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rowaelinsdaughter · 3 months

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KEEP MY HEART CHAPTER VI

WARNINGS;; long chapter, violence, spoilers for heir of fire, blood, whip

“eat it”

“come on abraxos, eat it. it’s your reward” manon said through her teeth “you earned it” but abraxos was still sniffing the flowers. ayla tried to suppress a smile… but failed.

“it’s good for you” manon said, but he went right back to sniffing the violets. a laugh escaped ayla’s mouth.

“stop that” manon said through her teeth, but ayla only laughed harder until she was lying on the floor.

manon tossed the leg right in front of his massive mouth and tucked her hands into the folds of her red cloak. he snuffed at it, his new iron teeth glinting in the radiant light, then stretched out one massive, claw-tipped wing and—

shoved it aside.

“is it not fresh enough?” and abraxos moved to sniff some white and yellow flowers.

“you can’t really like flowers.”

“you know? they really smell good, maybe i should visit this place more” ayla shifted her eyes from manon to abraxos. bring me with you. he seemed to say.

manon rolled her eyes “you too are going to be the death to me” she picked the leg “if you won’t eat it, then i will.”

she bit into the raw meal… and spat it everywhere.

“what in the mother’s dark shadow-”

“now i’m thankful i can’t eat meat raw.” she looked as manon tossed the leg away.

“fine. you want fresh meat… then we’re going to have to hunt”

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“i hate you” ayla looked at manon, panting through her teeth at abraxos.

“did the meeting with your grandmother go so badly?”

“yes. and all because he is a willful, lazy worm”

“manon-” but she wasn’t listening. manon checked her tight braid and flicked her clear inner lid into place. “let’s go” she said.

“manon, i don’t think this is a good idea.”

“yes it is. the humans had said that her wings are functional, so he can fly, and he is going to fly because i say so.” she hissed to herself, eyeing the saddle on his back. abraxos continued to lie in the sun. “warrior heart indeed.”

ayla bit her lip. she didn’t like this. she watched as manon landed on his haunch and she was into the saddle. she shoved her booted feet into the stirrups and gripped the reins. “we’re flying now.” she dug her heels into his sides.

“manon-”

“enough” she barked, hauling with one arm to guide him over the eastern edge. ayla was getting nervous. abraxos was panicked, and her voice was no more than a crackling leaf on the wind. “abraxos…” she whispered. “ABRAXOS NO!”

his leg slid off the cliff and they plummeted into open air.

not again. not again. not again. not again. she was all she could think. she hated her fae form. she hated not having her powers, because all she couldn’t do anything to help. she was feeling useless.

she heard manon shout. “open your wings”

open your wings abraxos.

manon could see the pine cones on the trees. “open them!” a war cry that was answered with a piercing shriek as abraxos flung open his wings, caught the updraft, and sent them soaring away from the ground.

and manon was flying. ayla watched them fly and wish she could be flying with them. she heard abraxos unleashed a roar of joy and manon echoed it.

ayla felt her the tears ran down her cheeks.

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two weeks passed until manon and her thirteen mastered her training as a unit. they woke up before the sun was up, and every night ayla healed manon’s scratches and helped her relax. slowly, each one of them developed her own fighting instincts individually and as a group, and then they were outpacing every coven.

i’m not surprised, your coven is the best there has been in centuries. ayla had said one night.

but… abraxos couldn’t take the crossing. his wings weren’t strong enough. manon had used her downtime to see abraxos, to train with him. ayla didn’t care manon didn’t have time with her. she knew manon needed as much time with abraxos as possible.

ayla watched as the overseer grafted the spidersilk manon had got from the spiders. “you’re crazy.” manon gave her a grin. “isn’t that why you love me?” she giggled and kissed her cheek. once abraxos was healed, manon brought her to the northern fang where they would try the crossing.

asterin, sorrel and ayla waited behind them. and unfortunately for them, iskra was also there. the first two ones on their mounts and ayla was seated in front of sorrel. manon had promised them to jump away from him if things went wrong, but she knew manon wasn’t keen on the plan.

manon nodded to her second and third, and ayla gave her a reassuring smile.

she checked the stirrups, the saddle and the reins one more time, abraxos tense and snarling. “let’s go” she said to him, pulling the reins to lead him further “now” she napped. she tried and tried and tried, but abraxos didn’t move. she finally snapped. “fine. have him locked up wherever he’ll be the most miserable, he’s not coming out until he’s willing to make the crossing”

manon snapped her fingers at them, and sorrel helped ayla dismount from her wyvern. once she was on the floor, she rushed to manon and took her hand. “let’s go manon.” she dragged her to the entrance as iskra make her way to them.

“why don’t you stay, manon?” iskra called. “i could show your wyvern how it’s done”

“keep walking,” sorrel murmured to manon and ayla squeezed her hand. forget about her. she tried to say and manon squeeze back.

“they say it’s not the beast who are the problem, but the riders,” iskra went on. they kept walking.

“though, perhaps your mount needs a bit of discipline”

“let’s go” sorrel coaxed as she pressed to manon’s side, ayla on the other and asterin walking behind, guarding manon’s and ayla’s back.

iskra shouted something to someone. a whip snapped and a roar of pain and fear filled the place. manon stopped dead, and ayla looked behind them. “oh gods…” she muttered. the scene… abraxos was huddling against the wall and iskra stood before him, whip bloody from the line she’d sliced down his face, narrowly missing his eye.

none of them were fast enough as manon tackled iskra.

“manon no!” ayla shouted, but sorrel grabbed her by the waist, stopping her from running to manon.

they were a storm of teeth and nails, flipping and shredding and biting. manon thought she might be roaring, roaring so loud the hall shook.

“manon please stop!” her voice cracked as she exclaimed again. she watched as manon hit the earth, spat out a mouthful of blue blood and ducked past iskra’s guard and threw her onto the unforgiving stone. the last one groaned as manon brought her fist down onto her face.

her knuckles howled in pain, but she wasn’t thinking. iskra swiped at her face and manon reeled back, the blow cutting down her neck, but manon was onto her again, digging harder into iskra’s chest and struck, again. again. again. “manon!” ayla exclaimed again. manon lifted her hand again but sorrel hauled her off. manon trashed against them, still screaming.

ayla grabbed her by the shoulder, her own nails cutting into her to make her pause, realize. her other hand grabbed her wounded cheek and lowered her down to look at her into her eyes. “he is fine, manon” ayla said, her voice softer this time. “ abraxos is fine. look at him. look at him please and see that he’s fine”

manon obeyed and found him looking at her, eyes wide. asterin was between them and iskra, both of them growling, ready for another fight. she looked at ayla again at noticed her face stained with tears. blackeaks didn’t cry. but she wasn’t a blackbeak. she sighed and ayla lowered her hands to her chest and pressed her forehead there, listening to her heartbeat.

looking at iskra manon hissed. “you touch him again, and i’ll drink the marrow from your bones”

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ayla was waiting for manon in their room, preparing everything to clean her wounds. the door opened and manon entered and closed the door behind her. she took off her cape and sat on the bed, resting her head in her hands. ayla approached her quietly, and when she was standing in front of her, manon rested her head on her stomach, her arms circled ayla’s waist and ayla caressed her head.

she whispered softly. “let me take care of you… please.” manon moved and watched as her mate took the supplies she needed, then she sat on her lap and started taking care of her. when she finished, manon walked to the bathroom to wash herself. ayla was on the bed when she went out. laying down on the bed next to ayla, she moved to her side, so she was looking at her. manon’s eyes were cold.

“i want to kill her”

“i know manon, i know.” she sighed, brushing a hand on her cheek “but not now manon”

manon closed her eyes. when she opened them again, they were warmer. for her. just for her. “you were going to get into the fight”

“of course i was.”

manon smiled at last and grabbing the back of her neck, she pressed her mouth with her’s.

tagging;; @thehighladywrites @hellwantfuckme @shadowdaddies @fightmedraco

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moonlightazriel · 2 months

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Chapter 1: Falling through the stars /// Azriel X F!Reader

Summary: When the four forces of nature are used at the same time in different places, their power resonates through the universe, connecting all of them together

Word Count: 3,1K

Warnings: Mentions of war, injuries and blood.

Notes: Welcome to the first official chapter of this weird crossover that came up in my mind, obviously this contains spoilers of both acotar and throne of glass, maybe a little crescent city spoilers but who cares? hehheheh

Main Masterlist

Worlds Apart Masterlist

Too much blood, so much that the metallic scent was making Nesta’s head spin. She watched the eerily silent baby in Morrigan’s arms, Rhysand’s pale face as he grasped his mate’s body. The silent plea in those violet eyes for someone to do something, anything to bring them back to him.

All the wasted chances of apologising for years of abandonment, for letting her fourteen year old sister wander scared and alone in those cold woods, for letting her be taken to this world the first time, for allowing her back and for all the resentment Nesta felt towards herself crossed her mind. She never told Feyre how proud she was for everything she had become. A warrior, a High Lady, a mother.

With a last glance towards the nephew she wanted to hold, the one she wanted to tell stories, the one she wanted to see grow and become a great leader just like his parents. The baby who had so much to live for, the baby who just needed a chance of a better life.

It was for them and for them only that Nesta invoked that ancient power, prickling against her fingertips as she held the harp, the other two troves cold against her face and heavy against her head. And it was for them that she used them, no fear consuming her body, just the wish of saving her sister. And with that, Nesta stopped the time.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

The universe felt as that wave of power crashed against the horn, and the other three troves sang in answer to that powerful call. A profane melody resonating throughout the stars, enveloping different worlds with its song. The females didn’t know what they had done, two strangers using the four items in unison, their power echoing, ripping the folds of space and time open.

The gaps started to form, growing in places long forgotten, lands no one has ever heard about, all of them connected by the troves. Alluring and calling like a siren song, the most curious beings crossed it, falling in between the worlds, just small glimpses of the vastitude of the universe they never dared to study about.

And it was through one of these gaps, staining the night sky of the Witch Kingdom in a bright light, that Y/N Blackbeak and Meraxes, her black wyvern fell. The winds roared, like an agonising screech trying to stop her, like they knew something she didn’t. Like they knew she would never return home.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

When she woke up that morning, rubbing her eyes and jumping out of the bed to start her day, she had no idea what was about to happen. After the war and all the centuries of damage in their home, the witches, both Ironteeth and Crochans working together, had a lot to do.

Everyday she would force her body out of the bed, keep going on autopilot ever since everything she loved was ripped away from her. She tried hard to keep going, like Asterin would’ve wanted her to, be there for Manon, like Asterin would. But Asterin wasn’t there anymore, she would never return with that grin of hers, never see the progress they made and the union of her people. Asterin was gone and she was left behind to try to mend her broken heart.

She blinked the tears away, resting her forehead against the cold tiles of her bathroom, the hot water making the skin of her back turn red. The burning sensation grounding her when the memories flooded her mind like a river. The sadness in her heart was an unwanted guest.

Asterin flew by her, a smirk on her face as her yellow eyes landed on her younger sister, Y/N atop Meraxes felt, deep within the heart that she didn’t even know she had. She looked in horror as the Thirteen aimed for the witch tower, their wyverns clearing the way for Asterin, she jumped from Narene, landing in the middle of the tower.

Y/N couldn’t see, but she tried to reach for her sister, reach for the only person that ever loved her, reach for that sisterly bond that lied within her soul ever since Asterin chose to keep Y/N under her wing, to train her and teach her what her duty was. Asterin, who despite everything they have been taught, chose to love Y/N like she was family.

Meraxes was tired, tired of fighting and flying, but she forced him to go to the Tower, to save Asterin. But she was too slow and too late, the light coming from the tower wasn’t dark, it was the purest shade of white, so bright that her vision got blurry, the impact sending her and the wyvern flying backwards, with such force that they hit the ground with a loud thud. Where the tower and the Thirteen once were, nothing stood.

Y/N wiped the blue blood that streamed above her eyes, a loud roar forming in the back of her throat, rumbling through her bones, she threw her head up, her lips parting as she roared to the skies, Meraxes roaring with her. Crying it was a weakness, witches didn’t cry, but Y/N braced herself, ignoring her arm bending in a wrong angle, the pain in her sliced face, thanks to a Yellowlegs that jumped on her and tried to slash her face open.

And she cried, cried and cried on that battlefield, cried as she got back on her feet, cried as she ripped a part of her riding leathers, wrapping her broken arm tightly against her body, branding her sword and marching towards the battle again. She would be strong, Asterin wouldn’t want her to give up. She would fight to protect what Asterin believed. She would fight for a better world, and die for it if she had to.

She fought until exhaustion, her body collapsing on the dirty ground. Claws caged her, lifting her from the ground, she gritted her teeth as pure agony flashed from her arm, her face was completely numb at this point and she fought to keep her eyes open. She blacked out when Meraxes reached the walls that kept Orynth intact, his claws letting her go, her body hitting the floor and rolling to the side.

Hafiza found her, ordering that other healers carry her bruised body inside. But her wounds were deeper than the ones marking her skin.

She allowed her tears to fall, mixing with the water, where no one could see her. An hour later she was wearing her riding gear, the red cloak hanging from her neck, part of the official uniform they had to use, to symbolise the union.

The witches watched her as she walked towards the Queen’s council room, as her wingleader and responsible for the remaining wyverns, she was always present in the morning meetings. As everything the Valg made was destroyed after Erawan died, they wondered how the wyverns belonging to the witches that decided to fight for Aelin Galathynius still remained, concluding that they were tied to this land by the bonds shared between them and their riders, not by the Valgs anymore.

“Good Morning.” Manon Blackbeak greeted, her commanders just nodded their heads in greetens to their queen. “How are the wyverns in the Ferian Gap?” The heads of the witches present turned to her, she held her head high at the sight of the eyes lingering in her scar.

“They’re being trained, I shall fly there today to see their progress, but I'm sure that soon they will be big enough to bond witches.” The queen nodded, her red lips smiling warmly at her, Manon was trying hard to be the best version of herself, the one her Thirteen believed she was before they sacrificed themselves for her.

“I’ll go with you. I want to see them too.” And Y/N wondered if that sudden interest of going too wasn’t because it was weeks since she saw a certain handsome King in Adarlan.

“Yes, my queen.” She dipped her chin in a silent bow of her head. Turning her mind off as the meeting kept going. Playing with her claws, scraping slowly the surface of the table, watching as faint lines marked into the wood. The morning meetings were boring as fuck.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

“Good boy.” She scratched the wyvern’s chin, the animal shaking its tail like he was just a very big dog. No wonder Meraxes and Abraxos were really good friends, they were two gigantic puppies, with mortal claws and teeth, just like her.

“You want to place a bet that these two will wait for us in a flower field?” Manon asked, the two females walked towards the entry of Ferian a few hours later. Y/N laughed, the skin of her scar pulling a bit as she did so.

“It’s not even something debatable anymore, those flowers sniffling addicts.” Manon smiled.

“You remind me of her.” The white haired witch blurted and Y/N came to a stop.

“We do not even look alike.” She tried to joke, with shoulder length light brown hair, dark blue eyes and the slightly more tanned skin, she couldn’t be any more different from Asterin, but she knew what Manon meant and she didn’t wanted to think about it, even if the witch just felt the need to speak it outloud.

“You could be twins.” She joked, but her expression turned to a serious one very quickly. “You have the heart just as good as hers was, and that’s where you two are equals to me.” She didn’t answer, the tears too heavy to carry. Manon didn’t demand a response when Y/N stopped, leaving the younger witch alone for a bit.

The Ferian Gap was as it usually was, damp and smelling like wyvern shit. The animals roared and flew around in the pit. Witches trained them and fed them. Not a single one chained, all of them free to go but they chose to stay. The younglings were still learning how to fly while the elders tried to teach them how, it was honestly really cute. She was leaning against a wall, Manon’s words still replaying themselves in her head, when a different scent filled her nostrils.

“Aelin’s delivery boy, what a pleasure to see you again.” She spoke, not even turning back to know that Fenrys Moonbeam was walking behind her, he let out a low chuckle.

“And here I was thinking I was an ambassador.” He stopped by her side. Eying the witch up and down, recognizing the grief lacing her features.

“Just a fancy name, I like to call it what it really is, delivery boy.” She snickered and Fenrys rolled his eyes.

“I hate you.” He nudged her with his elbow, his braid moving behind his back as he did it.

“Yeah yeah, mean witch and shit, I know that.” The male chuckled and she turned face to face with him. “What do you need?” After the war, she and Fenrys had grown really close, working together as Ambassadors for both of their queens. Wingleader her ass, Manon used her to gather resources and talk to important people.

“Actually, Aelin sent me here cuz she apparently has a very important meeting with the ladies of her court.” She knew what this meant, it was Aelin’s way to gather her friends and make sure they were alive.

“Am I invited this time?” She joked.

“Unfortunately no, but can I invite you for some beers?” He was the closest friend she had now.

“I would love to. Are you free to have one in the Witch Kingdom?” The male nodded.

“Just need to do my job real quick.”

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

Fenrys held her waist, she could feel his shaking body against her back, caging her between him and the saddle. She smirked as she turned slightly to him.

“Can’t I go by foot?” He asked and she giggled.

“Too far away. You’re stuck with us, Meraxes will behave.” She promised and Fenrys nodded. She could feel his tense body during the three hour flight, the male squeezed his eyes shut, if that’s what Rowan had to deal with in his animal form, he was glad to be stuck as a wolf. Being that far away from the ground was a big no for him.

The wyvern landed, and Fenrys more than happily slid down his leg, grounding himself and thanking the Gods he was still alive.

“Are you alright?” She sounded genuinely concerned, but when he turned to her, he saw that smirk. “A certain Lord of Perranth would love to know about this.” Fenrys pretended to be hurt.

“You wouldn’t dare.” He started to follow her towards the tavern.

“Someone has to help that poor dude, with you and your queen constantly mocking him.” Fenrys held the door open for her, following her to a more secluded table.

“He deserves it.” He defended himself. “The usual?” The witch nodded, and he went to the counter ordering their drinks.

“How are you?” She asked, and Fenrys watched as a trickle of blood ran down her chin.

“I’m better, really.” He sighed. “How are you?”

“I’ve seen better days.” She joked, downing the goblet of blood in one go. “But I will be fine.” And for her sake, Fenrys hoped that she was right.

“I don’t know how you do that.” He changed the subject and the witch raised an eyebrow, the scar going up too with the move. “The blood, I mean.” He scrunched his nose.

“Don’t knock it until you try it.” She raised the goblet in his direction but he knew she was asking for another round.

The two sat there, for hours, talking. The sky was pitch black and the stars shone bright in the sky. He was telling a story about some drunk fae wanting to pet him when a witch burst through the door. Her cheeks were red and her cloak followed her like a river of blood.

“Bronwen needs you and your alliance to check something up, it’s important.” She stated, when Manon was away, it was her cousin that took care of things for her alongside Petrah Blueblood. Y/N turned to Fenrys, opening her mouth to apologise.

“Go do your duty, delivery girl.” He joked and she flipped him off, following the witch outside and whistling loudly to call Meraxes.

She was in the air before the witch had the chance to get on top of her broom. Flying towards the castle, where her alliance waited for her. She slid down, her feet hitting the ground with a loud thud. She glanced at Shearah, her second in command.

“What’s wrong?” She demanded, the witch locked eyes with her.

“The witches saw a gap to the west, they don’t know what it is, but we can hear its call.” Y/N focused her hearing, like a faint whisper being carried by the wind, she could hear, calling, lulling, inviting them to see what was waiting for them on the other side.

“Let’s go.” She adjusted her sword behind her back, hidden by the cloak, and the dagger resting against her thigh. Mounting Meraxes again, she was running towards the gap, following the melody.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

The gap wasn’t that big, just a few inches, a slit like a snake eye looking at her, daylight peeked through it, interrupting the darkness in the sky. She had never seen something like this before. A chill ran down her spine.

“Stay behind!” She warned, the alliance forming a wall behind her.

She got closer, the thing looked like it was getting smaller by the second, she clicked her jaw, iron teeth covering her real ones, and her claws emerged from the tips of her fingers. Ready to attack in case something dared to cross. Just a closer look

The wind stopped its song, she couldn’t hear it anymore. The terrified faces of her alliance were the last thing she saw before she was sucked into the gap, watching with horror the night sky fading as it closed. She felt like she was falling, clutching the reins in the saddle with an iron grip. Her voice lost in the folds of space as she screamed. Falling, falling and falling.

Until everything stopped, and she was dangling upside down, the parts of the saddle that held her in place caging her in, forcing against her skin, bruising the flash. Meraxes had fallen to the side, and she groaned as her head started to pound. She was struggling to get out of the saddle, but as she did, her body hit the floor. Pain started to appear from the point she had fallen on top of a rock and she huffed in annoyance.

She circled Meraxes, slapping its leathery nose, the wyvern was still breathing and she released the air she was holding, he opened its eyes, golden eyes meeting hers and she was never more thankful to see those big eyes curiously scanning her.

The wyvern slowly got up, pulling her closer with a wing. She looked around, removing the pellicule that covered her eyes as she flew, a city was standing nearby, mountains surrounding it, the sight was quite beautiful but all she could wonder was. Where the FUCK she was?

Things got even more confused when she heard the sound of steps against the fluff grass. Meraxes growled at the strangers approaching her. Stones shone in the two of them, one red and one blue.

“What the fuck?” The male with the red stones yelled, his sword looking like a foolish attempt to protect himself from the really long teeth and sharp claws of the beast in front of him. She reached for her sword, armed and ready to attack. She was about to jump on them when they got closer and she could see their faces now.

The air was knocked out of her lungs and she wondered if she had gone insane, the achingly familiar face looked at her, the male was tall, beautiful big wings spread across his back, his hazel eyes studied her, trying to distinguish where to attack the threat. She felt like she knew him, her heart exclaiming that yes, she did know him, but her brain didn’t remember him, it wasn’t ready to remember him just yet. She shook her head and fixed her instance, the two stopped at the sight of her teeth glowing in the sun, ready to rip their skin apart.

“Where am I?” The female snarled and the beast behind her furiously stared at them, ready to rip them to shreds.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

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#acotar #azriel shadowsinger #sarahjmaas #moonlightazriel #azriel #shadowsinger #azriel x reader #night court #azriel x y/n #velaris #worlds apart fic #azriel x oc #azriel acotar

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throneofsapphics · 5 months

Text

old faces, part seven

Rowaelin x f!Reader

Summary: you and Rowan meet again after seven years, and deal with the fall-out of a secret.

Warnings: mentions of death, drinking, flashbacks/ptsd

Word Count: ~6k

A/N: we’re starting to pick up a bit now! some time skips

series masterlist

Seven days in the castle. You enjoyed breakfasts with Aelin and whatever members of her court were around, evenings with Fenrys and co, more chances to interact with Ceri and her friends, free time to try and figure out your damn way around the city, but you were going crazy. Surrounded by people at all times, even if they were kind, exhausted you.

As much as you tried, there wasn’t a truly private place in this castle. Maybe it was paranoia, but you knew someone could always be watching - there could always be eyes.

But, there was a pattern. Halle would be on edge if someone was nearby, if there were prying ears, and she only fell into a deep sleep if it was the two of you - or if it seemed private enough. You trusted her judgment. The judgment of a cat. Then again, she wasn’t an ordinary cat.

She had her own kind of magic. That’s a secret you decided to keep as long as possible. Even if magic was freely accepted here, her kind could easily make her a target.

For gods sake she was buddies with fleetfoot. Aelin had been worried in the beginning, but her dog bounded right up to Halle.

Fleetfoot sniffed, tilted her head, and licked Halle’s face. The cat didn’t hiss or swipe, instead headbutting her.

Aelin gave you an incredulous look.

“She’s never met a dog.”

“Fleetfoot usually doesn’t make friends with cats,” Aelin turned back towards the duo, “you’re special Halle.” A small purr, and yellow eyes stared right at her, as if to say; ‘obviously.’

Aelin snorted and shook her head, ‘if Fleetfoot’s on her side, nobody should bother her.”

‘I’d like to see them try,’ the small hiss said. Seemed to say, you corrected yourself. The two of you couldn’t communicate, but it was easy enough to read her expressions.

One hand holding up your book, she rested in your lap. Rowan was in the room, sitting across from you, just having finished up Ceri’s bedtime story for the day. Another change over the last week, you’d gotten comfortable being in a room alone with them. Not that it had been necessarily uncomfortable in the past, but you shed some of the fear of perception. If people read into it too much, that was on them. You knew your relationship with them, you knew you were only platonic. Those who paid attention would know that too.

“There’s something .. off about that cat,” Rowan commented. He’d discreetly observed the two of you over the edge of a few reports he brought with him, intending to finish them as he waited for Ceri to fall asleep. There was only one left, and he figured he might as well get it done now. Abraxos’s story was requested again, and he didn’t have anything new to say. Like hell he’d write to Manon and ask. There would be a set of meetings and a ball hosted in Orynth the week after Beltane, and hopefully he could convince her not to ask during that. He didn’t know the witch well enough to tell how she’d react. Maybe she’d find it amusing, as far as he remembers witches were always protective of young ones. The nations of Erilea, and sometimes contingents from other countries, met once every two years, and it was Orynth’s turn to host this year. It would be interesting, convincing you to attend alongside Ceri.

Yellow eyes peeked up, Halle’s fur standing up, as if she’d heard the insult and taken it personally.

“Be nice,” you whispered, running your fingers through her fur. The little demon settled instantly, purring on your lap. There was definitely something off about that cat. Almost like it had purposefully found you. Ceri had seemed a bit put out that the cat liked you more than her. But, with your animal form it was to be expected. He’d never tell you this, not yet at least, but there was a small betting pool running for which form your daughter would take. Avian, or feline.

On their visit to Antica, he’d met some of the baast cats in the library of the Torre Cesme. More he thought about it, he’d never actually seen your animal form.

“Can you … talk to her?”

“Obviously,” you grinned, “I just told her to be nice.”

Rowan rolled his eyes, you knew what he meant.

“As a cat,” he drawled, raising a brow at you.

“Why would I spill our secrets to you?”

“So you can?” He knows cats communicate with each other in some way, Gods know birds do. Not that he’d ever tell Aelin that, she’d be relentless.

“I don’t know,” you admitted, “I haven’t shifted around her yet.”

“When was the last time you shifted?”

“Probably too long,” you absentmindedly stroked the little creature. Who looked asleep, but Rowan got the inkling she was faking it.

Initially, there was a slight fear you’d bring a shifter with you, but he realized quickly you would’ve caught on to that. Above all, he trusted you and your judgment. Rowan trusted you’d never do anything to endanger Ceri, but recognized you’d easily throw yourself into any kind of danger if it meant protecting her. The more he thought about it, the more he realized just how much you’d sacrificed for her … how much you’d sacrificed for Ceri, and something about it didn’t sit right with him.

Fenrys insisted on a house-warming party. You wanted to call it ridiculous, but you’d never had something like this before, and you gave into his badgering. It didn’t take too much effort on his part, but you let him annoy you about it a bit. That way he’d feel like he accomplished something.

One month after you moved in, you finally hosted it.

The party was small, and perfect. Rowan, Aelin, Fenrys, Aedion, Lysandra, Evangeline, who came to surprise Ceri, a friend you’d made, and Ceri’s three closest friends.

A bit of poking around, a few questions to Aedion, and you learned the three of them were orphans. A piece of your heart shattered.

Edde and Edie, twins, and their cousin Elias. All Fae, all lived at the castle most of their lives - long enough they didn’t remember anything else. They all wanted to train as warriors, even though they were barely eleven. You and Fenrys, acting like gossiping mothers, had easily figured out why they attached themselves to Ceri. Fae recognize power, and something inside them would’ve drawn them to that wild magic. Ceri was powerful, there was no denying that. Reaching her father’s levels, and maybe passing it one day. Sensing that type of power was right up your alley.

Fenrys pressed a mug of, you looked down into the cup, catching a drift of the sweet honey - mead, into your hands. You took it with a grateful grin. As much as you loved wine, mead was your favorite. But, it was expensive and sometimes difficult to find. Instead of chugging it, you let yourself savor every drop.

Ines sidled up next to you as Fenrys walked away. All it took was a drunk night together for you to count her as one of your closest friends. She was in a similar situation to you, a daughter - but her father lived quite a distance away. In Eyllwe. She would spend winters down there, and summers up here. You were excited to meet her. A few years younger than Ceri, but you had an inkling she would take her under her wing. Only time would tell if your daughter was a good or bad influence.

“You have a beautiful home,” she sighed, swirling her glass in one hand. Halle weaved around your feet, the little kitten had been growing, and fast. She’d been circling the house the entire time, judging all of the new visitors. For some reason, you got the impression she was assessing if they were worthy of being in their presence. A meow. The connection the two of you shared is not something to ponder right now.

“Yours is just as pretty,” you countered. And it was - an elegant townhouse in the middle of the city.

She hummed, and emptied her glass, nudging you with her elbow. “So, you and … Fenrys?” She hesitated, forcing herself not to put his title in front of his name. He hated that.

“Friends,” you nudged her back. “And that's it,” you hoped you emphasized the last word enough.

“I’m wounded,” the male said, before switching his gaze to Ines. “But yes, we are just friends.”

Where had he come from? Either way, you were glad he came and backed you up. Otherwise, she may never have believed you.

Rowan, Aelin, and the others were currently being treated to prime entertainment by the four hellions. Probably just for the night, the cousins had shed their shy skin for the night, now re-enacting … some sort of game they played earlier. Evangeline was just as taken with the others as she’d been with Ani, and you watched how they already were latching onto her like an older sister.

Another small pain in your chest, one another sip of mead washed away for the night.

Now was as good of a time as any to pull out a little creation you’d been working on. Gods, you’d started this project nearly a year ago, and just now you’d finally gotten it right.

Rowan watched as you quickly slipped out of the room, and debated following you. But, you returned quickly. A type of crystal now in your hand. Round, with a flat bottom, and … no, it was glass, encasing several different kinds of crystals, all carefully arranged to form symbols. And it swirled with magic, practically a beacon to anyone who knew what to look for. Apparently, it attracted his wife because she was at your side within moments, peering down at it curiously.

“It can only play one long track,” you admitted.

A track? Music?

Placing it on a table, he watched as your eyes focused on it, fingers pressing against the glass. Normally you could do these types of things with just a thought, but maybe this one needed touch to work.

Sure enough, a tune started playing through the room, and caught everyone’s attention. You turned red, the attention flustering you, but you quietly explained what it did. It captures and plays back music. Only one long track, this one about four hours before it would repeat. You’ve only made the one.

The last statement, your left thumb and forefinger pressed together. One of your tells, you lied. Interesting. Something he could ask about later. Calling you out on bullshit was always amusing to him, as long as it was relatively harmless, of course.

“Took me over a year to get right,” he heard you tell Aelin.

The music was from Antica - he knew that much.

Aelin caught his eye, no dancing, he said quickly - anticipating her next question.

A large sigh and roll of her eyes, but she turned back to you instead.

The party went well, as well as you could’ve predicted. By eight, it began to split up. The three “E’s,” as they’d been nicknamed that night, and Evangeline would spend the night. There was plenty of room, and you liked a full house.

Rowan, Aelin, and Fenrys stuck around as the others left. Lysandra promised to get your drunk friend home in one piece. Now, you all splayed out on the couches. Fenrys shared one with you, your legs currently thrown over his lap as you stretched out. One hand rested on your shin, and the other propped up behind his head. The portrait of casual arrogance.

“This was fun,” you commented, stealing a glance at Aelin and Rowan. Their positions nearly mirrored your own, Aelin stretched out like a cat on the other couch, but with Rowan’s hand resting on the inside of her knee.

“Oh absolutely. We should do it again.”

“I do not want to move houses anytime soon,” you groaned.

Fenrys poked you, “not every party has to be a housewarming one.” He caught your ankle as you brought your leg back to try and kick him. “Slow,” he tutted, and you rolled your eyes, accepting the failure.

It’s true, the alcohol and fatigue was delaying all of your reactions.

“A question, for you, y/n,” the look in his eyes promised trouble.

“Oh no.”

“Find anyone to warm your bed this winter?” Fenrys teased. That comment caught Aelin and Rowan’s attention. Rowan was proud you managed to land a kick on him, even if he didn’t react, he fought the urge to glare at Fenrys. “Ines is quite pretty,” he added.

“It’s none of your business,” you rolled your eyes, “but no, I haven’t, and Ines is just a friend, with no interest in women or females.” Rowan shouldn’t have felt that relieved, the relief flew out the window with what she said next. “I suppose it’s never too late.”

“That’s more like it,” Fenrys grinned - ignoring Aelin’s frown. He tried very hard to keep his face neutral.

“I don’t think I’ll get involved with anyone until Ceri’s a bit more grown up. At least seriously.”

“You’re really going to be single for that long?” Fenrys countered.

“We’re immortal,” she huffed. “Can we not talk about this?” If Rowan didn’t know better, he’d think you were avoiding looking at the two of them. Actually, looking anywhere but at them.

“I’m trying to be helpful. You look like you need a good fuck.”

“Fenrys. Shut. Up,” Aelin looked ready to throw a fiery dagger at him, and he only shrugged.

“Just pointing out the obvious.”

Even if a very drunk Aelin, who didn’t remember it the next day, admitted she really liked you, you were off-limits. Painfully off-limits, and not shown a hint of interest in them. He’d settle for - no, it wasn’t settling if there was no interest there on his end. He’d be your friend. Rowan liked being your friend. Friends were good, and friends was safe. The last thing he needed was for this to get messy.

“There’s going to be a ball, around beltane,” Aelin commented casually, carefully watching your reaction.

“Do we need to go dress shopping for Ceri?”

“For you and Ceri.” You paled, and she heard your heartbeat quicken. Your mouth parted, before closing again. Of all the things to make you speechless, it was this. “We’d like for both of you to come,” she added gently.

“Who … who will be there?”

“Every two years, the countries on Erilea meet for meetings. Sometimes countries too, and there’s always a ball. Music, food, dancing.”

Your entire arm began to shake. She held on tightly to your hand, felt your palm beginning to sweat. Your eyes glazed, and Aelin began to panic. The door swung open, revealing Rowan. He looked between the two of you, and crossed the room. Slowly, he knelt in front of you, taking your hand, disentangling Aelin’s fingers from yours. He called your name, over and over again.

“You’re in Terrasen. You’re in Orynth.”

“What triggered it?” He met Aelin’s eyes, not releasing his grip on your hands.

“I asked about the ball.”

Rowan swore lightly under his breath.

You were still shaking, eyes still glazed over, lips starting to turn blue. He gathered both of your hands in one, the other gripping your chin, squeezing enough so your lips parted. She felt his magic swirling, forcing air into your lungs.

You jolted, as if you were transported back to your body. Rowan hadn’t released his grip on your hands, and good thing because you looked ready to swing at him. Shaking, but eyes now clear, you looked around the room, studied their faces.

“I should go,” you murmured.

“You’re not going anywhere until you’re feeling better.”

Narrowed eyes stared at Rowan, and he stared right back. You didn’t argue, perhaps sensing this was a fight you wouldn’t win.

She felt the instincts flaring in him, in herself, the instinct to protect someone they claimed as their own. Friend or other, if someone was defenseless, vulnerable … it was normal amongst Fae to feel this. She had before for friends, but maybe not to this level.

“It happened once, when we were together,” Rowan said, after you’d fallen asleep - curled up right on their couch. Your eyes started drooping, falling quickly into sleep, and Rowan showed no inclination of wanting to move you back to your rooms, instead they carefully arranged you into a more comfortable position, tucking a blanket over you.

Like before, you weren’t able to give a solid reason why. He’d ask again tomorrow, and maybe things would be a bit clearer for you.

Rowan knew this happened before, and he was running through the circumstances, trying to pick out similarities.

“A friend invited me to a ball,” you commented absentmindedly. He knew you weren’t fishing for jealousy, you were just bringing up something going on in your life - something on your mind.

“Oh?” Rowan ran his hand up and down your bare back. “Are you going?”

“I’m not sure. I’m not the best person to bring to those.”

Rowan doubted that, and called it. “Bullshit.”

He felt more than saw your scowl. “I don’t like them.”

“That’s better,” he teased. “Why?”

“Bad memories.”

That peaked his interest. You rarely mentioned the past, and he always wanted to know more - maybe because of that, you were somewhat of a mystery. “Want to share?” He asked. You froze.

The only similarities were the ball.

Rowan cursed under his breath as you shook in your sleep.

A ball! It was magical, and beautiful. Males and females dressed up, and your mother had made you a pretty blue dress for it. Everyone’s attention was on your father, but you didn’t mind - it gave you time to observe everyone.

You were still thinking about it as you all trotted up towards your house, still in Fae form. You’d set off too early in your opinion, but it was smart to travel by daylight. You were glad you’re old enough to travel in Fae form. Carriages were much less fun.

You still carried your pack on your back as you shifted back, dumping it in your bedroom before hurrying back for breakfast. The dagger you got for your birthday was still strapped to your thigh, but you didn’t mind now.

Their faces were grave, and your mother crouched before you, gripping your shoulders. “I need you to run for the hills. Leave, do not look back.”

“But -,” looking out the window - the wards were strong, but hundreds and hundreds of soldiers were quickly descending, as if they’d been hiding and waiting for your return. It was easy enough to sense out who they were. Mortal soldiers, without magic. “I can help,” you insisted.

“If you die too,” the first tears left your cheeks, “then they win. Do you understand?”

You shook your head.

“They want to kill us, to kill your father and wipe our bloodline. To wipe our magic out.”

Her eyes said; you’re the only hope, you’re our legacy.

A few more convincing words from both of your parents, and you ran for the hills. As soon as you tried to turn back, the wards were melded around you. To keep you away from any threats.

Absolutely useless, but you forced yourself to watch as it happened. As they finally fell, as their heads were staked on the fence posts. The soldiers remained, but you could out wait them. You could memorize their faces, memorize the way they spoke, commit it to memory and find your vengeance one day.

“Terrasen,” a familiar voice interrupted, “You’re in Orynth.”

“Safe,” another said. Female.

A memory, that’s what it was. You weren’t trapped in that moment, you could come back to the present. There was nothing holding you here, not now.

“Good,” the male voice coaxed as your body relaxed, as you leaned into the sensations around you. Blanket, hands gripping yours, pine, snow, jasmine, and lemon verbena, the feeling of ancient magic - of fire, ice, wind, and a hint of water. Eventually, you managed to open your eyes.

“I need you to tell us where you went,” Rowan said, even adding, “please, y/n.”

How often had he said your names? How often does he say please? Words were effort, but when he asked so nicely, you could share. Trust, you reminded yourself. The small thread, a sign of the Goddess who watched over you, tugged and encouraged you.

“The night before my parents died,” your voice was hoarse, your throat aching - like something dry had been shoved down it. “We were at a ball. We arrived home that morning, and they were waiting for us. Surrounded.”

“When your parents died?” Aelin asked quietly.

It hurt, gods it hurt so fucking much, but you told her the story - as much as you could manage, and she listened intently. Thankfully, there was no pity in her eyes - understanding, instead. That was much more palpable.

Rowan thought he experienced the same thing as Aelin. When you shared the story about the dagger, but this time it was directed towards him. The entire time you shared, your eyes never drifted from him.

A show of trust to him, and he’d take that gift and hold it close. Your trust was difficult to earn, and relatively easy to break. He’d treat it with caution, like he would any treasure.

He was glad Aelin didn’t give away that he’d already told her the story. His wife was a good actress, and it shoved. The small bit of trust you showed him made him feel like a hypocrite. At the time, telling Aelin about your past felt essential, but now it resembled something of a betrayal.

“How are you going to explain my presence?”

Rowan and Aelin exchanged a glance, one that told you they’d already discussed this. Not surprising.

“Even without the ball,” he emphasized, “we considered asking if you’d like to be an advisor to the court.” He held up a hand as your lips parted, and damn you, your mouth shut on instinct. At least he didn’t seem to gloat about it. “The wards around Orynth could use another look, and you have unique skills and expertise.”

They actually value your opinion, you reminded yourself.

“You swear it, without the ball you still would’ve?” You’re not sure why, but it really mattered to you.

“I swear it.”

Rowan’s promises are as good as gold when it comes to him, so you gave your agreement. Then started to plan what you’d do about the castle and city wards. Of course, you’d already had time to think about it.

The ball would occur a week after beltane this year, when the last of the snow was predicted to abate, making travel tolerable.

Time passed quicker than you thought was possible. Ceri turned eleven, her birthday falling on the spring equinox this year. As her present, you let her pick out her chickens, and you and Rowan teamed up to start teaching her how to shift. An argument wouldn’t be right, but you did have a few disagreements over teaching styles. At least Aelin was on your side for that.

Then, it was beltane. Early that morning, you and Ceri went out to leave some gifts for the little folk at the crosspaths near your home. She’d spent a good portion of the previous day helping you craft them. Surprisingly patient and focused. Maypoles had been raised, hawthorn bushes decorated, and piles of wood gathering on the field before the city, waiting to be set alight.

You didn’t walk out with the Queen and King, by the time you arrived the fires were already burning. Ceri’s friends had come over before, for an early dinner, and now trailed together in a small pack.

“You know your signal?” You murmured to your daughter. A burst of magic, one to let you know if she needed you, with three different levels of urgency.

“Yes,” she grinned up at you. Ceri was quite proud of herself for mastering that - as she should be.

“Go on, then.”

The four raced off, weaving in and out of the fires, brief flashes of silver hair were like a beacon. Heads would turn as she passed, followed by small whispers. Ceri had adapted easily to those, thrilled by the attention, it was you that needed adjustment. Needed to stop giving a death stare to anyone who watched a few seconds too long.

Fenrys found you first, hanging out towards the edge of the fires, fully content to observe and watch.

He was not content with that, instead he dragged you right into the heart of the celebrations.

Thankfully, Aelin and Rowan didn’t try to drag you into anything. It was a time for the people to speak with their Queen and King, and you had plenty of exposure to the pair.

“How did you escape doing all of that?” You jerked your chin towards where they were speaking with another group.

“I came early,” he shot you a grin. His attention wavered, and you knew exactly who was making her way across the field.

Ines, all auburn hair, freckled skin, and bright green eyes, strode for both of you - cheeks already flushed. You didn’t miss how her heart rate picked up when she spotted who was next to you.

“Do I need to give you two a moment?” You murmured under your breath.

“We’ve had plenty of those.”

You groaned. Suspicion is fine, but you didn’t need confirmation.

Ines gripped your hand, “we’re jumping over one of them,” she announced, “for luck.”

“I know what it’s for,” you let her drag you anyway. When was the last time you’d done this? Maybe the year before Ceri was born.

Picking a medium low fire, the two of you gathered your skirts in one hand, still holding onto each other, and kicked your shoes away.

“One,” She grinned at you.

“Two,” you shot one back at her, eyes lighting up.

“Three.”

With surprising coordination, you both launched yourself over. Heat skimmed the bottom of your bare feet, but you made it over without any burns. Ines, thankfully, did as well.

Laughing, arms wrapped around each other, it took you longer than you cared to admit to locate your shoes again.

Rowan watched you jump over the fire with your friend, his mouth turning up at the corners.

Of course, you had to pretend you didn’t know each other, but you’d been at the same beltane celebration before, and he had the pleasure of watching you jump over fires. At least you remembered to hold your skirts up. He had to suffocate the flames last time.

Aelin tapped his shoulder, “I’d give her a seven out of ten.”

A genuine laugh left him, and she wound her arm around his waist, resting her head against his shoulder. He never took these moments, these reminders of the peace they fought for.

Neither did everyone gathered around them.

The celebration lasted into early hours of the morning, and it was near three when the fires finally died down. You’d trusted Evangeline to escort Ceri and her friends back to the castle, and mentally prepared yourself to head home. There were plenty others flooding through the streets, so it shouldn’t be any issue.

Somehow, you found yourself roped into going into the castle. Fenrys informed you that their Majesty and Highness wanted to see you, and him - of course. Aedion and Lysandra joined you - a few bottles of wine each, Rowan and Aelin coming shortly after. Gods, you could drink, but northerners were on another level.

“Stay the night,” Aelin insisted. “There’s no need for you to traipse through the streets after dark.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes,” Rowan huffed, like it was ridiculous you were asking for confirmation. It really was, they wouldn’t have offered if they didn’t mean it.

This was nice. Aelin never took these nights for granted. The beltane celebrations, seeing her people at peace, out and enjoying the traditions squashed by Adarlan for a decade. She loved that you were here now, that you’d been brought into their lives. Now, she could count you as one of the people closest to her, and gods she hoped you felt the same.

They might not have convinced you to live in the castle, but having you spend a few nights here - she’d take it over nothing. Just having you in Orynth was heaven.

Aelin decided the little bit of wine she had could explain these thoughts. Very inappropriate thoughts about you, about the mother of her mate’s child. She hated herself for reducing you to that, rejected the thought as soon as it drifted inside her mind. You were more than just a mother, even if you didn’t always see it that way.

A foot nudged her leg, tracking her back to the present.

“You’re staring,” Rowan murmured. You were caught up in conversation with Aedion, but Fenrys kept shooting Aelin wary looks. She didn’t bother trying to stare him down, only looking at Rowan, her eyes saying; sorry.

Why?

She’s very pretty, came out. She hadn’t had enough wine to blame these thoughts on. These were the thoughts of sober Aelin, just flowing more freely this time.

His eyebrows flicked up in amusement, I’m aware.

Right, he did put a baby in her. The thought didn’t make Aelin jealous, she almost wished she was there …

“It’s so weird when the two of you do that,” Aedion’s voice cut her off.

“Deal with it,” Rowan growled, before turning back to her. You should do something about that little crush of yours.

Maybe I will.

Rowan cut off the wine after another bottle, all but kicking Fenrys, Aedion, and Lysandra out. It was nearing five in the morning now, and even with nothing planned in the morning, it was getting late. Besides, he and Aelin wanted you in here - alone with them. When you rose to leave, Aelin grabbed onto your hand, tugging you back down.

“Stay a while,” she insisted, squeezing your hand. Rowan carefully monitored your every reaction. Aelin wrapped an arm around your shoulders, tugging you into her side like she usually did. He didn’t think it was entirely romantic on your part, at least that you knew, but he saw how you practically purred with the touch, how much you loved it - acted like you needed it. Everything was going to plan.

Aelin pulled away, and you frowned - instantly missing the warmth of her body. But, her hand trailed up your arm, stopping to cup your jaw. When you didn’t pull away, she wound another arm around your waist, tugging you closer, her eyes scanning your face.

“Fuck it,” she muttered, and her hand slid to the back of your neck, pulling your lips to hers.

At first, you froze. But when she didn’t stop, you followed her lead, falling into her rhythm for a few moments before reality caught up to you. With a gasp, you pulled away from her.

She had a hungry look in her eyes, watching like she was waiting for a moment to pounce again, to take you back and claim you. No, no, no. You found Rowan’s eyes, an apology right on your lips, but a shake of his head stopped you as he stood, crossing the room to sit on your other side. His finger pressed against your cheek, turning you to face him. Even as he had your attention, he didn’t move his hand, only sliding it to cup your jaw. An intimate touch. Aelin’s arm was still wrapped around your waist.

“Are you going to deny her, deny Aelin, what she wants?” This question felt like a trap.

“Wh-what do you mean?”

“Do you really need me to spell it out for you?” Rowan’s eyes lit with amusement - and something else, something familiar. Familiar enough it terrified you.

Aelin twisted you, now so you faced Rowan, her other hand twining itself in your hair, tilting your head to the side. Her lips pressed against your neck, trailing up the side. Your head fell, granting her more access, a small whimper slipping past your lips. She didn’t bite, but nipped at the skin - right where your neck met your shoulder. Did she know how significant that was? Apparently so, because she chuckled behind you.

She was purposefully holding you here. Keeping you where you’d lock eyes with Rowan, where he could watch the two of you. His knuckle grazed your cheekbone, a small ‘this is fine,’ and cemented it with a small nod.

That was all you needed, before you twisted back around, letting Aelin’s lips meet your own.

Aelin decided, first, that she’s very glad she did something about her ‘little crush.’ Next, she decided you were a fantastic kisser, and she needed to figure out how to repeat this experience. Preferably as often as possible.

When you finally pulled away, desperately sucking in air, she took the chance to glance at Rowan.

She’s good. His brows flicked, but he didn’t comment. Isn’t this the part where it’s your turn?

Aelin ran her thumb over your lips, keeping your attention on her while she waited for Rowan’s response.

What do you think? She hadn’t heard him this unsure in a while. It was rather endearing, to see him caught off guard.

Aelin looked back down to you - to your puffy lips and bright eyes, and lowered her voice. “Rowan wants to kiss you,” she said, and watched for your reaction. First, your eyes widened, and then you glanced over your shoulder quickly, before turning back to her. You wanted her permission. Maybe for her to make the choice for you. Something Aelin could easily do.

“Are you going to deny him?” She teased, copying Rowan’s earlier words. A snort from behind her, but sure enough you were pulled away. Even Rowan had limits to his patience.

Watching the two of you, how his hand gripped the back of your head, the other cupping your jaw, your arms hesitantly resting on his shoulders, Aelin realized she might be something of a voyeur. At least with the two of you.

He took control, tilting your head exactly where he wanted you, and you easily followed. Seamlessly, effortlessly. Aelin felt like she was viewing a memory, something from deep in the past, and didn’t find herself jealous.

You pulled away, “I think… I think that’s all I can handle for tonight.”

Lips bruised, hair messed, and cheeks flushed, Aelin wanted to keep you here, but she wouldn’t push.

Rowan ended up walking you back to your rooms, taking a step inside before closing the door gently.

He gripped both of your shoulders, making sure your eyes were on him. “Don’t overthink it.”

“Easier said than done.”

Arms wrapped around you, tugging you right into a hard and warm chest. Easily, you wrapped your arms around him. This was familiar, this was safe.

“We both wanted it,” he rubbed circles into your back. Maybe he sensed you needed reassurance.

“Let me guess, you made a plan?” You joked.

Rowan didn’t answer, and you tilted your head to look up at him. He had an unapologetic grin on his face. Eyes rolling, a laugh came from your chest. Brushing hair away from your face, he pressed a kiss to your forehead.

“Don’t run away in the morning,” he said and you dropped your arms. Taking a step back, keeping his eyes on you, he gripped the doorknob. Another smile, and he slipped out the door.

“Goodnight to you too,” you called down the hallway.

Thirty minutes later, you paced inside of your rooms, the haze fading, and traced your finger over your now bruised and puffy lips. Had that really happened? Had you imagined it?

Definitely not.

Are you going to deny her? Are you going to deny him?

Oh fuck.

Bracing your hands on the counter, you took a deep breath before looking in the mirror. Facing you, was a female with flushed cheeks, messed hair, bruised lips, and a glow. A female who looked free.

It’s a shame freedom has its costs, because this couldn’t happen again.

taglist: @holb32 @fussel9913 @moonlightttfae @cassianswh0reeee, @reidishh

#rowaelin x reader #poly!rowaelin x reader #throne of glass fic #rowan whitethorn x reader #aelin galathynius x reader #rowaelin x y/n #poly!rowaelin x y/n #throne of glass x reader #rowan whitethorn x y/n #aelin galathynius x y/n

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jeannineee · 10 months

Note

For the smut prompts:

C,F, #15, #16 with Cassian pretty please🙏🙏🙏

Make Me

Cassian x Reader

a/n: Cassian could get it anytime!! Anyway!! More prompts here. This one is a bit longer than I was expecting lol. I have more works coming w/ Manon, Ruhn, Lucien, and Hunt!!

nsfw under the cut (18+ please)

C: hatefucking

F: Impact play

15: “Wanna act like a brat? You can get fucked like a brat.”

16: “Keep your mouth shut.” “Make me.”

~~~~~~

You loathed Cassian from the day you met him.

You’d tried to keep things professional with him, during your Valkyrie training, but he was fucking insufferable.

Yet a part of you still wanted him.

Even Azriel had noticed that Cassian was noticeably harder on you than the other recruits.

And on the off chance you and Cassian had to interact with each other outside of training? Cauldron spare whoever had to be around the two of you.

Tonight, unfortunately was one of those times.

It was Solstice. You’d planned on staying home, but Feyre invited—forced—you to attend the party she threw with Rhys.

The main room had been far too crowded for your tastes, so you went outside to the balcony, savoring the cool air against the skin that wasn’t covered by your dress.

“Of course,” a rough voice sounded to your right.

Cassian.

Just your luck.

“Fuck off. I’m not in the mood tonight,” you muttered, not even sparing a glance at the general.

“I was out here first,” Cassian replied, taking another step towards you.

“Congratulations. This balcony is more than large enough for two people.”

Cassian scoffed. “There is no space large enough to spare me from the inconvenience that is you.”

You laughed bitterly, finally turning to face him. You tried not to stare at him too intently as you spoke. “That’s big vocabulary for you, Cas. Read a few books recently?”

“Fuck you,” he spat, baring his teeth in a snarl.

You grinned wickedly. “You’d like to, wouldn’t you?”

For the first time in the two decades you’d known him, Cassian froze. Only for a moment, but still. “Speak for yourself,” he finally muttered, beginning to walk away.

“Oh, I get it, now. That’s why you hate me so much,” you said, laughing. “You wanna fuck me so badly it makes you hate me.”

Cassian whirled on you, his face suddenly so close to yours you could see his blown pupils, feel his breath against your lips.

“Keep your mouth shut,” Cassian sneered, grabbing the hair at the nape of your neck.

“Make me.”

Cassian’s expression was nothing short of feral as he yanked you towards him, and shot off into the sky, towards the House of Wind.

You shoved at his chest as he flew, cursing him to hell and back even after he landed, dragging you to his bedroom.

“You fucking prick,” you shouted, sending your palm towards Cassian’s face.

He easily caught your hand, pulling you forward until your chest was flush against his. “Take your dress off,” he said, his voice low and even.

You couldn’t deny the heat pooling between your legs at his tone, but you tilted your chin defiantly. “No.”

Cassian grinned, but there was no kindness in the action. “You don’t want to test me, y/n.”

“Go fuck your—“

Cassian threw you over his shoulder, tossing you on his bed hard enough that you bounced. “I can fuck you with the dress on. Get on your hands and knees.”

You glared at him, unable to think of another quick remark.

“Hands and knees. Now,” Cassian growled.

You bit the inside of your cheek until it bled, before swallowing your pride, turning and bracing yourself on your hands and knees.

“You actually know how to follow orders,” Cassian remarked, his hands ghosted over the backs of your thighs, before lifting your ass further into the air.

“Fuck you.”

“I’m getting to that, don’t you worry.” Cassian replied, pulling your dress over your hips. “Wanna act like a brat? You can get fucked like a brat.”

The sound of your underwear tearing rang through your ears before you had the chance to protest.

“Won’t be needing these,” Cassian muttered.

“I liked those, asshole.”

“I’ll buy you a new pair,” he said casually, before smacking your ass, just hard enough for you to feel a sting.

“Guess your training with me is paying off,” he said, slapping your ass again, admiring the way it jiggled.

“Oh, fuck off,” you said, before yelping as his palm connected to you again.

Cassian chuckled. “I mean, I’ll stop if you want me to, but this…” he trailed off for a moment, prodding a finger through your glistening folds, “…you’re so wet for me, sweetheart. I don’t think you want me to stop.”

Sweetheart. He’d never called you that before. Cauldron damn the feeling it sent through your chest.

Cassian smacked your ass again, bringing you back to reality. “I need you to tell me if you want me to stop,” he said, rubbing your now-sore skin.

“Don’t stop,” you replied immediately, internally cursing yourself for the desperation in your voice.

If Cassian noticed your tone, he didn’t say anything about it as he undid his trousers, lining his cock up with your entrance.

He slid into you with a groan, only giving you a few moments to adjust to his size before gripping your ass hard enough to bruise, thrusting relentlessly.

“Gods, your cunt is squeezing me so tight,” Cassian said breathlessly, landing another slap to your backside.

“Just shut up and fuck me,” you said in between moans, your hands helplessly grasping the sheets.

“Why? You don’t like it when I tell you how good you feel? How well you take my cock?”

The way your cunt clenched around him in response told him all he needed to know.

Between his filthy mouth, and the way he was fucking you, you knew you weren’t lasting long. By the sounds of it, neither was Cassian.

“Cassian—fuck—I’m so close,” you whimpered out, you legs shaking as your release approached.

The need in your voice almost had Cassian finishing on the spot. “Fuck, sweetheart. Show me how good my cock makes you feel. Come for me.”

You practically screamed his name as your orgasm ripped through you.

Cassian’s thrusts grew sloppier as he chased his own high, your name falling from his lips as he spilled into you.

You collapsed on the bed, utterly spent. Cassian tucked himself away, before laying next to you.

The feeling of his body heat snapped you out of your own head, and you sat up quickly. “I should go,” you said, adjusting your dress, rising from the bed.

You were almost to the door when Cassian spoke up.

“You can—you can stay. If you want.”

You turned to face him again. “I wouldn’t expect you to want to spend the night with someone you hate.”

Cassian smiled, softer than you’d ever seen him. “I don’t hate you. But you don’t have to stay, if you don’t want to.”

After a moment of battling with your thoughts, you caved.

As you climbed into bed beside him, resting your head on his chest as though you’d done it thousands of times, you said, “This doesn’t mean that I like you, just so we’re clear.”

Cassian laughed, the warm and hearty sound reverberating through your bones. “That’s okay, sweetheart.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“Why, afraid it might make you like me?”

“Shut up,” you murmured, on the brink of sleep.

Cassian laughed again. “There’s the y/n I know.”

#acotar #acotar headcanon #a court of thorns and roses #acotar fanfiction #acotar smut #smut #female reader #Cassian x reader #Cassian smut #Cassian acotar #acotar Cassian #lord of bloodshed #Cassian #acomaf #acosf #acowar

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zoyaofthegardvn · 1 year

Text

Send some requests!

Hey ya'll! Just wanna say thanks so much to everyone who has been sending in requests! It honestly makes it so much easier to write when I have a prompt, haha! Just wanted to say that I do indeed write smut, which I haven't gotten a request for yet! ;) I also would love to write for Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Crier's War, and The Rings of Power. It is my preference to write sapphic stuff, but I wouldn't mind doing some Azriel x f!reader, or some Elrond x f!reader type stuff, just as examples. I plan to start cranking some stuff out for these other fandoms eventually, when I have the time outside of school to really start writing.

My goal is to dabble in this:

Manon Blackbeak x f!reader

Manon Blackbeak x Elide Lochan

Nesta Archeron x f!reader

Morrigan x f!reader

Galadriel x f!reader

Galadriel x Queen Miriel

Queen Miriel x f!reader

Crier x Ayla (NO SMUT, THEY ARE MINORS).

I will say that I won't write for Feyre, Elain, Rhysand, and Aelin. I just really hate those characters, so please respect that! And if you're wondering if there's any other books/fandoms I'd write for, feel free to ask! I've read SO many sapphic books, so it's very possible I would know who you're talking about and would love to write for them!

This was a really long post just for me to say, hey, send some requests! I have a lot of fun doing them :) Have a lovely day!

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queentala · 3 years

Note

PLEASE write something about cassian or Rowan helping reader on her period. Maybe she gets really bad cramps and can’t move

We're gonna do Rowan because the lack of Rowan x reader things in this fandom is unacceptable. Also because I love this guy ✌️

Sorry it took me so long but school, you know. Probably I’m going to public all my stories at weekends so you have to be patient. So Manon x f!reader and one more Rowan x reader coming out tomorrow! If you have any more requests, pls, write them. Anyways, enjoy <3

After pain, always comes comfort

Rowan Whitethorn x reader

As a Fae you get your period twice a year. Only twice! And fate decided that it'll happen on an important mission. To make it even better, Fae menstrual cycle is way more painful and longer than human’s one. So after four days in the forest, away from any civilization and without access to hygiene products or pain relieving herbs you could easily say with no remorse that you were dying.

Of course, you didn’t go on a mission alone. Together with your mate and two friends, Gavriel and Vaughan, you were sent to deal with skinwalkers that terrorized villages at the north of Wendlyn since few weeks. There were several dozen of them and it took you almost three weeks to kill them all and make sure people are safe. Finally, exhausted and battered you got on your way home but after two days of enjoining peaceful ride through beautiful lands of your country, your bleeding started.

During the first day you had to jump off your horse to vomit every half an hour. Your head, belly, breasts, legs ached. Everything ached. Next days weren’t very different. Rowan, your mate, your loving and caring mate, couldn’t bear the sight of you in pain. He even suggested for you to go to the nearest village and wait there till you’ll be able to function normally but you were desperate to get home as fast as possible and bury yourself under warm covers. Not wanting to argue with you, you kept going.

The nights were sleepless. You tossed and turned, not being able to find comfortable position, even in your lover’s arms. During days however you were trying so hard to not fall asleep. Ignoring yours comrades’ protests and offers to help you pretended to be fine. Well, as fine as woman on period can be.

Today you were literally unconscious. Fighting to keep your eyes open and stay straight in the saddle. Luckily your stallion sensed that you were sick and went nicely on his own, perfectly knowing the way home. You didn’t even noticed that you were sleeping on his neck until Rowan’s voice woke you up.

“Y/N, My Heart, we’re home” he said and touched your arm gently

Despite the pain, you straighten yourself slowly and opened your eyes. In front of you rose walls and gate leading to the castle. Immediately as you entered courtyard guards came up to you, ready to take care of your horses. You slide of your saddle but your legs refused to obey. Rowan ran to you before you could hit the ground. Gently he scooped you into his arms and started walking to the castle.

“Rowan I’m fine. We need to report to Sellene” you tried to protest and get on the ground but again, your body refused to work.

“Gavriel and Vaughan will report to her” you opened your mouth but he spoke again “Besides, Sellene is your friend and a woman. She also has problems like that so she will understand” he kissed your forehead and opened doors to your chambers. “And I have enough of seeing you suffer”

“I’m one of the greatest warriors of all times and the greatest female warrior ever. And I can’t even report to my queen because of some stupid stomach pain” you exhaled and laid your head on yours mate’s shoulder. “That’s pathetic”

“It’s not” Rowan sat you on your couch and started taking off your boots and jacket “It’s natural. And you know you only feel THAT bad because you were stubborn kid and refused to go to some village and stay there for few days. You’re not only on your period but also you’re exhausted and drained out of power”

“Shut up Buzzard”

He was right though. Your periods were always painful but most of the time you were able to do your job. This time even staying awake seemed impossible. Rowan stood up and left you curled up on soft pillows. Two minutes later you’ve heard running water. Once again you were lifted up and led to the bathroom. Rowan undressed you and gently set you in the bath.

You opened your eyes and looked at your mate. In his pine-green eyes you could see love. He was serious and dangerous warrior but he had soft side. Especially for you. His love. His world. His mate. And soon his wife. He took your hand in his. The delicate silver ring on your finger was designed to look like tree twigs. Between them shone little gemstone in color of your eyes.

“You are exhausted too Rowan” you kissed his hand “Join me?”

He undressed himself without a word and slipped behind you. Hot water with scented oils relaxing yours sore bodies. Rowan washed you as you dozed on his chest, finally feeling comfort after days of pain. You enjoyed his fingers gently massaging your body and scalp as he washed your hair. You sat there, loving each other’s company.

You loved being out. You loved fighting, helping and protecting those who needed it. Long rides trough the forest, campfires at night, celebrating a won war with the rest of the cadre and warriors closest to your heart. The blood of your enemies on your face and adrenaline filling your body. That’s what made you happy. But moments like that - moments spent in Rowan’s arms. Those moments kept you alive.

After bath you dressed in some comfortable clothes and your mate walked you to the dining room. The pain wasn’t as bad as before but it still was there. So after seeing that delicious dinner was already waiting for you together with chamomile tea and few chocolate muffins with raspberries and nuts you felt even better.

“Thank you Buzzard” you smiled and get on your toes to kiss him. It was slow and gentle, both of you smiling against each other

“For you, everything My Heart” he said kissing your nose and leading you to the table.

***

You were awakened by the rays of sun falling on your face. Your mate still asleep, held you tightly from behind, burring his face in your shoulder. This could be a perfect morning if not recurring pain and nausea. You wanted to move and ask maid for something to ease your pain but you failed. Instead you whined quietly. That was enough to wake your mate up.

He kissed your temple and immediately jumped out of bed. He came back minutes later with painkillers and warm tea. He slipped under covers again, sitting you against his chest and murmuring good morning.

“You know... I really hate my periods” you breathed sipping your tea

“Hm” once again Rowan buried his nose in your hair “You know... That because of those periods one day we might have a baby” You smiled at that. Plans about your future were discussed even before accepting the mating bond. And you knew Rowan wanted a family in the future so bad.

“Well, I guess I can bear this pain then” you bit gently on his neck “But only if you promise to stay with me through it”

“Always” he kissed you “I will always stay with you. To whatever end, My Heart”

#rowan whitethorn #rowan x reader #rowan whitethorn x reader #throne of glass #tog imagines #tog x reader #sjm #the cadre #crown of midnight #heir of fire #queen of shadows #empire of storms #tower of dawn #kingdom of ash #aelin galythinius #acotar #azriel #cassian #rhysand

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selkielore · 3 years

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help girl i’m raging about sjm in 2021: i’m going to get all my thoughts out under the cut

okay first of all. she wrote in so much chemistry between same gender characters that could easily be construed as romantic in like. MOST of her characters. like. her self insert bitchy assasin/queen character aelin? has chemistry with ansel of briarcliff and lysandra. dorian and chaol? MAJOR chemistry! they exchanged i love you’s. chaol’s emotional chemistry with dorian is better than any other character in the entire series. yes i think men should be able to have deep emotional friendships and love each other platonically but i’m also not wrong for saying they have the best chemistry out of any of their love interests and it would have made sense for them to end up with each other.

not even to mention manon and elide which just. OOZED CHEMISTRY. they were amazing together! manon showed no interest in any man for the first 2 and a half books and talked about how much she hated men constantly. and as soon as her readers started talking about a f/f ship she ignominiously shunted elide off into a relationship with lorcan that didn’t make any sense. they had literally no reason to meet other than the fact that sjm didn’t want to leave readers under the impression that her characters could be queer. i would have rather read manon and elide ending up on their own as independent women chars instead of seeing them paired off with random dudes.

don’t talk to me about aedion or the two background queer couples. aedion being bisexual was literally one throwaway line and never mentioned again, and both the background queer couples had so little time on page that i can’t remember their names and i just finished a re-read. like. she cares SO LITTLE.

i also have a bone to pick with the way she writes m/f couples. i’m a lesbian and even i can appreciate fictional relationships between men and women. i loved alex x darlington in ninth house, jordan x declan in call down the hawk. i’m not hating on sjm’s het ships just because they’re het. i’m hating on them because every interaction between her many couples REEKS of toxic masculinity and internalized misogyny. the whole territorial fae thing is disgusting and played off as a joke every time. i also think the way she writes sex and romance is very unsexy... it’s all about the physical and has a very sexualized lens on both her female and male characters. i don’t need to read descriptions about “lush breasts” and “velvet wrapped steel.” it reads like the male gaze even if it’s turned on men, too, which i just don’t find compelling or titillating. if i’m going to read a sex scene i want it to be based on underlying emotional tension, not quippy flirty banter. what makes sex & love compelling is vulnerability.

okay i think i’m done now. not even diving into the way she treats characters of color and the colonialist undertones bc. i’ve exhausted my comprehensive thoughts for now.

#anti sjm #anti throne of glass

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shadowdaddies · 6 months

Note

Can I request Manon comforting f!reader because she has had an awful day? Maybe even her confronting and scaring someone who has hurt reader?

I’ve had an stressful week and had to deal with rude people has been the last straw, I hope everyone else is doing good ❤️

I'm sorry about your week honey, I hope it gets better 💜

In Your Corner

Manon x Reader

“Who was it?!” Manon practically yelled as she stormed into the room. You looked up from where you were sitting on the couch, wiping the tears from your eyes to look at her. “What?” Manon crossed over to crouch in front of you, checking you for any signs of harm. Her eyes searched your own, “I heard someone made you cry. Who did it?” You shook your head in an effort to dismiss the issue. “It’s fine, Manon. Really. I’m over it,” you mumbled, taking her hand in yours and giving it a light squeeze.

Manon knew you too well, giving you a stern look as she tilted your face to look at her, brushing your hair back behind your ear as she kissed you. “Angel, I want to help you. No one should believe that they can walk all over you. I’m yours, and anyone who disrespects you will know that their behavior will not be tolerated.” You sighed, fidgeting as you considered her words. “I’ll tell you, but you don’t need to do anything about it. I just want to move on.” You proceeded to tell her the story, Manon barely keeping a leash on her anger as she listened to you, holding your hand and occasionally giving it a gentle kiss through your speech.

Speaking about it already made you feel better, your tears dried and breathing easier as you gave Manon a soft smile. She kissed you again, returning your smile before she hummed, “Why don’t you go take a bath? Read a book and relax. I have something I need to take care of, and then we can have some dinner. How does that sound?” You nodded, feeling like you needed to wash the day off of you anyway. You said goodbye to Manon, heading towards your shared bedroom to relax. You turned back to see Manon leaving, and could have sworn you saw her face shift to anger and her iron nails come out as she walked out the door. You didn’t think much of it, going upstairs to enjoy your bath.

You felt impossibly relaxed, freshly clean as you laid in your bed wearing a fluffy robe and enjoying a warm cup of tea. The door opened, Manon coming in to give you a kiss in greeting before going to change out of her leathers. You called out to where she was changing, “so what did you have to go do?”

Manon walked around the corner, now dressed in a short silk robe as she washed her face. More cheerfully than you thought you’d ever heard her speak she answered, “oh, nothing. I just had to take care of someone who was proving to be an issue.” You arched a suspicious brow at her, but she just smiled and hummed, “you shouldn’t have any more problems like you mentioned earlier.” You knew what to expect from Manon, so it shouldn’t have surprised you that that was what she had to ‘take care of’.

You just hoped that she gave them what little mercy they might have deserved, softly laughing to yourself at Manon’s overprotectiveness as she settled into bed next to you, announcing that food would be delivered for the both of you shortly. You hummed a thank you as you curled into her side, thankful to have someone like Manon in your corner.

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shadowdaddies · 5 months

Text

Meant to Be - Part IV.

Dark!Manorian x Reader

Part One | Two | Three

A/N: I keep deviating from my outline but I expect there to be 2 (maybe 3) more parts to this story

Muffled shouts sounded through the air, the sound echoing painfully in your head. Gloved hands grabbed your arms firmly, hauling you up as your vision cleared to reveal your guards eyeing you with concern.

“Miss, are you alright to stand on your own?” You turned to your right to see a young guard holding your arm - honey brown eyes searching your face with genuine concern. You hadn’t taken the time to really look at these men who were with you almost constantly in the castle - the four of whom had been watching your every move. An oversight on your part, which you would be sure to remedy.

You eyed the guard up and down - he was quite handsome, actually, with dark brown hair and ivory skin, tinged pink from the wind - and made a show of smiling at him as you put your hand on his. “Yes, I’m alright. Thank you...?”

“Ryon, miss.” You batted your eyelashes, giving Ryon your best doe-eyed, innocent look. You peered at the guard to your left - a slightly older gentleman with rich umber skin and graying hair - who was eyeing you with suspicion. You moved your hand to his lower arm, giving a gentle squeeze as you smiled brightly.

“And your name?”

The guard’s eyes softened almost imperceptibly. “Arnoux, miss.”

Rubbing your thumb soothingly along Arnoux’s arm, you stepped back slightly from the two men to stand on your own - all four guards still watching you intently. “Well, thank you both for your assistance. I do think that I should head back to my room, though. I am still feeling a bit faint.”

Ryon and the other two guards - you’d have to remember to learn their names later - looked to Arnoux, who was still watching you closely, an air of caution evident on his face. His dark eyes never left yours as the man gave a curt nod, signaling his approval. Ryon gently guided you ahead so that you were walking with the other two guards ahead of you, Ryon and Arnoux close behind.

You held your head high, mostly so that it was easier to make note of your surroundings without turning your head too much. You suspected Arnoux’s, admittedly wise, consternation towards you was due to your unabashed snooping, and you’d need to be more careful moving forward.

The group arrived at the door to your room, a tall blonde guard who Ryon addressed as Warrick ushering you inside as Arnoux instructed him to alert their Majesties of your “incident” in the garden. You internally sighed, hiding your disappointment as the door closed behind you, locking you in the room once more. The clock ticked quietly on the wall - its hands revealing how late in the day it was.

You looked out the window to the garden below where you had just fainted, your pulse pounding when you remembered what was in your dress pocket. You let out an exhale when flowers brushed your fingertips - they hadn’t caught you with the foxglove. Rushing over to the armoire, you took the foxglove from your pockets, burying the flowers beneath your sleeping clothes. You closed the drawer and doors to the chest, hurrying back to sit on the bed before anyone might come in and see.

The moment of rest as you sunk into the mattress was like a dam breaking open - the swell of emotions crashing down into a torrent of tears as you began to process the news. Your fiancé was alive, and here. This changed everything in your plan - you’d have to find not only your own way out of this castle, but how to help him escape as well.

Now was not the time for planning, however, as you finally let the tears fall, crying audaciously for anyone to hear. You wanted them to hear - Arnoux, Ryon, Manon, Dorian. You would let the entire palace hear your pain. And when you were ready, the entire palace would feel your wrath.

The door burst open, interrupting your sinister daydream as Dorian rushed in, Manon right behind him. Dorian looked near to tears himself as he knelt before you, sapphire eyes studying you for any sign of pain. Your mind detested how your heart swelled at his care. “We hurried here when Warrick informed us that you fainted in the gardens. We’ve called for a healer, but I needed to see that you were alright.”

Realizing they were coming from the dungeons where your fiancé was supposedly held, you glanced discreetly towards the clock on the wall. Less than eight minutes for Warrick to get down to the dungeons, and for them to return. If you could find the path to where he was kept, you would be able to make your escape with your love. An idea came to you - this would take time, but would be worth it in the end.

You turned to Dorian, slipping on the too-familiar mask of innocence you’d used on Ryon just moments ago as you sniffled and nodded into his hand that held your cheek. “I am feeling quite ill. The journey to the gardens was unexpectedly difficult for me. I was thinking, I should probably stay indoors for awhile. The library was warm and comfortable.”

You held back your smirk at the shocked look on their faces at your proposal, their predatory smiles of pleasure as they thought they’d finally tamed you. Little did they know that the fawn was luring the wolves into an archer’s range.

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shadowdaddies · 5 months

Text

Meant to Be - Pt. II

dark!Manorian x f!Reader

Part One | Part Three | Part Four

Warnings: drugs, addiction, mentions of poison and killing, kidnapping

There was no way of telling how long you had been here, locked away in this beautiful prison. Days blurred into nights, which blurred into days. A shell of the person you once were, most of your time was spent staring at the gardens from your bolted window, wondering how you got to this point.

You never dreamed Dorian and Manon were capable of what they’d done - your fiancé was gone, and you were cut off from your friends and family. Most days you felt numb. It was easier to shut out the world than to attempt to process the horrors - but some days, you couldn’t push the memories away. You would become a torrent of emotions - trashing and screaming in rage and anguish until you were sedated.

It became a comfort - sometimes you would lash out just so they would give you the sedative. You learned how to take part of the syrup, and spit some out when they weren’t looking - it helped you think without feeling so much. It helped you develop a plan. You spent weeks pretending to be the docile, muted version of yourself that Dorian and Manon wanted to you be, while inside you were fury personified - determined to bring them down.

This morning, you stared at the stranger who faced you in the mirror - a fractured memory of who you were before all of this happened. You had little connection to her anymore, and you would never be as naive as her again. Dorian smiled behind you as he combed your hair. “You look beautiful today, sweetheart.”

You cursed the butterflies you felt at his praise, how you’d adapted to feel soothed by his touch. You dug your nails into your thighs, drawing you back to reality. This man killed your fiancé, and he would pay. No matter how genuine those sapphire eyes seemed when he called you his good girl.

Putting the final touches in your braid, Dorian leaned over your shoulder as he admired you in the mirror. His warm breath fanned your cheek, barely containing his excitement as he spoke. “I have a surprise for you, sweet girl.” Your heart raced - not at Dorian’s excitement, of course - but at the possibilities. A change in your routine led to potential for plotting your escape.

You painted on a happy smile, leaning into Dorian’s touch as you batted your eyelashes - every bit the coquette that you knew sent desire through his veins. “What is it?”

His fingers traced the neckline of your dress, admiring how you flushed under his touch. Leaning down so he was level with you, Dorian gave you a bright smile. “I thought we could go to the library today.” Your excitement was genuine as you bounced in your seat, whipping around to face him. Your smile faltered slightly as you registered his alarmed expression. Right. You needed to act sedated, easier to control.

You sighed, letting yourself melt into Dorian’s touch as you brought one of your hands to his - noticing how warm and soft it was beneath yours. “I would love that,” you whispered, soft smile and doe eyes locking with his. “When can we go?” you questioned, praying you didn’t sound too eager.

Dorian’s hand moved to your cheek, rubbing soft circles as he pressed a kiss to your forehead. The feeling of his warm lips against your skin distracted you for a moment, and a small part of you realized that although your affections towards your captors were pretend, your body might not be on the same page.

You snapped out of your thoughts to see Dorian’s knowing smile. “We can go right now, sweetheart,” he whispered, offering you his hand as you stood. You linked your arm in his, letting him lead you out the door for the first time in weeks. Pretending to take in the decor through the halls, you made a mental map of each path, counting the windows and noting where guards were stationed.

You arrived at a large set of doors, Dorian throwing them open before he turned to take in your expression. A disbelieving laugh left you, mouth hanging ajar as you marveled in the sight of the grand library. You had never seen anything like this - six stories of bookshelves, stacked with volumes ranging from new releases to hundreds of years old.

Dorian took you on a tour through the vast space - meticulously organized by genre and author - before he led you to a cozy seating area. Plush velvet couches surrounded a fire, a table full of sandwiches and cakes in-between. Dorian’s arms wrapped around your waist as he murmured in your ear, “I had this set up for you. I picked out some romance books you might like as well. Perhaps we could enjoy the afternoon together?”

Dorian pulled away to search your face for an answer, and you hadn’t realized how much you had been leaning into his body until then. Stumbling for balance, you merely gave Dorian a nod as you took your seat on the sofa. Before Dorian could join you, however, an adviser came storming into the room. “Your majesty, you are needed in the counsel chambers at once.”

Dorian’s eyes flashed with anger as he turned to the nasally man. “Can you not see that I am busy?” With a quick look of disdain in your direction, the adviser gave a shallow smile to the king. “Yes, your majesty. But I guarantee that this matter is of the utmost urgency. Please.” Dorian glanced back at you, a look of longing in his eyes before he gave a curt nod to the man. “I’ll be back as soon as I’m able sweetheart. And don’t worry, I’ll retain some guards here to keep you safe.”

You inwardly recoiled at the thought of being watched like a child, but quickly changed your frown to a pout. “Don’t leave me too long, please,” you pleaded to him. With a kiss to your hand that left a lingering sensation, Dorian promised to return - and left the library.

You grabbed a sandwich from the table, humming a tune as you pretended to admire the room. Four guards. You weren’t escaping here today, but how could you use this opportunity to your advantage? These people kidnapped you and poisoned your fiancé - they drugged you. Your eyes widened with realization. Poison.

You had spent every day looking out over those gardens - you could identify every flower down there by heart. You leapt from the couch, strolling along the rows of books until you reached botany. Perfect. Flashing a smile at the guard nearest you, you held up a book, giggling. “I love flowers.” He rolled his eyes, unamused and unsuspecting. To them, you were just the king and queen’s pet, who apparently loved flowers.

Bringing back a stack of books on flowers and their various purposes, you pored over the information for what felt like hours. You smirked as you recognized several flowers from the garden - foxglove was a potential option, but you’d need more information on its effects. Pinpointing the place in the book about foxglove, you were about find more books about the plant when two hands landed on your shoulders.

The cool of iron nails was noticeable through the fabric of your dress as Manon leaned in, pressing a kiss to your cheek before turning to see the open book. “What are you reading about, sweet girl?”

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rowaelinsdaughter · 3 months

Text

KEEP MY HEART CHAPTER V

WARNINGS;; violence

the thirteen were training, so ayla decided it was time for her to practice again. she couldn’t ride a wyvern, so this was better than nothing.

bang. bang. bang. bang. punch after punch, she hit the bag, letting out all her emotions instead of punching iskra on the face. she would like that. very much. bang. and the bag was torn. she watched the sand fall to the ground and the sound the bag made when it hit the floor, reminded her of manon falling to the pit.

a hand on her shoulder had her turning around, and she found sorrel’s eye’s. at least they were the only one’s training.

“are you okay?”

“yeah. i’m fine.”

sorrel looked at the bag. “imagining it was iskra?”

a wicked smile on her face “of course” a low laugh from sorrel was her only answer.

she heard asterin steps down the corridor before she appeared in the training room.

“where’s manon?”

“she’s going to train with abraxos”

“i want to see that” she took a towel from a table near the wall “bye”

ayla was walking down the corridor to where the pen was. down, down and down. too many stairs. she turned a corner and saw iskra leaning on a wall.

“hello, little witch”

ayla’s face was like a stone. she didn’t let any emotion show.

“iskra” was all she said. looking forward and passing iskra, she felt her nails dig in her arm, drawing blood from it. “leave. me.”

“and what if i don’t?”

“then you’re a dead witch”

iskra leaned forward, her face near her. “i think i’m good here”

with immortality speed, iskra pushed her to the wall near her. her nails digging more in her arm, a groan leaving her lips.

“i like that sound. do you do that when you’re with manon?”

she had had enough of her. with a twist of her arm, she grabbed her arm and crashed her into the wall. her face facing the wall, and her own nails dug on iskra’s arm.

“listen to me iskra because i'm not going to repeat myself again. leave. us. alone. i told you once to leave us if you didn’t want all your teeth gone. but you didn’t listened then, so now you’re going to hear me.” she dug deeper “leave us if you don’t want to be meal for the wyverns”

with that, she left iskra in the corridor and finally reached abraxo’s pen.

manon was alone with abraxos. she leaned on the wall, a small smile appearing in her face despite her encounter with iskra.

“i am going to put this saddle on you,” she said, cupping the snout. he shifted, but manon grabbed on tight, forcing him to look at her. “you want out of this shithole? then you’ll let me put this saddle on you to check the fit. and when we’re done, you’re going to let me look at your tail. those human bastards cut off your spikes, so i’m going to build some for you. iron ones. like mine,” she said, and flashed her iron nails for him to see. “and fangs, too,” she added, baring her iron teeth. “it’s going to hurt, and you’re going to want to kill the men who put them in, but you’re going to let them do it, because if you don’t, then you will rot down here for the rest of your life. understand?”

a long, hot huff of air into her hands. “once all that is done,” she said, smiling faintly at her wyvern, “you and i are going to learn how to fly. and then we’ll stain this kingdom red.”

and then she smelled the blood. not her or abraxos, but… she turned around and looked at ayla and the blood dripping down her arm even with the bandage ayla had made with a slice of her tshirt.

manon ran to her and took her arm, carefully not to hurt her more.

“who did this to you?”

“manon-”

“who?!”

ayla sighed “iskra, but-”

she pushed her aside and stormed down the corridor. “manon wait!” ayla ran as fast as possible and grabbed her arm, stopping her. “please listen to me.”

“ayla, let me go”

“no, please. manon listen, i’ve dealt with it, it’s done manon. done”

she looked at her arm again, her ayes a burning gold. blood, vengeance, hate… ayla took her face and turned her so she was facing her. “i love you manon. no one and nothing is going to tear us apart. not even iskra.” ayla stroked her cheek.

manon sighed. “i need to finish some things with abraxos, and then you will have that treat, is that clear?”

ayla giggled a little and stood on her tiptoes so she was at the same height as her, hugging her by her shoulders. “yes ma’am”

✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮

five days later, abraxos finally had everything manon said. iron spikes onto his tails, iron fangs… he was ready. but manon had missed the riding lessons with the thirteen, and ayla knew that was killing her. and now ayla stood with manon, asterin and sorrel in the training hall. the last one had been working with the youngest coven of blackbeak. only a few of them were experienced.

“how bad?” manon asked, crossing her arms.

sorrel crossed her arms too. “not as bad as we feared, but they’re still sorting out coven dynamics and their leader is… i’d suggest either having her coven decide what to do with her or picking a new leader. we could lose the war games”

ayla looked at the witch that was now rising from the floor, nose dripping blue blood. “give her two days—let’s see if she sorts herself out.” and manon added “but have vesta take her out tonight, to wherever she’s been going to torment the men in the northern fang.”

sorrel raised her thick brows innocently, making ayla giggle while manon rolled her eyes. “you’re a worse liar than vesta. you think i haven’t noticed those men grinning at her at all hours of the day? or the bite marks on them? just keep the death toll down. we have enough to worry about as it is—we don’t need a mutiny from the mortals.”

asterin snorted, but when manon gave her a sidelong look, the witch kept her gaze ahead, face all too innocent.

“don’t be too hard manon, they’re just having fun” at that, manon rolled her eyes again but she gave ayla a little slap on her ass. she opened her mouth and slapped manon on the chest, but she took her hand and dragged her to her chest.

“the only ones having fun right now,” asterin said, “are the green-eyed demon twins” they looked at the twins and how they were grinning with maniacal glee as they were using their inferiors as target practice.

“and my shadows?” manon asked asterin “how are they doing?”

“they’ll have a report for you tonight”

and manon added to her second and third “i want you both in my room for their report, too”

“i’ll have lin and vesta stand watch” asterin said. ayla rested her chin on manon’s chest, her doe eyes looking at her from below.

“you want me there too, manon?”

she looked down at her, a smirk displayed on her face. she grabbed her jaw, tilting her head more. “of course witchling”

tagging;; @hellwantfuckme @shadowdaddies @thehighladywrites

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rowaelinsdaughter · 7 months

Text

𝕳𝖆𝖕𝖕𝖞 𝖇𝖎𝖗𝖙𝖍𝖉𝖆𝖞 (𝕸𝖆𝖓𝖔𝖓 𝖝 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖗)

omg, i need holy water,like, did I seriously write this??? well, i did, so please enjoy as much as i did writing this 🫶🏻 sorry if there's any error, english isn't my first language

WARNINGS: smut, fluff (a little bit), iron nails play (?)

WORD COUNT: 1,5 (k)

“I can do it, I can do it, I can do it…No, I can't do it”

“You know Manon would kill me if I was here, right?”

You rolled your eyes and turned to look at Asterin. “I know she would, but I need someone’s opinion on” you pointed to your body “this.”

Asterin rolled his eyes.

“I already told you, you look perfect and Manon will love it” a mischievous smile adorned Asterin's lips “besides, I don't think it will last long.”

You looked in the mirror again and appreciated the black lingerie that adorned your body. Manon loved seeing you in lingerie, it awakened something primal in her. When there were people she was reserved, although she had to keep you close and touch your back or hand so that they knew that you were hers, and that they had no chance of being with her. Besides, who would dare to confront the Queen of Witches? But, when you were both alone? He couldn't stop kissing you, having you close, telling you that he loved you. Although she was always the dominant one and you loved it.

You caressed the straps of the bra, marveling at the softness of the fabric. The top part held your breasts perfectly, the lace was perfect and the bottom part covered only your area, leaving your ass visible. You hesitated again whether to leave it on or not. But it was Manon's birthday. Her 150th birthday to be exact. You were going to do it.

"Ok I'm leaving." Asterin stood up from the chair she had been sitting in while you tried on the different lingerie. He approached you, winked and left.

You grabbed the robe that matched the lingerie and decided to dress up a little more. You made waves in your hair and left it down, creating a perfect waterfall down your back. You decided to wear little makeup and painted your lips a soft red, creating a contrast with your black lingerie.

Manon had to go to a nearby town to listen to people and then try to solve their problems, so to kill time you decided to read a book that you started a long time ago.

It was dusk when you heard Abraxos arrive, you approached the window being careful not to let him see you and there you saw him. She wore her moon-white hair in a braid and her fighting clothes fit perfectly on every part of her body. To surprise her, you decided to go into the bathroom until she arrived.

It wasn't long before you heard the door open and close.

“Yn” Manon looked around the room, confused to not find you anywhere.

You opened the bathroom door a little, careful not to make too much noise and so that she wouldn't find out, and when you saw that her back was to you, you opened the door completely, leaning on the door frame, letting the robe fall a little.

Manon turned around and all rational thought vanished from her mind when she saw you standing there.

You saw how his gaze changed from surprise to lust in a matter of seconds, making a current of electricity run through your entire spine.

Gathering courage you decided to approach her. Manon watched as your hands opened the robe you were wearing, letting it fall to the floor, exposing yourself to her.

He approached you, looking over every part of your body, from your bare feet to your breasts. When she was centimeters away from you and you felt the heat emanating from her body, she approached your ear, and with a voice that he only saved for you when you were in bed, she whispered:

“I'm going to devour every part of your body, I'm going to make you scream my name so loud that the people in the town where I've been will know who makes you feel this way, and I'm going to enjoy my gift every moment. And when dawn comes you won't be able to get out of bed. Have you understood me?”

You swallowed and with a small voice you responded. “Yes, Manon.”

Her hands grabbed your knees and she lifted you up, carrying you to bed. You had never felt more exposed than now, lying on your double bed, she looked over you again. She took out her iron nails, caressing from your neck to your panties, a stain of your arousal present on them. You held your breath, watching a feline smile grace her handsome features as she noticed the stain.

She retracted her nails and tore them out with that strength that characterized her. He threw what was left of them into some corner of the room. Her hands caressed your legs to your sex, a muffled moan left your mouth, waiting for Manon to do something.

She caressed your clitoris and your hips rose involuntarily, controlled by the fire that now ran through your entire body thanks to the attention your lover was giving you. At this, Manon caressed your clit again, this time using a little more pressure, making you moan accompanied by her name.

“Is something wrong, witchling?”

She brought her face closer to your sex and licked from your entrance to your clit, sucking it, drawing those moans from your lips that let Manon know that you were enjoying yourself.

“Shit Manon… Don't stop plea-” You couldn't finish the sentence and a moan louder than the others came from your red lips as you felt her insert two fingers, synchronizing the caresses she gave you with her tongue and the thrusts of her fingers, reaching to that point that made you see the stars.

You heard a growl leave her lips as you felt your walls clench around her fingers. You were close, very close. With one hand you grabbed the sheets and with the other you held her head between your legs, preventing her from getting out of there. But Manon loved to make you beg, with her free hand she pushed your hand away from her head, pulled her fingers out and moved her tongue away from your sex.

"No, please"

She leaned back on her heels and began to undo her clothes, starting with the top. Her jacket, shirt and bra disappeared in some corner of the room. You licked your lips at the sight of her round breasts and pink nipples. Manon, seeing where your gaze was, decided to squeeze them, making your walls tighten.

You stood up, kneeling in front of her, pushed her hands away and began to massage, caressing her nipples with your thumbs. Manon sighed and that was the signal you needed to start licking one of her nipples and continue caressing the other. You notice how her hand caresses your head and with the other she strokes your sex, inserting two fingers again.

You pull away and start kissing her neck and the hand she has in your hair tenses. You adored that area of her, because it was the most sensitive. She pulls you away from her neck and takes out the fingers she still had inside you, grabbing your face with both hands and brings you closer to a kiss full of love, passion, lust and warmth.

You notice how she begins to get rid of the bottom part and lie down again, this time bringing your sexes closer together, moving her hips in a perfect rhythm, eliciting moans that are quickly silenced as your mouths are together.

You were the first to separate from her. You leaned your head back, leaving room for Manon to start biting and leaving marks that you knew everyone would see tomorrow.

You were close, very close.

“Are you close, witchling? Do you want to cum?”

You nodded. But Manon stopped moving her hips and grabbed your neck without applying too much pressure but just enough to make you go to the limit.

"Words"

“Yes Manon, please, I want to cum.”

She leaned close to your ear and whispered. “Good witchling”

She moved her hips again, this time a little faster and caressing your clit.

You became a bundle of moans, you felt that incredible sensation in your lower area. And then your whole world exploded, you stopped hearing what was happening around you, and you could only feel the orgasm course through your body, making your back arch.

You noticed how the bed sank next to you and two pairs of arms pulled you to her body. You wrapped an arm around her torso and rested your head on her shoulder. You were both drenched in sweat, but neither of you made any attempt to get out of bed and clean yourself, feeling better in each other's warmth.

Manon turned on her side so she could stare at you. You opened your eyes and found the gold that you loved so much. You smiled tired and at the same time happy.

“Did you like your gift?”

You saw her smile and her hand brushed your hair away from your face.

“I loved it, but”she got on top of you again “I told you that I was going to have you until dawn and I'm going to keep my promise.”

A playful laugh left your lips, you put your arms around her neck, pulling her close to you.

“Happy birthday, Manon.”

"Happy Birthday to me"

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