#lord devlon x OC

[mischiefmanagers]

I think I just entered my Lord Devlon era so apologies in advance 🫡

[prythianpages]

Azriel x Valeria (Rhysand's Sister OC) | "Some nights are still, I close my eyes and picture me and you."

(An edit based off this series & inspired by Orlando, Kilu's You're Everything bc the lyrics just screamed Val & Az to me. I've always pictured Anya Chalotra as Val in my head. Also, read below for spoilers on the series. Warning that these spoilers will not make sense if you haven’t read the series and that this series is not completed & currently on hold.)

a/n: Idk if anyone remembers this series or cares but I think about Val from time to time & it breaks my heart that I didn't get to finish her story. I didn't even get to the part that inspired this series. Stupid writer's block. Anyway, this is what I had planned for part two & thought why not share it. Warning this is a draft/summary of a plot so things are not finalized and may be confusing.

Val emerges from the blood rite as an Oristian. She almost made it to the top but when she saw Damien (Lord Devlon's son, the one who hurt her in the past and the one who Azriel threatened) being attacked on the mountain, she chooses to save him. It's kind of a moment of pity but also one of spite because he'll have to live with the fact that he survived the blood rite thanks to her (because all Damien attributed to her was just “another pretty face”)

Of course, this is ground breaking because she is the first female to achieve such a title (and maybe not so realistic in terms of canon stuff but ya know what, that's the beauty of fanfic lol.) But for her, this moment proved that she was worthy of fighting for her court.

This doesn't settle well in the Night Court. I imagine that Prythian is not so accepting of having such a powerful female and in this series, Rhys's dad is an asshole to her. So he throws a ball for her to celebrate her achievement but it's really her engagement party in disguise. He's marrying her to the Night Court's general, who is cruel and set on "taming her." Because now she is engaged, her father forces traditional expectations on her to keep her from “stepping out of line” with her power and also to quiet down rumors that she may be the heir the Cauldron chooses (and not Rhys.)

Az, Rhys, and Cas are pissed. With the upcoming war, they make their own plans to kill off the general so Val doesn't have to marry him. Meanwhile, Val & Az are still sneaking off. During this time, Val begins to understand her powers more and more, which is astral projection. Her powers were always connected to the moon and I really liked the idea of her being able to leave her body and wander off into some kind of spiritual realm and enter other people's dreams. (I was also going to mess more with portals/astral projection here but I wanted to read CC & TOG first for more context on portals.) However, at this point, she doesn’t realize she’s trying to astral project. Az does find her right when she’s on the verge of succeeding in her first astral projection and he freaks out because her body is unresponsive. He essentially calls her back to her body & they’re both confused as to what the hell happened. Az chooses not to question it, too distracted in his relief that Val is okay and was just in a “deep slumber.”

Val and Az do eventually get caught by Rhysand that goes a little like this. The mating bond has already snapped for them (any guesses when lol) but they were pretty much in denial for their own reasons. Az didn't think he was deserving of Val as his mate. Val was scared that Az only felt something for her solely because of the bond and not because he actually loved her. They do address the bond and their feelings.

Nothing changes much in terms of their relationship. They still keep it a secret, only difference is that now Rhys knows. Things are tense between Rhys & Val. I was planning on mixing canon here with the war and Valkyries dying, which leaves Val devastated. Val's fiance also dies and it's revealed that this had been the High Lord's plan all along. He wanted to get rid of his general but in a sneaky way to avoid conflict in his court so he arranged Val to marry him, knowing one of the bat boys would take care of it. (I was planning on writing a scenario where all 3 of them had their plans to kill him off like poison, targeted attack, etc and it's not clear as to which was the plan that actually killed him. Funny part here is that this is something they kept from each other but Az ends up finding out and has a small laugh at that.)

Val's dad suspects something going on between Az & Val. He sends Az on a triggering mission and then gives Az a warning to stay away from Val or else. Az realizes Rhys had been right all this time. That the High Lord would use their feelings for one another against each other so Az decides to distance himself. He ultimately breaks Val's heart for the sake of keeping her safe and things go downhill from here between them.

The war is still going on. Rhysand gets kidnapped by Amarantha (I already forgot who it was he had gone to save? I think it was Jurian? only to get captured.) When Val hears this, she goes to rescue him and reluctantly works together with Az. The war ends shortly after but Val is still giving Az the cold shoulder.

I had a headcanon that somewhere in this timeline, Rhys and Val go to the Bone Carver. Rhys sees either Feyre or Amarantha & Val sees Tamlin (I made this choice based off this theory that the Bone Carver shows you someone related to your death/near-death.)

Anyway, Prythian is trying to move on to a period of peace after the war. Tamlin & Rhysand become closer to one another. Val's mom notices the distance between Az & Val so she takes it upon herself to do something about it. She insists on Val taking her to see her friend one day and they end up at Rose Hall to visit Azriel's mom. Az just so happens to be there too. Things are tense & awkward. Az and his mom end up having a talk once Val and her mom leave: “Why do you deny yourself happiness, my son?” “It’s complicated.” “tell me…is she worth fighting for?” “Yes.” he answers without hesitation. “Then fight for her.” His mother says, encouraging him not to give up. Something along that.

Amarantha is still lingering around Prythian and I wanted to write about her pursuit/interest in Tamlin. This pisses Rhys off and Val steps in to help, which then makes Azriel jealous. After pining and groveling from Az, him and Val reconcile.

Another headcanon I had was that Val's mom always knew Val & Az were endgame. So just as she had made dresses for Rhys's mate, she made many for Val. She even made mating ceremony outfits for Val & Az.

Val & Az make a plan to basically elope/accept their mating bond. They set a date & make private arrangements with a priestess.

Meanwhile, as Rhys and Tam grow closer (and also Val but on her end, it is all platonic), Tam's dad does not like it. I was still going to follow canon, where he plans to target/kill Rhys. But the sons of spring find Val & her mom instead so they attack them. They kill Val's mom first. This is where I had planned for Tamlin to save Val from dying (was still debating on two possible scenarios so I'll just leave it at this.)

I had also planned for him to use his shape shifting abilities (as far as canon goes, he is only able to shift others into animals but I've always been curious how Feyre was able to shift into Ianthe so I feel like this is part of his power that he keeps secret) to shift Val's appearance to keep her safe from his brothers. He also helps her hide somewhere for the time being.

Angst comes in because this all happens right before the private mating ceremony Val & Az had planned. They are all devasted when they find Rhys's mom's head in the river. All they find of Valeria is one of her belonging's so they go Spring Court for revenge. Tamlin's family gets killed. Rhys is too enraged to hear reason, his dad goes on to kill Tamlin's mom. Az is also there but his priority is to find Val because he thinks they have her held captive. He doesn't find her in time but he can still feel the mating bond. He goes crazy trying to search for her.

Weeks past and no sightings or news of Val. Until one night, he no longer feels the bond at all and completely breaks down.

Meanwhile, Val is going through a period of grief from losing her mother & starts to blame herself for it. She doesn't want to face Rhys because she feels like she failed him in keeping their mother safe. Tamlin allows her to stay with him for as long as she needs (he’s also grieving loss of his family.) Val is still disguised as a different fae. So she starts to explore her astral projection powers more, wanting to find answers. This is where she learns she can travel through a spiritual realm. She reunites with Noctis & her mother, who warn her not to stay in this realm for too long as time passes differently there.

Val also learns that through this spiritual realm, she can travel & visit others. So she visits the Night Court & finds Azriel. She touches him, hoping he can feel her but he doesn't. She then finds herself slipping into his dreams just to see him again.

Azriel begins to dreams of her a lot. He finds himself sleeping more just to see her again. One night, he wakes up to find the piano playing itself–a love ballad. One that Val wrote for Azriel. He thinks this is the way of the house of wind comforting him but his shadows pick up on a presence. (In reality, it's Val trying to communicate with him through the “spiritual” realm.)

So in summary, Val's powers were portal/astral projecting and she's able to slip into other's dreams or visit them (kind of like ghosts? I guess. How you may feel a presence but sometimes, you don't necessarily see them.) That is where part two ends because I had planned for a part three...Though part three wasn't as extensively planned as part two, it was going to focus on Val finding her way back to herself (bc her soul does get lost from astral projecting too much) and realizing so much time had passed.

She's still in Spring but I was torn between having her come back prior to ACOTAR events or somewhere during. Tamlin had vowed to keep Val safe because he blames himself for what happened. If this were to happen prior to ACOTAR, I planned to include Lucien, more Amarantha and her meeting Feyre.

If this were to happen during ACOTAR events, I pictured Tamlin keeping Val safe in a locked room (using magic to keep her body preserved, I dunno, I didn't think this far lol.) Lucien & Feyre grow curious about the room but it's Feyre who sneaks her way in and sees an unconscious body. Tamlin lies and tells her it's his sister or some relative. Feyre lets this slip to Lucien who calls Tamlin out because he knows Tamlin never had a sister or living relative that he’s close to. When Val does “wake up” from her astral projecting, tensions rise between her and Tamlin when she asks for him to release her of his magic and let her look like her again. All she wants to do is go back home. But Tamlin tells her it’s not safe.

Either way, I planned for Val to meet Az again but he doesn't recognize her because she doesn't look like Val. Though, he feels something deeper between them & from his pov, he freaks out because he recognizes a pull. He fears what this means for him because he thinks this is the Cauldron's way of telling him Val is dead. (So insert more angst here because Val & Az went from friends to lovers to “enemies” to now “strangers.”)

Eventually, Tamlin does release Val from his magic. She looks like her again and wastes no time in going back home where she reunites with Rhys, Cas, Mor & Az.

 She decides to winnow to the Sidra, knowing someone would sense her "intrusion" to Velaris. And within seconds, a winged figure lands behind her. Azriel. He pales like he’s seen a ghost and falls to his knees, tears welling up in his eyes. He thinks he’s hallucinating. “Val?” He breathes.

“I’m sorry I missed our mating ceremony.” She replied with tears in her eyes. “I got held up.”

and Val & Az have their happy ending <3

Sorry this was a lot. I do hope I can eventually finish writing Val's story. I don't know how to explain it but even though I wrote this, I'm having trouble reconnecting with this series. If this doesn't make any sense, I'm sorry and I'm open to any questions. Just thought I'd share the plans I had for this rather than keeping it to my google doc.

[littlest-w01f]

Worthy

Cassian x Illyrian!OC (Ashmitha)

CASSIAN MASTERLIST

MAIN MASTERLIST

Summary: Being the daughter of the camp lord, came with all benefits and losses, for Ashmitha, Devlon's sired daughter, it was the benefits of strength males could only dream of, and the loss of her freedom to choose

Cw: Angst

part one

Everyone was dancing around the large bonfire. Celebrating. They were celebrating her, and Ashmitha was torn, sitting on a wooden stool, hands and legs covered in henna designs mimicking Illyrian tattoos, she didn't want this. This party for her husband being chosen for her, for her marriage.

Her large wings were covered in a paste to make them appear smoother for her big day. She was in a simple maroon dress, it was showing more skin than she ever had, reaching her thigh and the sleeves only covered her shoulders for the henna to be put on and dried.

Feeling the heat from the fire against her back and hearing the joyous chatter of the camp, Ashmitha tried to push down the turmoil within herself. Despite her reluctance to be part of this celebration, she couldn't ignore the attention she was receiving. The males whistled and clapped as they saw her adorned body, their eyes lingering longer than necessary, as if they had never seen skin before. They had to be glad her father wasn't there, otherwise he would've had their tongues. Not because he cared for his daughter, but what she represented needed to be preserved.

Ashmitha's gaze drifted across the festive spread, her mouth watering at the savoury aromas wafting from the steaming platters. Roasted meats, stews, fresh breads - all tantalizing her senses. But as her eyes wandered further, taking in the sparkling jewels and fine silks draped over the nearby chests, her heart skipped a beat. Those treasures represented the only aspects of this union she found appealing, not the familial responsibility that came with marrying the Lord of Ironcrest, a male as old as her father, though her father didn't care. He only wanted powerful heirs from his only child. Sons were meant to be warriors, and daughters were meant to grow up to birth sons.

Ashmitha's gaze drifted across the feast spread before her, the savoury aromas wafting through the air making her stomach growl with hunger. The thought of sinking her teeth into a juicy slab of roasted boar or savouring the tender slices of grilled fishes, freshly caught, was almost too enticing to resist. But she knew better than to indulge in such base desires, especially now, when every aspect of her appearance and demeanour was scrutinized.

Suddenly, a few older females took a seat beside her, their eyes bright like her life wasn't about to end, Ashmitha had no motherly figure in her life, her mother had died giving birth to her, and her father hadn't taken another female after his mate's death, turning all his negative and positive attention onto her, mostly negative, because as she could very easily deduce, she wasn't a male offspring.

One of the elderly female, her face etched with lines of wisdom and age, reached out to gently touch Ashmitha's bicep, just where the henna ended, breaking her melancholic reverie. "Come now, dear one," she said softly, her voice carrying the soothing cadence of a lullaby. "This is a night for joy and new beginnings. Your union will bring prosperity to both your families."

Ashmitha forced a smile, nodding politely even as her mind rebelled against the notion. Another of the females began talking about her marriage, her first night, how it would feel to have her new husband's strong arms wrapped around her, the passion that would consume them both as they claimed each other for the first time. Ashmitha felt her cheeks flush at the graphic descriptions, her breath quickening despite her best efforts to remain composed.

As the elderly females continued to share their own tales of matrimony, their eyes twinkling with a mix of nostalgia and satisfaction, Ashmitha found herself growing increasingly restless. She longed to flee the stifling atmosphere of the celebration, to escape the weight of expectations pressing down upon her.

"Please, excuse me, ladies, I think I hear my father calling." She lied and stood up, making sure the red veil-like cloth on her hair didn't fall, she then started walking into the clearing to calm her mind, away from the party.

As Ashmitha stepped away from the bonfire's warm glow and into the cool night air, laughter and music gradually faded behind her. She breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of damp earth and wildflowers that grew along the forest's edge. The darkness seemed to envelop her like a comforting shroud, offering solace from the oppressive merriment she'd left behind.

Lost in thought, Ashmitha wandered deeper into the woods, her bare feet padding softly against the hard ground. The trees loomed above her, their branches creaking gently in the breeze like ancient whispers.

In the darkness, Ashmitha felt someone nearby, turning around, squinting her eyes to focus, she saw red Siphons glowing, and for a moment, her heart rate sped up, "Cassian? Is that you?"

Cassian emerged from the shadows, his tall frame illuminated by the faint moonlight filtering through the canopy. His crimson siphons glowed dimly, casting an eerie red hue across his rugged features. Ashmitha's heart raced as she took in the sight of him, her breath catching in her throat.

"You look positively like the picture perfect Illyrian bride, Asha." Cassian said, his voice low and rough, taking in his mate's form, her smooth bronze skin, the gown, the veil, the salve on her wings, his own nearly fluttering at the thought of seeing her like that, the dried henna art, for a moment, he could delude himself into thinking she was his bride. He moved closer, his steps silent on the forest floor. "Running away from your own celebration?"

Ashmitha bit her lower lip, her gaze darting away from his intense stare. "It's not my celebration," She muttered, folding her arms across her chest. "It's a farce, a sham to celebrate my impending imprisonment."

Cassian's brow furrowed, sorrow crossing his handsome face. "I'm so sorry, my love..." He had wanted to lighten up her mood, but being closer to her. A part of him wanted to take her away right here, the thought of his mate being with another angered him beyond reason. But that wasn't what she needed so he calmed himself, his usual self shining through the possessive mate.

Ashmitha looked away from him, her dark brown eyes lining with tears, seeing her mate brought up emotions she had been trying to bury, "You shouldn't be here..." It was unbecoming of a Lord's daughter like her to be talking to a bastard like him, that was what her father had beaten into her after she had been seen hanging out with Cassian and his brothers, the other bastard and a half-breed heir, or Azriel and Rhysand, as she, not her father, called them. They had pissed her father off enough by not only surviving the Blood Rite but winning.

"I'm here because I care about you and I hate seeing you upset." Cassian replied, his voice gentle but firm as he stepped closer to Ashmitha.

He reached out tentatively, wiping away the single tear that had escaped her tightly clenched eyelids. The sensation of his fingers grazing her skin sent a shiver down Ashmitha's spine. Cassian cupped her cheek, tilting her chin upwards until their gazes locked once more.

"I wish there was something I could do to take away your pain," He murmured, his thumb brushing feather-light strokes across her cheekbone. "To stop this madness and keep you safe in my arms forever." The raw emotion in his words made Ashmitha's pulse jump wildly in her throat.

"I want that too..." Ashmitha wished to lean into his hand, to be close to him. "But if my father learns we're mates he will kill you..." Ashmitha pulled away, "I couldn't live with myself if that happened..."

"Asha-" Cassian tried to pull her close again but she shook her head and stepped backwards.

"No! Listen to me Cassian, please…" She finally let herself tear up, biting on her lower lip to not quite sob. "My father is cruel and vindictive. If he discovers our bond, he won't hesitate to order your execution. You know how much value he places on bloodlines and alliances."

Her voice cracked with anguish as she spoke, her fingers twisting nervously in the silk folds of her skirt. "I cannot bear the thought of losing you. Especially knowing it would be my fault. Please, stay away from me. Forget we ever met." Each word tasted bitter on her tongue, but Ashmitha forced herself to say them, praying it would be enough to keep Cassian safe. Her heart shattered at the prospect of never being able to truly claim him as hers.

"But I love you..." Cassian breathed, he had nothing else to say, a last resort for he didn't even know what. His own tears painting his cheeks, gasping to try to make it easier to breath, although it didn't help.

The admission hit Ashmitha like a physical blow, stealing the breath from her lungs and rendering her speechless. Her heart hammered painfully in her chest, each beat echoing the truth of his words. She loved him too desperately, too much. Yet she couldn't allow those feelings to cloud her judgment, to endanger his life.

"Cassian..." She whispered hoarsely, leaning back against a tree trunk for support. "How can you possibly love someone who has been raised to despise everything you stand for?" Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them back fiercely. "Go home, Cassian. Stay safe."

Even through her need to push him away, she couldn't call him less than. She was the Illyrian Princess and he was the bastard, they could've never been. If a breath of their mating bond was spoken, Cassian would either be put to death by her own father or be sent to the front lines the next war to die. She had refused to accept the bond because of it, scared someone might scent it on them.

Cassian's resolve wavered as he gazed at Ashmitha, her lovely face etched with sorrow and longing. He yearned to wrap her in his arms, to shield her from the harsh realities of their world. But he also respected her strength, her determination to protect him from the very real danger posed by her father.

With a heavy sigh, Cassian slowly backed away, his eyes never leaving hers. "If this is what you truly want, I will leave," he said quietly, his voice tinged with resignation.

He turned to depart, but paused, looking over his shoulder one final time. "Nothing will change that I love you."

"I love you too," Ashmitha whispered when she knew Cassian had flown far enough to not hear her. Ashmitha watched until Cassian vanished into the night, his silhouette fading into the distance. A profound sense of loss washed over her, making her knees weak. But she refused to cry. She was stronger than this, to not break. "Forever."

She remained rooted to the spot for several long moments before finally forcing herself to move. The walk back towards the festivities was torturous, every step reminded her of the male she’d just sent away.

When she returned to the celebration, she did so with a mask firmly in place. She smiled and laughed where appropriate, dancing with her people, and eating food in a way deemed appropriate, but inside, she was crumbling.

{General Taglist- @lilah-asteria @paleidiot @dee-writes-angst @adalia-jaycee @anarchiii @alwayshave-faith @velarisnightsky444 @minnieoo @mellowmusings @daughterofthemoons-stuff}

{Cassian Taglist- @yeonalie @nestastits}

[thisblogisaboutabook]

I have a couple Azriel x Reader/OC fics that I’ve been writing and I just adore the FMC in them. I don’t know when you’ll get any of these but I wanted to share excerpts from the WIP’s they’re from that you’ll get (eventually).

This is a long Az x Reader fic (with other beloved characters playing large roles) that I have about 40 pages written of right now.

“Well, this has been lovely. Take the night to sleep on your options. You can speak your truth tomorrow - or Rhysand can come break into your mind. Choose wisely”

Wondering if it was the slight comfort of knowing my mate would likely quell his methods of torture when it came to me, or if I truly had a death wish - I raised my cuffed hands, a middle finger proudly displayed on each.

His face didn’t shift, not in the slightest, as he turned toward the door. He took a step, tensing as a spoonful of mashed potatoes flung against the back of his head. His shadows agitated, swirling around, he turned and I expected pure icy-rage but he only gave me a cool grin,

“Oh, and ‘Ror, tomorrow we’ll need a brief on the Illyrian that you murdered in Windhaven. Devlon’s pretty pissed about that.”

Then he was gone-

and I was so fucked.

Another Azriel x Reader because he’s my favorite to write for 🥹

“Says the wannabe bouncer who just threw me over his shoulder and carried me out of an establishment against my will!!”

“You were ordered to leave after turning the dance floor into a damn hazard! It’s not like I was sweeping you away to take advantage of you.”

“I fail to see how that gives you the right to take me out?? If you want to work at Rita’s just fill out an application like a normal citizen. You don’t have to fucking audition.”

He scoffed. “I report directly to the High Lord, I have every right to carry you out of the establishment, this city, or the whole damn territory if I please.”

A smug grin crept its way onto his face as she finally shut up.

The smugness faded quickly as she waived a hand at him, “You’re dismissed, bird boy.”

[prythianpages]

ACOSM | The Night she gets her heartbroken

azriel x rhysand's sister (oc)

warnings: angst? mentions of violence

summary: Valeria is heartbroken and seeks the comfort of her brother. Meanwhile, Azriel decides to take matter into his hands.

A/N: this is an imagine among my collection of imagines that follow Rhysand's sister, Valeria. while I'm still working on them, you can find the masterlist for it here.

**

Days turned into weeks, and Azriel battled with his emotions in solitude. He tried to hide his jealousy, but the shadows around him could sense his turmoil. He grappled with the fear of that his chance had slipped through his fingers.

Azriel couldn't deny the weight in his chest as he heard the words slip from Valeria's lips the other day—the revelation that Damien had claimed her first kiss. The news hit him harder than he anticipated, stirring a mix of emotions that he struggled to process. He sought comfort that night in the company of a beautiful Illyrian girl, but with every caress and tender kiss, his thoughts drifted to Valeria.

He couldn't help but wonder how she felt, what she tasted like. 

This had become a pattern, a repetitive cycle of seeking companionship elsewhere while his heart yearned for the one who had unknowingly captured it.

He was grateful that Rhysand and Cassian were distracted with interests of their own. It shielded him from having to fabricate excuses for choosing to spend his nights alone, masking the truth that he could no longer find that physical connection with anyone as he did before. Before his feelings for Valeria had gone beyond those of friendship.

Rhysand’s and Cassian’s distractions had also made it easier for him to keep his feelings for Valeria hidden. He buried them deep within, fearing that the friendships he had built with her and Rhysand might crumble under the weight of his emotions. But now, the realization of Valeria sharing such an intimate moment with another person ignited a jealousy he couldn't ignore.

**

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Valeria stormed into the house. That’s when she ran into Rhysand and Azriel.

Rhysand, lounging with his legs propped up on the coffee table, swiftly removed his feet, dog-earing his book, concern flickering in his eyes as they locked onto his sister. Azriel, engrossed in sharpening a blade from his seat in the armchair, also paused in his task. His shadows, always vigilant, sensed the distress surrounding Valeria, some rushing to her. They let out a small sigh in relief as they confirmed that she was physically unharmed, though emotionally shattered.

Tears welled up in Valeria's violet eyes, her bottom lip trembling in a pout. Rhysand was on his feet in an instant, already sensing her distress. Valeria wasted no time, seeking solace in the comforting embrace of her brother. "What's wrong?" he gently inquired, his protective instincts rising to the fore.

"You were right," Valeria sobbed, the pain of overhearing Damien's heartless words still fresh. The memory sliced through her heart. "He used me. He never truly liked me, he just liked my title."

Rhysand’s expression turned dark with anger, and his protective instincts flared. “I’m going to kill that bastard.”

But beneath the boiling rage, Rhysand frowned.

As much as he desired to unleash his wrath upon Damien for hurting his sweet sister, he knew he couldn't succumb to that urge. Rhysand was the High Lord’s son and heir. Damien also held a delicate position as he was Lord Devlon’s son, the one who oversaw the Windhaven camp. Provoking such conflict could plunge them into a harrowing confrontation, one that might spiral into a gruesome clash.

Cassian, who had been tidying up in the kitchen, stepped into the living room with a warm smile playing on his lips. However, it swiftly vanished at the distressing scene before him. Rhysand, comforting Valeria as tears streamed down her face, and Azriel exuding an aura of barely controlled fury. 

“Fuck,” he breathed. The realization of what had transpired hit him, and soon his expression mirrored his brother's. "It was that asshole, wasn’t it?”

Rhysand gently pulled away from Valeria to assess his sister, worry still etched into his features. "I didn’t care for him as much," Valeria confessed. “I think I liked the idea of him more than I liked him. The idea that someone could like me.”

The pain cut Valeria deep, a piercing wound laced with betrayal, anger, and humiliation. Damien's hurtful words had struck her not because she found herself falling for him, but because they were a like a searing slap to her face, bringing to surface her deepest insecurities.

"Aww, come on, dove. Don't look so surprised," he had taunted. "Did you really think someone would like you for you? You would be nothing but just another pretty face, if it weren't for your father or brother."

“Everyone sees me as the High Lord’s daughter…Rhysand’s little sister…When will someone just see me as me?” Valeria’s voice trembled with a tinge of sadness. “When will someone like me for just me?”

“Fuck that asshole.” Cassian's anger surged at the raw hurt in Valeria's eyes, and he clenched his fists.

Rhysand tenderly wiped each tear from Valeria's cheeks, his frown deepening. "You are my sister, but you are so much more than that. You are Valeria. Beautiful and sweet, brave and kind. A strong and kindred spirit, who loves chasing the stars and shines as bright as the moon. You needn’t dim your light over the words of Illyrian scum."

Valeria sniffled, her tears gradually subsiding. "I love you, Rhys."

"I love you too, Val," Rhysand replied, a fond smile gracing his lips as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"How about some lemon cakes?" Cassian chimed in, attempting to soothe her pain. He knew how much she loved sweets, especially those with a lemony flavor.

Valeria turned to him, a faint smile ghosting her lips. She nodded. "And ice cream?"

"Of course," Rhysand responded, leading Valeria to the couch and encouraging her to sit.

"I’ll get the whipped cream and sprinkles," Azriel offered, his desire to ease her suffering evident. Despite the ache in her heart, Valeria's spirits lifted at the thought that he remembered her preferences.

"Don’t you dare move from that couch, Val! We will bring everything to you," Rhysand exclaimed playfully as he followed Cassian down the hall and into the kitchen.

Azriel lingered by the hallway, his golden gaze meeting Valeria's. He bit back the words he wanted to say. Bowing his head politely, he followed after Rhys and Cas.

 To Azriel, she was not just the High Lord’s daughter or Rhysand’s sister. She was Valeria—the girl who now consumed his thoughts and dreams. The girl who continued to warm him with her light, even in the darkest corners of his soul.

**

The following day, Valeria decided to accompany Rhys, Cassian, and Az on some camp errands. As they strolled through the town square, they crossed paths with Damien, the son of Lord Devlon. However, Damien purposefully ignored Valeria as she walked by. She caught the sight of a nasty black eye and busted lip as he avoided her gaze. 

Rhysand had harbored the desire to inflict pain upon him, but held himself back. Nevertheless, to his surprise, he found that someone had already taken matters into their own hands. Cassian couldn't help but chuckle at Damien’s sorry state.

Azriel wore a smug smirk, relishing the fear that flashed in Damien’s eyes as they walked by.

**

Bonus scene:

Azriel couldn't stand idle knowing the pain Valeria endured. The fury within him ignited, fueled by his love and protectiveness for her. As the moon hung high in the night sky, he made his way to the place where Damien was known to frequent.

He found the despicable son of Lord Devlon already nestled in the company of another girl outside a tavern. Azriel's anger surged, his vision momentarily consumed by red at the disrespect. He moved with a growl, swift and silent, and yanked Damien away from the girl by the back of his leathers. The frightened girl fled, leaving the two men alone in the darkness.

Without hesitation, Azriel's fist connected with Damien's face, sending him crashing to the dirt, where he belonged. "Don't you dare look at her or breathe in her direction ever again," Azriel seethed, his voice laced with menace, as he dropped to his knees and landed another punch.

"I swear on my life!" Damien cried out, his face contorted in pain and fear.

Azriel rose to his feet and sneered at the pathetic display. "I've seen your life. Swear on something else.”

**

Tag list: @justrepostandlove @kemillyfreitas @thelov3lybookworm

[littlest-w01f]

CASSIAN MASTERLIST

MAIN MASTERLIST

All my Cassian works and WIP (not in order)

Lady Bloodshed (mini-series) [Cassian x Assasin!OC]

Summary: She was the deadliest assassin in the Night Court, someone who could do anything for the right amount. Her newest mission was to take down the general of Night Court, but something held her back once she was face-to-face with him

part one part two part three

Little Family (mini-series) [Cassian x Single mom!OC]

Summary: When Cassian comes to pick Feyre up from her work, he sees a new girl with her, a girl who sits to herself silently and doesn't talk to any other children, his whole world shifts on its axis when the girl's mother walks in to take her home

part one part two part three part four

Hands Starfall week (Cassian x Reader) {fluff with hints of smut}

Summary: Cassian just wants to hold Reader's hand

Midnight (Feyre x BatBoys) {smut}

Summary: Rhysand wants to give the best gift to Feyre. He's more than happy to invite Cassian and Azriel to help make sure everything went perfectly.

Devine (mini-series) [Batboys x CoN!OC]

Summary: Rhysand is getting older, and he, along with his general and spymaster, needs to claim an Omega before his Alpha instincts take control of him completely and he is rendered unfit to be a High Lord, lucky or unluckily for him, Kier has an idea.

part one

Worthy (mini-series) [Cassian x Illyrian!OC]

Summary: Being the daughter of the camp lord, came with all benefits and losses, for Ashmitha, Devlon's sired daughter, it was the benefits of strength males could only dream of, and the loss of her freedom to choose.

part one

Sensitive (Batboys x Reader) {smut}

Summary: Rhysand shows you he and his closest friends aren't put off by blood

Cassian Appreciation Week 2024