

-The next thing on your list was how the court would see it. The Inner Circle doesn’t give a shit (which was to be expected) but the Court of Nightmares? That’s where you were worried. 

They didn’t take to Feyre that well, then Nyx. Now you. 

Rhys called you out on your bullshit one night while all of you were getting ready for bed. 

“What’s up with you? You’re more nervous going to the Court of Nightmares than you were before.”

“Well, we weren’t mated then.” You said back, you tried to avoid being snippy but your stress levels were high. 

Clearly, he knew you were being snarky because he gave you a raised brow and held his hands up in surrender. You sighed. “Ugh, baby I’m sorry.” You said. You set down your hair brush and crawled into his arms. 

His chest shook with restrained laughter. “Love, you’re allowed to be nervous-“ He was cut off by Feyre coming into the room. 

“Ooh, are we snuggling?” Feyre said. And with the excitement of a five year old she catapulted into bed.  

The three of you bounced and laughed. “I’m nervous about going to the Court of Nightmares.” You admitted, playing with a string on the blanket to avoid looking at Feyre. You could avoid Rhys’ gaze easily since you were sitting with your head laid against his chest and in between his legs. 

“Why?” Feyre brushed your hair behind your ears. 

“Because…” You made a helpless gesture. “It's really scary.”

“You’ve been there before?” Feyre asked. 

“Yeah well I wasn’t fucking the High Lord and Lady.” You sighed. 

“Okay, you aren’t just fucking us.” Rhysand squeezed your hip. “You’re our wife. What label do you want them to know you as? Consort?-“ 

“I’ll rip your dick off.” You growled. “Consorts aren’t treated with the respect they deserve.”

“Agreed.” He said. 

“Do you want political power?” Feyre asked with zero judgment. 

“You know that’s not why I married you two.” You grumbled. 

“But would you want it?” Rhysand pushed. His hands roaming over your skin, he knew how much the contact helped your anxiety. 

You shrugged. “It’d be a massive adjustment. However….I’d love to help people and actually have the power to do so. But there’s…”

“Hm?” Feyre continued to stroke your palm. 

“This is gonna sound bad but I don't mean it to be.”

Feyre smiled and based on the pulsing down the bond, Rhys was too. So you continued. “There’s no room for me to help rule.”

“Who says?” Feyre challenged. 

You sputtered and Rhys decided to take you out of your misery. 

“You know, there also wasn’t such a thing as High Lady when Feyre came into our lives.” He stroked down your back, his hands ending at your hips. 

“And?” You asked. 

“I rewrote that rule, and I’ll rewrite it again for you to be in it. You are our equal in every way and I refuse to let you be reduced to a ‘consort’ that is, if you want to be a High Lady.”

And that was it. The next day, the day you were supposed to head to the Court of Nightmares, you delayed it. Much to the confusion of your Inner Circle. 

You were sworn in as a second High Lady. 

How the Inner Circle found out was quite funny. Az had a feeling, Nesta and the Valkyries were happy for you. Mor and Amren just looked at Rhys with a secret High Lady? Again! Cassian used it as an excuse to celebrate that night so the group could ditch their Court of Nightmares persona. 

When Azriel introduced you, he said, “Rise for your High Lord Rhysand, Highy Lady Feyre and High Lady Y/N.”

The three of you walked in, you in the middle, Rhysand and Feyre on either side of you. 

You felt beautiful, respected. Even though you knew Keir would be a problem. 

You were alright with those problems, as long as you had your family with you.

[mylovelookup]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is dedicated to Mor who’s always such a sweetheart to me by never failing to lend me their eyes when I look at my work. Thank you for being you and for always commenting on everything I make. Your tags and comments literally give me life ! You’re the best and ily! @vamqira

[spacebarbarianweird]

Elven for Astarion fanfiction

I absolutely love the idea of Astarion using Elven words and phrases

Here are some useful phrases and words you can use for fics. I specifally chose what you might find useful, for more terms you can check the sources.

Source (wiki)

Source (dictionary)

Phrases

Ai armiel telere maenen hir. - You hold my heart forever.

Aillesel Seldarie - May the Seldarine Save Us.

Al Hond Ebrath, Uol Tath Shantar En Tath Lalala Ol Hond Ebrath – A True Friend, As The Trees And The Water Are True Friends.

Besthunit Nenle – ‘Hurry Up Slowly’ (Eastern Lythari Dialect)

Bwaelan Dro - "It's Good to be Alive", a religious hymn of celebration.

Chu Set – ‘Hold Calm/Calm Down’ (Eastern Lythari Dialect).

Dilit – Be Quiet (Eastern Lythari Dialect).

Es'Caerta – Deeply Emotional Plea Ending A Prayer (like Amen).

Gys Sa Salen – Give Me a Drink/I Need A Drink.

Maethe - maybe.

Ikwe - Get back!

Iorwe - Step aside!

Oloth elgg ssussun - Darkness slays light.

Seldarine! – Gods! (Expression of Exasperation).

Uluvathae (pronounced: /ˈuːluːˈvɔːθeɪ/ Oo-loo-VAW-thay) - "[May your] fortune bring you joy". An informal greeting or parting used amongst individuals which enjoyed each other's company. Used amongst close friends, it was either seen as an insult, or as a warning that a third party was listening.

Words

aethen - "others", modern elven slang for non-elves.

alun - transgender.

amastacia - star flower.

ar - sun.

arael – heart.

aravae - great joy.

ardavanshee – Elven Juvenile Delinquent.

arivae – sunlight.

a’sum -  daughter.

avae - joy.

avae’ess - joy bringer.

arkhlavae - lovemaking.

bhin - young human male (slang).

biir - "garbage", used as an insult against those of half-elven and human heritage.

calann - cup (one’s hands, to hold).

daoin – star.

damia - a term of endearment directed to sweethearts or children.

ebrath - friend.

essraul – enthusiastic Slaying.

e'sum – son.

etriel - noble female elf (in bloodline, character, or both).

evae - love, absence of malice.

filliken – open skirt (Prostitute).

hond ebrath - true friend(s)

immaea - familial love, loyalty to kin and family.

immeeira - act or demonstration of love (deed, testimonial or honour, not lovemaking).

ithlil - lily.

ivaebhin - boy filled with brightness.

kerym - blade (as in blade made of steel), sword.

liyan - homosexual male (slang).

lorkh - Savage Butchers who Lost Their Elven Nature Long Ago Through Such Behavior.

mor - darkness, the true death.

nanta - destiny.

nias – agreement.

nikym – dagger.

nor - love, passion.

N'Tel'Quess - "Not-people". A derogatory term elves use to describe non-elves.

o'si - mother.

o'su - father.

penaal - battlepoet (bard).

piir - treasure.

re - bear.

ru - dream.

rua - star.

saece - crossdresser.

savalir - murderer.

sha'Quessir - elf-friend.

Sildur - "at rest after changing". Referred to an animal, insect, or plant having reached maturity after passing through a life-cycle of changes. Was later borrowed by Common as a term for transgender individuals.

solicallor - warm light of the sun.

srendaen - beautiful, only applied to things of natural beauty not to people.

srinna - One Who Tests Limits and Establishes New Boundaries.

talibund - the veiled one. referring to the creature whose future is unclear and cannot be divined.

taran - gift.

Tel'Quessir - the collective name elves use for their race. translates into common to mean, "The People".

tham - to be close to.

thor - vow, promise.

vaarnar - evil entity or sentient being.

vaendaan-naes - reborn in life's bright struggles.

vaendin-thiil - fatigued by life's dark trials.

veluthe – beautiful.

vyshaan - power-mad (derogatory).

[danikamariewrites]

In your housewife fic you mentioned that reader helps Rhys write the latter's to other high lords so maybe one time when she's having a really bad day , like nothing is going her way and she messes up while writing and starts crying so Rhys and feyre comfort her.🥲

Mess Up

Feysand x reader

A/n: this is part of the house wife series and honestly I’m loving writing this

Warnings: angst to fluff

Nothing had been going your way today. At the market this morning they didn’t have any of the ingredients you needed for dinner so you gave up. You wanted to leave the mess that was stressing you out in the living room but you couldn’t. But then the blanket kept falling off the couch so you just threw it and stomped out of the room.

You went to find Rhys, he would make you feel better. But somehow you ended up helping him with work instead of curling up in his lap. You should’ve went to Feyre.

You were writing too fast for your brain to keep up. Rhys needed letters sent out to the other High Lords regarding the border in Spring. You knew you were writing to Kal but thought of an inside joke to add to Helion’s letter as you were writing. Without rereading the letter you sealed it, pouring the black wax and stamping it with the Night Court seal.

Handing the letter to Rhys he asked you who to address it to. You stuttered over yourself as you thought about who you just wrote to. Now you couldn’t remember if it was for Helion or Kal. You rubbed at your eyes while thinking until Rhys snapped at you a little, “y/n, who is it for. You just wrote it, it shouldn’t be this hard.”

You knew Rhys was trying to joke with you but you could hear his underlying impatience. The build up of everything going wrong today hit you, this letter being the final blow. Your shoulders started to shake and hot tears stained your finger tips as they pressed harder into your eyes.

Sniffles and sobs shake your body. Rhys quickly moves to embrace you. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to get mad. We can just open it and figure it out.” You bury your face in his tunic. Your crying got harder. Rhys picks you up bringing you over to the couch. In his mind he’s calling out for Feyre for help.

Feyre comes rushing into his office, sitting next to young and Rhys on the couch. She lightly rubs your back calmly shushing you. Rhys rocks you a little whispering sweet nothings in your ear, telling you you’re ok and that you didn’t do anything wrong. “Please talk to us sweetheart. We want to help.” He whispers desperately.

You pull away, wiping at your puffy eyes. “I’m sorry,” you croak out. “Nothing went right today and I don’t have stuff for dinner and I messed up the letter.” You sniffle some more as Rhys hands you a handkerchief to blow your nose.

“Sweetheart the letter doesn’t matter. It’s ok, I promise I can write another one.” You look up at him with those big sad eyes. “Are you sure?” Feyre pulled you on to her lap so you’re straddling her lap. She cradles your face in her soft hands, rubbing her thumbs in small circles on the apples of your cheeks.

“Listen to me y/n. Sometimes we can’t control everything that happens to us. Some days are just…out to get us. And that’s ok. I’m going to tell you what Mor told me a long time ago, don’t let the hard days win. We’re here for you and we won’t let you face hard days alone.” You give her a small smile, letting her kind words warm your heart. You were thankful Feyre reminded you that you aren’t alone. That you can always go to them with your problems.

“Thank you,” you whisper, leaning forward to kiss her nose. “Of course baby. How about Rhys handles the letter and you and I go get ready for dinner. You deserve to be treated to night out.” You nod excitedly and Rhys kisses your temple. “I’ll be done in a bit.” He heads back to his desk while Feyre pulls you into the hall.

“Wait, what about the living room?” Your last problem that was t solved. Feyre brushes it off with a wave of her hand. “Nyx and Cassian can build a fort with everything tonight.” You giggle at the thought of the Illyrian general taking orders from the toddler. And fitting himself into a tiny fort made of pillows and blankets.

[ninthcircleofprythian]

Unbound

Part 5 - As The World Caves In

Summary - Not having a mating bond didn't stop the love Azriel and Celeste have for each other or their commitment. When an unknown magic lingering from Celeste's past causes her to lose all memories of the last century, will they be able to rebuild their life without a bond tethering them together?

Word Count - 8.2k

Warnings - character in pain, mentions of past abuse/DV, flashback dream, mentions/allusion to torture, vomiting, description of wounds, wing amputation, mention of blood, character has a panic attack, mentions/allusion to sex, seizure, memory loss, character injuring another character, talk of/description of scars.

Author's Note - make sure you checked those warnings y'all. We are getting into the thick of it now.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Hair braided and skin burnished into a rosy pink from scrubbing, Celeste sat back in bed reclining against the headboard. Az had insisted on carrying her like an invalid and she had given up on insisting she was fine. In fact she was beginning to question herself whether she was fine. The pain that had dulled temporarily was beginning to ramp up once again. Pulsing with a deep throb behind her eyes and now settling into her front teeth. She rubbed at her lip, testing the pain’s response to applied pressure. 

The click of the door opening caught her attention and Azriel entered, carrying a tray with some food. He circled the bed, moving to place the tray on the nightstand instead of over her lap. The smell that wafted from the steaming bowl was actually making her feel a bit queasy but she held that to herself. 

“Just let her take a look, okay?” He asked gently, knowing that healers usually made the worst patients and expecting her refusal. He met her look with concern as he took a standing position on the other side of the night stand. 

Before she could gather his meaning, a knuckle rapped on the half open door followed by a lilting voice. “Knock knock.” Sweet, willowy Marin trailed in with her tote already being slipped from her shoulder. Dropping it onto the chest at the foot of the bed, she began digging inside. 

“Isn’t very often we meet like this,” she bantered, carrying a hint of humor. “What exactly did you get yourself into since earlier this afternoon?” She dripped a couple drops of oil into her palm from the bottle she dug from her bag. It was mostly used as a conduit to aid in gathering information through touch. 

“Nothing. I came right home after I left you,” Celeste responded with a shrug. 

Marin rubbed her hands together slowly, testing the soft heat of the aided magic between her own palms first. “And when did the headache start?”

Celeste shot a questioning look in Azriel’s direction wondering what exactly he told her before she came into the room. Marin caught the gaze and answered. “You were rubbing your temple earlier when I saw you,” she motioned for Celeste to lie back. “But he did tell me what he knew, as he should have.” 

Azriel felt a flicker of admiration at her perception of Celeste’s pain earlier. He didn’t know as much about her as he did Selah, only that Marin was known to be a bit of a partier, frequenting Rita’s nearly as often as Mor. 

Picking up on the tense aura radiating from him, Celeste addressed Azriel from her reclined position. “Az, sweetheart, stop hovering.” 

Arms crossed and wings tense, shadows closing the distance between them he responded, “I’m not hovering.”

“It’s okay,” Marin smiled. “It doesn’t bother me.” She laid her fingertips gingerly to Celeste’s forehead, holding her smile with a nod toward Az. Turning to assess her patient, she gave Celeste a sly wink. “So when did the headache start?”

“This morning after I left the house,” she responded, eyes drifting closed. “I thought it was still from the hangover the night before.”

“Did you feel well when you woke up this morning?” Marin’s fingers continued their trailing sweeps. Azriel’s shadows had inched over and were now following her fingertips. “Curious little things aren’t they?” Marin said with a giggle.

“Az.” Celeste admonished. “You’re hovering.”

“I am not,” he said stoically.

“They’re cute.” Marin lifting one finger to swirl a little vortex of shadows before continuing her palpation down the side of Celeste’s face. 

“They’re not puppies,” Az spoke sharply.

Celeste whipped her head in his direction. “Azriel!” She immediately regretted the movement, hissing in a breath between her teeth. 

Az dropped his crossed arms and rocked forward into movement, smoothly bringing himself to stand just behind Marin’s shoulder. Marin’s hands had pulled back and she rubbed them together once more.

“Where exactly is the pain? And what does it feel like?” she queried.

Celeste settled herself into position again before answering. “Right here,” she said, pointing above her eyebrow. “And behind my eyes, like a throbbing ache. And right before you came in I felt it like a pulse in my teeth. The light bothers me too. And my neck feels stiff and painful when I move too quickly.”

Az’s brow furrowed into a deep crease as his shadows again gathered over him.

Marin resumed her feather light touches, this time focusing along Celeste’s scar. “How exactly did you get this?”

Celeste tensed at the same time Azriel did. A creak of the leather coming from his siphon gloves as he balled up his hands. Her scar, while she had accepted and grown to love it, wasn’t something she spoke about often. Hardly ever in fact. Azriel was obviously aware of its origins and she had recounted the history to Nesta in confidence. She had alluded to her past with the others through a handful of conversations but left them to assume based on the context of how her scar had come to be. 

“You don’t think that has anything to do with my headache do you? I’ve had it for well over a century,” she stated.

“Mmm, it’s unlikely. But I am picking up a strange energy that seems to only be coming from the scar,” Marin’s face squinted in contemplation. “I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

“What kind of energy?” Azriel stepped closer. The shadow’s earlier warning rang through his thoughts as that same wispy strand made its way to curl around his ear again. Az’s face tightened in concentration trying to pinpoint further the feeling it conveyed to him.

“I’m not entirely sure,” Marin answered, eyes still on Celeste. “But it’s old. It’s been there since the injury was made.” She moved her hands to her lap. “It’s alright. You don’t have to tell me if you aren’t comfortable.”

Celeste’s heart pounded in her chest at the same moment a small spark of rage hit her. The fear she felt at even the mention of her scar’s origin made her angry. She was tired of that fear popping up randomly and controlling her. 

“No, it’s fine,” she stated forcefully. “My previous–” the word husband had nearly slipped out, so used to referring to Azriel. She swallowed before continuing. “My previous–partner did this. He was extremely cruel and—”

Az reached in front of Marin, whose eyebrows had raised slightly at the mention of a previous serious partner. He placed a scarred hand over one of Celeste’s and squeezed, his face grim and eyes burning a heated golden green. 

“And he slashed my face as punishment for one of the times I tried to escape.” Celeste swallowed thickly again fighting back the tears, squeezing the hand in return.

Marin astutely honed in on the word escape and the implication that the attempt wasn’t the only one. She sighed a heavy breath and gave Celeste an apologetic look, but didn’t comment any further. 

“Well your heart rate is good. I don’t detect any signs of bleeding, swelling or injury,” she stood to collect her things, sidling past Az’s wings. “And you are free from infection. I’ll leave you this.” She pulled out a vial of tablets and deposited it into Azriel’s waiting hand. Celeste recognized it as a curative for motion sickness. “Take one every four hours for the dizziness and pressure. You can continue the papavera if you feel you need it but I would only take half doses. If you don’t feel better in the morning, let me know.”

“Thanks Marin.” Celeste called as Marin reached the door, Azriel trailing behind her. 

“Would you like me to get you home?” He asked, obviously attempting a less severe demeanor. 

“Thanks, but it's alright. I’d prefer to walk.” Marin flashed a brief smile before slipping out the door.

Azriel allowed her to let herself out and returned to the bed, tipping one small red tablet into his palm. “Take this.” 

“You scared her.” Celeste noted as she reached for the water next to her and grabbed the pill. Throwing it in her mouth and swallowing, her eyes didn’t leave Azriel’s face as she mentally chided him. 

“I didn’t scare her,” he responded seriously.

“You hovered,” Celeste managed a weak pull at the corner of her mouth.

“I didn’t hover,” he spoke softly, knowing she was trying to lighten the mood with humor. “Are you–,” he started to ask.

“I’m fine.” It came out more harsh than she intended. She felt a strange mix of fear and anger swirling briefly as she answered. “It’s–just.” She drew in breath before sighing resignedly. “I’m fine.” 

Azriel didn’t utter a word, knowing she was no longer referring to the pain in her head, holding that mask of perfect neutrality as he stole another squeeze against her hand.

Later as velvety twilight darkness fully enveloped the room, a single faelight burned above Az’s nightstand, the tip of his wing carefully positioned so that it wasn’t glaring into Celeste’s eyesight. She reclined, head tilted back, still propped against the headboard as Az shuffled through the stack of paper he was reading. He plucked out a small map, holding it side by side to whatever report he was studying, his roving eyes referencing between the two. 

Celeste slowly rolled her neck toward his side of the bed, staring wistfully at his strong profile as she studied the emotions in her own mind. 

Noticing her look, Az shifted his wing up to further cover the light. “Is it bothering you? I can be done now, it’s not important.” He dropped the papers to his lap as he began gathering them into a neat stack.

“Do you think my scar has anything to do with the pain?” Her voice was hushed in the quiet room.

He used the beat of a moment it took to set the papers aside on his nightstand to subdue the flare of anger that sparked in his chest. “I don’t know,” he said, now turning to face her. “The energy Marin mentioned is intriguing though.”

Celeste sat and digested that for a moment, rolling it around in her brain as if she hadn’t just sat there doing the same thing for the last many minutes. “Yeah. Intriguing,” she said, still barely above a whisper.

Azriel held the space quietly, waiting to see if her rolling thoughts would produce more words. He didn’t move to touch her or urge her into speaking. It was always her choice how much she wanted to talk about these things and he knew she hated feeling pitied over it. 

“How come I’ve never felt it though? This energy? Don’t you think I would have known it was there?” Her eyes held a tender pleading in them, almost willing him to have the answer.

His own eyes narrowed, trying to gauge the thoughts that were swirling behind her dark eyes. “I’m not really sure,” he started. He thought of the possibility that the object used to create her scar had held some sort of magic unknown to Celeste. Thinking of magical objects, his thoughts flashed to that fearsome mask that Nesta had once placed on herself centuries before. How the powerful pull of that mask had bled into her very being, changing her to the point of being something else, no longer able to distinguish herself from the mask. He mentally shook the thought away, careful to not allow the internal shiver to slip past his own mask.

“Sometimes objects can carry a magic that can be imparted to other things,” he pondered aloud, eyes remaining unfocused. 

Celeste jumped at his words like she had been touched by a shock of faelight. Heat rushed to her face and the burn reached her eyes in a flash. “I’m not an object,” her voice wavered, well above a whisper now.

Immediately realizing his choice of words, Az no longer held the space but shifted abruptly to meet her. One arm slid along her shoulders to pull her body to him as the other curved up along her face to press her into his chest. “Sweetheart, I didn’t mean it like that,” his voice low and close to her ear. “That’s not what I meant. At all.”

His fingers folded themselves into her hair, rubbing at her scalp. She allowed the reprieve of his warmth to surround her. She knew that wasn’t what he meant. In the depths of her soul she knew that Az had never viewed her as an object, something to be possessed. The anger that built inside the cavernous void of her chest wasn’t at him, but herself. She knew she was loved here, in this life she had built for herself. She knew she was cared for and free and most importantly, safe. She loathed the creeping feeling of fear that popped up into her safe little bubble. She hated that the memories of her past sometimes bled into the life she had drowned them out with. 

It was in the rare times like this, when the emotions made her body harder to read, that Azriel wished for a mating bond. If only he could feel what was storming around inside her. He wished for a golden thread connecting the deepest parts of their souls so he could feel her feelings instead of interpreting them. He hated feeling helpless in knowing how to help her. He wished he could shoot his own feelings down a bond to her instead of relying on the words that came so hard for him. 

Celeste shuddered against the hard muscle of his chest, a poorly stifled sob escaping her. “I know,” her voice quivered. “I know that’s not what you meant.”

He felt her wipe her face along his chest, nuzzling as if to burrow inside his body, trying to settle inside his ribcage. The emotional chasm that she had once opened there, throbbed. If it were physically possible to tear himself open and let her in, he would have. He pulled both his arms tighter around her.

A few beats of silence passed, both of them sitting in perfect stillness before she sighed a heaving sigh and pulled to sit up. “I’m tired,” she voiced, moving to slide her body down the mattress. Azriel grabbed the edge of the covers, lifting them to allow her to settle comfortably. Propped on one elbow she leaned toward her nightstand, fingers grabbing the tiny bottle of papavera still sitting there. He notefully watched her measure out a dose before tossing her head back to swallow it.

Turning over to extinguish the faelight still burning, he heard the glass bottle being replaced on the stand. Darkness immediately took over and he moved by feel alone to curl around her folded body, spreading a wing like a cocoon over them both. Slowly the shadows broke the silence as they danced along Azriel’s ear, echoing the same question he had already asked himself. 

Which pain is she trying to dull?

She was cold. She felt her shoulders dance a small shiver as she reached behind her, grabbing for the covers that Az was no doubt hogging. Instead of soft fabric, her nails scraped against even colder cement. Her eyes flew open in confusion but her sense of sight was only met with the pitch black of night. 

Pushing up forcefully against where the mattress should have been beneath her only added to her bewilderment before a searing hot slice of pain rendered her nearly unconscious. Celeste lay there, arms folded beneath her chest, heaving on the cold floor and willing herself to not vomit. 

A dream. This is a dream. It’s not real.

The pain and the feel of the hard surface beneath her crashed through her memory. She remembered this. She didn’t want to be here. 

This is a dream. It’s not real.

This is a dream. It’s not real.

But it certainly didn’t feel like a dream. The fuzzy edges of sleep that normally pervaded her mind in dreaming weren’t there. The almost weightless feel of her body that happened as she moved was not present. Pushing up again, she willed her brain to wake up, hoping that clamoring from the bed would kick start her mind into reality.

“This is a—” she spoke aloud as she shoved upward. Again, she was assaulted with the blinding hot pain that collapsed her. A pain that was originating directly between her shoulders.

“It’s not real,” she wept openly, forehead to the floor. 

“I assure you,” a slithering voice echoed in the cement chamber, a ball of bluish faelight now rising to the ceiling. “This is very real.”

Whipping her head to one side, unwilling to attempt rising again, Celeste was met with the one face she had hoped she would never see again.

“No,” she sobbed, nearly retching. The feeling of the soup she ate earlier rising, burning her throat. The sensation rattled her sense of reality.

“Yes,” Tyrik corrected. His thin frame sat upon a low stool, much too low for his height. He was leaning over, legs spread far apart, elbows propped atop his knees. One hand was held open palmed toward the ceiling, controlling the movement of that small ball of light. In the other, he twirled something thin and flat in his fingers. “I did have to get a bit creative. But it was only to teach you a lesson.”

Celeste had ceased repeating her mantra over and over in her head. She felt as if she had no control over her mind and how to shake herself out of this nightmare. Feelings she had buried long ago were taking over and controlling the synapses firing in her brain. She didn’t feel like herself. She didn’t feel like the version of herself that she had worked so hard to transform into. Everything about what was going on around her flooded her nervous system and she felt the shift latch into place. The shift to the shaking, cowering, terrified Celeste. She just laid there, resigned to the forces at play around her.

“I will say it did pain me some to have to resort to such measures,” Tyrik continued deviously. “What a shame to see such a magnificent looking set be destroyed.” 

Celete’s attention was drawn to his hand, the one that had been toying with the thin object. Tyrik swept his fingers across his temple, moving to rid his face of his long strands of sandy hair, before tucking the object behind his ear.

Her heart stopped. All the blood in her limbs ceased to circulate. Her body was washed over with a shocking cold, not from the floor or the room surrounding her, but from the outright panic. Behind his ear sat a long, thin feather, almost the same sandy color as the hair surrounding it, but flecked with deep points of brown. This time she couldn’t hold the wave back any longer as she barely turned her head in time to purge her stomach onto the stone floor. 

“It does seem to have had the desired effect though,” Tyrik droned on, his coal black eyes not meeting Celeste’s at all, but staring almost hungrily at the large open wounds along her back. “You definitely lost the fight you had in you earlier.”

Celeste couldn’t go without air any longer, her brain forcing her to gasp a forceful breath which she then shuddered out into another heaving sob. The pain was becoming too much. Maybe if she could control her arms once more she could push herself to the point of unconsciousness and slip out of this gods awful hellscape. 

Before she could gather the willpower and strength to do so, Tyrik rose from his seat approaching Celeste across the short distance between them, his voice hardening. “I want you to remember, my pet,” he said as he moved into a squat next to her face. “I could have let you bleed out. But what a waste that would have been.” Tyrik trailed his knuckles down her cheek as Celeste screwed her eyes shut. The stench of his cloying sandalwood scent made her gut lurch dangerously again.

“Let this serve as your reminder,” he breathed, closing the distance between them, fingers still dancing along her cheek. “Of the so few options you have left next time.”

He abruptly rose to standing at his full height. Celeste kept her eyes forced closed, not watching him leave. With a flick of his wrist he poised the ball of faelight against the far wall before slamming the heavy door into place. The sound of grinding metal setting the lock still rang in her ears long after he was gone. Celeste just remained frozen, taking up her mantra again.

This is a dream. It isn’t real.

This is a dream. It isn’t real.

After a long measured silence, she had nearly convinced herself that when she opened her eyes she would be awake. Even though she could still feel the frigid cold under her, she expected the warm light of morning to be filling her room. The room she shared with Azriel. 

Azriel.

My husband. 

The thought of him hit her squarely in the chest with a pounding reminder that she had escaped. This prison was no longer her life.

Az. My husband. 

“Azriel, Az, Az.” She pleaded her new mantra aloud and she willed her eyes open wildly. Instead of the soft light of day, she was met with the harsh blue of the faelight—and what it was left there to illuminate. Her reminder. 

Beautiful flaxen wings, soft feathers spread as if about to take flight, attached to still dripping cartilage and bone. Separated from the body they belonged to and nailed haphazardly into stone. 

She had no time to think or plan her movements, her body’s response to the gruesome sight taking over her muscles, shoving herself full force from the floor with a choking gasp.

As she bolted upright from sleep Celeste’s brain didn’t even register the bright light of late morning spilling in through the windows. Gagging down the urge to scream she began gulping down air in retching gasps. Her mind was still telling her she was trapped as her legs flailed about in the tangle of sheets. Ripping them from her body in a panic, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and nearly toppled forward, grasping the nightstand with her left hand to catch herself. 

She sat there holding that position as the fog of sleep and the dream evaporated and she had willed herself to stop hyperventilating. With a strong squeeze of her hand, Celeste gripped the edge of the table grounding herself back to reality. Swiveling her stare toward the same table, she assured herself that her senses weren’t deceiving her. A shimmer of sapphire caught her attention.

Her ring. The one given to her by Azriel on that Solstice long ago. A shock rocked through her and she nearly choked out a laugh in relief, the mantra of his name still echoing inside her brain as she continued to calm her nerves. Releasing her grip on the table she clutched her hand to her chest in reassurance as she fingered along the band’s edge. The slip of paper on top of the nightstand caught her attention.

I cleared your schedule.

-Az

His slanted neat script was scrawled along the paper. Short and simple and to the point. As she stared at those two little letters of his name, she felt that deep void in her chest shrink and the lingering panic swept away. 

Righting herself to stand, she had the jarring realization that the floor wasn’t about to tilt from under her. The memory of last night trickled back to her and she discovered that the pain in her head was gone. Not a single twinge or throb remained. 

Celeste made her way into the washroom on slightly trembling legs. As she brushed her teeth she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were bright without any darkness beneath them from lack of sleep and she felt well rested but noticed she was still a bit shaky as she dropped her toothbrush back into the holder.

From the bedroom she heard a familiar soft swooshing sound, the subtle displacement of air that told her Azriel had just winnowed into their room. Peeking her head around the doorframe she saw the shadows nearly covering him beginning to dissipate. Before they could even reveal his full form, she tread across the room throwing her arms around his waist. 

A forced exhale of air escaped him on impact as he rocked back on his heels, momentarily startled by her intensity. “Hey,” he said as he slipped his arms around her in return. “How are you feeling?”

“Better.” Her response came out slightly muffled as she pressed her nose into the front of him, breathing in a deep inhale. The familiar scent of chilled night air and cedar flooded her senses. The scent of Az.

It was just a dream.

Az. Az. Az.

“You sure?” he asked as she felt his arms pull her tighter against her.

“Yeah. No headache or dizziness or anything.” 

Azriel’s hands moved to her shoulders as he gently nudged her back to study her face. The concern and disbelief were evident in his features. 

“Really Az. I feel great.” She said, “I just had a bad dream, that's all.” 

She relaxed into his embrace once more, turning her head against his chest. Azriel pressed his lips to the top of her head and drew her in tighter, his thumbs moving in sweeping arcs along her back. 

Pulling in another breath of him, Celeste was reminded of the Night Court woods. After escaping Tyrik she had snuck through the ports to stowaway on a boat and made the long journey over the sea. Even after landing in a new land, Prythian, the paranoia and fear still had a hold on her and Celeste was determined to put as much distance between her and her former captor as possible. So she traveled through darkness and rough weather for weeks until she no longer felt the urge to keep going. One night in the woods, staring up at the most beautiful night sky she had ever seen, she had finally felt safe. Celeste had often wondered over the years if there was some connection. Some cosmic reason why the person she chose to spend her life with and the place she first felt safe both smelled the same. 

Az broke the silence, the rumble of his voice vibrating against her ear. “Hungry?”

“Starving.” She answered, pulling away with a smile.

As they descended the stairs together Az’s hand slipped to the small of her back from habit. Reaching the bottom of the stairs Celeste found a familiar face perched at her dining room table. 

“Good morning sunshine,” Cassian sing-songed at her as she made her way to her seat. 

“Morning, Cassian,” she responded before turning to Azriel as he placed a plate in front of her. “I told you if we fed the strays, they would keep coming back.”

Azriel let out a throaty chuckle as Cassian’s face went from shocked to playful in a heartbeat.

“Somebody woke up chipper today,” he said slyly. “And for your information, I already ate. I just have some time to kill before–well, before nothing.”

“You ate here earlier this morning.” Az retorted. As he took a seat beside her, Celeste reached out and rested her hand on his thigh, giving a small squeeze. His own hand settled on top of hers. Before he could even bring his mug to his lips a harsh knock sounded on the door.

“We’re moving,” Azriel directed at Celeste in jest even as he moved to answer the door. As much as he griped about the constant intrusions, he actually loved it. Having his family close by and comfortable enough to gather in his home uninvited was one of Azriel’s secret prides. The lack of Celeste’s smile at his joke however gave him a second of pause. He observed her eyes unfocused in thought with her fork hanging empty mid air before his lingering shadows along her arm started her back into the present. He felt that little seed of worry beginning to bloom as he moved to open the door.

“Hello Nes,” he greeted. No response came, instead Nesta went storming into the dining room, shoes clacking loudly upon the floor and her face pulled into a serious scowl. 

“So this is your plan is it?” She raged at Cassian as Azriel resumed his seat at the table. “To come begging pity at your brother’s house because you're hungry instead of apologizing?” 

“You know I can’t think clearly on an empty stomach, my love.” Cassian smirked at her with a childish gleam in his eye. 

Nesta’s growl came out as half a scream in frustration directly at him as Celeste reached to the sideboard behind her to grab the coffee urn. “Coffee, Nes?” She asked calmly.

Spinning on her heel and raising a pointed finger towards Celeste, Nesta spat through gritted teeth. “And you –”

The movement jerked Azriel into motion, the wing closest to Celeste flaring out in defense as he slid his chair back in preparation to stand, hands grabbing the table. “Easy,” he warned. The depth of his voice sent a chill over Celeste’s skin. She knew he didn’t see Nesta as a threat but the events of last night had him on edge. She ran a soothing hand down his arm before slipping her hand into his. 

Cassian smirked even wider at his brother as Nesta took a huffing breath and dropped her hand to smooth her skirt. “I thought you were on my side,” she continued to Celeste. The sharp daggers of her glare softened, showing a glimmer of hurt. “And here you are feeding him while I’m trying to hunger strike him into an apology.”

Celeste leaned toward the end of the table where Nesta stood rigidly, grabbing her hand in consolation. “Nes, honey, I am on your side.” 

“Wait a second,” Cas interjected which she pointedly ignored before continuing. 

“But I can’t fight this fight for you.” Celeste squeezed her hand before dropping it and returning to her coffee. “Also, I don’t think that is how a hunger strike works.”

With a heavy sigh, Nesta slumped into the end chair and crossed her arms. “I was out of other ideas.”

Cassian straightened himself to his full seated height. “For the record I would just like to state that I didn’t do any–”

“Admit the defeat brother,” Az interrupted as he gathered Celeste’s empty plate. “It’s for the best.”

“I know,” Cassian said in reluctant defeat. “But I just can’t help riling her up sometimes. It makes the apology that much sweeter.” He threw a heated stare at Nesta as she whipped her head towards him. 

“Is that what this is about?” She narrowed her eyes at him. “All this for the make-up sex? Seriously, Cas?” When his continued silence was his only response, she rose from her seat slowly. “Home. Now.”

Celeste tittered a laugh into her hand as Az wrinkled his nose at the scents that had permeated the air. Before Cassian could make it to the entryway, he spun around clutching his head. 

“Damn you Rhys! The worst fucking timing.”

Celeste’s eyes swung to Azriel as he barked out a laugh, then watched his eyes slowly unfocus as he was now receiving the same incoming message inside his head as Cassian. 

Before Nesta could scream in frustration herself, Celeste sidled up to her. “C’mon Nes, I finished that book I was telling you about. You can borrow it. I’m sure you can find some great ideas in it for later.”

“Fine.” Nesta huffed as she joined Celeste climbing the stairs. 

As they climbed the wide staircase, Celeste began to feel her heart pound harder with each step. Just a few short steps from the top and it had reached a racing thud in her ears and her vision began to dim. She clutched at her chest with one hand and gripped the banister with the other.

“Celeste?” Nesta paused, her voice laced with concern as she gripped Celeste’s forearm in an attempt to steady her.  

“I’m ok. I just –” Inhaling deeply, Celeste tried to gather herself. One deep breath in and out had the blackness receding from the edges of her vision. The next and the thudding reduced to a light canter in her chest. “I think I just need to sit down. Help me to the study.”

“We have to head over to the River House,” Az’s voice carried through the entryway as he and Cassian filed out from the dining room. “We will –”

Just as her final footstep landed at the top of the stairs, Celeste felt a thrum of pain shoot through her, encompassing her head and zinging down her spine. She didn't even feel the clash of marble against her kneecaps as she slammed down and doubled over in pain with a yelp.

“Celeste!” The panic was immediate in Azriel’s voice as he leapt up the stairs, Cassian on his heels. Nesta was clinging onto her waist in an effort to keep Celeste from tumbling backwards down the staircase.

“I don’t know what happened.” Nesta’s voice wavered. “She was dizzy or something and then just collapsed.” 

“Celeste, sweetheart.” Landing onto his own knees in front of her, Azriel slid his hands to cradle her face. “Talk to me.” 

Celeste could hear the fear in his voice. She was trying to concentrate on the feel of his hands against her skin and suck in a deep breath before her own fear took over. She was willing herself to suck in a gasping inhale, feeling her chest heaving but no air moving as another thrum of pain clanged through her and with a rasping scream everything went black. 

Everything was happening out of order and flying by in quick succession as if the memories were a deck of cards being shuffled. The pain was too great to make sense of anything. Tyrik’s voice said words that were unintelligible. Her bloodied wings stretched out and nailed to the wall. The bobbing blue of the faelight. The searing pain was no longer just in her shoulders but it was everywhere, everywhere, everywhere. This time when she pushed herself off the floor there was no more pain, just black - and quiet. 

Celeste’s eyes slowly peeled open, her body felt as if it was weighed down. The waning evening light filtering into the room. A single tear slid down her cheek and into her ear, but that's the only thing she felt. Lying on her back she dully registered there was no pain in her shoulders but it felt as if she had been crying for days. Her head was pounding and the light hurt her eyes. As still as possible, she surveyed the room around her, one she did not recognize. This wasn’t the cold windowless room buried beneath the estate. A flare of panic rose in her chest knowing it must be fairly dire for her to be up here in one of the guest rooms.

I was caught. Again.

Celeste fought the urge to sob as the panic flared again and threatened to obliterate her stillness. One deep sly inhale through her nose and she mastered the emotion, shoving it down forcefully knowing that any impulsive reaction would only bring harsher punishments.

“Hey,” a whisper soft voice pulled her attention. “You gave us quite a scare.” 

The tow haired female was sitting elegantly to her left, leaned forward slightly, her face hopeful with a sad concern creasing her brow. Another striking female stood beside her, similar in look but with more rounded features, her hand clutching on the shoulder next to her. Although Celeste did not recognize them it didn’t scare her. She usually didn’t remember being seen by the healers, their faces all blending into a blur of the tragedies they are called to mend.

The sound of the healer’s voice triggered a movement that caught Celeste’s attention. A dark hulking pair of wings stirred from the back corner of the room, whipping around to reveal a severe face. The worry clearly written across it confused her.

He probably faces punishment if I die.

His long strides brought him to the foot of the bed in a heartbeat, scarred hands gripping the footboard and strange shadows hovering over his shoulders. A second male popped up from the seat he had been occupying during their conversation, broader in frame and even more imposing. Side by side, winged and staring down at her with bright hazel eyes.

Guards.

The word slammed into her thoughts, inciting that flare of fear once more. Their job to assure her cooperation no doubt, or to enact punishment on Tyrik’s behalf. Either way, Celeste’s outcome is not ideal. She didn’t recognize these males either, but their sheer size and muscular build tells her they are here for one thing. Brute strength.

Dread crested again, this time proving harder to push away, but she tried anyway knowing it could mean her survival. Tears fell steadily now and Celeste pushed herself to sit quickly, startling the faces surrounding her but needing to move her body to expend the jittery energy. 

“Celeste,” the scar handed male uttered gruffly. At the same time Celeste blurted out, “Is he here?” 

She hadn't spotted Tyrik’s face in the room. The question brought an even more tightened and confused look to that dark male’s face. Snapping her attention back to the healers, Celeste found their brows drawn in similar confusion. 

“Where is he?” She questioned them, no longer holding down the racing panic. “How mad is he? Please don’t put me back there.” Her voice wavering and reaching a crescendo of fear. 

The sitting healer jumped up from her seat, grabbing for Celeste’s hand. “No one is putting you anywhere, honey,” she said in a rush, her nimble fingers caressing Celeste’s hand in a grip. The words didn’t register, the fear of her mind having overridden every thought process other than her survival. 

“Nes, I don’t think–” the second healer started but her words were clipped off, startled by Celeste’s next move. 

With a quickness, she pulled herself into a kneel, the soft mattress giving way under her knees. Immediately noticing the sensation she expected was missing. The searing pain between her shoulders was gone but this realization only served as tinder to the fire of her panic.

“I won’t try again. I swear I’ll obey. I’ll do anything. Just please don’t take me back there.” Celeste was sobbing beyond control now, her hands grabbing at her face feeling for the raw wound, only to find smooth, raised skin where the weeks old slash should be. The confusion launched her into the height of panic and the next sob came out in more of a scream.

Now beside the bed, the scarred handed male reached out and attempted to grab her wrist. “Celeste–” his voice came out tight with worry. “Sweetheart.” 

Before she could even process his plea, another body rushed through the door. This male unwinged and with searing violet eyes. 

“What the–” Rhys started, but chaos erupted.

Feeling as if she was being cornered, Celeste screamed. A guttural, begging scream as she scrambled backwards, slamming her back into the headboard. Azriel’s extended arm, having just grabbed hold of Celeste’s wrist, was met with hot pain as she tore her nails down his forearm in long ripping gashes, her eyes feral like a wild animal.

Rhys swept in and herded Feyre and Nesta out of harm’s way just as Cassian swiftly wrapped his arms around Azriel from behind, pulling him back across the room over his roaring protests. In his own panic he clawed at Cas’s hold, the beading blood from his arm smearing brightly over them both.

“I know,” Cas whispered lowly in his ear. “I know.”

Celeste continued her wild pleading from the bed. “I won’t try again. Please, don’t let him kill me.”

Rhys turned his wild look towards Marin and Selah who had hurried in the room behind him as he continued to usher his mate and her sister towards the door. 

“Do something. Now.” Pure High Lord command in his voice.

Quickly assessing their patient's crouched form, Selah attempted to approach Celeste calmly, hands raised to show she wasn’t a threat. “Hey, it’s ok. Everything is ok.”

There’s no way out of this. I’ve injured a guard. I’ve tried to escape again. He will never trust me. He’s going to kill me.

Celeste’s mind snapped and in that instant she decided that she would rather die at the hands of a stranger than have Tyrik ever lay hands on her again. 

With surprising quickness, she launched herself from the bed and onto the body of the approaching healer. 

Selah went down with a startled yelp, head crashing into the floor with a thud. A wild scream tore from Celeste’s throat, sounding terrifyingly close to the cry of the wild cats that resided in the mountains outside the city. 

On instinct, Cassian released his wrapped hold on his brother, knowing that his urge to rush to her in this moment would be too strong even for him to hold back. Cas was strong, but not strong enough to keep his brother from his wife in this state for long. 

As his arms pulled back however, Az stumbled. Clutching his still bleeding arm, eyes glazed over, Cassian recognized the shock immediately. The split second decision was made as he rushed to Celeste and poor Selah, still trapped under her. 

From the doorway, Rhys’ own instincts jumped in. He swiftly took Cassian’s place, planting himself between Azriel and the action behind him while sending out a pulse of power around them both before Az could gather his bearings and join the charge. 

Cassian’s muscled arms attempted to repeat the hold around Celeste, but she was wild with fear, screaming and flailing out of his grasp. He didn’t want to hurt her, his heart was already in his throat at the idea that she was terrified of him. Instead, he grabbed at the shirt she had been changed into, slipping his arm through the slits at the back meant for Azriel’s wings, and hauled her still kicking onto the bed.

Silently, he thanked the Mother above that Marin was at the ready, poised for action. The needled vial slipped into Celeste’s shoulder before Cas even had time to hold her still. Her thrashing mellowed in just a breath, her wild heartbeat racing the sedative along her body. With a final sluggish kick of her feet and a heartbreaking whimper, she slid into drugged slumber. 

“So how much do we tell her?” Feyre asked from her seat by the fireplace, hands wringing in her lap. 

“First we need to know how much she remembers,” Rhys stated from next to her, hand placed comfortingly on her knee. “Then go from there.”

A wretched noise escaped Azriel’s throat, despite his attempt at suppressing it, his hands gripping the back of Nesta’s empty chair for dear life. Cassian sidled closer from his place next to him, tucking his own wings in tightly to make the move. He was careful not to tread on the edge of Az’s dragging wings and threw his arm over his brother's slumped shoulders. Az’s shadows briefly scattered before returning to envelope them both.

They had all gathered in the cozy living space of Az and Celeste’s townhouse, chairs cobbled together from the dining room and pushed into all the available space. The entire Inner Circle, minus Mor, and a few of the healers from the group Celeste managed.  After the panicked flurry of finding out something had happened to the alarming ordeal of Celeste waking up, they were all more than a little shell-shocked. 

“And how exactly do we do that? She woke up fighting like a caged animal.” Amren said flatly from her spot on the sofa. “Not exactly a good time to start peppering her with questions.”

A low attempt at a growl came from Azriel in warning. Cassian tightened his grip along his shoulders in a squeeze. Leaning into his side, he pressed his head into Az’s temple and whispered something softly to him. 

Feyre briefly noted what a sadly beautiful painting that snapshot in time would make but dismissed it quickly knowing no one would want to commemorate a time like this. 

Rhys had already given a severe violet look in Amren’s direction in a warning before continuing. “Well, we at least know where she thinks she is, so that gives us a start. We need to —”

“We need to convince her she is safe.” Nesta’s firm voice interrupted from the doorway, returning from her bedside vigil. “She needs to know she is safe before anything else.”

Azriel’s head snapped up upon hearing Nesta return. Catching his intense stare she added, “Selah is with her.” The comment meant only for him and his worry. She continued, addressing the rest of them. “She thinks she’s still back in Valhallan. We have to assure her she is safe, which means you can’t be there when she wakes up again.” She nodded toward Marin. 

During the chaos that ensued with Celeste’s wild panic, Marin had done the only thing she could think to do and sedated her. 

Marin nodded weakly back in acknowledgment. “I–I’m sorry,” she hiccupped. “I didn’t know wh–what else to do.” One of the other healers reached out and clasped Marin’s hand in her own.

“You did the sensible thing,” Amren stated matter of factly.

Rhys shot her another severe look before placating Marin. “Don’t be sorry. You didn’t want her hurting herself or anyone else further. There weren’t a lot of options at that moment.” 

“You can’t be there either,” Nesta indicated toward Rhys. “It’s obvious she thinks she’s still back there. She saw you and panicked and she will probably remember your face when she wakes again next time. She’s terrified of males in general right now.” Her last statement hung in the air hinting.

“I’m not leaving,” boomed Azriel. 

Nesta didn’t respond. She didn’t waver either. 

“I’m. Not. Leaving,” he exacted ominously, that calmly cruel mask slipping naturally into place.

Nesta again didn’t respond, instead she slipped her gaze to her clasped hands resting along the sofa back. She may not have had any qualms about pushing her own Illyrian’s boundaries and directing him around but she wasn’t stupid enough to voluntarily go toe to toe with the Shadowsinger. 

“I’ll stay with you,” Elain said as she turned from her seat on the sofa next to Amren to meet Nesta’s eye line. “We can wait together.” She suggested it as if there were no question that Nesta would be the one to be there when Celeste awoke again, because there was no doubt about it. 

“Me too,” Feyre volunteered, still twisting her hands in her lap. “But–what about another seizure? How can we be sure it won’t happen again?”

Another grieved sound escaped Azriel’s throat as his mind shuttered back to Celeste’s collapse on the stairs. Before she could say one word to him through her pain she had passed out, his hands barely catching her before her head could hit the marble. He had watched helplessly as her whole body had trembled and seized, Nesta stopping him before he could gather her in his arms with the command to not move her. It had felt like an eternity before Cassian could get the healers to their house. 

“We can’t,” the healer beside Marin piped up. “At least not until we can assess the situation better. She needs to be stable for that.”

Nesta drew in a deep breath and held it a moment to steady her own nerves. “Then we keep her calm. We make sure she knows that she is safe and keep her calm,” she took another steadying breath. “That’s all we can do right now.” 

“Alright,” Rhys said, reluctantly taking charge of the conversation. “Selah, Nesta, Elain and Feyre stay. Everyone else, we can reconvene later if needed.”

“Notify me of any news,” Amren stated as she rose to leave. “And Shadowsinger…” she looked toward Azriel, her usually stiff persona softening a touch before slowly adding, “We will get through this.”

The animosity from earlier melted as Az nodded at her, his face lined with grief.

As everyone filed out, Azriel ducked away from his brother's arm and dropped himself down in one of the now empty armchairs by the fireplace. Cassian remained standing, facing his brother from behind the other chair. 

Elbows on knees and gripping his face in his hands, Azriel whimpered out, “I knew it was worse than she said. I knew something was really wrong.”

“You couldn’t have predicted this.” Cassian offered consolingly. “You had no idea this would happen.”

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