#Nesta falling in love with her eyes wide open

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Rainy Season - Part 7

Final Chapter and Epilogue

Everybody’s Got Somebody but Me

Azriel Eris x Reader

Azriel pleads his case to his mate before the Inner Circle, an unexpected interruption sheds additional light on the situation, Y/N makes a decision.

Part 5 Part 6

Warnings: Language

The room thrummed with erratic energy as everyone awaited the arrival of the Shadowsinger. Eris watched intently as Y/N kept a collected facade before the present group, but behind her eyes a tumultuous storm raged. She hadn’t seen her mate since she’d left - since he’d betrayed her - and maybe she was a coward for facing him before an audience of his loved ones but she was done tip-toeing the line, done praying that the words falling from her mate’s lips were truth when he’d done nothing but spin ugly lies from that beautiful mouth. She wanted the real story, the whole story, and Truth Teller itself couldn’t extract it better than the audience before them.

Her gut-wrenched with his nearing presence, the doors would open any moment as guards would bring him in, before her, before his family, before Eris and her sister.

The only missing parties in the space were Amren who had stayed behind in Velaris to keep a presence in place and Nesta who had other matters to attend to. Mor’s attendance was welcome but not required, given the obvious histories between she and Eris - her mate.

Eris kept an amused facade beneath his own surface, though he was anything but. Y/N looked resplendent seated at the lone chair at the head of his table. Seated to her right, he kept a respectful distance, fighting the overwhelming urge to reach out and warm her shaking hand under the table.

And Eris couldn’t be certain by the flat expression on his face, but he could have sworn the slightest gleam of amusement glimmered in Lucien’s eye as the mechanical one focused in on a clearly unimpressed Camila who was unabashedly taking stock of the middle Archeron sister at his side.

The door unlatched, all traces of civility falling from Rhys’ face as Azriel stepped into the now darkened room.

Azriel looked terrible, the purple bruises and dark circles under his eyes draining the remaining life from his sallowed skin, eyes red and puffy.

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat, burying down the instinct doing its damndest to get her to run to her dejected mate.

Azriel looked straight past every single person at the table, not even sparing a glance to the seething High Lord staring daggers in his direction. His hazel eyes blew wide as they honed in on his mate. His perfect fucking mate. He truly had drained so much from her, hadn’t he? Never once stopping to notice the signs.

Now, before him was a divine female - full in all the places he’d once gripped so fervently, her complexion radiant, hair lustrous, lips so delectable he wanted to bite them. There was no broken female here, this was a female who has been living a life of love and joy. The only thing missing was her bright smile, now absent in his presence.

Another thing he’d taken from her.

“Y/N”, Azriel mouthed, no sound coming out as the guards kept the cuffed hands he tried to outstretch in her direction restrained.

Her pointed silence and the clunk of the guards boots filled the room as Azriel was lead toward his space between Cassian and Rhys at the table. Y/N now noting the correlation between the bruises on Azriel’s face and a few scattered on Cassian’s.

Rhys’ voice entered her mind. “Azriel started a fight with Cassian that led to us finding out about he and Elain. When Cassian realized, he went feral on him. It’s been centuries since I’ve seen those two fight like that. By the time Cassian was done with him, I couldn’t in good conscience lay a hand on him.”

“They shouldn’t have fought over this. But I bet you not laying a hand on him though he knew you wanted to hurt his ego more than any punches would have.”

Feyre joined in the mental conversation, adding “He’s just lucky Nesta wasn’t there when they found out.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, assuming that Nesta would have remained neutral in the ordeal. Not out of cruelty, but given her love and protective tendencies toward Elain as well as her friendship with Azriel and their Valkyrie training.

Azriel looked to his mate, once again wordlessly mouthing. “Y/N, please.” Finally taking in the crowd before him, he paled further.

“Cat got your tongue, Shadowsinger?” Eris mused. Fury lined Azriel’s features at the smug tone. Rhys only let out a bitter chuckle though he found nothing funny about the predicament they’d found themselves in, his violet gaze narrowed in on his brother. “You found a work around with our bargain by finding your mate outside of the Summer Court, but couldn’t find a work around on the matter of being barred from communicating with her? Just how did you expect this whole plan to work out?” He didn’t wait for a response to the question as he waved to the bargain tattoo. “I rescind the bargain tattoo, you may speak to her for as long as she’ll allow it.”

Azriel paid no mind to Rhys, his chest heaved as he frantically spouted out, “Can we speak in private, my love? Just you and me.”

Eris bristled internally at the pet name but Y/N didn’t falter as she replied “You lost the right to call me that the moment you took another female to bed.”

Elain fidgeted in her seat, eyes downcast. Camila bouncing her murderous gaze back and forth between she and Azriel.

To his credit, Azriel took the blow. This was a bed of his own making and he knew it, they all knew it. There was no sense in trying to deny it.

His mate’s head remained held high as she continued, “By the grace of the High Lord of the Autumn Court, the consequences of your attempted infiltration of this keep have been resigned to your own High Lord.“

Shame flooded Azriel’s face but he let her continue.

“As for me? All I ever wanted was your love and commitment. I gave so many chances and when it finally seemed like you might get it - you’d squandered that opportunity as well. I am before you right now because I want to know why. And because you have not given me a reason to trust you, I have brought this council of individuals who have somehow found themselves so intertwined with our relationship when it should have only been you and me.”

Azriel spat the bitter words before he could stop them from leaving his mouth. “If Eris is not issuing consequence, there is no need for him to be here.”

Despite his exceptional ability to bait, Eris remained silent. A show of respect to the female at the head of his table.

“I was a guest in his keep when you decided to make our separation everybody’s problem and breached the wards.”

Azriel, damn him, couldn’t stop the next hateful words either. “I hardly call emissary business the equivalent of being a guest.”

Eris forwent anger over the blatant disrespect already rolling off of Azriel’s tongue when she didn’t owe him a second of her time, he knew this force of a female by his side well enough by now - biting the inside of his lip to hold back the involuntary smirk creeping its way up to the corners of his mouth as he sensed the words before she spoke them.

“You’re right, Azriel. But I am not here on emissary business, I am here as a personal guest of Eris, who has found himself intertwined in this relationship.” She then looked to her sister “Along with Camila, as they BOTH found themselves putting in considerable time and effort helping piece back together the parts of me that I couldn’t quite place myself. Do you have further question on the members in attendance today that you’d like for me to elaborate on?”

Camila, seated to the other side of Y/N, gave her sister a reassuring squeeze of the hand under the table. Silence once again filling the room, Azriel’s shadows in conjunction with Rhys’ raging darkness rendered him barely visible.

Perhaps her words to her mate were harsh but they were far kinder than the venomous “I’m here on the business of fucking the brains out of the Autumn Court High Lord who, by the way, is just as well endowed and far more bendy than you.” that she wanted to spit back at him.

As if Eris read her thoughts, he loosened the reign on that wicked smirk he’d held back.

“Now that the matter of why we’re all here is settled,” Y/N continued, “I will hear you out, Azriel. If at any point I do not wish to continue this discussion, you will leave immediately. Do you understand?”

Her stoic mate, the revered Spymaster, simpered at the words, giving a slight nod. “Yes.” Eris thought to himself in that moment, heart filled with pride, “She would make a fine High Lady.”

“Great. We have a bargain.” Her fist clenching as the tattoo formed on the back of her neck. “Please proceed.”

Azriel stood, looking to his mate. Crestfallen he began. He held himself in submission to his mate but with enough confidence for her to see that he was sincere in whatever he was about to say.

“Y/N. I love you. I have loved you since before the bond ever snapped. You are - You’re everything. Fuck, I know that what I did was terrible but, it’s not what it seems. You were so good, too good, I didn’t deserve you. I never have. You are everything good and I do nothing but bring pain and hurt to others, and now I’ve done the same to you. Words can never express how sorry I am but… I can at least share what happened.”

He looked to her, praying she’d speak, give any encouragement. Her bright eyes only stared through him, straight into the tattered soul he’d tried so hard to conceal from her.

The table remained silent. Camila biting back a scoff and Elain fidgeting with her dress.

Realizing she wouldn’t speak until he’d told her everything he continued.

He began speaking of how insignificant he’d felt in comparison to her. How he’d buried himself in work, in training with the Valkyries, helping Elain recover. He then pleaded to her, giving recollection of how he’d stopped feeling her through the bond. Giving account for everything leading up to the night he’d slept with Elain.

He recounted how he’d just wanted to get through the night, how he’d chosen to go to dinner instead of staying in, drowning himself in alcohol in an effort to get through the night, how he’d planned to tell Elain that he could no longer spend so much time with her.

It was then that he turned a violent glare to Cassian. “Tell her. Tell her, Cassian.”

Cassian let out a sigh. “Y/N, I am so sorry for the mistake I made. Nes and I, we’d stopped into a new apothecary along the Sidra and found a unique new aphrodisiac. We’d done a parting shot with Azriel and Elain after everyone else had gone out and I -“ his cheeks flushed with embarrassment, “I accidentally gave the shots we’d mixed the powder into to Elain and Azriel instead of Nes and I. I had no clue until yesterday, we just assumed it was a faulty batch.”

Azriel’s shadows swirled with rage as he picked up where he’d left off. “I went to find Elain afterward, to break things off but the aphrodisiac hit so hard, so fast, and I was so terribly intoxicated. One moment I was trying to speak, the next she was kissing me.” He shook, choking on the next words. “The next morning, I knew I could either tell you, inflicting more pain upon you, or I could carry the pain myself and make sure it never happened again.”

Lucien gritted his teeth at the admission. He’d known they slept together, she’d come straight to him afterward. Choosing to make his best effort to do right by his mate, telling himself that what had happened evened out the playing field between them. Of course it hurt, and hell, he was livid. He found himself fond of the Shadowsinger’s mate, forming a comfortable acquaintanceship with her the few times they’d attended the same events with the Inner Circle. She deserved so much more than a mate that cheated on her.

But Elain was his mate, he needed to at least try with her now that she’d finally shown up. He swallowed the bile that rose in his throat and had spent the past six months spending what time she deigned to give him with her. He’d hoped at the very least it would keep Azriel away from Elain and with his own mate. He’d felt awful when he heard she’d left.

He was drawn from his thoughts by Azriel’s next words and the corresponding pained gasp from Elain, and the thrumming power of Feyre as she seethed from both embarrassment of the ordeal and the careless words about her sister. “Y/N, Elain means nothing to me. She was a mistake. I don’t care about her beyond the fact that she’s my High Lady’s sister, I don’t love her - I only love you. I only want you. She is nothing.”

Elain clutched her chest, eyes welling with tears as she let out a whisper that may as well have been a damning scream. “But - you’re my mate.”

Time stood still as everyone turned to her in shock. Everyone, except for Rhys whose raging power dimmed momentarily, heads turned from Elain toward him as he let out an incredulous laugh. “You idiot.” Feyre turned toward him. He’d pay for that comment later, though only mildly as she was inclined to think the same of her sister. “That aphrodisiac that you were given, it is designed to imitate the mating frenzy. He’s not your mate, you were just horny.”

Elain turned ghostly, sinking in her chair at the revelation. Y/N felt sympathy for Lucien as she noted his gritted teeth. Apparently whatever she’d told Lucien, she’d left out the important detail that she thought she had another mate.

Camila’s body shook, fighting back laughter, and failing. Her laughter filled the space. “Oh my gods!” She wiped a tear from her eye. “I don’t mean to… but this, this is too good.” Her laughter only increased. “How humiliating!”

Even Y/N bit back a smile. Camila never was good at hiding her emotions, laughing in the most unstable of circumstances. And she couldn’t stop. Finally she placed her palms on the table pushing herself up. “I’m so sorry. I’ll excuse myself.” Lucien was next to stand, Elain tightly grasping his wrist. “Lucien” she whispered.

It was Lucien’s turn to let out a small laugh. “I suddenly find that I am not at all intertwined with this mess. Enjoy your mate!” He mused, a saccharine smile forming on his face as he pulled his arm away, catching up to Camila. His footsteps and the distant sound of “My lady” as he extended an arm to her, which she gladly accepted.

Elain stood eyes darting between Azriel and the door. Taking far too long to come to the decision to chase after her actual mate. Her foot moved out, pivoting her toward the doors when Rhysand commanded, “Oh no, you will stay here and finish this discussion.” She gasped looking to Feyre who only gave a solemn nod of solidarity with her mate.

Elain fell back into her seat, crossing her arms across her chest, glaring daggers at Azriel.

As the room once again settled, aside from the roaring heartbeats at the table, Y/N spoke impassively, “If there’s anything else you wish to say, now would be the time, Azriel.”

He stared wide eyed, clearly still blown away by the bullshit with Elain.

“Y/N, I am so sorry. I know that what I did was wrong. I never meant for any of this to happen. I never would have slept with her had it not been for the aphrodisiac. I never meant to hurt you. I have so much darkness within me to reckon with, so much that I’m terrified to bring up, so much I never wanted you to see. I need you to understand that. You were never the problem. It was me. It was always me. I can tell you how sorry I am, I can tell you how much I love you, but it won’t matter unless I can show you. Please give me that opportunity. I won’t let you down.”

Y/N sat still. Processing all of the details Azriel had given her. She felt his desperation barreling through the bond. Her hands again began shaking under the table without her sister there to steady them. Discreetly, Eris reached his hand to Y/N, the quivering receding at his warm touch.

Azriel’s shadows rose to whisper in his ear, his eyes instantly honing in on where their hands were joined, as if he could see right through the table.

And Y/N didn’t know if it was by a stroke of luck or the absolute lack of it but at that moment, the doors flung open and Nesta. Fucking. Archeron. stormed in.

“You.” She pointed to Azriel. One word. One action. So much damnation behind it.

Rhys’ darkness flared in the presence of his wild card sister-in-law. Cassian merely raised an eyebrow, the slightest upward curve tilting his lips as he took in his mate who could command a room full of power.

She looked over both High Lord’s at the table with an unimpressed sneer before turning that deadly, piercing gaze toward Azriel.

Azriel’s eyes widened in surprise at the Valkyrie striding toward him. “What. The. Fuck. Is. This?”

His brows knit and she opened her fist, grasping a chain with two of her fingers to display a dangling necklace.

Azriel’s face paled.

“You know, the strangest thing happened this afternoon. I was talking to my friend, Gwyn. We got to talking about flowers and Elain’s garden. Gwyn began speaking of how she loves roses, clutching at a lovely little pendant around her neck.”

“And I thought to myself, something about this necklace seems so familiar.”

“And then I recalled a solstice not too long ago where my sister came crying to me over a male who had given her a lovely necklace of the same description. How they’d pined for each other, never going further than a brush of the hands. Until the night they almost kissed, the scent of his arousal heavy in the air between them, then pulling back from her and stating ‘this is a mistake’ and leaving.

At the point Rhysand turned to his brother. “You’re fucking joking, Azriel.”

Y/N looked to them beginning to anticipate where this was going.

“When asked who gifted it to her, she stated that Clotho told her it was left for her from an anonymous admirer. So, I went to my friend Clotho, who keeps to her word very well. She’d sworn to the source she wouldn’t tell. But you know, the House of Wind is a sentient entity. Persistently tugging me toward Rhys’ belongings that remain scattered around the house.”

Nesta turned her glare from Azriel to Rhysand. “So, Rhysand, something tells me you know about this.”

Rhys lowered his head with shame hesitating as he searched for the right words.

“Y/N…. I’m so sorry. A couple of years ago, on Solstice, I caught Azriel placing a necklace on Elain.” He looked to Elain and then back at Azriel again. “I monitored the situation, hoping I was wrong, but as their lips were moments away from touching, I used my daemati abilities and summoned Azriel to my study. I truly thought whatever happened was over between them as the tension between the two seemingly faded in my presence. Until yesterday, when we found out about he and Elain sleeping together.”

Cassian glared to his brother with rage, “You gave a necklace meant for Elain to Gwyn?”

“She wasn’t supposed to know.”

Before he could dig the hole further, Elain whispered, those doe eyes peering at Azriel through her lashes, “So, you didn’t really think it was a mistake?”

Feyre broke her silence letting out an audible groan of exasperation. And Azriel broke his own silence,

“It WAS a mistake, Elain. All of it. Rhys tried to stop it. I should have listened. You were a mistake.”

Elain gasped, tears lining her eyes. And if looks could have killed, the glare Nesta gave Azriel would have ended him on the spot. But it was Elain who made the mistake of reading her sister’s rage toward Azriel as sympathy toward herself, leaning into her sister, turning her head into her side to catch her dramatized tears.

“No, Elain. I am so disappointed in you. You were completely wrecked when Graysen left you and you were only engaged. Imagine the pain Y/N felt losing her MATE.”

Eris who had been taking in the cluster fuck surrounding them mused, looking toward the door Lucien had earlier exited, “Oh, I don’t think she’ll have to imagine much.” Earning a laugh disguised as a cough from Cassian, another sigh from Feyre, and a scowl from Nesta as she chose to ignore the barb - looking again to Azriel, “You have a lot of amends to make.”

She looked to Elain, “You do too.”

With that she grabbed Elain by the arm and drug her out of the room. With a wave over her arm and a shout of, “You deserve so much better than what you’ve been through, Y/N!”

Y/N took a breath as the room regained its composure, the tension again thickening. “Is there anything else, or are you done making excuses, Azriel?”

“They’re not excuses. Y/N. I love you. I was wrong. It’s always been you.”

“I’m tired.” She spoke softly. And it was the truth.

“I spent so much time waiting for you. Praying that one day it would all become ‘right’ again. I dreamed that you’d come walking through the door, and remind me what it was like to feel your love. My Azriel, my mate, all I wanted was you.

But, this, Azriel. You are not the male I fell in love with. And I think… I think the most heartbreaking part of that is that what I loved most was those dark depths of your soul that you tried so hard to hide. You were never a monster, you were always worth loving. You wouldn’t have broken me. Shutting me out is what broke me. And I told you that, so many times, in so many ways. But you never listened.

And the reason you couldn’t feel me through the bond? The further you pulled away, the more I closed it off from my end. I hoped that it would give you time to work through whatever it was you were facing and refused to share despite my pleas. Until I eventually grew so numb that I just shut it down completely. A courtesy you never once extended to me during my time away. Do you know how hard it was to recover after I left? I felt your guilt and rage barreling through me at all hours.

And you fucking Elain? Nobody but you and Elain are responsible for your actions. Cassian is not your excuse. You chose to go that night, you chose to drink all evening, you chose to wait until that night to tell her you wouldn’t be spending time with her like you had been. You had the entire week away and chose to wait until the last minute.

The affair started long before then. I think we can agree that despite your cold treatment of her before me today, that you two were engaged in an emotional affair long before you ever went to bed with her.”

She reached into her pocket pulling out a piece of parchment.

“And then, you attempted to court Gwyn in my absence - which, fair, because I’m the one who left. She really is a lovely female. Although, I hear it didn’t quite work in your favor.”

Azriel’s eyes grew wide in panic. “The necklace didn’t-“

She laughed. “I’ll save you time and effort of your excuses, Azriel. Gwyn may not have known the necklace was from you but she did extend the courtesy of writing to me and I was rather surprised by the details of the demise of our relationship that didn’t quite line up - specifically the cheating aspect.”

She placed her hands on the table, looking her mate directly in the eyes. “I made my decision long before your attempt to break into this Keep, before the truths were unveiled today. I appreciate everyone for coming but I have heard enough. I ask that you leave now, Azriel.”

Tears filled his eyes. “Wait! Please, Y/N.” His brothers began to pull him away but Azriel fell to his knees.

“Please, baby.” He begged. “Just come home.”

She stared at the pleading male before her. A pang of sympathy for her broken mate ran through her. She wasn’t cruel and sympathy was not a weakness. This was her choice to make and nobody would blame her if she went back to her mate.

“Come home, please.”

Holding her head high, she stepped around her chair.

Eris sat expressionless, carefully avoiding any inclination of the devastation he’d feel if she chose to leave. He would support her either way.

Azriel remained focused on her every movement, his erratic breathing the only sound cutting through the tension of the room.

She took a step, and one more, before halting. Gently taking the hand of the red-headed male beside her whose eyes lined with silver as he looked up to her.

“I am home.”

EPILOGUE

The time he showed up:

Lucien suffered when his bond with Elain was severed. She did not agree to breaking the bond which left slim to no opportunity to move forward with the breaking of it. After months of intense research, Helion was able to find a tricky workaround that did not require both parties to be present. It was incredibly painful due to the negative effects being concentrated to one individual instead of split between two but fortunately not lethal.

Eris never pushed me to sever my bond with Azriel but as time went on it felt important to put that part of my life behind me. I’d extended the courtesy of writing to Azriel regarding my intention to sever it, informing him that I would be going through with the incantation that Helion had conjured. He did not reply but I knew he received the letter based on the muted feelings of grief that seeped through crevices of the walls I had placed against his end of the bond for several days afterward.

Eris traveled to the Day Court with me, having decided nobody could aid in my recovery better than he. To my shock, upon arriving, Azriel was there. Demurely, he stated that it was only right for him to share the weight of this burden. I was inclined to agree but only thanked him for showing up. He bristled at the sight of Eris but the males said nothing to eachother and we went our separate ways until Helion was ready for us. With Azriel’s presence and the pain being shared, the physical recovery on both of our ends was expedited and manageable for both of us.

We were both held in separate suites to recover until Helion gave the all-clear to leave. When the pain became less debilitating, I decided to take a stroll through an exterior walkway, soaking in the sun while Eris bathed. Apparently Azriel had the same idea as I turned a corner to find him sunning his wings, head hung low.

Right as I made to pivot, his head whipped in my direction, eyes locking with mine. Even without the bond I could easily read the pain in his eyes, the grief that surrounded him. His shadows fought to come to me but he kept a tight reign on them. His breathing was rapid, his eyes fighting to turn away but his gaze lingered.

He opened his mouth to speak, a weak sound escaping his lips before he clamped his mouth shut, jaw tensing.

I kept my gaze soft, maintaining eye contact for another moment but he didn’t try to speak again. With that, I walked away and we did not encounter eachother again during the stay.

It was later I realized that he likely wanted to say something, anything, but there was nothing left to speak between us.

The sister-in-law:

After recovering fully from the severance of his bond, Lucien cryptically invited Eris and I to a lakeside home in the Day Court.

“Dress for merriment.” His only details.

Upon arriving, we found a couple of beloved faces from my life, along with Feyre, Helion, The former lady of Autumn (now the lady of Day), Jurian, Vassa, and even Tamlin at the home. We were all escorted to the grounds where an absolutely beaming Lucien stood at an altar beside the most radiant female I’d ever seen.

That was the day my sister became also my sister-in-law. It’s a very strange thing to say aloud but makes sense if you think about it.

The first heir:

Eris cried the day our son was born. Not from the relief of having an heir, not from any upset due to the child being male, certainly not from any disappointment of being a father.

The birth was as smooth as one can be, he held my hand throughout, praising me, and whispering words of love. He didn’t even mind the curses I threw his way as I pushed. He only let go of my hand once the babe was carefully handed to me by the midwife, allowing me those first precious moments to cradle our little flame to my chest and relish in the life our love had created.

Eris cried when that tiny babe was finally passed into his arms and the little red-haired beauty grasped his finger. That touch immediately tethering a connection straight from the child in his arms delicate soul to Eris’ heart, the heart that once beat beneath layers of armor now laid bare before his son.

Never would this child know pain at his fathers hand. Never would he limit the love he could show for fear of being seen as weak. And never, ever would he question his fathers love for him.

The coronation

Azriel

Sitting here lonely at a table for two, watching lovers being lovers

Azriel sat shrouded in shadow in a quiet corner of the decorated throne room. Happy chatter rang throughout the room as attendees anxiously awaited the crowning of the High Lady of the Autumn Court.

Feyre and Rhys; Cassian and Nesta; Helion and the former Lady of Autumn; Emerie and Mor; Tamlin and his new wife, Briar; Lucien and Camila; and even Gwyn and Tarquin sat cozied up in pairs throughout the crowded throne room. Nyx had seated himself next to his best friend Alex, Camila and Lucien’s son.

From what Azriel had heard Lucien treated Alex as his own from the moment he met him, adopting the boy immediately after he and Camila married. He seemed to be a fine young man and a positive influence on Nyx, who kept Rhys and Feyre on their toes these days. Perhaps karmic justice for the hell Rhys, Azriel, and Cassian put Rhys’ mother through in their youth.

Three little girls ran through the room, two with vibrant red-hair, tan skin and freckled golden cheeks; one with dark hair, fair skin, and her mothers eyes; their giggling rang out above the chatter filling the room as an older child, a boy of eleven years old - Azriel still remembered the day the announcement arrived to the Night Court of the birth of the first Autumn Court heir - walked in a straight backed, lordly posturing behind them, a crease forming between his brows as he focused intently on his little sisters.

The boys long strides kept up with his little sisters as he reminded them to mind their paces. Lost in their merriment, the girls ignored his warnings until the boy finally let out an exasperated sigh. Stopping for a moment with his arms crossed, he raised a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose as he shook his head, murmuring gods knows what frustrated curses. Knowing his mother, it was not the typical frustrated language of a child.

Azriel gave a small, sad smile at the memories elicited.

When the boy looked up, the girls had disappeared from his sight. He grew frantic for a moment until his Uncle Lucien walked up to him, pointing to his wife and the three girls pressing kisses and talking animatedly to her round, very pregnant belly. The boy gave his uncle a smile, shoulders sagging in relief. Lucien bowed down, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. The boy took his hand and walked back toward Camila and the sisters.

Azriel placed a hand to his chest at the wave of grief that rang through him. The mating bond may have been severed but he never could get over the love that he squandered. The family that could have been his.

“You don’t have to be here, brother.” Rhysand’s voice invaded his mind.

Azriel swallowed, willing his thoughts to a tone of neutrality. “She’s the High Lady of the Autumn Court, we’re immortal, we will have to be comfortable in spaces together. It comes with the territory.”

I miss you. Without you I just don’t fit in.

He didn’t have to say what his brother already knew. That yes, he was broken when she left. Broken further when she confirmed he was no longer her home. He’d hated himself for what he’d done, for what he put her through. For a long time, he’d been a shell of the shell of himself that he’d already become. Eventually, he’d taken to seeing one of the counselors in the House of Wind’s library. He was too far gone at that point to consider such an option but Rhys had coordinated with the priestesses and mandated it. Either he got help or lost his position in the Night Court.

Even after the countless hours of counseling sessions he’d attended over the years, that “savior complex” of his remained. Seeing Y/N thriving with someone else was fucking hard but not as hard as living in a world where he never looked upon her face again. As she assumed the title of High Lady, a target would lay on her back, just as one was on any other High Lord or High Lady’s back. He’d never forgive himself if his stubborn pride kept him from attending any court events she attended and something happened to his own High Lord or Lady… or if something happened to her.

I don’t know if I’ll ever find another you.

So here he was, alone at a table, in a now quiet throne room, watching the love of his life step out onto the dais in all of her resplendent glory, kneeling down before the male she loved. Eris’ eyes lined with silver as her own lifted to meet his gaze, her chin held high as she awaited his next move. Carefully, he lifted the emerald and ruby crested crown, with one large diamond centered between two golden leaves, off of the plush pillow it sat upon. Eris’ previous words rang true through Azriel’s head “Diamonds don’t crush under pressure.” The people of this court were truly fortunate to be under the rule of such a resilient and kind ruler. The shining diamond of Autumn. She would love them deeply and do right by them in a way so few leaders were capable of.

Azriel couldn’t contain the pride that welled up in his chest, tears threatening to spill over his thick lashes as the crown was placed upon her head. And yet it was Eris who looked at her like she was the very air that he breathed, as if nothing existed in that moment but the female at his fingertips, like the only reason he himself was brought into existence was to find and cherish her for eternity. And despite his disdain for Eris Vanserra, Azriel finally understood that this was where she belonged.

Everybody’s got somebody but me.

————————————-

A/N: Thank you to everyone who has read this series! I loved writing it and I hope you are pleased with the ending. Some may ask, “What about Elain?” and to that I say, “What about her?” I find great satisfaction in the fact that she didn’t get either male, was embarrassed in front of the IC, and became so irrelevant that she was barely mentioned in the epilogue (aside from Lucien breaking the bond). Clearly, she’s still bitter considering she refused to sever the bond with him but he still found a way out (albeit painfully) and got his dream girl! Stay mad, Elain.

ACOTAR Tag List:

@lilah-asteria

Eris Tag List:

@angiedsv

Rainy Season Tag List:

@going-through-shit @kalulakunundrum @lisanna2000 @fxckmiup @sheblogs @emryb @one-big-fangirl @historygeekqueen @isa1b2h3 @bigcreatorwombatdreamer @theravenphoenix26 @sidthedollface2 @i-am-infinite @caraaaaugh @evergreenlark @darkbloodsly @piceous21 @anxious-study @chessebookgirl @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @crazylokonugget @mysticalfuncollectorus @starsinyourseyes @b0xerdancer-writes @inloveallthetime @thegirlinshadows101 @viistrength @grunchwench @starryhiraeth @macimads @feiwelinchen @acourtofbatboydreams @nebarious @haechansleafblower @melsunshine @thegirlintheshadows101 @plsfckmern @existingthroughwords @mybestfriendmademe @strangersunghoon

#acotar #sarah j maas #a court of thorns and roses #azriel #a court of silver flames #a court of frost and starlight #a court of mist and fury #a court of wings and ruin #azriel shadowsinger #daddy eris #eris vandaddy #eris vanserra #eris acotar #eris x reader #inner circle #nesta archeron #cassian #rhysand #feyre #rainy season #acotar x hunter hayes #acotar angst #acotar fluff

[hellodarling1357]

Tiny Toes: Part 3.5 - Cassian x Reader

Surprise! 🥳

Here’s a mini bonus chapter that happens soon after where part 3 ended. It’s leading into a particular storyline that has been requested quite a lot 👀

So this started out as a little fluff piece but got a little angsty towards the end...

Word Count: 1.5k

“PJs on?”

“Yep.”

“Teeth cleaned?”

“Yep.”

“Really?” Cassian quirked an eyebrow at his daughter, holding back a laugh as Ottie rolled her eyes and widely opened her mouth to prove him wrong.

“Good girl.”

“Daddy, can I sleep in your bed with you tonight?”

Usually, Cassian would have encouraged her to stay in her own room, not wanting to have her fall into the habit of not being able to settle in her own bed. But after today, the thought of holding his baby girl while she slept had him agreeing.

He watched with a soft smile as she excitedly ran into his room, her favourite, slightly-worn teddy bear in hand as she waited for him to lift her up onto the bed.

“Alrighty, all comfortable?” Cassian asked, tucking her in tightly then swooping down to smother her face in kisses, letting his hair fall forward to tickle her face. Her giggles resounded through him, heart throbbing as he looked down at his little girl in awe, wondering how something so strained had resulted in something so perfect. Despite how messy the situation with Nesta had turned out, he wouldn’t change it for the world; not when it led to what he now had.

Ottie reached her hands up, pulling his face down to hers and planting a sloppy kiss to his cheek that only a toddler could get away with.

“I love you, daddy.” She whispered as he pushed her dark hair away from her face.

“I love you too, sweet girl. Want me to read to you?” Her face lit up in excitement and she nodded enthusiastically while shuffling further into the mattress. “Alright, I’ll be back in a minute, yeah? You think about what story you want tonight.”

Focusing on getting himself ready for bed, Cassian let his mind wander to you and how incredible the day he had been so nervous for had turned out. After he had told Ottie about the two of you, you had all spent the rest of the afternoon in the sun, walking along the Sidra with Ottie bounding ahead, turning back every now and then to check that he was still holding your hand, and would then proceed to growl at him if he wasn’t. After an early dinner, Cassian and Ottie had dropped you off at your apartment, you and Cassian had decided earlier that you would give Ottie some time to process everything before pushing anything else on her.

Ottie, not having seen your place before, excitedly ran around, looking into every single room and cupboard. Cassian had called her back, telling her it was rude to be nosy, but you just shushed him and used the few minutes alone to pull him into a gentle kiss.

“Thank you for today,” he murmured against your lips.

“Thank you for trusting me with her, for wanting me to be in her life.” Cassian couldn’t find the words to express what he felt in that moment so instead pulled you in for another kiss that he hoped conveyed even just a fraction of what he felt for you.

Judging be the look you were giving him when you eventually pulled away, it had said enough; and if his heart wasn’t already yours, it would be after the way you smiled at him before pressing another soft kiss to his lips.

When Nesta left, Cassian had never even considered that he would find someone else. While they hadn’t been the perfect match, they had still been mates and if that hadn’t worked out, well, what hope did he have to be able to make it work with anyone else?

Besides, he had Ottie now. She had become his entire universe, and he was content enough in the fact that he had contributed in the making of this tiny, wonderful person that he wouldn’t need anything else again. And then he had met you, and he was forever thankful to Elain for introducing you into his life. You had shifted everything on its axis simply by being this bright light and ongoing presence for both Ottie and himself. He knew without a doubt that everything in his life, every bit of joy and fear, every mistake made, was all leading him to you, to this point in time.

*****

Three stories later, Ottie was finally beginning to doze off, tightly pressing herself even closer into his chest as her little hands clasped at his t-shirt. Cassian found himself nodding off as well, his fingers twirling through her hair, so similar to his own.

“Daddy? Are we going to be like Uncle Rhys, Auntie Feyre and Nyx now?” Her sudden question tore him away from his sleep-muddled thoughts.

“What do you mean, princess?” He asks, soothing a hand over her hair.

“Well, Uncle Rhys is Nyx’s daddy, like you’re mine. And Auntie Feyre is Nyx’s mummy,” she stayed silent for a moment, Cassian held his breath while she sorted through the thoughts flying around her head.

“So,” she continued, now looking up at Cassian with a sparkle in her eyes. “So, does that mean Y/N is my mummy?”

Cassian felt his heart pang at the clear excitement written across his daughter’s face; he was in no way prepared for this. Hell, the two of you hadn’t even broached the subject of how to navigate this situation, you had only been together for a couple of months.

“Uh,” he hesitated, unsure of the right thing to say. “Well, sweetheart, Y/N loves you very, very much but, no, she’s not your mummy, love.” Again, he felt his heart clench at the devastation of her face.

“Oh, okay,”

Resting her head on his chest again, silence enveloped them. Cassian was beginning to think she had fallen asleep when she whispered in a tearful voice, “Daddy, why don’t I have a mummy?” And Gods Cassian was fighting back his own tears at the hurt in her voice.

“Ottie, come here, sweetheart” then he was sitting up, pulling Ottie into his lap and cradling her against him as he wiped away her tears.

“We’ve never really talked about this, have we?” He asked, needing a little more time to gather his thoughts as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. He knew this day would come eventually but it was still the hardest conversation he had ever had.

“Your mother, Nesta, and I were together for a few years before we had you. And when I found out she was pregnant, that you were in her belly, it was the happiest day of my life,” he pressed a kiss to her cheek as he gauged her reaction before continuing. “That is, of course, until you came into the world, and I finally got to meet you. You were the sweetest, tiniest thing I had ever seen, and I knew I loved you instantly,” Cassian smiled softly as Ottie shyly grinned and hid her face in his neck.

“But your mother realised that she wasn’t ready to be a mummy. And even though she loved you very much she had to leave so that she could deal with some things that had happened to her,” Ottie stayed silent against him, he could sense her processing his words. “Do you want to ask me any questions about her?”

Ottie stayed silent for a few more minutes, Cassian giving her time to wrap her head around everything as he soothingly rubbed a hand up and down her back whilst rocking her back and forth and pressing kisses to the top of her head.

“Will she come back?”

“I don’t know, princess,” A few more moments passed as Ottie sat in his arm.

“Do you love her?” Cassian couldn’t find it in himself to say a single bad word against Nesta. Despite her leaving him, leaving Ottie, without so much as a goodbye, he didn’t want to taint the image of her in his daughter’s mind.

“I love that she brought you to me.” That seemed to be enough of an answer as Ottie nodded her head in response and cuddled closer into him.

“You can ask me anything you want, okay? But how about we get some sleep?” Ottie stayed silent but nodded again, allowing him to shuffle back down the mattress, arms still wrapped around her as he soothed a hand over her hair.

Again, Cassian thought Ottie had fallen asleep when she asked in a voice barely above a whisper, “are you going to leave me too?”

The fear in her face had tears welling in his eyes as he adamantly said, “No, princess. Please don’t ever think that I’ll leave you. I’m not going anywhere. Even when you’re all grown up and don’t want me around anymore, you’re stuck with me. Okay, sweet girl?”

Ottie nodded with a small smile as the words sunk in, she reached up a hand and wiped away Cassian’s own tears with her chubby fingers as she sniffed back her own. “I love you, daddy.”

“I love you, Ottie. So, so much.”

Ottie finally drifted to sleep, one hand clenched around Cassian’s t-shirt, the other holding onto her teddy bear. Cassian, however, was so far from sleep now. Instead, he opted for watching his daughter sleep soundly against him, wondering, yet again, how he had gotten so lucky.

*****

Part 4

Tag List: @mis-lil-red @sarawritestories @beardburnsupersoldiers @eve175 @blushingfawnsposts @turtleshavesoulmates @slytherinindisguise @sleepylunarwolf

#cassian x reader #cassian x y/n #cassian acotar #cassian x you #cassian imagine #rhysand acotar #azriel acotar #feyre acotar #marley writes

[daycourtofficial]

Falling in Love on the Fourth Floor - Part 7

Summary: Out of an act of desperation, you move in with a guy you kind of know who happens to have a really hot brother who lives next door.

Author’s note: eeeek I’ve had parts of this one in the drafts for AGES the middle section has been drafted for at least a month I swear and I’ve been sitting on it like 🧍‍♀️ waiting to share it. I think this is my favorite part so far (but not my fav overall 🥰)

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Masterlist)

Your day had been shit. Ever since that godsawful date Mor ambushed you with last night, you couldn’t stop yourself from wondering about Azriel and Nesta’s date. What they were doing, how things were going, if she was making him laugh.

Hell, you couldn’t stop thinking about their date while on your own date. The guy was good looking, and he wasn’t terrible, but there was nothing there between you two.

He also was very into cryptocurrency, a topic that quickly took over the conversation at dinner. A topic you did not encourage him to continue on. He somehow didn’t get that memo, insisting on walking you up towards the doors of your building when he was dropping you off, where you had made a lame excuse about going to bed early before ducking into your building.

You had followed the same path Azriel took only moments ago, continuing on to your own apartment. You open the door, finding a note on the fridge in Cassian’s messy scrawl.

Have fun.

He drew a winky face, and then several crude drawings on the post-it. The drawings made you groan, Cassian’s enthusiasm for your date further solidifying your nonexistent chance with his brother.

Of course Cassian would have Mor set you up after he found out about your little crush on his brother. You felt so stupid when you saw Nesta on their couch earlier today. You hardly spoke to Rhysand on the way to lab, your thoughts too flooded with how terribly you had read the whole situation.

Cassian probably told Mor all about your dumb crush and got her to fix you up tonight. Maybe Azriel had even mentioned your text to Cassian, asking him what to do about the annoying roommate who developed a crush on his brother.

Your chest hurts, but it was just a silly crush. You’ll get over it.

Eventually.

-

Azriel stood in the elevator, waiting for the doors to close as he looked at his phone, looking at the last message you had sent him Friday morning.

Wanna grab lunch tomorrow?

He hadn’t answered, his phone having been on silent all day to focus on finishing his work for the next week and the reception in the library not allowing messages to come through. He hadn’t seen the message until he woke up this morning, the timestamp seeming cruel.

Now he stares at it and wants to throw his phone. Missed opportunities, he supposes. But what would this lunch have looked like since you’re dating that dickhead from last night? Would you have had to reject him outright?

He can see your face contort in a smile as you tell him, “oh no, Az, I’m seeing someone.” Then you’d probably laugh about it with the dickhead.

He runs his hands down his face when he hears someone yelling, “hold the elevator please!” He juts out an arm on instinct, not noticing who it is. He sees you slip inside, the doors bumping against his arm, bringing him back to reality as he looks down at you.

Fuck.

A light scent of oranges fills the elevator, and he notes it’s likely from your shampoo. He pulls his arm from the door, allowing them to close, locking the two of you in the metal box.

You look up at him, eyes going wide, cheeks heating in embarrassment at the close proximity. You’re standing right in front of him, and you can smell his cologne, a scent of night-chilled air and cedar filling your nose. You take deep breaths, telling yourself that it’s okay, it was just a little crush.

On a very pretty, smart, and very kind guy.

Who smelled incredible.

You look down at your feet, unsure how to speak to him now that you knew he was dating Nesta. And not wanting to further embarrass yourself by flirting with him.

Gods, this was how you were going to die, you think, shuffling to lean against the rail. Azriel’s voice puts a halt to the spiraling of your thoughts.

“Nice date last night?” Azriel asks, trying not to let whatever he’s feeling bubble up. Your eyebrows shoot up, unaware of Azriel even knowing about your date.

Of course he knows, you think, Cassian probably told him he’d handle it.

“He spent the while night telling me about stocks and crypto and how he wants to be in Forbes 30 under 30,” you scoffed, “so no, it was not nice.”

The elevator starts moving, and his eyebrows shoot up. “So that wasn’t your boyfriend?”

You scoff, “hell no. Mor ambushed me yesterday. She told me to get dressed up and we’d go out and have a fun girl’s night, but when I showed up she texted me that she set me up instead.

“The worst part is Mor was so confident that she told Cassian about it, so he had stayed at her place last night to give me ‘privacy’. He even left crude drawings around the apartment to help the ‘atmosphere’.”

Azriel laughs as the elevator dings for the third floor. He feels his chest lighten, knowing you definitely weren’t seeing anyone. “Mor’s always been ambitious, hasn’t she?”

You laugh. “Maybe it was just a ploy for her to have sex with Cassian.”

You say it, but you know it’s not true. The real truth was they wanted to put you out there, help you get over the beautiful man standing next to you. They knew you didn’t have a shot, especially compared to Nesta. You’re brought back to reality, and decide to hurt yourself further.

“How was your date with Nesta?” You ground out, after a pause in your conversation. You needed to know so you can completely cut off your feelings for him. You needed him to pierce you with the final dagger.

His eyebrows arch up, and he looks at your expression.

Were you upset? You won’t meet his gaze, and you’re clenching your fists. Were you - jealous?

His mouth curls up at the thought, “uh it wasn’t a date. Nesta and I study together every Thursday night. We take a lot of the same classes. We did it last night instead because she was busy on Thursday.”

Your eyebrows raise in surprise, “so you’re not dating Nesta?”

He laughs, “absolutely not. No that’s an avenue I’d never go down. But there is some-“

His words die as you hear a screeching sound and the elevator stops completely, leaving you two stranded somewhere between the first and second floors.

“No - no, no, no.”

You start freaking out - elevators always gave you a bit of concern, their small dimensions making you feel cramped. You hit the button to open the door, jamming it with your finger. Realizing that it was fruitless, You pull out your phone only to remember that the elevator always has no service.

“Fuck,” you mumble, and your breaths start coming faster and faster, and you’re trying to remember your calming techniques, when you feel cold hands gently grab your cheeks.

“Hey, look at me.”

You look up, finding hazel eyes looking back at you. They’re etched with concern, not a trace of mockery in them.

“We’re okay. Breathe with me, can you do that?”

He grabs one of your hands, placing it on his chest so you can feel his breaths as they come in and out. Your eyes stay trained on his, not wanting to look away, wanting to get lost in the gold flecks you find there.

You start following the rhythm of his breaths, but he keeps talking to you in a soothing tone. You’re too focused on breathing to register what he’s saying, but you do register the soothing tone he’s speaking to you in. You could get lost in his voice, its deep timbre a melody in your ears.

Eventually you come back down enough to focus on what he’s saying and he’s telling you about his night - everything he did yesterday.

“Rhys texted me to get some trash bags on my way in, which is where I was coming from when I pulled up and found you with crypto douche.”

You smile, your first real reaction to his words since the elevator stopped.

“There she is,” he says, his finger tapping your cheek, “wanna tell me more about crypto douche?”

“He wants to be a landlord.”

Azriel snorts, “of course he does.”

“I didn’t even want to go on this date,” your eyes stay locked with his, the golden flecks calming you down. “But Mor has been begging me to go out with this guy for ages, and then she finally decided to ambush me by forcing it on me.”

“You know you can tell Mor “no”. It’s a complete sentence.”

“I know,” you sigh, “but she loves playing matchmaker, even though she’s awful at it. Usually once every other month I let her set me up, but she was just throwing a tantrum I wouldn’t let her set me up this time once I figured out the rouse.”

He doesn’t let himself linger on the fact that you haven’t let her set you up since meeting him. Coincidence, maybe. “Have any of them been successful?”

You blow out a breath, “uh, no. Usually I stay for an hour then leave. None of them have ever gotten a second date.” You pause, thinking. “In the words of the great philosopher of our time, “I’m a pathological people pleaser,” you chuckle.

“And who said that?”

“…. Taylor Swift.”

He looks at you, a chuckle on his breath, such tenderness in his gaze it shocks you a bit. “You should stand up for yourself more.”

“I’m… not really sure how. It’s kind of new to me.”

You look at your feet, but he taps your chin so you’ll look at him again. “I stood up to my parents, and it was the scariest thing I’ve ever done.”

You had tiptoed around the topic since your admission to Cassian the day you moved in, the wound still too raw to discuss with anyone other than Feyre. Mor knew some of the details, but not the whole story. You’re sure Rhys and Az knew that something happened with your parents, but you never let them know too much about it.

They didn’t know that your parents had told you that you became everything they had tried to avoid. That, despite everything they did for you, you didn’t turn out right.

You hadn’t told Mor because you knew she would have burnt down their house with them in it.

“It was scary, moving here with a guy I hardly knew.” His grip on you tightens slightly, and he’s hanging onto every word you say.

“But I don’t regret it. Not even when Cassian wakes me up at 6 AM with his singing.”

He chuckles, and he stills as you look into his eyes, your voice clear and strong.

“I don’t… I don’t regret any of it. I don’t regret meeting you.”

His hands are still cupped on your face, his face mere inches from your own. Your confession hangs in the air as you two look at each other, and he leans closer, pressing his forehead to yours.

Your breathing hitches, but not because you’re stuck.

He opens his mouth to reply, but the elevator comes back to life, moving downwards again. It startles both of you into jumping away from each other, and you clear your throat.

“Where are- where are you going?” You ask, gesturing towards his helmet.

“Oh, uh Cassian forgot his lunch and doesn’t have time to grab anything between clients. I was going to bring him something.”

The air is lighter between you two, and Azriel feels like he can breathe you in again. The fog of confusion has lifted between you two, leaving you to be seen clearly by him.

“Do you want to get lunch?”

He echos your previous text message to him, and you nod.

“Yeah I’d love that.”

You stroll through the lobby, putting as much distance between the falter elevator and yourselves. Once you make it to the parking lot, Azriel places his spare helmet on your head, tapping the top of it lightly affectionately.

You zip your jacket up as Azriel gets on the bike first, his thighs straddling the seat. He holds the bike steady, allowing you to place your hands on his shoulders for balance, letting go of your fears as you swing your leg around to straddle the bike behind him. Your body leans against his, wrapping around him, holding onto him.

You place your head on his back, your fingers clutching onto his jacket. It feels new, electricity crackling through every inch of you that is in contact with him, despite the layers and helmets that separate you.

He chuckles at the gasp you let out when you two start moving, how your hands hold onto his jacket a little tighter than before.

He pulls a hand away to place it gently on one of the hands you have clutched to his jacket, squeezing three times before moving his hand back.

#acotar fanfiction #azriel x reader #azriel #azriel x you #azriel fanfic #azriel fluff #acotar writing #azriel x y/n

[readychilledwine]

Schedule Conflicts

Summary - Azriel shouldn't plan dates when he's tired. Luckily, Lyria finds a solution that makes everyone happy. Game Night.

Warning - just wholesome Fluff, slight mention of smut, Liz's dream of a friendship between Nesta and Rhys forming

Prompt - Day 7 - Free day

A/n - As @polyacotarweek comes to a close *and I post 3 fics for today* I want to make sure to thank @acourtofladydeath and anyone else involved for organizing this week. I personally believe that ending stereotypes involved with "alternative" lifestyles is so important. I genuinely enjoyed this week, and hopefully, we will all get to partake again next year!

💕Poly+ACOTAR Week Masterlist💕

“Cassian!” Panic hit Azriel the second Lyria was throwing her arms around Cass, smiling wide as she did before immediately leaving him in favor of Nesta.

He checked his calendar again, growing pale as he realized in his exhausted state from his previous mission he had double scheduled a date.

He looked to Cassian who immediately seemed to know and moved over. “We can leave.”

“She's been looking forward to this all week.”

“Rhysand has been looking forward to her all week, too, Az. He has a kid. He needs her, we can-”

“No. Let me talk to her. Lyria, baby, can I fix your dress?” Confused eyes met his before she nodded and followed. He sighed as he shut her bedroom door behind them. “I fucked up.”

Lyria made a face, nodding for him to continue. “I accidentally planned date night for you with Cass and Rhys. Feyre, Nesta, and I were all planning on going to Rita's anyway, but you have Rhys and Cass tonight.”

“Oh. That's not a big deal. Cassian and I were talking about him teaching me poker anyways. A third body would be helpful.”

Azriel felt his brows go up. “Cassian only plays strip poker.”

“I am aware,” the smirk had Azriel smiling at his mate. “Rhys knows he can't touch.”

“He'll watch, though.”

“Feyre won't mind. He goes home to her and it will rile him up for her.”

Azriel smiled softly. “Rhys will mind because he genuinely loves you. He and Feyre would like to change our rules a bit, but are waiting for you."

“Then we should all hang out here.” He watched Lyria walk to a closet he had yet to explore, jaw falling slightly as she opened in. “You said you all like board games, right? I have plenty.”

Plenty was an understatement. Lining the shelves of this closet were games from every court. Trelis from Spring, Mancala from Dawn, Risk from Night. Azriel picked his jaw up as he went to look. “Why have you been hiding all of this?”

“I normally only play with Eris and Lucien.”

Azriel smiled before picking several games they had all been wanting to get a hold of and play a few days ago before kissing his mate. “You are so smart, angel. Let's see if we can compromise.”

Rhysand and Feyre had arrived, luckily dressed casually and were laughing with Nesta and Cassian. Azriel set the board games down on the counter and turned to Rhys. “No more planning dates when I'm half asleep from missions.” 

The High lord was too stunned at the collect to even respond. “Are these all hers?” They all turned to where Lyria had came out, several bottles of alcohol and a wooden box in hand. 

“Who wants to take me to go get snacks?” Rhys and Cassian looked to each other before Rhysand came to her. “Perfect. Ness, you want cake?”

“Always.”

“Cass? Something crunchy?”

“Of course, princess.”

“Feyfey, lots of fruits?”

“Ooooh strawberries if you two can find them!”

She turned to Az, “I won't expose you.”

Rhysand then coughed, “The bakery. We'll just get whatever the bakery has.” Cassian glared as Rhys smirked and smacked Lyria on the ass as they walked out. 

“I get her all night.”

“Excuse me?” Feyre laughed as Nesta glared to Cassian. 

“You three were supposed to go to Ritas.”

Feyre gasped, looking to Nesta and grabbing her hands, “We could still go! Play a couple games and leave Rhys, Lyria, and Cassian alone.” 

Nesta nodded eagerly. “Only if you're okay with sharing Az.”

“Az was made to be shared. Rhys already said he was okay with sharing her with Cass.”

Cassian sighed, “In case Cassian's opinion matters, I also told Rhys I'd love to spend the night with them. It's Lyria and Az. Az feels guilty, and we know how Lyria is.”

Feyre smiled. “Little people pleaser.”

Nesta hummed, “The cutest people pleaser. Can we play that one?” Cassian followed Nesta's deadly finger, laughing as he realized she was pointing at a game called “Wingspan.” 

They began taking the game out of its protective box. Feyre was admiring the artwork, as Nesta read the rules. Cassian began opening and setting up drinks.

Azriel was moving the table, ensuring his mate's home had enough room as Feyre rested her head on his shoulder, pointing at little brush stroke details.

Rhys and Feyre returned moments later, bags in hand and faint blush on the female's cheeks as the High Lord whispered into her ear. 

Lyria has not been expecting the competitive nature of her new circle to come out so heavily during game time. They had switched to partner games, her, Cassian, and Rhys on one team while Azriel sat across from her with Feyre and Nesta. Large hands rested on her thighs, occasionally their pinkies touching as well. 

The arguing in the room soon turned to laughter. Laughter into deep conversation, and before all the couples knew, Lyria's home began to mimic a picture perfect sunrise instead of the Night sky. 

“Holy fuck,” Cassian looked to the window. “How long were Elain and Lucien planning on watching Nyx?”

“All night,” Rhys replied from his spot next to Nesta. The two were in a heavy discussion regarding proper uses of magical objects. “We had planned to stay the night away from home.”

“I enjoyed this,” Feyre leaned against Azriel, eyes half shut.

“My mate did too. She enjoyed it so much she fell asleep on Cassian.” 

They all looked to the mentioned male and where he held the now known Day Court Heiress. She had curled into his lap an hour ago, falling asleep as he whispered to her and wrapped his wings around them to keep her warm. 

“Let's do it again, maybe a once a month thing?” Rhys squeezed Nesta's hand. “I enjoyed spending time with you, Ness.”

“It's the first time we haven't ripped each other's heads off.” Feyre smiled bright as did Cassian. “I think we'll still do that from time to time, though.”

“Absolutely.” Rhysand's face was serious, but his eyes sparkled. “Not in front of our starlight, though. Agreed?” 

Everyone in the room nodded as Cassian went to carry Lyria to her room. Feyre smiled as Rhysand pulled her up from Azriel. “She's so sweet, Azriel. I'm so glad we all get to enjoy her this way.”

“Me too,” the shadowsinger stretched. “Her heart has so much love to give. I'm glad we all can bask in it.”

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 @hungryforbatboys @lilah-asteria

Poly+ACOTAR Week Taglist

@amara-moonlight @toporecall @littlestw01f @prettylittlewrites @anuttellaa @nayaniasworld @123345566

#acotar #acotar x oc #poly!acotar x oc #polyamorous visibility #consensual non monogamy #poly+acotarweek 2024 #poly+acotarweek 2024 d7 #feysand x azriel x oc #nessian x azriel x oc

[danikamariewrites]

Hello! Hope u are doing well. I had this thought on how the ic is worried about the reader especially azriel because their mates. She has scarpes on her legs and arms. They think she is hurting berself, they tell her to stop they beg abd cry. She is beyond co fused. Even Nyx is crying because of her state. She says she won't do it again. But.....

She sneeks out at night at when she comes back thay are all wide awake and giving a deathly glare. Reader starts saying that she can't help, she's been doing it since she was 4 and it brings her joy. Az goes balistic. But then Nyx notices a skateboard. The n they realize. Reader explains that she loved skateboarding especially at night and that her old friends came to visit her and they skateboard as well. Thank you!

What Did You Think?

Azriel x reader

A/n: omg this is so chaotic and poor Nyx

Warnings: mentions of injuries, allusions to self harm

Feyre and Nesta enter Rhys’s office and the sight before them broke their heart. Azriel looked distressed. Like he hadn’t slept in days and he seemed on edge. Feyre poured him a cup of tea while Nesta sat next to Azriel, resting a reassuring hand on his forearm.

Azriel takes the tea with a small thank you from his High Lady. “Az, we’re worried about her too. She’s our friend too.” Nesta said in the most caring tone any of them had heard from her.

“She’s part of this family, brother. We’re going to help you two through this.” Rhys said, leaning against his desk. “I want to talk to her today.” They all nod in agreement. “Whatever you think best.” Cassian said with a reassuring tone.

——

You shut the door and unbuckle your helmet so Azriel doesn’t hear the clip. You were so happy you finally landed that kick flip you’ve been working on for months. You had plenty of scrapes and bruises to prove your hard work and you couldn’t wait to show Azriel.

Throwing your stuff in the hall closet, you rushed into the living room. You stop short, the smile falling from your face at the sight of your family looking somber. “Did something happen?” You ask, cautiously stepping forward. You look to Azriel standing in the middle of the room.

You give him a sad, worried look. He looked distraught. “Y/n, we want to talk to you.” Azriel gestures for you to sit in the arm chair closest to the fire. Azriel kneels in front of you holding your hands. “What’s going on Az?” “Baby we’re concerned about your cuts and bruises. And I…you can talk to me about it. But please promise me you’ll stop.”

You gave Azriel an unsure look. Scanning the room you see everyone matches Azriel’s expression. Even Nyx is crying. If they want you to stop skateboarding that’s all they had to say. You know you should wear more padding but you didn’t know Azriel cared this much.

“Ok. I’ll stop, and things will change.” You give him a small smile and your family seems to let out a collective breath. Nyx even wiggled out of Feyre’s arms to jump into your lap. “No more ouchies Auntie y/n?” You brush Nyx’s hair back as he looks up at you. “Yup, no more ouchies or boo boos Nyxie.” He cuddled up to you and wouldn’t let go until you and Feyre took him to bed.

——

Later that night while Azriel was asleep you found yourself tossing and turning. You were still excited about the tricks you could do now that you could do a kick flip. Slowly, you lift Azriel’s arm from your middle so you can slip out of bed.

You quietly dress and head downstairs to get your board and helmet. Leaving through the front door you happily head to the skate park.

Minutes later Azriel stirred, blinking his eyes open he sees your side of the bed empty. The sheets still warm. Your scent still fresh. Azriel shoots up and starts searching the house for you. When Azriel found the front door slightly open he freaked out, immediately screaming for Rhys in his mind.

——

An hour later you’re creeping back into the house. The lights turning on made you jump and drop your skateboard. Turning, your friends are standing behind you. Azriel is looking at you with an anger you’d never seen before.

“Where were you? We talked about this. You said you’d stop and you come home with new cuts.” His face fell as he held your shoulders. “Where were you?” You struggled to get your words out. You felt like there was some misunderstanding between you and your family.

Before you could respond Nyx cam wobbling down the stairs, his little wings struggling to stay up as he rubbed at his eyes. “What’s that?” He points at with a chubby little fist.

Everyone looks behind you at the skateboard. You move out of Azriel’s grip and pick up your board. “It’s my skateboard, Nyx.” You gently push it over to him. “Skateboard?” “Yeah Nyx. You stand on it and use one foot to push. You can even do tricks on it.” You smile at him as the toddler sits on it, pushing with his feet and giggling.

“Skateboarding? You’ve been skateboarding?” You look up at Az from your crouching position on the floor. “Yeah, I’ve been trying new tricks and that’s where all these scrapes and bruises came from. One of my old friends was in town and she was teaching me new stuff.”

Everything clicked for Azriel. You disappearing. The constant cuts and bruises. But you were happy so that was what troubled Azriel. He was relieved that you were just falling off your skateboard.

“I’ve been skateboarding since I was a kid. What did you guys think was happening?” Azriel dropped to his knees, embracing you. “Thank the mother.” You hugged Az back patting his back. “It’s ok Az. I’ll just wear more pads.”

Back in bed wrapped up with your mate you were still confused about what happened. You’d talk in the morning though. Right now you were just happy he wasn’t about your lack of protective gear while skateboarding

#acotar #acotar fanfiction #acotar reader fic #acotar reader imagine #acotar imagine #azriel x reader #azriel shadowsinger #azriel acotar #azriel x you #azriel fanfic #azriel #azriel fic #acotar azriel #azriel imagine

[acourtofthought]

Another argument I often see is that Feyre and Nesta were able to fall in love without the bond driving their decision which is why Elucien's bond will be rejected, because Elain can't fall in love naturally with Lucien.

(sort of a continuation of my last post)

Feyre:

Can anyone explain why Feyre would have had any reason to want Rhys, even UTM?

We remember UTM, right? All the things Rhysand did to Feyre long before she ever realized it was all part of the mask he was wearing?

To Feyre, it wasn't Rhys pretending to be the bad guy. UTM, he was the bad guy.

She didn't begin to realize who he actually was until many months later.

Yet she wanted him even then. Because of the mating bond. No, she didn't feel it snap but she even says "her heart knew he was hers long before she did."

That's because they were mates even then and that is why she wanted him. Not because she chose him for how super sweet and loving he was UTM but because they were mates.

She fell for the person eventually but the bond is always what drew her to him in the first place.

Nesta:

Can anyone explain why Nesta would have wanted Cassian from the moment she met him?

He was the species she grew up fearing, right? She didn't even want Feyre in her house after being turned fae yet somehow she desperately wanted a stranger?

Was that because she had spent so much time with Cassian and realized what a good and decent male he was? Or was it because the bond drew her to him in a way that terrified her?

Same as Feyre, she didn't know a mating bond existed between them but she knew something was there.

She didn't choose Cassian because they were such good friends. She wasn't terrified at first because she loved him after the ways he made her laugh or the thoughtful gifts he gave. She was overwhelmed and drawn to him because of the bond.

Neither Archeron actually chose their mates.

Sure they eventually got to know them and fell in love but they wanted Rhys and Cassian even when they didn't want to want them, when they had absolutely no reason to want them. When they would have probably chosen anyone but them.

The bond took away their choice just as much as e/riels claim it takes away Elain's.

At least she's going into things with eyes wide open rather than wondering why she's drawn to someone she considered an "enemy" the way Feyre and Nesta did.

Fated Mates romance is not a "I choose my own destiny" trope. It's a "Jesus Take the Wheel" kind of trope meaning that eventually the characters (despite some initially fighting fate) realize that maybe there is some all powerful entity that might know better.

Clearly that entity knew what was best for Feyre and Nesta.

If that's somehow offensive to someone's feminist ideals then, while I respect their opinion, SJM is clearly not the author for you.

Because Nesta and Feyre did not choose for themselves. They merely eventually came around to the path that fate always intended for them.

#elain archeron #anti e/riel #elucien #pro elucien

[ravencoloredroses]

Jealousy

Azriel x Reader

Summary: Reader is tired of pinning after Az when he’s fallen for 3 different girls and none of them are her.

Warnings: Swearing, sexual talk

Word Count: 1,658

A/N: This one is based on this ask! Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think!!

———————————————————————————

I’ve known the Inner Circle of the Night Court for centuries, some think of me as an honorary member. Mor and I grew up together, I’ve known her my whole life. When she finally invited me to Velaris, I met him. Azriel, a.k.a the spymaster, and Mother, was he perfect. The only problem was he was hopelessly in love with my best friend.

As the years went on I fell hopelessly in love with him. I would cherish every moment we spent together. I thought he was starting to get over Mor, and that maybe he could be interested in me. But then the Archeron sisters showed up.

Watching Rhys and Cassian fall for their mates was amazing to watch. Feyre and Nesta were perfect matches for them. I could tell Elain liked Az, I mean who wouldn’t. What was hard was watching him fall for her.

Everyday was torture. I knew Az would never like me the way I like him, but it was still hard.

Now with Mor and Elain out of the picture, Gwyn has waltzed in. The problem with that was that she is so damn nice, I can’t hate her no matter how hard I try. She would be perfect for him and it’s obvious she thinks so too.

As we sit down for family dinner, I leave a seat open next to me for Az to sit. Of course he doesn’t, he chooses to sit next to Gwyn who gives him googly eyes every time he walks by.

Mor ends up sitting next to me and gives me a sad smile. I told her years ago about my feelings for Azriel. She tried to convince me to confess to him, but I didn’t want to ruin what friendship we had left.

Az and I used to train with each other every morning. After the war, I thought that would continue, but now he trains with Gwyn. He hardly talks to me anymore, barely looks at me.

I try my best to concentrate on eating, but I hear giggles coming from Gwyn. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Az giggles back. He actually giggles at her.

I stab my fork into my steak a little too hard, causing the whole table to look up at me, including him.

“Y/N? Is everything alright?” Rhys asks me.

I clear my throat and look down at my plate. “Yeah, everything’s wonderful.” I spit out. Now I remember I’m not hungry, so I stand up and head up to my room.

When I walk past Azriel, I see him trying to get my attention but I keep on walking.

Laying down on my bed, I hear a soft knock on my door.

“Y/N? Can I come in?” Mor asks quietly. When I don’t respond she slowly opens the door. “Wanna go out to Rita’s?”

“What?” I ask, dumbfounded. “How is Rita's your solution to everything?”

She laughs as she sits down next to me. “Because it works. Now come on Missy. Let’s go find you a one night stand.”

I look up at her with wide eyes. “I’m sorry, what did you just say?”

“You heard me!” She pulls me up and walks me over to my closet. “You need to clear your mind for a night. Let loose. Oh! This dress is perfect!” She turns to me holding up a skimpy black dress.

“Mor…. I can’t wear that.”

“Sure you can! You just have to unzip the back, then step into it, put your arms through the holes and then boom! You’re wearing it!” She laughs and hands me the dress. “I’ll leave you to change. Meet me in my room so I can do your makeup!” She yells over her shoulder before shutting the door. Great looks like I’m going to Rita’s.

When I look at myself in Mor’s mirror, I almost can’t recognize myself. “Woah. I look….”

“I believe the word you are looking for is hot. You look hot!” Mor did my makeup perfectly, nothing too crazy, just enough to bring out my features. The dress she picked out is a perfect fit. It hugs all my curves beautifully and shows just the right amount of cleavage. It also has an open back and ends just above my knees.

“Alright!! Let’s go have some fun!” Mor grabs ahold of my hand before winnowing us over to Rita’s.

It’s not as packed as I thought it was going to be, but it’s still really busy. “What about that guy over there?” Mor yells over the loud music. She’s been pointing out potential hookups since we got here. This one she’s pointing to is already looking over at us. “OMG he’s coming over to you! Act cool.”

“Hello ladies. You look like you could use a dancing partner.” The male says to me, holding his hand out. I look over to Mor and see that she’s already gone, of course she is..

I turn back to my new dance partner and grab onto his hand as he pulls me to the dance floor. I’m trying not to focus on how low his hand is as we sway to the music.

“What’s your name?” He asks as a slower song starts to play.

“Y/N. What’s yours?”

“Nikolas.” He responds, I place my hands around his neck as we lean into each other a bit more. “Well Y/N, how about we get out of here, head back to my place?”

“I’d like that.” I look up and give him a smile. He takes one of my hands and leads me towards the door, and I look around to find Mor. I finally find her by the bar and she gives me a wink before turning back to her drink.

As we step outside, I shiver a little bit because of the cold. Nikolas takes off his jacket and places it around my shoulders, leaving his hand there as well. “Have I told you how beautiful you are?” He asks.

I look up at him and he leans down and kisses me. For a second I just stand there, but then I kiss him back and wrap my arms around his neck. I begin playing with his hair as he lifts me up so I can wrap my legs around his waist.

“Nikolas,” I say when we break for a breath. “I’m on a tonic.”

“Me too.” He replies. We go back to kissing and then I feel a gust of wind behind me. Nikolas lets go of my legs and I drop to the ground.

“What the fuck?” I hear Nikolas yell at someone. I look up and see Azriel pushing Nikolas up against a wall. Shadows are wrapped too tight around his neck. I can see his face turning purple.

“You do not touch her, do not look at her, do not even think about her. Got it?” Az grits his teeth. “She is mine. And if I ever see you near her again, I will gut you out and wrap your intestines around a flagpole.” Az finishes as he pushes Nikolas down on the ground. He gets up quickly and runs away.

“Az, what the fuck?” I yell out. He turns to face me and I can see that he is still fuming. “What the hell do you mean I’m yours?” I ask when I finally comprehend what he just said.

His eyes soften as he starts to walk closer. “I- I love you Y/N. I have for a while.” He whispers.

“I’m sorry, what did you just say?” I ask, taking a step back. “You- you love me? But- But what about Gwyn?”

“What about Gwyn?” He counters. “It’s you that I want, it’s always been you.” He closes the distance between us and moves a piece of my hair behind my ear. “Cassian told me everything.”

“Cassian? But….. Mor must have told him.” I look down in embarrassment. He lifts my head up with a finger under my chin.

“I’m sorry I’ve been too stupid to notice. I thought that since you are best friends with Mor, that you wouldn’t like me for pinning after her.” He confesses. “I wanted to tell you how I felt before the war, but then everything happened and the timing was never right.”

“So you’re not dating Gwyn?”

“No! I never dated Gwyn. She’s a nice female, but she’s just a friend.”

“And Elain?”

He sighs. “I thought I liked Elain, but I figured out I just liked the fact that she liked me. I like you Y/N, I choose you. If you’ll have me.” He cups my cheek.

“Azriel, of course I’ll have you. I’ve loved you since the day I met you.” He wipes away one of my tears.

“Why are you crying then?”

“Because,” I sniffle. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“It’s happening.” He leans in closer. “Y/N? Can I kiss you?”

“Please.”

His lips feel even better than I’ve ever imagined they would. It’s like we were molded for each other. The kiss is saying everything we can’t with words. I feel his love for me and I can tell he feels mine back.

When we break away for air, he leans his forehead on mine. I jump when someone behind us suddenly starts clapping. Az holds me close as we look over to our audience.

“That was the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen in my entire existence.” Cassian fake cries. “And to think, it’s all because of me!”

Rhys grabs a box of tissues out of thin air and hands it over to Cas. “Here brother, you look like you need these.” He laughs. Cassian takes one from the box and loudly blows his nose. I laugh and look back up to Az. He looks down at me, also laughing.

“Well, my love, would you like to go home?”

“Yes, please.”

#a court of thorns and roses #acotar #azriel #cassian #feyre #mor #nesta #rhys #Rhysand #Elain #Gwyn #shadowsinger #shadowsinger x reader #azriel shadowsinger #azriel x reader

[fuckmelifesucks]

Cheap Alcohol and Ruined Sleep

Pairings: Elriel/Feysand/Nessian

Summary: Cass and Rhys make regretful 'college student' choices. Az is homicidal. The sisters' night is ruined with them having to help play babysitter. Nesta is annoying. Feyre is tired. Elain is trying to help Az keep his sanity.

Warning: Modern college AU.

Words: 2.4k

Characters: ACOTAR; Sarah J Mass.

~~~~~

“Huh?”

Elain sat up in her bed with a frown, resting the book she’d been reading on her nightstand. The furrow of her brows deepened when she saw what time her clock displayed. Another knock was heard from across the small apartment she shared with her sisters, both peacefully asleep in their own rooms.

Pushing away the glaring screen of her laptop displaying the assignment she’d been working on for the past few hours, she climbed out of her bed and padded out of her room and towards the entry door, wondering who it might be this late at night.

She curled her fingers around the knob and pulled open the door only to be greeted with a sight that surprised her but also didn’t at the same time. “Azriel?”

Hazel eyes like sunsets and autumn leaves and spring trees shot up to meet hers, a weariness to them that made her eyebrows rise as she asked, “What’s wrong?”

With all the seriousness of the world, Azriel questioned, “Would you, by any chance, have some chloroform lying around?” As if that were the most normal thing to ask, and not at all concerning.

“Umm…” Elain blinked up at him, taking in his disheveled raven hair falling onto his forehead and his wrinkled white tee and black sweats and the slight redness to his eyes along with the circles underneath. “Az, why would you need chloroform at two in the morning?”

So monotonous in his reply, it genuinely surprised Elain as he spoke, “I plan on using it on Cassian and Rhysand and then I’m going to drag them out and load them into my truck to go dump them in a shallow ditch somewhere faraway so that I can finally be rid of them and get at least one good night’s sleep.”

“Huh.” Elain stared up at him in the dim light of the silent hallway with her lips parted. Her eyes flicked to the door behind Azriel almost as if she could see the other two men inside. “And what are they up to this time around to get you so worked up?”

Before Azriel could even open his mouth to answer, a disturbingly loud bang of someone’s body slamming into a wall sounded, followed by muffled cries of curses, startling Elain.

A moment later, the door to the apartment opposite Elain’s, that Azriel shared with his brothers, swung open and out came two very drunk and very clumsy men who just so happened to be said brothers and Elain’s question was answered without Azriel having to say a word. Azriel groaned out a series of colorful choice words while burying his face into his hands.

“Lainy!” Cassian gasped as he rushed towards her, face flushed and eyes droopy, and squeezed her in a hug that lifted her off her feet and almost made her lose the ability breathe.

“Oh God, Cass, put me down, please,” she wheezed out, repeatedly tapping against Cassian’s shoulder.

“Put her down, you idiot. You’re suffocating her, for fuck’s sake.” Azriel rubbed at his temples, already over having to babysit two grown adults who were acting like children.

Elain took in a deep breath the instant Cassian let go off her. With a hand to her chest and wide eyes, Elain could only watch as Cass barged right into the girls’ apartment, slamming the door against the wall in the process with a very loud ‘Nes!’ on his way. Nesta was so going to kill him when she woke up. And she most definitely had woken up by now. Elain just knew it. Feyre had most likely too.

“Hiya, ‘Lain,” Rhysand slurred with a drunken smile and ruffled her hair clumsily before joining Cass, murmuring if his ‘Feyre darling, love of my life’ was awake.

She slowly turned to the third person who was currently busy glaring daggers at his brothers while massaging temples a little too hard. Az turned his attention back at her with an apologetic look. “Sorry for ruining your night as well.”

“No need to apologize, even though I would’ve much preferred a quiet night,” Elain murmured out the last part under her breath as she rubbed her palms against the sides of her pajama-covered thighs. “Just…why are they drunk on a weeknight anyway?”

“Cass came home with some cheap alcohol to celebrate the fact that he passed in a test he was sure he’d fail. Managed to rope Rhys in as well, somehow.”

“Dear God…Nesta is going to be so pissed,” Elain groaned.

“I know,” Azriel sighed.

As if she’d been summoned by her name, the door to the room next to Elain’s flung open to reveal a murderous Nesta, blue-grey eyes shimmering with rage as she took in the scene—Cassian conveying something absolutely incoherent to Rhysand while the two sat on or more like threw their weights onto the living room couch that looked way too small beneath the two large men.

“What the fuck is going on here?” Nesta snapped.

The door beside Nesta’s opened as well, though a lot slower this time around, and Feyre stepped out with her hair in disarray, rubbing her eyes. “What’s going on?”

“Nes!” Cassian all but cried out as he jumped up from the couch and Elain winced at the way Nesta’s eyes narrowed on him.

“You. What the fuck are you doing here at this time?” Nesta demanded, steel voice sharp like knives.

“I missed you, Nes!” Cass was going to get himself killed.

“Rhys, why are you here at two in the morning?” Feyre, though clearly annoyed at being woken up so rudely, was comparatively calmer than their older sister.

Rhys, suddenly standing in front of Feyre now with his hands cupping her face, only grinned at her lopsidedly. “I—I’m so drunk, Feyre darling.”

“I can see that. Why are you drunk?”

Rhys shrugged, though it was difficult to tell with all the swaying he was doing, unable to hold his own weight. “Cass—Cassian he…” God, he could barely get the words out. Elain didn’t know how Feyre managed to keep a straight face. “H—He made me drink.” Was he actually pouting?

“I so did not!” Cass, not yet so far gone, protested with an overly dramatic gasp and slapped a hand over his chest rather too loudly. “You wound me with your lies right here, in my very heart, Rhysand!”

“Shut your trap, you idiot!” Nesta hissed, clearly still very grumpy while Rhys flipped Cass off and threw back a “Like I give a fuck.”

“Oh, my god. Someone kill me,” Az murmured.

 “Let’s…” Elain blinked, turning away from the shitshow currently taking place in her living room. She made sure the guys’ apartment door was closed before gently pulling Azriel into the girl’s apartment, closing the door behind them. “It’s better if the neighbors don’t hear them.”

“Yeah. Wouldn’t want they at our necks with noise complains in the morning.”

“This escalated a little too quickly,” Elain commented, looking back at the scene and feeling Az rest his forehead on top of her head.

“Hmm. Tell me about it,” he grumbled. Elain only patted his disheveled hair.

Nesta was out of her room now, busy threatening Cassian’s family jewels while he only smiled down at her lazily. Feyre was still handling Rhys, listening to his ramblings. It was a chaotically wholesome and hilarious scene and Elain wanted to capture it in her memory to laugh recalling it come morning when she knew there would be many regrets coming from the two drunken men.

“Don’t you have an early class tomorrow?” Elain asked Azriel, making sure to keep her voice low.

“I do.”

“Reason why you’re contemplating homicide?”

“You know me so well, flower.”

“Um-hm. You might just have to skip, unfortunately.”

Azriel only groaned and then proceeded to curse the fuck out of his brothers’ bloodlines under his breath. “I might just have them sleep on their backs tonight, just in case. Wanna come help me prove my innocence when the cops arrive?”

“Azriel!” Elain gasped, eyes wide and all.

“Kidding. Kidding.” A beat passed. “Or am I?”

“Alright, none of you are leaving this apartment until those two sober up.”

“There you go spilling unnecessary water on all my plans of peace and freedom, flower.”

“Well, forgive me for not wanting you to get locked up for familicide.”

“Whatever would I do without you, love?”

“Probably something morally questionable and self-hazardous.”

“Hmm.” He finally lifted his head to see how much the shitshow had progressed.

Cass slung his arm around Nesta’s shoulders, either not registering or blatantly ignoring the daggers she was shooting at him with her heated glare. “Did you fall out of a vending machine, Nes?”

“What?” Nesta scrunched up her nose, arms crossed across her chest, though made no move to throw Cassian’s arm off her shoulder. She probably sensed he’d fall right on his ass and hurt himself if she did.

“Because you’re one hell of a snack,” Cass smirked, looking very much pleased with his shitty-worse-than-an-amateur flirting skills.

Nesta blinked at him, looking very unsure if she wanted to smack him or get him some help. “What is wrong with you, honestly?”

“Nes! Nes, are you an edible? ‘Cause I’d eat you right up.” Cassian wiggled his eyebrows at her suggestively, a shit-eating grin pulling at his lips. It was all far too painful to watch.

“Oh, my god, that was so bad it makes me want to kick you in the nuts,” Nesta stated, cringing. Though, amusement, just a tiny speck in her eyes, gave her away.

“But you still wanna kick me in the balls. Me. You want to fuck me so bad, it’s so obvious.” Talk about delusional.

Azriel wondered what past sins he’d committed that were so atrocious that he was being punished for them like this. He wanted to be taken out. Preferably quickly and at that very moment.

Nesta looked at Az then. “Just what type of blasted shit is he on? Did he snort something or what?”

“Cheap alcohol does that to him,” Az replied with a withering glare at Cass who was busy trying to get Nesta’s attention back on him.

Rhys on the other hand… “Feyre darling, I’m the most handsome, aren’t I?” he slurred his words, arms tightly wrapped around Feyre’s waist and face buried deep into her neck.

Feyre just hummed, stroking her fingers through his hair and rubbing gentle circles on his back. “Sure are, you big baby,” she drawled with a smile, affectionate humor sparkling in her blue-grey eyes.

“And you’re even more pretty, Feyre darling. You’re the prettiest,” he went on.

“Um-hm.”

Not even giving her a chance to open her mouth again, he continued, voice muffled and childish, “And I won you over with my glamourous wit and charm…” and on and on he went and Feyre let him, content in just babying the grown-ass man.

“It’s a good thing Mor isn’t here to join in with them,” Elain joked as she watched everything unfold.

“I’d have thrown myself out of the nearest window if I had to babysit her as well,” Azriel deadpanned from behind her, dead eyes glaring with murderous intent.

Elain leaned back into his chest and patted his cheek considerately, shaking her head gently with a smile that conveyed both pity and amusement. It was a good thing Mor was away on a field trip.

On that note…“What of Amren?” Their senior probably wouldn’t have been of much help either but still.

“Busy with Varian, as usual. She probably would’ve chewed everyone up for even thinking about disturbing her quality time.”

Elain huffed out a laugh. “Definitely.” Straightening back up, she sighed, a small smile still on her face. “Alright. Let’s go help them before Nesta actually kills Cassian or poor Feyre gets crushed under Rhys with all the weight he’s putting on her.”

“Eh… I’ve got an even better idea. How about we sneak back to my apartment and let those two deal with their drunk men.”

“Az...”

“…”

“Azriel.”

“…fine.” He let out a long suffered sigh. “Just ‘cause you asked nicely, flower.”

“Good.” Elain shook her head with her smile still intact and physically pulled Az with her to deal with their respective siblings’ antics.

“Come on, Rhys. Get off me. You’re heavy.”

“But Feyre darling…”

“We’ll both fall!”

“Cassian, I love you but I’ll seriously chop your dick off if you don’t stop with the cheesy pick-up lines.”

“I thought they were working!”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake! Azriel, come get your brother!”

“Why do I have to put up with this shit?”

“Elain! Help me with Rhys, please!”

“Dear God…”

~~~~~

It seemed that in the midst of chaos, no one was actually able to return back to their designated spaces. At some point, everyone had found a spot to fall asleep in the girls’ living room itself, though their backs were sure to be disagreeable with when they were to finally wake up.

Cassian ended up falling asleep on the floor with one foot on the couch, snoring loudly. Nesta was right there with him, her head cushioned on Cassian’s stomach as she slept soundly, not paying any mind to the rumbling under her head.

Rhysand and Feyre were a few feet away, both on the floor as well, all cuddled up with each other. Rhys had a hand wrapped loosely around Feyre’s waist, curling up against her as they both slept facing each other, legs intertwined and all.

Azriel and Elain slept leaning against the couch. Or more like Az with his back against the couch as he sprawled out on the floor with Elain’s back against his chest as she slept curled between his legs. Head tucked under Azriel’s chin, Elain was all but glued to his front with his arms resting circled around her shoulders.

All were in awkward positions and yet all were deep asleep. Completely and utterly relaxed. Alarms were missed, classes were skipped and assignments were left forgotten and incomplete.

Although, there was a ton of grumbling and groaning and cursing when everyone finally came to. Especially from the two who were miserably hungover and regretting their life choices. They did get quite an earful and a few particular choice words each from the others who did not take it easy on them for fucking up their sleep with their drunken escapades.

~~~~~

Wanted to try writing about all three couples and not just elriel tho this is still kinda elriel centric I just can't seem to help myself 🫠

#acotar fic #elriel #feysand #nessian #the archeron sisters #elain archeron #nesta archeron #feyre archeron #azriel shadowsinger #rhysand acotar #cassian acotar #elain x azriel #feyre x rhysand #nesta x cassian #elriel fic #feysand fic #nessian fic #acotar #fuckmelifesucks

[moonlightazriel]

Caring /// Azriel X F!Reader

Summary: “heyy! can i get an azriel x reader fic where she’s taking care of him like cleaning his wings and washing his hair and all while he tells her about his day? like super fluffy and cute and domestic. thank you bby and feel free to drop this request if you don’t feel like writing it <3”

Warnings: None

Word Count: 970

Notes: Thank you @cityofidek for requesting this, I loved writing it. Fluff Az is everything to me ❤️❤️❤️

Main Masterlist

My eyes followed the words on the page, the book Nesta recommended was exciting, a little too obscene but it was the kind of book that made you devour the pages, eager for more as the story progressed. My hand gripped the cushion as the storyline came to an unexpected turn, the lead female having to decided between saving her lover or herself.

I wasn’t aware of my surroundings neither that i was holding my breath until Azriel’s voice sounded in the doorway, my chest rising rapidly as I closed the book, my eyes looking away from the pages and landing on my mate. My mouth fell open and my eyes were so wide that they almost popped out my eye socket.

“Oh Mother, what happened to you?” I breathed out as i kept looking up and down him, he was a mess, he had mud covering his body, some droplets of blood on his face, his hair completely disheveled and a shy smile on his lips.

“We decided to train outside Velaris, maybe fly a little, but suddenly started to rain and Cassian thought that it was a good idea and he started a mud fight.” Azriel eyed me from behind his lashes, like a child trying not to be scolded, my ears finally hearing the soft tapping of the rain on the windows.

“The three of you are really Illyrian babies, aren’t you?” I giggled at him and got up, discarding the book on my previous seat and walking towards him. “Let’s get you cleaned, baby boy.” He happily let me take his dirty hand and guide him to the main bathroom.

He stripped his clothes off while I filled the bathtub, choosing some of my favorite scents and shaking the water to form bubbles, sitting on the side of the tub, I waited for Az to climb in, his big body splashing water as he submerged his head.

He rose again, bubbles on his hair as I reached for the shampoo bottle, applying some in my hand and starting to rub his hair, he rested his head on my lap, I didn’t care about getting wet, as he already had me soaking when he entered the tub.

“How was your day my love?” My hands gently washed through his locks, his hair falling adorably on his forehead while he kept his eyes closed.

“We didn’t feel like training in the House of Wind today, so we just headed to the woods.” I lifted my eyebrows, they loved the space and how practical the sparring ring was there.”

“There was something wrong with the House?”His eyes opened a little and his cheeks were colored on a bright red, i leaned down, kissing the tip of his nose as he looked adorable that way.

“Nesta and the Valkyries wanted to do solo training, so she kicked us out.” I snorted and he smiled, picturing Nesta with her hands resting on her hips while she sent them away. “So the woods seemed a good idea, we used to go there to train when we were young.” I removed the shampoo and grabbed a cloth, soaking it with soap and moved, getting behind him to clean his chest and wings.

Azriel’s lips parted and a breathy moan escaped him, the cloth dragging on his wings, rubbing the spots where the mud had dried out, I knew that his wings were sensitive in a sexual way, but in these intimate moments, where we just did something together and listened to each other, this kind of touch never turned him on, he just hummed and enjoyed the comfort he would feel as my finger slid on his wings, the feeling of love suffocating the lust, he felt safe when I did that.

“We were doing a intense training when the first drops of rain fell, and suddenly it was a whole thunderstorm, the heavy drops soothing my sore muscles. Mud start flying everywhere as our feet hit the ground.” My hands got down his chest, cleaning his collarbone and shoulders, his head turned to the side and he placed a kiss on my arm. “Then Cassian fell on his ass, Rhys and i stopped and started laughing at him, you should have seen his face, he was so mad that he grabbed a hand full of mud, throwing at Rhysand, and he just did the same and we ended up hiding in the woods trying to hit the other.”

“Did you win?” His smile widened and he opened his eyes, looking at me.

“Not to brag, but I’m sure Rhysand and Cassian are still removing mud from their mouths right now.” I giggled and he rested his head against my arm.

“I knew you would beat those two losers.” I joked and Az laughed, his chest rising and the sound reverberating on the walls. “I think you’re all set, mister.” I said getting up and heading to our bedroom to find something for him to wear. He showed up behind me, the towel wrapped around his waist while he dried his hair with another, I gave him his clothes and got to the bathroom to clean the mess.

Changing clothes, I hopped on bed with him, pulling him closer until his head rested on my chest, one of my hands resting on his back and the other one caressing his hair, I could feel the slowly rising of his chest as he started drifting to sleep, his tired body gaining it’s deserved rest as i hummed, singing to him, a melody that I heard once the bond snapped, the kind of melody that tells me that I finally found my home.

#acotar #azriel #azriel shadowsinger #azriel x reader #sarahjmaas #shadowsinger #night court #azriel x y/n #velaris #fluff #moonlightazriel

[c-e-d-dreamer]

Does (s)He Make You Happy?

A/N: Happy Song Association Day of @nessianweek! This past year, on TikTok, I've discovered the band Tors and I've been obsessed with their harmonies and their music, and I'm in love with this particular song. This definitely came out angstier than I intended, but I hope everyone enjoys Rockstar Nesta :)

Read on AO3

“And when I turned back around, he was already almost halfway across the room. It was like a switch went off and suddenly he decided he could crawl now.”

The baby in Feyre’s lap lets out a giggle as though agreeing with the description of events, and Feyre leans forward to press a kiss to Nyx’s round cheek, bouncing him on her knees. The motion just has him giggling more, a wide grin pulling across his face and showing off the two teeth that have started to grow in on the bottom. He turns his head to blink up at Feyre, wide, blue eyes that match his mother’s.

“Just wait until he starts walking,” Nesta comments, taking another sip of her tea. “Then, you’ll really have your hands full.”

“Maybe… but then he’ll really be able to dance too. You know, he always bobs his head along whenever we put one of your songs on.” Feyre tickles Nyx’s belly, another round of giggles echoing off the walls of the sitting room while she coos, “you love Auntie Nesta’s music, don’t you?”

“Speaking of music,” Nesta begins, setting her tea back down on the low coffee table. “I do have to get going. Em, Gwyn, and I still need to rehearse a few more times before the show on Friday.”

“Of course,” Feyre agrees, standing up and settling Nyx on her hip. “Oh, I’m so excited for the show. It’s going to be so fun, and it will be nice to get out of the house for the night.”

“Already have a babysitter lined up?” Nesta asks, stepping out of the sitting room and winding her way down the hall toward the front door.

“More like finally have a babysitter lined up. Rhys is such a mother-hen. He must have combed through fifty different babysitter options before deciding one meets his standards.”

“Well, hopefully, you’ll both be able to relax at least for a few hours on Friday then. Thanks again for the tea.”

Nesta turns and offers her sister and nephew a final, soft smile before she tugs open the front door, but she freezes before she can step out of the house. Freezes when she sees the person blocking her path, fist already raised as if to knock.

He looks as good as the last time Nesta saw him. The late afternoon sun bounces off the dark strands of his hair, cutting shadows along his cheeks and jawline where the curls fall around his face. Those rays of sunlight bring out the golds of his hazel eyes, the swirling maze of greens and browns.

His eyes used to be one of Nesta’s favorite things about him. Even when they seemed to cut through her defenses like they were nothing, even when they seemed able to see her soul splayed out and on display in a way no one ever had, she could never help staring into those eyes. It was those eyes and that damned smile. The cocky smirk. The soft, almost private smile. The wide grin that was almost always followed by a deep rumble of laughter.

He’s not smiling now, though.

In fact, Cassian looks nothing short of bewildered, and Nesta can do nothing but watch his throat bob as he swallows hard, as his arm drops back down to his side. He has on his favored leather jacket, and Nesta knows all too well that if she were to run her fingers along the sleeve, it would be soft and worn beneath her touch. She knows that the scent of his cologne, of him, probably still clings to the collar. Pine and crackling embers and the wind before a snowstorm.

“Cassian. Andromeda. You’re early.”

The sound of her sister’s voice finally pulls Nesta away from her staring, and it’s then that she notices the woman standing beside Cassian. She’s pretty, all long legs and dark, curly hair pulled back into a high ponytail. Her smile is wide, easy, green eyes bright as she coos at Nyx cradled in his mother’s arms, the babe smiling in return with a familiarity that makes Nesta’s gut twist.

“Yeah, our last client ended up canceling, so we figured we’d just close up shop and head over,” the woman, Andromeda, explains, reaching out to tickle Nyx’s belly completely at ease.

“Nesta,” Cassian breathes like he’s not even listening to the conversation around him, like his only focus is her.

Nesta hates the way the sound of her name falling past his lips sends a shiver skittering up her spine, the way her heart skips and constricts between her ribs. She hates the way her whole body seems set on betraying her, a thousand words clogging the back of her throat and weighing heavy on her tongue, her blood practically buzzing and thrumming with the desire to be pulled right back into his orbit.

“So you’re the infamous Nesta,” Andromeda cuts in. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you and your band.”

“I’m sorry. I have to go.”

Nesta is sure that she’ll be receiving a text from Feyre about her cool and clipped tone, but she doesn’t care. She needs to get out of there. She shoulders past Cassian and Andromeda, quickly digging her keys out of her bag. She can feel Cassian’s gaze on her the whole time, can feel the way it practically burns a hole into her shoulder blades, but she doesn’t turn back. She merely clambers into her car and shoves the key into the ignition.

It’s only when she’s back in the safety of the parking lot for her apartment building that she finally releases the stuttering breath she was holding in. Finally gives into the emotion clanging and clamoring in her chest, gripping the steering wheel until her knuckles turn white and dropping her head down onto the leather.

If she closes her eyes, she can still feel the sheets tangled around her body and legs. Can still hear the words Cassian whispered in the darkness between them. Can still feel the ice that had sliced through her veins, the fear and anxiety that had swirled dangerously, the ringing that took up home in her ears.

She can still see the look on his face, the way his smile had dropped and those hazel eyes had dimmed, as she clambered off of the bed and started pulling her clothes on.

It’s like a ghost that won’t give up its haunt, a shadow digging its claws in until the wound continues to bleed and bleed, crimson red staining her fingers. She remembers the sound of bare feet on the hardwood as he followed her to the door, the words he spat as she slipped her shoes back on.

Yeah, do what you always do best: walk away. You know, for someone who claims to never want to be like her mother, you sure are just like her. Walls tall enough that what sane man would even bother trying to get through them.

She remembers the echo of the door slamming shut behind her, the silence that carved out the space between her ribs. She remembers the string of texts and voicemails that followed in the days after, each more desperate than the last.

Sweetheart, I’m sorry. You know I didn’t mean it. Let’s just talk it out.

Nes, please. Just call me back. I was just angry, just lost my temper.

Fuck, Nes. Please. We don’t… we can just go back to the way it was before, okay? We can pretend I didn’t say anything.

With a sigh, Nesta slumps back against the seat, scrubbing the heels of her hands against her eyes and wishing she could scrub the memories just as easily. She snatches her bag from the front seat and slips out of the car, taking the elevator up to her floor. Thankfully, Emerie and Gwyn are both out until later, so she’s able to retreat to her room. She settles beneath a pile of blankets and tries to distract herself with her latest book, but her fingers itch and twitch until she finally caves.

It’s easy enough to find Andromeda on Instagram. Feyre and her little family, including Cassian, all follow her. Most of her posts are fitness Reels, tips for doing certain exercises, best exercises to hit each muscle group. There’s a post of glasses cheers-ing that’s captioned, ‘Just birthday things’ where behind one of the pint glasses, Nesta can see Cassian with his head thrown back laughing, and a more recent post is a gym selfie with him, both of them flexing their arms in matching Night Gains apparel. One of the highlights is labeled with just a pink heart, so Nesta dares to click that next, but after seeing the first Story with two green smoothies and ‘Smoothie dates > coffee dates,’ she decides that she’s seen enough.

Letting out a quiet huff, Nesta tosses her phone aside and does the one thing she knows will actually help. She grabs her guitar.

~ * * * ~

“I think it’s a full house out there,” Gwyn says excitedly, stepping over to Nesta and Emerie. “Definitely more people than our last show.”

Emerie clears her throat with a smirk, using a drumstick to gesture at her mouth. “You might want to fix your lipstick post-goodluck-kiss.”

Gwyn rolls her eyes, but she pulls her phone from her back pocket, using the camera as a mirror to do just that, sliding her thumb against the now smudged color. Nesta snorts amusedly and goes back to plucking each string of her guitar, tuning until she’s happy with the end result. The process is methodical and second nature, a soothing balm to her nerves that spark and jump at Gwyn’s earlier words. The bar isn’t exactly big, but even if they were performing to just five people, Nesta knows that her stomach would still twist with anxiety. No matter how many times they perform, the stage fright still sends her emotions swooping right before they hit the stage.

“Also…” Gwyn starts, turning her full attention to Nesta and offering a small grimace as she adjusts the strap of her bass across her shoulder. “You should probably know that—”

“Alright, everyone,” Cresseida’s booming voice cuts her off, the bar owner speaking into the microphone at the center of the stage. “Thanks so much for coming out tonight. Make sure you tip your bartender and give it up for The Valkyries.”

Cheers and applause echo around the bar, and Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn step out of the wings and onto the stage. Emerie steals a quick kiss from Cresseida before she settles behind her drum kit, knocking her sticks together to count them into the first song.

For a moment, as Nesta’s fingers strum the guitar strings with ease, as she steps up to the microphone to sing the first verse, everything else fades away. It’s just her and her chosen sisters and the music. The notes skitter across her skin. The melody sinks deep into her bones. And nothing else except this matters. Nothing else except the lightness that floods and warms her veins, the comfort that wraps around her limbs as sure as the music. Nothing else except the rush that comes from being up on a stage and doing what she loves.

As Gwyn sings the second verse of the song, Nesta’s eyes sweep over the crowd. It’s easy enough to find her sisters where they’ve claimed a set of tables at the very front near the stage. Elain is leaning back against Lucien, one of his arms secure around her waist while she films on her phone. Feyre is opposite her, Rhysand’s arm slung casually across her shoulders while she sings along to the lyrics. Nesta can see Azriel and his dopey smile while he watches Gwyn, can see Morrigan where she sways along to the music, a glass of wine poised in her hand.

And there, in the middle of their little group, is Cassian and Andromeda.

It takes all of Nesta’s willpower not to break, for her fingers not to slip on the strings, for her voice not to falter as she comes back in to sing the chorus with Gwyn. It doesn’t help that Cassian is already staring right at her, the hazel of his eyes glinting even through the harsh stage lights. A small smile pulls across his lips, almost sad, but Nesta refuses to dwell on it, refuses to dwell on him and their past.

Because if she doesn’t, she’ll be forced to think about the way his arms felt wrapped around her, the safety she’d found within that embrace. She’ll be forced to think about the way his lips felt pressed against hers, against her skin, the way his hair felt threaded through her fingers. She’ll be forced to think about the songs on the setlist that he got to hear first, back when they were little more than a jumbled mess of unfinished of lyrics and melodies, about how his hazel eyes always seemed to shine with what looked suspiciously pride while he smiled and told her the songs were amazing.

So instead, Nesta tears her gaze away from him and focuses on finishing the song. And then the next one. And then the next one. She makes it almost to the end of the set before she’s stepping away from the microphone and turning her back to the audience.

“I think we should do the new song,” Nesta explains, her eyes darting between Emerie and Gwyn.

“Are you sure?” Gwyn asks, keeping her voice quiet so the microphones won’t pick them up. “We’ve only practiced it like twice.”

“Twice is all we need. Em?”

Emerie shrugs her shoulders. “You know I’m always down for a little chaos.”

With a nod, Nesta slips her electric guitar off her shoulders, stepping over to the side of the stage and swapping it with her acoustic. When the strap is secure, she slides her fingers down the strings, giving the guitar a testing strum, before she steps back up to the microphone.

“So, we thought we’d slow it down a bit and play you a new song tonight,” Nesta speaks to the crowd. “Hope everyone likes it.”

More cheers and applause answer her, so Nesta starts to strum the opening chords, Gwyn stepping up to her own microphone to begin singing the opening verse. As the song continues to build toward the chorus, Nesta keeps her eyes closed rather than risk catching those hazel eyes again. She keeps her focus on steadying her breathing, on pushing her voice through the emotions that twist and twine around her chest like prickly vines.

“Does she make you happy? I heard she’s an athlete, a hit with your family. So what do I, what do I do? I’m more of a black sheep, the last one your friends meet before you get married. So what do I, what do I do?”

The lyrics flow as freely through Nesta as they did that day she penned the song, even as they threaten to clog up her throat at the same time. She can feel the familiar sting behind her eyes, feel the way her fingers have started to tremble, and as the song comes around to the bridge, she finally snaps her eyes open again, finally gives in to the bruised throb that is her heart.

“So what the hell am I supposed to do when I can’t find my heart because it’s lost on you? So what the hell am I supposed to say when I can’t catch my breath because you took it away?”

When the final chords of the song echo out around them, there’s a brief moment of silence before the crowd erupts into more cheers, Feyre’s declaration of ‘we love you, Nesta’ carrying over the cacophony. It has a small smile tugging up Nesta’s lips, gives her the motivation she needs to finish the final two songs in the set.

But as Nesta steps off the stage, the adrenaline, the high that comes from performing, fades like smoke in the wind. It leaves her chest feeling tight, a lump pressing hard enough against her throat that she can do nothing but swallow hard. She needs to get out of here. She needs air.

So, while Emerie and Gwyn excitedly exit the backstage area to join the crowds of the bar, Nesta turns on her heel and slips out one of the back doors and into the side alley. She leans back against the brick of the building, tipping her head up toward the inky sky overhead and greedily sucking down gulps of the chilled night air. She presses a hand against her sternum, against the thundering of her heart beneath her palm, and counts back from ten.

The sound of scraping metal has Nesta jolting upright again, her head snapping toward the door back to the bar. She watches as Cassian steps out into the night, letting the door fall shut behind him. He has his hands shoved into his pockets, his shoulders raised as though he’s bracing for the worst. For a moment, there’s only silence between them, only the sounds of distant cars, of the bass thrumming from within the bar from the stereo system Cresseida turned back on.

Cassian opens his mouth before seeming to think better of it, clearing his throat instead. “That was a great set tonight. I especially like the new song.”

“Thanks,” Nesta tells him quietly.

“Who’s it about?”

Nesta rolls her eyes. “Not all of our songs are autobiographical.”

“You forget that I know you, Nes, and I know your writing style.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“You used to like when I called you Nes.”

It’s true. He was always the only person she let get away with the nickname, the only one she didn’t chew out about using her proper name. And it was that nickname, whispered into her hair, their bodies pressed together, that always had goosebumps erupting across her skin. But she refuses to admit all that to him, refuses to give him any more parts of her heart to hold hostage. So instead, she narrows her eyes and scowls, crossing her arms.

“Isn’t your table missing you?” Nesta asks coldly, raising a pointed brow. “What are you doing out here with me when you could be with them?”

Cassian laughs wryly, crossing his own arms and matching her stance. “I doubt a single one of them even noticed I’m gone.”

“You think that lowly of your new girlfriend?”

“So, the new song is about me then?”

“You’re an arrogant ass,” Nesta sneers, daring to take a step closer to him.

“That’s why we ended things, right? I’m an arrogant, insufferable asshole who can’t hold his tongue, and you’re a stubborn, haughty witch who refuses to let anyone close.”

It’s dangerous territory, rehashing things, opening that door again, but Nesta’s blood blazes and sings. She’s itching for a fight, for another round of the push and pull between them that’s held taut like some sort of golden thread since the moment they met. From the fire she can see burning in Cassian’s hazel eyes, she knows he feels it too, but her heart is still too battered, too bruised and cracked, from that final conversation between them. It still twists and squeezes just standing here with him now, that she’s not sure it could take anything more. Not sure that she could survive a world where they go back to being friends, where she can stand on the sidelines and watch whatever is between him and Andromeda blossom.

So Nesta holds her arms tighter around herself and breaks their staring contest, turning her face away. “I don’t think you should come to my shows anymore.”

Cassian scoffs at that, drawing Nesta’s attention back to him. “No.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Dammit, Nesta, I miss you. I miss us, even if you say there never was an us.” Cassian sighs softly, pushing a hand up and through his hair. “If the only way I get to see you is up on that stage, then so be it. I’ll take what I can get.”

The admission hangs in the night between them, Nesta unsure of how to respond to that. Words and feelings bubble up in her throat, clawing desperately for release, but she keeps her lips firmly pressed together. Cassian continues to watch her, but as the seconds continue to tick by, he lets out another sigh, turning back toward the door.

“She’s not my girlfriend, you know,” Cassian offers quietly, his hand resting on the door handle. “Andromeda. She just works at the gym as one of the trainers. In fact, I’m not even close to her type, which is why I introduced her to Mor.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“I don’t know,” Cassian mutters, shaking his head before finally turning to meet her gaze again. “Probably because you’ll always be the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Before Nesta can think twice about it, before she can talk herself out of it, she’s moving. It takes just a few short strides for her to crash into him, Cassian’s arms slipping easily around her waist and tugging her closer still. His lips find home against hers, and Nesta kisses him with everything she’s got, kisses him with the hunger, with the regret, with the longing, that’s been building inside her in their months apart.

The kiss is everything she’s missed. The slide of Cassian’s lips against her own. The hot press of his tongue into her mouth. The solid warmth of his body pressed against her. They fit together like puzzle pieces, like twin flames twining and burning up into the stars above, and some part deep within Nesta’s soul seems to sigh in relief, seems to unfurl like coming home.

She buries a hand into the soft, dark strands of Cassian’s hair, tugging until she draws a groan out of him, a thrill skittering up her spine at the way the sound reverberates through his chest, against her lips. Cassian’s own hands slide down to her thighs, hoisting her up and against him. Nesta wraps her legs around his waist, Cassian walking them until he can press her back against the wall of the bar, until their hips slot perfectly into place.

Nesta moans against him as she starts to rock her hips, her free hand sliding down his chest and bunching up his shirt until she can press her palm against the heat of his skin. Cassian tears his mouth away from hers, and Nesta lets her head fall back against the brick, expects him to press his lips to her neck, but his whole body tenses up instead.

Carefully, Cassian sets Nesta back down on her feet, taking a pointed step back and away from her. The loss of contact leaves Nesta feeling cold, an ache beginning to settle in her chest that has nothing to do with the chilly night air around them. She can feel the barbed words poised on the tip of her tongue, the defenses rising to cut before another blow gets close to landing.

“Fuck,” Cassian mutters, scrubbing a hand down his face. “This was the mistake we made last time. We fell into bed and it was all fun until you were literally walking out the door and refusing to speak to me again.”

“What?” Nesta asks, hating the way her voice sounds so small.

“I thought I could take whatever you’d be willing to give me, but I can’t… I won’t lose you again. I don’t want just sex. I want to do this right. I want there to be an us.”

There’s a desperation, a pleading, to Cassian’s expression, to his tone, as he steps closer again. He reaches up and gently tucks a strand of Nesta’s hair behind her ear. It’s a soft gesture, one that has Nesta’s breath catching in her lungs, has her heart tripping over itself for a beat.

“Let me take you on a date, a proper one,” Cassian begs quietly, dipping his head down enough that he can press his forehead to Nesta’s.

Nesta has to swallow hard before she’s able to find her words again, but she raises a hand to cup his cheek. His eyes flutter closed at her touch, turning his head to lean further into her palm. She smiles softly up at him, and Cassian’s answering grin is that private one she’s beginning to suspect is only for her. The sight of it after so long sends her heart soaring, sends butterflies cascading and swooping in her gut.

“Alright. It’s a date.”

—

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#nessian #nessianweek2023 #nesta archeron #cassian #acotar #acosf #nessian fanfiction #nessian fic #nesta x cassian #my fic #Spotify

[bearbluebooks]

prompt! gwyn was excited about a new training technique and bursts into azriel’s room only to see him…

My FIRST PROMPT!! First of all thank you so much for this. I was struggling with writers block and this made me so excited to start writing again. I truly hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it <3

The Shadowsinger’s Secret(s) - Day 7 @sjmromanceweek

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 4044

Read on AO3 or under the cut.

Snow slowly drifted from the night sky.

The icy cold created treacherous layers of ice on the stone floor of the training ring. Despite Cassian’s incessant pleas to “Respect the sacredness of the training ring”, several weapons were still scattered throughout the wide expanse. Before Gwyn picked up one of the discarded daggers, she rubbed her hands together in a desperate attempt to create warmth. Tonight’s temperatures were so low, that small white clouds escaped her already numb lips with every exhale.

Afternoon slowly made way for the darker colors of night. Gwyn always believed there was something calming about the obsidian cover of night. As if magic became more palpable when stars brightened the sky. Constellations, falling stars, and infinite mystery left unexplored- what could be more magical than that? Gwyn still pondered the question when a demanding voice pierced through the quarry, “Don’t stay out too late, and don’t you dare become better at dagger throwing than me.”

Nesta and Cassian had even more pressing plans. Tonight was Lupercalia, a human holiday that celebrated love. As soon as Elain casually dropped its existence during dinner last night, Cassian’s excitement was palpable, “Nes, I will finally take you to my favorite restaurant,” his puppy dog eyes the perfect show of his elation. Nesta’s gaze showed less excitement and more indifference, “Buy me a present and I’ll come.”

“Oh, come you will. I’ve been reading, too,” he countered, “And tonight, I will be your present, when I feast on you like Sherman Steelborn in a Dragon’s Tale.” Gwyn’s stomach churned at the vivid imagery Cassian’s statement evoked. They had just read that book in their weekly Smut Sisters book club. “Leave some mystery for the rest of us, Cas,” Gwyn begged before she rolled her eyes at the smug look on Cassian’s face. The whole scene made her almost happy she didn’t have a Lupercalia of her own tonight. Almost.

Gwyn shook the memory off when she averted her gaze from the sky to her friend, “We both know that ship has already sailed.”

“You should be the one to stay longer,” Gwyn challenged over her shoulder.

Her friend paused in the door with a hand on her hip, “Or maybe I should be getting private lessons from the Shadowsinger too,” Nesta exclaimed before the door closed with a heavy thud.

All smart retorts left her brain, only her mouth remained open.

Shit.

Gwyn’s cheeks flushed red. And this time it was not because of the icy cold.

Training sessions had become more frequent in the last couple of months. And she did find herself counting down the minutes until she could see those hazel eyes assessing her every move. Or when she could feel those strong hands demonstrate how to position her hands for the best trajectory- during which she (allegedly) feigned inexperience once or twice, just to feel those calloused hands on her bare skin. To feel those sparks of electricity erupt over her entire body.

One of those nights Gwyn fell into his strong arms after a particularly difficult combination of movements. When they were so close they shared a breath. The longing and vulnerability in his eyes was something Gwyn couldn’t stop thinking about.

At night, under the safety of her blankets, she replayed that moment often- the way his hand felt on her waist, or how his eyes darted between her eyes and her lips, when his mouth curved up slightly, and how his cedar smell ingrained itself in all of her senses.

All of which happened under the cover of night. When everybody was long gone- or so she thought.

Gwyn forced herself to move on. She could think about all of that later.

She would undoubtedly hear about it later too.

Busybodies.

Tonight was for training.

Tonight she would finally learn how to beat the Shadowsinger.

Tonight she would win the bet and rub that arrogant smile off his face.

Every training session ended in Azriel either hovering over her, strapping her hands to her back, or pinning her body beneath his. It had its advantages. Heat still rushed to her core at the memories. But Gwyn was nothing if not determined. And tonight she was determined to win.

Every trick he taught her, he could anticipate.

What he didn’t anticipate was her discovery of an ancient book with knowledge not even the Shadowsinger was privy to. Knowledge so secret not even Merril knew about it.

Earlier that day, Gwyn had ventured to the fifth floor in search of one of Merril’s books ‘The Multiverse and its Animals’, when Gwyn’s eye caught something even more interesting, ’50 ways to slay your opponent’. The urgency in Merril’s voice made Gwyn pause for a second before she reminded herself I only know 15 ways to slay an opponent and grabbed the book.

As soon as she finished her work for the day, curious eyes studied the book until she reached the page titled ‘Paranza Corta’. The section stated a fighting technique that focused on short thrusts. The trick was to let your opponent get close enough to let them think they had the upper hand before you would hit them from below with a multitude of targeted strikes.

She knew in her bones it would finally allow her to beat the Shadowsinger.

She could see the surprise in his beautiful hazel eyes become replaced by awe.

She could already see him become speechless- not because of his usual preference for silence, but because he couldn’t find the words to speak.

She could already taste the victory.

Those thoughts fueled her.

They set her body aflame despite the icy cold threatening to numb her fingers.

Still, all evening this particular technique proved difficult to master.

Impossible even.

She couldn’t figure out how to get close enough without getting killed in the process.

Every practice run stopped before she could even reach the target.

Irritation seeped into her bones. She couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t working. It made her wonder if Azriel would have been able to figure it out. Of course he would have, she thought to herself with an eye roll and a smile.

He had centuries of knowledge and experience on her.

But she had determination.

Hours passed without any improvement.

Cold snowflakes slowly turned liquid on her overheated skin. Frustration threatened to burn all rationality until nothing but ashes of failed determination remained.

With one steady breath in, one pause and one exhale, she turned the anger into fuel when she focused on her strengths.

Before she started again, investigative eyes took in the scene unfolding in front of her. Muscle wasn’t the problem. Nor was speed.

Suddenly it clicked.

Without wasting time she took up her starting stance a few feet away from the target. Quick and careful steps brought her closer and closer to the wooden puppet taunting her. Just before she got close, she dropped low, putting all her weight on one foot as she slid towards the wooden monstrosity. Then she channeled all her weight into both legs, as she pulled herself upwards, and stabbed, stabbed, stabbed the puppet.

A laugh so maniacal any sane person would call question her sanity resounded in the wide open space.

Then the steadying pull of reality replaced the overwhelming sense of euphoria.

Azriel didn’t see it- he wasn’t there and neither were his shadows.

Suddenly it didn’t feel like a victory anymore.

The clunk on the floor signaled her exit before her mind clued her into her movements.

Gwyn still couldn’t completely wrap her mind around an omniscient house, yet she was very grateful for it now.

“Where is Azriel’s room?” she asked as she turned her gaze towards the ceiling, then the walls, and the empty space around her, before she accepted that omniscient probably meant omnipresent too and steadied her gaze in front of her.

A familiar miniature Pegasus suddenly appeared in front of her. A loud squeal was the only welcome she could muster before the little creature started walking into the corridor. Soft clicks of hooves filled the silence in the hallway, then down a pair of steps, until it finally stopped in front of a huge door.

When it reached its destination it disappeared into a pink cloud of smoke.

Gwyn was sad for its quick exit before she remembered her mission.

Without knocking she stormed into the room where she exclaimed “I DID IT” with her arms raised high into the air.

Shadows swarmed her vision in seconds.

A desperate plea in a familiar deep tone resounded “Gwyn what are you-“

When the shadows slowly cleared, no awe was to be seen in those hazel eyes she so longed to see. Instead, she saw shock, shame, and confusion staring back at her.

“I’m sorry!” Her hands mirrored the statement as she placed them in front of her eyes to offer him belated privacy.

She clearly interrupted some kind of private moment.

She was ready to turn around and leave as fast as she came, but curiosity was a hard trait to ignore. Especially when one found themselves in the same room as an enigmatic Spymaster with an apparent secret.

Slowly, she lowered her hands to reveal the dark-haired male who was lying in bed with his wings splayed widely on both sides. Soft candlelight made it difficult to see, but not impossible. The walls were as black as night, and the multiple knives covering the walls gleamed like silver stars. The bed was huge. Big enough to fit three Azriel’s and maybe one Gwyn.

 “A Pirates’ Search for Love?” She tried to say in her most serious voice. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t help the laugh that erupted from her small frame. The feeling was so unbridled and intense that she couldn’t remember the last time she laughed like that.

“I thought you didn’t like smutty novels?”

He implied as much every time he intruded on their sleepovers, with his arms crossed in front of him as he leaned against the doorframe in such a way he could be the main character in one of their novels.

“I don’t like Selyn Drake, I never said I didn’t like the genre,” he countered. “Males read them too. They can be useful,” he challenged with a smirk that confirmed every word of his previous statement. Cassian had proved as much yesterday, she had just never expected Azriel to be one of those males too.

When her eyes drifted lower to look at the author who apparently doubled as an instructor, her eyes caught the large hand covering an even larger body part.

Her eyes grew as wide as the hazel ones looking back at her.

 “Shit. Shit shit shit I didn’t mean to-“ Azriel stammered as he jumped out of the bed with hurried movements, unsuccessfully trying to close his pants in the process.

Suddenly, another melodic laugh just as heartfelt filled the room. “Were you practicing immediately?” she asked in between laughs.

Azriel’s eyes looked equally hesitant and intrigued.

“I was,” he answered honestly. His eyes remained determinately focused on hers. As if her next words would decide his actions- not his own desire, not his own hopes and expectations, but her.

Life was dynamic. Gwyn knew growth was equal parts bravery and devotion. Just like her time spent in the training ring, learning the Paranza Corta. Where one day frustration fueled her veins at her inability to wield a seemingly straightforward concept. When- even though she felt the desire to succeed in the deepest part of her soul- she failed. So she tried again. And failed, again. When doubt started to creep in and threatened to affect her self-worth. When she could see herself succeed, but something prevented her at every turn.

Until one day something clicked.

Her relationship with sex was much the same way. Only what clicked was reuniting with Azriel on that same roof, many years ago.

Bravery and devotion, she reminded herself once again.

“Can you show me?” Her feet already took her closer to where he was standing next to the bed. Two of her hands covered his previously occupied one, as she repeated “Show me.”

“Gwyn-“

“Show me.”

With a whisper, she added “Please.”

His eyes remained determinately focused on hers. She knew what he would find. Nothing but equal resolution and confidence, just like he saw in the training ring every night.

There was not a male in the world she trusted more. Not a male her body craved more. Not a male who made her feel as safe as the one standing right in front of her- who looked at her with the trepidation and vulnerability he expected to see reflected in her eyes.

One of her hands moved to cup his cheek, she knew it was not her who needed reassurance at that moment.

“I trust you.”

His eyes turned contemplative. As if he was finally considering her request.

“I want you.”

That last sentence seemed to thaw some of the icy walls he had built around himself. As if her words were the fire that allowed some of the coldness to disappear.

Her other hand moved to the part she knew he was trying to hide.

“Show me.”

When she slowly moved her hand up and down the bulge in his pants, his breath caught in his throat.

His gaze roved over her body- to the tightness of her Illyrian leathers, emphasizing all of her curves. To her chest, which she slightly uncovered in the training ring when heat threatened to overtake her concentration.

The intensity with which his hazel eyes observed her, made her dare to move closer to the point where they were standing so close they shared a breath. “Show me,” she whispered before she placed a soft kiss on his neck.

He tilted his head slightly to match her height. His gaze slipped to her lips.

She would only have to reach up to do what she dreamt about more times than she cared to admit- the way his lips would feel against hers (rough) the way their lips would fit together (like puzzle pieces) the way he would take her breath away (literally and metaphorically).

What she didn’t expect was the satisfied sigh that escaped her mouth when she finally returned to earth.

When she looked into his eyes to assess if she ruined the moment, she saw nothing but surprise and awe.

Before she could fill the silence he placed a large hand behind her neck and pulled her closer. Another searing kiss turned the world to black in a way his shadows never could. A world filled with wonder and perfection.

Nothing else existed except for his lips and that moment. Where eternity seemed to exist, whilst no time passed at all.

It started chaste and delicate. Before it turned more hungry and desperate. She pushed him to the bed with one determinate hand. The moment it took to land on the bed was much too long, and she already missed his lips.

When she looked into his eyes, intrigue and lust stared back. Which made a heat she’d never felt before spread through her body- like a flame and he held the match.

Nothing else existed in the world except for him and her instincts.

With confident strides she walked over to where he hungrily observed her from the bed, his eyes grew so big, that his pupils overtook the hazel she loved so much. His back was firmly pushed into the mattress. Gwyn moved to the bed where she placed two of her legs next to his hips. She felt powerful. And with the way his eyes took her in, she felt desired too.

She took one of his fingers in hers and allowed him to trace a path from the opening of her Illyrian leathers up, to her mouth. His eyes tracked every movement. When she put his thick finger in her mouth, she made sure to suck on it lightly, before she let it go with a loud pop.

Azriel was speechless, save for the heady groan that sent electricity up Gwyn’s spine.

There was something else she wanted to do tonight. Something else she wanted to see, to touch, to feel.

In one swift movement, she took up the space next to him where she sat on her knees, assessing the gorgeous male before her.

His pants were still unbuttoned. She allowed her hand to roam freely. “Gwyn.” Her name was a pledge and a prayer on his lips. “Azriel” she answered in equal devotion. She allowed her fingers to trace the patch of obsidian hair down towards the edge of his underwear.

His hands forcefully fisted the sheets next to his hips in a way that made them turn white. It was as if he didn’t allow his body to act on the same instincts that guided Gwyn in all her movements. Her hands slightly shook, as she removed the iron grip on his sheets, and took his much larger hands in hers. She could feel the grooves that graced his hands. One of her fingers softly traced them when shame colored his eyes.

It made her wonder if he was ashamed of his hands. It seemed impossible because she loved his hands.

Defiance and adoration made her lift his hands to her mouth and place soft kisses on every groove. Every mark of shame. Whilst she wished she could do the same for his heart, his soul. She wished she could soothe every horrible thing that ever happened to him, and pray to the altar of his past whilst she made a promise to always be there for him in the future by choosing him every day.

His eyes slowly shifted from shame to a calmness she rarely saw reflected in his eyes.

Before she continued she placed another kiss on his lips.

His hands moved to cup her cheeks- to keep her steady.

When his tongue darted over her lower lip, she happily complied. The kiss was deeper. More ravenous than before. As if he finally allowed himself to have her just like he wanted to.

Without breaking the kiss, she moved her hand lower. She felt his body slightly shiver with the suddenness of the touch before he leaned into it. She traced a path from his abdomen to the edge of his underwear.

“Is this okay?” she asked before she continued her path down.

“Y-es,” he stammered as his hips bucked into her touch.

Her heart leaped in her chest. She could feel her excitement resound in the increased beats of her heart. With uneven breaths, but steady hands, she moved her hand to slide into the softness of his underpants where a less soft cock greeted her.

Her eyes widened in surprise and admiration. His cock was huge. She could barely fit it in her hand.

“It must have been a good book,” she smiled as she looked up at him.

His voice was low when he finally found the words to answer her, “That’s all you.” A corner of his mouth lifted when he ended the sentence with a wink. She didn’t need a mirror to know a red flush grazed her cheeks at the way his words made her feel. Or the warmth it spread throughout her body.

“I haven’t even done anything yet,” she teased.

“My cock says otherwise.”

Intrigue and fascination made her wonder what else she could do to his cock. She tightened her grip around his cock, as she lowered her head to rest next to his ear as she whispered “What is it saying now?”

He moved his head to look into her eyes, his voice was even lower as he forced out in between hurried breaths, “That you know me well.”

Her movements were restricted by his pants.

Even though it was the last thing she wanted to do, she removed her hand from his hardening cock when something akin to a whine followed her abrupt exit.

“Was that a whine?” she said in between laughs.

With a shrug of his shoulders, he answered without any hint of shame, “Me and my cock love having you close.”

With a playful roll of her eyes, she signaled to his pants.

“Oh.” Skillful hands removed his sweatpants in less time than it took for him to utter the single syllable.

Only his underpants and t-shirt prevented her from seeing his entire naked glory. Her hands moved on their own accord when they took hold of the underside of his shirt and swiftly lifted it up.

Many nights she wondered what hid under the carefully constructed armor. Some days, when it was especially hot, hints of swirling tattoos were uncovered. Maps of obsidian art she memorized as if they were Merrill’s research. Then there were his tight Illyrian leathers which hinted at muscular arms, ones she often fantasized about.

She allowed her eyes to rove over his body- to take in every muscle. Every swirling tattoo. Every patch of obsidian hair. Wherever her eyes roamed her finger followed. His body slightly shivered under her touch. “Beautiful” she whispered.

His eyes lit up and the resulting smile made him even more beautiful. Gwyn’s heart grew to a size she didn’t hold possible. It made her want to give him every last piece of her.

There was only one last barrier between them. One she uncovered with shaky hands. Larger ones found hers in an instant. Although his hands had a slight shiver too, they provided a steadiness Gwyn hadn’t realized she needed at that moment.

Slowly, so slowly, they pulled his underpants off, and within seconds his half-hard cock sprang free.

Azriel’s gaze didn’t wander towards his large member as Gwyn’s eyes did, instead, they remained determinedly focused on her.

Words escaped her. So she took his hand in hers and guided him towards his cock too. “Show me,” she repeated her earlier words.

His grip tightened, as he moved Gwyn’s hand up and down his cock in rough strokes. His breath hitched at the movement.

When she had as good a grip on his preferences as she on his cock, she lowered down to whisper in his ear, “Let go Az.” She didn’t know if she meant his grip or his restraint either. Maybe she meant both.

His eyes remained focused on her before his hands moved to cup her ass. Her lip darted out to lick her bottom lip. His eyes tracked the movement with such hunger it made her bend down and kiss him again.

When he used his strong grip to knead her ass, and said “I have been wanting to do this for a long time”, she couldn’t help the moan that escaped her lips. He swallowed the sound with another searing kiss that sent electricity to her core.

A desire to give him equal pleasure overtook her body. In equal curiosity and wonder, she lightly used her fingernails with her next stroke up and down his shaft. “Fuck,” Azriel groaned into her shoulder. It made his cock twitch in her hand.

Interesting.

It made her wonder what else she could do.

She closed her hand around his cock fully and made sure to pump him with as much force as she thought he could handle. “Fuck, I’m close, let me-“

“Let me,” she repeated as she seductively bit her lower lip.

His eyes widened with a desire so overwhelming it made the ache between her legs grow to an almost painful degree.

He was so close too- his breaths turned panting, more desperate.

With her other hand, she slowly lowered her zipper, revealing more and more naked skin until her breasts were freed from the constraints of the Illyrian leathers. His eyes caught the movement. His gaze turned ravenous, desperate, euphoric.

His hips bucked into her hand but her movement never slowed, as his head fell into her shoulder, and his hair tickled her in the process.

“FUCK,” Azriel groaned so loudly Gwyn was sure there was no room for any secrets tonight. But that didn’t matter.

Tonight was for victories.

And this victory, Azriel did see.

#gwynriel #gwyn x azriel #acotar #gwyn acosf #gwyneth berdara #acotar fanfiction #azriel shadowsinger #a court of silver flames #ao3 fanfic #acotar alternate universe #valentines day #sjmromanceweek2024

[stillwintering]

All's Fair in Love and Politics (a modern Nessian AU - where Rhys is running for president)

Summary: In the ruthless arena of politics, victory demands risking everything, even one's own heart. Rhysand has his eyes on the presidency. Feyre convinces her estranged sister, Nesta, to join the political campaign. Nesta and Cassian find themselves forging an unexpected bond as the campaign intensifies. But can their budding romance survive the treacherous waters of modern political warfare?

Read on AO3 / Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5

CW for this chapter: discussions of parental death

Chapter 6

"Balthazar Alvarez, ma'am," A fresh-faced young man introduced himself to Nesta. He was tall and lanky, with tanned skin and dark hair. His eyes were wide as he shook Nesta's hand. "Thank you for coming."

Cassian clasped the young man by his shoulders, smiling at him fondly. "Baz here has been recruiting volunteers for us in Iowa."

"Ms. Archeron," Baz said, looking at her nervously. "Would you like to go over the information packets that we'll be sending out to the local activists?"

"Please," she said. "Call me Nesta." She accepted the open laptop he handed her.

Baz nodded automatically. "Yes, ma'am."

"The voters in Iowa don't really know anything about the Congressman except that he's a Starborn," Nesta said, her eyes scanning through the screen. "We need to lead with the basic -- his biography, his values. The Democratic base needs to connect with his story first. What do you know about Rhysand, Baz?"

The young man shifted on his feet. "The Congressman is a decorated military veteran," Baz started. "He believes in immigration reform, pro-choice, universal healthcare, more stringent gun laws -- "

Nesta held up a hand. "Anyone can read about where Rhys stands on the issues by looking up his Wikipedia page," she stopped him. "But what do you know about him as a person?"

"Well, I've never met him in person, ma'am," Baz replied sheepishly.

Nesta looked the young man up and down. He wore an ill-fitting blue dress shirt, like something he bought in a department store without trying on different sizes. "Did you just graduate college, Baz?" she asked.

"This spring, ma'am," Baz confirmed. "I majored in political science at the University of Chicago."

"You could have worked for any number of political campaigns this cycle. There are many more established candidates," Nesta continued. "So why did you choose Rhysand Starborn?"

Baz considered and then replied, "Because the Congressman seems like he wants to do something new. He seems like someone who will lead with integrity. I think he's in politics for the right reasons, like he actually has principles."

"Good," Nesta approved. "That's what we need to communicate. When you're meeting with the local activists, start with that." She hands back the laptop.

Cassian grinned. "This is why we need you out here," he said. "Let's get started."

---

Over the afternoon, Nesta met with more volunteers and staffers. They discussed field strategy and planned campaign events through the summer and fall. Nesta asked for a litany of changes to canvassing materials and campaign literature. After the initial nervousness wore off, Baz demonstrated himself to be a capable and sharp operative.

Cassian took a late meeting with the leadership of the Iowa Democratic Party and left Nesta in charge of the field office. She held a volunteer training session over takeout. After she sent everyone home after dinner and Cassian was nowhere to be seen, Nesta called a taxi to take her back to the hotel.

It was dark when Nesta opened the door to her hotel room. The room's stillness enveloped her as she kicked off her heels and laid down in bed. She was tired from talking all day and meeting new people. She wanted to go to sleep early but found that she was restless. Finally, Nesta decided that she needed to move her body after, essentially, sitting all day. She fished her running gear out of her bag, smiling to herself that at least her best friends would be happy that she was training.

There was a paved trail along the Des Moines River, just a few blocks down the road from the hotel. The city had settled down for the evening. Storefronts were closed, and the roads were vacant. It was peaceful as she headed down towards the lit path along the riverfront, launching her body into movement.

Nesta had only run a mile when she started to feel out of breath. She frowned as she slowed to a walk, panting heavily and feeling out of shape. Out of the corner of her eye, she spots a tall man running on an adjacent trail. The long black hair was unmistakable.

"You couldn't sleep either?" Cassian called to her. His pace was brisque as he made the turn to meet her.

Nesta felt her face flush, even though she was already red from the exercise. "Do you always run at night?" she asked him instead.

Cassian's voice was steady, betraying no hint of fatigue. "I try to make time for as many workouts as I can," he answered.

"Of course you do," Nesta muttered.

Cassian slowed to jog in place near her. He was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, his muscles subtly flexed with each movement. He cocked his head towards the path leading to a bridge in the distance. "Mind if I join you?" he asked.

"I'll only slow you down," she said quickly.

Cassian smiled. "It's not a problem."

"Really," Nesta's heart was pounding. "You should go ahead."

"Come on, Nes," he was still smiling, but his eyes were issuing a challenge. "I won't show you up."

Nesta looked down the trail towards the lights from the bridge sparkling in the river water. It must only be a mile away. She knew continuing the run would be grueling, but she also couldn't resist the tacit challenge.

"Don't call me that," Nesta said as she propelled herself forward.

Cassian fell in step beside her, a soft chuckle escaping him as they ran side by side. Nesta willed herself to put one foot ahead of the other, even though every muscle in her body screamed in protest. She tried to remember the last time she had a real cardio workout -- it must have been months ago. The half-marathon she had committed to suddenly felt daunting.

Cassian didn't try to overtake her, allowing her to set the pace for both of them. Nesta did not falter. She couldn't let him know how utterly unprepared she was for this run. When they finally reached the bridge, Nesta felt like she was about to collapse.

"We can walk back to the hotel," Cassian offered.

Nesta's heart pounded in her ears, her body aching and roaring with exertion. Nesta shook her head. She didn't want him to have the satisfaction of seeing her weak and defeated from a measly two-mile run. She turned back the way they'd come.

Cassian followed wordlessly and matched her pace again. She could see a smirk on the edges of her vision. It irritated her, but it was also the push she needed to return to the trailhead. Only then did Nesta allow herself to bend over, bracing her hands over her knees, panting heavily. She felt like she was going to pass out, having pushed her body to its limits.

"Good run," Cassian commented, stopping beside her. He didn't even break a sweat -- the bastard.

Nesta flipped him off in reply.

Cassian chuckled and pushed a water bottle into her hand. "Drink up, sweetheart," he said.

She gave him a scathing glare that would have cut down a lesser man. But she was too out of breath to form words. She took his water bottle, tipped it back, and drained the whole thing.

He watched her throat work as she drank. "You're crossing your arms too much when you run," Cassian said, glancing away. "It tires you out faster."

"And you're some kind of running expert?" Nesta choked out, still breathless.

"I am actually," he looked back at her with a cocky grin. "We could train together, if you want."

She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and returned the empty bottle. "No thanks," she replied, almost reflexively.

Nesta started back towards the hotel.

---

Cassian had the undeniable sense that he had been dismissed. But the trouble was that they were staying at the same hotel, so he trailed behind her across the street. He could tell Nesta had pushed herself to finish that run -- that unyielding determination, it was captivating.

"How did the volunteer meeting go?" Cassian asked as he fell back into step beside Nesta.

"Fine," she replied, her breathing still ragged.

Cassian forced himself to keep his eyes ahead, not daring his gaze to linger over Nesta's body. She was clad in form-fitting leggings and a sleek racerback top, her skin glowing with a warm flush and her chest rising and falling rapidly from the run. The sight almost threatened to overwhelm him.

They walked in silence for a whole city block.

"I came back after my meeting," Cassian finally said, clearing his throat. "But the office was shut."

"Was there something you needed?"

"Not really," Cassian replied, trying to explain. "I wanted to check whether you had a ride. Since I took the truck."

"I called a taxi."

They reached the entrance of the hotel, where Nesta's breathing had become more even, though her cheeks still bore a rosy glow. Her hair shimmered like burnished gold under the artificial lights. A single drop of sweat traced a path from her neck down to her chest, disappearing beneath the neckline of her tank top. Cassian swallowed, feeling a rush of warmth despite the cool night air.

"Is there anything else?" she asked, a hint of impatience in her voice.

Cassian, momentarily lost for words, suggested, "You should stretch now or else you'll be extra sore tomorrow." He instinctively moved into his post-workout routine.

Nesta seemed to hesitate, her eyes darting towards the hotel lobby before settling back on him. She then gracefully sunk into a deep lunge, mirroring his movements. Cassian silently led her through a sequence of stretches.

"Happy?" she asked as they wrapped up.

Cassian only grinned. "You'll thank me tomorrow."

"I doubt that," Nesta said, turning on her heels and walking into the lobby.

Cassian trailed behind her again. They reached the elevator bay, where Nesta stepped into an already waiting elevator. She looked back at him, a question in her eyes, "Which floor?"

Cassian stood frozen at the threshold. The confined space of the elevator suddenly struck him as dangerously intimate. He felt an urge to close the gap between the two of them.

"I'll take the stairs," he quickly declared.

"Show off," Nesta retorted as the elevator doors closed, separating them.

Cassian turned towards the stairwell with his heart threatening to leap out of his chest.

---

The following day, Nesta felt aching throughout her body. She groaned as she climbed into the truck for their trip to Cedar Rapids. Cassian smirked at her knowingly but held his tongue.

They quickly settled into a driving routine: Cassian got them drinks and snacks, and then Nesta worked on her laptop while he drove. Cassian let Nesta pick the music. She liked that Cassian never seemed to mind the silence between them -- he mostly left her to her work, keeping the truck steady.

It wasn't until halfway through the drive, when Nesta shut her laptop, that Cassian spoke up, "Have you ever been to this part of Iowa before?"

Nesta stowed her laptop away. "Only once, as a child," she said, a tad wistful. Nesta watched the endless fields of young corn stretched out around them.

"Really?" Cassian reached to turn down the music.

"I must have just finished the fifth grade. Feyre was barely starting school," Nesta replied, letting the memory flood through her.

"What brought you all out here?" Cassian asked, his eyes sparked with curiosity.

Nesta leaned towards the passenger side window, taking in the monotonous green landscape under the vast, indifferent sky. Cassian's presence beside her was warm and comforting. "That summer, our father, in a rare moment of whimsy, decided to take us all on a cross-country road trip from Virginia to California," Nesta began, voice soft and contemplative. "It was a few years before our mother's passing. She despised road trips; I've never understood why she came. And the three of us -- Feyre, Elain, and I -- were crammed in the backseat, squabbling and bickering nonstop for ten days. These cornfields... they haven't changed a bit."

Cassian nodded, his voice tender, "Must've been quite a trip, with three kids in tow."

Turning towards him, Nesta's eyes held something like a flicker of old pain. "Did Feyre ever speak to you about how our mother died?"

"Feyre mentioned it was cancer," Cassian replied quietly. "And that she was too young to remember much."

The truck continued its steady course, carving through the expanse of the blue sky and green fields. Nesta fell silent for a moment. She didn't know why she had revealed so much to him. Except, Nesta knew it wasn't cancer that took their mother, not really.

"Feyre was..." Nesta stopped herself, not sure how to continue.

Cassian gave her an encouraging smile. "Your mother, what was she like?" he asked, his voice a whisper against the backdrop of the road's hum.

Nesta sighed, a sound filled with memory and loss. "She was... complicated. Strong in her own way, yet fragile towards the end," Nesta said. She hadn't talked about her mother in so long that the words were tumbling out of her.

"Our parents did not have a happy marriage, you see, so our mother, she had poured all her energy into us. She was very demanding..." Nesta continued. "Expected nothing less than perfection. We went to the best schools, had the best tutors. But it was never enough. Especially after the financial crisis, our father lost everything, and all his businesses folded. We were -- we lost our house, I think that was the last straw. She died shortly after."

"I'm sorry, Nesta," Cassian glanced at her with empathy etched on his face. "Losing a parent when you were so young, that's a lot for anyone to handle."

Nesta scanned the horizon in the distance. She suddenly felt like that little girl in the backseat of her family's car, looking out at a world too big and too confusing to understand.

Nesta had often found herself thinking about that year when her mother died. It was as if their mother's illness, her passing, it was a fulcrum on which the sisters' lives were balanced. After she was gone, everything tilted, and Nesta felt like she had been scattered, trying to find her footing in a world that was off-kilter ever since.

"And what was your family like?" Nesta looked away from the empty landscape outside.

"I never knew my parents," Cassian replied, frowning. "My mother gave me up when I was a baby. I grew up being passed from one foster home to another. In a way, I had many families, or maybe none at all."

Nesta's eyes widened. "I'm sorry. I had no idea," she said. "Did you ever want to find your birth mother?"

"I tried when I was old enough," Cassian said, his voice detached. "But she had died shortly after giving birth to me -- in a car accident. From what I could piece together... my birth father was an alcoholic. I think maybe that's why she had given me up. He was driving drunk when they crashed into a highway barrier at night."

"I'm so sorry," Nesta repeated, not sure what else she could say. "It must have been a difficult childhood."

"I turned out okay," Cassian shrugged, turning slightly to give her a reassuring smirk. "The Starborns sort of took me in during college."

Nesta took a moment to process the information. She watched Cassian's right hand drop to sit on top of the gear shift. "Do you ever think about what life would've been like if things had been different? If your mother hadn't..." Her voice trailed off, not needing to complete the question.

Cassian turned to her, his eyes a storm of gold and green. "All the time," he replied. "I wonder who we would have been, and the choices we would have made. Don't you?"

Nesta nodded, finding her throat dry. Unable to speak, she only reached over and rested her hand on top of his. Her hands looked so small and delicate against his. Cassian went wholly still. His other hand clutched the steering wheel, and his eyes remained straight ahead as if afraid to look down at their joined hands.

"Thank you," Nesta finally said, taking her hand back and letting the soft silence envelop them once again for the remainder of the trip.

#fanfic #a court of silver flames #a court of thorns and roses #acosf #acotar #cassian #nessian #nesta #nesta archeron #nesta x cassian #all's fair in love and politics #acotar fanfiction #rhysand #feyre archeron #acomaf #acowar #modern au #political au

[miss-shawdowsinger]

Soothing Darkness - Azriel X reader fanfic

Chapter 5

Summary: The ball has arrived. Y/N struggles to keep her lack of dance skills hidden but with someone to guid her she may find it easier then expected.

Warnings: swearing!

AN: so I loved this chapter, it gave me butterflies ❤️ please let me know what you think!

Chapter 1

----

The darkness unfurled as quickly as it came. You were a hundred feet above the house of wind, and you were falling. Plummeting downwards to meet the ground. You let out a scream, but the wind took your voice away. Fear stampeded throughout your entire body as you fell looking at the party below. Strong hands wrapped around you and pulled you towards their body. You clung onto Azriel, his wings finally stretching wide as he smoothly began to glide the rest of the way down.

“You alright?” he chuckled as you clung to him like a scared kitten.

“I could have died” you screamed at him.

“I wouldn’t have let that happen” his deep voice almost purred. “We only fell for a second, but I had you, I promise”.

“Couldn’t you have just gone straight to the house?” you looked, the party drew closer as Azriel slowly lowered the both of you to the balcony.

“There are wards around the house” he smirked. “So, no”.

“Never. Do that again” your heartbeat was still wild in your chest, and you cast Azriel you most stern look. His hazel eyes met yours and softened but there was still a hint of amusement behind them.

“Flying only. Noted” he landed softly on the houses balcony, placing you gently down. You stepped out of his arms and stared up at the towering Illyrian.

“I should say thank you” you begrudgingly said narrowing your eyes at him. You wished you could wipe that smug smile right off his face.

“No thanks necessary” he held up both of his hands. You opened your mouth to speak but you were cut off by your name being called. Turning quickly, you found Gwyn and Emerie stood at the glass doors to the house.

“You look amazing” Gwyn strode over to you, embracing you before you could return the compliment. “Come inside, the music is divine” they both grabbed one of your hands and dragged you inside. You glanced over your shoulder to see Azriel stood where he landed, as his shadows coiled around him. He nodded once to you as you got dragged inside.

~~

The house was full of people, all dressed up exquisitely in their ball gowns and suits. There were a couple tables pushed up against the walls around the room which had refreshments. People gathered around the outskirts of the room to chat whilst the centre was filled with dancing couples. Gwyn was right, the music was divine. It was played by a small orchestra who were situated on a stage overlooking the dance floor.

“Here” Emeire handed you a large glass of wine from one of the tables. You took it gladly as you admired the room. How different it looked now to how it usually did. You didn’t recognise anyone as you stared around. It looked like Gwyn was right about the priestesses, as there wasn’t one face you recognised from training.

You followed the two girls around the room, watching the dance partners move in perfect time with one another. Nesta and Cassian were amongst the dancers. You gawked as you watched Nesta move effortlessly, like she was one with the music. The music came to a close and Nesta spotted you in the crowd, dragging Cassian behind her, she marched over to greet you.

“Y/N, the necklace looks great on you” she smiled and you could have sworn she winked at you.

“You shouldn’t have” you touched the necklace sat on your collarbone, half covering the scar on your neck “Thank you”.

“You all clean up well” Cassian smiled down at all three of you. So did he. He looked so different to how you would usually see him. Instead of his Illyrian fighting leathers he wore a black jacket and trousers. His long hair was combed and hung neatly down to his shoulders. Nesta tutted at his half-hearted compliment.

“There are some people I would like you to meet” Nesta tilted her head in a gesture to follow her through the crowd. On the other side of the room there was a small group of people, as you approached you realised straight away who two of them were.

The high lord and high lady of the night court stood together. The picture of happiness as they laughed amongst the group. You quickly downed the rest of your wine before approaching. Liquid courage, you definitely needed that for this.

“Everyone” Nesta announced your arrival to the group. “This is Y/N, she has been training with us here everyday and she owns a bakery in the city” Nesta gestured towards you and six pairs of eyes followed. You suddenly felt very much in the spotlight in front of these very important people. Before you could feel yourself shrinking back on yourself a blonde, gorgeous female fae stepped forward and embraced you.

“Nice to meet you Y/N. I’m Mor” she released you with a friendly smile. “This is Amren” she pointed to a small female with a jet-black bob. Amren raised her glass to you as a greeting, you nodded in return. “This is Elain” she stopped at the pretty young female.

“We’ve met” Elain smiled “I was meant to come back and tell you that your baking is amazing, I’ll have to visit again soon”.

“You are more then welcome anytime” you met her kind smile with your own.

“Next is my cousin Rhys and the beautiful Fayre” Mor continued, taking you round the circle. “Never one without the other” she smirked, gaining a glare back from the high lord before he turned his attention to you. You looked up to find Rhysands violet eyes. They were piercing but beautiful, he was quite something to behold. You could feel how his powers emanated from him even as he stood so casually.

“Nice to meet you” your voice managed to squeak out.

“You too Y/N” his deep voice rattled through you. “I’ve heard great things” he took your hand and gently shook it. You assumed he meant your baking and you blushed slightly as his soft warm hand released yours.

“Lovely to see you again” Fayre pulled your attention away from the high lord. She looked incredible in her long, silver, silk gown.

“And you” you bowed your head to her as you continued to follow Mor around the circle.

“I’m assuming you’ve met this one” Mor gestured to the male in the corner. He stepped out of the shadows, his face finally coming into full view.

“We have indeed” Azriel bowed his head to you. You rolled your eyes slightly, still annoyed from his lack of warnings earlier. He must have caught it as there was a slight twitch in the corner of his mouth.

~~

You sat between Mor and Gwyn, drinking wine and laughing as Mor told you about each of the members of the group and how they met. Nesta and Cassian spent most of the night dancing and Emerie had also found a dance partner or two. Although you did notice her stumble over her words when it came to speaking to Mor. You looked between the two of them and thought that they would look cute together but decided to keep that to yourself.

“I’m starved” Gwyn nudged you slightly. “Come with me to get some food?” you nodded once and excused yourselves before making your way around the room to the table filled with small bites to eat.

There were loads to choose from. Pigs in blankets, mini quiches, salads and tarts. Gwyn grabbed a plate and started piling the food on. “I know Nesta told us, but I didn’t have time to eat before this” she shrugged as she debated taking another slice of pie.

“No judgement from me” you helped yourself to a cocktail sausage and waited as Gwyn finished plating her food up. You looked out over the dancefloor in front of you. Emerie was on her second dance with a rather handsome looking fae, although her face looked rather board as he spun her around. Nesta and Cassian were smiling brightly at one another as they graced the dancefloor. Each of there spins, perfectly executed.

Rhysand and Fayre were also amongst the couples. They held each other closely as they gazed lovingly at one another. You couldn’t help but smile at how they looked at one another. Wishing that one day you may be able to find that for yourself. You continued looking at each of the dancing couples until your eyes landed on a couple that made your chest tighten.

Elain was spinning perfectly in time to the beat of the music. Her long, flowing lilac dress perfectly floating around with every movement. She was smiling brightly up at the male holding her closely, his scarred hand on her waist, his other interlocked with her hand.

Azriel was smiling down at the beautiful female he held closely. His dancing was as graceful and precise as his movements in the training rings. You couldn’t understand why your throat felt so constricted as you watched them dance with one another. Without even realising it, you had been staring at them for a while.

Together they looked like the most beautiful couple you had ever seen. No wonder he looked at her so longingly. No wonder she looked back at him the exact same way. “Care for a dance?” you hadn’t even noticed the male approach you, you managed to tear your eyes away from the dancing couple to face him.

His hand was held out ready for you to take. His red shoulder length hair fell to his green jacket. You looked to his face and saw a large scar that crossed over one of his eyes, which you soon realised was metal. The scar didn’t take away from the fact that the male was very handsome with soft features.

“Oh I’m sorry, I’m actually just grabbing some food” you lied. Your palms suddenly sweaty as you grabbed a plate. “Later, maybe” you nodded to him.

“I’ll look forward to it” he nodded his head politely and crossed to the other side of the room.

“You should have danced with him” Gwyn nudged you slightly.

“Maybe later” you shrugged. You didn’t dare admit that in fact, you had no clue how to dance. You had never stepped on a dancefloor in your life, and you weren’t about to embarrass yourself now. Especially in front of a handsome fae like him.

~~

As the night went on you ended up being asked by three other males to dance. Each you politely declined, coming up with one excuse or another. Gwyn and Emerie couldn’t understand it and kept on scolding you for rejecting another handsome male.

“You will have to dance eventually” Emerie crossed her arms at you. “You have told them all you would dance with them later”.

“I didn’t say I would” you defended. “I said maybe” you returned her look. Nesta joined your small group at the side of the dancefloor.

“You said maybe to what?” Nesta arched an eyebrow.

“Y/N keeps rejecting every suitable male who attempts to dance with her” Gwyn rolled her eyes.

“Why?” Nesta tilted her head. There was no tiptoeing around the glare that bored into you.

“Fine” you sighed. “I can’t dance” you kept your voice down, hoping only the three around you could hear.

“Can’t or haven’t?” was all Nesta asked.

“Haven’t” you answered, lowering your eyes to the floor in embarrassment.

“Not a problem. Wait here” Nesta spun on her heels and marched across the room to Cassian. You carefully watched as you saw her whisper in the Illyrians ear. He nodded, seemingly agreeing with whatever Nesta was saying. The couple then proceeded to wait until the music had finished before making there way over to one of the couples that had just finished their dance.

You tried to peer round the crowed of people at who Nesta and Cassian had approached. What could they possibly be up to? A small gap appeared, and you looked through it catching sight of Nesta and Cassian now stood with Elain and Azriel. Cassian whispered in Azriel’s ear, pointing in your direction. Azriel followed his gesture and locked eyes with you.

Shit. You quickly set your gaze somewhere else, anywhere else. Trying to find something to do, you spun around to face the table of refreshments, grabbing a glass of wine and finishing it in one breath. Gwyn and Emerie were asking you questions but you could barely hear them over the sound of your own heartbeat. Had Nesta really told Cassian that she could dance? And in turn had he told Azriel?

“I can’t believe you have never danced before” Emerie said as Gwyn nodded her agreement. You focussed on the next glass of wine you had picked up, you can’t recall how much you had already had to drink but you needed the drink to numb the embarrassment.

A male voice cleating their throat came from behind you. Gwyn and Emerie stopped chatting and silently excused themselves. Slowly, you turned around to face Azriel. His hazel eyes met yours and you couldn’t tell if it was the wine or his presence that made your knees buckle slightly.

“Care to dance” his deep voice drowned out the music in your ears.

You swallowed hard “I can’t”. You lowered your eyes to your hand which were now fiddling with the fabric on your dress.

“Humour me” Azriel pressed.

“That’s exactly what I will do if I dance” your face flushed. He smirked slightly, taking a step closer to you.

“It’s just like training” you dared to look at him again. His eyes were soft. “You are just learning something new”.

“Yes, and I suck at that too” you rolled your eyes slightly.

“No. You don’t” Azriel held out his scared hand. “Trust me” his voice was a whisper.

“You keep telling me to do that” you narrowed your eyes slightly, ignoring the hand he offered to you.

“And how has that worked out for you?” he raised a brow questioningly. You paused for a moment, trying to think back to each time he had told you to trust him. It had always ended perfectly fine, and in all fairness to him, he hadn’t asked you to trust him before letting you fall a few feet earlier that evening. His eyes didn’t leave yours as he watched you think, his hand still outstretched for you to take.

You sighed deeply, glancing round the room to make sure no one was watching. He smiled sweetly as you placed your delicate hand in his. A tilt from his head was all you needed in order to follow him to a gap on the dancefloor. The music had stopped momentarily, allowing Azriel to pull you into position. You stood facing one another but your mind was elsewhere. Scanning the room, wishing you could just disappear out of site from the onlookers surrounding the floor.

“Look at me” Azriel deep voice softly whispered, you obeyed. “Put this hand on my shoulder here” he moved your hand into position “and this one stays holding mine” he gestured to your enclosed hands. “Stand closer to me” his deep voice sent a small shiver down your spine. You moved a miniscule step closer to him, closing the gap between your bodies slightly.

He smirked before resting his other hand on your waist and pulling you in, even closer. You stumbled forward slightly but he caught you. Your bodies were barley an inch away from each other’s. Where his hand lay on your side, sent heat rising to your cheeks. You regained your balance, finding your attention still focused on the people watching you. That was until shadows began to circle the two of you, not to complete darkness but more like a light fog.

“Now you can concentrate on me” he regained your attention. “No onlookers” his soft smile broke through the wall you had put up. The gesture put you slightly more at ease. You can trust him, you told yourself.

The music started playing again, a beautiful slow melody. “Listen to the music” Azriel instructed. “Do you hear the beat. One, two, three. One, two, three” you nodded as you kept in time to the beat. “Now, I’ll lead. Step in time to each beat, starting with your left foot forward”.

You did as he said. Moving your feet to the beat as Azriel kept counting. You stared down at your feet, watching each movement. A warm, gentle hand caressed your chin, pulling you to look upwards. “Keep looking at me” his hazel eyes were captivating as you kept dancing, now keeping time to the beat without his help. He removed his hand from you chin and placed it back on your waist.

“Sorry” you cringed as you stepped on his foot.

“It’s fine” he squeezed your hand in an encouraging gesture. “Try again”. Azriel rebalanced the both of you and you started again. By the end of the first song, you were beginning to get the hang of it. The second song started playing, luckily the tempo hadn’t changed and the two of you carried on dancing.

The world seemed to melt away as you looked into his hazel eyes. His hand at your waist kept you close to his body and his other wrapped around yours. You felt your chest lighten as he smiled down at you, looking at you like you had never been looked at before. You got lost in his eyes as you returned the smile, a slight blush in your cheeks as he began spinning you.

You managed to keep your footing as he would catch you, holding you tightly after each twirl. The music became part of you, so quickly the dancing became second nature. “Just like training” he whispered into your ear. You flushed at his hot breath against your ear.

You became so engulfed in the male that held you that you hadn’t realised he had dropped the shadows. The whole room was now able to watch as the two of you danced in perfect synchronisation. Your blue dress sparkled and floated gracefully as Azriel spun you again. A small laugh escaping both of your lips as he pulled you back in.

It was like being in a fairy tale as he led you around the dancefloor so effortlessly. You couldn’t supress the shy smile as he pulled you closer to him. The smile he returned made your breath hitch in your throat. The music came to a close yet again, but Azriel still held you in place. Readying for the next dance. His eyes not leaving yours until…

“Sorry, could I step in?” a small female voice spoke from beside you, whisking you suddenly away from your trance. You turned your attention to Elain. Everything that you had felt during the dance came crashing down instantly, as you looked upon her beautiful face. The face of the girl Azriel had been dancing with most of the night.

You shook yourself into reality. “Of course” you took a step backwards and out of Azriel’s strong arms, feeling a slightly unwilling release from your hand. You glanced at his unreadable face as Elain thanked you, taking his arm in her own. You only nodded your head in return, telling yourself you must have imagined that reluctant release.

As the music began playing, you hurried off the dancefloor. Not wanting to turn back and look at Azriel and Elain. Once again in each other’s arms. You could still feel the warmth of his hand in yours, could still see the smile on his face as he led you around the dancefloor. The thought made your chest tighten but you pushed it deep down.

You had almost made it to the refreshment stand when you came face to face with one of the males from earlier. “Do you think I could have that dance now?” his metal eye whirled slightly as he held out his hand to you. You paused for a second, about to reject him for the second time tonight when something inside you stopped yourself.

“Yes” you placed your hand in his and he led you to the dancefloor. Without meaning too, you looked towards Azriel and Elain. Briefly catching Azriel’s unreadable eyes as the male spun you to face him.

“My names Lucian by the way” he introduced himself. You began dancing, remembering what Azriel had taught you.

“Nice to meet you Lucian” you smiled up at his handsome face. “I’m Y/N”.

The two of you danced sweetly together. It wasn’t quite the same feeling as it had been with Azriel but it was pleasant. Lucian soon realised you weren’t the most skilled dancer, after stepping on his toes on multiple occasions.

“I’m so sorry” you cringed after standing on his foot yet again.

“Honestly, it’s fine” he reassured you. “Is it your first ball?”.

“Is it that obvious?” you laughed at his good manners.

“Not at all” he lied but there was comforting amusement behind his eyes. The two of you danced together for three songs. Making pleasant convocation before you retired to get refreshments. “It was nice meeting you Y/N, and thank you for the honour of dancing with me” he bowed his farewell to you.

“You too” you smirked. “I hope you can still feel your toes” he laughed then kissed the back of your hand before taking his leave.

~~

As the night came to a close Nesta showed you and Emerie to your rooms. Due to there being a lot of alcohol consumed, she thought it best that no one flew or winnowed either of you home.

You got ready for bed whilst Emerie told you about all her different dance partners. She ranked them all and gave them a rating on how good their footwork was. You laughed as you sunk into the comfortable bed, adjacent to hers.

“What about you?” she asked. “How was your first ever dances?”

“They were good” you answered. “Although I do feel sorry for Lucian, I must have trodden on him a dozen times” Emerie laughed in response.

“What about Azriel?” the question hung in the air for a long moment. You tried not to think of the dance you shared with him and how it had briefly made you feel. Clearly all you felt was some childish crush towards him, you admitted.

“He’s a good teacher” you said with a soft sigh. “Good night” you said before Emerie could ask any further questions.

“Good night” she yawned, and the lights went out. You hugged the covers right up to your neck as you wished for sleep to take you before your mind started racing.

Chapter 6

#acotar #acotar fandom #acotar fanfiction #azriel #azriel x reader #azriel x you #batboys #cassian #nesta #the inner circle

[readychilledwine]

Training Tensions

A second part of Early Mornings (link in masterlist and coming soon) in a way. Showing the beginning of the mateship/courting between Cassian, our illyrian oc (who now has a name), and Nesta. But with a plot twist so I have an excuse for something that may get posted later.

Summary - Nesta can't help falling harder and harder for Irelina. They've been ignoring it for months now, but the dam has to break at some point

Warnings - fxmxf threesome inferred, oral, mentions of a trouple/poly-relationships, husband encouraging someone else to bang his wife (because Cassian is a king), mentions of impact play, wing play, oh and some actually emotionally stuff. It's NSFW but not as spicy as I've been known to post

A/N - I hadn't intended to add to Early Morning much, but when I'm in a writers block, my mind goes back to her, Nesta, and Cassian, and the emotional bond between her and Nesta. So you may occasionally see pieces of them sprinkled between other updates.

"He's just selfish!" Nesta landed another harsh punch that had Irelina smiling with pride inside despite the stinging in her hands growing. "He just thinks he knows everything," another sharp punch landed on her pad. "And for being able to get into people's heads, he understands nothing." 

The final blow caught her off guard. Nesta pulled a move the young female watched her use while she was sparring with Cassian. A faked right into a left into the stomach. Nesta gasped as she doubled over. Eyes wide in shock as she began to cough. 

"I'm so sorry!" Nesta was at her side, a hand gently touching her back. "I-"

"Don't apologize," she wheezed out. She placed her hands on her knees, taking deep breaths through her nose as Cassian ran over.

"What happened?" Nesta backed away, only for Irelina to reach for her hand and hold her there. Electricity shooting through her at the contact.

"She's a visual learner," is all she said. "She took a fake shot on me and it worked because we had hardly even discussed that yet. I'm so proud of you, Ness."

Nesta's face slightly flushed with the praise before she buried it away. 

-

Training the next day involved her and Nesta in meditation. Focusing on their inner self. "I can feel how unsettled you are. Talk to me." It was a gentle invitation. One Nesta took immediately.

"I just do not understand how you all sat there and did not tell Feyre she would die."

Nesta watched her eyes open. "There was not a single day that went by since I found out that I did not want to tell her. Trust me." Irelina paused, looking towards where Cassian and Azriel were sparring. "It just was not my place. I do agree it was not handled properly, though."

Nesta's mind froze, unprepared to have her feelings validated. "You don't think I'm wrong?"

She shook her head at Nesta, eyes closed again. "I think Rhysand, my dearest brother, should have included his mate and wife in decision making regarding their babe and her body. I feel HE should have told her right away and included her in the search to find solutions."

She opened her eyes, finally looking at Nesta with that gaze that reminded the younger female of molten honey. "I do not think you told her from a place of genuine concern and love, though. That is the only thing I do not believe was handled correctly on your end."

Nesta sook her head. "I do love her, it was concern."

"It is not your love I question, Ness. It's your intention. In your heart, yes, you meant well. In your subconscious, no." Nesta studied the illyrian female, her beautiful face and scarred wings. "I think you are grieving so deeply, Nesta, your heart has begun to be poisoned. You are blinded by your rage and hurt. I understand that heartache." 

"We failed you," she continued. "We failed you, and Elain, multiple times. We failed you when you were forced into that Cauldron, we failed you when you were recovering, we failed you when your father died, and we failed you after the war."

Nesta felt her heart swelling, her eyes beginning to water. She had longed to hear those exact words for nights now.

"I failed you," Irelina said softly. "I failed you when I allowed you to go down the same pathway I did of numbing yourself through booze and sex. I failed you when I wasn't there every day and night holding you. I failed you, and I will never be able to make up for it."

She held her hand to Nesta, then gently laced their fingers together. "Everything you are feeling, little dove, every piece of anger, of longing, of sadness, of self doubt, of absolute burning sheer rage, you are valid in those feelings. You are allowed to feel those feelings." She brought Nesta's hand to her lips, kissing the top of it gently, "it's how we move forward in how you process those feelings, how you let them free, that makes the difference in your soul's peace or turmoil."

-

Nesta was awake before her. Before Azriel and Cassian. Eyes locked in the fire burning in the hearth. Her dreams were haunted by Irelina, but not the way her nightmares had plagued her. 

They were haunted by gentle touches, soft whispered words of love, support, and encouragement. 

They were haunted by memories of the two of them, when Rhys would allow her off her leash and the two of them would spend time reading, finger tips running up and down her arm as Irelina jotted down notes for reports or flipped her horror novel behind her. 

Nesta jumped when soft hands found her waist, a kiss placed on her temple. "Why are you up so early, dove?" She shivered at the sound of her voice laced in sleep. "Want breakfast or coffee? I can steal some tea from Azriel too?"

Nesta's mind flashed to the last time they had breakfast alone, to when Irelina served her coffee and the fluffiest pancakes she had ever had. Nesta had hardly been able to control herself around Irelina and Cassian for weeks after that, but her  rage towards Cassian helped. Her jealousy of hearing him make his wife a begging mess helped. 

"I was wondering if we could not train today?" Nesta asked quietly. "Just take a day to relax, you and me?"

"I'd have to ask Azriel," she said. "But I will work something out with him. Did you want breakfast?"

-

Azriel had not let Nesta out of training. Following his orders to a t, much to both of the females disappointment.

Nesta and Irelina were sparring basic hand to hand and currently locked together. It didn't take her but a spare second to take Nesta to the ground, straddling her hips and pinning her hands above her head. 

Nesta's chest was heaving, her eyes wide and mouth parted slightly.  Irelina's brows scrunched together at the same time Cassian gripped his chest over his heart and Azriel's shoulder. 

She was off Nesta in an instant, moving through the House of Wind as Nesta ran after her. 

She locked herself into the bathroom of her and Cassian's room, sinking against the wall. Nesta jiggled the door handle forehead against the cool wood, "Irelina, let me in." She knocked softly. "Talk to me, please. I know you're scared. I was scared when I felt it too, but you've made me feel so safe, please."

She heard Cassian's footsteps. "Lark? Baby, what's wrong?" Irelin didn't answer. Sitting with her head against the wall, a new silver thread gleaming next to a golden one. She tugged them both before closing the bond down. 

Cassian knew the message, placing a hand around Nesta's shoulders as he saw that pretty silver string too. "Give her a little bit, dove. She's shocked."

"You knew?" Cassian nodded at her question.

"Of course, dove. I knew the second I laid eyes on you in that manor you were mine, ours." Lark and dove, Nesta noted immediately. His little birds. The thought spread warmth through her body. The thought of being his. Of being Irelina's. Of being theirs.

-

Irelina skipped dinner, punching her feelings into one of the spare bags into the early hours of night. 

Nesta could feel her confusion, her excitement, her pain radiating through her hands. 

Cassian and Azriel had left for the evening claiming there was an emergency in Windhaven, and telling Nesta to behave herself while they were gone. Nesta closed her book, walking to the training grounds and sitting to watch Irelina.

She was covered in sweat, muscles and breasts shining in the light of the full moon. She struck the punching bag quick, precise, and repeatedly. She was wearing nothing more than a tight pair of leggings and a bra built for training. Her dark hair was messily braided back with a few pieces framing her high cheekbones. 

Nesta felt her eyes trapped on the muscles flexing in her thighs and arms.  Irelina paused, her head turning to Nesta. She shook whatever thoughts were running through her mind off and went back to beating the punching bag. 

The loud flapping of wings and a soft thud next to Nesta ripped her from the inappropriate place her mind was going. 

"She likes to bathe after doing this," it was an emotionless purr that made Nesta growl. "She likes lilac oils and red wine. Plenty of bubbles."

Nesta glared towards Rhysand. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because Cassian asked me to ensure you took care of her tonight since he won't be here to do it himself. It is your duty, after all, as her mate." Rhysand took off again, flying back to the home he and Feyre were staying in. 

Her mate. The words replayed over and over again like a crescendo in a symphony. Her mate.

-

Nesta prepared a bath for her, pouring the scented oil and wine for both of them, and waited. Irelia froze at the door, already wrapped in a towel. 

Nesta took a step back from the bath, sitting in the vanity chair. "I thought you needed something to help you relax. You don't seem okay lately."

She nodded. "Thank you." She moved toward the tub, stepping shamelessly out of the towel and into the warm water. Nesta was reading her romance novel while Irelina bathed. Her eyes locked on the sultry scene being painted for her between the two female love interests. Her thighs began to squeeze together occasionally, begging for friction. 

Her eyes began to flick to the naked illyrian female. Her breasts were peeking above the water, bubbles hiding the toned body and curves below. 

Nesta was desperate to touch her. To kiss her. To have her. "Your back looks sore," she stated. "Do you want me to come rub it?" 

The scent in the air changed immediately. The lilac oil mixing with something slightly musky. "If you'd like to?"

Nesta swallowed that bit of fear in her bones, moving to the tub behind her and sitting with her legs in the warm water.

The steam in the room was thick as if it was adding to the tension between the two females. Nesta moved her wet dark hair over one shoulder and began rubbing her shoulders.  A soft moan had Nesta almost pausing before moving lower. "Cassian needs to give you a massage," Nesta joked.

"He tries," she laughed out. "He really does. But he gets distracted."

"I can see how." The words came out before Nesta could stop them. They hung in the air like magic. Lingering in their effect on both of them. Irelina turned between Nesta's legs, wet hands trailing her bare right calf. 

"You can't say things like that, Nesta. Our self control with you is already low." She lifted Nesta's long left leg over her shoulder and trailed a few testing kisses up her calf. "There's so many things I long to do to you, Nesta."

The oldest Archeron sister's face had flushed. She pulled her dress up further exposing her legs, then her stomach, then her breasts until it was off and they were both laid bare to each other. "Show me," Nesta whispered. "Show me what you want to do to me."

So Irelina did.

-

Cassian could smell sex in his room the second the door opened. He knew one scent immediately. Pomegranate and currants, his wife. The other a vanilla spicy musk with touches of amber. 

A familiar moan had him hard instantly as he moved mindlessly to the bathroom door. 

The sight behind that door was heaven. Nesta had his mate laid out on the tile bathroom floor, her back arched as her hands tangled in Nesta's freed long hair. 

Nesta had her head between his mate's thighs, tongue and mouth working her timidly but encouraged by each hair pull and breathy gasp. "Like that, Ness, please, fuck." 

Cassian moved the chair Nesta had previously been in, drinking the wine that was opened straight from the bottle. Nesta looked up, seeing him and pausing, ripping a pleading whine to leave his wife's throat. 

"Don't stop on my account," his voice was deep, laced with arousal as he watched Nesta. "Keep going, Ness. Unless you need me to show you how to make that pretty bird sing?"

Nesta's eyes grew dark at the offer. At the thought of learning how to draw the same noises from Irelina the way Cassian did. He smirked, moving to Nesta. He took one of his wife's beautiful legs, placing it over Nesta's shoulder, similar to how she had pulled Nesta apart earlier. "Do to her exactly what you want done to you, Ness." 

So she did, sucking her clit into her mouth and licking that bundle of nerves. 

"Fuck. Please?" Moans turned into whimpers as Irelina pulled Nesta's face further into her heat.

Cassian ran a long finger down Nesta's spine, feeling every bump and ridge. Memorizing every building muscle. Nesta hummed under his touch, sending vibration through his wife causing another crying moan. "Is this okay, Nesta?" She whined in response, arching up for Cassian. "What a beautiful little thing you are, sweetheart. We've wanted you for so long."

"So long," his mate moaned and confirmed. 

-

Nesta woke up between two warm bodies, two sets of wings caging her in like weighted blankets of protection. She turned to her side and traced Irelia's Face and played with her lashes causing the other female to wrinkle her nose and pull her closer. "Did we hurt you?" Nesta shook her head at the sleepy tone from the other female. "This doesn't have to change anything between us, Ness. We can still just cuddle, read, and be friends."

Nesta swallowed thickly. "And if I want more? If I'm ready for more?"

"Then we're more," she whispered. "But he is part of the deal, so you two will need to work on your…. Current relationship." 

"I don't know how."

She ran a hand through Nesta's hair. "Let him train you with me. Stop pushing him away. Talk to him. Cassian can be rough, but once those walls you two seem to fortify around each other melt and bend, you're both these soft creatures needing love and validation. Gentle understanding."

She pulled Nesta to her, kissing her lips softly. Nesta rolled them over carefully, a hand going to Irelia's Delicate wing, making her arch her back. 

"Oh?" Nesta rose a brow. "I thought Feyre was kidding." 

Irelia shook her head quickly. "Pretty serious. Watch." She watched as Irelina danced long limber fingers on the ridge of Cassian's wing. "Get on top of him. Take what's yours, dove. I know you want him back inside of you." She tugged that string, making Nesta gasp. "Shall we turn him to putty?"

Cassian woke up to Nesta on his already hard cock, riding as she kissing Irelina, whose pretty dripping cunt was just in reach of his happily awaiting tongue.

-

Azriel sat with his hands folded at the table as the three of them emerged one by one. The scent of it was overwhelming. The ridiculously pungent bond. The heavy scent of sex.

He rose a brow at Irelina, knowing the female would tell him everything shamelessly to draw jealousy out of him.. "Anything happen while we were gone? Anything I as Nesta's babysitter need to know about."

She rolled her eyes at him, forcing Nesta into her normal seat next to Cassian and taking the spot next to Azriel. 

"You can join us next time if it makes you feel better, Spymaster." Cassian and Nesta's eyes both lit up. "Maybe I'll even let you beat me with a cane or hang me from the ceiling."

Nesta noticed how that immediately got Azriel's attention. His scarred hand flying to Irelina's neck. "You know better than to tease me, little bat." Azriel smirked at the shock on Nesta's face. "Welcome to the throuple, Ness. Excuse me while I go remind this pretty little thing who is actually in charge between the 3 of us." He took Irelina by her neck back up the stairs, whispering in her ear as he moved with her.

Cassian leaned back with a smirk. "Welcome, dove. Might want to start mentally preparing for that one."

#acotar #acotar x reader #azriel acotar #cassian x nesta #nesta x reader #nessian x reader #cassian x illyrianoc

[danikamariewrites]

hi❤️ could i request a feysand x reader with jealousy, maybe one of rhysands old girlfriends tries confront reader and feyre and is completely hateful to them. maybe the ex tries to put a spell on him to fall in love with her again👀 protective feyre and reader😍😍

Love Potions

Poly!Feysand x reader

A/n: I love protective Feyre she’s mother fr

Warnings: jealous ex, attempted poisoning

As you mingled with the guests of the annual Starfall party you noticed a familiar face that made your eye twitch. You politely excused yourself from the group you were speaking with to go find Feyre. You pulled her away from Mor and Emerie and dragged her behind some of the tall shrubbery in the back of the garden.

“Honey what’s wrong? You keep looking over your shoulder.” You peek through the bushes one more time to make sure you didn’t lose the female. “Rhys’ ex is here.” You whisper shouted. Feyre tilted her head in confusion. “Which one?”

Feyre chose the wrong moment to sip her champagne. “Ella.” You growl. She chokes on her drink, blue eyes going wide. “She’s not allowed to be here. What the fuck.” She quietly shouted back. “I know.” You peek through the gap in the bushes again, “if you keep Rhys distracted I can get rid of her.” You say.

Feyre nods in agreement. Her lips in a tight line as she keeps her anger at bay. You can see the darkness swirling in her eyes and the power crawling under her skin. “Keep our mind-to-mind connection open.” She said walking away to find Rhys.

For a half hour you kept your distance from Ella, making sure she didn’t do anything that would piss Rhys off. Really you were doing this for you and Feyre. Rhys told you two what happened between them. And it was not a pleasant relationship.

Ella was a very jealous female. She couldn’t stand not having Rhys’ attention and didn’t get along with the rest of the inner circle. Nesta ran into her one day at the bookstore and they didn’t have a pleasant interaction. Cassian had to keep Nesta from breaking Ella’s nose.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary so far. All Ella did was talk to a few friends and enjoy the dessert table. You were about to call it and go find your mates when you saw Ella grab a glass of whiskey. She slipped a small pink bottle from her dress pocket and poured half the contents in, swirling it around.

Azriel and Cassian told you once that out of all Rhys’ exs Ella would do anything to get him back. She was crazy. After they broke up for good Azriel found her stalking the Town House and scared her off with his shadows. You wished you had been around to see the petrified look on her face.

She started to strut across the yard. Your eyes followed where she was going and noticed she was making a beeline toward Rhys. You started lightly jog across the yard your heel slightly sinking into the grass as you went. “Feyre!” You yelled, “Feyre, she’s walking toward you and I think she put something in a drink for Rhys.” “Oh no she’s doesn’t. I got this.” “I’m coming. Don’t yell at her without me!”

You see Feyre float toward Rhys and he wraps an arm around her. As Ella steps on the raised deck you rush past her causing her to stumble. You don’t look back as a smirk graces your lips. Feyre notices you and holds out her hand. You take it and she pulls you to Rhys’ to chest.

“Hello sweetheart.” He says planting a kiss on your forehead. Rhys hugs you and Feyre closer to him, “My darling and sweetheart. This night can’t get any better.” “Oh but it can get worse.” You grit out in Feyre’s mind. She grimaces but it quickly turns into a disgusted look as she looks over your shoulder.

You and Rhys turn to see Ella with an innocent smile plastered on her face. “Hello Rhysand.” “Ella,” he says, his voice tense. “I just wanted to say hello. I thought I’d bring you a drink, since neither of them thought of you.” Her tone condescending as she eyes you and Feyre. “It’s your favorite whisky.”

You wanted to rip her hand off as she shoved the drink in Rhys’ face. Feyre knocks the drink from her hand. It spills across the stone and the glass shatters. Rhys has the mess gone with a thought and looks at Feyre with a questioning look.

“She put something in it.” You said coldly. Rhys’ attention snapped to your face which promised Ella death if she didn’t leave. “Ella? Is that true?” He asked carefully. All Ella did was scream and stomp. Once her tantrum gained the attention she wanted Azriel appeared from a shadowy corner. He sent his shadows toward Ella sending her running form the house.

“Thank you, brother.” Rhys said trying to cover up his laugh. He looked down at you and Feyre, resting a hand on each of your shoulders. “And thank you, my beautiful mates, for looking out for me.” You both hugged him saying in unison, “Love you Rhys.” “I love you too.”

#acotar #acotar fanfiction #acotar reader fic #acotar reader imagine #acotar imagine #feysand #feysand x reader #Feysand x you #poly!feysand x reader #poly!feysand x you #poly!feysand #feyre x reader #feyre archeron #feyre acotar #Feyre x you #rhysand x reader #rhysand x you

[fieldofdaisiies]

Azriel x Reader | A Court of Shadows & Dragons pt. 2

type: fluff-ish warning(s): none actually, violence towards the end word count: 3.8k words summary/request: As it has been requested, here is part two of ACOSAD, thank you for the love you have shown my story. And also a big thank you to @moonlightazriel for helping me with all the info about house of dragons, because I still have not seen it. Oh and I made a change in the tense it is written in.

- all rights reserved - 

Azriel fully settles down behind you, his strong thighs caging you in, his solid chest pressing against your back. You shift slightly, adjusting to him and drawing something like a silent growl from the male behind you. Although it makes you chuckle you also feel your toes curl at the rawness of that noise. 

You glimpse over your shoulder, the corner of your mouth moving up. “Everything’s alright?”

The male with the shadows clears his throat, his gaze lifting to yours. “Everything’s perfect,” he says, offering you a small smile.

“Well, then, hands on my waist or arms around my waist.”

The male seems irritated for a moment, his brow arching. “You have to hold on, Lord Azriel. We are going to ride over hilly landscape to reach the Emerald Plains. I don’t want you to fall off.” It hits Azriel then that you are actually a princess and he…he takes some time to react. Clearing his throat again, this time louder, Azriel does as being told. His–Gods and Dragons, his scarred hands move to your waist, fingers curling ever so slightly. You shudder at the thought of what might have happened to him. It looks like he has been burned, or has burned himself. You cannot quite imagine the pain and you really want to ask what has happened, but then…it would be impolite, way too intrusive. Maybe you would ask later?

“That is alright, your…majesty?” Azriel fetches you back, and you need a short moment to ponder over what he has asked you. 

And then–has he just called you your majesty? A fairly loud giggle leaves you and you bow your head. “Perfect. But please, it is Y/N. And if you insist on being formal then call me Lady Y/N or princess, but please don’t call me your majesty.”

Pink splotches appear on the male’s cheeks and he inclines his head, a tint of embarrassment lacing his features. “It is too formal,” you quickly add, hoping to ease some of his sudden tension. 

Clicking you tongue you signal your horse to get going, falling into line with whom Azriel recognises as the male who has opened the gates for him, Cass and Nes. Speaking of those to, they are right behind the two of you, Cassian looking slightly scared and holding onto his mate for dear life. 

“Lady Y/N, may I ask, do you also use the dragons to travel?” Nesta asks rather out of the blue, directing her horse to walk a little faster. You look at her over your shoulder.

“Yes. But only a few of us. It is actually just my family that uses them to travel. You…it is a bit complicated.” You smile at her, her expression all curious and impressed. So you continue, “We are bonded to them somehow. It happens at birth. And when you are bonded to a dragon you will also be allowed to ride them. They won’t allow anyone else to mount them and take them for a flight. They are highly majestic creatures and very loyal to the crown and obviously their bonded fae.”

“Now I am impressed,” Nesta mumbles, eyes wide open. Cassian hums in agreement, his hands tightly holding onto Nesta’s. 

A warm chuckle leaves you, but it quickly dies down. 

“Y/N!” 

Your head snaps to the side at the sudden sharp voice piercing through the otherwise calm landscape. “Yes, my dearest brother?” you say in a slightly mocking voice that has the corner of Azriel’s mouth tip up. So this male is your brother, Azriel thinks to himself, wondering how such a male of such a height and cruel facade could be related to the lovely being that is you. The shadowsinger has no time to ponder for long when the male’s deadpan meets the him.

"Are you comfortable with him touching you?"

"I offered it, Aerond. So calm down.” “Y/N, you know about—“ “My purity. Of course. I won’t lose my virginity from a male sitting behind me on a horse. Unless—is that how it works? Is that how babies are made? Is that how—" “That is not funny, Y/N,” Aerond snarls, his gazes angry, his posture stiff.

“Oh, I find it highly amusing, brother. But enlighten me then? How does one lose her virginity if not like that?" Azriel can hardly contain his own laughter. He bites the inside of his cheeks, holding back to not have to become friend's with your brother's fist. That large male is scary and nearly a foot taller than Azriel, and although the Illyrian is a skilled warrior he knows he might lose this fight. And losing is something Azriel will never allow nor accept. So better not start a fight with that male in the first place. 

“Ask you handmaidens at home, Y/N, but I know that you have a thing for those smutty books, so I believe you already know the answer to it.” Snorting, Aerond softly hits the side of his boot against his horse, making it move faster. 

Turning your head slightly you roll your eyes, a blush creeping from your cleavage up to your face. Azriel chuckles lowly behind you, the sound so lovely, so raw, so natural. You like it. Actually you love it, it might become one of your favourite sounds. 

The further you head out into the open landscape the cooler the wind gets and the more snow covers the landscape. On your own accord, you shift closer to the male, finding shelter in the warmth of his large frame.

There is no avoiding your scent. Azriel tries no to relish in it too long, in the scent —the earthy, woodsy smell— of your shampoo. He draws in a slow breath glancing past your shoulder, the horse steadily moving underneath the two of your.

“What is Prythian like, Lord Azriel?” The question comes rather out of the blue and startles our shadowsinger just a tiny bit as he has once again been slightly captured by your beauty, your smell and hasn’t been paying a lot of attention. Azriel clears his throat, palms turning just a tint sweaty. 

“Azriel, also just Azriel for you. I am no lord,” he then finally says and it makes you turn your head. You glimpse at him over your shoulder, arching a brow. “You are no lord? You seemed like one, so well-mannered and polite,” you say and feel heat creep into your cheeks. A beautiful smile blooms on Azriel's face and he bows his head slightly. “I feel honoured to recieve such a compliment. Thank you, but it is true, I am no lord.” 

Smiling, your turn back to the road, marvelling into the soft press of his thighs against your hips. “So what is it like? Prythian?”

“Ah, yes, right,” Azriel says and pauses for a moment, like he is deliberating what exactly to tell you and how. “Prythian is…alright. But I come from the Night Court. The most beautiful court in all of the continent. There are other courts, like Day, Summer, Dawn. They stand for different things and have or have not changes in seasons and so on…” You love how he babbles, his voice so beguiling to listen to. The slight rasp to it, the deep tenor, is like music in your ears. If he was a singer, you thought, you could listen to his music for hours. You don't want him to stop talking, wanting to know more about the country in the ocean so very far away.

“Enlighten me, please, what this all means.”

Azriel hums and you feel his fingertips press firmer into your hips. You like this feeling.

And so Azriel does. He tells you about the different courts, going very much into detail, and placing a big focus on explaining everything about the famous Night Court, his home. You love how soft his voice is when talking about his home, how in awe he sounds and how full of excitement he is to share this with you. Later he also asks you to tell him about Valyria and you do.

“My father and mother died around half a century ago, my brother, as he is the oldest out of us three and obviously the strongest, ascended the throne and that is mostly it,” you finish with your story. Azriel seems absolutely flabbergasted about everything you have told him, admiration lacing his features when he regards you silently from behind.

“Where do you shadows actually come from? The swirls around your body? Only if I may ask of course,” you say in a calm voice, peeking over your shoulder. Azriel is already looking at you, a faint pinkish tone blooming high on his cheeks when you catch him looking at you. 

His hand gives your waist a barely-there squeeze when he inclines his head, eyes aglow and his shadows coming alive around his body. They start swirling, stretching out, somehow like they are happy that you finally asked about them.

“I am a shadowsinger,” Azriel says. “Through the shadows I can hear and feel what others might not notice.” Your mouth forms an O while your eyes widen and you stare at him. “Well, tell me then. What am I feeling right now?” You roll your shoulders back, hands still tightly holding onto the reigns when you crane your neck. Azriel’s breath stops for a moment, his eyes fully focused on yours. You are the most beautiful female in the entire world, he is sure about that. And you are smart. And kind. And speak your mind when you feel like it. You are—

“Is there something on my face?” You fetch the shadowsinger, that has been caught in utter admiration, back to reality. Your grin widens when you see the slight embarrassment creep into his features and he gives his head a tiny shake. “No, nothing. I am sorry.” “Don’t apologise. I feel…flattered. Males normally don’t look at me like that.” Your smile doesn’t reach your eyes, it is sad somehow. “That I cannot imagine. You are…very beautiful,” Azriel says, gathering all confidence he has, his heart pounding in his throat, his skin prickling and a bit of cold sweat building up on the back of his neck. Colour fills your cheeks your cheeks when you lower your gaze, looking at your horses mane. You draw in a shaky breath and giggle softly. “Thank you so much,” you whisper, unable to avoid the silly grin from spreading over your whole face. You don’t know if he does it deliberately or not, but Azriel moves closer and a shudder courses through your body at the solid press against your back.

“To be honest most males are afraid to even glance at me since they know my brothers and know that they would probably slice their chests open if looking at me for too long.”

You turn back to Azriel, wanting to see his expression, but it has gone back to unreadable, indifferent almost. 

“You appreciate that but sometimes you feel like you are a little too over-protected,” Azriel says, matter of fact, his gaze momentarily dropping to your lips. Your mouth gapes and you furrow your brows.

“That is what my shadows told me.” The corner of Azriel’s lips tips up, placing a lazy smirk on his face. But it vanishes quickly, turning into a soft smile. 

“Yes, yes, that is what I am feeling. Exactly this. I am impressed,” you breathe, eyes trailing over Azriel’s face. 

You continue to talk a little about the upcoming war as well as the sword you are looking for. YOu yourself have obviously heard about the legends and stories surrounding the sword, but have never believed it would be somewhere here. 

The air gets even colder the further you travel, now heading towards the big Forest of Despair. You don’t really know who has given the forest that name and why is it called like that. You have only ever been here twice in your life, have always avoided it. You lean closer to Azriel, inhaling deeply when you glance at the large, almost black trees towering in front of you. 

“The Forest of Despair,” you inform the shadowsinger behind you. “We have to ride through it. Hopefully without a stop. Then come the Emerald Plains which are—“ 

You cut yourself of. The Emerald Plains, as beautiful as the name is, where territory that was technically not part of the kingdom, so the king had no power over it. It separated from the kingdom ages ago due to uproars from the people living there. Now it was mostly used for illegal businesses as the no law would account for that place. 

You swallow the lump in your throat, knuckles turning white from how tightly you hold onto the reigns. “We have to be careful there. Really careful.” “Why is this place dangerous?” a female voice asks behind you. Nesta and Cassian, Azriel’s companions, fall in line with you. The latter looks rather pale, maybe even a bit green-ish and you get the impression that riding was the preferred way of transportation for the general. 

“It is no longer, or rather since around two centuries, under the rule of the kingdom. They separated and now this area knows no law. We just have to be careful. It is still morning so maybe we are lucky and not too many people are around.”

The large trees slowly cage you in, making it even cooler now that they block the sunlight. The Forest of Despair is just a small forest, so will manage to ride through it within around twenty minutes. The leaves are a dark brown, almost black, hanging low. Not only are their trees with leaves, there also pines tries, the needles covering the dirty ground. 

“It is rumored that some lesser fae live here. Tiny mischievous fairies,” you say to Azriel in a whisper, not wanting to draw attention to you. “No one has ever seen them, but there are rumors and legends.” Azriel hums in acknowledgment and looks around in the forest, his gaze momentarily meeting Cassian and Nesta’s who look equally uneasy. It is so dark, so cold, so…odd in this forest. It looks like all life has been sucked from this place and Azriel can hardly imagine that this is not the most dangerous part of the journey. 

Your body goes rigid when you spot the end of the forest in the distance. It is just a white spot, telling you that the outside is also covered in snow again. It is obviously not the snow that scares you, but what you will meet there. Your muscles stiffen, your breath getting stuck in your throat.

Azriel notices it, his arm sliding around your middle, almost like he is trying to protect you from whatever lurks behind the darkness of those trees. But then his gaze follows yours and he also looks at the white hole in the the distance between the large black trees. He leans in, brushing the hair from your shoulder, his nose touching you neck. “The Emerald Plains?” His close proximity, his raspy voice, how his nose touched yours, it does something to you. And although it feels very wrong and odd in this moment, your toes curl and heat feels your lower belly. Your breath his ragged when you bow your head, unable to speak. Azriel leans back, his thumb smoothing over your hipbone, sending a bolt of awareness through your whole body. 

As much as you want to stop this moment right there, freeze it and never leave it, there is no avoiding that you slowly reach the end of the forest.

A horse neighs loudly and it is Aerond who holds up his hand, a large sword tightly clasped in it. “Weapons at the ready!” he orders. “We don’t know what expects us out there. Get in formation. No matter what happens, Y/N, is and will be protected at any moment. And yes, lovely sister, I know you can protect yourself, but you are still the princess of this kingdom. So, her life before ours.”

You heart clenches at that because you know they are dead serious. But you want let them spill blood for you. You will fight and protect yourself if necessary and you will also fight and protect the others, if necessary. You push your coat pack, hand sliding over your thigh to free the dagger strapped to it. It is made of… “Shadowstone,” you breathe and lean into Azriel. “Shadowstone, what a coincidence, huh?”

A low rumble leaves Azriel. his eyes trained on the onyx dagger in your hand that has one diamond at the back–it has the same colour as his siphons. He is has no time to answer properly though.

The moment sunlight falls over you again, your eyes burning when they get in contact with the bright white of the landscape, shouts and screams holler from all around you. Some voices belong to your own people, but most of the growls come from other people. Those people, you wouldn’t have wanted to meet. Azriel draws his own hunting knife simultaneously to you lifting your dagger in front of your body. Nesta and Cassian do just the same, both clasping their swords tightly in their hands, ready to fight. But the attack does not come immediately.

“Look at what he have here. Prince Scarface of Vallyria and our glorious, untouched maiden Princess of Vallyria.” 

You don’t recognise the voice, have no face to it, until a tall male with a bold head steps forward, sneering. You still don’t know his name, but you know that you have seen him before.

“Get out of the way, Torgan,” Aerond snarls, pivoting towards him. “Tell your males to get lost. We just want to pass. We mean no harm.” Laughter erupts all around you which has cold sweat break out on the back of your neck. 

“The crown means now harm. Did you hear this friends?” Shouts and growls fill the otherwise so silent Emerald Plains. This place was not under Valyrian reign and gods, this scared you so much. No matter what those males and females would do to you, they would not face any consequences. 

“She is still as prude and untouched as a few years ago?” His gaze moves to yours, tongue poking out of his mouth to lick over his lips. You sit up straight, your chin held high, looking down on him.

“Be careful how you speak about the Princess of Valyria.” You startle, not having expected him to speak up. Not having expected his voice to be so loud, so powerful, so full of rage. On your own accord, your hand moves over Azriel’s squeezing. The male called Torgan laughs, loud and vicious, and does not even pay attention to Azriel before looking back at your brother. “She got herself a protector now, huh?” he sneeres, shoving his sword into the snow-covered ground in front of him. “Look, Aerond, we are not here to chit-chat, you know what we want.” “And we cannot give that to you. You wanted separation, you wanted to be free of the crown and without being under the rule of the crown you want get what you are asking for.”

Targon’s mouth forms a straight line, his shoulders and chest rising with a deep inhale. “Wrong,” he says, matter-of-fact, “we always get what we want. Attack!”

Swords are drawn, shouts and growls are released. You jump of your horses, Azriel, Nesta, Cassian doing as all of you, ready to fight off each and everyone who comes at you. You duck under one males arm, sliding your foot out to make him fall before thrusting your dagger into his chest. Blood leaks from his mouth when you face yet another attacker, his face making contact with your dagger rather quickly and then another male is met with the kick of your foot. 

But there are too many of them. You are only a good dozen of people, and they are…they must be close to fifty people.

Your heart beats frantically against your rib cage, anguish and fear filling your entire system. But also rage and fury. A dash of adrenaline rushes through your body when you manage to fight of yet another person. You have also already taken some blows, your upper lips is cut, your left eye probably soon brushing as an elbow has made contact with it. There is also a small sash below your ribcage, but you try to not pay too much attention to it.

While fighting you always try to keep and eye on Azriel and Aerond, not wanting to lose them out of sight. A hand fists the hair at the back of your head, yanking you backwards and into a hard chest. You cry out when sharp pain explodes in your rib cage, knowing that the attacker that had probably broken some ribs. Azriel, distracted by your scream, does not see who is coming for him. He does not notice the sword coming down on him, slicing through his right wing. The scream of utter and pure pain that leaves him is no longer fae nor mortal, it is something primal and it is something you have never heard before. Your heart cracks, your vision going blurry when you shove the male away, heading for the fallen Illyrian warrior. 

And just when you think that everything is lost, a large shadows falls over you. The flapping of leathery wings in the sky above you drowns out all the other noises, their roaring buzzing in your ear. Your slam down on the ground next to Azriel, cradling his head in your palms. Your gaze lifts to the sky where your dragon, his large wings blocking the sun, sends a flash over fire right over a good dozen of those who are attacking you. “Vermithor,” you breathe, hope blossoming in your chest. You dragon’s brothers and sisters are in tow, flying lowly and eliminating everything in the wake of their fire. “Stay with me, Azriel,” you breathe when a low groan draws your attention back to the male in your arms. “Stay with me. We can fix this. It is just your wing, we will heal this. But stay with me.”

Azriel blinks one eye open, dipping his chin slowly. “I’ll try my best,” he mumbles, his fingers curling towards his palm. A loud roar fills the sky above you when a big blow of fire parts your dragons lips, and in its wake turning every living being into dust. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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