#rook x lucanis x spite //

[viasolaris]

made this as a new years gift for bestie !! i painted them separately first but stitched them together in the end. feels better this way

[pimsri]

how dare, Lucanis!!

[annoyed-galaxy]

Another fun thought I have about Lucanis/Spite and Rook.

Spoilers for Lucanis romance

Rook and Lucanis obviously need sleep at some point and since Lucanis and Spite come to an agreement, Lucanis can start to sleep some more. I find it funny how the post-Fade romance scene, Rook just says they can play cards with Spite or something (like Spite wasn't there the entire time they were doing the deed). However, what happens when Lucanis and Rook do actually sleep?

I like to think that Spite just holds Rook. Lucanis is asleep and he has free reign of the body for as long as Lucanis is asleep. Normally he would sleepwalk and wander, but he likes holding Rook. You'd think maybe he'd get bored of lying in bed, doing nothing, but not really. He loves Rook so much and doesn't want to let go of them. He's so possessive that in the moments where both Lucanis and Rook are asleep, he just lays there holding Rook and cherishing the moment to have them in his arms. To be able to hold and touch them.

Anyway, I just love the dynamic these three have and absolutely love imaging my Rook handling both of his boyfriends according to their needs.

[cosmiccrushes]

This Isn't A Good Idea

Lucanis x Rook x Spite || 1.5k words

on ao3 too

summary: just a little scene expansion. couldn't resist thinking about what Lucanis and Spite went to talk about after that almost kiss.

~~~~~

Lucanis shudders back into his body, standing in his room. He shakes his head to clear the layer of fog over him. Rook is several paces away, watching. 

“Rook?”

“You were sleepwalking.” 

“Spite was sleepwalking.” Insufferable demon. 

“He didn’t go anywhere. Nothing happened,” Rook offers, as if that makes up for what his negligence has allowed. 

A frustrated twitch of Lucanis’ head. “I didn’t want you to see that. Again.”

“Nothing I’m seeing makes me want to look away,” Rook replies, a soothing balm to his anxiety. 

“How do you always do that?” The marvel filters through his words like sunlight. Threatening to illuminate what should remain in the dark. 

“Do what?” She asks, brows scrunched in confusion. 

“Break apart my perfectly gathered clouds of doom.” He gives her the truth, which he so often subterfuges to hold her at arm's length. “You deserve better than to deal with my mess.” A warning, a plea. 

A glint sparks in Rook’s eyes. “You’re more than what you’re going through. And you wear it well.” A heat bubbles beneath her words, warming his blood.

“This isn’t a good idea.” Lucanis steps towards her anyway, a demon pulled in by the thing it craves. 

“Sometimes a bad idea is better.” Her voice crackles over him, smoldering charcoal on the coldest night.

“You like to walk a little close to the edge.” Lucanis’ voice drops low of its own accord. He leans into her space, places his arm against the wall by her head. A physical barrier to hold his distance from her. He does not feel his usual control over his actions. It’s the wanting guiding him now. He’s so tired of fighting it. She makes it so hard to fight it, with those eyes always looking at him as if she sees him, all of him. 

Rook matches him, leaning in, a seductive smile curling her lips. She taps a finger to his chest. “So do you.” 

“At least I know I’m doing it.” Does he, though? Know what he’s doing right now? As his head tilts to meet Rook’s. As he inhales her sweet, earthy scent. 

Melon…and woodsmoke, Spite whispers. A thrum of pleasure radiates off the demon, blending with Lucanis’ own elation in the moment. 

Lucanis halts, drawing back from Rook. “I…need to clear my head.” He walks backwards away from her, horrified with himself. “Excuse me.” 

He exits before she can respond, not looking back. He can’t bear to see if there is hurt on her face, anger, or perhaps just a sorrowful resignation. He grows weary of denying himself, but he’s not sure what he would do if she ceased giving him something to deny.  

Lucanis walks briskly, climbing the stairs to the balcony outside of the dining hall. Air, he needs air. He needs to chase away the smell of Rook lingering on his skin. 

Spite hisses his frustration against Lucanis’ teeth. Why. Did you leave? 

Lucanis ignores the demon, hands gripping hard onto the balcony’s railing.

We want Rook! Go back to Rook! 

“No! You don’t get to want anything. You don’t get to have anything!” Lucanis’ jaw hurts from how hard he grits his teeth. 

Why. Deny us this? Spite asks, genuine curiosity in his question. 

It is not safe for her. Lucanis can’t believe he’s having an argument about a woman with a demon. 

At first, he had tried not to pay attention to Spite’s growing obsession with Rook. But whenever he was in the same room as her, Spite was there, banging against his mental cage, demanding to speak to Rook. Bloodying Lucanis’ nose when he refused the demon. Even when Spite was quiet, Lucanis could feel him tracking Rook’s movements. A hunter stalking unsuspecting prey. It chilled Lucanis’ blood. He didn’t know what Spite’s intentions were and he refused to give the demon the chance to act upon them.

This couldn’t keep happening. Lucanis could not lose control over Spite. Nightmare visions of surfacing to consciousness, finding himself hovering over her unmoving body haunted his every waking moment. You didn’t get to kiss a woman you were secretly terrified of murdering in your sleep, Lucanis reprimands himself. 

Why not…it is what…you want, Spite coaxes. Smells so good…

Like melon and woodsmoke, Lucanis registers Spite’s earlier whisper. 

“Stop smelling her, demon.” Lucanis wants to bash himself against closed fists. Anything to dull the demon's leisurely stroll through his mind and senses. 

Can’t stop…you won’t stop…

Lucanis sighs. Therein lies the crux of his problems. Was it Spite who was obsessed with Rook…or him? Did Spite’s eyes follow her in every room, or did Lucanis’? It’s not the first time he’s faced this revelation. 

From the moment Rook broke into his watery prison, he'd been intoxicated by her. A woman so fearless that she dared to stand against gods. Her own gods, even. Dared to believe in others to do the same. She'd come for the Demon of Vyrantium. When she found a literal demon in his place, she did not bat an eye. She has never once looked at him like he is an abomination. 

Yes… Rook understands us, Spite persuades. 

“That doesn't mean anything! It's my responsibility to protect her.” As a fellow Crow, of course. Viago would take out his own contract on Lucanis if anything happened to Rook. Then Viago would fulfill it himself, slowly. 

Protect her? From what? Spite sounds so earnestly surprised by this that it gives Lucanis pause. 

“From your spite.” Lucanis feels mildly absurd, reminding a demon of its nature. 

Another hiss from Spite. I do not want to hurt Rook! 

Lucanis wishes he had a mirror so he could stare at the demon behind his eyes. “Then what do you want?” Lucanis asks cautiously. He’d assumed that, even a demon infatuated, would not diverge from its inherent nature.   

Spite’s contemplative grumble rumbles through his mind. Melon and woodsmoke… The demon breathes. Venom and vengeance in her heart…

Lucanis waits but Spite says no more. So you like the way she smells…and her anger? 

Spite hums his affirmative. We like our blades…striking with hers. We like our malice…drawing blood.

This, Lucanis has felt too. How their steps synced in a dance of retribution against the Venatori. Every swing of her blade a wrathful reckoning. Lucanis caught himself daydreaming more than once about what it might be like to take a contract with her after all of this was behind them. What it might be like to take every contract with her.

An unfamiliar and alarming feeling for Lucanis to deal with. He didn't think of people like this, with yearnings for long term plans. By the time he caught himself in daydreams of Rook, it was too late to unravel whether he or Spite had felt it first. It hardly mattered anyway, it didn't change what Lucanis felt and it couldn't change what he must do about it. Which was nothing.

You're scared, Spite observes. 

“I'd be a fool not to be wary of a demon,” Lucanis snaps back. 

True, Spite acquiesces. But not…with Rook. I would not hurt her. The demon pauses for a moment. I would not hurt something…so important to you. 

Lucanis is baffled. “Why? You are Spite. It's in your nature to hurt.” 

Spite is silent for so long Lucanis thinks he won't answer. Then the demon materializes next to him. A disturbing, shadowy replica of himself. 

This is why, Spite gestures to himself. We are trapped. Together. Hurting you so deep, Spite growls, tossing his head. Would hurt me. 

Lucanis watches him thoughtfully. “It would hurt you, because you care about Rook too.” 

Spite bares his teeth but doesn't disagree. Rook knows us. We trust Rook. Rook is ours. 

Lucanis can feel Spite’s possessiveness flow through his own veins, twisting around his heart. “She's a person. You don't own someone.” Lucanis chastises. 

Then what? Again Spite's curiosity is so solemn that Lucanis can't help but laugh, short and rough. 

“Mierda. I don’t know,” he answers honestly. “I've never–” He swallows hard. “It's only ever been Rook.”

Only Rook, Spite echos, nodding his head. 

Lucanis turns, leaning against the wooden railing. “Of all the things to have in common with a demon,” he says, shaking his head. 

We can go back to Rook now? Spite asks eagerly. 

“No,” Lucanis says sharply, earning him a howl of outrage. “Like I said, this isn't a good idea.” 

Rook likes bad ideas! Spite yells indignantly. 

The demon certainly isn’t wrong about that. But at least this was one bad idea he could prevent.

Rook. Gets. To choose. Lucanis hates how Spite isn’t wrong about this either. It should be Rook’s decision. It’s not Lucanis’ place to make it for her. But the thought of revealing this strange reality to her petrifies him.  

He sighs, leaning forward on the railing, the wood edges digging painfully into his elbows. How was he to explain to Rook that not one, but two demons have fallen in love with her?

[artemisiavulgaris1114]

this is maybe a wild take cause I know there are a lot of Lucanis/Rook/Spite truthers out there and I fully support that interpretation and think it's wholly valid.

my personal headcanon is that Spite is intrigued by this whole "love" thing they got going on and he starts studying it, trying to figure out how he can manipulate and direct it to his advantage. he ends up learning things like healthy communication, compassion and interdependence in order to try and help facilitate and nurture their relationship. he recognizes their bond only strengthens their individual traits, he's interested in this whole 1+1=3 thing. he just wants them to love each other because as it turns out, it directly benefits him.

now... that is some relatable shit. they've just become his blorbos. spite freaking out internally for the majority of the game like "NOW KISS DAMMIT!!!!1" yeah buddy, we feel you

[maythedreadwolftakeyou]

i'll be honest i think spite would actually be entirely disinterested in sex/romance (it just falls outside his purview). but we can all agree if he did care to participate the only kink he'd be into is orgasm denial

[pixelizedprince]

🪶💜🪶💜🪶

If there's one good thing about being a trained Rivaini Seer it's that you and your demon boyfriend can tag team your grumpy boyfriend in bed.

🪶💜🪶💜🪶

Mage Half-Elf fem!Rook (Margaux) x Lucanis x Spite

1.5 K

Lucanis/Sprite referred with occasional they/them pronouns

Jumpscare - Italian Petnames

Explicit (Teasing, Orgasm Denial, Threesome)

“Mar. Marks Him. For Us.” Spite's glow snatched the moment, offering Lucanis’ bare neck to the mage. 

A giddy squeal escaped Margaux as she bounced up and down, rhythm of the three fully in motion. Her lipstick had already been ruined, well spread across Lucanis’ face; she freshly blushed, eyeing up and down his muscular throat. “Oh do I now?” She managed to pant, one hand bracing herself on their thigh, the other hooked around their neck, fingers tangled in Lucanis’ downy black hair. 

“Please.” Spite’s growl came with a buck, hands affixed on either side of her soft hips keeping her balance and their movement in stride. 

Margaux gasped, a squeaky and bubbly noise, trying her best to remember the words to tease. “Su-ch, manners. Good boy- Ahh- Of course, Love.” She smiled wickedly as she leaned forward and roughly met with Lucanis’ neck, wet lips parting and sinking her teeth in, gently, but firmly, and working her tongue against the skin. 

Spite let out a pleased hiss that hitched into Lucanis’ shudder. “Nnngh you little demons, the both of you.” His words vibrated against Margaux's lips as she trailed purplish love bites from collarbone to ear, nipping his ear and tittering in joy. Despite his complaints, Lucanis continued to thrust and moan.

“You know you - mhhm - love us~!” Margaux smiled and kissed him proper, her grip on the prince of crows tightening. “Baby, I'm getting cl-close.” She wrapped both arms around them and gripped their back, desperate. Her curly hair falling behind her shoulders as she tilted her head back. Lucanis smirked, and as Margaux arched her back, he halted his vigorous movement. 

“W-Why?!?” Margaux whined and ground down greedily, Lucanis twitching against her attempt. 

The crow barked out a laugh, pulling his right hand from it's place on her hip and trailing it up her side, across her curves and dips, rudely avoiding her breasts and instead raised it to run through her curly hair. The crow kissed her pouting mouth. “Vita Mia, he wants this even more than you. What Spite did was very naughty.” Lucanis wrapped a curl between his fingers and pressed his lips to the strands, taking in the sweetness of her floral soaps and feeling the magic of Spite rippling through his mind, freshly, angrily flustered at the goading of the scent. It took a lot out of him to contain the spirit and he could see the doubled vision as Spite threw a flash of a tantrum. 

“Lucanis! LET! US! ENJOY!” The ghost of the demon shouted, a separate face but the words spilling from his own lips. Lucanis bit his own lip and pulled out, withholding a proper finish.

“Lucanis please!!” Margaux gave her biggest, sweetest eyes paired with a clawing at his back, begging to continue. She continued to shift where she sat, her body begged for relief, to be full of them. 

“Just a moment…” Lucanis freed his hand from her hair, and delicately traced the marks Margaux had freshly coaxed across his own skin. Pressure on the fresh bruises stung in a way that made their cock twitch. (No Fair!!! No Fair!!! Mar Did Good Job! Want To Make Lucanis Finish! Make Loves Happy!)) Lucanis squinted his eyes and shook his head as Spite echoed inside his mind. The crow's fingertips wet from where Margaux's tongue had traced. He dragged nails down his own throat, pulling thin reddened lines down the shaved stubble of his neck, brushing through his own chest hair, managing a cruel and teasing phantom touch across his own left nipple before his hand trembled with a violet force. Spite raked the hand the rest of the way down Lucanis’ front, digging his nails into a claw on his thigh, threatening to draw blood. One wrist caught by the demon, perfectly painted nails wrapped around the other, Margaux intertwined her digits with the other hand that still gripped her hip. 

The show that Lucanis had made of himself for Spite was making her feel crazed. She needed them inside her now. “Spite, Love, help me out please.” 

A gravelly chuckle rasped from Lucanis’ still bitten lip, a bruise forming there as the two before her were teasing themself, Lucanis hard and already starting to leak. Margaux leaned forward with force and kissed them both, sucking Lucanis bottom lip from their own teeth and into her mouth, Lucanis moaning into her breath. Gently, teasingly Margaux eased herself back on their length, humming a series of small whimpers into Lucanis’ neck, his hands still held by both her and the spirit, bond and unable to refuse their pleading any longer. 

“Gods DAMMIT!” Lucanis playfully huffed, hearing Spite snicker in his mind as Margaux restored her previous pace. The crow near immediately breaking his feigned annoyance as he rejoined her tempo in thrusting again. As she bounced her breasts heaved repeatedly into his face. Lucanis nuzzled into the softness of her, kissing at her moles, avarice fogging his mind as he lapped at her chest, teeth scraping across her nipples, across her curves as she bobbed and clasped around him. He could see tears forming in her eyes. His own emotions getting the best of him as he quickened his thrusts, getting rougher and freeing her breasts from his mouth, he instead pulled himself closer to her ear, endlessly praising her in the tongue of trade, Antivian, Orlesian, anything his mind could think of, and some things that Spite willed to be known.

“Margaux. Vita, you are so beautiful, doing so well - MAR FEELS. LIKE EXCITEMENT. - You are mesmerizing, we want you to - CUM - Spite! ” Lucanis rapidly frowned as the spirit wheezed an ugly laugh.

Margaux nearly stumbled at her pace as she let out a lightheaded singsong-y laugh, muttering between kissing them. “Oh, Oh ahh, hmm, my loves, oh my loves, my wonderful boys, You are, both, doing so good ahh, Oh - fuuuck!!!” With a last few big hops Margaux convulsed and dug her nails into his shoulders, beautiful black curls haloing her as she threw her head back one last time, incomprehensible cries and euphoria hitting her at last. 

Lucanis could feel his vision blur as purple plucked at the edge of his consciousness. Margaux melted into his chest, both hands snaking their way into his hair and she tugged at his roots, Lucanis heaving as his own climax was right on the edge. 

“Lucanis. Wants. Needs. To. Finish?” A mockery from his own lips, the crow could almost cry in frustration as the demon inside of him was holding him, wavering on the edge, in a state of agony or ecstasy that could be achieved in this final moment.  

“Well, Lucanis, did we do good enough for you?” Margaux's teasing tone breathless as he remained inside of her, she swayed her hips, lulling him along, truly transforming Lucanis’ want into a wretched anguishing need, just as Spite had spoken.

“Ti prego!! Cattivo, Vita! Per Favore!” Lucanis snapped, his body being used by the two of his loves and he couldn't take it anymore, he bucked wildly, Margaux held onto him, both with her arms and herself warm upon and around him. Spite vibrating in his mind, detached his hold on Lucanis' senses, freeing his grasp on the man. The climax finally flashed through Lucanis as the denied orgasm quaked him at last. Spite trilled, a sound nearly like a purr, and ghostly feathers flapped erratically at his people being happy. Lucanis wanted to roll his eyes at the spectral display but Spite had earned his wings tonight. 

Margaux let out a satisfied gasp as the shockwaves of Lucanis’ warmth and her trembling self finally parted, pooled heat between the three of them a damn fine mess. 

Lucanis kissed her deeply, clumsily. Like it was the only air he'd ever get to breathe again. Margaux giggled once more, freshly exhausted and happy. Her smile was heavenly as she draped herself over his chest, laying on her stomach to look up at him, running her fingers through his beard. “My Loves.” She hummed, eyes glancing from Lucanis’ flushed face and the phantom purple shade, a doubled vision, a near perfect replica, that lazily smiled down at her as well. 

“My Loves.” Lucanis responded, one hand wrapped around her back, claiming Margaux and holding her close to his chest, the other extended at his side, resting in the phantasmal purple shadow of wings that embraced him and Margaux both. 

“Loves.” Spite's voice thick with emotion, magic, promise, warmed them all.

It sure as hell wasn't conventional but the three had carved out their own version of happiness, together. “Loves.” Love spoke anew. Quietly, calmly, unceremoniously, the three rested together, together, together.  

[clairedelune-13]

Oh, dear, here I am overthinking again.

During that scene, when his wings come out?

There are two possibilities as to why that happens.

1. He’s getting excited.

OR

2. Spite wants to join.

[pinka-pink]

They're so stupid why are they so stupid and why I love them

[2wardens1blight]

"No one from House Dellamorte kneels."

"You're really here."

[viasolaris]

what if i was the duke of toissant and you were my loyal guardsmen miaoow

[vorchagirl]

Kash De Riva has some very real and intense feelings for Spite.

She juuuuust doesn't know it yet!

😈🫦❤️‍🔥

[cosmiccrushes]

Contract Negotiations

Lucanis X Rook || 2.8k words

Summary: Rook receives a surprising gift from Caterina Dellamorte. And an even more surprising confession from Lucanis.

on ao3 too

It had taken a measure of convincing- and bribery to stop for coffee- to get the First Talon to agree to play tour guide at his family estate. But since their mad dash through the sprawling Dellamorte home to save Caterina Dellamorte, Rook had been insatiably curious about the place Lucanis grew up in. 

Lucanis waves his hand at doorways lining the expansive hall. “We take formal meals in the grand dining room. More intimate affairs in the family dining room.” 

“There are multiple rooms to eat in?” Rook interrupts incredulously. Her life as a Shadow Dragon has never seen such splendor. She'd possessed a shallow understanding of the family wealth attached to the Crow, but she'd been woefully unprepared to step into this glittering world. It brought up uncomfortable memories of the ragged traveling cloak she'd been wearing the first time she ever met Lucanis. If this was the opulence of the famed assassins, could there be a place for a threadbare, lonely shadow? 

Rook isn't accustomed to questioning her place, her worth. And she hardly expects judgments from Lucanis. But what about his family? What about his grandmother? Caterina might be grateful for Rook's part in stopping her other grandson's schemes, but would she be as appeasing if Rook wanted a place at the new First Talon's side. 

That opened another matter entirely. In her heart, she knew Lucanis cared for her but it was always in a frustratingly restrained way. Did he hold back because of the demon trapped inside of him? Or because, in the end, it would be a Crow to take their place beside him?

“What is on your mind?” Lucanis asks, eyes fixed intently on her. 

She pastes a carefree smile on her face. “Just taking it all in.” She spins in a slow circle, her arms held wide. 

“And?” The faintest hint of apprehension tightens the line of his mouth. 

“You're rich!” She replies simply with a grin. 

“Indeed, we are, child.” A voice dipped in all the regality age affords replies. 

Rook turns, lightning quick, hand inching reflexively to the hilt of her sword. There, in a doorway, stands Caterina Dellamorte. “A word?” The woman asks, directing her question to Rook. Rook looks at Lucanis in alarm, but he's frowning at his grandmother. 

“I don't know-” He begins, but Caterina cuts him off with a raised hand.

She beckons to Rook to follow her into the sitting room she'd emerged from. “Come. You wait here.” The last bit is said to Lucanis before she disappears inside.

Rook shrugs at Lucanis as she passes him to follow Caterina. What is she to do, refuse to speak with the woman in her own home? Rook isn't even sure why she's feeling so nervous. This is hardly her first conversation with the Dellamorte matriarch. She'd certainly registered Caterina’s intimidating demeanor before, but Rook could be intimidating too. As Caterina gestured for her to shut the door and settle into the armchair across from her, Rook couldn't help the anxiety zipping across her skin saying this conversation was different. 

Caterina watches her with the discernable, intelligent eyes of a crow. Rook does her best not to squirm in her seat at the scrutiny, unsure if she is supposed to speak first or wait.

“I wanted to personally and privately thank you, Rook.” 

“Oh,” Rook says lamely, taken aback. “I'm glad I was able to help. I'm so sorry for what happened with Illario’s betrayal. I can't imagine how that must hurt.” 

A subtle twitch of Caterina’s lip, suggestive of a smile. “Yes, my grandson drove a blade deep with his actions. But,” she tilts her head thoughtfully at Rook. “That's not the grandson to which I referred.”

“Oh,” Rook says again, because apparently that's the only response she is now capable of. “Yes, of course. We had a contract. I break Lucanis free of the Ossuary and he provides his services in the hunt for the gods. I'm happy to provide our allies with support wherever I can.” 

Caterina nods slowly. “We benefit greatly from your aid.” Another pause, “But that is not the thanks to which I referred.” 

Rook doesn't know what to say and refuses to offer another lackluster “oh,” so she waits for Caterina to elaborate. 

“Learning that Lucanis had been forced to house a demon within him while in that prison was,” Caterina stares into the crackling fireplace. “A difficult poison to swallow.” 

“He's still Lucanis,” Rook interjects, defensively. Her hackles rising at any implication that Lucanis might be a monster, whether it came from his own grandmother or not. 

“No, he is not.” Caterina doesn't sound sad or angry. “However, I think that has less to do with the demon and-” She finally looks back at Rook. “Entirely to do with you.” 

Rook's cheeks warm with a blush she doesn't entirely understand. Perhaps it's because of the unmistakable smile curving Caterina's lips, like she knows a secret that would make most excellent tavern gossip.

“You have never treated my grandson as an abomination. Where I have failed him, you have not.” 

“I know I didn't know Lucanis before,” Rook says carefully. “And I know things get…complicated when demons get involved. But I know Lucanis now,” her voice takes on a steely edge. “And he is more than Spite. He is loyal and kind where it matters. He is passionate and steadfast, even when he's arguing with you about the best way to make coffee. He's brave, but not a bully. He kills people for a living, but he is not cruel.” Rook's cheeks blaze as she remembers herself. “He's a good man. Demon or no.” 

Caterina just keeps smiling that quiet, assuming smile. “You see my grandson for who he is. Including who he is now that Spite is there. Something I almost did not do. For that, I thank you.” Caterina bows her head towards Rook. Then she twists in her seat, picking up a long black box off the table beside her. She extends it to Rook. “I have a gift for you.” 

Rook takes it, setting it on her lap and lifting the lid. Her breath puffs out when she sees the most beautiful dagger nestled upon black velvet. “It's stunning.” She runs a finger down the flat side of the obsidian blade, marveling at the intricate, unmistakable crow feathers carved into the metal. The hilt, a gleaming silver. The cross guard, fashioned into spreading dragon wings. Rook’s blood warms as she realizes with a jolt that she's seen this dagger before, minus the dragon wings. She glances up quickly at Caterina. 

“I had it crafted to compliment Lucanis’. They will make a fine pair.” 

Rook's heart jumps into her throat. “A pair?” 

“The contract would require it.” Caterina says vexingly. 

“What contract-” Rook begins to question but Caterina turns back to the fire, waving Rook off in clear dismissal.

“If you'll excuse me, I must return to my musings.” 

Rook knows better than to press. She closes the lid over her new, confounding dagger and rises from her seat. Opening the sitting room door, she is met with Lucanis pacing back and forth in the hall. 

“What did she want?” Lucanis eyes the box in her hands warily. 

“To thank me,” Rook responds, dazedly. “She gave me a knife.” 

Something flickers through Lucanis’ eyes, then he's grabbing her hand, pulling her into another massive hallway. She fumbles to maintain a one-handed grip on the box, but says nothing. Lucanis’ urgency setting her on edge. Perhaps the dagger from Caterina was poisoned. Perhaps, even now, Crows were on their way to fulfill a contract for her life. Lucanis leads them up stone steps, emptying onto a balconied floor. He pulls her into one of the alcoves. A cozy space, two plush chairs and a low table. A stone-railed balcony looks down onto the hall below. 

“Show it to me,” Lucanis demands. 

Rook obliges, dropping the box on the table and removing the lid.

He rubs a hand over his jaw, shakes his head. “Mierda, that woman,” he mutters. 

“What is it?” 

“What did she say to you when she gave you this?” 

“Um,” Rook hesitates, embarrassment weighing down her tongue. “She said she crafted it to match yours. A pair. She said the contract would require it. But I have no idea what she's talking about. I haven't taken on another Crow deal.”

Lucanis stands stone still. “What was she thanking you for?” 

“You're being weird! Why are you being weird? What is going on?” Rook's frustration mounts at feeling like she's missing a vital piece of the last two conversations she's had.

Lucanis traces a finger over the dragon wing hilt. “It's an old Crow tradition. The exchanging of paired daggers when you are to be joined in contract.” 

“Oh, well that clears it all up then,” Rook says sarcastically. “I still have no idea what contract she expects me to partner up on.” 

Lucanis' eyes lock with hers, she detects the briefest glint of purple. Spite lingering out of sight. “Marriage.” Lucanis’ voice dips low and gruff over the word. 

Rook's lips part, opening and closing like a fish out of water. She knows her pupils must be blown wide in shock. “But you- We aren't- I'm-” She staggers to the balcony edge, leaning back against the stone for support. “Maker’s breath, did your grandmother just give me a betrothal gift!?” 

Lucanis steps in front of her. “I didn't know she was going to do that. I'm sorry.” 

Her heart drops at the apology. Caterina didn't talk to Lucanis about this. This wasn't even something Lucanis wanted. 

“It's okay. I just, never thought I'd learn about my own betrothal before actually being asked.” She laughs weakly, desperate to bring levity to perhaps the most humiliating moment of her life. 

“I wouldn't do that to you.” 

“Do what?” She frowns at the seriousness of Lucanis' tone. 

“Ask you for that kind of contract.”

“Oh, right. Well would you like to go ahead and just toss me over the balcony while we're at it?” Lucanis’ confused look spurs her on. “What have we been doing then? I'm not asking for a lifelong commitment but this,” she waves a hand between them. “I thought it meant something.” A biting laugh, chewed off and spit out. “But Maker, you look positively morose at the idea of being stuck with me.” 

Lucanis steps further into her space. “Is that what you think? That you are a mere dalliance I could easily move on from when all of this is over?” There's more challenge in his tone than she's ever heard from him. 

“What am I supposed to think, Lucanis? You keep me at arm's length. And I don’t need anything from you that you’re not able or ready to give, just you is enough. But I can’t stand here and pretend like that horrified look on your face doesn’t hurt.” 

He turns away then and she resigns herself to the heartbreak. But he doesn't leave. He picks up the dagger. “It is customary when one partner is not a Crow, for the partner's House to prepare the paired dagger for them. It marks their acceptance as an honorary Crow.” He holds it up between them. “I did not ask for this to be made. That does not mean that I don't long for it to exist.” 

Rook's blood is humming in her ears. “It does exist.” She says quietly.

“To be with me, I thought it would be selfish to ask. Because it's not just me. It will never be just me. Spite is here too.” 

Rook nods. “I know. And it doesn't bother me. It doesn't change how I feel about you.” 

Wordlessly, Lucanis unclasps the dagger strapped in the sheath on Rook's chest. He pulls it out, letting it drop into the empty box. Gently, reverently he slides the new dagger into place. 

“When this is over, when we've survived the gods, I will ask you if you still wish to wear this.” His hand stays tracing the hilt, fingers fluttering above her heart. “Is that an acceptable amendment to you?”

“It's a contract,” she whispers breathlessly. 

Hands grip under her thighs as Lucanis lifts her onto the balcony edge. She glances over her shoulder at the long fall to the polished floors below, at the Dellamorte estate drenched in splendor. Her hands loop around his neck.

“You wouldn't drop me, now would you? I was only joking about tossing me over.”

He keeps one hand wrapped around the curve of her thigh. The other one slides at a wickedly slow pace up the slope of her body. Her outline traced with his palm.  

He looks at her, eyes dark. “You'd be fine even if I did. A crow knows how to fly, after all.” He inclines his head towards the dagger now strapped to her chest. 

“Mmm, I don't know, I only just got those wings.” She exhales as he drags the tip of his nose up her neck. 

“You’re a fast learner. And dragons can fly too.” He nips at her jaw. “But no, I would not drop you.” His hand works into the hair at the base of her neck, drawing her head back as he holds her gaze. “You are the one thing I could not bear to let go.” 

He kisses her. It is a fierce, devouring thing. What Lucanis struggles to put into words, he says with twining tongues and clacking teeth. His hand drags down her neck, across her collarbone, over the swell of her breast. His fingers part her jacket, tug at the hem of her shirt, knuckles just grazing the flesh of her stomach. when he grunts sharply and pulls away. He wears the look Rook has come to learn means he's having an internal conversation with Spite.

“Spite? What does he want?” Her skin still scorches where Lucanis’ fingers trailed down her. 

Lucanis clenches his jaw. “You.” 

“He wants to talk to me?” 

A shake of Lucanis’ head. “No. He wants you. Like I want you.” 

“He wants…like…oh,” understanding washes over her. “Does that bother you?” She asks Lucanis attentively. 

“No,” he replies fast and quick. “But this is what I meant. Our emotions, they are…entangled.” 

“And? If it doesn't bother you…” She trails off.

“It doesn't. I know Spite would protect you with his– our– life. In this we are aligned. We will kill whatever gods we must to keep you safe. Spite will not hurt you. We have a new understanding between us. But,” his brows furrow. “Does it not bother you?” 

“No. Why should it? I know who and what you are, Lucanis.” 

“Because,” his voice is black silk slipping over her. “When I want you, a demon wants you.” He brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. “When I touch you, a demon touches you.” His finger glides from her ear, down her jaw, over her bottom lip. “When I kiss you…”

“A demon kisses me,” she says, breath shallow. Heat pools in her stomach as the implications of Lucanis’ words sink under her skin, alight her blood. 

“You have a right to understand what you are agreeing to let into your life…into your bed.” 

She quirks an eyebrow at him. “You think we'll make it all the way to my bed? You're rather optimistic about my level of restraint.” Still perched atop the balcony she wraps her legs around him, pulling him closer. “If you and Spite are aligned, well, then, I’d say the three of us have an understanding as well. You have nothing to protect me from, Lucanis. I have never been afraid of Spite. And no demon can keep me from you.” She flashes him an impish smirk. “Especially one who has your good example to learn from. Isn’t that right, Spite?”   

Lucanis’ eyes pulse purple, a demon agreeing to a bargain, then his lips crash hungrily into hers again. A blur of movement and she opens her eyes to find Lucanis', no- Spite’s, wings cocooning around her. 

Rook knew the acidic way Lucanis’ words could bend. Lucanis himself had spoken on how Spite’s feelings filtered through his own. She had not, however, considered that the same could be happening in reverse. But these wings wrapped around her…as if the demon was in agreement that she would never fall on either of their watches. It sends a thrill through her. Had Lucanis done that? Had his feelings for her shifted the very nature of Spite?  

As Lucanis presses her closer and Spite wraps his wings tighter, Rook thinks that– just as Lucanis is set on killing any god he needs to– she’d be willing to make a deal with any devil she must, if it meant she got to keep the Demon of Vyrantium and his Spite. 

[therookandthecrow]

Earlier on, I was all about Rook/Emmrich/Davrin/Lucanis/Spite as the poly ship for my canon Rook, Aloisius (/Lethanavir), but now I am all about Rook/Lucanis/Teia/Viago/Spite as the superior poly ship for him. My Rook is now quite close with the Antivan Crows as a faction, not just with Lucanis, and he loves the city of Treviso. And maybe he wants to be sandwiched between Lucanis and Viago while they address Lucanis' unresolved crush on him.

[annoyed-galaxy]

More specific headcanons for my Rook and Lucanis/Spite

My Rook loves wings. He loves the various types of wings of different winged creature from birds to dragons. He likes feathers and scales and wishes he could have his own. He spends time sketching the wing structure of the various crows and ravens around the city during his Crow training. He has tattoos of wings on his arms and face. He had the ashes of his sister carved into his back in the shape of wings.

He just loves wings.

It's part of the reason he was so happy to be taken in by the Crows with the whole wing motif.

So imagine when he meets Lucanis and sees the wings out of this man. As a mage, Antonio clocks it immediately that Lucanis is possessed, can sense the demon. But he can sense the dissonance between demon and host. Something's not completely right.

Later learning that Spite is the one controlling the wings, there's a point in their relationship where Antonio cracks and asks to draw Spite's wings. Both Lucanis and Spite are surprised, but give in anyways (because how could they so no to their adorable boyfriend). So, they go to the meditation room and Lucanis sits on the floor and Spite spreads his wings. Lucanis watches the fish in the aquarium while listening to the quiet sounds of pencil on paper.

Then, cause Antonio is a mage, he reaches out and touches the wings. It's the strangest feeling ever. The wings are both physical and not. He couldn't pluck a phantom feather out if he wanted to, but he can feel the wispiness of the wings between his fingers. Lucanis finds out very quickly that the wings, while in this weird metaphysical state, are still very much connected to his body and he can feel them. Spite can too and it's extremely weird for Spite because that part of him has never been touched before, especially not with as much care and grace as Antonio does.

Antonio is fascinated by the properties of Spite's wings and, while Antonio has never been a smart and technical mage, he still writes down some theories he has about the wings, something to bring up to the smarter mages -- Bellara and Emmrich -- later on.

Of course, there's also a point where Lucanis takes Taash's advice and he and Spite take Antonio out on a fly. It's the best thing ever. Antonio is completely amazed and exhilarated at flying something he's always wanted to do. He's also in the arms of a very handsome man so how can he possibly complain?

There's just something about Lucanis and Spite's wings that fascinate Antonio and he always gets excited seeing them pop out. Spite feels happy, to say the least, that he's appreciated in this way. It's a very different feeling than the time in the Ossurary.

[maggietem]

They all make me think of Rook x Lucanis x Spite uwu