#just a mention of mor and emerie

[highladyandromeda]

Shadows of the Heart

Prologue

Azriel x Reader

Summary: After years apart, Y/n returns to Velaris, bearing the weight of sacrifice and secrets from her past. Reunited with Rhysand and his Inner Circle, she navigates the complexities of rekindled friendships and unresolved tensions. 

Y/n’s powers are inspired by Scarlet Witch from Marvel. She is a sorceress living in Vallahan, with her family hailing from the night court. 

Word count: 1k-ish

Warnings: mentions of blood, wounds, but nothing particularly graphic

Azriel stood off to the side, quietly observing the cozy scene in the House of Wind's living room. There was Feyre, nestled comfortably on Rhys's lap, her giggles echoing softly as she leaned in to catch his whispered words. In the corner, Amren made an art out of lounging, a smirk playing on her lips as she peered over her wine glass. Cassian had wrapped an arm around Nesta, her head bent together with Gwen and Emerie, engrossed in a lively discussion about their latest read. The ambient buzz of conversation, punctuated by the occasional clink of glasses filled with Rhys's impressive wine, created a backdrop of contented harmony.

Azriel tried his best to shove aside the twinge of jealousy that crept up on him, watching his brothers and their bliss. He didn't want to feel like just an onlooker, basking in the warmth of their happiness, yet here he was. His mind wandered to Elain, who had opted for an early night. Would her presence have allowed him to drift away from this feeling, to find solace in her gentle smiles and tender gazes? It seemed chasing fae after fae with hearts as bright as the sun was his lot in life. Yearning for a sliver of light in his shadowed existence, a beacon like Elain, or Mor, someone to take him out—that's when he noticed it—his shadows, usually so still, began to stir anxiously around him.

In danger, in danger, they whispered, urgency threading through their murmurs.

In pain. Falling, falling, the ones closest murmured, their voices escalating into a desperate shout.

Springing to his feet, Azriel scanned the room, brushing off the puzzled glances thrown his way. Then, a sharp thud echoed, quickly followed by a cry that cut through the relaxed chatter. In a heartbeat, he was dashing towards the balcony, with Rhys and Cassian hot on his heels, all three propelled by the sudden urgency to uncover the source of the disturbance that had just intruded upon their peaceful evening.

Bursting through the balcony doors, Azriel was met with a scene that defied all expectations. Chaotic runes smeared across the floor in hasty, overlapping strokes forming an intricate magical circle. At its heart lay two figures: a faerie kneeling, her skin so pale it shimmered with almost ethereal light, ebony locks sprawling untidily about her. Her eyes, aglow with an intense crimson, matching the runes surrounding her, pierced through the night. Dark stains marred her robes—wounds, he realized, still seeping blood from her arm and leg. She cradled Mor’s head in her lap, their gazes locking in a moment so profound, that Azriel felt the world around him come to a standstill. He swore he felt his heart stutter, a memory long forgotten trying to urge its way out. Mor, his attention snapped to, was equally pale, her lips tinged a sickly shade of blue.

“What did you do to–” Just as Azriel began, he saw the female look behind him, exclaiming, “Rhys! 

“Y/n?” Rhys ran to her, his hands frantic, unsure of whether to hold her or lean for Mor. 

“Rhys” She began again, her breaths coming out in spurts. She grabbed his hand as he leaned down to hold her, “Poison…she’s been poisoned, needs tonic–”

Barely finishing her sentence, her eyes rolled back and she collapsed, Rhys’s hands halting her from hitting the floor. 

“Call for Madja” Rhy yelled. “Mor’s been poisoned and perhaps Y/n as well.”

Before Azriel could react, Cassian stepped up, carefully lifting Mor, while Rhys carried Y/n, both moving swiftly back into the sanctuary of the house.

They found a bedroom with two twin beds, laying one on each. 

Madja, a whirlwind of expertise, raced around both, focusing her skills on stabilizing Mor's precarious state. Meanwhile, Rhys was tasked with a grim duty, pressing down on Y/n's wounds, which despite the salves and a plethora of cloths, continued bleeding relentlessly.

"It's the runes," Amren interjected, her voice slicing through the turmoil like a blade. All eyes, save for Madja's, who momentarily lessened the fervor of her tonic mixing, turned to her.

"She utilized ancient magic," Amren stated, her declaration hanging in the air, dense with implications, yet devoid of further explanation, prompting Rhys to press for clarity.

"And that means?" 

The urgency lacing Rhys's voice caught Azriel off-guard. Who was this female, who seemed so familiar and why was she so important to Rhys? He felt a spark of anger at the way Rhys held her, despite knowing Rhys's heart belonged to Feyre.

"It means she offered her blood as a sacrifice. Likely to transport herself and Mor here. Inspect Mor for runes," Amren directed without pause.

Before Amren's words could fully settle, Madja cut through the sleeves of Mor’s dress, revealing an arm ensnared by crimson runes, mirroring those that marred the balcony. 

It was then that Azriel's senses sharpened, recognizing the scent that pervaded the air—a metallic tang he had initially overlooked in the chaos. Blood. Those runes, those symbols, all wrought from blood. Recollections of the massive circles they had traversed to enter this scene played back in his mind, causing his stomach to churn. It was reflected in Feyre's gasp as she rushed to aid Y/n, while Rhys was overtaken by a wave of nausea.

The room, already tense with fear and uncertainty, was engulfed in a silent horror as Madja's voice, though trembling, broke through the silence. "She's correct. The blood serves as an anchor for Morrigan's soul. The runes must bind Morrigan to..."

"Y/n's," Rhys provided, his voice steady in the thick silence.

"Yes, to Y/n's very essence," Madja concluded. "This means Y/n will continue to suffer, to bleed, until Morrigan shows signs of recovery. In exchange.”

A heavy silence settled over them, punctuated only by the rhythmic thud of Madja grinding her herbs, as the gravity of their situation unfolded.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's note: Hi everyone! I’ve been a lurker in the acotar fandom for ages, this is my first time writing, so do let me know what you think. I'm not totally sure how far I want to take this series, but I do have longer chapters planned ahead.

#azriel au #azriel shadowsinger #azriel x reader #azriel x y/n #acotar series #acotar #acomaf #acowar #azriel x oc #rhysand #morrigan #acotar fanfiction #azriel acotar

[foxylady13]

"A thing of secret, lovely beauty"

Artist: Kloartz over on IG!

~Gwyn nimbly rolled to her feet, grinning so broadly that Nesta was momentarily taken aback by it. The priestess had been pretty in the library, but with that joy, that confidence as she aimed for the three priestesses, she had emerged into a beauty to rival Merrill or Mor.

~Gwyn’s fingers slid into hers, squeezing tight. Nesta looked up to find her holding Emerie’s free hand as well. Gwyn smiled again, her eyes bright. “Our stories are worth telling.”

~Gwyn let out a high-pitched noise that was nothing but pure excitement. Azriel, on the other side of the ring with the rest of the priestesses, half-turned at the sound, brows high.

~Azriel had winnowed her and Cassian here after training, but hadn’t lingered. Apparently, Gwyn wanted him to go over dagger handling, so he’d left them with a promise to return in an hour.

From the bonus chapter: Which happens inbetween Ch. 58/59 of ACOSF

~His shadows peered over his wings at her.  The young priestess smiled--and Azriel thought it might have been directed at his curious shadows.

~“Aren't you cold?" His breath clouded in front of him.  Gwyn shrugged. "Once you get moving, you stop noticing it."  He nodded, silence falling. For a heartbeat, their gazes met. He blocked out the bloody memory that fashed, so at odds with the Gwyn he saw before him now. Her head ducked, as if remembering it too. That he'd been the one who'd found her that day at Sangravah. "Happy Solstice," she said, as  much a dismissal as it was a holiday blessing.  He snorted. "Are you kicking me out?"  (He's showing concern about her being cold and we have proof from Azriel he was there at Sangravah and Gwyn isn't making things up like the other side tries to say)

~Pure amusement glittered in her stare. Better than the pain and grief he'd spied a moment before. So he offered her a crooked smile. "I can't  sleep without my favorite dagger."

"A comfort to every growing child."  Azriel's lips twitched. He refrained from mentioning that he did indeed sleep with a dagger. Many daggers. Including one under his pillow. (Azriel shows more positive emotions with his interaction with Gwyn than seemingly around anyone else)

~How was the party?" Her breath curled in front of her mouth, and one of his shadows darted out to dance with it before twirling back to him. Like it heard some silent music.

~She shrugged again, irreverently. Az narrowed his eyes, studying her. "Do you, though?" she pressed. "Sing?" Azriel couldn't help his soft chuckle. "Yes."

~Gwyn tried the movement as slowly as he had, and he watched her  self-correct, fighting against the urge to open up her wrist and rotate the blade. She did it three times before she stopped falling into the bad habit. "I blame Cassian for this. He's too busy making eyes at Nesta to notice such mistakes these days." Azriel laughed. "I’ll give you that."  Gwyn smiled broadly. "Thank you." Azriel dipped his head in a sketch of a bow, something restless settling in him. Even his shadows had calmed. As if content to lounge on his shoulders and watch.  

~"Happy Solstice," Azriel said before aiming for the archway into the House. "Don't stay out too much longer. You'll freeze."  Gwyn nodded her farewell, again facing the ribbon. A warrior sizing up an opponent, all traces of that charming irreverence gone. Azriel entered the warmth of the stairwell, and as he descended, he could have sworn a faint, beautiful singing followed him. Could have sworn his shadows sang in answer. (Again, Azriel is showing care/concern over Gwyn possibly being cold/out too long and just look at the wording used here)

How the bonus chapter ends:

Clotho's pen moved once more. She deserves something as beautiful as this. I thank you for the joy it shall bring to her.

Something sparked in Azriel's chest, but he only nodded his thanks and left. He could picture it, though, as he ascended the stairs back to  the House proper. How Gwyn's teal eyes might light upon seeing the necklace. For whatever reason... he could see it.  

But Azriel tucked away the thought, consciously erasing the slight smile it brought to his face. Buried the image down deep, where it glowed quietly. 

A thing of secret, lovely beauty.

These scenes take place after the bonus chapter:

~Cassian glanced over at Az, but his attention was fixed on the young priestess, admiration and quiet encouragement shining from his face."

~The world seemed to pause at the words. As if it had been following one path and now branched off in another direction. In a hundred years, a thousand, this moment would still be etched in his mind. That he would tell his children, his grandchildren, Right then and there. That was when it all changed.

~Azriel went wholly still, as if he, too, had felt the shift. As if he, too, were aware that far larger forces peered into that training ring as Gwyn moved.

~Azriel clapped his hands, and all the females straightened. “You’ll work in groups of three.” Gwyn asked Az, her teal eyes bright, “What do we get if we finish the course?” Az’s shadows danced around him. “Since there’s no chance in hell any of you will finish the course, we didn’t bother to get a prize.” Boos sounded. Gwyn lifted her chin in challenge. “We look forward to proving you wrong.”

~Gwyn threw Azriel a withering stare as she strode past him. “See you tomorrow, Shadowsinger,” she tossed over a shoulder. Az stared after her, brows high with amusement. When he turned back, Nesta grinned. “You have no idea what you just started,” she said. Az angled his head, hazel eyes narrowing as Gwyn reached the archway. “Remember how Gwyn was with the ribbon?” Nesta winked and clapped the shadowsinger on the shoulder. “You’re the new ribbon, Az.”

~“The first had just unbuckled his belt when Azriel arrived.” Silent, unending tears streamed down Gwyn’s face. “Azriel slaughtered all of them within moments. He didn’t hesitate. But I could barely move, and when I tried to get up … He gave me his cloak and wrapped me in it." (Without hesitation, Azriel slaughtered all the soldiers and gave Gwyn his cloak.... similar to Lucien breaking free of his restraints without hesitation to get to Elain and give her his cloak)

After reading all this.... how can you NOT think Gwyn and Azriel are endgame? And this is what you missed on Glee......

#gwyneth berdara #pro gwyn #pro gwyneth berdara #pro gwyneth #gwyn acosf #gwynriel #pro gwynriel #azriel x gwyn #gwyn x azriel #azriel shadowsinger #azriel's shadows #azriel #gwyn #azriel and gwyn #gwyn and azriel

[mycadences]

If Elain rejects her bond with Lucien, then Azriel needs to reject his bond with his mate because otherwise Elain will always be left wondering if he will abandon her when his real mate comes. But for Azriel to break his bond with his mate, he will have to find her first. And then grapple with whether he loves her or Elain, because the number one thing that he longs for CANONICALLY is a mating bond. But before that he has to fall in love with Elain and actually think of her beyond just thoughts of pleasuring himself.

So for Elriel to happen: Azriel has to find his mate *cough Gwyn cough*, fall in love with Elain and break his bond with his mate while Elain has to confront Lucien, come to terms with what Azriel does as the NC's spymaster (*cough torture cough*) and the fact that he wants to kill Lucien in a blood duel and also break her mating bond. So, uh... Is this even an Elriel story when they're spending most of the story figuring out their feelings for their mates??

And while all this is happening they will also have to deal with the plot (Illyrian/Dusk Court/Koschei etc). Like, "they" as in the four of them (Azriel, Elain, Lucien and Azriel's mate (prob Gwyn))?? Because each couple needs to break their mating bond for Elriel to happen.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that if Elriel happens, the last book will have to follow some mysterious unknown couple that no one cares to read about (Mor x Emerie is an option but I don't think SJM will write a full-length sapphic novel yet, though I can see them getting the novella).

Yep, makes sense to me.

I'm a Gwynriel and Elucien because I love them and because it's simply less headache-inducing to ship them. I mean we have two books left, one confirmed mate couple and another potential mate couple and SJM is a fated mates writer where all her main couples are mates.

#gwynriel #pro gwynriel #elucien #pro elucien #antielriel #anti e/riel #the math isn't mathing guys #it's really obvious

[lotus222]

I have a theory…

Everyone is up and arms about the elriel v. gwynriel debate so if you get easily triggered about those ships pls avert your eyes cause I’m gonna be unapologetically brutal.

I just finished reading CC2 (ik I’m behind) and it opened my eyes to something SJM has been saying since the beginning.

Now, while reading this massive book, I had a continuing foreboding feeling that Hunt was going to be replaced by Ithan as Bryce’s love interest. Bc as we know SJM always switches up the MMC after one book or so, so I was scurred. BUT

I was pleasantly surprised to see that SJM did all in her power to reinforce the idea that these two are endgame, by having Bryce CHOOSE Hunt and vice versa — going against her arranged marriage, the royal lineage requirements, and the added complexity of mates for fae, angels, and wolves

It was refreshing to see Bryce and Hunt come together out of true love as opposed to SJM’s usual trope of “oh they were destined so they have to be together”. Don’t get me wrong, I love her other couples too - but Bryce and Hunt have always been my favs bc of this fact.

Then, imagine my surprise when I see that Bryce and Hunt CHOOSE to be mates. Simply bc the title bf & gf didn’t work for them. THEN, they’re revealed to be true mates, and their love for one another simply forged this unbreakable bond where now they have the same strength (if not stronger) then preordained mates.

Here’s where the ACOTAR ships come in…

Now…i don’t care who mrs Maas decides to put together. I have loved every single couple she has produced so ik I’ll love the next inner circle couple. BUT ik in my heart of hearts and based off of common sense that it’s going to be Elain + Azriel

(Also pls keep in mind that the ACOTAR fae are the ancestors of the CC fae, which means whatever Bryce and Hunt can feel/do/etc, first originated or was discovered in the ACOTAR world) which means this true mates thing that Bryce and Hunt have can have originated with Az & Elain

CC3 takes place after ACOSF, where we all know there are things needing to be addressed. Bryce wakes up on the lawn of the townhouse where Az is and there’s fresh bread & roses in the air…then everyone else arrives later. Meaning Az was at the townhouse by himself…with the bread & roses (Elain).

Some of y’all might think that’s a stretch or irrelevant, but I think it’s fully intentional that SJM put CC3 before the next ACOTAR book. It’s bc everyone in the ACOTAR world up until this point has followed the rules of “be with your mate and love them”, but now Bryce is there as a clear example of having a mate not chosen by some stupid bowl, but by herself and her heart. Which is something I think will strike a chord with Elain and Azriel.

Az has NEVER been chosen, and I don’t think (even if gwyn is his mate or his backup singer or whatever y’all are calling her now) he will be satisfied by someone being thrown to him, forced to love him bc of a bond. He wants them to choose to love him like his dad and Mor didn’t (sry Mor stans but she didn’t, she admitted so herself in ACOWAR)

Rhys (sry cause I also dislike him after ACOSF) is just like Bryce’s bio dad and is trying to place a barrier between the couple in the name of politics and what is usually done, but just like Bryce (I.E. WHY THERE IS A BONUS CHAPTER W HER, AZ, AND NES (THE ONLY 2 (-Rhys) WHO WILL KNOW ABOUT AZ’s FEELINGS)) Az/Elain will choose to divert that standard, motivated by the love Bryce expresses for her chosen mate, Hunt.

Plus, can I mention y’all also acted this way with Cass met Emery at the end of ACOFAS…and thought they were gonna be together before ACOSF came out and now y’all are doing the same to Gwyn. I personally think Gwyn has been traumatized beyond belief by men, and I don’t think what she needs in her life to heal from that is the man that saved her from that trauma. She doesn’t need to be saved or reminded of that time in her life anymore. Like, girl could still not bring herself to leave the house of wind at the end of ACOSF. Idk about y’all but I wouldn’t fall in love with the cop who saved me from that kind of crime, I’d move on and find love for myself.

No matter if you’re a gwynriel stan or not, we can all agree that the kiss at the end of ACOSF cannot be ignored, and this relationship between Az and Elain has been building up for THREE BOOKS. Gwyn has only been here for one. Take it from me my lovely gwynriels, and be prepared for disappointment.

NOW, where does Lucien fit in all of this? I think Lucien takes the same stance as Ithan from CC. Elain doesn’t know the sassy, caring Lucien we know bc the only interactions she’s had with him were when he sold her out to Hybern (mind you: when she was ENGAGED) and when he’s been around her bc he felt this need due to a mating bond. It’s fair that she doesn’t love him, just like it’s fair that Bryce doesn’t love Ithan. Just because there’s a bond, in whatever form, doesn’t mean that entitles another to that female’s love.

Lucien deserves someone who wants to be with him and as a fan of his character, too, I don’t want him stuck with Elain. Especially when she’s made it so clear she doesn’t want him. I think Lucien accepting Elain going with Azriel will lead him back to the Spring Court (cause it’ll still hurt, and he’ll need space) and give y’all that Tamlin redemption arc you’ve been dying for for some reason.

Either way, the answer of who is Az’s mate is a big topic, so I think SJM doing the same thing with him that she did with Bryce and Hunt in CC2 would be so bomb. Plus, she’s always said that the books she writes will be with the female at the forefront, so sry babes, there’s no Azriel book.

So book 5/6 (incl ACOFAS) in the ACOTAR world will be Elriel, then it’ll be Morr/all of the couples, and the novella will probably be Spring Court (i.e., Vaasa/Tamlin/Lucien). Don’t quote me on anything past the next ACOTAR book, I’m just guessing on those

Anyway, that’s how I think it’s going to go but I’m not the author or anything, so take this as you will

#elriel #acotar #ACOSF #acowar #acofas #acomaf #sarah j maas #crescent city #bryce quinlan #hunt athalar #feysand #nessian #rhysand #feyre cursebreaker #nesta archeron #cassian #archeron sisters #book theories #a court of thorns and roses #gwyneth berdara #azriel #amren #books & libraries #a court of mist and fury #a court of silver flames #a court of wings and ruin #a court of wings and embers #sjm #house of flame and shadow #lucien vanserra

[jeannineee]

heyyy, so i was wondering if you could write something where reader is overthinking about her body figure ( it’s bigger than normal fae females ), thinking the mother was playing a joke with mating her to azriel.

how do you feel azriel would react to this? what would he do or say to let reader know that what she’s overthinking is wrong, to help reminder reader that they in fact are meant for one other.

you can do whatever you want this is, i’m just excited with what you will make of this prompt ☺️

p.s. i absolutely love your writing, you’re amazing !! ily

Yours

Azriel x Reader

a/n: y’all have gotta stop w the compliments bc I’m sensitive and I will cry!!! Anyway, hope you enjoy!!

warnings: mention of body image issues

As you sat around the dining table with your family, laughing and drinking, you were unable to ignore the insecurity bubbling in your chest.

They were all…ethereal; graceful, and you felt like you were anything but.

Nesta and Cassian, Feyre and Rhys, Mor and Emerie. They’re all perfect for one another.

And your mate? Azriel was beautiful. With his gorgeous black hair, perfectly tanned and smooth skin, his sculpted body. To say he was Cauldron-blessed was an understatement.

But you? You were just…you.

Sure, you shared the same pointed ears as your friends, you had powers, but besides that? You couldn’t help but feel like you toiled in comparison to everyone else.

Unable to stop your overthinking, you planted a quick kiss on Azriel’s cheek, politely excusing yourself from dinner. Azriel’s brows furrowed with confusion, but you didn’t give him the chance to question you before you were heading off to your bedroom for the night.

A while later, Azriel found you in bed.

You couldn’t bring yourself to look at him as he stripped from his button-up and trousers, climbing under the covers with you.

“Y/n, baby, what wrong?” he murmured worriedly, peppering small kisses across your cheek.

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie,” Azriel replied, running a hand up and down your arm comfortingly. “I can feel you through the bond.”

“Are you sure we’re mates?” You blurted, regretting the words the moment they fell from your lips.

The hand Azriel had on your arm stilled. “What?”

You turned to face him, swallowing the lump in your throat. “I didn’t—I didn’t mean it like that. I just…”

You trailed off, blinking back tears. “I just…sometimes feel like I’m not worthy of you. You’re perfect and I’m just—“

“Stop,” Azriel said, pressing a finger to your lips, gently kissing away the tears that slid down your cheeks.

“You are perfect for me. You are everything that I am not. Everything that I wish I could be,” he explained, pressing his lips to your forehead.

“I love your cheeks,” he said, kissing either side of your face.

His lips brushed along your neck. “I love your neck.”

“I love your stomach, too,” he whispered against the soft flesh, kissing it gently, before moving along.

Azriel covered every inch of your body in love-filled kisses, before pulling you against his chest, running a hand through your hair. “I love every part of you, completely. You are my mate. And I am yours.”

#acotar #acotar headcanon #a court of thorns and roses #acotar fanfiction #azriel acotar #Azriel x reader #shadowsinger #acotar azriel #azriel fanfic #azriel shadowsinger #azriel fluff #Azriel angst

[sjmgirlie]

I’m sorry. I try not to be rude about people’s ships because well you have fun with what you like and I’m totally okay with that. But the discourse about the Blood Rite and Hybern camp is hilarious.

Of course Cassian was freaking out knowing his mate was in the BR. A completely normal reaction when you have strong feelings/a bond with someone. Did Azriel? No. Was he still furious at the mention that the women he is training are in harms way? Of course??? Contrary to popular believe, Azriel actually exhibits way more protectiveness over the females in his life than any other character in ACOTAR:

Mor - Eris calls her a slut and he literally almost chokes him to death. Always protective of her in Court of Nightmares and around Eris.

Feyre - be careful how you speak about my High Lady. Helps her with flying and other moments.

Nesta - He brought her back from the mask and comforted her in CC3. Was never mean to her in any of the books even when the rest of IC was.

Elain - Hybern, when everyone (including her sisters and mate) thought she was crazy. There’s more.

His mother - Nesta makes a comment about how Az probably has a bad mom and he gets mad.

These are off the top of my head.

I feel like people forget that Az… does not like Illyrians. He literally said in ACOFAS:

“A pointless week of bloodshed” pg 25

“The Illyrians are pieces of shit” pg 67

If it truly came down to it, I’m sure that Azriel would at least argue to break their rules. Just like Cassian did. But Cassian still cares about the Illyrians. Azriel really doesn’t.

The involvement of Nesta and Gwyn is the Blood Rite is not as significant as Emerie’s!!!!!! Emerie is an Illyrian woman. She is the ONLY Illyrian woman to ever win the Rite. THAT is the biggest plot point of the event. Yes, Gwyn and Nesta participating builds on their healing journeys and the Valkyrie, but Emerie winning the Rite initiates what SJM laid out in ACOFAS. Where Cassian and Emerie first met. The layout for a change in Illyrians and the Illyrian women actually training as warriors.

If anyone is going to “fix” the Illyrians, it will be Emerie. Not Gwyn or Nesta. Emerie, the ILLYRIAN women. And Cassian would be who helps potentially. Because he actually cares about the Illyrians regardless of his history. He is the General. Of course he cares.

Now in terms of the rescue of Elain in Hybern, as many have already said, this was a massive risk. Cassian said "We'll get her back", but moved to comfort Nesta. Not only did Az actually notice Elain wasn’t there, but he also specifically said “I'M getting her back” twice (with rage if I might add) even after Nesta specifically said “then you will die”. Az, Feyre and Elain could have died in this rescue attempt too.

What was the point of this kidnapping if not to show he saves her? Tamlin redemption for giving Feyre the wind to fly? Jurian helping Feyre enter the camp? For Feyre to fly? Like maybe but the biggest point was Azriel going to save Elain. Tbh we kind of needed Feyre there to narrate lol. “You came for me” which Feyre says is what she saw in her dream of what the cauldron even lured Elain in by. That Grayson had come for her. He didn’t, it was Azriel.

Do I think if there weren’t the rules for the Rite that Cassian and Azriel would have went to save them? Of course they would have. But they weren’t meant to rescue them.

This was the big moment in all of the healing journeys for the Valkryie. For Emerie, becoming the first Illyrian women to win it. For Gwyn, leaving the library and becoming a true warrior. For Nesta, holding the line and protecting the people she loves like she hasn’t been able to before. THAT is the purpose of the Blood Rite. Not determining if there’s some couples involved. We already know the couple involved. It’s Nessian.

We seriously need to stop diminishing massive moments in the female characters journeys to ships.

#acotar series #eriel #pro eriel

[azrielslightintheshadows]

Shadows and tears

So this is a series about Azriel and reader. English is not my first language so please excuse any mistakes. I hope you like it!

Summary: Reader is a tortured soul who barely escaped the brutality of the Illyrian camps finding shelter in the Day Court. Her identity was well hidden until she caught the attention of the Night Court’s Shadowsinger. Will the mating bond be enough for their love to settle in?

Warnings: angst, mentions of abuse and trauma.

Masterlist

Prologue , Chapter 1 , Chapter 2 , Chapter 3 , Chapter 4 , Chapter 5 , Chapter 6 , Chapter 7, Chapter 8 , Chapter 9, Chapter 10

I think you will need the tissue box now...

Epilogue

Choices.

“Mor how was she?” Azriel spoke. He was clearly drunk and a mess.

“Happy” Mor replied trying not to flinch by her friend’s pained voice.

He didn’t leave his room for almost a month until Rhysand and Cassian moved him to the river house to keep an eye on him.

He was staring the garden from his window, staring at his family, all together enjoying the sun. Mor and Emerie were laying on the grass playing with Nyx. Rhysand with Feyre on his lap. Cassian laying with his head on Nesta’s thighs. Amren and Varian lost deep into conversation. Elain and Lucien caressing the flowers and laughing. Gwyn had followed y/n in the Autumn Court after Beron died.

Tears filled his eyes as he saw the happiness of his family. He wasn’t jealous of them in a bad way, he just wished he could be amongst them with y/n on his lap. One act out of anger after the way she treated him that morning destroyed his happiness. Maybe he was undeserving of love. Maybe that’s why he couldn’t find it for so long.

The one thing he longed for. His obsession. His salvation. The only chance he had to feel loved. To feel affection. Destroyed by his own hand.

Elain left him the next day of y/n’s departure, just a letter on his nightstand explaining that now that she saw his pain, she felt guilty for pushing Lucien away.

Gwyn disappeared into the library only coming out to inform everyone that she will search for y/n.

Helion banned him from his court and stood as a guard at the wedding in case the shadowsinger tried to ruin it.

His and Mor’s friendship was barely a friendship anymore.

And Nesta… she couldn’t even look at him since he pushed two of her friends away.

The rest of his family stood by his side, but his shadows informed him about the disapproving looks they gave him when he wasn’t looking.

The day they received word about the birth of the Autumn Court’s heir, he had enough. With one last look at Velaris he gathered his stuff and left. He wouldn’t wreck his family’s happiness anymore.

Y/n was standing next to the window of her room, her baby boy cuddled in her arms. Eris walked in hugging them both from behind and resting his head on her shoulder peeking down to the sleeping baby. Y/n stared at the winged boy in her arms, so perfect. He looked like his father but had inherited her wings making both Eris and her happy but anxious too since they knew that he would be considered a half breed for the rest of his life. “Everything is going to be okay, I will never let anyone hurt you two” Eris whispered noticing his wife’s worried gaze.

They heard the flapping of wings and both tensed looking outside. Y/n saw him first and with a soft smile on her face she walked to the balcony, Eris following close behind.

“I don’t want to cause trouble, I just needed to speak with you” Azriel said and stared at his feet.

Eris looked at his wife and when she nodded, he walked back inside giving them space. Azriel moved his gaze to the sleeping baby.

“He is beautiful” he whispered as tears filled his eyes.

“Do you want to hold him?” Y/n asked him with a genuine smile on her face.

Azriel stared at his palms, could he hold something so precious in his scarred hands? He shook his head hiding his palms behind his back.

“I just wanted to tell you that I’m sorry for everything, you didn’t deserve it”

“I know… but thank you because without you I wouldn’t leave the day court and I wouldn’t find Eris” y/n responded. Azriel’s shadows reached for her and he noticed that her own shadows weren’t there. “You shadows aren’t here” Azriel noted.

“I’m happy I don’t need them anymore” she smiled.

“Goodbye y/n take care” he offered her a sad smile and before she could respond he was gone.

He was gone with the realization that in order for his shadows to disappear he needed to be happy. And then he knew that they would be his company until his last breath and then…then he would be happy.

Please don't hate me. Stay tuned for more. Currently I'm working on two more series and I'm planning to post one shots everyday so please send your requests to give me ideas. @cleverzonkwombatsludge

#acotar #acotar series #azriel #azriel acotar #azriel angst #azriel shadowsinger #azriel spymaster #azriel x reader #feyre archeron #rhysand #eris acotar #eris vanserra #eris x reader #acotar fic #cassian acotar #cassian #nessian #mor acotar #acotar fanfiction #the morrigan #acosf #amren acotar #amren #inner circle #nesta

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

All the stars are shining bloody red

Next chapter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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

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

[vanserrasswife]

Labyrinth

Nesta x Reader

Summary: You have feelings for Nesta that she doesn't return to you. Loosely based on the song labyrinth by taylor swift.

A/N: i don't know what overcame me when i wrote this. this was not spell or grammar checked so just ignore any mistakes. Enjoy. :) <3

Nesta walks into your room with a smile on her face, a sight you had expected to have to force out of her tonight. “They came to training today.” She throws herself down on your bed stretching her muscles before rolling onto her stomach and propping herself up on her elbows. “A priestess came to training today.” You smile back at her, “That’s amazing, nesta seriously.”  

Nesta nods before telling you about how the rest of training was today, about someone new she had met, about all of the exercises cassian had made her do today. “Are you not sore after doing all of that?” You ask, stretching out your arms and legs as if you could feel the imaginary pain. She chuckles, “It doesn’t hurt as bad now, Cassian hasn’t pushed that hard lately.” You nod, the mood soured at the mention of Cassian, one of your closest friends but also the current apple of Nesta’s eye. 

Your friend keeps talking as you try to focus on your book, attempting to stop admiring her. She’s your friend, not your girlfriend you chant over and over in your head. “You, ok?” You meet her eyes, icy blue but utterly beautiful, the prettiest shade of blue you had ever seen. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

You walk into Rita’s a smile on your face, tonight you would confess to Nesta. Confess to her the feelings that had gnawed at you from the moment you had met her. Nesta and the rest of your friends had decided to go to Rita’s to relax and have some fun. You spot Azriel first and then Mor and Rhys and Feyre cuddled together in the corner. No nesta and no cassian yet.

You sit yourself on the edge of the booth next to Azriel and force a smile as you greet the rest of your friends. Even the valkyries are here,  Gwyn and Emerie are both stood at the bar talking to another female. Still, Nesta doesn’t seem to be here, theres no sign of her drink on the table. 

You listen to Rhys tell a story to Feyre of a time you were all here before her and her sisters had got here. Before you had become enthralled by the eldest Archeron sister. You turn to Azriel asking where Nesta and Cassian are, the shadowsinger turns to you, offering you a sad smile. He had picked up on your little crush on Nesta quite early on, often offering you a person to confide in or to seek advice from. “You just missed them, they left just before you got here.” 

“Oh. I guess I’ll just see them tomorrow then.” You force a smile, laughing through gritted teeth when the two valkyries come over and start telling you a story from their training this morning. About how Nesta has finally mastered a move she had been struggling with and how cute it was when Cassian had hugged her and congratulated her afterwards. 

You drink down another drink, attempting to forget about your crushand  earning a few concerned glances from your friends before Azriel grabs your arm, “I’m taking you home.” You smile, giggling as you wave goodbye to your friends and grab onto Azriel as he starts flying you home. 

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The house of wind is quiet when you and Azriel land on the balcony, “They must be sleeping.” Azriel mutters before holding the door open for you and following after you through the house. Stopping in the kitchen when you stop, laughing as you try to justify getting hungry when you get drunk.

.A groan sounds through the house, followed by a quick shh before silence. You and Azriel look at eachother dumbfounded, “It’s just the ghosts shadowsinger.” You joke and Azriel smiles leading you out of the kitchen muttering about how you will have a horrible headache in the morning. You’re about to answer, something sarcastic when there is another groan and you both turn to look at the couch. At Nesta and Cassian, Nesta on top of him. Cassian shirtless. Both red, either from embarrassment or their previous activities. 

Nesta and Cassian are together. You chuckle, “I guess they’re not sleeping then.” You laugh, hoping the dark hides the silver lining your eyes. It was just a stupid crush anyways, she wouldn’t have wanted to be with you anyways. Why would she pick you over Cassian? They’ll be good for eachother. “Come on Az, lets leave them too it.” Azriel looks at you, pitifully not making any effort to move as you walk away whether he’s following or not. You didn't need his pity, this was a good thing. Now you could get over her. You could forget about her. Move on to someone new, something that had a chance of going somewhere.

The house seems to fall silent as you walk away, the only sound your footsteps against the wooden floors as you quickly walk up the stairs and into your room. Throwing yourself head first into your bed, pulling a pillow over your head. It’s better this comes out now anyways, there's no point hoping for something that won’t happen anyways.

#acotar x reader #acotar #nesta archeron #nesta x reader #nesta acotar #nesta acosf #nesta archeron x reader #nesta x you #nesta archeron x you

[anthrologies]

Truth to Light

summary: morrigan returns to velaris after ending her mission in vallahan. when she learns of the valkyrie training that cassian and azriel oversee each morning, she decides to join them for their exercises. what she sees when she arrives to the training ring inspires her to confess her longest held secret — and accidentally reveal another in the process.

aka azriel is the literal last person to know who his mate is

read it on ao3

word count: 3,161

notes: this is the first piece of writing that I'm ever posting somewhere! very nervous about this lol :)

From her room in the River House, Morrigan could see the horizon begin to gray with the first light of the day. She’d already been awake for some minutes; had bathed and gone through her stretching routine and was just securing her braided hair with a leather tie. She turned to the drawers beside her and pulled out the training leathers that she would wear to the morning session at the House of Wind.

Mor had returned from her mission in Vallahan a few days ago, having called it quits after nearly a year spent in the kingdom with little progress made in securing their agreement to the peace treaty. Since her return to Velaris, she’d spent her days in meetings with Rhysand, Feyre, and the rest of their inner circle, trying to plan their next moves before Koschei could escalate the conflict that loomed ahead of them. Without Vallahan’s cooperation, the approaching war was sure to be bloody.

It was in yesterday’s meetings that Cassian mentioned the training that he and Azriel had been conducting at the House of Wind. Nesta had started it all, he’d said. She’d invited Illyrian women and the priestesses from the Library to join; a small but dedicated group had formed, led by Nesta herself and some friends she’d made.

“She’s studied the old Valkyrie fighting techniques, and combined them with the Illyrian style,” Cassian said, beaming. “She and her friends won the last Blood Rite. Two of them are Carynthian.” Beside him, Azriel had a proud smile on his face.

Every morning at dawn, they’d told her. And the mother knew that Mor had some frustration to let out of her system. Sparring with Nesta Archeron seemed as good a way as any to relieve it. Mor would see for herself what the female could do.

She tightened the last straps of her boots and faced the mirror in her room to do a final assessment. Her eyes were tired, the skin beneath them still puffy thanks to the hours she’d spent at Rita’s the night before. But she couldn’t spend another day sitting in meeting after meeting with Rhys and Amren bickering incessantly beside her. So she’d forced herself to leave the comfort of her bed after only a few hours of sleep, determined to make this day productive in some capacity. A final glance to the window revealed that the sky had lightened further, the horizon nearing blue. 

With an exhale and a blink, Mor was gone.

Rhysand’s grip around Mor’s waist loosed as he touched down outside the training ring at the top of the House of Wind. 

“I have to go to Windhaven to bring Emerie in,” he said as he released her, her feet finding stability on the ground. “Be nice to Nesta, please,” he said with a teasing smile.

“I’ll be exactly as nice as she is to me,” Mor responded, winking. Rhysand rolled his eyes and laughed before taking flight again. A few flaps of his wings, and he was gone, disappearing into the sky as he winnowed to fetch the Illyrian who would join them.

Mor tightened the guard on her forearm as she turned toward the ring. After a year in Vallahan, she wasn’t exactly in top form. She’d wanted to come a few minutes early to start warming up before the others arrived, but as she looked up from the straps that she adjusted, she saw that she wasn’t the first person here. Nor the second.

In one of the fighting rings, Azriel sparred with a copper-haired female. Mor paused at the edge of the ring to observe. The female had a white ribbon tied around her head; and to be here so early, she must be one of the priestesses. Gwyn, Mor remembered. Cassian had said the Valkyrie priestess was named Gwyn. One of the two Carynthian females.

Mor watched as Gwyn dodged Azriel’s blade, dancing away from him with expert speed and precision. Where Azriel swiped right, Gwyn pivoted to the left and blocked his blade with her own. When he swung his sword toward her chest, Gwyn dove and rolled to dodge his blow. From her years of training with Azriel, Mor knew that he wasn’t going easy on the priestess. No, Mor thought, she’s really that good.

Mor watched as Gwyn swung her own blade toward Azriel, nearly grazing the Shadow Singer’s thigh, but he flapped his wings to lift himself above the slice she made. It would have been a brutal blow if she’d landed it.

“Not fair!” Gwyn shouted between panting breaths. Azriel laughed as his feet found the ground again.

“It is fair. What good are these wings if I can’t use them to my advantage in battle?” he said to her with a smile. “Your enemies on the field will use any advantage they can to beat you – you need to assess every possible angle they could use to best you.”

“Well, this isn’t a battlefield, it’s a training ring,” Gwyn huffed, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “And if I can’t fly then I don’t think you should be able to, either.”

Azriel laughed again, and Gwyn scowled. 

“Let’s get some water and then move into stretching,” he said. “The others should get here soon.”

Gwyn turned on her heel and stomped over to find her skin of water along the fence. Azriel, still smiling, turned his own back to search for his supply. Mor watched as the shadows that trailed the Illyrian seemed to dance toward the priestess. As if unable to stay away from her for the few moments it would take Azriel to hydrate.

The corners of her mouth tugged upward, her lips parting slightly, as Mor saw the truth that hung between the male and the female in front her.

Holy gods.

Mor was blinking, processing her realization when Cassian and Nesta emerged from the stairway behind her.

“Mor!” Cassian called. “Welcome to the pain cave. Hope you’re ready for an ass-whooping, courtesy of my wife.”

Mor wiped the shock from her face as she turned to face her friend and his mate. Beside Cassian, Nesta had a sinister smile on her face.

“Nice to see you again, Morrigan,” she said.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Mor responded, matching Nesta’s expression. Oh, they would have fun today.

Nesta broke away from Cassian and moved to find Gwyn. Behind her, Mor sensed Azriel approaching.

“How long have you been here?” the Shadow Singer asked.

“Long enough to see you barely miss that blow from the Valkyrie,” Mor teased. Azriel and Cassian both looked to where Gwyn and Nesta now stood, stretching and talking. From the way Gwyn glared at Azriel, it was clear she was describing their match. Nesta smirked as Gwyn recalled the story.

Azriel smiled to himself, gazing toward the priestess, amusement in his eyes. “She’s good, isn’t she?” he asked.

Mor knew the question wasn’t directed to anyone in particular, but she responded, “I have to admit I’m impressed. Although, I’ve seen you two train enough warriors over the centuries, so I shouldn’t be so surprised.”

“What Nesta has been able to do, getting these females to learn to fight, reviving Valkyrie techniques… it’ll be a game-changer in the war with Koschei,” Cassian said. Azriel nodded his agreement. 

“If they can all fight like that priestess, then I’d say that Koschei has no idea the kind of hell that’s coming for him,” Mor said.

Rhysand appeared in the sky above them, flying down slowly with an Illyrian woman. 

“Thank you, High Lord,” she said as he released her. Rhys inclined his head in acknowledgment.

“Emerie, I’ve told you that you can call me by my name,” he said. “We see each other damn near every morning.”

She laughed brightly. “Well then, thank you, Rhysand,” she said. With a wave to him and to his brothers beside him, she moved to meet Nesta and Gwyn where they stood at the opposite edge of the training ring. From the stairs leading to the House of Wind, more priestesses began to emerge, some already stretching their arms across their bodies in preparation for the day’s exercises.

Rhys turned to the family beside him. “Is there anything else you lot need from me this morning, or can I return to my bed with my mate and son?” he said tiredly.

“We’ve got it from here,” Cassian said, clapping a hand on Rhys’s shoulder. “Go get some sleep, brother.”

As Rhys flew up and winnowed back to the River House, Cassian and Azriel stepped forward into the training ring. Mor extended a hand, grabbing Azriel’s bicep before he could get too far. At her touch, he hung back. When Cassian was a few paces ahead, Mor turned to her friend.

“Do you have any time this afternoon for a conversation?” she asked.

“About Vallahan?”

“No, something else. It’s important. I should’ve mentioned it a while ago.”

Azriel’s brows laced together, his mouth turned downward with concern. “Alright, I have some time after our meetings before I need to check in with my spies. Will that work?” Mor nodded.

“Yeah, that’s perfect,” she said. She let go of his arm and glanced toward the Valkyries. Emerie’s face looked almost pained. Nesta was staring at her with narrowed eyes. Gwyn was biting her lip, and Mor saw that the priestess was looking at her, at the hand she had touched Azriel with, with caution in her eyes. Mor offered a gentle smile to the female before she turned toward the weapons rack to choose which sword she would use to whoop Nesta’s ass with, as Cassian had so eloquently put it.

That afternoon, Mor sat curled in a large chair in the River House’s library, gazing at the sparkling Sidra outside. She cupped a mug of warm tea in her hands, inhaling the curling steam.

Nesta had indeed whooped her ass that morning. When she got past her embarrassment, Mor had to admit that Nesta was a damn fine fighter. She’d made a point to tell her as much; Nesta, of course, hadn’t taken the compliment graciously, responding with a simple I know. Mor had had to bite back a retort. Swallowing her pride, she asked Nesta if they could spar again the next morning. 

“I’m out of practice,” Mor had said. “A few sessions should have me back in fighting form, and then I’ll be eager to see how we match.”

“It will be my pleasure to best you again tomorrow,” Nesta responded as she polished her sword. “And the next day. And the next day. And the day after that. And the –”

Cassian had called out to Nesta for help restringing a bow, almost certainly having kept a listening ear on their conversation, readying to diffuse their tension. Mor smiled at the memory. Having Nesta around might not be so bad after all. Amren would never practice with her, and Feyre was a good fighter, but Mor liked her High Lady too much to really try to win in a match against her. Mor massaged the sore muscles in her thigh. Yes, with Nesta, she’d have a worthy rival.

Behind her, the library doors opened, and she turned to see Azriel enter the room. Shadows swirled around him. Mor could sense his nervousness, could see how his shoulders lifted up toward his ears, tight with stress. It had been a long time – decades, maybe even centuries – since they’d sat in a room together just the two of them, without Cassian or Rhysand between them. She gestured to the chair opposite her in invitation to sit.

“Tea?” she offered, leaning toward the steaming pot on the low table between them. “It’s a special blend, I brought the leaves home with me from Vallahan.” Azriel nodded, and Mor poured him a mug.

Azriel took a sip of the tea and leaned back in the chair, but Mor could see that he wasn’t relaxed. “So, what did you need to discuss with me?” he asked.

Mor sighed, gazing into the mug of tea that she held in her hands. “Something I should have told you a long time ago,” she said. She could have sworn that Azriel winced.

And so Mor told him her story. Told him why, all those years ago, she’d chosen Cassian over him. Told him why she’d avoided his advances ever since, about her preferences regarding males and females. Told him about Andromache, the lover she lost after the War, the man that her lover had gone on to marry and have children with before dying a mortal death in the human lands. Told him of her fleeting relationships since that last time she’d seen the human woman, of her nights out at Rita’s. Told him of the secret affairs she’d had with females since then, why she paraded some of her male lovers around in an effort to dissuade Azriel. 

“I’m sorry,” she said, “for the hurt I’ve caused you over these years. Everything I did was an effort to protect you, even if it didn’t end up that way in practice. I just… couldn’t bring myself to tell you the truth. Even now, no one else knows. Except for Feyre. For some reason, it felt easier to tell her. But I hope that you can understand why it’s difficult for me to confess this.”

Azriel was quiet. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, staring at the tea that he held between his hands.

“Please say something,” Mor said softly, pleading.

After what felt like an eternity, but must have only been a few breaths, Azriel said, “Why tell me this now?”

Mor blinked in surprise.

“I appreciate you telling me this, Mor,” he said, “but why tell me now? What changed? Did you meet someone in Vallahan?”

Mor’s brows pulled together, her mouth turning into a slight frown. “I–” she started, but paused. She exhaled, shaking her head. “No, I didn’t meet anyone in Vallahan.”

“So… why? Something must have changed.”

Mor blinked again. “Because I saw you this morning. With your mate,” she said. “That’s what changed.”

Azriel stilled, not a fiber of muscle moving beneath his flying leathers.

“With my… what?”

“Your mate…” she said, her voice softening. 

Oh, gods. He didn’t know.

Azriel looked up at her with hardened eyes, his mouth a tight line across his face. “Don’t fuck with me like this, Mor.”

Her hand drifted over her mouth. Azriel’s eyes bored into hers, tendrils of shadows curling on the ground like black fog. The room around them seemed to darken despite the sun shining through the windows.

“I’m not–”

“Who?” Azriel said. “Who is she?”

“I–” Mor hesitated. She closed her mouth, made herself meet the Shadow Singer’s stare. She took a breath, trying to calm her shaking lower lip.

“The priestess. Gwyn.”

Azriel’s face contorted into an unreadable expression at the sound of her name. Was that… pain? Or confusion? Anger? He stood suddenly, sending his chair crashing back to the floor, the mug of tea spilling on the floor in front of him, the clay cup shattering. The room darkened further. He began to pace the library, hands pulling at his hair.

“Azriel, I didn’t realize… I wouldn’t have… I thought you knew. When I saw you two this morning, I thought you knew.” Mor’s voice shook as she spoke.

Azriel’s breath was quickening, every exhale loud and angry.

“I’m so sorry, Az,” Mor said, tears beginning to line her eyes. “I didn’t mean to… I don’t know, ruin this for you.”

Azriel stopped suddenly in the center of the room. In an instant, the space around them lightened again, just slightly. His hands fell from his face and he looked at Mor with an intensity that she had never seen in their 500 years of friendship.

“I am not angry with you,” he said. “I am angry with myself. I am grateful to you for telling me.”

A small sob escaped Mor’s throat. She couldn’t stop the tears that fell from her eyes.

“I might’ve gone another 500 years without realizing, if you hadn’t said anything to me,” he continued. “I see it now. I’m beginning to see it.” Indeed, his eyes looked distant, lost in thought as he recounted all of his interactions with Gwyn over the last months, seeing them in a new light. Mor swore she saw the corner of his mouth tick upward, just a bit, into something like a smile. 

“If you’ll excuse me, Mor, I need some privacy to think about things,” he said. Mor nodded her head, beginning to rise from the chair where she’d curled into a ball. Her legs wobbled beneath her as she stood, but she took a few shaky steps toward the exit. Azriel held the heavy wooden door open as she exited.

“Thank you, Mor,” he said quietly. She looked at his face and found kindness, even joy, dancing in his eyes. “For sharing the truth with me.”

She understood the dual meaning behind his words and nodded in acknowledgment. “You’re welcome,” she said, her voice a mere whisper.

Azriel let the library door close behind her as she exited the room, its weight sealing the room with a satisfying thud. She made her way down the hall, to the top of the stairs, grabbing the bannister for support as she walked. Below, in the River House’s foyer, she saw Rhysand, Feyre, and Cassian all looking up at her with smiles on their faces.

“We’ve been waiting for him to figure that out for months,” Rhys said to her as she descended the stairs. “Thank you for ripping that bandage off for us.”

Mor looked to Feyre. “How much else did you hear?”

“We didn’t hear a thing,” the High Lady said, her voice silkened with reassuring warmth.

“We only saw the shadows fill the House,” Cassian said. “We figured it out from there.”

Mor made her way to stand between Feyre and Cassian, the former wrapping an arm around her shoulder to pull her into a hug. As Mor hugged her friend back, she realized that she felt different. Lighter; as if a weight had been lifted that she didn’t know she’d carried all these centuries. She buried her face into Feyre’s hair as a smile broke across her face.

With a last squeeze, Mor pulled from her friend’s embrace and turned to face the two males who stood with them.

“In that case,” she said, “there’s more to the story that I owe to you two, as well.”

Rhys and Cassian raised their brows in interest, and Mor turned to lead them into the office behind where they stood. Feyre, beside her, reached an arm over to grasp Mor’s hand. With a comforting squeeze from her High Lady, Mor pushed open the wooden doors, ready to take the next step into her truth.

#morrigan #azriel #azriel shadowsinger #gwynriel #gwyneth berdara #acotar #acomaf #acosf #acotar fanfiction

[acourtofthought]

I wonder if SJM was trying to throw us off.

Many believe Gwyn's father is from Spring because of the Rite being mentioned. But we don't know whether Sangravah has their own Rite which is still a possibility.

Or the focus is on her grandfather being from Autumn and because she had a crackling energy which would suggest fire.

And she probably does have a dash of fire in there but I got to thinking..... Why would SJM write Gwyn's main background as being from two courts that we're already heavily saturated with?

We don't need another major connection to Autumn, we have Lucien, Eris, and their mother.

We don't need a connection to Spring, we have Lucien and Elain.

I'm guessing an Elucien book would deal with both those courts in some way and Day as well.

As far as other main characters who might have a pov, Mor has a good friendship with Viviane and has visited there, was preparing to head there in the novella. We're told her relationship to it's possible future High Lady is their bridge between courts and Lucien had an unnamed contact from Winter, mentioned in book 1. Emerie is noted as having possible recent Dawn Court ancestry, Lucien is friends with Nuan (also of Dawn Court). The only court that SJMs MMC / FMC's (ones who might have a POV) are lacking a personal connection with is Summer. Something that would give them reason to fully trust the court and a reason for future leads to end up there.

Of course we've got Amren’s relationship to Varian but I don't think Amren is getting a POV or will heavily feature in an Elucien or Gwynriel book so what reason would those pairings or even Mor / Emerie (if that's the direction she's headed) have to go to summer unless Gwyn's father is / was from Summer Court.

There's definitely imagery associated with Gwyn that fits in with the Summer Court by the sea.

And a few possibilities for future plots:

I've always thought Gwyn would retrieve Narben so having it in the sea off the coast of the Summer Court could be a possibility. Amren talks of hearing the information from a fleeing nymph and Gwyn is part nymph through her grandmother..

Also, Amren and Feyre were once rescued by water wraiths while in the Summer Court (if wraiths and nymphs are in fact one in the same), could this be when she heard the information from a "fleeing nymph"?

I realize the issue with the excerpt above is that it appears the wraiths only spoke to Feyre however I don't think SJM knew she'd create Gwyn's character or that Narben would be a missing item when she wrote ACOMAF. But just as she retconned the events of Sangravah to flesh out Gwyn's story, it's possible she's tweaking how the scene in the Summer Court happened.

And if Gwyn has water as an affinity (a power found in Summer) and it's exposed to that bit of fire she's got in her background, it could explain the crackling sound Nesta heard from Gwyn:

By the end of the series, I think SJM plans on having the courts at peace with one another but at this time, many of those relationships are still somewhat strained, especially when it comes to the Night Court.

Making it so her main characters have heritage from or connections to each of the courts in Prythian not only opens the door to mending those relationships but provides SJM a reason to revisit other courts which we've either only had small glimpses of or no glimpses of at all.

#gwyneth berdara #gwynriel #acotar theory #lucien vanserra #elain archeron #mor acotar #summer court

[quill-and-the-curse]

Healthy Competition

Pairing: Azriel x Reader

Word Count: 1.5k

Warnings: None :)

Taglist: @cityofidek, @valeridarkness

A/N: Y'all...writing this was so much fun. I kind of want to do a smutty Part 2. Let me know if you'd be interested in reading that! Anyways, thanks for reading <3

+ Part 2

--------------------

There was always a competitive edge during the training sessions with the inner circle. Cassian and Azriel were always fighting to prove something. Who was better with a sword, who was better at hand to hand combat, who was better at archery. Feyre and Nesta would often challenge each other on drills, while Gwyn and Emerie fought over simple things like who had the best stance or best balance. 

Rhysand claims the competition keeps things exciting and encourages everyone to work harder. You hate that you agree with him, but it made training less of a chore and more of a game. 

What you did not expect was the rivalry between you and the Shadowsinger. Every morning, you two were the first two ready to go. You’d always been overly punctual, mainly for your own sanity. During the sessions, you began to notice Azriel catching quick glances of you to gauge how you were performing. 

At first it flattered you, because you knew you were a high performer and the fact that Az was concerned you’d beat him did stroke your ego. But it quickly turned tense, because you too became concerned that you would be outperformed. Staying leveled with Azriel was your only concern. You wouldn’t allow him to overshadow you, you would represent the Valkyries to prove that females can be fierce warriors too. 

Outside of training, your relationship with Azriel was contentious. You and him would bicker like children one moment, and would be laughing together at something Cass said the next. It was all very confusing to the rest of the inner circle. 

You regarded Azriel as a pain in the ass, but gods he was captivating. During said competitive training sessions, you’d often catch yourself watching the way his sweat left a thin layer all over his body, making him look like a god. You would also watch his muscles flex while he completed his drills. Something about his back caused you to nearly go feral. All you wanted to do lick him.

But you knew he didn’t feel the same about you. You were nothing like the other females he has been interested in. You weren’t as thin or toned, your legs weren’t as long, and you didn’t have the grace of a delicate flower. You were a warrior, you spoke loudly and dressed for comfort and efficiency over style. It was difficult not to compare yourself to Mor and Elaine. They were perfect. It made sense why Azriel longed for them. You just couldn’t help but envy them for it.

It was a regular morning when things took a turn. You rose with the Sun, and began to get ready for training. You were particularly excited because you received a new set of leathers from Feyre as a gift, and it was time to break them in. After trying them on, you felt extremely self conscious. They fit, but they clung to every part of you for dear life. 

You just needed a day or two for them to adjust. You could make it that long. 

Upon arriving to the training ring, Mor and Feyre approached you quickly.

“Are those the new leathers, Y/N?” Feyre asked excitedly. 

You returned a smile. “Yeah, though they are a little tight right now, they are so nice. I didn’t realize how bad I needed a new set. Thanks again.”

Mor chuckled and looked you up and down with wide eyes. “Y/N, these leathers are working wonders for your ass. Holy gods!”

Your cheeks instantly flush. “Stooooop.” Your hands went up to cover your face to hide your embarrassment. 

“I was thinking the same thing but didn’t want to mention it first. Y/N, turn around for me! I want to see!” Feyre lifted your hand above your head, cueing you to do a spin. 

From the distance, you hear Rhys approaching. “What’s going on here, hmm? Shouldn’t we be warming up?”

“How can I do such a thing when Y/N’s phenomenal ass is distracting me? I couldn’t possibly focus on anything else,” Mor responded to Rhys. His response was only a small chuckle, and then he clapped his hands and announced, “Alright! Let’s begin everyone. No more small talk.”

You were thankful, because you didn’t know how you would handle your High Lord checking out your ass. He was like a brother to you.

Training went off without a hitch, but you were struggling to perform as well as you usually do due to the restriction of your new outfit. You knew to expect this, but it was still frustrating beyond belief. 

You were too scared to look at Az to see how he was doing, because you had a suspicion that he was going to win today. And you couldn’t look at the smirk he would wear when he realized that too. You’d want to punch him too badly. And his face was too perfect to fuck up.

But one peak wouldn’t kill you. When you looked up, Azriel was staring at you. But not your face, no. He was looking directly at your ass. Normally you would’ve said something, with the hopes that it would throw him off of his game. But you decided to ride this out a bit longer. Maybe continuing to let your glorious behind distract him would land you the win after all. 

And it seemed to be working, because after catching him looking at you, he’d been struggling. After every arrow he shot, he let out a frustrated growl. None of them were landing where he wanted them to. It took all of your strength not to laugh.

Males were so predictable. If all it took to guarantee your victory was wearing a pair of extra tight leather pants, then you were about to be on a winning streak. 

A part of you found it cute. Azriel was so flushed and beside himself, and it was honestly adorable. 

Before you knew it, training was over and everyone was headed to their respective destinations. Azriel was quick to make his leave, probably to go sulk in his chambers about his tragic loss. 

You opted to head to the library. Last night, you were up later than you should’ve been reading your book. You ended up finishing it on accident. It was too good to put down. So you were on a quest for your next story to get lost in. 

The library was a very peaceful place. The smell of the parchment combined with the white noise and ambient lighting could lull you to sleep. There were countless nights where you would accidentally fall asleep in an arm chair, with a book resting on your chest. Azriel would sometimes carry you to your room, claiming that the chairs were uncomfortable and he didn’t want you to be stiff at training the next day. Then it wouldn’t be as fun beating you. 

Azriel was an avid reader too. You often stumbled into him in the library, and sometimes you would chat for a while.

So it was no surprise when you found Azriel sitting in the very armchair where you’ve slumbered, reading a book. 

You cleared your throat to make your presence known. He looked up, and you could see the flush return to his face at the sight of you. Still clad in those gods damned leathers.

“You alright?” You ask him. He just nods with a grunt in return.

Sighing, you sit on the chair across from his. “We all have our bad days, Az. Sulking won’t change anything.”

Annoyance was clear on his face. “I’m not sulking. I’m thinking.”

You raised your brow. “Thinking? About what? Your monumental loss today?”

To your surprise, your snide remark didn’t bother him as much as you meant it to. He just seemed to remain still, a look of contemplation adorning his features. 

“No sassy response? Gods, Azriel, you must really be going through it. Were you distracted today?” You ask. You wondered if he could pick up on the slight provocation in your tone.

His eyes finally met yours. “You could say that.”

You stood up and began pacing around the bookshelves near him. “And what, may I ask, were you distracted by?”

Before he could answer, you deviously stood up on your toes to reach a book. You knew this angle did many favors for your ass. And you prayed Azriel was looking. This was too much fun.

He was, in fact, looking directly at your ass. You observed him do so, and his eyes slowly returned to yours. 

“Do you like my new leathers? I feel like I look ridiculous, but Feyre and Mor seem to like them. What do you think?”

The color drained from his face. “I-uh…they look n-nice. You wear them well.”

Butterflies erupted in your stomach. “Thank you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go read in my bed. See you at dinner, Shadowsinger.”

You walked away from him, making sure to sway your hips a bit more than usual. 

You couldn’t wait for training tomorrow. 

--------------------

Let me know if you'd be interested in reading a smutty Part 2 👀

#azriel x reader #azriel x you #azriel fanfiction #azriel shadowsinger #azriel #acotar x reader #acotar #acomaf #acofas #acosf #sarah j maas #acotar imagine

[fieldofdaisiies]

Azriel x Reader | Lose You to Love Me pt. 2

type: angst warning(s): mentions of previous depression, depressive thoughts, questioning the meaning of one’s life, gloomy word count: 2.5k  summary/request: part 2 to LYTLM + @azrielsbabyg Hi can you write a fic where reader broke the bond with az cuz she was going through shit and he thought it was because of him. But then years years later he sees her at a rubber court ball and is like huh she seems happy. But then smth in him tells him she isn't and yk he confronts her??

-all rights reserved- 

Music sounds in Azriel’s ears, faint and seemingly so far away although he is in the middle of a big crowd. He stands straight, hands folded behind his back, his shoulder’s squared, shadows calm around his figure. The High Lord and Lady have just wished a Happy Solstice upon everyone and now it is time to celebrate.

Celebrating…a word that tastes strange on Azriel’s tongue. His heart sinks when he ponders about the word. 

He hasn’t celebrated in years, since the moment you have left him. Since then his heart has been empty, the bond dull, dead, and all happiness has been stolen from him. His heart has been left in pieces that moment and even though many have tried to repair it there was no hope for it. 

Your departure has wrecked him and since then the shadowsinger has only existed anymore, wondering every day if it really was worth living without having you in his life. 

Azriel bows his head at Cassian who shoots him a questioning look from across the dance floor where he is swaying with Nesta. Out of everyone Cassian has been the most empathetic, always being there for Azriel when he needed someone. 

Azriel is happy that Cassian still has his Nesta, that he can sway with her over the dancefloor, careless, free and happy. Happy…the word sounds strange, foreign, leaving a bitter taste behind because it is something the shadowsinger hasn’t felt in years. 

And then there is this other emotion, something so strong, so poignant, so suffocating. Jealousy. 

Yes, dammit, Azriel is jealous. His gaze moves to his brother Rhys, sitting upon his throne, Feyre next to him, their hands intertwined. Glancing over at Cassian and Nesta who still happily dance, a stray tear appears in the spymaster’s eye and he averts his gaze, only for it to land on Mor and Emerie, who have finally found their way to each other. Mor is no longer scared of loving Emerie in public and wants to show her partner to everyone, especially to her parents. 

Azriel clenches his jaw and swallows the pain that makes his throat burn. His gaze moves to the ground, his hands clenched tighter behind his back. 

“The house close to temple?”

One moment his gaze was on the ground, now…now it is focused on the person just a few metres away from him. Everything stops when his eyes fall on your figure, dressed in the most beautiful black gown he has ever seen you in, your hair swept up, large pearl earrings in your ears.

You laugh, tipping your head back while you are talking to a female from the Hewn City. Azriel does not know her, does not care who she is. His focus is on you, on you only. Azriel shoulders are hunched when he tries to make out what you are talking about. His eyes follow the movement of your lips and when he gives you a once over again, his heart beat stops. 

You are his mate, his one true love and nothing has changed about that in all the years you have been gone. Awareness dawns on him that he still loves you just the same and this thought…this thought is painful, stretching out, sinking its sharp fangs into Az’s heart like a hungry viper. He shudders, his eyes trained on his mate, his only chance at true love, on you. 

The breath gets knocked from his lungs just like all those centuries ago when his eyes trail over all your little details, over the smile on your face. 

And it is this smile on your face – this smile that does not reach your eyes, that tells him his that you aren’t really happy. It is a mask, a fals facade. You are pretending.

His feet move on their own accord, so fast he can't stop. They carry him over the ground, through the room and make him stop right in front of you. His expression his gloomy, his whole body rigid, no words leaving his mouth when you turn to him, startled by the sudden appearance of a tall presence behind you. 

Your breathing halts when you notice who is standing behind you, this familiar warmth, this familiar scent—

Your eyes widen when you fully turn, eyes lifting to his. A shudder courses through your body, like icy fingers curling around your spine, slowly crawling upwards. Ragged breaths leave you, eyes barely able to hold his gaze.

Your lips, that all of a sudden feel so dry, part. “Azriel.” The breathy whisper of your voice is like a feather brushing over Azriel’s skin, so soft, so gentle.

Oh, has he been longing, yearning, to hear your voice just once again. And now you are here, right in front of him, speaking his name with your wonderful, mellifluous voice. 

“Y/N,” Azriel says in a cold voice, in a voice that is unfamiliar to you. There is so much bitterness, so much hurt in it, you barely recognise it. Azriel’s mouth is pinched, he wears a shattered expression, when pure and utter pain flickers in his eyes.

“How have you been?” 

You desperately want to say good. Because that is what you have wanted. You have wanted to be happy and you have been. You have been healing, slowly learning how to be happy on your own, until your soul started longing, yearning for its equal, for its other half.

You have missed Azriel, a strong and powerful feeling, that has never vanished since it sparked first around a year after you have left him. That year before it, you used to heal, to grow on your own and you had managed it. 

But since a long time after that a feeling of loneliness, or hopelessness has overcome you. You hated yourself for it, for never being able to be happy. Because you know that you could never have the one thing that would make you happy, that would make you complete again. Because, would Azriel really take you back? Want you back?

You left him back then, he has probably moved on, you have thought. 

But maybe this thought has been wrong. As he is standing here in front of you, with so much pain but also hopefulness in his eyes, you get the impression that he might have missed you the same.

But could he ever forgive you for hurting him so much? Could he understand your reasons?

And more importantly: Could you ever forgive yourself for hurting him so much?

You know you could never–you have broken his heart, shattered it, stamped on it because you focused on yourself back then. On yourself only, didn’t you?

“Hm?” Azriel’s voice is gentle, drawing your attention back to him. Your lips part when you inhale a deep breath. Pulling a strand of hair out of the bun on top of your head and moving it forward, you start playing with it, feeling your skin prickle and anxiety sweep into your body. You don’t want to hurt him again. You don't know what to answer, every possible answer could hurt him in some way.

“Good,” you finally admit, forcing a small smile onto your face that definitely does not reach your eyes. Azriel notices this immediately and his brows crease. You have never broken the bond, you just have clamped down the feeling, have tried to ignore it as good as possible. You have felt his hurt, until the point where you could really somehow turn it off. But now, standing here in front of him, this is no longer possible. The bond comes alive again, all sorts of emotions flooding you, washing over you in tidal waves. 

A gloomy sigh leaves Azriel when he bows his head slowly. “That is good to hear. I am happy for you.” And gods, his voice is tearful, breaks with the last spoken syllable so you quickly reach for him, for his upper arm, curling your fingers around the familiar hard biceps.

“That does not mean I did not miss you.”

Relief visible fills every fiber of the shadowsinger, something like hope reaching you through the bond, the taste it leaves at the bake of your mouth fresh and sweet. 

I missed you like hell, Azriel wants to say, so much it broke me, shattered me. But he cannot. The words die down in his throat, the only thing on his mind the question why you have left him back then.

“Why did you leave?" Azriel asks, the words slipping through his lips before he can stop them from tumbling out. He brings one hand up, brushing it through his hair. The movement makes you feel nostalgic. You loved doing that, brushing through his hair when he was sleeping, head resting on your lap. This thought, this memory, makes tears burn behind your eyes and you swallow thickly, the lump in your throat growing. 

“I just needed space,” you whisper, the people around you seemingly vanishing into nothing. It is just you and Az now. 

“And I didn’t give you enough space?”

You did, you think, but I wasn’t in a good place back then. It was my fault. 

You draw in a deep inhale, your eyes filled with sorrow and pain when you look deep into his. “I am sorry.” “For leaving?” “For not—can we talk somewhere in private?”

Azriel obviously agrees, guiding you through the crowd of people, leading you out into the corridor  outside the throne room. “For?” he asks before giving you a chance to answer. His presence fills the hallways, shadows coming alive around him, probably by your presence. They have always loved you. Azriel, even though he is so tall, has a closed body posture, arms crossed in front of his chest, avoiding eye contact now that you are alone, staring at the wall behind you.

“For not giving you an appropriate reason for my departure.”

You take one step back, wanting to look at him fully, and meet with the cold, hard stone behind you. You wince when your naked back comes in contact with the cool surface, Azriel's gaze immediately shooting to yours. The spymaster widens his stance, eyes trailing over your figure. 

“What was the reason?” You hang your head low when you feel one tear leave your eye, slowly sliding down your cheek. It is Azriel who catches it, tipping your head up with his scarred hand.

The moments your gazes clash you cannot hold back, the tears are coming in waves, rushing out of you like waterfalls.

“I couldn’t drag you down with me. I needed to find myself on my own. I needed to fight my demons on my own. I didn’t want you to have to go through this with me.” Pain laces his features, his eyes when the shadowsinger cradles your face in both his hands, his palms surprisingly warm in the cool corridor. “I am your mate. I would have helped you fight against all those demons.” His voice is so soft, so gentle, so full of love.

You move your own hands over his, meeting his gaze through a blurry vision. “I know. And I only realised this too late. But I didn’t want you to hurt. Didn’t want to bother you with my—“ Azriel pulls you to his chest, your figure, just as it always used to be, perfectly fitting against his. You melt against him when Azriel kisses the top of your head, arms moving around shoulders. 

“I am you mate. Nothing has changed about that. You are allowed to bother me with your problems. You have always been. You are and have always been my priority. You were always the most important person in my life, even when you were gone, even when I lay in bad, tossing and turning, haunted by nightmares, even now, you are the most important person in my life. My mate.” 

Azriel tips your had back, forcing your eyes to meet his. “My equal. My wife. My love. My home. My forever.”

“I never stopped loving you.” Your voice is raspy, filled with so much pain, so much regret.

“And I never stopped loving you. You broke my heart, ripped it out, I was shattered, but part of me always loved you. Will always love you. And will never stop loving you. Endlessly and entirely.”

You shudder, shoulders and chest heaving with soft sobs. Azriel’s own body shakes, holding your trembling one, providing the support you really need in this moment. The support he has always given you, but you at one point were not ready to accept that support. Even though leaving back then and fighting this battle on your own was the best decision, a feeling of immense regret and remorse fills you.

Your heart fully cracks open when the male in front of you breaks. He tumbles onto you, tearing up, weeping when his face falls into the crook of your neck, his hands clawing at your bare back. A low, sobby shout leaves the tall male, his whole figure shaking, large wings lifelessly hanging behind his broad shoulders. You curl your arms around his neck. "Will you ever find forgiveness more me leaving you just like that?” you say. Your voice his calm, your cheek brushing his.

“Yes,” Azriel rasps. “If you can forgive yourself.” He has read your emotions, has felt them through the bond, knows that you feel regret. 

“Az.” “I also made mistakes. I should have know what you went through. I should have—“ “You did everything right. There is no blame on you. I wasn’t just in a place to be able to accept your support.”

Azriel embraces you tightly, his chest heaving against yours.

“I was in such a dark place and I did not want you to have to go there with me.” “I was ready to go there with you. Would always be, to help you get out of there again.” “I know. I was such a fool to not see this." Azriel squeezes you tightly, kissing your shoulder. “You weren’t a fool. You were just blinded by these…thoughts and your emotions. You are not to blame. I don’t blame you. It was what you needed to heal, to fight this battle alone. I am so proud of you for managing to fight your demons.”

 A long moment passes where you just hold each other, breathing the same air, holding onto each other like your lives depend on it. And they probably do. Your souls finally united, bond coming alive after being dull and empty for so long. 

“Be mine again?” Azriel says against your ear, his lips damp and warm.

“Yes.” You kiss the corner of his mouth, curling your arm around his head and pulling him closer to you, holding him, cheeks presses against each other.

“We can work through all of it. Together. You never have to do anything alone.”

“No, never. I know that, Azriel. I know that now.”

The shadowsinger lifts you off the ground, letting your curl your legs around his waist to get a better hold on you. You don't let go off each other for a long momemt, standing in the corridor, hugging, sharing some soft, small pecks here and there, but mostly just embracing the other’s closeness, the feeling of finally being close again, of your souls being reunited. 

This is the start of something new. This is truly forever now.

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

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#azriel x reader #azriel #azriel shadowsinger #azriel angst #azriel acotar #acotar x reader #acotar #acosf

[nikethestatue]

Just wanna throw this out in the world:

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM6c2JMSD/

this creator clearly shows how SJM had to retcon to put Gwyn in the story. Whether that’s good or bad, who knows. But Gwyn was not part of any plot until ACOSF. And it shows how Mor was not there at the rescue, and surprised by it, in ACOMAF. But Gwyn says both Mor and Rhys were there at the time of the rescue. And as the creator mentions, it clearly makes Az NOT her soul rescuer. So like.. if it was suppose to be romantic why wouldn’t she just leave it? I’d love your opinion!

Oh yeah.

When I pointed this out a few years back I was called some choice names....

The original mention of what happened in Sangravah and what Gwyn told Nesta are two completely different events.

There was no Mor. I think in ACOMAF, Mor was the one to actually ask Azriel about Sangravah. No Rhys either. Azriel also didnt mention any rape or any rescue.

It was a retcon. Basically, SJM needed a friend for Nesta in the Library. Emerie, I think was introduced in ACOFAS as a potential friend for Nesta in Illyria. We met het, there was some connection with Cassian, then there was the backstory, to which Nesta could connect. So, if the book took place in Illyria, Nesta would have a friend there.

Instead, the book was moved to HOW. Basically, SJM copied what she planned to do with Emerie intially and introduced Gwyn--she was in the same place as Nesta. They both shared a traumatic background. They then found common ground via the workouts and to create another tenuous connection, she did the whole 'rescue from Sangravah'--because there had to be a reason for Gwyn to be there, and to be placed in the Library. Not every SA victim in Prythian ends up in the Library. Therefore there needed to be some connected to the IC, so she could get assigned to be in the Library.

That's it. "Built-in-friend' basically. And then SJM brought back Emerie though it was more complicated and not as organic, since the distance was an issue.

[lullabestie14]

E/riels on reddit have a panic attack each time Gwyn's name is even mentioned lol. Someone simply compared her with Ariel and they immediately started insisting she's just a side character, and how Ursula would suit her better (they want Gwyn to be evil so bad lmao)

They're sooo obsessed with Gwyn, it's hilarious to watch them cry about her

I swearrr, and the people who always hate on Gwyn are the same six people that i see on every post. They are obsessed with Gwyn more that Gwynriels.

And thier favourite argument is “Gwyn is just a side character.” But Vassa who you want her to have a book with Lucien isn’t.? Emerie who you want her to have a book with Mor isn’t?

They are the biggest hypocrites.

And yes i saw the Ariel one. It’s painfully funny seeing their reaction, they can’t accept that Gwyn does actually have so much in common with Ariel.

I can’t wait for the day when Sarah announce the next acotar being Azriel’s. I have screenshots of their accounts to see their reactions when the book comes out Lol

#elucien #acotar #gwynriel #anti e/riel

[princessofmerchants]

My prediction about the next four books SJM will publish

I wanted to get this down somewhere, in part to process my angst about the possibility of what may come last in this next cluster of book releases 😫 but also to record the plot and character threads I am seeing as important heading into the next stretch of books SJM will release.

This includes HOFAS, ACOTAR, and TOG spoilers so it's after the break.

DISCLAIMER: These are just my guesses based on various interviews SJM has given both before and after the HOFAS release — THE ONLY SERIES BOOK THAT'S CONFIRMED IN THIS LIST IS ACOTAR5 BEING NEXT, and with that one, the main characters and plot threads I'll mention have also not yet been confirmed (beyond an avalanche of textual evidence 👀)

So, here are my predictions, circa 1.5 weeks after HOFAS was released:

➡️NEXT: ACOTAR5 - Az/Gwyn + Nesta and the Valkyries (which should also include Mor, ideally in a shared storyline with Emerie), Illyria / Ramiel / the Prison (and maybe a return of the pegasuses to Prythian), Gwydion and Truth Teller (not to mention the other two Made blades Nesta forged in ACOSF - also will Narben make an appearance? 👀), and I also think the first part of the Autumn Court drama may be told in this book - the truth about what happened between Mor and Eris, Beron's ongoing treachery, and Beron may die in this book making Eris High Lord (though some of these items may also be in ACOTAR6 instead - I do think the Mor and Eris story needs to come out in ACOTAR5 though, for Az to make peace with his 500 years of pining for her)

➡️FOLLOWED BY: A Throne of Glass crossover book - Shifter Fae + humans, more history and context about when the ancient Erilea Fae world-jumped to Midgard and served the Asteri, a story that creates threads and connections (of some kind, no idea how, and not sure which ToG characters it would entail) to Lidia (deer shifter with fire magic a la Aelin), Tharion (and the Mer as a people - ToG stans, remind me, were there mer in the ToG series at all? I'm pretty sure Rigelus says they hailed from the same world as the wolves and other Midgard shifters - I've read ToG in full but not as closely as ACOTAR and CC), and Ithan (wolf shifter with ice magic a la Dorian)

➡️THEN I AM THINKING: CC4: House of Many Waters - This would be the continuation of the story threads SJM did not resolve or finish by the end of HOFAS: Lidia's "service" to the Ocean Queen (and more RuhnLidia story with Brann and Ace 😍), Tharion/Sathia with Flynn and their earth magic / Avallen and the pegasuses, Ithan as the new Prime of the Wolves (and something with Perry - why did the antidote fade for her so fast?), Firstlight Zero, widespread distribution of the antidote, Ariadne (where did she go??!), and maybe more portal hopping to Prythian for Bryce, Hunt, Ember, and Randall (OH and maybe Ruhn here too, to get him in the same room as Rhys 👀) to further develop the cross-world friendships we saw forming in HOFAS

➡️WHICH MEANS FOURTH IN SJM'S AIRPLANE TAXI LINE WOULD BE (SOBS): ACOTAR6 - Elain/Lucien, Band of Exiles, Firebird retelling, Koschei, the mortal queens, and the conclusion of the big magical conflict that began with the finding of the Dread Trove in ACOSF, not to mention the Archeron sisters finally acknowledging and healing all of their familial baggage that was born from their collective and generational hardships from their time as humans (so Elain also coming to terms with her Seer powers and being Fae / no longer human - also answering the question: What happened when Elain went into the Cauldron?), I also think some of the Autumn Court drama would play out in this story Helion/Lady Autumn and Lucien's heritage (Day Court heir?), as well as more information about Papa Archeron from the time period of ACOWAR when Lucien traveled with him (LOTS of processing complex and problematic parents in this one!)

Again, these are JUST MY IDEAS - the ToG book guess is based on SJM saying after ACOTAR5 she's excited about the world her next book will be in which she implied was not the CC or ACOTAR world, and which will be emotional for her because of "who may pop up" - if that doesn't scream a return to her to the ToG universe then I don't know what would.

Then the 3rd and 4th predictions follow from that 2nd one being ToG and what I think she may focus on in it to add layers to her crossover - which seems like something she would want to do after how much work she's put into it so far.

I think there's a stronger and deeper fanbase for ACOTAR6 than there will be for CC4, so I think that could impact a decision to write and release CC4 first (since us ACOTAR stans would wait decades for the conclusion of that story and still buy a bazillion copies of it).

WHICH MEANS (SOBS), if these books are released one every 1.5 years on average... It may be quite a few years until we get our Elucien book 😭 ACOMAF came out in 2016. It would be PAST 2026 when ACOTAR6 gets released, over 10 years, until we get to see what actually comes of Elain's and Lucien's mating bond, if the above winds up bring true.

I swear, Eluciens are going to get the trophy for longest wait to see these two in their endgame, bless our patient souls 🏆

(There is always a chance the last two in the list will be in reverse order, with ACOTAR6 followed by CC4, but even if that winds up being the case, it would still be three books from now for ACOTAR6.)

#these are just my predictions #hofas spoilers #post hofas discussion #sarah j maas #house of flame and shadow #crescent city #acotar #a court of thorns and roses #throne of glass #tog crossover #acotar 5 #acotar 6 #crescent city 4 #house of many waters #elucien #gwynriel #ruhnlidia #emorie #satharion #nesta archeron #valkyries #azriel #gwyneth berdara #tharion ketos #ithan holstrom #lidia cervos #ruhn danaan #lucien vanserra #elain archeron