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acourtofswiftiesandshadowdaddies · 3 months

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Listen- I had an idea. I was thinking about a Lucien Vanserra and the reader feeking the bond snap? But Lucien feeling like he's not worthy of her but she tells him how pretty his eyes are? Even with the scar? I was thinking of adding the prompt 32 angst and 12 fluff maybe.

Scars and All

Lucien x Archeron!reader, Helion x reader (father, daughter dynamic)

Warnings: angst, swearing, fluff

Prompts: Fluff- “I wish you could see the way I see you,” Angst- “You… why did it have to be you?”

Summary: The youngest Archeron sister has always been ignored and rejected by everyone. When she finally finds her mate in the Day Court who thought her heart could’ve broken more at the rejection of someone who was made to love her?

a/n i legit could not find any good headers for this so i downloaded 6 billion of them from pinterest, my sister had made this dress for herself and i had direct access to it thats why the description is so long 😭 im trying a new thing with describing facial features and stuff like that more lmk if u like it or not. ✨ not edited ✨

There was a ball in Day Court, almost all high fae were invited, and as the sister in law to the High Lord of Night Court it was compulsory for all of us to be there.

The dress I'm wearing is a masterpiece of intricacy and elegance, designed to captivate and command attention. Crafted from the finest materials, it combines delicate silk and ethereal lace, creating a harmonious blend of softness and sensuality. The color chosen is a rich midnight blue, reminiscent of the starry night sky that blankets the Night Court.

The bodice of the dress is a work of art, adorned with intricate silver and sapphire beadwork that accentuates the curves of the wearer. It plunges low, revealing a hint of the wearer's décolletage, while thin, delicate straps grace the shoulders, adding a touch of allure. The back of the dress dips in a graceful V, teasing a glimpse of smooth, exposed skin.

From the waist, the dress cascades into a flowing skirt, made of layers of diaphanous silk that sways with every step. The fabric is sheer and airy, allowing a tantalizing view of the wearer's legs as she moves, creating an alluring dance between modesty and seduction. The hemline is asymmetrical, with delicate lace trim that adds a touch of whimsy and femininity.

As I move, the dress catches the light, shimmering and sparkling like a constellation in the moonlit sky. It exudes an air of confidence and sophistication, empowering the woman who wears it to embrace her inner strength and beauty.

The dress wasn't my first choice though. My first choice was an indigo dress with a sweetheart neckline, that showed just enough of my cleavage to not be named as slutty. It had a slit that showed my whole right leg, but Elain had liked that dress after she saw it in my wardrobe, so I gave it to her.

She always got what she wanted.

I wasn't a type of feminine beauty like my sisters. They all had graceful features and beautiful dainty blonde hair. Nesta and I were the most similar with our sharp features.

But that's where the similarities ended.

My hair was a lustrous cascade of ebony strands, shimmered like a moonless night sky, reflecting an ethereal sheen with every subtle movement. Its glossy surface captured the light, revealing depths of darkness that held an irresistible allure.

Once I had slipped my heels on, I headed down the stairs where everyone else was waiting for me. My lips curved into a sly smile when everyone's attention was on me, glancing over the room, my eyes stopped at Elain. Her dress (my dress) was falling at all the wrong places.

She wasn't as curvy as me, Nesta and Feyre. I don't get why she would want the dress, it's obviously not fitting her properly. Ignoring Elain's incessant huffing, I head to Nesta and Cassian.

“You look absolutely breathtaking tonight, sister,” I compliment, giggling.

“I love this dress on you,” she gushes.

Nesta was my best friend, my confidant, the sister who cared for me.

“But I would’ve loved to have seen the other dress on you,” she continues. “You shouldn’t have given it to Elain,”.

“Oh it’s fine, look at the absolute beauty I have found instead,” I reassure.

“Elain are you sure you don’t want to change your dress,” Feyre asks.

Nesta and I snicker behind our hands, Elain turns around towards us and I watch in glee as her faces turns into a scowl.

“I’m fine can we leave already” she snaps.

Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.

Cassian winnows Nesta, Rhysand and Feyre, Azriel and Elain, while Mor winnows me.

Landing outside the day court palace, I mentally take in the beauty of the place. The sandy blocks making the palace and the beautiful candles hung at every corner. There truly is no darkness.

I look down at my dress, skepticism glazes over my face. I shouldn’t have worn such an eye catching dress.

How was I meant to know that there would be lights everywhere?

Cauldron fucking boil me.

After some mindless chatter with Feyre about how excited she is to show me her paintings. We’re escorted inside to see the High Lord of the Day Court lounging on his throne, looking like the childish playboy he is. Even though he was centuries old.

His beauty was otherworldly, the way his onyx locks cascaded down his back like they were paid to do so. Piercing amber orbs stared down at everyone. Clad in only a white fabric that was draped over him, he had an easy going presence to him. The sharp points of his golden crown glinting under the bright lights.

But the vision next to him put the Night Court stars to a shame. He was the sun personified. Tan skin, lighter than his father’s but darker than mine. Auburn red hair, similar to his father’s in length, rested along his back. A scar ran from just above his eyebrow to his jaw. His eyes met mine, maroon and golden. His features picked apart weren’t attractive but somehow together on him, he looked like a god.

My breath caught in my throat as my eyes blurred in and out of focus. Once they went back to normal I saw a single golden thread tugging. My eyes followed the thread back to Lucien.

I ran outside. Mother’s tits, I found my mate.

I gave an experimental tug on the bond revelling in the feeling of being complete. Tugging on it again, I let him know I wanted to see him.

Sitting there on the roof, I waited for five minutes, then ten, soon twenty and as quickly as my hope had been born it had faded away. But still remnants of it remained, maybe he couldn’t get away so soon, after all he was the heir to the Day Court.

Holy shit, he was the heir to the Day Court, what if he wanted nothing to do with me?

My thoughts spiralled one after the other.

A throat cleared behind me. Turning around to look at Lucien, I beckon him over.

“I’m Y/N, I already know who you are so introductions won’t be necessary” My attempt at a joke fails.

Finally taking a closer look at his face, I take in the pained expression. “Are you all right?” concern laces my voice, I stand up and whisper, “Have you had enough to eat you look like you’re about to pass out,”.

I’m about to leave and grab him some food, when he speaks, “You… why did it have to be you?”.

I freeze in place, I don’t dare to turn around. My mind flashes with memories of Feyre not wanting to teach me archery because she was busy, or how the boys at Rita’s never even looked at me, or how Elain took it upon herself to make me hate everything about me, or how everyone had their other half and I had just found mine. But not even a full hour of knowing me he hated me.

And somehow after all those years of rejection, self hatred and jealousy my heart broke one last time.

I assume he could feel it through the bond, as I wasn’t all that used to blocking people out of my mind yet.

I run down the stairs to get off the roof, to get as far away from him as possible.

Finally, finding an unoccupied balcony on the opposite side of the palace, I settled there, sobbing my broken heart out. The kohl from my eyes streaming down my face. My fingers red from rubbing my stinging eyes.

I looked around at the material of the dress pillowing around me. Such a waste of such a breathtaking dress.

Soft crying filled the room, my ears were ringing as I hadn’t heard the High Lord of Day Court enter.

“My dear, may I ask what’s wrong?” He asked, worry evident in his voice.

Gasping I stood up and did a sorry excuse of a curtesy, “High Lord” I bowed my head.

“Helion is fine,”

He sat down right next to the place where I was sitting. His muscled arm gently tapped the spot beside him as an invitation.

I sit down, smoothing my skirts out.

As if he can sense the awkwardness he clears his throat and says “We can stay quiet or we can talk about my son or your mate?”.

My eyes widen in shock. “How do you know me?” I mutter out.

“Sunshine I’m the High Lord of Day Court and unbeknownst to you, Rhysand talks a lot about you during meetings so most of the high lords consider you a little sister, but for me you’re like the daughter I never had,” he confesses.

A man I had not met before today, considered me his daughter, and six other high lords think of me as a little sister. My eyes well up in tears, my father had been one of the only people other than Nesta to ever truely care about me. And I had cried for months when he died.

To have someone think of me as their daughter again brought out a fresh wave of tears.

As if reflex, my head rests against Helion’s shoulder, we gaze into the night sky, in a comfortable silence. A strong hand reaches out and softly taps my head in a soothing rhythm.

“It’s ok sunshine.” he whispers.

After a while my tears stain my cheeks, Helion speaks up “I think you should give your mate another chance, I think you’ve mistaken his intentions,”.

Taking in his advice, I wordlessly stand up and hug the high lord. “Thank you” I breathe out.

Pulling away, I walk through corridors in search of Lucien.

A hand grabs mine and pulls me into a dark corner, while another hand muffles my screams.

I’m about to put the training Cassian gave me into use when I see a familiar pair of mismatched eyes.

“You can’t scream, I just wanted to talk to you,” he pleaded. Once his hand reluctantly leaves my mouth, I nod as a signal for him to keep going.

“When I said what I said before, I didn’t mean it as if you weren’t good enough for me,” he started. “I meant it as I didn’t think I was good enough for you.” My eyes soften at his words. “I mean yes I am devastatingly handsome,” I roll my eyes at his smug words, unable to hide my own smile when his lips twitch upwards.

“But I don’t think I could ever be good enough for you, a thousand lifetimes over,” he whispers, impossibly close to me but at the same time painfully far away.

“I wish you could see yourself the way I see you, Lucien,” I mumble cupping his cheek. “Please have me,” he murmurs.

I grab his face gently and fuse our lips together.

“I’m yours, if you’re mine,”

a/n i’m sorry girl dad!helion is just too good to resist and like imagine being like a little sister to all the high lords (instead of heron it’d be eris), hope you like it anon 🫶🏻

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bats2102 · 2 months

Text

ACOWAR set up an Elain+Lucien Book

ACOWAR is Elucien coded. This book lays out all the major plot points, characters, and powers that will shape the relationship between Elain and Lucien. As I revisited ACOWAR, I couldn't help but notice a ton of textual evidence hinting at a final pairing between them.

For those who disagree that Lucien demonstrates any traits that correlate to a mating bond, I encourage you to actually look at Lucien’s behavior and actions through the ACOWAR novel. And if you are not interested in re-reading the novel, that’s okay I brought receipts.

This analysis will provide compelling evidence of the Elucien connection and illuminate how ACOWAR lays the groundwork for their future storyline. Below are the main areas that will be explored, each accompanied by corresponding headers.

Early Mate Behavior

Lucien’s introspection and selflessness

Primal mate behavior and the BOND BONDING

Parallels between their “souls” and characters

Lucien’s Devotion to Elain

The Internal conflict regarding bond

Future plot/story

And for good measure: Amren thinking Lucien is also Hot AF (ACOWAR edition)

Early Mate Behavior

Lucien demonstrates mate behavior early as page 10 in ACOWAR by showing concern and determination to find Elain, whom he believes is being kept by Rhysand. Feyre, however, counters Lucien's determination by dismissing the significance of the mating bond between him and Elain. She argues that the mating bond is merely a physical reaction and implies that Lucien's actions are driven by instinct rather than genuine emotional connection to Elain. Feyre tries to undermine the legitimacy of Lucien's feelings by suggesting that he's being controlled by the bond and doesn't truly know Elain.

In response, Lucien challenges Feyre's perspective by drawing a parallel to her own situation with Rhysand. Countering that if that were the case it would apply to her bond to Rhys as well. He questions whether her relationship with Rhysand a physical reaction is also just, implying that their bond might be more than Feyre is willing to acknowledge.

“Despite what Jurian implied regarding how my sisters will be treated by Rhysand, I had told him, despite what the Night Court is like, they won’t hurt Elain or Nesta like that—not yet. Rhysand has more creative ways to harm them. Lucien still seemed to doubt it (ACOWAR pp.10)”

Lucien breathed, “Where is he keeping her?” I knew who he meant. I shook my head. “I don’t know. Rhysand has a hundred places where they could be, but I doubt he’d use any of them to hide Elain, knowing that I’m aware of them.” “Tell me anyway. List all of them.” “You’ll die the moment you set foot in his territory.” “I survived well enough when I found you.” “You couldn’t see that he had me in thrall. You let him take me back.” Lie, lie, lie. But the hurt and guilt I expected weren’t there. Lucien slowly released his grip. “I need to find her.” “You don’t even know Elain. The mating bond is just a physical reaction overriding your good sense.” “Is that what it did to you and Rhys?” A quiet, dangerous question. But I made fear enter my eyes, let myself drag up memories of the Weaver, the Carver, the Middengard Wyrm so that old terror drenched my scent. “I don’t want to talk about that,” I said, my voice a rasping wobble. (ACOWAR pp. 12-13)

Lucien's strong commitment to Elain's safety, is not solely driven by their bond it is also powered by his past experiences and concerns about Rhys's reputation. Unable to confirm Elain's well-being, he fears she may be subjected to the Night Court's dark reputation, intensifying his urgency to locate her. We know as readers that elain is not being harmed in her stay in NC, however Lucien has only known NC to be a place of horror thus the inability to confirm Elain's safety leads Lucien to contemplate the possibility that the Night Court's notorious reputation is being imposed upon her, adding an extra layer of concern and urgency.

“She is my mate and in my enemy’s hands—” “I’ve made no secret from the start that Elain is safe and cared for.” “And I’m supposed to believe you.” “Yes,” I hissed. “You are. Because if I believed for one moment that my sisters were in danger, no High Lord or king would have kept me from going to save them.” He just shook his head, the candlelight dancing over his hair. “You have the gall to question my priorities regarding Elain—yet what was your motive where I was concerned? Did you plan to spare me from your path of destruction because of any genuine friendship, or simply for fear of what it might do to her?” I didn’t answer.

If you are going to re-read a portion of the novel, I implore you to read pages 145-150 (Kindle edition) of ACOWAR. This portion of the novel really provides a look at character dynamics, Lucien’s loyalty, themes of trust and betrayal, and foreshadows future conflicts. Lucien argues that he NEEDS TO SEE elain safe, and he was willing to stand up against his perceived enemy the NC to ensure that is achieved. From his perspective, he likely sees parallels between the Night Court's actions and Tamlin's treatment of Feyre. Rather than escalating tensions or reacting rashly to the complexities of the mating bond, Lucien opts for a measured response: "There is a longer story to be told, it seems (ACOWAR pp.146-147). This response defuses the immediate tension and allows for further discussion without further antagonizing Rhysand. Lucien's choice to stand down and patiently await the chance to see Elain underscores his unwavering commitment to her well-being and his understanding of the delicate circumstances at hand, showcasing his loyalty and depth of character.

Lucien’s introspection and selflessness

And you know what Lucien does next, he listens to Feyre’s story. He actively listens to her story, willing to acknowledge and understand her expirences while reflecting on his own role, he doesn’t dismiss her words or react indifferently:

“So, I told him. All of it—the story that perhaps would help him understand. And realize how truly safe Elain was—he now was (p.149)

“I hadn’t realized I was a villain in your narrative,” Lucien breathed. “You weren’t.” Not entirely. (P.150)”

This shows a level of introspection and self-awareness on Lucien's part, as he acknowledges the possibility that his actions may have been seen in a negative light by others. (Which I could argue almost all characters in the series do not reflect on the consequences of their actions and their effect on others. So pro self-reflective Lucien!)

When Lucien request Feyre to tell him about elain. He takes Feyre’s assessment of her sister in this passage “Elain would put on a hat and gloves and kneel in the dirt, weeding. She acted like a purebred lady in every regard but that (ACOWAR pp.13)” and runs with it. He LISTENED to Feyre’s description of elain so closely that he knew she would wear gloves when she gardened and considered in the next book (ACOSAF) that it would be a suitable gift to give her gloves, that is thoughtful, and I will not argue otherwise.

Furthermore, when this man is telling Feyre how he was SA during calanmai, rather than focusing on himself in regard to this traumatic expirences, he is worried of what elain will think of this situation. Lucien was SA and his thoughts were still centered to the care of elain.

But Lucien … “You took Ianthe into that cave on Calanmai?” He wouldn’t meet my gaze. “She insisted. Tamlin was … Things were bad, Feyre. I went in his stead, and I did my duty to the court. I went of my own free will. And we completed the Rite.” No wonder she’d backed off him. She’d gotten what she wanted. “Please don’t tell Elain,” he said. “When we—when we find her again,” he amended. (ACOWAR pp 33)

Primal mate behavior and the BOND BONDING (just evidence of their bond, for those who want to invalidate it)

“But Lucien’s attention went right to the hallway toward the back, his nostrils flaring as he scented Elain’s direction. And who she’d gone with. A low snarl slipped out of him— “Relax,” Rhys said. “Azriel isn’t the ravishing type.” Lucien cut him a glare. (p.254)

“It felt … strange,” Elain breathed. “Like you pulled on a thread tied to a rib.” Lucien exposed his palms to her. “I’m sorry.” Elain only stared at him for a long moment. (pp.301)

“There’s a bond—it’s a real thread,” he said, more to himself than us. “And?” Mor asked. Lucien ran both hands through his long red hair. His skin was darker—a deep golden-brown, compared to the paleness of Eris’s coloring. “And I got to Elain’s end of it when she ran off.” “Did you sense anything?” “No—I didn’t have time. I felt her, but …” A blush stained his cheek. Whatever he’d felt, it wasn’t what we were looking for. Even if we had no idea what, precisely, that was. “We can try again—another day,” I offered. Lucien nodded but looked unconvinced. (p.302)

Being the one to trust elain’s visions and act upon them. Also, everyone else being concerned about their bond if something happened to him.

He only glanced at Elain, whose face was again a calm void while she traced a finger over the embroidery on the couch cushions. “Yes. Let me help in whatever way I can.” Even Nesta seemed relatively concerned. Not for him, no doubt, but the fact that if he were hurt, or killed … What would it do to Elain? The severing of the mating bond … I shut out the thought of what it’d do to me.

Lucien is the one to ask for a healer to see elain, he recognizes that elain went through trauma, LUCIEN WAS the one who verbally acknowledge elain went through trauma.

“It wouldn’t hurt to have a healer look her over. Externally and internally.” I was tired enough that I could barely summon the breath to ask, “Do you think the Cauldron made her insane?” “I think she went through something terrible,” Lucien countered carefully. “And it wouldn’t hurt to have your best healer do a thorough examination.” (pp. 288-289)

And you know who thinks Elain’s mate will help her??? MADJA, Why? Because their souls connected

“Does she need further help?” Nesta said through her teeth. The ancient healer jerked her chin toward Lucien. “See what he can do. If anyone can sense if something is amiss, it’s a mate.” “How.” The word was barely more than a barked command. I braced myself to warn Nesta to be polite, but Madja said to my sister, as if she were a small child, “The mating bond. It is a bridge between souls.”

What if Lucien was a gift from the cauldron??

“But what if the Cauldron gave something to Elain?” Nesta’s face drained of color. “What?” Equally ashen, Lucien seemed inclined to echo Nesta’s hoarse question. (p.336)”.

Parallels between their souls and characters

Elain and Lucien’s characters parallel one another and complement each other so splendidly. Lucien being the son of the high lord of day, and elain character first appearing in ACOWAR in a “suite filled with sunlight” in a “chair before the sunniest window (p. 154).”

Elain is further associated with LIGHT and SUNSHINE, through the novel:

“Even wasted away by grief and despair, Elain’s beauty was remarkable. Hers was a face that could bring kings to their knees. And yet there was no joy in it. No light. No life. (p.246)”

The frustration. “What can I get you, Elain?” Only with Elain did she use that voice. But Elain shook her head once more. “Sunshine.” (p.302)

Well would you look at that, elain HERSELF thinks she needs sunshine.

They are both social beings who require light to feel alive:

“Weeks of cloistering Elain had done nothing to improve her state (p.248)”

They both have eyes that allow them to see things that are hidden to others:

“What makes you think you could find her?” Rhys asked. Not rudely, but—from a commander’s perspective. Sizing up the skills Lucien offered against the risks, the potential benefits. “This eye …” Lucien gestured to the metal contraption. “It can see things that others … can’t. Spells, glamours … Perhaps it can help” (p.339)

In the following passage Elain displays agency by taking control of the situation and proposing a plan of action to address a potential threat. She actively engages in decision-making and asserts her autonomy by insisting on speaking to the individual herself, despite objections from others. Similar to Lucien, who just left to find the individuals from elain’s visions and serves as an emissary and prioritizes the protection of his people. Elain steps forward with a plan to negotiate with a potential threat to ensure the safety of those seeking sanctuary.

Elain considered. “I can speak to him.” “No,” I said—at the same moment Nesta did. But Elain cut us off. “If—if you and … they”—a glance at Rhys, my friends—“come with me, your Fae scents might distract the dogs.” “You’re Fae, too,” Nesta reminded her. “Glamour me,” Elain said—to Rhys. “Make me look human. Just long enough to convince him to open his gates to those seeking sanctuary. Perhaps even let you set those wards around the estate.”

Elain also remembers that Lucien was the one to seek out the individual from her vision: “And even with the truth laid bare … none of us told him that Lucien had gone after her. Elain seemed to remember, though. Who was hunting for that missing queen.”

Both characters' aversion to violence highlights their compassionate and empathetic personalities, as well as their desire for peace and harmony. While they may find themselves involved in conflicts due to external circumstances, they both harbor a deep-seated discomfort with the inherent violence of such situations, reflecting their shared values of empathy, kindness, and a preference for peaceful resolutions. The repetition of this in the interaction where Elain reveals she only stabbed the enemy, not made the killing blow, underscores her aversion to violence and her reluctance to engage in battle, mirroring Lucien's own distaste for violence.

“Will—will many of these soldiers die?” I cringed, but Nesta said, “Yes.” I could almost see the unspoken words Nesta reined in. Your mate might die sooner than them, though” (p.485)

The sound as both armies collided … I didn’t have words for it. Elain covered her ears, cringing.

“Well, I never want to fight in another battle as long as I live, but … yes, I’m in one piece.” A faint smile bloomed on Elain’s lips (p. 675)”

Devotion to Elain

This man is devastated by Elain's mental state. Since the bond is a profound connection between two souls, and based on the text, Elain currently doesn't know how to block the bond, it's crucial to consider that every emotion Elain experiences is could also be felt by Lucien. Given her current unwellness, imagine the agony of being told she's fine and safe, only to witness her as a mere "hollow" version of the person described to him, likely feeling every ounce of the despair she's currently enduring.

Lucien was standing in the doorway. And from the devastation on his face, I knew he’d heard every word. Seen and heard and felt the hollowness and despair radiating from her. Elain had always been gentle and sweet—and I had considered it a different sort of strength. A better strength. To look at the of the world and choose, over and over, to love, to be kind. She had been always so full of light. (ACOWAR p. 156)

(Side note: elain being described as light again when at her best)

He saw her in this state than decided that he would be willing to subject himself to Rhysands control and the NC in order to be near her.

“This house is warded against winnowing, both from outside and within. There’s one way out—the stairs to the city. It, too, is warded—and guarded. Please don’t do anything stupid.” “So, am I a prisoner?” I could feel the response simmering in Rhys, but I shook my head. “No. But understand while you may be her mate, Elain is my sister. I’ll do what I must to protect her from further harm.” “I would never hurt her.” A bleak sort of honesty in his words. I simply nodded, loosening a breath, and met Rhysands stare in silent urging.

Lucien is acutely aware that Rhysand intends to exploit Elain's presence in the Night Court to manipulate him. And we know that this is indeed true as evident from Rhysand's own admission, "I trust in the fact that we currently have possession of the one thing he wants above all else (p. 195)," which underscores Rhyland’s strategic mindset. Recognizing Lucien's unwavering commitment to Elain's safety, Rhysand leverages this vulnerability to exert control over Lucien's actions. Moreover, Rhysand manipulates Feyre's perception of Lucien, exploiting her concerns and emphasizing his own ability to sway Lucien's decisions. This manipulation is evident in Rhysand's question to Feyre, "If he got Elain away, back to Spring or wherever … do you believe, deep down, that he wouldn’t sell what he knows? (p.195)." This inquiry serves to sow doubt and uncertainty, further solidifying his hold over Lucien and Feyre's perception of him.

Now from pages p.675-68 there are many important points between elain and Lucien but given how long this already is I will focus on a few. Following the battle, Lucien’s concerns regarding elain’s wellbeing are immediately demonstrated by ensuring her condition. Lucien acknowledges her contribution and shows understanding, indicating a supportive and encouraging dynamic between them. This is shown through Lucien acknowledging that elains visions were correct, the loss of her father, and her contribution to the killing of hyburn. During this elain invites Lucien to velaris (with encouragement of Feyre, she is still the one who said it), and are later seen in close proximity of one another. They are seen walking side by side or falling into step with each other, and there’s an unspoken understanding between them where they seem to intuitively know how to support each other without needing to verbalize their feelings. So, no I do not agree that they are ill suited or do not like being in each other presence, I believe it to be more complicated than that.

Internal conflict regarding bond

To be honest, I'm just going to ask you to read pages 248-254. If you can read this, look into Lucien's thoughts, and believe that Lucien does not demonstrate mate behaviour and that Azriel is the character who understands and has undying devotion to Elain, then you're missing important components illustrated of Lucien's feelings.

Lucien's concern for Elain is palpable as he observes her deteriorating mental and physical state. He feels her pain and suffering deeply, evidenced by his internal turmoil and desire to alleviate her suffering. Despite the risk of facing Rhysand's wrath, Lucien ventures out to seek a moment of respite, yet his primary focus remains on Elain's well-being. In the context of Lucien's guilt regarding Elain and his past relationship with Jesminda, there's a significant emotional burden that he carries. Lucien's guilt could be manifesting in his interactions with Elain, leading to moments of hesitation or emotional distance as he grapples with conflicting emotions. He may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness, believing that he's not deserving of a mating bond with elain due to his unresolved feelings regarding Jesminda death, for which he holds himself responsible. Lucien's guilt regarding his mating bond with Elain and his past relationship with Jesminda adds layers of complexity to his character and relationships.

The highlighted passages below offer a crucial moment in the narrative, revealing the complex dynamics between Lucien and Elain and hinting at future storylines. His unwavering belief in Elain's abilities and the importance of her visions is evident as he volunteers to pursue the truth behind her latest revelation.

As they are left alone together, the potential for significant developments in their relationship becomes apparent, as the deliberate departure of the other characters to create a space for Lucien and Elain to engage in a private conversation, the contents of which remain unknown. The deliberate departure of other characters creates a private space for Lucien and Elain, foreshadowing what could happen if provided the space to properly explore their mating bond.

Before departing, Lucien shares a silent exchange with Elain, their gazes locking in a moment with Lucien’s filled with unspoken longing and sadness. Despite the palpable connection between them, neither Lucien nor Elain vocalizes their emotions, leaving the true nature of their bond ambiguous. Lucien's failure to glance back at Elain and Rhys's departure symbolize the unspoken barriers and uncertainties surrounding their relationship. This poignant moment highlights the intricate dance of emotions between Lucien and Elain, setting the stage for deeper exploration in future narratives.

“There is a reason why Elain is seeing these things. She was right about the other queen turning old, about the Ravens’ attack—why is she being sent this image? Why is she hearing this queen? It must be vital. If we ignore it, perhaps we’ll deserve to fail.” Silence. I surveyed them all. Vital. Each of them was vital here. But me … I sucked in a breath. “I’ll go.” Lucien was staring at Elain as he spoke. We all looked at him. Lucien shifted his focus to Rhys, to me. “I’ll go,” he repeated, rising to his feet. “To find this sixth queen.”

“And for once, my sister rose to her feet and came toward us, the three of us not so subtly heading upstairs. Leaving Lucien and Elain alone. It was an effort not to linger atop the landing, to listen to what was said. If anything was said at all.

Before that dark wind swept in, Lucien looked back. Not to me, I realized—to someone behind me. Pale and thin, Elain stood atop the stairs. Their gazes locked and held. But Elain said nothing. Did not so much as take one step downward. Lucien inclined his head in a bow, the movement hiding the gleam in his eye—the longing and sadness.”

“And when Lucien turned to signal to Rhys to go … He did not glance back at Elain. Did not see the half step she took toward the stairs—as if she’d speak to him. Stop him. Then Rhys was gone, and Lucien with him. When I turned to offer Elain breakfast, she’d already walked away.” (p.345)

Elain's conversation with her fiancé Greyson reveals the complications of her feelings regarding Lucien and the mating bond. Initially, Elain expresses uncertainty and confusion about her desires, admitting that she doesn't know what she wanted when she returned to Greyson. This passage with her literal fiancé illustrates her internal conflict (There is no evidence that elain wants to reject Lucien in the text of ACOWAR). Greyson's refusal to accept Elain's bond with Lucien further exacerbates her emotional turmoil, as she struggles to reconcile her mating bond with her desire for a conventional human male.

Elain’s internal struggle to assert her agency and autonomy in the face of external expectations and societal norms will be important in her character development. Elain's initial denial and resistance pave the way for a journey of self-discovery and growth, where she must confront her fears and insecurities before embracing her true identity and forging a deeper connection with Lucien.

Graysen swallowed. “Did you think you could come back here—live with me as this … lie?” “No. Yes. I—I don’t know what I wanted—” “And you are bound to some … Fae male. A High Lord’s son.” A different High Lord’s heir, likely, I wanted to say. “His name is Lucien.” I wasn’t certain if I’d ever heard his name from her lips. “I don’t care what his name is.” The first sharp words from Graysen. “You are his mate. Do you even know what that means?” “It means nothing,” Elain said, her voice breaking. “It means nothing. I don’t care who decided it or why they did—” “You belong to him.” “I belong to no one. But my heart belongs to you.” Graysen’s face hardened. “I don’t want it.” (pp. 499-500)

The following moment marks a significant turning point in Elain's life as she realizes that her connection with Lucien has severed her ties to her previous human existence. Foreshadow the complexities and conflicts that may arise in Elain and Lucien's relationship, as well as the internal struggles Elain will face in reconciling her human past with her fae future.

“So, Elain silently cried, the tears so unending that I wondered if it was some sign of her heart bleeding out. Some sliver of hope that had shattered today. That Graysen would still love her, still marry her—and that love would trump even a mating bond. A final tether had been snapped—to her life in the human lands. Only our father, wherever he was, remained as any sort of connection.” (p. 503).

Future plot:

Anyways ACOWAR set up elain and Lucien’s future plot lines. Through introducing koschei, elain’s vision, vassas curse (Lucien=spell cleaver, elain=discovered vassa), Tamlin and spring court (after all elain does think the WORLD needs more garden (p.693)) Eris and Lucien’s dynamic, discovering Helion is Lucien’s father, elain mourning her father (Lucien and him knew each other), elain and Lucien discovering their magic (their eyes) ... ect...

And if you want to argue that Azriel has any major role in these plot lines I encourage you to read ACOSF and HOFAS as there is ample evidence that the characters and plots introduced in those novels are more centre to his and Gwyn’s character (I can bring more receipts... as essentially ACOWAR set up nessian and Elucien, and ACOSF set up gwynriel and Mor+em). It is crucial to analyze the plot lines beyond the lens of mere smut and romance, as this narrow focus undermines the depth of storytelling Sarah J. Maas has woven into the narrative. By broadening our perspective, we can fully appreciate the intricacies of the plot and explore the multifaceted dynamics that extend beyond the relationship between the MMC+MFC.

And finally, while I can acknowledge that all these points are directed to an elain and Elucien book. SJM will still and will always have the final say....

Amren thinking Lucien being Hot AF (ACOWAR edition)

Even fucking Amren thinks Lucien is hot af.

But it was Amren who said from the floor, “You should kill Beron and his sons and set up the handsome one as High Lord of Autumn, self-imposed exile, or no. It will make life easier.” “I’ll take that into consideration,” Rhys said, striding toward her while I remained with the others. (p.159)

#elain x lucien #lucien vanserra #acowar #acotar #elain archeron #pro elucien #lucien acotar #pro elain archeron #fated mates #elucien #pro lucien vanserra #acotar series

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xtaketwox · 5 months

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Summary: The Archerons are new to London society. The rumors go that Viscount Archeron brought his daughters to London after the death of their mother in the south of France. Lucien is struck by the beauty of Elain Archeron from the first moment he sees her, but little does he know the Archeron family is hiding a secret that may just get him killed.

Fic Rating: Explicit

Warnings: None

Chapter Word Count: 3639

Master List; Read on AO3

A/N: Many thanks to @itsthedoodle for the header and for beta reading. Let me know if you'd like to be added to a tag list for the rest of the fic.

Chapter 1

“Do try not to look as though you are walking to the gallows.”

Lucien sighed as he walked toward his mother waiting at the top of the staircase. “Perhaps I wouldn’t have to if you hadn’t insinuated I was ready for marriage to every mother in town.”

His mother patted his face when he bent to kiss her cheek. “Not every mother. Only those with unmarried daughters.”

Lucien tried to make his face severe, although as usual, he found it difficult to be severe towards his mother. “I’ll ask that you not interfere in my life like this again. I haven’t been able to go anywhere this week without mothers shoving their daughters in my path.”

His mother sighed. “Seven sons and yet none are married. Can you blame me? I’d like to be a grandmother before I’m dead.”

Lucien scoffed. “You’ve hardly got one foot in the grave, Mother. Besides, I’m only twenty-seven. It’s Eris you should be hounding. He’s nearing forty.”

She sighed again, this time with a tinge of sadness. “Eris is Eris. You know as well as I do, there’s no talking him into something he doesn’t want to do.”

Lucien couldn’t blame Eris for not wanting to get married. None of his half-brothers seemed inclined to continue the Vanserra line. Their father, Beron, the Duke of Ottum, had been a bastard, by all accounts. He had died before Lucien was born, allowing his mother to marry the man she had loved since before she was forced to marry Beron and birth him six children. Lucien was a product of that union, had grown up witnessing how very in love his parents were. He supposed he understood why his mother was eager for him to marry, to perhaps find the same marital bliss she had with Helion, the Duke of Daitonn. What she failed to consider, however, was that marrying for love was nearly unheard of among the members of the British aristocracy. Matches were most often made for money and status.

His mother looped her hand into his arm and pulled him toward the stairs, at the bottom of which they were to greet their guests as they arrived for the ball. His father was already waiting at the bottom of the stairs, a smile on his face, his eyes soft as he watched his wife and son descend the stairs.

“You look lovely, my dear,” Helion said, placing a kiss on her cheek.

Lucien looked away from the open display of affection. It wasn’t indecent, but they were still his parents and he hardly wanted to witness their open affection. The doors to the house opened, the first of their guests arriving, and Lucien just barely stopped himself from sighing, preparing for a long evening in which every mother would be shoving their eligible daughters into his face.

He pasted on a polite smile, greeting each family as they entered, the minutes dragging by at a snail’s pace. At least when the dancing started, he would be doing something more than nodding his head and pretending he wasn’t bored out of his mind. Of course, then he’d be forced to make polite conversation while women batted their eyes at him and tried to inflate his ego.

Lucien was nearly falling asleep as the last of their guests filtered into the ballroom, when a man and his daughter stepped through the door. Lucien’s eyes widened and he quickly schooled his face to hide his shock. The daughter was a vision, quite easily the most beautiful woman to walk through their doors tonight. She was dressed in the latest fashion, but there was no hiding the luxury of the fabric, much finer than even his mother’s gown. The dark jade green dress had a bodice of fine velvet, the skirt made of row upon row of gossamer silk flaring out from her waist and falling delicately to the floor. The neckline drew delicately across her collarbones and the same gossamer silk formed the sleeves. Her matching gloves were finely sewn silk lace, and across her neck was hung a string of emeralds with matching dew drop emerald earrings. Her hair was a honey brown that glimmered in the light, the curls piled high on her head accentuating the soft curve of her neck.

He leaned over to his mother as they approached. “Who is that?”

His mother frowned. “I don’t know.”

Before she could turned to his father to ask, the butler announced them. “Viscount Archeron and his daughter, Lady Elain Archeron.”

“Viscount,” Helion greeted, “I’m so pleased you could make it.” He turned toward Elain. “And how lovely to meet your daughter.” He gestured toward Lucien and his mother. “Allow me to introduce my wife, the Duchess of Daitonn and my son Lucien.”

Lucien nodded toward Elain even as his heart pattered strangely in his chest. “A pleasure.” Without stopping to think too hard about it, he said, “I don’t suppose you would do me the honor of the first dance?”

Elain’s smile was elegant and polite as she curtsied and held out her arm so Lucien could write his name on the card attached to her wrist. “It would be my pleasure.”

Lucien quickly wrote his name on the first line, already planning to request a second dance, and then stepped back with a nod. “Please enjoy the refreshments. The music should begin shortly.”

As the Viscount and his daughter walked away, Lucien’s mother turned to her husband. “How do you know them? I’ve never even heard of the Viscount.”

“I met the Viscount at Whites yesterday evening. He and his three daughters are new in town. They have been living in the south of France for most of his children’s lives. Apparently his wife was French, and after her death, he decided to move his daughters back to England, most likely in an attempt to find them a good match. I invited them this evening and plan to introduce the Viscount to some of the men.”

His mother clicked her tongue. “The poor dears, losing their mother like that and then to be uprooted. It must be awful. I wonder where the other two are this evening.”

“Perhaps they don’t feel up to merriment, given the circumstances of their moving to London,” Lucien offered.

His mother nodded. “Yes, you’re quite right. It must not have been too recent an occurrence, given they’re here and not wearing black, but I can imagine it must be difficult nonetheless.” She turned to Lucien with an eyebrow raised. “You were quick to claim Elain’s first dance.”

Lucien returned his mother’s stare. “Yes, well, I’m simply being a good host. It’s only fitting that as we’re the ones throwing this ball, I do my part to help the Viscount and his daughter fit in with the rest of London society.”

His mother hmm’d as his father chuckled. “Well,” she said, “just be careful you find out more about the lovely woman before you make a spectacle of yourself this time.”

Lucien scoffed. “I would never make a spectacle of myself.”

His mother raised her eyebrows. “Need I remind you of the time you declared yourself for Lady Jesminda, who was already engaged?”

Lucien winced. “That was a long time ago. I was barely twenty and I learned my lesson.”

Helion held out his arm for his wife, who placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. “Yes, well, remember that as the hosting family, you’ll need to dance with more than one young lady.”

Lucien barely contained his annoyed sigh as he walked beside his parents into the ballroom. His father nodded to the orchestra on the mezzanine and they immediately began a waltz. Lucien couldn’t help his smile as he found Elain and walked over to her.

He bowed and held out his hand. “Shall we?”

Elain curtsied and placed her gloved hand in his. He walked them to the center of the ballroom, all eyes on them as Lucien turned, placing one hand on her waist, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder as he clasped her other hand in his. As he started to move, other couples joined them on the floor. Lucien hardly noticed them, the vision that was Elain Archeron capturing his entire attention. It was a wonder he could remember the steps to the waltz.

“You’re a fine dancer, my lord,” Elain said, her voice as elegant as her gown.

“You’re much more graceful than me, I’m afraid,” was his response.

Elain’s mouth curved as she tilted her eyes down. “My mother made sure that my sisters and I received dance instruction. I’ve been waltzing for many years now.”

“My father told me of the circumstances of your move to England. Please allow me to express my condolences.”

Another couple came careening toward them, and Lucien pulled Elain close to avoid a collision, his stomach flipping as her body came flush against his. He glared at the gentleman before reluctantly placing space between them once more.

Elain looked up at him, the soft brown of her eyes reminding him of a fawn’s coat or warm honey. Her complexion was pale, but her eyes softened the otherwise cold look of her, and the overall effect was devastating.

He swallowed hard, not remembering what they were speaking about until Elain said, “Thank you, my lord. It was quite a shock, but I do believe my father made the best decision when deciding to move us to England. It was quite difficult to be reminded of my mother in every stone.”

Lucien didn’t know what to say to that, which was unusual. He prided himself in his ability to talk his way through any situation, but something about Elain was halting his ability to think. “Yes. I can imagine that would be difficult.”

Elain gave him another soft smile. “Let us not speak of such dark topics. It’s not fitting for a ball, after all.”

Lucien smiled back, taking the not so subtle hint that Elain did not wish to speak of her mother’s passing. “You’re quite right.” He gripped her close once more when another pair of dancers brushed too close. Really, people ought to learn how to dance before subjecting their fellow dancers to their shoddy footwork. “Have you been in London long?”

Elain shook her head as she took a step back, once more putting space between them. “We arrived in town not three days ago.”

Lucien raised his eyebrows. “So soon? I’m surprised you’re not at home recovering from your voyage.”

Elain laughed softly, the sound reminding him of the sound of wind chimes, tinkling softly in the breeze. “That is why my sisters did not join us, but I cannot resist a ball.”

The waltz came to a close, so Elain stepped back, curtsying as Lucien bowed. When she made to let go of his hand, Lucien gripped it harder.

“Forgive me for being so forward, but I was wondering if you still had dances available and if I might ask for another dance later this evening?”

Elain’s answering smile sent relief through his body. She held out her wrist once more and he took it and wrote his name on the last dance of the evening. “I shall see you for the last dance then,” he said as he let go of her wrist. She curtsied once more and walked over to her father.

Lucien didn’t realize that he was staring until his mother whispered in his ear, “Remember there are other young ladies here that require partners.”

Lucien sighed. It was going to be a long night, but at least he had another dance with Elain Archeron to look forward to. He went to get a beverage before he became surrounded by ladies and their mothers.

The evening wore on not unpleasantly. Lucien enjoyed a ball, even if it was his mother’s attempt at marrying him off, the mothers of London’s society doing their best to help her. Some young ladies were terrible dancers and others were terrible conversationalists, but regardless, he had to admit he enjoyed himself. As well, there was the prospect of another dance with Elain to keep him happy.

Elain had spent the entire evening dancing, her card rapidly filling as the other eligible bachelors of London vyed for her attention. Lucien tried not to stare at them all, to wonder if she enjoyed their company more than his. He reminded himself that he didn’t wish to insult the ladies he himself was dancing with; it was not their fault that Elain Archeron had arrived in London to take away the attention of all the men in society.

Still it was difficult to keep his eyes off the vision that was Elain as she twirled around the dance floor, so regal that she looked as if she were floating around the room, the silk of her skirt trailing after her. Eventually, the last dance of the evening was announced and Lucien did his best to walk calmly to where she was standing next to her father, a cup of punch in her hand.

Her lips curved up as he bowed and held out his hand. “I believe this last dance is mine?”

She handed her cup to her father as she curtsied, taking his hand. He couldn’t help but wish that it was ok for ladies to remove their gloves, so that he might feel her skin against his. He walked her back to the center of the room and placed his hand on her waist.

As they started dancing about the room, he asked, “So, how was your first ball in London?”

She smiled, her eyes dancing and her cheeks flushed. “It was quite entertaining and just what I needed after several weeks of traveling.”

He knew he shouldn’t ask, that it wasn’t proper, but, “Have any of the gentlemen caught your eye this evening?”

He knew he should be embarrassed for being so bold, as well as for showing how much he cared about her answer, but couldn’t find it in himself to worry what she thought of him as her smile grew and her alluring eyes shifted down. “There are many fine gentlemen in London. The ladies are quite lucky to have such a pool from which to choose husbands, but you, sir, are the only gentleman with which I’ve shared two dances.”

Lucien didn’t bother to moderate his grin. “Well then, I hope to share many more dances with you in the future.” He tightened his grip on her waist before adding. “Perhaps I will also see you at the opera?”

Elain looked up at him, a coy smile on her face. “Perhaps.”

Lucien’s grin grew and they fell into a companionable silence as they moved about the room, staring into each other’s eyes. The urge to kiss her came over him quite suddenly and he just barely resisted. It would make him a bastard of the highest order if he were to kiss her in full view of London society, especially given she had been in town for a mere three days, but the urge remained nonetheless.

When the song ended, Elain curtsied and Lucien held out his arm. “Will you allow me to escort you to your carriage?”

Elain placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. “You may.”

Many people glanced their way as they made their way toward the front door, the women doing little to hide their disappointment that they weren’t the one on his arm and then men doing little to hide their envy that he was the one to escort Elain. No doubt Lucien would have to be quick if he decided to propose, as surely Elain would have men lined up around the block.

When they reached the Viscount at the door, Lucien thanked them both for coming before asking if he could call upon Elain the following day.

“You’ll have to excuse us,” the Viscount replied. “I indulged my middle daughter this evening, but our home is not yet ready to receive guests, and my other two daughters are not yet recovered from our long journey. Perhaps another time.”

Lucien nodded and smiled despite the disappointment coursing through him. “Of course. Another time then.”

He watched as the Viscount and Elain got into their carriage before turning back into the house, straight into the smirking face of his mother.

“Well,” she said, “that was quite the success, I do think.”

Lucien looked to the ceiling and sighed in mock irritation. “I hate it when you’re right.”

She patted him on the cheek. “I know, my darling boy, but what else are mothers for if not to annoy their children with wisdom?”

Helion walked up, hand to his mouth as he yawned. It was nearly three in the morning. “Shall we, my dear?”

His mother nodded and looped her hand through his father’s arm. “I might just fall asleep standing up if I don’t find my bed soon.”

Lucien followed his parents up the stairs, turning in the opposite direction for his room.

Despite not planning to spend the season finding a wife, one might just have dropped into his lap unexpectedly.

~~~~~~

The following evening, Lucien spent his time playing cards at White’s with his good friend Jurian and several other men. He had slept until nearly noon, but with Elain’s father declining his offer to visit, Lucien had seen no reason to get out of bed earlier.

By the time he left the club it was nearing midnight and he was nearly drunk, having gone a little heavy handed on the wine throughout the night. He stared out the window as the carriage meandered down the road. There weren’t many carriages out at this time of night, so the trip back to his home shouldn’t take long. Still, he willed himself to sober up a bit. His mother hated to see him drunk and he hated to disappoint her. Eris had once alluded to the fact that Beron had been drunk regularly, so Lucien could certainly understand why it bothered her.

They were just passing by the edge of the slums when a glint of golden hair caught his eye. He sat up, and peered out the window. Surely he was wrong. No lady would be alone this late at night, especially in this area of town.

He rapped the top of the carriage. “Stop the carriage.”

The driver pulled over as a woman who looked very much like Elain Archeron turned into a dark alley, oblivious of the unsavory gentleman who was following close behind. Lucien’s heart was in his throat as he leapt out of the carriage before it had come to a complete stop. Elain—or whomever the woman was—was in trouble. He wasn’t quite sure how he would help her, having no weapon on him but his own two fists, but he could hardly leave her to be assaulted. He could only hope the man wasn’t carrying a knife or pistol with him.

Lucien ran toward through the mud, nearly getting trampled by another carriage as he hurried across the street. The streets weren’t as noisy as during the day, but there was still enough sound that he couldn’t be certain of the scream he heard coming from the alley. He quickly pumped his legs, skidding to a halt in the dark alley, as his eyes adjusted to the dimness.

“Hey! What are—” He pulled up short, uncertain what exactly his eyes were seeing.

The man who had followed the woman who looked like Elain into the alley was backed against the brick wall, his eyes glazed over as the woman pressed her lips to his neck. Lucien blinked for several seconds as the reality of what he was seeing caught up to him, the wine leaving his brain muddled. It appeared he wasn’t saving a woman from assault; rather, he had interrupted what appeared to be a romantic interlude.

“Pardon me,” he said, stepping back, now certain the woman could not be Elain Archeron. No woman in society would be in this part of town, and certainly not with her lips pressed against a man’s neck.

“Help—me,” the man rasped, his fingers twitching toward Lucien, stopping him in his tracks.

As if finally alerted to his presence, the woman pulled away, the man she had had her lips against sliding down the wall. Lucien’s eyes widened in horror as he realized the woman before him was indeed Elain Archeron.

Except his mind could not process what he was seeing. What appeared to be blood was dripping down one corner of her mouth. Her teeth also looked quite strange, two of them much longer than the rest, resting against her lips and calling to mind the word fangs. Lucien’s eyes flicked to the man now laying on the ground, at what appeared to be two puncture holes which were slowly leaking blood down his neck. When he looked back to Elain, it was to find her tongue darting out to capture the red liquid on the corner of her mouth. Before his eyes, the sharp fangs grew shorter, sliding back behind her lips, and Elain grabbed a handkerchief and dabbed the rest of the blood off her chin.

“I—I don’t understand.” Some subconscious part of him knew that he was in danger, forcing him to back up a step, even as his rational mind tried to explain away what he was seeing. There was no way that Elain Archeron, daughter of a viscount, could have overpowered that man, no way she was drinking his blood. There had to be some other explanation.

Elain sighed as she replaced her handkerchief, sorrow filling her eyes.

“Oh Lucien. I really wish you hadn’t seen that.”

#Victorian AU #Vampire AU #Vampire Elain #elucien #elain x lucien #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #elucien fic #elucien fanfic #elucien fanfiction

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lunarmourning · 4 months

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✭Hi! I'm Lucien, I'm a minor and I use he/him pronouns✭

✭Pfp by @coryyes and header by Van Gogh ✭

✭I have tourettes, autism, adhd and anxiety✭

✭I mostly reblog stuff✭

✭Hyperfixations/spin: The saw franchise, historical pirates, danganronpa and Van Gogh artwork✭

✭Dni: Basic dni criteria, queer exclusionists of ANY kind✭

✭Dms are open!! feel free to message me at any time, but be warned I don't always remember to respond✭

✭My discord is lunarmourning, feel free to add me✭

#intro post

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roseadleyn · 1 year

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anastacius de alger obelia;

❝ i feel like you're trying to tell me what to do, so i'm going to do the opposite. ❞

❝ one of the hardest things you'll ever do, my dear, is grieving the loss of someone who is still alive. ❞

dedicating this to @dxmoness. i did this because i got inspired by her anastacius theme.. also, the pretty golden images and then the bright header are meant to be opposite to the darker ones, to show how anastacius changed everything about himself over time.

tagging ; @crownxie, @crownxie, @ana-s-boo, @dianaofsiodonna, @loekas, @mysticmeena, @parkykwho, @ithil-lucien, @lady-navier0357, @that-one-pretty-bitch, @chxrrylxdy, @d10nsaint, @hmerus, @nxccolo, @sidra-29, @cerisearan, @meow-meow-potato, and @dion-s-lawyer.

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acourtofthought · 7 months

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Hi!! Hru? I have a question. Someone just shared some picture that sjm had pinned in her Pinterest board that could be a reference for Elucien. We also know she had some pins that might be referring to gwyn and how her story might be the little mermaid retelling. I was wondering if she had any pins on her board that referred to E/riel?

Bc she's never talked about them once and it's sos for E/riels lol and I heard sjm even called their relationship platonic or siblings kinda thing (even tho I don't have the evidence for that I just heard multiple times) and honestly that's how I feel about E/riel every time I read their scenes in the books.

Man, it would be the highlight of my month if someone was ever able to produce evidence of SJM saying E/riel were like siblings 😂 I've heard that from a few different sources but no one has ever been able to provide the receipts so I'll just have to accept it as a possible tall tale. But what an excellent tale it is. SJM may have had E/riel tags up however (and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong), but I don't know that it was ever tagged under the header of Elain and Az. The problem with possible Elain and Az tags is that they look a whole lot like Feyre and Rhys. People like to claim them as E/riel because some depict the female with flowers in her hair but the problem with that is Feyre was once referred to as a bride of spring and Feysand was a Hades / Persephone retelling. So those pins have just as much a chance of being Feyre and Rhys. But even if there was proof that a tag was Elaina and Az, when it comes to SJMs pins, that still isn't proof of anything. She had a pin under the tag of Mor / Az where a male and female were holding one another in a tight embrace. Does that mean a Moriel endgame is a certainty? (Probably not give Mor's preference). And for any possible E/riel tags (which could again also be Feysand tags), there are an equal amount of Elucien looking tags (which are less likely to be Feyre / Lucien tags considering the nudity that exists in one of them 😂) Also, there were quite a good deal of possible Gwynriel tags so wouldn't that trump E/riel tags as Gwyn was introduced after the possibility of Elain and Az? Meaning SJM knew E/riel wasn't going to amount to anything?

But really, I don't think her Pinterests boards were ever a guarantee of anything, they could have simply been inspiration for any relationships that existed between the characters (friend or romantic).

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velidewrites · 2 years

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Tethered | Part 2 | ACOTAR Writing Circle

Elucien College AU

Header by @azrielshadowssing

Word Count: 4.1k

Warnings: Smut, 18+

Note: This is part two of a collaborative project, the ACOTAR Writing Circle organised by the wonderful @azrielshadowssing! I was honoured and excited to continue this story, and I hope you love it as much as I did! The third and final part will be written by another author, and you'll be able to find them via the official masterlist.

Part 1 | ACOTAR Writing Circle Masterlist

***

Elain woke up to the scent of coffee filling the dorm.

Rich and smooth, she took it into her lungs, breathing in deeply until it settled inside her. Her fingers tightened on the blanket, curling around the soft fabric, content to let the sunlight caress her skin, to kiss her eyelids as it leaked in through the windows. For a moment, there was nothing but the morning bliss wrapping around her, chasing a few more minutes of sleep.

A quiet click of the door shot her eyes open.

“You found my bed comfortable, I take it?”

Her heart stopped.

She’d slept in Lucien’s bed—was still in Lucien’s bed—and now he was here, hovering above her with an amused expression on his face.

Elain groaned, propping herself on her elbows. “What time is it?” she asked, her cheeks immediately flushing at the small rasp of her voice.

His mouth twitched to the side. “It’s nearing noon. You’re a lot of things, Elain Archeron but a morning person is not one of them.”

Wishing for nothing more in the world but for the mattress to split open and swallow her whole, Elain sat up fully, her feet brushing against the wooden floor. “I’m sorry. I got to campus late.”

Lucien hummed, russet eyes assessing her carefully, and she finally dared to take him all in.

Fresh out of the shower, he was a thing crafted from heaven.

With droplets of water dripping down his bare, sculpted chest—somehow shining golden, as if it reflected the sun itself—Lucien wore nothing but a towel, white and falling short just above his knees. Her blush deepened as she caught a glimpse of a sharp V just above the edge of the plush material, her mind shamelessly wandering to the sight hiding beneath. His hair, red and glistening as usual, was twisted in a low bun at the nape of his neck, no doubt to avoid getting wet—though she could tell the effort was only partially successful from the few stray, damp strands that framed his beautiful face.

There he was, looking more handsome than she’d ever seen him, and Elain cursed herself for not having the good sense to set up an alarm so she could return to her room and sort herself out. She was certain she looked completely disheveled, with her hair all over the place and knotted beyond imagination. Horrified, she thought of her puffy face from yesterday, wondering if the redness persisted throughout the night. Knowing her luck, it most definitely had.

“I made you coffee,” Lucien’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts, her gaze snapping back to his.

She blinked up at him in surprise. “I…what?”

A low chuckle. “Do you take it with sugar? I brought in a few sachets from the kitchen.”

Warmth spread through her as she absorbed his words, the tenderness behind them. It flickered in her chest, tugging at her heart lightly until it bloomed on her features. “Yes. I—thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

He returned her smile. “It’s no problem.”

Elain reached for the cup on the desk, mixing the sugar in as Lucien plopped down on the chair next to it. Though lukewarm, the coffee tasted just as good as it smelled, bringing her senses to life with every sip. Her own fault, she supposed, for sleeping through the entire morning. How long had it sat out there?

Horror washed through her, freezing her blood down to the last drop as she’d realised Lucien had seen her sound asleep. She’d never snored—not to her knowledge, at least—but judging from the night she’d had, Elain could only imagine the image must have been less than appealing.

“Uh…what time did you get back?” she asked, silently praying for him to deny watching her sleep in his bed all morning.

Lucien smirked, as if he somehow read her thoughts perfectly. “About two hours ago. But I only made the coffee before I hopped in the shower.”

Great.

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled again, cursing herself, Vassa, and the entire University of Velaris for good measure.

Lucien waved a hand. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” His gaze fixed on her. “Are you feeling any better?”

Elain swallowed, eyes following the movement of his arms as they crossed on his chest. His muscled, wet—

“Could you put a shirt on?” she blurted, heat rising in her cheeks once again.

His mouth curved in a rogue smile. “Do I distract you, Elain?”

Yes.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” she muttered, Lucien’s head tipping back in a laugh as he reached for a shirt hanging over the frame of his chair. “Where did you go last night?”

His lips twisted in a grimace, and the bright light in his eyes dimmed as he answered, “I had some business in town.”

Elain’s brows furrowed. “What kind of business?”

He rolled the shirt down, seemingly unbothered by the water soaking through the fabric slightly. “Just…family business. They needed my help with something.”

“In the middle of the night?”

Russet eyes scanned her face, his head angling slightly.

She dropped his gaze immediately, embarrassed. “Sorry. That’s none of my concern.”

That smile returned to his face, like the sun rising from the horizon and bringing upon the day. “Stop apologising, Elain.”

She couldn’t help but smile back. “Right.”

Lucien nodded.

“I…” Elain hesitated, setting her empty cup back on the desk. “I’d better be going.”

Silence. Then, “Would you like to go get some breakfast? There’s a really great café east of campus.”

She considered. “I don’t have anything to wear.” Only her clothes from yesterday—crumpled from her sleep, stained with sweat, tears, and day-old perfume. A less than ideal choice for a first date.

Was that what it was? A date?

No, Lucien was a gentleman, a friend—and Elain was delusional. After last night, despite her outburst, he merely wished to help her out before she was ready to face her problems—to face her roommate—again. Her mind drifting back to the events of last night, Elain decided she wouldn’t mind staying out a little longer.

“You can wear my shirt,” Lucien offered.

Elain surveyed her outfit—the soft, lavender joggers, the pink socks—and sighed. “Alright.”

***

With two coffees in, Elain’s misery began nearing its end.

“You should eat more,” Lucien decided, transferring an almond croissant from his plate onto hers.

Already bloated, Elain shoved his hand away. “I’ve already had two. Leave me alone.”

He chuckled, looking over her shoulder to catch the attention of a waitress. “Could we have this to take away, please?”

Nodding, the woman took her plate, promising to return with a box in a minute. Elain took a deep breath, leaning back in her chair. “This was really good. I can’t believe I haven’t been here before.”

Lucien smiled, finishing off his food. “I know. The seating upstairs has great views of the river, we should definitely try to get a table there next time. It’s so crowded on Fridays.”

Something fluttered in her stomach. “Next time?”

His eyes flickered. “Would that be okay?”

Taking a steadying breath, Elain said, “Yeah. Yeah, it would.”

Lucien’s face softened. Those russet eyes, shimmering in the afternoon light, scanned her. “Are you ready to talk about it now?”

Elain’s smile faded. “About what?” she asked, knowing perfectly what he’d meant.

His gaze was locked on hers, unyielding. “About last night.”

She didn’t reply for a while, turning her head to the window instead. The air hadn’t gone cold enough yet, not so early in the semester, allowing students to sprawl on the grass with their books, making the most out of the weather before rain and snow coated the ground. Her attention drifted to a couple taking their lunch on a red, picnic blanket. Elain thought back to her own, forest green and still smelling like its previous owner, still resting among the covers of her bed. In her dorm, where Vassa most likely was now. “There is nothing to talk about,” she finally said.

“You know that’s not true,” came the response, and Elain swore she could feel his stare piercing right into her soul despite not looking at him at all.

Lucien sighed. “I know Vassa can be a little…assertive.”

“Stubborn is more like it,” Elain cut in. “Stubborn and overbearing.”

“She means well,” he said, his tone softer somehow.

Her eyes slid back to his. “I don’t see how her throwing my phone out the window is a show of good will.”

He loosed a laugh, dragging a hand through his hair, fingers gliding along the shining strands. “Her methods aren’t as refined as you would hope them to be, I admit.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

Lucien’s face turned solemn, and he remained quiet for a moment before he asked, “What happened, Elain?”

She looked him over. “Why do you care?”

He only stared at her.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Elain said, her gut twisting in shame. “I’m sorry.”

Lucien let out a deep breath, a shadow of a smile returning to his features. “What did I tell you about apologising?”

“Right. Sorry,” she repeated, immediately cursing herself.

A small chuckle. “I only want what’s best for you, Elain. For the both of you,” Lucien said. “Vassa is my friend. I like to think that you are, too,” he added.

Elain’s throat tightened. “It’s…been a long time.”

He watched her for a long moment before he said, “Me too.”

That was enough. From a quiet place inside her, Elain spoke, “His name was Greysen.”

“Your ex.”

She nodded distantly. “The first few months were some of the best of my life. He was attentive, thoughtful. Handsome, too. He’d surprise me with flowers every week. Well, it became less of a surprise after a while, I suppose,” she added, “but I appreciated it nonetheless.”

Lucien remained quiet, focused fully on her words as she continued, “And then I found out I got into Velaris. It was my dream, you know—to study here. One of the best schools in the country. My mother had always been very ambitious, I…” she paused, letting out a shaky breath. “I lost her a long time ago. I wanted her to be proud of me, no matter where she is now.”

Elain went on, “So I guess you can imagine how excited I was when the letter came in the mail. I wanted to celebrate, so I called Greysen, told him to come over. I made dinner—a roast beef, his favourite even though I absolutely hate it. I lit up some candles and set everything on the table along with my acceptance letter. I was so excited,” she added quietly, tears starting to gather in her eyes.

He reached out for her hand, covering it with his strong and broad one. Elain welcomed in the warmth of his skin, swallowing the saltiness in her throat. “I won’t get into too much detail, but Greysen was not happy. He didn’t want me to leave the city, didn’t want us to be apart for the sake of ‘some dumb college’ as he called it. I—I tried to reason with him. I promised to visit every weekend, Velaris isn’t too far way, we’d be seeing each other almost as often as we did then—but he was unyielding. He told me to choose—my education…or him.”

Lucien’s eyes widened.

“I didn’t choose him, obviously,” Elain said. “I wish I could say we broke up and that was it. But…Greysen was determined. He came to my house every day for two weeks after that night, banging on the door until I agreed to hear him out. He only wished to talk, he said. I let him in.”

“Elain—”

“I was an idiot,” she added before he got a chance to say anything. “He yelled, told me I was wasting my life. He said I would regret this decision, that he would see to it. I told him to leave and never contact me again,” Her voice was trembling as she said, “Before he left, he’d punched a hole in the wall. Five inches away from my face.”

Lucien went deathly still.

“I didn’t see him again after that,” Elain continued, trying not to notice the way his grip tightened on her hand. “I was ready to leave him behind and move on. But then the accident happened.” She swallowed hard. “My sister was hit by a car. It was…it was bad. I couldn’t leave her. She’s fully recovered, thankfully, I…I don’t know what I would do without her. When our mother died, Nesta practically raised me—raised us, me and Feyre.”

“Elain,” Lucien breathed. “I’m so—”

“It’s okay now, Lucien,” she said, lacing her fingers through his own. “It’s been a difficult past few months, but we’re okay.”

“I…” he shook his head. “I don’t understand. Why did Greysen call you last night, then?”

Elain’s head dipped. “He messaged me when Nesta was in the hospital. He apologised for everything, told me he was afraid of losing me, I—he offered to help. Whatever I needed, whatever Nesta needed, he said he’d be there—anytime, anywhere. I…” she didn’t dare meet his russet stare, fighting back tears as she added, “I didn’t have anyone else. I don’t have anyone else. We have been texting for a while now—just texting, nothing more. He only asks how I’ve been, if I’m enjoying my time here…Two days ago, he asked if he could visit. He called last night because I haven’t answered his text yet.”

Silence fell between them, and she wondered if he debated whether he should just stand up and leave. This was complicated—she was complicated.

And then, his fingers caught her chin, gently lifting it up until their gazes locked and held.

“You’re not alone, Elain,” Lucien said quietly. “Not anymore.”

She choked on a sob. “Lucien, you don’t have to—”

“You have me,” he pressed, “and you have Vassa, too. People that want to be by your side because of who you are, not for who they want you to be. Elain,” he said, giving her hand a firm squeeze. “I would be honoured if you let me be one of them. I promise I will do my best to be the friend you deserve.”

Tears slid down her face, hot and burning, the fact that they were in public long forgotten. Lucien moved, raising the hand that was still intertwined with his own to his lips. Her breath caught in her chest as he placed a gentle kiss to the inside of her palm, the tender gesture humming through her like a beautiful song.

You’re not alone, Elain.

You’re not alone.

***

The screen of Elain’s phone lit up close to midnight.

I’m outside your building. Ready to go?

She smiled, putting on a hoodie as quietly as she possibly could.

“Going somewhere?” Vassa’s muffled voice sounded from across the room.

“I’m meeting Lucien,” Elain explained, eliciting a soft chuckle from beneath the pile of covers that was undoubtedly Jurian.

She picked out her roommate’s soft hiss towards the pile before Vassa spoke again, “See you in the morning, then. Have fun!”

Elain bit back a laugh. “You, too.”

A small pause. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Shaking her head in amusement, Elain left the dorm.

Their relationship had been getting better and better for the past week. Elain was grateful for Lucien’s encouragement—Vassa was her friend, the first one she’d made ever since arriving in Velaris, and she quickly became like another sister to her in this foreign city. It took some tears and apologies, but the two were on the road to a friendship that meant more to Elain than any other one she’d had before.

With Lucien, it was…different.

He was her friend, too, of course. But somehow, he was starting to become…more. They’d spent almost every day together since their breakfast that memorable morning. The next day, they had managed to find a seat on the upper floor, and they’d talked for hours over the view of the Sidra, their fingers intertwined and resting on the wooden table. And every day after that, Lucien had somehow found an excuse to hang out—a new place to explore on campus, a quick study session. One time, he’d managed to catch her after a lecture with a fresh cup of coffee in his hand. You look like you need it, he’d joked. He was wrong.

Elain needed him.

Tonight was a mystery to her, though. Lucien had only said to meet him in front of her building at night, and to wear something warm—he would take care of the rest. So Elain had slipped into clean, comfortable sweats, and hurried outside, her eyes bright like the stars on the night sky.

There he was, wearing his signature sly smile on his face, holding a small basket in one hand, and her forest green blanket in the other. Elain’s brows narrowed.

“You didn’t break into my room, did you?” she asked. She was certain she’d left it in the campus laundrette.

His grin widened. “Of course not, and I’m offended at the accusation.”

“Vassa?”

“Perhaps.”

Elain just huffed a laugh. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Look on the bright side, Elain,” he said, nudging her with an elbow. “At least I get to save you from Jurian tonight.”

She scowled. “I knew that was him!”

Lucien only laughed. “Let’s go.”

“Where, exactly, are you taking me?” she asked, falling into step beside him.

His head turned to her slightly. “I told you, it’s a surprise.”

Elain hummed to herself. A blanket and a basked could only mean one thing. Had he truly organised all this only to spare her from her roommate and her boyfriend’s nightly activities?

Lucien’s eyes glowed as they finally reached the riverside. “We’re here.”

But Elain couldn’t say a word.

In front of her stood at least a dozen candles, peeking above the grass, their soft, golden light making the dark surface of the water shimmer playfully. Taking a step forward, Lucien set the blanket between them, letting the candles surround them in a small circle. He shucked off his jacket, kneeling to open the basket to reveal muffins, croissants—Elain’s favourite—and strawberries.

There was no doubt in her mind—he did this for her. Silver lined her eyes at the thought.

“What do you think?” he asked, patting down the blanket next to him.

Her voice was tight with tears as she said, “I’m thinking this is a fire hazard, Lucien Vanserra.”

A smile tugging up the corner of his mouth, he began unloading the basket. “Ah, my specialty.”

Warmth bloomed in her chest, like a budding flower at the sight of the rising sun. Inches away from him, Elain sat, her fingers brushing against his skin as she reached for a strawberry.

“You…” Lucien cleared his throat. “You look really beautiful, Elain.”

The heat spread into her veins. “Thank you. I…you look great, too.”

Lucien snickered, tugging her closer to him. “Well, of course.”

Elain laughed breathlessly, daring to lean on his shoulder despite her heart thudding loudly in her chest. Her thoughts drifted to the week before, when she woke up in his bed to find him in nothing but a towel and that mesmerising smile of his. The same one he was flashing her now.

Her stomach fluttered at the thought. She had a feeling tomorrow morning would be full of surprises, too.

***

Before she could blink, they were kissing in Lucien’s room.

His mouth was hot, consuming—devastating as his strong arms wrapped around her. His lips, soft and full, caressed her own, worshipped her like an artist would his muse. Like a fever, his tongue swept into her mouth, and Elain moaned, a soft sound that made his body shiver against her own. His hands trailed down her body, exploring every inch until they settled just below her hips, his fingers brushing against her ass.

Lucien only broke away from her mouth to ask, “Are you sure?”

Elain had never been more sure of anything in her life. “Yes.”

Within seconds, she was sprawled beneath him on the mattress, her sweats long gone as Lucien began pressing kisses down her body—from her mouth to the hollow of her neck, to the bare skin beneath her breasts, to her abdomen.

Then, lower.

Elain sucked in a breath, and for a second, Lucien paused.

“I…” she hesitated.

His brows knotted. “Have you never been…?”

Her entire body flushing with heat, she answered. “No.” Greysen had never gone down on her. She thought she didn’t mind. Until now.

Until Lucien’s eyes glowed with a ferocity she’d never seen before, pure satisfaction filling his expression. “Let’s amend that, shall we?”

And before she could say anything, his tongue found her at last.

Elain mewled, the sensation like fire against her skin, mixing with the pleasure pooling at her core. Her eyes fluttered shut as he licked and stroked relentlessly between her thighs, his tongue on her clit having her shaking for him within minutes. Pleading, her fingers curled into his shirt, her walls clenching against nothingness in desperation.

“Lucien,” she begged.

She felt him smile against her sex. “All in good time, sweetheart.”

The low rumble of his voice made her shatter with a stifled cry.

Her chest heaving breathlessly, she watched Lucien rise from between her legs, sliding his shirt off to reveal the muscles she’d been shamelessly thinking about every chance she got for the past seven days. Elain swallowed, her stomach tight in anticipation, as her hands reached to shakily unbutton his pants.

There he was, naked before her, making her breath catch in her throat. He would ruin her.

Lucien’s words were guttural, dripping with desire. “Do you want this, Elain?” he asked. “Want me?”

“Yes,” she breathed. “Yes.”

Heavy-lidded, he smiled down at her. “Good,” he said, then dragged the thick head of his cock through her sopping folds.

Elain gasped, fingernails digging into his shoulders, leaving crescent moon-like shapes in his skin as she braced herself to take him in.

Slowly, so slowly, Lucien pushed into her.

A small yelp escaped her at the stretch of him, delicious and stealing the air out of her at the same time as he thrust into parts of her that have never been reached before. Lucien stopped at the sound, allowing her to adjust to the sheer size of him.

Elain wiggled her hips, impatient. “Move,” she ordered, her walls clenching impossibly hard, begging for friction.

Lucien hissed. “Bossy.”

She only hummed her agreement.

He didn’t need to be told twice. With a guttural sound, he began moving inside her, thick and heavy and rubbing against something inside her that left her to do nothing but cling to him and sob. Release began to gather along her spine, and Elain stopped caring who might hear. The bed groaned beneath the weight of their bodies as Lucien fired heat in her cunt, filling her so fully she threw her head back, quivering around him wildly.

Everything tightened as he slammed into her with a mighty thrust, his mouth finding the hot skin of her neck, kissing and sucking while he all but broke her apart.

Soon enough, she was crying out, her orgasm shuddering through her, hugging him so tight he gritted his teeth in an effort to stay buried inside her. Elain saw stars, white and glittering her vision, as Lucien came with a straining groan against her skin.

His hands were heavy on her hips as he whispered tightly, “Mine.”

***

Elain could barely walk the next day..

She didn’t mind, she decided, as she made her way back to her dorm after her dinner with Vassa. Lucien had sent her a text as soon as she left his place in the morning, blushing yet happier than ever before, promising to meet her again as soon as she was done.

With her building in sight, the ancient brick dark in the setting sun, Elain made out a figure pacing in front of the entrance. A smile bloomed on her mouth, and her steps quickened, ready to throw her arms around him and let the night consume them again.

“Lucien!” she called, practically running toward despite her aching muscles.

And then, the figure turned toward her.

Elain froze, meters away from him.

She blinked, then blinked again.

Impossible.

“Elain,” the man said, his face a cold grimace. “You haven’t answered my texts.”

“Greysen,” she breathed.

His frown deepened. “It sounds like you expected someone else, my love. Now tell me,” he said, blue eyes flashing with cruelty. “Who the hell is this Lucien?”

Tagging: @azrielshadowssing @the-lonelybarricade @headcanonheadcase @shadowsingerofnight @violet-shadows @hlizr50 @ofduskanddreams @thehaemanthus

#acotarwritingcircle #elucien #elucien fic #elucien fanfic #elucien fanfiction #elucien au #elucien college au #acotar #acotar fic #acotar fanfiction

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i23kazu · 1 year

Note

Hellooo, I just wanted to let you know that there’s another blog copying off your Xiao smau 😭 @yzeniko,the summary ,header and even some names inside their smau are ridiculously similar to yours.

nope, lucien is one of my best friends on this site and we both brainstormed our smaus together! 😚 i helped them with the banners too :) all is good anon, thank you for your concern though 😅😅

#[📥 message received!]

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warriorowan · 3 months

Text

hey guys! i would like to ask whenever you make a request to be specific with how you want me to make it. like what highlight color you want, if messy or quotes header or both. this helps me a lot ♥

summary

couples

adamolive

alexava

alizehcyrus

averyjameson

axelrooney

christianstella

daemyra

danilachlan

dianadallas

evajacks

firstprince/alexhenry

gillow

hadleyelijah

irisroman

joeyaoife

jonathankennedy

knoxmemphis

knoxnaomi

konelena

lanalogan

maggiebrooks

manorian

maybellwesley

naominicholas

nathanstassie

nessamiko

percabeth

pipravi

rafepenny

rhysbridget

romajuliette

rowaelin

rowaelin pt.2

theowinter

vadcorvina

vip series

warnette

warnette pt.2

willacade

xadenviolet

rinaverse

jeremycecily

landonmia

nikobran

reinaasher

ronanteal

xanderkim

xanderkim pt.2

general

acotar series

a court of silver flames

book lovers

carrie soto is back

daisy jones and the six

from blood and ash

heartless

heartstopper

it ends with us

it ends with us pt.2

kingdom of the wicked

scythe

stormlight archive

the cruel prince

the infernal devices

the invisible life of addie larue

the unbecoming of mara dyer

characters

aelin galathynius

cardan greenbriar

cassian

feyre archeron

jude duarte

lucien vanserra

maven calore

nesta archeron

nikolai lantsov

victor vale

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the-lonelybarricade · 2 years

Text

We Could Pretend to Form an Attachment | Chapter 2 | ACOTAR Writing Circle

Summary: Desperate to escape the ton's expectations, Elain Archeron makes an unlikely arrangement with a handsome stranger. (Header and summary by @velidewrites)

Word Count: 3.4k

Note: This is part two of a collaborative project organized by @azrielshadowssing! The first chapter was written by @velidewrites and the next chapter will be written by a different author.

Part 1 | Writing Circle Masterlist

Prince.

The word bloomed in her chest as readily as the heat from his lips poised against her fingers, seeping through her silken glove to mark her skin irreparably.

Elain could see it now. The long red hair, the smirking russet eyes, the gold-embroidered finery. She had been foolish—so, so foolish—not to realize that he was a Vanserra on sight. Now she could recognize that famed, cruel beauty of the King’s youngest brother.

Lucien Vanserra.

Sinfully full lips twisted into their best impression of a smile, so clearly amused by the way she stared at him. Elain thought she was going to be sick. She turned her head towards the garden she had been escaping to when she ran into the Prince, thinking all the more that she could use the fresh air. How was it that in her attempts to flee the King, she had thrown herself to the mercy of his brother?

“Something the matter, Lady Elain?”

She snatched her hand away as though he had burned her. He very well might have, from the way her skin still tingled as if there had been no barrier between them.

“Nothing sire,” Elain breathed, gathering her skirts to sketch a curtsy. “Forgive me, your highness. I realize I have been entirely improper—”

A warm, broad hand at her arm prevented her from leaving. Lucien was frowning now. “I do hope you are not backing out of our agreement.”

“I…” She searched for the words to refute a man of his status, and could think of nothing short of incurring his brother’s name. I am already of interest to the King.

“I assure you, lady, there is no one better fitting for this arrangement than myself.” He flashed an achingly charming smile. “If I am publicly courting you, there are few men who would dare to oppose it.”

His own brother might. And Elain wondered if Lucien would truly stand in opposition to the King or if the ruse would fall apart from one private conversation between the brothers. And how precarious, that if she were to find another man to fit the arrangement, Lucien could expose her to the entire court.

What was she to do? She had mistepped in her haste, and now this handsome, powerful man held her fate in his hands.

Elain wanted to rage, wanted to peel off her shoe and see if she could throw it hard enough to wipe that obnoxious grin off of Lucien’s face. He knew he had her cornered, and part of her wanted to demand why he was entertaining this at all. He, at least, was a man. A prince. And if an unwanted match pursued him, he had the power to say no. He had the freedom to navigate society unmarried, wearing his rakish reputation like a badge of honor.

Resentment built in her chest, but she swallowed it like all proper ladies are bred to. “I am not going back on our agreement, your highness. I only seek some fresh air.”

“Let me accompany you,” he said smoothly.

Elain raised an accusational brow. “Without a chaperone?”

His laugh was a dark, sensual thing that twisted in her gut. With a wide sweeping motion, he gestured around the empty pathway. “You are unchaperoned now, lady.”

“Then I must be going,” she said, stepping out of his grasp. “Lest we be caught alone and forced into a proper marriage.”

That, at least, encouraged Lucien to release his grip on her arm, and she felt the lack of his touch like a brand. She looked to the Prince, noticing how the humor in his expression had sobered at the mention of marriage. As a member of the royal family—as the famed rake, no less—she wondered if any girls had tried to trap him through such a convention.

And, from the dark gleam in his eyes, she wondered how many he had left to ruin as consequence. Elain had the sense that if they were caught alone together, there would be no dutiful marriages. He did not intend to marry, and he was assisting in her scheme out of convenience, not compassion.

Lucien tipped his head, stepping aside from the path so she could continue to the gardens. “Enjoy your fresh air, then. I will be waiting in the ballroom to claim your first dance.” His eyes slid warily towards the gardens, which had looked lovely in the golden wash of sunset but were now becoming increasingly sinister as the shadows grew. “I encourage you not to be long.”

His boots clicked softly against the cobblestone, and the sound of music and muffled voices drifted towards her as he opened the door to slip inside. Now alone, Elain looked back towards the King’s garden. She understood why Lucien had cautioned her—Nesta had warned her enough times about the danger of a lady caught unchaperoned in dark places.

And, very briefly, she contemplated the merits of wandering into that garden and waiting for a man to happen by. Being caught with him would mean she would not have to worry about the King, or his brother, or the Archeron finances. But she would need to worry about her husband, and whether he was a kind enough man she could endure spending the rest of her life beside him.

She stayed only long enough to let the evening air cool her flushed skin, greedily swallowing it into her lungs like maybe if she took a heavy enough breath, the weight could make her feel steady again. Yet she still felt shaky as she returned to the bustling ballroom, already swept into a dance that the King watched over. She pressed to the outskirts as his eyes traced over the crowd, hoping to avoid his attention until she had someone on her arm.

“How were the gardens?”

The deep voice at her ear made her jump.

Elain whirled to find Lucien, holding a delicate glass of sparkling wine between pinched fingers. Light glinted off the crystal, sparkling like the amusement in his eyes as he extended the drink towards her.

“Beautiful,” she answered, accepting the glass with a gracious nod. “The King must take painstaking care of them.”

Lucien snorted. “I doubt Eris could name a single flower in that garden.”

“Could you?” she asked, before she could stop herself.

He looked surprised by the question—by the challenge it contained. Elain was certain that a prince’s words were hardly ever called into question, least of all by the darling debutantes of the ton. He was likely used to women batting their lashes and fawning over his every word if it meant they could coerce him into a courtship.

Yet his composure remained endlessly proud as he raised his own glass to his lips and pulled a long sip. Something he had certainly done on purpose, so she could observe the way the liquid gleamed on his lips as he asked, “What do you say to a friendly game, lady?”

“I would say that I’m not foolish enough to agree to one without knowing the rules.”

His errant smile grew. “They have taught you well, then.” An assessment he saw she was prepared to bite at, for how quickly he continued. “The rules are this: you describe the flowers you saw in the garden and for every one I correctly identify, you owe me a dance.”

Elain hesitated, studying Lucien curiously. Most men seemed clueless about such subjects, but he carried himself with an unwavering confidence that made her think twice before agreeing. “How well are princes educated in botany?”

“Dare to find out?”

That answer said enough. She knew the way gentlemen liked to bet—had witnessed her father stumble home from gambling dens in such a sour mood that he had to be avoided for days. Elain could not always tell when a man was bluffing; if she could, she would never have been fooled by Graysen. But in that moment she felt certain that Lucien could name every flower in that garden.

And maybe… maybe she wanted him to prove it.

“There was a red flower,” she said slowly, testing him. “It had thorns on its stem, and a layering of petals—”

“Rose,” he interrupted, sounding almost offended. “I’m not counting that. My three-year-old cousin would be able to identify one.”

Elain bit her lip. “There was another flower that grew from a long stem, with purple petals that drooped away from each other—almost in the shape of a star.”

He considered this for a moment. There were two types of purple flowers in the King’s garden—and if he did indeed know the flowers he kept, it would be easy to identify the difference between them.

“Irises,” he said after a moment, smiling. “Like a star.”

Despite herself, Elain’s temper flared. “Don’t mock me—”

“I’m not mocking you.” The delight in his voice made her think otherwise. “But you owe me a dance.” He extended his hand towards her. “Tell me more about the flowers while I twirl you around the room.”

Without meaning to, she glanced towards the King still perched against his throne. They were partially obscured by his vision, behind pillars and palms and the rest of the crowd. It was safe here, away from most of the prying eyes. But once they entered that dance floor… the entire ton would be talking about Lady Archeron dancing with the Prince. Elain could not decide if she was more nervous to face the King or Nesta in the aftermath.

“You do know how to dance, lady?” Lucien prompted, purposely misreading her hesitance.

Elain narrowed her eyes. “Do not worry—I’m certain I’m more proficient in dancing than you are in decorum, your highness.”

He leaned closer, until she could mark the flecks of gold swimming in his eyes beneath the gleam of candlelight. Lashes brushed against his cheek as his attention diverted to their hands. His fingers curled slowly around her own.

“That fills me with little confidence,” he murmured. “You will find I have famously poor decorum.”

He was staring at her gloved hand like he could track the warmth spreading along her skin, shuddering up her arm until her pulse was fluttering at the simple touch—or perhaps it was simply from the anxiety of subjecting herself to the scrutiny of the ton. In any case, it made her feel unsteady. And as Lucien glanced up to meet her eyes, she worried she truly would forget how to dance beneath those molten pools of russet.

He tugged lightly on her hand, which at least reminded her how to walk. One foot in front of the other, dragging her slowly back to the poisoned attention of the King and his subjects. But there was something about being by Lucien’s side that put her more at ease, encouraging her to lift her chin proudly as heads turned and jaws dropped.

Elain was certain it had something to do with the control she finally felt she had. She’d seldom tasted any freedom in her life, but she felt an ounce of it as the Prince stopped in front of her on the dance floor and bowed at the waist. Gasps echoed in the crowd behind her, and she relished at being able to manufacture this surprise. So long this society had been a controlling overseer, looming over every aspect of her life. Now, she had taken the reins back, at least temporarily.

The mischief sparkling in Lucien’s eyes was their own private secret as he swept them into the dance, playing the part of the distinguished gentleman she was discovering he absolutely was not. But he was a good dancer. Lithe and graceful. She wanted to laugh at those meticulous hours of instruction she’d received from her governess, so useless with the way he was leading her into each motion with little effort on her part.

It allowed her to focus on other things, like the weight of the warm, steady hand he had placed on her waist. His thumb rubbed taunting, indecent circles into her hip, scrambling her brain nearly as much as the feint smell of cedar that clung to his clothes. As though he’d emerged straight from the forest.

Despite the prying eyes of the ton, watching them like circling birds of prey, Elain was anchored to this small, stolen moment between the two of them. Nothing else existed aside from the music and Lucien and the way he was staring at her like she was the only one in the room.

His smile returned, but it was softer. More palatable to the public eye, she assumed.

“Tell me more about the flowers,” he said.

“I take it that means you want another dance,” she teased. “I suppose my performance wasn’t so poor after all.”

“I want the next dance,” he agreed, sounding breathless. Elain supposed he was doing most of the work, after all. “The next, and every one after.”

Laughter bubbles from her lips, unbidden in a way that caused her to think the wine was going to her head. “You can’t simply—“

“I’m the Prince,” he protested. “I can do whatever I’d like.”

“Must be nice,” she said wistfully. Yes, her tongue had certainly loosened. “I could not hope to imagine what that would feel like.”

Maybe it was her imagination, but Lucien seemed to pull her closer. And she swore his fingers tightened their grip.

“Is there something you desire, lady?”

It could have been posed as a kind question, but the way he asked, the way his voice dropped low and scraped over skin, made her want to cover her face. Those amber eyes had darkened, settling overtly on her lips. “Tell me what it is, and I shall see it done.”

Her mouth felt dry. “I think you are promising more than you can provide, your Highness.”

Her words did little to mitigate the heat of his stare. He said lowly, “Do not underestimate what I can provide you, Elain.”

And the suggestion in those words—she couldn’t help the small, startled gasp that hiccuped past her lips, nor the way her face flushed. But she would blame it all on the sliver of alcohol she had consumed.

Lucien looked like he was prepared to say more, seemingly determined to scandalize her. But the fanfare of trumpets cut suddenly though the room, halting the music and the dancing bodies and whatever words were on the Prince’s lips.

The attention of the room had turned to the King, who clambered from his throne with that same careless grace that Lucien carried himself with. Elain did not know if it was a trait of Vanserras or simply of royalty, and had not encountered enough of either to decide.

Eris’s eyes swept over the crowd, grinning like he had invited them all into a lion’s den. It felt more appropriate for him to announce that he had secretly poisoned the wine than to declare the season’s diamond.

“I am appreciative of all who could make their attendance,” he said, searching over the faces in a way that felt too analytical to be sincere. Their eyes met, briefly, before his gaze fell to the hand still clasped delicately in Lucien’s. The King’s lips twitched. “Allow it to now be my honor to present to you the season’s diamond.”

Elain turned her head, easily spotting Nesta in the crowd. She was the only one who wasn’t looking at the King. She was watching Elain, blue eyes wide and burning. And when Elain glanced back to Eris, she saw that he had been assessing Nesta, too. A game. This was all such a carefully laid out game.

And Elain wanted to refuse to be a pawn, but she could do little about the way Eris returned his attention to her. And smirked.

“Lady Elain Archeron,” he called, stepping into the crowd. They scrambled immediately to part for him so that no obstacle lay in his path as he took each condemning step towards Elain. It was customary for the diamond to approach the King, and yet she was weighted to the ground, pinned beneath that predatory gleam in his eyes.

Lucien’s grip tightened in her hand. She knew that people were beginning to take notice of the fact that he hadn’t released her, especially as Eris paused in front of them.

Everyone was watching, holding their breaths as the world came to a standstill.

Snatching her hand away from Lucien’s, Elain gathered her skirts and bowed into a low curtsey. Fingers framed her chin—so much colder than Lucien’s, just like the eyes she was made to look into as Eris tilted her face towards his.

“I see you have already been acquainted with my brother, Lady Archeron.”

It seemed a challenge. One Nesta might have a fit for later as Elain answered, “I have, your majesty.”

Those calculating eyes slid to Lucien, some tense, silent communication being passed between them. “I trust his manners have been exemplary.”

She bowed her head, ignoring the way his statement was aimed primarily towards Lucien. “Exactly as one could anticipate from a member of your royal family.”

They both seemed to find that amusing.

Eris turned to face her once more, extending his hand. “Allow your King to dance with his incomparable, if only so I may demonstrate how a king compares to a prince.”

“Her dance card is full on account of a wager,” Lucien cut in before she could answer, casting an easy smile towards Elain. “You wouldn’t make a darling debutante go back on her word, would you brother?”

Brother, he said. Not King, not Your Majesty.

“Of course,” Eris said, tone and expression unbothered. But there was an edge to his voice as he said, “I respect a lady’s word above all else, though I caution her to be more careful with it in the future. Gambling is a dangerous affair, afterall.”

So too, she expected, was being involved with the royal family to this degree.

Eris’s eyes turned towards the still-listening crowd, grinning. “Perhaps your sister can accept a dance in your place, then.”

“I’m sure she would be honored,” Elain said quickly, trying her best to hide her shock.

She kept her eyes on the King, certain if she turned her head she would see Nesta’s furious expression. Eris, at least, looked pleased as he nodded his ascent for Lucien to take her hand. Lucien obeyed, pulling Elain back to the dance floor in a way that encouraged the rest of the ton to begin moving. She saw the way the King approached Nesta, ever-curious to the exchange of words that led to her sister begrudgingly accepting the King’s hand.

“Eris loves to play games,” Lucien said at her ear, pulling her back into the dance. “I advise you not to get dragged into one.”

Elain was finding she was tired of being cautioned. For the moment, she preferred to think of other things—like the way Lucien’s hand fit perfectly against the curve of her back.

“You lied,” she whispered to him, looking up at those scarlet lashes, so long they brushed over his golden brown cheekbones. “You said you had filled my dance card with our wager, but you have not won another dance.”

That encouraged a sinful smile. “Perhaps I like to play games, too.”

Dearest Gentle Readers,

There will forever be just two words that come to this author’s mind the morning after any good party: “shock” and “delight”.

Well, dear reader, the scandalous accounts from last night’s soiree at the Grand Orangerie are quite shocking and delightful indeed.

Emerging phoenix-like from the ashes of her sister’s unfulfilled potential is one Lady Elain Archeron. The illustrious debutante was seen grappling with the attentions of not one, but two members of the Royal Family. Choosing between a Prince and a King is a dilemma most mamas would spend very little time considering—for who wouldn’t want to see their daughter become a Queen? Perhaps it is her lack of motherly guidance that led Lady Elain to turn down the King so she could dance exclusively with the rakish Prince Lucien.

Although this author is left to wonder if this was a strategic decision orchestrated by our former incomparable Lady Nesta. It appears that an old diamond does not lose its luster, for the eldest Archeron was spotted dancing with the King in the wake of Lady Elain’s dismissal.

The Archeron sisters’ ability to advance from insignificance to potential royal consorts is something that even this jaded author must applaud. It seems the ton will need to keep a careful eye on this pair of sisters and the royal brothers they are pursuing.

Trust that if anything can be revealed about the circumstances of these matches, it is I who will uncover it.

Yours truly,

Lady Suriel

Tagging: @azrielshadowssing @headcanonheadcase @the-lonelybarricade @crazy-cool-girl-blog @violet-shadows @thehaemanthus @shadowsingerofnight @ofduskanddreams @hlizr50 @vikingmagic33

#acotarwritingcircle #elucien #elucien fic #elucien fanfic #elucien fanfiction #elain x lucien #lucien x elain #Sorry I'm genuinely publishing this and vanishing #Your girl is so busy this weekend she had to wake up at 6am to write this #I'm sorry if it's trash

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shadowsingerofnight · 2 years

Text

Tethered | Part 3 | ACOTAR Writing Circle

Elucien College AU

header by @azrielshadowssing

Word count: 3.7k

Warnings: smut, 18+, SA, violence, addiction

So this is part 3 and the final part of this fic. I’m so happy to have participated in this project. Thank you to all the writers and to @azrielshadowssing for hosting.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Masterlist

~~~~~~

Elain heard a crack. A metaphorical one, that is. In the world itself. The cruelty in Graysen’s eyes brought back memories of that night. She hadn’t told anyone the full story, not even Vassa. But now, after this time with Lucien, the understanding of how poorly she had been treated was crushing. She felt such shame- for not saying anything, for letting it happen, for still having contact with Graysen afterwards. It was like she had faced an awful addiction that returned every time she thought she had gotten rid of it. But this time- this time she wouldn’t accept it again.

“What are you doing here?” she breathed, backing away.

“What do you mean, sweetheart? You disappeared and I was worried for you. I came to make sure everything is okay.” His features were expertly schooled in a sad grimace, but the tone was a little too saccarine to be genuine. It was striking, really- how easy it was to see through his lies now. What just a little taste of healthy happiness could do.

Her phone buzzed. Elain only had time to see a glimpse of the message Nesta had sent her, containing Graysen’s name, before he snatched it from her hands. Her sister had probably tried to warn her.

“I’m talking to you. Don’t be rude,” he spat. Flashes of his hands on her coursed through her mind at the barely hidden rage. Of that night when she had owed him a last time because she was going away, even though she couldn’t stop bawling her eyes out because apparently she didn’t mean enough to him. Enough to keep fighting for them. The night when he had convinced her that she had to do it, because he loved her and deserved at least that. It was true, he had loved her and she had loved him. So she had agreed. But even then, she could feel how wrong it was. How his fingers inside her felt like a violation, how his lips on her breasts felt more like a threat.

He hadn’t liked how tense she was and the same rage had taken him. The punch had been close to her face like she had told Lucien, yes. But just because she had dodged it.

She tried not to get lost in the sorrow, in the realisation of what had really happened to her that night. But she had already known, deep down. It was why she had never told anyone.

She bit down the sobs and cleared her throat. Panic was threatening to take her, fear was a cold sensation down her spine.

“As you can see, I’m fine.” Her voice did not break.

“Yes, I can see that.” It sounded a lot like an accusation, and it probably was. She couldn’t be fine and not get back to him in his twisted brain. “But you still didn’t answer my question so I’ll ask it again. Who is this Lucien?”

“A friend.” She felt like a coward. She knew well by now Lucien was so much more than just a friend but she couldn’t bring herself to tell Graysen. Although, it was for a different reason this time: she was so scared of what he might do.

“Your eyes told a different story when you thought I was him. He has to be quite the loser if he fucked you of all females here.”

Her blood started boiling. She didn’t care what he thought of her anymore, but the fact that he was judging Lucien rubbed her the wrong way. All the frustration she had ever felt because of this half-man resurfaced and she felt angry tears gather in her eyes. Her fingers closed into fists.

He let out a mocking laugh. “What are you going to do? Fight me?”

She wiped away her tears. “Don’t talk about him like that.” Her voice was cold- firm, all things considered. She felt proud of herself for it.

But he did not. The change on his face was clear as day. He had completely dropped the act. “So he did fuck you.” Shadows clouded his eyes, his gaze shooting daggers towards Elain, and she knew then- knew that he wanted to hurt her and it had never been an accident or a burst of anger as he had said.

She had to get away. She looked around her but it was getting late and nobody was around. She could scream, but she wasn’t sure anybody would hear her or believe she was really in danger anyway. And he still had her phone.

He took the first step in her direction and she could do nothing but back away. Graysen could definitely see the fear in her eyes because his lips opened in an evil grin and he let out what sounded a lot like a snarl. She looked around again, searching for red hair and russet eyes. She had no luck. She felt sick to her stomach, the panic a heavy weight on her whole body.

Suddenly, as a snake might attack, he grabbed her arm and said, “You are coming with me. I’ll show you what a good fuck is.” She would not. This couldn’t be happening. She would not let it happen again. So she took a deep breath and with confidence she didn’t feel, she smiled sweetly at him. It worked, he was so surprised his grip loosened. And that’s when she attacked. Nesta had made sure Elain and Feyre took at least a few classes of self defence, just to make sure. She thanked her sister for that. She placed her left leg in front of her, as if she would move closer to him but it was really just to strengthen her balance and gain momentum. Then she thrust her right knee up as hard as she could. Bull’s eye, right between his legs. Graysen was cursing her among groans of pain but she didn’t wait. She turned around and ran like hell to the entrance of her building. She tried to look back, make sure he wasn’t following, but she didn’t want to risk him catching up. It was then when she bumped into someone so hard, they both balked. A familiar voice demanded, “What the fuck was that?” Jurian. She had never thought seeing his face could be such a relief.

Elain was shaking and couldn’t quite speak. She thought she might’ve been in shock. She managed to rasp, “Just take me to my room, please.”

~~~~~~

“You have to go to the police.” Vassa had repeated that at least three times since Jurian had walked her to their room. Elain had already told her everything that had happened. She was outraged. But she hadn’t yet crooned about how she was right about Graysen, so it was clear she understood how badly shaken Elain was. Jurian said, “We’ll come with you, if you need us.” Vassa’s eyes softened and she placed a kiss on his cheek. “Yes, we will.”

“Thank you both. But right now I think I need to rest.” She had been handed some hot tea minutes after she had gotten here, but she didn’t remember anything clearly. It was like she was surrounded by a numbing haze and everything seemed blurred.

The door slammed open and Lucien stormed in the room. He was panting, his eyes were wild and he was covered in sweat as if he had run here from wherever he was. He took a quick scan of the room and his gaze locked on Elain. That’s when she noticed- he wasn’t blurred. He was beautiful and the only thing that seemed solid in the world. He stalked to the bed, where she was sitting with the forest green blanket wrapped around her. He cupped her face with both hands, brushing back strands of her hair before placing a fierce kiss on her forehead.

“Are you alright?” His voice sounded hoarse, like he couldn’t quite bring enough air to his lungs.

Jurian and Vassa silently slipped out of the room.

“Not really.” Her voice broke this time. She felt as if with him here, she could let go of some of the weight and so many feelings came rushing to the surface. Her lower lip hobbled and she couldn’t keep the tears in.

Lucien’s features set in a grimace and she could’ve sworn she saw literal fire in his eyes.

“I know. I’m here.” He scooped her up and placed her in his lap where the heat from his body seemed to soothe even her freezing bones. Then he sighed. “I’m sorry, Elain. I should’ve been there. It’s just… Things at home are so much worse now.”

“It’s not your fault.” Her tone left no room for discussion.

“I know it isn’t. But I can’t help but want to beat the crap out of him for what he did to you. Now and then.”

“You knew?”

His eyes flickered. “Not for sure until right now.”

“It’s not worth it, Lucien. He got what he deserved anyway.” She lowered her chin.

“No, you don’t do that.” He used two fingers to bring her gaze back to his. “You be proud. I sure as hell am.” The smile he gave her was breathtaking. She smiled back. “That’s my girl.”

Elain felt so tired in her bones and his warmth was so comforting, she was starting to drift away. “Thank you for being here.”

Before sleep took her completely, she heard him whisper, “Always.”

~~~~~~

Lucien had spent the night. When Elain woke up, she found him curled around her like he was trying to protect her even in his sleep. She felt her heart squeeze, so full of him. He looked so peaceful and young, like unconsciousness took away that little wrinkle of worry he seemed to always have between his brows. She thought about his words last night.

Things at home are so much worse now.

“You know, you could take a picture. So you will be able to look at me all you want at all times,” he said, voice like gravel. She let out a low chuckle. He rolled over to face her. He smiled and placed a sweet kiss on her lips. “Good morning, my Elain.” The way he said it- the emotion there, it did something to her heart.

“Good morning,” she smiled.

“What should we have for breakfast?”

“Lucien.”

He sat so fast she almost didn’t see the movement. “What? What’s wrong?”

“I just want to tell you something.” His shoulders relaxed a bit and he dragged a hand through his messy red hair. “Okay.”

“I know you might not want to, but having you here last night made me understand that sorrow is so much easier to bear if you share it. So, if you don’t want to tell me what’s happening at home it’s okay. But do tell someone.”

His eyes widened. Then he just smiled and sighed. It was a sad smile, like the ones you put on your face but it’s clear they don’t belong. “I want to share so much with you. Everything, really. It’s just hard for me to talk about it. But you are right.” She just waited, gave him time. He took a long breath, as if he was trying to bring as much air in as possible.

“It all started before I was born. My parents… My mother was a dreamer. She dreamed of a perfect family in a perfect house. My father met all her wishes, he was the perfect man. Or so I was told. Until he wasn’t. After they got married he showed his true colours. You see, my mom comes from a wealthy family and as it turned out, that’s all he was after.” He sighed and then let out a shaky breath. “He drank. Every day was a gamble, we never knew how he would act. Often we prayed he would just come home and pass out. It was the best scenario we could hope for. But it wasn’t just that, it wasn’t his addiction that ruined him. His soul was already ruined and the alcohol just made everything worse. They got divorced when my mom was still pregnant with the twins.” His smile was sad and she knew something horrible had happened to them.

“Shawn and Aiden. They were the happiest out of all of us. They never saw what we had seen. And we were all happier for it. They loved soccer, they would play for hours while my mom knitted them scarfs and beanies. Beron would take them for one day every week, even though we wanted to take that away too. We had almost done it…” A sob shook him so violently he couldn’t talk for a moment. Elain reached for his hand and interlaced their fingers. He brought them to his mouth and placed a kiss to the back of hers. “He picked them up one Sunday. We still don’t know what they did the whole day. He never told us, but he definitely drank. He was driving them back home, when-“ his voice trembled and he closed his eyes. “He drove into a building. He hadn’t strapped them in…” They were both sobbing, clinging to each other as a life line. “They were six. The bastard survived. He was in the hospital for a week and he went to jail after that, but now he’s out on parole. We don’t know how it happened, I’m still trying to figure it out. My mom doesn’t deserve this. She never fully came out of her grief and he is lurking around again. He wants to apologise, apparently. He doesn’t deserve the closure. We’re trying to keep Mom company as much as we can. This has brought to the surface so much sorrow… I-“ Elain moved then. She straddled his lap and put her arms around his neck. He placed his head on her chest. After a few moments he whispered, “Your heart has the most beautiful sound in the whole world.”

“Only when you are near.”

The look Lucien gave her said more than any words could ever do.

~~~~~~

Weeks had passed. Elain had reported Graysen, Lucien and Vassa had accompanied her. It turned out Lucien knew the Commissioner of the police. Like the head of all the police in the whole city. Cassian something. She had actually met him. Cassian was a very handsome man, all hard lines and easy laughter. She had imagined him and Nesta in the same room for some reason, and she was convinced her sister would most likely rip him apart. The thought made her laugh.

“What are you laughing about?” Vassa was sitting next to her.

“Nothing, you snoop.” She laughed and Elain felt happy. Happy to have Vassa and happy that life was good. Lucien was amazing and she was sure she loved him. She just needed to tell him. Organic biology was about to end and she would have lunch with him. Maybe she’d just blurt it out.

Suddenly, the alarm was blaring and panic was spreading in the room.

“What’s going on?” Elain demanded of nobody in particular.

“We have to exit the building. Maintain the order!” Everybody stood and filed out of the classroom but Elain felt something in her gut. She couldn’t explain it, but she knew something was happening to Lucien.

In front of the building, Cassian was waiting surrounded by at least seven other agents.

“What is happening?” she demanded again, this time directly of the Commissioner. His gaze found her and softened. “We found Graysen.”

“Where,” she breathed. But she knew exactly where he was. She heard that crack again. But it was in her ears this time. If something happened to Lucien she couldn’t bear it. And it was all her fault.

“Don’t worry, girl. He knows what he’s doing.”

“He knows-“

“You can come in.” Lucien’s voice sounded from Cassian’s phone.

“That’s my boy.”

And just like that all the agents went in. They came out after a few minutes, Graysen in cuffs and Lucien in tow. Graysen’s gaze found her and it was full of hate. But she couldn’t care less.

Elain ran to Lucien and when he took her in his arms, the world started spinning again. Then, she slapped him. Her palm left behind a red mark. He chuckled. “Fair enough.”

“It’s not funny, you jerk. You know how worried I was?”

“You were?” he teased. “And why was that?”

She lifted her chin, proud as ever.

“Because I love you.” Then she added, “You jerk.”

His eyes flickered and his whole face lit up. “Finally. I thought I’d have to pry it out of you.”

She slapped his arm, but Lucien just kissed her sweetly and said, “I love you, my Elain.” She couldn’t explain the tears that came then. They were happy tears, and relief tears.

“Is it truly over? What happened?”

“I was bait. I noticed some time ago that he was stalking me. And since he wasn’t stalking you, Cassian and I decided we couldn’t risk him getting away again. I had people watching me the whole time. And you.” He brushed back her hair. “We understood he wanted to make a move today, so I pretended to go to class as always. Except every student in there was an agent undercover. So, when he walked in with his gun, he didn’t stand a chance.” Her heart seemed to stop dead. “He had a gun?”

“Yeah, that’s why we needed so many agents in. Being friends with the Commissioner has its perks.” He smirked.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because he didn’t deserve your worry. Not even a thought from you.”

“You should’ve told me. The fact that you were in danger…”

“I wasn’t. We were watched by agents.” He looked behind him. “We’ll talk more.”

The Commissioner asked, “Are you ready for the briefing?”

“Yes, just a minute.”

Lucien faced her again and kissed her. “I’ll be back.”

And watching him walk away, she was certain of one thing. She never wanted to spend a second without him in her life.

~~~~~~

Spring break had arrived quickly. Elain and Lucien had great plans for their free time. She had met his mother, the sweetest woman ever.

With Cassian’s help, Beron had been brought to jail once again. Everything seemed to fall into place. They had planned a trip home- they would leave tomorrow and Lucien would meet Nesta and Feyre. Elain was really excited to see her sisters again, and she was sure they would like Lucien. He had the innate ability of charming everyone.

But now, they were getting ready to go to bed in Lucien’s room. She had spent most of the night here lately, leaving her room free for Vassa and Jurian. They hadn’t complained at all.

She finished brushing her teeth and returned to his room. When she opened the door, she found him waiting on the bed. Candles shone around the floor and a bouquet of sunflowers lay on the table.

“Do you remember what today is? he asked, smirking.

She pretended to think about it. “No, it doesn’t ring any bells.”

“Then let me remind you.”

Elain didn’t even have time to gasp before he scooped her in his arms and they both landed on the bed. He kissed her with such fierceness it would’ve taken her breath away if she had any left. Lucien interlaced their hands and pinned her arms above her head, while trailing kisses down her neck and chest. The sensation was delicious and frustrating because she wanted to feel it on her whole body and clothes were in the way. She freed herself and grasped the hem of his shirt. He chuckled. “Still bossy.”

She smirked back before taking her own shirt off. Then, she just stared at him. His eyes were wide, taking her in. His nostrils flared and it was just seconds before they were both naked. He ran long, slow strokes down her hip and leg while resuming his work on her neck. He was driving her crazy, the desire burning in her lower belly.

“What do you want, my love?” he teased. But two could play this game.

“I want to feel you inside me. And I want you to fuck me so hard, I won’t be able to walk tomorrow.” His heavy-lidded gaze went wide and then, suddenly he had a finger inside her. She gasped very loudly. “Then let’s get you ready for my cock, shall we?” He added a second finger. She arched her back from the immediate pleasure it gave her. But she wanted to see that wild expression again, so before he could do it himself she reached between her legs and circled her clit with two fingers. His breath caught, his eyes following her every movement. Release was already gathering at the end of her spine. “I think you’re wet enough for me, now,” he mumbled.

“Aren’t I always?” That seemed to be his breaking point. He moved so fast, she almost didn’t get to feel the loss of his fingers before he replaced them with his cock. Elain could see he was restraining himself to let her adjust. The size of him stretched her walls deliciously. She lifted her hips, desperate for friction. His breath caught again and then he started moving. His thrusts were slow but powerful. They were both panting and moaning. He bent over and whispered in her ear, “I told you then and I’ll tell you now. You are mine.”

“Tell me forever.” she replied.

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