#zenkindoflove

[jadedbugart]

sunday scaries? check out Carrion Flowers by @zenkindoflove on AO3 for a better spook ♥️🕷️

[spiritedstars]

You know why I'm here.

Satharion please.

HAHA YES, I DO.

You already have my voice notes on this. You already know what's cooking.

A little teaser for you!

Tharion’s jaw tightened as he watched Sathia stand between her parents.

The woman he had fallen in love with – his wife was nowhere to be found; her parents sucked whatever joy she had. Whatever confidence she had, their presence made it disappear. 

“Is this what you want, Sath?” he asked, forcing himself to speak calmly, his eyes fully locked on hers.

“Use her full name when speaking to her, Mer.” her father demanded. 

“I’m speaking to my wife.” Tharion snapped. “I’d appreciate you keeping your comments to yourself.”

His father-in-law snorted as Sathia flushed but Tharion’s gaze didn’t shift.

“Is it?” he asked again. Things had been getting better. They had been getting along. He’d kissed her for the first time a week ago and she had melted in his arms.

Her parents showing up to drag her back to the broken pieces of their snobbish society hadn’t been in the cards; neither of them had expected it. Now they were here, trying to take a piece of his chipped heart with them.

She was his wife, damn it.

[shardminds]

🍄

elain + chemistry set = not a meth lab, madja, i promise.

[constantsins]

Eris sipped the water from the goblet while he eyed him, the pet name he bestowed upon him making him feel funny inside. “What is your name?” he asked. He smiled as if he had been waiting to tell him, “Alexius.”

MY BOY PUZZLING ERIS WHILE HOPING HE ASKS FOR HIS NAME SKSJSKSJSKSJSKSJ, ª! They’re absolutely in love, your Honor. I’ll die on this hill, no regrets ❤️✨❤️✨❤️✨❤️😭😭.

Eris Week Day 5: Eris x Male OC One-shot

Title: Carry You Home

Relationship: Eris x Male OC (Alexius)

Rating/Status: NSFW, E, One-shot, 15k words

Summary: During the Hybern battle, Eris is mortally wounded and ready to die. Until a knight in shining armor saves his life. He isn’t sure how to thank him, but he has all night to try. Takes place during ACOWAR. 

For @erisweekofficial Eris Week 2024 Day 5: War | Adventure.

READ ON AO3

Note: Look, I know this is a big, long ass fic, but I think you will love the ride I take you on. If you like gay romances set during war with thousands of words of flirting banter and even longer sex scenes, this fic is for you. And stayed tuned for a fanart of Eris that I commissioned to accompany this fic to be posted later today!

Tag List: @bonecarversbestie, @crazy-ache, @the-darkestminds, @works-of-heart, @little-fierling , @clockwork-ashes , @olenvasynyt , @secret-third-thing , @lovely-vanserra-sunshine , @lucienarcheron , @constantsins , @jules-writes-stories @castielspelvis , @mistandmemories

[crazy-ache]

Chapter 9 Update

Summary: One moment. All it takes is one singular moment to change the trajectory of fate. Following the events of Hybern, everything changes when Lucien instinctively grabs his mate—Elain Archeron—and brings her back to the Spring Court with Feyre and Tamlin. 

In the midst of war and ruin, Elain and Lucien will have to face the bond that connects them together if they hope to survive the unintended consequences. To do so, they’ll have to prevail through games of deceit, powerful forces of magic, and deadly enemies. And hope their hearts survive the journey. 

A retelling of A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOWAR) and a Canon Divergent AU. 

Notes: Chapter 9 Update - Water. Weekly updates begin now!!

Start on AO3 | Read Chapter 9

"I wanted to know…how do you feel about a little exploring?” Elain felt the corners of her lips tick upward. “You mean explore…Velaris?”

Tag List: @zenkindoflove, @bonecarversbestie, @little-fierling, @teddyhoneybear, @the-darkestminds, @yaralulu, @ataraxiasflame, @slipmerfoot, @areyoudreaminof, @comeonladiesitstime2yearn, @goghwilde, @positivelyruined, @sad-scarred-sassy, @works-of-heart, @sonics-atelier, @mr-agent-mulder, @shadowqueenjude, @christeareads, @emmers-bens123

[fierling]

Eris with mama hound Lithia and her puppy Nickel for @erisweekofficial . Lithia and Nickel appear in @zenkindoflove's Eris fics.

"He mostly thought of his hounds. The kennel master, Oberyn, had informed him just before he left that Lithia was ready to whelp her litter any day. He liked to be there when the new puppies were born, but he couldn’t this time." Pull me in deeper on AO3

"Nickel however was still pacing, distracted by his own excitement. “Nickel! Watch me!” Nickel halted in his steps and turned around to press his snout against the bars. He looked up at Eris with his mismatched eyes, one dark brown and the other blue. He sat down on his rear, his expression attentive, but Eris still could see the wild energy circulating in his gaze." The Jewel of the Forest House on AO3

This was originally intended for Hounds day, but Free day works too since I could finish it only today

Hope you enjoy! I haven't done my own art let alone characters in a long time.

[yennas-stuff]

Lucien truly is Helions son with the way all future plot points orbit around him like he's the Sun.

Here's a learning aid. Use wisely. Also, peep Eris on Uranus @zenkindoflove

[zenkindoflove]

Lol I love how the whole point I made is you shouldn't have to do that but they played stupid games and now are winning stupid prizes.

They’re actually, honest to god, arguing that Azriel torturing people is better than Tamlin abuse

The gag being they wouldn’t have to defend Azriel’s honor at all if they didn’t start the moral superiority game in the first place

[fieldofdaisiies]

Let me present to you: Azris, Elucien & Gwyn and Balthazar

thank you so much for sharing the amazing link for the picrew @zenkindoflove & @lucienarcheron 💛 I immediately had to try it myself

[thrumugnyr]

“What if I don’t know what to wish for?” Alexius scoffed, “Oh, I doubt that.”

Running in late for @erisweekofficial Day 7 with an illustration for @zenkindoflove's Eris/OC fanfic "Pull me in deeper'', which I absolutely adore!

[evermorelore]

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ 𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑎

details of the commission I filled for the lovely @zenkindoflove to celebrate @erisweekofficial day 5: war | adventure. It was so fun to draw someone new from the acotar fandom, and even more so to be introduced to a great fancasting of Freddie Fox aka Gwayne from House of the Dragon. 🍁

[spiritedstars]

OC Ask for Iris

Is there someone your OC didn’t like at first, but then got along with later?

Is there someone your OC liked at first, but then grew to dislike?

Thank you for sending in the ask bby!! <333

Is there someone your OC didn’t like at first, but then got along with later?

Outside of the Vanserra brothers who definitely grow on her, I'm thinking about political relationships and Iris had to take her time warming up to Feyre and Rhys. There's a lot of history between them and Eris that can't get swiped under the rug so easily BUT, after some time, she befriends Feyre especially. She struggles with the Night Court folks in general.

Is there someone your OC liked at first, but then grew to dislike?

This is in a purely comical way but Thesan's boyfriend. Meeting Thesan was probably one of the more exciting political relationships for Iris because of his healing powers (and they end up having a really nice friendship) but MAN, his bird bf (his name is Lucan btw) doesn't know how to chill. While she can't blame Lucan, he is constantly infringing on Iris's time with Thesan because he doesn't trust Eris or anyone from the Autumn Court.

[erisweekofficial]

Fanfic

One Year Later (OC x Eris) by @afandomangel 👑

Until I see you again (OC x Eris) by @mika-no-sekai-blog

Protection (Eris x Reader) by @littlest-w01f 👑

All’s well that ends well to end up with you (Eris x Reader) by @daycourtofficial 👑

yea, though i walk (Azris) by @brunetterebel010 👑

What Could Have Been (Eris x Elain) by @nocasdatsgay

Suffering his Scent (Azris) by @neciebee 👑

Falling For You (Eris x Reader) by @bubybubsters

Hold Me While You Wait (Eris x OC) by @fieldofdaisiies

Bedroom manners (Eris x Reader) by @lady-of-tearshed 👑

Pinky Promise (Eris x Reader) by @pit-and-the-pen👑

Still Beautiful Things by @climbthemountain2020 👑

Pull Me in Deeper Ch 17 (Eris x OC) by @zenkindoflove 👑

Ensnaring Marks (Eris x Reader) by @surielstea 👑

A Bond of Song & Flames Ch 1 (Eris x OC) by @sadiegirl2021 👑

Under the Weeping Beech (Azris) by @chunkypossum

Waiting for You (Eris x Reader) by @mcuamerica 👑

Day 1 - Bonds | Bargains by @clockwork-ashes 👑

A Wound So Deep (Azris) by @acourtofladydeath

An Unconventional Bargain by @hellcat8908 👑

Just Enough Light to Cast Shadows Ch 22 (Azris) by @jules-writes-stories 👑

Of Our Own Devices (Eris x Reader) by @illyrianbitch 👑

Gone Through Enough (Eris x Reader) by @thelov3lybookworm

The Uncertainty of Spring (Eris x OC) by @daycourtofficial 👑

Tomorrow Can Wait (Azris) by @myromanempiree 👑

By Turns by @jon-snows-man-bun 👑

Roots In My Dreamland (Eris x OC) by @lucienarcheron

Always An Angel, Never A God (Eris x OC) by @chairofchaos 👑

Your Scars on My Pulse (Azris) by @shadowsandlint 👑

To Dust or To Gold Ch 2 (Neris) by @queercontrarian

An Exchange in Etiquette (Eris x Reader) by @qwimblenorrisstan 👑

Into the Dark (Eris x Reader) by @prythianpages 👑

Lady Luck (Eris x OC) by @ginandtobacco 👑

Bond (Azris) by @thomasisaslut 👑

Being Seen (Eris x Elain) by @vague-shadows 👑

The Crushing Burden of Those Before Us (Eris x Reader) by @dee-writes-smut 👑

A Page From Another's Book (Eris x Reader) by @readychilledwine

Autumn Leaves (Eris x Reader) by @mirandasidefics

Fanart

Eris' bond with Autumn by @elleybug 👑

Eris x Alexius comissioned by @luciensdefenseattorney (commissioned by @zenkindoflove)

Neris Art by @rosesncarnations

Worried Eris by its.miriart (commissioned by @secret-third-thing)

Eris and his mate by @/artbyellat (on instagram)

Azris Art by @lucychanart (commissioned by: @moonpatroclus & @cauldronblssd

Eris Week, Day 1: Bonds (Azris) by @the-darkestminds 👑

Misc.

day one : bonds ( m o t h e r ) by @spore-loser 👑

Eris Week Moodboard by @fieldofdaisiies

Chopin by @chairofchaos 👑

Vanserra brothers in a modern AU by @wishfulimaginings 👑

Thank you for all your contributions! It’s incredible and almost unbelievable how many stories and creative ideas you’ve brought to life on just the first day!

There was a bit of confusions about the crowns- so sorry for that. If it's your first eris week, let us know! If we missed giving you a 👑, please let us know so we can add it to the masterlist. We'll make sure that all masterlists are up to date before the full event masterlist is released 🧡

(divider by @tsunami-of-tears)

[sad-scarred-sassy]

Fuck yes

Kneel Before Me - Elucien Oneshot

Title: Kneel Before Me

Relationship: Elain x Lucien; Elucien

Rating: E, NSFW

Status: One-shot, ~11,000 words

Summary: Lucien arrives at the House of Wind, only to be drawn into a sparring match with none other than the Inner Circle's own Shadowsinger. Things get out of hand and Azriel discovers whether he really can defeat Lucien easily.

READ ON AO3

A/N: This one-shot has been turning around in my head for a long time now. Was I heavily inspired to take a stab at this after watching Dune Part Two? Absolutely. Was I also motivated because I'm tired of this fandom thinking that Azriel actually could take on Lucien in a fight. You betcha. Hence, this idea was born.

Please read the tags. You have been warned. If you are a big Azriel fan, this fic is probably not for you. So read at your own risk. This one is for my lovely underdog, Lucien, and all the Lucien girlies who know what's up.

Sneak peak under the cut

“You didn't think we’d end there, did you?" Azriel bounced on his toes. “We need to show Nesta how the Autumn Court fighting style handles hand-to-hand combat."

His words almost sounded helpful, but all Lucien could hear in his tone was pure aggression.

Lucien shook his head. This was too far for him. He didn’t want anything to do with this. It reminded him of the games that his brothers used to play in Autumn. Azriel was clearly trying to goad him, if not into a real fight, close enough to one to humiliate him in some way.

“I don’t think so. The point was made. Nesta has seen what she needs to for now.” He threw his sparring sword to the side, turning his back to Azriel to exit the ring.

“I knew you were a coward,” Azriel called out to him.

Lucien froze, his shoulders raising as his rage crawled up his spine. He could see the faces of the others, their eyes widening at Azriel’s taunt. Elain’s face especially looked confused and apprehensive. She flicked her gaze to him, and it hurt him to see the worry in her delicate features.

Lucien rolled his shoulders before he turned to face Azriel again. If the Shadowsinger wanted a war with words, Lucien would happily oblige him.

“Coward? Interesting. I didn’t see you jumping to volunteer to go to the continent when we were at war.”

“You’re right. Instead, I was here. Saving your mate from Hybern.”

Lucien instinctually balled his fists. It was a weak spot, and Azriel knew it. As soon as Lucien heard what happened to Elain when he was on the continent, he immediately regretted leaving her. It prompted him to hang out in Velaris those first few months after the war, before it all became too unbearable, and it was clear Elain was safe.

“I never did thank you for that,” Lucien replied, schooling his features. Never let them see how their words affect you. It was a lesson he learned long ago. “So, thank you, Azriel, for keeping Elain safe.”

“My pleasure,” Azriel darkened his eyes. “It’s a good thing I was around. I’ve always been here for her.”

[clockwork-ashes]

Shake the Frost - Part I

Read on Ao3

Summary: Elain’s visions lead her to the human lands where she seeks answers from the one male she’s been avoiding—Lucien. As the two of them work together, the walls built between them begin to crumble.

Note: SURPRISE!!! this is for the lovely @zenkindoflove for this year’s @acotargiftexchange <3 i was so so so excited to get to write this for you, all of your works are simply amazing and it was such fun getting to know you a little better the last few weeks!!! thank you for answering my many (many) questions, and i hope you enjoy this!!!

Elain POV 

Drops of blood, like lovely ruby tears, were scattered along the pure white snow. They glimmered as if they were expensive jewels, an allure to each perfectly shaped one. The sun was bright, vicious as it reflected on the ground and danced as far as the eye could see. 

Elain shook her head with an annoyed sigh, loose curls bouncing around her shoulders. She couldn't move the pieces of hair without letting go of the gifts in her arms, so she blew up at the strands in a way that would seem practiced to any onlookers. 

A dagger, the hilt fashioned from gold and expertly crafted to resemble a snake, was stained scarlet. The hand holding it had rings on each pale finger, no scars on the skin despite the comfortable way it gripped the weapon. 

“That is enough,” Elain mumbled, an order to herself in hopes that the visions would stop bleeding through her waking moments. The images no longer haunted her, but they were still a type of nuisance, like summer gnats, flickering in the corners of her thoughts. 

If she focused, Elain hoped to avoid the most gruesome of her repeating visions. Always, like clockwork, she would witness Beron Vanserra’s death. It was bloody and cruel, never peaceful, even if the way it was done had not yet been decided by fate, the result remained the same. The High Lord of the Autumn Court would die, marked by endless crimson that stained the earth beneath him. 

She had thought them nothing more than a figment of her unsettled mind, especially when at first they had slowly and steadily filtered into her dreams. When they had leaked into her everyday life, when she had begun seeing Lucien’s face among the bloodied chaos, she had no choice but to take matters into her own hands. Elain knew from the war with Hybern that trying to bury and ignore her visions wouldn’t work, and neither would trying to hide her fear and confusion. 

She had tried to tell Feyre once, but hadn’t been able to go through with it. Her sister was finally happy. Nyx was old enough to enjoy the Winter Solstice celebrations, and Feyre had been busy planning for weeks. It seemed unfair, and Elain could admit only to herself that she was using it as an excuse not to share her worries with anyone at all.

Still, the visions wouldn’t let her go. They gripped her, cold and unrelenting, forcing her to face countless versions of the future when she least expected it. Nesta would have asked too many questions, ones that Elain would be unwilling to answer, and so she had turned to Nuala and Cerridwen for help. She had asked the twins to take her to the human lands, and had begged them not to tell anyone just yet. Elain was thrilled when they simply told her she had to be careful, agreeing to bring her directly to the place that Lucien called home. 

Elain stood at the doorstep of the manor, right where Nuala and Cerrdiwen had left her. The evening frost bit at her skin, her arms heavy with the weight of her offerings, small gifts she had taken with her knowing it would be a slight to come empty-handed. She could hear the soft ticking of the stopwatch she had bought for her mate despite the fact that it was nestled in a cushioned box. For the Queen of Scythia, she had brought Winter blooms from Velaris, delicate and white, their petals like soft whispers. She had struggled to find something nice for Jurian and had simply settled for a bottle of expensive wine. 

Her knuckles hovered at the door as she shifted on her feet, hesitation curling through her. She had seen the manor before, what almost seemed like another life, and yet now it felt unfamiliar. She finally knocked, the sound thunderous against the thick wood. 

There was not a single sound that followed, not even the careful tap of footsteps just beyond the entrance. Elain frowned wondering if perhaps no one was home. 

She balanced the gifts in her arms, blowing at the stray curls that had fallen over her eyes. She raised a gloved hand, ready to knock once more, when she heard the lock shift. She stepped back, watching as the door opened slowly, leaving only a crack of space for her to peak into the manor. 

At the flash of familiar copper hair, Elain plastered a smile onto her face. “Happy Solstice,” she said with false cheer, hoping that she covered her disappointment well. She wanted to speak with Lucien first, but she supposed she should be grateful that at least someone was there. 

Vassa looked surprised for the briefest of moments, using her frame to block Elain from entering. She raised an elegant eyebrow, her blue eyes midnight dark as she offered a judgmental glance over the three neatly wrapped parcels. “Who invited you?”

Elain maintained an unbothered air, pretending that Vassa was simply keeping the cold out. She lifted the presents, smiling a bit wider in an attempt to look kind and unthreatening. “I wanted to give Lucien his gift.”

Vassa’s gaze flicked to Elain’s face, where she took her in with an unreadable expression, a hesitation that stretched just a little too long. Then, with a motion too practiced to be casual, she opened the door wider, her gesture one of forced hospitality.

“Come in,” Vassa said, voice cool but not unkind. She waved her hand in the direction of the hall. “Lucien should be back in a bit.”

Elain stepped inside, her breath catching as she recognized the space. It was Graysen’s manor, but the weight of the years made it feel distant, almost like a place she had only heard about in stories. She had barely thought about him in the last few years, and was slightly annoyed at being reminded that he existed at all. 

She followed Vassa down the hall, her booted feet soft on the old wooden floor, the air thick with the scent of something she couldn’t place. Jurian was in the sitting room, bare feet up on a pink couch that was absurdly out of place when compared to the rest of the furniture in the large space. His gaze met hers, unsurprised, as though he had been expecting her arrival.

Jurian. 

The name had been whispered to her since childhood, stories of a human general that had fought for the freedom of her people. Sitting on that gaudy pink couch, he looked ordinary, Elain thought. He was just like any other man, a touch of a battle-weary edge to his face, but nothing of the myth she had imagined.

“Something to drink?” Jurian asked, his voice easy, inviting. He leaned forward, his manner so unaffected it took Elain by surprise.

Vassa did not speak, but Elain felt her eyes on her, assessing and distant, as though her very presence was an offence. The room seemed to thicken with unspoken words, the tension hanging heavy in the air. Elain could still hear the ticking of the stopwatch still in her hands, steady as heartbeat, knowing she was the only one among them who could catch the delicate sound with her ears. 

Elain cleared her throat, her voice coming out smaller than she had intended. “Maybe some tea?” It was not just the awkwardness of the moment that made her throat tight, but also the unmistakable scent of her mate that lingered.

He was everywhere.

On the cushions of the couch, on the fabrics of the curtains, in the very air. It clung to the room like a shadow, a reminder that he lived in this space. Elain scrunched her nose when she was struck with the sudden urge to curl up into the pillows and bury her face into the cushions just to take it in. 

Jurian invited her to sit, gesturing with his hand to leave the gifts aside. Vassa sat as well, eyes watching her every move, as they all waited for Lucien. Time crawled by slowly, and Elain could feel the weight of the room pressing down on her. 

Elain had come in search of answers, and she knew that her exiled mate would have the information she needed. Jurian brought her tea, the night stretched on, and Elain knew with a deep certainty that it would be a long one. 

Lucien POV

The shift of the seasons pulled at Lucien in ways that were nearly painful as he crossed into the human lands, winnowing in one final jump beyond Prythian’s border.

Lucien was always left feeling a bit empty when he returned from his visits to Spring. His thoughts always lingered on the broken remnants of what once was, a court that had once been his home. Tamlin, at least, had seemed happy that he had stopped by. 

Lucien made sure he had a glamour in place as he walked through the quiet village, ensuring none of the human eyes saw anything more than a stranger passing through. They were all weary around him, casting him with careful glares whenever he passed. The streets, though, were empty, the silence eerie as everyone stayed indoors to celebrate the solstice with loved ones. 

He was nearing the manor, his senses piqued by something, a subtle tug that pulled his chest tight, a connection that only his mate could cause. 

Elain. 

The bond thrummed under his rib, constant and steady, like the flow of a river. Lucien rubbed a hand over his chest, frowning slightly. He had not gone to Velaris this year, not even after Feyre had sent her invitation. Perhaps it had been rude of him, but he’d simply written a note, promising to visit soon. It had been easier, after all, to remain distant, he thought. 

Lucien noticed the boot marks still left in the snow leading up the manor, and he felt a chill crawl up his spine. The footprints were small, the pattern of the sole not ones he recognised as belonging to Vassa. Using a simple spell, he unlocked the door and stepped through the threshold and into the foyer. The bond flared to life with sharp awareness, drawing him towards her. It was as though his body had learned to respond to her presence even without his permission. Elain was nearby, and he was helpless to ignore it, to deny the way his heart picked up its pace in response. 

The whole world seemed to tilt on its axis as he paused at the entrance of the sitting room. He was unable to tear his gaze from his mate, even though he knew Jurian and Vassa would be watching his reactions carefully. 

“Elain?” he said, more question than anything. Even to his own ears, his voice sounded rough, unsteady.

He heard the soft rattle of a teacup as she set it down on the table. Her back straightened, as if instinctively commanding the room around her, a queen in all but title. “You didn’t come to Velaris,” she said, her voice even, but Lucien heard the slight accusation buried beneath the calm.

He hadn’t expected her to notice, hadn’t thought she cared enough to even keep track of his comings and goings. It was a surprise, and he was unprepared for the sting it left.

She still avoided him, still turned away whenever he entered a room, her distance like a shield between them. He couldn't even blame her, but the ache of each dismissal settled heavy on his chest. Remembering his manners, he offered her the smallest of bows, “Apologies, lady.”

Elain’s cheeks flushed, and Lucien’s heart did something strange, a flutter he couldn’t quite name. “No need to apologize,” she mumbled, ever polite. “It was just… I just noticed, that’s all.” She looked at him with an embarrassed tilt to her lips, her entire face having turned crimson. 

Vassa snorted then, a laugh that was sharp and unrefined, but somehow it didn’t feel entirely unwelcome. It cut the tension between him and his mate like a blade. 

“I needed to speak with you,” Elain said, her voice soft but deliberate. She glanced over his shoulder at Vassa and to Jurian who sat on the pink couch, a silent apology. “Alone, if that’s alright.”

While Lucien couldn’t see Vassa, Jurian merely raised his shoulders in a careless shrug. He motioned for Elain to follow him, taking his eyes from her as she grabbed onto her skirts and followed him to the porch that looked over the large courtyard. 

Lucien nodded. He motioned for her to lead the way, his mind already racing with questions he wasn’t sure he wanted answers to. They stepped outside, and though Elain kept her distance, it was still the closest they’d been since the battle with Hybern. Her breath misted in the cold air, floating around them like a little cloud. 

Beautiful. 

Elain Archeron was like something made of winter. Her hair was tucked behind her pointed ears and he could see the sharp cut of her jaw as she looked at the frozen gardens below. She reminded Lucien of snowflakes, lovely and fleeting, put out a hand to catch one and they disappear. 

The tip of Elain’s nose was stained a rosy pink, and he created a small bubble of warmth around them instinctively, watching as her posture relaxed, seeming much more comfortable in the harsh cold. 

Lucien broke the silence between them as she hugged her arms around her middle, suddenly looking more nervous. “Please tell me that Feyre and Rhysand know you’re here.” He knew the answer even before Elain winced and turned away from him. “Nesta?”

She shook her head, a small frown pulling at her lips. “My friends know. They brought me here.”

Lucien couldn’t help the sigh that fell from his lips, running a hand through his hair. He had half a mind to walk back into the manor and write to the Night Court about where she was, but something in her demeanor, something in her dark eyes, stopped him. He could feel the weight of her decision pressing on him, even if she hadn’t said the words yet. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, but the truth tugged at him. He was going to be knee-deep in trouble if he kept her secret.

“Why?” he asked, his voice quieter now, gentler. “Why did you need to come here?”

Elain seemed to shrink into herself for a moment, her eyes fluttering closed as though she were steeling herself for something. When she spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper.

“I see you in my dreams.”

Lucien froze, his breath catching in his throat. He couldn’t suppress the choked sound that nearly escaped him, couldn’t mask the shock that gripped him. His heart pounded in his chest, and for a moment, he felt unsteady, as though the ground beneath his feet were about to crack open.

Elain flushed under his gaze, her eyes quickly darting to the snow beneath her booted feet. “I mean... my dreams and my visions,” she corrected, a little embarrassed, as if the admission were something she hadn’t meant to speak aloud.

He didn’t know where she was going with this, but the quiet urgency in her voice made him hold his tongue, waiting for her to explain. He remained still and kept silent, offering her the space to share whatever was on her mind.

“No one listens to me,” she murmured, her voice barely audible. “Not my sisters, not the rest of the Inner Circle... no one. I thought...” She bit her lip, her eyes flicking up to his. “I thought perhaps you would?”

Lucien was left speechless, his heart clenching with something he couldn’t quite name. She was asking him, of all people, to pay attention to her. There was a part of him, an ancient and primal part, that nearly overwhelmed his senses, but he nodded. “I’ll listen.”

Elain exhaled a soft breath, reaching out with her small hand. “And what if I ask you to see?” 

Without a word in response, Lucien put out his own hand, letting Elain grab onto him so that she could pull him a little closer. The bond between them flared to life, the bridge connecting their souls allowing Elain to show him something unexpected. What she saw burned into his mind, and Lucien was no longer sure where his mate’s dreams ended and reality began.

[acotargiftexchange]

AO3 Collection ・Fanfiction ・ Fanart ・Moodboards

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Treacherous Waters by @crazy-ache for @jsmelodies

The Great Blobbish Bakeoff by @bonecarversbestie for @separatist-apologist

Shakled by @zenkindoflove for @aldbooks

Elucien fanart, Northern Attitude, and Northern Attitude Fanart by @jadedbugart for @climbthemountain2020

THE PERFECT ROMANTIC GETAWAY: ONE WEEK FOR TWO AT SCENIC, LAKESIDE MOUNTAIN LODGE by @itsybitsybluesy for @huntquinlan

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? by @climbthemountain2020 for @itsybitsybluesy

Elucien bookmarks by @octobers-veryown for @littlefireling

Elain taking care of Lucien fanart and My Poor, Sick Mate by @olenvasynyt for @stickyelectrons

Elucien fanart by @stickyelectrons for @myromanempiree

Guilty as sin by @myromanempiree for @shadowsingers-mate

Elucien fanart by @works-of-heart for @lady-of-tearshed

The Prophecy by @separatist-apologist for @olenvasynyt

Shake the Frost by @clockwork-ashes for @zenkindoflove

Love in the Time of Triple Axels by @missfckingfortune for @clockwork-ashes

Moodboard by @itsaperiwinkleworldv2 for @booklover721

En Scene by @lady-of-tearshed for @thelovelymadone

Hospital AU Art by @laxibbeb for @missfckingfortune

The Flame of Night by @aldbooks for @octobers-veryown

Elucien Moodboard by @littlefireling for @shadowqueenjude

I'd Go Back to the Winter by @jsmelodies for @laxibbeb

A Court of Sight and Tulips by @shadowqueenjude for @crazy-ache

Mine by @allwaswellllll for @works-of-heart

Grays Anatomy AU by @laxibbeb for @missfckingfortune

A Court of Change and Blossom Playlist by @itsaperiwinkleworldv2 for @booklover721

Mastermind by @booklover721 for @allwaswellllll

somebody else by @duskandcobalt for @whysterian

Survival Instincts by @thelovelymadone for @itsaperiwinkleworldv2

To A Buried and A Burning Flame by @cauldronblssd for @bonecarversbestie

Fires of Fate by @shadowsingers-mate for @cauldronblssd

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Thank you so much for all your hard work! If we missed anything, kindly reach out to your moderator!