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thebestofoneshots · 8 months

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Gilded Constellations | wolfstar x reader

Series Masterlist | Previous episode

Pairing: Wolfstar x Reader Word Count: 8.5 K Warnings: none Prompt: The divination classroom becomes an intriguing nexus for forging new friendships amidst revelations laden with enigmatic symbolism. Meanwhile, Defense Against the Dark Arts delves even deeper into the shadows as you struggle to grasp the imminence of the ever-looming wаr. This IS a wolfstar x reader fic, but it's incredibly slow burn. They won't start all dating each other until we're very deep into the story, but I promise the long wait will be worth it.

Chapter 9: The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroкe

September 24, 1976 - Friday

Your race with Sirius, Marlene and a couple of other students who decided to tag along and prove their worth would be next week. The broom race was basically the talk of town. James had talked to the other Quidditch Team Captains, Lyonel Aldridge, Delilah Moss and of course Dmitri Volkov, and they all reached to the conclusion that it would be a great way to boost their team’s morale before the first match.

You woke up early like you had been doing the past couple of weeks, but you and Sirius had gotten a lot more competitive, so competitive you’d already gotten on James’ nerves. Which was something pretty hard to do when you were talking about quidditch. Every day you’d go on mini races, inventing new challenges to fulfill and you always pestered James regarding who’d gotten there first.

“My hand reached the line first,” Sirius said.

“Yeah, but it’s not about hands, it’s about brooms, my broom reached the halo first.” You argued back.

“It’s not about brooms, we said whoever gets there first, and clearly I did.”

“Sirius you can’t bend the rules so you win all the time! Besides, if I had stretched my hand I would’ve reached first so it doesn’t count.”

“It does because you didn’t!”

“James tell him!” You said.

“No James, tell her!”

James sighed exasperated and hit his head against the handle of his broom “Just fucк each other already,” he mumbled, not that either of you heard it.

“What?” You asked with a frown.

“You know what?" He snapped, sitting straight "Neither of you won! And your mini air races when practicing? They’re OVER! No more broom races until official race day and then you’ll admit the other is a faster flier and this bickering will be forgotten.”

“But James!” Both you and Sirius argued.

He gave you both a stern look, and you shot your mouth. “Fine then, till the race we’ll know.”

Sirius nodded “Truce?” He said offering you his hand. You took a deep breath and shook it.

Once you were back in the ground Sirius called you with a smirk “Hey (Y/N)! Bet I can get to the common room before you do.” He then started running.

“You wish,” you said running behind him.

James sighed again “We said no races!”

“You said no flying,” Sirius shouted back.

You then turned to James with a smile as you ran “He’s right, this is running.”

James rolled his eyes but took off running behind the two of you anyway. The only thing that sometimes shut the two of you up, was when someone else won, and he had the longest legs. In the end, he was indeed the first one to arrive, letting himself fall on the couch as you and Sirius fought your way inside.

“Prongs, you’re here?” You said out of breath when you saw him laying on the couch, regaining his own breath.

He frowned “Since when do you call me Prongs?” He asked amused.

“Oh… um… sorry, it must have slipped,” You said as you sat down “I blame Sirius for it.”

James laughed “No, it’s fine. You can call me Prongs.” He took a long breath, “But stop blaming Pads for everything.”

“In my defence. It really is ALWAYS Sirius’ fault.”

He made the face of a man that agreed with your statement. “James!” Sirius complained he noticed.

James grimaced in return “For fucкs sake, take me away from these two,” he said grabbing a pillow and placing it over his head dramatically.

You and Sirius exchanged a glance, yeah, you may be bickering all the time now, but it was all friendly banter, James was overreacting.

“Morning,” you heard Remus say as he came down the stairs “Just got here from practice?”

You nodded “And they’re getting on my nerves Moony,” James grumbled.

Remus raised an eyebrow at the two of you “We just asked him to decide who’d been the winner of our mini race,” you said innocently.

He nodded, understanding. “Leave poor James alone, he’s been doing so much to prepare your race that… he might actually be sick of quidditch by the end of it.”

James instantly reacted to Remus’ words, removing the pillow from his head “I would never!”

You were sweaty from so much running so you excused yourself and went for a short shower, Lily was preparing her backpack when you walked out of the bathroom, using your wand to dry your hair. “Today we’re picking the fluxweed together, right?” You asked her.

She nodded “Just wait for me, will you? We’ll walk to the greenhouse together, don’t think of going by yourself.”

“Of course, I’ll wait for you Lils, don’t worry about it,” you told her with a smile and finished both closing the buttons of your shirt, and shoving your stuff quickly in your bag "Ready for breakfast?"

Lily nodded and the two of you walked down to the common room together. The boys were secretly talking to each other on the corner close to the fire, looking all conspiratoriall as they did. "You coming for breakfast?" Lily asked them. Remus turned to look at her, his brown eyes seemed more golden than usual, you wondered if it was because of the lighting in the room.

"Yes, we’ll be down in a minute tho, we’re helping Peter finish his Divination essay.”

You raised an eyebrow at that statement. Since when did they help Peter with essays? Well, Remus definitely would help Peter, he’d probably help anyone that asked nicely. But the rest? Sirius? That was a bit sus, to say the least. But Lily was already walking out of the common room, so after giving them one more look, you followed her. Maybe they were planning another prank like the rain on the main hall.

Once you were downstairs, the two of you walked towards the great hall. Mary, Marlene, Beth and some others were already there, having breakfast. You greeted them all with a smile “Good morning!” You said as you sat down.

“Morning,” responded Mary as she looked up from her copy of The Daily Prophet.

“Anything new?” You asked her, nodding towards the paper.

She shook her head “Just the wаr,” she replied somberly “Apparently some deatheaters went on a кiling spree. They’re trying to get the muggle-borns.”

“An older lady was кiled,” Marlene continued “Marsha Allenty, she was a muggle-born auror.”

You shuddered at the thought. Muggle-borns first, half-borns next, it wouldn’t take them too long to destroy half the wizarding population if they kept going. Someone had to stop them. You were about to say something when the owls started coming in.

Your family owl, Barnaby, flew down, dropping a package in front of you. You looked at it. The (Y/LN) family seal was stamped over the elegant wrapping. It had to be from your mother. You opened the package, it contained several things. Some galleons, sweets from your favourite bakery back at home, which instantly told you they’d been travelling. A box filled with different potions, and some ingredients to brew shampoo and other beauty-related things. A special potions booklet and a small velvet box.

You opened it and there was a ring inside, a thin metal piece with some engravings on it and a gem at the top, held by 4 small pieces of metal, two shaped like a star and two shaped like a moon.

“What is it?” asked Beth, leaning into you from the side.

“A gift from my parents,” you responded, taking the reins out of the box to show it to her.

“It’s stunning,” she told you. “Do you know what that is?” She said pointing at the stone.

“Moonstone, isn’t it?” You asked, Beth nodded. “Mom cares a lot about the magical properties of stones,” you explained.

“And the metal is silver,” she said turning the ring around, taking a look at the little seal on the inside.

“Silver?” You frowned, taking a closer look “You’re right, that’s different. She’s never given me a silver piece before.”

“Maybe she thinks you’re old enough?” She asked with a shrug.

You nodded, but it wasn’t that. Your mom always gave you gold things. She said the protective value of it was a lot higher than any other metal. Even the necklace Sirius had given you in the vacation, made of brass, was turned into gold with a special spell she had, a spell that would leave all the magical properties of the item intact.

“Well, whatever the reason, she did pick a beautiful ring,” you said, finally sliding it through one of your fingers.

“Do you know what magic it’s got?”

You shook your head, looking through the box to see if your mom had written any kind of letter. You didn’t find any and shrugged it off “Maybe she just thought it was pretty…”

“What was pretty?” Asked Peter, who appeared almost out of nowhere along with the boys.

“(Y/N) was gifted a new ring,” said Mary before taking a bite from her eggs.

You raised your hand so Peter could see it “Got it on a package from my mom.”

“Moon and stars, eh?” He asked with a raised eyebrow “Interesting choice of symbolism, isn’t it?”

You looked at Peter and shrugged. He was right, it was an interesting choice of symbolism. Your mom, like you, had an affinity to divination. Maybe she knew something you didn’t “My mom loves that stuff,” you told him, and lowered your hand back to the table, taking your fork to dig into a sausage.

The boys sat further down on the table. Just close enough to still be able to talk to everyone already sitting there. You left early to go check on the fireworms. Remus and you had decided to split the days in which you had to feed them, and today was your turn. When you arrived at the tunnel entrance you looked around to make sure no one had followed you and entered as quickly as possible.

“Lumus,” You whispered, and your wand lit up, making the dark tunnel navigable. You looked through the pockets of your robe and found the scrap of parchment Remus had made for you. “Revelio,” you said as you moved your wand over it, revealing a tiny map of the tunnels. You were sure you’d learn the way soon enough, but for now, the little map was indispensable.

You used the map to navigate the tunnel until you arrived at the little nook in which you’d hidden your fireworms. You grabbed some of the food in your backpack and gently placed it on the food trays you’d created with a couple of pumpkin juice caps. You looked at the little fireworms satisfied when you noticed one of them was shining, like a firefly. But the light travelled from the end of the tail, all the way through his body and towards his head, then with a small little sound, almost like a fairy burp, the fireworm caused a small ball of fire to come from his mouth. You looked at it amazed, and quickly put the small fire out with your wand.

You grabbed your backpack and took out your charms book, trying to find a flames stopper or fire preventive spell as soon as possible. Soon enough you found something that could work and cast it all over the little fireworm habitat you and Remus had been building. After the spell was ready, you stayed for a couple of minutes to make sure they wouldn’t cause a fire that’d burn the entire castle down and once you were certain you let out a long sigh, not even realizing you’d been holding your breath.

You were thrilled, your fireworms were doing excellent, the way you and Remus had taken care of them allowed them to develop in less time than the standard, which would guarantee the two of you really good grades. You had to tell Remus about it. Maybe you could tell him in divination. Shiit, divination! You were supposed to be in divination. You ran out of the little nook and used the map to find a shortcut towards the divination tower. Once outside you knocked on the door a couple of times and waited. Professor Spellman opened the door, letting you inside with a displeased glance.

“I’m sorry for being late,” you mumbled as fast as possible. You walked inside and started walking towards Remus, who luckily, hadn’t been paired with anyone yet.

“Miss (Y/LN),” Professor Spellman called, you turned to him “You will be working with Sybil today,” he said, pointing towards the small Ravenclaw girl. You swallowed but nodded and walked towards her table. You knew who she was, Remus had told you about her, and her story, and you’d probably exchanged a couple of words with her in the past, but you’d never really talked to her.

“Hey,” you waved as you sat next to her, she waved back, with a small smile, and absentmindedly nudged her glasses back to their place. You looked at her for a minute, her hair might be messy, and you heard she wasn’t very popular, but she was very pretty non the less.

Professor Spellman started talking and with a flick of his wand opened some cabinets, floating a teapot in front of each table, Leaf reading. You and Sybil brew the tea together, using some of the herbs suggested by the book for more accurate readings. And started chatting to each other after you served your respective teas.

“Do you like divination?” She asked you.

“I… uh… not that much, I’ve had some experiences,” you stuttered.

“Sad readings?” She asked, with a sympathetic expression.

You nodded, taking a sip of your tea “It’s always negative stuff with me,” you explained “Accurate, but negative.” You shuddered, “What about you? With your legacy and all?”

“I don’t dislike it,” she told you with a smile, “I don’t like getting sad readings either but it’s fun to know bits of the future, for example, the other day I had these feeling that it was going to rain, so I put on some rain boots before going to Care for Magical Creatures, some Hufflepuffs and even other kids from my year were throwing looks at me, but when it started raining and everyone’s shoes got ruined, but mine didn’t, it was completely worth it.”

You smiled at her story “I don’t get those kinds of feelings,” you said “But it’s nice to meet someone that enjoys it, maybe you could help me enjoy it too.”

Eventually, you both finished your teas and exchanged teacups. You took a deep breath and eventually leaned over to look at her cup, hoping there would be something good in there. You exhaled when you saw a small little butterfly on the cup. Butterflies were good, they meant change, they meant personal growth, they meant… Images flashed through your eyes, and you breathed heavily a couple of times, trying to regain composure.

Sybil knew exactly what was going on, she’d been through it several times before too. So she looked at you with concern. “What did you see?” She asked in a steady tone.

“Nothing bad,” was the first thing you managed to muster, “just… you’ll give a prophecy soon. A very important one, I saw Professor Dumbledore, he seemed really interested in what you had to say.” She nodded at your words, writing everything you said down on a piece of paper, then you looked at her, placing a hand on her arm “Sybil, this prophecy… it looked like it was going to be dark,” you said “but it’s one of those that will change the world.”

She nodded, taking in all the information you’d given her. She did not doubt a single word you said. And you were glad she did, sometimes visions as such were hard to comprehend, and that’s if the person even cared for it.

“Are you ok?” She asked then.

You nodded “I– uh…” you looked at her tea “You will have a period of transformation and positive change, like the metamorphosis of a butterfly,” you told her, making an effort to read the rest of her tea leaves “You should, uh… embrace the opportunities that’ll come your way and also let yourself spread your wings.”

She laughed in response “That’s my fortune?” She asked motioning towards her tea cup.

“Yeah,” you nodded, sounding very certain about it “You must accept your uniqueness,” you added for good measure, after all, humor is one of the best ways to cope with such things “And me? What’s my destiny?”

She adjusted her glasses and took a peak at your cup “I see… stars, the moon, they’re surrounding something,” she said “A small animal, maybe a hare, or… a wildcat?”

You looked at her with a frown “Did you say the moon and stars?”

She nodded, tilting the cup towards you. And she was right, the moon was there, the stars too, and… the small animal? That was a fox. You took a deep breath and showed her the ring your mom had given you “My mom sent me this,” you told her “also moon and stars symbolism.”

Sybil raised an eyebrow “Does she have an affinity with divination?” She asked. You nodded in response “Then it must mean something…” she said, picking up her book and flipping through it “But I can’t find anything about the moon and stars in the book.”

“Interpret it,” Said Professor Spellman as he walked by, looking at Sybil with a stern face.

She nodded, sliding towards the back of the chair, Professor Spellman was imposing, to say the least. “I uh… I see the moon and the stars, they’re close, to a… it’s a–“

“It’s a fox,” you told her “The animal, it’s not a wild cat, it’s a fox.”

“A fox, right!” she agreed, “and I– are those flowers?” She asked looking deeper into the cup. By then your little interaction had piqued the attention of some other students from the class, they were watching the two of you intently. “I– I may be getting things twisted but… according to your cup, the moon and the star will find a blossoming love with…” she hesitated “with the fox.”

Everyone around the classroom laughed, but the professor raised a hand to quiet them, looking into the cup himself “Sybil’s reading is accurate.” He said, “Maybe (Y/N) has an idea what those symbols might mean?”

You sat straighter, looking at the professor “I seem to be surrounded by symbolism today,” you told him “But I’m sorry sir, I’ve got no idea what it may mean. Perhaps I’ll adopt a fox or something? Shower it with love and stuff,” You lied. While you may have not been able to understand the whole symbolism, there was one thing you knew for certain: you were the fox.

The Professor nodded, even if he didn’t look convinced, and moved towards someone else’s table. You exhaled, only then realizing you’d been holding your breath. “He can be very intimidating, right?” Sybil asked you.

You nodded “Definitely.” She looked like she wanted to tell you something else “What is it?” You asked her.

“Just.. be careful, yeah? The moon, it– it looks a little mennacing on your cup. Like… like it could be dangerous.”

You frowned “As in, maybe I shouldn’t go out tonight dangerous or…?”

“No, no,” she shook her head “I don’t know how to explain it, just… keep that in mind, will ya?”

You nodded, placing a hand on her arm to reassure her “And you’ll be a famous fortune teller soon,” you told her with a smile “How does that feel?”

She shrugged “I always expected to end up as one, I guess it’s nice to get a prediction of what you’ll be, makes it a little more certain.”

“And you trust my predictions?” You asked her with a shrug.

She nodded furiously “Of course I do! It’s not every day a fairy tells you your fortune.”

“I’m sorry?!” You asked her, shocked.

“I saw it in your cup,” she explained “I didn’t mean to pry, but it made sense… your divination affinity, your charm and magnetism, your talent while flying… You’re part fairy, aren’t you?”

You looked at her mortified, your parents had done so many things to keep that hidden and now Sybil just guessed it, “You can’t tell anyone,” you told her in a very serious tone.

She smiled at you “I wasn’t planning to, your secrets are safe with me.” You smiled at her after that, you trusted her.

Once the class was over you stood up, but she stayed in her seat “You don’t have another class?” You asked her politely.

She shook her head “I’ve got arithmancy next, I took it as an optative.”

You hummed in response “Have fun then,” You told her with a smile “I’ve got Magical Theory.”

“Good luck, I heard Professor Pendragon, can be very strict.”

“No worse than Spellman,” you whispered, so that the Professor in question, who was talking to some other students wouldn’t hear you. Sybil laughed and you finally pulled your backpack from your seat and started walking outside but you were stopped by Professor Spellman.

“Miss (Y/LN),” he said, and you walked closer to him “Be very careful tonight,” he warned, “there was something odd on your cup, and as you may know, today is Full Moon.”

You nodded “Thanks, Professor.” Clearly, he saw the same thing Sybil had seen, which was mildly disturbing, but alas, your day had to continue.

Once you were outside of the classroom you spotted the boys a few stairs down. Peter was walking with the girls, you assumed towards their Ancient Studies class, while James, Sirius and Remus walked together, they were walking towards the east wing, to Magical Theory, the class you shared. You had the intention to catch up with them, but they were looking as suspicious as they had looked earlier in the common room, talking in whispers to each other, heads so close they could easily bump together. You decided it was best to let them be, you’d been hanging out with them so much lately, they probably needed some space. So you slowed down your pace, just far enough so they could get their much-needed privacy.

Eventually, you reached the Magical Theory classroom, and when you arrived you found James waiting at the door, he quickly pulled you towards him and said “She’s gonna be my team.”

You looked at him with a shrug “Your team? for what?”

Remus, who was close by responded “The teacher said we’ll be working on a team project, Sirius and I are working together, so James was waiting to claim you as his team.”

“Besides, I really need your help,” James added.

You frowned, and asked, a little confused “With the project?”

“No, with Evans!” He whispered.

Realization down on you and you looked at Remus “He didn’t even ask you to be on his team, did he?”

He shook his head in response, mouthing a “nope.”

You laughed, “All right then, we’re a team,” you told James “You can ask me all you need when we–“ You cut yourself off “Wait, Remus! I’ve got to tell you something…”

“All right, if you gave your teams, please take a seat, class will start.” You heard the teacher say.

“Nevermind,” you told him as you turned back since James was pulling you into a table near the back “You’re not planning to pay much attention then?”

“Don’t scorn me like that,” he complained “We’ll pay attention, I just– really need your advice.”

"In this project, you will embark on a captivating journey to craft your very own magical artifact. Channel your imagination, drawing inspiration from the likes of invisibility cloaks and rememberalls, as you fashion an extraordinary creation of your own making," the teacher commenced, igniting a spark of curiosity among the class, even James, who had been mortified about Lily just minutes earlier was paying attention.

"Each artifact should possess a distinct purpose, serving its intended function with finesse. You will delve into the depths of your creativity, meticulously designing a blueprint that brings your vision to life. Fear not, for guidance shall be provided, I will walk with you every step of the way“ the teacher reassured, yet a chorus of playful groans filled the air in response to the mention of project design papers.

"Ah, I understand your sentiment," the teacher chuckled, acknowledging the students' apprehension. "But worry not! The journey shall be as enchanting as the destination itself. These project design papers will serve as a canvas to weave together the threads of your imagination, showcasing the brilliance of your creation. Embrace the opportunity to bring your ideas to fruition, weaving magic into the tangible realm. Who knows, you may be the next creators to hold the rights to an incredibly useful device that will sell millions.“ With these words, a wave of anticipation and excitement rippled through the classroom, as students began envisioning the magical artifacts they would soon breathe life into.

“Well, that’s an interesting project,” you said as you started writing down some ideas in your notebook.

“It’s brilliant, we could ask him to help us with the map!”

“What map?” You asked while raising an eyebrow.

“Oh… sorry,” he said “I thought for a minute that you– nevermind. You need to help me with Lily.” James had gotten so used to hanging around you and the boys at the same time for a moment he thought you already knew about the Marauders Map.

You sighed “Of course James. Tell me what happened,” you said, turning to him “but please write some ideas down as you do.”

He nodded, and started scribbling on his piece of paper “You see, since we kissed back at Marlene’s party–“

“–James that was a game, you can’t be hung up on that.” You interrupted.

“No, you don’t understand, there was a connection.”

You rolled your eyes, while you did think Lily maybe had a little bit of a crush on James, you also knew she wasn’t anywhere ready to admit it. Especially with James’ incessant flirting since like 4th year. Marlene had told you about it. “James, it sounds ridiculous. I kissed Remus then too, and I’m not hung up on it.”

He narrowed his eyes at that “but you seemed to enjoy it.”

You shrugged “Can’t say he’s a bad kisser.” And Remus is handsome, you thought “But that’s not the point anyway. What happened?”

“Lily seems more willing to talk to me lately,” he explained.

“Well, that’s lovely, just give her enough space so you don’t make her feel pressured. Be kind and nice… and stuff.”

“I was thinking of making this very grand gesture on the quidditch–“

You shook your head “James Potter,” you warned “If you so much as try something like that you will scare her away. She’s barely realizing she might like you, don’t do THAT!”

“What did you just say?”

“Don’t do it!” You insisted.

“No,” he shook his head, “before that.”

“I said that she’s barely realizing she might have a c… fuck.”

“You think… You think she likes me?” He asked, in a very small high pitched tone.

“I– wouldn’t go as far as to say that…” he looked so sad, “…yet.”

“Yet?” He asked, perking up as a surge of excitement ran through his body.

You nodded “I… think she’s warming up to you,” you told him sincerely “Just don’t do anything that could scare her away, please.”

“Like what?”

“Like a scary grand gesture for example.”

The professor walked toward you “Any ideas so far?” He said looking at James’ messy writing.

James nodded “A confetti cannon that, after using it, leaves confetti wherever you go,” he said, and read another idea “a pair of shoes that make the wearer constantly trip, a teapot that won’t stop whistling, even without any tea on it, and a buble liquid that makes ticklish bubbles.” He said proudly.

You stared dagger at him and covered his notes with your some parchment “It’s still a work in progress,” you told the teacher with the most charming smile you could muster, “James and I are still looking for better ideas.”

The professor nodded and kept walking around the classroom.

“Tripping shoes?” You asked in desbeilif “an ever whistling teapot? Are you for real–“

“–In my defence, I’m not great at multitasking.”

“No shiit Sherlock,” you told him.

“The tripping shoes could be funny tho.”

“Yeah, and the tickling bubbles are useful, for pranks, but Professor Pendragon wants us to invent the next invisibility cloak, I don’t think he’d be too satisfied with any of those options.”

“What about a ring that’s also an invisibility cloak?”

You rose your eyebrow at him “You mean like in the Lord of the Rings?”

“What’s the Lord of the Rings?”

You gasped, offended, you too had grown on a pure-blood wizard family but at least you knew the Lord of the Rings, “The hobbit?! Does not ring any bells?” He shook his head “It’s a very popular muggle book, you should really brush up on your muggle literature. Perhaps you should have taken muggle studies instead.”

“Hey!” He complained, “Don’t bash me for not being a literature genius like you and Remus.”

“I bet even Sirius would know about The Lord of the Rings.”

“How much?”

“10 sickles?” You asked.

“Oh, I’m really, really sure Sirius won’t know either,” James said “Make it 20.”

You rose your eyebrow at his challenge and nodded “Deal,” you said raising your hand to shake his, successfully closing the deal.

“So… the magical ring’s off the table?”

“No, I… I don’t think it’s a bad idea, maybe we can make a magical ring, just, with different powers instead.”

“Like…?”

You shrugged in response “We could make two rings that always find each other.”

“Ohhh, and I could give one to Lily!” James said excitedly, you threw him a look “Like… not now... When we start dating… obviously.”

“Love the confidence of that statement,” you said with a smile, thinking of how James had used when instead of if.

He winked “What about a bracelet that lets you communicate with someone else, like a… muggle telephone.”

“Or a walkie talkie…” you agreed.

“A what?” He asked.

“You’re joking, right?”

“I- uh… yeah,” he replied, not confidently at all.

“Damn it, James, you urgently need some muggle classes.” You said and started drawing a pair of walkie-talkies on the notebook, trying to explain their use, and how they worked, even if you weren’t entirely certain of how they did. “Can’t believe none of you thought it’d be useful to have some of them around. Especially for your pranks.”

“Yeah, me neither,” he agreed “You know smoke signals aren’t really the most effective.”

“Surely you didn’t try that,” You said confidently, his expression gave him away “You did?!?”

He shook his head, letting out a long sigh “We were in detention for days.”

You chuckled at that “At least you have the little paper planes now,” you said, remembering the day Remus had sent one to the boys, same day he took you to the lake because you were feeling upset.

“They’re useful, but they can be intercepted.” He explained, “Not very good for top secret plans.”

You laughed, of course, James would consider his prank plans worthy of the Top Secret title. “What about a bracelet?” You asked then.

“A magical bracelet? Sounds good, also with walkie-talkie abilities?”

“Could be more convenient than a ring…” you responded, “Not really sure about it tho."

“What about a pair of glasses that can help you see better in the dark?” He asked, “For those times where you can’t use lumos, maybe you lost your wand, or you wanna be inconspicuous.”

“Night vision googles, I dig it.”

“Exactly, but smaller, more practical to carry around.”

“Well, I guess we’ve got a few solid ideas then,” you said as you started picking up your things, you and James had stayed brainstorming together for a little longer than you realized “Class is over?”

James nodded “Moony and Pads left already,” he said as he looked towards the table your friends had been sitting on, “probably to the great hall, we said we’d eat together.”

“Peter too?” You asked him, he nodded.

“Wanna join us?”

You shrugged in response, “though you were planning a prank or something,” you said as you walked towards the door with him by your side.

He frowned “Why?”

“All the secretive talks? You’ve been awfully suspicious today.”

“What? No- that’s… it’s not. We’re not suspicious.”

You gave him an incredulous look but nodded “No, not at all,” you added sarcastically.

Once you were in the hall you spotted Remus and Sirius walking ahead of you and remembered you had to tell him about your fireworms so you picked up the pace. You walked behind him, for a minute, but he was so entertained in his conversation with Sirius you decided it’d be funny to tease him, so you extended your arms, and standing in your toes –because Remus was actually pretty tall– you decided to cover his eyes with your palms “Guess who–“ you started, but didn’t even get enough time to finish since Remus practically jumped out of your grasp in seconds, hissing as the silver of your new ring came into contact with his skin. It didn’t leave a mark but it did hurt him like hell.

Sirius, being quick to figure the new ring you wore had silver on it, looked at you with panic, but you didn’t notice, you were too concerned over Remus’ reaction. “I– I’m sorry Rem, didn’t mean to scare you…” you stammered “I… I was just trying to tease.” James and Sirius finally relaxed when they noticed you’d thought Remus was just scared.

“It’s ok…” he said with a forced smile as he extended his hand, a safe distance between your ring and himself “I wasn’t expecting you to come up from behind like that.”

You didn’t seem convinced but nodded, concern still evident on your face. “I uhh… I was trying to catch up to actually,” You finally changed the subject. James had gotten in between you and Remus as you walked, so you leaned a little towards the front to see your friend better “It’s about our fireworms, they’re already breathing fire.”

“What? I thought they wouldn’t do it until they were like a month old,” said Sirius.

“Exactly!” You nodded excitedly “They weren’t, our caring must have been phenomenal. Our babies are overachievers.”

“You’re keeping them together?” James asked.

You nodded “Co-parenting,” you paused “We split tasks and that way we make sure we don’t burn down the school by accident.”

Remus nodded in agreement “It’s easy to remember to feed them when it’s only a couple times a week instead of every single day.”

“And we found an excellent spot to keep them too, away from stress and anything that could make them nervous.”

“Well, the overachievers are not the worms,” Sirius said giving you and Remus a look.

James agreed “We just gave ours to Peter, in exchange for some other homework.”

“By the way (Y/N), mind taking care of them tomorrow too?” Remus asked politely.

“Sure thing,” you said, not thinking much of it.

You had your lunch with the boys, the girls and Peter joined you a bit later and you all walked to Defense Against the Dark Arts together. Professor Nightshade was elegantly leaning on her desk when you arrived at her classroom. She looked a little tense. Like she wasn’t too excited about the class to come.

Once most students were inside she shut the door with a wave of her wand “Today we will be going through the unforgivable curses.” She said, looking rather dejected “and while is not of my favourite classes to teach, we must delve into the subject, especially in dark times like these in which you might need to defend yourselves from one of them.”

The entire class was silent, everyone was paying attention to every single one of her words. It wasn’t uncommon to hear about the war, it was on the paper every single day, but most students chose to avoid and ignore the subject, so even if the war was going on, it was outside, Hogwarts was safe. But being confronted with it, so upfront, felt, well, it felt eerie and scary.

“Can someone name the unforgivable curses?” She asked.

Lily raised her hand “The кilling course, Imperius curse and…”

“The cruciatus curse,” Finished Sirius with a heavy breath.

“Correct!” Seraphina said, “10 points for Gryffindor… Indeed those are the three unforgivable curses, and they are unforgivable because…”

“Because they violate the rights of whoever is being cursed by them,” you responded.

“Can any of them be avoided?”

You shook your head “Only very experienced wizards can resist Imperio.”

“And countered?”

“Physical barriers might block some of the curses, but there is no known spell that can do such a thing.” Said Remus.

“No one has ever survived a кilling course either,” Imogen Potts added.

“Seems like you’ve been doing all the readings accordingly,” the teacher said satisfied “Now, you know the theory, but today we will have a small demonstration.” The students gasped, but Seraphina nodded heavily “You must know what you’re up against,” she pulled out a box and opened it, a butterfly flew out of it, about the size of your palm. Seraphina let the small insect fly freely for a minute before pointing her wand straight at her and whispering “Imperio.”

The butterfly started flying around, making circles around the class before landing on Marlene’s nose. She was sitting beside you, so you looked at her in awe as the butterfly batted its wings softly near her face. But then Seraphina changed the course, whispering “Cruicio.” The butterfly fell from Marlene’s nose and onto your table, right next to your book as it batted its wings helplessly. You looked at it with concern, Seraphina herself looked mortified as she inflicted pain on the small creature.

You gave her an imploring look, and that was all it took for her to stop. The small butterfly was released from the pain and started flying all around the classroom, desperately looking to get away from the place. Once the butterfly was close enough to her, she whispered the last curse and after a green flash came from her wand, the butterfly stopped flying, slowly falling to the ground, like a leaf from a tree.

The whole classroom was quiet. You stood up and carefully picked up the small butterfly from the floor. Looking at it pitifully as you handed it over to Seraphina, who held the box out for you to place it inside. “As you’ve seen, these curses are not only lethal but terrifying as well. There is a reason why, whoever dares to infringe them, will never be forgiven.”

“They will go to Azkaban,” whispered Peter.

“What a pitiful destiny,” agreed Sirius.

Professor Nightshade sighed heavily “I think this is enough for today, you may go.”

Students nodded and started placing their things into their backpacks. When you stood up, you walked towards her “I want to be in the duelling club.” You told her “I… I don’t want to end up like the butterfly.”

Seraphina looked at you, a sorrowful look in her eyes, she understood the implications of what you’d said. She knew how heavy your statement was. And she nodded “Of course darling, you’ll be a brilliant addition to the club.”

You nodded, satisfied and finally caught up with your friends. You went straight to Lily “At what time must we go get the fluxweed?” You asked.

“It’s supposed to be when the moon it’s at its highest point,” she told you “I checked the astronomy section of the paper in the morning, apparently at around 11:30 pm.”

“All right, we can totally hang out together till then, right? Do you have any plans?”

She shook her head “We had study club, but we cancelled it today, I was thinking of maybe going to the library to get some stuff and then studying or just chilling back at the common room.”

“It’s settled then,” you told her with a smile, walking alongside her towards the library. Since you had already finished most of your assignments you decided to walk through the long bookshelf to see if you found anything that caught your eye, while Lily looked for some more specific books. And as you walked over the edge of one of the bookshelves you bumped into Nina, the small Ravenclaw girl from the study grup that had a crush on Remus. “Hey love,” you said politely.

“Hi,” she replied quietly. To be fair, Nina really wanted to dislike you when she first encountered you. She was jealous of how close you and Remus had gotten in such a short period of time, but you had always treated her with kindness, genuinely willing to help her, if she had any questions, or needed help with a particular spell; that, in the end, she couldn’t help but like you instead. In fact, she’d go as far as to say she admired you. She’d seen you practicing spells and she even went to one of the quidditch trainings, with the intention to ogle at Remus who had gone too, but she was far too entranced by you when you were flying that she almost completely forgot about her original reason for going.

“You looking for Rem?” You asked her politely.

She shook her head “He cancels study sessions at least once every couple of weeks,” she told you “Originally, only Lily held the sessions by herself but she got very stressed without him to help her with the younger students, so they decided it was best to cancel them altogether.” Remus cancelled them? You thought, that’s odd. “What about you? Are you looking for a book in particular?”

You shook your head “Just something to entertain me while I hang out with Lily.”

“Oh, I think I can help you with that,” she said with a smile, bringing her backpack in front of her and opening the zipper “I actually got my hands on this book out last week, I read it in days, it’s about a werewolf who falls in love with a wizard.” she explained “It’s not very accurate with the actual nature of werewolves, but the key points are there. It’s a very fun romantic novel If you’re into that kind of stuff.” She said taking a book out of her bag and placing it on the table. “Oh and this one,” she grabbed a smaller book “It’s filled with simple yet practical spells that we don’t have in the curriculum, such as ways to fix glasses and open locks. It’s fantastic if you want something a bit more educational.”

You looked at her with a smile “These are fantastic Nina, thank you!” You said with genuine excitement.

She smiled at you, blushing just a little at your reaction “It’s nothing. I’m– I really like books,” she told you with a smile “If you ever need new recommendations, I’m down.”

You smiled at her “You’re the best!” You told her picking the books up from where she left them “It was lovely seeing you.”

She nodded, and was about to say something when Lily showed up, looking for you “I’ve got the books, ready to go?” She asked, and then noticed you weren’t alone “Oh, hey Nina! What’s up?”

“She lent me a couple of books,” you said, raising the books you held in between your arms so Lily would notice.

Lily nodded “Oh, Nina is really good at picking out books, trust me.” Lily said, “Mind if I take (Y/N) with me now?”

Nina shook her head “We were just doing some small talk.” She said, with a bit of a blush as both you and Lily waved your goodbyes.

As you walked outside the library Lily gave you a look “So… you’re friends with Nina now?”

You shrugged “She’s pretty nice actually. I don’t know when it happened, but she stopped hating me over Remus, and now she’s really kind, she even recommended books!”

“You probably just charmed her with your personality and looks, like you did with pretty much everyone,” Lily teased with a smile.

“Oi, shut up Evans, you’re probably more charming than I am,” you said nudging her in a friendly manner. She nudged you back and the two of you walked together towards the common room, chatting about your due assignments, and your favourite books. Since Lily was a muggle-born, she knew even more about muggle books than you, and it was fun hearing about all of them, from her favourites to those she didn’t like all that much.

Once you arrived at the common room you both found a comfortable place, she sat on the small round table by the stairs and you went straight for one of the couches, letting yourself comfortably lay on it while opening your backpack to pick one of the books Nina had recommended, you grabbed each on one hand, staring at the covers, trying to decide which one to go for first. After weighing both of them in your head, you decided to read the spell book and leave the romance novel on the side table.

Nina hadn’t been lying, the book was indeed practical, and you tried casting some of the most complicated or useful spells as you read, practicing the wand movements and incantations as Lily focused on her homework.

At some point Mary and Marlene went in, they were giggling about something that happened so you decided to leave your book next to the others and join their conversation.

“Oh my god, (Y/N)! You won’t believe what happened.” Mary said.

You smiled “Oh, do tell”

“We were talking to Moaning Myrtle, she said she overheard Holden talk about Marlene with some other boys, that she was an incredible beater and stuff.”

“Really?” You said smiling wider “I mean, no doubt, she’s amazing! But he said that?”

Mary nodded “According to Myrtle, that is… She also said some boys have been saying you’re part Veela because of your charm, be careful they may try and throw you into the water to see if you’re a good swimmer.”

You laughed at that, you were a good swimmer, but they couldn’t have been more off with their guesses. “So… what are you waiting for Mars? You have to make your move!”

“Make my move?” She gasped.

You nodded “Well, at the party you seemed pretty close, admit you like him or–”

“–Kiss him unexpectedly,” completed Mary.

“Yeah, that too.” You nodded.

“Well…” Marlene said taking a deep breath “I’m thinking I could– I wanted to invite him to Hogsmeade over the weekend, actually.”

“That’s brilliant!” You told her “Isn’t that tomorrow?”

She nodded in response “You coming too? I heard Sirius and James mention they wanted to show you around.”

“They haven’t told me anything about it, but I guess I’ll tag along with ya’ll anyway.”

At that point Lily stood up from her place and stretched, yawning softly “What time is it?”

“10:30,” answered Marlene after looking at her wrist watch “You done?”

She nodded “But we have to stay up for at least an hour,” Lily complained.

“Why?” Mary asked.

“We’re going to harvest some fluxweed,” you responded instead.

“Oh… because it’s full moon,” Marlene acknowledged.

You nodded “When are you getting yours?”

“Marlene ordered them from a fancy potion supply store.”

“That was allowed?” you asked, surprised.

Marlene shrugged “Not sure, but I highly doubt Slughorn will find out, if anything, we can say we picked them out with you.”

“Sure,” Lily said, sitting down on the sofa next to you, placing your feet on top offer lap to make some space. You made a move to bring your feet down but she shook her head “It’s alright, rest up, you’ve been awake since like 5 am, haven’t you?” You nodded, letting your feet on to lay over her lap “You should just tell James to screw off and sleep in, I can tell you’re not a morning person.”

You laughed “I wish, but I want to be in top shape for the game and… to be honest, I’m still getting used to my new broom, that’s why I’ve been flying every morning.” Out of nowhere, a pillow was thrown towards your face “Oi, what was that for?” You asked looking at Marlene, who’d been responsible for it.

“Show off,” she said “I need time to practice with my new broom,” she teased “and then she goes and flies like a professional every single damn time.” You opened your mouth to try to speak but closed it soon after, Marlene continued talking “James has been making the training even tougher so we keep up with her.”

“Sorry,” you said then “I guess I just really like flying.” After all, it’s in my blood, you thought. You wondered if you’d ever trust them enough to tell them about it, the answer was pretty simple, you already did, and you wanted to, but you knew how dangerous it was.

You stayed talking with the girls for a while, Marlene told you about the time she got on the quidditch team, Lily talked about being exceptionally good at potions and being invited to an exclusive party with Slughorn and Mary told you about the private classes she had been taking with Madam Pomfrey, about all the new potions and spells she had learned.

“It’s finally 11,” said Lily when Mars finished the story about the worst date she had gone on, she’d been invited to a magical restaurant, that had been jinxed by an angry customer the previous day, it had been absolute mayhem.

You stood up, stretching yourself “We should probably get going,” you said with a smile. She nodded and picked her backpack up, taking out a piece of paper and handing it over. You looked at her puzzled.

“It’s a nigh pass, I asked McGonagall for it,” she told you “We can go out and Filnch won’t say a thing.”

“Oh nice,” you said looking at the paper, boy, how easy would it be to make duplicates of it, with different dates. “Shall we?” You asked tilting your head towards the door. She nodded and the two of you walked towards the portrait of the fat lady.

“Good luck girls!” You heard Marlene shout from behind.

“Yeah, we’ll be back in the bedroom.”

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honeypiehotchner · 8 months

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Devil's Backbone (Unsub!Hotch x Fem!Reader) -- part twelve

Welp. Once again I have nothing to say for myself. I find this way hotter than it should be. Nobody @ me idk what happened to me

Warnings: 18+ duh, this one definitely teeters more on the non-con/dubcon line than the last, just a heads up! listen there's...so much. gun play, knife play, face fucking, choking, unprotected sex, reminder that he is not a Good Guy and this is meant to make you hot and bothered (emphasis on bothered)

Don't forget to follow @honeypiehotchnerlibrary and turn on post notifications to be "tagged" when a new chapter goes up!

Twelve: [REDACTED FROM THE RECORD]

Your mind fought your body as Aaron pressed into you, grinding against you, listening to you whimper.

The cold barrel of his gun traced your jaw. It made the unbearable heat flood your entire body, and you felt ashamed. This was wrong. This wasn’t supposed to feel good.

“I think you’re just as gone as I am,” he whispered, his voice thick. “I could shoot you. Right here, right now. Instead,” he paused, pressing the barrel to your lips, “you’re squirming underneath me like a whore.”

“I hate you,” you snapped, taking a deep breath, trying to compose yourself.

“No you don’t,” he cooed, taking his gun away to cover your lips in a blistering kiss. He ignored your protests and worked his tongue between your lips until you surrendered, relaxing against his body, giving in. “There she is,” he laughs, returning to your neck. “Undo my belt,” he said. He lifted his head, looking into your eyes. “Try anything, and I’m pulling the trigger.”

You believed him. You nodded, your eyes heavy.

“Good girl,” he murmured, pulling some of his weight off of you. “Go on.”

With your arms released, you worked him out of his belt, unzipping his pants, slipping your hand inside. He fell against the car the moment your hand wrapped around him. His hips jerked into your hand, his lips pressing against yours again.

His sounds were addicting. Listening to him fuck into your hand, his shaky breaths on your lips. You felt in control, just once. Until he took it back.

“Down,” he groaned, his hands pressing onto your shoulders. You resisted, shaking your head, until he pressed harder, and with the gun. “I said down.”

You sank to your knees, knowing what came next. He pulled his boxers down, and gripped your hair with one hand, shoving you forward.

He hit the back of your throat immediately and you gagged, not prepared for the intrusion. You barely had half of him, and he forced more, until your nose was against his stomach. You squirmed, trying to get away from him, from the pleasure that you hated you were feeling. He noticed. He gripped your hair tighter, and shoved his foot between your legs.

“Since you clearly need something,” he laughed darkly. “Grind on me, baby.”

He lifted his foot and the bump against your clit was all you needed. Your pleasure won over your logic. Nothing felt more right, grinding against him, swallowing his cock down your throat, letting him hold you down.

“That’s it,” he hissed, pulling back to give you air before you went back down, and he held you there. He gripped your throat with his free hand, feeling his head beneath your skin. “Fuck.”

You felt him twitch only once before he spilled down your throat, refusing to let you up. You coughed and choked, your vision speckling right when he pulled you up. He hauled you up to your feet by your hair, pressing you against the car, covering your lips with his. He ground his hips into you and you sobbed. How was he still so hard? It made your core ache with a need you had never felt before.

You were close to an orgasm, and he ripped it away from you, but now he was bringing you back to the edge. He gripped your hips, pressing his knee between your thighs as he lifted you up.

“I have never,” he groaned, leaving bruises beneath your pants, “wanted to cut someone open as badly as I do with you.”

Fear ricocheted through you at his words.

“But I won’t,” he grumbled, pulling back to look at you. “Because what fun is it, to end it here?”

He set you down and spun you around, pulling your pants and underwear down in one swift move. You leaned over onto the hood of the car, accepting your fate, accepting your shame because you wanted it. You wanted this so bad, you spread your legs without being asked.

He traced your spine with the gun, then you heard him toss it to the ground. If you weren’t out of your mind, you’d reach for it, but it was far from your priorities.

“I know how we can make this interesting,” he whispered, and then you felt a blade against your lower back. “Don’t make me hurt you, and I won’t. This can be pleasurable.”

You rested your head on the hood of the car, taking a deep breath, whimpering when you exhaled without meaning to.

“Shhh,” he soothed, rocking his hips against you as he drew circles on your back with the knife. “I’ll give you what you need.”

He pushed into you with no warning, immediately hitting your cervix, causing you to cry out in pain. He began rocking in and out of you until the pain resumed to pleasure, and as he brushed your G-spot, he dug in with the knife. You felt the skin break, but felt no pain, only a sting, and it was intoxicating. You wanted more.

He felt your walls flutter when he did it, and he laughed, leaning over you to whisper in your ear. “I knew you’d like that.” The knife found your neck, lightly tracing your main artery. “Sick and twisted. Just as bad as me.”

Your eyes rolled when he rolled his hips, nicking you with the knife just under your ear. Nothing compared to the white hot pleasure that ripped through you with your first orgasm, or the way he chased you right to your second.

“Now that is addicting,” he breathed, pressing his hips into you. “If only you weren’t following orders.”

You didn’t know what he meant by that. Did he want to kill you, but would he refrain since your whereabouts were known? You never had time to think about it. He continued fucking into you until you couldn’t see straight.

You didn’t remember how many marks he left on you with the knife, just that each one felt better than the last. And that more than once, the feel of the knife nearly sent you over the cliff of an orgasm.

You were done only when he was done, and Aaron made sure you had four orgasms before he let himself cum inside you, sending you flying into a fifth climax. He wanted you fucked purely dumb, so he didn’t have to worry about you fighting him. And it worked.

He righted himself and returned his gun to his holster, choosing to use yours to make you obey him if necessary, but he didn’t think he’d run into any problems. You laid there against the hood of the car for a while, with your pants around your ankles, his cum running down your thighs. It was a sight he wished to take a picture of.

Until he remembered he had a bigger issue at hand.

“Get yourself together,” he instructed. “You’re driving me back to the motel.”

You nodded and pulled your pants up, your legs shaking as you attempted to move. You didn’t think you’d be able to drive, but you didn’t exactly have a choice in the matter.

You climbed into the driver’s seat and tried not to think about what you did. But the cuts from the knife screamed when you rested your back against the seat. A black shirt was your best decision this morning. “Now,” Aaron said, settling into the passenger seat, now pointing your gun on you. “We need to talk.”

#aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x fem!reader #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x you #unsub!hotch x fem!reader #unsub!hotch smut #aaron hotchner smut #hotch smut #unsub!hotch x reader #unsub!hotch x you #unsub!hotch fanfiction #hotch fanfiction #criminal minds fanfiction #criminal minds #hotch x fem!reader #hotch x reader #Devil's Backbone #unsub!hotch

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velidewrites · 5 months

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Don’t Look Back

Five hundred years ago, the humans fought hard for their freedom in the Great War and won. Now, their former masters seek retribution in a rebellion that grows stronger year by year. When Elain Archeron finds out marrying Greysen Nolan might be the only solution to keep her family safe from the ancient, cruel Fae, she doesn't hesitate to fulfil her duty. What Elain doesn't know, though, is that the man with the fiery hair and russet eyes is not her fiancé, but his killer—and when she finally finds out, well…it will be far too late to turn back.

Rating: Explicit

Notes: Happy Holidays @rainbowdolphinrealm! I absolutely loved being your Secret Santa for the @acotargiftexchange and getting to know you over the past few weeks! My little elf has told me there may be some Azris angst in the background, and a surprise Azris treat is also sleighing your way soon 👀

Read on AO3 or continue for Chapter 1 below!

*Please note that for reasons beyond my control (insanity) I have given this fic way too much lore. Here is a map I've drawn!

Chapter 1: The Visitor

Elain had never thought she would be dreading the spring. It was the season her gardens bloomed, the season that melted the lakes around the manor to reflect the fluffy clouds dotting the sky above. The flowers she’d planted over the harvest would sprout to life, their sleepy buds erupting into colours Elain would dream of all winter. Two years ago, her father had gifted her the most extraordinary tulips for her birthday, the intricate paintings over the pack of seeds promising shades of violet she’d never seen in New Prythian. He’d brought them right from the fields of the Montesere province far on the Continent with a vow to bring her along on his travels next year—so that she could see their beauty for herself.

Her mother died the spring after.

Father had gone anyway, but Elain—Elain stayed. She had lost all desire to travel, anyway, especially when the circumstances of the death had hardly been expected. The Continent had assured them the Fae rebellion was not a threat to be taken seriously, and that the Governor had everything under control. Out of the eight human clans looking after their world, Lord Nolan had perhaps been the only one Elain would put her trust in. If he claimed the scattered remains of the faeries of old were entirely harmless, then it must have been the truth.

Until a small group of them had broken into the Merchant’s manor and killed his wife in her sleep, with magic so corrupted and vile that not even a speck of blood had left a stain on her sheets. One moment, she was deep in a peaceful slumber, and the next, she was simply…gone.

Everything had happened very quickly after that. Orders had come in from wherever Father had sailed off to, and the manor had been fortified with ash-dipped iron from Vallahan—made by the Forge himself—and spells Father had acquired from his trades with the North. All entirely legal and ratified by the Governor—according to Father, at least. Elain knew better than to ever question the Merchant.

The manor, though fortified to the teeth, had not been enough to keep Elain or either of her sisters safe. The very last order came in with the Merchant himself, a rare smile on their father’s deep-creased face as he announced it to his daughters. Elain had never seen Nesta so horrified as her older sister had been in that moment—pale as the moon, whiter than the sheets their mother had died in. For Nesta Archeron, the eldest daughter of the feared Merchant of New Prythian, was to marry.

Somewhere along his usual search for old faerie artifacts, abandoned over the centuries after the Great War, Father had found his way into an alliance that would secure his territory’s position on the island. With Nesta’s marriage, there would be no Fae slipping past his borders, no other clan opposing him—no human ruler to ever deny him whatever faerie secrets they’d been holding in their keep. It was an alliance that rattled the seas all the way to the Governor’s seat in Rask—perhaps even crooked the crown on his greying head an inch.

Nesta, after all, had been promised to none other than Tomas Mandray. To the son of the Harvester.

Every human territory had a role to play in the new world order—after the Great War, order seemed to be exactly what the humans needed. Their freedom, won by bloodshed and sacrifice, broke them free as slaves of the Fae. Elain still dreamed of the horrid images her governess’s books taught her—of humans in chains, gleaming with white-hot magic, burning spells into their skin that made any chance of escape nearly impossible. Had it not been for the courage of the six ruling queens, all hope would have been lost. Five hundred years later, it would have been Elain in those chains, her sisters, her Father, even the all-powerful Governor. Even the Harvester.

His territory—the dark, somber island of Hybern—was one Elain would never so much as think of travelling to. Pretending the work the Harvester did there did not exist made everyone’s lives a lot easier. While the Merchant dealt with old Fae artifacts and traded them across borders, the Harvester’s work involved a lot more of getting one’s hands dirty. Enchanted faerie objects, after all, were not the only things believed to have valuable properties. High Fae hearts, for example, promised a long life, untainted by illness.

And the Harvester…well, the Harvester delivered them. Amongst many others.

The marriage had taken place shortly after the summer, and neither Elain nor her father had been invited to witness the nuptials. She had simply watched the ship sail off West as she lost yet another sister.

She would not think about that right now—not when spring had finally arrived again. Soon, her tulips would bloom again, flecks of pinks and violets shining softly under the young, shy rays of sunlight. Elain would not be there to witness it—right after Nesta’s marriage, Father had left for the Continent again, and this time, Elain expected the order.

She was to be married next.

My dearest Elain,

It is with a full heart that I bring you the joyous news of our latest triumph. I have successfully docked in Saetre, and the Governor has received me warmly—as expected. As I’m sure you have already guessed, he was most pleased with the offerings I have bestowed him. You’ve seen them yourself—the old Illyrian dagger seems to be his favourite as of right now, though I have not yet even shown him the rest of the treasure I have acquired from the Wildlands. I can already imagine his eyes light up as I hand him the pair of wings your sister had sent in from Hybern. I shall convince him to display it right above his throne, I think—a testament to Nesta’s success.

Our deliberations commenced shortly after dinner—a roast turkey and the most exquisite stew, if you’re interested. I have already sent a footman along with a separate letter containing the recipe—so that you may have the maid try it out in the weeks before my return. Winters in Rask are quite unforgivable, and I must admit a hearty meal like this was exactly what I needed. Rask rears its own livestock, you know—an impressive one, too, if I do say so myself. To not be dependent on Braemar for your dinner plans—imagine that! I am growing quite tired of the Huntsman raising his prices every harvest. Ridiculous.

Anyway, I digress. Rask has consumed my attention entirely, as I’m sure you can tell. I am confident you would enjoy it here, too. Winters are rough, yes—but I remember how much you’ve always wanted to visit the provinces in the West. Just imagine your beloved tulip fields, illuminated by golden sunlight—imagine being able to see them at your whim. What a life that would be, would it not?

My sweet Elain, I am writing to tell you that it could be. You know how dear our family has always been to me—but you, my beautiful daughter, have always been closest to my ageing heart. It is precisely why I had devoted all my efforts, all my resources, into this agreement. Elain, it is one for the pages of history. A union like no other.

You see, the Governor—Lord Nolan, our very ruler himself—was so impressed with your dowry, and concerned with the fate of our family in the past year—that he had offered his son, nay, his heir, as a candidate worthy of your hand. Your hand in marriage, Elain.

Indeed, the past year has brought our family hardship unlike ever before. I do mourn your mother still, and the loss of our young Feyre continues to be a fresh wound in my heart. It is only fair we honour them, would you not agree? Your sister, your brave, headstrong sister, has already taken that first step—and look how happy she is with the Harvester’s son. She holds power like no other human in our family ever had—right now, she is perhaps the most powerful woman in Prythian. Perhaps even more than the Siren herself. Elain, with your beauty, your grace, your heart—you could outshine them both.

I am sure you were too young to remember meeting Greysen Nolan—you were only five, after all, and he only twelve—but he has grown into a fine young man, and as heir to the Governor, he is the most eligible bachelor our world has to offer. A fine marriage like this would give us the protection we need—New Prythian would never have to deal with faerie filth again. Our people would be safe, Elain—and all because of you. My beautiful Princess.

I do hope this news brings some comfort to your healing heart. Lord Nolan has bestowed his son with a title prior to your official engagement. The Visitor, as your fiancé is now called, has taken on the role of supervising all clans and their work—of ensuring their role in our world guarantees our continued survival amid the growing rebellions in Old Prythian and Vallahan. Elain, as wife to the Visitor, your dream will finally come true—you shall accompany him on all his travels, see the world as you’ve always wished! It brings me joy to know I have assured you that fate.

I am to remain in Rask until the snow melts. The Visitor and I shall set sail for home with the coming of spring, and we shall host a celebration in your honour. An engagement ball envied in the eyes of any other young lady in Prythian, New and Old!

I am told Greysen (is it too soon to address him as such, do you think? He is to be my son-in-law) enjoys roses the most. Perhaps you could show some thought and consideration and embroider a pattern on your ball gown? I trust that this letter gives you enough time in advance. You’ve always been so skilled at crafts and other projects of creative character.

Be safe, my sweet Elain. Better times are coming—and sooner than you think!

With love,

The Merchant

Elain discarded the letter on her nightstand, thinking she might puke if she so much as tried glancing upon it again. From the neat, elegant cursive to the tone of the very words, the message reeked of her Father—of the Merchant . There were so many things wrong with its contents that the anger she’d been stifling in the pit of her stomach for the past few weeks had bubbled all over again, threatening to burn its way up her throat. Elain had never been any good at art—that was Feyre, the Merchant’s other daughter the Fae had only taken a few months ago. Taken and never returned. She was likely dead, her body discarded somewhere in the Wildlands. And Father didn’t even care.

He didn’t care that it was him Elain had always wanted to travel with, not Greysen Nolan, not anyone else. He’d promised to bring her along, at least once. Now, it was too late. He would lose his final daughter—for the safety of New Prythian. Naturally.

A new wave of guilt crashed into her with a sudden force, killing the fire inside her with little effort. She didn’t want the marriage, that much was true—but, her father’s personal agenda or not, the Fae rebellion was as real as the Visitor, no doubt already sailing her way. The Fae, though very few in number thanks to the work of the human clans, still posed a very real threat—her mother and sister were the prime example of how dangerous those creatures were. Five hundred years ago, they’d nearly won the War—had nearly rid the world of all humans and enslaved whoever remained. Until the humans turned their own magic against them—and took their freedom back. They have continued to preserve it ever since.

The clans of Old Prythian had always been successful in dwindling the numbers of whoever remained—the Fae, in all their mighty immortality, could hold out for centuries, using their magic to roam the lands in secret. Three hundred years ago, most of them had been pushed far north to the Wildlands, old faerie territories Elain had read about in her studies. There was little information on the former Solar Courts and their rulers—other than that the most powerful of them had a history of cruelty that could make the Harvester himself flinch in horror. Some part of her was glad the territory had been reduced to rubble—that, at the very least, the humans’ ancient killers could no longer rely on their fortresses to lock them all up.

She had seen the Huntsman’s reports on recent rebel activity in Braemar, though. The faeries may have been few, yes, but those foolish enough to crawl out of the Wildlands caused problems that would usually send shivers down Elain’s spine. The Huntsman’s own daughter, stationed in the North under the Guardian’s protection, had been slaughtered no more than six years ago when their outpost was attacked. Father had told her stories of fresh, crimson blood, gleaming on the thick, white coat of snow.

For what had to have been the hundredth time in the past few weeks, Elain debated that perhaps, an alliance with the Governor’s son would not be such a terrible thing. She may not have known him—let alone harboured any affection for him—but their marriage would strengthen the clans. If she married Greysen, perhaps no one else’s daughters would be slaughtered, no one else’s mothers killed in their sleep or sisters hunted in the forests surrounding their own homes. Elain could protect them—in whatever way she could.

Either way, she had no choice.

***

The forest rippled with the sound of teeth tearing into flesh. Over the centuries, they had grown longer— sharper , which was just as well. He needed as much protection as he could get these days, especially with weapons so difficult to come by. The camp was already growing unsettled, and he could feel the tension weighing on the air whenever he returned. The past few winters had been difficult enough.

The coming of spring was a welcome change. Spring meant they could hunt—the new year brought on as many animals as it had opportunities. The prey in his arms, grasped by the claws he’d sunk deep into its skin, just so happened to be both.

And what an opportunity it was. They’d been wishing for it for decades—centuries, even, or perhaps even more. Like many others, he found himself losing count of the passing years. They all seemed the same—eat, sleep, move, hide. Kill had only recently started to disrupt his routine. Yet another change he welcomed.

He spat out the blood, nose wrinkling with distaste as if on instinct, and watched as the liquid settled into the mossy earth. The body fell to the ground a moment after, leaving a heavy thud in its wake, heavy enough that he could have sworn it echoed between the trees. He would get an earful for not being careful later. The thought made his eyes roll as he wiped his nails clean on his crumpled shirt.

He pulled it over his arms, then, letting the fabric float away with the gentle spring breeze, and took a deep, steadying breath. The small, golden rays of sunlight peering through the budding leaves warmed his bare chest, and he tilted his head up to the sky, soaking up the sensation until the quiet gurgle at his feet inevitably commanded the return of his attention.

He sighed, kicking away the arm resting on his boot. The body rolled to the side, baring the unpleasant face to his sight yet again. For what must have been the fourth time in the past two minutes, he felt himself grimace. Something so ugly should not have been this finely dressed.

This, however, was a problem he could easily take care of. Holding his breath to avoid the stench of his prey’s spilling guts, he kneeled to free it from the immaculate, navy-blue jacket, dark, charcoal trousers and boots before its blood managed to stain them. The formerly pristine shirt was unfortunately already lost to him, though he supposed his own would do just fine.

For a split second, he wondered if the body should be buried. It would take little effort on his part, and he knew it had been travelling with a party before trailing off the carriage path to piss. It would be best to not leave any evidence behind, lest any of the man’s companions decided to follow their master and look for relief in the forest as well.

He sighed again, a sound he feared was starting to become a signature of his lately. With a flick of his hand, the dirt rustled quietly, and the ground parted, swallowing the body entirely.

Good. This was good. He only wished he’d taken a good look at the man’s face before letting the worms dig into the body he’d so benevolently left open for them. He needed the memory unscathed for the spell, and right now, he could not for the life of him remember the colour of his prey’s eyes. Oh, well.

He got dressed quickly, finding the fabric a little too tight in the shoulders. Come to think of it, the trousers also seemed to be a tight fit, his thighs unusually restrained by the silken threads. He would have to walk more slowly, he supposed. Ripping his seams open in front of dozens of humans was hardly the surprise he’d spent the past two months carefully devising.

Rising to his full height, he closed his eyes then as though for concentration. The tingling on his skin was hardly pleasant, but he endured it all the same until the memory in his mind finally faded away. There was no stream nearby to look over his reflection, but he knew the glamour had worked, anyway. It always did.

To those who knew the man he’d just murdered, he would appear as Greysen Nolan—the newly titled Visitor, hell, the Governor’s own firstborn son. He couldn’t help but smirk.

It seemed that Daddy was in for one hell of a disappointment.

***

Elain could not breathe in her gown.

“Just a few more minutes, Princess,” the seamstress repeated, the sound muffled through the needle she’d clenched between her teeth.

The nickname did little to ease her nerves. The Princess was hardly her official title, but her father insisted the staff—that everyone in New Prythian called his one remaining daughter as such. She used to adore it as a little girl, though upon further reflection, she had no doubt she’d earned a few spoiled brat ’s in those years. Still, the name seemed to have stuck, and, as she always did, Elain felt her cheeks flush furiously in response.

“I’m not a princess, Lavinia,” she reminded the seamstress, trying her best not to make her tone sound too pointed.

The woman scoffed. “You might as well be, Lady Archeron. The Visitor is a titled man, and if that wasn’t enough, he is the Governor’s heir.” She adjusted the ribbons adorning Elain’s sleeve. “Our royalty may be long gone, but everyone knows the throne resides at Rask.”

Elain hummed. “There is a reason we are no longer ruled by six queens. To anoint a new monarchy would be to dishonour their sacrifice.”

The seamstress scrambled quickly, “Of course, Lady Archeron. I only meant—the Governor holds a lot of power in the realm.”

Elain sighed and looked into the mirror. “I suppose that much is true.”

“You don’t seem very excited,” Lavinia remarked, meeting Elain’s gaze in her reflection. “Surely the Visitor is an excellent match?”

“Certainly,” Elain nodded. But excellent was not someone Elain was looking for. She wasn’t looking for anyone, truthfully, and yet here she stood, watching Lavinia touch up her gown for the final time before her engagement ball was to commence. “This is good, I think. You’ve done a wonderful job—as always.”

The seamstress offered her a smile. “Try to be happy, Princess.”

“Of course,” Elain lied.

It was clear enough that Lavinia had left her alone, quietly excusing herself out of the room. Elain could hear her mutter instructions to the guards at her door—she was to be escorted downstairs, whenever she was ready. Apparently, guests had already begun pouring in, and the Visitor was to make his grand entrance shortly.

Elain hadn’t even seen Father yet. Wherever he was, he clearly would make his appearance once the public had gathered in full.

It was to be expected, but Elain felt her heart sink nonetheless. She could use a few words of encouragement right now. Usually, it had been Feyre offering them without Elain even having to ask. But Feyre was gone. Had been gone for a while.

And she wasn’t coming back.

Exhaling shakily, Elain looked into her own eyes in the mirror, ignoring the tear welling up in one corner, her expression stern.

“You’re doing this for them ,” she told herself. “For Feyre, and for Mother, and for Nesta, so that no one else has to suffer like they had.”

Her reflection nodded, the pearls in her ears sparkling with the movement. She breathed out again, one last time, and braced herself for the three quiet knocks on her door.

“It’s time, Princess,” the order sounded shortly after. Elain, of course, obeyed.

The gown was a pain to walk in. It was beautiful, to be sure—she hadn’t lied when she’d complimented Lavinia’s work—though that hardly made it a comfortable garment to wear. Elain appreciated the way the corset hugged her curves, or the way it perked up her breasts, but she also appreciated being able to take a breath without immediately choking on it. She had never squeezed into a dress so impossibly tight. The flowers—roses—crafted by the ruffles of tulle rested attached at her hips, the ribbons of her sleeves caressing them as Elain made her way down the hall. The gown spilled down her body in petals of ivory and a dusty pink, making Elain herself look like a blossoming rose, floating with every step.

She almost enjoyed the thought until she remembered Father’s letter once again—until she remembered Greysen Nolan’s favourite flowers were, in fact, roses, and the gown’s very design served to appeal to his tastes instead of her own.

Had it not been for the guard’s heavy boots sounding behind her, Elain would have entertained the idea of turning back. Would Father drag her downstairs himself? Would he lock her up in Greysen’s carriage and ship her off without second thought? Elain had never once thought her own engagement ceremony would ever feel like an execution. And yet, here she was, followed closely by the Merchant’s personal guard, dressed up like a doll for a man she didn’t even know.

The somber thought accompanied her down the marble steps spiralling down to the ballroom, consuming her so thoroughly she could hardly feel the countless stares watching her every more. Father must have invited more people than she’d thought—dignitaries from all over the island, perhaps even the Continent itself.

Perhaps her seamstress was right—perhaps Rask was the closest they could get to royalty, and Elain truly could not have found a more advantageous match. She also could not have married at all.

But then she met her father’s gaze, and the guilt hit her with a familiarity that nearly swayed her off the stairs.

His eyes—brown, exactly the shade of her own—were shining with pride so unabashed she could not help but smile in his direction. She was doing all of this for him, too was she not? For her family—so that they may never see misfortune again. Nesta had been strong enough to proceed with her own match. Why should Elain be any different? She could do this—otherwise, watching that pride dim from her father’s gaze might just be the thing that killed her.

Slowly, she made her way up the dais to meet his extended hand. Behind them, two high chairs she supposed had been made to resemble thrones sat waiting for the Lord and Lady to be. Elain’s heart quickened in the constraints of her corset.

“This is real, Elain,” Father murmured over her shoulder, as though he could hear how loudly her heart thumped in her chest. If he did, he’d grossly misinterpreted the reason behind it. “This is truly happening.”

Elain swallowed something thick in her throat, and forced another smile as she turned to face him at last. “I know, Father.”

The white of his teeth nearly outmatched the chandeliers above. “You look absolutely spectacular,” he complimented, his smile wider as he noted the tulle roses. “Are you ready to meet your husband?”

She supposed there was no turning back now.

Father nodded to the guards. “Invite the Visitor in.”

Every single head in the ballroom turned as two, white-gloved hands turned the golden, ornate knobs and swung the doors open.

Elain held her breath—then counted to three. Four. Five.

On seven, he entered.

She’d spotted his jacket first—a deep navy-blue adorned with fine, silken thread. Fitted, charcoal trousers and boots, echoing quietly off the marble floor as the Visitor finally stepped into the light.

Elain’s breath caught in her throat.

He was, without a doubt, the most beautiful man she’d ever seen.

His long hair was like molten fire, a stark contrast against the depth of his jacket. Shades of red, auburn and orange, falling down his back in waves as the firelight danced on his golden brown skin—almost like greeting an old friend. There was something raw about his beauty—he was hardly one of the perfect, polished aristocrats she’d danced with at other balls. No, there was a cruelty about him—as if he’d been crafted by the same flame that gleamed playfully atop the chandeliers warming her skin, melting every guard she’d ensured to build up, every reason she could think of that made him the worst fate the world had in store for her.

Elain could have sworn that fire sizzled in his russet eyes as he reached the dais—as he stopped before her and bowed at the waist.

When he looked up again, their gazes locked and held. “It is an honour to make your acquaintance, Lady Archeron,” he greeted, his voice smooth and deep. “My name is Greysen Nolan.”

#this looks like a cover of a reverse harem novel I PROMISE YOU IT IS NOT #there is a perfectly acceptable amount of smut in this fic #we're just going purely off vibes #and the map LOL #acotar gift exchange #elucien #pro elucien #elain x lucien #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #elucien fic #elucien fanfiction #acotar #my writing

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letstalkaboutshtufff · 7 months

Text

Twisted Love pt 5

Loki x reader

Pairing: Loki x Wife reader

Warnings: Forced marriage, language, anxiety, panic attacks, if I forgot anything please let me know!

Summary: Loki Leaves for the hunt and your left to your own devices.

A.N Sorry it’s been so long loves!! The writers block was hitting hard but the Loki show revived me lol, hope you enjoy this chapter!

"No your highness, you should wear this. It's tradition after all"

You glanced over to the wardrobe where Adessa held out a silky dress of emerald.

"Tradition to wear green?" You tilted your head.

She smiled nodding her head, "No, not quite, but it is tradition to wear your husbands colors on the days of the hunt" she pulled you towards the screen and slid the fabric to you. Knowing you liked privacy.

“Oh I see" for some reason that made you feel a bit embarrassed but you slid off your sleep clothes and complied anyway.

Luckily last night your exhaustion won over so you didn't lie nervously overthinking from Loki being so close for too long.

Although you had been anxious, you actually didn't hate that he slept next to you. It was sort of nice to not sleep alone.

You stepped out and Adessa nodded approvingly. "Now for the finishing touches, she pulled you towards a small chest on the ground and pulled out a few golden accessories.

"There, now there's just one more thing..." she shuffled in the chest some more and her hands pulled out a small dainty golden headpiece that had two protruding horns.

"Adessa do I have to wear that...?" You eyed the crown carefully. It wasn't that you didn't like the headpiece. Quite opposite actually because the piece shimmered gorgeously and you loved how the design was subtle and elegant all at once. The problem however was that is was a version of Lokis own Horn crown and for some reason that made you shy.

"Yes you do, it's the law" you gave a her a look.

"Ok so it's not the law but still, you'll look lovely with it on and his majesty won't be able to resist."

That doesn't make me feel any better...

Reluctantly you nodded, knowing she wouldn't give up any time soon.

"Alright now you're ready, let's go!" she pushed you excitedly out of the tent before you could even mentally prepare yourselves.

The guards at the entrance bowed slightly when you appeared then proceeded to escort you.

You eyed Adessa nervously.

"Don't worry, we are just going to see off the hunting parties" she whispered then fell into step behind you. You nodded and tried not to shrink away when you saw people stop to look at you.

You knew that everything, even you being escorted was all part of the big show.

Even the trail you walked was lined with petals.

Ok this was nearing on being ridiculous now...

"This way your highness" one of the guards motioned to an open area where you could see in the distance Loki, Thor and the rest of the royal family. They were all clad in lavish armor, in their respective colors.

You gulped when you neared closer and gained their attention.

"Her royal highness" the guards stepped aside and left you exposed.

With a shaky smile you bowed and walked closer. Frigga was the first to greet you.

“My dear you look absolutely lovely” she pulled you to stand next to her which you were grateful of.

You bowed your head slightly to the all father, and Thor and when your eyes met Loki you sucked in a breathe. His eyes were not on you but rather roaming from bottom to top.

Perhaps you should have fought Adessa harder, did he think this was too much?

When he did finally look up he averted his gaze quickly and you felt you had upset him somehow.

"Loki doesn't she look absolutely stunning" you flushed at her sudden teasing. Frigga why...

You hesitantly looked to him awaiting his answer,

he cleared his throat, "Yes she does" although he was basically forced to say it it still made you fluttery and nervous all the same.

"Now then let's not waste another moment" Odin suddenly announced stepping in front of everyone.

"Good luck my dears” Frigga gave her sons a nod then turned to you with an encouraging nod.

“G-good Luck Loki” you felt butterflies flutter in your stomach, had his name always sounded so smooth on your tongue?

He gave you a small nod then turned around with the others and made their way out of the camp.

“Now how about some breakfast?” The Queen smiled and offered her arm.

“That sounds lovely” you followed her through the makeshift camp, eyes leaving Lokis disappearing figure reluctantly.

**********************************************

“My Lady I wonder if I might ask a favor of you…”

You perked up from your laying position under the shade of a beautiful bay lily tree.

“Of course, what is it?” You eyed the slightly blushing girl curiously.

“Well um you see, this camp is close to an old dear friends place of mine and well I’d hate to miss the opportunity to see her while I’m here um…would it be alright if I took the next few hours off? Of course I’ll have someone look after you in my stead!”

A smirk formed on your lips. “Well of course, we can’t keep your dear “friend” waiting now can we?”

“Here” you handed her the thick cloak that lay at your side. “It’s been getting colder I’ve noticed, oh and don’t worry about getting back to me too soon, enjoy your time, take tomorrow off as well if you wish, I’ll be just fine here on my own.” You smiled encouragingly. Honestly you felt a little uneasy at the thought of not having her nearby but you could tell she needed a break. Preparations for the hunt have been running everyone ragged.

She practically jumped on you with joy,” Oh my Sweet benevolent gracious Lady! You are truly a gem among rocks!!”

“Alright alright, you’d best save that sweet talk for your friend hm?” You jutted your head towards the camp entrance.

“Now go on before it gets dark, and I mean it about not rushing back, I don’t want you walking back at night, it’s not safe. Come back during daylight tommorow ok?”

“Ok mother will do, I’ll alert one of the maids so they can-“

“N-no that’s not necessary, I’ll be ok on my own”

“But how could I possibly leave you with no one to assist you?”

“Honestly I’ll be alright, I’m just going to be laying here reading anyway. And I am more than capable of dressing myself for bed.”

She looked like she wanted to protest but you playfully pushed her along and she reluctantly agreed. “Well alright… but if you need anything ask for Felice, she’s very sweet and keeps her nose where it belongs.

“Alright, I will, have fun”

“Oh I will my Lady, don’t you worry” she winked before practically sprinting out the camp.

You laughed quietly after her, the sun was still high in the sky and everyone seemed to have something to do but you. Sighing you threw your book aside and decided to stretch your legs.

Out of the corner of your eye you saw Mathis and some other guards helping unload crates off a carriage.

Frowning you spun the other direction away from him and began walking mindlessly.

It was amazing how this area was once just forest and now it looked like a mini city.

Luckily everyone was occupied so no guards followed you. One thing you took for granted in your old life was freedom of well… freedom.

In the palace you didn’t leave your room that often and when you did a guard was beside you wherever you went.

You quickened your steps until you reached the outskirts of the camp. There was practically no one there and you felt you could finally relax, truly relax.

Your eyes scanned the forest line, dozens of tall beautiful trees lined the area. Valheim didn’t have beautiful foliage like this, or maybe it did, it’s not like you really had a chance to go on vacation.

You spent several moments standing there breathing in the crisp air.

Your thoughts traveled to Loki and wondered how he was faring. In all your time together you’d only seen him composed and elegant, you couldn’t exactly picture him covered in blood and taking down a wolf. Or perhaps he’d opt for a bow instead of his golden blades.

The area was too peaceful to leave so soon so you decided to explore a bit more. You followed a small opening between two trees that formed a natural trail.

You kicked off your shoes and sighed happily feeling the soft grass caress your feet.

You started to pick flowers along the way, maybe you’d bring a bundle back for Frigga. Or maybe that would seem not proper? Picking wildflowers like common folk. Oh well you’d pick them anyway and decide later since they were so pretty.

Maybe you’d make perfume for yourself out of them…

Before you knew it you had a picked enough flowers to fill a shop, your dress wrappings conveniently formed the perfect basket.

The dimming of the sky caught your attention.

Perhaps you should be getting back before anyone worries about your absence.

You are just about to turn back when a sudden howl has you frozen to the spot.

****************************

Next Taglist

Ok so a bit of a short chapter but I’ve already begun writing the next one! Please let me know what you think:)

@oceanmermaidwitch

@sophiaedits

@anda-the-valkyrie

@daddylokisqueen

@anemois-hiraeth

@movielover2002

@ibuki-as-president

@someonesleftshoe

@sin-bin-kin

@sara–ravenclaw

@fuzzyphantomsandwich-blog

@the-professor-of-gallifrey

@spike-meowsters

@gasstationfifacard

@katrinakennedy1

@useless-snail

@not-anotha-loki-fanart-acc

@crimson25

@huntress-artemiss

@ilovefanfictions

@christineblood

@prpertyofnoone

@hatsparkle

@loveisfolklore

@mari-styles14

@y-napotat

@pietromaximoffsbabe

@fuzzyphantomsandwich

@shikamaruscumrag

@blueheartofrainbow

@mydogsteppedonabee

@n0sl33pc1u8

@daintinessiskey

@ajeff855

@yougottalovefandoms

@riot-sounds

@thenerdyoldersister

@shadowluna25

@janeaustenlover

@deepdinosaurwizard

@flightlexsbird

@legendarygalaxytheorist

@esoltis280

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kyros-tha-soldier · 6 months

Text

ONE PIECE CHAPTER 1098 FULL SUMMARY (AND SOME SCREENSHOTS)

⚠️Spoiler alert⚠️

This... this is disheartening, this is sad, messed up and disheartening... honestly if Luffy doesn't exterminate every single CD then I'm dropping OP forever. Let's get to the sauce:

-the chapter starts with the revolutionary army having a battle, and Kuma assisting in it despite Ivankov telling him not to go and that he was being reckless.

-since Ginny's disappearence, Kuma has gotten a lot more violent on the battlefield and has even fought against the enemy on his own and won.

-the revos receive a call from someone and when they pick up, the person tells them that they're sorry, and that their whole troop has been killed. This person of course, is none other than Ginny.

-Kuma tells his comrades that he will go rest on the ship since he was pretty exhausted from the battle, a battle that lasted three years that he single handedly won.

-two years after Ginny's disappearance, the revos receive a call from her, we can hear a baby crying in the background and she tells Kuma that she may not make it because she was seriously ill, she also tells him that she had been forced to marry a celestial dragon (we're not told who this CD is) and that he threw her out with her newborn baby after They both got the disease. She tells Kuma that she is Currently at the church where they used to live together. and that she made it over there by sailing under the sun and shielding her own baby using her own body.

-the sapphire scale disease is a very rare disease that causes the patient's skin to turn into a hard crystallized scale-like state upon contact with any natural light. So Ginny travelling to get back home while exposing herself to the sunlight and moonlight was literally a death sentence.

-Upon hearing that she's at the church, Kuma goes to find her, right before she says her last words "I have always, always loved you, Kuma..."

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD OH MY GOD ODA SHUT UP SHUT THE FUCK UP STOP THIS!!!!

GODDAMIT are you happy now????? You made Ginny die a terrible death, and the only man she ever loved didn't even hear her saying that she had always loved him!!!!! Fuck this shit god holy fuck!

-Kuma arrives at the church, it's empty, and we can see him kneeling in front of Ginny's dead body, we only see her hand and foot, they are badly damaged by the disease. Kuma starts Crying and holds her dead body in his arms before putting her into rest at a grave, the grave marker has her name on it, which is confirmed to be Ginny.

-Kuma takes it upon himself to raise little Bonney (he didn't name her bonney, it was Ginny who named her) however he is clueless about so many things regarding parenting, we see him asking the elderly for advice on how to make milk for Bonney 🥺 (they say that they would gladly help him but that he should put her in a cage so he won't crush her during his sleep... BROOOOO THESE ELDERLY MFS ARE SAVAGE AS HELL 💀💀💀)

-Kuma starts to balance between his work as revolutionary and a new surrogate parent. We see him holding the milk bottle so little Bonney can drink, and she chugs it in no time. Kuma calls her "a big eater" just like he used to do for Ginny.

-We see a montage of Bonney growing up, and she calls Kuma "papa", to which he burst out in tears (he reminds me of Kyros in this scene.... WHAT'S WITH ODA AND BIG SOFT DADS BEING ALL TEARJERKERS ?????) We see him assisting in revolutionary battles and training Sabo as well as taking care of his daughter in his hometown, scenes of him bathing her and sleeping next to her

-however it's not all fun and games (Oda: of course this is Kuma's flashback, it has to be messed up to the max!) And we see Gyogyo and his friend (Bonney's two future subordinates) come to the church, and Kuma orders them to lock the door. They comply and close it but notice that he had also closed the windows completely shut with woodbplanks, they ask him why he did that and he tells them that it's because Bonney shouldn't be exposed to light (he shows them a small spot of crystalized scales on her face near her cheek where she will have her piercing in the future). He tells dragon and iva that he will quit being a revolutionary so he can take care of Bonney

-The kids bully Bonney and call her a vampire, she beats them and gives them the middle finger, and when she tried to get out Kuma stops her, fearing she might get exposed to sunlight. Instead he brings her books from all around the world to read.

-Kuma takes Bonney to so many other doctors, some of which mis-diagnosed her with the amber-lead disease (the same disease law had)

-a doctor diagnoses her with the sapphire scale disease and tells Kuma that even though she didn't get exposed to natural light, the illness will still kill her slowly and she won't make it pass 10 years old

-Bonney overhears them and Kuma lies to her that the doctor said she will be cured in ten years, he calls her Jewelry because of the small patch of sapphire scales that she has on her face

-the two of them start dancing. Kuma asks Bonney where would she like to go and she tells him that she dreams of travelling the world and going to skypia and drum island.

-News about the return of King Beckori to the throne, and the elderly people tell Kuma that the king wants to exterminate those who oppose him, Kuma is shocked by the news, and the chapter ends.

Okay, overall impression of the chapter:

I am at a loss of words... I am appallled I'm... I'm...

and to think that we're not done and we still have more!!!!! KUMA WILL STILL SUFFER MORE AND MORE AND EVEN MORE!

but for now, I want to clear the air with some cute panels, if we gone remember Kuma, might as well remember him for the big softie he is:

people said Oda didn't draw well in this manga like, Nuh uh this shit looks AMAZING than whatever scribbles he used to give us! the dark undertones and shadows, wow, just WOW!

on a sidenote: Bonney is confirmed to be twelve, yikes oda....

Edit: I'm a dum dum bum bum and I mistook Bonney saying she wants to visit Fishman Island with her wanting to visit drum island

#Kuma #kuma one piece #one piece #Bartholomew Kuma #jewelry bonney #Ginny one piece #emporia ivankov #Monkey d dragon #One piece #One piece spoilers #Spoilers #One piece 1098 spoilers #Gooooooooood #Oh mah gawd this is FOUL ODA WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!#I luv u Bonbonita and Kuma 🥺😭#They remind me of Kyros and Rebecca they're sooooo cute!!!

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ladysomething · 22 days

Note

4 other lestappen fics after this one? 😏

hehehe well now you've done it!!!!

behold, the other fics in waiting, including snippets from what I've already written of them.

in likely posting order, they are:

Post Aus GP fic where Max and Charles have been hooking up casually for a while and they both need to let some steam out after the race. daddy kink!

"Charles doesn’t text Max back until just past midnight.

It’s a little earlier than Max expected, really. Back when every win for the team was hard fought, Max usually didn’t stumble back to his hotel until after the sun rose.

Then again, if the team won, it was usually because it was him. Not his teammate. The circumstances are different.

Charles replies with a room number, then says, I’m already back. Come when you can.

Max see’s no point in waiting around—he’s been itching for this for hours, and Charles probably knows it. Instead, he quietly pushes back the sheets of his bed and slips out. He puts jeans on over his boxers, and then pulls on a sweatshirt, and pretends he can’t see Kelly watching him in the low light of his lit up phone screen.

She doesn’t say anything when he slips the hotel key in his pocket, nor when he walks out the door, so Max doesn’t either. He knows she more than suspects he’s having an affair, but he’s not sure she know who it’s with. By now, she’s surely clued in to the fact that it’s somebody associated with F1 and who is always wherever he is."

hanhaki au where Hanahaki is a chronic illness developed when one keeps their feelings/emotions inside, and Max and Charles are both suffering from it.

"“You really haven’t spoken to him?” Daniel asks as Max picks the next track.

Max rolls his tongue on the roof of his mouth as he tries to figure out how to answer.

“I didn’t really want to talk to anybody after I was diagnosed,” he says eventually, hoping it’s enough to sate both Daniel and his own symptoms. His chest always gets tight when he talks about Charles these days, no matter how honest he is. Francois says it’s because he’s been living with the disease for a long time, now; that Hanahaki is degenerative, and soon he might not even be able to think about Charles in passing without coughing up flowers.

“Sure, but Charles isn’t you,” Daniel answers. “He’s a yapper. It’s how he processes things. And being about to talk to someone who actually understands would be extra helpful, I’m sure.”

Max knows all of that, obviously. He’s in love with the man—of course he knows it.

Max just . . . doesn’t know how to be that person for him. He doesn’t know how to be comforting, he wasn’t built for it. He was built for ruthlessness, precision, for seeking out weakness and using them to his advantage."

fake Max autobiography that he releases in 2033. parts of the story are how the people he used to be friends with (so people on the current grid) react to what he reveals in the book, and then one who chapter is just a whole fake chapter from the memoir. that's the chapter I've written, so here's a piece from it!

"I don’t think there’s anything I can really do to make up for what I did to Charles. He and I haven’t spoken since I retired, in case you were wondering.

Even the email exchange I talked about earlier actually went through our managers.

Honestly, I don’t even think I deserve his forgiveness. He put up with me when no-one else would, loved me fully and completely, put me back together, tore me apart, then put me back together again.

In some ways, I think he saved me.

In other ways, he saved himself from me.

I’m endlessly grateful for both.

I don’t want you to feel sorry for me. I can recognise now that a lot of my behaviours were because of the trauma I experienced at the hands of my father. I can also recognise that I need to take responsibility for them, because I was a grown adult making decisions of my own free will.

I’m paying my penance for it, regardless.

There is no chance that I will ever love anybody the way I loved Charles. It’s just too unlikely, that I could be lucky enough to meet a second person on this planet that made me feel like he did.

But you don’t need to feel pity. You don’t need to be angry with me, either. I can assure you, I do plenty enough of both for all of us.

And I’m fine. Life is fine. I’m far from unhappy.

I know what I sacrificed. I know what I gave up. I know what I traded, to win what I won, to have what I do.

And if there is one lesson my father taught me that I’m grateful for, it’s this:

I know that I can bear a burden."

finally, a body swap!au in which Charles wishes to be World Champion, and instead body swaps with Max.

"“Make your decision, Mister Leclerc,” Althea says, not even looking up at him as she continues to sort her things. “Do you want to be Champion?”

Charles’ breath hitches in his chest.

“Yes,” he says decisively. He knows he can pick a secret that will satisfy Althea without it being life-destroyed. “Do I tell you the secret now?”

He sifts through his memories, trying to come up with something he might be comfortable sharing.

But all that comes up are things he would never say; how he’d once told Arthur that their parents didn’t love him and then felt terrible when his little brother had burst into tears; that he’d cried after having sex with a girl for the first and only time because he’d so desperately wished he could just like it and be normal; that he’d told Jules that he was in love with him and Jules had awkwardly patted his head and said it was probably just a crush and that he’d get over it, and, worse, that Jules had been right and he’d moved his attentions to a boy his own age by the end of the week; the terrible, awful, things he feels for—

Althea inhales sharply, eyes sliding closes.

“Yes,” she breathes. “That.”

Charles rips his hand away from hers, breathing deeply. “You—can you—”

She raises a brow at him, pressing her red-painted lips together.

“Get out of my head,” he commands hotly, standing up so fast his chair falls back, slamming against the ground."

#anon ask #lestappen fic #lestappen fic ideas

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sofiasjornal · 3 months

Text

Kingdom of Ash Review (a little late)

I really didn't know what to write about this one, or even how to say goodbye, so I won't!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The first 250 pages were absolute hell. Not because they weren't well written, they really were, and that was why they were so difficult to get through. What Maeve and Cairn did to Aelin... I suffered with her through every single line of those chapters. And when she rescued herself (because let's face it, she did it, Rowan and the others were just there to help her) I didn't feel as much relief as I thought, I felt really tired. And when she said she too was tired, my heart broke alongside hers.

Everyone who told me Chaol got better in KoA was absolutely right! He grew a lot, but I suppose war does that... and Yrene. We all need to bow down to Yrene.

Gavriel's death broke my heart in tiny little pieces. I really thought he and Aedion would have the time to talk properly, to get to know each other... but they didn´t... But in the end, Gavriel died protecting his won, just like a father would.

I loved how all of the couples got to in the end. It was a fitting end for everyone. The only thing that bothered me a little was how Dorian and Manon's storyline was left open ended. With two impredictable characters as those two, I just don't know. Somehow I dont see Manon marrying Dorian and becoming the Queen of Adarlan, not after so much pain to get the witches together. Maybe they'll be happy with the back and forward... I guess is up to us to imagine how those two would end up in the end.

But Aelin... Aelin went home and got everything she deserved. Every moment of peace she fought so hard and sacrificed so much for... And now she's rebuilding a world, a better world. Just like she promised.

I realised that I will never be able to say goodbye to Aelin. I think about her constantly, about her strength, her endurance, her passion. I loved her from that first moment and I would've followed her to hell, and we did. But even now, that Throne of Glass is officially over, I do not say goodbye. I keep her here. Always

Aelin

#books #sarah j maas #throne of glass #tog #bookblr #book review #kingdom of ash #aelin #aelin fireheart #queen aelin #aelin throne of glass #aelin ashryver galathynius #aelin galathynius

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taylors-fourth-cat-meow · 1 year

Text

Answering this ask because my clumsy ass deleted the draft of the ans as well as the ask idek how that happened

HERE'S THE COMMENTARY ON ACOFAS CHAPTER 11: THE ONE WHERE RHYISE VISITS A SUICIDAL TAMLIN AND TELLS HIM TO ROT IN HELL 🥰

A tomb.

This place was a tomb.

How can someone be proud of doing something cruel to someone? If they are the saints they claim to be why do this to Tamlin bro? Istg i will NEVER to this understand how on earth did the editors agree to the plotline of the destruction of Spring Court?

Lucien had not come here to make amends during Solstice, I realized as Tamlin opened the door to the dark library.

Lucien had come here out of pity. Mercy.

Bruh why? why? wud he underestimate their bond like that? he speaks as if they hadnt been each others only family for centuries

Tamlin claiming an ornate cushioned chair on one side of it. The only thing he had that was close to a throne these days.

oh fck u little shit atleast tamlin doesnt OPPRESS his people!!

“If you’ve come to gloat, you can spare yourself the effort.”

Tamlin is so non-combative here and people still have the audacity to say Rhysie is the bigger male????

“Do you see any sentries around to do it?”

Even they had abandoned him. Interesting. “Feyre did her work

thoroughly, didn’t she.”

THATS NOT SOMETHING TO BE FUCKING PROUD OF RHYSIE

ISTG this asshole someone needs to kick him in the balls. HARD.

I smiled. “Oh, no. That was all her. Clever, isn’t she.”

No sir she is a dumb teenage girl who taught to destroy a court DURING WARTIME?

tbh if Spring wouldn't have fallen the war would have never gone down i said what i said.

I didn’t smile as I countered with, “I suppose you think I should be

thanking you, for stepping up to assist in reviving me.”

“I have no illusions that the day you thank me for anything, Rhysand, is the day the burning fires of hell go cold.”

my boi tamlin is so savage like??

SLAY

Tamlin deserved what he’d brought upon himself, this husk of a life.

He deserved every empty room, every snarl of thorns, every meal he had to hunt for himself.

Seriously? Tamlin, sweetheart, for the love of good kick this man and his bat dick pls.

Tamlin had burned them long ago, Feyre had told me. It made no

difference. He’d been there that day.

I really want to emphasize that Tamlin DID NOT take part in their death.

Had given his father and brothers the information on where my sister and mother would be waiting for me to meet them. And done nothing to help them as they were butchered.

BRO????

U expect a boy to go against his evil, physically abusive father? NO, strike that.

U WANT A BOY TO GO AGAINT A HIGH LORD?

No tell me? how was Tamlin supposed to fight a HIGH LORD and his brother??? Three against one??

And even if he tried to help them? we will never know? we get only rhysie's side of the story never tamlin's pov

“You brought every bit of this upon yourself,”

Yes yes lets go tell a suicidal person he brought every bit of his misery on himself

Yeh lets all applaud him

“You won,” he spat, sitting forward. “You got your mate. Is that not

enough?”

"No."

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK???

MANNNNNNNNNNNNNN

I WANT TO SCRATCH MY EYEBALLS RHYSIE'S EYEBALLS OUT AT THIS POINT

"You deserve everything that has befallen you. You deserve this pathetic, empty house, your ravaged lands. I don’t care if you offered that kernel of life to save me, I don’t care if you still love my mate. I don’t care that you saved her from Hybern, or a thousand enemies before that.”

THIS UNGRATEFUL LITTLE BITCH?!?!?!?!?

PLSSSSSSSSS

Why doesnt he care that tamlin has saved BOTH their lives on MULTIPLE occasions???

at this point 50% of the IC owe their life to tamlin

“I hope you live the rest of your miserable life alone here. It’s a far more satisfying end than slaughtering you.”

well he isnt even strong enough to keep his people in line and not a hair's breath away from rebellion, i doubt he'll be able to slaughter the HL who tore apart Amarantha, who fought a hundred of Hybern's monsters and soldiers in their camp ALONE, at the same time helping feyre escape AND was able to "drag" another highlord to war

*Drops mike*

But Tamlin only stared. And after a heartbeat, his eyes lowered to the

desk. “Get out.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you the bigger male

Tamlin didn’t have shields around the house. None to prevent anyone from winnowing in, to guard against enemies appearing in his bedroom and

slitting his throat.

It was almost as if he was waiting for someone to do it.

This breaks my heart so much. No, Tamlimn doesnt deserve this. NO ONE deserves this. Imagine being OKAY with someone being suicidal?!

#anti sjm #anti acotar #tamlin #anon asks #anti feyre #anti rhysand #anti feysand #pro tamlin #anti sjm stans #anti acowar #anti acofas #rhysand slander #fck rhysand #bigger male my ass #tamlin deserves better

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teyamsatan · 10 months

Note

mim sneak peak soon ? 👀

hi bb, your ask singlehandedly made me start writing this chapter hahahaha, so here is everything i wrote for the last chapter of mim, and i hope you enjoy xx

“Are you sure, ma ‘ite? You know we wouldn’t force you into anything, but… please think it through. Eywa’s vision was clear, and it showed you two together. Eywa is never wrong, you know this.”

You thought about it, barely able to look into Mo’at's beautiful, sagacious eyes that always felt like they could see through you, through deception and conceit, and get to the soul of problem, the inner core of your amalgamation of conflicting, earth-shattering emotions, covered by a crust of barely-there composure, ready to erupt with any slight friction of the tectonic plates of your heart. You thought about last night, about his words, that still rang in your ears in a muffled cacophony of sounds you were trying your hardest to drown out, that you were scared would end up drowning you, instead.

“I loved you, Vi.I fucking loved you. You were everything to me. And you broke me.”

“Even the smallest similarity killed me, reminded me how much I hate you, how much I want to, how much I don't. I've wanted to hate you so much, I tried so hard, but you were in every dream, in every fantasy, you haunted me my whole life."

You thought about his actions, about what drove them, about how, at the end of the day, they were the same driving forces that you acted on. Hurt. Betrayal. Jealousy. Fear. You thought about your actions. How poison crept beneath your skin and pooled in your heart and pumped it through your whole bloodstream, until it was all there was, until it blinded you, and how he started this, but you continued it.

How his fault was indifference, and yours was madness that only he had the power to coax out of you. You thought about his parents, and how his dad was now your dad, and how hard you fought for hearing the magic words: “we couldn’t have done it without you, kid”. Those words, and the “you’re welcome” that followed, became as necessary to you as the air you breathe. It may have started, this need to gain Jake’s approval, as a way to get a rise out of Neteyam, your best attempt at getting him to lash out at you, scream and yell, anything but the horrible silence he ordained you with, but in time, it had less to do with the boy and more to do with you, with how his dad reminded you of your own, how the words of praise and admiration made the ones you were used to, that you’d never hear again echo through the your tent and through the forest, hidden in between the whistles and sonorous trills of birds, but never forgotten, not to you.

You thought about his specious assumptions, and your words, and how, despite what you spat at him last night, they weren’t the whole truth. You did tell Jake that you didn’t want to mate with him, but not out of a lack of love or desire. No, the thought of one day being one with the boy who shone light through the broken cracks of your soul every day after your parents died, the boy who himself shone brighter than any star or sun or galaxy out there in the vast unknown, the boy who challenged you, and annoyed you, and loved you, and got you… it made you happy. It made butterflies flutter in your stomach and tingle, it made a fuzzy feeling gather in your brain and haze your mind until it was full of nothing but misty reveries, of a life beyond your wildest dreams and fantasies, of night flights and battles won together, of family found and family kept.

You told Jake what you did because your dreams couldn’t happen while you were pushed to the side and made to undertake the duties of a Tsakarem, they couldn’t happen if you had to forsake your talents and an integral part of yourself. You thought that, by saying no, you could make your dad proud, you could make Jake proud… make him proud. You thought that by becoming the warrior you knew you could one day be, you could help him… take away some of the burden that you knew he was shouldering all by himself, that of the eldest son, the responsible child, the prodigy of the clan. More than anything, you wanted to be worthy of him and of his love. That’s why you said no.

But now, it was all wrong. Your love, your hate, your history and your future, everything you’ve done, everything you should have done. It was all wrong. O’i’en was right, you realised. You held onto this broken relationship, this hopeless promise of a mateship, not because you wanted revenge, but because you wanted him… in any way you could get him. Your undefeated stubbornness, and the war that left too many collateral victims for you to ever be able to sleep at night again, led to scars in your soul no one could ever fix, that you’d have to mend yourself in time, that you never could while in an arrangement you should have declined to begin with. It was finally time…

“I’m sure, ma Tsa’hik.”

…time to say goodbye to the child you knew - the one you were, the one he was, and the love that took too much of both of you, the one that turned to ashes in your mouth.

coming soon x

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ieatyourbeauty · 11 months

Text

I am of my word: Chapter 1 MONDAY

When the new Lieutenant Wolf challenges him to sparring matches time after time again Konig irritated with her makes an interesting bet, if she wins she gets a week off if he wins......

Konig is Red

Wolf is Blue

(if u see yellow hi that's me)

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thrusday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Wolf: Konig I want to spar!

Konig: what….is it?

He asks not bothering to look up slight irritation in his voice.

Konig: Oh you want to spar again?

He says in a bored tone of voice

Konig: Sure I love wasting my time with you.

Wolf: you sure know how to give a girl a compliment Colonel .

She stretches putting her gloves on, Wolf always knew how to push his buttons. He gets up and stretches out a bit before putting on some gloves and waits for her to get ready.

Konig: why dont we make this interesting let's make die Wette a wager.

Wolf: okay you got me curious what did u have in mind Colonel

Konig smirked unlike Horangi he's pretty good at gambling, wolf tilted her head in interest.

Konig: how about a bet? If you beat me you get a week of free leave

Wolf: okay and if you win Colonel?

Wolf crosses her arms looking at him smugly, Konig grins under his mask maybe just the deal itself will scare her off.

Konig: you do....whatever I want for a week.

she huffs overconfident she's gonna beat him

Wolf: deal let's get to it.

she charges at him throwing the first punch

Konig: You call that a punch?

he blocks the strike and goes for a jab at her chest, she manage to dodge the clumsy blow and land a counter punch in his chest

Wolf: I was expecting more....I've fought kids from high school that put up more of a fight than you...come on Konig...I know u got that beast inside you

Konig: oh...you want to see the beast?

he smiles wickedly under his mask and rushes at her as he gets close he tackles her pushing her to the floor, He pins her to the ground with his body weight and his face is inches from hers. she looks up at him struggling to get out of his grip, Wolf's eyes widen as she feels the heat coming off of him and his firm and muscular chest barely inches away from hers.

Wolf: ugh!

Konig: Now let me get this straight...you're going to do...anything I want?

wolf is pissed but she's a woman of her word and says it bluntly.

Wolf: yes Colonel Konig ....I will do anything u want for a week.

Konig: Hmm I think I've got a few ideas in mind, see you later tonight.

he lets her go and gets off of her and winks at her before leaving the gym. she sighs looking up at the ceiling before getting up her mind is racing what things does he have in store for her? where his eyes always that blue? She tells her mind to shut up before leaving the gym. A couple hours go by and it's approaching 8pm Konig sends a text to her.

Konig: You still up for it?

Wolf: like I said before I am a woman of my word let's get this over with.

Konig: see you soon..... :)

Wolf: who sends smiley faces like that anymore...

she hears a knock on her door she opens it expecting Konig but she sees a handsome older gentlemen grey hair mixed with his brunette hair, Icy blue eyes staring into her, she's stunned wondering who this man is...until he opens his mouth.

Konig: Well, lieutenant I won the bet fair and square. And now, it's time for you to pay up.

Wolf: C-colonel konig?

Konig: I told you I had some ideas didn't I?

He says with a smirk as he walks in and shuts the door behind him. Konig steps forward, closing the distance between them. Wolf's eyes widen as she feels the heat coming off of him and his firm and muscular chest barely inches away from her. She swallows hard, feeling her heart race in her chest.

Konig: So I'm just going to get right to it

he takes a step closer to her and starts to wrap his arms around her while leaning in to kiss her, she's stunned looking at him

Wolf: ....h-huh....

Konig: Shh...you said you'd do 'whatever I wanted' after the bet

he whispers in her ear. she blushes red

Wolf: t-that I did...

Konig: "So....you're going to keep your word right?"

he says while his hands begin to wander.

Wolf: Yes, Colonel, I will keep my word

She whispers, feeling her inhibitions slipping away

Konig: good girl

he whispers in her ear as he starts to kiss her neck.

Wolf: C-colonel

Konig: I'm not your colonel right now...

he smirks while sliding his hands lower....her breathing becoming faster and shallower. his hot breath on her ear.

Konig: Call me Konig just Konig meine Liebe

he murmurs in a low, husky voice. Wolf shudders with pleasure at the sound of his tone, feeling herself becoming wet with desire. She leans in to kiss him again, eager to feel his lips against hers. He kisses her deeply while pulling her into a tight embrace not wanting to let go a moment too soon. A smile starts to grow on Konig's face as he starts to slip his tongue in her mouth pushing the kiss even deeper. Wolf moans softly into Konig's mouth as he slips his tongue inside, deepening the kiss even further. She can feel her body responding eagerly to his touch, wanting him even more than before. She runs her hands over his broad, muscular back. Konig pulls away from the kiss, looking deep into her eyes with a burning intensity.

Konig: God, you're beautiful.

he breathes, before leaning in to kiss her neck again, this time biting down gently with his teeth. Wolf gasps with pleasure, feeling a rush of heat between her thighs as she wraps her arms tighter around Konig's neck, wanting to feel more of his touch.

Konig: You have such soft skin I could just bite and kiss it all day...

Konig takes a step back from Wolf, looking at her with a heated gaze.

Konig: Take off your clothes

he commands softly, his eyes never leaving hers. Wolf hesitates for a moment, feeling nervous but also incredibly aroused by his commanding presence. She takes a deep breath and then starts to take off her shirt, slowly revealing her lacy bra. Konig watches her intently, enjoying the sight of her curvy figure and perky breasts.

Konig: Good girl

he murmurs, stepping closer and taking hold of her hips.

Konig: Now take off your pants.

Wolf bites her lip, feeling a mix of excitement and fear as she undoes her fly and tugs down her pants and panties, exposing her smooth-shaven mound and glistening folds. Konig groans as he sees her wetness, feeling his cock grow even harder at the sight in his pants he takes off his shirt.

Konig: I want to taste you.

he whispers, before dropping to his knees and burying his face between her legs. She gasps when she feels his tongue enter her the man that she dislikes is eating her out and she's loving it , she puts her hands on his shoulders gripping them to keep her balanced.

Wolf: ahhh...f-fuck your tongue k-konig.

Konig moans against her clit as he laps at her juices with his skilled tongue, feeling her quivering with pleasure under his touch. He can't help but grin to himself, enjoying the way that he's able to take control of this fiery, no-nonsense Lieutenant and make her feel so good. Wolf arches her back, unable to contain her moans as the waves of pleasure wash through her body. She can't believe how incredible it feels to have Konig's tongue flicking against her clit, making her feel like she's about to explode with ecstasy.

Wolf: d-dont stop p-please my m-mind is melting fuck im gonna c-cum please d-dont fucking stop.

Konig moans with pleasure as Wolf cums hard on his face, her juices soaking the beard stubble on his face dripping down his chin. He laps at her folds eagerly, determined to make her cum again and again until she's completely spent. When he's finally satisfied, he stands up and grins down at her, his erection straining against his pants.

Konig: I want to fuck you now, until you can't walk anymore.

She sees his erection fighting to get out of his pants he takes his pants off and wolf and sees how big his cock is her eyes widen. She had other partners before him but no one as big as Konig as sort of.

Wolf: h-huh.....there's no w-way tha-ts gonna fit konig.

Konig chuckles softly at Wolf's reaction to the size of his erection, feeling a sense of pride in his manhood.

Konig: Don't worry, meine Liebe, I'll be gentle with you, But you need to trust me, okay? I'll carry you just wrap your legs around me.

Wolf nods uncertainly, feeling daunted by the size of his cock but also incredibly turned on by the sight. Konig lifts her up putting her back to the wall and she wraps her legs around his waist and puts her arms around his neck to support herself. She takes a deep breath and reaches out to guide him into her, feeling a rush of pleasure as his thick shaft slides inside her tight wet cunt, She gasps, feeling a mix of pain and pleasure as he fills her up completely.

Wolf: o-oh holy shit....

Konig: Scheiße, deine Fotze ist eng

Konig moans softly as he feels her wet heat enveloping his cock, feeling like he's in heaven. He starts moving slowly, easing in and out of her with long, deep strokes. Wolf feels herself starting to relax under his touch, the pain turning into pleasure as his cock pounds into her over and over again she moans in his ear. His voice hot with desire speaks to her.

Konig: That's it, Feel me inside you, making you mine.

His cock feels like its stretching her insides as he thrusts into her aching pussy it almost makes her feral she puts her hands on his back making small scratches.

Wolf: ahh fuck f-fuck FUCK!

Wolf bites his shoulder from the pleasure, Konig groans as he feels Wolf's nails digging into his back, adding a layer of pain to the pleasure that he's feeling. He can't help but thrust deeper and faster into her, the roughness of her scratches and bites turning him on even more. He grips her hips tightly, holding her in place as he starts to pound into her with wild abandon.

Konig: That's it, meine Liebe, take it all, will you?

Wolf: y-yes

he grunts, feeling himself getting closer to the edge.

Konig: I'm going to cum deep inside you, filling you up completely.

Wolf moans loudly as she feels Konig's hot seed shooting deep inside her, filling her up with his cum. The sensation sets off her own orgasm, and she claws at his back and shoulders as she cums hard around his cock. He carries her to the couch sitting down she rolls off him, panting and sweating completely out of energy. Konig pulls her close, holding her tightly in his arms. They lay there for a while, basking in the afterglow of their passionate encounter, until Konig leans in to kiss her deeply once again.

Wolf: holy shit colonel....I dont think I can feel my legs

Konig chuckles softly, feeling a sense of relief that Wolf seems to be taking their encounter well tracing a finger along her cheek he says.

Konig: I've been wanting you for so long, but I never thought that you'd be interested in me.

Wolf: I honestly thought u hated me

Konig: Why would I hate you? Because you're a pain in the ass?

Wolf: so a full week of this huh that was the deal huh?..

Konig: Yes I'm not letting you off so easy Lieutenant we have a long week ahead of us.

(and thats it for the first chapter there will be more to come soon)

#call of duty mw2 #cod mw2 #konig x y/n #konig mw2 #konig #konig fic #konig x you #konig x oc #konig smut #Spotify

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the-cult-of-russo · 1 year

Text

Such a Softer Sin (Part 23)

Pairing: Billy Russo x Reader

Warnings: I’m not specifically tagging this one, if you’ve seen the show, nothing will shock you. Smut will happen eventually so minors DNI, thanks.

A/N: This one’s on the shorter side and I’m on the fence with posting the next one right after or not. There’s only five chapters left, the last one being more of an epilogue that’s short too and I’ll be posting that one right after chapter 27. I don’t want to rush posting these last few chapters but I always feel bad when the chapters aren’t quite that long lmao

It doesn’t help that I told myself I would start on my next Billy fic as I’m posting this one so I get a nice head start on writing it, but I haven’t written a goddamn thing since I started posting it lololol So I know when this is all over, there’s gonna be a wait until I post something else.

—-------

You made your way down the hallway, smiling at the staff as they passed by and thankfully, only a few bowed their heads. You were hoping they were getting used to it. You’d been back a few days now and everybody had celebrated the return of their King and Queen. Billy seemed pretty much back to normal now he seemed to grasp the fact you were here with him and you were thankful for this whole ordeal to be over. With everything now in the past, there was something playing on your mind and you decided to speak to Billy about it. You pushed open the office door and walked inside, Billy glancing up from whatever he was writing to give you a warm smile. You closed the door and hovered uncertainly and it made him look back at you with a raised brow.

“What's up?” he asked curiously.

“I wanna ask you something,” you admitted and his lips twitched into an amused smile.

“I got that part… Why you so nervous?” he asked, eyes narrowed a little as you shifted on your feet. He frowned then as he tilted his head, dark eyes pinning you in place.

“You know you can tell me anything,” he murmured and you nodded, licking your lower lip nervously as you moved to sit in the chair opposite him at his desk. You really weren’t sure just how he’d react to what you were about to ask him, you knew it was a big deal and a part of you hadn’t wanted to bring it up, scared of his reaction. But the part of you that wanted this won out and now, here you were as you toyed with your hands in your lap and he watched you warily.

“It’s the full moon tonight,” you said softly, glancing at him.

“I know, everyone’s pretty excited about it,” he replied, his tone confused as to why you were bringing it up. You nodded, looking down at your hands as you willed yourself to have the courage to ask what you wanted.

“What’s wrong, Y/N?” he asked, now slightly concerned by your silence. You heaved a breath, forcing yourself to meet his eyes. This was Billy, your Billy, and while what you were about to ask him was a big deal, he could always say no, it wasn’t like you’d be upset. You’d understand.

“I want to shift at Anvil,” you started and his brows raised a little at your request.

“And I want you to shift with me,” you added quickly, heart beating a mile a minute. His brows raised so much at that statement, they almost flew right off his head and his eyes were wide.

“Anvil is safe, so you wouldn't need to worry about shifting there. I enjoyed spending time with your wolf last time, even if it wasn't for long. I… I really want to share this with you,” you admitted nervously. He didn't say anything, just looking at you with that deer caught in the headlights look and you kicked yourself.

“It doesn't matter, I’m sorry,” you rushed out, shaking your head with a frown. You should have known better than to ask him to shift voluntarily like that, not with how he fought so hard against it. You stood up quickly, feeling guilty for even bringing it up and feeling a little stupid as you hurried to the door to make a hasty retreat.

“I’ll do it,” his voice stopped you just as you got to the door and you whipped around to face him. He was standing at his desk now, his dark eyes warm yet shining with so much vulnerability that it made you breathless.

“You really don’t have to, not if it makes you uncomfortable,” you frowned, not wanting him to do it because he felt bad. He moved around his desk and walked over to you, cupping your cheeks as you blinked up at him.

“It doesn't… The idea of shiftin’ together… I want that. If I was gonna shift voluntarily for the first time in a over a hundred years, I’d wanna be doin’ it with you,” he murmured and you felt your heart swell as a smile painted your lips. You knew this was a huge deal and the fact he was willing to do it made you happy.

You both set off to Anvil before it got dark and you felt excitement clawing at you. Your last shift had been forced and given the circumstances of it, you hadn’t been able to enjoy it. The full moon used to be a very special time for you since it was the only time you’d be connected with your wolf, but even now you were reconnected, you were excited for the shift.

“Will shifting be any different now?” you asked curiously, wondering since you were a little different after the ritual if it would change things. Force shifting was a lot quicker than a normal shift, so quick that you didn't have the chance to really take in the pain of shifting. Shifting under the full moon was usually a little slower and more painful, not like how some people thought it was where you felt each bone slowly breaking one by one, but enough to feel the shift take place instead of a quick burst like force shifting.

“It’s kinda like a force shift but not dangerous,” he explained, looking at you warmly and you nodded, feeling yourself get even more excited. You couldn't wait to just let the wolf free properly, to really enjoy it. And you couldn't wait to share it with Billy, for your wolves to really spend time with each other in your other forms. Once you got set up in Anvil, Billy made dinner before the moon was full. He had a nervous energy about him the whole time and after you’d eaten dinner and were just sitting on the sofa together, you almost couldn’t take the anxiety you were getting from him.

“You don’t have to do this, you know? I won’t blame you if you don’t want to,” you said carefully, looking at him with worried eyes. His eyes snapped to yours, wide and focused as he rolled his shoulder.

“I want to, it’s just been a long time,” he admitted and you heard the nerves making his voice tremble. You shifted closer to him, grasping his hand and bringing it to your lips, placing a soft kiss there that made him relax a little and give you a smile.

“We’re safe here, it’s just you and me. You can let yourself be free and I’ll have your back,” you murmured. His smile widened as he leaned down and captured your lips in a sweet kiss.

“I love you, you know that?” he whispered against your lips, kissing you again and you smiled into it before moving away.

“You tell me like ten times a day, I’m definitely aware,” you muttered cheekily and his mouth dropped open, mock offense all over his face and it made you laugh.

“I love you too,” you grinned impishly at him and he scoffed, shoving you lightly.

“You’re a real asshole sometimes,” he huffed and you snorted.

“And yet you're doomed to love me for the rest of eternity,” you shot him a toothy grin, and he pulled you closer again, peppering your face with kisses that tickled you and you laughed, trying to free yourself from his grasp.

“Not doomed… blessed,” he smirked, nipping your cheek and you smiled widely.

“Such a sap,” you teased and his hand gripped your jaw, his lips crashing to yours in a kiss that left you breathless. His tongue commanded all of your attention and it felt like your brain forgot everything but Billy. When he pulled away, he had a satisfied smirk on his face by your dazed face.

“Only for you, always for you,” he grinned and you rolled your eyes playfully, a smile on your lips.

You could feel it as the moon started to become full and the pair of you stripped off naked and walked outside. You took a deep inhale of the cold and crisp air, excitement and anticipation swirling around you and you felt like you could taste the electricity in the air around you. You turned to Billy, watching as he just gazed at the moon and you grabbed his hand, pulling him closer as you leaned up to kiss him. He smiled at you when you pulled away and you could feel he was starting to get excited too. You weren't sure if it was because he was feeling how excited you were and it was affecting him or if it was the prospect of finally letting the Lycan out of his own free will, but you were happy he was more receptive of this now. You readied yourself as you started to feel it building up inside you and quicker than before, except your force shift, you turned and a large white wolf was now taking your place. You turned your golden eyes to Billy then, seeing a gigantic black wolf stood beside you. Silver hues locked on to gold for a long moment before Billy’s tail started to wag and he jumped, playfully nipping at your feet. You lunged at him, knocking him over as you both started to playfight and nip at each other. You bit his tail and he let out a startled yelp before you took off running quickly, quicker than you’ve ever moved before. Anvil wasn't as big as the castle but it was still quite big and had a lot of land inside of the grounds. You ran a circle around the cottage, the wind whipping past your face as you felt exhilarated, Billy hot on your heels as he chased you. You couldn't remember feeling this free since you were younger, playing with Kos and Atti when you’d shift. He pounced on you, pinning you to the floor and you wagged your tail as you looked at him mischievously. He leaned up, licking the side of your face and his tail wagged so hard that you heard it thumping against the mud. You spent the night chasing each other around, playing like a couple of young pups before you wound up curling up together and falling asleep.

The next morning, you woke up to find yourself now in bed but as you rolled over, Billy wasn’t there. You got out of bed, stretching with a yawn before you grabbed the sleep tunic you had here, slipping it on before you padded out of the bedroom and downstairs. You found him making breakfast and you stood there and watched him for a moment, completely in awe at the overwhelming happiness that was coming off him in waves. He turned then, smiling when he saw you and you couldn't help but smile back as you walked over to him. When you reached him, he grabbed the back of your neck, his lips connecting with yours smoothly. It was a brief kiss but it still made butterflies swarm your stomach.

“Are you okay?” you asked him after he’d pulled away and you moved, hopping up to sit on the counter next to him as he continued on breakfast.

“More than okay,” he grinned and it made you smile.

“I uh… I loved last night. I never thought I’d want to shift again in my life after everythin’ that happened but you changed that for me,” he said earnestly, his dark eyes imploring as they went to you and you felt warmth wrap around your heart like a blanket at his words.

“It was always so hard to keep the wolf at bay, it made me fuckin’ miserable. But now I… I wanna turn with you every full moon, let my wolf out in a safe way like that,” he admitted and you grinned at him. You were over the moon about it, happy you’d allowed him to start healing from all the trauma he’d been through and that had haunted him ever since. You watched as he plated up the food before he turned back to you, walking over and settling between your legs where you were perched on the counter.

“You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met and every day I wonder how the fuck I got so lucky to have you as my mate,” he implored and your chest felt tight, face hot as you blinked at him, a shy smile tugging at your lips.

“I think you’re pretty amazing too,” you smiled and he grinned at you, picking you up before setting you on the floor. He grabbed the plates and you both walked into the living room to eat.

After food, you snuggled into him on the sofa, just enjoying him and the calming atmosphere here at Anvil. You really liked it here. You wondered if this would be where you moved with him after you’d had kids and they were old enough to take over. The thought of having that with Billy, having kids with him, you found you wanted that now. You didn't feel any of that worry and anxiety like you had the last time you’d thought about it. The threat was gone and things were finally settling down and you felt in your bones that you wanted that with him.

“I’m ready,” you blurted, making him look down at you with a confused face and you moved to sit up so you could look at him properly.

“We talked about having kids before the war and I was a little… anxious. But I’m ready now, I want that with you. It doesn't have to be right now, but I’m ready if it happens,” you clarified. A surprised but pleased grin spread across his face and you felt his happiness.

“You sure?” he asked, eyes so full of hope and you knew you wanted to give him anything he wanted.

“I’m sure,” you smiled and he let out a delighted laugh, moving to plant a firm kiss to your forehead.

“I love you,” he murmured, cupping your cheek as he tilted your face to look at him.

“I love you too,” you smiled, closing your eyes when he rubbed his nose against yours affectionately. A thought hit you then and a small frown graced your face.

“I’ve never… I’ve never been in heat before,” you admitted and surprise colored his face. You knew you needed to be in heat to get pregnant.

“Never?” he asked in shock and you shook your head.

“I figured it was something to do with the lack of connection to my wolf or something. I never really minded it because I was happy not to go through all that, especially without a mate,” you murmured. You felt a little weird talking to him about this but he was your mate and you knew you could tell him anything. You’d never really thought about the implications of never having heat before or what it might do long term to your body. You’d always been glad to miss out on it after seeing the other women in your pack go through it and you knew without a mate, it was even worse.

“You could use the medical facility if you want, we have doctors there for that kinda thing,” he offered softly.

“Not yet. I’m connected to my wolf now so maybe I’ll go into heat soon. I want to see if it happens on its own before resorting to medication,” you smiled at him and he nodded, reaching out and taking your hand. You idly worried that never having heat before might have messed up your body and what that would mean for you both.

“What… what would happen if I couldn't give you children?” you asked worriedly, your heart faltering in your chest. He frowned, his hand tightening around yours.

“It wouldn't change how I feel about you,” he answered.

“But it would hurt you, right? You’ve longed for a child just as much as you had for your mate,” you pressed, your chest feeling uncomfortably tight. He looked away from you looking uncomfortable and the tightness in your chest increased. His obsidian gaze turned back to you then, determination shining behind them.

“Yeah, I have longed for one, but I have you and I’m more than happy with that. I do want a kid but if that don’t happen, it wouldn't make a difference,” he implored vehemently and you nodded, swallowing thickly as you looked down.

“We could always adopt if it came to that,” he suggested, drawing your eyes back to him. You knew as King, Billy oversaw all the wolf orphanages and made sure they all ran well and that the kids were well looked after. It was an option you were willing to consider if it came to it but you realized you were jumping the gun quite a bit. You’d wait it out and see what happened first, see if you went into heat or if medication could help you if you didn't. It did touch you that he’d still love you anyway, that he wouldn't be upset with you or resent you for it. It didn't make you feel any less worried or guilty though.

Taglist: (if you’ve been asked to be tagged and aren’t here, it wouldn’t let me tag some people.)

@firexfate

@blanchedelioncourt

@on-ya

@sunshinedaisies-anddeath

@snowkestrel

@music-indie-tv

@idaofinfinity

@sweetserendipity65

@ramadiiiisme

@k-marzolf

@celestialams

@woowwwee

@noortsshift

@rainbowgoblinfan

@mysweetlittledesire

@promnightbinbaby

@intothesoul

#billy russo imagine #billy russo fanfic #billy russo x reader #billy russo

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alyssajennwrites · 5 months

Text

His Anchor, Her Reason ~ Chapter 2

Chapter 2/?

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3

༺--------------------------༻

Chapter Summary - Wilbur finally snaps which leads him to the end of the line. Y/n is tended to by Philza and doesn't wake up for a couple of weeks. What happens when she wakes up to find her lover gone and a ghost in his place?

Series Summary - Throughout the Years Wilbur and Y/n had stuck together. She was the anchor that kept him sane during Pogtopia. But he thought she lost her last Canon Life, he snapped and blew up L'manburg. After his death though, Y/n is found to have a faint heartbeat and is coaxed back to health by Philza and Techno. Even though Wilbur isn’t alive with her, she knows that he wouldn’t want her to give up. He’s her reason to stay alive even when things get tough. But, can she bring him back after he’s been revived?

TW: Mention of death, Cussing

A/N: IT IS SO HARD TO QUOTE WILBUR BECAUSE HE KEPT SAYING "UMM" AND WOULD JUST RANDOMLY END A SENTENCE AND START TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE. BE PROUD OF ME!!!

༺—–Wilbur's POV—–༻

She was gone... Now, there was no one here to stop me from my reckless thinking. I kept hoping that I'd hear her voice behind me, telling me that I was being stupid. See, that's the thing, I know that what I'm about to do is wrong, but without her voice, I can't force myself to stop.

I ignore every thought in my head that sounds like her voice. She's gone and there is nothing I can do about it. The only thing to do is get rid of the place where she left me. I can't be reminded of her shagged breaths, pained whimpers, or scream of pain as the blade pierced her skin.

I walk faster as I see the place where a hidden door lies. The one room I promised Y/n that I would never return to. But I can't live in this place knowing that she... she died here.

As I approach the door, I take a breath, making sure that I want to do this. I walk in without another thought and I immediately feel in control. This has to be done, there is nothing else we can do. Everything about this nation leads to death, and it has to be cleansed.

I stand there, staring at the one thing that controls the fate of this.

"This is it, it's over," I say reaching for the button.

"What are you doing?" A voice says behind me.

"Phil?"

"What. Are. You. Doing?" He asks again.

"I-"

"Where do you think you are?" He asks me.

"In the area around L'manberg..." I reply, knowing damn well he knows where we are.

"Mhm, yeah. In L'manberg, you said?"

"Okay, I will admit..." I trail off. "Do you know what this button is?"

"Yup, I do," Phil says with his arms crossed.

"Have you heard the song on the walls?" I ask, looking around at the signs I placed there when I had built this place. "Phil, there was a special place where men and women could go. But it's not there anymore..."

"But it is there, you just won it back Will," he replies, stepping closer.

"Phil I haven't been this close to pressing this button since Y/n stopped me last time!" I yell, losing my hold on sanity.

Fireworks sound outside and cries of battle can be heard.

"They're fighting! They are fighting out there!" I cry.

"And you want to just blow it all up?" Phil asks, very cautiously.

I ponder that question for a minute. If I knew Y/n was out there, right now, alive, I wouldn't do it. But she's not there, she's gone.

"I do..." I finally respond.

"But you fought so hard to get this land back," he tries to reason with me.

"It's been so long that the button might not even work. If I press it, it might do nothing. Y/n could have deactivated it like she threatened so many times."

"Do you really want to take that risk?" Phil asks me, I can hear the hope in his voice that I won't take the risk.

He doesn't know... he doesn't know that she's gone...

"There is a lot of TNT, potentially connected to that button," he reminds me, gesturing to the button on the wall.

"Phil, there was a saying, and god I haven't heard it since it was said. But it was said by a traitor who was once part of L'manberg, named Eret. He had a saying, 'It was never meant to be.'"

That was it, my decision was made. I turn back towards the button, looking at the song Y/n wrote for this nation one last time. I press it, half wishing it did nothing and half wanting this cursed land to be wiped off the face of the planet.

Explosions ring out across the whole nation, some even flinging me across the room. The nation we worked so hard to keep, was gone, one big crater.

I stand, looking at the destruction.

"It's all gone!" Phil yells, shaking me from my trance.

"My L'manberg, Phil, my unfinished symphony forever unfinished. If I can't have this place with her, no one can!" I cry out, loud enough for everyone standing in the wreckage could hear me.

I look at all their faces, they're horrified that I would do something like this.

"Kill me, Phil," I say turning to my father, throwing him my sword. "Kill me, Phil. Stab me with that sword. Murder me now!"

He hesitates.

"Look, they all want you to!"

And I want to join my love...

"I can't," he says. "You're my son! I don't care what you've done, I won't kill you!"

"All this work and it's gone, Phil! Do it, do it or they will!"

༺—–Third Person POV—–༻

Philza Minecraft, the father of Wilbur, murders his son, in front of everyone. Leaving them all shocked, but they had to get past that because they have to worry about the traitor who is now very pissed over the fact that Dream "killed" Y/n.

Techno had a plan in place in case something were to go horribly wrong. After returning from taking you back to the savest place he could think of, he decided that this counted as things going horribly wrong.

His plan went into motion moments after Wilbur was killed. Withers had been spawned at his command and chaos had started. Everyone began fighting the withers, trying to save whatever is left after the explosions.

Through all the chaos, Philza made his way home. But to his surprise, he found Y/n laying on the couch, where Techno had left her. But what Techno hadn't noticed when he brought her all this way, was that her shallow breaths had started to even out and the bleeding had almost completely stopped.

"Oh god, Y/n what happened to you?" Philza asked as he rushed to grab healing potions and bandages, before kneeling by her unconscious body. "This is why he did what he did, isn't it? How am I gonna explain everything that has happened?"

༺--------------------------༻

Weeks had passed, and Y/n was slowly getting her strength back. When she had finally woken up, she found Tommy and Tubbo sleeping in chairs by her side, each holding one of her hands.

They had jerked awake when she squeezed their hands, both letting out sighs of relief and then calling to Phil. He tended to her healing wounds, and even though he wished he didn't need to, he told her what had happened.

Y/n had taken the news surprisingly well, but what was unknown to everyone but Y/n, was that Y/n had already expected this outcome. Wilbur wasn't by her side when she woke, and he was too calm while he held her during what she thought were her last moments.

When Y/n was back on her feet, Phil called Techno, letting him know that she was going to be okay. Once given the news, Techno rushed home to find Y/n walking through the garden.

"What are you doing little one?" Techno asked as he got closer.

"Just thinking," she replied, turning to face Techno, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. "Why did he have to go and be a dumbass?"

Techno quickly made his way to her, pulling her into a tight hug.

"I don't know, but it's going to be okay. I promise."

༺--------------------------༻

Philza had told nobody but Techno, Tommy, and Tubbo that Y/n was going to live. So when Y/n went into town to see the damage that Wilbur had caused, people were shocked to see her. They had made a memorial for her and were in the process of placing flowers on it when Y/n had spotted them.

She made her way up to them and everyone froze when they heard her quiet voice.

"What's all this about?" She asked.

Niki was the first person to react when she heard her best friend's voice. She dashed over to Y/n and pulled her into the tightest hug she had ever given.

"Oh Y/n," she cried, "You have no idea how happy I am to see you."

Karl, a close friend to Y/n and Niki, made his way to the girls and wrapped his arms around them. Tears threatened to spill.

"You have no clue how hard it has been without you," he said pulling away to look at Y/n. "Purpled made this for you. We wanted something to remember you by."

Y/n looked back at the statue. She was wearing a flower crown that Tubbo always made for her each spring morning, holding what people called "Her Book of Dreams," and she was wearing her spring dress.

"Oh wow, Purpled this is amazing," she whispered as she made her way up to the plaque so she could read what it said.

"To our dearest Y/n, throughout all the years, we have been grateful for everything you have done for us. You were the best sister and friend any of us could have asked for. You were here for us when we needed a shoulder to lean on. It never mattered what side of a war you were on, we still loved you and you were still there for us. You risked your life for all of us and made sure our lives were perfect. We only wish we could have done more for you. Rest in peace our friend. Love, All of the SMP."

Tears were forming as Y/n read this. Everyone had signed the plaque to show their love and flowers were planted and placed all around the memorial. Y/n wiped at her eyes, turning back to the group. But as she went to thank all of them, a ghostly voice made her freeze.

"Why are all of you so sad? Here have some blue," he said. "It's to help you not feel sad anymore."

Everyone turned to Y/n who was staring at this ghostly figure standing on the walkway. They didn't know how she'd react to seeing this new version of her lover.

"Ghostbur, I know you're just trying to help, but we should get going," Tommy said, trying to make Ghostbur keep walking.

"Wait, before we leave," Ghostbur said looking at Y/n, "Why do you look familiar?"

༺--------------------------༻

If you want to be added to the taglist, please let me know! <3 Chapter 3 will be out soon!

#wilbur soot x you #wilbur soot x y/n #wilbur soot #wilbur x reader #mcyt x reader #dream smp x reader #mcyt x y/n #l'manberg #pogtopia #DSMP #Dream SMP

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velidewrites · 1 month

Text

Don’t Look Back

Chapter 5/15 || Read on AO3 || Go to Chapter 1

Chapter 5: The Hold

Much to Elain’s dismay, Lucien decided to put a blindfold on her before she managed to examine the strange place.

The Vanserra Hold, Lucien had called it. All Elain had caught a glimpse of, though, was the circular clearing, and the fire burning around it. As far as she was concerned, the only things this forest held were the Vanserras’ egos and a rather pungent collection of mud.

She could feel the magic around her, though. The metallic tinge of it was familiar enough for her to make out through this blend of autumn and sunlight—she had scented it on more than one occasion in her father’s private repository. It was almost like autumn had somehow found a way to trap this piece of land as the rest of the world moved through the rest of the seasons unaffected.

Despite herself, Elain enjoyed the way it warmed her skin. Her body seemed to move of its own accord as she tilted her chin upwards, as though to soak up whatever light the gaps between the trees offered.

Doing so had been a mistake—something sharp caught in her hair, grazing against the back of her neck lightly, and Elain jumped at the sensation.

“Stop moving,” Lucien instructed, tying the piece of cloth around her head at last. The blindfold may have covered her sight—her entire face, really—but Elain could practically hear his eyes roll at her reaction to his claws. “I thought you weren’t afraid of monsters, Princess,” he teased.

“Stop calling me that,” she barked. Frankly, she was starting to get quite sick of his little jabs—sick of everyone calling her the title she had not earned. In their mouths, it had always sounded like at worst mockery. At best, it had been respect for her father, not Elain. Never Elain.

She felt Lucien shrug. “I’ll call you whatever I like,” he said, taking a step back as if to admire his work. “You’ve had no trouble calling me a beast earlier.”

“I never said beast,” Elain corrected.

A sigh. “Beast, monster,” Lucien said. “Creature. It’s all the same to me, just as I know it’s all the same to you.”

Behind the blindfold, her eyes narrowed. “Don’t presume to know what I mean,” she hissed. “You are a monster. You killed my mother.”

“Eris did.”

“I don’t imagine you tried stopping him,” Elain said, crossing her arms over her chest in accusation. “He doesn’t even feel a shred of remorse about it.”

Lucien snorted. “No, he does not,” he said. “And neither do I. Think of me whatever you like, Princess, but I’m not even half the monster your mother was.”

It wasn’t the first time she’d heard the Fae slander her mother in the past few hours. The two of them had never been as close as Elain had wished—Mother had always seemed to prefer Nesta, which, as disappointing as it once had been, was not surprising in the least. Nesta was, and always had been, a force to be reckoned with—an heir that would strengthen the Merchant’s position in the new world no matter the odds. Elain…Mother had never once looked at Elain the way she would look at Nesta. With pride, with determination. Still, Elain supposed, it was better than Mother never looking at her at all.

As much as she’d always underestimated Elain, and ignored her youngest daughter completely, Elain had never believed her mother to be a bad person. She was ambitious, yes—stricter than most parents would have been, even the titled ones—but a monster…

She wished she wasn’t blindfolded, if only to give Lucien the nastiest look possible as she told him, “I don’t believe you.”

An equally nasty retort must have been armed at the ready on Lucien’s tongue, because Vassa interjected, reminding them both of her presence, “Give them a chance, Elain.” A hand on her shoulder—Vassa’s, thankfully, if the gentleness of the touch was any indication. “I promise you, all will be explained soon.”

“Ah, yes. The truth.” Elain rolled her eyes, and, as politely as she could muster for old time’s sake, shook Vassa’s hand off. “I want to believe you, Vassa, but how can you be sure they didn’t use their magic to lure you over to their side?” she asked, then added, “In New Prythian, they tell us if the Fae who could hold a person’s mind like it was nothing. Who could make it their own with less than a snap of their fingers. How can you be sure they haven’t done the same to you?”

To her utmost surprise, Vassa giggled. “Eris doesn’t have this ability,” she said. “And neither does Lucien—though I imagine he feels very bitter about it.”

A low scoff sounded beside them. “Can you not see me standing here?”

“Either way,” Vassa continued as if Lucien hadn’t spoken at all, “I didn’t simply trust their word, if that’s what you’re afraid of. There is…” she hesitated. “An object.”

Perhaps it was the Merchant’s daughter in her—but Elain’s brows rose. “An object?” she asked, her interest piqued as her mind began running through her father’s collection of truth-enhancing artifacts.

Lucien hissed. “Not here, Vassa.”

Vassa sighed deeply. “Sorry, Elain,” she told her. “You’ll have to be patient with us, I’m afraid.”

Elain huffed. “It’s hard to be patient with a blindfold around my face,” she complained, blowing the loosened cloth away from her mouth. “I can hardly breathe.”

A light step towards her crunched one of the autumn-coloured leaves as long, slender fingers reached for her, gently adjusting the blindfold and pulling it high enough to expose her mouth to the sunlight once again. It was a nice change from Lucien’s talons and Vassa re-tied the piece of fabric—a little tighter this time, yet not tight enough to pull on so much as a strand of hair.

“Thank you,” Elain told her, shoulders relaxing in Vassa’s warm presence.

But it wasn’t Vassa’s voice who spoke back, so close to Elain’s face she could almost feel its owner’s breath on her neck as he pulled back. “You’re welcome,” Lucien said quietly, leaving nothing but a light tingle on her skin.

The memory of his body’s closeness to her own made Elain suck in a breath, and, for the first time, she truly allowed herself to think about the events before she discovered Lucien’s deception. The way he’d swayed her in a dance, a strong hand braced gently on her waist. The way his laugh rasped against her ear as he told her her eyes were the most beautiful he had ever seen—as she had confessed the exact same to him before pressing her mouth to his own.

The reminder of it—the lie, made her empty chest tighten. But before she could take her thanks back, before she could blow up at him for tying her up and taking her from her home all over again, the sound of someone’s steps reached her ears.

Eris stopped by her side, tall and commanding. “If you three are done wasting our time, I suggest we get moving.”

“Let me help you,” Vassa offered, taking Elain by the arm. “This really wasn’t necessary, Eris,” she added pointedly, her gaze palpable on the cloth covering half of Elain’s face.

“I can’t have her running back to the Merchant and spilling all our secrets,” Eris said calmly. “The entrance to the Hold is sealed and has never been opened by anyone who doesn’t bear the Vanserra name.”

And with that, he simply turned and left again.

“So demanding, these males,” Vassa hummed, and, with a light tug as her only invitation, Elain started walking.

The heat of the fire burning atop the pillars signalled that they reached the very centre of the bizarre circle—the entrance to their family hold, Elain suspected from Eris’s words. As much as she hated to admit it, Eris had been smart to demand a blindfold be put on her. Elain would’ve started noting every corner of this place into her mind had she only been able to see them.

Still, she would make do with whatever clues she’d been offered. The ground changed beneath her feet, the heavy echo of stone signalling what had to be a door. The Vanserra Hold laid underground, then—it was not some invisible fortress hidden between the trees she’d initially suspected had been glamoured using whatever remnants of High Lord magic Eris still possessed. If he indeed was the direct descendant of Old Prythian’s Fae regime, Elain needed to be careful. The Fae’s magic had become nothing but a shadow of its past might, but—as Elain had learned—darkness could be haunting if one walked into it blind.

Silently, she cursed the damn blindfold again.

Around her, the flames intensified, and Elain could feel it blaze high up into the sky at whatever command Eris had given it. To have such power over an element, especially one as uncontrollable as fire, filled Elain with unease. Just what, exactly, could the Vanserras do with the fire in their blood?

The stone rattled loudly beneath her feet, and she felt Vassa pull on her arm once more as if to get her to step back. Elain obeyed. She may not have appreciated being taken here, but that hardly meant she’d let herself be swallowed by the depths of the earth itself.

Apparently, she was instead supposed to walk into them of her own volition. The entrance had stopped moving after a few seconds, its final groan sounding in what had to be a hallway stretching underneath. After Vassa murmured something that suspiciously sounded like “stairs,” Elain realised this might take a while.

To have survived this long—five hundred years after the War, to be exact—the Vanserras must have taken all the precautions their magic had allowed for to protect themselves. The Hold must have been carved deep into this enchanted piece of land. Elain couldn’t help but feel some excitement at the thought of being one of the few humans allowed to step foot in it.

Kidnapped or not, she was in Old Prythian. She had visited Braemar only once as a child, and, even so, she had spent the entire trip either in her father’s golden carriage—so unlike the half-rotten wooden wagon Lucien and Eris had her travel in—or the Huntsman’s fortified castle. She wasn’t even allowed outside—not that the Huntsman had any gardens or sights to offer beyond the hunting rounds surrounding his residence. Elain wondered how Vassa must have felt leaving that place for good—seeing the world beyond her father’s iron gates.

Elain had always found ways to occupy herself. The Archeron Manor boasted acres upon acres of rolling green hills, of greenhouses and little fruit orchards Elain tended to on summer days. It was her way of being useful, in whatever way she could. She was not a tactician the way Nesta or her mother had been, or a free spirit like Feyre, sneaking off the family grounds whatever chance she could. Perhaps it was why Elain hadn’t ended up married to one of the most powerful men in the world, like Nesta. Perhaps it was also why she hadn’t ended up killed like Feyre.

The thought made something heavy lodge itself into her throat as she began descending down the stairs. Her quiet life spent conforming to the rules may have avoided her being married to a family as cruel as the Harvester’s, or being taken by the Fae and presumed dead. But, about to discover the trove of one of the most ancient magical families Prythian had ever seen, Elain couldn’t help but wonder if she ever truly lived at all.

Nesta had hardly written her at all these days, kept under the Harvester’s close watch, but Elain had no doubt her older sister’s scheming did not end with her marriage. And Feyre—her wild, wonderful Feyre—while she hadn’t lived very long, Elain knew that, if given another chance, Feyre would not have let herself be trapped in their family’s manor for the sake of something as fleeting as safety.

Perhaps, eventually, she would have run away the way Vassa had, which brought Elain back to the question she’d been meaning to ask ever since that awful carriage ride to the Hold.

“How on earth did you manage to kill twelve men on your own?” she turned to Vassa, grimacing at yet another wet drop of watery mud gracing the top of her head. From the amount of cracks in the ceiling, Elain deduced the Vanserra Hold was a lot older than five hundred years—perhaps twice that, or even more.

“You don’t get to be the Huntsman’s daughter without learning how to fight,” Vassa said, a sly smile creeping into her tone. “I became a warrior on the day I learned how to stand.” Then, “I could teach you, if you’d like,” she offered.

“Oh, I’m no warrior,” Elain said. Someone like Feyre or Nesta may have taken her up on the offer, but Elain…

“Just because you’re not a warrior doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to fight—to defend yourself,” Vassa said. “Lucien isn’t a warrior, but I can assure you he knows how to land a strike or two.”

Somewhere behind them, Lucien scoffed. “Excuse me—“

“Oh, shut it,” Vassa interrupted, much to Elain’s content.

The corridor rumbled with a snarl in answer.

Elain jerked her chin pointedly at Lucien. “He sure seems like a warrior to me,” she told Vassa, who laughed at the comment.

“Lucien commands one of our legions, but his primary role is diplomatic in nature.” Elain felt her shrug. “He’s an emissary—sometimes even a courtier, when the situation demands it.”

Elain arched an eyebrow. “Courtier?” She scoffed. “I’ll make sure to advise all the other human courts to keep him off the guest list.”

Courtier. The Fae certainly had some way of showing it. As far as political envoys went, Elain was pretty sure she’d never heard of kidnapping their host being one of their responsibilities.

Lucien seemed entirely unbothered by her not-so-subtle dig. “I have no desire to attend your human parties—if you can even call them that—ever again,” he said.

Rude. “Looks like he could use some additional training,” she said to Vassa. The woman laughed again, apparently all too happy to play witness to their exchange.

Lucien hummed lowly, the sound reverberating into her bones. “You seemed to find my presence perfectly enjoyable, Princess,” he teased, the stupid nickname quickly prompting the return of the anger she’d been stifling.

Lucien Vanserra was such a liar.

“Is he always this insufferable?” Elain asked gruffly.

Vassa’s chuckle danced off the stone walls. “Oh, yes,” she told her. “Worse, even.”

Elain didn’t get the chance to play along—the entire party came to a halt.

She heard the crackling of flames again, followed by a quiet whisper of something she couldn’t quite discern from Eris’s lips—and then, a loud grunt of heavy, wooden doors, protesting against the clearly rusted, iron hinges.

Vassa led her into the room, an almost indiscernible gust of wind greeting them as they entered. Elain felt the wooden panels beneath her feet—then a balustrade, smooth and polished as though recently renewed. She rested her hands on the wood, then reached out only to find an empty space.

A pair of hands reached the knot tied at the back of her head, working smoothly to undo it. Elain nearly sighed with relief as the material fell from her face, and her gaze immediately darted to follow its direction.

It did not rest discarded on the floor—no, her blindfold kept on floating downwards, down what had to be at least ten stories built deep into the core of the earth, each of them a trove for the Vanserras’—for Prythian’s—most ancient history.

Books, tomes so old she could make out their yellowed pages from the balustrade overlooking the cylindrical space—filled every shelf along with scrolls Elain’s trained eyes couldn’t even begin to try to date. Chests, scattered and squeezed into every empty corner, It did not rest discarded on the floor—no, her blindfold kept on floating downwards, down what had to be at least ten stories built deep into the core of the earth, each of them a trove for the Vanserras’—for Prythian’s—most ancient history.

Books, tomes so old she could make out their yellowed pages from the balustrade overlooking the cylindrical space—filled every shelf along with scrolls Elain’s trained eyes couldn’t even begin to try to date. Chests, scattered and squeezed into every empty space, containing what Elain had to imagine were artifacts the family had gathered over the course of their entire lineage. Sofas, ottomans and small, cushioned puffs waiting at every level, as if to provide reprieve for every Vanserra wishing to take a moment to study the knowledge and wisdom of his ancestors. The entire place had been crafter of warm, auburn wood, with small globes of fire trapped within stained glass floating around calmly, illuminating the space.

It was a library. It was a treasury. It was a home.

Eris led them to the left of the small balcony, then through a foyer where the staircase to the first downstairs level stretched out, and a door waited patiently to let new visitors in. Eris ignored the staircase, much to Elain’s disappointment, and wrapped a freckled hand around the golden handle—then twisted.

They walked into an unassuming, circular study, with red sofas and a large, heavy desk placed at the back of the room. The entire wall was clad in paintings—some of them portraits of the Vanserras of old, most brown or red-headed, all with a piercing, fiery stare—and others displaying scenes of a hunt, with the family mounting proud stallions and flaunting red banners, hoardes of greyhounds running at their side.

The Vanserras, Elain realised right there and then, had once been royalty.

“Stay here,” Eris instructed, as if thoroughly unimpressed by the scenes laid out before him. “Vassa, I need you with me,” he then said, and, without so much as turning over his shoulder, went out the door.

The only thing Vassa offered Elain before following in the High Lord’s footsteps was a rather exaggerated roll of her eyes. “All those centuries, and they never learned to say please.”

***

Because luck seemed to have made its personal nemesis out of Lucien, he was left in the room with Elain Archeron. Alone.

He did not support Eris’s decision to bring her into the Hold. It had always been a trove of their family’s legacy, and, more importantly, their secrets tha Elain was not privy to. With the exception of a few close allies, no living beings apart from Lucien and his brother knew about this place, and Lucien preferred to keep it that way. There were so few places he could call home these days.

The truth, as Vassa had so eloquently put it, could have been revealed to Elain somewhere else. As far as Lucien was concerned, the Merchant’s daughter, of all people, had no business stepping foot into the Vanserra Hold.

But, for some reason far beyond Lucien’s imagination, Eris wanted her here, even when her family had proven time and time again they were not to be trusted.

He would speak to his brother about this later. For now, apparently, he was Elain Archeron’s assigned guard dog.

Lucien dared a glance at the human Princess, and regretted it almost immediately. As much as he didn’t enjoy her presence in his home, she might very well have been the most beautiful thing that had ever made its way into the Vanserra thought.

He could almost feel his ancestors’ sharp looks of disapproval from the portraits above him, as if they had heard the traitorous thought. They haven’t spent much time alone, and yet, whenever the two of them had found themselves with no company to interrupt them, Lucien had a hard time remembering what Elain truly was. It felt strange—that something so beautiful could have come from a lineage of such monsters.

There was simply something about the way she took in her surroundings, wide-eyed with the awe written all over her face—as though she could feel the magic buzzing in this place. It lit up her features like the fire shining above them, like the sunlight warming the entrance to the Hold, turning her brown eyes into pure, liquid honey.

There was some wariness etched into her face, too, though. She must have recognised exactly how much power this place housed, and how unmatched she stood in comparison had she tried to run away again. Clever little thing—he could practically see the wheels of her mind turning, cataloguing every image, every object into the pages of her memory to report to her father later.

Over Lucien’s dead body would he ever let that happen.

“I have to ask,” Elain’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts. “What was so horrible about our human parties?”

Lucien blinked—how she’d always managed to catch him off guard, he did not know, and frankly, he didn’t want to. Perhaps it truly was some magic the Archerons passed down to one another generation after generation. Perhaps it was in their blood to be the thorn in the Vanserras’ side.

Their conversation from a few minutes ago flitted back into his memory. What wasn’t wrong with the humans’ dreadful balls and ceremonies, really?

He told her exactly that. “They lack…life. You walk into the room and the very air drowns you.” He shook his head, recalling the engagement festivities arranged by her father. “It’s impressive at first, I’ll give you that—the walls and chandeliers dripping in gold, and the finest cuisine the world has to offer.” He grimaced. “But then, the music starts playing—and it may be performed by some of the most sought after quartets in Prythian, but…”

Elain’s perfect brows rose an inch. “But?”

“The dancing—all of it, really—it feels like a chore. A formality required to earn some standing in society. Your parties,” Lucien added, the word he’d been chasing finally finding its way onto his lips, “feel like a contract. The dullness, the lacklustre monotony of it—

Elain huffed. “Alright, I get the picture,” she interrupted, but Lucien hadn’t missed the curiosity in her gaze as she side eyed the scenes of the hunt stretched out beside them. “What are your parties like, then?” she asked.

It may have been the longest the two of them had spoken since the ball, Lucien realised. So little time had passed since then that it almost felt as though they were continuing their conversation from the night before. “I’m only a little over four hundred years old,” he told her, ignoring the shock parting her mouth at his words. “I never got to witness my predecessors’ celebrations before the War, or any of their holidays for that matter. A shame, really.” He felt his mouth twitch. “One of those holidays, I think I would have been a most devoted participant of.”

“I have a feeling I know where this is going—something terribly Fae and uncouth.”

“Quite,” Lucien agreed, unable to keep the grin off his face. Something told him he was going to enjoy scandalising this female—this woman—his mind immediately corrected, but he ignored the voice anyway. “In most parts of the world, they called it Calanmai, or Fire Night. It originated in the Spring Court, actually—the lands your family has claimed as New Prythian.”

Elain frowned. “We do not have any such holidays in our records.”

Lucien scoffed. “Of course not. I don’t imagine you humans would have found it appropriate by any means. Calanmai was a celebration of the coming of spring—and in the Court itself, it was a most sacred ritual performed by the High Lord to imbue magic into the land. Think of bonfires, thousands of them, lighting up every hill, smoke lilting into the stars. Drums, loud and echoing into the night. And wine—so much of it that you’d end up falling asleep under the sky, waking up to the spring breeze in your hair. The sun warming your face.”

Lucien cleared his throat. “Or, at least, that is how it was described to me.”

He could have sworn something pink heated in Elain’s cheeks. “I could see it, you know. You being a courtier—when you’re not such a condescending asshole, that is.”

Lucien’s eyes narrowed. “I have never met a Princess so crass before,” he purred, deeply revelling in the resentment she bore for the nickname. How could she not be a Princess, though? Everything about her stance radiated command as she crossed her arms in disdain, her full lips pursing and those doe-like eyes flashing with challenge.

“I told you to stop calling me that.”

Lucien’s mouth twitched. “And I told you I’ll call you whatever I like,” he said. “Comes with the Asshole title, I’m afraid.”

Delighted, he watched as Elain whirled back to the Vanserra family portraits, murmuring something that suspiciously like prick and ridiculous, even her ears flushing that warm, lovely pink. Lucien smiled to himself.

“So, what was the ritual?” Elain’s voice reached him, still gruff as she focused on the rather unpleasant profile of Lucien’s great-great grandfather.

“Ritual?” Lucien questioned, his attention refusing to step back as far as two minutes ago for reasons unbeknownst to him.

Finally, Elain turned to him again. “Calanmai,” she reminded him.

Right. Lucien coughed again. “As I mentioned, infusing magic back into the land was the primary aim of the celebrations—it was the High Lord’s obligation to perform what was called the Great Rite.”

Elain’s brows knitted. “And how, exactly, was he supposed to do that?”

The grin made its way back Lucien’s face as he explained, “Every year, the High Lord of the Spring Court allowed the power of the Rite into his veins. Transformed into a beast, a creature of the very essence of spring, he would allow it to seize his body, his mind, his senses entirely.” He met Elain’s gaze directly as he added. “Each year, the magic would choose a Maiden—usually one of the members of Calanmai celebrations—a companion for the High Lord to…complete the Rite.”

Elain’s eyes widened. “They—they would—”

“Fuck, yes,” Lucien completed for her with a wave of his hand, eliciting a small gasp from Elain’s lips. He chuckled. “And, with the act, they would ah, release the magic into the land. To allow crops to grow healthier, of course.”

The silence hung between them long enough that Lucien couldn’t help but tease her some more. “Something wrong, little fawn?” he asked, realising that he was indeed thoroughly enjoying this—and that perhaps it was a good thing Eris or Vassa weren’t here to scold him for scandalising their guest a step too far. In his defence, Elain had asked him first.

“Your parties sound outrageous,” Elain finally said, that heat in her cheeks rising.

Lucien winked. “That’s exactly what parties should be, Princess.”

Elain smiled at that—a true smile, the kind she’d offered Vassa when she first saw her at the camp. The same kind she’d offered him when she hadn’t yet thought him an utter monster. “Is that why you brought me here? To show me how to throw better parties?”

Lucien choked. “Show you?”

The picture of it invaded his mind without warning—an image of him and Elain partying the way Lucien’s ancestors demanded it. A cave, lit up by faelight and thrumming with magic, their bodies naked and intertwined on the mossy earth, its fragrance mixing with their sweat. Elain laid out bare beneath him, her breasts heaving up and down in panting, shallow breaths as he entered her, so perfect and ready for his taking, his—

Lucien sucked in a breath, nearly choking again on the force of it, the force of the picture pushed back into the darkest, most secret corners of his mind. Eris and Vassa should have been here after all, if only to remind him of what happened the last time Lucien Vanserra had decided to trust a human like Elain Archeron.

Because she was a human. And the humans—the humans took his mother. His father, however horrible he had been. His brothers. They had nearly taken Eris, too, and Lucien’s heart right with it.

Lucien would not let it happen again. He would not let another Jesminda into his life.

“Of course,” he said tightly, “My people’s traditions would not have faded from common memory had it not been for you humans.” He shrugged. “As for why we brought you here—take it up with Eris. If it were for me, I would have never brought you into the Hold.”

He could see it—the way Elain’s smile faded. The confusion filling her shining stare, blending into hurt, so sharp it could no doubt pierce his own chest if she only stepped in closely enough.

Lucien could see it all, and the worst part of it was that he hated himself for it.

“We brought you into the Hold,” Eris voice sounded from a place Lucien was not yet ready to return to yet as his brother walked back into the study, Vassa falling into step beside him, “Because it was the safest place to show you this.”

In a few long strides, Eris reached the desk, and placed the heavy object right at its middle, the wood croaking slightly under its weight. A thick red fabric—an old Vanserra banner, from the looks of it—covered the globe entirely. Eris motioned for Elain to step in closer—and she did, as if drawn by the mystery of it alone. Lucien, though—Lucien remained frozen in place.

“This,” Eris began, placing his hand atop the smooth surface, “is the Veritas Orb.” In one, swift motion, he slid the banner off, revealing one of their family’s most prized and priceless possessions. The Orb shone a quiet, crystalline light, as though somehow made of all the colours and none of them at all, humming gently at the closeness of its owner’s hand—as if begging. Touch me. Talk to me. Ask me.

But Eris turned from its whisper—and looked at the Merchant’s daughter who stood in utter shock, mesmerised by the treasure laid out right before her.

“So, Elain Archeron.” Eris smiled. “Are you ready to learn the truth?”

#elucien #pro elucien #elain x lucien #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #elucien fic #elucien fanfic #elucien fanfiction #acotar #my writing

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