#badass elain

[mercarimari]

CHAPTER THREE OF A Court of Flames and Flowers IS UP MY GUYS. 

You can read it here. 

Like this post to be added to my tag list for that. 

#acofaf #acotar fanfic #elris #elain x eris #elain archeron #elain centric fanfiction #features tamlin and elain as mates #end game elain and eris #BADASS ELAIN #elain kingslayer

[artists-ally]

{Smoke on the Water} Azriel x OFC {Pt. 1}

Okay guys I know it has been a hot minute since I did something ACOTAR related, but I really like how this turned out! As always, feel free drop your thoughts in the comments and in my asks!! Also the title is from this song and is basically my MC's themsong (it's so badass). Also also this is gonna be a series so stick around and if you'd like to be tagged lmk!!

Word Count: 6,132

Warnings: language, violence, blood, mentions of r**e, set after ACOSF, potential spoilers??? A lot of plot building for this part

Summary: The Inner Circle meets Prythian's fourth strongest and most powerful Illyrian.

~~~~~~

CASSIAN POV

“Cauldron alive,” I heard shouted over my shoulder. As I looked, I noticed one of the males in the ring with another. The first male, with short hair clipped down to his scalp, was bleeding from his nostrils quite steadily. The other male, with exceptionally long hair and much broader wings, thrust his foot into his abdomen.

Cheers and whoops sang throughout the camp, coins and bronze chips piled high on the corners of the mat. They were placing bets on the fighters. 

“They’ve been at it for over twenty minutes now,” Nesta said. I had just gotten here after a meeting with Rhysand, I merely came to see how her trainee’s were doing with their new instructor. 

Rhysand made it clear to Devlon that the females in Windhaven needed to have more to their unnecessarily brutal lives. In return, Nesta became the unofficial leader of the Valkyries. She took great pride in it; it glowed from within her when he suggested it. 

I was here because she mentioned this specific Valkyrie she wanted to introduce me to.

“Have they now?” I quirked my brow, fists placed on my hips as I watched the two of them full on brawl. The male with the longer hair hand tightly wrapped bands around his fists, soaked in blood. From his or his opponents, I wasn’t sure, but it was so dark it was almost black. 

“I told you I wanted you to observe her,” Nesta murmured, gesturing to the show before us. 

That was her? Her frame was anything but feminine. But when they switched sides of the ring, her face was softer. Not soft, not supple and smooth, but she didn’t have a pronounced features. Dark hair and eyes and this feral expression within them. 

With a final blow to the bottom of his chin, the Valkyrie knocked him flat on his back, an uproar rising from the crowd. She stood over top of him, shoulder rolling up and down with breaths. She said something to him, but I couldn’t make it out from here. 

Maybe I’ll go find out for myself. 

Other camp members threw up more coins and such, leaving them in heaping piles for her to collect. The bloodied and swollen male limped away, a look of pure shame, regret, and revenge on his face.

He wouldn’t meet my eyes as I passed.

“Khyra,” I called to get her attention. 

“Lord Cassian,” she bowed her head. I returned it, taking in her exerted body. She wore no shoes and cut off pants. Her shirt was stained with the other male's blood. It couldn’t have been hers, she didn’t have any cuts. “What can I do for you?”

“I’ve seen you’re beginning to leave quite a reputation behind,” I pulled down one of the ropes for her to climb through. “Nesta speaks highly of you.”

“As she should,” was all she said. As she stood in front of me, it was clear that she was certainly not built like the rest of the females. Not like any other female I had seen before, either. 

The top of her head rested at my nose. Khyra’s hair was a lighter shade of brown now that I was up close, eyes to match. But her frame is what I couldn’t figure out. Her muscles looked more like those of the males, especially her legs and arms which were exposed to the humid air of the summer. She was riddled with scars and marks, none of which came from today’s spar. 

“My mate asked that I come and watch your training. She says it is not anything she has seen before, in her few years of training Valkyries.” “I am most certainly not like the other Valkyries, Cassian,” she snorted, tossing on a longer shirt, folding in the ripped seams of her cut off pants. 

“Clearly,” I retorted. “Is your training complete for the day?”

“Not at all.” 

“Do you have another round in you?”

She gave me a wicked look. “I don’t know, Lord of Bloodshed, are you looking for an asskicking?” “You seem very sure about yourself,” I climbed into the ring. “If Nesta is as sure of you as she says she is, I don’t see the harm of asking for a fair fight to truly test your abilities.”

“Are you sure you want to play this game?” Khyra gestured to the injured Illyrian that was tending to his wounds a few feet away, sending us dirty looks. 

“I’d want nothing more.”

I hardly even saw her move. She was just there in front of me in a split second, her hand striking across my face. My head jerked, but snapped back just as fast, balled fist flying towards her. Khyra evaded with minimal effort. 

She was agile, limber and could throw her body into the air and deliver a devastating blow. The next few she didn’t land on me, but she rolled off the mat and took my legs out from under me. My hands landed behind me, propelling me forward as I lunged for her. 

It was clear that she wasn’t just another Illyrian female. No. She was something no one had seen for a long time. Her punches were stronger, her kicks impossibly fast. 

For what felt like hours– and what probably was– we spared. Sweat seeping out of us, mixing together when we’d collide like two ancient forces. Blood sprayed from our mouths, our noses and cut eyebrows. 

The sun was near setting, an extensive crowd gathering around the ring, more bets being placed as to who would be the first to conceded. 

Khyra whirled behind me and I spun a little too late. She landed a devastating side kick to my diaphragm and I dropped to the mat, clutching my chest. Her knee ground into my cheek and I sprawled on my back, eyes hazy and half closed. She placed her foot on my throat and pinned me to the ground, not enough to close off air but a firm reminder of what she was still capable of doing. 

“How would you like to lose your pride? By conceding now or getting knocked unconscious by a Valkyrie?” 

I groaned, blood streaking down my face and bare chest. I tapped the side of her ankle with lazy fingers and she released me from my pin. Khrya took the moment to admire her handy work; bringing the most powerful Illyrian to his knees was not an easy task, and I knew I’d never live it down.

Not that that was a problem. Clearly she is far better than any of us have realized. A warm pride simmers through me at the realization that Nesta was the one to awaken this in her. She was one tough fighter, I’ll admit that.

She was quick to gather her belongings, sending a threatening glance at those around us to get out of her way before she did to them what she just did to their commander. 

“Thanks for the session, Cassian,” Khyra groaned, bending to pick up a canteen off the floor. “Next time, if you’d like a chat, a chair and a nice cup of broth would be much nicer.”

As she walked off, there was this presence about her. She was... lethal. In a way I hadn't seen in decades.

“Khrya,” a voice shouted, Emerie’s, “You did that to Cassian? Are you out of your mind?” “He started it,” she shrugged, tossing a shirt over her shoulder. I had ripped it to shreds when she speared me mid air; I was just trying to get a hold on her, but she was far more nimble than I was. Able to slip through my grasp so effortlessly. “He asked to dance so I showed him how to tango.”

“I’m not sure I know what that means but you might want to keep an eye out for him. He is not exactly known for his kindness and second chances.”

“Well,” she sighed, bending over to relace her boots, “If he does decide to go for round two, I’m sure he’ll think twice about coming alone.”

____

“Oh, Cass we were just getting ready to… what the hell happened to you?” Rhys grimaced as he looked at my face. 

We made it back to the House in the next couple of hours, not without having Nesta tend to my wounds in the camp. My eye was swollen shut, bruises matching across my face, knuckles, and ribs. I hissed as I tried to gain feeling back in my severed lip. 

“Nesta insisted that I go check out this Valkyrie, Khyra. Safe to say that she is not like the other trainee’s.”

“How long has she been a Valkyrie?” The High Lord asked, taking in my beaten and swollen face.

“According to Nesta and Emerie, just about five weeks?”

“Five weeks?” his eyes nearly fell out of his skull. “Five weeks and she did that? I don’t think so.”

“It’s true,” Nesta emerged from around my shoulders, a very amused look on her face. “Glad to see that she put a beating on you. You need it. And yes, Khyra has been training for just over five weeks now. At least with me. When the new trainee’s came signed up, she lined up with them. She cut the ribbon on her first day.”

“Should we be keeping an eye on her?” Rhys asked, taking up his spot at the head of the table. “Do you think she will overtake the camp? Gain a following and start a council?”

“No, she doesn’t need to be watched,” I groaned while getting into my seat. “All I know is that she is damn strong, we went at it for a few hours.”

Rhys gave me a look. I knew that look. Like it wasn’t the whole truth. “I'm serious, Rhys. she’s… she’s that good.”

“That may be, but I don’t know if I like the idea of her starting fights for money. We cannot afford to lose more people to this revolution that is already pressing on our weak spots.”

“I think you ought to go and speak with her,” Nesta takes up the seat to my left. “She’s far more powerful than you’re expecting.” I did not appreciate the gesture to my beaten and battered face. “What, it’s true, isn’t it?”

“I thought you were on my side?”

“I am,” she rested a hand on my forearm. “But she’s my protege, am I not allowed to be proud of her for knocking your pride down a few pegs?”

I just rolled my eyes. “What do you think, brother?” Azriel just tipped the wine glass to his lips. “I think that any female who can make you look like that is a female worth talking to.” “Okay, when did this become ‘berate Cassian hour’?” “I don’t know but we should make it an annual tradition,” my mate grinned. I pinched her thigh hard as a warning for what would be to come for that remark.

“Cauldron alive, Cass what the hell happened to you?” Mor was not shy when she leaned over to look at my face better. “I thought you were just going to Windhaven to-” “I did,” I snarled, letting my shoulders sink down into themselves, wincing at the hurt. “Now can we all shut up and enjoy a meal?”

_____

KHYRA POV

There was a soft knock at my door and I stopped my chopping to answer it. On the other side were three tall, familiar faces. The High Lord, his Spymaster Azriel, and the Commander of Windhaven armies, Cassian.

All three looked mildly pissed off.

“Khyra, is it?” The High Lord spoke with an unforgiving coolness to his voice, violet eyes boring into mine. “Cassian tells me that you are rather well equipped and well versed in combat, despite only having been training for a little over a month.”

“Come to receive a set of shiners like him, did you?” I crossed my arms, leaning against the frame of my door. “Is there something I can do for you three or can I go back to the stew I’ve been prepping all day?”

Azriel’s eyes followed the trail of the design in my leathers. To the siphons glimmering in the glow of the end of the day sun. Cassian seemed to notice them in the same beat, as well as the High Lord. He straightened his tense shoulders.

“I’d like to personally invite you to Velaris, my home, if you’ll accept my offer.”

“Per what terms?” “No terms,” Rhysand shook his head. “A mere visit, if you’d like.”

I scanned them all, not truly believing his words. I pushed off my shoulder, leaving the door open behind me as I went back to my station in the kitchen. Their shuffling indicated that they came inside.

“I am honored, High Lord, but I am afraid I must stay here,” I sighed. “I now have everyone out to get me since I have made my intentions very clear in this camp. There are bastards who want to beat me, take my spot, rape me, clip my wings… you name it. I can’t leave my cabin unattended. And, before you offer, I don’t need a guard dog, so save your breath.”

“Your choice, Valkyrie,” The Shadowsinger spoke, his voice deep and raspy. “I suggest you take our High Lord up on his offer.”

I turned to look at them. “If I leave, they will burn my house to the ground and everything inside. Now unless you plan on repurchasing everything in here, recrafting centuries old artifacts and irreplaceable family heirlooms, then sure I’m all ears. But I cannot risk sacrificing everything I’ve worked and hustled for because of a visit.”

“I can make sure that there will be no harm done to your property,” Rhysand assured, a flicker of light in his hand. “Your belongings will remain untouched.”

I watched as he placed a barrier over my small residence, I could feel its power emanating around me, against my bones. It rattled my teeth.

“Can it be another evening, I don’t want my food to go to waste,” I contained my eye roll. I did not feel like traveling. I was sore and spent from training, still nursing some injuries from taking on the General Commander. Even a few weeks later. 

“Azriel will winnow you in, see you at the house.” I guess it was not up for debate. Great, a good portion of my winnings from my fight against Cassian gone to waste. 

I flicked off the stove, cutting off the coals oxygen supply so the fire would die out quicker. The High Lord and Cassian were gone when I came back into my main hallway, the Shadowsinger relaxed against the wall.

“Have you ever winnowed before?” Azriel asked.

“No,” I said.

“If you vomit all over my leathers I will forward you the bill for the cleaning,” he said very upfront. Jeez, this male had no sense of humor. Well, if I had scars like his, I’m not sure I would either. 

I closed the door behind me, placing my hand on Azriel’s shoulder. The world dissipated, tendrils of darkness clouding my vision. Light streamed in, a magnificent house standing before me, a river running beside it. 

All the hair stood on the back of my neck as I felt the powerful wards put up around the manor. I made sure to keep my mark on all of them, my four siphons glimmering with life against the darkness of my leathers. 

I followed behind the Shadowsinger, my height nearly his. The shadows protruding from him circled around me, trying to draw me closer. I kept trying to shew them away, but they refused to budge.

“Apologies,” Azriel said, casting his eyes away from mine. “They roam, especially when they are curious.”

I just hummed, watching one disconnect and latch onto my fingers, swirling and darting around. 

We came to a grand room, the High Lord and Cassian already inside, sitting in various plush cushions and chairs made to accommodate wings.

“Khyra, please sit. I have something I’d like to talk with you about,” The High Lord had a small smile on his lips, the facade now vacant as the stars shone in his eyes. “After Cassian made his trip to Windhaven last month, it has become clear that you are an elite Valkyrie, surpassing Nesta, Gwyn, and Emerie in their training. It is a wonder how you became so vibrant with your power in such a short time. You have four siphons, that is well above the male average. And there hasn’t been a female to wield siphons. Ever.”

“Your point?” I shifted in my seat, muscles locked and ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. 

The High Lord shared a look at Cassian, then to Azriel, as if to ask if they were ready to agree upon something they previously conversed about. 

“We want you to join us, here in Velaris, and become a part of Court Assets. Officially as Commanding Officer of the Valkyrie Warriors.”

The words hung heavy in the air, floating around my head as I looked from the High Lord to his Illyrian counterparts.

“And what if I refuse?” I asked.

“Khyra, I highly suggest that-” “I said if, not that I was going to,” I interrupted the Shadowsinger. He surely liked to be a nuisance. “What if I don’t wish to command the Valkyrie?”

“Then that is your own choice, there would be no consequence.” “And if I were to accept?”

“You would work directly for me, living here, if you wish. Not in this residence, but in our House of Wind, or finding your own space, if you’d like. Or you could remain in Windhaven. Cassian and Azriel would be who’d train you on military tactics and war strategy. They are far better versed in it than I ever was.”

I, again, looked around the room, an unreadable expression on Cassian's face, but even more unreadable on the Shadowsinger. The air was tense, unwavering debate filtered in and out of me with each breath as I weighed my options in my head.

“What would my responsibilities be?”

“Training the new recruits, overseeing the Valkyrie training rudiments and things of that nature. Conducting recruiting events around Prythian, basic war simulations, and keeping the different camps from killing each other.” “Sounds really rewarding,” I didn’t stop my eyes from rolling this time. “This doesn’t sound like something I’d want to sign up for, I much prefer being a soldier, High Lord.”

“You will still be a soldier,” Cassian pushed off from beside Rhysand. “Even as your own legion of Illyrian warriors, the Valkyrie still fall under my overall jurisdiction. You don’t stop your training, it just shifts its focus.”

“So instead of getting to kick the lesser male's ass, I get to kick yours, fantastic.” I rubbed the space between my brows, “Fine, I’ll accept your offer. But I do not wish to leave Illyria, I don’t see a reason to.”

“If you change your mind, our borders are always open to you, Khyra,” Rhysand gave a final nod. “Would you stay for dinner? To meet the rest of our Inner Circle?” “Inner Circle?” I scoffed a laugh. I snickered, but the three Illyrians didn’t seem to find it as funny as I did. “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t intend on becoming friends with your acquaintances. This is strictly business.”

“We are a family here, Khyra, and we operate as such. We have built a strong bond and it is what has allowed us to prevail time and time again. It comes with the job offer. That is not up for debate.”

“Fine,” I said flatly. “Are we done here? I’d like to get back to my cabin and change before I attend.”

“Yes, you are free to go,” Rhysand pressed his lips tightly against one another. “I will have Azriel winnow you back, dinner is in just a few hours and flying takes far longer than that.”

I didn’t miss the glare Cassian sent his High Lord as I followed the Shadowsinger out of the house. When we materialized in front of my cabin, I didn’t offer for Azriel to come inside. He didn’t follow, or ask to, thankfully. 

But that shadow lingered, curled around my wrist like a never ending bracelet. It slithered up my arm and across my neck to the other, intertwining between my fingers and back. It was a cool sensation, leaving behind a night kiss on my skin, an echo of its presence on my body.

I changed into the finest clothes I had, which was a fresh pair of Illyrian leathers. Brand new, purchased just the other day from Emerie’s shop. She had taken to designing the Valkyries their own distinct patterns. My previous ones I stole off the back of some male during my time in the Blood Rite. 

These new ones were even bolder than the last ones, its intricate scaled design curving around my body; up and around my chest, around my thighs and backside. I situated the emerald siphons in their casted holsters, attaching my Ribbon to my wrist, bringing my hair in the ancient Valkyrie way. I let the fish skeleton braid fall over my left shoulder, tucking away the shorter bits in the front. 

When I emerged, the shadows came back, enticing me to the front of the door, right to where Azriel stood. 

The male was a sight for sore eyes; his deep hazel eyes shimmering with flecks of deep brown. His hair stark against the plain gray sky. He was built more similarly to the High Lord, more lean than Cassian was. The shadows swirling around his shoulders, around the tips of his wings, writhing and whispering in his ear.

“We don’t wear our fighting leathers to these sorts of events,” he answered even though no question provoked one. He was a bit of a hypocrite since he was wearing his own. He must’ve seen the unimpressed look because he said, “I haven't had the chance to change.”

“I am proud to wear my leathers,” I stood my ground, meeting his eyes. “If you have a problem with that then I suggest you learn quickly how to keep your shadows to yourself, Illyrian, before I send them crawling back to wherever they came from.”

My threat didn’t go unnoticed, the emeralds thrumming with desire to emphasize my discretion. Azriel gave me a pointed nod, but winnowed back to Velaris, nonetheless. This time we ended up in a dining hall, a long table decorated with wine cloth and flowers stained the air. The setting sun filled the room with the most vibrant colors I’ve ever seen in my life. 

A very stark difference to the barely golden hue Windhaven got on the day to day. 

“The others are not ready yet, and I thought that Cassian and I should use this time to get to know you better,” Azriel took a seat by the corner, one of the four chairs that were made to accompany wings. I took the one across from him, the General coming in moments later and taking up the one beside him. 

“I’m surprised you haven’t done a complete background check,” I snickered, jutting my chin out to the swirling dark behind the Shadowsinger. 

“We have,” Azriel gave an equally bored sigh. “They just didn’t find anything relevant.”

“I am a pretty lucrative person, Shadowsinger. I don’t kiss and tell very easily.”

“We are well aware of that. When did you first come to Windhaven?” Cassian asked.

“I was born here,” I propped my chin on my palm. “Unlike you three, this wretched place is the only one I’ve ever been to. Besides Velaris, now I suppose, but I’ve never left.”

“Any particular reason?”

“Revenge,” I said coolly. “My father raped my mother, as I am sure you all are familiar with inside these camps, and I saw it justice enough to bring him to his own fate. That was last year, and ever since I’ve been training on my own. Emerie wouldn’t leave me alone in regards to the Valkyrie training. So I went, cut the ribbon, and kicked Cassian's ass. Now I'm here.”

“We’ve heard about you,” Azriel looked me up and down.

“I’m curious as to what you’ve heard,” I crossed my arms across my chest, tucking my impressive wings tightly behind me. 

“We knew that you were quite the Valkyrie from Nesta’s tellings, but to see it in action is a whole other level,” Azriel started. “It is quite impressive to see a female of your height and build, and to see you move the way that you do. Cassian said it reminded him a lot of watching our High Lord train when he was younger. The fluidity of your body, the way your weapon becomes an extension of your arm. It is smoothe, and original. Not a forced practice like some of the others.”

“I feel as if that is precisely what everyone should be doing,” I countered. “Everything has to stop being so by the book and a lot more about energy and flow. About the why and less about the ‘because I said so’.”

“It takes some warriors decades to learn what you have in just a few weeks,” Cassian expressed, leaning forward on his elbows. “Even we weren’t as good as you are now in that short time.” 

“Is that your way of saying that I’m better than you?” I asked the General. 

“Do you honestly believe that compared to my five centuries of experience that you’d stand a chance in a real battle?” 

“Yes,” I gave a short nod. “Granted I might be smaller than you, have three less siphons, but it makes you scared that I am equally as capable as you are, doesn’t it? You too, Shadowsinger. Your little friends haven’t left me alone since we met hours ago, I think they know that I am not to be taken so lightly.”

The room was silent, save for all our breath. Through the quiet I could hear a strap unlatch, the sound of metal scraping across cloth itching my ear. I locked eyes with the Shadowsinger, able to feel the microscopic vibrations of his movements through the shadow that was currently sliding up my ankle. 

He clasped a blade in his hand. 

My eyes shift to Cassian who seemed to spare Azriel a worried glance. A rush of voices snapped us all out of the intense staredown, the High Lord and Lady entering the room, elbows locked around one another. I stood up, not having been raised without some respect for our Court Masters.

“Khyra, this is Feyre, High Lady of the Night Court,” Rhysand wore a proud smile. 

“A pleasure, Lady,” I returned her smile, despite the shiver crawling down my back. 

“Feyre, please,” she waved off. “I see you have met Cassian and Azriel already. We’re just waiting on Mor and Amren, my sisters are coming in any second.”

As told, the two older Archeron’s entered the room, giving their pleasantries to the two winged brutes at the table. I’m sure none of them heard the blade sheath back into its place. 

Morrigan, who was far more beautiful than I anticipated, entered next, followed by a bob of black hair behind her. Those silver eyes must belong to Amren. They all took seats around us, conversation filling the room. 

I answered the questions I was asked, but never made an effort to ask my own. To me, all of this was still business. I kept a close eye on the Shadowsinger and the General. Both of them kept an eye on me. When dinner was around halfway over, Amren spoke. “Khyra, I would like to hear about your beating on Cassian. The amount of copper and gold pieces I would’ve given up to see that.”

I felt my throat close. “He was looking for a challenger, and I accepted. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“No no,” Nesta wiped a bit of sauce from the corner of her mouth. “Khyra and Cassian went at it for hours, there was quite the crowd. She won by a longshot. I’m sure I would’ve been killed if I tried to do what you did, I know better than to get in the sparring ring with that fool.”

“I can’t believe you willingly fought Cassian,” Elain said, a blush to her cheek.

“Like I said, I just accepted the challenge,” I speared a carrot onto my fork, letting its snap echo. The cool brush of Azriel’s shadows crept up my skin, and I shot him a glare. His gaze was firmly on the plate in front of him, or his High Lord as he spoke to Nesta.

I watched him intently, taking in the scars on his hands. I’d be stupid to think he wasn’t beautiful.

The inky tendril crept up my chest, up my neck and to my ear.

“Keep these to yourself, Shadowsinger,” I grit through my teeth, its presence igniting my flesh in an unnatural way. His jaw worked, refusing to look up at me. “I mean it.”

Cassian caught the hiss from across the table, casting a glance, pausing his chewing. I heard the strap unlatch yet again, this time hearing his grip suction around its handle. I kicked the leg of the table as hard as I could, its corner collapsing closest to Azriel. He, along with everyone else, jumped back, and I caught a glimpse of the blade in his hand. Its power trembled in the air.

He lunged for me, and I effortlessly evaded, using my strength to shove the table into his body so he’d have to make an effort to get to me. Plates and glasses of unfinished wine were shattered on the floor, crunching under my boots as I hurdled over the broken wood, driving my hand into Azriels throat. 

He let out a gasp, swinging his arm at full force to try and scrape me. I steadied myself out of the way, bringing my arms up to protect myself when he came right back. I managed to avoid any attempts he made, but Cassian was quick to aid his brother. I kicked behind me straight into the General’s knee, sending him to the ground. 

Azriel was back on me in seconds, his body twisting and turning in every which way, shadows whirling around and around. I landed a kick to his gut, and sent him into the wall. 

Cassian tried to tackle me, but I rolled with him, landing on top and delivering a catastrophic blow right to his sternum, then right where his neck met his chest, leaving him gasping for air. I braced for Azriel when his hands clamped around my throat.

I curled my legs up and over myself, latching his head in between my knees, throwing them down. He tumbled, and I squeezed as hard as I could. Pain pierced my body, that blade he had been wielding now several inches deep in my thigh. I didn’t let it falter my grip, using my legs to pin his frantic wings down.

His eyes began to flutter close so I released him, scrambling to my knees, ripping the blade out, and dragging the gasping Illyrian against my chest. I gripped his chin and held the blade against it, taking a look around the disheveled room. 

I was met with the intense and furious eyes of the High Lord– as to be expected– but Feyre and the others seemed to have this look of awe in their eyes. 

I pressed the blade deeper into his throat, and he hissed. I stood, dragging him with me. I locked my fingers in his hair, kicking him to his knees. 

“Okay,” the High Lord spoke all too calmly. “You’ve made your point. I suggest you let go of my Spymaster or you’re going to meet a very lovely place underneath a very tall mountain.” “You think I’m afraid of the Prison?” My laugh was anything but friendly. “I slaughtered my own father, I face a fate far worse than rotting in a chamber, High Lord. That would seem like a vacation for where I’m going.”

“Let go of Azriel. Now.” He demanded, and I felt razor sharp talons creep down my spine, caress my soul as a gentle reminder of the things he was capable of doing. I did not loosen my grip, nor did I break my eye contact. 

“Rhys,” Feyre spoke, “Get out of her head.”

The presence left and I let my breath go. They seemed to exchange a heated conversation behind their eyes, and Rhysand came back looking defeated. I dared a glance at Cassian who slowly pushed to his feet, joining everyone on the other side of the room. 

“I suppose she will do,” Rhysand tilted his head, a more impressed look coming over his features. 

“Suppose I will do for what?” I snarled, strengthening my grip on the blade. 

“I hosted this dinner tonight to see how well you could handle yourself against a threat. I asked Cassian and Azriel to provoke you and take you on, at the same time, merely just to assess your skills and see what you are capable of. Mostly because I didn’t believe him, and partly for my own amusement. Clearly, you are far stronger than any of us realize since you were able to survive an attack by Truth Teller and are still standing. Remarkable.”

My blood boiled, burned and scalded my insides so deep I thought about throwing the blade at the High Lord himself. I gave Azriel one good blow to the back of the head and he went tumbling forward, completely stunned and unable to move. I planted my foot in between his wings, pressing deeper and deeper until he cursed. 

“Lie to me one more time and I will bring down a terror on you so vast you will not have time to prepare or to run or to hide. I will start with the Shadowsinger, then your General. Then I will tear every Illyrian to pieces and leave their wings on your front door step as a reminder that I am not one to betray. You think you have an idea of what I am capable of, High Lord? I do not take dishonesty lightly, I suggest you don’t ever let it happen again.”

I took my foot off his back and dropped the blade to his side. Rhysand watched me closely, tracking every single one of my movements.

“I think I might need to find myself at training tomorrow,” Morrigan whispered to Nesta. She gave me a heady glance from head to toe, eyes burning. 

“Consider this your formal introduction to our Court, Khyra,” Rhysand gave a blisteringly fake smile. “But I suggest that if you throw threats in my home again you should prepare to never walk out of here again.” My mind seized yet again, and I fell beside Azriel. My neck strained, and my vision darkened. 

“You were invited here as a guest, and for a place of employment. Don’t take it for granted because I can easily find a replacement and send you to the Court of Nightmares.”

Spit collected in my esophagus with the force of his hold on me. “See you say that and yet, there is no one capable of competing against me. We all know that.”

Through my strangled speech, he had this scowl on his face. He dropped me and I rubbed the ache in my shoulders. “Your post will begin, effective immediately. You will report here to me every week and discuss the things that are being discussed and spread through the camps. While you are in Windhaven, you will receive one on one training from Cassian and Azriel to further develop your skills.”

“Great,” I pushed to my feet. “Am I excused or do I need to finish all my vegetables before I can leave to go play?”

I saw Morrigan suck in her lips, Amren with a wry smile on hers. Elain had a deep blush, Nesta a smirk to match Amren’s. Feyre looked equally amused and concerned, but didn’t give me a look of disgust when I brushed past.

“Oh, and Khyra,” Rhysand’s voice made me pause in the hall. “If you ever threaten to kill Azriel or Cassian ever again, I’ll make sure you never see a Velaris sunset ever again.”

I don’t know how, or why, that made me recoil, but it did. I guess if I had one thing to look forward to, it’d be that. Seeing anything other than gray and brown and the general bleh that was Windhaven. 

“Noted.” Was all I said.

#I love badass female characters 💞 #acotar fanfic #acotar fanfiction #acotar fandom #azriel #acotar #azriel shadowsinger #azriel x ofc #rhys acotar #feyre archeron #mor acotar #amren acotar #elain archeron #nesta archeron #cassian acotar #acosf

[bettdraws]

Elriels covering as “pro Elain” want to push the narrative that Elain is not coddled or babied in the Night Court and its just ???

Yes her sisters were also helped, were also cared for… Thats not what being coddled or babied is referring to here. Elain is always undermined and thought of as incapable of doing anything on her own, thats where the coddling comes from them.

Coddling =/= getting help

Even Rhys and Feyre have a conversation about this in a bonus chapter and you mean to say I’m reading her character wrong?

Also, just read in the same sneaky post that accepting the bond with Lucien is the “safest” option for her? It is literally the most world shattering decision she could make. Its the most permanent, the most radical, the most vulnerable road. After having lost so much, losing her own fiance, her father, her whole life, you mean to say that Elain simply accepting the bond or getting to know Lucien is not the MOST pressuring road she could take? It would literally only have two outcomes: either she isn’t compatible with him or he is her one true soulmate and she will be with him forever. This after all that she has been through is not the riskiest most permanent path she could take???

Kissing Azriel without rejecting her bond first is what’s easy. As that person said, Elain is intelligent and observant, she probably knew Azriel was once (probably still is) in love with Mor. He never hid that from people around him and she was around them enough times to tell. How would the kiss with Azriel be the “tough” decision, the thing that changes her life and love and future? She knew what she was doing here and she obviously risked a lot by almost kissing him but it screams to me how she was in need to get a grasp on her own life again, on her own decisions. I respect that, but there were no actual stakes in kissing him, not the way there would if she wanted to try and kiss Lucien.

No I don’t think Elain is infantile. No I don’t believe she’s not capable of doing her own thing. No I don’t believe she can’t make decisions for herself because YES she is canonically the one sister that had the opportunity to pick and choose what her life was supposed to be like until being made fae and now having a mate, but nonetheless is still having all choices laid out for her to take.

Yes I see the way she is treated in the NC, as nothing more than a nice company to Feyre, as someone too pure to be stained by darkness, as someone who is trying to fit into the court but is forcing it, as a lap dog, as someone who cannot be exposed to things she WANTS to do for the sake of protection.

Sounds a lot like the way Feyre was coddled in the Spring Court, albeit in a less abusive and dramatic way.

Stop trying to gaslight people into thinking she is completely fine where she is and how she is treated. Like SJM did not put THAT much effort into telling Elain’s story and settling down her arc and her weaknesses and the people who are wrong about her and the one who is right for her because its so obvious it hurts😭 Like be for real, I get offended by the sheer disrespect of my intelligence

#pro elain archeron #anti e/riel #pro elucien #elain archeron #stop making her already flawless and healed #she is badass but we still need to see her become what we know is inside of her #thats literally what a female main character is supposed to do in her own damn book #elucien

[gracie-rosee]

I love my ship but sometimes I just think Elain should kiss a girl. I think she’d like it. No I will not elaborate.

#acotar #you know what would be a great ship? #Amlain #?? Elmren?? #amren x Elain #LOL #I think it would be interesting #amren would go soft for elain #and Elain would learn to be unapologetic and love her badass self because of amren #thinking thoughts

[velidewrites]

It’s okay to love all three of the Archeron sisters btw

#they’re so hot and badass how could you not #what’s the point of pitting them against each other when you could simply enjoy their stories #i promise you you’re not going to personally offend any of them #pro feyre archeron #pro nesta archeron #pro elain archeron #pro archeron sisters #feyre archeron #nesta archeron #elain archeron #archeron sisters #acotar #a court of thorns and roses

[daddyshadowhands]

“Shall I tend to my little garden forever?

You can’t have it both ways. You cannot resent my decision to lead a small, quiet life whilst also refusing to let me do anything greater.

I went into the cauldron too you know. And it captured me. And yet somehow, all you think of, is what my trauma did to you”

‘Elain has no personality’ MY ASS THAT WAS SUCH A BADASS SPEECH.

I totally do not know it by memory xxx

#Elain motherfucking archeron #nesta acotar #nesta archeron #elain x lucien #cassian x nesta #a court of silver flames #acotar #badass flowery bitch #archeron sisters #angst #she’s absolutely right and I love her for it

[goldenwanderer]

endless list of female characters monkey island -> elaine marley

"after all these years and all of our adventures, two things are certain: that i always have a plan, and that guybrush threepwood will always come for me when i need him most."

#monkey island #elaine marley #endless list #gw.all #gw.aesthetics #gw.edits #just pre-ordered the new game #and i can't express how excited i am #so have something pretty for the most badass governor in the caribbean

[ladyelain]

The real question in life is, what colour will the Elucien book be in, after they wasted pink and orange.

#i feel like yellow #my unpopular opinion is i don’t hate the new covers just the colours #they are so neon #i don’t like #they could have chosen dark pastels that still kinda look badass #you get me ? #elucien #acotar 6 #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #acotar

[whump-captain]

god damnit i will NOT be able to stop thinking abt star wars au for my ocs they would ALL be aliens

#joy would be codru-ji #four arms baybeeee #cutter would be a twi'lek bc i said so #maybe elaine can be a human #she'd already be the jedi in the squad #or maybe miraluka with a badass blindfold #this is going to be on my mind all night #ocposting

[dumpster-fire-sapphic-failgirl]

i feel like everyone that loves Brennan’s badass mom characters owes a big thank you to Elaine Lee

#dimension 20 burrows end #dimension20 #d20 #tula #skolanda #fig’s mom #brennan lee mulligan #elaine lee #watching her on starstruck bts stuff was awesome

[lorcandidlucienwill]

The duality of Lulu Foxboy

Lucien roasting Tamlin's lack of rizz? Sassy Lulu. Lucien offering the moon on a string? Flirty Lulu. Lucien pushing Tamlin to put more effort to woo Feyre? Good Friend Lulu. Lucien getting news from the Winter Court by being sneaky? Spy Lulu. Lucien telling Amarantha to go back to the shit-hole she crawled out of? Savage Lulu. Lucien staying in school longer than any of his brothers? Nerdy Lulu. Lucien falling in love with Jesminda? Lover Lulu. Lucien surviving the cutthroat Autumn Court and holding off three of his brothers? Strong Lulu. Lucien being willing to die rather than offer Feyre's name and taking a whipping for her? Loyal Lulu. Lucien saying he would've fought for the Fae-human alliance? Idealist Lulu. Lucien taking on the duty of Calanmai for his court? Patriotic Lulu. Lucien breaking the spell of a tyrant to get to his mate? Protective Lulu. Lucien being fully aware Feyre was bullshitting Tamlin the whole time? Smart Lulu. Lucien catching fish with his bare hands? Sexy Lulu. Lucien not backing down from any of the bat boys? Dom Lulu. Lucien worrying about Elain not eating? Caring Lulu. Autumn court males have fire in their blood and f*ck like it too? Sex god Lulu. Lucien showing up to the informal dinner dressed like a king? Fashionable Lulu. Lucien bowing to Elain, calling her lady, and respecting her space? Gallant Lulu. Lucien coming back with Vassa's army and Papa Archeron in tow? Clutch Lulu. Lucien fighting his way to Elain? Badass Lulu. Lucien balancing three roles while still dressing immaculately and dominating Cassian in one word? High Lord Lulu.

What more could you want in a man?

#pro lucien vanserra #lucien vanserra #elucien #pro elucien #high lord lucien #high king lucien #my man

[ariastarke]

You want SJM to write another book about training to fight because you can’t comprehend a female character being badass and having agency unless she holds a sword.

I want SJM to write a book about Elain training to be a spy because it plays on themes of everyone underestimating her, her powers as a seer, claiming agency in the NC, becoming a hidden weapon, and still maintaining the roots of her character.

We are not the same.

#acotar. elain archeron #pro elain #elriel #we already got the feyre and nesta found family books where is elain’s #i’m suffering #also i feel like there will probably be those self defense lessons as well but like #ESPIONAGE?? FORBIDDEN ROMANCE?? #i think about what sjm said about the wwii spies daily #also i could go on for HOURSSS about the parallels between the way feyre nesta and elain train and why emphasis is put on different things #for different sisters #but maybe that’s for another day 👀 #hush m #book. acotar

[nyxreads]

2 + 2 = 5 ACOTAR SHIPWAR EDITION

Azriel questions the Cauldron + he wants the mated Elain Archeron = Azriel only wants a mate and Elain is the one available

Azriel spends time with Elain, rescued her, and kept her gift on his nightstand while looking at it for one whole year + Elain giving Azriel the offer and permission, didn't balk from him and called his hands beautiful = Azriel is an incel who only lusts after Elain, after one fvck he'll end up with the redhead

Elain who tracks the Suriel, foreseen Vassa, helped on planning where to place humans during the war, kicked a beast, volunteered on tracking the Dead Trove, and killing the KoH + Elain gardening, baking, and having friends on the NC = Elain is useless plant, she's passive, she plays no part on the series, only sulking.

Elain, a fae not a plant + Elain living in Night Court where sun also exists = Elain needs a sunlight!! She should live in the Spring/Autumn court! .

three mountains, three villains, three dead trove, three trials, and so and so forth + three brothers x three sisters = OMG so cliche, I hate it! I want them all to end up with their mate because it's not cliche.

Azriel desires Elain + Azriel cannot sleep properly thinking about her = oh he's sooooo toxic! He should end up with a redhead bcs she can fix him!

Azriel bought the necklace for Elain + Azriel just wanted to get rid of it, advise Clotho to even give it to other priestesses = he gave it to Gw*n! It is for her, he bought it for her♥

Elain minding her own life, gorgeous and growing. + Azriel being a total simp = He deserves someone better!! Someone I can self-insert with

Elain stabbed a king, kicked a beast that's harming them, and "I hope they all burn in hell", "she's better at secret keeping" + Azriel = He deserves better! A badass, someone who can weild a sword, we need another training lovestory!

Azriel in his full rage ready to die to save Elain + Azriel telling Cassian they trained the Valkyries so let's go save the enemy = MATES!! GW***** ENDGAME!!

Elain making Azriel laugh, Feyre never heard such deep and joyous sound, Elain calling his hand beautiful, Elain "put it on me" Archeron + Azriel always reaching for her, Azriel who made her comfortable, Azriel "this is wrong, I don't care" Archeron = They're incompatible! They don't make sense! I don't find them romantic.

Elain balked from her mate, tried to be nice but still visibly uncomfortable, Elain who's book is not out yet, Elain who was never given a choice. Elain, a woman. + Lulu, hundred year old fae, not a baby. = I hate Elain! He owes Lulu everything! She's so pick me! She should just accept the mating bond and make my Lulu so so happy, he deserves it.

Azriel who has a secret feelings for Elain + Az who doesn't consider G a friend = he's such a fvckboy! He's so toxic ugh, he needs to apologize to them and then end up with G♥

Acotar, a romantasy + Elain who has two love interest = Elain should end up alone! She needs it to grow.

Elain, existing, being gorgeous and minding her own business, Elain being a woman in this series + Azriel and Lucien simping = She doesn't deserve both of them! She should be with her sister's abuser!! Tampon needs a redemption so

Ianthe, Tamlin, Beron, KoH, all abusive and villains + Elain, the sister who owns up to her mistakes and tried to fix her relationship with her sisters. Elain who is hopeful and kind. Elain who is a quiet dreamer = Elain deserves to be the most hated character, she's so useless.

Acotar a fantasy book where the dead came back to life, so any magic can happen + SJM, who's adopted and loved her adaptive parents. Sjm who wrote books empowering women. = Elain doesn't have a pliant bone!! She cannot have Az baby so not endgame 😕

Elain and Azriel exchanging meaningful looks, brushing fingers, Azriel following the sound of her laugh, something charged between them, Elriel confirmed to desire each other + Az regifting a necklace because it reminds him of what happened between them, causing him pain = ACOSF ended Elriel

This is just one of the many arguments where a simple canon was twisted to fit on the wanted narrative. This is not how a story goes. A reader cannot control or forced the author on what they want to happen. Think of what the character can bring to the story, how they can make an impact and if they can move the plot forward. It will be very hard to enjoy a series if we keep on denying what's written on the books. Sjm has been clear. She could place other character on Azriel position or vice versa but she didn't. There's so many parallels between Elriel and sjm endgame couples. There's so many hints but the fandom twisted it because they simply hate Elain. They thought she's not deserving of love, of her own choice.

At the end of the day, Elriel is hated because some people cannot accept Elain is going to end up with Az and they thought she's less than for so many reasons they believed. It all rooted from internal misogyny.

So many lies/misinformation and total crap was spread in this fandom all because of Elain hate

How can you continue a series when you filled yourself all the lies and hate towards the character?

#good thing this is not my problem #basically all the arguments I see #elriel #pro elriel #elain archeron #azriel shadowsinger

[emmitaaa4]

Addressing some fandom BS inconsistencies

Gwyn was shadow mommy, Az was shadow daddy, they were gonna have shadow babies with her extra super pliable bones.

I audibly chocked when I read this @nikethestatue (btw everything said in this post was on point). No but seriously this is how they sound, too many of them insisting that there is nothing wrong with basing the likelihood of a ship on who has the more suitable uterus to be with a man... cause supposedly they're just picking up on the hints SJM wrote for them? She likes babies for HEAs so ofc children are the end all be all of a relationship, plus there's absolutely no way that she could ever write an adoption plot SJM is literally adopted and has done it in other series. Selective reading strikes again.

A minimum amount of critical thinking would tell you that 1) the infamous *magical uterus change* scene was about nessian (& feysand), not about any ship; 2) if SJM had written Nesta changing Elain's uterus, it would have given too much away, not to mention 3) how disturbing/violating it would have been for Nesta to change her sister's reproductive anatomy WITHOUT HER CONSENT?! None of it makes sense narratively; my girl Nes would never, especially given the trauma they both suffered from having their bodily autonomy--and so much more--ripped away by the Cauldron.

This argument is so trivialized that I see it every other day on reddit/tiktok/*insert media app*, and yet elriels are the toxic side of the fandom? The ones whom people are allowed to insult, to ridicule for theories all made in good fun, the women that are villainized over a difference of opinion? Don't get me wrong, there's assholes on both sides and people keep calling one another variations of delulu (and the nastier personal attacks). But by painting this fandom-wide villain there is such a lack of accountability for the plethora of harmful talking points spread by other portions of the fandom. (I've been silently reading the anti-elain & anti-elriel tags for like a year, and I'm on tiktok. Yes, I have self-destructive tendencies).

Anyways.

I never understood either how people ever actually thought (or well still think) that gwynriel would happen BEFORE elucien?? It makes no sense logically, narratively, or in terms of characterization & the arc she's set up for Elain, Azriel, and Lucien. Yet it took one controversial bonus chapter for people to decenter Elain in her own story, that is make her choice of romantic partner--which SJM spent 3+ books setting up--Azriel's. It took one bonus chapter that soo many readers are still unaware of, to brush Elain off as a "sexual object" Az is using to distract himself until his therapist-extraordinaire Gwyn comes in and heals him all up. Because ofc she will: she's badass and not the "passive and weak and boring" Eplain (aka "Plant" or "brain dead gardener"), she fits the YA archetype of the spunky warrior-girl so she can handle his darkness, and SJM supposedly spent time fleshing her out because she wrote her as a LI for Azriel; she's made for him, she is what he needs to grow (I actually enjoyed Gwyn's character btw, just pointing out how silly it all sounds). “Next book is a love triangle between Elain/Az/Gwyn” “Elain will turn evil or is secretly evil”. So you're telling me that SJM would pit Elain & Gwyn against each other in a love triangle over a man... all because of a necklace that was not even mentioned once in the actual books? Please, let's be logical for a second.

All this because instead of reading the bonus chapter in the context of the books, some people are reading the books in the context of the bonus chapter. Which now that I think of it is probably why so many people mischaracterize Az the way they do--because yes we know enough of his character to know half of the stuff the fandom diagnoses him with is questionable. Azriel? Entitled incel x fuckboy hybrid (gotta be the first of his kind, minute slay ig)? Interesting tell me more. No joke I saw a semi-popular post on here where a gwynriel said they read the bonus WITHOUT HAVING READ ANY OF THE BOOKS. I'm sorry, ship wars are silly and believe it or not idc who ppl ship, but it makes it hard to take some of the things they say seriously.

All this to say that the fandom isn't even debating the right thing. If you consider everything SJM has said in her interviews:

(she's been planting seeds for Nesta & Elain's book since acomaf; she knows who she is writing the first 2 books about + is keeping things open for the 3rd one--with 5 different ship options--which automatically rules out "Elain will close the series"; she said she's doing research for Elain's book in the ACOFAS bonus & there's seeds for future bookS in acofas; all she said recently about her beloved *heroines* and the themes of fate/true love/choice she finds *very* interesting & wants to discuss)

and if you also consider all she's written in the actual books (elain's characterization + the overarching plot in general & how she fits into it), then it's pretty evident that Elain's book is next.

The question then would be who is the MMC / 2nd PoV in her book, aka would acotar 5 be an elucien or an elriel story? Because logically, gwynriel was always a consequence of elucien. I honestly do not understand how people don't see that.

Oh and they always think they're gagging elriels with the "obviously Azriel is the next MC" as if elriels aren't saying the same thing? And we're the ones twisting info and not making sense. It's just funny at this point.

---sidenote: I realize that this post generalizes some things, and I just wanted to say that I have interacted with lovely eluciens / people on either side of this headache of a ship war. My hard limit is Elain haters though... back off I say 🤺 BACK OFF 🤺

---sidenote 2: I would have written this as a reblog except im not entirely sure how tumblr works and I get no visibility from them rip.

#please be so for real rn #elain archeron #anti gwynriel #anti nonsense #acotar 5 #elriel #pro elriel #pro elain #pro azriel #sjm interview #azriel bonus chapter #nesta archeron #elucien

[harrystylesfan2686]

ACOTAR:

With entire IC (platonic relationship):

Alone 🌩 part 2(Azriel) 🌩🌸 part 2(Eris) 🌩🌸

If Rhysand had really died in the War. (🌩drabble)

Azriel:

Burnt Pie 🌸

Lost Her 🌩 (drabble)

Pieces Series 🌩(Discontinued)

Ferryman 🌩🌸

Cuddles 🌸

Thirst For Blood 🌩🌸

Crush ((kinda 🌩) drabble)

Cheat 🌩

Weight 🌸 (drabble)

Care 🌩🌸

Love You, Always 🌸🌩

"Stay With Me." 🌩 Part 2 🌸

Crazy Girl 🌩🌸

Cassian:

"Would you rather...?" 🌸

"Truth Or Dare?" 🌸

Lewd Thoughts 💋

Weight 🌸 (drabble)

Rhysand:

Battle 🌩🌸

Weight 🌸 (drabble)

Jealous 🌩🌸

Mor:

Starfall 🌸

Loving Her: (ongoing series)

Prolong

Chapter 1

Eris:

Revenge (idk what emoji to put. Just know this one's a badass reader fic)

Elain:

Drunk 🌸💋

Nesta:

Swordsman Ship 🌩

Jealousy 🌩🌸

Poly Relationships:

Nessian – Crush On Them 🌸💋

Nessian – Body Shot 🌸💋

#acotar #acotar fandom #acotar fanfiction #azriel x reader #cassian x reader #elain x reader #morrigan x reader #eris x reader #acotar x reader #acotar fluff #acotar angst #nesta x reader #rhysand x reader

[acotarfrustrations]

An ongoing list of ACOWAR grievances I'm keeping track of while I read (because there's too many to make a post about all of them) pt. 2

I'm on chapter 15 now and feeling the urge to complain again so here we go

1) the writing is way too overdramaticized. Like every other paragraph is some remixed version of feyre going "I wondered whether it would be eggs or bacon for breakfast. But when I looked at Rhys I realized that he was giving me my own choice. My mate, my high lord. In our home. With our family. Every thing was always my choice" and its CONSTANT, LIKE OH MY GOD GIRL SHUT UP

2) every thing about Lucien's plotlineand the elain mating thing. I HATE this subplot with a PASSION

3) feyre immediately fucking rhys when she got back instead of going to see her sisters

4) feyre and rhysand acting like they've ben separated for forty centuries instead of a month

5) the contradictions about how the high lord thing works. Like it was established that its a government position given to you through basically fate and being chosen by the cauldron or whatever which is why siblings kill each other for a chance for the throne and yet they just went to a priestess and swore feyre in as high lady?? It makes her title not feel real like it's purely ceremonial. It doesn't even make sense that she would be able to be HL of the night court as she has no more ties to that court than she does any other court. Is it because she's mated to Rhys? I don't understand the HL lord at all, it just keeps changing

6) the fact that Feyre, Rhys, and Cassian tell Lucien about their tragic backstories and everything that's happened to feyre at the NC and he just immediately does a Feyre™️. Like he's suddenly "Oh yeah you had a horrible childhood and took feyre into your found family without letting her explore relationships outside of the IC, that totally makes up for all the evil shit THAT IVE SEEN YOU DO WITH MY OWN 2 EYES. wow i cant believe youre not evil even though you killed 50 winter court children and sexually assaulted your mate and mind raped her constantly to get her to like you"

7) the way they're treating Nesta. It has been a MONTH since she was stolen from her home, brought amongst a race that she is terrified of and THAT ENSLAVED HER PEOPLE, and was forcefully turned into ONE OF THEM and the IC is acting like she's being unreasonable for not wanting to talk to them or to mate with Cassian. WHY THE HELL WOULD SHE EVEN BE THINKING ABOUT CASSIAN RIGHT NOW?? WHY THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO FEEL BAD FOR HIM? Instead of him worrying about how his mate is doing regardless of his own comfort he's like WOE IS ME, SHE DOESNT WANT TO FUCK ME?????? GET OVER IT ASSHOLE?? WHY IS FEYRE EVEN LETTING CASSIAN COME NEAR HER AND ANTAGONIZE HER?? DOESNT SHE LOVE TO FLAUNT HER HL STATUS AROUND?? THIS IS THE TIME TO USE IT, PROTECT YOUR GODDAMN SISTER FROM HIM? ITS SO OBVIOUS THAT SHE DOESNT GIVE NEARLY AS MUCH OF A SHIT ABOUT NESTA AS SHE DOES ELAIN!!

8) the fact that sjm didn't keep cassian's wings shredded. Him learning to live with that would have been a badass character development but now sjm doesn't want me to have good things

9) the mating bond in general. I think it could be a potentially good plot device but no one ever employs it well and sjm is definitely the most egregious with it

10) the fact that the ic never gave consequences for their fucking actions. Feyre dies in acotar? Turn her into a fey and give her ALL of their powers. Stealing a precious artifact that they didn't even end up needing and getting a bounty on their head in the summer court and then getting that court invaded? That's fine because feyre is SOOO brave and says things that are common fucking sense which makes her SOOOO smart so we obviously need her as an ally so we'll just rescind the blood rubies. Getting the spring court sacked? That's fine we didn't like them anyway. Rhys and feyre's bond gets snapped? Well they didn't know about our super secret mating bond that is actually the only thing that gives our characters chemistry so we still like each other. Rhys causes irreparable damage to every court for 50 years and kills 50 kids? Well that's fine he was being held hostage and hey! We don't know he actually killed those kids 😡 Feyre, a 20 year old girl who's been fae for like 6 months and training for even less goes up against thousands of years old beings? She beats them effortlesslessly! Rhys gets sexually assaulted for 50 years! Well he planned all of it so it has no negative consequences on him. Cassian gets his wings shredded? Well he worked really hard and they're fixed now 🥰. Rhys FUCKING DIES?? Well that's no problem, tamlin can just resurrect him, nvm the fact that there's no reason why he WOULD. like no harrowing situation is ever interesting cause we all know sjm isn't actually going to do anything to the ic

11) "my mate" STOP SAYING IT PLS IM BEGGING

12) "males and females" STOP SAYING IT PLS IM BEGGING pt. 2

#anti acowar #anti sjm #anti acotar #anti rhysand #anti feysand #anti sarah j maas #anti ic #anti acomaf #anti inner circle