#a court of frost and starlight

[leanmachine5]

𝑇𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑠ℎ ⋆.˚

[violetscar656]

"The unknown", Aftermath Part 3

Summary: Azriel is Nightcourt’s spymaster, brother to the High Lord and General, best friend to Y/N (Past + present)

Warnings: Mentions of blood, torture, and slight angst?

Author’s Note: Hello, I really had to get this outta my mind, every time I tried to write part 3 it was always in Azriel POV, and guys I REALLY TRIED  in Y/N Pov but my brain stopped braining, sooo, I hope you guys enjoy. Please read parts 1and 2 to Comments are open to any suggestions.

57 YEARS AGO

I entered the healing counters; all I knew was that Y/N had gotten hurt during her mission. I walk towards the chambers and see Madja working on her. I freeze near the doorway, a gaping hole on the right wing, wrists’ bloodied, face covered in blood and dirt. By the cauldron, the way she is injured I don’t think it’s others’ blood.

“You shouldn’t be here” Madja said “I need you to go, Azriel”

The healer looks towards me “Everyone else is down the hall, now go” She demanded

I obey, guilt and anger pumping through my veins, I turn towards the hall, I see everyone settled there, but my sole focus is on Rhys, he sent Y/N to this mission

I go straight up to him, grabbing his collar and slamming him to the wall, “WHY?” My voice was not that of a brother’s, it was of that of the spymaster, lethal and dangerous

Rhys saw the iciness on my face “It’s not what you think, brother- I just sent her to get an update”

Cassian pulls on my arm “What the hell is wrong with you?-Az look at me” I don’t, my gaze on Rhys anger getting the better of me

Cassian grabs my face “Look at me Az- we cannot get like this, for Y/N”

Yes that was true Y/N always hated it when we fought; she would jump right in between

“Spit out your anger and look at him, really look” Cassian demanded, and I let go of Rhys , I closed my eyes and took deep breaths

I look at Rhys his gaze on ground, “Brother” I say, guilt creeping up, silver-lined black-violet eyes met mine “It was just a regular update, it was not a mission” Rhys sits on the floor he combs his hair with his hand “I do know, who or what got her in this situation” His rasps,

Sound of clearing throat came, we all turned “I did the best as I could” Madja said gloomily “There was too much of blood loss” Her face full of remorse

“What do you mean Madja” Mor asked, in the haze of my anger, I didn’t even notice her

Madja's gaze travels to all of us “I found high amount of faebane in her system, which is stopping the healing process, an antidote is given, yes, but with the various injuries, it’s hard to say” She pauses, face of sorrow  “I have done the best as I can on the wing for now, it needs to heal before I do another procedure” She pauses again, as if  to contemplate how to tell the further news “I’m going to be honest, there is very little hope”

Silence

“W-what?” Amren said voice stunned

Cassian curses, “Is there anything we can do, ANYTHING?”

“For Y/N?” Madja answers “Have faith that she’ll make it through” Her expression turns grim “Though I suggest to prepare yourselves for the worst, not many have come back from this situation we have”

---

“I am going to kill them all” Rhys growls

I finally speak up “What are we waiting for?” My voice horse, we came back to the town house when the high healer practically kicked us out, all except Mor

“Rhysand” Amren voiced, she is the only one that seems to be in her senses me and my brothers are ready to kill every Illyrian if that what it takes, “Killing the misogynist bats does seem fun, do not get me wrong, but you are their high lord not just a brother” Amren reminds Rhys with a rare gentle tone

“We try to respect them, hell, even go out of our way to get things changed there. But if this is how they treat our sister, they can all lie waste” Cassian replied to Amren

I furrow my eyebrows at, our sister comment; but no matter how much I want to deny it, killing Illyrians will get us nowhere. Nuala and Cerridwen reported to me that one of the young soldiers in training and a female, is the one who found her and got her to the camp.

We sit in silence for a while, “I’m going to her” I said, not able to stand being away

“Mor is already there, and if you leave shadowsinger, these 2 will follow” Amren put me in my place

--

It’s been four days since she is unconscious, Madja was able to repair her wing, and most of her wounds are healed, it is just a matter of time now. All of us decided not to take any action, at least not until Y/N is awake; she will be wake up.  I look at the night sky, wondering if the Mother or the Gods, whoever is watching over, are laughing at my situation right now.

--

I was caught of guard and pinned to the ground, “F-fuck” I grunt

“You're not yourself, brother” Rhys said, moving himself from me. We decided to spar, to get our minds at least a bit normal

I hear a whistle “If Rhysie could beat you then- yeah you truly aren’t” Cassian told from a distance

It’s been 7 days now, Y/N hasn’t woken up yet. I close my eyes, not giving in to the fear of her leaving us. These 7 days have been the longest days in my existence ever since the war.

I get up “Well, yeah” I tell them, dusting off myself

Ten days passed by, we were all sitting in the Town House living room, Mor not present when -

“Awake, Awake” My shadows basically shout, the glass in my hand slips, and all of them look at me

I finally take a real breath “S-she is awake,” My voice almost trembling

---

Present

I stand leaning on the wall of the Town House living room, seeing the madness before me-

“What do you mean it is not an option?” Y/N practically screams

Rhys seems to be on the edge to explode “It means that I won’t take the risk-

“But I'm saying it as a back-up option” Y/N cuts him off  

This female just offered herself as bait to catch those males, knowing that it could risk her life. In the past, she barely came back alive. Does she have any limit for her self-sacrifice? How do I explain this urge to just hold on to her? Maybe it’s because she was the only one who understood me.

I was sitting by the Sidra drinking my guilt and pain. Rhys' message about Amarantha’s plan got to us a couple of hours ago

“That won’t work- well at least alone” Y/N says, sitting next to me, and gestures towards the bottle; I give it to her

“He did what he thought was right” She takes a sip “Doesn’t make it right for us, though” I just stare at her, she stares right back, she signs “Brood all you want with your usual Azriel expressions, tell me when you are ready”

My brows furrowed “Usual Azriel Expression?” She snorts

“You know face unreadable, but eyes telling everything.” She pauses “Others might not get it Az, but your eyes don’t lie to me”

“Rhysand” Amren’s voice drags me from the memory “It can be considered as an option”-  “Granted it is a deadly and somewhat idiotic one, but it will work”, that from Amren. Why am I not surprised  

I don’t bother to even look at her, I simply look at Y/N, trying to figure out why she even thought of this. The last time her condition was – I don’t want to go there, it felt like the lowest point in my 500 years

“What I don’t get is how your spies did not get this information, shadowsinger?” Amren asks

I slowly turn my gaze away from Y/N and look at Amren “Their hideouts are mostly deep in the forest and mountains which line the borders, it's nearly inhabitable surroundings”

I pause, “What the females told, is the truth, the randomness of the deaths made it hard to notice” – “It also stopped for a couple of years, it coincidentally is after Y/N’s escape” I declare

“Maybe when Amarantha had the entire Prythian under her command, it had to stop? Feyre says

“In that time, there were significantly fewer killings, and none near Windhaven” I reply

Rhysand had updated Feyre and Mor on the situation; by the look I saw on Feyre’s face in the morning, it seemed that he even told the aftermath of the kidnapping; Y/N’s nightmares, though I don’t think he told them that

We start to discuss tactics, knowing we need more information. I got locations of a couple of hideouts, but not much. Whoever these males were, they covered their tracks, well, almost. A good number of my spies are now located in the borders of every camp, it’s just a game of waiting now.

---

“She won't budge” Mor said “She is convinced that after we get the information, her plan will work, and I think- I can understand her” My jaw ticks

“No” I said in a voice that doesn’t feel like mine. Mor looks at me, confused

I clear my throat “I think Rhys rubbed off the self-sacrificing bullshit on her” Mor sorts

“Az, you seemed intense, more than usual during the meeting” She states

How do I explain it to Mor of all people, hell I don’t even have it figured out. But seeing Y/N yesterday it - I am not sure if I see her the same way she sees me. I never saw her as a sister, my best friend, yes, but there is this other feeling, something that formed in those days she was unconscious 50 years ago. I can't even think about it, my brothers see her as their sister, and vice versa, so why should I be any different to her

“Az?” I hear Mor’s voice and blink

“Were you saying something?” I ask

“Yeah?” She exclaims, “I was telling you that this mission seems more important”

I look down and shake my head, I can't tell her the whole truth, so I go with “She is my best friend Mor” My voice a little hoarse; Mor gapes, I look at her, “What?” I ask her, confused

She tilts her head up “Nothing” She chuckles, looking at me like she didn’t before, grins and leaves ..That was- well odd

---

The border between IronCrest and CrimsonStone camps, the latter being the deadliest camp; that’s where we were; “We” because once I got the information that the majority of the killings are between these camps, Y/N demanded to come along no matter what.

“We need to take cover there” I say, pointing out to the cave in the middle of the mountain

Y/N nods, and we head there. I send my shadows in every direction to check for any activity. These mountains and forests are basically for wildlife.

We sit trying to warm up, knowing better than to start a fire. I notice Y/N trembling with cold, I sit next to her, and hold her, her hazel-green eyes widen

“Body heat” That’s all I say

 “Thank you” she replies, leaning into me

A couple of minutes pass by in silence, I break it “I’m with Rhys on the plan you suggested”

She snorts “Well I got that figured out, by the way you're mother-henning me”

“What?” I look at her, assumed, she furrows her brows “You're barely leaving my side, we are not splitting directions and searching like on previous missions” She gives me a knowing look

“Aand you have the -I need to be serious but I'm worried as hell look -” She whispers, shouts

I gaped at her, I didn’t even realise I was doing all those things

She narrows her eyes “I refuse not to be involved, just because of what happened”

“If holding you back means that you won't sacrifice yourself, then fine, I’ll gladly be the bad guy” I reply to her, my voice gentler than I thought

I sense my shadows coming back “We found something” they whisper, “It is not far”

“We need to go” I tell Y/N

--

We go near the forest grounds along the CrimsonStone camp, high trees and every suspicious pattern of leaves on the ground, it is like someone placed it there. 

“I’ll move it”, Y/N heads forward “No” I stop her, “It can be a trap”

I use my shadows to move the leaves, and there we see it, nearly camouflaged into the ground, a door. I look at Y/N, silent words exchanged between us, it’s time to uncover this

--

We go down the narrow stairs, my shadows already informing me they have a captive,

“There, there, now before the inevitable, let us have some fun” a male voice said, and  another voice laughed

“No please no” a female voice cried out. I look at Y/N, her face pale

I nod to her, and we charge further inside. I knock down the male with ease, and look towards Y/N, who successfully put down the other male. And together we start rescuing the female

“Shh shh, it’s ok, we are here to save you” I hear Y/N comforting the female

“We need to be quick” I pause “We need to make sure she is safe” I look at the males “I need them for questioning”

“We need to get her to safety first” Y/N tells me, I nod

--

“You are just a bastard nobody, and you always will be that” one of the males hissed at me.

I bought them in the Night Court’s prison, the only reason they survive is for questioning, “No, little boy, you need to play nice” I unsheathe truth-teller, and point it at the ear of the second male

“You look more intelligent than your friend” My voice ice “Who are you?” I dangle my dagger near his eye “Since when is this going?”

“I-I will tell you,” The second male says, terrified to the core “Shut your dam mouth” the first one said, I don’t bother with threats. I aim and through, truth-teller right in the eye of the stupid male, and he screams in pain

The smell of piss hits me “Now you can be clever and speak or stupid” – “Well you just got an example of what happens when you are stupid” I say to the second male

“I-it’s all male” the first one says “Males who do not believe in what your High Lord is implementing” he gulps “We do not have any regret; females were always beneath” The tone in which he says it wants me to kill this bastard right here.

“How many of you are there?” I ask with calm

“There is no specific number, at least not that I know off” he looks towards the other male “He knows more than I, he has been in this longer”

I stroll towards the first male, one side of his face dripping blood. I take out a bottle from my pocket “This is a pain killer” I show the bottle “You want this, then you tell me, or-“ I give him the spymaster smile, which promises slow death

“Nn-never” He spits out “Well I guess your going to be stupid then” I say, voice laced with venom

--

I flew to the Town House, the information I got about the camps involved and the reasoning was just barbaric

I knock on the door “Brother” and enter Rhysand's office

“Az” Rhys says, Cassian stops his pacing, at looks at me, to my surprise, Feyre is sitting on one of the chairs

“Feyre, Cass” I look towards both of them, and give a nod to Rhys, opening my mental shields, I allow Rhys to look at what happened. Feyre gasps, and by the reaction Cassian has, they know it too  

“What the actual fuck?” Cassian exclaims

Feyre stands up and walks towards Rhys side, they both look at each other. The former’s face filled with anger and worry

 “Rhys, I want you to look into their minds” I say

He nods, “I will”

“Y/N needs to know this, and you 3 know this fact very well” Feyre declares, and we all look at her; she looks towards me “You should tell it to her, Az”

“No, no, I think Cassian can handle her better” I reply not trusting myself on how I’ll act in front of her

“Oh you Illyrian baby, grow up, you have to tell her, and that’s an order” She says with the High Lady voice  

I get up “You know,sometimes I hate you guys” I tease and leave

--

I walk into the library in House of Wind, searching for Y/N, I stop by the table

“She is at the 4th level” Clotho writes

“Thank you” I tell her, “She is not looking good, Lord Azriel” I take an audible breath

“It’s just Azriel, Clotho, and I know, I’ll try”

“This library has been like a sanctuary for females who have seen terrible things, make sure Y/N doesn’t need more reasons to be here” Clotho warns me

With that in mind, I go the 4th level

My shadows reached her before I did, Y/n just smiled at them, her eyes looked so sad

“Care for company?” I ask her

“Az” a sad smile lines her face “Will it be rude if I say no?”

I look at her “If you don’t want me here, I’ll go- but I came here to tell you what happened”

She whips her head towards me, mouth half open

I side smile “Don’t be surprised, it was Feyre who ordered me to tell you”

Y/N’s eyes go soft, I sit next to her on the table “They are males who think females are beneath them, and they do not agree with Rhysand’s rules about training the females and not clipping them”

She look at me “And?” she asks, I look down, not able to meet her gaze “And nothing else” I say in a low voice

“I know it is more than horrific” – “But, Rhysand is going to look in their minds” I look at Y/N, I see her face, pale and in shock, I look in her eyes and see horror and what is that shame?

I hold her hand “Tell me something, anything, dove”

She tightens the grip “I need them dead Az” she tells “The male with green siphons, he was there 50 years ago, I didn’t forget his voice” She pauses, her eyes bore into mine “I will kill him”

Stunned I say “Y/n, I promise you” I hold her face “You will kill him”

--

Screams of agony and pain fill the chamber. “What is it?” I ask venom in my voice

“This is what you did to the females, didn’t you?” I slice near the talon of the stupid male's wing “Torture them, while they are helpless” I cut near the main membrane “Cut their wings off”-

“Please, please, I’ll give you any information, all of it” he breathes heavily “Please stop this madness”

“So you do believe that it is madness” Rhysand’s voice echoes as he walks inside

“What pray tell is this Az?” – “Why are these sorry pieces of males still with limbs?” Rhys’s voice is lethally calm

I just smirk, Rhys goes silent, and the sobs of the males stop, he is in their minds, few heartbeats later

“You are pathetic” Rhys says, disgust on this face “We are done” – “Get in here”

I turn my head and see Y/N walking in her face ice, but resolve and rage in her eyes

She kicks the male “Do you remember me?” –

She huffs, “I’m the prize who got away from you” She pulls out a dagger, I stop her and give her truth-teller, silent words exchange between us two

“This is what you pitiful males will see last” – “An Illyrian female with wings, who will end your life” she smiles, showing them her inner monster “Some people do not deserve a quick death”; and then two swift moves, and both males' throats gush with blood

--

I walk towards the balcony “Here” Y/N turns and takes the glass I offered

I look at her intently, “We just won a battle” she says, looking at the sky “Not the war”

“We will destroy them” I tell her, “Thank you” She says “Thank you, for letting me end them”

I smirk, “Anytime” I keep my now-empty glass on the table and stand in silence next to her, feeling the chill night wind

“You know” Y/N breaks the silence “I feel lucky to have this family, to have a best friend like you, who always got my back” She looks at me

I stare at her, surprised by the words I heard. In that moment, I just smile Best friend, not brother. Y/N places her head on my shoulder,and we just stand there, in silence, and a feeling of peace fills me

“We need to discuss what happens next” She says,

“And we will” I tell her, “But not now, right now we give ourselves time” I look at her and smile “Y/N- I hesitate for a bit “You are my best friend too”

--

You walk towards your bedroom, Azriel just called me his best friend, not sister, and he gave me truth-teller, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. You enter your bedroom and sit by the dresser, I called him my best friend. You look in the mirror. Later, after this mission, if I survive, I’ll tell him, later.

Note: Please dont hate meee, this is my first time writing male POV, and well, Az is stupid, I know, sorry for that. We still love him.

My taglist <3: @the-onlyy-angie @lreadsstuff @xadenswhore @willowpains @secretsicanthideanymore @a-chegwidden

[jacksdreams]

Fate is a hungry, lonely girl hunting in the middle of the winter forest, eye-to-eye with a wolf. Fate is a song slipping into a cell deep under a mountain. Fate is a little boy with blue eyes in a prison. Fate is the tug of a bond that connects two souls, and the promise of forever.

art by olivia.rose.james

[findmeinvelaris]

Rhysand was the one who screamed for Feyre. Rhysand was the one who started fighting Amarantha. Tamlin sat by until his supposed beloved was already dead. Tamlin didn’t fight for her until he realized something that brought good to his life was gone. He killed Amarantha, but only when his possession was no longer in the picture.

[booklover41802]

The Fox and The Fawn

Summary: When Elain Archeron begins to have visions of Lucien, she sees a side of him that was unbeknownst to her before. Slowly, she starts to gain an understanding of the male who is her mate, and she wants to do something special for him. With his birthday on the Summer Solstice fast approaching, Elain organizes a surprise party for Lucien. When they lay eyes on each other at the party, Elain starts to recognize that her future may not look like what she once thought but knows that she wants him in it.

Word Count: 8,356

It had begun when Elain started having visions of Lucien with the Band of Exiles, laughing, joking, and seemingly so… human. Perhaps what she craved after everything was her humanity. As a fae, and the sister of the High Lady of the Night Court, anything she could ever want was at her fingertips. 

Except mortality. 

Her human heart had started to freeze with the stretch of an immortal lifespan looming over her. The one thing she could trace back to her roots now too was unfamiliar to her.

As unfamiliar as her mate, whom Elain had pushed away at every opportunity, frightened of what it would mean to say yes to him, to give away the last piece of her humanity to the otherworldly faerie. But now… she saw something in him that she couldn’t see in herself. Perhaps it was the influence of Jurian who had softened the hard edges or Vassa, a fiery Queen who matched Lucien’s passion.

Sometimes her visions were just flashes of Lucien’s red hair, other times she saw him gazing at a bed of roses–her favorite flower. But there were moments she glimpsed his private life with his Band of Exiles. Whether it was Jurian bringing Lucien a cup of coffee, or Vassa teasing him, those were the times he looked most content. Oftentimes these visions came to her while she slept and when she woke in the morning, she’d reach over to the other side of the bed, half expecting him to be beside her, only for her fingers to meet a cold bedsheet.

Elain ignored the twinge of jealousy as she imagined Lucien and Vassa together. 

Out of curiosity, she had tugged ever so slightly on their bond. Nothing. No answer returned her tug. 

Sighing, Elain lowered her teacup, resting it in her lap, and directed her gaze to the garden. Of course she couldn’t expect him to answer, not when she’d pushed him away at every opportunity and he waited for her for so long. He’d been kind and she’d been passively cruel. She might have continued this charade if it hadn’t been for Nesta, and reflecting upon what had been done to her.

The Inner Circle had demanded she accept her mating bond with Cassian and though they never pushed Elain to accept hers, she worried upon her fate. Then, she thought about the injustice of it all and wanted to make her own choice. Lucien was kind, gentle, and most of all: patient. His patience with her when Elain had been nothing but a ghost. His patience with her on the Winter Solstice…

Then, almost as if in hesitation, she felt a small tug in bond. Elain startled, spilling tea onto her dress. Despite the mess she’d made, she couldn’t help the glow of eagerness steadily growing in her chest.

The napkin did little for her stain, so she set it aside and waited for Nesta to return from her search for a book. Elain spent most of her days in the library because they had the best view of the gardens. And she knew that Nesta also preferred the quiet here, over the other rooms in the House of Wind. Best of all, no one bothered them here.

The two of them had formed a tentative camaraderie of sorts in the wake of the Blood Rite. They didn’t ask each other questions they didn’t want answered nor did they speak of their mates. It was if they knew in the silence they could simply be. They didn’t have to be what anybody wanted them to be, they were sisters and that was enough.

As she sat and waited, she felt hollow from her most recent vision she’d had that night. Peering between the folds of the Cauldron, she let herself remember as she lifted a teacup to her lips. Lucien’s shining hair and russet eye almost seeming to glow as he sat in the parlor of his manor, drinking a cup of coffee, seemingly so mundane. Even Vassa, in all her beauty, had paled in comparison to the male. 

Her male.

Each time the Cauldron gave her a vision, she felt it wake from slumber and look at her. When the Cauldron looked at her, she felt invisible vines creeping over her arms, tightening ever so slightly. Elain hadn’t told anyone of these visions yet, but she worried they would consume her one day until she was swallowed whole.

Though perhaps if she glimpsed Lucien one more time, it wouldn’t be so bad to be devoured.

“I found a book for you as well, Elain,” Nesta said as she came around the corner, holding two thick tomes in her hand. 

Nesta handed Elain a dusty book entitled A Gardener’s Guide to Growing Greens. “Thank you,” she answered quietly, running her hand over the cover and flipping open the book to the table of contents. The first flower her eyes snagged on was foxglove. 

Foxes. Lucien. Would Lucien like it if she grew flowers that reminded her of him? Then again, Vassa could probably give him more than Elain ever could.

Nesta raised a brow at her as Elain shut the book harder than she meant to. “You don’t have to read it. I just thought you might enjoy the book.”

“I have interests outside of flowers, you know,” Elain said sharply. Too sharp. She was the quiet sister, the one who didn’t snap, and remained peaceful. She didn’t raise her voice.

To her surprise, Nesta let out a quiet chuckle. “I wondered when you’d show your fangs. So, tell me, what other hobbies do you enjoy outside of gardening?” Nesta intently peered at her, genuinely interested in who Elain was outside of flowers.

“I like embroidery, baking, and…” she hesitated, almost embarrassed to share with her sister. But Nesta was so earnest in her desire to learn more. “Poetry.” Elain looked down in her lap, toying with a thread on her dress, waiting for the ridicule that would accompany her words. Graysen had always teased her about it. Had always said it wasn’t befitting of a noble lady.

“Then I shall be sure to find you a book on poetry next time I go to the bookstore. Would you like to come with me?”

There was no ridicule, no sneer, no jeering at her expense. No, Nesta had offered her a hand instead. Something she had never done for her when she needed it. Guilt chipped away at her heart as if someone had taken a chisel to it and was slowly taking chunks out, bit by bit. 

Elain flicked her gaze up to meet her sister’s steady, blue-gray eyes. “Yes, I would like that,” she murmured quietly.

Nesta nodded and sat down in a plush armchair to read her own book. Elain caught a glimpse of the title and blushed fiercely. Though she didn’t say anything, Elain caught the smirk on Nesta’s face.

Elain instead focused once more on the gardens, tapping her fingers against the armrest of the chair. She didn’t know why she couldn’t get Lucien off her mind as of late. For a while, Azriel had lingered in her thoughts, but now… she saw how the shadowsinger looked at Gwyn, how his shadows played with her. She wasn’t disappointed his attention had moved elsewhere. It was a moment or two there, nothing to base a relationship around.

But Elain didn’t want Lucien to feel as though she’d chosen him just because she couldn’t have Azriel. What could she do for him? She couldn’t very well find Vassa or Jurian to inquire into Lucien.

Maybe she could bake something for him…

Then it struck her. Feyre. Feyre was once well acquainted with him.

Excusing herself, Elain rose out of her chair, taking care to bring the book Nesta had brought her, and began the search for her sister. These days, Feyre was often at her house down by the river taking care of Nyx. She hoped that Feyre wasn’t too busy to spare a few moments to answer her questions. 

As she stepped over the threshold of the door to exit the House of Wind, she heard the faint rustle of wings behind her, but she didn’t turn around. Not as she might once have. Instead, Elain continued forward with her head held high to find out what Lucien liked. This was something she needed to do for herself and for Lucien. She owed it to him after all he’d done for her.

A footstep behind her. Then another. Elain ignored it and let the door shut behind her. Let all of the things that had been left unsaid seal away in the frame of the door. The House of Wind demanded something of her, expected her to fit in, but it had never truly been home to her, even with all of its gardens. The expectation of who she should be, and who she wanted to be, didn’t fit in with Feyre’s idea of a perfect family.

Even so, as she walked through Velaris, the quiet of the city was alluring in all its beauty. From the sea lapping against the shore, the quiet chatter of the residents, and the general bustle of the city, lulled her into a sense of safety. Though Elain knew it was a lovely place to live, she had never truly felt at home in this place that was sealed away from the world. She was at peace, but she wasn’t happy. She was a child of the sun, not of the night.

Her thoughts returned once more to Lucien, who always seemed to carry a piece of sunshine with him wherever he went. Even in the dark, light emanated from him. It was unlike Azriel, whom the shadows clung to, and that was not the sort of life she wanted for herself.

“Elain?” she heard Feyre call. “What are you doing here?”

Elain jerked her head up, unaware her feet had carried her to the river house already, too lost in her thoughts. Feyre stood in the frame of the door; Nyx balanced on one hip as she rocked her body back and forth.

“Oh, I just came to see you and to… ask you about Lucien.” Elain felt her cheeks warm at her request. It wasn’t unusual for one to be curious about their mate, but she knew it sounded odd coming from her. She knew how they whispered about her when they thought she wasn’t listening. The pity they expressed for the male who loved with his heart on his sleeve, only to face rejection again and again.

Feyre’s face split into a grin and opened the door wider. “Sure! Nyx will go down for his nap soon so we can chat once he’s asleep. There’s some cookies and tea on the stove if you want anything while you wait.”

Elain entered the home behind Feyre, her eyes taking in all the paintings that adorned the home. Her eyes snagged on the most recent addition to the collection. Nesta, proud and regal in Illyiran leathers, stood beside Cassian with the Dread Trove. Lady Death.

She couldn’t help but feel a pang for what the Inner Circle had turned Nesta into. Her sister never wanted to be a warrior, and yet, it was demanded of her, as if there was no other sort of strength. Elain turned away and wandered into the kitchen for the treats Feyre had mentioned.

In another room, she heard Nyx cooing and Feyre soothing him to sleep. Elain often wondered if she was too distant with her nephew, if there was more she could do to bond with him. Still, when they were in the same room, she found it hard to connect with him, as if she was missing a maternal instinct. Perhaps it was also that she never felt solid enough, like her feet weren’t touching the ground, and everything was a dream. This… nothingness had clung to her like a second skin after she had been turned to fae. For a while, it consumed her, and some days, she felt as if she were teetering on the edge.

Sometimes she felt as if she didn’t deserve a connection with the innocence of her nephew when she had blood on her hands. If she squinted hard enough, she could almost imagine it was dripping off her fingertips.

She did not deserve the comfort of family.

“Nyx is asleep if you want to come into the living room,” Feyre said, coming up behind her, and pouring herself a cup of tea.

It was enough to snap Elain out of her reverie. She realized she’d been standing stone-still in the kitchen, grasping a cookie in her hands. Elain nodded and followed Feyre out of the kitchen, pretending she couldn’t hear a faint drip, drip, drip , from the imagined blood of the King of Hybern.

The pair of them settled into plush couches that Elain felt as if she was practically sinking into. Scattered around the living room were Nyx’s toys that seemed to increase in size every time she visited. His uncles and aunts were generous with their gifts.

Elain fidgeted with her hands, nervous now that she was face-to-face with Feyre, and worried what her sister must think of her. All of the questions she wanted to ask felt stuck in her throat, as if they glued in her esophagus.

As Feyre raised her teacup to her lips, she peered at Elain over the rim. “What was it you wanted to ask?” she asked, taking a sip of a hibiscus blend Elain knew she favored.

Elain swallowed once, her gaze falling to her lap. “Well… I wanted to do something for Lucien, but I realized that I don’t know anything about him. Which I know is my own fault but...” she replied quickly, her words jumbling together as she trailed off, unsure exactly what to ask.

Feyre only gave her a soft smile, ever the image of a perfect sister. “It has been some time since Lucien and I were close, but his tastes haven’t changed. He has a bit of a sweet tooth, though he tries to deny it. I remember seeing him sneak into the kitchen on more than one occasion back at the…” The smile slipped off her face as her eyes turned shadowed at the thought of the court that held an array of bad memories.

“Do you know the sorts of baked goods he liked?” Elain asked, hoping to direct the conversation away from Feyre’s past.

Feyre plastered a smile back on her face, but it didn’t contain the same ease as it did before. “Why don’t you keep it simple with chocolate chip cookies? But just so you know, giving your mate food is a sign you’ve accepted the mating bond. Are you planning to accept it?”

“I… I’m not sure. But I do know that I want to get to know him.” Elain hadn’t known what it meant to accept the bond. The topic was tossed around so casually that no one had bothered to explain what it would mean to accept it. Would Lucien even want the bond after repeated passive rejection?

“Why don’t you get him a book on poetry? I recall that he liked to read and write it, though he was always shy about sharing it. There are plenty of bookshops in Velaris to find him a good gift. Oh!” Feyre’s eyes were suddenly aglow as she bounced excitedly in her seat. “His birthday is the Summer Solstice and it’s coming up soon.”

That’s right. Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, was approaching in a matter of days. It seemed so perfect that Lucien had been born that day, and that they both were interested in poetry. “Could we have a party for him?” Elain asked softly, running her fingers across the fabric of her dress.

“I think that’s a lovely idea, Elain. I’ll get to planning-”

“No,” Elain said firmly. “I want to plan his party. I enjoy planning events. And… I want it to be a surprise party. Does he like surprises?”

Feyre blinked at her, her teacup raised halfway to her mouth, before deciding to set it aside. “I don’t think he dislikes them. Are you sure-”

“Yes,” she answered quickly. Too eagerly. “I want to do this for him after all he’s done for me. I need to do this.”

Feyre studied her for a few moments and in the beats of silence, the tick of the clock on the wall felt like a countdown to her doom. Would she agree? Would Lucien even want something like this from her? What if he turned away? What if-

“Okay,” Feyre said, nodding her head slightly. “I’ll send out the invitations and make sure Lucien will come to Velaris. And then you’ll-”

Elain sprung to her feet, eager to get started on planning. “Yes, I’ll do the rest of the planning, don’t worry!” Elain rushed out the door, barely sparing a glance as she hurried past Feyre. On the threshold of the door, she turned back. “Thank you, Feyre, for your help.” She shut the door behind her carefully, making sure it was quiet enough to not wake Nyx.

She knew Feyre was bewildered at her actions, but she couldn’t find it in herself to care. She wanted her mate to feel appreciated and now she had a plan of action to do just that. The sun was starting to dip below the horizon in the late afternoon. Elain shivered from the breeze of the sea dancing across her skin. She’d left in such a rush, she’d forgotten to grab something to cover her arms. Thankfully, the warmth of the summer air balanced it out.

Elain began to make her way to the nearest bookstore with a spring in her step. Humming softly under her breath, she felt a sense of purpose for the first time in a long time. Although the leisure was nice, the days felt monotonous, blurring together in a hazy fog. She hadn’t felt something real in a long time.

A little voice whispered in mind that Lucien was real. That he had brought her back from the brink of nothingness when no one else had.

For once, she didn’t clamp down on those thoughts and lock them away somewhere. She embraced it, finally ready to explore the bond. It wasn’t always what she had in mind for her future, but regardless of what the Mother said, it would be Elain’s choice, not some unseen cosmic force that would decide her future.

Elain’s feet carried her across the cobbled streets until she stood before a tiny bookstore squished between buildings. She wouldn’t have known it was here, if it weren’t for Nesta’s penchant for seeking out the stores that almost seemed forgotten by the bustling city. A tiny sign that was practically invisible read: Starlight Books .

This was it. This was the place. Suddenly nervous, Elain bit her lip as she stepped into the store, instantly greeted with the familiar smell of leather-bound books with the faintest undertones of cedar. A little bell chimed as she entered.

“Hello, welcome to Starlight Books. My name is Beau and if you need help finding anything, please don’t hesitate to ask,” Beau chirped behind the counter. He had rounded glasses, an oversized cardigan, and long, wavy brown hair that reached his waist. He looked exactly like a librarian.

Before she answered his request, she pondered that she didn’t know exactly what sort of poetry books Lucien would like to read. Elain had left Feyre’s so quickly that she hadn’t thought to ask the specifics. She felt her cheeks warm ever so slightly at her error.

“Well…I’m buying a gift for a…,” Elain hesitated, not quite sure what she and Lucien were. “A friend,” she finally said, deciding on something neutral. “And I know he likes poetry books, but I confess I don’t know where to start.”

Beau nodded contemplatively. “We might be a small store, but we have books on nearly any subject, and anything we don’t, we keep hidden in a pocket of space for easy storage.” Beau winked at her and Elain couldn’t tell if he was being serious.

Elain gave him a quick smile and turned her attention to the shelves. Based on what she knew of him; she crossed out several options. She didn’t think he’d want sappy poems nor melancholy poems. Although… maybe he would? She didn’t even know him. Oh, why did she think it would be a good idea to buy him a gift without ever having a proper conversation with him, and instead relying on Feyre’s limited knowledge? Mother help her.

Beau noticed she was struggling and came out from behind the counter. Standing next to her he reached up to grab a book entitled The Horror and The Wild . “This book of poems is from one of my favorite poets of this age. The author is a former soldier, and beautifully alludes to culture, mythology, religion, and history. He can get a little wordy at times, but if your friend is an experienced reader of poetry, this would be a good fit for something unique.”

Elain took the book from him, running her fingers down the golden script. It was simply bound in leather, but from the feel of it, it was well crafted and well loved. For a moment, Elain allowed herself a fantasy of Lucien reading the poems aloud to her as they sat beside a crackling fire, hands clasped together. But she was getting ahead of herself. It was just a book. And right now, they only had mere embers of a relationship.

“I’ll take it.” Elain nodded fervently, clutching the book close to her chest.

“Wonderful! I’m so pleased you like my recommendation.” Beau continued to chatter on as he rang her up, but Elain was focused on the book in her hands. A tiny speck of light formed in her chest at the surprise on Lucien’s face when he would get the book. She hoped the topic would be something he liked.

Elain exited the store, thanking Beau as she left, happier than she had felt in a long time. There was a slight skip in her step as she made her way back to the House of Wind.

The next few days were a whirlwind of planning. Everything from the food, the decorations and the invites were taken care of. All she had wanted Feyre to do was invite Lucien. It would seem more natural for Feyre to request his presence over Elain sending him a letter. Elain had made Feyre write and rewrite the letter multiple times before giving her approval to send it out in the mail.

By the time the Summer Solstice rolled around, Elain was exhausted from the planning she had done for Lucien’s party. But everything was done and perfect. With Nesta’s help, the pair of them had decorated the House of the Wind to be reminiscent of the woods of the Autumn Court. The color scheme was a latticework of vibrant reds, golds, browns, and greens. As a last-minute addition, Elain also made tiny flames she put on the fireplace as a nod to his power. She’d even made sure to wear the pearl earrings he had gifted her for the Winter Solstice.

Everything was complete. Now all they needed was-

“Feyre, what was it that was so urgent you needed me to come here on my birthday?” Lucien’s voice rang out from the foyer of the House.

Elain gestured to the Inner Circle and Nesta to get into position. She had also requested that the Band of Exiles be invited secretly too. Vassa and Jurian had happily agreed to come to celebrate Lucien’s birthday. Everyone crouched down behind the furniture. Cassian cursed softly as someone stepped on his foot. 

“Shhh,” Elain warned before she ducked down too. Her heartbeat felt as if it was going to beat out of her chest, each thrum knocking against her bones.

“Well, I wanted to give you your present, of course,” Feyre trilled, trying-and failing-to sound casual.

“Feyre-” Lucien started, suspicion lacing his words.

He stepped into the living room then and they all jumped up and shouted, “Surprise! Happy birthday, Lucien,” everyone repeated in unison. Cassian shot confetti out of a tube, releasing little bits of red and gold paper to explode throughout the room. Elain didn’t know where he found it.

Lucien was flabbergasted in the doorway, his mouth agape slightly before a smile burst forth on his face, as brilliant as the sun. “Is this all for me?” His gaze searched the room, noting the color scheme, before it landed on the tiny flames. “I-I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless.”

Jurian came around the furniture and clapped a hand on Lucien’s shoulder. “That’s a first from you. Happy birthday, Lucien.”

Lucien leaned forward and embraced the male in a hug. “Thank you, this is all so wonderful.”

“Don’t thank me, thank Elain. She’s the one that organized the party.”

Lucien’s russet eye swiveled to her then. Immediately, his gaze dipped to the earrings she wore. A mix of emotions crossed his face, and Elain wasn’t sure what they were. Was he pleased? Would he have rather had a party thrown by Jurian and Vassa? She looked down, picking at the skin around her nail beds.

Maybe it was all just a foolish idea.

Maybe-

Suddenly, Lucien’s boots were in front of her. “Elain,” Lucien said softly. She saw his fingers twitch slightly, as if he was going to grab her hand, but decided against it. “Did you organize all of this for me?”

Elain slowly lifted her head to meet his gaze. Up close, Lucien’s face held a certain softness with a slight hesitancy, as if he didn’t want to hope for too much. His golden eye whirred while his russet eye steadily looked at her. This was what she wanted. The steadiest she always found within him.

“Yes, I did,” she answered just as softly. 

Although the room was filled with people, all she could see was Lucien. Lucien, dressed not in Night Court black, but instead, he chose a white long sleeve shirt overlaid with a bright green vest that had been stitched with gold leaves and vines. And no matter where he went, he always wore knee high black boots, scuffed slightly from use. His red hair he’d also pulled back in a ponytail with tiny braids on the side.

Lucien nodded to her, always careful not to touch her. “Thank you, Elain. You’ve made my birthday very special.”

“I-I got you a present, Lucien.”

Lucien’s breath caught in his throat both from Elain getting him a gift and at the sound of his name on her lips. A small part of her urged her to say it more, to let the syllables roll off her tongue and caress his name. Just as she wanted him to roll off her tongue.

Blushing, Elain pushed away the thought and hurried to where she had stashed his gift. Mother, she was spending too much time around Nesta if these were the thoughts she was having. Elain gingerly picked up Lucien’s gift, wrapped carefully in bottle green paper with a gold bow resting on top. 

Walking back over to where Lucien stood frozen, as if any movement from him would scare her away. She was also aware that everyone in the room wasn't talking. They were all fixated on the two of them. Nosy faeries that they were. And humans, Elain amended, taking Vassa and Jurian into account.

She thrust out the gift to him. “Happy birthday.” His name was on the tip of her tongue once more, but she didn’t want to wear it out. She wanted to savor it. Savor him and all that he was.

He took the gift from her carefully and unwrapped it as if he were handling something precious. Once he got through the wrapping paper and beheld the book, his eyes widened ever so slightly. “Elain…,” he breathed. “Where did you find this? I’ve been looking all over for this book.”

A little glow of pride bloomed in her chest that he liked his gift. “Starlight Books. You’d miss the store if you didn’t know it was there.”

Lucien smiled at her. She hadn’t noticed it before but when he smiled, little creases formed at his eyes. It was endearing to see what she thought of as a human characteristic.

“Thank you,” he said. Hesitantly, he stretched out his hand and lightly brushed his fingertips with her own.

Goosebumps immediately rose on her skin from his touch. Immediately, she wanted more. It seemed he did too, from the way his eyelids fluttered.

“Okay, love birds, share the birthday boy!” Cassian teased. Everyone gave a nervous chuckle at his joke. Lucien and Elain sprang apart at Cassian’s declaration.

“We-we’re not-,” Lucien stammered, his cheeks reddening.

Cassian laughed uproariously as Lucien ducked his head and wandered off from Elain, flexing his hand as he went. Was her skin that horrible to touch? Was there something wrong with the gift? What if he was just pretending to like his gift? Elain began to pick at her nail beds once more, anxiety building up inside of her.

Everyone began to laugh and chat then, giving their gifts to Lucien. Feyre gave him a monogrammed handkerchief with his initials in the corner. Jurian and Vassa gifted him a gleaming dagger with a jeweled hilt. The gem embedded into the hilt reminded Elain of the color of Lucien’s eyes. The Inner Circle all pitched together for a gift too and gave him an expensive firebrand whiskey that had been aging for centuries. Nesta quietly handed over a cologne that smelled faintly of vanilla, leather, and cedar. Just like the bookstore she’d been in earlier. 

With so many people here, Lucien’s attention was constantly caught between people, but she often caught him sneaking glances at her, just as she was sneaking glances at him. 

“Are you going to tell him how you feel?” Nesta asked as she came up behind her and began to help Elain set out the cake she had made for him. The frosting was white buttercream, and she’d added little emblems of flame on the side. On top, she had added a fox head with a russet and golden eye with tiny scars.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Elain said, feigning ignorance as she busied her hands with setting out the plates.

Nesta scoffed. Not unkindly but it was clear she didn’t believe what Elain said. “Everyone could see how you two were interacting.”

“I simply wish to get to know him before I make any decisions,” Elain answered, politely but with enough bite for Nesta to back off. This was her choice, her decision, no matter what the Cauldron demanded. Elain wouldn’t deny that there was a certain draw towards him, but she wanted to be sure she was drawn to him and not solely just some mating bond bringing them together.

Thankfully, Feyre seemed to sense the tension between the two of them and announced, “Let’s all sing happy birthday!” Feyre was a lot of things, but she could be a good mediator when she listened. And Elain was very grateful for it at this moment.

Everyone burst into song, some with more exaggerated words and gestures, but the same song, nonetheless. Lucien appeared uncomfortable with all of the attention on him, as if he would rather slip into a corner and be unnoticed. He looked very relieved once the song was over.

Elain quietly began to cut the cake and without being asked, Nesta dispersed the pieces amongst the party. The conversation had started to lull and in one of the breaks in conversation, Elain peeked over at Lucien to see him already looking at her with an expression she couldn’t read. She wanted nothing more than to walk over and sit down next to him, but she didn’t want to interfere. After all, he had Jurian and Vassa. Why would he want her after everything?

She pulled her gaze away and instead engaged in conversation with Mor, chatting brightly, trying to pretend she didn’t feel Lucien’s gaze on her. The party continued for another hour. The moon had only just made an appearance, signaling the end of the longest day of the year and the end of Lucien’s birthday. 

As the guests began to leave, Elain started to feel more and more nervous about being alone with Lucien. This was what she had wanted, but she worried she’d say the wrong things, or that her words would fail her.

Finally, everyone except Nesta had dispersed to their various living spaces. Her sister only gave her a knowing look before walking up the staircase and shutting her bedroom door behind her. With the close of the door, Elain and Lucien were alone. Together. In the House of Wind with no one around. Elain threw a glance at the clock. It was half past eleven.

Lucien almost appeared similarly uncomfortable, bouncing his leg as he tapped a finger against his thigh. To her relief, Lucien was the first to bridge the gap between them. “Do you want to go for a walk?”

Elain nodded, biting her lip as she stood. Elain crossed the room, drawing closer, and closer until they were sharing breath. She looked away first, still unsure where they stood. “Let’s go before Cassian and Rhys decide to return.”

They awkwardly walked together to the door. Elain reached out for the door handle the same time that Lucien did. They fingers touched briefly before they both drew back as if they’d been burned. 

“Allow me,” Lucien murmured as he opened the door for her.

“Thank you.” Elain stiffly walked out the door and waited for Lucien as he shut the door behind him. The door creaked behind as it closed and Elain couldn’t help the wince. It seemed as if everyone in Velaris could hear it and would know that she was alone with her mate on the streets of Velaris. Unfortunately, Lucien saw her wince.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?” he asked softly. Though he tried to hide it, Elain saw the briefest flash of panic.

She shook her head vigorously, waving her arms. “No, no no no, that’s not why I-” she sighed, putting a hand to her forehead. “This wasn’t how I wanted this to go. I really am a fool.”

“And how did you want this to go?”

Elain flicked her eyes up to him and saw how the moon seemed to illuminate him in a silvery glow, as if the Mother herself had blessed him. “I… I wanted to go on a walk with you and tell you I feel,” Elain blurted out before she lost her courage. She was utterly inexperienced with this, and she was sure Lucien, in all his centuries, had met far more interesting females than her.

But to her surprise, Lucien didn’t seem to mind her awkwardness. He graciously extended an arm to her. “My lady, if I could have this walk.” Elain let out a small chuckle, hoping it wasn’t too awkward. Cautiously, she took his arm and underneath his shirt, Elain felt the hard muscle of his arms. Elain furiously blushed at the thoughts and images that invaded her mind.

She tried to look anywhere but him to distract herself. Looking up, the night sky was alive with life. Brilliant stars, looking for all the world like gems waiting to be plucked, shimmered softly against the ink-black sky. In Prythian, the constellations moved. A hunter drew back a bow and shot an arrow into the night. It was a sight she didn’t think she’d ever tire of, and it was the one thing she’d miss most about the Night Court.

“What are you thinking about?”

You, Elain wanted to say. But she couldn’t. Not when she didn’t even truly know how he felt. And she didn’t want to impose her feelings on him if he didn’t feel the same. She’d heard the stories of Jesminda and Elain didn’t want to feel as if she was replacing his former love. Or maybe he still loved her, Elain didn’t know.

She tightened her grip slightly, both to feel his muscles more acutely and to ground herself. “I…,” she began before trailing off, not knowing where to start.

Lucien also tilted his gaze toward the sky, strands from his ponytail hair slipping out. It would be so lovely to braid his hair, to touch him in a way that was intimately familiar. “How about we exchange a question for a question? I’ll say one thing that’s honest and real, and you’ll tell me one.”

“Okay,” Elain said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Despite the hour, Velaris had a bustling nightlife and there were a few others like themselves who simply wanted to enjoy the night. They passed by a couple, laughing and joking, tightly pressed together. Could this be their future? Did Elain deserve such a thing?

Lucien tapped a light finger against her stomach. She ignored the rush of butterflies she felt at his touch. “You go first. Ask me anything.”

A hundred thoughts swirled at the forefront of her mind, but she would stick with one for now. “Are you still in love with Jesminda?”

Lucien’s foot caught on the cobbled streets, stumbling slightly. “I-No, no I don’t. She was someone very special to me and I don’t think I’ll ever forgive my father for what he did to her, but I have moved on. I grieve that her life was taken so soon, but… she is my past.” Lucien took a breath, swallowing slightly. “Do you still love Graysen?”

“No,” she answered without hesitation. “When I needed him most, he looked down on me, my family, and… you. I could never be in love with someone like that.”

Elain caught the smirk that flashed across his face. “So, he said something bad about me, did he?” Elain knew he was teasing, but even just the thought of what Graysen had said threw her into a rage. Lucien was kind, patient, and loyal. He didn’t deserve to be talked down to by someone whose actions and words were fueled by generational hatred.

“He did. But I at least made sure he knew your name. If you insult someone without knowing their name, are you really insulting them? It seems pointless if you ask me.”

Laughter burst forth from Lucien’s lips, loudly and without restraint. She’d never heard him laugh like that in real life, only in her visions with his friends. “What? Did I say something amusing?”

Amusement still lingering in his eyes, Lucien stopped walking and turned to face her, grasping her forearms. “You did. You did, Elain.” Lucien’s gaze flickered down to her lips before he forced himself to look back up at her face. “I-”

“I like you,” Elain said quickly, cutting off what he was going to say.

Silence. Every sound from the city now seemed amplified as Elain waited for the rejection, like an axe coming down on her neck. She knew it was coming, but it seemed inevitable. Even if he wasn’t in love with Jesminda anymore, what could she possibly offer him that would be enough?

She hadn’t been enough for Graysen, a human, so who was to say that she, a young fae, would be enough for him.

Elain started to pull away, tears lining her eyes from the endless silence. But she found she couldn’t move. Lucien was holding onto her tightly so she could hardly move an inch. Daring to peek up at his face, she found awe and wonderment coating his features, as if she were a fairy godmother granting him a wish.

“Tell me again,” Lucien breathed, his chest hardly rising.

“Lucien, I want to get to know you. I want to explore our mating bond.”

Lucien closed his eyes, as if in throes of ecstasy. When he opened them again, Elain was surprised by the sheen of tears lining his eyes. “I’d like that, I’d like that a lot.” He hesitated then, before cautiously asking, “Can I hug you?”

Elain nodded, afraid if she said something she’d ruin the moment. Slowly, he released her arms and drew her in for a gentle hug. He rested his chin on the top of her head, slightly swaying back and forth. Velaris had always created peace and safety, but within Lucien’s arms, Elain felt warm for the first time in a long time. She hadn’t realized how much the city drained her, in spite of everything it offered. Wrapped tightly against him, breathing in his woodsy smell, Elain felt at home.

She buried her fingers against his back, ever so carefully digging her nails in. Lucien inhaled sharply at her movement. “Is this, okay?” she asked softly. Was it too much? All of this was so new to her that she wasn’t sure what was acceptable.

To her delight, Lucien moved his head down, his breath tickling her ear. “Yes, it is okay. This is wonderful and I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday. You’ve made it truly special this year.”

For a few moments longer, they held each other, framed by the moonlight in the city of starlight, and finally felt a true sense of peace. Lucien was the first to break apart but brought his hand down to hers and carefully interlaced their fingers together.

Elain was reminded of the image she had of Lucien reading the poetry book to her while they held hands in front of a fire. She really wanted that to come true. Before she lost her nerve she looked up at him through lowered lashes. “Could you read me poems from the book I got you? I'd like to listen to your voice while I fall asleep.”

Lucien’s lips quirked into a smile. “Are you asking to spend the night at my apartment, Elain Archeron? How scandalous,” he said, as he brought a hand to rest over his heart. Elain almost took back her request before she saw the teasing glint in Lucien’s eyes.

“Yes, I suppose I am. Would that be alright?”

Lucien gently squeezed her hand. “I think it’s a fine idea.”

As they began to make their way to his apartment, hand in hand, the clock tower chimed midnight, signaling the end of the Summer Solstice and the end of Lucien’s birthday. “How old are you now, Lucien? Six hundred?”

He sharply turned his head towards her in bafflement. “How old do you-”

Elain started to giggle at the real expression on his face.  Normally, he didn’t let his emotions slip through, but she’d caught him off guard, just as she’d hoped. She found that she enjoyed teasing him and that she didn’t mind being teased back. It had been a long time since she’d laughed like this, since she’d been truly happy.

Lucien joined in her on her laughter. “Very funny, Elain,” he said, once more saying her name as if he couldn’t get enough of it. She loved the way he drew out her name, caressing each letter with his tongue.

They continued to joke with each other the rest of the way to his apartment, now less awkward around each other. Elain was almost disappointed when they reached the door and went inside.

He unlocked the door and ushered her in first. “Well, home sweet home,” he said as he scratched his head. “I confess I’m not here very often…”

The apartment itself was relatively bare with no decorations on the wall. There were couches and chairs and a bed, but the air was stale from his absence. It was sparse, but Elain found she didn’t mind. Velaris had never truly been home to him, as it had never been hers. Perhaps it was their curse to bear, to forever be wanderers seeking a place to call home.

Elain found herself reaching for Lucien’s hand, knowing that as long as he was in her life, she wouldn’t be lost or alone.

“Let’s go to bed,” Elain said, turning to Lucien. As soon as she said it, she felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. “I-I didn’t mean-”

“Are you sure?” Lucien asked at the same time, extremely startled by what she’d said. “Oh, of course, to read the book.” He awkwardly straightened his vest and began to walk stiffly towards the bedroom with his hands clenched.

“Idiot,” she mumbled under her breath, palming a hand to her forehead. Of course he would think she was asking something else. 

As Elain sighed, she realized she hadn’t brought any extra clothes to wear to bed. She would have to ask Lucien to wear something of his. Perhaps she hadn’t quite thought this through. Elain stood uncomfortably by the door, not sure if she was supposed to follow him. Would it be weird if she stood by the door? It wasn’t as if she was going to stay here all night.

Steeling herself, she squared her shoulders and pushed open the door to the bedroom to see Lucien in the middle of changing. Lucien hurriedly pulled his pants back up, but not before Elain had caught a glimpse of his bare backside. 

“Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize you were changing. I-I’ll wait out there,” she stammered out. If her cheeks got any redder, she was sure she’d look like a tomato. 

“Wait, I’ll finish changing in the bathroom, you can stay in here and make yourself comfortable.”

Elain dared a glance back at him to find him standing there with his white tunic unbuttoned, revealing some rather impressive muscle, leaving little to the imagination. She didn’t trust herself to say anything that wouldn’t further embarrass her, so she just nodded eagerly and sat on the edge of the bed, trying not to think about Lucien in… that way. It wasn’t proper.

Still, she couldn’t help but think about the bare skin she saw of him as she heard the rustle of clothing behind the bathroom door. Part of her wanted to interrupt again, but she wanted to do things right. She’d been raised as a noble lady, but that was human societal standards. Was it different for the nobles of Prythian? Could they do as they pleased without worry of scandal? She tried to imagine what such a life would be like and felt a twinge of envy at the freedom faeries had.

Lucien exited the bathroom then in some rather tight fitting pants and a loose t-shirt. He’d taken his hair down and his auburn hair spilled over his shoulders with a slight wave. Elain fought to focus on his face and not… other things.

“Do… you have anything I could borrow to sleep in? I confess I didn’t bring any sleep clothes?”

Thankfully, Lucien also seemed to be as awkward as she was and fumbled through his drawers. He handed her a similar shirt to the one he had on and a pair of shorts. “If it’ll make you more comfortable to wear longer pants, I can wear the shorts.”

The thought of wearing the pants Lucien currently had on that would still be warm from his body was too much for Elain. “This is fine,” she answered quickly and rushed into the bathroom, hoping she hadn’t shut the bathroom door too hard.

She hurriedly switched out of her clothes, not wanting Lucien to wait long for her. As she finished dressing and took out her braids, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Pale skin, flushed from her earlier interaction. Golden-brown hair tumbling forward, unbound as few people saw it. And her eyes, wide with the thought of what awaited her beyond the door.

Lucien’s clothing was big enough that it adequately covered her chest, but her legs were bare, and she fought the urge to cover up. She never wore anything that exposed her legs, even her nightgowns were floor length. Elain bit her lip at what Lucien would think of her. What if he didn’t consider her attractive? What if-

She took a breath to calm herself. They were just reading poetry. They weren’t even together. She was reading too much into this night.

Slowly, she opened the door and found Lucien already tucked into bed with the book held open. As soon as he saw her, Elain saw desire flash across his eyes. For once, she didn’t look away and held his gaze and let him look, let him see her as she was.

“Beautiful,” he whispered.

He didn’t take his eyes off her as she made her way around to the other side of the bed, setting her clothes down in a corner before sliding under the covers. She ignored the frantic beat of her heart as she settled into the bed.

“Do you have a favorite poem in the book?” Elain asked, trying to pretend that she was keeping her cool.

Lucien only smiled at her, softly and reverently. “I do. I’ll start with it.”

And so, he cracked open the spine, flipped to the page the poem was on and began to read in his melodic voice. As they drew further into the night, Elain’s eyelids felt heavy from the day’s events and before she knew it, she was falling into sleep.

Just before sleep took her, she heard the bed shift and Lucien lean over to press a soft kiss to her brow. “Sweet dreams, Elain. Thank you for the party,” he murmured before turning off the lamp and turning in to sleep himself.

And Elain found that she didn’t mind the kiss. She was glad that Lucien Vanserra was her mate, even if she didn’t know what it meant yet. She was happy and that was all that mattered.

[whendidmythoughtsgocrazy]

I think my heart knew you were mine long before I ever realized it.

k.b. // a court of frost and starlight - feyra to rhysand (by sarah j. maas)

[olive-main]

oooo if you’re interested would love to see your take: reader is Azriel’s mate, nobody knows. The inner circle keeps trying to set him up with females (including Elaine & Gwyn). They like reader but don’t view her as an option for being his partner. Lots of angst, she’s hurting, she overhears them saying she’s not an option for him. Up to you what happens for her and Azriel. Loved your last story, and that you wanted more angst ideas!! And if this isn’t what you’re looking for, all good!

Between Us Alone

Pairing: Azriel x Reader

Summary: Azriel’s mate overhears a conversation that shakes her confidence in their hidden bond, but he reminds her that love, even in shadows, is unbreakable.

Wc: 1.2k

A/N: Annndddd welcome back to our regularly scheduled programming. This time I come with the gift of some fluff (with angst ofc bcs duh—who do y’all think I am?) Enjoy the happy endings while they last…..evil laugh

Masterlist

——

The corridors of the House of Wind were quiet, save for the faint hum of conversation that drifted from Rhysand’s office. You’d gone looking for Azriel, hoping he might steal away from his “boys’ night” early and join you at your shared apartment.

A secret, the two of you. Hidden in plain sight. Quite fitting for Rhysand’s spymasters.

It was exhilarating at first—the quiet smiles across rooms, the fleeting brushes of hands, and the stolen glances when no one else was looking. But there were cracks now, small fissures of insecurity that made you wonder if keeping the bond private had been the right choice.

Your footsteps slowed as you neared Rhys’s office, voices clear now, though you didn’t mean to eavesdrop. You were about to knock when you caught the sound of Cassian’s boisterous laughter.

“Oh, come on, Az,” Cassian said, his tone teasing. “You’ve been spending all that time with Gwyn. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it.”

“Gwyn’s sweet,” Rhysand added. “And she clearly enjoys your company. You’d make a good pair.”

Your heart clenched painfully, the words hitting you like a physical blow.

Azriel’s reply was quieter, almost unreadable. “Gwyn is a friend. I’m not looking for… that.”

Cassian scoffed. “You say that now, but it’s been centuries, Az. When was the last time you even tried to let someone in? Gwyn’s perfect for you—kind, strong, clever. She gets you.”

“She’s not the only option,” Rhys said smoothly. “There are others. Nesta’s mentioned a few priestesses who would be good matches.”

Cassian nodded in agreement. “There’s also Y/N.”

You pressed your hand to the doorframe, your breaths shallow as you heard Cassian say your name.

“No, I don’t see them together. They rarely speak to each other outside of missions and a few shared words at dinners.” Rhysand says with a shake of his head as if the thought of you and Azriel together was the most unlikely thing he could think of.

You shouldn’t have stayed, shouldn’t have listened, but you couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. They didn’t mean to hurt you—you knew that. You’d always been on the periphery of their circle, a friend but never a true equal in their eyes. Azriel’s shadows had been your sanctuary, his quiet love a solace you cherished.

But to hear them speak so casually, as if you weren’t even a possibility…

Azriel’s voice cut through, firm and unyielding. “I don’t need you to play matchmaker. I can handle my own life.”

“You’re avoiding the question,” Cassian said, clearly amused.

“Drop it,” Azriel snapped, his tone brooking no argument.

The room fell silent after that, but the damage was done. You turned and fled, the ache in your chest twisting tighter with every step.

—

The space you shared with Azriel was small but cozy, tucked away in a quiet corner of Velaris where no one thought to look. It was your haven, the only place you could truly be yourselves without prying eyes or whispered questions.

But tonight, it felt suffocating.

You sank onto the couch, wrapping a blanket around yourself as the doubts clawed at your mind.

This charade was necessary. You both knew that. If they ever found out you and Azriel had been together for months—years, now—it would complicate everything. Not just for him, but for you.

As Azriel’s partner, you worked in the shadows as he did, your work as vital and delicate as his own. Secrecy was second nature to you both, and you’d agreed early on that revealing your bond—to anyone—was too risky.

You’d thought you could handle it. But moments like this, when they talked about Azriel’s love life like you didn’t exist, like you weren’t his, made you question how much more you could endure.

You told yourself it wasn’t Azriel’s fault. He hadn’t encouraged them. He’d even told them to stop. But the weight of their words lingered, stirring fears you’d tried so hard to bury.

What if they were right? What if Azriel deserved someone like Gwyn, someone who could stand beside him without the need for secrecy?

You didn’t hear the front door open, too lost in your thoughts to notice the familiar sound of Azriel’s footsteps until he was standing in front of you.

“Something’s wrong,” he said immediately, his hazel eyes scanning your face. His shadows swirled around him, restless and sharp. “What happened?”

You shook your head, forcing a smile. “It’s nothing. Just tired.”

His brow furrowed, and he crouched in front of you, his hands resting gently on your knees. “Don’t lie to me.”

The sincerity in his voice nearly broke you. You looked away, your throat tightening as you tried to hold back tears.

“Y/N,” he said softly, tilting your chin up so you had no choice but to meet his gaze. “Tell me.”

You hesitated, the words sticking in your throat. But you couldn’t keep it in any longer.

“I went to Rhys’s office,” you admitted quietly. “I was going to find you, but… I heard you all talking.”

Azriel stiffened, his jaw tightening. “What did you hear?” He already knew. There was only one part of the conversation that could’ve had you so distraught.

You swallowed hard. “They… they were trying to set you up with someone. Gwyn, mostly. Rhys mentioned others.” You laughed bitterly, the sound hollow. “They said I wasn’t even an option.”

Azriel’s eyes darkened, his shadows curling tighter around him.

“They didn’t mean it to hurt me, I know that” you added quickly, seeing how Azriel was ready to go back and pummel his brothers. “They don’t know about us. But… it still hurt.”

He exhaled sharply, standing and pacing the room. His hands curled into fists at his sides. “They had no right—”

“They care about you,” you interrupted. “They want you to be happy. And maybe they’re right. Maybe you’d be better off with someone like Gwyn. Someone who—”

“Stop.”

The word was a command, sharp and unyielding. Azriel crossed the room in an instant, kneeling before you again. He took your hands in his, his grip firm but gentle.

“Don’t you dare doubt this,” he said fiercely. “Don’t you dare doubt us.”

Tears spilled over, and he reached up to brush them away, his touch achingly tender.

“You are my mate,” he said, his voice breaking. “You. Not Gwyn, not anyone else. You are the only one I want, the only one I will ever want.”

“But they—”

“They’re idiots,” he said flatly. “I’ll deal with them. But don’t let their ignorance make you doubt what we have.”

You searched his face, finding only unwavering certainty in his eyes.

“I love you,” he said, his voice softening. “More than I thought I was capable of. And I don’t care if they don’t see it. I see it. I feel it.”

A broken laugh escaped you, relief washing over you like a tide. “I love you too.”

He pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly as if he could shield you from the world.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I never wanted you to feel like this. I thought keeping the bond private would protect us, but if it’s hurting you—”

“It’s not,” you said quickly. “Not really. I just… I needed to hear this. To hear you.”

He pulled back just enough to press his forehead to yours. “You’ll never have to doubt me again.”

——

Aren’t they just so sweet *sigh*. Thank you for reading <3

Requests are still open ;)

[bluetimeombre]

☽｡⋆ Learning to fly, starting to crawl

Over one hundred years ago, you lost your wings but the wound still hurts like it was only yesterday. When your brothers mate wants to learn to fly, he doesn’t hesitate in teaching her, right in front of you. And nobody can see the scars except the one you love…

[OMG I'M ALIVE!!!! I've had this sitting in my drafts for months but have only just got around to posting. Basically, I have too many hobbies but i'm in a writing mood again., very fitting to start with my boy AZRIEL, whom i love very much. I hope you enjoy. This is linked to my other Azriel fic but of course can be read alone. Not proof-read and yes, she lost her wings. It's becoming almost a thing but it makes for some good ass angst. ENJOY!!!!]

☽｡⋆

The inner circle all sat around the table, eating and chatting merrily. Rhysand sat at the head of the table, as was tradition, while his mate- Feyre- sat next to him, their hands entwined. They smiled at each other, as so in love they were. Cassian and Mor were joking around along with Amren and Elian listened politely. Every now and then, she glanced the shadow singers way to invite him into the conversation but there was no such luck.

Azriel only stared ahead of him, glaring at the empty space where you usually sat. He wasn’t at all surprised you hadn’t turned up, but it didn’t mean he couldn’t be angry about it.

For a few weeks now he’d noticed the shift in you. You snapped easily and often rolled your eyes at anything your brother- the high lord- had to say. He’d heard you pace your rooms at night and his shadows (that favoured you above all) had reported that many nights you went to Rita’s.

But your empty seat irked him. And it irked him that Rhys seemed to not care in the slightest.

Az was the first to be aware of your presence, the echo of the door opening alerting them all and your scent hit him in the face. He inhaled it- your lavender, your sweetness, tinted by the alcohol lingering.

Rhysand huffed and everyone seemed to notice the shift. ‘I apologize about this, Feyre darling.’

Just then, you and Nesta stumbled into the room, arms linked and laughing your heads off about something or other.

Azriel drank you in. Your cheeks were flushed, your dress creased as you struggled to stay up right. Gods, what had you done?

You pouted dramatically, throwing a hand on your hip. ‘Uh oh, Rhysands got his grumpy face on.’

‘Isn’t that his usual?’ Said Nesta, causing the two of you to laugh again.

Everyone watched the two of you.

‘Where have you been?’ Az asked, wanting to rush to you and support you, but Rhys seemed one breath away from snapping.

‘We’re trying to have a pleasant meal, don’t ruin it,’ he grumbled.

‘Yes sir!’ You saluted.

Rhys growled and Feyre took his hand, squeezing it tightly.

‘Something tells me we’re not wanted, y/n,’ Nesta said to her.

‘Alas, we do not want to be here,’ you said, stumbling your way past the table. Before you went, you gave Feyre a squeeze on the shoulder, leaning down to whisper to her. ‘Feyre darling.’

‘Enough!’ Rhys shot up, hands on the table.

You barley spared him a glance as you and Nesta went about your way. You tripped on a plant pot, stumbling and apologizing to the object.

Azriel got out his seat, ready to follow you to wherever. No matter if you wanted him or not.

‘Sit down, Azriel,’ said Rhysand, taking his seat again. He picked up his fork and smiled at his mate like nothing had happened. All the while, your scent got further away from him.

He looked between where you’d disappeared and his high lord. He settled down and promised he’d find out what had made you act so.

☽｡⋆

You woke with unbearable pain in your head the next day. And your back. Your head was granted with the amount you and Nesta had drank, seeking to out-do one another so much so you drank out most of Rita’s.

But your back, the pain was new. Almost as if it knew why you were so angry, so bitter and it sort to make it worse.

Your curtains were drawn but the wind blew them back, letting you glimpse the outside world you dreaded to be a part of.

Shadows curled up your bed, brushing your hair back affectionately. They seemed to always be around you, as if they knew the bond that heaved in your chest even if their master didn’t.

You offered them a poor smile. ‘I’m fine.’ But they caressed you and smelt your lie.

From beyond the curtains, you caught a glimpse of figures in the sky. You’d always loved your room for the view it granted, of the sun, the moon, the stars. But after losing your wings, the view turned cold and the sky never seemed as bright.

It only got worse.

Though you knew the pain it would bring you to see, you wrapped a blanket around you and treaded over to the window.

Feyre was trying out her new wings, the black gifts she’d been given. Once mortal, she now had everything you wanted. The power, the wings. Your freedom was now hers.

And you hated it.

Azriel was looking close to her, encouraging her as she went. Though they were small figures to you, you could see his smile, how he held his hands out to her should she lose confidence.

How many times had you flown side by side, acting like the clouds abided you. The times you’d raced or dropped just to have Azriel catch you.

Never again.

The bitterness invaded your mouth again, blocking out all other logical senses.

Your door burst open- the shadows rushing to your side and curling around your shoulders. You didn’t need to turn to know who it was, the anger radiating from him was enough.

‘How dare you turn up in the state you did last night,’ snapped Rhys. You didn’t turn to face him, shielding yourself from his fury. ‘You had no right to ruin a lovely evening. We are trying to make Feyre and her sisters feel welcomed, its a shame my own sister can’t seem to do that for me.’

The words twisted in your gut. For him… had you not done everything for him? Lost your wings because you wouldn’t give in? Lost fifty years of your life to be with him?

‘Get over whatever it is going on and only return to us when you want to act like a decent human being.’ Rhysand snapped before leaving again, slamming the door- causing her to flinch.

The shadows ran down your hair, your cheeks, your sides. Giving you any ghostly comfort they could. ‘I’m fine,’ you told them again, retreating further into your room.

The shadows followed you, but only half of them. The other half had returned to their master, clouding him and whispering in his ear.

Her wings. She misses her wings.

She hadn’t had to say it out loud, they knew her pain.

Azriel paused in the sky, alerting Feyre. She’d seen the shadows surround him in flourishes. She couldn’t understand they were reporting in on you, that Az needed you to have something there when he could not be.

‘What is it?’ She asked, beating her wings.

He stared at her then at the wings. He was filled with the longing to be with you, in the sky, playing. Your wings were beautiful, just because they were you. A beautiful part of you.

‘I need to speak with the high lord.’

☽｡⋆

‘Ask someone else to train Feyre to fly,’ said Azriel.

He’d insisted he needed to see the high lord on urgent matters that could not wait. He’d expected it to be of the war, but Azriel opened with the line.

Rhysand was sat behind his desk, looking up to Azriel with some amusement. ‘I’m sorry?’

‘Ask Cassian,’ he said, he didn’t need to repeat himself.

‘Feyre wanted you.’

‘I can’t do it anymore,’ he said, stating it all simply.

Rhysand waited, wondering if he’d be graced with an explanation, but it never came. ‘Might I ask why.’

‘Your sister.’

Rhys’s amusement turned to a deep scowl. ‘My sister has asked you to stop flying with Feyre?’

‘No. She hasn’t asked, she never would. But I can’t teach Feyre to fly anymore.’

‘I’m sorry, I’m confused- what does any of this have to do with y/n?’ He asked.

Azriels shadows wound tight around him, coating him like a second skin. He wanted to yell, and he never let his emotions get the better of him. Instead, he curled his hand into a fist and clenched his jaw. ‘Do you really not think that this is hurting her?’

‘After her behaviour the past couple days I think it’s her who’s doing the hurting,’ he said, picking a bit of invisible lint from his shoulder.

‘She lost her wings,’ said Azriel with barely contained annoyance. ‘She lost them. They were cut from her back and she was left to bleed out.’

‘I do remember that Azriel,’ said Rhys, closing his eyes at the words. ‘I was there when we found her.’

‘So do you not think that teaching your mate to fly doesn’t effect her?’

Rhysand looked at him. His eyes changed, the hue turning darker. No, he hadn’t thought that. You’d never let on to feeling anything for your wings or lack of them. But then again, even if you had, would you ever have gone to your brother.

Azriel took a measured step forward. ‘Do you not think it hurts her that you teach your mate to fly, the same mate that gasped in horror when she saw the scars on your sisters back? That you have us fly in front of the house where she can see? Did you even know that when she bathes y/n covers all the mirrors so she doesn’t have to get a glance at the scars.’

The high lord held up a hand. ‘I understand.’

‘No, you don’t. You could never know what it’s like, neither could I, or Cassian. She had a part of her ripped off and she has to live without it every day. But you’ve gifted Feyre them as if it’s nothing.’

‘Because my mate has the powers,’ argued Rhys. ‘If I could give y/n wings I would- in a heartbeat, I would.’

Azriel nodded. He knew that, he knew the relationship between you and Rhys was fractured at best, but he also knew that if anything or anyone hurt you, Az would kill them. ‘I don’t want to reach Feyre to fly because it hurts y/n.’

Rhys leaned back in his chair, studying him. ‘And you care about her?’

‘More than I can express.’ He would give her the wings from his back if he could. ‘And if something hurts her… it hurts me.’

Rhysand nodded. ‘I’ll take her flying from now on. We’ll do it in the mountains, to spare y/n from seeing it.’

Azriel bowed his head. ‘Thank you.’

Rhys nodded but averted his gaze. ‘Look after her, Azriel.’

‘I always have.’

☽｡⋆

Nesta had gone to Rita's, expecting you later but you'd already snuck down to the Wine cellar and picked out the finest to drown your sorrows alone in. You'd past Cassian on the way, the male worried about your shifting gaze and the way you held yourself but you brushed him off and carried on your way.

You hesitated outside your door, where shadows lurked. Yes, they liked you and yes they were often with you, but never guarding your door.

Then, you smelt it. Not wine but sweet cedar and moss. Az.

You didn't want this. Didn't want him to see you like this, in pain in your mind and back, in longing for the wind through your hair. You knew he'd noticed your behaviour, he was the spy master, you'd only hoped... only hoped he didn't care as much as he did.

Taking a deep breath, you pushed open the door and braced yourself for shouting.

Azriel stood there, looking regal and beautiful. His back was too the balcony, the door open and wind rusting his wings and sheets. His hands were behind his back and his gaze was... soft? It wasn't dark with anger or clouded in annoyance.

It was just Az.

'Azriel,' you do your best to smile, clearing your throat. 'What are you doing? I thought you had flying with Feyre?' you were trying but you were also just you and you missed your wings.

'I'm teaching her anymore,' he said.

You chuckle. 'Is she that bad a student?'

'I'm sorry.'

You look up to him, taking out the cork of the wine. Rose filled your senses. 'For what?'

'That she flys when you don't,' he mentioned it simply, as if you'd already told him what was hurting you and he'd accepted it.

You hadn't said it. You wouldn't. You hated yourself enough for being weak, you didn't need him, perfect Azriel, caring Azriel, to see how horrid your jealousy had made you. 'I don't know what you mean.'

'y/n,' he steps close to you, taking the bottle from you. He drops it at his side but no smash is delivered. The shadows swallow it up. 'Why won't you talk, instead of drowning yourself in pain?'

'I'm not drowning myself in anything,' you deny, moving away from him to close the balcony door. The air drifting in and moving everything but you only mocked.

'You can't fly,' he said.

Your eyes squeezed shut in pain. 'Yes, I know, you don't have to remind me.'

His boots sounded close behind her and he took her shoulders. He didn't force her to turn around, he only held her gently and soothed his thumbs over the knots in her back. 'You can't fly and words don't exist to tell you how sorry I am. If I could i'd give you the own wings off me back-'

'Don't say that.' The only thing worse than your pain, was Azriel going through it all.

'I would and I mean it just to see you smile again, if only for a second. I'd be glad to give them up,' he whispered. Your shoulders slumped under his grasp and he sighed in relief, it was better than tensing up again. 'I miss you smiling. I miss you laughing. I miss you smiling at me. I'm sorry if teaching Feyre to fly has hurt you.'

'It wasn't you, Az,' you turn in his hold, never letting him feel like it was his fault. In doing that, you admitted to being bothered. 'I can't be who I was, because I don't know how. And I don't want to try to only fail.'

He listened, hands trailing down your arms to rub.

You gulp. 'And it's not just losing the wings, it's everything I lost with it. Freedom. I can't join you or Cas, or anyone when you take to the skies. How am I going to cope in battle? I can't run as fast as I can fly, I can't fight as well. I can't hit Cassian over the head when he's being an idiot, I can't-I can't wrap them around you when we hold each other, and it's painful to think of everything I've lost when I've gained nothing.'

He listened, tears watering his gaze. You had not lost any of that, not to him.

'And Feyre,' you pulled away, crossing your arms around each other and looking out the window. 'I don't hate her, I wish I could but I can't. But she's been Fae for five seconds and she has everything I've ever wanted. Wings. My brother loves her. She's happy. I hate it and I hate myself.'

Your confession weighed your gut but your chest rose in a deep breath. You couldn't see Azriel behind you in the reflection of the windows and you couldn't hear him.

He'd gone. Of course he'd left, you'd whined about what you'd lost when you were at least alive. You'd complained about the High Lady- treason in Rhysand's book.

No, you were all alone.

But you weren't.

Az crept behind you and slowly- so you could pull away- wrapped his arms around your shoulders. He pulled you into his chest and matched his breaths with yours. 'I won't insult you by saying I get it, because I could never. But that time, when I found you after you'd lost your wings, I thought i'd lost you and that-that is how I imagine your feelings. Because I stopped breathing and I didn't think happiness would ever be in the world again. And your blood, you bleeding out has been in my nightmares since. If my hands were to be stained with it, let them, because it was the last thing i'd ever have of you.'

You had no idea. He'd felt terrible yes and been there the weeks and months it took to heal but you'd been so full of pain and guilt you hadn't thought of how he fared. Your greatest friend... your lustful secret.

Your hands came up to hold his arms.

'You do not have to be who you were before,' he whispered, head resting on your shoulder. 'Become better. Become something more. As for training, you're the strongest woman I know and still the only person I'd trust with my life.'

A tear escaped you.

He nudged your chin with his nose. 'And you can still hit Cass as much as you like.'

You laugh through tears, holding onto Az like he was the last thing anchoring you to yourself.

His wings slowly inched over you. 'And I will hold you all day, every day till I die, and i'll keep you safe.' His wings closed around the two of you as yours used to do.

Neither of you realised how much you'd missed it, needed it, craved it until it happened.

You'd lost your wings, but you had never and would never lose him.

[missingwerewolf]

i could not go to be until i finished this piece! Here is Lucien Vanserra, emissary of the Spring Court/Night Court. Did I base him on Val Kilmer's Mad Martigan in Willow? Yes. Yes I did. Gimme a time machine bc that is my fan cast, lol.

[assriels]

honeyed temptations

pairing: azriel x reader 

word count: 2.2k

warnings: some smut and suggestive language (mdni 18+ only pls!!), swearing, azriel is whipped for u but is also very stubborn, domesticity/fluff

summary: despite azriel’s relative indifference to most things, he absolutely, undeniably hates the heat. and fucking loves when you wear sundresses.

a/n: continuation of my ongoing headcanon that azriel is actually kind of a stubborn baby, especially with his mate; i have a summer oneshot for cassian coming out soon! <3

masterlist

banners by @/cafekitsune <3

Azriel was fucking furious. It was like the sun had a personal vendetta against him, determined to steal any and all comfort from him as he baked in the hot morning sun in your shared bedroom.

Peak summer in Velaris was nothing to scoff at. Though the Night Court was hailed for the beauty of its moon and stars, the same could not be said for its seasons. It was a solar court and that meant that its moon waxed and waned through the full dearth of the seasons. And summer just so happened to be Azriel’s least favorite. 

Though he could handle the strikingly cold winters the Night Court had to offer — it snowed quite heavily in Illyria, afterall — the heat of the summer was unbearably oppressive. It didn’t help that his current residence was the House of Wind, built high on a mountain cliff where the heat rose and was entirely too close to the sun. Not even the House’s breeze helped staunch his somewhat over exaggerated agitation at the rising temperatures. 

It was still morning, but it seemed that the sun had decided that it would be especially insufferable today, showboating its prowess even at 9 in the morning. 

“C’mon Az,” you implored, gentle hand poking his bare shoulder. “Rhys is here, we have a meeting.” 

He pouted at you from where he was sprawled out on the bed, not having bothered to get up — or put clothes on — despite having been awake for an hour now. He rolled onto his side to get a better look at you, hoping that if he pouted enough you’d have mercy on him and let him stay naked and as cool as possible; the thought of putting on clothes — most of which he owned were black — made Azriel’s head ache. 

“‘s too hot.” 

You huffed a laugh at his childlike petulance. Who would have guessed the feared Shadowsinger of the Night Court couldn’t handle a little heat? 

“You’re being a baby,” you chuckled, sitting on the edge of the bed as you attempted to negotiate with your mate to get out of bed. 

It was then that he took stock of your appearance. You had always been much less bothered by the heat than he was — and much more functional in it — and so your morning routines were never disrupted. You had already bathed and gotten ready, pretty little sundress skimming your curves as the hem tickled the skin on your legs. 

“You look nice,” Azriel noted with a hum of appreciation. Ordinarily, he would’ve reached over and pulled you on top of him to make both of you late for Rhys’s meeting for an entirely different reason, but he couldn’t fathom getting any more sticky and sweaty than he already was, so he resisted. Instead, he opted for toying with the hem of your dress in contemplation.

“Is this new?” He asked, taking in the sweet honey yellow linen and thin straps. You nodded your head and smoothed your hands down your front, fixing the neckline of your dress in a way that had Azriel’s eyes burning holes through your skin. 

“Do you like it? I bought it when I went out with Feyre the other day.” You intentionally left out that you had bought it with the explicit purpose of using it to tempt your mate out of bed, knowing that he always needed a little bit of incentive in the summer. 

Assessing hazel eyes tracked the familiar planes of your body, face lit with an entirely different kind of heat now, “Yeah, I like it.” 

His gaze lifted to yours and you nearly gave into him. The adoration in his eyes and the blush high on the apples of his cheeks was mesmerizing, “You’re very pretty, you know.” 

Azriel’s unfiltered affections for you always made your heart beat quicken, and your attention shifted to his hand resting comfortably on your thigh, thumb drawing innocent circles on your skin. You bent over to kiss him briefly in thanks before patting his hand and getting up off the bed. 

You could’ve sworn you heard Azriel whine in protest, but it was drowned out by the sound of you sifting through the dresser, no doubt searching for clothes to throw his way.

He watched you from his spot on the bed, eyeing the way the hem of your dress billowed from your waist and just barely covered the curve of your ass. He was convinced that he could stare at you for an eternity and still find new parts of you to marvel at. 

Before he could get too lost in his greedy appreciation of your beauty and the stunning way your dress complimented every curve and dip of your body, you were tossing clothes at his face.

“Stop staring and get dressed!” You laughed, “You know Cass is gonna give you shit for being late. Again.”

It was no secret to those closest to Azriel that he was an absolute terror when the summer rolled around. Though it only took a week or two for him to adjust and become begrudgingly functional again, the days leading up to his revival were always a source of great amusement to the Inner Circle. Ah, the perfect Shadowsinger finally reveals his flaws, Cassian would consistently tease.

He only groaned in response, rolling onto his back once again to stare at the ceiling. 

You sighed. Truthfully, you found this side of him endearing – and quite funny – but you knew he had a job to do and nothing would get done unless he was, at the very least, clothed. Sauntering over to the bed, you looked down at him with your hands on your hips. You were met only with a stubborn look in return; you could’ve sworn you glimpsed the ghost of a defiant smirk curving his lips, “Make me.”

You reeled at his challenge. Fine, you would make him. 

The bed shifted as you straddled him on all fours, careful not to let any part of you touch any part of him. His hands came up instinctively to grasp your hips as he didn’t even try to hide his triumphant smile. But you wouldn’t let him get away with it, at least not now.

You encircled his wrists in your hands, guiding them above his head to pin them to the pillow. Both of you knew he could easily wriggle out of your grasp, but Azriel was aware that this was riling you up just as much as him so he conceded. Allowed his beautiful mate to do whatever she pleased.

“Don’t touch,” you commanded in his ear, punctuating your words with a slow swirl of your tongue along the shell of his ear. “If you listen, I promise I’ll be so, so good for you.”

Unexpected emotion flooded his chest as he resisted the urge to break the tension with his affection for you. You were already so good for him. In more ways than he could have ever wanted, more ways than he ever imagined. But he kept his mouth shut, and focused only on the way he could feel the hem of your dress kissing his skin as your mouth nipped at sucked at all the places that drove him insane. 

“C’mon, Az,” you cooed, licking a sinful path up his neck before you blew on his skin, reveling in the way goosebumps rose on his flesh despite the sweltering weather. “Get up for me, huh?”

He didn’t miss the double entendre as you tracked a scathing wet trail down his body, your tongue — frustratingly — the only part of you touching him. He was being difficult and you were making him pay for it by teasing him in ways only you knew how to. Azriel groaned low and deep when your cool breath hit right beneath his bellybutton, abs flexing as he willed himself to maintain his composure. You still weren’t touching him, and he was already embarrassingly hard, body desperate to feel your skin on his. 

His brow furrowed with concentration and lust as he met your gaze right before your lips puckered and you took the head of his cock – pretty and swollen and throbbing just for you – into your mouth. Azriel’s head flopped back onto his pillow as he loosed a long, deep breath, a cross between a sigh and a moan so pleasing to hear that you nearly forgot your initial intentions. 

One well placed stroke of your tongue had your eyes meeting his yet again, all dark pupils and a thin ring of gorgeous hazel. You were the picture of perfect seduction, pretty lips split open on his cock, bent over him in such a way that gave him an unobstructed view of your cleavage beneath your dress. You released him with a sinfully wet pop! as you pulled back and smiled at him, sweet and teasing before you blew gently on his tip. Azriel shuddered.

Oh, Mother above. He was milliseconds away from flipping you onto your back and tearing your godsforsaken dress right off you — or maybe he’d keep it on — but you were faster, jumping just out of his reach and off the bed, as if you hadn’t just addled his mind with fantasies of all the ways he could fuck you in that dress. 

The wicked smirk of satisfaction curving your lips told him that you’d had your intended effect. Azriel was barely able to recalibrate his bearings in time for him to notice you heading towards the door. He sputtered in disbelief, “Where are you going?”

Before you traipsed out the bedroom door, you turned back to look at him, “To be continued, mate. After you get dressed.”

When you shut the door behind you, Azriel could have sworn he heard your giddy, maniacal laughter echo in time to the sound of your footsteps down the stairs. Now he had two problems: 1) he was still hot as the fires of Hell and 2) he was achingly hard and knew he’d have to make a concerted effort not to look too long at you in that dress all day if he wanted to cling to what little composure he had.

He sighed as his shadows swirled around his ears, barely offering any reprieve from the heat. 

Pretty mate. So, so pretty. Everyone thinks so. 

Make that three problems: 3) Cassian would be making innocent comments about you looking so good in that dress just to irritate him. 

The possession roiling around in his gut – courtesy of the mating bond – was his final straw as he scrubbed a frustrated hand down his face. Fucking fine, he would put the damn clothes on. 

☾𖤓 epilogue ☾𖤓

“Where’s that overgrown child you call a mate, anyway?” Cassian quipped after you made your appearance in the dining room for breakfast. 

“Exactly where you think he is,” you laughed over a bite of toast.

“What’s wrong with Azriel?” Feyre implored innocently, “Is he not feeling well?” 

Rhys chuckled and shook his head, “Azriel is not very fond of the summer—“

“That’s an understatement,” you and Cassian mumbled under your breaths in tandem.

“—and it’s a nightmare getting him to do anything in heat like this. But luckily we have Y/N.”

Before your High Lady could ask the question on the tip of her tongue, Cassian stole a piece of bacon off your plate, ignoring the way you protested, “I mean, you’ve seen how whipped he is Feyre. He’ll do anything if Y/N even suggests she wants him to. Az only gets out of bed in the summer because she asks.”

In retribution for your stolen bacon, you speared the rest of Cassian’s eggs and forked them into your mouth before he could inch away from you. You didn’t respond, knowing all too well that Azriel actually would not get out of bed even if you asked, leaving you to resort to other…tactics. 

“I’m not a child, you know.” Came Azriel’s petulant interruption as he greeted you with a brief kiss to your head and the rest of his family with a grunt of acknowledgement, “I can do things on my own, in case you forgot.”

“We’ll stop calling you one, once you stop acting like it,” Cassian taunted.

Azriel’s scoff was his only response as he sat down next to you at the table, plating two pieces of bacon in front of you to replace the one he knew Cassian had no doubt probably taken. You smiled up at him gratefully, and despite the still sweltering heat that had only seemed to have gotten worse as time progressed, he smiled back. 

Feyre was in awe; it was like the heat had melted away his stony exterior, leaving the real Azriel exposed for everyone to see. Feyre met your gaze across the table, a mischievous glint in her eyes that told you she was more than privy to the extraneous measures you had taken to coax your mate out of bed.

“How do you do it?” Cassian not-so-quietly whispered to you. 

“I have my ways,” you responded cryptically with a smirk as Azriel’s hand ventured beneath the hem of your dress, squeezing your thigh.

You would most definitely be paying for your little shenanigan in the bedroom later.  

[scorpioriesling]

Smutty acotar foursomes with thd bat boys, that's it like really SMUTTY ones, the filthiest you have

Pushed To The Brink

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

Pairing(s): Rhysand x Cassian x Azriel x reader

Warnings: SMUT, 4-some, 18+, mdni

Summary: The understood arrangement you shared with your three closest friends is pushed during a night out at Rita's -- and you discover things you didn't know you were capable of before.

SR’s Note: Hi guysss I really tried with this one, and I was excited for some ACOTAR content among all the Fourth Wing works I've been putting out lately -- lol I hope you love it! You guys have been requesting HARD lately (which I am so appreciative of) and I swear I am working on them all, however I work full time and have family / friends / a life outside of my writing, haha. I love and appreciate you all, please just be patient with me while I take your requests seriously! <3

Tags: @mellowmusings @rcarbo1 @lilah-asteria @kitsunetori @velarisdusk @nctsawrus @lreadsstuff (inbox me or comment if you'd like to be added!)

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

"Don't tease us, Y/N -- you know how we love to play."

You drew in a long breath as you continued to slowly pull your skirt down your legs. You could feel all three of their eyes on you. Watching. Waiting.

Good -- and now your top.

Rhysand's voice was in your head now, and you rose to stand once more before the men. Clad in only heels, a bralette and undies, you smirked as you watched their pants tighten.

You did as you were told, your fingers curling beneath the fabric of the lacy bralette and drawing it up over your head. You heard Cassian's pleased sigh, and the unzip of his pants as you tossed the garment aside, aiming for it to land just before Azriel's feet. He stared at you intensely, his muscled arms folded over his chest in faux-unamusement. You winked at him, then turning your attention back to Cassian, and your mouth dried at the sight.

Working in the Inner Circle for years at this point, this was nothing new -- these kinky males loved having their way with you, and honestly, you enjoyed the fun. They'd become your closest friends, of course -- however, nothing quite prepared you for the sheer size of them when the time to play came around once more.

Your heels clicked against the familiar marble flooring that Rita's had to offer as you strode over to him, grinning like a cat. His lazy smile broadened as you approached, and bent before him. Your lips halted a near inch from him as you contemplated the best course of action; Cassian was by far the easiest to break of the trio, but Rhys and Azriel were much harder. Time to pull out the big guns.

"Rhysand," you purred, maintaining eye contact with the male before you. "What would please you most in this moment, High Lord?"

The leather rustled as he shifted uncomfortably next to you, breathing in harshly through his nose. Victory flodded your veins as he responded in a strained tone, working to keep his calm.

"Watching you sit on his lap."

You grinned, drawing back from Cassian in favor of sitting atop his lap. His hand left his erection in favor of resting on your hip, the other one bracing the opposing side. His smile fell when you swung your knee over his lap, both of your knees pressing into the red leather below his legs. His eyes found yours as you lowered your ass onto him, finally allowing his hard cock to brush against your lace panties.

"Oh... God," he sighed, angling your hips to move slowly along his length. You grinned at the feeling, playing it up by grinding your clothed pussy over his lap. His fingers flexed on your hips, and he pushed you onto him harder.

"Cass," you groaned. "Feels so good, yes," you sighed, tossing your head back. Your hair tickled your lower back as your eyes closed, blocking out the deep red lighting in Rita's private room. His hips bucked below you and he grunted, causing you to gasp at the feeling.

"Get on that fucking bed." Rhys growled, clearly having enough of your antics with his brother. Your eyes opened, and you glanced to him, watching as he pushed off the comfy chair to stride toward the bed. You giggled, leaning in to kiss Cassian's cheek before climbing off of him. He shot you a lazy smile back, and his brows rose when you took his hand to lead him to the bed with you.

"C'mon, babe -- I'm sure Rhys won't mind if you join."

Rhys's eyes darkened as you sensually climbed onto the mattress before him, making sure to gaze up at him as you drew closer to him. His bottom lip drew between his teeth as he unzipped his own pants, lowering them enough to draw out his massive cock.

"Sweetheart, I was counting on it."

You giggled as you sat back on your heels, your hands bracing the mattress behind you. Rhys's left hand wrapped around his dick, the other reaching to cup your jaw.

"Now, be a good girl and lie down for me."

You of course, obliged. Lying on your back before him, you watched in anticipation as he leaned closer, his dark eyes boring into yours. He yanked off your undies and tapped the head of his cock on your core twice; you shivered at the sensation. He smirked, only glancing to Cassian briefly before leaning over you.

Open that mouth, sweetheart -- then, open those knees.

You opened wide, sticking your tongue out flat as Cassian appeared above your head. Rhys's hands pried your legs open, baring your quivering pussy to him as he drew in a shaky breath. Before you could focus on him and what was to come, Cassian was pushing his cock into your mouth.

Gagging, your eyes widened at the stretch -- his cock was big in a way that it stretched your mouth when he fucked it, filling every inch of space inside. His wings flared behind him as he let out a groan, pushing his cock deeper down your throat.

"Fuck yes... ohhhhh fuck yes," he groaned, and Rhys chuckled darkly. You were unable to look down at him, but when the anticipated stretch finally came, all you felt was relief that it had.

His dick sunk deep into your pussy, slowly stretching you as Cassian's thrusts continued into your mouth. You continually gagged on him, spit gathering near the corners of your lips as Rhys drew back -- only to push into your awaiting cunt once more.

"Such a pretty pussy, sweets," Rhys drawled, his fingers gripping the backs of your knees as he pushed them up toward your chest. You choked around Cassian's cock at the new angle, the head of Rhys's member reaching a depth you hadn't felt in a while.

Cassian panted harder as he continued rhythmically fucking your throat, and his wings flared wider and wider. You could feel from the twitching of his dick that he was close to cumming, and you prided yourself on how quickly you could get these males to break for you.

"You're gonna swallow my cum? Yeah?" He teased from above, his voice coming out in breathy pants. Rhys has began to speed up, fucking into you with fervor. You groaned as your eyes slowly shut, and you hollowed your cheeks around Cassian's cock. He sucked in a sharp breath through clenched teeth, and the twitching turned into full on throbbing as he shot copius amounts of hot cum down your throat. Your throat was raw as you worked to swallow it all, trying your best to get it all down.

Rhys grunted below you as he continued fucking you, watching as his brother yanked his cock from your mouth. He watched as your eyes fluttered open and you came back from whhatever trance he'd had you in. Cassian chuckled, opting to sit near the head of the bed as Rhys's thrusts slowed.

"Such a good girl," Rhys praised, pulling his cock from you slowly. Your head shot up at the loss of contact, and he grinned darkly at you. "But, are you good enough to get Az to come play with you?"

Your eyes gazed sidelong to the shadowsinger, who hadn't so much as moved since the escapades started. His hair was disheveled, as though he'd run his hands through it a few times. The tent in his pants had also grown since you'd entertained him last.

Rhys moved to sit behind you, turning you to sit just on the edge of the bed. Your feet pressed against the edge of the mattress, knees bent and cunt wide open and bared to the brooding brother before you.

"Now, show him what he's missing."

You gulped, knowing exactly what he meant. His warm hands pulled you to lean back against his chest, and when you did, his fingers delicately trailed along your jawline. Your right hand snaked down your abdomen toward your core, searching for the vibrating bundle of nerves there. Your toes curled when you found it, your fingers drawing small circles over the nub. Your lips parted as Rhys's thumb trailed over your lower lip, the other hand finding purchase in cupping your left breast.

"Good girl -- go faster, baby."

Cassian's words drew a breathy sigh through your lips, and your eyes slid closed as you did as you were told. Your lower belly was alight with pleasure as you continued rubbing your clit. A small yelp sounded when Rhys pinched your nipple between his fingers, and your eyes opened once more.

"Good, good -- tell him what you want, sweetie."

Your gaze focused on Azriel, who's expression went from unamused to tortured in a matter of minutes. He stared darkly at you when your eyes met his, still ignoring the pressure in his jeans.

"Oh God... yes," you moaned. Your fingers rubbed fast across your clit, the pressure mounting. "Oh my... Gods, yes! Az please, I need-"

In an instant, the Shadowsinger was on his feet and flanking the bedside, his hands yanking yours from your clit. You gasped as he dove right in, his tongue licking a fat stripe through your folds. He never broke eye contact, his tongue continuing to assault your dripping pussy.

"Oh-! Az, I-"

"Is this what you wanted?" He growled, drawing back for only a moment. "You wanted me to eat you out like the little slut you are?"

Your core clenched at his words, and when you didn't answer, Rhys pinched your nipple again. You cried out, and his mouth barely grazed your ear as he spoke again.

"Answer him, sweetheart."

"Yes! Yes, Az, I- OH-" You gasped when both of his hands wrapped around the tops of your thighs, pressing your messy cunt right up against his mouth. He continued licking, and sucking, and absolutely eating up your clit, not even faltering when you began to shake.

"Fuck, Az... Azzie, I'm-"

He drew back, standing in an instant as he drug the back of his hand across his lips. Your slick coated his skin, and he glared darkly at you.

"You won't cum until you're on my cock," he demanded, and Rhys let go of you. Azriel flipped you over, pushing you onto all fours as he stood behind you, quickly yanking off his pants. You turned to look, only glimpsing the largest cock you'd ever seen before he was fisting your hair, leaning forward to speak into your ear.

"You'll do well to take what I give you," he growled, his fingers wrapping around his length and tapping it roughly against your ass. You nodded, and he pulled your hair tighter. Not what he wanted.

"Y-yes, daddy," you whimpered, knowing the pet name always got him going. He chuckled in approval, letting your hair go and your head rest comfortably again. Your eyes refocused on the males in front of you, lazily fisting their cocks at the sight of you. Azriel's tip pressed against your hole, and he breathed deeply as he pushed in. Your brows knit at the feeling of him stretching you, and fast.

"Oh.. Azzie, yes-"

He yanked his cock free, only to slam back in to the hilt.

You screamed as you were instantly stretched, and his growl of pleasure reverberated behind you. Your mouth fell open as he fucked his cock into you, rough. Hard. Fast.

"Yes! Yes!" You chanted, and his open palm slapped your ass roughly.

"You like that? Huh? Like getting fucked like a little whore?"

His words had you seeing stars as he pounded into you, and you swore you nearly blacked out with the mix of pain and pleasure all at once. What brougt you back were the two Illyrian's moving before you, their smooth cocks leaking and ready for wound two.

Rhys knelt before you first, his dick positioned just before your lips. Cassian continued fisting his length to the right of his brother, both gazing down at you intensely.

"Let me see your tongue, sweetheart."

You listened, allowing your tongue to lie flat against your chin. Rhys gathered spit in the front of his mouth as Cassian groaned, rubbing his cock faster. You flinched when Rhys spat on your tongue, the drip landing perfectly atop it. He bent lower, his hand gripping your jaw as you were forced to look up at him.

Swallow it.

And so you did, delighting in the way he groaned in pleasure when you did.

In that moment, Azriel pulled his cock from you, his hands moving you once more. He adjusted to sit on the bed, and pulled you onto his lap. You stared down at him as he helped you rest comfortable atop him, and his eyes glinted in the dark red light.

"Bounce on it," he commanded, and you gulped. His hand guided his cock toward your entrance, waiting as you slowly sank down onto it. Your breath caught in your throat as he filled you up inch by inch, all the way until you were seated to the hilt. He helped lift you up, allowing you to fall back onto his lap a moment later. Your arms wound around his neck, your nails digging into the skin between his wings harder and harder with each bounce.

"So... big, Az."

He took the compliment to heart, thrusting his hips to meet your bounces. You moaned in pleasure, reaching a hand out when Rhys scooted toward you once more. Your fingers wrapped around his length, the velvety skin like liquid gold beneath your fingers. He sighed as you started pumping him, his gaze trained on the way your ass clapped against Azriel's hips.

"Such a good girl, baby," Cassian praised, kneeling to Rhys's side in favor of pressing small kisses to your breasts. You shook at the sensation, your nipples hardening as his mouth latched onto one and sucked.

"Ahh.. oh yes, yes-" You gasped, your free hand leaving Azriel in favor of stroking Cassian's wing. He shuddered at the touch, and his teeth nipped at your sensitive bud. His fingers toyed with the other, playing with your bouncing breasts as Azriel continued to pound into you.

"You want to cum, sweetheart?" Rhys asked, his voice an octave lower than usual. You tightened your grip, stroking his cock quicker as his abs tightened before you.

"Y-yes... please-"

"I want to feel you fall apart on me," Az growled, his teeth finding the soft skin of your neck. "Let me feel that perfect pussy squeeze my cock, just how I like."

Your groans became more high pitched as Azriel thrusted harder into you, and your gaze drifted to Rhysand above you. His face was scrunched in concentration as his cock throbbed, his impending release just waiting to explode.

"Oh... my God, Az-!"

Your walls clenched and fluttered around him, squeezing his dick like a vice as he continued fucking you. Rhys came with a low shout, his cum painting your lower lip and chin as he released all over you. Cassian's teeth bit harder on your nipple, drawing out the orgasmic sensation.

"Fuck, fuck, oh FUCK-"

You squeaked as Azriel shot his cum up in you, jerking his cock from your hole a second later. Milky-white cum leaked from your hole, as well as clear liquid that shot straight down your legs and soaked Azriel's lap. His cock jerked below you as he came down from his high, his eyes widening as he fixated on the ever growing puddle between you.

Breathing heavy, his hands moved to your waist, holding you against his chest as you regained control of your body. You heaved as you gulped in air, and Cassian grinned at you. He wiped the semen from your lips with his thumb, leaning in to press a kiss to your lips. You smiled as you felt Rhys's deft fingers stroking your hair, all three working to calm down in the aftermath of what had happened.

Rhys moved from the mattress first, climbing off and taking in the scene beyond what he could originally see. His eyes widened a fraction as he stood before you and Azriel, and intrigued, Cassian followed suit. As he joined his brother at the edge of the mattress, he gasped.

"I didn't know you could squirt?" He said incredulously. He landed a playful smack against your butt, and your head turned to face him once more. Azriel chuckled, leaning in to press an appreciative kiss to your cheek.

"Only for me." He incinuated, and you narrowed your brows at him. He grinned slyly up at you, and Rhys sighed.

"Personally, I'd like to try next."

✧･ﾟ: *✧

[mellowmusings]

Blessed mistakes | part 1 Azriel x reader

prologue part2

A/N—I wasn't even going to continue this series, but thank you all for the love I get on my fics. I literally love you all so much. Let me know if you'd like to be added to the tag list. Summary- After over 5 centuries of waiting Azriel hasn't found his mate, given up all hope of any chance of finding her he decides to start pursuing Elain, not seeing what was in front of him all along.

Part One: Silent Distance

The days had become quieter, colder. Azriel had hardly noticed the shift at first. There had been no sharp, clear break, no moment of realization that something between him and Y/N had changed. It was more like the subtle dimming of light, a slow fading that he couldn't quite place, and by the time he realized the distance, it felt too late to fix.

He was busy. Always busy. Missions, meetings, responsibilities—his life had become a blur of endless duties, all of which he threw himself into with a fervor that bordered on obsession. Every waking moment was occupied with something—someone. His brothers, his work, and, in the rare quiet moments, the heavy weight of his own thoughts.

But through all of that, there had been Y/N. Always there. Always steady. Always understanding. She had been his anchor, his confidante. She always knew when to stay silent, when to speak, when to pull him out of his head and into the present. He had always relied on her in ways he hadn’t even fully understood.

It wasn’t that Azriel didn’t care. He did. More than he could admit, especially to himself. But there were things he couldn’t change—things like his duties and his... impossible feelings. Feelings for someone who would never see him the way he saw her. And that someone was always there, too, always lingering just outside of his reach. It was easier, in some ways, to focus on the work, to throw himself into the mission, to avoid the vulnerability of his own emotions.

And so, he did.

Y/N had stopped coming around as often. She was still there, in the background, but it was clear she wasn’t the same. She didn’t linger after meetings anymore. She didn’t tease him, didn’t joke like she used to. Her presence, once a constant comfort, had become a quiet thing—distant, even when she was standing right next to him. She seemed to slip away, a little more each day, but Azriel didn’t notice, not at first.

It wasn’t until he found himself in the war room late one evening, alone with his thoughts, that he felt it. The absence. The silence in the air that was too thick, too suffocating. He looked up from the maps strewn across the table, expecting to see Y/N by the door or leaning against the wall, ready to offer some lighthearted comment about how the plan was absurd. But she wasn’t there.

He frowned, a small pang of unease flaring in his chest. He hadn’t seen her much lately, had barely spoken to her in the last few days. Busy, he reminded himself. He was busy, after all. But it didn’t sit right.

Azriel left the war room in search of her, making his way down the familiar corridors of the House of Wind. He passed Mor’s room first, saw the flicker of light under the door, and for a moment, the idea of knocking—of spending time with her—felt... comforting. But he didn’t. He couldn’t focus on that right now.

Finally, he found her. Y/N was sitting alone in the garden, her back to him, staring out at the moonlit horizon. She looked so small, like a silhouette against the night. It struck him, in that moment, how much he missed her presence. How long had it been since they’d shared a quiet evening like this, just the two of them? How long had it been since she’d smiled like she meant it?

"Y/N?" His voice was tentative, unsure, as though he wasn’t sure if he should disturb the quiet of the night.

She turned slightly, just enough for him to see her face. Her eyes were red-rimmed, but she blinked quickly, brushing it off. "I didn’t hear you come in," she said, her voice flat.

He frowned, taking a few steps toward her. "Are you alright?"

"I’m fine," she said quickly, her smile tight and forced. It didn’t reach her eyes. "Just needed some space."

Azriel hesitated, his instincts telling him that something was wrong. He knelt down beside her, his eyes searching her face. "Y/N..." He trailed off, unsure of how to push through the wall she’d built between them. "What’s going on?"

She met his gaze, her lips pressed together in a thin line. The silence stretched between them, heavy and thick, before she finally spoke, her voice low. "I’m not sure I belong here anymore, Az."

His chest tightened at her words, but he didn’t say anything. He couldn’t find the words. She wasn’t the one to pull away, not like this. Not so... cold.

"You’re still my friend, Y/N," he finally said, his voice low, almost too soft.

She nodded, her expression unreadable. "I know. But that’s the thing, Az. I’m just... a friend." The words hung in the air between them like a curse.

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. The weight of the unspoken truth crashed over him. Y/N had always been more than a friend to him, but he had never been able to show her that. She had never been anything more than a shadow behind the love he couldn’t admit, a shadow he had taken for granted.

"I’ve been thinking," she continued, her voice trembling just slightly, but her gaze remained steady. "I need to leave for a while. I volunteered for diplomatic work—there’s a mission to the Autumn Court. I’ll be gone for some time."

Azriel blinked, surprised, and instinctively reached out for her arm. "What? No, Y/N. You don’t have to go. You don’t need to leave."

But her eyes were already averted, a distance between them that he couldn’t cross. "I think I do, Az. I think I need to get away from here. From you."

Her words hit him like a punch to the gut. She didn’t wait for him to respond, didn’t wait for him to make things right, because she knew that things couldn’t be fixed. Not anymore.

"I’ll be gone in a few days," she said quietly, standing up, brushing the dirt off her clothes. "I hope you’ll be... alright."

Azriel watched her walk away, his heart sinking lower with each step she took. She didn’t look back, didn’t wait for him to say anything else. And as she disappeared into the darkness of the hall, Azriel finally felt it. The sting of something lost. The realization that he had been too blind to see it, too focused on his own distractions to notice what had been right in front of him all along. taglist- @anarchiii @er1023 @clementine111002 @sunnyspycat

[acomaflove]

Night Court Tweets

Rhysand:

Feyre:

Cassian:

Nesta:

Elain:

Azriel:

Morrigan:

Amren:

[writerinthewoods05]

Hellooooo! I've never really sent a request before so I hope I'm doing this right. I saw that you write for adult Nyx and NO ONE ever really writes for him so I was wondering if you could write Nyx x reader based off of the song "not like I'm in love with you" by LEW. Basically just them being like older teenagers maybe and just acting like pining idiots. Maybe if you could do some smut too🥺🙏 I just I love your stuff and I've had this idea in my head and I can't write it myself so... Also I love shadows and snow angels!!!! So cute!!!

Oh my gosh Lovely, your brain! I love it! This was so fun to work on and I hope you enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~

We're just friends, right?

Nyx Archeron x Fem Reader

Here's the Spotify code if anyone wanted to listen while reading, just screenshot or download it and scan it in the app.

Ever since Nyx turned 18 he was always flirting a new female. He hardly ever spent time with you anymore and you were upset! I mean you had every write to be, you were his best friend, Which meant you automatically deserved his undivided attention constantly. Rhys thinks otherwise, maybe he can try to knock some sense into you both.

Word count: 10.1k oh my God!!!!

Requested: yes!

Warnings: smut, so much plot, jealousy, p-in-v, oral F receiving, unprotected sex, fairly vanilla surprisingly, Nyx being oblivious for a bit, Nyx also being a skirt chaser, Rhys being the dad we all deserve, we die like men

💔🔥💘

Author's note: this took sooooooooo looooooong! First the app glitched and I lost an hour worth of editing. Then it did it again and I gave up for about 20 minutes and then I came back to try again to find that the app did save the changes and just decided not to tell me! In any case, this fic has taken over 7 hours of editing so far not including the writing so I REALLY HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!

You sat on Nyx's bed and listened to him as he told you about the fling he had the night before. He was in the bathroom, a towel hanging loosely around his waist as he shaved. You rolled your eyes for the millionth time knowing he couldn't see you at the moment. You were Nyx's best friend had been since you were kids, Unfortunately that meant that you were basically volunteering to listen to him after he has a fling with a new female. Oh well you choose this...

"Ok so after Rita's you took her back to her place and...."

Nyx poked his head out of the bathroom, a lather of shaving cream on his jaw as his eyes met yours. He flashed you a cheeky grin, clearly amused by your eye-rolling antics.

"Well, as you can imagine, things got a bit... heated," he said, drawling the last word. "I mean, have you seen Mia's s place? The view alone was enough to get my blood pumping." He chuckled and disappeared back into the bathroom, the sound of the faucet turning back on. You could hear him continue, his voice echoing slightly off the tiled walls,

"So there we were, on her balcony, the city lights twinkling below us... and one thing led to another. You know how it goes, Anyway, let's just say she was quite... enthusiastic, and the things that girl can do with her hands... Also she moaned like a bitch.. in a good way of course you know Very vocal, if you catch my drift." Another pause, followed by a low, appreciative whistle.

Nyx emerged a moment later, now shaving cream-free and rubbing a towel over his freshly shaven jaw. He flopped down on the bed next to you, still bare- chested and barefoot, the towel just barely covering his modesty.

"Honestly, Y/n, the things that girl could do with her tongue... I'm not sure I'll ever be the same." He shuddered dramatically, a dazed grin spreading across his face at the memory. You knew he was just try to pester you but said nothing. Rolling over to face you, he propped himself up on one elbow, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief and self- satisfaction.

"So, what do you think? Should I go see her again like tomorrow, Or do you think I should let her miss me.... just a little bit?" His grin turned sly, a eyebrow arching wickedly as he waited for your reaction. He knew you'd give him hell, but he also knew you'd never stop him from having his fun... even if a small part of you wished it could be you he was eager to see again.

You gave him a kinda grossed out face at hearing the details but thought for a second. You were just being a good friend, at least that's what you told yourself. It's not like you wanted him like that.... It was just... Whatever...

"You should go for it, I mean if you enjoyed yourself that much... Why wait right?"

Nyx's grin widened, his eyes glinting with triumph as he saw the slightly green tinge to your face.

"Why so squeamish, Y/n?" he teased, reaching out to playfully boop your nose. "It's not like I'm telling you anything you haven't heard before Besides, you're the one who always says I should be more adventurous. He smirked, the word dripping with innuendo. Rolling onto his back, Nyx folded his hands behind his head, stretching out languidly like a satisfied cat.

"I think... I think I will take your advice. Meet up with mia again tomorrow night, see where things go. Unless... you have other plans for me?" His tone was playful, but there was a flicker of something more in his eyes as he looked at you, a hint of a different kind of hunger,

"Gross!"

You shoved his shoulder as he sat up, grabbing the towel before it could fall. You smirked and watched as he entered his closet to find an outfit. It always stung to hear about Nyx's escapades for some reason but he was the high lord and lady's son. He was as witty as his mother and as handsome as his father, no wonder females basically threw themselves at his feet. You'd be lying if you hand thought about doing the same but really you and Nyx had been friends since you were kids, you were just being ridiculous.

"How about this time you wear a shirt that has buttons past your bellybutton" You tease him as you stay on the bed and let him change in peace. Nyx stuck his head out of the closet, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he took in your flushed cheeks and the way you'd shoved his shoulder.

"Oh, so now you're modesty police?" he teased, his voice dripping with mock outrage. "I thought you liked the view, Y/n." His eyes twinkled with playful accusation, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He disappeared back into the closet, the rustle of fabric and the clunk of hangers on the rack filling the air. A moment later, he emerged wearing a crisp black shirt, the buttons indeed done up all the way to the top. The shirt accentuated the broad expanse of his shoulders and the lean lines of his chest. He did a little twirl, his grin widening as he caught you staring.

"There, is this better?" he asked, a smug note in his voice. "Or do you have other... sartorial advice you'd like to share?" There was a playful lilt to his tone, but also a hint of something softer, gentler. A warmth that made your heart skip a beat, even as your mind told you you were being ridiculous. You stood with an annoyed smile and walked over to him before making him lightly on the chest and walking past him into the closet.

"Well now you just look like nerd. At least unto the top two, seriously how you ever get laid is beyond me..." You say sarcastically as you grab a jacket that would match his look and the weather both.

Nyx's eyes widened in mock offense at your teasing jab, a hand flying to his chest as if wounded.

"A nerd? Me? Why, because I actually bother to cover up in polite company?" He scoffed, shaking his head. "I'll have you know, the ladies find my intellect... captivating... Among other things..." He said with a smirk as he flecks his arms making the fabric go taut. there was a playful gleam in his eye, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

As you rummaged through his closet, pulling out a sleek leather jacket that would complement his outfit perfectly. Nyx leaned against the doorframe, watching you with an amused expression.

"But I suppose I can take your fashion advice, just this once," he said, plucking the jacket from your hands and slipping it on. The leather hugged his broad shoulders and accentuated his lean, athletic build. He struck a pose, cocking an eyebrow at you with a grin. "There. I'm practically a fashion icon now, Happy now?" There was a playful note in his voice, a teasing lilt that made your heart flutter in your chest. But there was something more too, a warmth and affection that made you feel cherished, valued...

"your a dork you know that." You say chuckling as you pass him again to go get your shoes and purse. It was Friday which mean you, Nyx, Rhys, Feyre, Azriel and Morr would go to Rita's, to have a night out. Nyx's grin only widened at your teasing jab, his eyes sparkling with mirth.

"Guilty as charged," he said, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "But you love me anyway, you big softy." He winked at you, a playful smirk on his lips as he watched you gather your things. As you both made your way downstairs, Nyx slung an arm around your shoulders, pulling you in close.

"You ready for a night out?" he asked, a note of excitement in his voice. "I hear Rita's has a few new drinks on the menu . Might be a good chance to cut loose, dance a bit, maybe with someone else for a change..." His eyebrows danced suggestively above his smirk, a mischievous glint in his dark eyes.

Nyx's parents and aunt and uncle were already waiting by the door, looking stunning as always. Feyre's gown was a shimmering work of art, while Rhys and Morr were equally impeccable in their formal attire. Azriel even wearing his normal black leathers seemed to look just as put together as always. They turned to greet you both, warm smiles on their faces. "Bekah, you look lovely," Feyre said, pulling you in for an air kiss on each cheek. "And you, my love look like your father, as always." she teased, a playful note in her voice.

"thanks mama." Nyx's eyes crinkled with affection as he came and kissed his mother on the cheek.

Already you could feel the anticipation building, the promise of a night filled with laughter, dancing, and maybe, just maybe, a chance to let go and be a little reckless. You could only hope that nyx would actually spend the night with you guys instead of running off for the night with the first female he smiles at. It had been so long since he had actually spent time with any of you when you weren't at the house.

once you got to Rita's, the six of your found a table and ordered dinner and drinks. This was probably the third or fourth time you'd been allowed to drink alcohol here. You didn't handle it particularly well and You didn't love it by any means but you tolerated it enough to indulge when your overly nervous.

You glanced over at Nyx, noticing he was quieter than usual. You followed his gaze to a pretty blond female all the way at the bar across the dance floor. Of course..... You'd been here 10 minutes and he already got his eyes set on someone, at least he wasn't up and leaving the table yet but you knew that could change at any second so you focused your attention on having a conversation with Rhys. Nyx wasn't a womanizer, he was kind and did think of other people's feelings. Granted if a female showed interest in him he usually wouldn't turn her down but he was never against a relationsh- why the hell are you even thinking about this! It has nothing to do with you! Gods what is wrong with you as of late, it was exhausting....

Nyx felt your gaze on him and glanced over, catching your eye. He offered you a small, distracted smile, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. The blonde at the bar had caught his attention, her laughter ringing out over the pulsing beat of the music as she joked with her friends. He downed the rest of his drink, the amber liquid burning its way down his throat, before standing abruptly.

"Be right back," he murmured, not quite meeting your eyes as he made his way towards the bar. You watched him go, a mix of exasperation and... something else, something you didn't want to acknowledge, churning in your gut. This was just like Nyx, spotting a pretty face and being drawn in like a moth to a flame. But then again, when had he ever been able to resist a challenge, a chance to charm and captivate? It was in his nature, a part of his very being, Feyre said he got that from his father. And yet, a small, traitorous part of you wished, just for once, that he might look at you the same way, with that same heated intensity... But no, you pushed that thought away, disgusted with yourself for even entertaining such a notion.

you mentally try to shake the feeling of and turn your attention back to Rhys seeing as your friend as yet again left family time to go get laid. Shit this was becoming a habit... And it was really starting to bothering you.

Rhys noticed your distraction and followed your gaze to where Nyx was now engaged in animated conversation with the blonde, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. He leaned back in his chair, studying you with a thoughtful expression. "He's a grown male, sweetling," Rhys said, his voice a low rumble. "He knows what he's doing." There was a note of mild reproach in his tone, a subtle reminder that you were being a bit... overprotective. Possessive, even. But then again, Rhys had always seen the depth of your bond with his son, the unbreakable connection forged in childhood that had only grown stronger with time.

you made a face and shook your head dismissively.

"I know that. It's just... Annoying," Sure let's go with that. You thanked the Cauldron when your drinks arrived. You took a large sip of your drink in hopes of clearing your head of what ever this possessive, Jealous feeling... No, not not jealous, that would be ridiculous...

"This used to be when we all would spend time together and ever since be turned 18 he never... Nevermind, doesn't matter."

You took another sip and made absolutely sure to keep your eyes away from the bar. Rhys's eyes softened as he studied your face, a flicker of understanding in their depths. He reached out, his large hand coming to rest on your shoulder in a comforting, fatherly gesture. "Ah, y/n," he said, a note of gentle reproach in his voice. "Is that what's bothering you? That things have changed now that your both getting older?" His gaze drifted to where his son stood still engrossed in conversation with the blonde. A wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth before he turned back to you.

"He's not a child anymore, sweetling. He has... needs and desires that he's just beginning to explore. It's natural, at his age. Lets not forget, he's a freshly adult Illyrian male, I'm not going to sit her and pretend that we aren't known for getting around. Rhys's thumb absently rubbed your shoulder, a soothing motion. "But that doesn't mean he doesn't want to spend time with you anymore. You're still his bestfriend, That will never change-"

You cut him off and shrug him his hand off of your shoulder. Rhys had always been like a second dad to you and you were always very welcome to any advice he had for you but for once you didn't want to fucking hear it. You made sure to slam your mental shields up and close the cracks snugly before your responded.

"I don't need the sex talk Rhys. I'm not a kid either ok, I just meant that it just... Aggravating that he'd rather spend his time chasing females that do actually give a fuck about him over spending time with his family. It fine he's his own person, it's just annoying...."

You you didn't try to cover the disgruntled look on your face as you down the last of your drink as signal the bartender to send you another. Rhys watched as you downed your drink and signaled for another, a hint of concern flickering across his face. He knew this was a sensitive subject for you, a raw nerve that you didn't want him to touch. But he also knew that sometimes, the things we didn't want to hear were the things we needed to hear most.

"Y/n," he said softly, his voice low and gentle. "I understand your frustration. I do. But you need to accept that people change as they grow older, and so do their priorities. Nyx will always make time for you, no matter what. But he's also entitled to his own life, his own experiences."

Rhys paused, letting his words sink in. "Spending time with a pretty female isn't a betrayal of his friendship with you. It's a part of him growing up, and I know you used to be extremely close but-"

you just stood and grabbed your bag before turning to Rhys a badly disguised pissed off expression etched into your face.

"Actually I'll see you all at home. l forgot I have to be up early tomorrow, I'm gonna head home early."

You said with a dry tone before turning and striding to the exit and leaving. It was clear that Rhys, in trying to meditate, had only pissed you off more. What he didn't see was the hurt that made you feel like screaming when you realized Nyx hadn't even noticed you'd left. You only felt the burning of Rhys and Feyre's gaze burning into your back.

Nyx was still engrossed in conversation with the blonde, oblivious to your abrupt departure. He was laughing at something she said, a hand resting casually on her hip as he leaned in close to hear her over the pulsing music. The blonde was eating it up, hanging onto his every word, her eyes shining with admiration and a hint of something more. Nyx was in his element, charming and captivating, but he was also utterly focused on his new companion, not sparing a thought for the empty chair across the room where you had been sitting. The sight made you sick, your stomach twisting painfully.

You didn't stop storming out of the building even when you hard footsteps coming after you. You finally decided to turn and for a half second your heart jumped to see a dark figure emerge from the the doors. Only to have that flutter be smashed again to see Rhys exit and not his son. Nyx really didn't even notice you left... Why the fuck did you even care anyway, the answer was getting harder and harder to deny with every passing day.

"Y/n, wait," he said, his voice low and urgent. Rhys caught up to you quickly, his longstrides eating up the distance between you. He reached out, his hand closing around your elbow, halting your furious retreat.

"I know you're upset, but please, talk to me, you know I'm always here." There was a note of concern in his tone, a hint of something else, something that made your heart skip a beat despite your anger.

Rhys guided you to a quiet spot nearby, away from the thrumming music and chatter of the bar. He studied your face, his brows furrowed in a mix of confusion and worry. "Talk to me," he coaxed softly, his thumb rubbing small circles on your elbow. "Tell me what's really bothering you. Is it... is it just about Nyx? Or is something else? Whatever it it, bottling it up isn't going to help you sweetling." His gaze was intense, searching, as if he could see right through to the tangled mess of your emotions. As if he knew that the anger masking your face was only a flimsy veil for something much deeper, much harder to name.

You close your eyes and force yourself to keep your mental shielding up as you thought of a way to respond without sounding absolutely pathetic.

"I just... I have, other things going on and I'm just... Like I said I have to be up early tomorrow, I'd just be better if I went home now..."

You avoided the question with as many lies you could muster. You HATED lying to Rhys but you felt like your heart and mind was rebelling against each other and you couldn't tell him why you were upset if you couldn't even admit it to yourself

Rhys's eyes narrowed, a flicker of skepticism crossing his handsome features. He wasn't convinced by your flimsy excuse, and he knew you well enough to see through any pretense. Leaning in closer, his voice dropped to a low, intimate murmur,

"Y/n darling, look at me." His fingers tightened gently on your elbow, a silent command. "I've known you since you were a little girl. Your the closet to a daughter I have and I can tell when something is your not telling me something, and why won't you just tell me what's wrong?" His gaze softened, a glimmer of compassion and understanding in their depths. "Please, talk to me. Let me help you, you know the last thing I'll ever do is judge you for hurting... whatever it may be. You don't have to do it alone." There was a tender note in his voice, a gentle encouragement, as if he were coaxing a skittish horse to trust him. His thumb continued its slow, soothing circles on your elbow, a silent promise of comfort and support.

Your eyes were locked on the concrete as they welled slightly and you just let yourself lean forward to hug him.

"I'm just... I don't have a right or a... A reason to be mad but I am... And I'm so fucking angry that I don't know why..."

Another lie... You knew deep down exactly why you were angry and it wasn't even with Nyx. You were mad at yourself for being a fucking coward.

Rhys wrapped his strong arms around you as you leaned into his embrace, holding you close. He made no move to pull away, allowing you the comfort of his warm, solid presence. "Shh, it's alright," he murmured, one hand coming up to stroke your hair in a soothing gesture. He he rested his cheek on top of your head gently as rocked you from side to side, the same why he would when you were a kid and scraped your knee. "Everyone has a right to their feelings, Bekah. You don't need a reason to be upset." He paused, considering his next words carefully. "Sometimes, the most difficult feelings to understand are the ones that come from within ourselves. They can be the hardest to acknowledge, to accept." His voice was low and gentle, a tender rumble in your ear. His hand continued its gentle caress, a silent reminder of his unwavering support and love.

"it's like I don't exist to him anymore..."

You whispered into his chest and just slumped to lean into him more. You had never even wanted 'that type of attention from Nyx but at the same time, for some reason, you didn't think you'd ever have to ask for it either....

Rhys's arms tightened around you as he heard the quiet admission, a flicker of realization crossing his face. He leaned back slightly, just enough to tilt your chin up with his fingers, forcing you to meet his gaze. "Darling," he said softly, his eyes searching yours with a newfound understanding. "You could never be ignored, not by anyone, and certainly not by my son." His thumb brushed gently over your cheek, wiping away a stray tear. "I love you, sweetling. We all do." His voice dropped to a low, fervent whisper.

His gaze held yours, intense and sincere, a silent promise. "And I know Nyx loves you too, even if he's not always the most... perceptive about showing it." A wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth before he pulled you back into his embrace, cradling you close. "Give him a chance, sweetling. Give yourself a chance to see what's right in front of both of you." His hand rubbed soothing circles on your back as he held you, a silent comfort and reassurance.

"He's always perceptive... That's the problem..."

Rhys stilled, a flicker of surprise and a hint of something else, something softer, crossing his features. He searched your face, a new understanding dawning in his eyes.

"You're upset because you feel invisible to him. Because you think he doesn't see you the way you've always seen him." His voice was low and gentle, a tender murmur. "But darling... that couldn't be further from the truth."

"Nyx sees you, Y/n. He's always seen you. He's just... not always the best about showing how he feels." A wry smile tugged at his lips before he brushed a tender kiss to your forehead, a silent comfort. "Be patient with him, you know he can be a bit slow sometimes." He said giving you tight squeeze if only to make you laugh.

"Right, he sees me and because he can't talk to me about it, he goes fucks anything with a pair of tits cuz that makes perfect fucking sense!"

Your anger flared faster that the heaviness that settled onto your chest once again. You pushed out of Rhys's hold before covering your face with your hands and giving Rhys a quiet apology before just turning on your heel and winnowing back to the river house.

Rhys watched you go, a mix of concern and newfound understanding etched into his handsome features. He stood there for a long moment, his brows furrowed as he processed the revelation, the pieces falling into place like a puzzle. Then, with a determined set to his jaw, he strode purposefully back into the bar, his mind made up.

Nyx was still engrossed in conversation with the blonde when Rhys approached, a look of grim determination on his face. He tapped Nyx on the shoulder, a gesture that was almost a bit too rough to be polite. Nyx turned, a look of embarrassment and mild annoyance flashing across his face before he saw who had interrupted him. Rhys leaned in close, his voice a low growl in Nyx's ear.

"A word, son?" he said, a note of command in his tone. He didn't wait for a response before turning and heading towards the entrance once again, expecting Nyx to follow. Nyx hesitated for a moment, a flicker of confusion and irritation in his eyes, before he muttered a quick apology to the blonde and followed in his father's wake.

Rhys led them to a quiet corner, away from prying ears and eyes. He turned to face Nyx, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression stern.

"Y/n left" he said without preamble, a note of accusation in his voice. "She was upset, and I think I know why." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Son, have you ever stopped to think about what that girl means to you? Really think about it?" His gaze bored into Nyx's, a silent challenge. Nyx opened his mouth to respond

"She's my bestfr-" a look of bewilderment crossed his face, as Rhys cut him off with a sharp gesture.

"No, listen to me," he said, his voice low and intense. "She is more than just your friend, she's your bestfriend and if you were using your brain she might actually be more. She's been by your side since you were a kid, a constant in your life. And you need to seriously think about how your actions might be affecting her" He paused, letting the revelation hang in the air between them.

"So why do you think she's hurting, Nyx? Why do you think she's been so agitated recently?" His gaze searched his son's face, a silent demand for honesty. Nyx stared at his father, a look of confusion and dawning realization slowly spreading across his face. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, as if struggling to find the right words.

"I... I don't know," he said finally, a note of uncertainty in his voice. "I never really thought about it." He rubbed the back of his neck, a gesture of frustration and bewilderment. "I mean, Bekah is my best friend. She always has been. It's not like she really cares, she's the once egging me on most of the time, But..." He trailed off, a flicker of emotion crossing his features as the implications of Rhys's words sank in, Rhys watched his son closely, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

"But what, Nyx?" he prompted softly, a gentle encouragement. "I know damn well your smarter than this boy."

His gaze searched Nyx's face, a silent demand for honesty and introspection. He didn't get it but he was satisfied when Nyx cursed under his breath and practically sprinted out to the street before winnowing away too.

You were in your comfort pajamas with a half eaten tub of ice cream and a sappy romance book in your lap by the time Nyx opened the front door and flew up the stairs. You had stopped crying by now and had just decided to stay in one of the guest rooms for the night to just wallow in your self pity and get lost on one of the love stories Nesta had lent you... It was easier that thinking about your actual predicament... When Nyx had bust through your door. You screamed and jumped from the bed as you started at him for a minute.

"What the actual Fuck Nyx! you scared me to death! What are you even doing back her, I thought you would have found somewhere else to be tonight?"

Thank the Gods the words didn't sound as bitter as they felt as you picked up your ice cream and book from where they had fell before standing and pulling on your robe gently trying not to act as if he hadn't been the one to practically rip your heart out of your ass and feed it too you in pieces.

Nyx stood in your doorway, his chest heaving and his eyes wild. He looked.... disheveled, in a way you'd never seen him before. His hair was mussed, his shirt slightly askew, a look of barely contained turmoil etched into every line of his body. He stared at you for a long moment, his gaze roving over your pajama-clad form, taking in the ice cream, the book, the robe. Something flickered in his eyes, a heat that had nothing to do with the physical, and everything to do with the emotional turmoil that was clearly consuming him.

He took a step into the room, then another, until he was standing right in front of you. He reached out, his hands coming up to grip your shoulders, a gesture that was almost too tight to be gentle. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice rough and ragged. "I didn't mean to scare you, I just... I needed to talk to you." His thumbs rubbed small circles on your shoulder blades, a gesture that was almost unconscious, as if he couldn't help himself. He studied your face, a look of confusion and a hint of something else, something softer, in his dark eyes.

"Y/n," he said slowly, as if testing the name on his tongue. "Why did you leave? Why did you run off like that?" There was a note of accusation in his voice, a hint of frustration, but beneath it all, a current of something else. Something that made your heart skip a beat despite yourself. Like he was trying to get a specific answer from you. He leaned in closer, his forehead nearly touching yours, his breath warm on your skin.

"And don't tell me it's because you had to be up early, cuz we both know that you never get up early after you drink..." he murmured, a wry note in his voice. know there's more to it than that. His gaze searched yours, a silent demand for the truth, a silent plea for understanding.

You scoffed slightly and pulled away before turning around and started to absentmindedly tidy your nightstand. Anything to avoid this conversion...

"Rhys needs to learn to keep his big mouth shut..." You mumbled bitterly. Nyx's reached to wrap a hand around your marn trying to turn you back to him, a hint of frustration flashing in his eyes. He leaned in closer, his voice low and intense.

"No, Y/n don't make this about dad, This is about you, and me, and the fact that... I think I've been a blind idiot... for a really fuckin long time..." His gaze searched your face, a look of dawning realization and a hint of something else, something softer, in their depths. "Tell me, Tell me what's been bothering you, what's had you so upset lately." His thumb continued it's small, unconscious circles on your arm, a gesture that was almost soothing despite the tension that crackled between you.

"And don't lie to me. Not now, not about this." There was a note of command in his voice, a silent demand for honesty, but beneath it all, a current of something else. Something that made your heart race despite your best efforts to ignore it.

You let him angle your face to look back at him and swallowed hard as you looked for words. Your not used to seeing that look directed towards you and it was throwing you off. He was fishing for answers, he did this all the time. He had a hunch and he wanted you to confirm it.

"I don't know why I'm upset, probably just hormones or something..." You tried to make an offer handed joke in a last ditch effort avoid the question. "Your allowed to do what ever you want, none of my business...'

Nyx's eyes flashed with a sudden intensity, a glimmer of frustration and something else, something deeper, in their dark depths. He stepped closer, crowding into your personal space, his gaze never leaving yours.

"Stop it," he said, his voice low and rough, a hint of a growl underlying his words. "Stop trying to dodge the question, stop trying to brush this off like it's nothing." He reached up, his hand cupping your cheek, his thumb brushing over your bottom lip in a gesture that was almost... intimate.

"This isn't about your damn hormones, Y/n! This is about the fact that you've been hurting, and I want you to tell me why!"

"you know why! I just... I never thought I'd have to, fight for your attention. I thought I had it... And then you turned 18 and you proved to me how wrong i was."

Nyx's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of realization and a hint of something else, something softer, in their dark depths. He stared at you for a long moment, as if seeing you for the first time, as if truly taking in the weight of your words. His grip on your hair tightened slightly, a gesture that was almost unconscious, as if he couldn't help himself. "Y/n," he said slowly, his voice rough and low. "I... I never mea-"

"just drop it Nyx! forget it, it doesn't... Just forget it."

You huffed, cutting him off and pulling away from him again. You had to get outside, to get some fresh air. You pushed past him and ran down the stairs feeling like the walls were closing in on you. Nyx be damned, your heart be damned. he didn't get it. Of course he never meant to hurt you, how could you have ever thought he did. No.. NO you were angry because you were in lov-... shit you were in love with him. The acceptance hid you harder that the cold night air as you finally made to to the backyard.

Nyx stood rooted to the spot for a moment, a look of stunned disbelief on his face as you pushed past him and raced down the stairs. Then, as if shaking off a trance, he sprinted after you, taking the steps two at a time. He burst out into the backyard just as you were wrapping your arms around yourself, your breath misting in the chilly night air.

He approached you slowly, as if approaching a wild animal that could bite at any second, his hands held out in a gesture of supplication. "Y/n," he said softly, his voice low and gentle. "Please, don't run from me." He paused, a look of newfound understanding in his eyes. "You're in love with me, that's why you've been angry." It wasn't a question, but a statement. He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving yours, a hint of something else, something softer, in their depths.

"yes asshole, fuck of course I..."

You kept your wrapped tightly wrapped around yourself as you tried to keep the panic from seeping into your voice. This was it, you fucked up but it wasn't fair. It was selfish and ridiculous but you wanted his attention, all of it, always! You wanted all of him to yourself! And you had no right to be angry from not getting what you wanted so much when you hadn't even tried to hint that you might have wanted him. You looked back at finally the devastation and the utter longing showing in your eyes. You wanted him, his mind his body, you wanted him so badly it hurt. You had pushed your emotions aside for so long that finally accepting them nearly sent you to the ground.

Nyx stood still, his eyes widening slightly as the realization of your confession sunk in, he hadn't honestly expected you to say it out loud. He stared at you, taking in the devastation and longing etched into every line of your face, the way your arms were wrapped tightly around yourself as if trying to hold yourself together. A myriad of emotions flickered across his face - surprise, confusion, a hint of fear, and then.... a softening, a warmth that began to glow in his dark eyes.

Slowly, hesitantly, he reached out, his hands coming to rest on your your waist gently. His touch was gentle, almost reverent, as if he were afraid you might disappear if he held you too tightly. He leaned in closer, his forehead resting against yours, his breath mingling with your own. You waited for the word to come, the anger, the frustration, but none did. One second he was cupping your face in his hand and the next he was hugging you so tightly you thought your lungs would burst. And the amount of whip lash you got from him pulling back and kissing you like you were life itself.

Your eyes fell closed before your body caught up to your mind and you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him closer. You fingers tangled into his onyx hair as you felt him nip at your lower lip. To think half an hour ago you were cursing his existence and now, if you had your way, you be cursing his name for so many other reasons...

"Nyx..."

Nyx groaned softly against your lips, his grip on your waist tightening as he felt your fingers tangle in his hair. He deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping into your mouth to tangle with yours, a silent declaration of desire and want. He pulled you flush against him, eliminating any space between your bodies, as if he wanted to consume you, to make you a part of him

He broke the kiss, only to trail his lips down the column of your throat, his teeth grazing your pulse point. He nipped and sucked at the sensitive skin, a hint of pain mingling with pleasure, a silent promise of passion and possession. His name fell from your lips like a prayer, a plea, a silent beg for more. And more is exactly what he gave you, his hands roaming over your curves, mapping out the contours of your body as if committing them to memory.

"Nyx, I..." He paused, his breath hot against your skin, a look of fierce intensity in his eyes as he met your gaze. "I love you, baby, I love you and I need you so fucking much right now." He sealed his confession with another kiss, a fierce, passionate claiming of your mouth, a silent vow of love and devotion.

If you hand been so lost in him you might have realized how strange it was for Nyx, the boy who had a new girl every few days seemed to confess to love so quickly. You also might have noticed the burning snap inside your chest as he lifts you into his arms and walked you slowly to press you against the side of the back deck, not seeming to care that you were still outside, completely exposed to anyone that might come home early.

Nyx didn't seem to care about anything but you in that moment, his eyes blazing with a newfound intensity as he held you close. Railing of the deck, the cool wood a stark contrast to the heat of your skin. He leaned into you, his hands gripping your hips, his thumbs rubbing small circles on your hip bones through the thin fabric of your pajamas.

He dipped his head, his lips brushing against the shell of your ear as he murmured. He nipped at your earlobe, a gesture that sent shivers down your spine. "I want everyone to know that you're mine, that you've always been mine." His voice was low and rough, a hint of a growl underlying his words.

His words set the fire in your heart spreading to every inch of you he touched. You moaned as you felt his hand come to rest under your ass kneading the plump flesh as he pinned you between himself and the deck. The smell hit you soon enough, Nyx smelled like vanilla and cologne, and books and... Home, he smelled like home. If you hadn't already giving into him completely, that, would have been the final push. Your hands quickly raced over the front of his shirt trying to undo the buttons without pulling his mouth from your neck.

Nyx groaned softly as your hands fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, his own hands tightening on your hips. He helped you, his deft fingers making quick work of the buttons until the shirt fell open, revealing the expanse of his chest. You ran your hands over the hard planes and ridges, marveling at the feel of him beneath your fingertips.

He leaned back, giving you a moment to explore, a wicked grin playing at the corners of his mouth. "Like what you feel, baby?" he murmured, his voice a low, teasing rumble. "You can touch me all you want, baby. I'm all yours." He punctuated his words with a roll of his hips, pressing his growing arousal against your core, a silent promise of what was to come.

Nyx's eyes darkened with desire as he watched you, a look of pure, unadulterated hunger etched into every line of his face. "Fuck, baby," he groaned, his hands sliding up your sides to cup the soft swells of your breasts after curly shoving your shirt up.

"I want to touch every inch of you, to taste every part of you, I'm gonna make you feel so fucking good, baby." His thumbs brushed over your nipples the pads of his fingers digging in a bit. A gesture that made you arch into his touch, a silent plea for more.

Nyx looked up at you as he knelt before you, his dark eyes blazing with a feral intensity that made your heart race and your skin prickle with anticipation. He slowly peeled your shorts down your legs, his fingers trailing over your skin, leaving a path of goosebumps in their wake. As he tugged your shorts off, he leaned in, pressing open-mouthed kisses to your inner thighs, the shortest bit of scruff scraping lightly against your sensitive skin. He paused, looking up at you with a wicked grin, his hands gripping your thighs.

You pulled him back into a firm kiss and he set you down only to kneel in front of you and pull your shorts from your legs. The look in his eyes almost looked as feral as you felt. You didn't know if it was nerves or something more as you felt what felt like a second heartbeat, thudding in your chest, like a phantom it made your breath race faster.

"I want to taste you, babygirl. Fuck you smell so damn good..." His voice was a low, rough growl, a hint of a promise in his words as he leaned his forehead against your abdomen, his eyes locked on your slit and he breathes in deep, taking your scent again.

"Can I, baby? Can I taste you? Please?" His gaze held yours, a silent demand for permission, a silent plea for you to give yourself over to him completely

Your head fell back at his words as you lost your words again, You reached down to run your fingers through his now unruly hair, it was the only confirmation you could muster in this state of euphoria you were stuck in before he even touched you.

Nyx took the action as a yes, a low, approving growl rumbling in his chest. his breath hot against your pussy. He looked up at you one last time, his eyes dark and filled with a hunger that made your heart race. Then, slowly, torturously, he leaned in and licked a long, slow stripe up your slit, his tongue delving between your folds to taste your essence.

He groaned loudly at the first taste of you, the sound vibrating through you, making your hips jerk forward involuntarily. He gripped your thighs tighter, holding you in place as he began to feast on you, his mouth and tongue working in tandem to bring you pleasure. He quickly picked your up and threw your thighs over his shoulders so you were resting on his face completely.

He focused on your clit, sucking and flicking the sensitive nub with a skill that left you seeing stars. Two fingers slid inside your dripping core, curling and pumping in a rhythm that had you climbing closer and closer to the edge. You let out a long throaty moan and bucked your hips a bit. Fuck he was good at that, he should be considered how many... No don't think about that right now it'll just piss you off again.

"Fuck Nyx, uuugh!"

Nyx looked up at you, a wicked grin on his face as he continued his ministrations. He could feel you starting to throb, your moans growing louder and more desperate with each passing second. He knew you were close, could feel your body tensing, your breath coming in short, sharp gasps. He pulled back slightly, his fingers still pumping slowly, his thumb circling your clit with a maddening pressure.

"That's it, baby," he murmured, his voice a low, encouraging rumble. "Let go, babygirl. Come for me, baby, I want you to come in my mouth." His eyes held yours, a silent demand, a silent plea for you to give yourself over to the sensation, to let go and surrender to the ecstasy that awaited you.

You sink both hands into his hair and brace your shoulders back against the deck before bucking against his face again and again, chasing your orgasm so hard you wanted to cry before you felt that coll in your stomach snap, your movements jerking to a halt with a scream. Nyx groaned as he felt your walls clench and spasm around his fingers, your scream of ecstasy ringing in his ears.

"Oh good fucking girl!" He continued to lap at your dripping core, his tongue delving deep to catch every last drop of your release as you rode out the waves of your intense orgasm.

As your movements slowed and your breathing began to even out, Nyx slowly pulled back. He looked up at you, his face glistening with your essence, a look of pure male satisfaction etched into every line of his handsome face. He leaned down capturing your mouth in a searing kiss, letting you taste yourself on his lips and tongue. He swallowed your soft moans, his hands sliding up your body to cup your breasts, kneading the soft flesh in his large hands.

Nyou could barely stand and was beyond grateful when he picked you up again before climbing the few steps and laying you flat on the deck below him, bed he started pulling at the laces of his pants urgently. Nyx gazed down at you, his eyes dark and intense as he quickly worked at the laces of his pants. He could feel his cock throbbing, aching for your touch, for your heat. He needed to be inside you, needed to feel your walls wrapped around him like a velvet glove. He kicked his pants off along with his boxers, freeing his thick, hard length. It bobbed against his stomach, the tip already glistening with pre-cum. He crawled up your body, settling himself between your thighs, the head of his cock nudging against your still sensitive entrance. Nyx leaned down, his forehead resting against yours, his breath mingling with your own.

"Ahh NYX Fuck!"

"I need you, Y/n," he murmured, his voice a low, urgent growl. "Fuck i need to be inside you, I'm gonna fuck you so good babygirl... Fuck look at me Fucking look at me..." He grabbed your chin and stared into your eyes as He rolled his hips, the head of his cock slipping inside your wet heat. He groaned as his head fell and his eyes rolled, letting out a silent plea for you to give him the words he so desperately needed to hear.

You lifted your shaky legs to wrap around his waist as your reached to cling to his shoulders. You hand landed firm on his chest as you tried to breath That damn second heart beat felt stronger now, and you felt like you were so warm you were gonna explode! Then you felt it, right before lined himself up with your entrance, his pulse, it matched... The burning in your chest, the need, the emotions, the pulse, you knew those signs. You didn't get a chance to think on it to hard before he thrust himself forward, your eyes almost rolling to the back of your head at the delicious burn that came with the stretch.

"Nyx your- AHh! Fuck Nyx! Please your my- AHH FUUUUUCK!"

Nyx groaned loudly as he felt your tight, wet heat envelop him, your walls gripping his throbbing cock like a vice. He paused for a moment, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps as he fought the urge to come right then and there. "Fuck, Y/n," he panted, his voice strained with the effort of holding back. "You feel so fucking good, baby. So tight, so perfect around my cock." He rolled his hips, grinding against you, letting you feel every thick, pulsing inch of him. He leaned down, his lips brushing against your ear as he murmured,

"I love you, baby. I love you so fucking much. Mm gonna to fuck you until you can't walk, your gonna be limping for days when I'm done with you." He pulled back slightly, his gaze holding yours, a look of pure, unadulterated love and desire.. and utter hunger etched into every line of his handsome face.

Nyx could feel your walls starting to flutter around his pistoning cock, could feel your body tensing as another orgasm built inside you. He leaned down, capturing your mouth in a bruising kiss, swallowing your cries of ecstasy as he pounded into you with a ferocity that bordered on animalistic.

You could get the words out as he started thrusting into you hard and fast and fuck if it didn't make you want to let him take you whenever or wherever if it felt this good. Your mind was still screaming though the pleasure though, MATE, HE'S YOUR MATE' but you were too engulfed in him to scream anything other than his name as you felt yet another orgasm approaching quickly, fuck, the male was going to be the literal death of you!

"That's it, baby," he growled against your lips, his voice a low, urgent rumble. "Come for me, Y/n. Come all over my cock. Your doing so good babygirl, common! Please I'm so fucking close!" He angled his hips, hitting that special spot inside you with every deep, powerful thrust, determined to push you over the edge and into oblivion.

Nyx could feel his own release approaching rapidly, his balls tightening, his cock throbbing and pulsing inside your clutching heat. He was close, so close to filling you with his seed, to marking you as his mate in the most primal way possible. With a final, hard thrust and a hoarse shout of your name, he came, his hot, thick essence flooding your insides, painting your walls with his love and desire. As your high washed over you you felt it, a smaller distant snap, before you felt Nyx tense above you like a statue.

"You feel it... The bond..." You whispered in disbelief as you stared up at him, the world around you finally coming back into focus.

Nyx's eyes widened in shock as he felt the snap of the mate bond, a jolt of pure, primal energy coursing through his veins. He stared down at you, his gaze filled with a mixture of awe and disbelief, a look of pure wonder etched into every line of his handsome face. He nodded slowly, a small, disbelieving smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"I feel it," he murmured, his voice filled with a quiet reverence. "Fuck I feel it baby." He leaned down, resting his forehead against yours, his breath mingling with your own as he struggled to process the magnitude of what had just happened. He lifted a shaking hand, cupping your cheek with a tenderness that made your heart ache, and brushed a stray tear from your skin.

"I love you, Y/n," he whispered, his voice a low, fervent murmur. "More than anything. And now... Cauldron, your mine." He sealed his vow with a soft, sweet kiss, a silent promise of a love that would last a lifetime.

"I'm so sorry baby, I didn't know. Can you forgive me?" He say looking at you through half lidded eyes, his gaze hopeful as he hovered above you still. You chuckled at him before pulling him into another kiss and gently flipping his so you were straddling his hips instead.

"I can think of a few ways for you to make it up to me..."

You both had stayed out there for at least another hour, you hadn't even accepted the bond but you felt like you were in the frenzy already. You must have passed out from utter exhaustion at some point because you woke up the next morning in Nyx's room snugged into his side as the morning light shifted through the blinds. You turned your gaze to look at Nyx, he looked so peaceful it made you so much more inclined to stay in bed forever.

"But you look so pretty when your sleeping."

"You know it's rude to stare..." Nyx mumbled without opening his eyes and you giggled slightly and leaned up to kiss his nose lovingly.

Nyx's eyes fluttered open at the feeling of your lips on his nose, a sleepy smile spreading across his face as he blinked up at you. He reached up, his hand cupping the back of your neck, his thumb brushing over your cheekbone with a tender, loving caress. He chuckled softly, a low, rumbling sound that seemed to vibrate through his chest.

"Pretty? I think that's supposed to be my line," he murmured, his voice still rough and gravelly with sleep. He tugged you down, capturing your mouth in a slow, deep kiss, a silent good morning greeting that made your toes curl.

As he pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours, a look of pure, unadulterated contentment in his dark eyes. "Good morning, baby," he whispered, a hint of a growl underlying the words. "I hope you're ready for a long morning cuz I'm not nearly done with you yet." He pulled you at straddle him and rolled his hips, a clear indication of his growing arousal, a silent promise of the pleasure that awaited you both. You moaned but quickly scooted off of him before wrapping one the sheets around you and heading for his closet.

He pulled you flush against him, one hand tangling in your hair, the other gripping your hip, holding you tight against the hard, muscular length of his body. "Come on baby, you can't just leave me like this..." He nipped at your throat, his teeth grazing your pulse point, a silent, primal promise of the pleasure. His hand grasping your and grinding his naked cock into your palm, a small growl escaping his as he did.

"As much as I would enjoy that I think i need to go make you some breakfast. Unless you don't want me to..." You say teasingly know damn well he'd want to cement the mating bond as soon as possible. Nyx watched as you scooted away from him, a look of mild disappointment flashing across his face before being replaced by a wicked, mischievous grin. He lounged back against the pillows, his hands tucked behind his head, a look of pure, satisfaction etched into every line of his smile as he watched you wrap the sheet around your luscious curves. He cocked an eyebrow at your teasing words, a low, warning growl rumbling in his chest.

"Oh, I want you to make me breakfast, Y/n," he murmured, his voice a low, seductive purr. "But can't you just stay here for a few more minutes..." He levered himself up, stalking towards you with a predatory grace, a look of pure, animalistic hunger in his dark eyes.

"you act like we will be able to keep are ands off of each other during the frenzy I think you can wait 20 minutes."

"Morning Rhys, morning Feyre."

You say chuckling as you lean up and kiss his cheek before pulling on a pair of his bants and a T-shirt and practically skipped downstairs, or as well as you could considering your legs still felt a bit numb.

"Come on, let's feed you before you eat me instead."

"you act like that would be a bad thing..." Nyx says and slaps your ass playfully and lets you leave so he can calm himself and get some pants on at least.

Once you got downstairs you saw that the coffee post was on already so you head out to the back yard deck, Nyx hot on your trail not dressed to be outside but at least he wasn't naked anymore. You stepped out to greet his parents who had breakfast out there every morning. You actively tried not to stare at the spot 5 feet away where their son had rearranged your intestines a few hours ago as you came and said hello as usual.

Nyx's parents looked up as you and Nyx stepped out onto the deck, offering you both warm smiles. Rhys, rolled his eyes as he took in Nyx's state of undress, while Feyre, his mother, simply smiled indulgently, as if this was a common occurrence. Maybe if you played it cool, they wouldn't find out that you both defiled their breakfast spot the night before.

"Good morning, Y/n," Feyre greeted, her voice warm and welcoming. "It's good to see your feeling better." She glanced at Nyx, a small dismissive smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "And good morning to you too." She said to Nyx as he came over as kissed her forehead lovingly.

"morning Mama."

"Thank you sweetling but we've eaten, we were going to let you know that we are going to have to go take a trip to wind haven, Devlon is starting to act out of line so we should be back in a couple weeks."

"I'm gonna make breakfast if you want some, I can make extra." You offered, as you usually did, trying to seem like you weren't impatient for them to leave for the day. Rhys closed his paper and set it down before standing and stretching for a minute.

Rhys said calmly after offering his hand to his wife to help her stand. You were grateful that they were going to be gone considering you were planing on consummating the bond today, it doesn't tend to stay very quiet. You gave Nyx a look turning away from Rhys and Feyre as they entered the house again before you heard Rhys call over his shoulder.

"And the house better not look anything the the way we found the deck this morning by the time we get back!"

You and Nyx stared at eachother, your faces turning red and you both groaned. Well so much for them not finding out...

~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you so much for reading Lovelies, if you want to be added to the tag list just comment or dm me. Again comments are always welcome, I hope you enjoyed the story!

@romantasyreader28 @tele86 @mich0731 @6v6babycheese @jennnsthings @mulansaucey @starlightandsouls @jir67 @paleidiot @icey--stars @ohemgeewhat @littlelunatica @celestialamore @rcarbo1 @quiet-because-it-is-a-secret @queenoffeysand @suppppp97

[findmeinvelaris]

Knowing that Rhysand and Feyre are mates changes so much about ACOTAR. Even though Rhysand is playing the villain you can see his yearning for her much more clearly in their initial interactions in rereading . Everything he did UTM was for her ( stopping the chores, making sure she got real food, teasing her so that she wouldn’t go totally numb, even the wine and dancing) and with her wellbeing in mind, even if the choices he made were sometimes questionable and he was also trying to protect his home.

[acourtofmishapandmistakes]

Cassian: So... I've seen you've been spending a lot of time with Rhys recently.

Feyre: No, Cassian, it's not what it looks like. I swear.

Cassian: Oh really? So no reason for me to be jealous?

Feyre: No! You're the only one for me.

Cassian: Is that so?

Feyre: I promise. Rhysand and I are just bonded, okay? He's my mate.

Cassian: So there are no best-friend-feelings involved?

Feyre: You are still my one and only best friend! He's just the love of my life, nothing more!

Cassian: But I'm still the platonic love of your life, right?

Feyre: Of course!

Rhys:

Rhys: What the-