#illyrian batboys

[acourtofwhatthefuck]

Someone Different, Someone New — Cassian X Reader.

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Hi! This is an impromptu piece that is by no means my best writing — I just wanted to exercise my brain a bit. I haven’t added a tag list on this one because I need to go through and sort them out/update them, so sorry about that!

Warning: this piece does depict struggles of mental illness/trauma/panic, so if that’s something that could negatively effect you, please, please give this one a miss. This is based off my own experience of mental illness/trauma/panic, and the last thing I want is to trigger some unpleasant things because of my writing, so please take care. All the love. 💕

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

“You doing okay?”

Rhysand’s arm pressed against yours as he took up the space beside you. Just as you were, he leaned back against the balcony railing, wine glass in hand. The cold temperature had driven the evening’s guests inside, but the bite of the chill…you needed it. Even as it started to hurt.

But you slapped a pleasant smile on your face that offered no glimpse of pain. “I’m okay.”

There was no need to put a front on for Rhys. He was the only one who could get it — it was he you’d been trapped Under the Mountain with, after all. He who had known who you’d been before, during and after. He’d seen everything, and he saw you now.

Saw the way your gaze stared intensely through the open glass doors and fastened on Cassian.

“Have you spoken to him?” Rhys asked.

Barely. You’d only been back three months, and the majority of it had been spent on your own. Fifty years trapped with people made company feely oily and itchy. And the person you’d become didn’t exactly make for good company, either. Not now that you were someone who was short-tempered, or brusque, or downright miserable. Being alone meant not having to subject anyone to that. It was a wonder Rhysand had convinced you to come tonight at all.

And there was another underlying reason for not wanting to face Cassian. You didn’t know each other anymore.

There might have been the potential for romance between you…a very long time ago. But fifty years apart had wiped that clean. You were no longer the person who had gone under that mountain. You were no longer the person he might have grown to love. He had known someone of vibrancy, of light and laughter.

You couldn’t bear to face him as you were, now. And he seemed to be doing just fine.

“No.” You answered Rhys, draining your glass.

Your High Lord studied you. “Why not?”

“I wouldn’t know what to say. And neither would he. It would be uncomfortable for him.”

“This is Cassian we’re talking about. He’ll just want to know that you’re alright.”

You most certainly were not alright.

You weren’t alright with enclosed spaces. You couldn’t even stand the feeling of your clothes touching your skin for too long. Loud noises had you flinching and laughter sounded too close to screams. Sometimes, you could swear your bathwater was blood, coating you, staining you, reminding you of what you’d had to do to survive. There was an ever-present tightness in your chest that always teetered on the edge of becoming something terrible.

You may have escaped the mountain, but you didn’t think you’d truly gulped down the fresh air.

And though you’d spent fifty years longing to get out from that prison, you honestly didn’t know how to be outside of it. Who to be outside of it.

You felt yourself jolt as you watched Cassian bellow a deep laugh. The female he was talking to grinned broadly, proud of whatever she’d said to garner such a reaction. Cass looked…content. Happy. He had moved on with his life, just as he’d deserved to.

You weren’t sure you could stomach watching it play out in front of you, though.

“I think he’s waiting for you to make the first move, Y/N.” Rhys’s hand landed on your arm, and your entire body went rigid. “He wants you to have the control.”

You swallowed. “I don’t think he thinks about me at all. Nor would I expect him to. He doesn’t know me anymore. I am not the person he once cared for.”

“I think you’re more of that same person than you realise.”

He was wrong. You shook your head. “No. I’m…someone different, Rhys. Someone new.”

“And you think Cassian would judge you for that? Really?”

Your gaze cut sharply to his violet one. “I think you have an over-exaggerated idea of how significant I am in his life.”

He stared back at you, pain marring his features. And this was precisely why you didn’t want to be around people anymore. You were just…rough. Jagged. Rude and cold.

“I’m sorry.” Your eyes shuttered. You pushed your glass into Rhys’s hand. “Sorry, Rhys, I just…need some time.”

He didn’t protest as you pulled away from him, wandering back inside and weaving your way through the bodies that had gathered for the party celebrating their High Lord’s return to Velaris. You didn’t even know where you planned to go. All you were aware of was that tightness in your chest worsening. Constricting. You rubbed at your chest, forcing yourself to swallow down air.

Your legs carried you aimlessly as you climbed stairs and burst through a door. A bathing chamber. You collapsed against the door, a clammy, prickling sensation spreading over your skin as you fought to just breathe. Your ears were ringing, pounding, a pressure seeming to bind your body and hold it taut. You weren’t sure you could survive this. Weren’t sure how to not be…this.

You weren’t aware of how long it lasted. Time felt both fast and slow around you as you bowed over the sink, fingers digging into the porcelain. The music and chatter of the party sounded so, so far away, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d left the building. But you knew you hadn’t. You were still here. You. Were. Still. Here.

You didn’t know when your trembling hands had turned the tap on and darted under the ice-cold water, but the sensation was soothing, grounding. You focused on watching it flow, dripping from your fingertips and splashing into the sink. You cupped your palms and gathered a small pool and splashed it against your face.

Slowly, your breaths began to even out. Slowly, your body began to steady. The sounds from downstairs became clearer, sounded closer, and the sensations that had gripped you subsided, making way for a wave of lethargy.

You just wanted to sleep.

You dried your face, your hands, straightening yourself out and hoping you were steady enough to make it out of there. Hopefully you could get away without running into anyone. The last thing you needed right now was mindless conversation.

You pulled the door open — and stopped short at the figure that waited just outside.

Cassian pushed off the wall. He unfolded his arms, studying you. And whatever he saw when he looked at you…you knew it couldn’t be good.

“Hey…” He said softly, daring a step closer. “Can we talk?”

#acotar #a court of thorns and roses #acotar fandom #acotar x reader #acotar writing #acotar fanfic #acotar headcanon #cassian #cassian acotar #cassian x reader #acotar series #reader insert #acomaf #acowar #acofas #acosf #illyrian #batboys

[skyjasper]

The Devil and I

Reader X Azriel

Summary: the time for war has come, yet her powers have not. What will she do when everyone she loves, including her mate, is suffering on the battlefield below.

Warnings: gore, violence, light NSFW, talks of sex.

A/N: ik yall wanted a new AZ one shot soooo here you are :))) this is based off of the song Me and the Devil. If you wanna check out my other works you can do so here:

Masterlist.

Word count: 1.07 K (short IK)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The war raged on the battlefield below her, screams of agony wailing through the wind. She was completely powerless as her mate fought. She watched her high lord cast waves of his power, killing multiple as he engaged in combat. She was on her knees, hands digging into the land below her. She heard Azriels roaring scream all the way from her cliff top.

“Please Mother. I beg for some forgiveness, please give me a tool to help fight. We are losing, I can’t stand by. Please Mother, grant me the powers that were stolen from you by my ancestors for promise I will return it.” She whispered into the grass with her head bowed. 

Something tugged on her hands, pulling her fingers into the land. A small scream escaped her before the rest of her was covered with roots and dirt. Her body was pulled deep into the ground, small bugs crawling over her. She couldn’t scream, couldn’t move as something forced its way down her mouth. 

Dirt and dust filled her body, humming as if to say if you want power so bad then have it. Then her body was being forced out of the ground, new things adorned her body. Cufflinks made of root and tree wrapped itself around her arms. Her former clothing, now replaced by a garment made of leaves and flowers, covering the most delicate parts of her.

Vines raked up her legs and around her body, hounding her together. Her hair was now braided down her back with vines and flowers growing out of her hair, the top of her head was now adorned with a crown made of tree twigs and cones. 

She felt the power flowing through her body, thrumming under her skin. A large root grew out of the ground where she stood, lifting her into the air. She felt more than heard the silence on both fronts. When she looked down she was met with a ground looking back at her. She stepped off the cliff, trusting her powers to allow roots to carry her to the ground. As her foot made contact with solid earth the war raged again. 

Yet this time the screams were pointed towards her. The few who attempted to attack her were frozen in place with vines crawling over their feet. The vines and roots slithered up their bodies and down their mouths still opened in a scream. She watched as vines popped out of every crevice, their eyes, ears, noses, even through their pores. She absorbed their power as they were turned into dirt.

She heard Azriels loud grunt from her right. Her head snapped to the sound, eyes zeroing in on the perpetrator causing his pain. She tugged on the gold thread in between them. She walked quickly towards him, slaughtering anyone and everyone in her path. Her eyes were set on her mate and she would stop at nothing to get to him. 

When she did get to him, his attacker was already headless. She turned to her mate, his blue siphons flaring as they made eye contact. She felt his pride and heat flow through the bond. 

“My little huntress.” He whispered as he stalked to her.

The battle around them seemed to disappear as he neared. All she could hear was her heart beating out of her chest. Her hands reached into his hair when he got close enough. He smiled down at her with a predatory smirk, his shadows going crazy around him. 

She smashed her lips to his blood covered lip. Her hands pulled on his hair as his hands met her back side. One of his arms stayed on her butt while the other snuck around her waist, pulling her closer. Rooting swirled over both of their feet as she let out a small moan.

“Show them what you’re made of. Show them exactly how strong you are. Remind them to never underestimate you ever again.” He whispered against her mouth. 

His wings flared as one of her hands grazed their most sensitive spots.

“End this war. Once and for all?” She asked against his lips. With a wicked smirk he nodded.

A matching smirk fell upon her face as she lifted the two of them, slightly above the blood and gore. She turned, her back now flush with the shadowsingers front. She looked upon the masses and with a wicked smile she unleashed her power upon Hybern. 

Multiple thick, stocky roots broke from the ground, obliterating anyone who stood on their ground. Thick ropes of ivy surrounded the other soldiers, squeezing until their body’s burst, blood rained upon the soldiers of Hybern. 

New screams were heard, screams of cheer and victory rang out loud. Her power continued to flow, killing every last soldier. She found the king and wrapped him with a large root, carrying him to the feet of the oldest Archeron sister. Allowing her to exact her revenge.

The blood reached both her Azriel. She felt it pour down her face, over her leaves. She felt Azriels hand tighten around her waist and his lips making contact with her neck. She let her head roll onto Azriels shoulder as he kissed the most sensitive spot on her neck. 

The war was over, they had won. She had obliterated Hybern, all for her mate. She gained power from the mother for her mate. She lowered the pair over to where all the high lords stood. Her head bowed to the powerful beings.

“Do not bow, girl. Stand tall, for you have just won.” Ameren spoke. Her voice was different, clearer now. She was unsure of what all happened in the fight, but she was sure of one thing. That she would no longer be weak. 

The high lords offered her a hand. A voice of sorts. When she called upon the mother to return her power, she did not answer.

Keep it. I have no use for it. Find lands to raise, take care of the earth girl. 

With a nod she shook each of their hands. Then she turned back to her mate, a look of exhaust in her eyes. He nodded with understanding, taking her hand and winnowing them to their tent in the woods.

It was there that he claimed her body, again and again. Their tent was now surrounded by trees and flowers. 

“My huntress.” He whispered into her thighs.

“My hunter.” She responded.

~~~~~~~

A/N:

Here’s a short little one shot :) I absolutely love this one.

Taglist:

@littlelunatica @going-through-shit @annaaaaa88 @i-am-infinite @impossibellesliteraryloves

#azriel #acotar #sarah j maas #feyre archeron #nesta archeron #elain archeron #rhysand #feysand #azriel x reader #azriel x oc #mitski #fanfic #sjmaas #cassian #heartbreak #what tags do i use #batboys #illyrian

[maisonaime]

Give and Take

Softdom!Cassian x Healer!Reader

Premise: You get back after a long day of work and Cassian is ready to take over everything, you give him control so that you don’t lose it entirely. 

Splitting this into two parts so that I don't lose my mind over it anymore. Love to all who jumped on this prompt!

Warnings: Dom/sub dynamics, smutty fluff, emotional overstimulation, self-sacrificing, poor self-care (bordering on self-harm), injury and slight gore, 18+ minors DNI

Part 1:

The last flight of stairs up to the rooms you and Cassian occupied in the River House seemed steeper than you had ever remembered, dragging yourself up the stairs was utterly Sisyphean, the last stretch in a long day that had frustrated tears finally pricking in your eyes. You were tired to your bones, fed up with being hunched over a desk, and the day was still far from done over eleven hours after it had begun. You woke and dressed when the sky was dark, and were returning hours after the braziers lining the hallways had been lit.

You had two bags hanging in the crook of one elbow, full of brewing equipment that needed to be polished with a protective tonic before being used in class tomorrow. In the same arm, you were clutching a thick stack of essays requiring grading. Tucked under your other arm was a folio of research on restorative therapies for Illyrians who had their wings clipped. Slung over your shoulder from training was your weapons belt, sheathed with two daggers and a longsword Cassian had wrought for you as a wedding gift.  

The file of research slipped from your arms, scattering down all the steps you had just climbed in complete disarray. You made a small sound of anguish and finally, the tears were flowing freely. You were so grateful for it all, for this beautiful life you had. You were grateful for the research you were able to do to find a way to reverse the horrors wrought on Illyrian females. You were enthusiastic about teaching your students, passing along ancient knowledge to the trainees who would one day be your peers. You itched for training with Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn; pouring intentional movement into your body after long days of obligatory motion.

Healing people, feeling your tendrils of power sweep over broken bones, seeking out the source of symptoms, touching the broken parts of people’s souls. It was the greatest gift, one that multiplied every time you held a newborn babe, watched someone run or dance on legs that had never worked before, and felt the relief of familial caregivers as you restored hearing or sight or even small amounts of lucidity to their aging parents. It was quite possibly the only gift that you valued more than your precious mate. The one who you had remade and been remade by. 

 You were so grateful for it all, for this beautiful life you had. But there were some days when you felt the burden of worlds bearing down on you. Days when failed healings left you shattered. Days when there was simply too much to do and not enough hours to do it. 

“What’s all this sweetheart.” Cassian appeared at the top of the stairs, his darkened gaze forcing you to rethink your current predicament. 

Despite his intimidating size and title, the Lord of Bloodshed was as gentle a lover as you had ever known. He had honed his resolve over the centuries, along with all his other skills. Even in the most feral moments between the two of you, lost entirely to the bond in skin and teeth and brutish groans, he would never lose himself. He could balance himself over you for hours with just the head of his cock pressing into your center, and could sit perfectly still while stuffed down your pretty little throat. 

What he couldn’t do was abide by disobedience. And disobedience to Cassian was self-neglect. Disobedience was forgetting to eat, not getting enough sleep. Disobedience was piling too much onto your plate. Disobedience was trying to lug over one-hundred pounds of shit up the stairs after you had left before dawn and were returning long after dark. And disobedience would earn you punishment.

—

Ever since you had helped Azriel rehabilitate his shredded wings after Hybern wrought his havoc, you had remained in close connection with the High Lord’s Inner Circle. Your attentive and tranquil care healed both Azriel’s wings and the lingering horror that wracked his soul in the following weeks as he tried to move on from those paralyzing moments of agony. You treated his flesh and soul with equal gentleness, cementing your regard as a healer with the capacity to treat vulnerability with as much tenderness as you treated wounds and sickness.

When Cassian lay broken and bleeding, of course, it was you who was summoned to the tent. He was like every other patient before in your ability and desire to help him. But he was also like no other patient before because he was your mate. You could still feel his screaming cleaving the air and reverberating through your jaw, dulling all senses to anything but him. His brothers had to hold him down with tears in their eyes; Feyre lost her stomach; Mor just sat in the corner silently shaking. You were cursed to remember every ounce of hopelessness in his eyes as he scrambled away from your hands, refusing any of your help or assessment for fear of what you might find.

You found femur bone shattered like glass, tearing into the muscle and tendon of his massive thigh. You found snapped cartilage, torn muscle, and severe hemorrhaging that nearly cut off blood supply to his entire left wing; the damage so bad it would have resulted in field amputation had you not been there. You found the husk of a man who had been so sure he was going to die without being able to save his family, without even being able to say goodbye. 

You burned yourself out with the raw power that flooded from you as you were confronted with the primal need to save him. You gave yourself entirely to the will of the goddess that had blessed your hands. At one point Rhys had to blanket your mind in darkness so that you wouldn’t drain that well of power entirely. 

When finally, the damage left could only be healed by time, you had collapsed over him and refused to move. Unable to. Gentle, weak arms had dragged you ungracefully to a warm chest, to a beating heart. The only thing you could hear through the thundering haze of your overwrought senses. 

“Don’t you ever do that again, for anyone. Not even me sweetheart.” 

And then it was Cassian’s turn to heal you. To watch over your trembling body as you recovered from the depletion of your powers. He fed and bathed you. Stretched and massaged the muscles that felt as though they had been filleted by lightning. Braided your hair to keep it from knotting during the long hours you slept. 

He poured himself into you in a way you had never had before. In a way you had only ever provided to others, never received yourself. In a way you hadn’t ever known you wanted so badly until you were sobbing hoarsely into his arms, years of self-sacrifice pouring out of you.

It didn’t stop there. Only when you had settled into living together did either of you realize the extent to which overextending yourself had become a way of life. The first time you came home past midnight, Cass was in a panic thinking you had been hurt or taken. When you stumbled through the door on legs bent with exhaustion and informed him that you had eaten exactly three crackers and a handful of berries all day, he just stared at you for a long time.

“How do you expect to save everyone if you destroy yourself in the process? This level of self-sacrifice isn’t noble, it’s irresponsible. Now, get on your fucking knees.” Your head snapped to him, pinning him with a disbelieving scoff. But he was dead serious. 

In a flash he had your hair gathered in a stern but gentle fist, and you had your mouth very, very full. He fucked your mouth with a fervor, his fingers finding the corners so he could pop your jaw open further and push himself even deeper down your throat. 

He came with a hiss, freeing a hand from your ruined mouth to pound in a fist against the unyielding stone wall. 

Then he scooped you up and laid you in bed, pouring water with lemon and honeyed tea down your throat. Leaving your side briefly, only to return with a veritable feast of foods specifically selected to strengthen your body and magic. His care was almost overwhelming, but you found yourself surrendering to his vigil over you.

—

“Put it down” he said, pure authority radiating from him.

“Put what down?” you feigned. 

“All of it, sweetheart. And don’t make me ask again. I’d hate to have to take you down to Az’s workroom. He put up such a fuss last time, even after I cleaned everything in front of him.” There was no room for disobedience in his tone, even if the remark had you chuckling. 

You struggled to unburden yourself, unsure of how to extend your arms and set down one item without imperiling another. You met Cassian’s gaze with pleading eyes that quickly turned fiery at his smugness. You drew yourself up slowly, eyes narrowing…

And dropped everything from your hands, letting the first bag of glassware slide off your arms and crash to the ground – even if the sound of tinkering glass made something in you twist and cringe. 

“Don’t be a fucking brat, you know it’ll only make things worse.” he snapped, lips pulling back in a feral grin as he raked his gaze over your body, your leather-bound dips and curves displayed to him unobstructed. 

The belt you set down gently, minding your beautiful blade. In the middle of the night after your mating ceremony, in the haze of your frenzy, Cassian had marched you down to the deepest chambers of the Court of Nightmares, where the mountain burned nearly as hot as your bond. You had watched with lust-glazed eyes as he hammered out a blade and fused it to the hilt he had already carved and polished—smooth, rounded obsidian imbued with the cavernous powers of the Mountains. 

He fucked you hard into the stone floor and then soared into the night sky with you and the weapon, cooling skin and steel alike. And when you finally touched ground again, he wasted no time showing you exactly why he chose that particular shape for the handle. 

A snap of his fingers had the scattered papers piled neatly beside it. Then you gingerly set down the second bag of glassware, cringing as you considered how your eager disobedience would reflect back in Cassian’s treatment.

“Good.” he crooned. “Now go bathe and wait for me in bed.”

Cass abided by your whims for the most part, always eager to take care of you but never pressuring you to submit. He could always tell when you needed to give away control. When you needed to be told what and when to eat, how to dress, when to speak, and when to be silent. When to “get on your fucking knees” and when to “lay down darling, that’s it, now hush my love and let me work.” And he would give it to you every time without tire, for the rest of his days. 

As you passed him to make towards your suite, he sidestepped into your path and halted you with a hand to your shoulder, the palm of his other hand cupping your face. He looked down at you with gentle eyes. You leaned into his touch instinctively, eager to shove away the pressures of your autonomy, even if just for the next few hours.

“I counted five things that you placed over your own needs today. Your patients, your students, your research, your training, your healing. Then you had to go and double it by bratting off and making a mess of your things.” He glanced around, unimpressed at your display of resistance. 

“It’ll take me time to fix and polish the glassware and reorganize your papers. So you’ll wait. You’ll be doing a lot of that tonight. It only makes sense, I think, that you take ten hard edges before we think about next steps.” His voice was hard, determined, even as his hands were so so soft.

Your eyes widened, head shaking even as his words had your blood thrumming with desire. 

“Yes, sweetheart. Yes, you will. Maybe this time you’ll finally learn your lesson about what happens when we deny ourselves what we need.”

#acotar #cassian x reader #cassian #cassian smut #smut blurb #but like also not #it’s more than that #acotar fanfiction #fantasy #acotar crack #night court #rhysand #azriel #healer!reader #Dom!cassian #illyrian baby #one meaty batboy to go please! with the thickest thighs you can find!

[hellcat8908]

Creeper Azriel x Female Reader

You're out at Rita's with the inner circle eating dinner and enjoying a few drinks. You're seated between Azriel and Cassian. Normally you're matching Mor drink for drink but not tonight. A sudden feeling of unease washes over you causing you to scan the crowd for the source. It doesn't take long before you spot a guy watching you. Azriel draws your attention back as he asks if everything is okay. "Yeah just zoned out for a second, sorry." His eyes glance where yours were, not fully believing you. "Someone you know?" He asks quietly not trying to draw attention to the conversation. "No, I don't think so." You say as Mor passes a drink in your direction. You down the shot before she drags you to dance with her.

Soon you lost in the rhythm of the music, Mor's energy infectious as Feyre, Nesta and Cass join in. You all start dancing with each other just having fun and cutting loose after a long week. Azriel and Rhys sit laughing at your little group as they enjoy a drink together. You motion for Azriel to join but he's happy to watch. The music changes to something more upbeat and soon the dance floor is full of people. You lose sight of the guys as you dance with Mor. You feel someone start dancing with you from behind, "glad you changed you're mind big guy." You say expecting it to be Azriel, you're body stiffening when a different voice answers.

"I couldn't let a sexy girl like you dance alone." You turn to find the guy you noticed earlier, "Sorry I thought you were somebody else." You politely say trying to move away. "For you darling I'll be whoever you want." He says as he reaches for your waist stepping closer. "I should really get back to my friends." You say, not wanting to cause a scene. "They'll be okay for a few minutes just finish this song with me." He barely manages to get a hand on you before he's ripped back from you. Before you know what's happening the Rhys and Cassian are standing in front of you while Azriel is holding the creep in a death grip. So much for not causing a scene.

"I believe she made it clear she wasn't interested." Azriel says through clenched teeth. "Sorry I didn't know she was taken." The creep stutters, his nerves showing as he's face to face with the three most powerful Illyrians. "It doesn't matter if she's taken or not, if she isn't interested you don't keep pushing." He drags the creep outside and tells him not to come back. Rhys and Cass turn to check on you, eyes full of concern. "I'm fine." You assure them before they return to the table. Azriel comes over to check on you. "I'm fine Az, I just want to go home and take a shower." You tell him as you move to grab your coat and tell everyone bye. "I'll walk you home." Azriel tells you, his tone leaving no room for argument and honestly you wouldn't fight him on this.

Once you're done saying bye to everyone you head towards your house. "How come you didn't drop the creep to the floor?" Azriel asks you. "I didn't want to cause a scene and thought maybe the guy would get the hint." You respond as you pull your coat tighter around you. The night air is colder than you were expecting, but Az doesn't seem bothered by it. "Why weren't you honest when I asked you earlier?" He asks his voice calm. "What did you want me to say? That I just had a bad feeling about him?" You ask in response. "Yes." is all Az says before tucking you under his arm. "Besides I have three strong Illyrians to come in and save me." You say with a laugh, "besides who knew he'd be stupid enough to pull that stunt with the three of you there." Azriel smiles, "he was pretty stupid to even think of trying."

"Not gonna lie, I was pissed when Mor came back without you and said you were dancing with some guy." Azriel admits, his cheeks turning a little pink. "I invited you to dance with me, big guy, you turned me down. However, I thought it was you at first until I turned around." You admit. "We'll from now on I won't turn you down." He says, pulling you a little closer as you reach your doorstep. "Would you like to come in? I can make coffee." You offer, not wanting him to leave. "Coffee is good, but there's other things I'd rather come in for." He says before kissing you.

#acotar #sarah j maas #batboys #acotar fanfic #azriel #acotar fic #azriel x reader #fanfic #protective illyrians

[delicatereader]

after all... (Azriel x FC)

summary: Azriel gives in on his desires

warnings: fluff, angst, dirty thoughts, a kiss, swearing

a/n: took a break and came back with an acotar obsession I guess

➽────────────────────────────❥

She was dancing and singing in the comfort of a hot shower. A moment of peace, release and simple self-entertainment.

Someone knocked on the door, snapping her out of her own mind. "Enter" she commanded.

"Umm- hello?" a familiar voice muttered. Azriel.

"Here!" the heavy footsteps prowled closer to her location.

Azriel couldn't see anything through the smoke covered glass, but a faint figure. Even if she stopped dancing, her body was still swaying. Side to Side, taking in the burning water.

"I- I should probably come back later" he spoke up

"No need" she replied it a cold, neutral voice

Whilst she was waiting for him to continue, his mind was already someplace else. Somewhere he didn't dare to go before, even though it took him every inch of himself to restrain himself. He imagined, how it would feel to be in the shower with her. Their bodies pressed together, him taking up the entire shower so the only vacant place for her was his hips and his-

"Are you gonna talk or just stare?" she interrupted

"Cause if you are, the view is better over here" she teased. She always thought highly of herself, or atleast that's what she acts like. She wasn't wrong to do so, anyone would die to have such beauty and body.

"What?" he asked

"I mean it's nothing you haven't seen before, especially from my first day at Night Court, if you're that weak to be around a naked woman turn around!" she continued

"Your first day at Night Court?" he spoke up, still still as a statue

"That was what? 30 years ago? Mor had put me in the most slutty dress." she let's out a huff, reminiscing on her past

"31" Az cleared his throat

"What?"

"You've been in this court for 31 years since last month" he informed, looking up as if he could see her almost surprised face through the foggy barrier. She didn't reply or do anything, but kept swaying. She didn't make anything of Azriel knowing those facts, though.

"Very well. Again, why are you here?" she reminded Az

"Oh right." he took the tiniest step forward. "Rhys wants you to plan Feyre's birthday."

"I'm sorry, what?!" she shouted

"Feyre's birthday, it's in 3 weeks. Rhys wants you to plan it.", it felt like more of a command, especially since its from Rhysand. She and the High Lord never got along, but they hid their hatred for Feyre and Feyre's wellbeing only.

"I'm not doing that shit! Ask Elain" she denied, running a hand through her wet hair

"Well Elain is off with Lucien and won't return until the day before the Solstice", this time he spoke in a very...disapproving manner. However, it sparked her amusement.

"I see..." she said, wiping a hand on the smoke covered glass. Only to reveal her face and neck that dripped water. "Not a big fan, are we?" she mocked looking at him clearly, with a grin spreading across her face. His shadows couldn't be seen anywhere from her view.

"Lucien is a respectable and noble male" he stated, he wasn't lying. Even though he wished he was. He stood there staring at his shoes, with his hands tucked inside his pockets, clearly overthinking.

"Towel!" she screeched, startling Azriel put of his stance."Oh not you! the house!", she said in a softer tone.

"Hello?! Towel! Ok! Fuck you! You know you should really see someone about those mood changes!..." she kept going for a minute, complaining and swearing at the ceiling. Azriel grabbed the first towel he saw and swung it over the glass, not being able to handle the loud yelling for another second. For the next 30 seconds all he heard was a "thanks" and movement.

At last, she got out the shower semi dry, wrapping a towel around herself gently.

"What are his requirements?" she asked with pure annoyance written all over her face.

"Umm- he just wants you to put together a party that Feyre would like" he fumbled there, he didn't know if he should run like a coward or stay there and endure the conversation with her looking like that. Especially, since she is bending over all over the place in that tiny towel, which wasn't probably enough to cover all of her.

She wasn't doing anything intentionally, but didn't mind the attention.

She strode past him to a pile of clothes, and bend down to grab it. Her towel rode up just enough to make Az look up, away from her. His mind was on a frenzy, a thirsty one at that.

After that show, she didn't stop. She physically pushed past him and headed towards her armoire. "I mean, I get that he's trying to give Feyre a good birthday and all, and yes, it might mean it a bit more if it's me who planned it...but he does know that I'm not sat idle. Right?" she complained as she tried to reach the top row for a box. Before she could go get a stool, something pressed against her body. She turned around, revealing Azriel holding the box towering over her. His breath was uneven as she said " thanks...again". She didn't let him see a moment of weakness or anything that suggested that she was going absolutely crazy, having him press up against her. Against her almost naked body. She took the box from him, still staring into his soul.

"He knows you don't sit idle and you work hard everyday" he whispered in a deep voice. Suddenly, silence fell between them. More like tension. There was a force, trying to pull them together under all that heavy breathing. She pulled back her stare.

"I mean I get that I'm very good look at, especially almost naked, but you need to stop staring at me like that" she spoke up, giving Azriel a sultry look folding her arms.

"Like what?" he asks, with a faint grin knowing, where he stood and his power in this situation

"Like you're-"

Before she could finish her thought, his consumed him. He close the space between them, kissing her. His hands trailed from her hair to her neck. He devoured every sensation that came from a touch.

They pulled back from each other, faces flushed red. His redder and brighter than ever.

"Illyrians aren't such babies after all" she said tilting her with a cocky smirk, before leaning back into him for more.

#acotar #a court of thorns and roses #acomaf #azriel #elriel #gwynriel #rhysand #fanfic #fanfiction #smut #azriel shadowsinger #shadowsinger #batboys #illyrians #spice #acosf #acofas #azriel acotar #azriel acosf #azriel blurbs #azriel fanfic #azirel acotar fanfic

[nesta-is-my-queen]

A mini fanfic of what I wish Cassian would tell Nesta, post HOFAS bonus chapter.

***

Of all the things that could have happened Nesta did not expect a red-headed alien, with an eight-pointed star on her chest twin to the one stamped across her own heart, to completely change everything she knew about her world—about life itself. That there were other worlds out there, with powerful beings that walked between them, leaving a path of death and destruction in their wake.

She had never expected other planets full of fae, let alone humans, to be hunted and brutalized, to be turned into a source of food and entertainment for intergalactic parasites. It was for the sake of the humans that she handed over the mask. She couldn't bare the thought of them at the mercy of the Asteri, with nothing to defend themselves, so she made the choice to help the female who called herself Bryce, and loaned her what might just tip the scales in their favour.

And then Rhysand and Cassian found out. She didn't care that Rhysand was upset with her, for she could scarcely remember when the high lord was not. It was Cassian's reaction that ate at her. He was furious, even more than Rhysand was.

She remembered Ember's horrified expression when she quipped Rhysand might execute her for her alleged treason. Rhysand wouldn't, of course, if not for Feyre and Cassian. She supposed Ember didn't understand her particular brand of dark humour, and she'd had to promise her that she was safe, that there was no impending execution to be had. The silver lining to it all, however was watching Ember Quinlan, a human woman, hand Rhysand his own ass, something not even Amren had successfully done.

It had been days since she and Cassian spoke. Once again they were fighting. He was angry that she had done the unthinkable and given a trove item to a prisoner. And she was livid that he had taken Rhysand's side in all this. That Rhysand would have preferred her to kill Bryce before handing over the mask.

She had not been this enraged since she had been locked up in the House of Wind and carted off to the Illyrian mountains. She was not some simpering female to be ordered about. She understood the consequences of her actions and decided if the people of Midgard were not safe, then no one was safe. The threat of the Asteri would have eventually reared it's ugly head upon Prythian and enslaved them all. She had seen what one of them could do, in the prison, she couldn't imagine what a host of them might do if they got their hands on Bryce and ripped open a portal to their world.

When Bryce appeared she had no time to do much else but offer the mask, it was a fleeting moment, a wrinkle in time and space and then Bryce was hurtling back to her world, gone before she even had time to blink, the portal winking out with her, leaving her parents as collateral. Those days with Ember had been everything to Nesta. She was the mother she never had. Warm, loving, understanding—so unlike the one who birthed her.

During those days Ember and Randall were the only two she had the heart to interact with, other than Azriel. She and Cassian were not talking and it began to show. Ember was the one who brought it up. Said that it wasn't healthy for them to avoid eachother like this. She had Randall talk to Cassian about it as well. She supposed they were right, how many more days could she lock herself up in her room. How many more nights could she sleep alone?

That was when the knock came. And the house, the traitorous house, opened it's doors to reveal Cassian. She didn't want him to see her crying, to see her weakness. She sniffed back tears and seethed, "go away."

——

Cassian’s hazel eyes locked with Nesta’s, two endless pools of blue grey. Eyes he could get lost in, that could drown him in their depths. Something fractured in him as he watched a lone tear trickle down her cheek, escaping that carefully constructed mask she always wore.

Their bedroom was littered in piles of discarded books. Some half opened with cracked spines, shoved to the side ranging from smut to battle strategy. Steaming mugs of tea and trays laden with truffles and petit fours were scattered across the room. As if the house was desperate to comfort the female standing before him.

“I—I am so sorry.” He said. His voice low, cracking. It was not the only thing that cracked.

“That’s not enough.” She said, in the ghost of a whisper.

“Nesta…” Cassian said, his voice strained, as he lifted a hand towards her. She flinched, backing away.

“Please… just talk to me… tell me what to do…” he pleaded.

“I’m so tired of this. I’m so tired of everyone telling me I’m wrong, of having you—the one person—my person—doubt me," she said, swallowing deeply, as if there wasn't enough air in her lungs.

"How could you—?" she breathed, feigning her head to the side, as if trying to hide that thing inside that threatened to burst. Her eyes turned silver, not with flame, but with tears. Tears that would devour him and her. That would devour the world. Cassian would rather have been burned by that unholy fire he'd seen in her eyes. Would rather be turned to ash, a thousand times over, than see those tears falling from them.

As if sensing the onslaught, a soft, cotton napkin materialized in Nesta's hand.

“I know—I know.” He whispered as he watched red splotches spread across her face while she shuddered and heaved. The navy blue drapes unhooked themselves, sliding across the brass railing to cover the bay windows overlooking Velaris, as if to conceal the crying female from any potential onlookers flying by.

“You know what the worst part of it is—I don’t think you know what it is that you did wrong,” she faltered, wiping her tears on the cloth provided to her by the house.

“That you think I did not consider your soldiers, your brothers in arms, who might lose their lives if a war came here. I did consider it, I thought of everything. And all I could think of was about someone like my father, who wouldn’t stand a chance—"

"So I gave them a chance.” She choked out, ringing the cloth in her hands. "I gave them a chance," she repeated.

“And I took one too. But you—you couldn’t take one on me.” She faltered. As each word landed he felt those threads between them slacking. As if their very souls were unravelling.

Something inside of him felt like it was drowning, as if wave after wave were crashing down on that thing in his chest, beaten and battered. Threatening to drag him in the undertow of the storm he was facing.

“Let me make it right. Give me that chance I should have given you.” he pleaded.

“That’s not enough Cassian. It’s not enough and you know it. I refuse to be second when I put you first.” Something flickered in her eyes before quickly sputtering out. He promised himself then and there that he would never let that ember inside of her die out. That he would spend his life dedicated to kindling that fire. That he was a mere shadow that could only exist in the presence of her flame.

“I once told you I have no regrets in my life. Well I was wrong. I regret ever hurting you, ever causing you a moment of pain, ever doubting you. Not putting you first. Because I was afraid. Afraid of disappointing people. But you're the only person who matters. And I will spend whatever time I have left in this life showing you that, if you give me the chance. And if that’s not enough I will keep on trying. As long as you let me."

“Why now? What’s different? What’s changed?” Nesta narrowed her reddened eyes. “Aren’t you sick of being shackled to me?” She squared her shoulders, her eyes turning into two silver slits, giving him that "I will slay my enemies look" that nearly had him falling to his knees.

“The thought of living life without you is unbearable. Without you I am nothing. It's why I was so angry—I was thinking about you. Of losing you. It wasn't just about the last war. It was about what would happen in this one. All I could think of was you throwing your body on top of mine and nearly dying. And—." The words tumbled out of him, erratic and desperate.

"And what a world without you might look like. So I—I lost my mind." He said, his voice thick, eyes pleading.

"Nesta, being your mate is the greatest honour of my life. And I am sorry that I have ever made you feel otherwise."

The space between them waned, and the room somehow became smaller, as if the house was closing the distance between them.

Cassian slipped Nesta’s hand in his and slowly lifted it to that shattered place upon his chest. “You are my everything Nesta Archeron. You are my soul. My heart. My life.”

Clutching her hand to him, he lowered himself, until he was kneeling before her. She could feel his heart pounding, her own beating to the same chaotic tune, as if each pulse and each breath was taken together.

“I love you.” The words spilled out of him. “I have always loved you.”

Somehow he gripped her hand even tighter against his chest and she sunk her nails in. It felt as if she was holding his heart in her palm. Perhaps she truly was. And he just held her hand there, as she marked him. Five crescent shapes imprinted on him, dotted in red, from the base to the apex of his heart, her signature, her claiming.

“And I will always love you.” He breathed, his eyes wet, his face lifted up, meeting hers.

“I love you too.” She whispered, voice hoarse, as she grabbed at his chest, now pulling him towards her until there was no space left between them. Until their lips were crashing against one another, breathing the other in. And those golden threads began to weave themselves back together until they shone, forming an eight pointed star, a guiding light, their compass home.

"You're lucky that I believe in second chances." Nesta said, a slow smile breaking across her face like the sun peaking through the twilight sky. And it was all he needed before he met her smile with one of his own, before he pulled her down to him, until they were flush against eachother.

"I am lucky,” he whispered in her ear, his breath hot, mouth hungry, as he traced his lips along the curve of her neck, “the luckiest male alive.”

***

Second chapter is on AO3

#nesta acosf #nesta acotar #cassian #nesta x cassian #pro nesta #nesta #nesta archeron #nesta deserves better #nesta x reader #nesta supremacy #nessian #acotar #cc hofas #hofas spoilers #hofas bonus chapter #sarah j maas #fanfic #writing #sjm universe #sjm books #sjmaas #archeron sisters #batboys #illyrian #maasverse #sjm #sjm multiverse #sjm fandom #sjmass #nessianweek

[cpeersmann]

Az Daddy!!! Our beloved shadow singer!

Art by: neural_art_v

#acomaf #acowar #azriel shadowsinger #azriel #azriel fanart #shadowsinger #sjmass #sjm #acotar #acotar fanart #sjm multiverse #sjm fanart #sjm books #sjm fandom #a court of wings and ruin #a court of frost and starlight #a court of mist and fury #illyrian #bat boys #batboys

[mother-above]

The Golden Warrior | Chapter 5

Azriel x Reader

Summary: To you, love was a poison that slowly killed. It was something that could make the strongest of warriors and leaders weak and vulnerable. You had successfully evaded romance and relationships for a century until the day you realized it had been plaguing you from within.

Chapters: 5/?

Word Count: 7.5k

Warnings: suggestive, 18+, violence, and swearing

*masterlist*

a/n: Hello, sorry for the delay. Life has been... well life. I hope you all enjoy this long chapter because I had so much fun writing it. Please let me know what you think in the comments. :)

            The setting sun signaled Thesan it was time to call it a night. Although chaotic, the day had been productive thanks to you, Feyre, and Nesta for pushing the stubborn High Lords toward an alliance. Apart from Beron, all the other Courts agreed to unite as one against Hybern. While Thesan personally escorted Tamlin to his suite, other attendants helped the other Courts to their guest suites.

When you revealed your wings and powers to everyone, Tarquin’s facial expressions were the most shocked out of everyone. You couldn’t tell if he was angry, horrified, or both so you decided you needed to talk to him first. They were walking further ahead of you, so you called Tarquin’s name, he halted to a stop and Cresseida and Varian did the same. They looked at you unsure if they could trust you, but Tarquin just waved them away, while you gave them a sheepish smile. Now alone in the hallway, you looked up at Tarquin who had an unreadable expression on his face.

“What the hell, Y/n,” said Tarquin. His face was neutral, but you could hear the betrayal in his voice. “I thought we were friends.”

“We are friends and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. Tensions are high, I wasn’t sure if I could trust you. No one knew until today,” you said earnestly. “Forgive me if I offended you, Tarquin.”

His gaze wandered from the scar on your face to the white and gold wings behind you.

He sighed and wrapped you in a warm hug, “After today, no secrets. We’re allies now.”

You leaned into his hug and patted his back. “I wish you told us Adriata was being attacked, our spies only found out when it was over. I sent you a letter and you never responded.”

“It was so chaotic: I could barely think, and I didn’t know who to trust at the time. Sorry for ignoring your letter, there’s been so much rebuilding.”

You pull away from Tarquin and give him a dazzling smile. “All is forgiven, next time you know who to call.”

“Want to join us for dinner?” said Tarquin gesturing toward the suite.

“I can’t. I have more people I need to talk to,” you said as you flexed your wings and tucked them closer to your body.

Tarquin makes an “oh” face and you laugh. You turned to walk away before Tarquin cleared his throat to get your attention. “You look stunning in that armor, my lady.”

You spun around to see Tarquin smirking at you. “Stop flirting with me! I told you it was a one-time thing.”

He shrugged, “It doesn’t hurt to try.”

Rolling your eyes, you go on your toes to kiss him on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Tarquin.”

With a smile still on your lips, you continued to walk towards the Night Court’s suite. Thanks to Tarquin, you were reminded to change out of the armor, so you swiftly used magic to change into the cerulean gown you had at the beginning of the day. After you knocked on Night Court’s door, their chatter abruptly stopped as they discussed who it could be.

“It’s me,” your voice rang clearly.

There was mumbling before footsteps headed in your direction, Feyre’s bright smile greeted you while Rhysand’s quizzical gaze landed on you. You stepped in and gave everyone a warm smile; no remnants of the threatening Golden Warrior could be seen apart from your wings.

“If you’re worried about your mate and friend’s safety, there's no need to be,” you addressed Rhysand.

“Why shouldn’t I be worried?” said Rhysand who placed himself between you and his beloved inner circle.

You brushed past him and made yourself comfortable on one of the loveseats. “Because we’re allies and I’ve learned to like your court,” you said simply. “Just don’t get on my bad side and we should be fine.”

Rhysand and the inner circle blinked at you in silence, the juxtaposition of your friendly threat made their heads spin. It wasn’t until Morrigan giggled that everyone else joined in the laughter. Cassian looked at you in awe, he had never been more attracted and terrified of a female in his life. The only one who was not dying of laughter was Azriel who was leaning against the windows. His shadows were practically engulfing his body turning him into a dark mass, this must have been a regular occurrence because only you thought it was strange. The whispers of the shadows sounded like faint buzzing.

Azriel was in deep thought, upset with himself that he lost control over a comment Eris made about Mor. The situation struck him when he realized that he was always fighting for and defending Mor and yet, he barely received anything from her. Azriel was always attentive and caring to Mor. 500 years of this torture of Azriel loving her when Mor barely gave him scraps. He understood why Mor never reciprocated his feelings; he knew he wasn’t worthy enough. Azriel had known that for a long time yet, he lost control and was ready to kill for her. He could not care less that he almost killed Eris, what bothered him was the disappointment he saw in your eyes. Azriel wasn’t sure why he cared but he did. When you told him to stop, he listened and his shadows didn’t give him much choice, they were screaming at him to let go of Eris.

Cassian leaned forward, to get a better look at the sapphires around your neck. “Your siphons-- they look different now than from earlier today,” observed Cassian. The jewels looked like regular gemstones, they weren’t gleaming or thrumming with power.

You nodded, “Azriel told me about your Illyrian siphons, they’re similar but work a little differently. Since I’m half High Fae, I have trouble controlling my powers so Nuan helped me with a device that can help me control them. These sapphires are what helped me avoid detection for many years.” You willed the power into the jewels and once they started to glow, there was a noticeable dampening of your power felt in the room. Rhysand visibly relaxed and you let out a laugh and shook your head. “I told you not to worry!”

The whispers were getting louder, and you snuck a look at Azriel, his shadows were swarming around him. Cassian and the others took no notice, they must be used to Azriel’s shadows.

Rhysand perched himself on the arm of the couch before surveying you. “Since we’re allies now, what exactly are your powers? Can you heal?”

You took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. This was it. You were finally able to talk about the real you and you could practically feel the weight lift off your shoulders. “I can heal almost as well as Thesan but what I excel at is poison and sickness. I can plague bodies with physical illness, what you saw today… that was harmless.”

“Your power—if feels dark,” murmured Feyre.

A wry smile etched on your lips. “It is dark magic. It’s strange to have the ability to save a life and end it, that’s why I need to stay upbeat and energetic. If I don’t, that dark half of my power can consume me. It happened toward the beginning of Amarantha’s reign, I was so dangerous, and in my head, the Peregryn warriors had to carefully plan an intervention to save me from myself.”

The buzzing of Azriel's shadows was distracting, you leaned and turned away from Azriel to make sure you would be able to hear any of their questions.

“How powerful are you?” asked Cassian.

“Thesan thinks I’m powerful enough to bring down armies or at least weaken them to their knees. However, that’s just a theory. I haven’t had the opportunity to see the extent of what I could do. I’ve been in small battles but never participated in an actual war. The Peregryns and I have been practicing how to fight as a unit,” you said. “Since we’re on the topic of my abilities, it’s also important to know about my blood.”

Morrigan’s eyes flashed in curiosity. “What about it?”

“Direct contact with my blood is harmless but if I intend to use it as poison, one drop could kill us all.”

Feyre looked at you with a mix of fear and admiration, but the males and Mor were grinning, they were ecstatic to have an asset like you on their side. Cassian started excitedly asking about how Peregryns fought, and you had just as many questions about the Illyrian fighting style.

It was strange to see you converse with his family. Everyone was usually stand-off-ish when it came to the Inner Circle, but you walked into the room and fitted yourself like you were the missing piece in their jigsaw puzzle. The shadows wanted to get closer and have a look at your white and gold feathers, but Azriel reigned them, he was sure you’d go berserk if you saw a wisp coming toward you. They were excited about your revelation, fascinated by that power that rolled off you and that was all they could talk about. Some of his shadows were complimenting how pretty you looked, and he agreed with them, you were stunning, and he thought you looked even better with your wings.

You were subtly glowing as you answered all the questions his family was asking you. Mor was absolutely entranced by the Golden Warrior; it was her first time meeting you and Azriel could tell she wanted to be friends. She leaned closer to admire your sapphires and commented that Amren would die of jealousy if she saw you wearing that necklace. Azriel agreed, Amren might even be tempted to steal it if it wasn’t for the poison that ran through your blood. Even Nesta who went straight to her room the moment they arrived, popped her head out to see all the commotion. He saw the two of you make eye contact before coolly nodding at each other.

Mor was about to ask another question but stopped when you grimaced. You peered at Azriel to see his shadows swarming and buzzing, even if their words were incoherent, they were so loud. The sound of dozens of voices hissing over one another drifted from Azriel to you.

“What’s wrong?” asked Cassian.

“I’m sorry to interrupt but how are you not distracted right now?”

They all stared at you as if they had no idea what you were talking about. You lifted your chin toward Azriel whose shadows go still. His lips parted as his hazel eyes looked at you in alarm.

“The shadows—they were getting noisy,” you explained. “I don’t know how any of you could concentrate.”

Azriel felt his knees start to buckle, in his 500 years he was the only one who could hear his shadows. The shadows were slowly hovering around him, they lowly whispered to each other wondering why you could hear them. They had no idea how to react to being heard by anyone other than Azriel, so they continued to watch, one wisp was brave enough to wander close to you.

 Everyone’s jaws dropped, staring as if you were an alien creature with two heads.

“You can hear them?” exclaimed Rhysand. “Can you understa—”

Rhysand was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. Before anyone could move to open it, the door swung open to reveal a smiling Helion, no remnants of the jackass façade he had during the meeting.

“Oh! That’s my cue to leave, I’m sure you and Rhysand have much to talk about,” you said as you stood up. “Have a good night!” You inclined your head toward the High Lord of Day who smiled at you.

“I just returned from speaking with Thesan, my Lady,” he said taking your hand and pressing a lingering kiss on top. “I look forward to our future partnership.”

You snorted but that didn’t stop the wink you threw at the handsome High Lord as your wing brushed past him. The moment you left and shut the door, Rhysand threw a silencing glamour around the room and then the chaos erupted.

“WHAT THE HELL IS SHE?” bellowed Cassian. “WHAT THE FUCK!”

“Oh, my gods,” muttered Feyre.

Nesta, who had stood by the door of her room to come to see and listen to you was also stunned. She had not known Azriel for long, but she knew he was powerful, so powerful that sometimes Rhysand was terrified of his spymaster. By the reactions of her sister and her mate’s family, this was significant.

“Cauldron boil me!” exclaimed Morrigan as her eyes darted to the shadowsinger. “Azriel…” said Mor speaking to him for the first time since he attacked Eris. “Did you know she could do that?”

Azriel numbly shook his head, he hadn’t looked away from the door you left in. His brain replayed every interaction he’s ever had with you. It made sense now, every time the shadows were rowdy, you’d look over at him. It explained why you’ve been able to catch him every time he sent his shadows to spy, it’s because you could hear them. His mind flashed back to the image of you covered in golden armor, your hands glowing as he felt that raw power rolling off you.

Azriel thought his head was going to explode, you should be a threat to him, but Azriel didn’t feel that way. You had left the room making him feel vulnerable, yet somewhere deep within him, he didn’t mind that you could hear them. As if hearing his shadows made him feel less alone, like you would understand that darkness within him.

***

The shadowsinger always fancied a drink after dinner, whether it was tea, coffee, or whiskey, he always had a drink. He preferred to stay seated at the dining room table or lounge on a couch, but Azriel could no longer stand to be in the same room as Helion and Mor. The faint smell of their lust as they eyed each other made Azriel want to vomit. So, before he could see them enter Mor’s bedroom together, Azriel stood up to leave and Cassian who shared a look with Rhysand, followed the shadowsinger. They stepped onto the balcony and without a word, the two brothers unfurled their wings and took to the skies.

He needed to get Mor out of his head, so his mind immediately shifted to you. You had told his family so much about your powers but there was still an air of mystery around you. As Azriel and Cassian flew above the Palace and towards the surrounding mountains, Cassian began to talk about you knowing exactly what Azriel needed to get his mind off Morrigan. The general had started to gush about how strong and commanding you seemed. Cassian also said that your bluntness might be your only downfall, but your strong feminine body made up for it. He knew Cassian was only joking but a low rumble erupted from his chest, he didn’t like how his brother fawned over your appearance. Cassian took one look at your bare back and let his filthy thoughts stream through. Azriel wasn’t sure why he was having these irrational possessive thoughts about someone he had just met; you weren’t even flirtatious with him. Most of the times you’ve spoken with Azriel was because you were angry at him. Consumed by today’s events, Azriel didn’t even notice he and Cassian were already making their way back to the castle.

Dressed in loose cotton pants and a simple shirt, you wandered into your favorite courtyard and lounged in the seating area. The breeze was crisp, so you used your wings to block out the chill. The romance book you were reading was just getting interesting when you felt a strong gust of wind, a second later, two booming thuds were heard behind you. Closing your book, you twist to see the tall and menacing forms of the Illyrian General and Spymaster. Cassian gave you a wave as he strode closer, but Azriel’s feet were planted on the spot, he wasn’t expecting to see you so soon.

You give Cassian an easy smile before your eyes rove over to Azriel, his shadows poised and quiet as they watch you.

“I’ll have you know, shadowsinger, that I’m no longer pissed off that you used your shadows on my court. But I am annoyed and slightly offended that you thought you needed to scope the place beforehand. What kind of hosts would we be if we allowed such violence on neutral grounds?” you said with a teasing smile.

You were too mentally exhausted to stay mad at Azriel, you understood that it was his job, but it still irked you that he decided to go against your wishes. He had deemed your warning non-threatening but that was before he knew who you were, what you could do to him. Cassian made his way to the bench across from you, he smirked as he waited for his brother's response.

Azriel started making his way toward you and his brother, he settled into the chair closest to you. “I was just doing my job,” huffed Azriel. He was still wary despite your relaxed state, he thought you were going to throw your book at him now that neither of their High Lords was there to disapprove of her.

You knew that was all you were going to get from the shadowsinger. With a wave of your hand, tea and pastries appeared on the coffee table. You asked them if they fancied a midnight snack and they both dove in, Cassian reaching for a scone while Azriel poured tea into everyone’s cups. The conversation was light at first but then the General couldn’t help but ask you more questions about the Peregryn warriors. You reassured him that under Callon’s command, the warriors were well prepared. You caught Cassian staring at your scars multiple times, you wanted to turn away, but you forced yourself not to.

“It was a Bogge,” you whispered. “I’m sure your friends have already told you my altered version of the story, but I was the one that killed it. It almost blinded me, but I tore it apart and paid the price with these scars. I try not to get bothered by it, it’s a symbol of how much I’ll endure protecting my court and Prythian.”

Cassian’s cheeks turned red, he never meant to offend or embarrass you. He should’ve been more subtle, if Mor was here, she would’ve ripped him apart.

 Azriel’s cold eyes snapped to his brother, what an idiot, he thought. He spotted you ever so slightly angling your scarred side away from the males. Sympathy burst through him as his gaze flickered down toward his own hands.

“It cost you nothing,” blurted Azriel. His voice was so rich and earnest, you fully faced the shadowsinger and looked at him. “If anything, it adds to your beauty… a noble and fierce warrior graces your features, my Lady.”

The smoothness of his words surprises you and are left with a blush spreading across your cheeks. “Thank you,” you murmured. You made the mistake of looking into his eyes, they were a lovely mixture of greens and browns, even a few gold specks scattered around. His gaze was so soft that a wave of comfort washed over you and you sighed. A part of you was pleased the shadowsinger found you pretty and you didn’t like that, so you shoved your emotions down and smothered them. You cleared your throat and waved a hand, a good bottle of amber liquor and 3 crystal glasses materialized in front of you.

“I broke out the good stuff for us today, my friends,” you continued as if you didn’t have a moment with Azriel. “I’m trying to get you Illyrians drunk so I can find out more of the juicy secrets about your people and Court.”

Cassian eyed the both of you and hid the smirk he had regarding his observations about the pair in front of him. He knew he was right when he guessed something was brewing between you two. Pouring the liquid into the glass, Cassian slyly grinned at you. “That’s if you can keep up with us.”

Six glasses of whiskey later, you and the Illyrians were buzzed and were acting like you’ve known each other for years. If you were human, you would’ve been drunk or maybe even blacked out, but it was not the case for three warrior Fae packed with muscles. Your trio went back and forth between asking serious and nonsensical questions, one moment laughing at some stupid story from their teenage years to concentrating on Cassian’s demonstration of different types of battle strategy using the cups and utensils as models. You were itching to ask them a question and you were finally brave enough to ask.

“I heard that Illyrians clipped their female’s wings, and don’t let them train. Is that true?”

Azriel and Cassian stiffened, it was something that deeply shamed the two of them. Azriel hated the ways of his people so much that he sometimes hated to be referred to as an Illyrian. Almost nothing good came into people's heads when they heard the name.

“When Rhysand became High Lord, he banned wing clipping and made it illegal, but these camps are filled with old, rough, close-minded Illyrians. They don’t value females, they think they’re only good for cleaning, cooking, and breeding. We’ve been doing anything we can to put a stop to it.”

You made a face as you sipped on the drink in your hand. You hated to hear these stories. It was so different from the culture of Dawn, females whether High Fae, Peregryn, or faerie were treated equally.

“They’re resistant to change so every once in a while, we’ll get reports of wing clippings happening in the modern day,” continued Cassian. “Only a handful of camps allow females to train but most of the females are too scared in fear of repercussions from their fathers. Recently, there was a case where two teenagers decided they wanted to train, and the males of their families punished them by clipping their wings.”

A shiver runs down your back and it makes the feathers in your wings ruffle. Tucking them close and feeling protective over your feathers you looked at the two males with fire in your eyes.

“Were they taken care of?”

Azriel meets your gaze and nods. “Wing clipping is punishable by death… they got what they deserved.”

Your eyes darkened at the thought, the last fifty decades flashed through your mind. The things you’ve done to keep your court in line would make the toughest of assassin’s shiver. Sometimes harsh punishment was the only thing that could control the evil that lurked.

“Good,” your voice was filled with approval. You run a hand through the gold-tipped feathers. “I would rather die than lose my wings.”

The two Illyrians voiced their agreement, their wings were their life. The idea of losing that freedom that allowed them to soar through the skies made them instinctively shift their bat-like wings toward their bodies.

You’re not sure if it’s the alcohol or the easy-going banter you and the males have developed but you were feeling very friendly. The three of you had shared a vulnerable part of yourselves and it felt nice that you were finally expanding your friendships to another court. Prior to becoming friends with Tarquin and his royal cousins, Dawn Court was all you ever knew so it was nice to socialize with people from different courts and backgrounds.

The two males were engaged in their quiet conversation as you lay down on the large ottoman. You gazed at the starry night sky and sighed in contentment as your wings splayed outwards and drooped to the floor. Azriel’s attention shifted to you, admiring the flush of your cheeks and the dim glow that radiated from your body. He liked how different your wings were from his. Yours were soft-looking white feathers which were slightly different from the other Peregryn’s wings, yours were tipped in gold. He wondered if it was because of your blood relation to past High Lords.

You replayed today’s events when you suddenly remembered Azriel’s reaction to Mor getting insulted. He was so angry he was almost unrecognizable. Azriel was so deep in thought that he jolted when he realized your sharp gaze was on him.

“Eris is a dick, he shouldn’t have said that to her,” the clarity of your voice cut through the air. “Are you feeling better after your little outburst?”

“He’s lucky I didn’t kill him today,” replied Azriel. His voice turned icy as he thought of the Autumn heir.

You studied the handsome shadowsinger next to you. “Are you and Mor… involved with each other?”

Cassian winced. Just when he thought Azriel was distracted, you had asked him the worst possible question. He warily looked at his brother who wore a perfect mask of calmness.

“It’s complicated… centuries of complicated feelings,” admitted Azriel. Cassian tried his best not to balk, he couldn’t believe Azriel answered you. He hated to talk about his feelings with Mor.

Finishing your drink, your mind buzzed at his confession. You were right, Azriel did have feelings for the beautiful blonde. A pang of jealousy fleets through you and without thinking, you blurt out, “That sounds fucking exhausting. You should get over her.”

The two Illyrians looked at you with wide eyes, a second later, Cassian’s deep laugh filled the air. Azriel’s lips quirked at the sight of your shock that you had said that out loud. Thesan wasn’t lying when he said you needed courtier training. Azriel hoped this part of you would never change, it was refreshing, and who could fault you for telling the truth? You were right, loving Mor was exhausting, and he was slowly learning he needed to do so for his sanity.

Cassian had no plans of getting back to the guest suite, he did not want to hear Mor and Helion through the walls. Feeling antsy in the courtyard, he needed a different type of relaxation, he asked you if there were any places for nightlife close by and you recommended a popular Peregryn tavern. He invited you and his brother to move the party elsewhere but both of you were content to sit and continue drinking.

Once alone with the shadowsinger, a sigh left your lips. “I’m sorry for being blunt earlier. It was none of my business.” Your thumbs nervously fiddled against each other.

Azriel shrugged, “Don’t worry about it.”

He said nothing more and you internally cringed, you really had to be more mindful of what you said. You glanced toward Azriel who was looking up at the sky, his shadows calmly swirling around him.

“Your shadows… are they with you all the time? Like in the bath? Flying? With a lover?” You cursed your loose inhibitions for asking that last question.

The corners of his mouth lifted as he examined your relaxed form draped over the seat. He still can’t get over the stark difference between the female in front of him and the one that threatened all the High Lords and their courtiers. “I can hide my shadows but most of the time, they go where I go. Even with a lover.”

His voice lowered in pitch making heat spread all over your body. You could feel your face get flushed, and when you glanced at him, the smirk he had on his absurdly handsome face made you squirm. Azriel admired the deep blush that colored your features, he thought you looked lovely. Delight bloomed in his chest, he was pleased he got you to blush.

“Speaking about lovers, I couldn’t help but notice how close you were to High Lord Tarquin today.”

Surprised laughter bubbled from your lips, “He’s a friend.”

“You stopped him and his cousins from making snarky remarks to Cassian. Only a lover has enough influence to control a High Lord like that,” said Azriel.

“I don’t do love and relationships,” you said tucking your wings together and sitting up on the ottoman.

His eyebrow arched, “No lovers?” Curiosity coursed through him, he had to know if you were with Tarquin or anyone else.

“Of course, I have lovers. Just never with the same person, it’s too vulnerable….” You weren’t sure why you admitted that to him, this was usually something you kept to yourself. The less people know about that part of your life, the better. “I don’t do love. Well, at least romantic love anyway. Love makes you vulnerable and I don’t like that. I can’t be like that.”

Azriel was shocked by your firm and sure tone, he couldn’t imagine thinking like that. Love was always something Azriel desired, he’d been patiently waiting for someone to love him for centuries. It was all he ever wanted, and he couldn’t believe the words that came out of your lips.

Breathing deeply, he made sure his features were still cool and neutral. “Why?” He watched your eyebrows furrow, and your eyes go blank as you relived a memory. Your lips twitched downward for a few seconds before you blinked rapidly and looked at him.

“Because of my parents,” you said short and clipped.

You offered nothing but silence after that and Azriel knew not to push further. There was still a slight frown, and he had the overwhelming urge to reach out and comfort you. Azriel reached for the crystal glass instead and took another swig as the silence settled. Your gaze followed his movements and settled on the scarred hands that gripped the cup. His hands were nice despite the scars, his fingers were long, and his nails were neat and trimmed. You found yourself studying every ridge and dip that marred his tan skin.

“What happened to your hands?” you asked.

He fought the urge to tuck his hands behind his back. “My family,” he said simply. You inhaled sharply and merely nodded, you wanted to ask how his family could do that to him, but you didn’t know him enough to ask such a personal question.

A shadow curled around Azriel’s ear and whispered, he smiled as he heard the other shadows eagerly agreeing and whirring in anticipation.

“Can you actually hear my shadows?”

Sitting up, you hear their fast chatting, and you homed in on one particularly enthusiastic shadow that snaked up his arm to his ear. “That one seems to be very excited about something,” you said pointing to the wisp. “I wish I understood what it was saying.”

Azriel’s cheeks flushed with red, he was glad you couldn’t understand them, the shadow was raving about how beautiful you and your wings were. “If you understood them, that’d make you a shadowsinger.” He tried to speak as smoothly as he could. His mind buzzed as the alcohol thrummed in his veins. “The world would be a dangerous place if you ran around with your poisonous blood and shadowsinging abilities, little dove.”

Your nose crinkled. “Did you just fucking call me ‘little dove’? I am not little, and I am not a dove. How would you feel if I called you ‘baby bat’?” You challengingly stared at him but a small, drunken part of you was preening at the term of endearment. Azriel uncharacteristically pouted and a smirk formed on your lips. “I thought so.”

Azriel stood up to tower over you. “But you are little.”

“I am not that little! You’re just a behemoth of a male!” you said scrambling to stand up to your full height, stumbling a little. The action did nothing to prove your point, Azriel’s stature dwarfed you. Huffing, you flexed your wings outward. “At least my wingspan is bigger than yours!”

His chest puffed out, “No one’s wingspan is bigger than mine,” said Azriel. He lets his wings flare out in demonstration.

You moved closer to him looking at the membranous wings and the symmetrical talons that jutted out on one of the apexes. “I doubt that,” you said spreading the feathered wings out. With disregard for personal space and the scent of cedar and night intoxicating you, the tips of your fingers reached out and traced the soft leather up to a joint.

Azriel inhaled sharply.

He didn’t know what to do. You moved too fast, and by the time he realized you were touching him, his nerves were already on fire. He gently grasped your hand before pulling you away, the feel of your skin against his made heat pool onto his body.

“Please don’t touch my wings…they’re sensitive.” His voice was low and strained.

Your eyebrows scrunched together; you were about to ask what he meant until his scent hit you like a ton of bricks. It was the same wonderful cedar and night-chilled mist but there was something extra—it was musky and irresistible. Your eyes snapped up when you realized what it meant, his cheeks were red, but his eyes were focused on you.

“I’m so sorry,” you stammered. “I should’ve asked—Peregryn’s don’t mind people touching their wings. I shouldn’t have assumed.”

You would be lying to yourself if the smell of his lust wasn’t affecting you as well. Pulling your hand away from his, you took a step back and sat back down even though it was tempting to move closer, to see where it could lead. It’s been a while since you’ve been with a male. You blinked as your mind cleared a little, something deep within knew it would be a bad idea to start something with Azriel. Reaching for a glass of water, you chugged it trying to drown an intrusive thought of what kind of tattoos Azriel had on his muscular chest.

It was too late; your own scent of lust was thrown into the gentle wind. Azriel’s eyes darkened as he inhaled the sweet lilac and the woodsy undertone that wafted off you. The two of you stared at each other in a lust-filled stupor, pupils dilated. Everything within you was screaming to reach out for him, to move closer but you didn’t budge. Deep down, you knew if you kissed him, you would want to come back for more and that would be unacceptable.

“I-uh, just remembered I need to discuss something with Thesan,” you said backing up toward the doors that lead inside. It was such a blatant lie; it was past midnight, and most people were sleeping. “I’ll—uh see you tomorrow.”

Your legs weren’t cooperating, and you weren’t getting away from Azriel fast enough. He was still looking at you with those gorgeous hazel eyes when you mustered enough concentration to winnow yourself inside the Palace leaving Azriel standing there in confusion. You sagged against the wall, but that burning desire was still there, and you needed to fix that before you winnowed back to the courtyard. With your head still in a haze, you found yourself walking toward the guest suites and before you knew it, you let yourself into Summer Courts suite. Cresseida who was reading by a faelight, got into an offensive stance from your sudden intrusion. She relaxed once she realized it was just you. She was about to ask you a question but then smelled the flowery and woodsy scent from you, she snorted and pointed to the bed chamber at the end of the hall.

“I better not hear a peep from the both of you or else I’ll make sure our alliance ends tonight,” joked the princess.

“I make no promises,” you said sending her a wink.

 The High Lord must have heard the conversation or smelt you because Tarquin’s door swung open to reveal an already smirking High Lord. What made your eyes darken was the sight of Tarquin shirtless and loose pants hanging low on his hips.

“This is the last time,” you stated.

His grin widened. “You said that before but look where you are now.”

A growl emitted from your chest as you shoved him into his room. He grabbed your waist and bent to kiss your neck, he stopped before he could press his lips against your skin. “You smell like Night Court and lust,” he growled. “What are you running from, my lady?”

You unwrapped your arms around his torso and leaned back to look into his striking blue eyes. “There’s too much talking happening right now. Do you want this? Yes, or no?”

Tarquin immediately dropped the subject and started to undress you. “Gods, yes.”

***

Cold sweat rolled from your head as you woke with a start. You warily looked around and sighed in relief knowing you were no longer in that wretched cold, dark cellar. After your little tryst with Tarquin, you went back to your room because you prefer to sleep alone. Cuddling was too intimate for you, no matter how hard males tried to get you to stay the night, no one could. But for the first time, you wished someone was next to you, the dream, or rather a vision, chilled you to the bone.

You dreamt of the little boy again, this dream felt more real and visceral than any of the others. His cries were louder, and you could swear you could feel his pain. This time, you were in the far corner of his cell and could see the boy more clearly, there was enough moonlight to see familiar batlike wings protruding from his back. What made you gasp in horror and shocked you awake was the sight of the red healing skin atop the child's hands.

The little boy was Azriel.

You have no idea why you’ve been dreaming of him but the chill that ran down your spine was all that occupied your thoughts. You felt his dread and pain, and the very thought of his wounds brought tears to your eyes. Just hours ago, Azriel told you that his family did that to him, never in your darkest thoughts did you think they would do this to a child. Your heart ached for the little boy in the cellar, the only comfort you had was the fact that he had grown up to be strong and successful. The urge to walk up to Azriel’s room was strong, you wanted to talk to him about it and ask him what happened, but you stopped yourself. You weren’t even sure if this boy was real, and if you dreamt of scarred hands only because you asked Azriel about them.

The thing is, you had a gut feeling this was real, you were having visions rather than dreams. Trying to explain this to Azriel would be too much, you didn’t even understand what was happening yourself. This was something you needed to ask Thesan, he was much wiser and would know about things like this. Wrapping a blanket around your shoulders, you padded onto your balcony and sat on a floor cushion. The sadness for Azriel slowly seeped away as you looked at the stars above you. You stared into the night sky until the warmth of Dawn welcomed you.

***

The meeting chamber was immaculate, with no remnants of shattered wood from yesterday’s chaos. Your wings were out, and the Peregryn’s hooted and hollered as you jokingly modeled the plunging golden tulle gown that accentuated your waist. Thesan chuckled as he approached you, he and Callon looked just as sleep deprived as you. You highly doubted Callon had any sleep, he was probably out flying all night keeping watch of the Palace as Thesan roamed the halls doing the same thing. You offered to keep watch with the other warriors, but Thesan insisted that you relax.

The footsteps of a court approaching the meeting chamber had you and Thesan sharing a look as if to say, here we go again. Your back straightened out and the demeanor of the High Lord and his second graced the room. You and Thesan glowed brightly as you greeted Winter and Spring. The goosebumps on your skin rose when you heard the whispers of Azriel’s shadows. A few moments later, he appeared with his court, and you can’t help but stare at him. Your eyes flickered to the Illyrian’s scarred hands and a wave of sadness washed over you. It felt strange to know that the little boy you cried for and wanted to protect was Azriel, a menacing male whose siphons glowed as he kept a watchful eye on everyone.

His hazel eyes meet yours and you suddenly remember your awkward exit last night where you left him flustered in the courtyard. All traces of sadness for the spymaster were replaced by mortification. He must have thought the same thing too because slight red tinted his cheeks. You said hello to Rhysand and Feyre and led them to the assigned chairs, away from Autumn and Spring.

The atmosphere was still awkward and hostile from certain guests but at least no punches were thrown. Your presence ensured no physical fights were to happen but that didn’t stop the dramatics brought on by the High Lords. There were multiple times you had to hold yourself back from rolling your eyes because of how they were acting. You were all listening to Beron spout bullshit when you noticed Nesta swaying in the corner of your eye. Feyre, Mor, and Cassian flocked to her when she started vomiting, they propped on her side as she heaved from nausea. Helion casts his magic onto Nesta as your cousin places a glowing hand on her skin. They both shook their heads when they could not find the answer to her sudden illness.

You made your way to Nesta and placed a hand on her damp forehead. “It’s not poison,” you confirmed. “Something has to be affecting- “

That was when you all felt it, a sense of dread spread in your gut as a pulse of power overwhelmed you. The earth quaked and the air tremored and a split second later, the impact came and shook the Palace and the other mountains that surrounded you. Callon threw himself over Thesan and there was so much chaos that you didn’t realize Azriel had lunged for you as struggled to stabilize yourself. His arm braced around your shoulders as you both hunkered towards the ground. You tucked your wings inward on instinct and looked at Azriel who looked at you with panic in his eyes.

The ground continued to rumble and your efforts to look for structural damage were blocked by Azriel’s wings. Your already big eyes widened further as you took notice of the thin membranous leather. It’s an incredibly intimate and vulnerable act for a winged fae to use their wings to cover someone. Your shock was cut short by the sudden stillness and yelling of Callon barking orders to the warriors. Azriel pulled his wings back swiftly and helped you stand up as you looked around to find your cousin safe, the next thing you did was scan the room to assess any damage.

Azriel’s head spun as he slowly released you from his protective hold. The second the ground shook, his instincts led him to protect you, not his High Lord or Lady but you. He looked down to see you blinking up at him with your lips slightly parted, it was as if you were also shocked by his choices. Both of your focus snapped toward Rhysand who has used his power to discover that Hybern had used the Cauldron to take down the wall.

Everything moved fast from that point, all the High Lords were eager to get back to their courts to check on their people. Thesan promised that he would have Nuan’s faebane compound delivered in two days. He turns to Rhysand and tells him that the Peregryn legions will join the Illyrians in the skies. Cassian and Callon, the commanders of their court's army shook hands to formally recognize the alliance.

Azriel was always good at suppressing his feelings but this time he didn’t bother hiding his distress as he looked at the beautiful white and gold winged faerie in front of him. Prythian was going to war and from the numbers he’d seen when he scouted Hybern, it was going to take multiple allies and a miracle to win this war. He knew you were powerful, but he also knows you’ve never been and lived through a war. This was going to be traumatic for everyone, especially you and the younger warriors. A horrible feeling settled in the pit of his stomach as he thought of all the death and carnage that was to come.

The somber look on your face tells him that you were thinking about this too, he could tell you were trying to keep a neutral expression in front of your court and warriors. But one look into your eyes was enough to tell him you were terrified. He gave you a small reassuring nod, but he knew that would do nothing to ease your worry. He hoped the Cauldron would bless them all, Prythian was going to war.

#azriel x y/n #azriel x reader #azriel x you #azriel x female!reader #azriel acotar #azriel shadowsinger #acotar fic #acotar fanfiction #a court of wings and ruin #azriel fanfiction #azriel fanfic #illyrian #batboys

[bi-carli]

These two own me, forever 🗡️🦇

Amazing Nessian art done by Llibiarts, commissioned by the_valkyries_trove on Instagram

#sarah j maas #acotar #acosf #acomaf #sjm books #booklr #acowar #bookish #batboys #cassian #nesta x cassian #nesta archeron #nessian #valkyrie #illyrian general #illyrian

[sapphireillyrian]

Masterlist

Old blog

Hey fellow SJM tumblr fam! I’m finally taking the dive and I’m going to attempt to be as consistent on tumblr as I possibly can be. I have raging adhd and executive dysfunction problems so I tend to go in and out of feeling productive and creative, please be patient with me. But I’ve been really inspired as of late and I have a fic that I’ve been working on for the last few weeks that I’m super excited to start sharing. My asks and requests are open as well ❤️

Our Raven - Azriel x Cassian x Reader

Part One - Coming Soon!!!

#acotar #cazriel x reader #cazriel #sjm #acotar fic #acotar series #a court of thorns and roses #feyre #rhysand #azriel #cassian #illyrian #azriel x reader #azriel x you #azriel x oc #cassian x reader #cassian x azriel #cassian x you #cassian x oc #azriel x cassian #azriel x cassian x reader #sapphireillyrian #acotar masterlist #poly acotar #nesta archeron #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #helion spell cleaver #eris vanserra #batboys

[nikethestatue]

The Bat Boys

Art: Gonzalom_art

#the bat boys #Rhys and cassian and Azriel #the Illyrians #the batboys

[acourtofwhatthefuck]

Misunderstandings - (Cassian x Reader)

Hiiii! A little piece for @writingsbychlo and @azsazz brilliant idea of Starfall Week!

The prompt I used was: Character A has been waiting alone for an hour and Character B is nowhere to be seen.

This was fun to write! I hope you like it, and Happy Starfall Week!

Word count: 1968

Warnings: None.

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･

He wasn’t coming. 

Cassian clearly wasn’t coming, and you felt fucking stupid. 

I’ll meet you by the clock tower at eleven, was what he’d said. Eleven had come and gone, the chimes booming above your head. The Starfall celebrations had promptly swept through Velaris, and you — here you were stood, waiting for someone who you should have known would never give you the time of day.

You knew Cassian to be swaggering and cocky and teasing; the Mother knew, you’d seen that side to him more than any other since he’d come into your family’s store and asked why he’d never seen you before. His visits had become more frequent over the last month and a half, and when he’d asked you to meet him on Starfall, your stomach had flipped and sang like the damn skies above you currently were. 

But perhaps it was all a cruel joke. Perhaps Cassian had never been interested in you at all. You hadn’t met his Inner Circle, but you knew how greatly they celebrated the holiday. Of course he wouldn’t want to meet you on Starfall.

Your arms chilled by the air, you felt like nothing but a fool as you descended the stone steps of the clock tower and began your walk back to your home. You’d bought this dress especially for tonight, a pretty cream number that you thought made you look delicate and soft. You certainly didn’t feel delicate and soft as you tore your heels from your feet and carried them as you walked, bare soles slapping the pavement. 

You were almost back at your little cottage when you caught the sound you’d so eagerly awaited earlier — the thunderous boom of wings above you. You didn’t even bother looking up at the sky, knowing that whichever of the Illyrian males it was would be by your side before you had a chance to clock them. Perhaps Cassian had been a true fucking coward and sent Rhysand or Azriel to let you down gently on his behalf. Gods, you hoped not. You weren’t sure you could deal with the humiliation. You turned into your street—

And stumbled to a stop to avoid barrelling into the figure that swooped down, landing in front of you. 

Cassian grinned. Grinned, and shook the wind from his hair. “That was close.”

You stared at him, your lips not even slightly twitching into a smile. Your face was entirely deadpan as you took in the clothes he’d swapped his usual Illyrian leathers for — the fitted burgundy shirt and dark breeches. His hair was left down about his face, and he looked…playful. Damn handsome, but playful.

Too bad you felt anything but playful in that moment. 

Cassian’s eyes swept over you, then, and his grin softened into something different. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was a little coy, flustered. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you.” Your response was clipped. You stepped past him, beginning your walk once more.

“Uh…” Footsteps approached you from behind, and he was darting into your path again. “Where are you going?”

“Home.”

“We agreed to meet.”

Finally, you stopped. Finally, you allowed your eyes to meet his hazel ones. A look of pure confusion shadowed his face.

“We agreed to meet almost an hour ago, Cassian.” You said. “I got cold and tired of waiting.”

“Hey, I’m sorry I was late.” He stepped towards you, his brow furrowing. “I was just…sorting something out. Time ran away with me.”

“Sorting something out.”

He nodded.

You shrugged. “What were you sorting out?”

“…I can’t tell you—”

You cut him off with a sigh, stepping past him again. You weren’t doing this — couldn’t do this. He could return to his friends and laugh at your expense if he wanted, but you were going home.

“Hey, wait.” He grabbed your hand. “Y/N, will you stop?”

“No, Cassian, you stop. I’m not playing your little games. You can find some other female to do that. I know it doesn’t make any fucking sense for you to like me, but I genuinely like you, so kindly leave my feelings alone.”

Your impassioned speech had utterly silenced him. He blinked at you, realisation seeming to wipe the confusion from his face. He studied you once more, frowning.

“Is that what you think?” He asked. “That I’m pretending to like you as some sort of joke?”

You shrugged, lifting your chin. Refusing to flush with humiliation. “You may have only noticed my existence in the last month or so, Cassian, but I’ve seen you around Velaris for years. You have a type — I am the furthest thing from that type. And I am perfectly comfortable with my soft stomach and thick thighs and all the other things I’m expected not to like about myself. That doesn’t mean I’m going to allow those things to be the butt of the joke for the High Lord’s general.”

You pushed past him again, but he was having none of it. He yanked you back to him, both gentle and firm. “You are way out of line, Y/N. You couldn’t be more wrong.”

“I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with males like you, Cassian—”

“Males like me?” He stared down at you. “Bastard-born brutes? A nobody with the title of Warlord slapped above his head? Don’t make assumptions about me, sweetheart, because you couldn’t be more wrong.”

You held his gaze, searching the sincerity in his eyes. Perhaps you were being unfair — perhaps you had jumped the gun a bit. You just…you’d been taken for a fool too many times. And you liked Cassian so much that you didn’t think you could take it from him.

You lowered your gaze, glancing down at your feet, but his warm, callused hand was gently gripping your face and forcing your eyes back to his.

“Don’t group me in with those assholes that have treated you that way. Please. I’m not them.” His voice was far softer, gentle. “I like everything about you. Especially your soft stomach and thick thighs. I like you so fucking much, and that is why I asked you to meet me tonight. Because Starfall is special to me, and I think—I think you might be, too.”

Guilt sliced at you as you stared up at him. You definitely should have listened to him before making assumptions. You relaxed your body, showed him that you were open.

“I’m sorry I was late.” He said again. “I said I couldn’t tell you why because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise. I wanted to show you. If you’ll let me.”

You sighed softly. “Of course I’ll let you. I’m sorry, Cass—”

“Don’t worry about that. Just…do you trust me?”

Yes, you realised, you did. You nodded. 

He smiled, lacing your fingers together. “Just a quick flight, and you’ll see why I was late.”

He was already lifting you up into his arms. You blinked, glancing up at the sky. “Is this safe? With all those stars zipping about?”

Cass smirked down at you. “It is — so long as you don’t fly too high. It’s a damn beautiful sight, too.”

Before you had a chance to consider, he was holding you tight to him and launching into the air, your scream swallowed by the wind. Your nails dug into him as you buried into his chest, vaguely aware of the whooshing above you — the sound of passing stars.

“I didn’t know you were afraid of heights.”

“Yes, well, some of us are used to being on the ground.” You cracked an eye open, daring a look. “And stop smirking.”

“You’re not even looking at me.”

“I can tell.”

A great, booming laugh left him as he swooped and glided with expert ease. You couldn’t bring yourself to drink in more than a few glimpses at the iridescent trails of light that exploded around you. You clung tight to Cassian’s firm body, burying into his shoulder.

“I’m going to land now.” He warned you. “Just a heads-up.”

You felt your stomach flip as he banked hard, the sensation of falling making you want to scream right into his ear. But it was over within seconds, Cassian executing a flawless landing that you barely felt as his feet planted on the ground.

You didn’t let go. Didn’t look up.

“…we’re back on solid ground, Y/N.” He squeezed you. “You can let go. Not that I’m complaining.”

“I’m not sure I can.”

A soft laugh was breathed against your hair, and you felt him peeling your hands from his body and setting you down on the ground. You swayed, feeling your legs wobble. Cassian was clearly trying not to laugh as he steadied you.

You scowled. “Sorry that we’re not all overgrown bats accustomed to flying.”

“I’m sorry.” He grinned. “You just look so wide-eyed and bewildered. Like a little squirrel, or something.”

“Just show me where you’ve taken me, bat-boy.”

Within seconds, it was as though all the swaggering cockiness had leached from his body. He seemed to steel himself with a calming breath, and then he was stepping aside, exposing you to the view before you.

“This is why I was late.” He said quietly, grabbing your hand.

You sucked in a gasp. Words completely failed you as you drank in the sight of the private hilltop viewpoint he’d created for the two of you. Faelights flickered and glowed around piles of blankets and cushions, and there was food — far more food than was necessary for two people. Plates and plates of fruits and cheeses and meats and desserts. And bottles of juices and wines, with two chalices set beside them.

Your lips parted, you angled yourself towards Cassian. “I…you did all this?”

He swallowed nervously, nodding and rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. “Do you like it?”

“Cass, I—this is amazing.”

You went to take a step forward, but he stopped you, gently tugging you back by your hand. He turned you to face him, and your eyes met, him staring down at you and you up at him. His thumb brushed the back of your palm in gentle sweeps as he swallowed again.

“I…really like you, Y/N.” He said quietly, a soft pink hue touching his cheeks. “Since the day I walked into your family’s store, I haven’t stopped thinking about you. That was why I wanted to do this — to show you that you’re special to me.”

Your mouth went dry. And all you’d done was jump to conclusions and accused him of being an asshole. With a frown, you stepped closer, snaking your arms around his waist. He immediately folded you into him, pressing his chin atop of your head.

“I’m sorry, Cass.” You murmured, tilting your head back to look up at him. “Really — I am. Thank you. This is…nobody has ever done anything like this for me before.”

“Well.” He smiled softly. “I’m honoured to be the first. Maybe I’ll be the only one.”

You truly hoped so. Nothing but pure, unadulterated love shot through you as you pushed up onto the tips of your toes and kissed him. You loved him. You fucking loved Cassian.

He kissed you back for a moment, cupping your cheek. And then he gently peeled his lips from yours, smiling. “Want to eat while watching the stars?”

You nodded vigorously, taking his hand in yours. “Anything with you.”

As he led you over to the blankets and cushions, you heard the distant boom of the Velaris clock tower chiming twelve, and the burst of stars colliding above you. 

Cassian sat, pulling you onto his lap, and stardust rained down on you as you ate and talked and laughed. 

The most memorable Starfall you’d ever had. One of many to come, you hoped. 

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･

cassian tag list: @brekkershadowsinger @wandas-dream @nightscourtt @luna-1-3-5 @ruler-of-hades @chocolatecakelargeshake @asemkta @lucyysthings @a-frog-with-a-laptop @iammichellekocwin @illyriansimp @azrielsbabyg @brookeduggann @toohardtoforgetcth @gmey11 @historianscalledusfriends @basicbittywitty @koemi-kimo @sadiebluewin @angelatinasstuff @eos-princess @theunforgivingsworld @lysjeonsworld @aaronwarnerswifereal @lulufairbank @laurzwrites @str4vvberry

general tag list: @angrymilfs @lunaralaraspace @maddithefangirl @wandas-dream @his-sweet-nightmare @kennedy-brooke @chocolatecakelargeshake @daily-dose-of-sass @missaddamsworld @reiincarnatiion @linduzmunna @leeknows-wife @nightcourtwritings @ann-writes-universes @cosmic-whispers @simplefan-638 @lucyysthings @judig92 @shannonsaid @azriels-mate123 @iangelofmusic @baybay123455 @poisonousgirlie @kuraikei @sweetandsourwrites @clarkie-carmody-blog @myheartsalwayswithyou @lavenderdreams22

#acotar #cassian x reader #cassian #cassian x you #acotar x reader #prompt #starfall week #starfall #a court of thorns and roses #reader insert #illyrian #batboys #acotar fanfic #acotar oneshot #acotar fandom #acotar series #acotar fluff #cassian fluff #cassian fic #acotar headcanon

[stargirlie25]

My beautiful fanart

Now i know all of yall want to repost this but yall gotta give credit like damn 🙄

So ya this is probably the most accurate acotar fan art u have ever seen if ur life but anywayssss what should i bless yalls eyes with next?

For the e/riel who said i should draw better, here you go babe 😘

*This cockiness if a joke please dont be mean to me*

#acotar fanart #azriel spymaster #azriel shadowsinger #cassian brute #cassian acotar #azriel acotar #rhysand darling #rhysand highlord #night court #3 batboys #batboys #illyrians #night c #n court #feyre #nesta #elain #gwyn #emerie #mor #amren #lucien vanserra #pro lucien #pro elain #pro gwyn #gwyn x azriel #azriel x gwyn #lucien x elain #elain x lucien #elucien

[highlordslady-thenightcourt]

"Be patient with me Feyre, if I'm a little on edge"

Rhysand , a court of mist and fury

#illyrian #batboys #rhysand #feyre archeron #rhys acotar #acotar #acomaf #acowar #a court of thorns and roses #a court of mist and fury #quotes #books #books and reading #love quote tumblr #love quotes

[bloomingdarkgarden]

everyone here needs to know im going straight to hell for stealing people's wedding photos from Pinterest and photoshopping bat wings on them.

if it is your wedding photo, and an illyrian warrior is now holding you instead of your husband, im so so sorry.

i will personally buy you a hard copy of the entire acotar series as pittance and you can thank me later.

straight to hell.

#acotar #a court of thorns and roses #feysand #nessian #elriel #plagerism #illyrian or bust #batboys #not that sorry #elriel month

[azrielsbxtch]

It’s the bed that can accommodate Illyrian wings

#acotar #illyrians #bat bois #batboys #emerie of illyria