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invisibleanonymousmonsters · 1 year ago

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chapter xvi - gust & flame

Eris Vanserra x Reader

Eris Vanserra has been a prisoner in his own home since the day he was born. He has done what he had to in order to survive and protect the few he loves. And he is playing the long game. Waiting, waiting, and waiting for the right time to make his move, to usurp his wicked father and become High Lord of Autumn Court. But things become even more complicated when a human girl drops into his life. Perhaps Eris can wait no longer to take his throne.

Word Count: 4,000+

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Eris marched to Y/N. His eyes raced across her, noting all the injuries she suffered. Her heartbeat was weak, barely audible to his fae ears.

Azriel watched him with closely, prepared to guard and protect Y/N’s helpless body from Eris’ new and unpredictable power.

He remembered when Rhysand had gained his High Lord capacity. The new strength was both intoxicating and terrifying. It took Rhys time to get a hold on it, to control it.

Furthermore, Azriel didn’t trust Eris like he had trusted Rhysand.

“Give her to me,” Eris growled, only looking at Y/N’s face and not even bothering to acknowledge the shadowsinger.

“I am not so sure I should,” Azriel countered coolly, his hold over Y/N tightening.

Eris finally looked into his hazel eyes, glaring into them. “I would never hurt her, Shadowsinger. I swore allegiance to your High Lord to keep her safe. She needs a healer – and quick."

And without waiting for a response, Eris scooped Y/N into his arms, fully intending to fight Azriel if he tried to stop him.

Now that his mate was in his grasp, Eris whipped around to find his mother. But she was already standing a few feet behind him when he sought her out.

“Go," Leonora urged him. "Take her to the healer. Lucien and I will take care of things here.”

She looked around them at what was left of Beron’s loyalists. They were either dead or had surrendered. Nesta, Cassian, Jurian, and Vassa guarded them with weapons at the ready.

Eris nodded gratefully and rushed Y/N to the royal healer.

–🍁–🍁–🍁–

Even before Y/N fully came to, she knew that she wasn’t in Night Court.

For one, there was the smell: cedar wood, amber, rain, and very subtle hints of both pumpkin and apple. It surrounded her. Then there was the chill, it was different than the Night Court. Someone had clearly left a window or two open. And the cold was refreshing, like a relief after too long and too hot of a summer in the mortal lands. It felt like a chill that could cure the human body and soul.

Y/N’s eyes finally found the strength to flutter open.

She looked around to find she was indeed still in Autumn Court.

And she was laying in a canopy bed grander even than the one she had been given in the Night Court. The detailing on the woodwork was impossible to overlook.

It was lovely and cozy, not at all what she would’ve imagined the dreaded Forest House of Autumn Court would look like. She had expected everything to be red – red like blood – unsettling and harsh. But there was soft browns everywhere, and an overall rustic warmth to the place.

It wasn’t until Y/N looked on the other side of the room that she started to believe she wasn’t just sleeping in a random guest room of a grand estate.

There was a coffee table with a pile of books and an old cup of tea, half sipped. As well as some papers written on, with a discarded quill sitting on top of them all. The candle and roaring fire beyond made it even cozier.

Y/N glanced down to see that her injuries had been tended to and someone had changed her out of the soaking wet underdress that had exposed her to the entire Autumn Court. Beron had made sure to humiliate her, she was honestly surprised he hadn’t stripped her completely naked to make his point.

Now she wore a nightgown with decorative lace and silk in the Autumn Court's colors. It wasn’t very modest – but yet again Night Court seemed the least concerned with modesty compared to the other Prythian Courts – besides perhaps Summer.

Y/N slowly sat up in bed, making sure to be careful of an lingering injuries. But she felt refreshed and healthy.

Beron must be dead. Surely.

If she were alive and put in such a lovely bedroom, Eris must have won the battle.

Come to think of it, Y/N was struggling with remembering the details of the fight. There was pain and fire and blood. But she couldn’t seem to find the last thing that happened to her before she fell into a cloud of darkness.

Y/N found a thick shawl hanging over a chair next to the bed. Almost as if someone knew she would want to cover herself before going anywhere.

She wrapped it around herself and searched the room for something she could use as a weapon.

Right about now Y/N really missed the resourcefulness of having a sentient home like the House of Wind, who could just drop anything she politely asked for.

Y/N smiled with relief when she found a dagger similar to the one Eris had gifted her. It had been slightly hidden in a drawer of one of the nightstands.

She didn’t bother keeping it sheathed, letting the deadly blade gleam.

Taking a deep breath, Y/N gathered her courage before throwing the door open to see what would be waiting for her on the other side.

“Plan on stabbing me, do you?”

“Lucien?” Y/N gasped.

The redheaded male was sitting on the ground across from her bedroom, legs crossed, calmly reading a book. He hadn’t even looked up from it when she’d emerged.

“I was wondering when you would finally sneak out of that bedroom,” Lucien sighed as he finally looked up at her.

Y/N looked at him wearily.

The last few days had been harrowing and she wasn’t sure where she stood with others of these fae. They weren’t her friends any longer. But she wasn’t sure if they were quite her enemies either.

Lucien stood. “Everyone figured you would be the most comfortable with me being the one guarding your bedroom.”

“Everyone?” Y/N asked with a scowl.

He smiled. “Well…Eris.”

“So…So Beron is…d-dead?”

Lucien’s smile dropped as he heard the fear in her voice. He gave a slow nod. “I am sorry…for what he did to you, Y/N.”

But she wouldn’t meet his gaze.

Lucien cleared his throat. “If you are feeling well enough, I thought perhaps I could show you around the Forest House.”

Y/N just gave me a short nod.

Lucien looked relieved at her agreement. “I have a thing for babysitting mortal females that unexpectedly show up in fae courts.”

She could only assume he was referring to Feyre when she was in the Spring Court. But she didn’t bother asking for him to clarify.

“I wish to keep the dagger,” she added darkly, daring him to challenge her on it.

But Lucien raised a brow. “I never said anything about taking it from you. And if I’m being honest, I wouldn’t mind watching you stab a few of the courtiers still alive.”

And then he started walking, not looking back or waiting to see if she would follow.

Y/N quickly caught up with him, the dagger tightly gripped in her right hand.

——

“Only a small portion of the house is above ground – less than half. The rest is built into the stone beneath. Most of the house is hidden amongst the trees and rocks that rest above ground. The property stretches far – even the most trained eye cannot tell where the Forest House begins or ends.”

Y/N had been quietly listening to Lucien’s little tour for nearly three hours now. Now and then she would ask questions. But mostly she just let him talk.

Once again, the Forest House was nothing like she would have imagined. With Beron ruling this kingdom, she half-expected the place to be a dark and grimy dungeon. That evil man didn’t deserve to live in such a beautiful place.

How much had he tainted the Autumn Court with his wickedness?

“But Eris and mother prefer to remain above ground,” Lucien added, catching at how Y/N's body stiffened every time he mentioned Eris. “They need the sunshine.”

Lucien led her out onto a balcony that was surrounded by such a thick woods that it felt more like a tree house.

For a few minutes, the two of them just stared out at the view.

There were trees and hills as far as the eye could see. It looked like someplace one could easily hide or sneak through undetected. Yet Y/N had failed to do just that.

“How did they ever find me in this?” Y/N whispered, really only to herself.

But of course Lucien heard it.

“You would have never been able to pass through, Y/N. There are wards surrounding this court. Beron knew of everyone that ever entered his territory.”

Y/N’s head still bowed in shame.

Then she looked up at Lucien. ��Is it hard for you…being back here?”

Lucien took a moment to look out at the trees and mountains before he answered, “I never thought I’d walk through these halls ever again.”

“They must hold terrible memories for you,” Y/N mumbled.

“Yes. But believe it or not, they also hold some good memories. Memories that I haven’t allowed myself to think of in quite some time. I guess that is how I coped with it: either remember everything or remember none of it. at all”

Y/N gave him a sympathetic look and a shy nod. Without realizing what she was doing, her hand reached across the railing and squeezed his own.

Lucien glanced down their hands with a small and shy smile.

“Come,” he said, nodding behind them at the house. “You must be starving. And I’m sure my brother has been pacing all day, waiting to see you for himself.”

“Why wasn’t he the one waiting outside my bedroom?”

Lucien froze and turned to look at her head-on. “Because Eris is convinced that you hate him – or you are scared of him. I can’t tell. But my brother figured he would be last person you would want to see when you awoke.”

“I do not fear him,” Y/N whispered quietly, yet with confidence.

“And you should not,” Lucien surprised her by responding. “I’ve never seen my brother care for someone’s safety the way he cares about yours. Not even my mother.”

With that, he began walking again, leading her through the giant sprawl.

It took almost twenty minutes just to get to the dining hall. Of course it was grand. Clearly, it was meant for hosting the entire court and visiting guests of the court.

And Y/N expected those guests to also be in attendance for this dinner. Or at least the surviving Vanserra family.

But it was only Eris at the other end of the giant hall, pacing with his back to them.

As soon as he heard their arrival though, his back went straight and he whipped around to the face them.

First, there was relief in his eyes at seeing Y/N safe and healed. But that was quickly hidden.

Y/N caught his usual cool and passive expression. But then she blinked and he tried to give her somewhat of a warm look. It seemed to take great effort from Eris to do so.

Lucien was the one to break the silence. “Have any other errands for me, brother?”

Eris glared at him. “I am just relieved you didn’t bore her to death.”

“I am more interesting company than you,” Lucien shot back. Then he turned to Y/N, “I shall leave you two to it then.”

“You’re leaving?” Y/N blurted out accidentally.

Lucien had an almost mischievous smirk as he nodded and took his leave.

Y/N expected that Eris would wait for her to approach him. After all, he was a High Lord now. And she was...Well, she was nothing.

But it was Eris who quickly lessened the distance between them. However, he stopped a longer distance away from her than necessary. Perhaps he really did believe she was scared of him.

Eris cleared his throat. “I assume eating here would be less comfortable. I requested a more…secluded place for us to dine.”

Y/N just watched him.

His tone was softer, gentler. Like he was speaking to a wild doe who would scurry away with any sudden movement.

Her silence seem to unsettle him, though.

“Unless, that is,” he quickly added, “you wish to dine alone in your rooms.”

His gaze shot down to the dagger that was still gripped in her hand.

He couldn't help but smirk. “I see you’ve grown fond of my dagger.”

His dagger? The rooms. The bedroom that seemed to belong to someone.

“They’re your rooms?” She asked without thinking.

Eris seemed caught off guard that she would figure it out. “Yes. I have wards surrounding them, stronger than anything else in the house. I conjured them myself. And there is nowhere safer in the Forest House.”

“B-But where are you sleeping? I do not wish to inconvenience you.”

Eris actually let out a laugh. “I assure you, it is not inconvenience. There is plenty of space in this dreadful place.”

Y/N didn’t know what to say next. But it still felt odd, her staying in his intimate quarters.

But then she couldn’t ignore how at home she felt waking up, how comfortable. She had just been attacked and practically tortured. Yet, she wouldn’t know it with how safe she had felt this morning.

Y/N took in a deep breath. “I would not mind having dinner with you…if I am able to ask you some questions.”

Eris bowed his head. “I believe that is a fair exchange.”

Then he gestured for her to walk ahead of him.

He led her through a few more hallways until they were outside on a terrace.

Plates and silverware were already set up, with candles lighting the small table.

Y/N turned to look at him, but Eris seemed to be trying to ignore her stare.

Clearly he had made a bit of an effort here. And Y/N was taken aback by it.

Who was Eris Vanserra now that Beron was dead and he was High Lord?

He gestured toward table, signaling that she should sit first.

Y/N reached for the one chair, and her face got hot when Eris moved behind to push in her chair for her. Then he moved into the corner across from her.

As soon as they were settled, Eris waved his hand over the table and food magically appeared before them. It took up every inch of the table. Then one set of wine glasses filled with light wine, while the other set filled with water.

“Neat trick,” Y/N pointed out quietly.

“Our cooks made it,” Eris explained, almost sounding bored. “I simply summon it.”

But Y/N wasn’t wasting any time. “When did you know?” She uttered suddenly.

Eris froze mid sip of drinking his wine.

“When did you figure out I was your…mate?”

Eris finished his sip, turning it into a gulp from the question. “As soon as I saw you.”

“But that is not normal, is it?” Y/N challenged.

“I will answer your questions if you eat,” Eris demanded as he gestured to her full plate. “You have been healing and sleeping. You have not eaten in nearly two days.”

Y/N sighed and did as he requested.

“I suppose it not normal,” Eris agreed to her earlier statement. “But stranger things have happened.”

“Why take me to Night Court? It was rather obvious they are not your friends. Why did you trust them, of all people?”

“I do not have friends,” he corrected her harshly. “I took you to the Night Court because it was the safest place for you. There was no other option. Perhaps I was…desperate.”

Y/N’s gaze grew cold and challenging. “And you promised an Autumn army you did yet have to make them agree?”

Eris ground his teeth. “Is that what they told you?”

“No one told me.”

The wind then, Eris surmised.

“Is that why you ran?” He asked quietly.

“I ran because they are not my friends. They only gave me shelter and protected me because they wanted your loyalty – even if that loyalty was forced. And, I guess, because Rhysand’s life depended on it.”

Eris shifted in his chair, having mental battle with himself in his head. “No, Rhysand and his inner circle are not my friends. But their love for you was no act. Even now, they have not left your side.”

Y/N’s head snapped up in surprise. “They’re still here?”

“Yes, unfortunately. Irritating that lot is. They linger here to assure that you are alright. But I told them they were not allowed to speak with you until you had expressed that it was your wish to do so.”

Y/N blinked at Eris’ consideration.

He seemed to be reading her face quite carefully.

“For what it is worth,” Eris began, “they kept my secret by my demand. I did not want you to know about the bond because I thought it would make things left complicated and keep you safer.”

“If I am being fair,” Y/N began. “I am not sure how I would’ve reacted, knowing from the start. I wouldn’t have understood any of it, really. I would’ve been…Well, I don’t know what I would’ve been.”

Eris nodded, appreciating the honesty.

A moment of silence passed.

He leaned toward her. “Were you running here, to me when you fled…or were you simply trying to return to the Mortal Lands?”

Y/N caught the hope in his eyes. She knew immediately what answer he sought.

But she couldn’t give it to him. Not without lying.

Her head bowed. “I was going to the Mortal Lands. I didn’t even realize I had made it to Autumn until the leaves turned red. And then it was too late to turn around.”

Eris leaned back in his chair, controlling his expression. Yet, somehow Y/N still knew that he was disappointed.

Y/N waited a moment before she cleared her throat. “May I…May I make a request?”

“Please,” Eris urged her.

I will give you anything. Anything you wish, he had to stop himself from adding.

“I require a horse. Perhaps two.”

Eris watched her carefully, his face unreadable.

“I had properly paid for a pair in Night Court,” Y/N quickly added when he didn’t instantly respond. “I never stole them. But obviously I lost them when I was…when your father apprehended me.”

“Y/N…” It was the first time he had said her name since she'd crossed into these borders. And she didn’t know why it made her heart flutter. “It is not safe for you in the Mortal Lands. It is not safe for you to be on your own at all. There are some who do not approve of my usurping. And you were exposed. Those who wish to hurt me will come after you.”

Y/N’s breathing was getting heavy as she tried to control her temper. “I didn’t ask to be your mate. I didn’t ask for any of this!”

She shot up from her chair, the table shaking from the movements. “Where are they? Take me to them.”

Eris didn’t need her to clarify. He knew she spoke of the Night Court.

His eyes went dark when he slowly stood.

The movement must’ve been discomforting, for Y/N took a quick step backward from him and eyed him wearily.

“Fine,” Eris hissed before stomping away, not waiting for her to follow.

——

Some moments later, Eris had led her to a wing that Y/N was sure was on the opposite side of the Forest House than her own.

He gestured toward a door, apparently refusing to open it himself.

Y/N huffed and practically charged it.

Nesta and Cassian jumped to their feet. But Azriel looked unsurprised by Y/N’s aggressive entrance. He probably had shadows lingering in the hall that she had missed.

Cassian was the first to start opening his mouth to speak, but Y/N interrupted him before he could. She knew he was about to apologize by his face alone – and she couldn’t deal with it at this moment.

“Take me to the Mortal Lands,” Y/N demanded of Cassian, before he could speak.

His mouth dropped helplessly, and then he looked at Eris over her shoulder, as if he would silently give him answers.

“Take me to the Mortal Lands,” Y/N repeated, even more angerily. “You at least owe me that after lying to me for months.”

Cassian looked to his mate for guidance, but her expression was passive.

“Y/N,” Eris spoke quietly, remaining behind her. “It is not safe.”

“He’s right,” Azriel agreed as he pushed off the wall. “All of Autumn Court knows you are Eris’ mate – thanks to Beron.”

Y/N only glared at the shadowsinger. But to Azriel it was better than her not acknowledging him at all.

“I can take care of myself,” Y/N nearly growled.

Cassian stepped forward. “If you wish to go back to Night Court, we shall take you there. Or...” His eyes flicked to Eris. “You can stay here." He sighed, "But you will be a walking target in the Mortal Lands, open for the taking.”

Y/N looked around at all of them as if they were insane.

Only Nesta seemed to be as confounded as her.

“So then…” Y/N whispered angrily. "I am being forced to pick between my prisons? Is that it?”

Eris stepped to her side. “You will never be a prisoner here, Y/N. You will be a guest.”

Y/N was quiet.

Nesta glared at the new High Lord. “And if he tries anything you do not consent to, I will cut off his prick myself and take you back to Night Court.”

Cassian failed to hide his smile.

Eris rolled his eyes.

But Y/N wasn’t amused.

Everyone watched her closely, waiting for her decision.

“I shall stay here,” she finally announced.

Without saying anything more, Y/N stormed out of the room.

Eris didn’t follow. Instead, he gave the three Night Courtiers a warning look. “My borders remain open to you. If you wish to visit Y/N – on her terms – you may do so whenever you see fit.”

Nesta gawked at him. Then glared at her mate and then Azriel. “We are just going to leave her here? Alone!? With him?!”

“She feels betrayed by all of you,” Eris countered gravely.

Nesta crossed her arms. “And whose fault is that?”

Eris took a moment to answer. “I did what I believed was best to protect her – and I will continue to do the same.”

Nesta slowly stepped toward the High Lord. “You know it wasn’t long ago that you were begging to marry me. I was unimpressed with you then, and I am even more unimpressed with you when it comes to my friend.”

Eris didn’t back down though, not even to Lady Death. “And now you have your precious Illyrian.” Only he could whisper a mere fact and make it sound like an insult.

Cassian shifted his weight nervously, fully preparing to have to step between his mate and her next prey.

But Eris calmly looked at him and Azriel. “Y/N will be safe here.”

Then Eris looked down at Nesta, knowing she needed to hear the next part more than anyone. “And though she is my mate, I make no assumptions that she will accept such a bond. Once Autumn Court has been calmed and she is no longer at risk, she can return to the Mortal Lands.”

“You think it will be that easy to let her?” Azriel challenged.

Eris sneered at the shadowsinger. “You let her go, so why don’t you tell me?”

It was now Nesta who was forced to hide her smile.

Eris straightened and clasped his hands behind his back. “Stay another night or leave. I do not care.”

Then he left to go hunt down his mate, who was surely lost in the Forest House.

––––––

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Chapter XVII

#acotar #gust & flame #eris #eris acotar #eris vanserra #eris x reader #eris vanserra x reader #autumn court #lady of autumn #azriel #cassian #forest house #lucien vanserra #nesta archeron #high lord of autumn court

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