#and no one no one no one could ever do it right except for rhys

[natjennie]

thinking again about how no one on planet earth could do stede bonnet justice quite like rhys darby and his funky autism swag.

#like stede is soooooo nuanced #and complicated and silly goofy and sad and confused and confident and earnest #and bitchy and smug and nervous #all at the same time! #and his whoooollleee character is so nd coded #and no one no one no one could ever do it right except for rhys #im thinking about him saying he was born to play stede. the role of his life. #i miss him~!!!! #stede please come back to me #ofmd

[lure-of-writing]

Little Sister; Just Peachy

Summary: After sparring with Cassian you feel just peachy

Note: ya'll Im not going to lie the scene with Rhys in the living room got me in my feels 😭. But don't worry your little hearts we will absolutely will be seeing this from Ariel's point of view. As always I cannot wait to hear what you guys think!

(please read all in a days work , knock before you enter, and his little sister first!)

Word count: 2.9k

Warning: Mentions of having tiny frames but only in reference to being a child

Ever since your visit from the summer court something with both your brother and Azriel has been off. Rhys for the first time in your life has been avoiding you and suddenly you could never seem to catch Azriel at the right time. It was starting to annoy you to no end. “Well good morning to you too, sunshine.” Cassian looked over to where Nesta was stretching with the rest of the girls as if to ask her about your negative attitude. In return she just shrugged and welcomed you into the circle of stretches with everyone else. Today was all about fighting and since Cassian's counterpart was nowhere to be found it was up to you to help Cassian demonstrate the fighting techniques that had been practiced for a few weeks now. You were known to be a person who refrained from fighting and going into battle but that doesn’t mean that you weren’t capable of doing so. You were only one hundred years younger than your brother, it was safe to say that you had some experience with fighting. 

The roof of the house of wind was quiet except for the occasional gust of wind along with Cassian's booming voice explaining how this match would go and the things then needed to pay attention to before each of them went toe to toe with either you or Cass.  Finally after he was done giving instructions he turned and faced you. “You know I’m not going to go easy on you right.”  scoffing your head tilts to the side “Yeah that's because your mate is over there giving you bedroom eyes and you want to impress her.” Once again his boisterous laugh filled the space of the open room giving it more warmth. Nothing more was said as you both got into fighting stances and prepared to walk away with some bruises. 

The fight hadn't been going on for more than five minutes when you swore that you saw Azriel landing on the roof and watched as you and Cassian went back and forth throwing and dodging punches. Now you couldn’t say for sure because as soon as you took your eyes off your opponent to spare a glance where you thought Azriel was standing, Cassian's fist made contact with your cheek and subsequently you were laying on the matt looking into the sky completely dazed. 

Cassian never meant to actually punch you. He knew exactly how you fight, he knows your tells and the next move that you would usually make but he didn’t know that you were going to turn your face at just the right moment and his powerful punch would connect with your face. Both you and Cassian knew the strength that he possessed and usually he would never fight you using that unlimited well of strength but the purpose of the match was to demonstrate how to use each part of your body to increase your strength when sparring. 

Nesta was sitting on the ground right next to you with your head in her lap holding a cold hand on your sure to swell cheek and busted lip. From your point of view she was upside down. Even like this you thought she looked stunning. Gently she stroked your hair when telling you that you were going to be ok. Deep down you knew that you would in fact be ok but right now your head was ringing and your face hurt and you were pretty sure a tear was running down your face from the pain. Off to the side of you Cassain was shitting his pants. Not only had he hit the person who he views as a little sister, he hit you with his full force. He was grateful he did break any of your bones. But that wasn’t his only problem; he hit Rhysands little sister. Cassian was sure that he just signed his death certificate. 

Rhysand was in his office with Azirel getting the report from his latest mission when he heard Cassian in his head. “Rhys?” The tone was a question as well as a grimace “Yes?” Rhys raised a finger to stop Azriel from continuing on. “Can you come up to the house of wind?” Sighing he looked at Azriel before rolling his eyes. “Can it wait? I'm currently in the middle of getting a report from Az.” a beat of silence passed in Rhys mind before  the quiet voice of his brother came back in “It’s y/n” 

Cassian could hear the beating of two sets of wings before he could see them. It didn't take a genius to know that they were flying at max speed. Cassian took a big breath and held it for a few seconds before blowing it out between thinly pressed lips. This would probably be the last time that he could breath normally for a while. Just as the two males touched down he glanced over to where his mate was still cradling your head and periodically removing her hand to look at the bruising and your split lip to see how bad it was getting. 

Rhysand hadn’t even landed when his eyes locked on your body laying flat on the mat with Nesta holding your head. As soon as his feet touched the hard surface of the roof he was pouncing on Cassian with questions. “What the hell happened to her? Why is she laying on the mat with Nesta holding her face?”  Cassian said nothing as he folded his high lord to where his sister lay. He knew as soon as Rhys saw your face he would be done for. Rhysand wouldn’t need any answers to his questions, he would know exactly what happened and who did it. Azriel fell in place with Cassian behind Rhys as they made their way to where you were lying and he glanced at his brother for a second with an eyebrow raised as if to ask what happened. Cassian just grimaced and shook his head. Azriel would also know what happened as soon as Nesta removed her hand from your face. 

Cassian stayed back a few steps as Rhys bent down to get a closer look at you. Azriel was on the other side. “Nesta move your hand.” She didn’t do so, “Before I do you need to know that it was an accident and–” The tone of Rhysands words that came next left no room for discussion. “I said remove your hand.” The power in the high lord's voice raged over her like the waves of an ocean before a hurricane. She hated how the power made her bend to his will. Quietly she removed her hand as both males took in your face. The bruising has officially started to begin. All of your right cheek was painted with colors of red, purple and spots of dark red where the blood vessels broke. The bruising also danced along your cheekbone and around your eye, presumably from the impact, and down towards your jaw. Right where the bruising meets your lip is where it was split open and now had dried blood crusting along the open cut and down your chin. 

After taking in your appearance Rhysand stood to his full high he turned around to look at the other male. “Cassian” his voice was cool and emotionless, the voice of a high lord. “Did you do this to my sister?” As much as it sounded like a question both males knew it was not. It was more like an interrogation. 

As Nesta watched from afar as her mate and her brother-in-law were preparing to have at it she prodded in her sister's mind. “Feyre you need to come to the house of wind.” She paused for a moment as she listened to Cassian try to explain himself and what happened. “Now.” she added. Her attention was pulled from the fight that was sure to happen in a few moments with the jostling of your body beneath her hand. Looking down again she sees Azriel gently pull your body into his being as careful as possible as not to cause you any more pain. Nesta was sure that you were too out of it to feel more pain, as you didn’t even respond when she called out your name and your eyes were too unfocused and dazed to notice anything happening around you, still she thought the gesture was sweet. 

“Where are you taking her?” Even though she wanted to go wherever Az was taking you she knew that she needed to be here when Rhys was done with her mate. To nurse him back to health. Or bring him back from the dead, whichever happened first. “She needs to be seen by Madja.” She nods her head in agreement as glances back over to her mate. She was sure the blood bath would start at any second. “I agree.” Finally after getting you into a position in Azirels arms that he deemed safe enough he shot off into the air and towards Madja’s clinic just as her sister flew in. Frantically Feyre looks at where her mate and her brother-in-law stood a few feet away brawling. “What the hell happened?” Nesta glanced down at her younger sister before returning her gaze to the fight. “Cassian accidentally punched y/n in the face and knocked her out.” Feyre felt her jaw drop all while turning to look at her older sister who just shrugged her shoulders in nonchalance. 

When you woke up the first thing you noticed was the pounding headache ravaging your mind, the next thing you noticed was the excruciating pain in your face and jaw. Whatever happened to you must have been pretty bad for you to be feeling this way. Especially with fae healing. After cataloging the different types of pain and discomfort you were feeling you took in your surroundings. Plush big bed, the soothing smell of your brother's cologne, and paintings of Nyx, Feyre and your brother decorated the walls. You were in your brother's room. You must have been hurt pretty bad for you to wake up in a room that wasn’t your own. Closing your eyes again in hopes of soothing the pain inside your head you take a few deep breaths while you were at it. 

Reluctantly you pushed the warm blankets off your body and made your way into the bathroom. The soft glow of faelights illuminated the bathroom and casted it into warmth. The setting sun on the horizon told you that you apparently had been out for most of the day, if not a day or two. Turning to look in the mirror you gasp at the sight in front of you. “Oh” a beat of silence “I look like shit.”  gently you press a finger into the dark purple, blue and black bruise covering most of the right side of your face. You cringe back at the pain your prodding had induced. It took you a few seconds of staring at your own reflection to remember what had caused this but eventually you remembered. 

You were sparring with Cassian in hand to hand combat and while the two of you were circling each other you could have swore you saw Azriel in the corner of your eye. Going to confirm it you turned your head to the right as Cassian's arm made a big and powerful swing and made contact with your face. After that you can’t remember anything. Giving it another once over you shrugged “At least he didn’t break my face.” you muttered to yourself before making your way out of the room and down to the kitchen or living room. You knew that you would only make it to one or the other before somebody was destined to stop you. 

You got as far as the living room. Rhysand sat in a chair as he watched his wife and son play on the floor. The soft padding of your feet on the marble floors pulled him from his silent brooding. You watched from the entrance of the room and your brother practically shot up from his seat and in three quick strides stood in front of you. “ You're awake!” Even though you knew he meant it as a statement it felt more like a question. “Yeah?” You watched as your brother sighed in relief before gently pulling you into his arms. One arm around your back and the other stroking your hair. He made sure the unbruised part of your face rested on his chest. Returning the hug you arm your arms around the waist of your brother wrapping each hand around your forearms and your rest your complete weight against him. For a few seconds nothing was said as he gently rocked you back in front in the same spot. 

Silently he pulls back to examine your face. You watch as his eyes take in the much darker welt on your face and the slowly closing fractured lip. He releases another sigh before once again pulling you back into him. “How are you feeling?” his tone in gentle and soft, knowing just how much your head probably hurts. Rhys had also been on the receiving end of Cassian's powerful strike, more times then he would like to admit. “My head feels like it's been cracked in two and my face feels like it might of been shattered but other than that I feel just peachy.” you felt the rumbling of your brother's chest before you heard the soft laughter.  “I’m glad to see Cassian didn’t cause any brain damage.” Now it was your turn to laugh. 

 A peaceful quiet settled over the two of you and for a second you enjoyed it. Closing your eyes you listened to the steady heartbeat of your brother's heart, and for a second it reminded you of when you were a child. Any time you were scared or just in need of your brother's love you would seek him out and cling to him like your life depended on it. And without questioning he would simply wrap his arms around your tiny frame while you rested your head against his chest listening to the soothing sounds of his heartbeat until you fell asleep. 

Those memories are some of the ones you hold closest to your heart and the current situation reminded you of when you were a child. Gently you knocked on the barely there shield of Rhys mind, he welcomes you in with open arms and there you show him all those precious memories this moment reminded you of. Some things are for certain and one of those things is sometimes you just need the love and comfort of your brother. Gently he squeezes your body closer into his own while still rocking you back and forth before placing part of his cheek and chin on top of your head. “Should we get you something to eat?” he all but whispers into the space above your head. Nodding your face against your chest the two of you pull away from each other after a few seconds. Rhysand keeps his arm wrapped around your shoulders as he leads you into the kitchen. He may not be a great cook and usually avoids the kitchen like it had the plague but for his little sister he would do anything. Even if that meant potentially burning his house down. 

It was a few days of living with your brother at his house before he thought you were ok enough to return back to the house of wind. That was only after Madja had even the ok that you would be good enough to survive the flight up there. You rolled your eyes behind his back as he talked with Madja. It was less than a five minute flight from his house to the top of the house of wind. If all else failed and you felt bad during the flight you would squeeze your eyes shut and pray you don’t throw up. 

When you finally returned to your house you were surprised to see it empty. “Where is everyone?” you asked as your brother trailed behind you while entering the living room. “Nesta is with Feyre and Nyx shopping and Cass and Az are currently on a mission.” settling into the couch you glance over your shoulder at your very sweet but protective brother “Back to calling him Cass? That must mean you no longer feel like murdering him.” you watch as your brother makes himself comfortable on the couch across from you. “I’m still not happy with him but that doesn’t mean I hate him either.” 

The room fills with silence yet again. “Why were you even sparring with him in the first place?” Furrowing your brows you look at him confused. “Uh because Azriel wasn’t there to do it? It was supposed to be the two of them but I guess something came up and no one else there has enough years of experience with the technique the Valkyries were learning so I stepped in to help.” It was now your brother's turn to furrow his eyebrows in confusion. “I didn’t give him anything to do so I don’t know why he wasn’t there.” Shrugging you look around before answering. “I mean he is a spymaster. I’m sure he has things that we don't get the privilege to know.”

Taglist: @kemillyfreitas @lana08 @willowpains @username199945 @tothestarsandwhateverend

@kylaisra @lilah-asteria @nickishadow139 @br0klynbby @blacktreacle22

@amysangel

#acotar imagine #acotar x reader #acotar x you #azriel acotar #azriel x reader #azriel fanfic #azriel imagine #azriel shadowsinger #azriel series #rhysand x sister!reader

[littlemisssatanist]

my acotar unpopular opinions

taking this time to come out as an acotar reader. yes i've read all the books and i've spent way too much time thinking about it. i enjoy the books in the sense that i enjoy hating on many of the characters and loving a few of the others.

be forewarned inner circle fans. you will not like this.

rhysand is not a 'morally grey' character. he's a rapist and a groomer. he sexually assaulted feyre utm, he groomed her (reminder that she was 19 in acotar), and he withheld important medical information from her. 'you'll always have a choice' my ass.

nesta telling feyre about her pregnancy was not a bad thing. why do people act like it is? 'oh she did it to hurt feyre' hurt her by doing what? revealing the lies that her beloved husband had woven? revealing the fact that she'd die giving birth? the fact that rhysand told literally everybody but feyre?

mor is not the champion for women everyone thinks she is. this i will give to sjm it is truly impressive to make a character like women and still be a pick me. i'm not even going to go into her whole weird ass relationship with her dad (i still don't understand why she wouldn't just kill him. 'oh rhys needed the army' rhys is supposed to be the most powerful high lord ever. either admit he's a fucking loser or give me an actual good reason for this) or the fact she's seemingly incapable of doing anything to help the women in the court of nightmares, but everytime she was mentioned, i had to let out a heavy sigh and rub my temples.

on a similar topic. i liked eris. like a lot. out of all the acotar characters sjm has written, eris is by far my favorite.

the inner circle needs to sit the fuck down. they are the most hypocritical bitches i've ever met. they like to think themselves high and mighty. reading them make fun of lucien's band of exiles while their name is literally 'court of dreamers' was the most infuriating thing ever. and then they have the gall to be insulted when called out. don't dish what you can't take.

out of all the inner circle, the only one i don't hate is azriel. this is simply because he is the only one who hasn't opened his big fat mouth and done something bad (except if you maybe count his whole thing with elain). cassian is on my hit list. it's on sight with cassian.

nessian is sjm's worst ship and i will stand by that. lucien/nesta could have been so much. 'nesta would have ripped lucien apart' and cassian was your first choice? not even azriel was considered? like be so for real right now. sjm didn't see the potential of lucien/nesta and i will forever mourn that.

sjm is a terrible writer. i'm not saying this to be mean but she seriously just sucks at it. that being said i admire her ability to still make millions of dollars off her shitty writing. as a woman, i am rooting for her. as a reader, every day i wake up a shoot a prayer to the heavens begging the gods to not let sjm write any more books from the inner circle's pov.

lucien/elain is better than azriel/elain. argue with the wall.

eris/azriel is better than azriel/elain. you can kiss my ass.

NESTA/ERIS IS BETTER THAN RHYSAND/FEYRE. i know this because i have been enlightened.

feyre is a victim to rhysand. that being said, she is also a major bitch. both can be true because these things are not mutually exclusive. i wish she could make friends outside of the ic like nesta did, but i know that's unlikely.

feyre's pregnancy storyline was completely useless and went against her whole character.

acomaf retconned everything about tamlin and feyre's relationship in order to make more money. idc.

tamlin gets a ridiculous amount of hate. rhysand is hypocritical. so tamlin locking feyre in a house because she wants to ride out with him into potential danger is terrible and abusive, but rhysand locking nesta in the house of wind for... *checks notes*... having sex and spending money on alcohol is helping her? what?

#anti rhysand #anti sjm #anti inner circle #anti acotar #rhysand critical #inner circle critical #acotar #acotar critical #pro nesta #anti nessian #pro eris vanserra #anti mor #this might be a controversial one

[theostrophywife]

unholy.

masterlist (azriel x reader) author's note: once again, this fic is inspired by a song which the full version of actually just released today! unholy by sam smith and kim petras is the ultimate strip club vibes so you know i had to write an azriel piece about it. warning: public stripping, thigh riding, lap dances, daddy kink and mutual masturbation. honestly, take your pick and it's there. summary: tired of being the innocent one out of the inner circle, you show azriel your unholy fantasies.

It started out as a stupid dare. 

Get up on stage and dance. 

A simple enough task, propositioned by the one and only Morrigan. She didn't think you would actually do it. To be fair, you didn’t think you would either, but against better judgment, you found yourself agreeing. Fueled by strong faerie wine and the company of your friends, you were determined to let tonight be the night that you finally let loose. 

What started out as a spontaneous performance with the burlesque dancers on stage somehow snowballed into giving Azriel a very suggestive, very seductive, and very unexpected lap dance in one of the private rooms at Rita’s.  

But you were getting to that. 

In hindsight, perhaps things had gotten a little out of hand, but at least now no one could ever accuse you of holding back. 

Out of your circle of friends, you were always considered the innocent one. The sweet and demure healer who blushed at Cassian’s flirtatious remarks and balked at Mor’s suggestive dares. It wasn’t like you were inexperienced, but your hesitation and reluctance when it came to the inner circle's wilder antics unintentionally created a good girl persona for yourself that couldn’t be further from who you really were. 

In truth, you were just a notorious overthinker and it took awhile for you to get comfortable showing others your true colors. The majority of the time, you were perfectly content letting everyone chalk it up to shyness, but tonight Cassian’s teasing managed to get under your skin. 

“There’s no way you’re going up there, honey.” 

Even the nickname, dubbed by the Illyrian general to commemorate your first meeting at Madja’s clinic when you smeared honey salve on his once tattered wings, alluded to your supposedly saccharine nature. The rest of your friends spurred you on to join the burlesque dancer beckoning you onto the stage. All except the shadowsinger, who offered an apologetic smile on behalf of his brother. 

“Don’t listen to Cas. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.” 

The remark was incredibly thoughtful of Azriel, but unbeknownst to him, it contained just the right amount of challenge to nudge you out of your comfort zone. You were tired of everyone assuming that you were coy and naive and perhaps showing them a different side of you would change their assumptions, Azriel included. Though the shadowsinger never made you feel ashamed of your more cautious approach, you wanted him to see you as more than the designated innocent member of the inner circle. 

“What if I want to?” you ask with a raised brow. 

The mischievous grin that spread across his beautiful face sent shivers down your spine. “Then you’d be making every male in this place very, very happy.” 

With a wicked smile, you rose from your seat and tossed your jacket at Cassian who stared after you in disbelief before launching into a deafening cheer. Beside him, Rhys and Feyre clapped while Mor whistled. Amren smirked over the top of her wine glass, but Nesta, who was the only friend who had ever witnessed your wild side first hand thanks to your countless girls night out with the Valkyries, simply mouthed a message of encouragement. 

Give them hell.

Your skin buzzed with anticipation as you climbed up onto the makeshift stage at Rita’s, sidling in next to the pretty pixie who twirled you around towards the audience. 

“And who is this pretty little thing joining us tonight?” 

You blushed, blinking under the bright faelights pointed in your direction. The varying colors flashed with every shade of the rainbow. “You can call me honey.” 

The dancer laughs in delight as the roaring cheer of your friends echo through the pleasure hall. “Let’s see if you’ve got some sting to you, honeybee.” 

With a snap of her fingers, the faelights dimmed and the music filtered through the room. A smoky blue spotlight kissed you with its hazy ring while fog skittered through your ankles. The pulsating beat thrummed through your body, drowning out your nerves with its seductive rhythm. You must have watched the burlesque dancers perform this routine half a dozen times and while it was more daring than your classical ballet training, the music flowed through your body all the same. 

Your hips swayed to the beat, losing yourself in the fluid movements of the dance. Leaning forward, you trace the outline of your leg, fingertips skirting along your supple skin, and stopping right above the hem of your dress. Teasing the audience, you allow the skirts to ride up to your thighs, giving them a brief glimpse of the lace garter holding up your thigh high stockings. 

The crowd was rambunctious as you winked before turning around and unzipping the zipper on the side of your dress. The dainty floral fabric slipped off with ease, revealing the lace nightgown that you were wearing underneath. You kicked the dress off to the side of the stage with your right heel, eliciting a roar of cheers from the audience. 

Mor was full on standing and whistling between her fingers. Teetering beside her, Feyre squealed in delight while Rhysand jokingly covered his eyes. Amren raised an amused brow while Nesta merely smiled. Her mate was the most boisterous of the group, letting the entirety of Rita’s know that it was his friend up there currently stripping for them. 

But it was Azriel’s gaze - golden and burning - that pierced right through you. The way the shadowsinger was looking at you made you feel more exposed than the act of undressing in front of nearly half the citizens of Velaris. 

Tossing your dark hair over your shoulders, you shot him a quick wink. He leaned forward to the edge of his seat, elbows pressed against the top of his knees while he watched you with unveiled scrutiny. Shadows peered over his shoulders, plunging him into a deeper darkness than the already dim lighting of the pleasure hall. 

Azriel had opted out of his usual dark leathers tonight and was instead donning a casual dark button up and black trousers. Thanks to the current heat wave in Velaris, the shadowsinger left the first few buttons of his shirt open, giving you a full view of the sprawling tattoos inked upon his golden brown skin. As if that weren't enough to give you heart palpitations, he'd also rolled up the sleeves to his elbows to showcase his strong arms. Your gaze immediately dropped down to the large veins covering them and immediately felt a bead of sweat slide down your back at the sight. Perhaps it was a peculiar thing to find attractive, but this was Azriel. The male made the act of breathing look like a masterpiece.

The other dancers gyrated around you and the pretty pixie gripped your waist, turning you once more to show you off to the crowd, but Azriel’s eyes remained solely fixed on you. An easy smile broke through his usual cool demeanor and a shiver went through your spine when he rose, those powerful wings of his flaring behind his back as he raised a glass in your direction. 

You swallowed thickly as he tipped the glass to his lips, the crimson wine sliding into his mouth and tinting those plush lips of his a deliciously wicked red color. Azriel never once broke eye contact while his pink tongue darted across his bottom lip, licking away the remnants of the alcohol. 

It was undoubtedly the sexiest thing you’ve ever seen. 

Perhaps that single flirtatious gesture was to blame for what happened next. 

After wrapping up your brief stint as a burlesque dancer, the drinks flowed and the party migrated to the private room reserved for you and your friends at the back of the building. As you made your way through the packed crowd, several people congratulated you on your performance and some even offered to buy you a drink. Never mind that you couldn’t recall the last time you paid a single coin out of your pocket for your countless nights out thanks to Rhysand’s open tab. You wouldn’t be surprised if the High Lord was singlehandedly funding this pleasure hall on the inner circle's supply of wine alone. 

Cassian waved off your admirers, drunkenly draping an arm over your shoulder. “Who the hell knew you had it in you, honey?” 

“I did,” Nesta announces proudly. “That was tame compared to the moves I’ve seen her unleash at the tavern.” 

You blushed, sticking a tongue out at your friend. “That was supposed to be our secret, Nes!” 

Mor chuckled, falling in step beside you. “Cat’s out of the bag now. Our honeybee is a certified smoke show. That little striptease was hotter than the Cauldron.” The blonde’s mischievous sights settled on Azriel. “Wasn’t she on fire up there, Az?” 

You elbowed the blonde, but she only grinned in response. 

“You brought the whole damn house down, honey.” 

Azriel’s words swept over you like a torrential wind. His gaze stayed glued on you all night, serving as your own little spotlight and burning brighter than the faelights from earlier. 

As you slid into the booth next to him, your body thrummed from post adrenaline rush. You hadn’t bothered to put your dress back on, opting to stay in the skimpy little nightgown that left barely a sliver to the imagination. Goosebumps prickled your skin as you scooted closer to Azriel, arms and thighs touching as Nesta and Cassian sandwiched the two of you towards the end of the table. 

The familiar scent of night-chilled mist and cedar enveloped you on all sides. To your left, Nesta shot you a knowing look which you rebuffed with a subtle shake of your head. 

Make a move, she mouthed. 

Fuck off, you responded. 

The brunette smirked and inclined her chin towards Azriel, who was looking at you expectantly. The boldness from earlier weaned under the intensity of his gaze. Despite Nesta’s urging, you couldn’t muster up the courage to make the first move. You’ve been crushing on Azriel since the moment Cassian had dragged him into Madja’s clinic, fussing and fighting against receiving treatment for a mild injury to his wing. 

You’d pulled out a sharp basilisk tooth, threatening to inject him with venom if he didn’t allow you to patch up his wing. Azriel had taken to you instantly after that, often dropping by the clinic to eat lunch with you or walk you home after a long day of tending to gruesome wounds. 

You cherished the friendship you had with him, but there were times when you wanted more. Tonight being one of them. 

Because in the midst of the loud, crowded room, you only really had eyes for Azriel. 

The shadowsinger smiles, draping an arm over your shoulder. A silver necklace peeked out from his exposed chest, settling into the hard planes of his muscles while he scooted closer. “I meant what I said earlier,” he states over the blaring music. “You were great up there.” 

“Thank you. It’s been a while since I’ve been on stage.” 

Azriel squeezes your arm. “I’m only sorry that I never got to see you perform at the ballet.” 

You smile. He knew how much you loved dancing. When you met, you had just finished your stint as prima ballerina at the Velaris Ballet and shifted towards turning your volunteer work at Madja’s clinic into a full time job, though it never really felt like one. You liked helping people too much to consider it work. 

“Perhaps I’ll give you a private performance one of these days.” 

Just like that, the boldness was back with a vengeance. 

Azriel raises a brow. “Feeling daring tonight, are we?” 

You shrug nonchalantly. “The night’s still young. Who knows what sort of trouble Cas and Mor have in store for us?” 

You nod towards your friends, who were now dancing atop a table at the corner of the room. The wood creaked underneath their weight, but the two didn’t seem to notice. 

The shadowsinger chuckled beside you, his fingers skimming the side of your neck. They drummed a pleasant little pattern on your skin as you gulped down a sip of your wine. 

“Sorry about their teasing. They can get a little out of hand sometimes.” 

“It’s alright, I knew what I signed up for when I agreed to come out tonight,” you glance up at him, cheeks heating from a mixture of the alcohol and your close proximity to the Illyrian warrior. “Besides, it was time for me to come out of my comfort zone.” 

“Speaking of comfort zones,” Nesta interjects. “I think it’s time for a drinking game.”

Your friend beckoned her mate over and the rest of the inner circle followed suit. You raised a brow at Nesta, who rarely ever initiated these games. She shot a feral smile at you, which told you all that you needed to know. You were in deep shit.

“What are we playing, Nes?” Cassian asked. 

A mischievous smile spread across the female’s face. “Truth or drink.” She lined up the shot glasses in the middle of the table, filling each one to the brim with alcohol. “The person next to you gets to ask a question. You can choose to either answer truthfully or take the shot.” 

Mor smirked. “This should be fun.” 

Nesta nodded to the blonde, who was sitting right next to her youngest sister. “Looks like you’re up first, Feyre. Mor, will you do the honors?” 

The devious smile that spread across the beautiful female’s face was downright wicked as she nodded. She tilted her head, examining Feyre. “Out of all of the High Lords, who do you think is the kinkiest in bed?” 

You snorted as Feyre’s eyes went wide. Sheepishly, she mouthed a sorry to Rhys. “Helion, for sure.” 

Cassian hooted, clapping his brother on the back. “Don’t take offense, brother. The High Lord of Day would put any of us to shame.” 

Rhys grinned. “None taken. Helion can take the prize for kinkiest, as long as I’m still the most handsome High Lord in your eyes, Feyre darling.” 

“Get a room, you two,” Amren said with a roll of her eyes. She gestured to Feyre. “Now do us all a favor and ask your mate something to knock him down a few pegs.”

Feyre nodded, determined. “You once told me that you, Cas, and Az measured wingspans. To settle the age-old argument, who has the biggest wings?” 

The High Lord chuckled. “Easy. It’s Az.” 

Everyone glanced at Azriel, who only shrugged in response. Morrigan raised a brow. “Follow up question, if Az has the biggest wings then does my theory about its correlation to other body parts hold up as well?” 

Naturally, your gaze drifted to the shadowsinger who winked in response. He leaned in, shadows wafting over him like smoke. “Don’t tell me you’re curious too.” 

“Maybe I am,” you shot back flirtatiously. “For scientific purposes, of course.” 

“Of course,” Azriel echoes, squeezing your knee under the table. His hand remained there even as you both drew your attention back to the game at hand. 

Rhysand raised the shot glass in his hands. “Now that’s one secret I’ll never tell, cousin.” The High Lord tipped the liquor back and grimaced from the burn of the alcohol. 

His laser focus was upon Mor at once, stars winking into his violet eyes. “I think I speak for everyone when I say that this is a question all of us are dying to know. When are you finally going to ask Emerie out?” 

The blonde shot her cousin a glare. It had been nearly a year since Morrigan finally felt comfortable sharing the truth about her sexuality and all of your friends had been extremely supportive. On top of that, each of you were particularly invested in her budding romance with the Illyrian female. 

“Emerie and I actually already went out last week.” 

A chorus of gasps and inquiries erupted from your friends. Derailed by this new revelation, you watched in amusement as Cassian grilled the blonde for details. Sipping your wine, you tried to look everywhere but the hand resting on your knee. The front of your dress had slightly ridden up your thigh so Azriel’s fingers were splayed out on the sliver of exposed skin between the hem of your dress and the tops of your stockings. 

The shadowsinger was facing straight ahead, but a hint of a smirk graced his beautiful face as you tried not to squirm in your seat. 

“Enough about my love life,” Mor says with a wave of her hand. “It's your turn, Cas. Last Winter Solstice, I gave you custom red leather boots, but I have never seen you wear it once. Were you lying when you said you liked them?” 

Cassian’s eyes widened. You chuckled as the Illyrian general dramatically picked up his shot glass, tapped it on the wood, and downed the liquid in one gulp.

Mor gasped, slapping the sticky surface of the table. “You told me you loved them!” 

The wings upon Cassian’s back twinged slightly. “No comment.” 

“With you two? I thought the boots would get some use in the bedroom,” you say, wiggling a brow suggestively between Nesta and Cassian. 

Immediate regret shot through you like electricity as Azriel’s hand inched higher up your thigh. He squeezed gently and you nearly knocked your knee into the top of the table. Shadows pulled your ankles to the floor while Azriel's cool demeanor never once faltered.

While Mor and Cassian duked it out, the shadowsinger leaned over conspiratorially. “It’s not so nice to be on the receiving end of the teasing, is it?” 

“That's not fair. You're playing dirty and you know it, Az.” 

The grin he flashed was nothing short of feral. “Oh you have no idea how dirty I can get, princess.” 

Heat flared through your skin in response. What the hell was happening? You swallowed thickly, trying your best to keep up with the line of questions going around the table. In true Cassian fashion, the Illyrian general turned upon his mate with a downright ruthless smile. 

“During your last girl’s night at the House, all of you got drunk and decided to skinny dip in the Sidra. Two of the Valkyries backed out, but the others almost got caught by the sentries posted by the river. Which of you had to run buck naked through the night with only burlap sacks covering them?” 

Nesta’s gaze met yours. You gave her a small nod, confirming that it was alright for her to reveal your crimes. 

“It was me and honey.” 

The room erupted into boisterous laughter. Rhysand narrowed his eyes. “That was you two? The sentries woke me up in the middle of the night to ask if they should go after the streakers.” 

Nesta only shrugged. “Your turn, honey.” Her unyielding gaze flickers on your face, examining you with careful consideration. Then, a smile bloomed on her lovely face. “Have you ever had a dirty dream about anyone in this room?” 

Shit. You were going to kill her. Nesta was well aware of the answer to that question since you had shared a particularly steamy dream you’d had of Azriel that would’ve made Sellyn Drake herself blush. The shadowsinger’s fingers hovered over your skin, noticing the sudden stiffness of your limbs and the shift in your breathing. You twirled your finger around the rim of the shot glass, deciding your fate. 

“Yes,” you finally answer. 

Nesta smirks. “Care to share who the dream was about?” 

“You only get one question, Nes.” 

Your friends groaned, but Nesta only chuckled. “Fair enough.” A vexatious glint shimmered in her eyes while she nodded to your right. “Ask Az a question then.” 

Azriel smiled as his fingertips traced idle patterns on your skin. The contact made you clench your thighs together, but the pull of his shadows spread your feet apart so his hand could travel further up your leg. 

The Illyrian had a wolfish smile on his face as he whispered only low enough for you to hear. “Better make it a good one, princess.” 

You examined the male, grin growing wide as the perfect question came to mind. If Azriel wanted to play dirty, so be it. “Have you ever used the chains and whips in the dungeon for anything other than torture?” 

The whole room held their breath as the shadowsinger’s gaze met yours. Those hazel eyes of his beckoned you forth like a magnet, never once leaving your face as he picked up his shot glass. Licking his plump lips, he gave you a wink as he tipped the alcohol back. 

Cassian chuckled. “I think that was answer enough.” 

Azriel shrugged casually, not a hint of emotion breaking through that cool exterior of his. The game continued with another round of questions and the shadowsinger swept his hot touch over your skin once more.  The caress held nothing but promise.

“You’ll pay for that later, honey.” 

The threat made you dizzy with arousal. You were barely paying attention to the scandalous information being discussed, too busy with the task of discretely ogling Azriel through the rim of your wine glass. Your hot gaze trailed from the soft dark hair curling around his ears, inky strands caressing the sharp angle of his cheekbones. The glow of the faelights bathed his golden brown skin in a soft halo, hugging the elegant slope of his nose and framing his smirking mouth. With the rim of the wine glass caught between them, Azriel's lips appeared so enticing that it was almost criminal.

Gods, he was so fucking beautiful. It almost hurt to look at him directly.

Azriel squeezed you gently. “See something you like?” 

“Mhm,” you murmur. “You’re just so pretty, Az.”

You reveled in the blush that swept over his cheeks. “Fucking hell,” he muttered under his breath. “You’re the only pretty thing I see here, princess.”

You grin, batting your lashes. The rest of your group seemed utterly oblivious to the game happening between you and the shadowsinger. He inched his way closer to the edge of your panties as you sucked in a sharp intake of breath. The arousal coating the lace fabric had you soaked right through. The scent of it wafted up to Azriel who only smiled, satisfaction written all over his smug face. 

“Now be a good girl and ask me another question.”

An hour and two drinks later, you found yourself perched on the shadowsinger’s lap. The longer the night went on, the touchier you both got. It started with you playfully stretching your legs onto Azriel’s lap, which led to him pulling you by the ankles to bring you closer, and eventually bouncing you on his knee so you could hear each other better. 

The rest of your friends had joined the crowd outside, no doubt dancing the night away as you and Azriel stayed behind in the private room. On any other night, you would’ve been out on the dance floor partying it up with Mor and Feyre, but right now, you were perfectly content where you were. 

Azriel tucks a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “You should wear your hair down more often,” he states in a low and husky voice. “I like it this way.” 

His fingertips skirt over your collarbone, toying with the strap of your lace nightgown. The flimsy spaghetti strap slides off your shoulder, revealing the blue lace bra underneath. 

“This dress,” he murmurs in appreciation. “I like this dress on you, too.” 

You blush, tipping your head back in laughter. “Are you just going to keep naming things you like about me?” 

“We’d be here all night.” 

“You’re a shameless flirt, Az.” 

A shiver snakes its way up your spine as his shadows sweep over you, their cool touch caressing your cheek. “Only for you.”

“You seem different tonight,” he whispers into your ear. “Less guarded. More confident.” 

“Maybe I’m tired of everyone thinking of me as the innocent one.” 

Azriel chuckles. “The first time I met you, you threatened to stab me with a basilisk tooth. You never had me fooled for a second.” 

“You know what I mean, Az. I’m the one that always holds back. The one that overthinks everything. For once, I just want to be the fun one.” 

“Hence the stripping on stage?” he teases, twirling your hair between his fingers. You rolled your eyes playfully and he tickled your cheeks with the strands. “You are fun, whether you’re undressing for all of Rita’s to see or curling up with one of those smutty books you like so much back at your flat.” 

You tilt your head to the side, biting back a smile. “I don’t know. It might be silly, but sometimes I wish I had the courage to be this version of myself more often.” 

Azriel’s fingers traced the curve of your jaw. “You know you can always be yourself around me, right? The good, the bad, the ugly. I like every version of yourself that you allow me to see. Tonight is no different.” 

Warmth spread through your cheeks and you pitched forward, covering your face within the dark curtain of your hair. “You’re my best friend, Az. You have to say that.” 

The shadowsinger lifts your chin, examining your features with tender eyes. Your heart was pounding inside your chest so frantically that it would take a miracle for Azriel not to hear it. 

“Friends don’t think of each other the way I think about you,” he says softly. 

The butterflies in your stomach fluttered erratically. “And what exactly do you think about me?” 

He pauses, taking you in. “I think that you’re smart and sweet and funny. I think that my day never really feels complete until I talk to you because you’re honestly one of my favorite people.” Your heart fluttered in your chest as a hint of mischief flashed through Azriel’s eyes. 

With his voice low and his gaze hot, Azriel adds, “And I think that if I told you the filthy thoughts that crossed my mind while you were dancing on stage, no one would ever see you as innocent again.” 

A shiver went down your spine. You’d imagined crossing this line with Azriel so many times, but you were too afraid of ruining your friendship to ever pursue it. The flirting and the touching wasn’t anything new. You and Azriel had a tendency to draw towards each other wherever you were, but besides the occasional suggestive remark or lingering touch, neither one of you acknowledged the sexual tension brewing between you. 

More than that, Azriel truly was your best friend. You talked about anything and everything under the sun and you just understood one another. It’s rare to find a connection with someone like that. So, you kept your feelings under lock and key, but now Azriel had unlocked unknown territory. 

You couldn’t deny the desire rolling off of you in waves. The thoughts running through your head were ones that you only allowed yourself to think about when you were alone. Usually in your bed or in the bath with your fingers between your legs, but now, the male that consumed your thoughts just admitted that you consumed his too. You weren’t about to let this moment pass you by.

Music pulsed through the room and you could feel the seductive beat thrumming through your veins. You rose to standing, perching yourself between Azriel’s thighs. Guiding his hands over your waist, you shot him a seductive grin. 

“What are you doing?” Azriel asked, his voice so low you could barely hear it. 

“Showing you what I think about when I think about you.” 

The dim faelights flickered as your body swayed to the music, hips rocking side to side as you circled Azriel. The glow of the siphons on his hands reflected off the lights, bathing the entire room in a hazy cobalt fog. With the pulsating beat of the music and the sultry lighting, your body moved of its own accord. The shadowsinger's eyes followed your movements, from the way your fingertips traced the soft curves of your body to the sensual pop of your hips as you dropped it low. You slowly rose, bending over backwards and giving him a full view of your backside.

You continued to gyrate, your body flowing as smoothly as the Sidra. Winding and grinding, Azriel craned his neck to watch as you danced around him. You kneeled, fingers twining with his while you twirled back up to standing. Slowly, you pressed your chest against his and let your lips brush against his cheek while the tops of your breasts grazed his mouth. You tugged at the chain dangling on his neck, watching as his eyes fluttered close while you placed a kiss on the corner of his mouth. He tried to capture your lips in his, but you only chuckled while you turned around and perched yourself on his lap.

Azriel’s tongue darts out from between his lips as the straps of your dress fall over your shoulder. He inhales sharply as you settle between his thighs, grinding against him slowly while your hips rocked in a steady rhythm. The shadowsinger grips your waist in his large hands, fingers disappearing underneath the lacy fabric of your nightgown. Finally, you turn to face him and the ravenous look in his eyes made you shiver with anticipation.

He traced soothing circles against your skin as you settled over his right thigh, your arms hooking behind his head. Deft fingers hike the skirt of your dress up even more until your lace panties pressed against the fabric of his trousers. You rocked your hips over his thigh, moaning as the friction rubbed against your already soaking core. 

“Is this what you think about?” Azriel whispers into your ear. “Teasing the absolute hell out of me until I’m so hard that I can’t even think straight?”

“Yes,” you whimper as you buck against him, your arousal coating your lace underwear and his trousers. His fingers lace through your hair, gripping the back of your head with light force. “I fantasize about it all the time. In my bed. In the bath. Anywhere I can.” 

“Fuck, that’s hot. Do you get yourself off while thinking of me, princess?” 

“Always,” you admit breathlessly. “It’s always you.” 

“Do you touch yourself and imagine that its my fingers inside of you?” He groaned, kneading your ass with his hand. “Do you fuck yourself and call out my name?” 

You nod, the hazy fog of lust clouding your thoughts. “I do.” 

“Then show me, princess.” 

Azriel guides your hand towards your lace panties. He yanks them off you, tearing the delicate fabric and exposing your bare cunt to the cold air. The ruined lace rolls off your ankles and he discards them to the floor without a second glance. He lifts you gingerly, sliding out of his own pants so he could feel your arousal against his leg. 

“What would our friends think if they could see us now?” The dark chuckle that followed told you exactly how little he cared if anyone were to walk through the door. The risk of getting caught made this that much more enticing. 

“I don’t care,” you answer. “Do you?” 

Azriel guided your hips over his leg once more and the skin on skin contact nearly made your eyes roll to the back of your head. “My little exhibitionist,” he says with a smirk. “Tell me what you want.” 

You bit your lip, thinking. “I want to ride your thigh.”

He chuckles darkly. “Not so innocent now, are we? Is that really what you want? To ride my thigh until you’re nothing but a needy, whining mess in my lap?”

“Yes, Az. Please,” you plead, pouting your lips. 

“Come get yourself off on my thigh then, princess.”

That was all the encouragement you needed before you needily grinded against him. Azriel’s warm mouth connected to your neck, leaving a trail of open mouthed kisses along your skin. His lips skirted over the hollow of your throat, nipping and sucking all the way down to your collarbone. He pulled down the straps of your dress, letting it drape down your torso as he admired the lacy blue bra hiding underneath. 

Azriel inhaled sharply at the sight of your cleavage. He continued kissing your chest while dexterously making quick work of the hook of your bra. Releasing your breasts from their constraints, he cupped your soft flesh before taking a nipple into his mouth. Your back arched as his tongue swirled around your peak and you continued riding his warm thigh, the slick sound of your arousal rubbing against him filling the room. 

The sensation on your clit is heavenly and you could feel yourself closer and closer to reaching your reprieve as he hums against your skin. A slick sound interrupted your thoughts and you looked down to find Azriel pumping himself while he watched you get yourself off on his lap. The sight of his hard cock in his hand made your mouth water. 

“Touch yourself for me, princess.” 

You whimpered, sliding a finger over your clit and rubbing the sensitive bundle of nerves while Azriel continued to rub himself underneath you. Two fingers slide into your pussy, coating them with your juices while you and Azriel watch each other masturbate. You bucked against your own hand, imagining that it was his cock underneath you and releasing a loud moan. 

“That’s it, princess. Keep fucking yourself against me until you cum.” 

The buck of your hips turns erratic as Azriel continues to watch you shamelessly get off on his thigh. Your toes curled, body tensing as waves of pleasure washed over you. The friction made your head swim with incoherent thoughts.

"Azriel," you gasp, moaning his name into the crook of his neck while you worked yourself towards release.

A light tug at the back of your head placed you face to face with the shadowsinger. His hazel eyes glowed with desire, drinking in the sight of you pleading his name like a prayer.

"Say it again."

With your mouth slightly open, panting as the pressure built behind your needy core, you whimpered. "Azriel."

His free hand drifted up to your nipple, rubbing and teasing as you bucked against his touch. Azriel licked the hollow of your throat, nipping at your soft skin and sucking at your flesh so hard that it was sure to bruise. You could only imagine the trail of love bites littered all over your neck.

Azriel grinned into your skin. "Don't cover my marks. After we walk out of here, I want everyone to know who did this to you. Who made you whimper and moan and beg. You're mine, princess. Do you understand?"

You whimpered against his neck. Shadows coiled at the base of your throat, turning your chin to place you face to face once again. The intensity of his hazel gaze burned into your skin like a brand.

"When I ask you a question, I expect an answer." Azriel withdrew his touch from your nipple and you whined at the loss of warmth.

"I'm yours, Azriel," you answer in a breathy pant. "I always have been."

The growl that emitted from the back of his throat was nothing like you’ve ever heard before. Azriel’s free hand tangled through the back of your head as he forcefully pressed his mouth against yours. Your lips melded together, making your head swim with lust as his tongue slipped inside your mouth. The kiss brings you over the edge and a whining pant escapes from the back of your throat as Azriel swears. 

“Let go, princess. I’ve got you.” 

Azriel kisses you, deep and slow, while you give yourself over to your orgasm. The tension in your abdomen uncoiled and you came all over his muscled thigh. With a growl, Azriel releases his cock from his right hand and plunges his own fingers inside of you. The peak of your release intensified as he curved his middle and pointer finger inside your walls, eliciting wave after wave of pleasure to rack through your body. You whine as he withdraws seconds later, your juices coating his digits. Arousal glistened on his scarred fingers and he brought them to his mouth, licking up every last drop of you. 

“You taste like fucking heaven, honey. Better than what I could’ve imagined.” He brought his fingers to your lips. “See for yourself.”

You took his digits into your parted mouth, swirling your tongue and tasting yourself on him. His eyes were nearly black as you sucked on his fingers, releasing them with a loud pop as he pulled them out of your mouth. 

“Such a good girl for me.” 

“I want to taste you, Az.” 

The curses that flew out of his beautiful mouth would’ve made a sailor blush. You smirked, giving him a quick peck before sliding down onto your knees. Above you, Azriel watched with lust blown eyes while you grip his cock in your dainty hands. Lifting his shirt, you greedily licked a trail up his abs while he shuddered at the sensation of your warm mouth. 

His wings flared behind him as a moan ripped through his chest. Pure, unadulterated pleasure rocked through his body while his eyes nearly rolled to the back of his head. “Keep teasing like that, princess and you’ll have me on my knees by the end of the night.”

Satisfied with that response, you pumped him in your hand and grinned. You spit in your right hand, rubbing up and down his length with determination. Flicking your hair over your shoulder, you licked his long, hard member from base to tip, catching his precum in your mouth while Azriel gathered your hair in his hands. 

Glancing up at him through your lashes, you squeezed him in your hand, slowly pumping his member as you began to take him into your mouth. Tears pricked the back of your eyes while his cock hit the back of your throat. Azriel was bigger than anyone you’ve ever taken. You gagged on the sheer size of his member, your spit trailing down his lap while you fucked him with your mouth. 

“That’s it, honey,” he said gruffly. “You can take it.” 

Azriel guided the back of your head, helping you bob up and down his length while he moaned your name. He yanked on your hair while you gagged, the sloppy sounds of you choking on his cock filling the room. The filthy swears coming out of his mouth only served to turn you on even more. 

“Does my pretty little princess like to choke on my cock?” He shudders, bucking his hips into your mouth. “You’re just begging to have your throat fucked, aren’t you?” 

You whined, inhaling through your nose while tears streamed down your cheeks. Saliva dribbled down your chin and you were pretty sure that you’d been reduced to nothing but a slobbery mess, but you were determined to get Azriel off with your mouth. 

“Fuck,” Azriel swears, rolling his head back as he spoke. “How are you so good at that? Taking me in so deep like a good girl.” 

You hummed while sucking your cheeks in, letting his length hit the back of your throat over and over again. The shadowsinger shuddered, wings fluttering behind him as he came closer and closer to his release.

“I want to make you cum, Az.” 

“Not yet, princess. I want to feel how wet you are for me first. I could smell your arousal all night and I want to fucking bury myself in it.”

He released his hold on your hair, picking you up from your kneeling position. Your legs wobbled underneath you, but Azriel steadied you and placed your hands on the wooden table directly in front of you. He swept away the remnants of food and drinks littering its surface onto the floor and hovered over you. Shadows swirled through your ankles, spreading your legs apart with force as Azriel cups your ass. 

“Be a good girl and bend over.” 

A shock of electricity jolted through you as you leaned over the table, face down and ass up. His fingers traced the thigh high stockings covering your lower half, cupping your ass in appreciation. A loud smack echoed through your ears as Azriel brought his hand down on your right cheek. The action stung and it would no doubt leave a handprint on your ass until the next morning, but your head was reeling with too much pleasure to care. Steadying himself on the table, Azriel lined the tip of his cock on your wet cunt and teased along your slit.

Your pussy throbbed with desire, needy and desperate to feel Azriel buried deep inside you. A whine escaped your lips as you greedily rocked against him. The shadowsinger smacked your ass again, gripping your waist in place. 

“I wouldn’t do that again unless you want to get punished. I decide when to put my cock inside you. Do you understand, princess?” 

You nod, goosebumps prickling over your skin. “Yes, daddy.” 

Azriel chuckles darkly. “Absolutely fucking filthy. My spoiled rotten little princess.” He braced himself behind you. “Now try and be quiet so the rest of the people here won’t know that daddy's about to fuck you into oblivion.” 

“I’ll be good.” 

“That’s what I like to hear.” 

Azriel eased himself into you, swearing under his breath when he slid into your wet pussy. You were dripping for him and it made it that much easier for him to slip all the way in. He moved slowly, thrusting into you at a steady tempo until he hit that sweet spot within you that made you cry out in pleasure. Encouraged by your reaction, the shadowsinger rutted into you relentlessly and you tried to desperately swallow the moans rising within you. A small whimper slipped out and Azriel leaned over you, his lips grazing the shell of your ear. 

“What did I say about being quiet?” he hissed into your ear, suddenly pulling out of you. The absence of his warmth inside you made you whine in desperation. 

“Please, I swear I’ll be quiet. You just feel so fucking good.” 

“Look at you begging for me. You just can’t help yourself, can you?” Azriel’s hand trails up your torso, squeezing your breast on the way up before wrapping his fingers around your throat. “I suppose I’ll just have to find another way to keep you quiet.” 

Shadows clamp down over your mouth while Azriel pounds into you again, squeezing gently on your neck. The lack of oxygen combined with his aggressive thrusts had you reeling with pleasure. Until now, you’d never really understood the appeal of choking, but with his hand wrapped around your neck and his cock buried deep inside you, Azriel was convincing you otherwise. 

With your face pressed against the table, Azriel gathers your hair into his fist and leans over so that his chest is touching your bare skin. The cold sensation of his necklace hit the small of your back while he savagely pounded into you again and again.

“My honey’s just so pretty when I’m fucking her senseless.” He presses a kiss on your shoulder, teeth sinking into your skin as he railed you from behind. “Feels so fucking good. Like your pretty little cunt was made just for me.” 

The vice grip of your walls pulsed around his member while he hit all the right spots. Your legs were shaking as skin slapped against skin, the tempo of his thrusts matching the pulsating beat of the music blaring through the pleasure hall. If any of your friends walked through that door, they’d see the tears forming in your eyes as you begged Azriel for more. The thrill of getting caught in the act made you moan into the shadowsinger’s hand. 

He eased on his grip, leaning over to hear what you had to say. “Fuck me, daddy. Fuck me until I cum all over your cock. Please.” 

Azriel chuckled. “Since you asked so nicely, princess. I’ll let you cum first.” 

His hands traveled south, settling on your clit while he rubbed circular motions over the sensitive spot. The shadowsinger rutted even more aggressively into you and the sweet nothings he whispered into your hair had you gushing all over him. Turning your head towards him, he kissed you deeply and swallowed your moans into his own mouth. 

“That’s it, honey. Just ride it out. Wanna feel you cum while I’m deep inside you.”

The second orgasm rocked you harder than the first. Your walls clenched around Azriel, coating his member with your arousal while it dripped out of you. 

“Such a good girl. You want daddy to fill you up, princess?” 

You nod, biting your lip. Azriel’s veiny, tattooed arms came down on either side of you as he released a shaky breath. “Cum inside me, Azriel. I can take it.” 

It was all the encouragement Azriel needed to hear before spurting his seed inside of you, his teeth sinking into your shoulder to mask his moans of pleasure. The shadowsinger sighed in contentment, turning you over for a kiss. His forehead dipped down to yours, a shy smile spreading across his face. 

“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice laced with concern. It sounded so different from the confident, authoritative male from a few moments ago. 

You smiled, nodding your head. “Never better.” 

Azriel scanned the room and took in the mess you both made, the food and bottles littering the floor, the ruined underwear hanging over the booth, and finally, your disheveled sex hair. The two of you looked at each other and the gravity of what you’d just done hung in the air. A line had been crossed and you could never uncross it. 

Slowly, the shadowsinger breaks out into a grin. The gesture was contagious and you found yourself mirroring the act until the two of you were both bursting with laughter.

“This isn’t what I had envisioned when I finally told you how I felt.” Azriel finally says. 

“Oh yeah?” you ask teasingly. “What did you have in mind?” 

The shadowsinger chuckles, pulling the straps of your nightgown back over your shoulders. He gathered his pants and pulled them on quickly. Retrieving a small cloth from his pocket, he wiped up the remnants of his orgasm on your leg and set you down on a clean surface of the table. Azriel raked through your hair, wiping away the beads of sweat on your temple and setting a comforting hand over your shaking legs. He kneeled, slipping your heels back on and ensuring that they were properly strapped around your ankles. You couldn't even recall when you'd taken them off.

The gentle manner he took in your aftercare made you smile gently as he kissed your cheek.

“Well, I was thinking that I’d take you out for dinner. Pick you up from your flat and fly into the city. I even planned on buying you a bouquet of irises. Your favorite.” 

You beamed as Azriel smoothed down your hair. “Did you think you’d get lucky after our first date?” 

“I’d feel lucky just being with you.” Your heart squeezed in your chest. He winked, a mischievous smile spreading across his beautiful face. “But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hope that you’d invite me up to your flat at the end of the night.” 

He tucked a strand of loose hair behind your ear. “I would have waited for you, though. However long it took.” 

“Haven’t you heard, Az? Waiting is highly overrated. If I learned anything tonight, it’s that you should just go after what you want. You never know how it might turn out.” 

Azriel grinned. “How did it turn out? Hypothetically speaking?” 

“Hypothetically speaking, I wish I had taken the leap out of the friend zone sooner. Hypothetically speaking, I think that was the best sex I’ve ever had in my life,” you pause, biting your lip as you consider your next words. “Hypothetically speaking, I should have told my best friend that I was crazy about him ages ago.” 

Azriel was smiling so widely that it tugged at your heartstrings. “Factually speaking, your best friend is crazy about you, too.” 

He gathered you into his arms, lifting you off your feet as he kissed you gently. You savored the taste of him, the remnants of you on his tongue mixed with the wine from earlier was enough to make your head spin. Azriel pulled away, pressing his forehead against yours. 

“What do you say, honey? Will you go on a date with me?” 

“I’d really like that, Az.”

The shy smiles on both of your faces made you giddy with excitement. You couldn’t wait to explore this new territory with Azriel. He kissed you softly, feeling him grin against your lips. The two of you were so caught up in one another that neither one heard the door swing open. 

A drunk Cassian stumbled in, his eyes glazed over as he leaned against the ajar door. “Where have you two been all night? It’s a party out there.” 

Azriel shrugged, casually retrieving your ruined lingerie from the corner of the booth and slipping it into his pocket. “We’ve just been talking. Did we miss anything fun, brother?” 

Cassian nods, gearing up to tell you all about the antic he most likely caused outside, but then the Illyrian general paused. His eyes narrowed at the both of you, sniffing the air. 

“What the hell happened in this room? It reeks of sex in here.” 

Azriel stared at his brother for a split second. Then, he leans over to you dramatically, “Honey?” 

“Yes, Az?” 

“What do you think about going on that date right now?” 

A grin spread across your face. “I think that’s the best idea I’ve heard all night.” 

With that, Azriel takes your hand in his and faces Cassian again. “Sorry Cas, no time to talk. I have a date to go on.” 

If it was possible for someone’s mouth to fall to the floor, Cassian’s would’ve currently been sitting on the sticky linoleum under your feet. 

“I can’t believe you seduced our sweet, innocent honey, brother,” Cassian says, half-surprised and half appalled.

You patted your friend on the arm. “Actually Cas, the lap dance was my idea, but it kind of just spiraled from there.” 

The surprised choking sound coming out of Cassian was the only thing you heard before Azriel led you through the door. You both looked back at the male, who was currently gaping at the wall as though he’d just received realm shattering news. 

Azriel only chuckled, kissing your cheek. “Looks like you do have some sting to you, honeybee.”

tag list: @despoinasstuff @lahoete @mulansaucey @moony-thoughts @fangirlworld46-blog @percyjacksonspeen

#this...kind of got out of hand #alexa play freaky girl by nicki minaj cause azriel is a capital F R E A K #acotar #azriel #azriel fic #azriel shadowsinger #azriel acotar #acomaf #acosf #azriel x reader #azriel x you #azriel smut #acotar smut #masterlist #jess writes

[lovemyromance]

Stop Kicking Elain out of the NC

She doesn't want to go. She doesn't want to leave her family. The cauldron turning her into high fae was unfortunate, but in typical Elain fashion (my favorite quality of hers) she made the best of a terrible situation and adapted to her new home, her new body, her new life. She has friends. She glows with health. She is mending the relationship with her sisters. The male she loves is there.

Why would she want to leave?

And if anyone brings up the fact that Cassian said she couldn't pull off a black dress - I swear to god I'll be convinced you've never read a book before. Cassian, the Miranda Priestley of Velaris, declaring Elain doesn't look good in black does not mean she is being rejected by the Night Court.

Do people not read? Did you not read how Nesta had to stand out to be Eris-bait, and if Elain, gorgeous, sweet, with beauty-that-could-bring-a-king-to-his-knees Elain was done up like the rest of them, the chances of Eris following after Nesta would have been slim? They had to make her look muted, to purposefully fade her into the background. That is ALL.

Now let's get into the even worse arguments for booting Elain out of the NC. Specifically,

She belongs in Spring (with Lucien)

She belongs in Day (with Lucien)

She belongs in Autumn (with Lucien)

Do you see what all those have in common (other than being surface level awful arguments)? They all center around Lucien. Who currently, Elain avoids like the plague. But I'm getting ahead of myself, lets go one by one, slow and steady:

Elain does NOT belong in spring

Why is this a thing, even? Because she likes flowers and Feyre said "oh elain would like it here?" That's it? Are we reducing people down to their hobbies now? Nesta likes books, should she also move to Day? Mor likes...wine I guess, should she move into a tavern? Amren likes puzzles, ship her to Dawn? Azriel likes Elain, let's put him in the Prison??

Or, oh wait, Tamlin should lose his court and Elain and Lucien will rule? How. Genuinely, how? Lucien is already an heir to Day Court & Autumn Court. How would the magic pick him of all people if Tamlin somehow dies/gives up his court? Wouldn't it pick someone...of Spring Court descent?

P.S Flowers also grow in the Night Court.

Make it make sense.

2. Elain does NOT belong in Day

First of all, right now, nobody knows about Lucien's parentage except for Feyre/Rhys and LoA (maybe). Helion doesn't know. Lucien himself does not know.

For Lucien to become high lord of Day, y'all realize Helion would have to die, right? Why would you ever kill off such an icon? And even if he just casually lives there while Helion still rules...a lot of things would have to happen for this to occur, like: Lucien's parentage is revealed, Helion accepts him as his heir, likely a blood duel between Beron/Helion over LoA, If Beron wins THEN Lucien becomes HL of Day, but if Helion wins then Eris becomes HL of Autumn...all of this would have to be covered in one book before they can even think about moving to Day and living happily ever after. You know, if Elain ever actually gives him the time of...day.

Don't even give me the "but Elain needs sunlight"!!

P.S. The NC also gets sunlight

Elain is not a plant. She does not undergo photosynthesis and need to go to the Day Court to physically be alive. Elain does not need light she IS the light. What's not clicking folks? Her name literally means LIGHT. Some variations say fawn/deer, but mainly she is light.

3. Elain does NOT belong in Autumn

This argument is more rare, but I don't understand it either. Why would she go live in Autumn as the reluctant mate to the 7th son of the awful Autumn HL? Autumn court cannot be this interesting to y'all, that you would be totally okay with not hearing from feyre/rhys/nesta/cassian/any of the IC, just to read a story about Elain avoiding Lucien in different climate/setting? Autumn exists in the NC too, you guys. She can ignore him when the leaves change color there, just as much.

And all of this, is only centered around Lucien. Because if you just asked this sweet flower child what she wanted, I can guarantee you, her answer would be to stay right where she is: home.

If she weren't mated to Lucien, would you still be sending her away to Spring/Day/Autumn?

This isn't even a ship thing at this point, like...Lucien doesn't currently have a home right now? Why are we tearing Elain away from her home to go live with a mate she does not want? If Elucien ever did get together, it would make so much more sense for Lucien to just move to the NC instead. Because Elain sure as hell is not going to live in her ex-fiance's manor, far away from her sisters, with a mate she didn't ask for and his rude bestie who literally made a r*pe joke about her (yeah, not understanding the Jurian & Lucien friendship here either).

Stop kicking my girlie out of the night court. She's staying where she belongs. If she leaves, it will be her choice. Not because her mate lives somewhere else. Not because she likes flowers. If she stays, it will be because that is her choice.

I thought it was obvious.

#elriel #pro elain #elain archeron #elain x azriel #acotar

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

All the stars are shining bloody red

Next chapter

a/n a fever dream of an idea but when it hits you it does. This is a song I suggest you play for reference. So enjoy this little something something. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

summary: just what happens when an innocent night at the pleasure house leads to something much bigger, making two lost soles collide.

warning: suggestive content, pleasure house, mention of sexual interactions, nudity, alcohol.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"You bunch are no fun", Mor huffed over her fifth glass of wine. She's been trying to drag the whole family to the pleasure house at the side of Velaris ever since her wild night out with Emerie. And don't get me wrong, it was something they used to do. Some nights at Rita's were even wilder than what any pleasure house could provide, and yet the hesitation lingered.

"I have a set of breasts to look at already", Cassian slurred, his hand reaching for Nesta's chest, but she swiftly slapped his fingers away, glaring at him. "You are not getting the point", Mor sighed. "I'm not dragging you there for a gang bang or to look for someone to drag into your bed", she was perfectly aware that everyone in the family had settled. Solid relationships all around. Well, except for Azriel. Yet that was a whole different story. So Azriel, for that matter, might take full advantage of the place while at it.

"Quite frankly, I doubt anyone who goes there on a Tuesday night is there for a fuck", Mor swirls the red substance in her glass, earning a nod from Emerie, "It's like nothing I've seen before", the female breathed. "We've been trying to figure out what and how they do it, but...", and they had returned with big eyes, disbelief, and satisfaction lingering all over. Did it fuel others' curiosity? Yes. Just to be honest, no one believed it could be anything that could beat one of the sultry numbers in Rita's.

"Fine", Rhys states after silence falls, "Let's go, get this done and over with". Both Nesta and Feyre jump up, going straight for Mor, squealing in excitement. "Darling, if you were that desperate, you should have said", the high lord crossed his arms over his chest with a smirk, but Feyre only shrugged, "We would have gone with or without you boys, sorry". Cassian lets out a grumble as he too gets up from the comfy sofa, "If my head and nuts ain't blown away by the end of this...", Everyone chuckles, even Nesta has a smirk on her face. It's Azriel who has a tight frown on his, however. "Prepare for disappointment, brother", the shadow singer says, downing his glass of whiskey swiftly. "If you'll be a grumpy ass, don't bother going, Azriel", Mor stated firmly. Azriel knew that no one could come between her and her night. That was a well tested fact. He felt Elain reaching for his hand, and a part of him wanted to drop it because it just didn't feel right tonight. But he didn't, because being the only one without someone to return home to was painful enough.

When they finally got there the place was jam-packed. Azriel unleashed his shadows. Doing a quick safety check never hurts. After all, the whole family was here. So he had to make sure there was no harm around the corner. To his surprise, his shadows recognized a lot of noble members of Velaris. Scratch that there were day court and autumn males here. The back table was occupied by Helion. "Rhys", Azriel said directly through his high lord's mental shields. Azriel could tell that Rhys too had clocked on to the fact that this was attracting too much attention. Attention they didn't know was brewing here. "Listen around; count the names", The order was clear enough, so Azriel did just that. How long did Mor knew about all of this and said nothing? Fucking Mor, Azriel grumbled in his head.

Just before Azriel could unleash yet another set of his shadows, the place fell into complete darkness. Some squeals of surprise echoed around the room, followed by laughter and murmuring. The cool mist started streaming from the platform right in front of the tables. The first sounds of the music silenced everyone. A huge moon light up the place, dashing the yellow gleam all over, and the silhouettes of what Azriel assumed were the females who performed here come into view.

"You are so beautiful to me", the most velvet voice sang out, and Azriel's heart stopped for a second. His whole attention was now on the stage. The black fabrics fall from the ceiling, and bodies dressed in deep satin lingerie twist around them. Ahs and ohs fall from the people watching, but Azriel's eyes are not leaving the figure in the middle. "You are so beautiful to me. Can't you see?", it lulls. The anticipation of seeing the face behind the voice was so intense that it nearly drove Azriel out of his seat. He's so lost in it that voice he doesn't even notice that the female is the one twirling her hands and sending ripples of mist to swirl around almost everyone in the room. The gleam caresses people's faces, twirling their hair.

"You're everything I hoped for", nor does Azriel feel the same mist crawling up his arms. Slowly. Soothingly. "You're everything I need". His breath hitches in his throat as he feels the softest fingers touching his jaw. "You are so beautiful timo me" Because the smallest of stars start falling across the room, and it's enough to cast a spell of light over your face. The deep blue eyes looking straight at him. The deepest blue he had ever seen, and what a blue it was. And your hair is so wavy and long. Ocean green dances there. Hints of the deep purple of the waves But are you looking at him? Is that your finger touching him? There's no one else in the room. Azriel sees no one all of a sudden. It's just you and him. And you're singing. Singing so beautifully that he's ready to rip his heart out of his chest and serve it on a platter for you.

And then it all ends with the booming sound of music. His eyes follow your twirling body, dancing among the other females. One minute you're there, and then you're gone. Azriel jumps up from his chair before his vision becomes clear again, and he's back in the room full of people. The fact that he had just jumped up like that made a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He turns his head to the side, where Elain is pressing tissues to her dress, and sees a fallen glass right by the edge of the table. He must have knocked it over.

"Yep, I came internally", Cassian states and that's when Azriel's eyes fall over his family. Everyone's eyes are hazy. As if all they had done all night was smoke hallucinogenic herbs. It's Rhys, though, whose eyes are sharp as he catches Azriel's gaze. "Fucking told you", Mor is leaning against her hand, looking at the stage longingly. "Fucking told you". 

Get them out and back to the house. Meet me here in twenty. Back door. No weapons. Rhysand's voice pierces Azriel's mind, and all he can do is nod before his high lord turns to his mate. Brushing a strand of hair from her face. He leans in to kiss her, and Azriel quickly lowers his eyes. And then Rhys is up. His darkness wrapped tightly around him as he moved through the crowd.

Azriel winnows back to the pleasure house after what feels like a good long while. Making sure everyone was safe and sound was harder than he had imagined. Rhys is not by the backside. But his shadows quickly informed him of the path to the basement steps. Basement. A shiver ripples down his back, but he still steps forward until he can hear Rhy's voice loud and clear.

"We paid our taxes", a female voice rings out. Azriel can't see her yet, but from her tone, he's sure that she's smiling. "You and I both know it's not about the money", Rhys says calmly as Azriel slips through the shadows on the back wall.

"I'm glad to see you here finally, though", the lady purrs, her long gray hair twisted into a big braid, resting neatly against her chest. "I thought you were too ashamed". Azriel can feel a wave of tension rising in the room. "Myriam, don't push my buttons", Rhys warns her, but she only smirks. "Or what? You'll get me close?" Azriel is about to step into the room, but Rhys mentally tells him off. "Where's the girl?", he pushes, but Myriam continues as if she hadn't even heard him, "You do know that any other court will welcome me and my girls with open arms?".

Azriel lets his shadows swirl through the cracks in the room. Trying to scan through the rooms behind the lady's back. But he doesn't get far. Most of them are so deeply drenched in magic that Azriel doesn't recognize. The shadow singer frowns, watching his shadows struggle. Leaping away from the door as if whatever that was there hurt them.

Rhys lets out a deep sigh, "You're right," and Azriel's head jerks to his high lord instantly. What the hell was Rhys agreeing to all of a sudden? "I apologize, but you have to understand that I wasn't informed that we had such beauty in my city", Rhys steps closer to the table. Reaching for the bottle placed there. "I'm a jealous man; what can I say", he states, refilling Myriam's glass before taking a swing straight from the bottle himself. "Rhys, you know I'm willing to share. But it was you who dismissed me the first time", the woman says, and now Azriel's head is turning once again. First time? Dismissed her? What in the love of a mother was going on here?

"It's late now, but let's set a date for a meeting. I want to revisit this", Rhys says, smiling at Myriam, and she instantly returns the smirk. Hand reaching to play with the collar of Rhysand's shirt, "I knew that you would come to your senses", lifting her glass closer to her lips she settles on watched Rhys for a moment, "Just remember that I'm the one who has the wining card here".

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

All acotar writing taglist: @brekkershadowsinger @cityofidek @baebeepeach @lucyysthings @hideing @urfavbrunettebish @historygeekqueen @marina468 @courtofjurdan @bubybubsters

#azriel x reader #azriel x you #azriel imagien #shadowsinger x reader #azriel shadowsinger #acotar imagine #acotar x reader #acotar x you

[wxnderlustfandoms]

first flight [azriel x reader]

[not my gif]

pairing: (acotar) azriel x reader

description: azriel is the one who carries you when you and part of the inner circle need to fly somewhere, as you are the only on without wings, but things can never go as planned with you and your friends

inspired by test drive from httyd

word count: 2287

warnings: near death experiences, vulgar gestures obvi

“You ready to go?” Rhys asked you, a knowing grin at the fear in your eyes, threatening to seep into every pore of your body. Feyre had told you that flying was a fantastic experience and how she relishes that she’s able to grow her own wings to enjoy the skies whenever she wants, and you understood what she meant, if only slightly. After going into the cauldron, you found that you had shapeshifting abilities, and after hearing that Feyre had started growing her own wings and training to be able to fly, you began to do the same in private. None of the Inner Circle knew of your abilities, and you wanted to keep it that way. In some ways, you felt as though it made everyone feel better. In their minds, if being made only meant that you were Fae now, and no other alterations happened to you, the experience in the Cauldron must not have been as traumatizing for you. 

However, you had powers, though you had not explored them enough to uncover the extent to them. Prytherian was about to be in the middle of a war, and the last thing you wanted was to distract your friends and sisters as they did what they could to prepare for the fights to come. 

The wings you had grown had not been like the Ilryian friends you have come to love since being made. Instead, they were feathered and reminded you of the birds that sang to you every morning back home. Maybe that's where the inspiration drew from when you first accidentally sprouted the wings, but you knew that there was a race of Fae with bird-like wings, so it wasn’t bizarre that it was possible. After first growing the wings, you spent any free time you had escaping to an isolated part of Velaris and testing the wings. However, you had not gotten more than 10 feet off the ground. So your fear was rampant at the idea of soaring through the air in Azriel’s arms. Though you had gotten especially close with the shadowsinger, and you trusted him with your life you couldn’t help the anxiety that crawled through your veins.

“As I’ll ever be,” Your voice came out weak and caused the group of your friends in front of you to laugh. Feyre, Azriel, Rhysand, and Cassian stood all in front of you, their wings out. Because you were the only one of the party who couldn’t fly - at least to their knowledge - you were to be carried to the destination. 

Everyone except for Azriel took flight. He stepped towards you, and you tensed in case he decided to just grab you and take off. Instead, he put a hand on your shoulder, causing your shoulders to release a bit of tension. He looked into your eyes and with intense sincerity, spoke. 

“I will not drop you.”

“But what if I still manage to fall?” You asked. Though you obviously knew what he was going to say in response.

“Then I’ll catch you. You have my word,” He placed his hand that wasn’t on your shoulder on his chest, right over his heart. 

Your legs felt like jelly, and you couldn’t muster up the courage to say anything else, but you just nodded. You put both of your arms around his neck and he put his arms under your back and legs, picking you up effortlessly. In any other - preferably not life-threatening - scenario you would have blushed and marveled at the opportunity to be in his arms, but you felt incredibly pale, like the blood in your body had disappeared completely. 

Azriel double-checked that you were holding on tight before taking off as slowly as possible, which was still incredibly faster than any of your test takeoffs with your wings. You yelped and buried your face in his neck, tightening your death grip on his neck. Now you understand why Nesta puked her guts out when Rhys flew with her. This was terrifying. Azriel was torn between letting out a chuckle or fighting the blush that was creeping up onto his face. 

Even after Azriel leveled out, probably catching up with the rest of the group, you still couldn’t peel your face from the crook of his neck. 

“Having fun there, [Y/n]!?” Cassian teased, yelling over the wind that was now berating you, causing your hair to be tossed in a thousand different directions. 

“Aw, don’t tease her, she’s a first-time flier,” Rhys joined the torment, his tone one that you use to speak to children or small animals. 

If you had had the guts to part one of your hands from where it clung to Azriel, you would’ve sent them a vulgar gesture. Instead, you tried to maintain healthy breathing and focused on Azriel’s warm body caressing yours. Maybe you could pretend that you were somewhere else. Somewhere alone, somewhere where it was just the two of you sharing an intimate moment. However, as soon as you thought about that, Feyre started talking to you. So much for alone and intimate.

“[Y/n]! You’ve got to look at this. You’ll never be able to forget this view.”

You honestly wish you could. But your courage was nowhere to be found. You were sure you left it back at the spot you were standing at in Velaris just a few moments ago. 

But then Azriel’s thumb on your back moved a bit, soothing you and calming you down almost instantly. If only he knew the power he had over you. 

“Open your eyes, [Y/n]. Look,” Az said in a tone he saved for you. The way he almost purred your name made you want to do absolutely dirty things to the Ilryian. But for now, you settled for moving your head away from his neck just an inch and peering out at the view. You would have immediately shut your eyes and slammed your face back into his neck, had the view not been the most breathtaking thing you had ever seen in your life. There, below you was Velaris, the lights twinkling up at you as if to wave goodbye. And around you, the snowcapped mountains glistened in the sunset that now smiled over the Night Court. You must’ve accidentally dropped your jaw in awe because the teasing began anew within your friends. 

“Aww, she looks adorable. Look at her face!” Cassian played, banking closer to you and into your line of sight. 

You snapped your jaw shut and glared at the man flying next to you. 

Rhys opened his mouth to add to the jokes, but Azriel silenced him with one look. Az wanted this to be a good, memorable time for you. And his friends were doing more to scare you off of flying again than helping to comfort you. 

You began to admire the sights below you again, anxiety almost completely melting away from you.

“It’s beautiful,” You whispered, so close to Azriel’s ear that he would have shuddered if he knew that it wouldn’t scare you. 

He let his gaze flicker to you for a moment. The only thing he was admiring throughout this flight was you. Cassian was right when he said you looked adorable. The fear in your eyes was replaced by a spark he knew far too well when it came to the feeling of flight. “Yeah… beautiful,” He responded in the same tone you had used.

Your eyes moved to meet his. Your body suddenly found all of your blood and decided to have it rush straight up to your face. Your blush was apparently obvious because Az let a faint smirk ghost his face. 

The moment, however, did not last long. Rhys yelled at Feyre to fly off or winnow somewhere, and Cassian let out a warning cry to Azriel to get you out of here. 

Your eyes darted over to what was causing the commotion. A small group of faeries similar in description to what Feyre told you of the Attor flew towards you and your friends. You let out a gasp and your grip tightened on Az’s once more. His flight changed directions, obviously trying to get you away from the fight instead of engaging in it. But one of the faeries charged towards him, and the moment he took to turn around left the faerie a moment to catch up to him, reaching out a clawed hand and raking it along his back. 

“Az!” You cried out in concern. The shadowsinger just gritted his teeth and muttered that he was okay. You didn’t believe that for a second, but you had no way of helping him. In fact, you were probably a burden to him in this fight. The creature rounded around again prepared to strike. Az couldn’t move either of his hands to defend himself, especially with how the two of you were positioned in the sky. He would drop you if he moved either of his hands. Az moved to hopefully soften whatever blow was about to come upon him. The creature, however, changed course last minute, and instead of clawing either of you, it just slammed head-first into the two of you. The action made you both loosen your grip on each other. Everything after that seemed to happen in slow motion. His hands slipped from under you, and your hands had let go of his neck after the blow. You looked up at him as he inched farther and farther away. You were falling, you realized. 

He yelled your name with a tone so desperate and laced with fear you hadn’t known him capable of. He moved to fly down and catch up to you, but the creature occupied his attention. He couldn’t come to save you. 

You realized this fast enough that you were able to turn over and see where you were falling. Hard rock lay under you, and it was approaching much too fast for your liking. 

So this is how you die.

You almost closed your eyes in acceptance. But a part of you knew that this was not the end. There were things you still needed to do. People to fight for. People to love. Azriel’s face flashed in your head at the thought. You narrowed your eyes in determination and flexed every muscle in your body, summoning the one thing that can save you. 

Two feathered wings emerged from your back. They were tucked close to your body. You quickly folded them outwards, the wind immediately catching on them and moving your fall from a quick descent to a rocky glide. You had been so close to the ground that you had to quickly bank left and right to avoid hitting trees and large boulders, eventually setting your path upwards. As you soared up into the open sky, you finally understood what Feyre meant. You have never felt so free in your life. The air felt like a loving caress even as it whipped around you, the last sliver of sun shone on your face as you broke through the trees and into the sky. The ground grew more and more distant as you made your way back into the sky. You were so free. You had saved yourself from death, and nothing felt impossible anymore. 

You saw Azriel still engaged in a fight with the creature, and you quickened the flaps of your wings, hurling yourself at the creature. You unsheathed a small dagger that Feyre had given you after returning to the Night Court from spying on the Spring Court. Once you made contact with the creature, you sliced its back in one motion. It moved to retaliate and you sunk your dagger into its wing and dragged it downward, effectively ridding it of its ability to maintain altitude. It quickly started sinking toward to ground. 

Azriel stared in disbelief at you. His gaze flickered in between you and your wings. 

He pulled you in for a hug mid-flight, his strong arms squeezing you half to death, and then parted from you. 

You were about to explain the wings and the flying, but he cut you off by meeting your lips with his and a desperate kiss. You reciprocated it. It was dizzying and passionate and the culmination of months of unsaid feelings, but it was worth it. Your level altitude suddenly shook a bit as the adrenaline had worn off and the kiss had made you disoriented. He quickly caught you before you could sink anymore.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t keep my promise,” He whispered in your ear, taking off to where you knew the others were waiting on the ground. 

“It’s okay. I needed the push,” You responded, exhaustion taking over. You had been working on the muscles needed for flight, but it was finally catching up to you how much you actually used them for your miracle moment,

“I did too,” He responded, and you knew what he was talking about. 

You’d worry about explaining your powers to everyone later. Right now, it was just you and him. You and…

You and him both abruptly met eyes, feeling the same thing at the same time. The pull. You both smiled the widest smiles you had in your life, before kissing once more. This one was full of a different kind of emotion. It was slower and showed how much longing you had had than the other. This was because you both knew you’d had an eternity to shower each other with more kisses and make up for lost time and words left unsaid. 

You flew off towards the first touch of twilight on the horizon with Azriel.

With your mate.

#acotar #a court of thorns and roses #a court of wings and ruin #a court of silver flames #a court of mist and fury #acomaf #azriel #azriel x reader #rhysand #feyre #cassian #nesta #feysand #acotar x reader

[acourtofmarvels]

Miracle

Azriel x OC

Summary: Azriel's mate is Rhysand's sister. She died a long time ago by the hand of the High Lord of the Spring court. Something happens when the Inner Circle goes to Hybern...

(I should point out this is my first time ever posting something I wrote on Tumblr. I have wrote things before on Wattpad, thought I'm not very good. This is short but I hope at least one person likes it lol.)

I changed the ending of ACOMAF sorry not sorry. I liked the idea of this fic lol

Warnings: uh, murder and violence? (did i do this right?)

Word count: 2647

Azriel was never the same when she died. None of them were. She was family. A sister. A cousin. A best friend. His mate.

She was taken from them in such a surprise. The High Lord of the Spring court took her and her mother, for what? Hatred? Maliciousness? Out of pure evil?

Rhysand got revenge for his sister and mother. Azriel got his revenge for the woman who raised him, and his mate. Alongside the High Lord of the Night Court, who lost his life that day too.

Killing the High Lord and his sons, except for one.

Azriel and Rhiannon didn't find out they were mates for about 100 years. It was a shock to both of them. They never had the chance to accept the bond before she was killed.

"Tell me about her," Feyra whispered, running her fingers up and down her mates bare chest. Rhysand didn't talk much about his sister. None of the inner circle did. It was too hard on them. No one even mentioned her name, especially not in front of Azriel.

Rhysand had told Feyre what happened to his sister and mother long ago. And Feyre talking about Elain and Nesta reminded him of her.

Rhysand smiled as he remembered her. "She was kind, selfless. Stubborn and hard headed," he chuckled a bit. The sound of his laugh warmed Feyre's heart. "Her and Cassian were much alike. The two of them were always causing mischief. It drove our mother crazy..." Rhysand paused, trying not to get choked up. "She was strong. Hell of a fighter. We taught her everything we knew. Illyrian women weren't meant to be fighters long ago, thats why most of them got their wings clipped."

Just the mention of what they use to do in the past made his blood boil. He took a deep breath to contain his anger. "Father never wanted her to fight either. But everyday after training I would come home and teach her everything i learned that day. Didn't matter how tired and sore I was. And she would do it perfectly. Never faulting. She loved to fly. Father never clipped her wings but he didn't want her flying either. I always went with her or covered for her when she wanted to."

"Can I ask about her and Azriel?" Feyra was nervous to ask about the two of them. She knew they were mates but never got a chance to accept the bond.

Rhys moved the hair out of her face, staring down and admiring her. He loved that she got him to talk about Rhiannon again.

And he nodded simply at her question.

"Why didn't they accept the bond?"

"They were going to. There was going to be a wedding. Mother even made her dress. But then she... " He couldn't talk about her death.

"I don't know when the bond snapped into place for them but the night Azriel came to tell me, I knew something was off with him. I have never EVER seen Azriel that scared and nervous. Azriel is so good at hiding his emotions but that night..." A huge smile was on his face as he remembered. "I thought Az was going to shit his pants right in front of me."

"But I was so happy for them. Two important people in my life becoming mates... I envied Azriel for a while. That he found his person. I wanted that." Tears welded up in his eyes as he looked down at Feyre. He lifted her up so he could place a kiss upon her lips. "Now I have and when I look at him I... I feel guilty. His mate his gone."

"I understand. I feel it sometimes too. How can I be so happy when others are not? How is it fair?"

"We never got a proper sending for them. We never got their wings. I-I don't even know what he did with them." As Rhys began to cry all Feyre could do was hold him. She herself cried for her mate, feeling the pain he was feeling through the bond.

Azriel smelled it the second they entered the castle. He knew that intoxicating scent anywhere. No matter if it had been centuries, he would never forget. It had to be old. He knew she had been here before. Just two times in the past with Cassian for whatever mission it had been.

Azriel almost got sick to his stomach when they finally saw it. Right above the cauldron, pinned to the wall like a trophy... Her glorious wings.

Everyone knew who they belonged to the second they got there. Somehow Feyre even figured it out, never even knowing her.

"The trap was so easy, I'm honestly a bit disappointed you didn't see it coming." Faster than any of them could see, Jurian fired a hidden ash bolt through Azriel's chest. Mor screamed.

They had no choice but to go with the king.

***

"They are beautiful... Illyrian wings. I just had to get some for myself." The King smiled evilly. "I have your father to thank for that." He directed it that to Tamlin. He motioned his soldiers to remove the wings from the wall.

What more could he do? Azriel is dying. Cassian's wings shredded. He's turned the Archeron sisters into Fae. He plans to turn the human queens too.

"Daemati are hard to come by nowadays. Your sister was also one, wasn't she Rhysand?" None of them dared to move. Rhysand said nothing, curling his fingers into fists. "Daemati are powerful. To have one at my hands..." He ran his dirty fingers down the wings. He snatched them from his guards and without blinking he threw them into the cauldron.

The room filled with a piercing screech and a blinding light from the cauldron. The room shook as if there were an earthquake. When he light faded everyone stared at the cauldron, waiting. Just waiting to see what happened next.

Then it happened. A hand shot out, followed by another as a figure pulled themselves out of it. The King of Hybern smiled wickedly as his plans were coming all together.

Everyones eyes were wide, even the Kings own men were shocked. The woman who submerged out of the cauldron, a ghost, but never forgotten. Her eyes completely white and fogged over. Not a single emotion on her face.

"Come," The King's voice echoed, ordering the female to him.

"Rhia," Rhysand choked out. His sister didn't even look at him. She just went and stood by the King of Hybern, doing exactly as he said as if she were a puppet, and he were the puppet master. "Rhiannon, please. It's me." Rhys was pleading with his sister. To look at him. To show something, anything. Was it really her?

Mor screamed her name through her sobbing. With whatever strength he had, Cassian had to hold her back. He couldn't risk the King of Hybern hurting her too. Cassian pleaded for her also. But none of them could snap her out of whatever spell the cauldron put her under.

"Rhiannon," Azriel's voice was barely a whisper. He was going in and out of consciousness. Feyre watched as the white light flickered for just a second in her eyes.

"Call to her again," Feyre said to Azriel only.

"Rhiannon," Azriel said as loud as he could. Feyre saw that her eyes flicker again. Again, she spoke. "I love you, Rhiannon."

And just like that, her eyes turned back to her normal glowing purple and her hands were around the King's throat, her entire body pinning him down to the ground. Rhysand, Mor and Feyre, the only ones not completely hurt were up to their feet in an instance to fight off the soldiers running to their king.

"You will never be a god," Rhiannon hissed, squeezing onto the Kings neck as hard as she could until his head was separated from his shoulders.

She stood up slowly, rolling her shoulders back and cracking her neck. She turned around to see her family, dripping in blood but all alive.

Rhia looked down at her bloody hands, to her arms, her legs. Her body was completely bare. Her skin still glistening from the liquid of the cauldron. She was alive. She flexed her wings out as she realized she had them back.

She looked down at the ground, seeing Cassian and Azriel. Both of them bleeding out and barely alive. Her eyes met her brothers. He was the last thing she saw before she blacked out.

***

Rhiannon awoke with a gasp, clutching onto her chest, body flailing around in the bed she was in. She began to calm down once she realized where she was. Though the room was different, she recognized the townhouse anywhere. She couldn't remember how she got here or what happened. Darkness. She remembered darkness. How long has it been?

She looked around the room, only now noticing the many people sleeping on the floor and in the chairs. Cassian was hanging off the couch in the room, Mor opposite of him, her feet basically kicking him in the face. Below them layed her brother on a mattress, a woman unfamiliar to her tangled beside him. To their left was Amren, arms crossed over her chest and her head hanging back as she was asleep in the chair.

As she looked to her right she finally saw him. He was using his arm as a pillow as he was sitting in a chair but laying his head on the side of the bed she lay. She reached out to him, his shadows wrapped around her fingers. His eyes shot open and he sat up quickly. She gasped and jumped back, eyes wide.

They stared at each other for what felt like minutes but was only seconds. Azriel made the first move as he grabbed her hand, winnowing them out of the bedroom and downstairs away from the sleeping others.

Images of what happened circled in her mind as she began to remember what happened in Hybern. "I heard you," Was the first thing she said, a sob escaping her mouth. Azriel placed his scarred hands on the sides of her face, tears rolling down his face.

"You were here and I still couldn't believe it. Madja said you may never wake up. It's been weeks. We never gave up on you. I never left your side. I'll never leave your side again." They held onto each other for a long moment, taking in this moment. Azriel dreamed of holding her in his arms every night. Against all odds, against everything, his dream came true. His mate was alive.

There was a loud thud upstairs making Rhiannon jump out of Azriel's embrace. Running, loud, footsteps shook the house as multiple people ran down the stairs. Azriel grabbed hold of her again, needing that closeness.

"Fucking move, Cas!" Was the first thing she heard from her brother as him and Cassian fell off the bottom two steps. Rhysand pushed Cassian's body off of him, looking up at his sister. Matching smiles came upon their faces as Rhysand jumped to his feet, pulling her out of Azriel's grip and into his arms.

"I thought I lost you forever," Rhys whispered into his sisters hair, kissing the top of her head. He pulled away just looking at her face. They're matching violet eyes both filling with tears.

"I couldn't save her," She shook her head. "I fought so hard Rhys. If not save myself then save her."

"I know, I know." Rhys soothed her, stroking his hand down the back of her hair. Rhys found the aftermath of the people who took them. There was at least 20 dead Spring Court soldiers. He and his brothers trained her well. "You're safe now."

"Okay, my turn!" Rhysand was pulled away from Rhiannon harshly. She let out a yelp as Cassian picked her up and spun her around the room.

"Easy, Cass. Don't break her." Amren barked behind him.

He set her down to her feet, kissing her cheeks and forehead. A goofy smile on his face. "I missed you too, Cassian." She leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek also.

"Simmer down, Az. You're stinking up the room." Mor joked, making everyone else laugh. "Jealousy isn't a good look on you."

"Aw, Azzy you want a kiss too," Cassian reached for Az, only to get punched in the gut.

"Finally, come here my sweet," Mor laughed, pulling Rhia to herself now. Kissing her cheeks just as Cassian did. Everyone finally got their hugs and kisses with Rhiannon. Most going back for seconds. Even Amren wanted a hug.

Azriel always had to be right beside her, needed to be touching her always. Wether that was a gentle hand at the lower part of her back, or holding onto her hand.

"Rhia there is someone I want you to meet." Rhysand held his hand out to the woman who had been quietly observing the reunion from the side. "This is Feyre. My mate."

Rhia almost began to cry again but she held it back. "Your mate?" Rhysand's smile was so big. "You found your mate." She placed a gentle hand on her brothers face, seeing how happy he was just by the mention of the female.

Feyre waited patiently for Rhia to acknowledge her first. Rhiannon approached Feyre slowly. This was it. This is the moment Feyre had been nervously thinking about for the past few weeks.

"You're so beautiful," Rhia beamed, a bright smile on her face. Feyre and Rhys both let out a sigh of relief. Rhiannon's eyes immediately went down to the tattoo covering Feyre's arm. Her eyes wide at realizing what it meant. "High-" Her sentence was cut off short by Feyre hugging her.

"It is an honor to meet you." Feyre said to her. Everyone laughed at the look on Rhia's face, certainly not expecting that.

"The honor is mine, my High Lady." Rhia did a small bow to her, before taking Feyre's hands in hers. "I've always wanted a sister."

"Hey! What about me?" Mor barked loudly, making everyone laugh.

"Just ignore her, I have no idea who she is." Rhia 'whispered' to Feyre.

"Alright just cause you came back to life and shit, and this is easily the happiest day of my life, doesn't mean I won't kick your ass." Mor jumped toward Rhia who started to run away laughing loudly.

That laugh. That laugh is music to everyone's ears.

"Mother save us," Amren muttered, shaking her head.

As the moment came by, Azriel grabbed his mate, shielding her from Mor. A rare smile on his face.

"Ha!" Rhia laughed, pointing at Mor who couldn't get past Azriel's wings.

"So not fair." Mor pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "You can't hide behind him forever. He'll have to walk away at some point."

"Who says I'm ever leaving her side?" Azriel challenged. Mor rolled her eyes dramatically.

"So are we gonna be planning a wedding soon?" Cassian spoke up, wiggling his eyebrows and sending a wink at Rhia.

She suddenly got nervous, stepping out from behind him so they could face each other. "Do you still... Do you still want to accept the bond?" Rhia didn't know how long it had been she she died, but she knew it had been a couple centuries. What if Azriel found someone else? What if he's already married and fallen in love with someone else?

It was if Azriel could see exactly what was going on in her mind. Maybe he felt her sense of nervousness and fear through the bond.

"I have loved only you for centuries, and I will love you for many more." Azriel cupped her face in his hands, pressing a kiss to her lips. "I am yours, forever."

"And I am yours."

Acotar Masterlist

#azriel x oc #azriel acotar #azriel #azriel fanfic #azriel imagine #azriel shadowsinger #acotar fanfiction #acotar fanfic #acotar imagine #acotar #cassian #rhysand #a court of thorns and roses

[theladyofbloodshed]

Chapter Two

To snatch a short break from Nyx, who was in a positively vile mood due to teething, Feyre winnowed Nesta home. Lucien remained at the river estate to speak with Rhysand. His presence had Elain making an excuse why she needed to retreat to her bedroom despite Lucien saying nothing more than a polite hello. Nesta had wrinkled her nose up, disappointed with her sister for being too cowardly to tell Lucien if she did not care for him. 

‘Don’t make me go back,’ said Feyre, pressing her knuckles to her eyelids. ‘All he has done today is cry.’ 

‘Rhysand or Nyx?’

Feyre let out a sigh. ‘I am exhausted. Rhys is busy with Illyria. If I didn’t have the wraiths and Elain, I don’t know what I’d do. I never have a minute to paint anymore.’

Nesta jailed her tongue. She had wanted to say that’s what happens when a twenty-something year old has a child with a man she’s known for a couple of years. It was laughable that Feyre thought she might have time for painting with a baby and a court to manage. She said nothing, only waited for Feyre to say her goodbye rather than cause an upset. 

The house greeted her with a sharp tug of the curtains across the windows and back in lieu of a wave. She couldn’t help but smile at it. Lucien was right, it was a house - but it was still her friend. It had been the house who gently encouraged her to eat and shower each day when they had seemed like impossible tasks. 

It prepared food for her that evening despite her blood still being thick with sugar from the bakery. She ate alone in the quiet with a book pressed open beside her bowl of broccoli soup. 

Cassian didn’t arrive until late, when she was already busy in the bedroom. Mud had dried up his cheek and his hair was matted with it. He flopped into a chair in their bedroom. 

Nesta exhaled through her nose. ‘You’ll make the chair filthy. Stand up. Take your boots off.’

‘The house will clean it.’

‘That’s not the point,’ she protested. They didn’t need to make more work for the house for the sake of it.

At the sight of her open bag on the bed and the folded piles of clothes beside it, Cassian startled. ‘Visiting Emerie?’

‘No,’ she said airily. ‘I’m going to the Dawn Court.’

A hand landed on her shoulder to turn her. The light of his siphon nearly blinded her. She shielded her face from it, so Cassian covered it with his hand. 

‘Tell me that again. Dawn Court. Since when?’

‘Lucien invited me. I’d like to shadow him to see if I still want the role as emissary.’

‘Lucien is emissary. There can’t be two.’ 

‘Then tell Lucien I’m about to usurp him,’ she replied, turning back to her bag and adding a thin, lilac dress to it. She had been advised that it was very warm except near the sea where the breeze provided a blast of fresh air. 

Cassian stared at her for a moment. ‘Why are you in this mood?’

‘I’m not in any mood. Actually, I’m in a good mood. I’ve had a great day.’

‘So, you’ll just swan off with Vanserra and not tell me?’

‘You never tell me about going to Illyria.’

‘That’s my job.’

‘And maybe this will be mine. I can’t spend the rest of my life inside the warded walls of Velaris, never seeing anything else. You only ever take me to the Hewn City or Illyria so forgive me for wanting to branch out.’ She trampled on her temper. This was her mate. She had made a commitment to him for the rest of her life. ‘I’m going. That’s the end of it. Why don’t we spend time together this evening? We could go into the city for a drink-’

‘One of your taverns to get plastered in?’

‘I don’t have to drink. I haven’t in a long time. We could just take a walk or go for dinner or even stay here.’

‘I need to speak to Rhys about something.’

Her hope deflated. Of course. There was always something to talk to Rhysand about. That always took priority. And if Cassian spent time with Nesta then Rhys would inevitably appear in his head. Either that or one of the others would show up.

‘Fine. But I’m going early in the morning with Lucien.’

‘I’m not happy about you going there. Who says Lucien will protect you? That he won’t try anything?’

‘He’s my sister’s mate. I am your mate. The Dawn court is safe and furthermore Lucien is our ally.’ Her blood was beginning to boil. Cassian had spent plenty of time with Feyre and she’d never taken offence by it. None of the times that he ever flew Emerie back to Illyria incited any jealousy in Nesta either. 

‘I’m not happy,’ he repeated. 

Perhaps if she was better, she might have caved to the pressure or felt guilty by the disappointment nibbling at his features and called it off. Nesta had to do this. If anything, she had to do it to prove a point. She was made for more than the walls of Velaris. If Cassian couldn’t support that then… she’d have to figure out her next steps.

‘I’ll only be gone a night or two. Speak to Rhys quickly then we can-’

‘It won’t be quick. See you later.’

Without a further word, Cassian had turned on his heel. Without bothering to shower or change, he departed to the river estate, leaving Nesta to pack alone. She should have been used to it. Shouldn’t have gotten so upset every time that she was pushed aside in favour of Rhys or the others. After all, in the grand scheme of Cassian’s life, Nesta was little more than an inkblot compared to their enduring presence. Still, unwanted tears fell from her cheeks as Nesta continued to pack. She pretended not to notice them, as she did often.

That night, when her mate came home, he woke her with kisses down her spine. Before Nesta could even speak, Cassian had turned her onto her back and was sliding his length inside. It was nothing new. Sex was their only form of communication. It was good – as it always was – but Nesta could have done without the wake up.

‘Sorry that I was grumpy earlier,’ he murmured when he had finished then kissed the back of her neck softly. ‘Long day in Iron Crest. The males are the worst sort there.’

Cassian pulled Nesta a few inches across the mattress so that his chest pressed to her back.

‘I talked with Rhys about going to the Dawn Court. He doesn’t want you going with Lucien. He said we might be able to go in a few weeks.’

‘We?’

‘All of us. We need to speak to Thesan about a trade agreement.’

Disappointment seeped through Nesta, thick and clogging, catching in her throat. ‘But I wanted to go tomorrow. I wanted to be able to explore – not be cooped up in a room or trotted out in a meeting.’

‘We’ll find time for all of us to explore.’

It took little time for Cassian’s exhausted body to succumb to sleep. His arms had locked around her like a vice, holding her to him. Not right, not right, not right. Why was it Rhysand’s decision whether Nesta could leave or not? She wasn’t a damn prisoner – and certainly wasn’t one of his subjects. She might have saved his life – and his mate and child - but his lavish gifts and warm reception towards her lasted only a handful of weeks. Why was it Cassian’s business to even talk about it with Rhysand? The thought of them gathered around, discussing her again like she was an item on the itinerary for the evening had her clenching her hands into fists. She was sick of Cassian never being able to be apart from his family. He could never find time to be with just her. Nesta was beginning to worry that he couldn’t stand her company either – that he always needed others present because their words dried up too quickly together. Not that they talked amongst the inner circle. She was always to one side like an unwanted guest who they were forced to put up with.

***

When Lucien headed up to the roof, Nesta was already ready and waiting. A small bag was clutched in her hand. Rather than a smile, she greeted him with a brisk nod of her head. It was a cloudy morning. The days of glorious sunshine were stifled by a rough wind from the north. He was glad to be getting away for a handful of days.

‘Early riser,’ Lucien noted.

Nesta nodded again. ‘Are we leaping from the roof or hoping we’ll grow wings?’

As if on cue, Azriel appeared from the narrow stairway and walked onto the roof. His black hair was tousled and shadows had made their home beneath his eyes as if he hadn’t been to sleep. ‘Ready?’

‘Yes. Just onto the street, please. I can winnow us to the Dawn Court.’

Azriel seemed to realise that Nesta was there because she was travelling with Lucien. Definitely not on form today. ‘You’re going? Did you tell Cass?’

‘Yes, I told him,’ she sniped back, voice slightly on edge. ‘Weren’t you at dinner last night?’

The shadowsinger shook his head. ‘I was elsewhere.’

Those three words had Nesta’s shoulders loosening. She seemed to let out a sigh of relief which did not fill Lucien with any sort of comfort. Before he could question the sudden ease that had come across Nesta, she had stepped towards Azriel, ready to be flown in his arms.

Lucien watched them go, pitying Nesta for the life she was trapped in. Fancy living in a place that she was a prisoner in. It was demeaning to have to ask somebody to bring her to and from her own home. His own demoralisation was about to begin as Azriel landed back on the roof. Neither of them particularly enjoyed being in such close proximity to the other. What had happened to Morrigan in the Autumn Court was also Lucien’s burden, in Azriel’s eyes. Lucien wouldn’t mention what had happened on Solstice though in retribution. The shadowsinger was aloof and alarming as it was. To bring that up whilst cradled in his arms was foolish.

‘When will you be back?’

Nesta stepped in before Lucien could, ‘Later. Thank you, Azriel. Goodbye.’

Her fingers enclosed around Lucien’s wrist like a claw, urging him to winnow.

They were met with a warm blast of air and bright sunlight that made Lucien shield his eye before he blinded Nesta.

Despite the niggling feeling that Nesta hadn’t been wholly honest, the look of sheer delight on her face swept those thoughts away. She blinked towards the sea, lips parting in wonder.

‘It’s beautiful.’

For a long while, they remained in silence. Lucien did not want to interrupt her vigil to the sea. In this quiet moment, he couldn’t help but compare her to her sisters. Nesta was not what he was expecting. He had only known her as the vicious protector of Elain, but that was not all she was. He had thought that Nesta was hard where Elain was soft. Maybe the eldest had never had the chance to be soft. Feyre’s loyalties were flimsy, but Nesta’s were as solid as stone. She was funny too, with a lethal wit that struck hard and fast.

With some coaxing, Lucien managed to tear Nesta away from the ocean to walk along the dusty streets of the Dawn Court. It was a pleasant place to be. Their winters were non-existent with temperatures dropping only slightly. Summer was filled with golden days that stretched on and on. Both of them were over dressed for the hot day ahead, so Lucien steered Nesta towards their lodging for the night. It was a pretty inn made of orange stone to reflect the sun from it. A mosaic of orange and yellow pieces in the shape of a sun covered the doors. Inside, it was cool thanks to its tiled floors and stone walls.

They managed to find twin rooms that had a door connecting them. It was the best outcome. The Dawn Court was safe – but Nesta Archeron seemed to have a target on her back in many places. He’d rather be able to reach her quickly if needed but they had their privacy too.

‘What is the plan for the day, Lucien?’

‘My meeting is in a couple of hours, so we can explore, if you like.’

‘During your meeting, what am I to do?’

‘Whatever you like,’ he said with a shrug. ‘Stay here. Visit something. There are many sights here that I can recommend. My friend, Nuan, resides here so we could meet her for dinner if you didn’t mind.’

Nesta blinked. ‘Why do I know that name?’

‘She created the faebane antidote.’ For good measure, he gestured to his ruined face, ‘and gave me an eye when Amarantha removed my original one.’

Grey eyes traced his scar then met his eyes. Most people avoided looking at it – or took brief, fleeting glances when they thought Lucien didn’t notice. Not Nesta. She refused to flinch from it. The usual revulsion didn’t come to her features either. She merely nodded and said it would be acceptable.

‘Pardon me for prying, but it was quite a swift escape from Velaris. Did you really tell Cassian that you were coming here with me?’

Lucien needed to know what sort of reception he might receive on the return to Velaris. The general of the Night Court’s armies hunting him down wasn’t on his agenda.

‘I told him. He wasn’t happy. He told Rhysand. He said no. I’m not their subject. And here we are.’

Ah, just as he had suspected. And that meant the shadowsinger would get it in the neck for unwittingly helping them to leave the House of Wind. Lucien was torn. He almost wanted to deliver Nesta back to save his own neck – but how could he? She’d summarised her miserable existence. Her mate had to give his approval. The high lord she didn’t want had also waded into a decision that was nothing to do with him. Miscommunication was the only reason why she had been able to remove herself from the red stone house carved into the mountain.

‘We’ll buy him a souvenir,’ he winked. ‘Change into something cooler. I’ll meet you on the balcony.’

When Lucien emerged, Nesta was already there. She leaned against the balcony in a pale-yellow gown. It fell to her toes but was thin enough that it floated, providing relief from the heat. It scooped low on the back, displaying her hard shoulder blades and a strange, shimmering tattoo. He hadn’t known she had made a bargain with anybody. Night Court bargains were generally black, like the whorls of Illyrians. Feeling his attention on her, Nesta turned.

‘You look nice. I’ve never seen you in yellow.’

She tugged at the narrow strap on her shoulder, uncomfortable in the gown. ‘I’ve never worn this.’

‘It looks lovely,’ he reassured her.

Her eyes flitted back to the view. The sea was visible from the balcony, luring Nesta to it again. Lucien knew she’d likely spend all day here if she could.

‘When we were first taken to Velaris, Mor had looked at us then went into the city to find us clothes.’ Nesta gave a slight laugh. ‘Elain’s were all pinks and tulle. Mine were yellow or floral. Definitely not me. They fit at least – and now they have a use.’

Their morning was spent combing the beach for shells. Nesta just kept pressing them into Lucien’s hands to hold for her, not speaking a lot, merely enjoying to be out in the fresh air. As the temperature began to climb, a faint blush stole across her thin cheeks.

She wasn’t at all like Elain. When he had first seen Elain properly, he had thought that she was the most beautiful female he had ever seen. And she was beautiful. It was a delicate, classic beauty. Nesta was different. She was wilder, more untameable, untouchable like the sea herself. Yes, Lucien could see why Eris had been prepared to lay an engagement on the table after a handful of dances. He always thought he could catch the uncatchable, tame the wild-spirited. Eris had likely seen Nesta as a challenge that only he could rise to. And Cassian had seen her as his given right as a mate.

‘Look at this one!’

Nesta held a starfish up to his face. He laughed briefly then remembered that Nesta had never been to the beach before.

‘It’s a living thing.’

‘Eurgh,’ she tossed it back towards the water – then he really did laugh.

‘You liked it a moment ago.’

‘Before I knew it was alive!’

Maybe he was bordering on dangerous territory, but Lucien hunted in the shallows for a crab to terrorise her with. When he found his prize, Nesta reacted exactly how she thought she might – by throwing her hands in the air and darting out of his way.

‘That is vile, Lucien.’

‘They’re delicious to eat.’

Nesta’s face screwed up in puzzlement. ‘I’m not so sure I like this place.’

 ***

While Lucien was busy with emissary business, Nesta had free reign in the Dawn Court. It was strange to have no routine, even stranger to have nobody to report to. Lucien had offered Nesta a handful of places to visit and given the recommendation to avoid the sun at noon when it was at its hottest. Embarrassment had swelled inside of her when Lucien had handed her a pouch of money to spend. She wished that she could have said no, but Nesta had no money of her own. She had believed Cassian when he said that she could use his money whenever she needed it. But Nesta never went anywhere without Cassian. Her life could only happen when Cassian experienced it too.

Her time was not spent idle. There was so much for her to see and do. Nesta explored the beach a little longer then visited a library with a great glass dome that nearly burnt her scalp. She visited the many shops along a main street, buying a ridiculous hat that she’d never wear again to protect her fair skin and little trinkets. There were many tinkerers in this city who created wondrous things that caught her eye. There was a sort of palace too that had been built from white stone. It had gardens running along one side of it that provided some shade. Many people stopped at the fountain to drink from the fresh water.

When Lucien found her later on, she was back in their rooms, resting on the bed. It wasn’t the sort of rests she used to take in the House of Wind when her motivation had evaporated. Her body was tired from the heat so it had demanded she stop until the weather cooled. He had tittered out a laugh at her prone form then touched a finger against her cheeks.

‘You’ve caught the sun.’

The skin was tight and tingling where he’d touched it. She excused herself from a meal with Nuan, claiming he could catch up with his friends without her unwanted presence. Lucien promised to find her later that evening, but, before he departed, ensured she’d drank lots of a water to fend off heat stroke.

It was difficult not to feel cross about her situation. Part of it was her own doing. She and Cassian had been like two pieces on a chess board, drawn to each other from the start. Whenever Nesta had aired those feelings that they weren’t a good match, they had been waved away by everybody else. They were opponents more often than not, rarely on the same side. Since their mating ceremony, Cassian had taken Nesta for granted. No escaping him now, a small voice said in her mind. If Nesta had stopped to think – to breathe – after what had happened then maybe she wouldn’t have rushed into something so eternal. Feyre had died. Nyx too. Then Nesta had touched the Harp after a week spent terrified and exhausted in the Illyrian Mountains, saving them all. Her heart had been tender. It had been bruised and broken and barely beating. So she had accepted the bond.

And every day since, Nesta wished she had not.

‘There you are,’ came Lucien’s voice.

Nesta had taken refuge for the evening in a broken-down watch tower. The stone had been claimed by time so parts of it were ruined, exposing it to the sky and the sea. It made a nice shelter though.

‘I have a surprise for you.’

Lucien’s voice echoed in the empty tower as he approached. Nesta peered down at him from one of the upper levels. In his arms, he carried a heavy stack of plates.

‘I hope it’s not that you’re about to host a dinner party.’

‘Come down here a moment.’

Once Nesta stood beside him, the precise reason why he had a stack of plates hadn’t become clear. She tilted her head slightly, waiting for him to explain.

‘Throw one at the wall.’

Hesitantly, Nesta lifted the top plate off. Despite believing it was a trick somehow, she dropped the plate to the floor but it didn’t shatter.

‘A little more conviction, please, my lady.’

With a furrowed brow, Nesta picked the plate back up and hurled it at the broken stone wall. It shattered brilliantly into massive shards.

‘Again,’ encouraged Lucien.

Another plate smashed against the rock and Nesta felt good.

‘Keep going.’

Needing no more encouragement, Nesta launched plate after plate in the watch tower, stepping back each time a shard threatened to shoot back towards them. The grin spreading across her face refused to leave even after every item of crockery had been destroyed.

‘Feel good?’

‘So good,’ she breathed. Adrenaline pulsed through her veins. For once, it was due to excitement rather than fear. It had been a lifetime since anything had excited her.

She looked at the remains of the plates. ‘Was there a reason for this? An enemy’s plates?’

‘I just thought you could do with breaking something. Anger isn’t wrong, Nesta. It doesn’t need to be shut away. Anger is allowed.’

‘I feel as if I’m always angry.’

Lucien nodded then, ‘you’ve had a lot to be angry about.’

 ***

They settled for the evening beside the watch tower, watching the sun set together. Their legs dangled over a low cliff. Every now and then, they would need to raise them to avoid a soaking from a stronger wave. It was still warm despite the darkness settling in.

‘Sometimes I wonder if I should have just said yes to Eris’ proposal instead of this.’

Nesta gazed up at the sky, sighing slightly as her eyes snagged on the stars. Lucien really did feel for her. He tracked the bob of her throat as she swallowed.

‘No. You wouldn’t want that. As somebody who lived alongside Eris, you do not want that. Eris alone is bearable but you’d have to survive against my brothers and father too.’

‘Well, I’m always in second place to Rhys. Not even second place, I’m probably about fifth in the pecking order.’

How he longed to tell her that it wasn’t true. But Lucien had seen it first-hand. When news had reached him of the hike – the truth of it – he was disgusted. Rhysand would always be the centre of Cassian’s orbit. Feyre, Morrigan, Azriel, they were all part of it. It should have shifted at Nesta’s arrival. A mate should have been more. More important, more loved, more wanted. More everything.  

Nesta swallowed again. She was blinking rapidly, fending off tears that Lucien pretended not to see. ‘It’s not supposed to be like this, is it? I’m supposed to want to go home. I’m supposed to look forwards to seeing him. I’m not supposed to feel hurt by him so often. I’m not supposed to wish that I’d never accepted the bond.’

He reached over to take her hand. It felt so small within his. Nesta wasn’t a clawed beast that needed a hesitant approach towards. She was just a female thrust into a world that she did not understand. Lucien remembered Feyre – all snarling and anger – when she first came to Spring. Gently, he squeezed Nesta’s fingers. ‘No, I don’t believe it should be that way. Love should be celebrated. It shouldn’t bring dread.’

The female had many things to figure out. He could offer suggestions, advice, guidance, but it was her path to forge. He didn’t need to insert himself where it wasn’t wanted. But, Nesta was trapped between a rock and a hard place. With no finances, no way to leave, she was completely dependent on Cassian, just as Feyre was to Rhysand. That was exactly how his mother had been trapped. Day after day, his father had worn her done like a river eroding the rock.

‘If you make that decision,’ he said carefully, ‘to sever things then I will be there for support. It can be difficult when Cassian holds a lot of the power.’

‘Thank you, Lucien. You’re a kind person.’

‘Kind,’ he said, shrugging a shoulder. ‘With little money to my name, a ruined home in the mortal lands, and a face like this, kindness only goes so far.’

Nesta tilted her head. Her unflinching gaze landed on his scar again. There were some who worked hard to pretend it wasn’t there. They’d resolutely stare into his eyes, determined not to see it. That wasn’t Nesta. The pad of her thumb traced the ruined skin.

‘I think maybe Amarantha thought it wasn’t fair when she saw you. She had to give your brothers a fighting chance at finding a female. You’d be too handsome otherwise.’

He batted her fingers away, glad to see a mocking smile twisting her lips.

‘I have little to offer a female.’

‘A good heart is all one needs.’

Nesta wrapped her arms around her bent legs then tucked her chin on top of her knees, staring out towards the sea. The bright light of the moon rippled across the waves that dragged up the shore.

He didn’t know if Nesta was loyal. She’d proved her loyalty to Elain ten times over. But, would she be loyal to him – a male she barely knew? Lucien had nobody else to tell. Jurian and Vassa knew, encouraged it even. Taking a breath, he said, ‘I’ll be leaving Velaris soon. I will no longer work for the Night Court.’

Her eyes shot to him, lips parting slightly. ‘Why? Where will you go?’

‘I have been offered a position here – and one in the Day Court. I’m debating which to take. Day would allow a cordial relationship still with Night. The emissary role is yours, if you want it.’

She nodded, following his speech.

‘Which would you prefer? If you could choose with your heart, forget about political alliances, which one?’

Lucien swallowed against the lump in his throat. ‘I wish I could go home.’

‘Autumn?’

‘No. Spring. Autumn was a home for a long time, but after Jesminda, I don’t think I could ever be there again and be happy. Spring became my home. I loved my court.’

Until Feyre wiggled into their lives and uprooted it for so many people, damning the consequences.

‘The Night Court won’t ever feel like home for me,’ Nesta admitted. ‘I have so many bad memories associated with it. They tend to muddy any good ones.’

That was understandable. Even in the safety of Velaris, Nesta had been set upon in the library then forced into the Blood Rite not even two years later.

Softly, she asked, ‘What about Elain?’

‘Your sister has had enough time to strike up a conversation with me. I cannot force my presence on her. After Solstice, she made her feelings clear enough.’

‘Why was Solstice any different? She ignores you at every opportunity.’

‘If they want each other then that’s their decision.’

Nesta leaned her weight onto one hand as she moved towards him. Her brows pinched together. ‘If who want each other?’

Oh. She did not know. It wasn’t Lucien’s business. In a roundabout way, it was, he supposed although he had no sort of claim on Elain beyond a magical binding.

‘I would have thought you knew about it.’

‘About what, Lucien?’ The irritation rang out in Nesta’s voice.

‘I couldn’t sleep. I never settle well in Velaris. Elain and Azriel had a moonlight tryst until the high lord shut it down. That was the only one I’ve been nearby for, but undoubtedly there are more.’

‘That wretch,’ Nesta said, face contorting with annoyance. ‘At least have the decency to tell you she doesn’t want the bond rather than sneaking around. And Azriel? I will have him. Both of them. Bastards.’

Lucien waved his hand as if that might wave away both of their issues. ‘Elain never asked to be my mate. If she’s happy with Azriel then I’ll ensure the bond is not accepted. It’s just my luck really.’

‘You would let her go, like that?’

‘Yes.’

For a reason that he did not know, Nesta’s eyes filled with tears again. She blinked them away, not letting them spill over. ‘When I told Cassian that I never had a choice, do you know what he did? He started an argument with me on the Sidra. People avoided us. Said he’d not chosen to be shackled to me.’

Lucien couldn’t help it. The words came out before he could stop them. ‘And you still accepted the bond?’

Nesta shuddered. ‘Let’s go back to the inn. If I stay here any longer baring my bones to you, I might drown myself in the ocean.’

‘I’d probably join you.’

The female stood then reached out her hands to haul him to his feet. Lucien accepted. They began walking down the quiet streets, beneath the yellow faelight spilling from homes. It was still warm though not unbearable now.

‘Sorry that I never made an effort with you before.’

‘You’re not my mate,’ she replied, shrugging.

‘But I still could have tried.’

She nudged him with a closed fist, smiling slightly. ‘We’re friends now.’

‘United in misery.’

They both breathed a sigh of relief on the return to the inn when their rooms were gloriously cool. Their balcony doors remained open so Lucien could hear Nesta humming away to herself as she readied for bed.

‘I forgot to ask you. How was your day?’

She appeared on the balcony in an ivory night gown. Lucien tried not to look – it was his mate’s sister – but her long, lean legs were on display. He was still a male and this female could bring most males to their knees. The lace trim of the gown cut across the midpoint of her thighs. The thin straps of her nightgown were holding on for dear life. Lucien cast his eyes quickly towards the view although it was too dark to see anything.

‘It was lovely, thank you. I had a really nice time today. Thank you, Lucien, for taking me here. I really cannot thank you for it.’

‘I’m glad you’ve enjoyed.’

‘Can we stay another night?’

‘Sure,’ he said, glad of company that wasn’t Jurian and Vassa’s bickering. ‘We could go elsewhere. I have friends in other courts.’

Nesta rolled her eyes. ‘Stop showing off that you have lots of friends when I only have two.’

Feigning pain, Lucien pressed a hand over his heart. ‘Two? I thought I had moved into the ranks of Nesta Archeron’s friend.’

‘Fine. Three friends. And a mate who would rather bed his high lord than me.’

He couldn’t help the rough laugh that came out.

Nesta scrubbed her face with her hands. ‘If I can’t make jokes about it then I really will be miserable. Oh, Lucien. What a life I have.’

‘Hopefully, Cassian will miss you terribly.’

Nesta nodded, before turning towards the bedroom. She paused then said, ‘That’s the problem. I haven’t missed him at all.’

#lucien x nesta #be consumed by the flame

[moonlightazriel]

Velha infância /// Azriel X F!Reader

Summary: Azriel was my best friend and the only thing i could think about.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1,9K

Notes: Since this song is in portuguese and i'll be using the original lyrics as well torought the fic, here's the song with english lyrics: Velha infância- Tribalistas

Song week

Main Masterlist

Você é assim Um sonho pra mim E quando eu não te vejo Eu penso em você Desde o amanhecer Até quando eu me deito

I was sitting on one of the benches in the balcony where the sparring training happens, my eyes followed every move Azriel made, the way the sun light would make his brown skin glow, how the droplets of sweats ran down his toned back, how his shadows danced beautifully around him, his strong muscles contracting when he moved his sword.

Azriel was like a dream come true, everything about him felt incredibly right, he was the most wonderful male I’ve ever met, he was kind, in a unique way, even with his past, he never let his inner light extinguish, he was smart, I would seek him whenever I needed help with something, He was skilled in every little thing he did and all I could do was to watch him mesmerized. It never was my intention to fall in love with him, I guess it just happened naturally, he treated me so good, like no male ever did, that the friendship we had since we we’re kids, turned into something more.

I was afraid of telling him, I would rather die than to ruin our friendship, even if sometimes, it seemed that he felt the same way, It was difficult not to think that maybe he loved me when he would bring me my favorite dessert every time he got out, when he would stop his own training if he saw that I got hurt, rushing to attend to me whenever I made a different noise, when he would hold me so close at the Hewn City meetings that it was hard to see where he begun and where I ended, his nose brushing on my neck while he complimented my scent.

I thought about him every day, from dusk till dawn, my every thoughts were filled with him, his scent, his black hair, his beautiful hazel eyes, his enormous wings, every time I would look at him, my mind would drift away to a future where he would tell me he loves me and we would kiss, happily dancing together to the sound of our heartbeats.

Eu gosto de você E gosto de ficar com você Meu riso é tão feliz contigo O meu melhor amigo é o meu amor

He caught my eyes, and I smiled at him, my chest filling with happiness, he made my life brighter and brought me a new kind of joy that I never expected to experience before him. He stopped Rhysand, saying that he was too tired to train anymore and started walking in my direction, the butterflies in my stomach came to life, his smile warming my heart. “ What are you up to?” His voice was raspy from the effort he made.

“Oh, you know, just resting.” He nodded, his smile widening as he seemed to think of something.

“Do you want to have lunch at that restaurant you like so much?” I nodded at him, feeling happy at his consideration with me. “Alright then, take your time getting dressed and I’ll fly us there.” He winked at me and walked away, behind him Rhysand was wiggling his eyebrows at me, apparently he and everyone knew that I was head over heels for the shadowsinger, except for him, I rolled my eyes at Rhys and showed him my middle finger.

“You should tell him, it’s obvious that he loves you too, you two just have to stop being blind and you’ll realize that you could be already together for a really long time.” He smiled at me and I nodded, maybe he was right? I couldn’t be afraid of my feelings forever.

“I’ll think about it Rhys, thank you.” I said, getting up and entering the House of Wind to change, I decided to shower, rubbing my skin with the lavender scented soap, washing my hair and doing my skin care, every time Az and I would do something together I tried to look my best, I ended up using a mid dress, the skirt flowing smoothly on my legs, it was a nice shade of light blue, I did a light makeup, only some lipstick and mascara, as soon as I got satisfied with how I looked, I stepped out of my room, Azriel was standing on the other side of the door with a hand up, ready to knock.

“You look beautiful, this dress, it’s really pretty.” He complimented and I blushed, feeling my cheeks getting warm as he took my hand and walked us to the balcony. He flown us only until we reached the ground, we enjoyed walking together through Velaris, so he gently pulled me down, and we started to walk side by side, talking about nothing important.

E a gente canta E a gente dança E a gente não se cansa De ser criança A gente brinca Na nossa velha infância

As we walked, we passed by a musician, he was playing a familiar melody, Azriel looked at me, his smile growing bigger as he stopped on his tracks, I followed him until we reached the musician. “This is the first music we danced together, on Rhys’s birthday.” The memories of our childhood, when Rhys invited all of us to his birthday, this song started to play, and while everyone found someone to dance with, I stayed behind, wishing that someone would ask to dance with me, it was Azriel, who barely knew how to dance that offered me his hand, pulling me towards the dance floor, he stump on my foot a couple of times before he understood how he should move, but it was the best dance I’ve ever had.

Just like all those years ago, he was extending his hand towards me, inviting me silently to dance, I looked at him surprised as he wasn’t the type to do this kind of things in public but I just accepted, placing my hand on his as he pulled me closer, my chest pressed against his, my head falling in the crook of his neck as he moved us around, the melody bringing me more memories of all the times we danced together exactly like this, we were the perfect match when we danced.

He whispered the melody along, and at that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the whole world, just us, his heartbeat singing to me, I could’ve stayed like this forever, I would do it happily, but the song came to an end and we split, he gave some money to the musician and we thanked him before leaving.

“Thank you for the dance, I was missing it.” I said and he held my hand, something about all of this felt different, like the lines between friendship and love were slowly disappearing, my heart twisted in my chest in anticipation as we approached the restaurant. He pulled a chair out for me, and circulated the table to sit at the other side, a waiter came to us and we just ordered the usual and a bottle of wine, his hazel eyes looked at me, like he was staring into my soul and I blushed, all the courage starting to vanish under his gaze.

Seus olhos, meu clarão Me guiam dentro da escuridão Seus pés me abrem o caminho Eu sigo e nunca me sinto só

I stared at him too, those pretty eyes that saved me from the darkness so many times, when I would look at them, I knew that I would never be alone, his eyes brought me peace, they were my guidance in the difficult times, he analyzed my face looking for something that I didn’t know. “I asked you to lunch because I wanted to talk to you about something important.” He was serious, his whole posture told me that he was nervous and I could only imagine the reason.

“Feel free to tell me everything that you need.” I tried to smile at him, my hand reaching for his, as I held him I noticed that he was shaking and I started to get even more worried than I was, before he could speak, the waiter was back, with the bottle of wine, pouring a little on both of our cups, Azriel was quick to sip on his wine, the liquid disappearing and he asked the waiter to refill his glass. He only spoke again when the waiter left our table.

“I can’t keep this as a secret anymore, it kills me not to tell you that I love you.” He said everything so fast that I wasn’t sure if I was hearing it correctly, my heart processed the words faster than my brain and started hammering strongly against my rib cage, the butterflies went crazy and I just stared at him in disbelief.

Você é assim Um sonho pra mim Quero te encher de beijos Eu penso em você Desde o amanhecer Até quando eu me deito

“Are you serious?” It was the first thing I managed to say after a few moments in pure silence, I forced myself to talk as soon as I noticed the panic covering his features, he nodded and I couldn’t help the smile from spreading in my face, so big that all of my facial muscles began to hurt. “You’ll laugh about it when I tell you that Rhys encouraged me to tell you that I feel the same today, I was just trying to build up the courage.” Azriel did laugh about this as he gripped my hand harder. “I have no idea for how long I’ve been in love with you, you’re like a dream to me Az, it’s hard to keep my hands to myself when you’re near, I want to kiss you, to hold you and never let you go.”

“You have no idea how long I waited to hear you say something like this, I dreamed of this moment so many times, in so many ways, but all of them ended up the same, with you in my arms telling me that you’re mine.” The panic was gone now and his eyes were filled with the most pure love I’ve ever seen.

“I’m yours even before I realized I was in love with you. I’m yours until the end of times.” At that moment, Azriel lost all of his composure, flying from his seat, his hands grabbing my waist as he pulled me up, his lips capturing mine in a passionate kiss, his lips were soft, warm against mine, and the butterflies finally went quiet as he kissed me.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but your meal is here.” The waiter said and we split, laughing as he got back to his seat, we ate, unable to control ourselves, he held my hand the entire time while i smiled at him, as we finished dessert and walked out the restaurant he pulled me in for another breathtaking kiss, that made my head dizzy and my heart spin in my chest.

Eu gosto de você E gosto de ficar com você Meu riso é tão feliz contigo O meu melhor amigo é o meu amor

I looked at the male with such adoration, the one who used to be my best friend, the friend I would always seek the company, the friend who always held me when I was about to fall, the friend who have my heart and held me hostage in his was now the male I called my love, the male I would do anything to make sure was the happiest in the whole planet, Azriel deserved all the love and happiness in the world and I was going to be sure to give him this and so much more.

#Spotify #acotar #azriel shadowsinger #azriel #azriel x reader #sarahjmaas #shadowsinger #night court #azriel x y/n #velaris #fluff #friends to lovers #moonlightazriel #moonlightazriel song week #a court of mist and fury #a court of thorns and roses #female reader #rhysand

[davinaclaire16]

Wings of Dusk

Azriel X Reader

You’re Rhysands Elder sister. The first born of the Moonbeams yet no one ever talks about you much. After a century of every one thinking you dead you come back and find that special connection with a certain shadow singer still exist. A story of heart break, mystery, and past trauma…. Please be kind I’ve never written a story before I just couldn’t get this out of my head! The only thing decided about the readers appearance is that you have jet black hair and my timeline of events may differ forms the books a little.

Warnings: speak of torture and SA

You couldn’t even remember how long it had been since you had seen your family. It had been before you went under the mountain and it had been some time since Amarantha had been beat by that human girl. You of course weren’t there seeing you had escaped the mountain and Amaranthas punishments for you. It was hard to even think about… being under that mountain and the fact your own brother had commanded you to go with her to be her soldiers whore . All because the captain of her fleet took a special liking to you. You were never sure why Rhysand had given you away nor did you dare ask when you found that he himself became her whore not long after you had went under. But the past was the past and after you had escaped you found yourself in the day court where you stayed kept a low profile knowing everyone thought you dead you couldn’t risk reaching out or going back home. After everyone had been freed you had befriended the lord of day Helion and didnt see a reason to go back home. Eventually you had even become his 2nd in command and as close as the two of you were you still had never told him you were basically the princess of the night court. You guessed that’s how you ended up in this predicament standing outside of the day courts side doors to the throne room in which your family was in to see the High Lord.

You stood outside the throne room doors that connected right to the throne. Nervously pacing adorned in day court colors. You wore a beautiful shimmering gold dress with a fairly modest v neck. Gold had surprising always looked stunning on you. You were of course not ignorant to your beauty family and strangers were never shy to tell you that you were the most beguiling woman they had ever seen. In fact in the presence of Mor it was she who was compared to you. And maybe your beauty was the very reason Helion had put up with your sass and back talk for so long. It was during your pacing you heard Helion say “Well Rhysand to what do I owe the pleasure” you couldn’t hear Rhys reply over your own heartbeat and the next thing you knew you heard Helion introduce his 2nd in Command. You quickly opened the door and saw the back of Helions throne and you prayed your shaky knees would get you up the stairs of his throne. Once at the top you stood tall and proud next to Helions throne and he introduced you.

“Inner Circle of the night court it is my pleasure to introduce my second in command Y/N. Although Stunning be careful she’s quite dangerous.”

You swore you felt the whole room stop breathing and you finally allowed yourself to scan your family and there before you stood from left to right Cassian, Mor, Rhys, Amren, and Azriel. You could feel all of there eyes piercing through you with looks of pure disbelief except the dear shadow singer his face wore something of shock, disbelief, relief, and excitement all wrapped up in one like all his prayers to the mother had just been answered. It was then you made your way down the stairs to Cassian and simply held out your hand and said “and you must be the High lords general”? “ What was the name again?” Cassian looked at you dumbfounded and watched as Mor jabbed him in the side and he quickly shook himself out of it grabbed your hand and very unsurely told you his name. It was then you moved down the line in front of Mor where she as well gave her name and shook her hand. Next up was your dear brother and you bowed “High Lord” when you rose you could see the start of a tear form and felt a pounding at the walls in your mind to be let in. But at last you moved on and let Amren spit out her name almost like she knew about the game you were playing at. And lastly you met the eyes of a certain shadow singers who’s gaze had never left you with the same face he wore before and you felt proud of yourself to had finally shocked the all knowing shadow singer and gotten through the cold emotionless face he wore all the time. His shadows twirled around your figure and he just held your hand and starred into you (c) eyes. And right before he gave his name you bowed slightly never leaving his eyes and interrupted him and lightly breathed Azriel…. 

Let me know if anyone is actually interested in more parts 💕

#azriel x reader #acotar #azriel acotar #azriel spymaster #azriel shadowsinger #shadowsinger x reader #acotar fanfiction #mating bond #a court of thorns and roses #acotar series #shadowsinger #acotar smut #reader insert #sarah j mass #acotar fluff #acotar x reader #azriel fanfic #azriel fic #spymaster #azriel #azrielxreader #acomaf #a court of mist and fury #acosf

[echotzzz]

“Elain should stop being annoying and accept Lucien already”

umm okay since when woman rejected or disliked a man… annoying??

Do Acotar fandom understand what it means to accept a mating bond??

It means you will bind yourself to that other person FOREVER. Be it your soul, body everything. He is yours and you are his. Like they cant get divorce or start a new life w someone else if that fail. This is not a simple bf/gf thing like this is a big deal, very permenant and forever once u accept. Its completely fine if you two ALREADY FALLEN IN LOVE and the mating bond is there to seal the deal. Like that’s romantic

But for Elain that never was the case. She has NO FEELINGS for Lucien. Her heart belongs to Graysan when her mating bond was revealed. And when she start to move on from him she develop feelings for Azriel along the process.

Like cant yall understand why she couldnt just “accept” Lucien.

“But she should give Lucien a chance”

this mentality or mind set really falls down to the mating bond and how the majority of the fandom sees the mating bond only from Lucien’s pov. Yeah he’s hurting not denying that and its sucks for him. But cant people sees this from Elain’s pov as well??

The place she came from there is no mating bond. She turned fae against her will and suddenly said to be some Fae’s mate whom she doesnt know anything about and whom she sees as the one who “betrayed her family” whether he’s guilty or not, but In her mind Lucien literally allied with the bad people that kidnapped her. Do you think Elain will ready to fall in love w him?? or attempts to open her heart for him??Like lets be real no bs if you’re in Elain postion will you see Lucien as this trustworthy, safe, worthy of her love kind of guy? I need people to be serious here coz Elain reaction to lucien made perfectly sense to me I dont know why people are so mad!! the first reaction of Elain to him were: “She cringed away from the coat, from him” .

Her being wary around him made sense to me and some people even went further to said Elain’s racist or a snob needs to bffr. Yall insane.

People would say it will be like feysand coz they also start in a bad place coz rhys is the ‘villain’ in book 1 but Feyre first word abt rhys was he’s the most beautiful man she ever seen. Theres ATTRACTION. AND HATE. which is good coz when there’s hate there’s PASSION and that could lead to FEELINGS.

and believe it or not Elain and Lucien did try spent time w e/o. Remember that tea time and in acofas?

And theyre being so polite to each other too. Elain is indifferent towards him. There is just awkwardness. Both Elain and Lucien has no interest in bridging the gap. Both cannot stand in e/o presence in a room more than 2 min (Lucien’s word not mine). Visiting Elain is not always in Lucien’s agenda when he’s in the night court. And thats canon per Acofas & Acosf. They’re just not into each other. You cannot tell me the reason Lucien even look at Elain is not because of the mating bond. Attraction and feelings cannot be forced full stop.

“Elain need to learn how to cope coz mating bond is her culture now”

She started gaining control of her life. Which readers expect that of her right?? to have a backbone? to be the narrator of her own FATE? RIGHT????

so why is it so shocking and oh so horrible for Elain to not want her mating bond? We see previous MCs rebel and protest to fight for their story but why drew a line for elain?

we accept her character development to be this independant woman who would not be coddled, some even want her to leave the Night Court to find her true self.

We want all the above for her EXCEPT her control over her love life. When it comes down to the person she should love, kiss and fuck, In that terms Elain should submit to the bond and just shut up??????

“Oh no how dare she reject her mate!! how dare she liked Azriel and not her mate!! the audacity, she’s so blind to his kindness, the jacket, the gloves, the pearl he gave her!! how dare she be so annoying and hurts his feeling. Elain GET IT TOGETHER HOE!!!%*\”

Cant yall see how irony this is?? What happened to attraction and feelings? Does that should be thrown out of the window?

Why is it a rocket science for Elain to actually like Azriel?? This fandom worship Azriel and want him to fuck them in their dreams (im not making this up). Why its ok for the readers to be attracted to Az but not Elain??

Its not rocket science its just this fandom already has this mindset about the mating bond and the perks of having a mate. Feysand and Nessian are what successful mate couple look like.

But we shouldnt be naive enough to believe that ALL MATING BOND ARE HEALTHY

Theres a lot of unhealthy mating bond mentioned briefly such as tamlin’s and Rhysand’s parents and a couple more from the Creacent City series.

Rhys said the mating bond is not a perfect system.

You can feel bad for Lucien. Thats fair. And it sucks to know that male has stronger mate instinct than the female. But what yall cant do is to put the blame on Elain. Both Elain and Lucien are the victim of the mating bond. The fault belong to the Mating Bond system and the Society that urge male to covet their female mate and have whatever it takes to make the bond work.

Wouldnt his fan wants him to find his own person who loves him for who he is? Thats literally what Lucien craves for. Acceptance. Atp Elain’s body language and reaction showed that she’s anything but accept him. And truly I dont see that will change anytime soon. SJM has spent 4 books and not any point we see Elain beginning to change her mind. Acosf literally showed that.

“If Elain will not end up with Lucien then why haven’t she properly reject him yet?”

This is not real life. Yeah!!! Elain’s happened to be a book character. And in books there are storytelling aspects and huge plot reveal. You cannot expect a huge moment in a character’s arc be done in any other people pov?

Like why people really want the news of Elain finally rejecting Lucien be in Nesta’s pov? Wheres the fun in that?? it didnt make any sense. Obv SJM is waiting for it to be in ELAIN’S BOOK whenever that will come out. So cant yall just wait?? Like pls just think for a sec.

“Elain doesnt deserve Lucien”

okayyyyyy…is that a dig at Elain? Coz like I said Lucien deserve someone who wants him for him and thats not Elain and vice versa.

“they should end up together coz they are mates”

Im sorry but mating bond will NEVER be the ultimate factor to fall in love with someone or SJM’s reason for her characters endgame. And certainly not for Elain who will marry for love. For all of grayson fault, Elain did truly loved him once.

Feyre doesnt love Rhys bcoz of the bond, but bcoz of love she agreed to bond w him.

…..

So to end this long post I would remind people that this is a romance story. Where the end game will be two people in love. So ATTRACTION and FEELINGS plays a huge role for the build up.

Also I highly think Lucien or the mating bond are not what Elain hates the most. I think she hate the fact that she has no say in this. That her choice are being taken away. And everyone around her expecting her to just accept the bond.

I genuinely dont have anything against people that actually ship elucien for their aesthetic and really hope for their endgame. Some people want Elain & Lucien to break the mating bond together to free themsleves of the fate that control their choices and along the way get to know e/o and developing feelings and so on. See!! this is a good story which doesnt diminish anyone’s character arc and certainly allow all characters to have a choice. “I love u for who u are and not because of the bond” Like with SJM masterful writing that could be pretty lit.

With that being said, I really side eyed and hate those who treat Elain as the devil incarnate for refusing Lucien and called her “shallow, dumb, indecisive, selfish” follow with “she will see her mistake, she will beg forgiveness, she will realise that she’s so blind to the-” oh no no no

Her feelings are valid. Refusing Lucien has been put as one of her flaws or why she should be hated is SO CRAZY to me. Yall dont want people to coddles her or treat her like a child so then…pls start accepting her words as it is. Dont try to twist it or double it down. If she says she’s part of the night court, then she’s part of the night court. If she says she doesnt owe Lucien anything, that means she doesnt owe him shit.

#elain archeron #pro elain #pro elain archeron #rant

[n0rthern-litez]

Foresaken; Part 2

Rhysand/Unknown x OC Warnings: None Word Count: 1234

Rhysand is gone again. It had been almost 3 months since he returned home, and Anna was struggling. He is distant, cold, quiet. And as much as she would love to blame it on his trauma, it seemed he was only this way with her. He opened up to her a few days after being home, told her everything. The torturing, the mind games,...the assault. They spent hours just talking, catching each other up on one another's lives. Anna couldn't understand what was wrong.

She tried forcing it out of him...that was bad. Rhys became explosive, screaming at her to stop...there was so much yelling. He yelled until he broke down at her feet again. Anna hated seeing him like this. Rhysand is broken and despite her efforts nothing was helping.

Except when he would leave.

Rhysand for 2 months has been traveling allot. Mostly in two weeks periods, 'working'. He says that he's trying to restore what Amarantha ruined. Fix the towns she destroyed, get the towns people back on their feet. There was something about it though, the way he would return home. A bounce in his step. A smile on his face. The only time he truly ever smiled since returning home. Something wasn't sitting right with her and she was bound and determined to figure it out.

When Rhysand returned that night, Anna confronted him.

"Where have you been going?"

"I told you Anna, I have been working to restore the surrounding cities." Rhysand groaned, clearly agitated at how often he received this question.

"I know you're lying Rhys. Something is different, you aren't telling me something." Anna revealed, trying to make it clear that she wasn't going to take any bullshit this time.

"What do you mean? Everything is just like it was before Anna." Rhysand griped. Even the way he said her name wasn't the same. The sharpness made her flinch.

"I can't feel you anymore." Anna shuddered, tears threatening to fall. Rhysand's face fell and he knew exactly what she meant. They both knew from the very beginning, even at 16 years young, that they would never have the bond that a true mated pair would have.

Just after the war, they decided they wanted more. Something more meaningful. Something more real. They found a witch willing to bond them. This was something that they had learned from other fae, fae who either had no luck finding a mate or those who unfortunately lost theirs and craved that connection with their new love.

Similar to a mating bond, they would be connected at the deepest part of their soul. They would be able to feel one another's feelings. Emotionally, physically, and mentally. They would be able to sense when one another was in danger and locate them almost at the drop of a hat. They would be able access each other's minds and communicate. Something Rhysand could already do, but to Anna, it was a cool new trick. But there was one thing and one thing only and Anna remembers it very clearly, as though she can still hear the witch's voice.

"There is only one thing that can come between this type of bond and that is a stronger one. The second either of you find your true mate and the bond snaps into place, this one will disappear as though it never existed. There will not be a daunting feeling or a sense of loss, you will simply stop feeling them at all."

Anna was told there would be no 'daunting feeling', but she remembers the exact moment. Despite the distance and the curse, she could still feel a small part of him deep in her core. That is how she always knew he was okay, she held onto it like it was life or death. Constantly checking for it, and suddenly it was gone. Before the panic could set in of thinking he was dead, he had appeared in her room, and she had forgotten all about it. Until this morning, when she woke up and he was gone...again.

"I stopped feeling you minutes before you came home, and you are clearly alive so that can only mean one thing Rhys." Anna huffed completely defeated. She had just gotten him back and it felt like she was losing him all over again.

His façade fell. He no longer tried to hide the look of defeat on his face.

"Anna, baby...I am so sorry." He began walking towards her, attempting to explain and comfort her.

"Back up." Anna snapped. Her world was crashing. Over 500 years, falling apart in front of her. Completely out of her control. She knew, they both knew this was possible. They fell in love so young...there was so much time for them to find their real mate. But to Anna it was real. She loved him with every part of her being.

"What am I supposed to do now? "Anna whispered, so quiet most would think she was talking to herself, "Am I just supposed to stop loving you? Act like the last 500 years never happened?!"

Anna waited for a response, but Rhysand didn't oblige.

"WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO RHYSAND?" She heaved, unable to catch her breath as the inevitable panic attack began. "How am I supposed to go on like we were never...like we...Rhys..." Anna pleaded for an answer. How was she supposed to go on like everything is okay. She is a part of his court. His right-hand girl, his second in command. How is she supposed to work with her-

"Wait...is that where you have been going?" Anna was shocked as her brain put two and two together. She never thought Rhys would go low enough to go behind her back to see another woman. "Have you been seeing her behind my back?"

"Anna it isn't like that, I promise." Rhysand rushed to defend himself, "I have done nothing with her like that. Nothing more than friends. I swear, she doesn't even know about the bond."

Anna continued to piece the puzzle together. Why did the bond take so long? Why didn't she know the bond was in place?...Unless she didn't know about mates at all.

"Is she the human? The curse breaker?" Anna scoffed, "You are throwing all this away for a fucking human?"

"Feyre isn't human anymore Anna, she is just as fae as we are." Rhys snapped, defending his new mate.

"Feyre huh? Tamlin's girl? Really Rhysand, like honestly, that seems like a good idea?" She could hear as she belittled him and his choices. She knew how much of a bitch she was being. But in that moment? She couldn't care less.

"I didn't choose this Anna, if I got a choice, I would've picked you, I would've picked you years ago." Rhys began to cry. Anna knew deep down that he was being honest, that none of this was truly his fault, but she was hurting so much, her rage was blinding her.

"Well I hope you two are happy." Anna snapped rushing out of their home slamming the door behind her. She was long gone, not bothering to stay behind long enough to hear as Rhysand wailed. Mourning the loss of His Anna.

She didn't stay back to watch as Cassian and Azriel ran in, Cassian holding his best friend, tears in his own eyes as he watched his brother fall apart. 

#rhysand #cassian #azriel #acotar #fanfiction #rhys #fates #acomaf #feyre #friendstolovers #loverstoenemies #nesta #tamlin #elaine #amren #mor #phrythian #velaris #xreader #oc #original characters #rhysandxreader #rhysandxoc #acowar #acosf #sarahjmaas #maas #illyrian #imagines

[foundress0fnothing]

Meet Me in the Woods Tonight

Forced to partner together during their company's annual team building event in the Illyrian forest, Azriel Moreno and Eris Vanserra find themselves an unlikely duo. When Eris suggests straying off the marked paths through the forest to beat the other competitors, Azriel reluctantly agrees. Eris was an eagle scout after all---what's the worst that could happen?

This is a collaborative project organized by @azrielshadowssing, so make sure you check out their masterlist for the continuation of this story! You can expect part 2 on April 9th and part 3 on April 23rd!

Part 1 (2.3k words, SFW, rated M--rating may change as story continues)

Read on AO3!

Part 1:

Azriel was not particularly religious, but he was pretty certain that hell, at least, was real. 

“Az? It’s your turn.” He heard Feyre prompt him gently.

Yes, hell was definitely real, Azriel thought, turning his attention to the circle of his coworkers, their eyes squinting in the bright afternoon sun as they waited for him to offer up his two truths and a lie in what Azriel could only hope was the final exercise in the misery that was Velaris Technology’s company-wide team building day. 

Come head the IT department at Vel Tech for me, Az, he thought, mimicking the offer Rhys had made to him almost six months ago after Azriel had finally burnt himself out freelancing. Normal hours, good pay, great people, no corporate bullshit. 

Three of the four of those, Azriel had come to realize, were complete lies. Yes, the pay was good—better than good, if he was being honest. But the rest? Today certainly dispelled any lingering illusions he had that Vel Tech was above “corporate bullshit,” despite Rhys’ best intentions. All it took was an email from Rhys’ old college friend—Helion something—offering Vel Tech a discount on his new team building course set in the forested Illyrian steppes outside of the city and suddenly the entire office was being ushered onto buses and driven out to the woods for a day of mandatory fun.

And the hours were long, far longer than he had ever pulled as a freelancer. For a tech company, Vel Tech seemed barely able to hold itself together, and, to keep himself sane, Azriel had finally stopped counting the number of times Rhys or Feyre or Mor called him at 2 a.m. to “put out a fire, just this once.”

Which left the people. He loved five of them fiercely, even if they were the ones to call him in the middle of the night—Rhys’ inner circle, which he supposed he was officially a part of now. Rhys and his cousin Mor started the business five years ago with the money from Rhys’ inheritance, bringing Cassian along to head security and Amren, whom Azriel was still scared of, along to run the financial side of the business. When Feyre started dating Rhys two years ago, he brought her on board as well, the two of them quickly becoming the very definition of a power couple. Azriel, had he wanted it, could have had a job at Vel Tech since the beginning. While he didn’t regret that it was where he ended up—the six of them in the inner circle were a family of sorts, close-knit and comfortable—he was still glad he didn’t jump on board right away.

As for the other employees who staffed Vel Tech? They were fine, he supposed, but certainly not great: technologically incompetent and bland, but almost universally inoffensive. 

All except fucking Eris Vanserra, Vel Tech’s company lawyer. Tall, cunning, and always impeccably dressed, even for a day out in the woods, Eris Vanserra was far too competent, entirely too interesting, and gleefully offensive.

Case in point: “Yes, Az,” the asshole in question called from his place in the circle, emphasizing Azriel’s nickname in a way that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. “Do share. I’m sure what you have to say will be fascinating.”

Ignoring Eris’ goading, Azriel dispassionately rattled off the three statements that had gotten him through many similar icebreakers during college: “Azriel Moreno. I like computers. I have two half-siblings. I’ve broken two bones.” Three safe, completely unremarkable facts that allowed him to nominally participate until the group moved on.

There was a beat of silence. To no one’s surprise, Cassian was the one to break it: “Congratulations, Az. Those are boring as shit.”

Rhys and Mor snorted, and Azriel laughed along with them, knowing Cassian had a point. “Look,” he sighed, tired of this, tired of the day—the morning had started at 9 a.m. with a three-legged race of all things, as if that nonsense ever helped with “team building.” “It’s not like anyone even listens to anyone else’s facts in these icebreakers. Much less cares about them.”

It was the most he had said all day, and he knew the moment it left his mouth that it had been entirely the wrong thing to voice in the large group. Everyone was quiet, suddenly uncomfortable. Fuck. He should have saved it for drinks at Rita’s after the godforsaken day was over and it was just the people who already knew him, who already knew what he was like. Rhys, Cassian, and Amren would have laughed—hell, would have agreed, probably—and Feyre and Mor would have fondly rolled their eyes before teasing him about his antisocial behavior.

Not now though, not with twenty-odd other employees gathered in the circle. He saw Feyre cast a glance at Rhys, his mouth cast in a stern line, and then started saying, “Look, Azriel, I get that this isn’t really your thing, and, don’t get me wrong, we’re glad you’ve joined in today—”

“Oh, come on, Feyre,” Eris interrupted, any teasing in his voice having evaporated. “You can’t seriously be letting that slide.”

Without giving anyone else a chance to weigh in, he started working through the circle methodically. “Kallias grew up in Alaska, once rode on a reindeer to get supplies when the town was snowed in, and met Vivian, his wife, not online but at a bar in town. Nephelle has not yet completed a full marathon although she hopes to do so, is allergic to sesame, builds terrariums in her free time. Tarquin won five amateur surfing competitions as a kid, does not particularly enjoy tiki cocktails ever since his 21st birthday, and is working on getting his boating license. Do I need to keep going?”

Azriel was silent, simultaneously embarrassed that it was Eris of all people who called him out on his bullshit and in awe of the feat of memory he had just displayed. Azriel hadn’t meant to be rude, not really—he was just…done with the day and figured others would be too.

Rhys cleared his throat and, letting his cool CEO mask smooth over his previous irritation, said, “Thank you for that demonstration, Eris.”

Eris nodded at Rhys and then looked over to Azriel, a question in his eyes. Azriel didn’t meet his gaze, didn’t say anything, didn’t know what the right next step was. Misreading his continued silence as a challenge, Eris’ gaze shifted into a glare, annoyance evident, and continued, “Moreno, if you can name a single thing someone else has said during this game, I will quit my job at Vel Tech right now. Otherwise—”

“I’m sorry.” Azriel said curtly but sincerely, interrupting whatever tirade Eris was about to start in on, deciding that a quick apology, at least, was better than doing nothing and letting Eris continue. “I’m tired, but that’s no excuse for my rudeness. I didn’t mean to offend.” He looked around at his coworkers in the circle, hoping they would read the regret on his face even if his apology itself was a bit brusque.

Feyre smiled brightly, easily appeased. “Thanks, Az. Apology accepted.” She turned her bright eyes to the woman from HR seated next to Azriel on the grass, “Diedre, why don’t you go and start us up again?”

Relieved that the group’s attention had shifted, Azriel closed his eyes briefly and took a breath, trying to gather himself, trying to stop his heart from racing after the scene he had just caused.

When he opened his eyes a moment later, he found Eris watching him. Azriel held his gaze, neither of them breaking eye contact until Eris, deciding something, slightly inclined his head. Azriel took that to mean, apology accepted. Eris’ eyes then narrowed, and he glanced pointedly at Deidre, which Azriel realized meant, fucking pay attention, idiot.

And Azriel tried, really—three dogs or something, wanted to be a ballet dancer or was a ballet dancer, read…romances, maybe?...disguised as other books during her high school days—but he could barely focus. His heart was still racing, but this time with something he couldn’t quite place, something like … anticipation? Pleasure? He didn’t know, and didn’t know if he really wanted to know anyway.

“You never told us what the lie was.” 

Azriel choked on the water he was drinking, surprised to hear Eris’ voice behind him. He knew Rhys and Feyre and all weren’t really mad about what happened during the game, but still, he had walked away from the picnic tables in the clearing and to the forest’s edge, wanting to be alone to get himself together before the end of the day. Just for a minute. And, of course, Eris refused to let him have even that. 

“Why?” Azriel challenged, irritated that his brooding had been interrupted. “Want to know all my secrets?”

Eris’ only looked perversely delighted, amber eyes glinting with mischief. “Of course, Moreno. I want to know everything about you.”

Azriel huffed a laugh and rolled his eyes. “Look, Vanserra—” he began, not really sure where he was going with his reply.

But before he could figure it out, a whistle called them back together, and Azriel was forced to sullenly follow a smirking Eris back to the main clearing.

As they neared the larger group, they found Helion, architect of hell, midway through a closing speech. “ … and what a delight it has been to help Vel Tech grow closer as a team!” Ever the showman, he paused for cheers which Cassian and Mor exuberantly led. He continued, “There have been highs, and there have been lows. You have seen each other’s strengths; you now know each other’s weaknesses. And you, Vel Tech, are better for it! Ready to return to Velaris as a stronger, more unified group of … dare I say family?”

Azriel resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

“But now, tragically, we have reached the final activity for today. Drumroll, please!” He glanced at Cassian, who gleefully indulged him by smacking his hands on his thighs.

Azriel waited. Please be something quick, please be something quick, please be something quick—

“The final team building activity for Vel Tech is…capture the flag!” Helion gestured to the forest that surrounded the clearing. “But you’re not just playing against each other—you’ll be playing against me as well. In the forest behind me, I have hidden three flags marked with Vel Tech’s trademark mountain and stars logo. Your job will be to bravely venture forth into the forest, find the flags before your coworkers do, return to claim your prize, and bring glory to your name!” 

Laughing good-naturedly at Helion’s dramatics, the Vel Tech employees began eyeing the forest, some blanching a bit at the sheer size of it. Sensing their hesitation, Helion clarified. “All flags are set just off of some of the main trails at strategic lookout points, and we’ve provided you all with maps. You shouldn’t have to deviate too far from the marked paths to find my flags—the trick is choosing the right paths and getting to the flags before anyone else does. Questions?

As Helion paused, Azriel idly wondered what, if any, actual team building could be done by treating them like middle school kids at a summer camp. None at all, he decided, figuring he’d run into the forest with everyone else and then peel away from the group to take a nap against a tree while everyone else made fools of themselves.

“And you’ll be working in teams of two! So grab someone nearby and start talking strategy.”

Azriel glanced around. Rhys and Feyre were already deep in conversation, arguing over the map in front of them. Mor and Cassian had a map but didn’t look at it, clearly determined that sheer enthusiasm and willpower would win the day for them. Even Amren had already partnered up with Varian from marketing, the two looking more bloodthirsty than Azriel thought was possible for real humans. With a sinking feeling, he turned to look at Eris, who was already grinning at him wolfishly. So much for that nap.

“Hello, partner. I hope you’re better at scavenger hunts than you are at two truths and a lie.”

Azriel glowered. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

Humming noncommittally, Eris only replied, “We’ll see.”

Deciding it wasn’t worth the effort of lobbing insults back and forth, Azriel only said,  “Strategy?”

“No witty banter for me? Shame. Well, even if you are shit at this too, I have it covered.”

Azriel quirked an eyebrow.

With a long suffering sigh, Eris explained. “Had you been paying attention during Helion’s wonderful little game, you would have learned that I was an eagle scout in high school. These are my woods,” he said theatrically, throwing his arms open to encompass the forest around them. “I know every inch of them—the trails, of course, but also the unmarked paths that’ll get us to Helion’s lookout points without having to deal with everyone else bumbling about together. Are you ready for a hike, partner?”  

Groaning internally, Azriel resigned himself to not only missing out on a nap but also having to actually try. He studied Eris, who, despite appearing absurdly elegant in a close-fitting green quarter-zip that brought out the color of his eyes, his hair artfully windswept in a way that Azriel refused to believe was totally natural, looked actually ready for a hike through the Illyrian forest. Asshole.

“Assuming, of course, that you can keep up, that is.” Eris smirked at him, studying Azriel—who was wearing all black, of course—in his turn. 

“Lead the way,” was all Azriel said in reply, refusing to be outdone by Eris fucking Vanserra and his too-manicured appearance. “But if you get us lost, Vanserra—”

“Please, Moreno,” Eris cut in with a withering glare at Azriel as the two reached the forest’s edge. “Impossible. It’ll be fun.”

#azris #azris fanfiction #modern au #acotarwritingcircle #azriel x eris #azriel shadowsinger #eris vanserra #acotar fanfiction #acotar writing circle

[acourtofthought]

One of the reasons I can never ship elriel is bc I clocked that Az the darker, quieter version of Rhys, and Elain the lighter, quieter version of feyre. There have been so many times I’ve seen feysand artwork and initially mistook it for elriel fanart and vice versa. Like Rhys’s whole thing is darkness shadows and night. Az is that but amplified. Likewise, feyre is light and was initially the bride of spring in pink gowns and flowers, as is Elain. Also sjm clearly wrote a Persephone Hades retelling in their story, not only in Rhys taking her away from spring but there are also crumbs like how one of feyre’s takes UTM was picking lint out of a fireplace and other things that are present in the original Persephone myth. It just confuses me how people ship elriel when the whole aesthetic has already been flushed out entirely in Feyre and Rhys lol I just think it’s redundant to look for it again in the quieter versions of those characters. I don’t judge anyone for who they ship and admittedly there’s beauty in the whole dark/light, corrupted/salvation, death/life type pairings, but they’re literally already there in feysand LOL. Alas have a good day

You're on the right track but I don't even seen Elain as the lighter, quieter version of Feyre.

Feyre and Elain are almost nothing alike.

Feyre and Nesta were the ones who were completely over the ball in the human lands, barely wanting to interact with the people. Feyre was the one at the party in Spring wanting nothing to do with anyone. She was the one on Tarquins ship standing off by herself.

Elain was the one closing down the house, party still going until 2 in the morning as she was "flushed and brilliant, laughing among a circle of friends". The one who made it a point to dance with all the important lords sons. The one who can convince anyone to do anything with a few smiles. Elain is not like that in the NC because Elain is not really happy in the NC.

And yes, Feyre was the "bride of Spring" stolen away for a certain period of time by the "dark lord" (which is where the Hades / Persephone thing comes in) but that's not who she was. She never really belonged there and belonged in a place with darkness and a bit of deception.

Feyre and Nesta were always a bit pessimistic while Elain was optimistic (a difference Feyre notes in ACOTAR).

It's not like Feyre loves cruelty but she's not all that bothered by it when she thinks it's deserved (look at what she did to Ianthe) whereas we're specifically told cruelty bothers Elain.

Feyre's got a good heart but the only light about her is that she was given Helion's power. She says she could never be a fit for Tarquin because of her darkness, that he was too light and good for her.

Feyre and Rhys have light and dark powers together but their personalities are pretty similar. They're both willing to do whatever is needed to protect their loved ones and that includes being the monster if necessary. They are both kind of dark inside.

But I agree, Az is an even darker, quiet but deadlier version of Rhys. And that means his perfect match needs to be a lot more like Feyre is though even Feyre struggled with Az's torture session considering the soldiers weren't in their right minds, therefore she considered them blameless. And that is not Elain. Those two are at such opposite ends of the spectrum, it's basically the Grand Canyon. Like SJM said "the only bridge of connection...that knife." SJM told us she's blooming Spring, she is life and he is Death and they have nothing in common except for the knife in that moment.

If SJM liked the complete opposites attract trope then why did she have Feyre turn into "when you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back". She could have made Feyre the quintessential bride of Spring, full of light and happiness and flowers. But instead she laid the clues as to how that wasn't ever going to be Feyre and showed us Feyre's transformation into a "monster" like Rhys. "And then, curled up trembling at every horrific and cruel and selfish thing I'd beheld within that monster- within me."

So really, the problem comes from them thinking SJM likes the light / dark aesthetic and that's why she'll like E/riel. SJM likes the imagery of light and dark (Rhys's shadows with Feyre's white light) but that aesthetic is only a surface level thing in these books. When you get to the important stuff, Feyre and Rhys are good but both dark. Nesta and Cassian are good but both dark in their own ways (Lady of Death / Lord of Bloodshed). Elain is good and light and Az is good and dark and that's not SJMs preference. Based on what she writes, Elain would need someone also good and light (like Lucien or Tarquin. Not that I think she'd end up with Tarquin, but that is the type of character I believe Sarah would pair her with if her own mate wasn't an option).

#elucien #anti e/riel #feysand