#vanserra sister

[mamadoe]

🍁 The Forgotten Sister - Chapter 8

(I posted this on AO3 ages ago and forgot to post here, sorry 😬)

Partially edited, may come back and revise minor mistakes in the future.

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Complete Masterlist

Also on AO3

Warning || only one bed, fluff, flirting

Word Count || 7885

~~~

The old marble floor of the barely lit throne room is a view I know all too well. My hands are that of a child’s against the cold floor. My little knees ache from holding this position for so long. Without tilting my head up, I try to glance toward the throne before me, but all I glimpse are the feet of Father’s hounds, their long, gangly legs stretched out as they lay at Father’s feet. My legs begin to scream in protest as I continue my punishment. What had I done this time to earn this treatment? I wrack my brain for it, but nothing comes. What’s the point of a punishment if I don’t know what I’m being punished for?

“Althea.” His voice is deep and gravelly, full of disdain. My skin heats from his unfiltered self being directed at me. “Look at me, child.” Eyes wide, I lift my gaze across the deep red rug that cascades down the steps leading to his throne. The hounds already sit upright in response to his voice, their brownish-grey wiry coats ragged and unkempt. Even the dogs look at him as my eyes meet his - dark as the night. They scare me. They have always scared me. He sits tall in his throne under a stark light, the only light in the room. I don’t dare speak until he gives me permission in fear of him making me kneel here longer. “Do you know what it is to be High Fae, child?” His question confuses me. Of course, I have been studying our history, but what does that have to do with this?

“High Fae are the rulers of Prythian, Father,” I meekly force out, and his unyielding glare upon me doesn’t give. My child-like voice is small and nearly gets swallowed up in the massive darkness of the throne room.

“Yes, but what else? What makes you High Fae, Althea?” I try to keep my eyes meeting his, but his question confuses me more, so I glance over his shoulder to Mother. She’s standing just behind his throne to the left, her hand resting on his shoulder and reflects white under the light’s intensity. However, the rest of her is nearly completely shrouded in darkness, and I can barely make out her features, but I can tell her expression is blank, cold even, and doesn’t reassure me in the slightest.

“Both you and Mother are High Fae, making me High Fae,” I find my words, my voice struggling to keep a stable tone as the nerves set in, and my skin begins to crawl with heat.

“Correct. High Fae do not mingle with the lower faeries. Do you understand?” His tone somehow falls deeper, harsher than before. To be honest, I don’t know what exactly he’s talking about, but I’m afraid if I tell him that, he will push my punishment further.

“Yes, Father,” I whisper, glancing down to the floor, but a loud thud of Father’s cane on the rug makes me flinch, and I glance back up to him.

“Do not ever speak with the servants again, Althea. If you so much as look at them, there will be punishment. Do you understand?” His words slice right through me. I had been talking to one of the maids in the kitchen earlier today while I was on my way to my tudor’s study. She had given me an apple and sent me on my way.

“Yes, Father,” is all I manage.

“You will not end up like him,” he commands firmly, and I can see Mother’s hand squeeze Father’s shoulder, but when I look to her, her face is now completely masked with black smoke that billows out and down her arms. Who does he mean by that?

“Y-Yes, Father. I apologize,” I weakly offer as I bow down so low that my forehead meets the cold floor.

“We will not have another one who defies me. You will abide by my rule.” I nod against the floor in understanding, but the growl of one of the hounds draws my attention. One of them is making its way down the steps toward me, head low, golden eyes glowing, a deep growl rumbling in its chest as it carries itself on its too-long legs.

“F-Father?” I whine from the floor, vulnerable for the taking like prey. The creature continues its approach, its growl morphing into something reminiscent of a garbled bark, its form shifting, expanding, deforming to be larger than life, as it now looms over my child-like form. My terror quakes me to my core as I tremble before it, its bark loud and overwhelming. The darkness of the throne room is closing in on us as it leans down over me, the shine of its bright white teeth cutting through the darkness, lips pulled back in a grotesque snarl as it prepares to sink its teeth into me.

“Wake up!” hisses through the darkness, and I am swiftly ripped from my nightmare. My breathing is heavy, and a light sweat coats my skin in the cool night air. The sky has grown almost completely dark and star flecked now that the sun has just past the horizon, and the chill of the night is setting in quickly.  Irian is stooped over me, his face painted with fear and concern as he shakes me lightly. “Wake up. We gotta move quickly.” Before I can thank him for pulling me from the depths of my nightmare, I hear it - barking in the distance. I can’t pinpoint how far off they are, but for sure they are making ground and heading this way. The familiar high-pitched yaps of Father’s hounds break through the night, and I immediately feel my dinner churn in my stomach. Their barks must have carried into my dream. Irian doesn’t hesitate before pulling me up to my feet swiftly, and I almost ignore the groaning protest of my legs as I bear my weight on them, the soreness from riding having fully set in while I slept. A moment later he is securing the cloak around my neck under the cowl of the sweater and pulling the hood up, tucking my braid in to hide its identifiable red.

“How did they make it this far?” I whisper as he leads me through the dark with large strides over to Bits. Her saddle is already secured, saddle bags and all.

“They must have noticed Bits and I were gone quicker than I thought they would,” he returns as he takes me by the waist and hoists me up, my legs finding purchase on either side of her back. “I work in the Northern stable, so they must have put two-and-two together. The hounds can pick up just about any scent.” He clasps his hand around the horn of the saddle and heaves himself up, and after a brief moment of him adjusting in his seat, my arms find their hold around his waist. It’s only now that I realize he is clad in his own thick sweater in preparation for facing the cold. “All they’d need is some clothing of yours that hasn’t been washed, and they’re on the hunt,” he says under his breath as he adjusts his weight one more time as I swiftly kick my legs to unroll my pants to cover my feet. I’ll have to tie them closed later. The sound of the hounds grows closer by the second, but with a quick snap of the reins, Bits takes off into the tree line, heading north.

~~~

The night is long, only broken up by brief changes of Bits’ pace. As the fear of the chase settles in, we remain silent, as if our voices would give away our location or our pursuers don’t already have a homing beacon on our backs. All sense of time melts away as the dark night sky stretches past the horizon of the canopy of the trees, no moon to guide us. That doesn’t slow down Irian, however; his hands keep the reins moving with determination. I try to ignore the ache of my lower half as it strains to keep me secure against his ridged back, and the chill nips at my fingers as we travel higher into the mountains and the night’s air sinks into our bones. Already, the air is thinning, making my breaths short and hasty.

The fear of being caught drives him to make quick decisions - follow the path, break away here to gain just a little bit more ground, ducking down to avoid low-hanging branches. If captured, the punishment for this would be death, undoubtedly, and it isn’t in his plan to die, not today. Thankfully, his quick thinking and Bits’ stamina put adequate distance between us and them, the sound of the hounds slowly dissipating into the night. Even then, Irian doesn’t stop for anything, whispering under his breath that they can’t risk it, not again.

My hold on him is firm as I rest the side of my face against the back of his shoulder, listening carefully for anything behind us, but the only thing that my ears register are the rhythmic drumming of Bits’ hooves against the varying terrain in one ear and Irian’s steady, strong heartbeat in the other. If I weren’t trying to hold on for dear life, I could imagine myself slipping into a trance, but my heart lives in my throat as the adrenaline-fueled fear finally begins to ebb. Exhausted, I let my eyes drift close to give them a rest, tightening my arms around his waist noticeably. Irian takes notice and finally glances back at her for the first time since taking off.

“Ya okay back there?” One of his large hands finds its place on top of mine, his longer, callused fingers sliding between more delicate ones so he can give my hand a squeeze. Still bouncing from Bits’ gallop and Irian’s skilled riding, I’ve managed to match his riding rhythm, so it’s more comfortable at least.

“I suppose, considering,” I rest my chin on his shoulder, brows knit together as my eyes barely meet his. Hisonce-joyous smile hasn’t returned and instead a small frown is in its place.

“Don’t ya worry. Once we are over the mountain peaks, they won’t follow. We can find someplace to stop then, okay? Maybe get some warm food in ya, too,” he gives an assuring nod before redirecting his focus ahead, letting his hand linger clasped over mine for a moment longer before withdrawing it. Immediately I miss the touch as it’s my only comfort right now. My head remains on his shoulder as I try to look forward into the dark to see what he sees, but to me, we are darting through pitch darkness.

“How do you know where we are going?” His small laugh under his breath eases some of the tension I’m carrying between my shoulders.

“Well, it helps if you can see in the dark,” he flashes a quick smirk, “One of the perks of being part night fae. The darkness is an old friend.” I blink at that. When I had scoped out his features before, I hadn’t put two and two together. From his drooped ears to his fangs, he is characteristically a night fae.

“Like a cat then?” I tease in an attempt to keep the mood light. I can feel a laugh bubble up through his chest but he stops it from ringing clear in the night.

“Yes, very much like a cat,” he returns under his breath before slowly bringing Bits to a stop, surveying something in the dark I cannot see. Bits’ heavy breath is loud in the stillness of the night, the heaving of her rib cage prominent beneath us. I hope she can hold out until we can stop; the poor girl has already pushed so hard to get us this far. After a brief pause, Irian gives a soft huff of affirmation before casting me a less-than-assuring look. “Hold tight, princess. We’re about to be airborne.”

“What?” is all that slips from my lips before he snaps the reins and Bits immediately starts forward. My hold tightens on him, fingers gripping the material of his sweater.

“Hold on!” Just as suddenly as he commands, Bits is jumping. We are up off her back, though Irian’s feet stay firmly planted in the stirrups. I’m not so lucky, Irian being my only anchor as I lift from Bits’ back.

“Fuck!” On instinct my legs lift and close against his sides in an instant, seeking anything more to anchor myself. I can’t even see why we are jumping, but I know being this high up in the mountains, it can’t be good and would be a quick, painful death if I fall now. The jump passes in an instant but feels like an eternity as my stomach flips in knots before her hooves connect and she stumbles before they find purchase on the solid ground on the other side of whatever she jumped over, taking a few solid steps away before Irian reins her to a stop.

“Woah, good girl,” he pats her neck, a soft pant escaping his lips before he gives me an earnest glance. “You, too.” I would blush, if I had any blood left to pool in my face that isn’t already coursing through my veins, fueled by adrenaline. He laughs softly at what must be the most petrified expression on my face. My frame is trembling against his back, and it’s only when one of his hands finds the outside of my knee that’s pressed against his side that I return his glance, eyes wide and wild.

“What the fuck was that?” I whisper, unable to will myself to unfurl my grasp on him. A brief lit of a tease dances across his features, but he decides against acting on it when he realizes how terrified I am.

“Oh, nothing. Don’t even worry about it.” His thumb caresses the top of my knee for a brief moment in an attempt to calm my leg’s trembling. “Just a little detour, alright?” He turns more so I can see his face better. Even in the dark, I can make out the faint tinge of light reflection. It makes his once golden eyes have a shiny quality, tinged with silver. How he’s able to see in the dark. “Just a rock slide took out a part of the path. They won’t be able to follow us this way now, not with the dogs at least.” For the life of me, I can’t stop shaking, my adrenaline piqued.

“J-Just rocks in the path?” He can’t keep a small smirk from lifting the corner of his mouth.

“Oh, no, the path is gone,” he watches my face as I short circuit.

“What?” My voice is meek. We could have fallen there, could have died, and he has the nerve to look at me like it was nothing.

“A good chunk of the path collapsed, so they’ll need good horses to get over that. But hey, we made it!” He finally lets a laugh loose before giving the outside of my trembling thigh another pat. “Don’t think about it too hard. Just be thankful you can’t see how far the fall is.” I can’t stop the fearful gulp that feels trapped in my throat.

“Oh, don’t worry, that’s all on you.” I huff and hide my face against his shoulder, pulling another laugh from him before his hands return to the reins and he steers Bits away from what turns out to be a near-death experience. Thankfully he doesn’t pry me from his frame, instead keeping Bits’ pace moderate as we continue on the unseeable path.

“We’ll be in the Winter Court soon, and trust me, you’ll know it. I know of a small, little village not far from the border. It’s mostly a logging town, but it’s off the beaten path, and people keep to themselves. And now, without the dogs, we should be fine to stay the night, warm ourselves, get what we need, and then head out before the sun rises tomorrow, sound good?” His tone is bright as he tries to ease my tension, but I’m not letting go until I see the lights of a fire-warmed inn. All I respond with is a nod, and he chuckles once more before leading us through the dark.

~~~

Cold embraces us as soon as we cross the wards into the Winter Court, and the wind cuts right through what I initially thought were nice, warm knit clothing. The only reprieve is the wool cloak, which I secured around his shoulders and pulled the hood up over his head to keep him as warm as possible while nestling in as close as I could underneath. Our shivering bodies lean into each other, seeking any warmth we can kindle.

Even in the dark as I glance over his shoulder, I can see the faint glow of snow on the ground, and big, fluffy flakes swirl through the windy air. Any tracks we leave behind will quickly be smoothed over by new downfall and the wind, giving me some much needed relief from my growing anxiety of being followed despite Irian’s best attempt at affirming they wouldn’t follow us now that we crossed the wards. Even Bits seems to slow from the cold, much to my dismay. Irian’s large, trembling hand strokes my arms over his stomach in a feeble attempt to warm them.

“A-About there, stay with me,” he says through chattering teeth, earning a soft mumble as I bury my frozen face between his shoulder blades.

“Hope so. We can’t take this cold much longer,” my teeth chatter uncontrollably. I’ve never been so cold, as if my bones are frozen from the inside. I can’t even feel below the knee with how deeply the cold has settled. Thankfully, his promise rings true as the sound of Bits’ hooves against the ground changes - muffled heavy steps to solid thuds against snow-packed ground. I can’t help but peek over his shoulder once more. The soft light of a fae light lantern burns brightly in the distance. As we draw closer, the subtle frames of small houses melt out of the darkness, and I sigh with relief. “Finally.” Irian nods in approval, unable to will any other response as he steers Bits through what must be snow-covered roads as the small, dark houses appear closer together. As we pass under the fae light, it feels almost too bright after being in the dark for so long, my eyes squinting as I glance around. It doesn’t take long to pinpoint the small inn he was talking about before, and he wasn’t joking - it sits nestled in the corner of what must be the village’s town square, but at first glance it appears like any other of the small buildings, just two stories and bigger, and most of the windows are dark except for what must be the one in the front entry.

Teeth chattering, Irian stops Bits just shy of the walkway. After a brief moment of hyping himself up, he unclasps the cloak, and before I can protest, he slides off Bits’ back and pulls the front of the cloak closed around me.

“I-I’m going in to check if they have a room open. Stay put. I don’t want them to see you if t-they don’t have to, okay?” I nod once as he digs a small pouch that jingles of coin from one of the saddle bags.

“P-Please hurry,” I chatter under my breath, the plume of condensation thick in the freezing air. With a nod, he quickly trudges through the snow to the front door and disappears inside, leaving Bits and me in the cold and stillness that comes to a village like this at night. Trying to distract myself from the cold rising up my legs without Irian helping regulate my warmth, I glance around the bare town square. A few scattered fae lights still illuminate it to draw people stuck into the cold toward the inn. The fluffy snowflakes swirl in the glowing light as they drift toward the ground. If my body wasn’t about to give out on me, from the cold or exhaustion both, I could appreciate the view for its simple beauty.

So distracted from watching the snow, I don’t register Irian’s return until he’s stroking my leg gently, drawing my attention back to his much-more-relaxed face.

“C’mon, it’s warm in there,” he says softly as he takes a hold of my waist to help me down. Once again, I nearly collapse into the snow-covered ground, but he catches me under the arms.

“M-My legs, I can’t feel them at all,” my voice trembles weakly, and the thin air of the mountains isn’t helping me regain my strength. His breath comes in a strong huff as he pulls me up, hooking at arm around my waist.

“I know, dear, but it’s just a little farther,” he pulls me flush to his side, draping my arm around his shoulder for better support as he wrestles with the straps of the saddlebags with his free hand. “Just through that door and up the stairs, and a nice, warm bed is waiting, alright?” He grunts as he slides a couple of the bags under his free arm and turns us towards the door, my legs stumbling from the shift. Just the thought of the warmth waiting for us encourages my legs to cooperate just enough to take small steps through the snow. “That’s right, keep going,” he whispers into my ear as he concentrates on making sure we don’t end up collapsing into the snow. The praise would be embarrassing if I weren’t so distracted by the feeling of needles digging into the bottoms of my almost-bare feet.

“I-Irian,” my lip quivers from the sharp pain, “I-I can’t,” I whimper pathetically, eyes screwed shut as the pain shoots up my frozen legs. His brows knit together in concern at the change in me.

“Oh, darling, yes, you can. You’ve already come so far. Look,” his voice is soft, though still shaky from the cold, as he nudges the side of my face with the tip of his frozen nose, making me look up to see that we are only feet away from the door. “Just a few more steps.” I muster a nod and force my painful feet to trudge forward, swallowing down the pain. In moments, the door swings open from a swing kick of his foot, and we are bathed in the warmth within, making my chest tighten from relief. He quickly backs me up to a chair next to the door and sits me down, dropping the saddlebags on the floor beside me. After shutting the door behind us, he quickly kneels before me, pulling the cloak’s hood tightly around my face. “That’s a good girl,” he praises as he surveys my frost-etched face. “Wait here, alright? I gotta take the old girl to the stable out back. Warm up and then I’ll help you up the stairs, yeah?” His large hand caresses the top of my head after I give him a short nod and pull the cloak around my frozen frame tightly.

“J-Just hurry,” I whisper, meeting his concerned eyes with my watery ones. The sudden change in temperature has clouded my vision with tears. He nods sharply before standing, giving my shoulder a light pat before stepping away, waving to the woman behind the front desk before stepping back out into the cold.

A large fireplace warms the main hall of the inn, and I’m so thankful it’s not far as I slowly stretch out my frozen legs toward it. The bottoms of the pants I borrowed from Irian’s bag are soaked and dirty from trudging through the snow. I’ll have to take them off to dry overnight once in our room. The hall is decorated sparingly aside from a few mounted heads of beasts from the region, and the lower faerie woman behind the front desk eyes me curiously. She’s wrapped in a large robe to stave off the cold.

“That storm’s been going for quite some time now, Miss. You must be frozen solid,” she chides as she steps out from behind the desk, revealing a small, round pregnant belly accented by how the front of the robe opens to make room. “Let me get you something warm to drink.”

“Y-You don’t need to d-do that. I’ll be warm in no time,” I try to stop her, but she waves me off with a scoff as she steps through a nearby archway, only to return in mere moments with a steaming cup of something. I won’t deny it as she offers it, my frozen hands cupping the mug closely. “T-Thank you.”

“Of course,” she smiles as her eyes wander over me. “You aren’t from around here, are you? You both aren’t dressed for the weather.” At first I don’t know what to say, so I bide some time by stealing a slow sip, recognizing the flavor as an aged tea mixed with honey. It melts me from within and immediately I relax back into the stiff wooden chair.

“No, we aren’t, but we are just passing through,” I say carefully. “It’s an unexpected trip.” She nods understandingly before turning to head back to her desk.

“Well, if you don’t want to wait for your husband, your room is at the top of the stairs.” A cough nearly makes me choke on the tea. What did she just say?

“Oh, um, that’s okay, I told him I’d wait for him here,” I try to keep a level head. I don’t know what he told her in order to get the room or to keep our cover, so playing along seems like the best bet at this point. She hums and gives a nod as she takes a seat behind the desk, giving me one more appraising look.

“Just bring the mug to me when you’re done, and I’ll take care of it.” Her hand goes to her swollen belly as she rests back in her chair. With a sigh, I thank her over the rim of the mug before taking another slow drink. Husband, huh? Aside from my family and the servants in the castle, I have rarely been around males, let alone one with such familiarity. So far, with Irian, it hasn’t been difficult. Being around him has felt much like being with an old friend. He has shown me nothing but kindness since leaving the castle, and it has made today’s whole ordeal easier, if only a little. However, through the lens of pretending he’s my husband, something feels… different. As my limbs warm, I finally become aware that my cheeks are flushed - from warming up or embarrassment, I’m unsure.

The back door swings open and Irian steps in, rubbing his arms for warmth, and another male follows, securing the door behind them.

“Thanks for your help. Couldn’t have done it without ya,” Irian says warmly to the male, earning a nod as he sheds his winter coat.

“Of course. That barn door sticks,” he approaches the woman behind the desk and leans in, stealing a quick kiss. “And you need to get back to bed.” She smiles up at him before taking his hand to stand.

“Get him a drink, would you?” She gives him another peck on the cheek before giving me a wave. “Change of plans! Just leave your mugs on the desk before you head up. I’ll take care of them in the morning.” With that, she slips through another door at the back of the hall. The other male nods to Irian before disappearing through the same archway the woman had before. Now alone, Irian’s gaze meets mine quickly, and he grins as he makes his way over, kneeling before me once again.

“Ah, look at you. Life’s back in your face,” his hands start with rubbing my shoulders but they end up on my knees, which are now poking out of the opening of the cloak. I give him a small smile.

“Thanks to the tea she gave me. It’s life giving,” I tease, offering him the mug to help warm his icy hands, which he takes happily. “So, husband?” It’s barely a whisper, drawing his eyes back to my face. A faint blush flushes across his face as he gauges whether I’m mad or not.

“Sorry about that. I didn’t have enough for two rooms, and it was so much easier to just say we are married to give us cover. I know it was pushing it, but-,” I cut off his hushed explanation by cupping the scarred side of his face in my hand, and he freezes under my touch, eyes widening ever so slightly. In the corner of my eye, I see the other male returning with a couple steaming mugs of tea.

“Shh, it’s okay.” I gesture with my eyes, and thankfully, he catches on, returning my mug to my free hand before turning to accept the mug offered.

“Ah, thank you. This is perfect,” he smiles warmly at the male, earning a nod as he too takes a long drink from his own mug. I let my hand linger on the side of his face briefly before letting it fall to his shoulder, giving it a gentle pat.

“Wasn’t expecting strangers this time of night, let alone in this storm. Where ya headed?” My heart jumps at his prodding, but Irian seems cool and collected.

“I have family in the Night Court. After the Mountain, I’m hoping I can find them there still,” Irian’s tone shifts to almost sadness, and the male makes an almost pained expression in return.

“Damn, that whole thing,” he sighs and his eyes slide to me. “You were there?” I don’t know what to say - I still don’t know much about the Mountain, only bits and pieces from what Galena has told me, when she had the heart to. When my voice gets lodged in my throat, Irian takes my hand and draws the male’s attention away from me.

“No, of course not, but she had family there. Unlucky bastards,” he sighs and sends a glance my way, begging me to play along. It isn’t technically a lie. I know Beron and Mother were there for nearly fifty years, though I barely noticed except for the fact that he never called for me personally.

“Mhmm, now that they’re okay, I feel better about heading that way,” though I try my best to keep my voice steady, the lie dances across my tongue and my voice doesn’t sound as confident as I had hoped.. Irian’s hand encasing mine gives me a squeeze.

“Come, dear, you’re still so cold,” he feigns a concerned pout. The other male nods in understanding and takes our mugs before bidding us goodnight and heading back into what must be the kitchen. Irian sighs through his nose as he watches him leave before quickly turning back to me, leaning in a little too close. “By the Mother, I’m sorry. I should have come up with a better idea. I hope he believed that.” His sudden anxiety earns a head tilt and I can’t help but smile slightly.

“I would have believed it,” I encourage before using his grip on my hand to pull myself to my feet, wincing softly.

“Still hurt?” his brows knit together as he stands, his hand gliding up my arm to hold me firmly under my elbow. His eyes quickly scan me as I steady myself. “I’ll check your feet once we’re in the room, alright?”

“Oh, stop,” I huff. “I’m just sore, really.” With another soft smile, I try to ease his anxiety, but it doesn’t seem to work. Sucking on his teeth for a moment as he glances at the bags and then the stairs.

“Think you can handle those?” My eyes follow his gaze, and I’d be lying if I said yes.

“It’ll be a slow climb, but I can manage,” with a wave of my hand, I gently bat his hand away and take my first few steps on semi-warmed feet. The needle-like feeling is still present, but manageable. Hopefully they’re not frostbitten. Maybe he should check over them after all. With a hand on the railing and the other holding my loose skirts, now untucked from the pants, and the cloak out of the way, the first few steps are slow. Irian quickly scoops up the bags and moves to stand just a few steps behind me, and I feel how his free hand still manages to find me just between my shoulderblades.

“Take your time. I won’t let you fall,” his voice is soft and assuring, and I nod. While it doesn’t take long, I definitely take my time. From the thinner air to my legs being absolutely exhausted, I’m thoroughly worn out, and even with Irian’s sweet affirmations, I refuse to let myself collapse for a third time today. By the time we make it to the top, my legs are trembling painfully, my breath being sucked between gritted teeth. Irian pauses, giving me a quick once over before pushing our door open, keeping a guiding hand on me always.

“C’mon, you’re so close,” he says softly as to not disturb anyone else who may be sleeping upstairs alongside us. With the last of my energy, I will my legs to walk and step into the dark, warm room. It’s small with a full size bed taking up most of the space, a small wood stove nestled in the corner next to a wash basin. After dropping the bags on the foot of the bed and guiding me to join them, gingerly helping me sit, he sets to work getting a fire going. My eyes flit after him as I let the bed cradle my sore lower half.

“I’ll never complain about a bed being uncomfortable ever again,” I sigh contently. His laugh is soft as he snaps twigs from a kindling basket and stacks them neatly in the fireplace.

“And I’ll never complain about the cold,” he shoots me a smile over his shoulder. “Go ahead and get changed. I’ll hang the cloak and pants near the fire to dry.” A blush flushes my cheeks as I recognize the implications of getting undressed, but I nod.

“Alright. Just keep those wandering eyes to yourself,” I tease in a stern tone as my fingers fiddle with the cloak’s fastening. He laughs and returns his focus back to the stove.

“Yes, ma’am,” he teases in return. With a steadying breath, I begin peeling the layers away, first the cloak, then the sweater, his wet and dirty pants. When I get to loosening the lacings on my stays, I can’t help but give him a shy glance, and sure enough, he’s mindfully ignoring me, trying to get a spark to take on the dried twigs. This is fine, I think. We have been fine all evening, so why does this feel… different. I sigh softly as the stays give way, and my breasts sag slightly, no longer supported by the semi-rigid frame of the stays. I never liked having to wear the traditional shapewear the women of the Autumn Court found so attractive. Then again, since I rarely wear them, they hurt me when I do. With quick hands I untie the sash on the skirt and stand to let it pool at my feet, now left in only my chemise and underwear. Again, I glance at Irian, and like he promised, his back is still firmly angled toward me, much to my relief. However, the nervous feeling that pools in my belly triggers me to pick at the skin of my finger. Feeling too naked, I pull the sweater back over my head, my red braid still tucked into the cowl collar.

“Okay, I’m done,” I whisper as I bend to pick up the pants and cloak, leaving my other clothing on the end of the bed. Irian glances back over his shoulder, offering his hand for the wet clothing.

“I’ll have the fire started in just a sec-,” he hesitates as his eyes trail over my bare calves. My heart leaps into my throat when they linger on my feet.

“W-What?”

“Shit, I knew I should have stopped to wrap your toes,” he groans as he turns to appraise my nearly blue skin. “Do they hurt still?” He glances up at me from the floor, and I shyly twiddle with the loose hem of one of the sweater sleeves.

“No, not really. I mean, they sting, but it’s not that bad now we’ve been inside for a bit,” I lean to look down at my feet with him. His large, warm hand ghosts over my still-chilled skin, making me shiver.

“Hm, okay. Sit here,” he directs with a pat on the edge of the bed closest to the stove, which I oblige. “We’ll get these warmed up in no time,” he gives a gentle, reassuring smile before turning back to the stove, doubling his efforts to get the fire going, which doesn’t take long. When a small fire springs to life in the hearth, he quickly fuels it with his breath and some smaller kindling. As it grows, he adds more fuel to the fire - a small stick, then a bigger stick, then a small log once the fire is steady on its own. By the time he closes the door on the stove, leaving the damper slightly open to let the heart out and the air in to keep the fire going, this side of the room is finally starting to warm. I twiddle my feet together to create some movement and friction to get the blood moving again, but when he kneels in front of me once more and takes one into his hands, lifting it up to check the bottoms of them, I can’t stop the blush that rises to my cheeks.

“What are you doing?” I ask softly, trying to resist the urge to pull away as his ginger traces along the tender skin.

“Can you feel that?” he glances up at me once more, his finger continuing to caress the same spot.

“Y-Yeah, a little bit.” I squint to attempt to see what he’s looking at. He hums softly before deepening his touch.

“This then?” Considering I nearly jump out of my skin to pull my foot back from his hold, he takes that as a yes and laughs softly. “Right, okay. I think you’ll be alright with some rest and proper shoes. I’ll make a trade in the morning.” He repeats his test on my other foot and sure enough, by his second press, my leg jerks back. His eyes trace from the discolored skin of my feet up my calves as his touch follows the path his eyes go, only stopping at my knees, which are now bare since my chemise shifted up from my attempts to pull away. Only when his eyes meet mine do I feel completely vulnerable, his hands steadfast on my knees. “How do your legs feel?” It takes a moment to catch my breath.

“Better,” I breathe softly, and he nods.

“Good.” He smiles as he stands upright. “Stay put by the fire, dear. My turn to change.” He steps around the end of the bed to the packs. By now, I’m sure my blush is noticeable, and I’m thankful he doesn’t tease me for it. Focusing my gaze on the subtle glow of the fire that bleeds from the open damper door, I lift my feet up onto the bed, tugging the chemise back down over my legs before hugging them to my chest. Try as I might, I can’t help but listen intently as he fumbles through his bag, and not long after, those sounds are replaced by ones of him unlacing his own clothing, unbuckling his belt, the subtle shifting as he pulls his sweater off just as I just did. In the small room, it’s hard to ignore. Did he listen to me the way I am listening to him? Biting my lip, I try to refocus on the crackle of the fire but fail when the bed dips from the other side as he sits and tugs his boots off and they land with two solid thuds on the wood floor. His content sigh is soft and short-lived before he stands once more, finishing his undressing before pulling on a fresh change of clothes. The blush continues to creep from my cheeks to the tips of my ears, try as I might to settle my nerves. Why does this feel so weird? I’ve been with people before, females mostly, but this isn’t even like that. It’s only when the bed shifts once more as he pulls the blanket back to lay down that my attention is brought back to him.

“I hope sharing a bed isn’t a bother,” he says apologetically as he sits.

“No, it’s fine,” I send a shy glance over my shoulder to find he let his hair out of his ponytail, his fingers working to comb out the knots that formed from it being windswept aggressively for hours.. I shift to face him, gesturing from him to let me help. After a moment of consideration, he nods and turns to offer his back to me, and I meet him halfway on the bed before starting to unpick the knots by hand. His fingers play with the tie that originally kept it secure as I work, that comfortable silence stretching between us. Working from the bottom and making my way up, it takes a few tries but soon my fingers are able to rake through his hair with relative ease, and he sighs contentedly.

“Thank you, princess,” he barely whispers as my fingers make one more pass, finally meeting his scalp, earning a soft soft as he leans into my touch.

“‘Princess,’ huh?” I dig into the tease as I begin to braid his hair loosely to keep it from tangling in his sleep. “Don’t think I didn’t catch that earlier, too.” His laugh is warm and quiet so as to keep from waking our neighbors.

“Oh, you remember that?” he glances over his shoulder. I nod and cast him a stern yet playful glance with a head tilt.

“I’m not a princess, Irian,” I say firmly as I offer my hand for his tie.

“Think of it as a more of a pet name,” he smirks as he hands the tie off over his shoulder, and I secure his hair, giving the braid a quick pet before pulling away.

“There. Shouldn’t be as much trouble tomorrow at least.” I pull back the covers on my side and slide my legs under, being met with the warmth that has built up while I was sitting on top of them. His hand on my arm gives me pause.

“Your turn,” he gestures to my messy braid hidden away in the collar of the sweater. Though I hesitate for a moment, I nod and shift to turn. His hand slips under the base of the braid to unfurl it from the collar, and I realize his hand could easily dwarf the back of my head. His touch is feather-light as he unties the end and begins combing out my soft curls with his long fingers. His soft hum fuels my blush, which I’m thankful I can hide facing away. “So soft.”

“One of the perks of having handmaidens - they take really good care of me,” I pause, the words stinging like a wound as soon as they are said. “They did, at least.” His hands linger for a moment, gently caressing my back as a comfort before returning to combing. “Do you think-,” I swallow back the sudden tears that burn at my water lines. “Do you think Galena is okay?” His response takes longer than I’d like.

“She stayed behind because she knew she could distract or redirect. She’s a strong one, and she is devoted to you,” his words are soft as his fingers begin to caress the back of my scalp before dividing my hair into sections to braid. “If anyone can get through that, it’d be her.” The sudden lump in my throat is hard to swallow as I take slow, shaky breaths to steady myself. “You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if she is already following in our tracks.” Without another word, I nod, and Irian slowly finishes the braid. “Now, it’s not a masterpiece, but at least it’s a little neater than it was,” he teases, giving my back a soft push. When I pull it over my shoulder to inspect his work, I can’t help but chuckle. It’s uneven, wonky, and small ends stick out along the length of it, but sure enough, it’s secure enough to sleep in.

“Thank you.” We meet eyes for a moment, and he gives an affirming smile before sliding under the covers.

“Get some rest, Althea. Tomorrow will be another long day.” I nod again before slinking in to join him, keeping a gap between us to respect each other’s space. It doesn’t take long for Irian to quickly doze off, his breathing leveling out. However, despite my exhaustion, sleep evades me. The fear, the worry, the anxiety of everything that is happening all at once swirls through my mind like a storm now that I have a moment of stillness, and for the life of me, I can’t sleep. As time ticks by, I find myself curled up on my side, blanket pulled all the way up to my chin, watching the fire flicker in the stove. The dance of its sparks and its warm cast on the room is comforting. If I were back at the castle, by now, I would be in bed with Galena by my side, snuggled up in a cocoon of warmth fast asleep after yet another long day of looking for letters. That existence feels like an eternity ago.

Irian’s soft groan grabs my attention, but it’s his arm snaking around my waist that makes me flinch.

“Aren’t you tired?” he mumbles half asleep still as he draws me closer to the middle of the bed, pressing himself against my back. My blush returns in full force as his nose brushes the ridge of my shoulder.

“S-Sorry, did I wake you?” A slight shake of his head for a no before he nestles in, his eyes closing as sleep takes over.

“You cold?”

“N-Not exactly. I just can’t sleep.” His arm secures me to his bubble of warmth.

“Close your eyes. Sleep will take you in no time.” And just like that his slumber-weighted breath returns. I’m not going to lie, the warmth radiating off him is nice, unlike my own body which barely seems to have heated under the blankets on its own. With a resigned sigh, I close my eyes, and I don’t remember sleep pulling me under. ~~~

Previous Chapter --- Next Chapter to be continued

#acotar #the forgotten sister #acotar fluff #acotar oc #vanserra sister #sjm fandom #sjm trash #acotar series #acotar fanfiction #fanfic #sarah j maas #fluff #we're heading north bbies

[serpentandlily]

Sly Fox, Dumb Bunny III

Sly Fox, Dumb Bunny - Eris x Archeron!Reader

Summary: You find yourself ensnared by a sly, cunning fox. A very handsome, irritating one.

Warnings: none

a/n: hope you enjoy this one just as much as the others!

➻❥ Part I ➻❥ Part II

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

Part III

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

“That was…weird,” Mor remarked.

You agreed. You had no idea what to make of Eris’s behavior. Feyre and Rhys seemed to be locked in a mental conversation, leaving the rest of you to silence. You rubbed at your arm, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. You didn’t want to create any problems for your sister but you also didn’t want to leave. 

“He had a point,” Rhys finally said before looking at you with those violet eyes that reminded you far too much of a certain pair of amber ones. They both held too many secrets. “But I don’t think Beron will prove to be much of a problem as long as we keep his focus on other things.”

Feyre nodded along. “Besides, what is Beron going to do about it, anyways? Short of killing us, there is nothing to be done.”

You felt a flicker of fear but pushed it down. Rhys was the most powerful High Lord. Surely he would defend you and your sister if it came down to it. Feyre was also powerful in her own right and could fight for herself but you…

“We won’t let any harm come to you,” Rhys promised, his voice softening. “And what did I say about keeping those mental shields up?”

You turned red and quickly slammed the gates to your mind closed. 

“I would like to stay,” you mumbled, sheepishly. “But I don’t want to cause problems.”

Mor waved a dismissive hand. “Nonsense. Eris talks out of his ass most of the time. He probably just wanted to put us on edge. You being here is not a problem, doll.” 

You didn’t feel comforted in the slightest.

“Well, if that's settled,” Rhys said, standing up. “I believe it is time for us to make our way towards the meeting room.”

You let out a breath, trying to settle your nerves from Eris’s display. Feyre gave you a small smile, linking her arm through yours. “Don’t look so nervous. There’s going to be some friendly faces in the crowd.”

You nodded, still feeling anxious about the whole thing. Although you hardly considered Vassa and Jurian your friends, at least you were familiar with them. Unfortunately, you were also familiar enough with Lord Nolan and his son.

Feyre placed her other hand in Rhys’s extended elbow and the two of them led you out of the chambers and into the wide corridor. Your breaths were still shaky once your group got to the staircase that would lead you to the meeting room with the reflection pool. 

Feyre unwrapped her arm from yours and Azriel stepped forward instead. 

“Azriel is going to escort you in,” she explained. “If you feel nervous, just stay by his side. Okay?”

You gave her a small nod and let them lead the way forward. When your group finally reached the top of the staircase, you were a bit relieved to see that the Autumn Court wasn’t present yet. Your eyes darted around the room, landing on all the various High Lords and their entourages, trying to place them in their respective courts. 

“That right there is Tarquin,” Azriel whispered from beside you, following your eyesight. “High Lord of Summer.” 

“And him?”

“Kallias, High Lord of Winter. His wife and mate, Vivianne, is the female next to him.” 

“Another High Lady?”

“Not quite,” Azriel answered. He inclined his head towards a different group. “That’s Helion, High Lord of the Day Court.” 

The male he nodded to was quickly approaching your group, a serpentine smile on his face. Gods, you were still not quite used to how beautiful the fae were. Helion looked like a God in his own right. His eyes passed over your group until they landed on you and lingered for a second longer. 

You watched as he greeted Feyre, Rhysand and Mor before turning his head towards you and Azriel. 

“Shadowsinger,” he nearly purred, “Always happy to see you.”

Azriel didn’t smile, didn’t move. In fact, he shot the High Lord an exasperated look as if this flirtatious behavior was all too common. That didn’t stop you from blushing when the High Lord looked at you and smiled coyly. 

“And who might you be?”

He reached out a hand but before you could open your mouth, the High Lord was suddenly knocked to the side, stumbling over himself. 

“My apologies, High Lord,” Eris sneered at Helion. “Perhaps you shouldn’t stand in the middle of a walkway.” 

Eris strode away before Helion could even respond, his brothers trailing after him, glaring around the room. Your jaw nearly dropped at his audacity but you quickly schooled your face, watching Helion glare at their backs. He seemed to shake off the encounter quickly, his charming persona snapping back into place as your sister came up on your side.

“Helion,” she said, “this is my sister, Y/n. She’s here to help us discuss the peace treaty with the humans.” 

Your introduction with Helion was short lived as Thesan called for the start of the meeting now that everyone was here. The first half of the meeting was just with the fae before the human leaders were to be brought in. Since you were primarily there for the humans, your thoughts drifted away as the fae leaders began their discussions. 

Your eyes trailed over all the courts—taking interest in how different each fae looked depending on where they came from. But your gaze kept falling on one fae in particular. The red headed male sat behind his daunting father. He hadn’t once looked in your direction. Part of you was glad for it, because it would be embarrassing to be caught blatantly staring at him as you were. Another part of you longed for him to look your way… You had no idea where that feeling came from. 

Eris was dressed far more formally than he had been the last two times you had seen him. He wore a dark green vest stitched with golden thread, tiny leaves embroidered along the seams, on top of a cream button up. A golden fox brooch was pinned at the neck of his collar, probably the Vanserra family’s emblem. His pants were an even darker green, almost appearing black and neatly tucked into his boots. Around his shoulders was a matching green cape coat embellished in gold detailing much like his vest. 

His red hair looked like a raging fire next to all the green, his pale skin glistening in the soft lighting of the room. He was so distractingly beautiful, even with that familiar haughty smirk on his face. It didn’t matter that there were far more powerful, commanding fae in the room. Your eyes could not keep off him. 

Like a moth to flame. 

Eris’s honey amber eyes finally met yours and you felt something snapped inside of you. You gasped as a golden thread unraveled within you and shot out across the room—all the way to the male seated across from you….all the way to Eris. 

Mate.

The word clanged through your head, drowning all other thoughts.

Mate.

Eris was your mate. 

In your shock, you missed the warning look Eris shot your way. You gasped, loudly, drawing the attention of the room as you stood so suddenly, your chair was knocked to the ground behind you. Your heart was pounding in your chest, that golden thread thrumming with sparks of flame.

Your sister quickly rose from her seat, placing a hand on your upper arm to steady you. Azriel too had jumped up, his hand ghosting over Truth-teller, as if ready for whatever invisible threat was occuring.

Eris stood abruptly, almost panting. Your eyes never left those amber ones. Not even as they seemed to plead with you to sit, to hide, to disappear from this room entirely. 

“What’s wrong?” Feyre asked, her voice hurried and filled with concern. Her eyes followed your line of sight and darted back to you and down to the hand you held to your chest. 

Rhysand seemed to catch on to what was happening quicker. 

“Azriel, get her out of here,” he ordered the shadowsinger. 

A scarred hand wrapped around yours and a second later, you were engulfed in a wave of shadows.

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

“Rhysand,” Thesan said, “Please answer for that display. What antics have occurred in your court to disrupt such a meeting?” 

Feyre’s hands were shaking as Rhysand latched onto them, guiding her back to her chair softly. “Apologies, Y/n is still a bit sensitive to magic since coming out of the cauldron. You’ll have to forgive her sudden departure.” 

“And here I thought you had moved on from your lying and deceiving ways, Rhysand,” Beron jumped in, his voice filled with wicked amusement. “It appears a congratulation is in order.” He turned to face his son. “It seems to me that a mating bond has just snapped into place.” 

Eris’s face was unreadable as he sat back down, fists clenched at his sides. 

“Explain yourselves,” Tarquin interjected, looking bemused. “How do you have another Made female in your court, Rhysand?”

“She is my sister,” Feyre declared. “And she was there the day Hybern forced all of them into the cauldron.”

“Why was she not included in the reports from that day?” Thesan asked, sitting up straighter.

“She was under our protection,” Rhysand answered. “She was hardly more than a child at the time.” 

“Liar. She never came out of the cauldron,” Tamlin said, sharply, eyes narrowing. “Your reports never included her because she never came out of the cauldron that day.”

“Well, considering you all just saw her alive and in person,” Rhysand shrugged, picking a piece of lint from his coat. “Obviously, she did. Perhaps your head was too far up Hybern’s ass to see.”

Tamlin growled but was cut off by Beron. 

“Where have you taken my son’s mate?” Beron demanded. 

“That is none of your concern.”

“Rhysand, you cannot possibly keep her away from her mate,” Thesan said. “He is entitled—”

“He is entitled to nothing,” Feyre snapped. “The Night Court does not force females to accept mating bonds. As she falls under our jurisdiction, she has our full protection against any of your antiquated beliefs.” 

“Leave it to the Night Court to spit on traditions,” Beron hissed. “A mating bond works both ways. As the other half falls under my jurisdiction, my son has all the right to invoke a blood duel if you wish to keep her from him.” 

The Lady of Autumn looked alarmed at her husband’s words but said nothing. Neither did Eris, who seemed to be choosing his next moves very carefully. 

“Wouldn’t be the first time the Night Court stole a female away,” Tamlin said, sarcastically, rolling his eyes. 

“Oh please, spare us from revisiting your despair,” Helion chuckled, humorlessly. 

“Have we all forgotten why we are here today?” Kallias cut in, his tone cold. “Must we argue over something that does not involve the rest of our courts? This meeting has already been derailed and some of us have better things to do with our time then listen to squabbles.” 

“This is not over, Rhysand,” Beron hissed. Eris still sat stoically behind his father, not faltering in the slightest. “You and I have much to discuss after we deal with the humans lest you wish to start a conflict between our courts.” 

“Fine,” Rhysand growled. “But prepare yourself and your son for disappointment.” 

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

You paced in the sitting room in the River House, your heart still beating rapidly, your thoughts out of control. A mating bond. A godsdamn mating bond had snapped between you and Eris of all people. Eris, the male whose reputation followed him like darkened clouds. Eris, the male who had left Mor to die in the woods all those years ago. Eris, the Heir of Autumn, the son of one of the most ruthless fae in all of Prythian. 

Surely it was a mistake. It had to be. 

“Why don’t you sit down?” Elain suggested, gently, patting the cushion beside her on the couch. “Feyre will get it all sorted out. You needn’t worry so much.” 

“How can I not worry? How can I not worry when Eris of all people is my mate, Elain?” You rubbed at your chest, already feeling an emptiness there now that you had been separated from him. “This must be a mistake. A trick, perhaps?” 

“Perhaps,” Elain agreed, though she didn’t sound like she believed it for one second. “But there’s not much you can do about it now. Not until they return from the meeting.” 

You let out a long breath and plopped onto the couch next to her. Elain brushed a hand through your hair, guiding you to lay down on her lap. “It’ll be okay, Y/n. A mating bond isn’t the end of all things. Feyre would never let that male get his hands on you.” 

But that was the problem, wasn’t it? Some part of you wanted that male. Not the Eris that the others saw. But the one you had seen in those secret moments between the two of you. The alluring fox behind the mask. 

Your heart sang for him now that the mating bond had snapped into place. He hadn’t seemed surprised in the slightest….like he had already known about it. Had it snapped for him? Had he known this whole time that you were his mate? Why wouldn’t he tell you? Maybe…

maybe he didn’t want you…

Hours went by. The whole night passed. You didn’t stray from the couch, neither did Elain. You appreciated your sister comforting you. You wished Nesta wasn’t on her mating vacation and was here to help you as well…maybe she would know what to do.

The door to the house opening had you sitting up, rubbing at your red rimmed eyes. Elain woke abruptly as well, wiping the drool that was dribbling from the corner of her mouth. Feyre, Rhysand and Mor strode in, all looking just as exhausted as you.

“Well, I’m glad that shitshow is over,” Mor said, falling on one of the settees dramatically. 

A second later, Amren and Azriel came into the room, both wearing unreadable expressions. Amren’s silver eyes studied you for a moment before moving to Feyre and Rhysand.

“How’d it go?”

“Awful,” Rhysand sighed. “No one could come to an agreement.”

“Did the humans not want to sign?” You asked, purposefully avoiding the other topic. 

Feyre shook her head. “No, they were…even less receptive than we thought they’d be.” 

“What happens now?” Elain asked.

“We go through that again and again, I suppose,” Rhys answered. “Until a peace treaty is signed.” 

The room fell into a heavy silence until you broke it, minutes later.

“And…and what of…” You trailed off, unable to say the words, unable to ask about the male that had been on your mind since you had been whisked away from the meeting. 

“Beron will be visiting the Court of Nightmares tomorrow,” Rhys said, hesitantly, gauging your emotions. “To discuss what is to be done. It is unfortunate that he knows about the bond now because there is little Eris can do as long as his father is in power.”

“He can finally kill the bastard,” Mor grumbled into a pillow. 

“We must tread carefully,” Amren said. “If Eris is forced to call for a blood duel against Rhysand, he will die and one of his brutish brothers will be next in line for the throne.” 

“What!” You exclaimed. “A blood duel? Would he…would he really do that? Fight Rhysand even if it means certain death?” 

Eris was powerful, sure. But he was still only an heir, not a full blown High Lord like Rhysand. He would be misted in seconds. Just that thought of it sent you into a panic.

“I’ll fight him in your place,” Azriel said, darkly, looking at Rhys but he shook his head.

“We cannot risk that,” Rhys said. 

“Do you really think Beron would have his own son fight and die in a blood duel?” Feyre asked. 

“Of course he would. One less person he has to keep off his throne,” Amren said.

“He’s a monster,” Elain whispered, staring at you with concern. 

“Yes, he is,” Rhys sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “So we must do as Amren said and tread very carefully.” 

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

The next day, you stood in the foyer of the River House, dressed in a simple dark blue, silk dress. Your stomach was tossing and turning with nerves, scared of what would happen during this meeting with Beron. You hated that you were causing your sister and Rhysand so much stress, hated that you were in the middle of this conflict. 

You wished you could turn back time. Wished you could go back to that moment the mating bond snapped so you could hide the realization better. You had always worn your heart on your sleeve and it had finally bit you in the ass. 

You had no idea how today was going to play out.

You were certain of one thing, though. You ached to see Eris again. The mating bond had nearly kept you up all night. Feyre had tried teaching you how to block if off, but it was hard. Eris seemed to have no problem keeping his side of the bond locked down. It infuriated you to know he was probably feeling every single emotion from you. 

“Are you ready?” Rhys asked as Feyre, Mor and Azriel slid into view. 

Rhys and Feyre were dressed like they always were when making trips to Hewn City. Mor wore a scandalous red dress that clung to her beautiful curves and Azriel wore his Illyrian leathers, as per usual, all seven siphons on display. 

You nodded, unable to even speak.

The next hour seemed to happen while you were stuck in a daze. Rhys winnowed you all to Hewn City and led you into the throne room where everyone was waiting. Word must’ve spread quickly of what had occurred. Keir escorted Beron and Eris into the throne room after the formalities were done.

You couldn’t find the nerve to look at Eris now that you were in the same room. You had shown your hand during that meeting and had caused an avalanche to fall in its wake. You felt guilty, ashamed and scared…so scared. 

A dumb bunny, indeed. 

Rhys and Feyre led you all to a private meeting room, shutting the door in Keir’s face as he tried to join. You sat, hiding your shaking hands in your lap, keeping your eyes on the floor. 

“Well, I assume you have come to your senses by now,” Beron said, leaning back in his chair as if he commanded the room. “The girl comes with us. The Night Court owes Autumn a bride as it is.”

His glare focused on Mor for a moment and she scoffed in his direction. 

“Not so fast, Beron,” Rhysand tsked, pouring himself a glass of wine. “We don’t owe you anything. It was your court that ultimately broke the marriage agreement all those years ago.” 

Beron sat up with a sneer. “I believe it was broken the moment that girl decided to whore herself out to an Illyrian bastard of all people.”

You tensed in your seat, gripping the dress in your fists.

“Father, please,” Eris sighed, making you look up at him finally. 

Beron glanced at his son before turning back to Rhysand. “You should be overjoyed that we’re willing to take the girl as it is, considering the beasts in your court have probably ran through her already.”

“Watch your mouth,” Feyre snapped.

The smell of burning wood filled the room and Eris flexed his hands, new scorch marks on the table underneath them. “Don’t speak of her like that.”

Beron laughed. It was an awful sound. “Right, my apologies, son. Don’t worry, those mating instincts will go away once you’ve fucked her for a near century.”

Your face turned bright red at the crude words. Eris growled. The sound was so primitive, so animalistic. It sent chills down your spine. Even Beron looked unnerved for a moment.

“You are not winning yourself any favors,” Rhysand purred, smirking at the older male. “Have you any dignity?”

“Have you?” Beron bit back. “You all but spit on the face of the Mother by keeping her away from her mate. This is more of a blessing for you then it is us. A marriage alliance with Autumn, one you do not deserve that we are graciously offering.”

“Let me make myself clear, Beron, since you refuse to listen,” Rhysand snapped. “Our court has no laws that require a female to accept a bond. You would really go to war over something like this? While our courts are still recovering from the last one?”

Rhys and Feyre had theorized that Beron was so adamant about forcing you into the bond not because he cared for his son, but for two other reasons. One, you were Made. They had all seen how powerful Nesta was because of it and Beron craved power above all else.

Two, it was another way to keep Eris in check. To dangle you over his head as a threat. 

“Perhaps we should ask what she wants,” Mor interjected.

“What she wants does not matter,” Beron snarled. “She is mated to an Autumn male, by our laws she must accept.”

“She is a resident of our court,” Feyre argued back. “She does not have to accept it.”

“Then you leave us no choice,” Beron said, rising from his seat. He planted his palms on the table, staring at you all of a sudden. You crumbled into yourself. “Is that what you want, girl? You want us to declare a blood duel against your family?”

You shook your head as Rhysand stood, slamming his own hands on the table. “You would have your son fight in a blood duel against me, a High Lord?”

“Oh, it wouldn’t be against you,” Beron laughed, cruelly. His eyes fell on Feyre. “And it wouldn’t be my son. I will demand a blood duel against your mate. A mate for a mate. Very fitting, don’t you agree?”

Feyre versus Beron…. That bastard had planned this. You’d all been so concerned with Eris declaring a blood duel you didn’t even realize this would be a way Beron could kill Feyre as he wished in a legal way—as barbaric as it was.

And most of the other courts held the mating bond in such regard, you wondered if you’d find any allies against him for doing this beside Helion. 

Rhysand growled, darkness leaking off of him,

“And I will just fight you in her place.”

Beron smiled. “Oh, but you see, you can’t. Once a blood duel has been declared you either surrender to the terms or fight. I don’t know where you got your information from but there are no place holders allowed.” 

Your heart was racing in your chest. 

Silence fell so heavy in the room your ears were ringing. All of this was all your fault. You felt tears line your eyes. You couldn’t let Feyre fight for you. You wouldn’t. Even though she could probably hold her own against him, he was ages older than her—more battle worn. She’d be at a huge disadvantage.

And Eris couldn’t do anything about this, not if it was his father who wished to fight a blood duel. He couldn’t order his father not to. 

You couldn’t let her do this. You owed your life to her, you owed everything to her. It was time to start fighting your own battles. 

“I’ll go,” you whispered, so quietly you wondered if you had even said the words out loud. “I’ll go.”

Feyre’s head whipped to you. “No, absolutely not.”

But you shook your head. “I do not want anyone fighting on my behalf. I will go with them.”

Beron’s grin grew into one that could rival the devil himself.

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

“We will find a way out of this,” Feyre whispered into your ear as she hugged you. “I promise. Just hold out for us, okay? We’ll get you out of there.”

You nodded, pulling away to brush the tears off her cheek. You weren’t even going to be able to say goodbye to Elain and Nesta. Beron was demanding that you leave right away. 

“I’ll be okay, Fey,” you murmured to her. 

“Enough of the dramatics,” Beron called out. “We’re leaving. Now.”

Eris didn’t look at you as he held out a hand. You swallowed audibly and walked to his side, grasping it softly. You spared one last glance at your sister before you were winnowed out of Hewn City and into the den of foxes.

“Come here, girl,” Beron barked, now standing before his throne. “Let me get a look at you.”

You glanced at Eris but he just stood there, stoically, not meeting your gaze. You walked towards Beron, trying not to shake in fear. 

The older male grasped your chin in his hand, turning your face from side to side as he examined you. Eris’s other brothers stood at the bottom of the dais, their wolfish grins doing little to make you less nervous. The Lady of Autumn was seated in a small chair to the side of the throne, her eyes not lifting from the floor. 

“You look just like my other son’s mate,” he remarked. “Smaller, though. The runt of the family, I’m assuming. Pity. Were you not fed properly as a child?” 

You weren’t even sure how to reply to that. You decided not to respond and Beron’s eyes narrowed. 

“Hmm,” he mused, finally letting go of you. “Have you sullied yourself with those beasts?” 

“Father,” Eris growled, stepping up next to you. “That is enough.” 

Beron chuckled, mirthlessly, waving a dismissive hand. “Fine, take her away and get her out of those whorish clothes.”

Eris grabbed you by your upper arm and dragged you out of the throne room. You had to walk quickly, trying to keep up with his long legs as he led you down corridor after corridor. The Forest House was magnificent, beautiful. It was a shame that someone like Beron ran this court, you thought, as you studied the place. 

Eris finally stopped in front of a room, yanking the door open and pushing you inside. You glared at him as he slammed the door shut behind him, crossing your arms. You were inside of a huge suite, it seemed. A lavish sitting room, with two doors on either side, likely leading to a bedroom and bathing chamber. 

“These are my quarters,” Eris explained as he shrugged off his cape coat and tossed it on the red, velvet couch. He began to unbutton his vest as he faced you. “You are to stay here. Do not leave without an escort. Tomorrow, I will assign you two handmaidens to help you.” 

Your eyes widened. “I’m…I’m meant to stay here…in your room?” 

Eris let out a long sigh. “It is the safest place for you and I do not want to risk rumors.” 

“B-but surely this is improper,” you stuttered. “We are not properly mated.” 

Eris let out a cruel laugh. “We wouldn’t be in this situation if you hadn’t made such a spectacle at the High Lords’ meeting so don’t start complaining to me.” 

You felt a flare of anger. 

“You knew,” you grumbled. “You knew about the mating bond between us and you didn’t tell me! Perhaps if you had told me, I wouldn’t have even been in that room! I would’ve stayed home.” 

“Unlikely,” Eris sneered, pouring himself a glass of whiskey from a decanter on a bar cart behind the couch. He chugged the drink down, loosening his collar with his other hand. “You don’t seem to have a lot going on in that pretty little head of yours, bunny. Did you ever stop to think about why I might be hiding it?”

“You are such a prick,” you snapped. “I am not one of your little pawns. I am not a part of your stupid games! You should have told me!”

You went to whirl around but Eris grabbed your wrist, dragging you closer to him. You glared up at him, ignoring the way his heat enveloped you in its embrace. 

“This is not a game to me,” Eris growled. “Have you any idea what you’ve cost me? Have you any idea what he will do to you if I so much as take a single step out of line now?”

You yanked your wrist out of his grip. “Have you any idea what this has cost me? I’m the one who's been forced out of my home—forced to come here!” 

“And who’s fault is that?” 

Eris slammed the empty glass down on the cart. 

“Gods, sorry I couldn’t read your oh-so-clever mind! Sorry I couldn’t act like an emotionless shell of a person like you!” 

“Watch how you speak to me,” Eris snarled. “I can make your life here a living hell, bunny.”

“I’m not scared of you, Eris,” you snapped. “You don’t fool me. I see the real you under that mask and you know what I think—I think it is you who is scared.”

Eris ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “You know nothing. Do you understand? Nothing.”

“Then tell me! Tell me so I can help you! I know you do not wish to see your father in power much longer. Let me help!”

Eris grabbed your chin in his hand, forcing you to look up at him. You hated how cold his amber eyes looked.

“No. Absolutely not. I will not involve you in the slightest,” he snarled before his eyes softened and his hand slipped to cup your cheek instead. “I cannot…I cannot bear to see this place make you cruel. Stay here, where you’ll be safe, bunny. Leave everything else to me. You were not made for this place. But me…You have no idea what kind of monster I can be.”

Eris’s hand dropped back to his side and he stepped away from you, heading towards the door. You were breathing so heavily, your lungs constricting your ribs against the dress you wore. 

“Can we talk about this? Please!”

He said nothing, reaching for the handle of the door. 

“Eris, please!”

His hand fell against the doorframe, flame licking at the wood—scorching it again. A growl rumbled through his chest and his head hung between his shoulders but he didn’t turn around, didn’t look at you.

“Do not,” he groaned. “Do not say my name like that.” 

And then he was gone, leaving you completely alone. 

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

When you woke up later that night, you found yourself in an unfamiliar room. You sat up, realizing you were laying in a bed. You were certain you had fallen asleep on the couch, not wanting to even go into Eris’s bedroom.

The silk, dark orange sheets next to you were undisturbed. You rubbed at your eyes, getting up from under the covers. You were still in the dress you had fallen asleep in.

You padded over to the door, opening it slowly. You took two steps into the sitting room before you froze in your spot. 

There, on the couch, was Eris. The fireplace was roaring in front of him as he slept, a lump on the floor by his feet. You blinked away the blurriness in your eyes to see what it was.

Ashera was curled up there, the dog you had met that day you had accidentally winnowed into the forest here. She slept soundly on the floor next to him. 

You stepped back into the bedroom and closed the door behind you, quietly, not wanting to disturb them. 

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

Tag list: @dwkfan @pinksmellslikelove @vellichor01 @whatdoyxumean @minnieoo @hnyclover @daughterofthemoons-stuff @ferrarisbitch @thaynarajejheje @honeysuckle-daydreams13 @the-sweet-psycho @sleepylunarwolf @homeslices @annblvd @historygeekqueen @crystalferret202 @meritxellao @st0rmyt @bruhhvv @venussdovess @naturakaashi @waves-against-a-cliff @justvibbinghere @queerqueenlynn @isa1b2h3 @oucereeng @hnyclover @locotreofthegods @namelesssav @edance2000 @lalaluch @saltedcoffeescotch @jangmi-latte

*If you asked to be on the taglist and you don't see your username, tumblr wouldn't let me tag you for some reason :(

#acotar #acotar fanfiction #acotar x reader #acotar x you #eris fanfic #eris x y/n #eris x you #eris vanserra #eris x reader #autumn court #archeron sisters #eris x archeron!reader #eris vanserra x you #eris vanserra x reader #eris vanserra acotar #eris vanserra fic

[sydneymack]

A Court of Thorns and Roses Characters

Artist: @/eburnsillustrations

#feysand #feyre archeron #rhysand #nessian #nesta archeron #cassian #elriel #elain archeron #azriel #amren #mor #morrigan #lucien vanserra #tamlin #bat boys #archeron sisters #acotar #sjmaas

[the-darkestminds]

Eris was so real for this lmao

#I cackled #lmfao #he has a point #Cassian why did u fuck ur sister #sarah j maas #sjm #acowar #elucien #acomaf #acotar #a court of wings and ruin #a court of mist and fury #a court of thorns and roses #lol #pro eris vanserra #eris vanserra #eris eris eris #pro elucien #eris acotar #eris vandaddy #acosf #acofas #a court of frost and starlight #a court of silver flames #Eris is so funny tho #pro Eris #vanserra brothers

[feymaid]

Archeron girlies in love!!

#the noses were so fun!!!! #trying to make them the hottest they've ever been is hard work 😔 #feyre archeron #rhysand #feysand #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #elucien #nesta archeron #cassian acotar #nessian #archeron sisters #acotar #a court of thorns and roses #my art #not my ocs

[feyreswaterybowels]

⟡ Princess of Dreams ⟡

# 1 Lucien x Rhys!Sister

⟡Part 1⟡Part 2⟡Part 3⟡

Word Count: 3k

Summary: Centuries ago Rhys’ youngest sister was kidnapped by the High Lord of Spring instead of kill like their mother and sister. The high lord had wards placed on his court so she was unable to leave. Rhys has believed her to be dead this whole time. What happens when Feyre finds out who she is and swears to take her home.

Warnings/Tag: Takes place during ACOWAR. Implied past sexual assault. Fluffy romance. Feyre being besties with Rhy’s sister. Pet names (pretty girl, sweet girl, Princess (her title)

Authors Note: All likes, comments and reblogs are welcome, appreciated and encouraged. Let me know if you’d like to be added to the tag list for part 2! Bold italics are mental communication regular italics are inner thoughts.

⋆ ݁⟡ ݁☾ ݁⟡ ݁⋆ ݁⟡ ݁☾ ݁⟡ ݁⋆ ݁⟡ ݁☾ ݁⟡ ݁⋆ ݁⟡ ݁✩ ݁⟡ ݁⋆ ݁⟡ ݁☽ ݁⟡ ݁⋆ ݁⟡ ݁☽ ݁⟡ ݁⋆ ݁⟡ ݁☽ ݁⟡ ݁⋆

I know who you are.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, Feyre—

You’re Rhys' sister. He told me all about you while I was there. I…I have a plan. I’ll take you back with me when I go. I’ll take you home.

The hushed conversation with Feyre played on repeat in my head for days. She had trusted me enough to tell me she wasn’t really here for Tamlin, that it was a plot, a plan and she was going back to the Night Court. Back to Velaris and she was taking me with her—she was taking me home.

Home.

There was only one problem. Just one. The male lying in my bed. I turn away from the window to gaze at him lying there naked, golden skin glowing in the moonlight. A crown of red splayed around his head. Grooves and planes of lean muscles on display. Arms folded behind his head.

Gods, he’s beautiful.

I had yet to tell him of Feyre’s plan. I believed he wouldn’t tell Tamlin but at the same time…I wasn’t sure how safe his mind was with two other daemanti in the house. I could only protect his mind when I was with him. Plus, Tamlin was his best friend. His High Lord. If he knew of Feyre’s plan to leave…and everything else she told me and Tamlin found out, we could both be locked away again. Not only that, but if he found out Lucien knew? That couldn’t happen. I wouldn’t let harm come to either of them.

I took in a deep breath, walking over to the bed, tucking my wings as I slowly crawled up that perfect body. Dipping my head and trailing my lips over that patch of hair that went down, down, down, breathing in the scent of him. Mm.

“And what exactly are you doing?” That deep voice rumbled. I looked up, a sly grin across his face, metal eye glowing in the dark as he took in the sight of me between high thighs as I licked my bottom lip.

“Who? Me?” I asked, sliding a hand up his thigh to grasp him in my hand, stroking him once.

“Yes you, Princess” He laughs, grabbing and pulling me up the bed, kissing me as he rolls us over. I can feel him hard and heavy between my legs and it makes me moan.

“Lucien,” His name falls from my lips as he presses our bodies together. “Don’t tease, I want you.”

“Don’t tease?” He scoffs, “Says the one who was about to wake me up with a pretty little mouth.”

His grin is feral and I can’t help but return it.

“Come on,” I spread my legs wider, letting him feel the wetness there, “I know you want it.”

“And she calls me the tease,” He mocks under his breath before kissing me, tongue sliding into my mouth.

My fingers tangle in those long fire locks. I moan when I feel the heat radiating from his body, I love when he does that. The heat always feels so good against my sensitive skin.

He grins at me again, pushing up onto his knees, towering over me. He grabs my thighs, spreading them out and looking over me and I let him. I always loved the way he looks at me, his beautiful scarred face showing every ounce of emotion he feels.

He reaches between his thigh, wrapping a strong fist around himself and I watch stroke for stroke as he watches me. I tug on that bond between us, watching as it seemingly tugs him closer though I know it was his own doing.

“So, beautiful, all laid out for me,” He groans and I open myself further for him. Stretching my wings out across the bed, arms above my head, legs still spread wide but using a foot to rub over his calf.

That does it for him. He swoops down, grabbing me around the waist to yank my hips up, lining himself up and filling me. I cry out his name, arching into that fullness, into that glorious stretch.

We move together heat and passion. It’s rough and loving and he’s got me falling over the edge in minutes. Then again. And again. He’d always been so good at getting me there. Doing everything to make sure I was pleasured properly.

Tonight was no different as he leans over me, slow, firm thrusts hitting exactly where I needed it as he mouthed at my wing, tongue tracing through the grooves, and one hand wrapped around my wrists above my head to hold me in place.

“Say my name, pretty girl” he says, heated kisses on my wing.

“Lucien,”

“Louder,” he growls.

“Lucien!”

“I want the whole house to hear you, sweet girl.” His tongue laves over a particularly sensitive spot and I’m gone again. Gushing over him and moaning his name loud enough that the whole house definitely heard it.

It’s not long after that his thrusts are slowing. He lets go of my hands so I can touch him, he always liked having my touch when he came. I grinned into our kiss as my hands ran over his body. His panting moans turning into grunted growls. He was so sexy like this. Covering me fully, hair falling around his face, teeth bared.

I reached up pushing his hair behind those pointed ears, thumb tracing over part of his scar before pulling him into a kiss that was more tongue than anything.

“Fuck, just like that, baby,” I moaned into his mouth. “You’re gonna make me cum again. Make me feel so good!”

“Yeah? Gonna cum in that pussy for you, pretty girl, then I'm gonna eat it out.”

That’s what did it for me, I tightened around him. He follows me over the edge a few thrust later with a growl of my name.

Then he’s slipping from my body and sliding down, kissing a trail to my centre, keeping true to his promise.

“Fuck,” He groaned, coming back up, sliding his tongue into my mouth to let me taste myself. Kissing me slow and sloppy. “So perfect. My pretty, perfect mate.”

Despite what we’d just done I blush at his words.

“My sweet handsome mate,” I whisper back, tumbing at the bottom of his scar again before wrapping my arms around his neck.

He holds me tight, arms wrapping around me as we catch our breath. I tuck my face into the crook of his neck breathing in his scent—organic, earthy and sweet. Perfect.

My eyes welled up when thoughts of leaving weave through my brain. This was my mate, I had built a life here with him. But I had been trapped in this house for so long that it wasn’t really life. I wanted to go home to Velaris. To my brother and our family. I could try to convince Lucien to go but that could put him in danger. I had almost lost him under the mountain, I could t go through that again. If I left first I could always seek him out later but to stay here when I had the opportunity to finally go home, when I had Feyre telling me she could break the wards binding me here. I couldn’t turn that down.

“My love, what’s wrong?” Lucien asks, pulling back to look at me. Our eyes meet as he wipes away my tears. “Talk to me.”

I sniffled. I felt like it was now or never. I either told him now or he would find out when I leave. I couldn’t do that to him though. It would break his heart to wake up one day and find me gone.

“Please, tell me what’s wrong,” He said, petting my hair.

“I don’t know if I can say it out loud,” I tell him, our eyes meeting.

“That’s okay, Princess” Lucien nods his head, concern written all over his face.

“You can’t tell Tamlin,” The crease between his brow deepens. “You can’t tell him, Lucien, please. Promise me.”

He watches me for a moment, confused and concerned but he nods. “I promise. I won’t tell him.”

“Feyre and Rhys’ bond wasn’t actually broken that day with Hybern. She’s has a plan to go back. She…she said she can break the wards that hold me here so I can— I can finally go home,” I tell him, his eyes widen but he doesn’t look entirely shocked at what I’ve told him.

“And I’m assuming you have the intention of going with her?” He asks, sadness tinged the words and the bond.

“I have to, Lucien. I haven’t seen Rhys in centuries. Centuries. And he thought I was dead the entire time until recently. I need to go home, I need to see him and the rest of our family,” I cried, hot tears sliding down my face. He grabs me, pulling me up and holding me. Stroking my hair and shushing me softly.

“You should go, Princess. You should go home,” He says, kissing my head. I pull back to look at him, searching his face.

“Come with me,” I whisper, grabbing his face. “You can come. You would love Velaris—”

“I can’t,” he cuts me of gently, stroking his knuckles down my cheek. “Not that I don’t want to. Fuck, it hurts just thinking about you being away from me but if the three of us disappear? Tamlin will flip shit.”

“And he won’t be able to get to us in Velaris,” I tell him, grabbing the hand caressing my cheek and holding it tightly. “We would be safe there, Lucien. We could have a life together, a real one. Our own place by the river I showed you. A proper mating ceremony. We’ve been talking about kids for a decade. We could happily and safely have them there.”

“I don’t know…” Lucien shakes his head and I can see the water lining his eye.

“Me and you, Lu. That’s what we always said. Me and you—”

“Always.” Lucien nodded, looking over my face. Taking in every detail like he was trying to remember what I looked like before I was even gone. “What if you go with Feyre and I come later? You have to go now, you’re right you can’t pass up this opportunity to go home. I understand that. But you can come back for me, right? I could help keep Tamlin away…for some time anyway.”

My tears break loose then as I sob against his neck.

“I know it’s the best option but I don’t want to leave you,” I cried, clinging to him as he pulled me into his lap, letting my wings cocoon around us.

“Sh, it’s gonna be okay, my love.” I feel his tears on my neck and my heart breaks.

It was right but it felt so wrong.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

“So you’re joining us after all?” comes Tamlins snarky comment as soon as I walk out of the manor. I roll my eyes, fluffing the ugly powder blue dress.

“Unfortunately,” I rolled my eyes at him, it was too early for his shit, but still smiled at Lucien when his arm wrapped around my waist, careful of my wings.

“You can stay here,” Tamlin retorted with an eye roll of his own. “That would be preferable.”

“Well my mate asked me to attend. As did my friend, even if you wish Feyre wasn’t my friend,” I sneered at him with a wicked grin.

“I would never say that,” Tamlin returned the sneer, baring his teeth at me.

“Play nice, Princess,” Lucien purrs through the bond.

“Not out loud anyway,” I gave a sweet smile. “You look beautiful,” I said, hugging Feyre and kissing her cheek before pulling Lucien away to our horses.

Lucien helped me onto my horse, a gorgeous black mare, her coat shining even in the darkness of morning—a gift from Lucien after I accepted the mating bond. I looked down at him with a smile, running my hand through his hair.

“You’re lucky I love you, I really don’t want to deal with Ianthe’s shit today,” I said, situating myself in the saddle.

“Ianthe’s shit is exactly why I asked you to come,” Lucien said, grabbing my hand and kissing the back of it. “I appreciate you coming anyway, your presence will make it much more tolerable for me.”

“Yeah, I know, come on, let's get this over with,” I said, urging him to his own horse. “I’m ready to get today over with so I can get drunk and dance with you under the stars.”

Ugh, he looks so good. I thought as his head dropped back with a laugh before mounting his horse, dressed in autumn colors he stood out perfectly from everyone else wearing the hideously bright spring court colors. I’d be covered head to toe in Night Court black if it was allowed. I’d have loved to see the look on Ianthe’s face if I had shown up today in all black.

We set off soon after everyone had mounted their horses and there were already hundreds of fae crowded atop the hill when we arrived. I fought the urge to bare my teeth when I saw Ianthe’s gaze lingering on my mate as he dismounted his horse and strided to mine.

“Ignore it. She’s not worth your jealousy,” Lucien said as he reached for my hand, helping me from the saddle.

“I’m not jealous. I’m protective. I don’t like the way she looks at you,” I say, running my hands over the collar of his jacket. “Like she’ll drag you away to have her way with you whether you like it or not.”

“That’ll never happen, my love.”

“Damn right it won’t, I’d break her hands if she ever touches you,” I huff, as a feline smile crosses his lips.

“You’re sexy when you’re possessive,” He said, leaning down to kiss me, first my lips then my forehead before extending his arm to me to hold onto.

“You better make this up to me later,” I grumble, as I would much rather be back at the estate hiding in my room.

“Oh, I will make it up to you, sweet girl,” Lucien promised, leaning down to whisper in my ear, “slowly, with my tongue. Over and over.”

My body flushed knowing exactly how good he is with that wicked tongue. His gaze turns heated knowing exactly what I was thinking, feeling exactly what I was feeling.

“Lucien,” Tamlin calls from where he and Feyre are standing. I glance at those full lips one last time before he’s gently pulling me, guiding me away from our partially secluded spot. .

Jurian is at my other side suddenly walking with us as we trail behind Tamlin and Feyre—also linked by the arms and the Hybern Royals. I had seen the gleam in Feyre’s eye before she turned away, like a wolf getting ready to play with its prey. It made me giddy inside.

I couldn’t wait to witness her revenge.

We stopped walking when Tamlin and Feyre did, reaching Ianthe at her stupid altar as she offered them a singular nod of head. The Hybern twins shifted impatiently, Brannagh had made comments the night before how they didn’t bother with such things in Hybern—practically implying that soon we wouldn’t be bothering with it either. Smug little bitch.

“A blessed solstice to us all,” Ianthe called out to everyone around and I don’t roll my eyes the way I want to.

I stood there through an endless string of prayers and rituals, acolytes pouring sacred wine and the blessing of harvest goods. A lovely, rehearsed little number. Lucien was practically falling asleep between Feyre and I.

Ianthe lifted her wine and intoned “As the light is strongest today, let it drive out unwanted darkness. Let it banish the black stain of evil.” I sneered at her, I knew those words were directed at me. My brother. Feyre. Our home.

“She’s lucky my wine doesn’t end up in her pretty face,” I silently told Feyre, watching her expertly hide her grin with the wine chalice—her silent agreement.

“Would Princess Brannagh and Prince Dagdan do us the honor of imbibing this blessed wine?”

I shared a look with Feyre as the twins frowned at one another—the crowd murmuring behind us. But Feyre stepped aside, smiling a pretty smile and gesturing to the alter for the royals.

“Drink and let our new allies become friends,” Ianthe declared before they could refuse. “Drink and wash away the endless night of the year.”

The two daemanti surveyed their cups, most likely searching for any hint of poison. Feyre kept that smile on her face, I couldn’t extend that same faux courtesy when the prince looked my way. I didn’t care enough to put on the facade.

They each barely sipped the wine before trying to step away from the altar. Ianthe cooed at them like children, insisting they stay at the altar with her, to experience the ceremony at her side.

“I’m bored, Luc,” I grumbled to Lucien through the bond as Ianthe continued on with her praises and rituals. Eyes finding Lucien every now and then, looking away when I send her a death glare—lucky she doesn’t know who I really am.

“I’ll be over soon,” Lucien chuckles, pulling me into his side with an arm around my waist.

Finally, Tamlin was summoned over to light the candle for the souls lost this past year. This part bored me too. Those souls were gone; they didn’t need a candle lit to bring them back to the light. But just as I was starting to lose my patients the sky was finally filling with streaks of pink as Jurian was called forward to recite a prayer as well.

It left only Lucien and I standing with Feyre in the circle of grass, the altar and horizon in front of us and the crowd behind us. The look on Lucien’s face drew my attention as he scanned the area and I could help the crack of a smile when I noticed something out of place. A miniscule little detail no one else seemed to notice—except maybe now my mate.

I watched as Ianthe stepped toward the hill’s edge, her golden hair tumbling freely down her back as she lifted her arms to the sky. The chosen spot was intentional. Only that marker that told her where to stand wasn’t in the spot it had been in when we first arrived.

Golden rays of sunlight finally broke over the horizon. Light filled the world clear and strong. The murmurs started through the crowd. Cries of a name, not Ianthe’s but Feyre’s.

That gorgeous light had not filled and surrounded Ianthe but Feyre.

Ianthe seemed to be the last to notice, to see the sun was not blessing her but Feyre.

She glowed so brightly, brighter than what seemed natural for this occasion but I didn’t care to question why. She was beautiful—shining as if she were the star that hung above Ramiel.

“Curse breaker,” some murmured.

“Blessed,” others whispered.

Feyre's face was one of surprise and acceptance, though I knew it wasn’t genuine, those around us wouldn’t read it that way. They would only see what she allowed them too. The shock and bafflement of Tamlin and the Hybern twin’s faces was ever satisfying.

But Feyre didn’t look at them. She turned to Lucien and I, her light radiating so bright it was almost hard to keep that eye contact. A friend looking to another for help. She reached a hand to Lucien then to me.

I knew Ianthe had to be losing her shit behind us but I was too enchanted by my brother's mate. Yes, this was all a show, but Feyre was special.

I took her hand, watching Lucien do the same. Then we shared a look, lowering down to one knee, pressing her knuckles to our brow. I knew the crowd behind us had followed suit.

I had never kneeled for a high lord of the Spring Court. I was Princess of the Night Court. Heir of Velaris. Princess of Dreams. I knelt for no one—certainly not for anyone of the Spring Court. Not now, not ever.

I was not kneeling before Lady Feyre. Or Feyre Cursebreaker. I was kneeling for Feyre High Lady of the Night Court. Feyre that led Prythian from tyranny and darkness. Feyre that saved my mate and thousands of others under the mountain.

“My high lady,” I declared to her. The only person besides my brother I’d ever sworn fealty to.

I looked up at Feyre, our eyes meeting before she looked to Ianthe, smiling a sweet smile, one that transformed to show a bit of that wolf hiding beneath.

#Lucien vanserra the man you are🥵 #calling Lucien beautiful a lot bc…well because he is #no elcuien #nothing against the pairing #in fact I can ship anyone with just about anyone lol #but I don’t feel like writing around the pairing and prefer LuLu baby to be mated to Rhys’ sister 😊 #Lucien is just so 🤤 #Rhys sister and Feyre are gonna have the best relationship #acotar #acotar fanfiction #lucien vanssera x reader #lucien vanserra #lucien acotar #pro lucien vanserra #princess of dreams

[copypastus]

Sign me up for the tithe in the Spring Court I hear rent prices in Velaris went up again.

#my art #acotar #acotar fanart #lucien vanserra #pro tamlin #tamlin #very serious tithe discourse #it's not that bad acctually #i'm so tired of seeing serious arguments about it #you - bean brained: tamlin and lucien as robin hood villains laughing and extorting his poor citizens from all their gold #me - galaxy brained: tamlin using all the consumables his citizens give him to feed all the fae he allows FREELY INTO HIS HOUSE #at least tamlin won't condemn my wholeass apartment complex coz he had a fight with his sister in law #anti sjm #trying to make tamlin look bad still accidentally looks good if you PAY ATTENTION FEYRE

[sarawritestories]

Love Story (All To Well Chapter 1 Part 1)

Cassian X OC (Rhys' Sister), Eris VanserraX OC Rhys' Sister (Eventually)

Summary: Under the Mountain, Estella, have flash backs to her 50 years in captivity, and losing hope she will ever see her lover. That is until a human girl shows up and give her and her brother Rhysand something they lost decades ago...Hope and in a matter of mere months she is reunited with the love of her life. The General of the Night Court Armies.

Content Warnings: MINORS DNI 18+, dub con, whipping, poisoning, murder (I think this covers it if I missed something please let me know). Longing for loved ones, while in captivity.

A/N: This was going to be extremely long if I didn't break this up in two parts and I really wanted to get something out to you since I had been teasing this so much!

Word Count: 4.1K

All Too Well Masterlist ACOTAR MasterList

Romeo Save Me

“Hello Beautiful,” Amarantha cooed, circling around Rhysand's baby sister, Estella. The raven haired female held her chin high. “Rhysand, you didn't tell me you had a sister.” Estella's eyes glanced over to her brother. If he was panicked he didn't show it.  Amarantha tsked, “Naughty boy, no matter she'll make a fine addition to the court.” Amarantha purred as her eyes grazed the black gown the Princess of the Night Court wore. The silver chains connected the two pieces of fabric at her hips revealing her toned, tanned legs, the neckline dipping to expose her stomach. A tiara of black and purple gems placed upon her head. An outfit she wore in the Court of Nightmares.

Did you know about this? Estella questioned her brother in the part of his mind he kept open for her.

If I did do you think I would have brought you here. Cassian begged me not to. I should have listened.

Amarantha snapped her fingers and the young princess felt hands grip her arms tightly, as fear flooded her system as the dreaded footfalls of the attor came into her line of sight.

Rhys…

I'm here, Little Star.

Estella glanced at the Attor's talon like hand. Faebane. Estella pressed her lips in a tight line, Rhys I'm scared.

She glanced over at his face and found no emotion there, the tick of his jaw the only indication that he was worried. Stay calm. I'm here, Stella. Just breathe.

Before Estella could take in a breath the Attor pinched her nose and instantly she began to struggle in the guards arms. The Attor's smile was sinister and would be the center of the young heir’s nightmare's to come. “Come now, Princess, open for me.

Estella, refused to open her mouth, her piercing blue eyes met the Attor's in pure defiance. Breaking eye contact she looked back to her brother to find Amarantha had wrapped her arms around Rhys pressing his back to her front as if it were a lover's embrace. “Come dear, don't be stubborn, or I may have to punish my new treat here.” She dragged a manicured finger down her brother's exposed chest and Estella maintained eye contact with the self proclaimed High Queen, as she nibbled his ear. To Rhysand's credit he didn't react to her advances he just stared at his Little Star.

Estella's lungs began to burn and her vision began to blacken around the edges and she opened her mouth to take her breath. Wasting no time the Attor poured the liquid down her throat, still pinching her nose as she had no choice but to swallow.

“Wonderful, guards take her away.” Estella watched as she planted a kiss on his cheek another tick in his jaw as they began to haul her away. “Don't worry Rhysand, We'll make sure she is comfortable and well taken care of.”

Before she let the panic settle in her bones she reached out to Rhysand once more; Rhys we need to put up the wards. Keep Velaris safe. Keep him safe. We have to do it before the faebane takes effect.

On my count Rhys voice echoed through there she could feel the beginning of the Faebane taking effect.

1…2…3…

Estella threw out her power to siphon the wards, draining to the dregs and she could hear the pounding of her shields. A familiar presence in the back of her mind.

Cassian she spoke in his mind.

Stella sweetheart, what's going on? His voice sounded distant in her mind as the poison was taking hold and she was being hoisted away.

It'll be okay. I'll be okay. Watch over Velaris for me won't you, General?”  The young heir could feel her power suppressing itself. As if her power was trying to combat the drug coursing through her veins.

No I'm coming to get you his voice roared through Estella's mind though it sounded as though he was talking to her underwater. She fought back tears that were stinging in her eyes.

I love you, Cassie. Then she felt the connection being severed and she allowed herself a few tears escape her eyes as she was ripped away from her home, her family, her lover.

We Were Both Young When I First Saw You

“I don’t want to train.” Estella whined dragging her feet as Rhys held a firm grip on her hand as they approached the camp.

Frustration bubbling over Rhys turned around and gently cupped her cheeks. “My Little Star, I love you, I promised Father, Mother, and Astrea that I would protect you.” Estella fought her flinch at the mentioned, of their dead family members. Rhys tenderly brushed a strand of hair that fell loos from her plait and tucked it behind her pointed ear. “I almost lost you once. I won't let it happen again. Could you please try training with my friends? If you don't like it, then I'll leave it alone. I just need you to try.”

Estella quirked a brow as she stared into his pleading violet eyes. With a roll of her eyes and dramatic sigh she replied, “Promise?”

Rhys smiled and kissed her forehead, “Promise.”

With a slight tilt of her head, Rhys led her to the two Illyrian warriors that were standing at the center of the fighting ring. The young heir had yet to meet her brother's friends but had heard stories about his “brothers.” The two were giants compared to her, both warriors wore seven siphons a piece. The shorthaired one with blue siphons, Estella had seen in passing in Velaris before her brother became High Lord, his shadows were hard to ignore. She had never uttered a word to the Shadowsinger but heard his name whispered by the maids in their home: Azriel.

The warrior with the red siphons had his hair up in a bun, his wings rustled as the wind kissed them. His hazel eyes met her pale blue eyes and gave her a toothy grin that caused her heart to quicken. “Finally nice to formally meet the Princess of Velaris.” His deep voice seeped into her bones and warmth pooled in her belly.

Estella then scrunched her nose, “Don't call me that.”

The long-haired Illyrian smirked stalking forward, causing Estella to crane her neck to hold his pointed gaze. “What would you have me call you, Sweetheart.” Heat warmed her cheeks at the pet name.

“I'll call you a dead male, if you keep staring at my sister like that, you prick.” Azriel snorted at Rhys' response. “Stella, the shameless flirt in front of you is Cassian. The stoic one fighting his laughter is Azriel. I'm sure you've seen him around. Gentlemen, this is Stella.”

Cassian's leather clad hand picked up Estella’s and brought her knuckles to his lips, “A pleasure, Sweetheart, if you're ever tired of big brother Rhysie, come find me and we can play.” Rhys growled, as Cassian gave the young female a wink. She gave him a smile in return, then averted her gaze to focus on anything else.

Maybe training wouldn't be so bad after all.

I Got Tired of Waiting

A hand grazed Estella's waist. Sipping from her goblet staring at the High Queen, wearing the Night Court tiara that she ripped from the Princess' head when they first arrived 49 years ago. A male from the summer court pulled her close and whispered in her ear, “Warm my bed tonight, Angelfish.” His breath was sour, and Estella took a sharp breath as his hand gripped her barely covered ass.

She turned into his touch, breaking her gaze from the queen who was kissing her brother's neck. Placing her hand on the male's bare tanned chest, “It would be my honor.” She gave her best seductive grin as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Bile rose in her throat, a feeling she had grown accustomed to since being there.

The male gripped her ass tighter, “I will retrieve you from your cell when I'm ready for you.” He whispered on her lips as if he was her lover. Another wave of nausea burned her esophagus as he pressed his lips to hers once more. A warm memory of kind Hazel eyes, calloused hands with red siphons atop them, and soft plush lips caressing hers bubbled to the surface. Estella forced the memory back down as the male swatted her bare flesh and walked away.

“Stella dear,” Amarantha's drawl felt like a snake slithering up Estella's spine. The young female met the Queen's gaze, her brother by her side his face a mask of cool indifference. “Come here.” Gritting her teeth the heir of the Night Court approached the dais her chin jutted out, the tiara on her head gleaming with the colors of her court. Trying to keep a semblance of dignity, though Amarantha's insistence that the top that only covered her breast and the gossamer skirt that barely covered her ass made her feel less than.

With the snap of the queen's fingers a male approached with a female their hands linked. Estella bowed, aware that her skirt was revealing more than she wished to the fae behind her. “Yes, your majesty.”

“Rise, dear, I have a gift for you.” Estella rose and the couple with their hands linked together smiled in her direction.

Breathe, Little Star Rhys' voice filler her head, Inhale she breathed in, Exhale she released the breath.

“This couple,” Amarantha's voice bellowed out, “Wishes for someone to join them in their bed this evening. You will go and they will do as they please with you.”

Shock flooded her system, so that was what her role was to be concubine…Cassian's face came to the surface and guilt laced her whole body. He will understand, Stella. We are not in a position to fight this.

Bullshit. The princess shook her head, “I will not, your majesty.” She held her head high. I cannot betray him like this, I will not. I'm sorry, Rhys.

Estella! Rhys scolded

Amarantha sneered, “I don't recall it being a request.”

Estella straightened her spine, “I don't care,” she retorted defiantly. “I will not lay down in someone's bed for their amusement.”

Amarantha rose from her throne her dark crimson skirts draping to the floor similar to blood dripping down a body. The Queen approached and Estella refused to cower. Amarantha approached her mouth upturned into a saccharine grin that appeared the most sinister. “Are you defying my direct orders, Princess?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Very Well, Rhysand, bring me the Ash whip.” Color drained from Estella’s face. Her brother approached whip in hand and his mouth formed into a tight line. “Thank you, now you will give her 10 lashes for her disobedience.” The siblings heads whipped to the evil witch next to them. “Is that going to be a problem, Rhysand. I figured she would learn her lesson best if it was given to her by someone she cares for. Wouldn't you agree?”

Estella then met Rhysand's eyes, “I do, Your Majesty.” Turn around and close your eyes, Little Star. She did as Rhys told her and the crack of the whip wrung out in the entire hall. With each sting of whip against her skin, and whimper that slipped from her mouth, Rhys’ voice rang in her mind.

I'm Sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm so fucking sorry.

By the end Amarantha had ripped the crown from atop of her head, and the couple had carried her to their room and in spite of her bleeding back, had taken her, over and over again, until she passed out from the pain, where hazel eyes and dark long hair greeted her.

Romeo Take Me Somewhere We Can Be Alone

Estella sat up as the male swiped lazy circles around her stomach, “Would you like some tea?” She asked placing her hand on top of his stalling the movements.

The male hummed his eyes glazed from his orgasm. “That would be wonderful, Angelfish.” He gave a lazy smile that the young female returned and rose to gather her clothes and began preparing him a cup of tea. “Amarantha is generous to share you.” He praddled on as Estella placed the kettle over the flame, grabbing her tea mixture she made a few weeks prior. “I know she has her own whore that warms her bed.” Estella clenched her teeth as he kept talking, “Only to give the court his sister. Truly a gift.”

Estella closed her eyes as she schooled her voice in a calm manor, “I am happy to serve  my queen and my court in whatever way is needed.” The words fell to ash on her tongue and tears burned her eyes as the kettle sung to life.  Grabbing the kettle she brought it over to the cup with the tea mixture in it. Pouring the hot water and letting the tea steep for 2 minutes, Estella brought the tea to the male, “Here you go, Darling,” She purred. She slipped into his mind easily his mental shield down, Drink all of it for me. The male did as he was told and she cooed in his ear, “Good boy.” She ran her fingers through his light brown curls as his eyes began to droop.

A half hour went by, and Estella leaned over the male’s face, and found that his breathing had ceased and she could no longer hear his heartbeat. She patted his cheek, “This has been fun, Angelfish.” She got dressed and snuck out of his room and ran right into a finely dressed chest. She looked up and inwardly groaned, “Eris.” Estella tried to step around the Heir of the Autumn court when he stepped in front of her.

He smirked his russet eyes that glimmered with mischief, “Hello, Estella. Tell me how my Little Viper is, today?”

She glared at him, “I thought I told you not to call me that, Princeling.”

Eris grinned, “Well I can’t help myself. Tell me who was your victim today.”

Estella sighed, “No one of importance.”

Eris eyes darkened his fist clenched for a moment, “I highly doubt that.”  

The princess of Night lowered her head slightly, “If I’m not back in my cell, I could be subject to a lashing so if you don’t mind, your highness.”

Eris slid out of her way, “Have a good night, My little Viper.” Estella shivered but moved past the red-haired Prince, without another word. winding the halls to her cell. Not noticing the Autumn prince sneaking into the room she came out of.

She arrived in her cell, and she found Rhysand standing in the middle of it. “Hey, you.” she said as she stepped onto the threshold of her prison.

“Hey, Little Star. How are you faring?” Rhys looked her up and down, assessing for injuries.

“Fine as always brother,” She got jittery and despite needing to put on appearances she hugged him. He wrapped her arms around her tightly. “I’m exhausted Rhys.” She whispered into his chest.

He pressed his hand to the back of her head and rocked her, “I know. I’m so sorry. Not a day goes by where I don’t regret trying to get you home. Or never bringing you to the Hewn City that day.” He whispered into her hair.

I miss them, Rhys. I miss him.

I know you do. I miss them too. “Tomorrow is Calanmai. Amarantha has granted me to leave.” Estella pulled away from her brother to stare at him and he read her face and shook his head speaking into her own, I can’t risk you being hurt because I attempted to escape. I won’t do it. It’s bad enough I have had to hurt you.

I don’t blame you; you know. She whispered in her mind.

I do…She makes me fuck her with your crown on...

Estella stilled at the brashness of his words, “Rhys...”

He hushed her as he kept her in his arms, “It’s okay.”

Will you stay with me tonight?

I’m not sure that’s a good idea.

Rhysie, please. Estella smiled slightly as he sighed.

I can’t deny you anything. Brat.

Rhys led her to the pile of hay in the corner of the cell and laid her down. The princess pressed her cheek against his heartbeat and Rhys began to rub her back. The two siblings sat in silence for a few moments. “Can you play the music for me, Rhys?”

Rhys smiled and kissed her forehead, “Sure thing. Close your eyes.”

Estella closed her eyes, “I love you.”  Music began to play inside her mind, the musicians at the rainbow began to build their symphony and tears welled in her eyes.

Rhys’ voice was strained as he responded, “I love you too. Sleep. I will be here in the morning.”

Estella was beginning to be pulled into slumber when she mumbled, “No one likes a liar, Rhys.” And she fell unconscious to the sounds of her brother chuckling.

Beggin You Please Don’t Go

“You are not leaving this bed!” Cassian pulled her waist dragging her back closer to him the warmth of his bare tattooed chest seeping into her bones. “I don’t need to leave for Windhaven until tomorrow. It’s cruel that Rhys would prevent you from spending the rest of today with me.” He kissed her cheek hips moving down the slope of her neck. “I want to be with my girl.”

Estella giggled as he nibbled her neck, his hands clinging to her waist tightly as if the General of the Night Court Armies were afraid, she would slip from his fingers. “Cass, I need to make an appearance in Hewn City. Apparently, Rhys has been getting shit for it from Keir.”

Cassian turned her to face him. He caressed her cheek gently, “I could care less about Keir. I hate it when you’re there when I can’t be.”

“Because you’re an overprotective bat?” Estella quirked a brow and smirked that the general pushing a strand of hair behind his ear.

He chuckled and kissed her nose, “No, you brat. I just don’t want to be separated from you. Especially when you’re in a place with cruel males that look at you like you’re their next meal.”

She looked laughed, “So an overprotective bat.”

Cassian’s grin was laced with mischief, “Overprotective bat?” He began to tickle the young raven-haired female. Her laughs filled their shared space, “I’ll show you an overprotective bat.” He pinned her back to the mattress and continued her assault on her waist, his fingers tickling her to the point of tears sliding down her eyes. He began pepper kisses over her face picking up her tears.

“Cassian, I yield.” Estella panted and she tapped her hand on his forearm. He stopped and leaned down pressing his forehead to hers. “I yield.” She whispered.

“I can’t help being protective you know.” He whispered in return. There was a long-delayed pause, his eyes growing distant.

Estella growled, “Had I known you wanted Rhys’ attention so bad I would have shifted into him.” Cassian shook his head and flicked her nose and she smiled, “What did he say?”

Cassian sighed as he pressed his lips to hers, “That I can beat the shit out of him when you both come home.”

Estella’s brow furrowed, “I never wanted you two to be at odds, Cass.”

Cassian smiled and interlaced his large hand over hers, “Sweetheart, we have been friends for centuries, he’s stuck with me.” He kissed her nose once more, “Just like you are.” He grinned and she found herself smiling too. “I love that smile of yours.”

She tilted her head, “What else do you love about me?”

Cassian kissed her forehead, “I love your eyes,” He kissed her cheek and Estella closed her eyes. “Your lips.” He pressed his lips to hers. “Your kindness,” He pecked her jaw line, “Your compassion.” His lips moved to her neck, “Your bravery,” moved to the collarbone. “You, Sweetheart. I love you.”

The princess opened her eyes, “I love you too, Cassian.”

And I love you two, as well, but Cassian please get off my sister we must leave soon. Rhys’s voice filled our minds and the two of us laughed as Cassian placed another kiss to her lips.

“I’ll be home before you’re able to miss me, General.” Estella whispered.

Cassian sighed and placed his head in the crook of her neck. “I always miss you, Stella.”

You Were Everything to Me

The human girl was hanging against the wall, her fear flooding her scent. This was the human girl that Rhys had found in Tamlin’s court. Estella had a hard time breathing. As the Attor unleashed another attack on the girl. Rhysand was standing by Amarantha, his face emotionless, and Estella wanted to scream to lash out, to save this girl from the torment. She wrapped her arms around herself, as the screams of the human girl rang out.

Estella released a whimper when a smooth warm hand gripped the female’s hip. The scent of Autumn leaves and cinnamon overtook her senses. His thumb rubbed a circle around her bare hip. “Come to my chambers tonight, Little Viper.” Eris breath grazed her pointed ear.

Estella gritted her teeth, fighting away the tears as the sound of the broken screams rang in her ears while the Attor continued his torment, “Why? Why do you insist on tormenting me, Eris? Mor wasn’t enough for you?”

Eris’ hand stilled, his nose grazed her skin, and her heart raced. “What do you know about that day, really, My Little Viper?” He held her close to him, “I expect you in my chambers when this is done, Estella. I mean, immediately after, no getting those cute little concoctions from your cell first. Or I may let our High Queen know about what you like to do to the males who request your services.” He gripped her hip tighter than her and smirked as a spark of arousal flooded her.  The feeling singed away when he removed his hand, and Estella reluctantly missed the comfort of his touch, as the human girl gave out a gurgled scream, causing the young female’s blood to run cold.

Hours of torment and Estella knew that those screams would haunt her forever. Her bare feet padded through the halls as an Autumn court sentinel led her to the Heir of Autumn’s chambers. When they reached the door Estella bowed her head, “Thank you.” She whispered and knocked on the door.

“Enter,” Eris’s voice muffled. The raven-haired beauty stepped inside, the red gown with a blunging neckline swished at her feet. “Hello, Viper.”

“Prick.” She retorted; her sharp blue eyes met his copper liked ones. “Let’s get this over with.” She began to pull the straps of her gown down when Eris raised his hand.

“I have no interest in sleeping with you Viper.” Eris rose from his chair; his orange vest lay over top his white tunic hugging his frame. His tanned pants tucked into his brown boots that looked as though they were recently shined. His red hair pulled halfway, and Estella couldn’t deny that he was the most beautiful man she had ever encountered, but he was a wild card and lethal and made Estella’s heartbeat erratically when he closed the distance between them. “I would like to keep my life intact thank you.”

Estella swallowed and her voice low, “Then what do you want with me, Princeling?”

Eris didn’t answer, instead his hands gripped hers and he pulled her into an embrace. The female blinked as Eris gripped her tightly. The kind gesture so foreign to her from anyone other than her brother in 50 years and the emotions erupted in her. She gripped the back of his vest and buried her face in his chest and erupted into sobs. Estella had no idea why he was doing this, or how he knew she needed this, but for this moment she allowed herself the comfort of letting out a half a century worth of feelings into his chest. As Eris rested his head atop hers, hand stroking her dark hair. His other hand rubbing her back almost soothingly.

After a few moments Eris picked her upholding her knees and her back and walked her over to the bed and he leaned against the headboard as the Princess of the Night Court sobbed into the chest of the Prince of the Autumn Court. The latter whispered soothing words in her ear and warmed his hands as an extra comfort for the Princess until exhaustion took over and the viper fell asleep in the arms of the fox.

Part 2

Story Tags: @milswrites @eve175 @melsunshine @believinghurts @awkardnerd @historygeekqueen @mischiefmanagers @mybestfriendmademe @cauldronboilmetakemetovelaris @glitterypirateduck @littlestw01f @mal-adaptive-dreams @lilah-asteria @hellodarling1357

#cassian x reader #cassian acotar #acotar #acotar fanfiction #cassian imagine #cassian fanfic #cassian x oc #rhysand sister #eris vanserra #eris acosf #eris x oc #eris acotar #eris x reader #eris vanserra acotar #Spotify

[thelov3lybookworm]

Presents (Part 3)

Part 1 Part 2

Summary: Hiding important information from her mate is unacceptable.

•○●⛦●○•

A/n: for my whore @thehighladywrites because she wont leave me and this fic alone 😔

enjoy!

•○🌑○•

"So? Is it true?"

Y/n glanced up at Nesta as she placed her cup on the table, one brow raised in question. "Is what true?"

The breeze caught strands of stray hair around Nesta's face as she, along with Feyre and Mor, sat under the shade outside a cafe opposite the Sidra.

"The rumours."

Y/n blinked, then turned to Feyre as she began choking. "What have you fed her Feyre?"

"I did nothing!" Feyre coughed. "Other than maybe let it slip that..." She glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping, then leaned in. "Autumn court males have fire in their veins."

Now it was Y/n's turn to choke on the piece of cake she had taken a bite of. Nesta grinned wide as Mor shook her head, knowing she was about to get the details.

Once Y/n could breathe again, she sighed. "I mean... the straightforward answer would be... yes."

Nesta grinned like a child. "Yes?"

Y/n's cheeks heated. "Yes."

"So like, what? He shoots fire into you?" Mor questioned, making Nesta cackle at the way Y/n glanced around frantically.

"Mor! Everyone in Velaris will find out if you keep yelling like that!"

Despite Mor's dislike of Lucien initially, she had come around and become fond of Y/n's mate, having never had the chance to get to know him before.

The three females kept looking at Y/n expectantly. Sighing, Y/n rubbed her brows before she spoke. "He... he can heat it up... you know? As for shooting fire, I've never asked him about it. But he can heat his whole body up. He's always so nice and warm, I love cuddling with him-"

"Okay that's nice and all, but I don't care about you and him fucking cuddling. Tell me, what's your favourite position."

"Oh my god." Y/n's palms came up to cover her whole face, sighing. She was moments away from throwing herself into the sidra if it meant she could avoid answering their questions.

"Leave her alone Nesta." Feyre laughed. "You can get the details later when you two are alone."

Y/n nodded. "I'll tell you everything Nesta, write a book for you if you want, just not here."

Nesta grumbled a little, but she shut up.

Silence, comfortable and welcome, settled over the table, and Y/n had finished drinking her coffee before anyone spoke again.

The silence was definitely better, because once Mor opened her mouth, Y/n knew she would end up killing somebody before nightfall.

"How does Lucien have autumn fire if he was not sired by Beron?"

Y/n glanced up at Mor, about to laugh, but then her eyes snagged on Feyre, who looked like she had seen a ghost.

Y/n smiled, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Feyre glanced at Y/n, looking oh so helpless before glaring at Mor.

"It's just an assumption I made. I'm sure it's nothing."

Y/n straightened. "What assumption Feyre."

She swallowed. "I- I just thought that maybe Lucien was not Beron's offspring."

Y/n blinked. "And why is that?"

Sighing, Feyre slumped in her seat. "Y/n... I think Lucien was fathered by Helion."

Y/n laughed. But when no one laughed, Y/n looked around at them, the realisation that this was not a joke settling in.

"So you're not kidding. How long have you known?"

"Since the High Lord's meeting before the war."

Y/n stared at her sister in law before standing. "Who else knew?"

"Not me!" Nesta stood too, coming around to stand next to Y/n.

Despite the situation, Y/n nearly laughed.

"So everyone else?"

Feyre stared at Y/n, then turned her eyes to the cake in the center of the table. "I told Rhys, Mor found out through her powers."

Y/n hummed, her eyes going to the knife on the table.

Should I...

No.

Yes.

The knife was in Y/n's hand before she could blink, and in the next breath, she had stabbed it into the soft cake.

Both Feyre and Mor flinched, their wide eyes swinging to Y/n, who smiled at them, letting her powers show in her eyes.

People were now watching, so Y/n knew it best to keep it down and pretend nothing was wrong, but she also could not let it go as she leaned in.

"I hope you know Feyre, you might be family, but to me, my mate comes before my brother's, and I will not hesitate to show you exactly that." Y/n turned her head to glare at Mor. "He comes before anyone else, and withholding such important information from him was a very... not nice thing to do."

Y/n finally smiled again, wide, and straightened, looking as if nothing was wrong and she hadn't just threatened the high lady of the night court.

"See you later ladies. Maybe never." The last part Y/n mumbled under her breath, but she was almost sure they had still heard her.

She turned to Nesta, who smirked at her before the two walked off, leaving a very stunned crowd behind.

Lucien needs to know this.

After long moments of silent trekking toward Rhysand's newest house, Nesta spoke up.

"Did you mean it? The maybe never part?"

Y/n glanced at Nesta, then sighed as she wrapped her hand around Nesta's forearm. "I'm just so tired Nesta. Tired of them treating him like he not worth anything, like he's a child. Like he does not need to know anything unless it benefits them."

"I'm glad you're standing up for him. He certainly is a good male. He deserves someone like you."

Y/n nodded, smiling as the River house came into view. "I don't think I'll be able to avoid them forever, but maybe I'll try to be away for long enough that they understand I wasn't bluffing."

Nesta seemed to be lost in thought. "Do you think he will be okay when he finds out about his father?"

Y/n shook her head, worry starting to gnaw at her heart. "I don't know. I just hope he doesn't take it the wrong way."

Nesta nodded, patting Y/n's hand. "I'm sure he will live." Y/n let out a soft laugh at that. Trust Nesta to make her friends feel better. "Are you going to move to day court then? Because I don't think living in Velaris would be very fun after what just happened."

Y/n sighed, rubbing her eyes.

Guess we'll have to wait and see.

•○🌑○•

Poking her head into the living room, all Y/n found was her brother, hunched over as he put Nyx into his crib. Y/n frowned.

"Brother? You seen Lucien?"

He glanced at er as he straightened. "He is in the back yard with Cassian and Azriel."

Y/n blinked. "Oh."

Rhys smiled, walking over. "Have fun on your girls day?"

Y/n sighed. "You could say that."

His brows furrowed. "Did something happen?"

Y/n thought about it for a second, then decided to tell him just as the door to the house opened and Mor and Feyre stepped in.

"Can I have a word with you? In private."

•○🌑○•

"Look, I know my reaction was probably a little exaggerated, but-"

"I don't think it was."

Y/n stilled, looking at him from where she had been pacing in front of he desk he sat on. "You don't?"

"No."

Y/n blinked at her brother, dumbstruck.

"If I found you hid my mate's real parentage a secret from me, I would be mad too. Lucien has a right to know."

Y/n stared at him, then sighed, settling down into one of the chairs in front of him. "I just- it felt like a betrayal, knowing one of his closest friends kept such a big secret from him."

Rhys nodded, standing to round the table and walk over to Y/n. "I'm sorry I kept it from him too. I would have revealed it, but it felt somehow wrong to be one to disclose such important information when we weren't that close, and then Feyre also thought it best to keep it from him, and I didn't want to come in between the two of them."

Y/n had just opened her mouth to respond, but the door to the office opened. "Y/n?"

Lucien poked his head in, a huge smile splitting his face when his eyes me hers. She grinned back at him, a small widening of her lips.

"I'm tired, you want to go home?"

Y/n nodded, standing. She turned to Rhys, giving him a tight hug as she spoke directly into his mind.

See you later brother.

You're not mad at me?

Y/n grinned up at him, his eyes glittering as he looked down at his sister. No.

Thank the mother.

Y/n laughed as she pulled away, smacking his arm. She quickly leaned on her toes to kiss his cheek, then turned away, hurrying to where Lucien was waiting for her.

"Let's go home my love." By the smirk on Lucien's face, it was evident that he had something completely different in mind than what Y/n had planned.

Mother help me.

•○🌑○•

"Lucien?" Y/n called out as he began walking toward their bedroom, and he halted, glancing at her. The ponytail his hair had been gathered into swung around with him, and Y/n tracked its movements to avoid looking at him.

"Yes my love?"

With a deep breath, Y/n began. "I... have something to tell you. Do you want to know now or-"

"I'm listening." He smiled encouragingly, his eyes flirtatious.

Y/n shook her head fondly, walking over to wrap her arms around his neck. "It might ruin your mood."

He pulled her closer by the waist, resting his forehead on hers. "Then better tell me now, because then I can go to sleep and forget about it."

Y/n thought about it, then nodded. "I don't know how to begin though."

"Just tell me."

"Lucien..." Y/n sighed, closing her eyes. "Beron... he isn't your father."

Fuck.

•○🌑○•

Acotar Taglist: @bubybubsters @eos-princess @nightless @harrystylesfan2686 @cassie6392 @kennedy-brooke @tele86 @miluiel1 @hnyclover @minnieoo @sidrapotter @piceous21 @mybestfriendmademe @saltedcoffeescotch @eve175 @starsinyourseyes @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @byyalady

Lucien Vanserra Taglist: @mirandasidefics @fell-in-luvs @tele86

#acotar #Lucien x reader #Acotar fanfic #mating bond #a court of thorns and roses #Lucien fluff #acotar fandom #acotar series #fluff #Lucien fic #Lucien fanfic #sarah j maas #acotar headcanon #Acotar writing #acotar fluff #acotar x reader #reader insert #lucien vanserra #lucien acotar #pro lucien vanserra #rhysand sister #lucien

[illyrian-dreamer]

ACOTAR Masterlist

GIF by kennedy1917sworld

*(Indicates smut)

Azriel:

Changing Shadows (complete series):

Summary: You have a new role in the Inner Circle — Heard Guard of Velaris. And as Rhys’s younger sister, you feel you have a lot to prove. 

You and the Shadowsinger are also growing closer, and tension builds as your relationship changes from friendship to something else...

How will you juggle your feelings for Azriel and the dangers that come with your new role, without disappointing the rest of the Inner Circle and the Night Court?

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5* | Part 6* | Part 7* | Part 8 | Part 9* | Part 10 | Part 11* | Part 12* | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15* | Part 16* | Part 17* | Part 18* | Part 19* | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23* | Part 24 - Finale

Overwritten (complete series)

Summary: After months as his prisoner, Hybern has hijacked your mind, turning you into an enemy of your home, your family, and your mate, Azriel. 

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5* | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 - Finale

And Then There Were None

Summary: In the lead up to the war, Hybern releases a catastrophic spell that wipes out all humans, sparing just one.

Abandoned in the desolate human lands, you scavenge to survive long enough to find your family.

Reluctantly, you are found by the Shadowsinger as fate intervenes to guide you under his watchful eye.

Part 1 | Part 2

One shots:

A Shadowsinger’s intuition

Feel too much

Confessions at Starfall

Stay with me

Spin the bottle

In the arms of understanding*

Drabble:

Salad (fluff)

Cassian:

One shots:

Tides and turmoil

With benefits*

Remnants of a star

Azriel and Cassian:

Our Girl (series)

Summary: Deeming you unfit for a mission, the Inner Circle have betrayed your trust and shattered your life’s mission to avenge you sister. And the two males you love most were at the centre of it all.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4* | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9

Rhys:

Series

Dance with the devil

Summary: You attempt to rob the High Lord of the Night Court.

Part 1 |

One shots:

Two lessons in one*

Make a bargain with me

Bat boys:

Drabble:

Bat boys react to being called ‘bro’*

Brat taming bat boys *

Lucien: 

Frozen Flames (series)

Summary: After fifty years trapped Under the Mountain, you struggle to adjust to your new found freedom as Kallias’s third-in-charge to the Winter Court.

In an unlikely circumstance, you meet Lucien Vanserra.

As you and Lucien grow closer, dealing with the loss of your mother and trauma from Amarantha’s reign proves harder than you thought. How will you start to trust and love again?

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5* | Part 6* | Part 7 | Part 8

Eris

One shots:

Conditions of entry*

Comment to join the tag list :)

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Sarah J Maas, not my own.

#acotar #azriel x reader #azriel acotar #rhysand #rhysand x sister #rhysand x reader #cassian acotar #rhysand sister #acotarfanfic #mating bond #a court of thorns and roses #acotar angst #acotar fluff #acotar fandom #acotar series #fluff #angst #azriel fanfic #sarah j maas #acotar headcanon #acotar smut #acotar writing #acotar x reader #reader insert #eris #eris vanserra #Lucien #lucien vanserra #lucien vanserra series #cazriel series

[florencemtrash]

The Shadowsinger and the Inkbird — Chapter 16 sneak peek

Lucien looked back and forth between you two, focusing on the blush of your cheeks and the wetness in your eyes and the thinly veiled adoration in Azriel’s face now that you were looking back at him. A sick, knowing feeling had been building inside of him throughout dinner, but he’d repressed it. He couldn’t repress it any longer. No. Absolutely not. There’s no way. There’s no fucking way. He let his shock flow through the bond and looked to Elain for confirmation. Please tell me I’m wrong. He begged silently. Anyone but him. Literally anyone but him. They’d yet to accept the bond, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t read each other like an open book. And right now Lucien was doing nothing to hide his seething temper.  Elain bit her pale, pink lips and nodded, confirming what he already suspected. Then, in a move of silent permission, she slid her chair six inches away from Azriel’s until she was practically sharing a seat with Nesta. 

Author's note: WHO THE FUCK IS READY FOR LUCIEN VANSERRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?!!!!

Chapter 16 will be up tomorrow evening! And it's another long one! (7k words!)

The Shadowsinger & The Inkbird: Masterlist

Masterlist of Masterlists

^^ how Lucien is about to be

#azriel x reader #azriel x reader slowburn #azriel x reader angst #azriel x y/n #azriel x you #azriel x lucien vanserra's sister #azriel x day court reader #the shadowsinger and the inkbird #y'all i had such a fun time writing this chapter i hope you like it! #lucien vanserra has my entire heart #literally the whole thing

[mamadoe]

🍁 The Forgotten Sister Masterlist

ACOTAR OC // Althea, youngest daughter of the Autumn Court

Also on AO3!

WC || 38k - Ongoing but hibernating last updated feb 2023

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 To Be Continued

#the forgotten sister #masterlist #my masterlist #acotar #acotar fanfic #acotar oc #althea vanserra #vanserra sister #fanfic

[serpentandlily]

Sly Fox, Dumb Bunny II

Sly Fox, Dumb Bunny II - Eris x Archeron!Reader

Summary: You find yourself ensnared by a sly, cunning fox. A very handsome, irritating one.

Warnings: none

a/n: sorry for the long wait with this one! Hope you guys like it!

Part I

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

You slipped into the private library in the House of Wind, humming slightly to yourself. The faint scent of crackling embers and something else indiscernible met your nose as the door slammed shut behind you but you brushed it off, figuring it must've come from the fireplace on the other side of the large room. 

You meandered to the section that was filled with romance books—the ones Nesta had made sure to stock up on ever since she became the owner of this place along with Cassian. You brushed your fingers against the spines of the books, pulling out some that had interesting titles and stacking them in your arms. 

A Heart Ablaze.

The Prince of Fire.

Your skirt flitted against the tops of your boots as you walked. You bit your lip, pulling out another book. This one titled, The Flames that Bind Us. You’d read it before but it was one of your favorites. 

“You should be a bit more aware of your surroundings, bunny. You have no idea what sort of monsters are lurking around.”

You gasped, jumping in fright and dropping your stack of books to place a hand on your chest. You whirled around with a wildly beating heart. 

You had recognized the voice immediately but you were still taken aback to see Eris lounging in one of the armchairs by the fireplace. He was sprawled out in the chair like it was his throne, a glass of whiskey in one hand and his other lightly stroking the soft velvet of the armrest. His red hair gleamed the same color as the burning flames behind him. 

Your gaze dipped to his chest, to his cream colored tunic that had a few buttons undone, exposing the silver layered jewelry resting against his chest. He wore dark brown breeches, perfectly tailored for his long legs and brown riding boots. How he managed to make such casual clothing look elegant and refined was beyond you. 

When you met his eyes again, those devastating amber eyes, Eris gave you a fox-like grin that looked anything but friendly. 

“What are you doing here?” you asked as you bent down to pick up the books you had dropped. You held them against your chest like a shield. 

“That is no way to address a Lord,” Eris purred. 

You huffed, fighting the urge to roll your eyes.

“Apologies, my Lord,” you replied, sarcastically. “What a delight it is to see you again. What brings you to our humble court?”

Eris’s eyebrows rose in amusement. 

“If you must know, I’m here for a meeting with your High Lord and Lady,” Eris said. “Pray tell, what are you doing here, bunny?” 

His eyes darted to the books in your arms and you blushed, trying to discreetly cover the titles. Eris didn’t need to know your reading preferences. 

“If you must know,” you said, mocking him, “I live here.” 

You split time between here and the River House. Mostly because Nesta had once accused you of favoring Feyre. You hated nothing more than to be used as a pawn against your sisters. But being the youngest, your role in the family oftentimes required you playing mediator between your siblings. Sometimes, messenger too. 

“Poor little bunny,” Eris teased. “Locked up here in a cage.” 

“Stop calling me that!”

You glared at the handsome Lord, hating the way that made him seem even more amused. 

Eris said nothing, just twirled the glass in his hands as his eyes assessed you. You felt the hairs on your arms stand up, felt a chill run down your spine at his look. His smirk never left his face. You were quite sure he had been born wearing it. 

“Don’t you normally meet with Rhys and Feyre in Hewn City?” you asked, unable to take the silence. You should probably leave, but something kept your feet glued to the floor. 

Eris shrugged. “Sure, when our business involves Keir.” 

He spat out the older male’s name with disgust. 

“I’m surprised they didn’t order you to stay in your room knowing I was here,” he continued, his amusement back once more. “Can’t let the little bunny be ensnared by a fox again.”

His grin was more of a display of teeth. It did nothing to quell your nerves. 

“They never tell me anything,” you murmured, annoyed.

Your lips slammed shut when one of Eris’s eyebrows raised, like you had just unknowingly passed along information you shouldn’t have. 

The doors to the library slammed open and you jumped, sucking in a breath at the sudden noise. Azriel stormed in, his eyes narrowed at Eris. You suddenly felt tense, sensing the way the energy seemed to shift in the room. He stopped once he was in front of you, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

“What are you doing here?” he hissed at the redhead. “You’re supposed to be waiting for Rhys and Feyre in the war room.” 

Eris didn’t seem frightened in the slightest, unlike most fae did when staring down the shadowsinger.

He plucked a piece of lint from his tunic, unbothered. “Apologies, shadowsinger. I got lost.” 

You doubted that and by Azriel’s growl, you realized he did too. He turned to look down at you, his lips pressed in a straight line with a stern look. 

“Go,” Azriel barked, nodding his head towards the door. You bristled at the command, as if you were a dog he could order around.

But it was Eris who stood to his full height and snarled, “Don’t speak to her like that.” 

Your eyes widened in surprise. You stepped out from around Azriel to see Eris staring down the shadowsinger. You swore the flames in the fireplace grew, the crackling of the wood the only thing breaking the tense silence. 

You shifted on your feet, clearing your throat as the temperature rose—Azriel’s shadows growing with it. You placed a hand on Azriel’s shoulder, trying to calm him.

“I’ll leave,” you said softly, glancing up at Eris but his focus was on your hand touching Azriel, a muscle in his jaw ticking.

“It was lovely speaking to you again, my Lord,” you said, sarcastically, bowing your head at Eris. At the sound of your voice, you watched as Eris’s mask slipped right back into place, all the tension leaving his body. 

His gaze met yours and he shot you his infamous fox-like grin. “Indeed, Lady.” 

Azriel growled, lowly, and that was your sign to leave. You scurried out of the room, ignoring the butterflies in your stomach—the ones that had been there since the moment you laid eyes on the handsome Lord of Fire.

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

It had taken a lot of persuasion on your part, but you had finally talked Rhys and Feyre into letting you have more of a role in their court. They had decided to let you shadow Lucien as an emissary, but so far the only place you had gone with him to was the human realm—not that you minded.

You were currently in the deserted manor that Vassa, Jurian and Lucien were now living in since the end of the war. You had just had a meeting and dinner with them, but out of politeness, had offered to clean up which left you in the kitchen alone, scrubbing dishes. You supposed you could’ve used magic, but decided on doing it the only way you knew how: the human way.

“I thought I smelt a bunny in here.”

You let out a squeak of surprise, dropping the plate you were drying back into the filled basin. Water and soap splashed all around you, speckling the smock you wore over your dress and the counter. 

You yanked a small hand towel free and began to blot at the water spots as you whirled around to face Eris. The grin he wore only infuriated you even more. 

“Must you always sneak up on me?” you grumbled, tossing the towel back on the counter. 

“You need to be more aware of your surroundings, bunny,” Eris purred. 

“Oh, for Gods’ sake, stop calling me that!” 

“Perhaps when it stops to suit you so well.”

“It doesn’t suit me now,” you argued back. “I am not some little bunny.” 

“Are you sure about that?” Eris took a step towards you but something about his demeanor made you mirror his step backwards, your backside hitting the counter behind you. His grin sharpened at your movement.

“Are you scared of me, bunny?”

Your cheeks flushed, your heart skipped a beat in your chest. 

“N-no,” you stuttered. 

He took a step closer, that fox-like grin still on his face.

“Really?” Eris mocked. “You seem quite scared.” 

“You tend to have that effect on everybody.” 

“Do I?” 

You knew he was teasing you, but it didn’t stop your heart from pounding nor did it do anything to quell the butterflies in your stomach. He was close enough now that you had to tilt your head back to look up at him. You had almost forgotten how tall he truly was.

You nodded, losing your voice as he took another step closer.

“And why is that?” 

You cleared your throat, your hands finding the edge of the counter behind you so you could brace yourself. “It probably has to do with your reputation.” 

“I have a reputation?”

The question sounded more like a joke on his tongue. Eris raised his eyebrows at you in suggestion and you swallowed audibly. 

He took another step closer, now easily within reach of you. The hairs on the back of your neck stood up, a small tremble shook your legs. But it wasn’t an unpleasant feeling. It was more like anticipation. But for what? That was the part you couldn’t figure out. 

“You know you do,” you said, narrowing your eyes. “You’ve gone to great lengths to make sure of it.” 

Something inside of you could see the mask Eris liked to wear. Another step closer and you could feel the heat coming from his body. It seemed to reach out to you, like standing near a warm fire. Your body softened in response. 

“You’re right. I have,” Eris cooed. “But I don’t care about everyone. I want to know if you are scared of me.”

He was so close now, only inches away from you, his handsome face looming over you. The sun setting caused a golden hue to stream through the window, making his crimson hair shine like molten metal.

“No,” you whispered, your head now fully tilted up to look at him. “But I think…I think I should be.” 

Based on everything you had been told about him, at least. 

Eris’s eyes darkened as he gazed down at you. The silence was thick, the tension in your body heightened. You were captive to his stare—to those whiskey amber eyes. Something ached terribly in your chest. 

Eris reached out a hand, hooking some of your hair behind a pointed ear. He leaned down, resting his hands on the counter behind you, caging you in. It almost seemed as if he was going to kiss you but instead his mouth landed by your ear.

“You’re right, bunny,” he purred. “You should be.” 

A chill ran down your spine as Eris stood back up. He seemed to relish in the way your body had responded to him, his grin turning smug and haughty. You should step away from him. Logically, you knew you should move. But something kept your feet ensnared—just like that day in the library. 

His stare held an intensity that made your mouth dry. Something loomed beneath–the weight of all the secrets he seemed to keep. Your eyes were a stark contrast to his. Wide and full of every emotion that ran through you, no deception to be found. 

Footsteps coming towards the door to the kitchen broke whatever spell you had been under. In a blink of an eye, Eris was almost on the other side of the room, his back resting against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest.

The doors pushed open and Lucien walked in. He paused on the threshold, his eyes narrowing on his brother before they drifted to you. He looked you up and down, as if he was inspecting you for damage. Seeming content that you were in one piece, he glanced warily at Eris. 

He rolled his eyes at his brother’s grin. 

“Leave Y/n alone,” Lucien grumbled. “She doesn’t like your little games. Come, you requested a meeting with me. Let’s get this over with so I take her home.” 

He nodded his head towards the door before leaving Eris to follow him. Eris gave you one last parting look on his way out. A look that would linger in your mind for the following weeks. 

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

The Dawn Court was radiant and you couldn’t stop spinning in circles, taking in the opalescent golden stone palace, grand staircases and ornate archways. Morning glories wrapped around pillars, drooping wisterias hung from every railing. It was beautiful, breathtaking. You could hardly believe your eyes.

You smoothed down the skirt of your midnight blue ball gown, feeling slightly out of place amongst all the pretty pastel colors of the Dawn Court. It was the first time you’d been out of the Night Court, besides that slight, accidental trip to Autumn. 

Later today, you would be meeting with the rest of the High Lords, as well as Vassa and her court to discuss a peace treaty. Rhys had insisted on bringing you despite Feyre’s hesitation. But he had made the point that the humans might take more kindly to someone familiar, someone who used to be like them. 

Nesta had been the first choice, but she and Cassian were still away on their mating vacation. Elain had been set to come today instead of you until Rhys had found out that Lord Nolan and Graysen would be attending the meeting and thus, Elain was spared the uncomfortable reunion and you were put in her place.

Not that you were complaining. You were excited to finally be involved.

The courtier from Dawn led your group to the suite your court would be staying in. It was carved from sunstone, with a lavish sitting area and private dining room—all decorated beautifully with jewel-toned fabrics and cushions stacked along the thick carpet. Bird cages hung from the ceiling in the corner of the room, right next to a large window that overlooked the countryside.

Once the courtier left, Rhys was quick to throw up several wards around the room. “Don’t get too comfortable yet. Eris is slipping by to meet before the official gathering.”

Mor groaned and plopped down on a settee, throwing her arm over her eyes. 

“Perhaps you’d like to go rest for a spell in your room, Y/n?” Your sister suggested.

You saw her words for what they were though. They didn’t want you around when Eris came. You might’ve tried to argue against it but decided to not push your luck today. They were already letting you come to the meeting.

You gave her a small nod and disappeared into one of the rooms. Still feeling a bit nauseated from all the winnowing, you laid down on the soft bed and drifted off into a mid afternoon nap. 

It only felt like a second had gone by when you eventually woke. You cursed as you looked out the small bay window, seeing the sun far lower than it had been when you had fallen asleep. You rose quickly and smoothed out your hair and dress. 

You sat down at a small vanity and touched up your makeup before finally leaving your room, not even checking if they were still in a meeting with Eris or not, not wanting to be late.

Your door creaked open and several heads twisted your way—including a very handsome one with flaming red hair. You blinked in surprise, your cheeks turning a bit pink at the sudden attention.

“My apologies,” you murmured, embarrassed. “I didn’t know we still had company.”

Your eyes darted to your sister, hoping she wasn’t upset with you, but Feyre’s face didn’t falter. Her eyes only softened as she looked at you. “It’s okay, we’re almost done here anyways.” 

Eris shot up suddenly, knocking his chair back.

“What is she doing here?” he hissed. 

Your eyes widened in shock, taken aback by both his words and his tone. Rhys’s eyebrows raised and Feyre frowned at the redhead.

“What does it matter to you?” Rhys asked, his face carefully blank. 

Eris scoffed and straightened out the sleeves of his coat. The frazzled look in his eye flickered away and his perfectly crafted mask was back in place. “It matters little to me. But considering you’ve gone to such lengths keeping her hidden, I’m surprised you’d allow her here knowing who will be at this meeting. My father is going to be displeased to know that you have not three but four Made females residing in your court now. It might make him…less agreeable.”   

“You think having her here is going to cause problems with your father?”

“I know having her here is going to cause problems with my father.” 

You bristled at the way you were being spoken about as if you weren't standing in the very same room as them. 

“Why should we care about your father’s feelings on the matter?” Azriel spat out, crossing his arms. 

“You want him to sign your little peace treaty, do you not?” Eris sneered at Azriel, his tone full of condescension. 

“We also need the humans to agree upon the treaty,” Feyre cut in. “And Y/n has been working with your brother as an emissary to gain their trust. Since Lucien cannot be here, it is vital that she is present at this meeting.” 

“You're delusional if you think it’s going to be harder to get the humans to sign the treaty than my father,” Eris said in that haughty tone of his. “He still thinks about that kernel of power you took from him. Power is all that matters to him and having all four made sisters in your court is going to be an issue in his eyes.” 

“We have other ways to entice your father,” Rhys said with a shrug.

You were still taken aback, unable to even form words to leave your mouth. You hadn’t been aware that your presence would cause such drama. You were nothing. No one. Just another Archeron sister. You didn’t even have powers outside the normal High Fae ones, like summoning things and winnowing. 

You didn’t miss the blink of fear that passed through Eris’s eyes, but no one else seemed to catch it. He still stood, his palms now pressed against the table separating him from the rest of your court. 

“Why is it that no one knows about her, anyways?” he asked. “Why is it that all reports only mention the other two sisters being put in the Cauldron and not Y/n?”

A shiver ran down your spine at the sound of your name on his lips. But whatever feeling that was passed as a memory of that horrid day came at the reminder of the Cauldron. 

“Put the little one in first,” the King of Hybern ordered, smugly, as he kept eye contact with Feyre. She was pleading with him to let you go. Pleading and begging with her own life. You knew why he chose you to go in first. He knew that it would cause Feyre more grief, more stress.

The feeling of hands all over you as you fought against your binds. Hands that were dragging you closer and closer to the huge Cauldron that sat in the middle of the room. You were screaming through your gag. Tears were streaming down your face. 

You could even hear your sister’s ex lover demanding the King put a stop to this. 

“She is just a girl, a child,” someone in the room hissed. “Stop this!”

And you supposed you were—especially to the fae. You were almost seventeen, your birthday falling on the Autumn equinox, when both day and night were equal lengths. It was all you kept thinking about as you were dragged to the Cauldron.

Four months.

Four months until Autumn. 

And then you had been pushed underneath the dark water and your humanity had been stripped away from you.

Your heart was pounding at the thought of that day, of everything that had happened afterwards. Eris’s eyes flickered to you for a moment and you got the sense that he almost knew where your mind had drifted. Feyre gave you a look of concern. 

It struck you now that it had been three years since that day. 

Three years.

Three years since your life had been forever changed.

“Your contacts must not be very good at their jobs,” Rhys said in answer to Eris’s question. But you were also pondering it. Why is it that most of Prythian did not know of your existence? Why is it that the reports of that day only ever mention Nesta and Elain?

Eris didn’t look like he believed Rhysand either. 

“Fine, whatever, I don’t have time to argue with you. My father is expecting me back any moment now,” Eris finally said, standing to his full height. His gaze drifted to you for a second before he glared down at Rhys. 

“Send her away,” he spoke through his teeth and then he winnowed away, leaving only crackling embers in his wake. 

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

a/n: I got a lil inspired by that tiktok audio that’s like “I’m spooky? Do you think I’m spooky?” or whatever for the kitchen scene if you couldn’t tell haha. I hope this second part did not disappoint! So sorry for how long you guys had to wait to read it!

Tag list: @dwkfan @pinksmellslikelove @vellichor01 @whatdoyxumean @minnieoo @hnyclover @daughterofthemoons-stuff @ferrarisbitch @thaynarajejheje @honeysuckle-daydreams13 @the-sweet-psycho

*If you asked to be on the taglist and you don't see your username, tumblr wouldn't let me tag you for some reason :(

#acotar #acotar fanfiction #acotar x reader #acotar x you #eris fanfic #eris x y/n #eris x you #eris vanserra #eris x reader #eris acotar #autumn court #archeron sisters

[sydneymack]

A Court of Thorns and Roses Characters

Artist: @natserpiece

#feysand #feyre archeron #rhysand #nessian #nesta archeron #cassian #elriel #elain archeron #azriel #amren #mor #morrigan #lucien vanserra #tamlin #acotar #sjmaas #bat boys #archeron sisters

[acotar-taylorsversion]

Thoughts and Takes As I Re-Read the ACOTAR Series

This is extremely long and I have been typing it for weeks now. These are just my thoughts and I am typing them as I go. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it and maybe we can agree on most things. I would really love to hear everyone else's thoughts, too! 🙂

I don't feel like people blame papa archeron nearly as much as they should. It should not have been any of the sisters' responsibility to do what Feyre did. And after reading Nesta's POV, I don't blame Nesta for being so cold and hateful towards her father.

Lucien annoyed me so much in ACOTAR so much so that it was hard to like him in ACOMAF but I really tried to like him and give him a chance when Sarah made him Elain's mate and I realized that he could have a big role in ACOWAR.

I believe Tamlin had his redemption arc in ACOWAR when he saved Feyre and Az when they were rescuing Elain and then again when he saved Rhys. But I don't think Sarah will explore his story and she might be keeping him alive right now so that he can die at the right time.

After what Tamlin did to her and then allying with Hybern, I don't blame Feyre for ruining his court. He deserved it.

I don't think Ianthe suffered enough and I think that Nesta or Elain should have been the ones to have killed her.

Elain and Az were obvious to me in ACOMAF, just like Nesta and Cassian were and I was truly truly shocked when sarah made Lucien Elain's mate. I believe that there is so much more to that night than we know about and we'll learn about it when we get to Elain & Az's POVs. I believe that the bloodbane in Az's blood was killing him and nullified any bond that could have been there even before Elain was turned. Az was shot with the arrow before they went up to the throne room and that is why Lucien showed signs of mate behavior once Elain showed up. I believe the cauldron was wrong.

That being said, I tried to give Lucien a chance in ACOWAR and he just gave me the ick when talking about Elain. It didn't feel right to hear him say that he wanted to "see if she was worth it." Like she should already be worth it. Don't hesitate. I just did not see it at all.

I think that LoA will be the one to kill Beron. Don't know why, but I just feel that she will lose it and run to Helion.

Sarah had every opportunity to set Elucien up and she didn't. I believe she set them up for failure from the get-go. She instead focused on Elain and Az. I could do an entirely separate post about Elain, Lucien, and Az.

I believe Mor and Eris are mates, especially after what was said in ACOSF. I believe that he knows that she prefers females and wanted to save her from a loveless, unsatisfying marriage. I do think that he handled it wrong. Like that whole situation could have been handled so much better.

I think the whole Mor, Az, and Cassian situation was extremely weird. And now that Cassian is with Nesta and Az could possibly be with Elain, maybe Mor can finally move on and be free and not hide anything anymore. I wish that Mor would have talked to Nesta in ACOSF and explained and apologized for everything. Maybe she'll sit both the sisters down and talk about it one day.

I think Amren and Varian are cute together, but I think Amren should have stayed dead. Sarah is notorious for killing and then unkilling her characters and I think that gets old. I believe that sarah brought her back as a way to keep the summer court involved with the night court and to have a "know it all" character.

I think that Feyre and Rhys have a true, soul mate, true love, fairytale mating bond and I think Nesta and Cassian have a more realistic one. Feyre and Rhys fell in love before the bond was accepted and Nesta and Cassian were just beginning to fall in love before the bond was accepted. Lust and attraction and the pull of the bond is what truly brought them together but they quickly fell in love with each other.

I hate all the hate that Nessian is getting. People who say that Nesta should get with Eris literally make me sick and I want to throw ACOSF at them. They obviously need a to read it again. People need to realize that Nesta was in the wrong in HOFAS and Rhys had every right to freak out like he did and Nesta needed to be yelled at for that. I don't blame Cassian for not stepping in. And people forget how sarcastic Nesta is and they actually take her seriously when she said that Rhys debated executing her. Like do yall really think Cassian and Feyre would allow that or that Rhys would do that to his brother and his mate?? Like come on now.

Speaking of Rhys, I don't think he was wrong for keeping the danger of feyre's pregnancy from her. As a mother of 3 myself, I would be terrified every single day if I knew that my pregnancy could end with the death of myself and/or my baby. Like I would not want to know. Pregnancy is stressful enough as it is, even with healthy ones. And this is why I don't think he was wrong for freaking out on Nesta. I mean, he almost lost his mate, his son, and his life like what, 6 months before that? Like I can't imagine how scared Rhys is every day knowing that he almost lost everything and then Nesta gave a STRANGER a MADE OBJECT from the trove and could have LOST IT to the ASTERI who could have come to their world and DESTROYED them all. GIVE RHYS A BREAK YOU GUYS!!!!! I love Nesta, love her to death, but she was wrong for that.

I have my thoughts on Gwyn. I think she's a lightsinger. I think that is what Az's shadows react to, just like Nesta reacts to her. I don't think her and Az are mates. I don't think she's attracted to Az at all. I think she wants to prove herself to him because he did see her on the most traumatic night of her life. I think she wants to prove to him and everyone around her that she is and can be strong. That's it. There is nothing more to her and Az other than trainer and trainee. I also think that Merrill is the one manipulating everything and everyone, including Gwyn who might not know that she's a lightsinger. I think Merrill is working with Koschei.

Even after all the books, I still believe that Elriel will happen. There's just too many canon moments for me to ignore to see the possibility of Elucien. I only say elucien because gwynriel isn't a canon couple. They are not canon at all. The only thing that elucien has going for them is their bond.

I think Lucien will reject the bond for Elain. Lucien isn't a bad guy. I don't think he'll fight for Elain when he knows that she does not want him or their bond. He won't let Elain become his mother. I think he will find happiness with Vassa and they will be like Elide and Lorcan.

I believe people who support elucien only care about Lucien. I mean, how could you think that Elain wants to be with him after reading the books?

Based on the story of Koschei, it's not crazy to assume it will be 3 sisters and 3 brothers. Sarah is a very predictable writer and this is what most of the fandom has expected since ACOMAF and Koschei being the last big bad confirms that. Especially when you add in Vassa and Lucien into the mix. Just read the story of Koschei and tell me I'm wrong.

I believe that Az is experiencing the effects of a mating bond with Elain. He acts more like her mate than Lucien does and there's canon proof of this.

I believe the only reason Rhys stopped Az and Elain that night was because 1. he was convinced he would die with Feyre when she gave birth and didn't want his court to be in this war with the autumn court and 2. he is a political figure and he is using elain's bond as leverage with lucien. I believe that if Elain expresses to him how she wants to reject the bond, he would support it and accept Elain and Az.

I hate how everyone focuses on Gwyn and forgets about Emerie. I don't understand why people think Gwyn would be involved with the Illyrians. She is not Ilyrian and even though she finished the blood rite, she has said she does not want that illyrian warrior title. After what she went through during the rite, I don't see her being involved with them in any way. I do believe we will hear about Emerie doing something more like that. She could be an inspiration to Ilyrian females. Speaking of the Valkyries, I don't think they should have won the blood rite. It was very unbelievable. It would have been more believable if they had hid the entire time and waited for Cassian to come find them when the week was over.

Speaking Gwyn again, I think most of her fans overhype her too much. I like Gwyn and I'm glad that Nesta has her as a friend because she needed that. But I don't think we'll ever get her POV. I mean, we heard her story. We know what happened to her and we know pretty much everything about her. We know that she doesn't want that warrior title and she went back to the library not even sure about going to Nesta's mating ceremony. I think her fans forget this. I think they see her as a self insert character. I think they over sexualize her way too much. I'm not saying that SA survivors can't have a sex life so don't come at me. I just don't think she's going to want to be tied up with ribbons while Az holds her down and "ravages" her. The same male who seen what she went through that night. That just makes me uncomfortable. I think Gwyn would be embarrassed by the majority of her fans.

I will another post about that bonus chapter because there is so much to discuss.

I hate the amount of hate Elain gets and the side of the fandom that hates her does not deserve her. There is so much to learn about her and her powers and what goes on in her mind and I can't wait for her book.

I also think that papa archeron unknowingly traded Elain and/or Feyre and Nesta in his deal with Koschei for Vassa's temporary release.

I don't understand how people could hate feysand or any other members of the inner circle. In my opinion, if you hate them then why are you reading the series?? Why are you still here?

I don't think that sarah will make Nesta or Elain an actual queen or high lady. I think that Rhys and Feyre will always be more powerful than them and I think they will be High King and High Queen when the series is over. I can't see sarah making the sisters having the same amount of power or say as much as Feyre. She has always been above them. That has been obvious since the beginning because she's always protected them and taken care of them.

If you guys remember my other posts, then you will know my thoughts on how I think the rest of the series will go. Like elriel, vassien, koschei, the queens, the prison, the dusk court, the trove, all that. Elain and Nesta are the keys and Vassa should be the one to destroy Koschei. Rhys and Feyre will be High King and High Queen with nessian and elriel at their sides and everyone lives happily ever after.

What do you guys think?

#acotar #nesta archeron #cassian #nessian #elain archeron #elriel #pro elriel #azriel shadowsinger #feysand #archeron sisters #rhysand #feyre archeron #gwyneth berdara #lucien vanserra #vassa acotar

[throneofsmut]

BOUND IN FLAMES - Part 1

Eris Vanserra x Archeron-Sister- Reader

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

Author Notes: This fic is inspired by one of my kintober works with Eris and I have no idea where is this gonna go. So it’ll still be based on acotar but i’ll be putting my own twist on the plot. And just a heads up i haven’t reread acotar in like a year and a half or written anything like this in a couple years so i really hope you guys like it and i will try to post part 2 as soon as i can. And im gonna start working on part 1 of the Azriel fic in my masterlist and post it soon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Its chest didn’t rise again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She tried to pin you with her gaze, letting her anger show but she always forgot that while she was angry you were the embodiment of rage. And unlike her you could back it up. Whenever money and food was really scarce you'd go to a tavern on the other side of the wall known for fights. It wasn't hard for your family to put it together when you'd come back days later with some coin and bloody, bruised knuckles. Sometimes a busted lip or a cut eyebrow.

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

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

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

“Y/n!”

“What?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For other parts: Bound In Flames Series Masterlist

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

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

#a court of thorns and roses #acotar #acotar fanfiction #acotar smut #feyre archeron #nesta archeron #elain archeron #archeron sisters #eris vanserra #eris vanserra acotar #eris vanserra fanfic #eris vanserra smut #eris vanserra x reader #bound in flames