#she was made fae and humans hate fae and there was no chance she could save her family

[silvreflames]

things you'll be hard pressed to learn about nesta from nesta so i am telling you, pt 1:

the grooming she was made to endure at the hands of her own mother to prepare her for marriage, first in the hopes of securing her family's place in society and then in saving her family from poverty

[nestastits]

You know Nesta really is HER.

She laughed at the children of the blessed.

She can see through Fae glamours and magic.

She told the human queens they were cowards.

She stole from the Cauldron.

She had the Cauldron, the most revered artifact of the fae that has the ability to create life and destroy everything by basically being the womb of the Mother, terrified of her to the point it went after anyone else but her.

She slapped her sister’s toxic fiancé in the face and told him he never deserved her anyway after he insulted her.

She scared off her baby sister’s toxic ex, told him off for his treatment of her sister, pointed her finger at him, and told him she’d rip his head off if he told anyone they were in spring.

She changed the entire trajectory of the books bc Sarah just couldn’t hate her

Sarah’s original plan was to have her with Lucien but the moment Nesta and Cassian saw each other it was a done deal and Sarah (basically the real life mother/cauldron) had to rewrite the books.

She did the math on how many ships the human lands would need in order to evacuate from the war.

She scared a death lord with her Made Sword

She can willed all three dread troves and has a special connection with them to the point of being able to portal them to her

She has a special connection to THE MOTHER. And a bargain with the Cauldron.

She’s been called a Death God, Kingslayer, Lady Death, Queen of Queens, Witch, Pillager of Death, Witch from Oorid, and Death Herself.

She is a Valkyrie and Oristian.

She encouraged some of the priestesses from the library (ones who have spent centuries in there without leaving) to join training by showing them there was nothing to fear.

She got a a usually disdainful blacksmith to smile with her inquisitiveness.

She marked the king with a death promise then beheaded him in the war when she got the chance. And held up his head in victory of her promise being acomplished.

She killed the first Kelpie seen in hundreds of years. Beheaded it and held it’s head in the same way.

She awoke a House and made it sentimental by befriending it with her magic.

She stabbed a man’s dick in the Blood Rite.

She led her team through the Blood Rite. Like any good General would do.

She held the line, giving up the chance of the win, so her found sisters could survive.

She spoke about becoming the leader of the first complete female fighting group in Prythian after five hundred years.

She had actual Death Gods speaking highly of her. Fearing her too.

The most powerful high lord in prythian feared her.

She unmade someone to avenge her mate. Her power stopped time when she unleashed it fully. She saved her sister, nephew, and brother-in-law all in the same morning after completing the blood rite. Gave up a fraction of her power for it, but made a bargain with the cauldron and spoke with the mother. Told her baby sister “I love you” for the first time, this was also the first time Nesta had ever said ily out loud to anyone. Decided that she wanted to have a mating ceremony. Hugged her brother-in-law after his mate and babe almost died even though they had some issues. Again all of this happened in the same morning.

She gave her Mask to an untrustworthy friend and by doing so saved both Prythian and Midgard. Perhaps other worlds and universes too.

She has infinite range👏👏👏

Please add anything that I left out! My girl has done so much I forget to list them all.

[readychilledwine]

Hi! I love your writing, it always makes me grin. Could I request a platonic Az fic? One where reader is like 10, super cuddly and touch affection starved and Feyre’s ward (kind of like Evangeline is to Lyssandra), and maybe like the kid or sister of one of the children of the blessed that was sent over the wall but feyre found her and took her in even though Tamlin didn’t like it, so when Mor took Feyre, she had to take reader too, and then during that dinner, she gets scared to meet everyone (especially cass sine he seems intimidating) so she runs behind the nearest person, Az and when he doesn’t get upset, she sticks with him through the dinner, wanting to be next to him, hiding behind his wings, asking for cuddles, and playing with his hands. He doesn’t get upset and reader just decides to follow him like a shadow from then in and make him her fave person, like watching when he train, being sad and quiet when he’s gone (until Nuella and Cereadwin bring her sweets), happy when he’s back, and never leaving his side, and even asking him to carry her etc.

Oath

Warnings - platonic soul mates, mentions of Amarantha and UTM, visions

A/N - I'm not saying I am tucking this away for a rainy day, but I'm not not saying that 👀

Azriel Masterlist

You didn't even have to ask or knock. The door opened, and shadows pulled you in. Guiding you to Azriel in the dark as he opened up his blanket and pulled you up to his bed and into his arms. "Nightmares?" He murmured softly into your hair, holding you close. "It's okay, little one. We all have them." You curled into him, basking in the warmth and protection he offered. His wing rested over you, feeling like a blanket weighing down like a tight hug. "Tell me what you saw?"

You started softly. "A robed figure with swans. But this time, it was like.." You paused, wiping tears from your eyes. "It was like I was a swan. You were on the waterline of the lake, yelling for me."

Azriel went stiff, then pulled you closer to him. "No one is going to take you from me. From us. You are ours to look after."

And you had been since you arrived in the Night Court. You had been ripped from the mortal realm with Feyre by Tamlin. Feyre had taken you in, despite arguments from her sisters, when she found you starving in the streets. You became hers, and she yours. She was closest thing you had ever had to a sister, and her regret the moment you were caught following her Under the Moutain was something she struggled to live with to this day.

Amarantha had taken a liking to you, though. You were a tender human girl she enjoyed using as a personal servant. She kept you at her side, almost always glowing with how much you admired the fae, how you were raised to be complicit to them by the Children of the Blessed. You complimented her constantly, adoring her dresses, her hair, her glowing skin. You had no idea she was so evil. So cruel. That was until Feyre's first trial.

It was Rhysand who pulled you into his room one night, sheltering you from the violence going on. He had whispered to you tales of a city covered in starlight and a family. A family that all found each other, chose each other, loved each other. He had worked you into the bargain with Feyre, ensuring he had you for one week every month, ensuring you were away from Tamlin, who, for unknown reasons, hated you.

When you first came to the Night Court, Rhys spent the week with you, teaching you to read and write more gently than he had Feyre, teaching you the different courts, the different high lords. He had put you in dresses that made his eyes sparkle but grow distant with longing. He had called you his little second chance, and on that second visit, you were sold. You loved Rhysand so fully that you had clinged to him, crying as Tamlin ripped you from his arms.

When Tamlin locked you and Feyre in the manor, it had been the scariest moment of your life. You were still mortal, but the power radiating from her, consuming her as she pulled you into her chest for comfort, was terrifying. She had told you the Night Court would be your home now once she had calmed down, and the decision was made to have dinner with Rhysand's family. Mor had taken you, winnowing you two in and letting you enjoy that drop, that rush of free falling. Everything had been fine until you saw Cassian.

Cassian was loud, he was huge, he had muscles in places you hardly knew could have muscles. You had ended up hiding, much to Cassian's amusement, behind the closest thing you could. Azriel.

And it had begun after that. Azriel became your best friend. You constantly looked for him, snuggled him, loved him. He became your everything and you his. You made him carry you everywhere, take you flying, and made him laugh with you under blanket forts.

On your 9th birthday, he had taken you into town, spoiling you before the war with Hybern begun with pastries, books, new dresses, and a stuffed animal. It was the same day Velaris was attacked. You had been taken from him, locked into a cell with Nesta, who held you close, whispering how it would be okay. You were forced into that same Cauldron as Feyre screamed, held back by Rhysand as the male pleaded for the King to let you go.

Azriel had promised you from that day forward you were his, swearing it to you in an oath that you two sealed with a pinky promise. He promised to protect you. To keep you safe. To make sure anyone who harmed you would regret it. But even Azriel, as powerful as he was, could not save you from the aftermath of the Cauldron.

1 week after your 10th birthday, weird things started happening to you. You had dreams where you saw things. Similar to Elain. Her visions came out in riddles, though. Yours were different. Odd to Rhys and Amren. Odd to Helion. Your powers were similar to a seer, yet so different.

Helion had described it as you walking through timelines. You could see all outcomes with no direction of how that outcome would come to be, whereas Elain saw one possible future and potential riddles guiding to it. "A burden," he had said to Rhysand quietly. "A burden to know each way someone you loved could die, to know what happens if one pawn doesn't move exactly according to plan, but not be able to tell them how exactly it happened."

You had fallen into yourself more, seeking only Azriel with Feyre's pregnancy and Nesta's spiral. You only told him what you saw in your dreams and occasionally the twins if he would send them to you with treats.

He pulled you close again, shaking you from the past. "What else did you see?"

"Elain," you whispered softly. "Lucien holding Elain tightly while she laid on the ground. She no longer glowed with the light of the fae. It was like the cloaked figure had taken it from her."

The grip on your nightgown grew tight. "What else?" His voice was tense, eyes getting slightly distant, letting you know he was communicating with Rhys that you had seen something.

"Rhys had facial hair." Azriel hummed. Unknown to you that you had just given him an idea of the timeline. It would have had to have been after the birth of babe. Rhys only grew facial hair when he was tired. "Feyre and Nesta weren't there. Just Lucien, Elain, the three of you, and I think me."

"As a swan," he repeated.

"Yes, as a swan. Trapped on his lake."

"Do you know how old you were when this happened?"

You shrugged. "No, but we had a string. It wasn't gold and glittering like Rhys and Feyre's, but red and power seemed to flow through it, not emotions. It felt like I was transferring something to you."

Azriel kissed the top of your head. "You know I need to tell Rhys about this?" You nodded. "And you know he may need you to show him?" You nodded again, but shivered at the thought of Rhysand in your mind. "We should also mention the red string to Amren. She what she can dig up."

"But she's so cranky." Hazel eyes, tired and heavy with sleep, peered down at you. "New Amren is way more mean than old Amren."

"A problem for tomorrow. Go to sleep, y/n. I'll keep your nightmares away."

"I love you, Azzie."

"I love you too, y/n. I won't let you turn into a swan."

You were asleep almost instantly, body back on that lake, and a cloaked figure with a bone like figure stroking your wings.

General Taglist:

@hnyclover @glitterypirateduck @slytherinindisguise @mischiefmanagers @bloodicka @starsinyourseyes @the-sweet-psycho @mariahoedt @rinalouu @sarawritestories @starryhiraeth @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @loneliestluvr @eternallyelvish @azrielsmate3 @daughterofthemoons-stuff @meritxellao @aria-chikage

Azriel Taglist:

@elle4404

[typewritersensuite]

𝙄𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙨

word count: 1.5+k

warnings: longing lesbian love, fae girlfriend being literally so hot, shes like 5'9/5'10, she's a simp for you, blood play!!, pussy eating!!, she's dom😌, she's everything and you're just human, dirty talk.

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♡Living in a dead end village filled with plain men and a boring future was no way to live. You knew this. You woke up to this life on the daily. It was grating and exhausting pretending to care about courting any of the men that existed around you. From their beards to their breath, they repulsed you completely.

♡The women were always something to marvel at, yet the shaming eyes of the village chief forbid you from ever allowing you to be yourself. To be free. The longing glances you casted at the women were only ever met with a harsh gaze or a sad look. You could never act out on your desires. On who you truly were.

♡So one day, you packed your bag contained only the necessities that you needed. And left, heading into the dark forest that bordered on the edge of your village.

♡There were so many stories about the forest, how it was dark and enchanted. How monsters roamed. How faeries lived there, that there entire kingdom was hidden deep in the woods. But it didn't scare you. It excited you, it gave you a chance of a promising future something you were desperate for. It also meant to shaming eyes and a life of freedom to be who you were meant to be.

♡Eventually after hours of travelling through tall grass, marshy lawns, thorns and mangled trees, your exhaustion hit. After taking a drink of water from your flask, you rested against a trunk of a tree and soon were lulled into a peaceful sleep.

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♡When you awoke, you were no longer outside. Instead you were wrapped in silk white bedsheets that clung to you like a second skin. Pillows so soft they were practically pleading your name to lay your head back upon them. The room was incredibly... beautiful.

♡Black floor boards and golden fluffy rugs, a large vanity that was covered in perfumes and other strange bottles. A large mirror in the corner opposite to the open window that swayed the golden curtains. Swords mounted along the walls and books scattered around.

♡But before you could re catch your breath, the last bit of your oxygen was stolen from your lungs from the ethereal beauty that walked in.

♡Long, black silky hair, a pale face and golden brown eyes. All matched with a beautiful green silk dressed that hugged her body and made her look like a Goddess. The beautiful iridescent wings on her back shone in the sunlight and reflected on the walls almost like stained glass.

♡She smiles brightly at you and flutters over to you, her soft fingers closing your jaw. "you're awake." She coos softly.

♡And you turn into a puddle, a woman- a Fae so beautiful was here cooing over you. Her skin was so soft and her eyes were so impossibly cute.

♡"My name is Morgana, I'm the captain of the guards. You're lucky I caught you, you were almost swallowed whole by a Naga! It would be a shame to see your beautiful face torn up."

♡An absolute puddle. She thought you were beautiful.

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♡After spending a few months beside Morgana, you realised you had a lot in common. The passion to always learn, the need to always explore, the appreciation for beauty. And of course a mutual yearning.

♡It wasn't forbidden in the kingdom, infact it was a normal. The reason why you would cast each other longing glances was because you were mortal.

♡Morgana was already attached to you, and she wasn't ready to cross a line where she would forever be yours, just for you to leave her with your death. It wasn't fair.

♡Her kind often had one partner for life, yes they could be polygamous but every Fae had one partner. A life long best friend that they were always bound to, that they would always serve and crave. And Morgana hated that her chosen lover was you. A mortal.

♡So while you both shared a bed, tangled in sheets and limbs with soft words and adoration oozing off you, she would kiss you softly. Whispering about how long she had waited for you, how you were the most important thing to ever exist in her eyes.

♡When the morning rose, she would press a kiss to your forehead to wake you up before she fluttered away on her adventures.

♡Morgana was determined to find something, anything to keep you by her side for as long as she lived. She refused to live without you. She simply couldn't bare the thought of it.

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♡A few more months had passed and late into the evening after you had cooked dinner, you gaze out the window worriedly waiting for Morgana. But soon the beating of wings is heard and the front door is slammed open.

♡When you turn to go to her, she rushed towards you and presses her lips towards yours. And you see a peak of heaven, a true love, a true freedom. She moves her lips against yours desperately, her nails digging into your hips almost pleading for you to let her explore your mouth.

♡And who are you to deny this goddess that your adore so dearly. You open my mouth as you move your jaw against hers, your hands catching in her beautiful black hair. Her tongue eagerly searches your mouth, exploring the land and claiming it as hers.

♡Soon you two break away heaving, a line of spit connecting you. She gazes at you with desperate eyes, searching your eyes to understand her.

♡"What is it?" You breath out, you heart racing, terrified about what could occur.

♡"I found it. A way to keep you as mine forever. But my little seedling, it comes at a cost," she murmurs back. And when Morgana sees your questioning gaze, she steps forward and cups your cheek.

♡"There are a few things to seal this. But the cost is that you will forever be bound to me. More than most fae partners are. It means body and soul you are mine. Under my control, my whim." She whispers as she leans down and presses her forehead.

♡"It was yours from the start." You utter out, closing your eyes and embracing the moment. The closeness.

♡"Then, you have to trust me." She whispers again, stroking a strand of hair from your face.

♡"You never have to ask that, my love. I trust you with every breathe that leaves my lungs and I love you with every beat of my heart." You murmur.

♡She smiles, "come, let's go to bed." She coos as she tugs your small hand and leads you to the bedroom.

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♡Within seconds, you're laid on the bed. Your clothes have been torn off by Morgana and her skillful knife. Tearing them off like you were a present and you were a gift she had longed for.

♡Her soft hands massage your doughy thighs, while her lips press soft kisses to your neck. Marking and nipping down your neck to your collarbone until she reaches the valley of your breasts.

♡Her hands move and begin to gently rub your clit all while she kisses along to your breasts until she takes a nipple into her mouth and sucks it. She moves her fingers faster in a circular motion, while her tongue circles your nipple. Her eyes fluttering closed in delight at the sounds you make.

♡She kisses along your breasts to reach your other nipple, still circling your clit. She applies more pressure before she taps it, smirking at the squeak you let out.

♡She breaks away from your breasts as she straddles you naked. Her breasts heavy and beautiful. She takes her golden blade and cuts her soft delicate skin at the top of her left breast. "Drink." She commands in a breathy voice.

♡And soon enough you sit up and latch onto the cut, you drink her golden blood. Tasting the blood of your beloved, allowing yourself to be bound to her forever. You pull away and press a small, soft kiss to the cut.

♡When you gaze up at her, she normally coffee brown eyes are now black. Her pupils dilated with lust and she pins you back down onto the bed.

♡She kisses down your navel and stomach before marvelling at you heat, her pink lips almost drooling at the sight as her eyes devour the beauty before her.

♡"Such a perfect cunt. S mine. You know that right? You'll only ever spread your legs for me. This pussy is mine. This body? Mine. You? Mine." She utters out through clenched teeth before she leans forward and licks a long stripe between your folds.

♡She soon attaches herself to your clit, suckling on the sweetest nectar known. Her hands squeezing your breasts and flicking your nipples as she feasts on the delight between your legs.

♡She moves a hand down to between your legs and works two fingers into your tight pussy. She moans at how warm you are, how tight you are. She nibbles on your clit before kissing it and licking it like she was dehydrated.

♡You can't help the squeaks that leave your throat, all the noises becoming sweet music to Morgana's ears. She scissors her fingers in you, rubbing against your gspot as she suckles hard on your clit.

♡You thrash as you cum hard, and after you lay limply. Morgana smiles softly at the slight. She slides her fingers out and licks them clean.

♡"My beloved, rest. I'll clean you up. You were magnificent. A beauty that I have waited forever for and one that destroyed all my expectations of beauty. You are bound to me, my most gorgeous love." She coos to you as your eyes close and you fall into the best slumber of your life.

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[throneofsmut]

Kinktober Day Thirty-One: Wing Play Azriel x Female Reader Author's Note : I'm going to turn this into a series !! 💙

When your older sister, Feyre was taken away by some fae beast in the night, you thought you’d never see her again. The rest of your family acted like nothing happened, all of sudden having money and status again. But you knew the truth, even went so far as to going to the wall a couple times.

The first time you went you found one of the ripples in the wall separating the humans and faeries. And pushed through, it felt… different. Once your body was completely through, you felt more alive, more like yourself.

Making the trek through the forest, hiding along the gates to the Manor of the Spring Court, you were just about to make a run for it. When suddenly a knife was pressed against your throat. Fae. You knew you had one chance at this, throwing your elbow behind you, into the fae’s middle with everything you had. The knife lightly slicing into your throat warm trickles of blood dripped from it, as you grabbed the knife lunging for the fae male.

Pressing it against his throat as the red haired male was gasping for breath - you winded him. Using your free arm to push him further into the ground. You leaned down, snarling, “Where is she ?”

He coughed finally regaining his breath, “Safe. She’s safe.”

Applying a bit more pressure against his throat, the knife made his skin redden, “Liar.”

“I’ll show you,” he panted softly.

You got off him but as soon as he stood you instantly had the blade pressed against his side. He led you to the side of the manor as he pointed up towards a window. You growled, sounding more fae than human, “Where is she ?”

A heart beat passed, “Look.” And there she was, your sister, Feyre.

She looked… happy.

You let out a shaky breath, fighting back tears, dropping the knife that was clutched in your hand. The red haired male turned to you, brows furrowed, “You love her.” It was more a statement than a question.

“Of course I do, she’s my sister. She’s one half of me.” He gave you a gentle smile before walking you back towards the wall.

Once you made it back to the wall, he stopped you, grabbing your arm. “I’m Lucien.” You gave him a small nod, his voice stopped you again, “So which sister are you ?”

“Y/n.”

He chuckled, “Y/n. That’s why you were able to disarm me. Feyre told me that while she hunted for the family, you fought in the pits for money.” Giving him another small nod, turning back towards the wall. “Listen, I can meet you at the wall every couple of weeks. If you want to check on her.” He offered.

Looking over your shoulder, your lips set in a wicked smirk, “I was going to keep checking on her regardless.”

His lips curved up into a smirk too before nodding his head towards the wall, “See you soon.”

Then you were gone.

So every 2 weeks for months you checked on feyre without her knowing. Lucien beside you as you both were perched in a tree, through the months you both slowly started becoming friends. At first he’d tell you how she was doing but then you’d both start asking each other questions. You’d never hated faeries, even though your family did. To you it was simple, they’d never done anything to you personally, so you didn’t hate them. Lucien laughed at that and told you he didn’t hate humans, this time making you laugh.

You were just about to head out to make your journey to the Spring court when Feyre showed up. Then almost as soon as she’d gotten back, she left.

A couple months later you went back and Lucien was already there waiting for you. “She’s not here.” He whispered.

“What ?”

He sighed, “She left.”

You felt your heart racing, Lucien could probably hear it. “I have to find her.”

Lucien grabbed your arm before you made it back through the wall, “You may not like what you find.” Then he let you go.

You practically sprinted the entire way home resting as little as possible. Ripping the door to your family’s estate and then slamming it shut, making your way to your bedroom. Sleep found you quickly that night, exhausted from your trek to the Spring Court and back home.

You slept in, almost sleeping through the whole day until you were woken up by voices. They were arguing and it sounded like they were coming from the dining room. Still in your night slip, you made your way down stairs - Feyre, Rhys, Cassian and Azriel had all been alerted to the sound of a door closing - walking into the dining room, you froze.

She was here.

Feyre was here but she was different. Now she was slightly taller than you only, pointed ears poking through her hair and she was beautiful. She was beautiful before but now… and she didn’t come alone. Three fae males were with her. One had eyes so blue they were violet and the others had large bat-like wings. They all stood, assessing you, not sure if they should be preparing for a fight.

“Feyre…” I whispered.

“You’re here.” She breathed.

That’s all it took for you to throw yourself into her arms. The both of you cried as you held each other. Throat tight as you whispered, “I didn’t know if you were dead or not.”

She let out a shaky breath as she hugged you tighter, “I was.”

Holding each other for a couple moments longer, before Nesta was clearing her throat and the both of you separated. Feyre took a step back, not letting go of your hand as she snarled at Nesta, “You said she wasn’t here.” Nesta merely shrugged in response. Feyre glared at her before turning to introduce you to the High Lord of the Night Court, Rhysand. He bowed at the waist in greeting. Then she moved to the General of his Armies, Cassian. And finally to the most beautiful male you’d ever seen, his Spymaster, Azriel.

They surprisingly bowed at the waist in greeting as well, you bowed your head in return. A genuine smile on your lips as you acknowledged them, “Hello, pleasure to meet you. All you.” Rhysand was about to speak when Nesta cut him off, “Go change into something more appropriate.”

You rolled your eyes before turning to look at her, “I'm pretty sure it’s not the first time they’ve seen a female in night slip… or a pair of tits for that matter.” Turning back to face the four of them, you could see they were all fighting to not smirk at your antics.

Doing a mock curtsy directed a Nesta, “I’ll be back. Continue having dinner, don’t stop on my account.” Heading back upstairs, you still felt Nesta’s burning gaze on you, “Now, Nes !” You yelled at her over your shoulder just to piss her off even more.

You came back down once everyone was seated and noticed Cassian and Azriel kept shifting trying to get comfortable in chairs not meant to accommodate wings. Their eyes landed on you as you neared before stopping in the middle of the room, turning back on your heel. Yelling over your shoulder, “I’ll be right back.”

Hauling two stools back into the dining room, then the male named Azriel was suddenly at your side, taking them out of your hands. Cassian met him halfway, to grab one, before finally sitting comfortably without the backs of the chairs bothering their wings. They gave you warm smiles before thanking you, Rhysand saying thank you as well. You shrugged, “It’s nothing.”

Rhys shook his head, “Not to us. Thank you, for your kindness.”

Dinner was giving you a headache because Nesta and Feyre were arguing. You were picking at the skin around your thumbs when a large scarred hand settled over them, Azriel’s. Who was seated next to you. Turning to look at him, he didn’t look away from the argument but he gave your hands three reassuring squeezes. A silent sign that he saw you.

Then Cassian was trying to get a reaction out of Nesta, you let out small huff and without thinking you moved one of your hands, settling atop Azriel’s. Soft smooth fingers roaming over the scarred skin, tracing them. You felt him stiffen beneath your touch before relaxing again. You whispered almost inaudibly, “Beautiful.” Eyes never leaving his hands.

He looked at you and Rhys saw something flicker in his gaze but it was gone as soon as it came.

When dinner was over, Feyre and Rhys told your sisters and you why they’d really come.

War.

A war was coming and our village would likely get the brunt of it. They also told us that they wanted to meet with the six human queens, using the estate as a neutral meeting place. We all stayed up late into the night as they drafted up a letter to set the meeting. Everyone made their way upstairs but then Feyre followed you into your room. That’s when she told you everything. Finally getting up to make her way towards the door when a shadow slithered in. She laughed softly, “I wonder why it’s here.”

Tilting your head as it floated up in front of you , almost like it was taking you in, “Should we ask ?”

“If you want.”

“Uhh. . . Go get, Azriel. Please.” You said to the shadow.

Then it slithered away, going to get its master hopefully. Feyre and you waited. Then a couple moments later soft knocks sounded at your door.

You rushed to open it seeing if he had actually come.

“You came.” Something like amusement glittering in your eyes.

He gave you a shy small, “You called.”

“Sorry, I don’t mean to bother you but-“ Feyre cut you off. “Did you send the shadow in here ?”

Azriel cleared his throat, “No. They like you" - his eyes hadn’t left yours - "they wanted to see you again. I told them they might scare you so I told them to leave you alone but I guess they didn’t listen.”

Shaking your head, eyes still on his, “They don’t scare me.” He gave you a small nod, understanding what your words meant - he doesn’t scare you.

Then Feyre was walking past you, her hand on Azriel’s arm, “Come on, Let’s let her rest. The mother knows we need it too.”

The next morning after breakfast Rhys offered us that if we wanted we could go back to the Night Court with them if we didn’t feel safe on this side of the wall. We would be protected by him and his inner circle there. The whole time Rhys voiced his offer, Feyre's eyes were pleading you to come, to go “home” with her. Nesta and Elain said no, well Nesta said no for the both of them. Feyre’s voice was quiet, “Y/n ?”

You sighed heavily, “I can’t leave them.” She knew who you were talking about, and nodded solemnly.

They were about to leave when Rhys spoke again, “A squad of soldiers will be patrolling the area, you won’t even know they’re here but they will be. And if one of you" - he looked at you - "or all you change your mind a soldier will be in the drawing room at noon and midnight every day. He will send word back to me and you will be taken back to the Night Court.”

Nesta and Elain gave him a curt nod.

You bowed your head at him, “Thank you.”

He gave you a warm smile then bowed at the waist.

You walked them out, Feyre hugged you, breathing you in. Almost like she was trying to commit you to memory in case anything happened. Your eyes met with Azriel’s as you were hugging her, “Don’t worry. I feel sure we’ll see each other again.” Feyre hugged you tighter but Azriel nodded, he understood that your words were just as much for him as they were for Feyre. And just like that they were gone.

A couple weeks went by and the Queens had sent word that they would agree to meet. And on the day they had agreed, Lucien had sent you a letter that he wanted to speak with you on that same day. So you went. He asked about Feyre and her whereabouts, you didn’t tell him anything. Yes, you were friends but Feyre was your sister. Your loyalty was to her.

Time went by and everyday you thought about telling the Night Court soldier stationed in your home to tell Rhys that you wanted to go. But the thought of leaving Nesta and Elain alone, you couldn’t, you knew how to fight. They didn’t. So you stayed.

More time had passed and the Queens ended up siding with Hybern for their own personal gain. Your sisters and you caught in the middle of it. The three of you were dragged into a room in the King of Hybern’s castle by four of the Queens guards. You stood in front of your sisters protectively, they were still wearing their nightgowns, whereas yours was just in shreds now from you fighting back. Not to mention the bruises and cuts all over your face and body and the blood soaking your night slip.

You had managed to kill eleven of their guards when they appeared in your home and surprisingly six Hybern soldiers. Feyre, Rhys, Mor and Cassian all looked horrified as they took in the youngest sister’s appearance. Their horror was replaced by shock as Azriel let out a growl - sounding more animal than fae - as he saw her. You still hadn’t noticed their presence, your senses were clouded by pure unyielding rage.

Even though you were gagged and bound - they had somewhat ripped from all your fighting - you took a fighting stance as best you could. Your body was going on pure adrenaline. Numb to everything around you, you didn’t hear Elain’s quiet sobs that were muffled by the gag in her mouth or notice Nesta’s disheveled appearance as she panted from fighting back as best she could. Then without even thinking, you scrambled trying to cover Elain and Nesta’s bodies with your own, as the king of Hyberns power slammed into everyone. Power, white and unending. They were shrieking as you let out a cry of pain, his power affecting you.

Feyre was on the ground, Rhys was slammed to his knees along with Mor. Cassian and Azriel were on the ground. Cassian’s wings were shredded apart as he flared them protecting Azriel from the king’s powers. And Azriel was sprawled in a puddle of his own blood, an ash bolt through his chest. Elain let out a sob to warn Feyre of Tamlin’s approach. Mor tried to make a move for the King of Hybern, but Azriel’s cry of pain stopped her. The sound of him in pain finally cleared your senses. Your eyes landed on his and he attempted to move to you, letting out another cry of pain. No doubt the King's doing.

“Stop.” Your voice cold. The king only laughed, stalking towards you.

“Don’t touch her.” Azriel, Rhys, Lucien and Tamlin all growled.

He only laughed again as he ordered one his guards to take you to the cauldron. “Put the beautiful sister in first.” The second the guard was behind you, you slammed the back of your head into his nose and was ready to do more when Azriel let out another cry of pain, and you froze.

The king tsked at you, “Don’t. Don’t do that. Unless you want him dead.”

The rage in your eyes as you glared at him could devour worlds. One side of your mouth curling up into a cruel smile, as you said with lethal softness, “I’m gonna kill you. Not today, not tomorrow, but I’m gonna kill you. All of you.” He beheld the rage in your eyes and understood your words, the weight of them. They weren’t a threat they were a promise. And he faltered back a step, tearing his gaze from yours, before ordering the guard again, to put you in the cauldron. You gave him a wicked smirk that only the devil could replicate, “What’s wrong… scared ?”

The guard holding you slapped you, your head snapped to the side, spitting blood on the King of Hybern’s Face. Teeth covered in blood, giving him a feral smile as you were shoved closer to the cauldron. Then you heard Lucien’s voice, “Y/n. I’m so sorry.”

Then, Tamlin’s, “I am so sorry for everything.” The High Lord of Springs words filled you with more rage.

He’s sorry ? Oh, he’s sorry. He’s sorry. He’s Sorry. HE’S SORRY. HE’S SORRY.

Those were your last thoughts as your head was shoved under the water. The dark black waters of the Cauldron were so cold, that it burned hotter than any fire. It was all consuming just like your rage. You had always been quick to anger - to rage. It was easier to just turn everything you felt into rage. So this time was no different, finally letting it pour out of you in waves.

You had always been forced to give but this time you were going to take.

You couldn’t tell if it had only been seconds or hours since you’d been submerged under. Unknowingly to you, everyone was holding their breath at what they saw. The black cauldron was now glowing red, the dark calm waters now boiling white waters, bubbling over and smoking at the top. It had been too long, you had to be dead - no one could survive this - then both of your hands broke through the water.

Grasping the side of the glowing cauldron, then your head broke through the waters surface. Sucking in a harsh breath as you heard gasps throughout the room.

Blazing brighter than any star, glowing, fire made flesh. The others couldn’t stand to look at you - you burned so bright - as you hauled yourself out of the cauldron. So lost in a primal rage that you hadn’t even noticed your pointed ears and elongated limbs. The cauldron made you High Fae.

Standing to your full height everyone in the room held their breaths, they knew you were different. Felt it. As soon your hands broke through the surface they’d felt it. Your eyes were glowing as you scanned the entire room, no one moved. The look on your face was all rage and power, an avenging goddess. Death Incarnate.

Hearing a noise from your right, you snapped your head in that direction, an injured winged fae male - Azriel - was trying to make his way to you. Trying and failing. He was stopped by a blonde fae female, putting a hand on his chest. Moving it as he growled, “She’s my mate.” You didn’t know why but you just knew you had to get him.

You got as close to him as you could and he seemed to settle a bit. Then, Elain was dragged into the cauldron, scared and crying. It tipped itself on its side and Elain came out soaking wet but now fae. Lucien at her side moments later wrapped his coat around her. Soon after Nesta was thrown in, kicking and screaming. Cassian stirred but quickly succumbed to the pain of his shredded wings. The cauldron tipping itself on its side once more as Nesta came out. All three of you were made different. But when you came out it was as if the world held its breath.

In the end Rhys winnowed Cassian, Azriel and you in the middle of a warm home. Helping to lower Azriel onto one of the sofas, you were going to help Rhys put Cassian on the other but Azriel didn’t let go of your hand. And his cousin, Mor, followed shortly after with Nesta and Elain. While Feyre had been left with Tamlin and Lucien. Elain was still sobbing and Nesta was screaming. You stayed quiet, assessing as Mor and Rhys winnowed healers into the home.

They all crowded around Cassian and Azriel as they start to heal the general’s wings and the wound on Azriel’s chest. Without noticing, your free hand balled into a fist at your side and you had started to glow. A fae female approached you, putting a gentle hand on your shoulder, “You don’t need to see this. Come with us.” Turning to look at her, she had a soft look on her face. “My name is Cerridwen. My sister and I will get you cleaned up.” Nodding over her shoulder as you see her twin sister trying to usher your two sisters up the stairs. Rhys gives you a reassuring nod and you nod at Cerridwen once. Then bend down to play a kiss on Azriel’s lips - you don’t know why you did it - before letting her lead the way, too tired to fight.

The only people you saw for two weeks were the twins and Rhys. Sometimes your sisters. Mostly keeping to yourself because you knew what magic lay beneath your skin, in your veins. You didn’t want to scare anyone, more than you scared yourself. They didn’t know how it felt, how much you struggled to keep it buried. So you’d let it out in little ways, and that was just the flames.

While you were alone, you often stared at yourself in the mirror. It was strange being high fae, it felt familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time. The unnatural elongated features and limbs. Pointed ears and smooth skin. You weren’t just devastatingly beautiful. You were otherworldly and vaguely threatening.

You’d also been having trouble sleeping, Azriel’s shadows would often slither under the door and caress your face, trying and failing to help you fall asleep. But, every time you did sleep you would have a nightmare. It was always the same two. Either, you in the cauldron or Azriel dying. A sharp tug in your chest would always wake you up from them and you’d hear soft footsteps outside your door as you gasped for breath.

Then as soon as you’d catch your breath, they’d leave.

You hadn’t slept two nights in a row, the shadows kept trying to drag you into bed, but you were stubborn. Instead preferring to let flames dance along your fingertips, twining around your now long slender fingers. Batting away the shadows every time they’d grab ahold of your wrist, trying to drag you into your room from the balcony. Then they’d swat you back, on the back of your hand like a child being scolded. On the third night when they tried again and you batted them away, they didn’t do it back. Simply slithering away under the door.

Moments later you heard footsteps getting closer then the door softly clicking open.

You knew who it was, you felt him all the way from the door, even though you were outside. Scenting him as soon as he stepped out onto the balcony.

Azriel.

“The shadows tell me you haven’t been sleeping. Why ?” He said as a way of greeting.

You shrugged, not bothering to look up, “I don’t know.” You mumbled.

“You’re safe now, I promise. Your sisters are too.”

“I’m so tired, Az.” Your voice came out shakier than you expected.

So lost in the flames, that you didn’t realize he was right next to you until he was hauling you into his arms, carrying you back to bed.

Laying on your side, peering up at him, you whispered. “Can you sleep in here tonight ?”

He only stared at you, hazel eyes boring into your as his throat bobbed. “Please.” He nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed, taking off his boots and leathers. Tapping on his shoulder, he turned to look at you.“Can I ask you for one more favor ? You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

He nodded his head again, “Can we do skin to skin ? You don’t have to take off your briefs, I’ll leave my panties on, but I just want to feel you. Know that your're there.”

Azriel cleared his throat, “If that’s what you want.” You nodded your head and he did too in response.

Once he was only in his briefs he laid down on your bed, you sat up on your knees facing him, pulling your night slip over your head. He groaned softly, “You’re gonna be the death of me.” You felt your face heat up as you giggled softly, murmuring an apology as you laid on his chest. His large scarred hand moved to rub your back soothingly, helping you fall asleep. Mumbling a thank you as a dreamless sleep claimed you that night.

Azriel squeezed his eyes shut, turning his head against the glare of the morning sun. He always had his curtains drawn and blinds closed so the light wouldn’t wake him when he did manage to sleep in. Even then he never slept in past dawn but it had to be late morning now if the sun was this bright. He was about to move to draw the curtains, freezing when he felt something weighing down on his chest. Knowing it wasn’t anything dangerous because his shadows would’ve told him otherwise, he blinked slowly against the sunlight and saw you.

There, on his chest lay his mate's head with her hair covering part of her face. Your arm was draped over his middle and your leg over his hips, his hand still on the small of your back. Now he knew why he’d slept in for the first time in a long long time, he had finally found his peace… you.

You looked so soft like this, beautiful. Azriel always thought you were beautiful but now that you were on his chest he couldn’t take his eyes off you. Couldn’t resist the urge to use his free hand to push your hair away from your face and trace a scarred finger over your soft features. A small smile graced his lips. You hummed, brows furrowing at the feeling of someone touching you. Azriel only moved his hand to continue playing with your hair.

Then you shifted a bit, showing him more of your face before giving him a sleepy smile as you mumbled, voice still thick with sleep, “Good morning.”

Azriel chuckled softly, “Yeah. It is.”

“How long have you been up ?” You asked, moving your head to lay on his bicep.

“A while.” Azriel breathed.

“Why didn’t you wake me up ? I would’ve moved, if you had something to do.”

“You looked so peaceful, I couldn’t.”

Lips curving up into a teasing smile, “So you mean to tell me, the infamous shadowsinger was scared to wake me up ?”

He laughed at that, “Maybe.”

You moved to sit up, the sunlight streaming in behind you making a golden halo around you. Opening your eyes, stretching your arms out, letting out a soft groan. Azriel gasped softly and you froze, “What ?”

“Your eyes, they- they’re glowing and your hands.” He stuttered as he sat up.

Squeezing your eyes shut, taking a deep breath as you willed your powers back into you. Moving further back on the bed - away from him - your voice quiet, “Sorry I- I didn’t meant to scare you.”

He shook his head, reaching for you, this time you didn’t move, not as his hands cradled your face. “Scary? My gods, you’re divine.” He whispered.

Putting your hands atop his, pulling them off your face, whispering, “What if I hurt you ?”

“You could never hurt me, I’d only feel you.”

Tears lined your eyes, bottom lip quivering, “You don’t know that. I can’t control it yet. I could burn you.”

“I’d let you, I don’t want to control your fire. I need to be near it.” He rasped out.

Your eyes flickered between his, the confession in them. He would. He would let you burn him as long as you were touching him. Azriel wanted to stay away longer, let you adjust but you unknowingly called out to him through the bond. He’d come as close to being outside your door, then turn back, afraid he’d ruin it and scare you. Then you and him would end up like Lucien and Elain. “You should go. I don’t want to hurt you.” You mumbled, looking away, not wanting to see the pain in his eyes. Or him the pain in yours.

“From the moment I met you, all those months ago, not a day has gone by when I haven’t thought of you. And now that I’m with you again. . . I’m in agony. The closer I get it to you, the worse it gets. The thought of not being with you- I can’t breathe. I’m haunted by the kiss that you should’ve never have given me. My heart is beating. . . hoping, that kiss will not become a scar. You are in my very soul, Tormenting me. . . What can I do ? –I will do anything that you ask. If you are suffering as much as I am, please, tell me.”

“Kiss me.” You breathed.

His eyes scanned your face, looking for any hesitation, when he found none his lips met yours with an urgent, bruising impact. A desperation that you returned, tracing your tongue over the seam of his lip. You weren’t sure he was breathing. And just to see what he’d do, smirking against his plush lips, you palmed him through his briefs.

He pulled back, throwing his head back in a curse.

You laughed quietly, kissing the scar on his chest from the ash bolt, as he panted. Asking in between the kisses that you were littering down his torso, “Can you keep going ?”

“Your blood healed me,” he gritted out through clenched teeth.

You chuckled softly, “So that’s what Rhys wanted it for.” When you laid your palm flat on him again, you asked, “So this is okay ?”

Azriel was still panting, his breathing jagged, “Don’t stop.”

“Maybe. If you ask nicely.”

“Please, Fireheart.” The nickname made your heart flutter. Kissing him once more, teeth tugging on his bottom lip before pulling down his briefs. Mouth going dry at the sight of him, bare for you.

He was all for you.

Then his hands were in hair, his lips smashing into yours. Large scarred hands roaming your body, trying to memorize all the dips and curves of it. Roughly gripping the swell of your ass, making your chest rise up, sensitive peaked nipples rubbing against him. Azriel did it again, swallowing the moan trying to escape your soft lips.

You move your hand down between your bodies, stroking him, earning a grunt out of him. Then he flipped you, laying you flat against the unmade bed. Pulling back, chests heaving as he rips your panties off your body. Groaning at the sight of your glistening slick covered cunt. He fights to tear his eyes away when he hears a whimper leave your lips. Finding his shadows tugging and swirling around your nipples, while your head is thrown back and your eyes screwed shut.

His scarred thumb moving lightly over your clit makes you look at him through half lidded, lust filled eyes. Azriel’s eyes darken, moving to climb over you, caging you in before applying more pressure to your clit. You whine, “Az, Please.”

“What do you need, Fireheart ?” He says rubbing your clit faster.

Your back bows, “You. I need you inside me, Az”

Azriel gives you a wicked smirk as his eyes glint, “Maybe. If you ask nicely.” He taunts, using your words against you.

“Please.” You cry out.

He chuckles darkly, before praising you, “Good girl.”

Then you feel the head of his cock rubbing between your soaked folds. Azriel looks like he’s barely holding himself back, so you give him a soft nod and then he’s pushing into you. The stretch makes your eyes screw shut in pain and pleasure, crying out as he buries himself in your cunt. Rubbing the side of your thigh as he coos praises at you.

When he’s finally all the way into the hilt, breathing heavily, “Look at me.” He commands. As soon as your eyes meet his, your breath hitches. Something in your chest snapped. You could feel it, almost like a glowing thread inside you. Grasping onto it, you gave it tug and his jaw clenched.

Brows furrowing as you asked “What is that ?”

“The mating bond.” He answered.

You gave the bond another hard tug and he clenched his jaw again, “You’re my mate ?”

“I’m yours and you’re mine.” He claimed, tugging back.

Giving him a feral smirk, possessiveness lacing your voice. “You’re mine.”

Azriel chuckles darkly, before leaning back down and putting his arms under your back to hold on to your shoulders. Then he’s pulling slowly out before slamming back in. Grunting lowly, “Fuck you’re tight-” his words making you moan loudly, “-my perfect little mate.” The sound only urged him to go faster, harder - to claim. All you could hear was your whimpers and strangled screams, his low groans and breathy moans, as he snapped his hips at a merciless pace.

The fire in your tummy spreads, as his cock hit that sweet spot inside of you over and over again. His name on your lips was a prayer and he was your god as writhed beneath him. Completely and utterly at his mercy. “Azriel - Azriel - Azriel !” Hips bucking, chasing a high only he could give you, crying out his name as you were right on the edge.

Your body felt like it was on fire, biting his shoulder as your release barreled through you. His pace slowed but he didn’t stop as you fell apart. Noticing the sheets gripped in your hands were now turning to ash. He didn’t care, all that mattered was you and your pleasure. He praised you, “Let go, Fireheart. That’s it, just like that. Good girl.”

Still out of breath as you told him, “I want to get on top.” His pupils flared, then he flipped the both of you, so you were on top. Legs still shaking as you braced your hands on his tattooed chest, lifting almost all the way off before sliding back down. You felt so full in this new position. His hands gripping your hips, helping bounce on him. The sound of your ass smacking his thighs had him throwing his head back and rolling his eyes. Then he looked at you as you let out a noise you hadn’t made before.

Taking your hands off his chest, holding onto his forearms with your head thrown back as your plush lips parted. Azriel’s name is a desperate plea on your lips as your tits bounce wildly in front of him. His shadows, moving to grope them and circle your clit. He couldn’t take it, he needed to feel you against him.

Pulling you to his chest as he rutted into, you barely had enough time to catch yourself, your hands flat on the bed. Eyes squeezing shut as you got lost in the pleasure he was providing. Without realizing your nail grazed his wing - that was currently splayed beneath him - and he whimpered. Azriel actually whimpered. You froze, thinking you’d hurt him but he just continued fucking you.

So you traced a single finger along the bony structure closer to the base of his wings, he tensed slightly before he whimpered again. “Am I hurting you ?”

“Only if you stop.” He grunted.

You did it again, then moved closer to the base of his wing. Your nail lightly scraping over the smaller ridges that were there. The walls of your cunt fluttering around him as his cock twitched inside of you in response to your touch. A soft whimper falling from his lips before he cursed as you continued exploring his wings.

Azriel hips stuttered, his voice a desperate breathy hiss, “T- There ! Right there.” As you applied more pressure to one of the small ridges. “Please !” He begged, tipping his head back, hazel eyes screwed shut as he shivered in pleasure. “Does that feel good, baby ?” You whispered in his ear, voice sounding like pure sin.

“Mhmm… Fuck.” He groaned.

Placing a kiss on his neck, right below his ear, “Good boy.” You praise.

He rolled his hips against yours, the pace frenzied and erratic. Adding a little more pressure to his wing and his hips stuttered, shadows moving between the two of you, pinching your nipples and rubbing your clit.

His hands dig into your hips, hard enough to bruise as you bite his shoulder again. Azriel bucked into you a few more times, he gave one last deep thrust as he spilled into you, your name on his lips as he fell apart.

Your walls spasming and contracting, milking every drop of his seed as the both of you fell over the edge together. His shadows finally stop their assault on your overly sensitive nipples and clit, moving to push his and your hair away from your faces. Then Azriel shifts you a little, pressing a kiss to your lips and then your forehead.

His lips still against your forehead as he pants softly, “I love you, Fireheart.”

He moves to lean his forehead against yours and then you breathe, “I love you.”

Kinktober 2023 Masterlist

[fictionfixations]

the dawn knight in place of yuu

MAJOR JP BOOK 7 SPOILERS

(anyway i like calling him the knight of dawn but also thats too many words for a name im going to be repeating a lot throughout this post so dawn knight)

okay so. i was thinking about a fic to write where a character had a part of themselves appear somewhere else? like ive been getting into omniscient reader but i have a diff story im trying to commit to rn so i cant really write something with it when i dont really know shit that happens besides like end game spoilers lOl

but i find the idea of like the 49/51 (?) interesting? i think thats the right numbers. no context to people who dont know what that means but that part broke me even though all i know about omniscient reader is by reading a shit ton of orv fanfiction. my heart man... sob.

but so anyways my mind wandered to the dawn knight

kudos to that like one fic where the dawn knight's soul appeared and attached itself to yuu except i read it when i didnt even know who he was but i thought maybe he was a buddy of lilia so im just reading and getting confused on like no why you no like lilia what (also he doesnt remember iirc and i think that was just like a instinctual feeling cause yknow humans vs fae??) but uh i know context now lMFAO

but like

just imagine this person who looks like silver but blonde. who doesnt remember who he is (as hes kind of more of just a fragment of his soul? but like he appears in NRC and not RSA because he still has a lingering attachment towards silver. wanting to see him grow because he never got the chance to)

who worries over silver

is a little nervous around fae, but maybe this is ooc but like without all the pressure from what the fuck was his name henrik(??) and like the people around him who are all anti-fae, cause he wouldve liked it if they couldve been in peace and stuff yknow? and also without those memories so its not too difficult for him to get past that and see them as people who will probably not harm others (LOOK i just want twst characters to be happy man cause everything is so sad :((( )

anyway lilia has grown since then and doesnt hate humans. maybe he doesnt exactly know how to feel about the dawn knight (UM like cause meleanor. or is it maleanor? i think thats EN spelling but tbh if not for en i wouldnt know how tf to spell it. but uh ykNOW.. he kinda. uh. still killed.)

but then maybe it becomes clear that this dawn knight (who needs an actual name. dawn sounds too on the nose and i dont think lilia associates dawn with positive feelings considering when maleanor died didnt it turn dawn or something. and then they broke down because shes DEAD.???)

is not the same dawn knight he met so long ago.

like

idk

think about it in like a. okay im pulling out honkai star rail examples now. but think of it maybe like dan feng and dan heng where they're like reincarnations of each other? but not the same person? (some people think of them as still the same considering i think(? its been a hot minute since i went through story) those memories of those reincarnations are then shared to other incarnations to help them in high elder duty thingy whatever its called but i think of them as entirely different people who happen to look similar)

i guess you could view it as a 'i once was [this], but now im this and im not the same person who did all those things'

EDIT: I AM WRONG. 2.5 spoilers but its mentioned that someone made dan heng remember his past life so its NOT canon that they remember their past life. "...led her to perform certain healing arts on Dan Heng, who had just finished his hatching rebirth, so that he would regain the memories of his past life?" but anyway thats how it turned out so uh just pretend that i mean reincarnating/past life type deal but stlil having some of those memories of the former life

idk maybe theres some lilia treating him as another son since like. all three of them are orphans who were taken in???? like its implied parallel of lilia being taken in by the mal... dRACONIA family sorry i forgot the last name om. and the dawn knight being taken in by the whoever is in charge. like the dad of henrik(?) and that person whose name i cant remember i think it was leah who the dawn knight liked and married? but so anyway they both got taken in by a family and owe them a debt and fight for them (and care for them. although idk about henrik ew, but he was also like. wanting princess glow(???) which could supposedly grant wishes i think to like cure their ill father, and saying that the dawn knight should do it for leah or something? i cant remember but he convinced him with something something leah)

i dont know where im going with this thought but like. i remember the dawn knight said something like. if things could be different? but like it cant be because they've gone too far now to forgive each other? but like he wanted there to be peace.

i remember thinking about lilia's wish in the wish upon a star event, maybe it was similar i cant recall exactly

Lilia: My wish is... ...for humans, fae, and all other species to live in harmony. [Img of the wishing star] Trey: Haha, wow. That's a pretty ambitious wish. Lilia: To join joyous hands with one another is no simple feat, even for those among the same species... To say nothing of the difficulties across species divides. You've learned about our history, have you not? All the countless tales of our failure to compromise, and the resulting conflicts? I have no desire to see such history repeated. So I make the same wish every Starsending.

like the dawn knight expressed regret that it had to be this way and wanted things to change but it was far too late. but like. he never did that stuff now (well lilia will remember so poor grandpa but. he's also been really forgiving towards humans when doing it for someone? like he endures it? like when he was searching for a way to hatch malleus and these people were really against lilia for being fae when he just existed, and he didnt fight back because it would paint a bad picture for the draconias? there was another example related to silevr but i cant remember it im. not what i was thinking about but theres also when he contemplated killing baby silver but changed his mind because he'd been trying to teach malleus to like. 'walk in time with his neighbor' and so and so and i forgot what he said but that how could he do that when he should be like setting an example for malleus or something right?)

also silver learning who his parents are in a maybe less traumatic way (like NOT running away knowing malleus' mom might die and then oh shit the ceiling collapsed and IS THAT THE ENEMY oh god please dont let malleus' egg be hurt and then he shares the same face as me? and that ring-- cue silver hating himself and being dragged in by darkness and i am just sobbing my eyes out like no silver he loved you so much :((( )

and even if lilia still holds anything against the dawn knight. still has lingering feelings even towards this not-dawn knight. that he wouldnt want to condemn the dawn knight, and then have silver condemn himself for being of that blood even though he didnt even do anything yknow?

and then when lilia dies he can meet up with the ghosts of maleanor and raverne (is that spelled right? i genuinely cant remember the EN spelling but it was something like that. uhh.??) and i know thats sad but i want lilia to be able to spend more time with maleanor and raverne too yknow? but im not sure how to do that

maybe. like the. the the . council? i cant remember its name fshuidfh but those assholes who appeared when we made it to. blackscale(?) castle... ? i. forgor. maleficia(THATS GRANDMA RIGHT?? i get so confused by who is who in draconia) castle??

but like when we get there with malleus' egg and then maleanor dies

and theres just these voices of long dead old geezers who are bitches to lilia and i hate them and i dont know how they're still there and can talk but i dont want maleanor there because they're horrible. also they literally said her sacrifice was like noble or some shit like that and im just like BITCH- (also lilia is banned from the capital or something isnt he?? like i mean he can still visit the castle. but secretly. but still :( )

so i just think.

fully getting over stuff. heart demons. talking things out. lilia gets to talk about stuff for the first time in awhile (remember when like literally no one talked about the circumstances regarding malleus' birth or something so silver and sebek just had no idea what they were getting into??? and like i guess he could talk to baul? baur? idk which one is the one on EN i forgor. but idk man.)

not-dawn knight being a really good listener. being understanding, sharing his input where appropriate. and like he also gets some of his memories which put a lot of things into proper context. and so sharing thoughts of so and so. and just. basically this talk that spirals into moving on.

sharing frustrations, sharing things that never really got to be known.? like regrets, etc etc

since i think the last time they met was when silver father reveal, and time passed and he died so its just all these lingering things that never got to be said out loud for various reasons. like maybe because company is against so and so so to say something would be like idk maybe traitorous? i dont think thats the right word but words are hard and i keep forgetting words the moment i need them

its like. the unique point of view of talking about things between former enemies. like how they viewed things, etc etc

and then when lilias lived a full life, no regrets, he meets maleanor and raverne in the afterlife.

oh yeah also about his dorm i have no fucking idea. i honestly mostly forgot what each dorm represents but either ramshackle or diasomnia, which i know is like nobility or something? but anyway dawn knight married a princess, also i associate diasomnia with fae / briar valley which is related considering hes book 7 stuff so im pushing him there anyway

or maybe the mirror cant read him because his soul is fragmented. or maybe retcon and his soul isnt like that? idk but i like to think the other part of his soul is in the afterlife with his wife yknow? and eventually silver will be there and able to meet his mom and huggies, and acknowledging that these are who his parents are, but also that lilia is also his parent and the one who raised him yknow? there can be more than two parents in my eyes.

its just that his soul is like in half because of the part of him that wants to have seen silver grown. i think i said this earlier in the post but that since the last time he saw silver was as an infant (also he had blonde hair so-)

also wasnt infant silver asleep for like hundreds of years until it was either because someone who loved him came by (lilia) or because the spell finally wore off (which is what lilia thinks. i dont know where to put my two cents at tbh of which i think is right)

so dawn knight just sitting there in the afterlife like. ..man. my childs still not here. i mean. thats a good thing that they're not dead but like. i kinda wanna see them.

or well silvers the only one so i should be saying he but gidfhuj

also it was either leah or leia i am a dumbass? maybe leah was the EN one. idk i forgot.

anyway thats enough yapping for me

[oddberryshortcake]

Twst analysis & theory- General Lilia and the Seeker of Cradles

In chapter 7 part 3, MC dreams about when Maleficent’s goons tell her that they can’t find Aurora, they also dream about Aurora being told she’s a princess by the three good fairies, but the most important connection I’ve made is what General Lilia Vanrouge and the other dark fae soldiers were doing in the woods during Lilia’s dream. 

I think the dream is of a memory of when Lilia first found baby Silver, or rather, searched for. 

Maleficent’s goons (two of whom Lilia is based on design-wise and also is emulated on his helmet) are tasked with finding baby Aurora so Maleficent can make sure her curse comes to fruition. 

It’s very obvious now that Silver is twisted from Aurora. We know he was “found” abandoned in the woods, that he was found with a beautiful ring in the shape of Aurora’s crown, and has been associated with Aurora’s aesthetic and woodland friends since the beginning of the game. 

He’s most likely a lost prince, either deliberately left for his safety or because something awful has already happened to his parents.

The fae and humans of Briar Valley do not get along. It’s understandable that there are tensions between the two, and there’s a history of conflict. 

It’s possible Malleus’s grandmother knew Silver was a human prince and, whether in war or an act of revenge, wanted Silver killed or cursed and sent soldiers and the Nightmare General Vanrouge to go find him. 

There’s a chance Lilia could hate humans during the time that the dream takes place, or he could be saying such to save face around the other guards/to please Maleficia. 

Either way, Lilia’s newest title names him the “Seeker of Cradles,” and I believe he and the other guards are doing just that. (X)

That brings me more towards theorizing and taking elements from Sleeping Beauty and connecting it to the unfolding plot. 

Lilia is out here on a search to find and possibly harm Silver…But obviously he doesn’t do that. 

He has a change of heart, or maybe he had always planned on saving Silver from harm’s way. 

He raises Silver alone in a cottage located in the middle of nowhere. Silver grows up isolated, only ever interacting with Sebek and Malleus. He recently confirms in his Broomquet vignette that he literally has no idea what goes on in the city of his own country because he’s always lived deep in the woods…Just like Aurora. (X) (notice Aurora overlooking the castle town, the same view Silver describes from his home)

Lilia seems to purposefully keep Silver in one place, with the exception of bringing him to NRC (something I’m sure he or Malleus had to arrange.) Lilia wanted Silver to enjoy Halloween as humans do, but instead of letting him interact with other humans, he trick or treated alone with Lilia, walking around their cottage. 

This is similar to how Aurora grew up isolated and alone in her own cottage with the three good fairies. They also discouraged her from interacting with other people and just like Silver, she relied on animals to be her companion. 

Lilia himself has greatly changed his appearance, from his hairstyle, hair color, and also his voice. He claims that he’s leaving the Valley to go into retirement and to avoid orders from Maleficia; we know his magic is draining- but how much of that could’ve been attributed to protecting Silver?

The good fairies made themselves humans in order to best protect Aurora, could that Lilia’s goal as well?

Silver is already theorized to be cursed, so how much of Lilia’s magic went to keeping that curse at bay? 

How much of Lilia’s magic went to keeping Silver safe? Keeping him away from the prying eyes of fae who hate humans? Who wants this innocent little prince dead?

How much of Lilia’s magic went into changing his appearance? To make a distinct difference between the general and loyal servant of the Draconia family and a loving fae father to a human child. 

I could be super wrong about all of this, but when I see the similarities, I can’t help but just think further and try to discover all the secrets. 

Genuinely hoping that I’m right about Lilia’s dream being about finding Silver. I hope we get to see Lilia become a father, and I hope Lilia has been doing everything he can to protect Silver and not because he wants to do something nefarious with him. As if he hasn’t and isn’t going to suffer enough. 

tldr- Lilia is searching for Silver under Maleficia’s orders, likely to harm him, but gets a change of heart and raises Silver in secrecy to protect him in his dream.

[bunny-dr34ms]

the love fate demands of us - chapter 1

- mystical!txt x angel!reader

summary. you were perfect in every single way; beautiful, kind, not even so much as a blemish out of place. perfect apart from the fact you had magic coursing through your veins and the worst possible thing you could be in the land of flora, was magic. at least you have your companion, horangi, who was the only one who comforted you through all your sorrowful nights. but fate never fails to be cruel and you find that the world was against him as much as they were against you. what will you do when they try to take the only kindness you've ever known away from you?

cw/ tw; f!reader, elf!yeonjun, vampire!soobin, werewolf!beomgyu, wizard!taehyun, fae!kai, fantasy au, royalty au

features; txt, names of other idols that i decide as i go

wc; 4.8k

Chapter 1: The Wingless Angel Cries

You sat on one of the many exquisite swings in the Esor estate, gently swaying back and forth as you admired the white rose vines climbing up the gazebo overhead. Bathed in the warm orange glow of the sunset, it was almost as if your skin shimmered in the light. The scene was truly enchanting—not just the roses, but you as well. At 18, your youthfulness bloomed on your cheeks, face as fresh as a flower, you completed the view, really, you completed any view with your unrivaled beauty. It was no wonder why you were spared. You, a child of infidelity. You, a child of magic in a kingdom for humans.

The people of Esor remember as if it were yesterday when the princess was born. They knew she would be the last child of the King and Queen, which made her all the more precious. However, news of her birth quickly spread, and the shock it carried soon reached even the farthest corners of Flora.

You were spared from death, but you could never forget your origins; they wouldn’t let you. Beyond the constant whispering and the odd stares from both maids and knights, your family ensured you were always aware of your difference. Your father enjoyed your presence but detested when you spoke or moved, preferring you to be nothing more than a statue in his sight. Your older brother, Prince Hyunjin, is sweetly cruel, and you can’t discern whether his feelings are of hate or love. In truth, he is deeply concerned for you, yet he feels guilt for it, knowing he'll never do anything more than watch you struggle. Your older sister, Princess Yeji, harbors a deep-seated loathing for you, making it clear to both you and everyone else in the castle. Your mother is the only one who truly loves you, but not for who you are as her daughter—rather, because you are a beautiful reminder of her lost lover. Even as she runs her hands through your hair and caresses your face with a yearning for another, you choose to return her love. Love, no matter how cruel and bittersweet it may be, is still love.

So there you sat, swaying gently in the wind, nestled in a secluded spot of the garden, wearing that sorrowfully blank expression that seemed permanently etched upon your face. They said the tears you shed were the source of those endlessly sad eyes. You, without friends. You, without a suitor. You, with no future, condemned to remain in the castle, wasting away. No matter how extraordinarily beautiful you were, it would never be enough to overcome the stain of your tainted blood.

Somehow you stayed kind, choosing to look at the brighter side of things, caring for others even though they would cast you aside given the chance. Even as the maids approach you reluctantly to tell you the queen was looking for you, you nod and only mention to them that the roses need to be watered, but tell the gardener tomorrow as it was getting late.

“Come, my beloved, sit,” mother says the moment she sees you, ushering you past her gold doors just to lock it behind her. There was routine to this meeting, every other night you would be called to mother’s chambers so she could, ‘comfort her troubled heart’ as she says. Like clockwork, you sit on the edge of the bed, the side closest to the window where the moonlight shines in. She’s already all over you, running her hands into your hair, forcing you to look up at her while she mutters sweetly about how much you resembled him. Minutes later she’s finally sitting next to you, her hands caressing your face.

“Oh, how angelic, how ethereal you are, my love,” she whispers her face inching closer and closer to yours. She presses her cheek against yours, relishing in the feeling before she pulls away to look into your eyes. You don’t speak because it ruins the moment for her, you can only speak after she allows you to retire for the night. Moments pass of her just staring in your eyes as tears fills in hers, memories of another man, long dead, flashing through her mind. She told you the first night she asked for you, that she felt guilty for her lover’s death, that it was her fault she kept you because of it wasn’t for that, she would’ve never been caught. In that sense, it was partially your fault too, so helping her cope was the least you could do.

You cry with her, because the heartbreak you saw in her eyes was painful too. Warm tears running down your cheeks as your mother pulls your face closer and closer to her. Your eyes flutter shut when she pulls away to kiss your tears mumbling, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I love you.” There are times her lips press so close to your own that you wonder if she’ll ever end up kissing you. She never does. As much as you wish you could reciprocate her passion, you didn’t feel much no matter how she held you, just the bittersweetness of longing and grief.

Mother does this for two hours before she dries your tears with a handkerchief and then her own. She takes your hand in her own as she does every night, waiting for you to look up at her with those wonderous pink eyes of yours. “Thank you, my dear. You cannot imagine how much solace your face brings me.” “I am glad to have been of help,' you say quietly, not making the effort to return her smile. With that you’re permitted to leave, your mother wasting no time to click the door quietly the moment you are out.

Before you could start walking, a hand ravels itself in your hair and yanks it back. Yeji. "You're a fool if you think Mother loves you," she seethed as she drags you towards her, "But I'm sure you know that, disgusting things like you cling on to whatever affection you can get." Tears fills your eyes again as your trembling hands try reach up holding on to your head, "Yeji, please" you plead as she jerks your head up, watching as your face contorted in pain. At that she throws you on the ground, glaring as she stalks towards you, "Look at you pleading to your sister, have you no shame?" She grabs your face, brutally squeezing your cheeks together, fingers digging in deeply, "so unworthy of this beauty," she mumbles running her eyes across your features. All you could do was hold your breath, eyes frantically begging her to let you go. When she does, she tosses your head back into the carpet, leaving before you could manage to right yourself up on your arms. "Your existence is revolting. No amount of beauty will ever change that." With that, you're left alone.

Again, you're sobbing into your arms, curled up in your bed while your body continued to shake. The only comfort you had was your puppy, Horang, based on the unique striped patterns in his fur. You found and took him in when you were strolling in the woods a few weeks ago. At first, you considered releasing him after his paw healed from how much he would snarl and bite at you, but he warmed up after a few days, going as far as lying next to you when you cried. "He pities you too, princess," your maids would joke when they came around to tidy your room. He's grown quite quickly since then and now he's curled around your feet, almost wrapping all the way around you, whining each time you sniffled, staring at you with saddened eyes. Eventually you look up and run a hand through his fur, petting him gently, "you're all I have in this place, in this world," you sigh sadly. You move around and lie your head softly on top of him, tears dampening his fur as you whisper, voice broken and worn, "you're the only one I truly love."

It's a good thing you're a deep sleeper. You can't feel the clawed hand running over your cheeks, brushing the blonde locks in your face behind your ear. You can't hear him as he murmurs sweet nothings, admiring the way you radiate in the moonlight. He wraps his large arm around your body, pulling your small figure into him, his tail covering your body, mentally scolding you for falling asleep atop your blankets again. Even when you shift under him, he doesn't react, knowing your sleeping habits by heart, instead he nudges his head into yours, breathing in your sweet floral scent.

When you wake up the next morning, you’re greeted by a kisses from Horangi on your face, warm tongue excitedly panting when you sit up. You pet him between his ears drowsily, “Good morning, you’re excited today?” Horangi barking as if he understood you, brought a smile to your face, something rarely seen, which naturally led him to jump up on top of you. Your maids come in soon after, asking you to quiet or control your pet as they got you up and ready for the day. “Sorry Horangi, I’ll see you later.” You pet him sadly before you leave your room.

“Prince Hyunjin asked for you,” your personal maid, Eunchae, says as you stroll down the hall, “he insisted it was of utmost importance.” Eunchae is a pretty, kind girl who was often caught staring at you for too long, genuinely admiring your angelic appearance. She was someone in the castle with whom you felt at ease, or rather, she was the only one who didn’t treat you like an outsider. “I see,” you say, changing your route to go to Hyunjin’s office, “I shall be going then,” silently bidding her good bye.

“Come in.” his smooth voice beckoned you in the moment you knocked. “Good morning brother,” you greet him, closing the door behind you, “You asked for me?” Hyunjin puts his quill down, humming as he stands up, walking around his desk, “Indeed I did. There is something you should know.” Confused, you stood there, quietly waiting for him to continue. He leans against the edge of the brown wood, arms crossing in front of him, sighing heavily before looking up at you. “You are forbidden from seeing Mother any longer. She must learn to manage her grief without you.” He understands how much Mother means to you, how she is the only one providing the false sense of security, the illusion of family bonds, and a semblance of love. Despite how harsh it may appear, he is doing this out of necessity. He needs to protect you from the deceptive comfort she offers while he still can.

Hyunjin knew you weren't going to take it lightly but when you speak, retaliate really, he can't help but be surprised. "No, I...I refuse. I can't leave her alone, she needs me!" Your soft voice pitching with each word, a tightness building in your chest as you think about how woefully Mother cries, looking at you as if you're who she is grieving for. You watch as he sighs again, looking down to his hands as, head shaking as he fiddles with the ring brandishing the family crest, "Y/n, I'm sorry but I'm not going to allow this to continue. It's sick, the way she's using you." Trembling you step back, holding tears in your eyes as you stare at him with disbelief, "S-She's not..Mother is not using me, she loves me, you don't understand." Hyunjin walks over, stopping right in front of you, staring at you with pity, the same way everyone in this castle does. Placing a hand on your shoulder, he could only watch as tears roll down your eyes, then as you started sobbing into your hands. He knows you'd accept this the way you accepted everything else unfair about your life, even so, he feels an ache in his heart as you crumble away a little more.

"Horangi, why is fate so cruel to me?" you mutter, burying yourself into his fur. It was night time now and after your break down in Hyunjin's office, you sat there for a couple hours, curled up on one of the chairs as he worked away. He was kind enough to let you stay while your tears dried up, making sure no one came to bother you until you left on your own. It wasn't until you decided that it was best to see Mother one last time before she becomes another family member you have to avoid. Hyunjin seemed to know where you were going, reassuring that he'll make sure Mother gets all the help she needs. You knew your brother was kind, that deep down he wasn't like the others. He really does care about you, maybe even wishes he could love you like the baby sister you were supposed to be. Alas, he is the crown prince, loving his anomaly of a sister would go against the image he needs to rule. As you hesitantly opened Mother's door, she was taken aback, her hand flying to her chest as she hurried towards you, bombarding you with questions while you quietly closed the door behind you. You could never forget the look of despair on her face when you revealed the news to her, nor could you forget how she fell to her knees, clutching your hands tightly, pleading for forgiveness for all her failings: for not loving you as a mother should, for all her sins, and for the sin of bringing you into this world. A few more hours passed as you reassured her with whatever words were needed to calm her down, guiding her to her chair and gently countering every self-deprecating remark she made about herself. As the sunset marked the end of your visit, you dried her tears and then wiped away your own before you finally took your leave.

Horangi whines as your hands tighten into fists in his fur, his head raising to look at you as tears rolled down your face. "How unfair this all is. There truly is no one who loves me in this world is there?" You sob, scarcely aware of how Horangi curls up around you more tightly, his tail brushing gently against your feet. You think that if it weren’t for him, you might have lost your mind long ago. When his head nudges you, you look up at him, seeing your own exhaustion mirrored in his sad, almost concerned eyes. Your hand moves from his fur to gently stroke his face, "Your eyes are beautiful too Horangi. They hold so much emotion, just staring at them makes me feel better," murmuring as he bunted his head against your hand affectionately. You take a deep breath, inhaling the familiar earthy-musky scent of his fur that has begun to permeate your room since you first took him in. The comforting aroma washes over you, and you can feel yourself drifting towards sleep, your body finally relaxing as the fatigue of the day takes hold.

You were so exhausted that you didn’t notice him slipping out of bed after a few hours, nor did you hear him moving around, extinguishing the candles. You remained unaware of his tender efforts to lift you and tuck you back under the blankets, only vaguely sensing a slight adjustment as you settled deeper under the covers. He crawls under the sheets with you, facing you, nose to nose as her admired how peaceful you were asleep. His sharp eyes could see how each eyelash kissed the top of your cheeks and the little details of your lips. The way your body curled up made you look so small compared to his long lanky body, barely reaching the end of his torso. Oh, how he longs to pull you into his arms and hold you tightly against his chest. Instead he decides carefully scooch a little closer, brushing stray strands of hair behind your ear. Words he wishes he could tell you escape him, voice deep and silky as he whispers, "I'd love you until the end of the world." He stares at you for a moment longer, holding his breath as if your eyes would flutter open to see his human form and react to his words. When you remain asleep, he reassures himself that it’s for the best. Relieved, he allows himself to drift into a light sleep, taking care to avoid detection by morning.

The night would have continued as it usually did, with him slipping out from under the blankets, shifting back into a medium-sized dog, and then leaping back onto the bed to resume his sleep. But tonight was different; Hyunjin had sent maids to check on you, the image of your distress still vivid in his mind. A sudden scream jolted both of you awake as the maid discovered a man sleeping beside you. Your heart pounded in your chest as you shot upright, scanning the room for the source of the alarm, only to realize there was an equally startled man sitting up beside you, naked and in your bed. Your mouth opens to let out a similar scream but he turns into Horangi right before your eyes. "Werewolf! W-Werewolf in the castle!" The maid shrieks, collapsing to the floor in terror as she scrambles towards the door, calling out for help. Horangi barks and whines, darting around the room in a frantic frenzy before halting to look at you as you get out of bed and slowly approach him. Strangely, you weren't scared, even now, knowing he is a mystical beast, he is still your Horangi. He laid down on his belly, his tail wagging anxiously as your hand reached out to pet his pressed down ears, his eyes looking at yours with newly found fear. Your heart raced in your chest as you think back to the man who had the exact same eyes staring down at you. Horangi really was a werewolf, you think, but when his ears flop up at your touch, you find yourself mesmerized by him. Did he understand all the things you told him? Has he been listening this whole time? Does he love you too? Horangi had magic in his veins, just like you, he knew you were half-human and tolerated that too.

"Horangi I- " you begin but The sound of numerous knights thundering down the hallway made his eyes widen with panic, and it was only then that you grasped the gravity of what was about to unfold. You sprang to your feet and positioned yourself in front of him, arms outstretched as you tried to shield Horangi from view when the soldiers burst into your room, "Move Princess, that is a danger that we need to exterminate immediately," the head knight said his sword at the ready. For the first time in your life, you cried out, desperate as you tried to use your title, "Please stand down! Obey your princess and lower your weapons! He is not a threat!" Your hands trembled as you strove to maintain your stance, even as the knights pressed ever closer to you. You could hear Horangi's whimpers, the shuffle of his body pressing closely to the floor and backing into the wall. You've lost so much in your life already, you won't lose the only thing that supported you all this time.

"Princess, please step away, else I use force. That thing is a an endangerment to us all. You are putting us at risk protecting that monster," the head knight shouts. Their blades drew nearer, and you found yourself with no space left to retreat. Who were you kidding, believing they would listen to you? After all, to them, you were part monster as well. The knights encircled you, driving you into a corner, the dread prickling your skin as their advance remained relentless. They only ceased their approach when an eerie howl echoed through the room, soon followed by a fierce, loud snarling sound. You turn to see Horangi in an aggressive stance, teeth bared with gaze focused on the knights, feeling yourself pale when he stalks forward. "N-no, no no, Horangi no, don't! Please just trust me!" You rush towards him, kneeling in front of him, wrapping your arms around his head, stroking his muzzle, hoping to calm him down. Taking this chance, the knights only come closer, raising their swords, the head knight raising his voice, "Princess you leave us no choice! We will fulfill our duty to protect the people at all costs!" With that, you brace yourself, pushing against Horangi the best you can, trying to stop him from jumping forward, shutting your eyes tightly.

"How dare you raise your weapons against the princess!" Hyunjin's voice boomed, enraged and labored as he stormed into the room. “Lower your blades this instant, or I will have your heads by dawn,” he commands sternly, his gaze fierce. The knights, swiftly sheathing their weapons, stand at attention before him. "Your highness! There is a werewolf and the princess is foolishly protecting it! We must eradicate it as soon as possible!" the head knight reports. Hyunjin signals with a wave of his hand for the knights to part and make way for him. He strides closer, his eyes scanning the scene until he sees you clinging to what he recognizes as the pet dog you rescued months ago. "Y/n. Give him up. I shall spare him from death, seeing as you care for him so deeply, but I cannot permit a beast to roam freely within this castle."

At first, you shake your head, preparing to plead for mercy. But as your gaze meets Hyunjin's, you realize this may be the extent of mercy Horangi will receive. Frantically, you pull Horangi's head against your own, staring into his wide, fearful eyes, hoping to convey your desperation, "Go with Hyunjin peacefully okay? No matter what they do, do not harm any of them and try your best to be good, for me, hm? I will see you as soon as I can, Horangi. Please, have faith in me," You reassure Horangi as much as you can, stroking his fur. Just as you are about to say more, Hyunjin steps forward, pulling you away gently but firmly. He nods to the knights, signaling them to take action. They clasp a muzzle around Horangi's head, tying multiple ropes around his neck, going in different directions. As Hyunjin holds you, you collapse into uncontrollable wails, your tears flowing freely. Through your blurred vision, you see Horangi walking out with a shockingly calm demeanor. He turns to look at you one last time before disappearing through the door.

You turn to Hyunjin, your hands gripping his collar tightly, your eyes pleading with him as you struggle to stay upright. Your voice trembles as you fight not to collapse to your knees, "Please make sure he lives. You have to make sure they don't kill him. I have never sought a favor from you in all my days, brother, so I beseech you, grant me this one request." You are met with the same pitying look as yesterday. Hyunjin gently takes your hands and guides you to your bed, helping you sit down. He then kneels in front of you, his expression softening as he looks up at you. "Chan would never let them kill an animal, even if it's a werewolf. However, I can't promise you'll see him ever again once he is released," he says calmly, gripping both of your hands tightly, trying to ground you.

You burst into tears once more, pulling your hands out of Hyunjin's to cover your face. Fate truly is cruel. Hyunjin leaves you after a moment, understanding that you won't be speaking to him anymore. The night passes agonizingly slow, the fear for what was happening to Horangi invading your mind. The loneliness of his cell if that was all he was condemned to. All you could do was cling on to the hope Hyunjin's words gave you about the grand commanding knight. You had just barely drifted off into a restless sleep when the brightness of the sun peeking through your windows awakes you. Immediately, you're clambering out of bed and rushing out the door. You ignore every maid and every question that comes along your way as you race to the dungeon.

When you arrive, you're initially shocked, never having ventured into the dungeon before. It's dark, the air damp, and the hallways, lined with brick and iron bars, seem to stretch endlessly. Each cell is just barely the size of a horse stable, and the oppressive atmosphere presses heavily upon you. For a moment you think if this where you would've called home if you weren't so fortunately beautiful.

At your first step into the maze like dungeon, you hear the sound of chains rustling and a whine so familiar, it makes your heart ache. Running towards the sound, you check every single cell you pass for your beloved friend, for both a dog and for a boy. Finally, almost seven cells down, you find a slightly different cell, one with a pillory hanging from the ceiling and Horangi's watery eyes staring at you. You can't help but fall to your knees, horrified at the sight in front of you, your hands clasping over your hands to muffle your cries. Horangi was forced on his knees, dressed in rags that hung off his beaten frame, blood was dripping down his arms from the way he struggled against the pillory. A similar red decorated his neck and ankles, Horangi wincing every time the metal touched his skin. Silver.

"Oh, Horangi.." you mumbled, hands wrapping around the bars of his confinement, muffling yours sobs for his sake, "Oh, I'm so sorry, this is all my fault." For the first time in your life, you find yourself cursing this world. This evil world where magic was unfairly condemned, where you couldn't protect the only friend you've ever known in your own castle because of that magic.

A voice, worn yet smooth, echoed through the cell, pulling you out of your thoughts, "Don' be sorry, s' not your fault princess." You're sure this is the first time you've ever seen Horangi speak but you swore you recognized it. You shake your head, trying your utmost hardest to not break down right there. No, you needed to be strong, you needed to help Horangi. "I'm going to help you, alright?" You start, talking past the lump in your throat, "I promise, I'll get you out of here."

A few moments pass, the dungeon eerily quiet save for the constant dripping of water bouncing off the walls. His eyes search yours, you can see them shining under his long, shaggy hair, the pure trust contrasting yours, full of worry and pain. "I trust you, princess," he says softly, "I trust you with my life." If it wasn't for him breaking the silence, you might've stayed there for another hour, tears running down your eyes, heart shattering piece by piece at his state.

Willing yourself to stand up, you're on your feet and nodding at him, "Thank you for your faith, I'll be back as soon as I can." Before you walk away, you linger for a second, to take in his state once more, to ingrain his pain in your heart if it wasn't already. You begin to walk away, a million thoughts on who to confront, who to ask, who to beg.

“Wait.”

You don’t make a few steps before he calls you back, the urgency in his voice beckoning you to come back. And you do, resuming your place in front of him, heart racing at the tension built by his gaze.

“My name is Beomgyu,” he whispers, eyes not faltering from yours, “Choi Beomgyu.” Your hands reach up, trembling as they grip the iron bars, pulling yourself as close as you can to him. “Beomgyu,” you breathe, echoing his name back to him and you can see how it affects him, his hair bristling wildly as if it was alive. For the first time, you can clearly see his face and you etch it into your mind, new tears rolling down your cheeks. A fluttery feeling bubbled in the deepest part of you, your breath catching in your throat on its way out. He was beautiful. Such distinct and wild features, surpassing even your brother, who shared the beauty of Mother. You don't think you've ever seen a face that wound your heart so tight.

And by Flora and all of her powers, you were going to save him, you owed that to him. You were going to turn this whole castle upside down if you had to. For the years of oppression you’ve endured, for the new spark burning in your heart, for Beomgyu.

"Oh Beomgyu, I promise you, I will do everything and anything I can to save you, I will save you."

author note: sorry for the long wait this took forever to come out because i was doing every thing but finish this one(which means this is not proofread yet) we finally get the first member! let's see what our princess does to help beomgyu>< the upcoming chapters will most likely be much shorter than this one, we'll see! thank you for those who have been waiting^^ as always, reblogs, likes, and comments are always appreciated <3

[twst-drabbles]

Sebek 5

Summary: It was through food that Sebek realizes just how he can never be fully fae, nor fully human.

(Finally, my area is cool! I can be in the kitchen! And cook without risking heat exhaustion! Anyways have this Sebek piece with my own headcanons.)

A few weeks before his dad’s birthday, Sebek’s dearest mother went out of her way to book a reservation for a restaurant outside the Briar Valley for him to enjoy. At the time, Sebek thought it was going to be a pain because he was going to have to wake up early so they can get there on time. Not to mention that it was a human restaurant, filled to the brim with human food. As a child, he had already confirmed to everyone with ears that he was going to hate all the food. His mother paid him no mind and simply told him to behave for his father’s sake.

But it was at that restaurant where Sebek got to taste that salmon carpaccio for the first time. He wasn’t going to eat it because his mom didn’t want to pick at it, but his nose betrayed him and he took just one bite.

Sebek demolished that dish with no mercy.

After the day was done and they were going home, Sebek asked his mom what her favorite food was while his tongue was still searching for the remnants of salmon on his teeth, but all she said was, “Your father’s laughs, whispers, and smiles are my favorite food.”

Nothing about herself, and at the time, Sebek knew that the food was simply not good to her. She ate, Sebek saw that, but she didn’t finish it. Only emptied enough of the plate to be polite.

Sebek wanted to go back to claiming that he hated human food, but he could no longer say such a thing, for he knew it would be a lie.

In fact, not even a few days later did he start to moan about wanting that salmon carpaccio again. His complains were so grating that the very next day, his siblings took him fishing just to make him shut up.

And then, one day, a few years later after his discovery of his favorite food, Sebek’s mother was in the kitchen, cooking that same salmon carpaccio he had been craving. “I wanted to experiment a little,” she said when he asked what she’s putting in the dish. Sebek didn’t know what the spices were, but they were given to her by Grandpa and various other aunts and uncles. All of them full fae. All of them regal and noble and everything Sebek wanted to be.

So he ate his mother’s creation and hated every minute it was on his tongue even though she loved it.

“I’m sorry,” she said as she ruffled his hair with a smile, “it seems you have a more human tongue than I thought.”

An apology dish. There’s this tradition among humans that Sebek knows where, in order to make an apology be sincere, you have to make them some good food.

Sebek may not like humans, but he knows when the fault lies with him. He shouldn't have acted as though you were unable to do even the littlest tasks by yourself.

Originally, he was going to grab some fabric and sew it into a nice blanket since he knows the Ramshackle dorm was a cold cave of a place, but you don’t come from his land and therefore don’t know of his traditions nor the weight of what they mean.

Sebek didn’t expect you to understand, being a mere human, so he felt it better to do something that was more your level. Besides, food made by someone such as him, even if he is half-human, was bound to taste better than anything you could ever make.

“Zigvolt,” you didn’t refer to him by his name, nor did you speak it with joy or reverence, you spoke it with a mere sigh, “I can’t eat this.”

“Huh?” Could it be that you had an allergy? Or that this food simply wasn’t to your taste? Did Sebek make another mistake on top of his previous one?

“That fish, and those spices, all of them come from your home right?”

“Of course!” Sebek shouted, because he can’t keep quiet about the quality of ingredients from his homeland, “It’s only natural I would use such ingredients since they fully surpass that of the regular layman ones. Not many humans have a chance to taste such things.”

“And,” you shook your head, backing away from him, “that’s the problem. Fae ingredients from the fae land, made by fae hands, making it fae food. You can eat it, but I can’t. I’d be unable to stomach human food if I ate that.”

And for a moment, Sebek almost didn’t understand what you were talking about. This dish that he made he did share with some of his other friends, but they would complain about the blandness of it, or how gross it was before laughing at how human he was.

He can’t share food with them, but surely he can share food with you, right?

“I’ll, I’ll make it again!” Sebek brought the food closer to himself, as though to shield it away, “I can get the ingredients from Sam. Just wait for me and–”

“Stop,” you rubbed at your temples, as though tired of this, as though tired of him, “Just, stop. I’m not in the mood, Zigvolt. I’ve dealt with enough faerie shenanigans for one day. I can't handle another trick.”

…trick. Yes, his kind are well known for casting tricks such as this. How could he forget?

Sebek should be proud that somewhere in him, old instincts of the fae are still alive in him, that he can do tricks like this at all. And yet, and yet!

It’s not enough. No matter where, it’s never enough.

[osatokun]

Tell us more about Glinda!

the original one, not the tiefling one?

She is an npc in the vampire the masquerade ttrpg chronicle I'm playing with my friends. I play that chubby sweet vampire man.

I put the story under the cut, as it's pretty dark

She is a changeling form the House Balor. Once she was a queen of the changelings of the New Orleans, back in 90s. She was so strong that she even created a wildly strong chimerical creature, a Dragon, who, ofcourse, could take a human form. Glinda always had prophetic dreams and she knew that soon her changeling people will extinct, the era of wonder will be over. Should I mention, that changeling soul wakes up early in kids, and closer to 20-25 years it usually goes back to sleep, resting inside human body unless that human dies. The human doesn't remember they were a fae creature once.

So, the young teen Glinda was talked into the apocalypse. Pentex or nephandi (both?) talked her into giving birth to a changeling-spirit creature, that will destroy big part of the world, but the other half survives and start believing in wonders again, giving strenght to changelings. This way changelings could survive.

Could they make it differently? Ofcourse they could. But they didn't miss on a chance to rape a teen and destroy her child's soul. Plus, the time was right, the Eye of Balor appeared in the sky (or the Red Star, as vampires named it). But the other changeling House, house Beaumayn, who also known to be seers, riot and freed her chimera. The Dragon burned (by that time pregnant) Glinda in chimerical flame, which had to kill her changeling soul and her spirit-child. But the spirit survived and ran away into the depths of the Umbra, and Glinda's changeling soul fell asleep. The connection with this spirit creature helped her changeling part to survive.

Beaumayns took the lead of the changelings of the city, "imprisoned" Glinda and made the Dragon her jailer. For regular people it looked like a marriage(it sounds funny when I word it this way) .The Dragon, Gregory Dequir in human form, did his best to make Glinda feel like she is nothing, a zero, not even a person and tried to control her every step. Time passed, changelings woke up and fell back asleep, and pretty soon Dragon was the only one who remembered this story and had a good chance to shape it however he wanted. Everyone hated her, a lot respected him, but no one knew the reason she made this choice, no one even knew what exactly she made. (Gregory, also known as Dragon)

But despite everything she grew up into a very kind loving person. 20 years passed. She became an art teacher, always caring about her students and protecting them, just as she did when she was a queen. She kept her courage too, and now and then tried to sneak from the Dragon. Even tho she had no personal budget, even tho he tried to control all her contacts, she found ways for sneaking from time to time. Should I say, that's how she met Charlie, who was looking for changelings at this point and..at the same time was hungry and horny ?

They met in the art gallery. Quickly she lured him in a more private place ( don't laugh, it was the rest room).She needed to be quick while Dragon wasn't around. Charlie never bit her, no. He ended up fighting frenzy and crying, trying to ignore his visions. He got scared by the big, never healing scar on her chest. There is nothing he can do about it, he just can't feed on people who has skin problems, its one of his core mental issues that can't be healed. But still he didn't want to upset her too much so he didn't ran away screaming, he put all his fading strength just to cry like a little child. She tried to calm him, but when he started to say that he feels sorry for her, the wound looks so bad it must be really painful (etc etc) it hit her pride and she walked away.

Charlie however tried to figure who she is, what she is. He tried to find a changeling who asked him for help, but poor vampire didn't know how exactly this changeling looks like. So he made a thing that he makes very rare - he looked into her soul to learn her true self. And he fell in love, insanely, in that very moment, as he never seen anyone more brave, more beautiful , just like a little brave robin with her burnt mark over her heart, she fought the horrific Dragon.

I won't bore you with the year long story of the gaming sessions. In short, he found the way to return memory to Glinda and the younger changeling (the one who asked for help, Monica). It requires to go to the umbra and survive in Arcadia's wood, but no matter, he did it.

Other noble changelings seemed to look for the way to get rid of the Dragon without doing it themselves. Dragon had too much power, both physical and social, and he became (or always were) the banal chimera so he hurt changelings just by existing near them. So the conflict of the chimera and the vampire, who seemed to be too stupid to retreat, attracted their attention. Charlie ended up fighting the Dragon on the changeling court, and the king of the house forces another very old vampire to give my dude a sword. That sword contained a demon(which ofcourse Charlie didn't know) and, when Charlie was one hit from gis final death, he made a contract with the creature from the sword. One hour and ten minutes inside his body, for the feath of the Dragon and Dragon only. Charlie knew it was a horrible idea, but couldn't stand the idea of Glinda's death, Monica's death and his firend's, Veronica's death. So the demon turned dragon into a regular human being, this way killing the Dragon and making him a regular mortal, and used vampire's body to run away. Oh, the swords keeper aka demons jailer wasn't happy at all..but Charlie deserved all what he got.

Anyway, lets get back to Glinda. After the death of the Dragon, the jailer, Glinda was free ( so do Gregory). He divorced her and she could start her new life. Charlie gave her the healing that restored broken connections of her changeling soul and ran straight into the Umbra, to restore her memory. Monica and her friends (a werewolf, a ghost, a changeling-satyr and chimera) followed her a day after. Time works differently in Umbra, so Glinda spent a whole month here, the kids spent a week or so. They met to that spirit face to face, they fought, and they escaped. Glinda even managed to steal the symbol of her connection to the spirit, a Golden Chalice. All that time Charlie waited near the portal-painting for their return.

A couple days after Charlie and Glinda stared to date. She told him her story, he told her his, and also shared his true name to show his feelings for her. They quickly moved together and shared bits of their curses: Charlie took a bit if the spirit curse, she took a little bit of his demonic one. And finally, they got married. There are still incredible amount of dangers, the mummy is trying to get their (kinda now adopted) daughter Monica, the spirit getting closer and closer to the surface, Charlie's demon is still walking the earth and, ofcourse, vampiric community isn't happy with changelings at all ( I don't think changelings thinks positively about Charlie too).But they have their little family, their smol house, they even managed to create a new chimerical cat together, they are determined to survive and win. (curse sharing was a pretty sweet scene they both sung a song and put bits of their powers into small bat pins)

They even got the True Love merit!

Edit:

In the end, they worked with the occult council of the city ( vampires, werewolves and mages were there) to slay Glinda's spir. Charlie made a deal with a local settite leader Manon asking to help out with Glinda's ritual in return. Council succeed but flooded the city (not too badly, but still 😔). And Charlie's demon was trapped by other much more powerful vampires and he did his best to resist demon till the end.

Now happily married couple is traveling together, looking for the new deadly adventures x)

[rattlyglitch]

A Human not as He Seems

Malleus had walked out to the courtyard to meet up with Mim. He had invited Malleus to have tea with him and Malleus was glad to accept the invitation. He had been wanting to get to know Mim. The human was older than him and if possible could tell him more about the war then the storybooks he had or Lilia. Malleus hated the fact how everyone seemed to want to push back the war or ignore it all together.

He knew that the fae had gone through so much pain and that was a reason why not many chose to share anything about the war and much less talk about it. Malleus didn’t want but felt like he needed to understand something at least. The most that he could possibly know about the war was that Lilia hadn’t hidden from him that Silver was indeed a child of the enemy. Malleus was sure it was with the intention that Malleus wouldn’t loathe Silver if he ever found out. He didn’t feel like he could ever truly hate Silver because of who he was born from but it was good to know.

Malleus felt like it was important to know in case someone tried to offend Silver or point it out to Malleus if they were to ever know who his parents were and he wouldn't be caught off guard. Mim had invited Malleus to have some ice cream in town since he and Lilia would be out. He didn’t go with Lilia and Mim as they shopped but met with them later on in the day. Malleus spotted Lilia and Mim together waiting for Malleus at the ice cream shop and waved to them. The two waved back as Malleus walked over.

“Hello Lilia. Hello Mim. I trust that your day out was well?” Lilia nodded and held up bags in his hands. “Yes I got plenty of new video games to play and clothes to. Enjoy your time with Mim, Malleus. I’ll see you once you return to the dorm.” Lilia walked off leaving the two to talk to one another. Malleus turned his gaze to Mim who seemed to still be watching Lilia. He let him for a moment before accidentally sneezing. “Let us go into the ice cream shop. It would be much more exciting than staying out here.” Malleus gave a nod and walked with Mim to the ice cream shop.

Once they had both gotten situated inside Mim went with Malleus to a table. The table was oddly shaped like an ice cream cone that held strawberry and chocolate ice cream in it while a cherry on top seemed to extend into a table. Malleus sat on the opposite side of Mim and decided to start asking questions. “Is it rude of me to ask you about the war?” Malleus didn’t want to make the situation awkward. “No, it is not young prince. It would be understandable that you would have questions about it. Ask me whatever you wish.”

Malleus thought for a moment. “What was your job during the war?” Mim gave a proud smile. “My job was to help train the troops and make sure they were fed as well. Sometimes I was able to be moral support for the as well. In the end I was glad to be able to help however I could even if I didn’t go into the battlefield.” Mim was silent after Malleus had asked as if waiting for him to ask another question. “Did you by chance know my parents?” Malleus had heard stories from Lilia and they pleased him to hear them but he yearned to know more than what Lilia had told him.

Malleus wanted to see how others viewed his parents and whether it was in a good or bad lighting. “I did indeed know you parents somewhat. Your mother was definitely offstandish and seemed like she was firm and quick to anger but deep down she only wanted the best for you, her egg to be safe.Your father on the other hand was a shy man. He was not made for war. He was a scholar who desired to read all his days long in his library with your mother and you by his side. I rather liked him. He was…he was a good man.”

Mim almost seemed lost in thought when talking about his father. The ice cream shop waiter walked over to the two before Malleus could ask another question and got their ice cream orders. Malleus tried to think of more questions he could ask Mim had had one in mind by time they received their ice cream. “Before you ask me another question, young prince, may I ask you one?” Malleus didn’t see a reason to refuse Mim’s request and allowed it.. “Yes, ask me any question you would like.”

Mim took a bit of his ice cream before continuing. “What are your thoughts on humans?” Malleus thought of a well thought answer before responding. “Humans are almost exactly like fae. They can be the kindest, most caring people in the world or the most hateful. In the end though the only difference between fae and humans is that fae have longer lives and different appearances than some humans.” Malleus decided to reflect Mim’s question back to him. “What do you think of humans, Mim?” Mim went silent when Malleus asked. He wasn’t sure whether the elder fae was trying to think of an answer or he had been offended by the question and looked down.

“I believe some humans are good…” Mim began causing Malleus to look up at him. “Some humans though are horrible and vile.” The fire in Mim’s eyes was one of malice. Malleus had only seen a face like that on Lilia when a servant fae had disrespected Malleus when he was a child due to the fact he was a child. “Those damn humans who started the war are all horrible. I was glad when their family line ended. The death of the Knight of Dawn’s family was a day I found happiest. I remember seeing his baby asleep in the cradle after their castle was destroyed.

As far as I am aware he no doubt died of starvation but it was for the best.” Mim had a smile on his face when he spoke his next words. “The child wouldn’t be alive to carry about the sins of his parents.” Malleus felt sick from what he had just heard. He pushed away the vanilla ice cream a bit in front of him uninterested in it now. Mim seemed a bit confused but didn’t take mind much. “If you are finished, let us return to the school Malleus. No doubt Lilia is waiting for us.”

[acourtofthought]

Hi! Can you give me a clarification on this?

Has there been any hint or even a scene where Elain willingly volunteered to use her powers? (On her own, with no pressure from the IC)

She seems to hate being Fae to me, and in ACOFAS Amren even calls her out on this, telling her she can't turn into a human. Doesn't it make it obvious that Elain still hasn't embraced being Fae?

Every E/riel insists that she's fine and she's already embraced her power, she's training secretly, she doesn't hate being Fae etc., And I'm kinda confused, like, doesn't CANON suggest otherwise? 😭 Why and how are they so confident? Did I read it wrong or am I remembering it wrong?

Is this what gaslighting is? /s

I personally think the truth lies somewhere in the middle. In the novella Elain did mourn for her human life and that's understandable because it had only been about 6 months since she lost her fiance, her humanity, her friends. I don't necessarily know that Elain was asking if she could be changed back into a human, Amren assumed that's why she was asking but Elain initially seemed a little confused by her response. However, I don't think anyone can claim she was completely fine with being fae as she said she did not want a male or a mate. I do think SF, which took place 9 months later, shows Elain had progress. From what I can tell Elain took it upon herself to help other residents of Velaris restore their gardens (we're given no indication she was forced into it). Feyre did ask Elain for help with the Trove, "It wasn't an easy choice for me to ask Elain to endanger herself like this." but it was Elain who fought for the chance to do so rather than bowing out when Nesta told her she wasn't allowed to: "You do not decide what I can and cannot do, Nesta." "Find me when you wish to begin". And though Feyre told Elain she could stay home when the rest went to the Hewn City, Elain "squared her shoulders and declared she was part of this court - and would do whatever was needed." So I do think Elain has embraced being fae to some extent but that doesn't mean she's completely healed from her trauma. She calls Nesta out for that very thing which Feyre brings up in her bonus: "Or what she'd said about her lingering trauma". Elain is an optimist, she tries to make the best of her situation. Hell, she missed the cottage after their wealth was restored because she even found hope in their hovel. Just because she seems somewhat content in the NC, just because she's made progress in adjusting to being fae, it doesn't mean she's truly happy. It only means she's Elain doing what Elain does. It would actually be a bit strange for a FMC to start her book happy in life and happy in love and there's a reason that regardless of what things might look like on the outside, the author added all those clues that create doubt: "Elain in black was ridiculous" "No matter how much she claimed to be part of this court....It sucked the life from her". "But Elain...The Spring Court had been made for someone like her." Her scent "a promise of spring". All the mentions of Elain sitting by the sunniest of windows while in the NC just like Feyre would sit and look out into the night sky while in the Spring Court. Elain saying she needs Sunshine and the author revealing that Lucien is the heir to Day. I think her progress in SF is not meant to show that Elain has found her home in the NC (how could she when Nesta thinks she's a dog, Feyre only thinks her a pleasant companion and Az doesn't think she should handle the Trove?) but that Elain is now ready to do more. To take the next steps which will help her find where she truly belongs, where she is respected and where she can thrive.

[phoebe-ofthe-cosmos]

A Battle of Nerves

summary: elain archeron wouldn’t have chosen a lot of things in her life, least of all a mate. but despite her best efforts, elain hasn’t been able to shake the feeling of the bond that connects her to a male she hardly knows. when he is due for a visit to velaris, elain decides that it is finally time to stop running from the things that frighten her.

Read it on AO3

word count: 3,052

notes: for elucien week 2023 day 1, mates. wrote this a few weeks ago but decided to wait to post it when i saw that the week was coming up! sfw, a little angsty? all elain's pov.

Elain could just make out the shadow of her canopy bed in the black of the night. She didn’t know the time – didn’t know how long she’d been laying on her back, staring into the dark. Her only companion in this void, and the only sign that she had never fallen asleep, was her stomach, which had been twisting with nervous anticipation since she’d retired to her chamber for the evening.

He would be coming to Velaris in the morning. To meet with her sister and brother-in-law and the rest of their council to discuss activities in the human lands.

The fae male to whom she’d been linked since the moment she came out of that cauldron water. The one who caused her gut to tighten with every thought of him, that damned bond between them that she’d never asked for, never wanted. It made her feel sick. Angry. An ever-present reminder of this new life, this new body that she’d always been taught to fear. To hate. And from those first moments when she lay on the cold stone floor of the King of Hybern’s throne room, vulnerable, her body exposed in that soaking wet dress… before she could even wrap her mind around what had happened to her… she’d known him. Known exactly where he stood, known his presence. Known his heart. And then he put a name to the feeling that she could barely comprehend. Sealed her fate with those three short words. 

Her stomach rolled with a wave of nausea.

She hated it. Hated it, hated it, hated it.

Hated this body, that bond. Hated that she’d never been given a choice in anything that had happened to her since that day.

And yet…

She didn’t hate him.

Despite herself, she’d never been able to hate him. She’d tried, for a little while. Tried to make herself believe that he wasn’t good. That he could be selfish or arrogant or cowardly or cruel. Something, anything that she could latch on to, to believe that it had all been some great mistake. She even went so far as to flirt with Rhysand’s brother, to see if there was a chance that she could choose someone else.

Nothing worked. She could never shake him.

No. Elain could see him fully. Knew his soul, somehow, despite barely speaking to him, and outright avoiding him at times, in the years since that horrible day in Hybern. She knew who he was – knew that he was good. That he was good to her.

Another wave of nausea.

She wasn’t ready for it. Had never been ready for any of it. And she wasn’t ready to see him again today. To know that he would be so close.

She could leave. Could go to the Town House. Feyre would understand. They would all understand, would all let her go.

But that would be cowardly. It would only affirm what they all already thought of her, who they believed her to be. Too weak, too delicate for this world.

Maybe she was those things. But she couldn’t let them know that. Couldn’t let him know that.

And so she stayed here, frozen in her bed, the hours of sleepless night ticking past her as she waited for… something.

She didn’t have a plan. Didn’t know what she would do once the sun rose and the world woke for a new day. Hide in the gardens, maybe. Put a bit of distance between herself and the meeting without really leaving the grounds. Occupy herself with weeding and watering and pruning so that she couldn’t think of what was happening behind the doors of Rhysand’s office.

But she was too nervous, her hands too shaky. She’d pull the wrong plants, cut the wrong stems. 

The kitchen, then. She could use her energy to whip up some merengue. Cook a nice breakfast for everyone. She wouldn’t run from this, but would face it in whatever ways she could.

She didn’t know how much longer she spent laying in her bed, staring up at that dark canopy, unmoving. It may have been minutes, or hours. Her stomach never ceased churning.

When the first bird chirped a greeting to the rising sun, Elain stood and began to dress.

She’d been in the kitchen for hours by the time Nuala and Cerridwen joined her. Her friends hadn’t been surprised to see her there, covered in flour and elbow-deep in dough. They’d only tied back their own hair and joined her, working silently. They knew her well enough by now that they didn’t need to ask questions. 

Between the three of them, they’d prepared a veritable feast. The counters of the kitchen were filled with food – flaky pastries, fruity scones, chocolate-filled crepes. Fresh loaves of crunchy bread and salted butter, smashed avocado, and juicy slices of tomato to spread on top. Fruit juices of every color. A large salad with bright, leafy greens and toasted nuts and a lemon juice dressing. For Cassian and Nesta, who would want protein, Elain had made a quiche with mushrooms and peppers and onions, and Cerridwen had even prepared steak and sausages.

The distraction had worked, for a while. But there was nothing left to do. And the meeting wasn’t due to start for another hour.

Elain turned to look at the pile of dirty dishes that filled the kitchen sink.

“Dont,” Nuala said softly. Her friend was already moving toward the mess, readying to clean it herself. “You’ve done plenty. This is our job. You need to clean yourself up.”

“Your hair is a mess,” Cerridwen added.

Elain considered their words. On the one hand, she didn’t particularly want to be seen today, so it shouldn’t matter if she looked nice. On the other… she had always valued beauty. Even in her worst days as a human, she had sought beauty in her life, cultivated it. It was part of why she began gardening. Seeing the flowers bloom reminded her that lovely things could be created in even the ugliest conditions. Wearing pretty dresses, taking the time to style her hair… it became like armor. A way to protect herself, to assert herself. Something she could do to show everyone that she had the power to find beauty in her world. More than that. That she could create it from dust and dirt and darkness.

Elain nodded her goodbye to her friends and turned to leave the kitchen. She made her way back to her chamber, passing Rhysand and Feyre’s private rooms on her way. From the hall, she could hear the low murmur of their chatter as they readied for the meeting. She paused outside Nyx’s nursery, and saw Morrigan playing with the baby. The rest of their council – Cassian, Nesta, Azriel, Amren, and… well, they would likely arrive in a few minutes. He would be the last to arrive, Elain was willing to bet, so that he wouldn’t have to spend so long around her.

A wave of nausea rolled through her gut.

When she reached her chambers, Elain made a beeline for the bathroom. She slumped over her sink, bracing her hands on either side of the bowl, her hair hanging in a curtain around her face, blocking her from seeing anything but the shining white porcelain.

Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale…

She could do this. She could face this day.

With a long breath out, she raised her head to look into the mirror hanging in front of her. Her hair was a mess – dusted with white flour at the roots around her face, the ends crusted with egg and dough. But her face… the skin under her eyes looked almost bruised, stained a deep purple thanks to her sleepless night. Her skin looked pallid, her cheeks and lips colorless.

She looked like shit.

Okay. Okay, this was good, in a way. Something she could throw herself into. Another distraction, to pass the long minutes until the meeting began. 

Elain filled her tub with hot water and began to bathe. She used citrus oils to coax her tired body into waking, scrubbed her skin with ground coffee. When she finished washing, she returned to the sink and splashed her face with ice cold water.

She began to gently brush through her hair, her curls taking shape as the tresses dried. She twisted the front pieces back and secured them at the crown of her head with a golden pin.

Now, her face. She stared at herself in the mirror, assessing what to do. Reaching into her bag of makeup, she pulled out her best product – a cream, matched to her skin tone, that would cover the dark circles beneath her eyes. Next came a pink powder for her cheeks, and a white pencil to make her eyes appear brighter. A bit of pink cream on her lips, a swipe of black over her long lashes, and a translucent spray to make it all blend and stick, and she was done.

She took a close look at herself in the mirror. She looked good, considering how she’d started. Her shoulders relaxed a bit with the thought.

She could do this.

She made her way to her closet and began to sift through the hanging garments, searching for the right thing… there. A simple pink dress – her favorite color. Her best weapon.

She slipped the dress over her body, tying the laces behind her back to secure it. She assessed herself in a long mirror. Hair, skin, and outfit, all looking colorful and lively and lovely. She looked beautiful. Perfect.

When she stepped into the hallway, she could hear animated conversation from the foyer. Cassian was here, then, and Nesta and Azriel likely with him. A velvet-smooth female voice confirmed Amren’s presence as well.

Elain paused, wondering if she should give a soft tug on that invisible string in her core… but no, he wasn’t here yet. She would sense it if he were. She returned to the kitchen, where Nuala and Cerridwen were putting the last of the clean dishes back in their cabinets.

“How long until they plan to begin?” she asked the twins.

“Only a few minutes,” Nuala responded. “We were just about to begin setting the food out.”

Elain picked a bowl of food off the table and carried it to Rhysand’s office, setting it on a long, low table. Nuala and Cerridwen followed. As they were setting down the final plates, Elain’s body stiffened. She felt it. Not a tug, but… a seed of warmth, deep inside her. Like the sun on her face on the first true day of spring.

He was here.

As if on cue, she heard the front door to the House open. Feyre’s voice was the first to greet him, the others offering familiar hellos and handshakes.

“Are we ready to begin?” she heard Rhysand say.

Elain hurried, making her way through the door that would lead her out of the room, back to the kitchen, hoping desperately that her friends couldn’t scent her anxiety. They followed behind her, but not quickly enough –

Elain’s head turned on instinct when the others entered the office, the door she’d passed through still hanging open, allowing her a view of the male filing in – a flash of red hair, a scarred face, a metal eye –

The door closed with a thud behind Cerridwen.

Elain’s eyes remained glued to the wood grain, as if she could see through it to the other side. She had the sense that, behind it, he was doing the same.

She stood there, her body trembling. She took shaky breaths, in, out, in, out, trying to steady herself, to calm her nerves.

There it was. The first moment of the day that she’d been dreading, hoping to avoid. Seeing him. It was done. Nothing more she could do about it.

Elain considered her options. She could run to the garden, or some other private room, to hide. She considered how that would look to the others. How it would reveal her fears, make her appear weak.

She had to stay. Not to seek him out, but… not to avoid him, either.

The others were in that office, now, preparing for a war. They trained day in and day out, spent hours in strategy sessions and diplomacy meetings with Prythian’s other leaders. They faced real battles.

Elain had no interest in all of that. She’d had her fill during the war against Hybern. 

But Elain faced her own kind of war. One that couldn’t be won with blades or magic.

A war against whatever gods had chosen her destiny for her. A war against fate itself.

It was time to stop running from it.

Hours passed, and the office door remained closed. Elain brought Nyx into the kitchen and baked some sugar cookies for the toddler to enjoy. Feyre had come to check on her son, once, and gave Elain a soft smile when she saw her baby licking dough from the back of a spoon.

Elain hadn’t known what to make of that smile. Was it pity? Pride? Or was Feyre merely happy to see that her baby was being cared for?

She’d kept an eye on the bond as the time passed. Every so often, she felt a pulse of curiosity ripple down it, as if the male on the other side were wondering about her. Elain was sure to keep her emotions steady and confident. She wouldn’t let him know how much it shook her every time she was reminded of the existence of that string.

As if she could ever forget it.

But Elain was so engrossed in teaching Nyx how to frost the cookies that she didn’t notice when the string of that bond became shorter.

Behind her, the door to the kitchen creaked open.

“I heard that you prepared the breakfast that we ate today,” a deep, gentle voice said.

Elain’s breath hitched in her throat.

Lucien.

She stood from her chair at the counter and turned to face him.

He stood in the doorway, his hands in his pockets, just paces away from her. Not daring to cross that threshold, to enter her space without her permission. 

“I did,” she replied.

He dipped his head in a small bow. “I wanted to pay my compliments to the chef. It was delicious.”

Elain was still, her body stiff, unsure of what to do. “Thank you.”

They both stood there, waiting for the other to make some move, to give some signal of how to proceed. Elain could hear Lucien’s heart beating in his chest. His lips twitched on occasion, as if he were running through a silent conversation in his mind, working out what to say to her.

After a moment, Lucien turned his head away, his auburn hair falling across his cheek. “I can feel your fear when I’m nearby,” he said softly. “I’m sorry if I did anything–”

“It isn’t personal,” she interrupted. The sadness in his voice hit her like a punch to the gut, knocking the wind from her. Despite how deeply she hated their bond, she didn’t want to hurt him. He didn’t deserve that. “It isn’t personal,” she said again. “You didn’t do anything.”

He kept his head down, but nodded.

“I want you to know that I have no expectation of you,” he said, his voice steady. Elain swallowed. “I know you don’t want this. I am as confused by it as you are.”

That made her ears perk with curiousity. “I… I thought you wanted it? I thought all fae males did.”

“I did want a bond,” he said. “I thought I’d already met my mate, years ago. But it never snapped, and I didn’t know why. She… died, before…” he trailed off, lost in the memory. Elain felt waves of sadness wash between them. She remembered Graysen, and the love she’d lost before it had a chance to truly begin.

“I didn’t know,” she whispered.

Lucien met her gaze once again. “She was very different from you. Or, at least, from what I know of you. So I don’t understand why you were chosen for me instead of her.”

Elain tried not to wince at that.

“This caught me by surprise, Elain, as much as it did you. But if I am going to be tied to someone for the rest of my immortal life, then I should at least like to be cordial with her. To have a conversation with her. To know her in some small regard.”

Elain took him in. The tall, tanned male standing in the doorway. His long hair trailing past his pointed ears, down his shoulders. The broad chest beneath his dark green tunic, so obviously muscled despite the thick fabric covering him. The large hands, calloused from years of training to wield a sword. She gazed at his face. At his one russet eye. At the metal one positioned in the center of a long, harsh scar.

He had been good to her since the moment she’d emerged from that cauldron. Had run to cover her with his own jacket so she wouldn’t be so cold and exposed. Had been the only person to know how to help her in the months she’d spent in a stupor after. Had given her thoughtful gifts each Solstice – not a significant holiday in his own Courts, but he knew its importance here. She’d heard from Feyre that he was amiable, that he had friends in every Court in Prythian and even in lands beyond their borders.

He didn’t know, couldn’t know, but everything he had done since that day in Hybern had shaken the foundation of the world she thought she knew.

She’d spent so much of her life learning to be afraid of his kind. She’d learned that they were monsters. If she was one of them now, then what did that make her?

Accepting that she was a part of this world would mean accepting that she’d been wrong. That they – that she, that he – could be good.

Elain looked at Nyx, his small hands covered in yellow frosting.

“I am sorry if I’ve caused you any pain,” she said, turning back to Lucien. “Would you care to join me for tea tomorrow?”

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

chapter ix - 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: 3,000+

Warnings: spoilers for entire ACOTAR series

masterlist

For being one of the strongest High Fae currently alive, Feyre was still huffing quite a lot up the steep hill. 

Y/N had tried to sneak out to go on another one of her hikes. The sneaking was due to her knowing no one would let her go alone after what happened with Cassian and Nyx. But that was exactly why she wanted to go alone: so no one else could be put in danger. 

However, Feyre had been visiting the House of Wind, on the hunt for her sister, when she crossed paths with Y/N. 

The High Lady had insisted on joining Y/N for her hike, choosing a very different trail and a completely different woods than where she had been attacked. 

“You alright?” Y/N asked with a teasing tone. 

Feyre glared at her. “I understand the benefits and joy of a hike. But why are we sprinting?”

Y/N shrugged. “Part fresh air, part endurance training.”

“I used to hunt in the woods, back in the mortal lands. Started when I was just a child. But I was slow and quiet.”

“I see,” Y/N took in the bit of information. Feyre didn’t talk much about her time as a mortal. It didn’t seem like a taboo subject. Perhaps her happiness with the present made her dwell on the past very little. “Hunting is quite different than hiking.” 

Then Y/N paused and smirked at the High Lady over her shoulder and teased, “Maybe you should spend some time training with the Valkyries…”

Feyre laughed, but shook her head. “That is Nesta’s domain, her sisterhood. I dare not intrude on it. I train still, just not with them.” 

For some reason, the response triggered Y/N to think about the third Archeron sister. She knew the least of Elain, but enough to know she was not a warrior. Y/N had never seen the middle sister train, and rarely did she ever leave the River House. 

“I met Lucien the other day,” Y/N blurted out. 

It was enough for Feyre to stop in her tracks. 

Feyre gave a short nod. “Rhysand said Azriel mentioned him stopping by your shop.”  

Y/N continued hiking, but slowed down the pace to make it easier for them to converse. “I did not realize Elain had a…mate.” 

“We once called ourselves friends, Lucien and I. But I’m not sure what we are anymore. I should say I feel like I’m stuck between the two of them. But Lucien rarely has the courage to ask me about Elain. And my sister likes to pretend Lucien doesn’t exist.” 

Y/N was silent for a moment, trying to tread the topic carefully, but still wanting her curiosities answered. “I just thought…from what I know of mates – you and Rhys, Nesta and Cassian…”

Feyre gave her a sympathetic look. “Mating bonds are…peculiar things. To some, they create soulmates.”

“Like you and Rhys.”

Feyre nodded. “But to others, it’s just two puzzle pieces finally being put together. Nothing more – no connection, not emotions. Bonds not always equate to love. Sometimes it’s the Cauldron telling us that two people would simply create superior offspring.” 

“You make it sound so…cold.” 

Feyre nodded again. “My sister…she would have never chosen the life she’s been given. Elain thought she was in love – and perhaps she was. But she was turned fae against her will. And the next moment: a stranger confessed that they were bond together – all while she still wore her engagement ring to a mortal, who hated what she became.” 

Poor Elain, Y/N thought. “Is he so horrible that she won’t even give him a chance?” 

“Lucien is not horrible. He has made great mistakes…but…he is a good male.” 

Y/N processed that. The wind had told her of his lost lover, of being forced to watch her get murdered by his family and court. How could Eris have watched such a thing and not intervened? But the wind did confess that it was Eris who helped his youngest brother escape Autumn Court and seek sanctuary in Spring Court. 

“He seemed surprised that Eris knew me, that he had saved me and brought me here.”

Feyre’s body stiffened at the slight change of subject. 

“Does he not know that Eris wishes to take the throne from their father?” 

Feyre took in a slow breath. “It is best that you do not speak of Eris’ plans for his court.” 

“Does he know that Lucien is not his father’s son? Is he not the bastard child of Helion Spellcleaver?” 

Y/N realized by the High Lady’s reaction that she just spoke an even more dangerous piece of information.

It wouldn’t be the first time the winds had gotten her in trouble with sharing such secrets. 

“Y/N,” Feyre’s voice was so serious that it caused a chill to go down Y/N’s spine. “You must never speak of that to anyone.”

“Lucien does not know,” Y/N whispered in realization. 

“No. And I do not believe Helion knows either,” Feyre added. “The Lady of Autumn has kept her son’s secret close to her heart – to keep him alive, I imagine.” 

Y/N knows of Lucien’s true parentage, Feyre spoke to Rhysand through their minds. 

But Rhysand only seemed amused, Who knew the winds could be so troublesome? 

She seems rather curious about Elain and Lucien’s bond, Feyre added. Should we tell her? She deserves to know about Eris. 

We cannot, Rhys answered immediately. We promised him we wouldn’t. 

Feyre grew frustrated in her mates head, She will be just as angry as I was. But furthermore, she will be confused. She will not understand it like I had. He is not her kind. 

He does not wish for her to know. Beron is still a risk to her. It is not our place, Feyre darling. 

Feyre cut off the connection, further proving her growing frustration. 

“You alright?” Y/N asked. 

Feyre just nodded. “Damn your hikes.” 

–––––

A week later, Y/N was cleaning around her shop. She was gaining more and more customers to her surprise – and also delight. She was even receiving custom orders, which meant more and more late nights spent casting and brewing.

The other night, Cassian had even found her passed out on top of her workshop table. 

But now, Y/N was surprised to see a familiar redhead standing before her. 

“Lucien!” she greeted cheerfully, trying not to immediately think of her conversation with Feyre about his failed bonding with Elain.

“Change your mind about that love potion?” She took a risk, teasing him on such a subject. 

But to her relief, Lucien laughed. “No. Not yet, at least. I came to thank you for your…”

“Merchandise?” Y/N offered innocently.

Lucien smiled so charmingly that it was hard to believe someone like Elain wouldn’t at least give this male a chance. 

Y/N crossed her arms and tilted her head to the side. “And it worked?”

But she knew her magic wouldn’t fail. 

Lucien blushed and nodded. “I can’t explain it entirely. But I…felt so much lighter. I haven’t slept that well in a century.” 

She smirked proudly and even stood straighter. “If you have trouble with sleeping, you should have told me. I have dozens of remedies for that.” 

“Now you are just boasting.” 

Y/N shrunk at such a comment, “I do not mean to, I promise.” 

Lucien gave her a soft smile. 

“I did not expect to see you back so soon,” Y/N changed the subject. “Feyre says Rhysand keeps you quite busy as an emissary of this court…” 

“Yes. He’s kept me very busy. But I spend a lot of time in the mortal realm with a couple of friends. And one of them wished to try some of your merchandise, as well.”

“Friends?” Y/N questioned.

She didn’t know why the word sounded so unusual to her. But she had blurted it out nonetheless.

Lucien huffed out a laugh. “Yes, is it so surprising that I have them?” 

“N-No! No, I’m sorry. I just…” But she couldn’t explain her response. 

Perhaps because this was the first time she felt like she had them herself. Her coven was her family before all else. But having been on the run the past years, alone, and constantly needing to just survive, friends were not a privilege she was allowed. 

But isn’t that what she had gained in the Night Court? Hadn’t Rhysand’s inner circle become her friends, too? And the Valkyrie’s… hadn’t they become even closer than friends?

Y/N blinked, and then forced a small smile. “W-What would your friend be interested in trying?”  

Lucien’s amusement disappeared as he clearly caught Y/N getting lost in her own mind. 

“My friend has been…cursed.” 

Y/N opened her mouth. 

“I am not asking if you can break it,” Lucien stopped her from interrupting. “The one who punished her is far more powerful than any High Fae. He is a death-lord.” 

Y/N had heard whisperings of death-lords from the wind. She didn't know much about them. Only that of how powerful they were.

He took in a shallow breath. “She is forced into the form of a firebird during the day, only to return to her mortal form at night. And she experiences…pain after the transformation.”

Y/N gave a confident nod. “Anything else?” 

“She doesn’t allow herself to sleep in her human form, saving it for when she is a firebird. Coffee nor tea is not strong enough to keep her up the way she wishes to.”

Y/N nodded again. “I can help with both.” 

Then she was off, bustling about her shop to prepare what was needed. 

Lucien watched her with both admiration and amusement. There was still so much he wanted to know about this woman.

Why had his brother saved her? Yes, she was beautiful. Anyone could see that, even feel it. Surely there was more to it than that. Or perhaps Eris had become so lonely that saving a damsel in distress felt rebellious and reckless.

“Has my brother visited since he brought you here?”

Lucien caught how her movements stopped for a moment from the question. 

“Only once. After I was attacked.” 

Lucien’s eyebrows rose a second. “Rhysand told me of the attempted kidnapping of Nyx. He also said you saved his life, most likely. How could Eris have known you were injured?”

Y/N shrugged. “I-I-I don’t believe that was why he had even come…” She shook her head. “I just figured he had business with the court.” 

Lucien suddenly realized that Y/N hadn’t considered that perhaps Eris had come because she had been hurt. 

Which just made Lucien have 20 more questions: Why would Rhysand tell Eris that Y/N had been hurt? And why would Eris care enough to see for himself that Y/N was alright?

Y/N had already returned to moving about her shop. At one point, he heard her mutter something while weaving and knotting a leather bracelet. 

A few moments later, Y/N returned to him with a woven basket filled with various objects. And gently placed it in Lucien’s arms. 

“This,” Y/N lifted a bright orange candle. “Tell her to light it as soon as she has returned to her human form. But it must be lit by only her, and with intention.”

She picked up an orange and golden gemstone that was attached to a gold necklace chain. “This is citrine. She should wear it throughout the night. It will shake off any grogginess and keep her alert.”

Then she pointed to a green gemstone, but this was too big to be jewelry. “This is malachite. After lighting the candle, she should rub this across her skin, focusing on the bottoms of her feet.”

Lucien nodded, trying to memorize the instructions carefully. 

Y/N picked up the bracelet that he had heard her reciting an incantation over. “This bracelet will soothe any pain she has. But she should only wear it when experiencing it, not at all times.”

She grabbed a jar that was filled with what appeared to be various herbs. “When the pain is very bad, mix two spoonfuls of this mixture to brew tea. It’s capsaicin, cloves, ginger, turmeric, and rosemary – all will soothe her aches and pains.”

And before Lucien could thank her or ask any questions, Y/N unfolded a piece of paper that he hadn’t seen in the basket. “I’ve written down all the instructions here, as well.” 

“Didn’t trust me to remember it all?” Lucien teased. 

Y/N smirked. “I don’t trust males to do many things.” 

“You wound me.” He looked down at the basket in his hands. “What do I owe you? I refuse to take any gifts from you again.” 

Y/N sighed, but gave him a number to pay.

Lucien didn’t so much as blink at that price, so he must not be short on currency. 

As she moved them to the register, Lucien cleared his throat as if trying to get the courage to ask something. 

“Would you join me for dinner tonight?” He asked. 

Y/N was so taken aback by the question that her head snapped up to meet his gaze, half expecting to see an expression that showed he was messing with her. 

Her mouth opened and closed a couple times before she finally got her thoughts in order. 

“That is very kind, b-but…” She closed her eyes for a moment and took in a shaky breath. “With Elain…I-I-I don’t think it is…appropriate.” 

Lucien hid his disappointment well. “Not even as friends?”

Y/N narrowed her eyes at the cheekiness of it all. “And is that what everyone else in Velaris would perceive if they saw the two of together?” 

They both knew she was right. 

But Y/N also had no intention of getting between two fated mates – even if one of them refused to acknowledge their magical bond. 

“We are all going out dancing tonight,” Y/N quickly added, as if it would soften the blow of turning down his dinner invitation. “You should join us.”

Lucien was quiet for a moment, truly contemplating the invite. After a moment, he hesitated before finally giving a short nod. 

The ease at which he accepted made Y/N wonder if his dinner invite was merely out of loneliness and not actual romantic interest. 

“R-Really?” Y/N asked excitedly. "It’s called Rita’s – or so I am told.”

He nodded, “I know it.”

“If you wait an hour or so, I will be closing and we could go together. I’m meeting them there, it’s not a far walk.” 

But Lucien shook his head. “I must drop these off at my apartment, and then run some errands. But I will see you there.”

And he was walking out of the shop. 

Y/N didn’t truly believe Lucien would show up. But if he did, she hadn’t even considered that any of her friends would be upset that Lucien was invited in the first place. Elain wasn’t exactly one to go to the taverns and drink. But maybe tonight she would. 

–––––––

Feyre walked into Rhysand’s office with a nervous expression. 

Nyx sat on her hip as he was held and a bright smile appeared on the toddler's face when he caught sight of his father. 

“Lucien is here,” Feyre quickly shared. “Says he wishes to speak to both of us.” 

Rhys nodded and stood up, gently taking their son from her.

Feyre led them to the den, where their guest patiently waited for them. 

Lucien’s arms were crossed and he wore a deep frown as he looked into the crackling and blazing fireplace. 

“Lucien,” Rhysand greeted formally. 

Nyx cooed in his arms. 

Lucien turned and gave a slight bow of his head to both of them. “I come with a request.” 

“And what is this request?” Rhysand continued. 

“I wish for you to send a letter to my brother, Eris. I need to meet with him, and I do not have the same methods of contacting him while he is in Autumn Court.” 

Feyre and Rhysand didn’t look at each other, but shared similar thoughts in their minds. 

“What is this about?” Feyre questioned harshly. 

“The mortal witch you are harboring in this court. I know that Eris saved her life and brought her here. But no one will tell me why. And it seems Y/N is being kept in the dark and is not fully aware of how peculiar her situation is.” 

Rhysand ignored the accusatory tone and asked, “Where do you wish to meet him?”

Lucien has probably already assumed correctly, Feyre told Rhysand through their bond. Is this smart?

Rhysand answered, We cannot tell him the truth. Whether or not Eris wants his brother to know of his secret is up to him. Let him tell his story. 

“The Band of Exiles manor,” Lucien answered. 

Feyre rolled her eyes at the name of the dwelling.

“I will send him a message tonight then,” Rhysand told him. “Telling him to meet you there tomorrow as dusk.” 

Lucien nodded, but still narrowed his gaze at the two of them. “I am an emissary to your court, but you still would not trust me with this?”

“Your brother asked us to keep Y/N safe. That is all,” Rhysand shrugged. 

“All of us know Eris is not a merciful male,” Lucien growled. "He has nearly killed almost every member of your Inner Circle, including your own mate. Yet you protect someone upon his request.” 

“Perhaps we do not know Eris as well as we once thought,” Feyre surprised them all by pointing out. 

Lucien had nothing to say to that, then looked at Rhysand. “Just get him the message, please.” 

He started to leave the room, but paused. “Will Elain be going out with you tonight?” 

Feyre squinted in confusion. “No, why?” 

Lucien only half-turned to face them. “Y/N invited me to join all of you tonight. If it will be uncomfortable for me to attend, I understand.” 

“You are welcome, Lucien.” Rhysand answered before Feyre could. “You are an emissary of this court, as you said.” 

Lucien nearly rolled his eyes and huffed, “Yes, but only an emissary and nothing more. That has always been made very clear.” 

Then he pulled a pouch from the inside pocket of his jacket. “These are for Elain,” and placed them on the nearest surface. 

And with that, he left. 

Once he was gone, Y/N picked up the pouch to see that they were seeds. 

Feyre gave Rhysand a sad look. “What would you have done had this been us?” 

Her mate seemed to hold Nyx even closer. “I do not like to think about what could have been when it comes to us, Feyre Darling.” 

–––––––––––

Please, please, please leave a comment or a message. it would be oh so lovely.

What do you think Lucien will say to Eris?

How do you think a night out at Rita's with all this tension will turn out?

What do you think Lucien will say to Eris?

How do you think a night out at Rita's with all this tension will turn out?

chapter x

[throneofsmut]

Bound In Flames - Part 1

Eris Vanserra x Archeron-Sister-Reader || WC: 2.2k || Hunting & Animal Death

Summary: Feyre and her younger sister go hunting in the forest behind their family’s cottage and go through life changing experiences.

A/N : This series is inspired by one of my kinktober fics with Eris and I have no idea where this is gonna go. So it’ll still be based on acotar but i’ll be putting my own twist on the plot. And just a heads up i haven’t reread acotar in like a year and a half or written anything like this in a couple years so i really hope you guys like it.

****

The sun was going to dip below the horizon soon. Feyre and you had ventured deeper into the woods today. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Our footsteps were muffled by a layer of fallen snow as we continued tracking a deer, the first one we’d seen in a while. Winter had made game scarce and we weren’t about to go home empty handed. Not when we were so hungry.

Feyre's bow was securely clutched in her hands, an arrow nocked while you had two daggers clutched in yours. Moving quietly and swiftly knowing there was a good chance you weren’t the only ones out here. Even though there was a treaty made between the humans and fae, neither of you were allowed to go over the other’s side of the wall, but the fae still did.

And right now Feyre and you both knew how dangerously close you were to their side of the wall.

Suddenly, the doe you were following came to a stop in a clearing. Drinking from a puddle of snow that had surely melted only hours ago. Feyre and you stopped, both standing behind tall thick trees that were only a couple feet apart. Waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Then a branch snapped and the doe snapped its head up in the direction it came from. Neither one of you moved, tense minutes passed and the deer went back to drinking. Our gazes locked, sharing a moment of silent understanding. Feyre nodded, lifting her bow, nocking the arrow again. Her blue-grey eyes gleaming with starving determination, while you shifted your grip on your ash wood hilted daggers.

The both of you take a small breath, Feyre preparing to let her arrow fly true and you now pinching the bladed tips of your daggers. Feeling your sister’s eyes on you, you gave a small nod and she let her arrow find its home in the doe’s throat. And it fell. You hated the next part, always had but it had to be done.

Readying your daggers to finally cease the doe’s movements, knowing they would hit their mark but just before you let them go, you hesitated. Feeling someone--no not someone--something watching you. There on the other side of the clearing you could barely make out its form, but golden eyes meet yours. At your hesitation Feyre followed your line of sight.

Then it was moving on large silent paws, a massive wolf stared at you. This wolf couldn’t just be a normal wolf, it had to be fae by the sheer size of it alone. Feyre nocked her bow once again with the single ash wood arrow she had. Hearing your sister’s bow drawn taut you lift your hand again stopping her, cocking your head to the side sizing up the wolf, to your surprise it matched your movement.

With hearts pounding in sync, you heard Feyre steady her breath, readying her arrow to find its home in the wolf. Unconsciously mirroring your sister you readjusted your hold on your daggers. Time seemed to slow as the wolf and you locked eyes, the forest around you fading into the background.

In one swift motion, Feyre pulled back the bowstring before letting go, her muscles taut with anticipation as it cut through the crisp air. You lunged forward, your dagger glinting in the fading light. The wolf lunged as well, teeth bared, its growls reverberating through your bones. But, Feyre's arrow found its mark, piercing the creature's side. Your dagger followed suit, slashing through the air with precision. Finding its mark in its throat.

The wolf yelped in pain, its powerful limbs faltering. Feyre and you stood your ground, eyes locked on the wounded wolf. You had faced countless challenges together, but this was a moment that would forever bind you as sisters, and you didn’t even know it.

And as the wolf's final breaths were escaping its jaws, you took slow steps toward it, until you could kneel in front of it. Its gaze locked with yours and it almost looked relieved. Lifting your hand towards the side of its large head, “Don’t," Feyre breathed.

“It’s okay.” You whispered more for the wolf than your sister, your hand pressed against the soft fur. Repeating yourself again, “It’s okay.” As you petted the side of its face. You knew for certain they were fae and without knowing why, you wanted to comfort them as much as you could in these last moments. “You won’t leave this world alone.” You rasped out low enough so Feyre wouldn’t hear you, you weren’t sure if the wolf did either until it pressed its head further into your palm.

With your free hand you gripped the hilt of your dagger that was still in its throat and moved closer so its head was laid on your lap. Your other hand was still pressed against the side of its face as you placed a kiss atop its head, “I’m so sorry.” Taking a shaky breath as you readied to pull the dagger out, “Cauldron save you. Mother hold you. Pass through the gates, and smell that immortal land of milk and honey. Fear no evil. Fear no pain.” Voice wavering as you white knuckled the dagger now, “Go, and enter eternity.” The wolf took one last shallow breath and as it exhaled you pulled your dagger out.

Its chest didn’t rise again.

Wordlessly you stood up moving to the doe. It took you longer than usual to prepare it to drag it back to your family’s cottage. The unshed tears welled up in your eyes making your vision blurry. Just as you were getting ready to heft it over your shoulders to make the long trek home you heard Feyre approaching you. Turning to face her, you shuddered, noticing the wolf’s fur slung across her shoulders “It would’ve been a shame to leave the wolf and you know it.” She tried to reason with you for skinning the wolf.

You shook your head as you let out a grunt against the doe’s weight as you hoisted it over your shoulders.

“Here let me.” Feyre said as she reached for the doe.

“I got it. Go.” Your voice was harsher than you intended it to be. She looked at you with furrowed brows before starting to walk. Only making it a couple feet when she paused, sparing a final glance at the steaming carcass of the wolf.

Looking at you over her shoulder, letting out a sigh, “I wish I had it in me to feel remorse for the dead thing. But this is the forest, and it’s winter.” Scoffing as you moved to go around her but she stopped you, “What is wrong with you? It’s just an animal.”

Narrowing your eyes at her, “No. It’s not and we both know it.”

“So what if it was a faerie, it was going to kill us. We should be happy it was alone and we killed it.” She argued, “You know where we are, what’s out here, so why are you making a big deal out of this?”

“A life is a life.” Your voice was sharp as you tried to make your point, “And just because it was alone doesn’t mean, someone isn’t going to come looking for them.” Her face paled at your words, “So yeah, it is a big deal.”

When you went to walk around her this time, she didn’t stop you. The sun had set by the time you both exited the forest. Knees shaking, your hands stiff from clenching the legs of the deer, which had gone numb miles ago. Not even the carcass could ward off the deepening chill of the winter air.

Your family’s cottage was now in view, soft light escaping the shuttered windows of the dilapidated cottage. Trudging up the path leading to the front door, Feyre stopped you about halfway, “How did you know that prayer?”

Holding her gaze as you schooled your face into an unreadable mask, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She folded her arms across her chest, eyes flickering between yours, trying to find an answer in them.

Feyre let out a defeated sigh, “You know you can trust me, right? Since we were little, I knew you were different and I never said anything because you’re my sister and I love you.” You stiffened as you registered the full weight of her words. “I noticed it more when we first started to hunt. You could hear, smell and--and just sense things that I couldn’t. I know you know things that I don’t but I need to know that you know I love you and that you’ll always be my sister.” You swallowed thickly before nodding.

You just stood there as she took the deer off your shoulders and walked inside the cottage. Mind racing as you thought to every slip up you’d had without realizing it. How could you tell her that you weren’t really her sister let alone human.Taking a couple breaths to steady yourself before walking into the cottage.

As soon as you crossed the threshold Feyre's eyes found yours. Looking around the room you saw your father by the fire as always and your sisters looked like they were about to pounce on Feyre. Nesta and Elain were hungrily eyeing the doe she had set on the wooden table. Feyre gave you a pained but gentle smile as she rolled up her sleeves, “Go wash up, I’ll prep the deer.” You opened your mouth but quickly shut it, settling for a nod before turning to the room your and you sisters shared.

When you finished bathing you got dressed and headed to the small kitchen that joined the small living room. From the looks of it the food was halfway done as you approached Feyre, “Go wash up. I’ll finish it.” She nodded and you moved to finish roasting the venison. Elain and Nesta tried to grab a piece but you swatted their hands away, “You're worse than children.”

Elain whined, holding a hand to her belly, “But I’m so hungry!”

Rolling your eyes as you turned to look at her, “Get the plates and set the table.” She was still eyeing the venison, “Now, Elain!” She huffed stomping away. Then you noticed your oldest sister inching closer, “Nesta, go help her.”

She crossed her arms over her chest before sneering at you, “You can’t tell me what to do.”

You were the only one that was never intimidated by her, so turning your body to fully face hers, giving her a wicked smile, “Then you won’t eat.”

She tried to pin you with her gaze, letting her anger show but she always forgot that while she was angry you were the embodiment of rage. And unlike her you could back it up. Whenever money and food was really scarce you'd go to a tavern on the other side of the wall known for fights. It wasn't hard for your family to put it together when you'd come back days later with some coin and bloody, bruised knuckles. Sometimes a busted lip or a cut eyebrow, but they never knew it was over the wall.

So you gave a pointed glance at her fists that were now clenched at her sides, “Do it. . . or go help Elain set the table.” Turning back around to watch the venison, she stood there for a minute before going to help Elain.

Feyre came back out as you were about to plate up the food. She sat and you filled her plate first and then yours father’s, Elain’s, yours and finally Nesta’s. As always dinner was tense, Nesta always tried to argue with Feyre or you. Tonight Feyre was her target.

They were arguing over money after Feyre had said she and you were going to go to the market to try to sell the wolf’s pelt and the doe’s hide. Like always you tuned them out as they argued not caring to waste your breath on deaf ears. Until Feyre was calling your name.

“Y/n!”

“What?”

“Tell Nesta she’s not gonna marry Tomas Mandray.”

Sliding your gaze to your eldest sister, “Fuck no, you’re not gonna marry him.”

Elain’s voice cut in, “But if it’s a love match, why shouldn’t they?”

Your eyes were still glued to Nesta’s as you grit out, “No. It’s not. You and I both know it.” You directed at Nesta.

Nesta looked away and stared at her now empty plate. You kept your eyes on her for a few moments longer before meeting Feyre’s. Her eyebrow arched in silent question, you shook your head, silently communicating with your eyes that you would tell her later. She relented, nodding. Your father was just quietly staring at you, Elain’s voice cutting in again, “But--“

“No!” You snapped, cutting her off. “End of fucking discussion!” Letting out a sharp breath trying to calm yourself, “The day one of you finds someone that’s worth marrying you off to, Feyre and I will gladly hand you over. Until then I’m going to sleep, I’ve had a long day and I’m tired.”

No one said anything else as you stood up, washed your plate and went into your shared bedroom. Ready to let sleep claim you that night and hoping you didn’t dream of the wolf.

For other parts: Bound In Flames Series Masterlist

part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6 part 7 part 8 part 9 part 10 part 11 part 12

*If you would like to be added to the taglist for this story or to my general taglist, please either reply to this post or send me a message.

[icanbeyourgenie]

“ Isn't there something that you want? Something more than anything else in this world? ” – Malachai to Aeron

Aeron didn't have to think to know the answer, but he still paused for a second, deciding if he should give that piece of information to the sea prince or not. Apparently, alcohol made him more honest.

“The sky.” He said, and Malachai raised an eyebrow. “I'd want to go back to the sky. Where we used to live.”

“It was way before your birth that your people came down here, isn't it? You don't know what it was like.”

“I know that we probably flew a lot more. I hate not using my wings for a long time.”

“So you dislike the forest?”

“No I don't. There's a lot of forests in the sky islands. They're mostly forests flying around. With... big voids every 10 meters.”

“So it's the ground you dislike then?”

“Yes. Too restrictive. Humans are fun, but otherwise the land is boring to death.”

The fae sighed and poured another drink to both him and the merman. They stayed in silence after that. Aeron was about to return the question but Malachai spoke first.

“You could, you know ? If you were high king, you could decide to go back to the sky.”

Aeron sneered while emptying his glass. “But I'm not high king, am I?”

“Everyone who has spent more than 10 minutes in this place can tell that your mother wants to name you the crown prince. Not your fucked up brother.”

“And for the hundreth of times, I don't want it. But even if I did, I wouldn't be high king. Morgana's immortal. And she doesn't fight her own battles anymore. So unless there's an actual war between our two people, there's no chance she'll die. Accepting to be the crown prince would just mean losing the bit of freedom that I still have.” He took another sip and looked at Malachai, deciding to push the conversation a bit further. “But you seem fine with it though. ”

“What?”

“Being the heir forever. The dutiful son, always doing your father's biding, even if you lose yourself in the process.”

Malachai's fist tightened. “I have a duty of care towards my people. And my siblings.”

Aeron chuckled. “Ah yes, your siblings. What an excellent excuse is it not? They do worship you... Do you think you're worthy of that worship?”

Malachai seemed really angry now, and Aeron liked it. But he soon understood that angering the man was easy. He had so much anger bottled up inside of him.

“You always have to be an asshole, don't you?”

“An asshole who tells the truth. But I don't judge. After all, we have a lot in common.”

“We don't.”

“Yes we do. We both have great hair.”

“That's not a personality trait.”

“Oh, say that to all the pretendants who want to touch your hair every night.”

This time, they both laughed. Aeron knew these times were trying for Malachai, since his father forced him to find a wife and all his evening were about meeting new sea ladies that could fit. Aeron knew forced marriage all too well, he didn't need to ask to know that Malachai felt trapped.

The sea prince poured another drink.

“It always bugged me, when I was a child. I had the best history teachers, yet no one knew why you just decided to give up on the sky and come on land.”

“The fae people don't know either. Most books from this time have been lost. Or burned.”

Malachai smirked. He had become better at detecting Aeron's subtle deflecting, when he couldn't lie. “But you know?”

“I don't.”

“You at least have a theory.” Aeron's silence. told him he was right. “Won't you tell me?”

Aeron's smile turned devilish when he said: “I don't know. Keep making me drink and who knows where it will lead us.”

Malachai rolled his eyes at the innuendo but he was used to it by now and they kept drinking, soon enough the subject drifting elsewhere.