#Archeron sisters

[popjunkie42]

sirens in the beat of your heart (read on AO3)

A humble offering for @nestaarcheronweek 2024! This is for @witch-and-her-witcher who is my fearless beta and takes all my writer whining in stride!

Nesta watched Feyre breathe, watched the tension in her with some queasy feeling. At how quickly tempers still flared between them.

So different from her Valkyrie sisters. They were a unit, complements to each other. Unlike the Archeron sisters, always discordant foils to one another. An ongoing play of hurts and scores and changing allegiances that tore at them all.

The specter that was between them: sleeping but still present, of jealousy. Of hunger. Of two skinny, vicious girls scrabbling for whatever was left on the table. Teaching themselves not to need love from the inhospitable desert that was their family.

Feyre took deep breaths until her muscles relaxed, just a little.

Or: Nesta and Feyre try out a bit of their new relationship post-ACOSF.

Behind the cut or Read on AO3.

It wasn’t the dull, constant thud of knives in wood that drove Nesta to the roof.

The truth was she couldn’t sleep, feeling a restlessness inside of her that had her lacing up her boots and leaving Cassian alone, sprawled out on their oversized bed.

The House of Wind was silent at night, except for the wind that sometimes howled outside, the cold stone air smelling crisp and mingling with the ash of dead fires from the evening. Nesta moved quietly, reluctant to break the stillness, heading towards the roof for a breath of fresh air.

At the first noise she had tensed, reaching for a knife that wasn’t at her side, but quickly relaxed when she saw the familiar lazy braid of her sister.

The night sky hung over the training ring like a dome, the jeweled stars of the Night Court sparkling overhead. It was a cold night, for spring, and a chill wind whipped across the stone, masking her footsteps.

Feyre was in leathers that looked a size too tight, thrown on hastily. Her youngest sister was never one to shy away from the casual or practical but tonight she looked…disheveled. Light hairs were whipping out of her braid, a halo of fine, frizzy hair framing her forehead and temples. Her boots were thrown on without being laced. She stumbled in them as she leaned forward for a throw.

There was also the fact that she was flinging knives, alone, at almost three in the morning. At someone else’s house.

Only one knife was lodged in the painted wood target, others littered around it. As Feyre released another blade, the wind kicked up and blew the dagger wide.

“Shit,” she muttered into the night.

“Your stance is crooked,” Nesta observed, walking up behind her before she could grab another blade.

Her sister gasped a little and whirled around, revealing a blotchy red face, blue eyes puffy with tears.

“Nesta,” she said, sounding guilty. Feyre quickly wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. “Did I wake you up? I’m sorry. I just — I didn’t want to wake anyone at home and I thought it would be quieter —”

“You didn’t wake me. What’s wrong?” Nesta’s mind ran through the options — she wouldn’t be here if something happened to Nyx, and to be alone— “What did he do?” she asked, ready to draw blood.

Feyre laughed in exasperation, sniffling. “Rhys didn’t do anything. I’m fine.”

She turned away, and another knife flew through the air, silent and fast, missing the target by an inch and clattering on the ground amidst a dozen other failed attempts.

“You need to loosen your shoulders.”

“Thanks.” Her voice was clipped, her back stiff. Nesta wondered if she had been hoping for Cassian to be the one to find her. “Do you want me to leave? You can use the ring or whatever you came to do.”

Another knife thudded against the wood, hitting the target but failing to find purchase. Feyre avoided Nesta’s eyes. She swallowed, sorting through the maze of Feyre’s emotions.

If her little sister thought she could hide her avoidance, or if Nesta wouldn’t rise to uncomfortable confrontation, she was sorely mistaken.

“Feyre,” Nesta demanded. That unsettled feeling was only growing, as Feyre’s magic seemed to crackle and hum in front of her. Like her emotions were a storm about to spill out of her body. Nesta hadn’t woken up tonight prepared to deal with this emotional powderkeg.

The way Feyre’s eyes grew cold, like she retreated in on herself, and the stubborn jut of her chin made her look so young. This was the Feyre she was used to tearing apart over a worn dining table — raw with anger and a little self righteousness, fear and cruelty simmering just underneath.

Someone she hadn’t seen in a while, under Feyre the Cursebreaker, under the High Lady.

“I was just stressed, all right? I couldn’t sleep.”

“So you came here to lose all our knives?”

Feyre went stiff.

Her own wisps of wind cast out and gathered the knives, scraping over the stone and into a gently swirling cloud she brought back to the small table beside her. “Maybe I just wanted to throw things. Maybe I don’t care if they hit or not.”

Nesta didn’t know what to say. So she grabbed a knife and stepped up to her sister.

“We don’t have to talk if you don’t want to.” Maybe she could call Cassian. Her stomach sank a bit at the thought, the guilt. Maybe Cassian would be better at this, maybe he wouldn’t fumble and stomp his way through Feyre’s mess of emotions.

Thunk. The tip of Nesta’s knife buried into a bullseye.

Feyre huffed.

This time when her sister stood she anchored her back foot, setting the other in front, bouncing her wrist to feel the weight in her hand.

She pulled back her arm, stepped forward and they both watched as the knife went short, skidding loudly across the stone.

“Your stance is too tight. You need to loosen up your back a little, let your arm go.”

Feyre grunted, her lip curling up in a little angry sneer.

“Hey. Look at me.”

The eyes that met hers were like a beast in the forest.

There was her feral little sister. For a while now she had been the cool High Lady, the head of her house, the responsible sister. To see her old anger flare up again startled Nesta.

They were both far too powerful now to let it get the better of them.

“Take a deep breath. Just like me. And hold. Ready?” Nesta exaggerated the swell of her lungs, the lift of her shoulders. Cold night air filled her chest and she felt her feet ground into the stone, like she was an extension of the mountain.

Feyre fought her at first. She had to close her eyes to take in the deep breaths and let go.

“Let your thoughts come to you, whatever’s on your mind. Just let them fill you and then pass through. Keep breathing.”

Nesta watched Feyre breathe, watched the tension in her with some queasy feeling. At how quickly tempers still flared between them.

So different from her Valkyrie sisters. They were a unit, complements to each other. Unlike the Archeron sisters, always discordant foils to one another. An ongoing play of hurts and scores and changing allegiances that tore at them all.

The specter that was between them: sleeping but still present, of jealousy. Of hunger. Of two skinny, vicious girls scrabbling for whatever was left on the table. Teaching themselves not to need love from the inhospitable desert that was their family.

Feyre took deep breaths until her muscles relaxed, just a little.

“I’m sorry. I know you’re trying to help,” she finally said.

Nesta’s voice was as cold as ice. “I think maybe we spent so long fighting over scraps, and now it’s hard to remember —”

“That there’s enough?”

Nesta nodded.

It was hard to put into words. She was still getting used to the endless affection that poured from her mate, how she could ask for things and be given them without a thought, without a cost.

Even though a new peace lay between her and Feyre, the old scars were human, and wouldn’t heal so easily.

“Why don’t you tell me why you’re here?”

Feyre sighed again, her eyes focusing on the shining knives in front of her.

“Nyx finally went down and I was trying to fall asleep, but I remembered this fae a few weeks ago who came to petition — she and her family needed help with their farmland since their father died unexpectedly. And I told them we would send assistance — and then I just — forgot.” She swallowed thickly.

“I got up and was at my office trying to find the notes, and Rhys tried to send me back to bed, like he isn’t up working late into the night most days. Like the weight on me isn’t the same as his,” she played with a knife, pricking her fingertips on the tip of the blade idly.

“Then Nyx started crying, and it was like my whole body seized up. It was weird. It was like…my body didn’t belong to me.” Feyre shook her head, looking pale. “I just thought about that family, waiting every day for help, waking up every morning thinking ‘this will be the day.’ And I just…forgot.”

For a moment, something vicious slithered inside Nesta’s gut: a preening, satisfied feeling. At perfect Feyre, finally stumbling for once.

No. Nesta breathed through the thought, watching her sister’s tight face. Checked frantically that her shields were up.

That was an old way of thinking. When she thought they were competing. Let the thought pass through you. Feel it and let it go.

Nesta shifted on her feet. This was her terrain, her familiar training grounds. How would Feyre fit in this space?

She tried to shift the way she saw her sister. How would Cassian, or Azriel, size up a new recruit? What would Nesta feel towards her if she was a new priestess, walking nervously through that door?

How had she felt when she saw Gwyn pass that threshold for the first time, scared and seeking strength? Why was her sister any different?

“I might not be able to give any High Lady advice. But why don’t you pick up a sword? Let your body work it out.”

Feyre shook her head, her arms wrapping around her stomach. “I haven’t trained in months. And — I feel different. My body feels different. Even with everything healed I just feel…changed.”

“We can start at the beginning. I won’t go too hard on you.” Nesta cocked her head, unsure of what to make of the writhing mass of Feyre’s emotions.

“I don’t want this. I don’t want to —” Feyre paused, looking away, unable to meet Nesta’s eyes. “I don’t want some competition to see who’s the better fighter. You can be the warrior now. I don’t want it. Maybe I never did.”

Nesta swallowed. Thought about the emptiness that came when she first spilled blood –

She let the thought pass through. Focused back on Feyre, circling her slowly, watching the way she was tracked with her sister’s eyes, how her body turned instinctively to keep Nesta in her sights.

Not a fighter, she said.

This one needed an anchor. A goal. Something outside of her own panic to hold to, to pull herself up.

“Koschei is coming.”

Her words were casual. As if he were arriving tomorrow for tea.

Feyre’s face hardened. “Yes.”

“And are you ready to face him? Ready to protect your family?”

“Nesta…”

“Are you?”

Silver lined Feyre’s eyes. Nesta felt her heart crack. But she stayed still.

“No.” It was a whisper in the wind.

She watched as Feyre worked through it, the seizing fear, the desperation, the stubborn Archeron resolve to face it.

Mother knew there was nothing Nesta wanted more than her life here, small but full, with Cassian in her bed and next to her in the training ring, with her friends nearby and her work. Growing every day, luxuriating in love and happiness and sore muscles like it was a warm bath.

But Rhysand had shared Cassian’s memories with them all, of a frozen lake, of a chill wind that promised death and malice. Of even Cassian’s quaking fear.

“Then we’ll get there. I’ll help you. If you want. Or Cass can or — whoever you want.”

Nesta tried not to feel the worry of rejection. Every swing of the axe, or pull of the bow in lessons between them before had been fraught with sizzling tempers and cold viciousness.

She thought about Gwyn and Emerie, about Roslin and the other priestesses she worked with, encouraged, cheered for everyday. Thought about those emotions like a cloak and tried to see how it would fit around her sister.

“You would train me?” Feyre asked. Nesta tried not to bristle at her surprise, at whatever part of that offer caught her sister off guard.

“I could show you the Valkyrie techniques that will work with your Illyrian training. Sometimes these days, I’m the one teaching Cassian things.”

Feyre gave a watery grin. “I’m glad. Someone needs to check that Illyrian arrogance.”

“Maybe that’s why we’re mates. The Mother knew they all needed to be put in their place.”

A blade turned slowly in her sister’s hand. “You’re the Oristian.” A small, wistful smile came over her face. “I wish I could’ve been there when Devlon and the camp lords found out.”

Nesta’s smile was cold. “They don’t know what they’ve unleashed.”

“I’m proud of you,” Feyre said, her voice a choked whisper, Nesta's eyes going wide. “Not that — I know you don’t need —”

“Feyre.” At her tone, her sister stopped babbling. “That’s —” Nesta took a deep breath, letting all the discomfort and swaying emotions from her sister settle and pass through. Whatever anger or resentment she might have from before had washed away when she smelled the blood in that birthing room, when she had to beg for her baby sister’s life from the Mother herself. “Thank you. It was really hard, for a long time. But I’m happy. I’m happy here.”

Her sister’s chin wobbled and her face crumpled just before she buried it in her hands.

Breathe. In and out.

Nesta thought about her Valkyrie sisters. How sharing their heavy stories had made them feel lighter. How they looked into each other’s souls and didn’t turn away.

“Feyre. It’s ok.” Nesta rested her hand on Feyre’s arm, feeling her body shake with sobs under her palm.

At her touch, Feyre fell forward, burying her face in Nesta’s shoulder, covering her leathers with tears.

Nesta stiffened, unused to her sister’s touch.

Hating how she felt like her mother.

How would she want her mother to hold her? How would they all hold Nyx from this day forward —-- without reservation?

You can do this.

She could do it —-- accept love, and give it too. It would be hard but —-- she reached out her hand, pulling Feyre closer, rubbing her back gently, breathing through her discomfort and trying to bring down those walls.

When Feyre had tired herself, she stepped back, looking somewhat ridiculous with a swollen nose but with a new lightness in her eyes.

“I thought — I worried — you and Elain might never be happy here.” Nesta thought of her library and her friends there, of Cassian’s scent, and his stupidly handsome face. Happy.

The moment sat quietly between them, Feyre’s fears and the miles they’d traveled unraveling.

“I’m sorry I’m falling apart,” her brow furrowed in frustration. “I had Nyx and everything makes me cry now. Yesterday I stepped on a worm in Elain’s garden and Rhys raced home from the Governor’s council because he thought I was dying.”

Nesta’s lip curled. “I think Nyx has the power to turn all of us soft.”

“Do you ever look at him, and —” Feyre stopped short, like the words died in her mouth.

“What?”

“Sometimes I look at Nyx, and I think…I hate them. Mother. And…father. Sometimes.”

Nesta stayed still. Like the admonition would have her sister bolting at any wrong move. “I think I know what you mean.”

Feyre nodded. “I love him so much. And how could they have seen us so young and still do what they did? How could they have let themselves look away? It seems impossible. And then I worry: what if there’s some secret terrible thing that will happen that will make me feel the same way someday?”

“You will be a thousand times a better mother than our parents ever were to us. There’s no way you could ever be like them, Feyre. It’s impossible.”

“But —”

“Feyre. You’re a good mother already.” Feyre’s chin wobbled again. “And if you do slip up, I’m sure your sisters will let you know about it.”

Feyre took a deep breath, in and out through her nose. “You promise?”

“Try and stop us.”

A smile was on her sister’s face.

Nesta grabbed a throwing knife, the metal warming in her hand.

“Ok, do ten shoulder rolls, then we’re working on your stance.”

The yellow-pink fingers of dawn were pulling at the horizon by the time Feyre’s boots were tied, her muscles stretched. It wasn’t enough to warm them, yet, but the light shone on something brighter in Feyre’s face. Nesta reveled in the new feeling of being the cause of it.

She turned to her new recruit.

“Are you ready?”

#nesta archeron #nestaweek2024 #feyre Archeron #Archeron sisters #acotar #ACOSF #acotar fanfic

[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

[amandapearls]

The Archeron Sisters ☀️🌙

This gorgeous artwork is done by the lovely and insanely talented @millyillus on Instagram

Commissioned by myself

Link to Instagram post

Characters belong to Sarah J Maas

#feyre archeron #nesta archeron #elain archeron #archeron sisters #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acofas #acosf

[lunaduskxo]

The IC by tangerine.eileen on IG 😍

Edited to add that you can purchase this print on their Etsy. Link is in their ig bio ❤️

#the inner circle #acotar #sjm fandom #pro feysand #pro nessian #pro elriel #bat boys #mor acotar #amren acotar #archeron sisters

[sydneymack]

Archeron Sisters - A Court of Thorns and Roses

Artist: @kateartpocket / @katedohnalova

#nesta archeron #elain archeron #feyre archeron #archeron sisters #acotar #sjmaas

[nanstgeorge]

The Cauldron chose three sisters.

Archeron Sisters as paintings by Dongni Hou

#archeron sisters #nesta archeron #feyre archeron #elain archeron #acotaredit #sjmedit #sjm #a court of thorns and roses #my edits* #acotar

[lib-arts]

Archeron eyes✨

Art by me (llibiarts)

#acotar #sjm #sarah j maas #sjmaas #elain archeron #acosf #nesta archeron #pro nesta #feyre archeron #archeron sisters #a court of thorns and roses #a court of silver flames #nessian #feysand

[lyssasdrafts]

elain archeron is for the girls who are unapologetically feminine, who are called weak over and over and have to keep proving themselves, who are lovers and romantics at heart, who have a voice but just want to choose when they use it, who are quiet because they want to be and not because they don’t have any thoughts or feelings

#she isn’t weak and boring you guys just don’t get it #— lyssa’s thoughts #pro elain #pro elain archeron #elain archeron #acotar #acosf #acotar elain #a court of thrones and roses #a court of silver flames #elain acotar #night court #archeron sisters

[sarawritestories]

Unwavering Presence Chapter 11

Cassian X Archeron Sister (Reader)

Summary: Cassian and Y/N spend their first few days in the Cabin by the Illyrian Camps where the two spend time getting to know each other and overall being the most adorable couple. Also Flying, cooking lessons (Interrupted) and lots of cuddles and sass.

Content Warnings: The mention of a Safe Word being ignored (Not by Cassian), Wing Clipping, and cliffhanger

Word Count: 5.2K

Unwavering Presence Masterlist ACOTAR Masterlist Chapter 10

Reader’s POV

I was finally kissing him. His mouth was soft and gentle as it was pressed against mine. His hands lowered to the swells of my ass, and he grinded against me eliciting a gasp. Cassian took advantage and slid his tongue into my mouth. A moan escaped my lips, and the general’s hand moved up to my hair yanking the tie holding my braid in place. I break away from the kiss and shake my braid out as my hair falls in loose waves.

Cassian’s honey-soaked eyes lock on mine as he runs his fingers through my hair, I closed my eyes as he massaged my scalp and hummed, “You are a beautiful little thing.” He murmured against my skin. “Absolutely, beautiful.”

Stupid Whore Xavier’s voice rang out in my head.

His free hand slid up and snaked groped my breast, twisting my sweater clad nipple, “Cassian,” I moaned out Xavier’s words falling away.

He growled in my ear as he continued his massaging my breast, “I’ve been aching to hear you moan my name, Princess. Do it again.”

I tilted my head back and sighed, “Cassie.” I whimpered as he nipped my ear giving me love bites down my neck.

He chuckled, “Cassie, huh?” I meet his eyes and there is amusement there, “I don’t hate it. In all my life no one, ever really called me that.” He kissed my collar bone until he reached my bared shoulder, breaking from my nipple he slid his hand down over my thighs, “Where did you find these?” He snaps the elastic from my sock falling right above my knee.  

“I found them shopping. They keep my legs warm.” Heat crawled up my cheeks as he nibbled my shoulder, “I have a red pair.”

Cassian pulled his face away from my bare skin, his lips tilted upward slightly on brow arched, “Do you, now” I nodded. “Will you wear them for me?” I nodded once more, and he grinned, and he was beautiful as he slanted his mouth over mine.

It’s nice that Cassian found a new plaything. Mor’s voice echoed in my mind.

Remember you’re nothing but a toy. My own plaything.

Cheap whore, whore, whore.

“Hey, Hey, Hey. What’s going on, Princess?” I blinked and met with Cassian hands on my cheeks, his face furrowed with concern, “Did I hurt you?”

I gripped his wrist and shook my head, “You didn’t hurt me.” I bite my lip to prevent it from trembling. The words swirled in my head. “Am I going to be your plaything?” I closed my eyes to not see his reaction, afraid of what he might say.

The pads of his thumbs swipe soothing circles on my cheeks, taking away any tears that fall in their path. “Y/N, I need you to look at me.” I shook my head, “Baby, please look at me.” I gave in and met his gaze, “There she is.” He gave me a small smile before it fell again. “What makes you think that I see you that way?”

“Mor said-“

Cassian pressed a finger over my lips, “Mor says a lot of things. A lot of stupid. Fucked up things. Most of the time she’s wrong.” He sighed, “Is this about the ‘Plaything’ comment?” I bit my lip, “She was being cruel, you didn’t de-“

“She was right.” I blurted, pulling gently his hands from my face. “Cassian, I am just a plaything.” I tried to slide off his lap, but he was quick to loop an arm around my waist.

He began threading his hand through my hair, “Who made you believe that?”

I looked at the fireplace and the flames and slid out of his lap. This time he let me go, creating some distance between us. “No one important.”

Cassian turned to face me his wings flared slightly, “Liar.” I met his gaze, his hazel eyes a dark amber color against firelight crackling in the hearth, “Was it the same person who gave you those scars about your back.” I nodded, and he pressed on “Would that also be the same man who took you a few days ago?”

 I nodded and pulled my knees to my chest. “Feyre knows I had a lover. She doesn’t know the dynamic or how long we were together for.” I looked back at the flames.

A rag was stuffed in my mouth and my hands were bound by silk ribbon hanging over the sofa, as there was another whack of the paddle against my ass. “Who’s a Naughty Girl. I told you; you were to warm my bed last night. Yet you were nowhere to be seen.” Xavier’s words rang out in my ears.

My response was muffled through the rag. I had to get home to my sisters to bring home the money I had just earned. At this point they had noticed I would be gone periodically and knew when I came home there would be money in my pocket. No one asked, I never wanted to talk about it.

My ass was sure to be read and bruised by his vicious swings. He began to knead the tender flesh causing me to cry out through the gag. He hummed please as he stuck a finger in my entrance.  “You’re basically dripping, doll.” He stuck another finger and began aggressively pumping his fingers causing me to scream out. He clamped a hand over my mouth, the rag pushing farther into my throat. “Shhh, if it’s too much you can always use that word, we agreed upon you remember?”

I nodded my head as my eyes rolled as his thumb found my clit, I moaned, and his fingers suddenly withdrew, and I cried as the paddle whacked my core. Tears and snot were running down my face, and he whacked me again and I whimpered. I screamed through the gag, “Red, Red, Red.”

There was a pause, and another whack to my core and my voice gave out from screaming, all that was left was whimpers and sniffles. “Don’t you know, slut, bad girls don’t get safe words.”

Cassian’s hand gripped mine and I blinked looking back at him, his eyes gleamed with concern “Where did you go?”

Tears welled in my eyes, “No where.”

Cassian slid closer to me and pulled me back on his lap. His hand gently gripping my thigh. I tucked my head into his neck, “We don’t have to talk about it.”

“I want to tell you. I just don’t know where to begin.” I bit my lip a question on the tip of my tongue, “Have you ever had to use a safe word before?”

“I mean I’ve never had to use one, but I’ve always established one with my partners.”  He tugged my shoulder, and I sat up so he could meet my eyes. Why?”

“Xavier, told me that if things got to be too much, that anything we did would stop, but I only used it once.” Cassian held me tighter to prevent me from trembling and I leaned into his warmth. “He told me bad girls don’t get safe words.” A tear escaped and cascaded down my cheek, “And he kept hitting me with the paddle. When he was done, he just left me there tied, a rag in my mouth that had was soaked with saliva, tears, and snot, I’m sure. I felt worthless.

Cassian’s siphons flared and, in an instant, he has set me in a position where I had to face him, ire held in his stare, as he gripped my face with both of his hands, “I need you to listen to me very carefully,” he stroked my cheek tenderly, “Safe words are meant for your protection, always. No matter what the scene is, no matter if it’s a light hair tug, you say the word and your partner stops everything immediately.” He furrowed his brow and thought about his next words, carefully, “Sweetheart, you were assaulted.”

I warily pulled his hands from my face, “No, he wouldn’t have done that. He loved me.” Pity filled Cassian’s gaze making me sick, “I would have known if he had, wouldn’t I?”

Cassian placed both his hands on the couch placing them near my sides making sure not to touch me. “You didn’t know better. He spun his webs knowing you were innocent enough to trust him. That’s not your fault. You used your word the way you were supposed to. He took advantage of your lack of knowledge for his own sadistic pleasure.”

I shook my head, “No, I would have known.” Cassian’s face crumbled and rage began to boil over. Cassian stood and took a step back as if he knew and I lunged for him, punching my fist into his chest. “He wouldn’t have done that he loved me. He told me so. I was bad, I disobeyed, I deserved my punishment. He did it because he loved me.” Cassian hadn’t moved to stop me from pounding against his chest. “I wanted it.” My punches became weaker.

Cassian sighed, “You have good instincts, baby, there was a moment deep down where you knew it was wrong. That it had turned more sinister than that. It’s why you fled them. I don’t think you wanted it.” Cassian kept his hands to his sides allowing me to take my rage out on him, knowing he could take it.

“It can’t be true. I would have known if I was taken advantage of,” I scrunched my eyebrows, “Wouldn’t I?”

Memories flooded to me of all the times when I craved Xavier to hold me or cuddle me after an intense moment between us and he refused to leave me there as if I meant nothing. Moments I laid bare on the concrete longing for someone to care for me to be met with emptiness.  Xavier’s words of love and adoration were hollow compared to the sweet gestures and comfort the male in front of me provided. “Oh gods.” I whispered and I seized my punches as my hand covered my mouth to muffle the sob. My knees felt weak, and my stomach churned the dinner wanting to come out, “Oh my gods.”  My knees gave out, but Cassian was there clinging me to him as the dam collapsed. “Cassian, how could I have been so stupid?” I sobbed uncontrollably.

Cassian slowly brought us to the floor and began stroking my hair, “You are not stupid, Princess,” He kissed my brow. “You didn’t know, your innocence and your kindness were taken advantage of and exploited.”

I whimpered, “I just wanted to be loved and cared for by someone.”

“I know you did.” Cassian cooed and he softly rocked me as my broken sobs escaped my lips. “I’m here, sweetheart, let it out.” He held me and whispered sweet things in my ear and peppered my head with kisses. I lifted my head to look into his eyes. He swiped hair from my face but didn’t loosen his grip on me. “What do you need, Y/N?”

I looked at him and grazed my fingers against his jaw, “I don’t know.”

He gave me a soft smile, “How about I braid your hair and we’ll go from there.”

I returned a small smile, and he moved us where I was positioned in between his legs as he sat on the couch. He ran his hands through my hair and with great tenderness, he began to plait my hair. We were silent for a few moments. I let my eyes close as he tugged my hair to manipulate it to how he wanted. “When did you learn to braid hair?”

“When I was young, I let my hair grow and was frustrated when it would get in my face. My mother showed me how to arrange it where my hair wouldn’t get in my way.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “She let me practice on her hair all the time. Was so proud when I mastered it.”

“That sounds lovely. Where is she now?”

Cassian’s fingers paused, and he cleared his throat, “She died. A long time ago.”

“Cassian I’m-“

“I am about ready to remove ‘I’m sorry’ out of your vocabulary.” I bit my lip as he continued braiding. “You have nothing to be apologizing for, not one thing. I know humans give condolences for when a loved one dies but it’s been over 400 years. You also do not need to feel guilty or shame for what happened to you, Baby.” He kissed my temple.

“How is it you know where my thoughts are leading me before I do?” ‘

He tied off the bottom of the braid. “I don’t. I do know that you take on the burden that you are the cause of all the pain you have in your life.” He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close to his chest, “Is this, okay?”

“Yes,” I murmured leaning my head onto his arm.

“What can I do to help you?”

“Can you just hold me?” I asked.

Cassian slid down to sit against the floor with me. He leaned my body against his chest, he grabbed the wool blanket from the arm of the chair and wrapped it around us. My Head moved from his arm to his chest as his arms enveloped me in a warm embrace. He began to hum it lulled me until I was sound asleep in his arms.

The next morning, I awoke to the smell of breakfast I walked over to the kitchen with the blanket wrapped around me. Cassian looked over to me, “Morning, Sunshine, we have a busy day ahead if you’re up for it?” He handed me a plate with eggs and bacon and kissed my cheek.

I sat at the table near the window, “What is on the itinerary, General?” I began to eat and the burst of flavor that exploded in my mouth made me moan. “Please never stop cooking.”

Cassian laughed as he sat across from me, “Would you like to learn?”

I stopped mid bite, “To cook?” He nodded, “I would love that.”

Cassian gave me a toothy grin, “Alright, you and me dinner tonight.”

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, “What about the rest of the day?”

Cassian swallowed, “If you’re up for training, we can go to one of the camps to do so maybe stop in the village for a bit. Does any of that sound good for you?”

I smiled, “That sounds lovely, Cassian.” We continued eating and I looked out through the window and looked out at the snow. “Wow.”

“You have never seen snow before?”

I took in the sights of the evergreen trees that held snow on the tops of them a bird circling for food. “I have, but for the first time I don’t have to worry about where my next meal would be. Or whatever sadistic game Xavier wanted to play. Though I, managed to leave right before we were in the heart of winter.” I looked at back at the general, “No, I don’t want to talk about it right now.”

Cassian stood up and grabbed our plates, “Go get dressed.” He pressed his forehead to mine, “You are a strong woman, Princess and I am so proud of you.”

I reached up and kissed his nose, “Thanks, Cassie.”

He placed the dishes in the sink as I made my way to the room to change into my leathers. Once we had both changed, he picked me up and flew us out to the training camp. There were cabins lined up all along the camp and there was a center where there were various places for the soldiers to train. Once we landed Cassian set me down his hazel eyes gazing across the camp and he growled, “What’s wrong?”

Cassian’s jaw flexed, “None of the women are out here training.”

I furrowed my brow, “Are they supposed to?”

“They are supposed to have the choice to do so.”

Before I could respond a male approached us, he was not nearly as tall as Cassian, but his wings were flared out. “General, what brings you to our humble camp.”

“I am training one of the Human twins who saved Prythian.” Cassian’s wings flared in response and his wing curved around me and blocked the winter wind. He looked to me, “Y/N, meet Lord Devlon, he is in charge of Windhaven.”

“Ah couldn’t be bothered to bring the one that was turned high fae. I mean its insulting to have a female here in leathers anyway. But you bring human filth here.”

I leaned closer to Devlon and sniffed the air. “Interesting?”

Lord Devlon sneered, “What is?”

I gave him a saccharine smile, “I smell a mediocre male, with a complex. May want to get that checked out.” Devlon’s face turned red with anger as Cassian guided me to the training ring before the Lord could retort anything.

As we walked to the training ring there was a solider who spat at Cassian’s boot, “Dirty, Bastard.”

I paused slipped out of Cassian’s grasp and walked toward the soldier, “Excuse me.” The male turned to me tucking his wings tightly, “Is it standard practice to insult your superior officer?”

He snorted, “He’s barely a General, he is a low born bastard th-“ I wound my hand back and punched the soldier in the nose.

“Have some respect on your superior officer and be grateful he has an easier temperament than mine.” I was about to walk away and then I turned back, “Also, your Cassian’s soldier, you should of saw that hit from a mile away.”

The male wiped the blood from his nose, “You filthy human whore.”

Rage bubbled to the surface, and I was about to lunge forward when I was hoisted up and thrown over Cassian’s shoulder. “You’re trouble.” Cassian chuckled.

“They shouldn’t treat you like that. It’s not right.” Cassian remained silent as he put you down, “You deserve respect, Cassian.”

Cassian’s eyes turned glassy, and he cracked his neck and cleared his throat, “Alright, Trouble, now that you have managed to cause a stir in the  camps in the first five minutes of being here, get in first position I am going to have push you hard, make an example out of you.” Cassian smirked.

I beamed at him and got into my fighting stance. “Do your worst, General.”

For an hour Cassian did just as he promised. He pushed me hard focusing on my combos and I began to swing my fist that Cassian was quick to dodged and pinned me down.

I ran down the hallway trying to hide from Xavier. He wanted to play a game of hide and seek.

“Gotcha,” Xavier grabbed me and pinned me against him tightly. He nibbled my ear as he slammed against the cold brick. “So delicious for me.” He smacked my ass and I whimpered, what was once enjoyment made me feel vile and simply someone he could use.

Get Off

Get Off

Get Off.

“Get off,” I screamed as Cassian released me and I fell to the ground the snow-covered ground keeping me present. My breathing quickened as my pulse pounded in my ears. “Inhale, Y/N.” Cassian knelt beside me I did, “Good, now let it out.” I exhaled and I closed my eyes focusing on his voice. “We’re done for today.”

“Okay.” I whispered.

“You did well. I think that is cause for celebration.” I looked at him and quirked my brow, “How bout we go flying?”

Xavier’s POV

After two days I had finally reached the blasted wall. Stepping through the magical barrier that separated our lands from the land of the Fae. I took a steadying breath and stepped in and grabbed my bow and arrow ready in case of an impending attack. I remained vigilant as the scenery began to shift, into spring which wasn’t due for another few months. My brow furrowed, The Spring court then. I was about to reach a clearing when there was a giggle to my left.

Wasting no time, I drew my weapon to the sound and found a female in blue robes, her blond hair cascading down to her amble breast, her hood laid atop of her head along with a jeweled circlet. “You are far from home, sir.” She purred slowly walking toward me.

“I am here to retrieve the love of my life. She was taken.” I steeled my spine ready for her to pounce.

“Ah care to whisk her away back to your lands?” She got close to where her blue eyes had a gleam on them, she was a beautiful creature.

I lowered my weapon slightly, “Actually, I had another plan in mind. I need the King of Hybern’s help.”

Her grin turned sinister, “You have come to the right place then, I am Ianthe, High Priestess of the Spring Court. I also am a subject for the King. Now tell me who was the woman that was stolen from you.”

I put away my weapon and extended my hand. “I am Xavier, and I’m looking for Y/N Archeron.”

Reader’s POV

I looked down at the edge of the mountain Cassian brought us to. “I’m not sure about this, Cass.”

“Princess, you have flown with me before. I am not going to let anything happen to you.” Cassian leaned against me to speak over the howling wind.

“Well, I’ve never looked down the side of a mountain before.” I pressed against him.

“I’m going to grab your hips to get you in the position, is that okay?” I nodded and his hands pressed down onto my hips, and he shuffled me in front of him. He wrapped his arms protectively around my torso and my heart pounded. “If you want to be put down, just tap my hand three times.”

“Okay, I am ready.” I took a deep breath and as I exhaled Cassian pressed forward and we took to the skies, my eyes instantly shut. As we are in the air Cassian hooks his feet around mine to keep my legs straight like his. Cassian used his siphons to block some of the wind. He pressed his head close to mine, “Go on, Princess, Open your eyes.”

I opened my eyes, and the sun was glinting over the snow-capped mountains, and against the tress. The river running through the forest was sparkling and I could see an elk family running through the forest. I would ask Feyre to paint this if she ever decided to paint again.

The wind that broke through Cassian’s barrier kissed my cheeks and somehow the emotion became overwhelming. I released my grip on Cassian’s arms and spread them out like his wings and let out a whoop of joy. Cassian laughed and I joined him, and he banked left, and I let the wind fill my lungs. “Do you trust me?”

I nodded to him, “Yes I do.”

“I’m going to let you go.” My pulse sped up and I nodded. “On the count of three. One. Two. Three.” He let me go and I began to free fall.

I closed my eyes and smiled as the wind wrapped me in a cold cocoon. Everything that has happened in the last few months, and all my fears and worries ebbed away. Tears began to slide down my cheeks and strong arms enveloped me, and Leather and Sandalwood took over my senses. I wrapped my arms around his neck, “How was that?” He whispered.

I met his honey flecked eyes, “Freeing.” I looked at his mouth and back at his gaze, and I leaned in and kissed him.

Later that evening I changed into a black over sized sweater shorts underneath and the red thigh high socks and came down to see that Cassian had ingredients for a stew on the table. He looked up and smirked at the color selection. “Well, don’t you look like a vision.” My hair is a loose bun.

I rolled my eyes, “Hush, this is comfortable.”

Cassian motioned his finger for me to come closer. I made my way over to him and he smiled, “We are making soup today.”

“Perfect, where do we start, General.”

He opened his mouth to begin his instructions when there was a knock on the door. Cassian had a confused look as he opened the door.  A young male whispered in Cassian’s ear and I watched the color drained from Cassian’s face. Cassian turned to me, “I’m sorry Princess, I need to go to the camps.” He closed the space between us and pulled me in for a kiss. “I will be back as soon as I can.” He kissed my forehead and then he was out the door. Leaving me to put the ingredients for dinner away.

Cassian’s POV

I landed in the camp and the metallic scent of blood filled my nostrils. The soldiers parted ways as my siphons blazed. I stepped into the tent to the whimpering girl, and the men towering over her. “Step. Away. From. Her. Now.” The men all froze but slowly backed away.

I knelt to the small female, “Hey, beautiful.” I whispered, as the litter girl met my eyes, her green eyes glistened with tears cascading down her tanned skin. “Tell me where it hurts.”

“Everywhere, General.” She hiccuped.

I level her a warm smile, “None of that General, nonsense. I’m Cassian.” I think on what Y/N called me the night before, “You can call me Cassie though.”

She sniffled, “I’m Grace.”

I smiled, “Grace is a beautiful name, I have to get you to a healer, is it alright if I pick you up.” She nodded and I lifted her up cautiously to not disturb her shredded wings and she held onto my neck tightly. “Please note that the consequences for this will be doled out first thing in the morning at formation. Understood.”

The group of males muttered, “Yes, General.”

With that I took the child to the healer and held her hand as the healer tried to mend her wings. “Cassie?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Is it true you brought a human girl here?” the girl asked with a gleam in her eyes, filled with wonder.

“I did. Her name is Y/N.” I smiled.

“Could I meet her before you head home?”

“I think she would love to meet a warrior as strong as you.” I winked at her, and she giggled. The healer gave her a tonic that helped her fall asleep. “I was too late, wasn’t I? I asked the healer once the girl fell into a deep slumber.

The healer nodded, “Not by much, but the damage was already beginning to mend them useless. Unless I re-open her wounds there is nothing to be done.” The healer put her hand on my shoulder, “You did what you could, General. Go home. We’ll be here in the morning.” I nodded. I held the girl’s hands for a few more moments after the healer stepped away before I went home guilt consuming my body.

When I walked in, the warm glow of the fire greeted me along with Y/N’s scent of Jasmine, Vanilla, with a hint of Lilac. I walked over to see she was curled with a book in her hand. She looked up at the sound of my boots and frowned when she saw my hands. Putting the book down she sat up from the couch and moved towards me. “Are you hurt?”

I shook my head, and she looked through me as if she could see what was eating up at my core. “Come General,” She gripped my bloody hand. “Let me take care of you for a change.”

I let her lead me to the bathroom and she ordered me to strip as she began running a bath. I obeyed blindly and placed myself in the tub making sure that my wings were not getting caught. The warm water seep into my sore bones and I released a groan. “I need you to dunk your head for me,” her voice soothed the ache in my chest, and I dunk my head in the water.

I lifted my head back up and Y/N began to massage my scalp with soap. “Do you want to talk about it?” she asked as she cleaned my hair.

Sighing I mutter, “Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow, dunk your head in for me, Darling.” I did so again for her, and she was about to grab a rag from the other side of the bathroom when I gripped her wrist. “Join me.”

“Cassie,” she started but I interrupted her.

“Princess. Please.” I looked up at her and whatever she saw in my face had her complying. She stripped the sweater, shorts, and socks she wore, and I grabbed her hand as she stepped into the tub. She was trying to turn to where her back would be to me, and I stopped her. Without needing words, she understood what I wanted but she still grabbed the rag and soap.

I gripped her bare hip on my fingers as she washes my chest. I watched her as she focused on the task she was doing. Her eyes gaze up to my wings. “Can I wash your wings?” She asked.

I nodded, “Just be gentle they are sensitive.” She took the rag and using my chest as leverage she reverently washed my wings. I guided her through which parts were more sensitive for her to avoid and she listened, making sure I was always comfortable. She moved to the other wing, and I wrapped my arm around her waist pressing her breast against my chest. I kissed her collar bone, “Thank you, Princess.”

She hummed in response and continued washing my wings. When she finished, she lowered herself and she focused on washing the blood off my hands and proceeding to massage my palms as she went along. “I don’t need to know the details of what happened to know that this wasn’t your fault. She looked up at me with her gorgeous eyes and I cupped her cheek.

“How do you know where my thoughts are leading me before I do?” I asked, quirking my brow.

She rolled her eyes and pressed her lips to mine, “You think similarly to me.”

“Kiss me again.” She smiled and did just that.

Xavier POV

The High Lord of the Spring Court was not what I anticipated, his hair was disheveled, and his eyes held a vacancy that made a shiver run down my spine.  He sat on his throne as if his mind was far away. His red-haired emissary was scouring the lands for his soon to be bride. “When is she getting here?” I glared patience waning thin.

Ianthe squeezed my bicep, “Relax, she needed a few days to get here and make sure she could sneak away undetected.

The doors opened and a figure in a dark cloak approached the red silk of the female’s dress peaked through as did the blonde tips of her hair. She lowered her hood and her brown eyes gleamed with mischief, “So I hear you’re looking for Y/N Archeron.”

I gulped, “I am.”

“Well, let’s not waste any time, my name is Morrigan, you may call me Mor. Let’s begin, shall we?” I grinned and looked back at the high lord who kept his expression blank his eyes distant as if he could see his bride in the tree line.

Chapter 12

Story Tags: @hellodarling1357 @hnyclover @waytoomanyteenagefeels @amara-moonlight @impossibelle @esposadomd @sleepylunarwolf @stressed-reader @kylaisra @marvelouslovely-barnes @magicstrengthandcourage @spideytingley @awkardnerd @donttellthecats @tastydewdrops @vermillionwinter @asweetblueberry2 @bunnyredgirl @homeslices @azriels-mate2 @oksloan3 @wallacewillow0773638 @fandom-crashlanding @writingstreetspirit @hannzoaks @minnieloo @tuggboatfishin @judig92 @atrxidxs @dustyinkpages @secretlyhers @mxblobby @blogforficslol @historygeekqueen @turtleshavesoulmates @scooobies @anuttellaa @earth-to-lottie @slytherintaco @fxckmiup @tinystarfishgalaxy @cheesebookgirl @oucereeng @st0rmyt @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @misslunatic1655 @azrielsmate3 @nebarious @tele86 @chelsiemp @fightmedraco @blackgirlmagicforever @fullmoon-94 @thehighlordishere @jenniferpendragon @ray4hotchner @phoenix666stuff @misskennygirl @whitewolfsbitch @highladyivy @tenaciousperfectionunknown @packsvlog @heyyhelloohii @parabatai-winchester @julesofvolterra @lilah-asteria @lyanna133

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#cassian x reader #cassian acotar #acotar #acotar fanfiction #cassian x you #cassian imagine #cassian fanfic #cassian fluff #cassian angst #archeron sisters

[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

[gracieart]

“Find me when you wish to begin.”

Elain Archeron | ACOTAR Series by Sarah J. Maas

Character belongs to SJM. Do not repost my art without permission.

#my art #graciearts #acotar #elain archeron #sarah j maas #maasverse #sjm fandom #pro elain archeron #pro elain #archeron sisters

[intairnwetrust]

Archeron sisters as stained glass

Art by @reflectdraws on Instagram

#I ABSOLUTLY LOVE FANARTS IN STYLE OF STAINED GLASS #archeron sisters fanart #omg this is so beautiful #acotar #archeron sisters #elain acheron #nesta archeron #feyre archeron #acotar fanart

[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

[raesploveart]

Day 7 of sketching Elain Archeron everyday until her book has a release date. This one physically hurt me. Also, this is the exact moment where I was like “well I guess I’m all in for Elriel” no matter what form that might take. Friends? One night stand? Secret lovers? Endgame? Ghosted? I just want to read about them okay. I don’t care what happens.

It feels good to be getting back to this sketchy deviant art circa 2007 style I drew and posted in as a teenager. I missed it a lot.

#elriel #elriel fanart #elriel fanfic #acowar #acotar #acosf #azriel #azriel shadowsinger #Shadowsinger #bat boys #elain archeron #archeron sisters

[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

[cleoriaart]

The Archeron sisters as The poet The Soldier and The King 🗡️🥀👑

#acotar #feyre archeron #elain archeron #nesta archeron #archeron sisters #books and reading #acotar fanart #illustration