court-of-starss - Tumblr blog

[court-of-starss]

Why do I love Eris so much???

Babe.

Who do you think my first fictional crush was?

[court-of-starss]

Rhys: "And what does Lucien say?" Cassian trying to stifle a laugh.

Cassian failing. Cassian bursting out laughing. Cassian: Don’t you mean...WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY!?

[court-of-starss]

they.

kissed.

not once BUT TWICE

the world is finally right, the flowers are blooming, the tides are calm, the stars are aligning.

tell me how, how can you not love this series ??? how can you not fall hopelessly in love Azriel??? asking for a friend.

also do you ever feel like something is directed at you? no? cause i do 😂

my sweet baby lala 😂😂

amazing writing as always my love 🫶🏻

okay, so, I kinda hadn't planned on doing this; I hadn't even thought about it - whoops 🙈 there was literally just a before and after Azriel and Reader started dating in my head lol

but since so many of you asked and since it would be criminal not to - let's think about it ;)

the one where they stop being idiots 💞

okay, so I see a few ways how this could go

let's look at two

as hinted in all the before-drabbles

there have been moments

like

moments

small ones

like when either of you stares at the other for too long

or lingers in a hug

or are somehow always near each other

you get the gist

so we got all those lil moments

piling up, until technically, even an idiot should see that you really like Azriel

and that Azriel -

well, is down very, very bad

which, of course, means you have no clue

okay, you kinda do

it's hard to ignore the tingling feeling in your belly

and that rising feeling in your chest whenever he just looks at you

but you're very good at pushing that away...

bc -

it's not that serious, right?

and even if you catch Azriel staring at you and he never looks away, just gets that twinkle in his eyes

and he always seems to linger a little too long when being close, helping you with your jacket or brushing away a lash stuck on your cheek

and his gaze flickers down to what you swear is your lips -

there's really no way he actually likes you like that.

let alone feels his breath hitch every time you're close or gets that plummeting feeling in his chest when you as much as brush him

and even if there's some kind of attraction

there's no way he´s fallen for you just as hard as you have quietly, creepingly fallen for him

...

yeah

since your're living with and are friends with a bunch of busy bodies

it doesn't take too long until at least one of them gets tired of watching the two of you be, frankly, idiots

maybe it's Rhys

over his not-so-subtle-hints and mischievous smirks, just turning towards you one evening in the kitchen

"alright, love - please tell me you're actually clueless and simply don't see that Az is down ridiculously bad for you?"

or maybe it's Mor

accidentally, literally blurting it out at brunch

something along the lines of "oh, yeah; of course he remembered, he remembers everything, plus he's completely in love with you, so -"

before growing still and becoming more wide-eyed than you have ever seen her

or maybe it's Cassian

after one drink too many, throwing an arm over your shoulder and raising his brows as he rumbles: "look, sweets, I love you, but if I have to watch Az stare longingly at you for another day, I'll lock you two in the pantry until you confess you're completely in love with each other and make out. so, please, put the man out of his misery."

let's face it

it's probably all of them

bc they're just so over seeing Az pine after you and you pine after Az

and if you two would just talk about this -

anyway

you could've waved off one of them with a weak giggle and a "you're seeing things"

but three of your best friends -

who all know Azriel better than anyone else does -

two actually around both of you on a daily basis -

yeah, that's kinda hard to ignore

so suddenly, you start to notice everything

like everything

which makes your heart go into absolute overdrive whenever Azriel just looks at you

suddenly, you can't help but notice every little detail of him and how he's acting around you and how he's just insanely, annoyingly beautiful

and it does very strange things to your sanity

because suddenly, there's this tiny little voice in the back of your head that's whispering what if

and bc you can't be around Azriel without feeling heat wash into your cheeks and your breath becoming shaky and heart tumbling -

it's a bit of a mess.

and you really should say something

because it's getting increasingly, ridiculously difficult to keep yourself from leaning up and kissing him whenever he stares at you, that half-crease in his cheek -

but you chicken out every time

and you kinda have a reason for that!

bc you love these boys

what if something goes wrong and the others are wrong after all and you are wrong and he doesn'´t actually like you

bc then you would mess things up and you can't risk that and -

like I said

it's a bit of a mess

well, until

that fateful almost-kiss

(pls don't kill me for the edging)

you're pretty sure it was an almost-kiss

like, 80 %

you turn it over enough in your head to be mostly sure Azriel wasn't just - about to wipe cake of your cheek or smth

just like you turn over the rest of the night you spent in your room with him

curled up on your bed, watching movies

ending with you falling asleep with your head on his chest

and again

you're 80 % sure you caught him staring at your lips at least twice

which means -

now you're really screwed.

bc damn that thing messes with your head

I mean sure

the whole does he feel that tingling attraction too or am I seeing things-problem sorta went out of the window

but still

what if it was just a moment-thing?

or what if maybe he doesn't like like you and it's just physical attraction?

what if it isn't but it still doesn't work out bc at some point Azriel is gonna realise that you are actually not chill like he is and instead a lil ball of nerves and quirks??

what.

if.

you're basically quietly stewing in your own thoughts that are slowly getting out of control

and you just get more and more panicked, spinning in circles

until -

you lose it

it's probably a moment when the two of you are alone

maybe you're in the kitchen, responsible for making dinner for a change

the silence is, at least for you, for once not calm like it always is with him

instead, it feels like the air is buzzing and your heart does weird maneuvers and everytime you just get into close vicinity to Azriel, you feel like you're about to burst

and somewhere between chopping vegetables and putting cuttlery onto the table

you suddenly end up crowded against the counter

with Azriel towering over you, impossibly close

and he stills when he realises, in the middle of taking plates out of the cabinet, eyes piercing yours

and your heart is racing because you can feel him and because it feels like his gaze is pinning you to the spot and because he's so close

and maybe Az sees something in the way you're staring up at him, wide-eyed and panicked

maybe he even feels the way your breath suddenly flutters

or how your heart is pounding painfully against your ribs

(with him, you wouldn't even be surprised)

and Azriel slowly, carefully puts down the plate in his hand, placing it on the counter behind you

not once looking away

and then his lips curve a little and you're pretty sure the world lurches at the sight

it feels like just looking at him causes a knife to twist under your ribs because he's just so damn beautiful

and right now, he looks fucking heavenly

the warm kitchen lights throwing shadows under his jaw, making his cheekbones look even sharper

the hair curving over his forehead soft

that barely there crease in his cheek as his gaze slowly drag over your face

and he's tall and all broad shoulders and piercing eyes

and he looks at you the way he did before the almost-kiss

and suddenly

you just cannot keep it in any longer

"So, Mor said you're in love with me?"

The second you blurt the words, you feel your eyes widen.

Shit.

Azriel blinks, his lips parting, like maybe, for once, he has not forseen this turn of events.

You wouldn't blame him. You're currently wondering if your brain is broken.

"I mean -" You stare up at him, heat rising into your cheeks while your heart is pounding against your ribs. "I - okay, I didn't mean to say that, I, uhm, I just - thought about that thing that happened the other day; well, almost happened, and uh -" Your voice is actually shaking a little now and sounds a little like you're about to faint, and it's not that far off, because shit -

"l mean, uhm -" Your throat finally gives up like it has decided to shut you up before you can make things worse.

And that's when you realise Azriel is still staring at you. Only suddenly his iris looks like molten gold, and his gaze is a little feverish as it darts over your face, deep and heated and like he's trying to drink you in as his lips slowly curve upwards.

"Remind me to get her back for this."

His voice sends tingles down your spine, because you have never heard it this low and hoarse before, and it takes you a moment until the meaning of the mumbled words reaches you.

Your lips part, and suddenly, your heart feels like it's trying to escape your chest.

"Get her back for what?"

There are creases in Azriel's cheek that make your knees feel like jello as he stares down at you, something feverish and heated in his eyes when he mumbles hoarsely: "For telling you before I could."

Your breath catches in your throat, and your heart does one huge jump. Then it stills.

"What?" Your voice sounds so breathy, you're not sure Azriel even heard it, at least until scarred fingers slip under your chin, a thumb softly brushing over your cheek and his eyes narrow a little, the crease in his cheek deepening.

"You think I was this close to kissing your just for shits and giggles?" He'd sound dry if there wasn't that slight edge to his hoarse voice, if his eyes weren't flickering over your face feverishly and careful, almost anxious. You think you feel his breath hitch and stutter when your nose almost brushes his and suddenly you realise he's gotten really close, close enough that you can feel his breath on your lips and his scent makes you head swim.

"No?", you somehow manage to whisper, your voice almost breaking.

Azriel makes a noise at the back of his throat, deep and almost a little desperate; his nose nudges yours, and as a shiver runs up your spine and your breath stills in your throat, he mumbles "No." and dips his head to kiss you.

You're pretty sure the world stops.

Becomes so quiet you can hear your heart rising in a wild flutter and your breath shudder as you exhale in slow motion and the quiet sound Azriel makes deep in his chest as his hands slide to the back of your neck.

And he's kissing you. And his lips are warm and soft and pressing onto yours more feverishly with the second, and your hands rise to slide up his waist, hold onto him, and suddenly, you're not even close to being close enough.

Your legs are shaking when you move, push closer, until your chest is pressing into Azriel's, and he makes another soft noise before slipping his fingers into your hair; his body moving yours backwards until he's crowding you against the counter and you feel the cabinets press against your legs. Then Azriel deepens the kiss, his lips parting yours, and suddenly, you feel like starlight.

and with that

pretty much every question just vanishes

erased by the way Azriel is kissing you, deep and feverish and desperate, like you're oxygen and he's been underwater for years

dinner's completely forgotten as you move through the kitchen until you end up on the couch

Azriel's hands gripping your waist as you straddle him, your fingers buried in his hair as your bodies mold into each other and Az begins to figure out the 100 ways to kiss you

and somewhere in the back of your brain

the part that isn't consumed by the way his chest is pressing into yours and scent is filling your lungs and body melts into yours

you wonder how a)

you ever made without kissing him

without feeling his warm skin beneath your fingers and the way his hands slip under your shirt and press you closer

without hearing the tiny sounds he makes, deep and a little breathless as he's kissing you and you're kissing him

and b)

how you're supposed to stop

bc now that you know what kissing Azriel feels like

you're really not sure how long you'll be able to go for without it.

(he does actually tell you

mumbled against your lips

and you're not sure how your heart doesn't give out with how far it leaps

but somehow, you manage to whisper it back

and Azriel makes a noise that causes your breath to tumble, bc it sounds like he doesn't quite believe it

and so you mumble it a few more times, until he kisses the words from your lips and you kiss them back onto his and you can't breathe)

of course there's the other option as well

the one where Azriel just can't help himself anymore

the one where you're sitting next to him in a quiet corner of the library or on the couch or in the passenger's seat of Rhys' car

and you're focusing on something; your laptop, a book, your phone

and you have that slightly distant look on your face, your brows crunching

and even tho you're wearing a hoodie he's pretty sure belongs to Cassian, because it's massive on you, and your hair looks a lil wild

he feels like he's about to burst

because you're just too fucking beautiful

he already missed his first shot bc of that fucking honking car

and it's getting hard to breathe and he really just can't take it anymore

and bc of that

he reaches over and slides his hand under your jaw, gently pulling it up and towards him

and for a moment, you're really confused, because does he want to show you something or -

and then he leans over, and suddenly, your head's empty

bc he's so close that you can see the flecks of gold in his eyes on yours and the shadows of a few freckles scattered over his nose and how long his lashes are and -

his scent washes over you, and your breath gets violently caught in your throat the same moment Azriel stills, barely an inch away

you can feel his breath on your skin and the warmth of him and how your heart is suddenly pounding against your ribs

and Azriel swears he will remember that moment until the day he dies

because you look like you've forgotten how to breathe

and you're staring at him in a way that makes every sense of doubt he had ever had about himself trickle away until there's nothing left but that harsh pulsing feeling in his chest

and he swears to himself he's gonna tell you he's hopelessly, utterly in love with you like a complete idiot

that he has been falling since the day you waltzed into the lives of him and his best friends

and how instead of crashing, the way you beam at him has given him wings

and a bunch of other stuff that won't even come close to describing how you make his heart beat out of his chest and breath hitch and whole being settle

but right now, he needs to kiss you

because he's been an absolute idiot for waiting this long

and he feels like if he waits just a second longer, he's gonna explode into a million pieces

and so

his heart pounding against his ribs and his breath getting stuck in his throat

he dips his head and kisses you

and then, just for a while, he forgets about anything and everything that's not you

@ailyr92 @azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secretlyhers @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate2 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds @harrystylesfan2686 @icey--stars @ssmay123

[court-of-starss]

@lalacliffthorne 🫶🏻❤️

when you find a fanfic writer whose work just sings to you… i would read anything you write…. i would wade into a tag no matter how deranged… i would travel to the ends of the earth for you if only to soothe your little oyster shell just so you would be comfortable enough to make another pearl whenever you felt like it … i would love you tenderly and support you as you carefully place every grain of sand onto your little castle, regardless of how long it takes, if only to enjoy your words just a little longer

[court-of-starss]

you better give me a kiss scene next time lala or i’m gonna go insane 😭😭

we’re both just delulu at this point 😂 (i’m 100% okay with it)

a loud party, a midnight ride and Azriel in neon lights.

(omggggg I caaaan't. 😭💓 this - just this. everything about this makes my lil heart go wee. also this is pre them beginning to date so - get ready for all the pining)

I could feel the bass in the floor even before I opened the front door.

Wincing lightly when I was met with the loud blaring of music and laughter, I slowly pushed into the flat. There were people standing in the hall, some couples making out against the wall, others pushing into the kitchen. I barely dodged a tall dude walking backwards, talking loudly, and feeling something tighten under my ribs, I couldn´t keep the scowl off my face as I glowered after him.

Closing the front door behind me, I kicked off my sneakers, staring at the mess that usually was the coat rack with a deadpan stare.

I loved these guys, but why did they have to be so - annoyingly social?

Especially when I wasn´t feeling anything even close.

At least Rhys had warned me with a text.

I could hear Cassian's booming laugh from the living room, easily travelling over the bass and the noise, and even though the sound, as usual, made my lips twitch, it couldn´t melt the gentle weight on my chest.

Squeezing my jacket onto the coat rack and feeling a small frustrated sound break from my throat, I turned, quickly pressing myself against a wall to avoid having a drink sloshed over me. Glaring at the girl's back, I hesitated, the heavy thrum in my chest screaming for hot chocolate and ice cream, but as I stared at the full kitchen, it quickly dimmed.

Turning, I started to trudge towards my room. I halted in the door to the living room, my eyes gliding over the people crowded around, the balcony doors open, air thick and stale. Cassian was sprawled on the couch, talking with some guys from the gym I knew just from passing, a girl sitting under his arm, her hand dangerously high up on his thigh, while Rhys flirted with a dude over at the window, his grin causing his dimples to flash.

Huffing and rolling my eyes with a soft grumble, I turned around.

A couple was making out right next to my bedroom door. Looking at them for a second with a deadpan expression, I blinked before shaking my head, plucking the key from one of the picture frames where Cass always hid it when I wasn´t around to lock my room for an impromptu party.

Sliding into my room, I quickly shut the door beside me and turned the key, the noise now slightly muffled. Slowly breathing out, I leaned my head against the wall for a second. That little weight on my chest pulsed gently, and turning around, I flicked on the fairylights wrapped over the shelves, I beginning peeling myself out of my clothes.

Carelessly kicking my pants to the side, I slipped into the hoodie hanging over the side of my chair, the scent rising into my nose causing my heart to miss a beat. I crunched my nose and soundlessly scolded myself, dragging the blankets on my bed to the side and crawling onto the mattress.

The sky slowly turned darker and darker outside my windows until it was pitch black, a few single stars making it past the glow of the city, twinkling in the deep night as I curled up under my blanket, my noise cancelling headphones blocking out the commotion of the party, my bedframe vibrating lightly with the beat as I buried my nose in a pillow and felt the gentle weight on my chest press onto my throat.

The clock on my phone showed past eleven pm when it lit up with a text. I crunched my brows softly and picked it up, and suddenly, my heart fluttered into my throat at the name flashing over the screen.

Azriel.

are you home?

I hesitated, but before I could even open the message, another appeared on the screen.

come on, love, take off the headphones and open up

Cass is singing and my ears are bleeding

My breath hitched in my throat, something rising in my chest, and I looked up towards the door, hesitating before pushing the blankets to the side. Pulling my headphones off, I climbed off the mattress. With the buffer gone, I could hear the noise of the party, only slightly muffled by the door – and a knock, followed by a deep voice, floating through the door like its owner had leaned his head against the wood as he softly called my name.

“C’mon, love, don’t leave me hanging.”

My breath caught in my throat at the way Azriel gently mumbled the words like he didn’t want anyone listening in, like maybe he thought I wasn’t listening either.

My heart thrummed against my ribs as I shuffled over the carpet towards the door, something bubbling in my chest, chasing away the heavy feeling for just a little second, then I unlocked the door and carefully pulled it open, and my eyes met amber ones.

Something dipped in my chest, and I held my breath.

Azriel blinked, and his eyes dragged over his face as he slowly, slightly raised his head. One corner of his lips curved softly, and my heart suddenly thrummed against my ribs as my gaze darted over his tall frame leaning against the doorframe, his shoulder propped against the wood, blocking the view of the hall, blocking out everything as he stared down at me. He was wearing his padded jacket over a hoodie, his cologne was rising into my nose and he was so close, I could feel his breath grazing on my forehead, could count the golden specks in his eyes as they moved over my face.

I blinked, then I crunched my brows softly. "I don't hear any singing."

Azriel's lips quirked. "He's still getting ready. Just wanted to get a head start."

I huffed, but somehow, a soft grin managed to fight it's way onto my face.

Azriel's gaze slowly dragged over my face. Then he blinked.

“You okay?” His low, deep voice trickled down my spine, calm and steady, and I hesitated, feeling the gentle weight pulse in my chest.

There was a loud laugh somewhere down the hall, I nearly jumped; my eyes darting towards the noise for a second, and a deep breath loosened from my throat.

"Just - one of those days." I looked up at him again with a soft, crooked smile as I leaned my temple against the doorframe, wincing when people cheered in the living room.

Azriel's eyes flickered over my face, golden specks shifting. Then one corner of his lips slowly curved upwards.

"C'mon." He pushed off the doorframe, towering over me, his eyes flickering over my face, iris twinkling softly. "I'll take you for a ride."

I stared up at him as something rose under my ribs, and my throat thickened a little, then I breathed a smile.

"Thank you."

Azriel's eyes dragged over my face, lips curving, then a small smirk caused a crease to form in his cheek.

"You should put on some pants though."

A minute later, I slipped out into the hall, wearing a pair of black leggings I had changed into, and Azriel pushed off the wall, his chest brushing against my back as he started to follow me towards the door. People moved out of my way, backing away, and I felt something hop in my chest in confusion until I threw a quick look over my shoulder and found Azriel's eyes directed over me head, deep, dark, piercing, making people shrink back and out of my way.

My heart rose into my throat, and I quickly turned back ahead before the pressure in my chest could flow into my eyes.

At the coat rack, Azriel reached over my head, pulling two helmets off the top shelf, and I slipped into my sneakers before pulling my armored jacket out of the heap of clothes. Sliding into the sleeves, I took the helmet Azriel handed me, then I slipped past him when he opened the front door.

Cool night air hit my face when a few seconds later, I dragged open the door to the street, causing me to breathe in deeply and close my eyes for a second. The gentle weight on my chest seemed to lift a little, then something brushed against my shoulder, and when I opened my eyes again, Azriel moved past me and stepped onto the sidewalk, sliding his helmet over his head.

Breathing out, I followed after him towards his motorcycle parked behind Cassian's truck. Tugging my helmet over my head and turning on the comms, I zipped up my jacket. Then I raised my head, and Azriel swung a leg over the seat, sitting down, the visor of his helmet flashing in the light of the streetlamps when he looked towards me and nudged his head in a soft gesture to come closer.

Stepping towards him, I felt my breath hitch in my throat when Azriel reached out, his warm, rough hands brushing against my neck. Carefully, he straightened the hood of my sweatshirt before gently tapping my throat.

"C'mon." His deep voice echoed through me from the comms, and feeling my heart do somersaults at the way his golden eyes dragged over my face, I slipped into my gloves as Azriel started the bike. Then he looked back at me over his shoulder, and I slid my visor down before taking his offered hand, climbing onto the bike behind him. The seat vibrated under me, and sliding forward, I wrapped my arms around Azriel's middle.

Reaching back to lightly pat the side of my knee, Azriel slid down his visor. Then he looked over his shoulder and pushed off the ground, the bike rolling out onto the street before picking up speed.

By the time we were out of the side streets, the weight on my chest slowly began to lift away, disappearing into the dark night sky as I slid my arms tighter around Azriel's waist, my body following his movements as he weaved past the few cars still on the move. Streetlights dipped the city in a golden light, mixing with the lamps shining in windows and lit shop fronts and signs as the cool wind snuck through the material of my leggings and caused my skin to tingle.

Something started to flutter gently against my ribs, and I let my head sink against Azriel's shoulder, staring at the quick passing lights. The streets were almost empty, and Azriel accelerated, the noise of the engine and the rumble of the bike the only things on my mind, along with the feeling of Azriel's body, tall and solid, keeping mine upright and steady.

At a stoplight, he reached back, his gloved hand sliding into the crook of my knee and squeezing.

"You okay?" His deep voice vibrated through me, and I nodded against his shoulder, tightening my grip around him. Azriel turned his head to look back at me, and I swore I could feel his gaze flicker over my face even through the visor. Then he dipped his head forward a little, and my heart caught in my throat when his helmet rested against mine for a moment.

The light turned green, and Azriel pulled back before turned around, his hand sliding away from my knee, my skin tingling where his fingers had held me.

I didn't know how long we curved through the streets, but my legs were cold and a little stiff when Azriel slowed the bike. Feeling my brows crunch in soft confusion, I looked over my shoulder when he rolled off the street and onto a parking spot next to the sidewalk.

"Everything okay?" I slowly slid his arms away from him, sitting up and wincing slightly when my back and bum protested. Then my gaze got caught on the lit up front of a diner a bit down the road, and my stomach grumbled softly.

Azriel pulled off his helmet, his hair tousled as he looked back at me, eyes twinkling golden in the light of the lanterns, and I slowly started to smile beamingly.

The bell over the door rang when Azriel pulled it open, and I breathed in deeply at the scent of food and coffee, warmth hitting my face when I slipped past him.

The diner was busy for a little past midnight; there were a few small groups of people that seemed our age, a table full of teenagers and some older men at the counter.

Something brushed against my back, then Azriel appeared behind me, towering over me, his hand sliding up my back to gently nudge me towards one of the booths at the window.

Sliding onto the leather bench, I placed my helmet and gloves next to me before shimmying out of my jacket. Then I raised my head, and something fluttered under my ribs as my gaze settled on Azriel, dark strands of hair curving over his forehead as he slid his gloves off and placed them on the table. His shoulders shifted under his hoodie, the golden specks in his eyes twinkling as they moved away from the window to meet mine, and my heart missed a beat.

"Hi!"

The chipper voice of the waitress made me quickly tear my eyes away from Azriel's, heat rising into my cheeks as I looked up at her, but the girl didn't seem to notice my slow reaction as she beamed at Azriel. I blinked, feeling a soft huff build in throat as my lips twitched, then my gaze darted back towards Azriel - only to find his eyes still resting on my face, the shadow of a crease in his cheek as his gaze tracked over the blush in my cheeks.

Heat washed over me, and I blinked, somehow forcing my gaze away from his to look back up at the waitress, sending her a quick smile. "Hi."

The girl seemed to realise Azriel wasn't looking at her, because she turned towards me, her smile dimming a little but still friendly when she raised her brows. "What can I get you?"

Browsing over the menu quickly, I rattled down the order of a piece of chocolate cake, fries and a hot cocoa before allowing my gaze to stray back towards Azriel. He blinked, then he looked up at the waitress that blushed under the weight of his gaze and said a simple "Coffee.", his deep voice steady. The girl beamed and nodded.

She was about to turn when her eyes caught onto something, and I could see her smile slip for a second, her eyes widening. Then she hastily turned around.

Feeling my brows crunch in confusion, I turned my gaze back towards Azriel, but my question got stuck in my throat.

Azriel's body had grown completely still. A muscle in his jaw twitched, tension vibrating through his shoulders - and his eyes, dark and distant, stared down.

Following his gaze, I felt something drop in my chest, and suddenly, my heart ached.

Azriel's gaze was piercing his hands, the scars shifting when he flexed his fingers, tightening them into fists before forcing them apart.

He blinked, then he pulled back, like he was preparing to slide his hands into his pockets, or grab his gloves to put them on again - and before I could think; without even wanting or needing to, I reached out, my fingers sliding over his.

Azriel froze. Went completely still in place, like maybe, he was even holding his breath. I could feel his fingers twitch under mine like everything in him was screaming to pull away, and for a second, I expected him to follow the order. But then his hands went limp, and his gaze dragges over my hands, visibly smaller than his as they curled around his fingers.

Azriel's jaw worked, then he raised his head, and my heart caught in my throat.

Azriel blinked, and his iris shifted, his eyes growing heated, almost feverish as they pierced my face like he was drinking me in, deep, desperate. His throat worked harshly and his shoulders tightened under his hoodie. Then a muscle in his jaw tightened, and Azriel turned his hands, his fingers linking with mine so tightly, it felt like he was afraid they were nothing else but a hallucination.

Something rose under my ribs, an ache spreading through my chest, and I swallowed, fighting against the pressure behind my eyes as I stared at him, feeling my heart beating violently as for a second, my whole body screamed at me to get up and slide onto the bench next to him to draw him into my body, hold him until the way he had stared at his hands like they belonged to a monster was nothing but a memory.

Instead, I wove my fingers through Azriel's, brushing my thumb over the uneven back of his palm, following the lines of marred skin, and Azriel blinked, his gaze following the movement of my finger like he'd been starving for it as his body melted into the seat, his shoulders sagging.

My fingers stayed firmly linked with his even as the waitress returned, red spreading over her cheeks as she hastily placed cups and plates on the table, but Azriel didn't even spare her a glance, his eyes piercing mine, deep, golden specks shifting in a slow, feverish twinkle.

Eventually, I slipped my hands out of Azriel's, his grip loosening slowly like he was just as hesitant to let go of me like I was to pull away. Sliding the plates into the middle of the table between us, I picked up my mug and breathed in the scent of hot chocolate, and warmth bloomed in my chest when over the rim of the cup, my eyes found Azriel's.

We shared the fries and the cake, the tightness in my chest slowly washing away as I tried to wrestle my fork past Azriel's, giggles breaking from my throat, causing his lips to curve. Outside, the city was dark, the lamps the same warm amber light as Azriel's eyes that rarely strayed from my face.

It was past one am when I stepped out into the cold air, shivering softly as I breathed in and tipped my head back to look up at the sky. I felt Azriel's shoulder brush against mine as he followed me out onto the street, and we turned, beginning to walk back to his bike, the city silent except for the occasional sound of car moving past. Closing my eyes for a second, I inhaled, the crisp air filling my lungs.

The back of Azriel's hand grazed mine, and my heart rose into my throat as my eyes snapped open.

At the edge of my vision, I saw Azriel look down at me. His graze dragged over my face, and I thought I saw his jaw shift. Then his fingers brushed against mine again, and his index finger carefully slid into the spaces between mine.

My breath faltered and my heart ceased beating, and Azriel gently hooked our fingers together.

Fighting to inhale, I stared ahead, the cold suddenly gone and replaced by shivering tingles running over my whole body.

Azriel slowed down until coming to a halt next to his bike, and my fingers nearly slipped from his when I turned to face him, but his grip tightened. My heart was beating in my throat as I looked up at him and desperately tried to avoid the urge to swallow.

Azriel was so close that I could see the pink and purple lights of the shop windows next to us reflected in his eyes. The scent of his cologne was rising into my nose and making me dizzy.

Azriel's gaze flickered over my face, and slowly, one corner of his lips tipped upwards just so.

For a second, he looked like he was hesitating. Then Azriel reached up, his warm, rough fingers brushing a strand of hair out of my face. My head spun as they grazed my cheek, dropping, and my breath caught when his index finger slipped under my chin. His chest brushed against mine, and I was suddenly aware of every part of me, every part of him, the way his breath grazed my skin as Azriel's finger carefully tipped up my chin. His gaze flickered over mine before sinking lower, and my breath caught in my throat when he slowly dipped his head.

My heart rose before stilling, and my eyes fluttered shut. My hands reached out to dig into Azriel's sides, and I could feel myself tremble as his breath grazed my lips -

Somewhere behind me, a car honked, short and sharp, and I jumped; Azriel's gaze darted up, and I sucked in a shuttering breath.

My eyes widened as I quickly let go of his sides, something thrumming violently against my ribs as I felt heat wash into my cheeks, because shit -

My gaze flickered up - and my heart dipped and fluttered.

The neon lights were throwing shadows under Azriel's cheekbones and jaw, his features like carved from marble as he stared over my head for another second, his hair dark and tousled and crease between his brows, and suddenly, my breath was hitching.

Too damn pretty.

Azriel blinked before looking down at me, and something in his eyes softened as his gaze flickered over my face. He looked hesitant for a second, but a small twinkle was building in his gaze as it dragged over mine. Then he blinked, and he reached out, his fingers brushing against my chin, thumb wiping over my cheek.

"C'mon." His deep voice sounded almost a little hoarse as it washed over me. "Let's see if the others have left the flat standing."

My heart dipped and tumbled, and a soft giggle broke from my throat even as I tried to keep my breathing under control.

Azriel's lips curved, and his eyes dragged over my face for another second. Then he turned, and I quickly sucked in a soundless breath, my eyes widening as something pounded violently against my ribs.

The flat was still standing when we got back. The hall seemed to be even fuller than when we had left, and I felt my heart flutter against my ribs when Azriel slowly closed the door behind us.

I hesitated, then I looked over my shoulder, my gaze flickering over his face. Trying to swallow against the thick knot around my throat, I felt my heart flutter violently against my ribs. Then I reached out and slid my hand into his, and as Azriel's gaze darted down, suddenly burning and feverish, I linked our fingers, his rough skin warm against mine.

Tugging, I started walking backwards, feeling one corner of my lips curving into a soft, cheeky smile as I pulled him with me, raising my brows.

"My room is farthest away from the chaos."

Azriel breathed a huff, but his lips curved upwards, and feeling my heart thrumming against my ribs, I turned and slid past people, Azriel so close behind, I could feel his breath on my hair as he followed, his thumb stroking softly over the back of my hand.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secretlyhers @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate2 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds @harrystylesfan2686 @icey--stars @ssmay123

[court-of-starss]

you-

you really gonna edge me with a kiss AGAIN?! 😭

why can’t i just have my own Az this isn’t fair?? like the way this man has me giddy and blushing but he’s not even REAL???

beautiful writing once again my love, you’ll never stop making me swoon for them 🫶🏻

a loud party, a midnight ride and Azriel in neon lights.

(omggggg I caaaan't. 😭💓 this - just this. everything about this makes my lil heart go wee. also this is pre them beginning to date so - get ready for all the pining)

I could feel the bass in the floor even before I opened the front door.

Wincing lightly when I was met with the loud blaring of music and laughter, I slowly pushed into the flat. There were people standing in the hall, some couples making out against the wall, others pushing into the kitchen. I barely dodged a tall dude walking backwards, talking loudly, and feeling something tighten under my ribs, I couldn´t keep the scowl off my face as I glowered after him.

Closing the front door behind me, I kicked off my sneakers, staring at the mess that usually was the coat rack with a deadpan stare.

I loved these guys, but why did they have to be so - annoyingly social?

Especially when I wasn´t feeling anything even close.

At least Rhys had warned me with a text.

I could hear Cassian's booming laugh from the living room, easily travelling over the bass and the noise, and even though the sound, as usual, made my lips twitch, it couldn´t melt the gentle weight on my chest.

Squeezing my jacket onto the coat rack and feeling a small frustrated sound break from my throat, I turned, quickly pressing myself against a wall to avoid having a drink sloshed over me. Glaring at the girl's back, I hesitated, the heavy thrum in my chest screaming for hot chocolate and ice cream, but as I stared at the full kitchen, it quickly dimmed.

Turning, I started to trudge towards my room. I halted in the door to the living room, my eyes gliding over the people crowded around, the balcony doors open, air thick and stale. Cassian was sprawled on the couch, talking with some guys from the gym I knew just from passing, a girl sitting under his arm, her hand dangerously high up on his thigh, while Rhys flirted with a dude over at the window, his grin causing his dimples to flash.

Huffing and rolling my eyes with a soft grumble, I turned around.

A couple was making out right next to my bedroom door. Looking at them for a second with a deadpan expression, I blinked before shaking my head, plucking the key from one of the picture frames where Cass always hid it when I wasn´t around to lock my room for an impromptu party.

Sliding into my room, I quickly shut the door beside me and turned the key, the noise now slightly muffled. Slowly breathing out, I leaned my head against the wall for a second. That little weight on my chest pulsed gently, and turning around, I flicked on the fairylights wrapped over the shelves, I beginning peeling myself out of my clothes.

Carelessly kicking my pants to the side, I slipped into the hoodie hanging over the side of my chair, the scent rising into my nose causing my heart to miss a beat. I crunched my nose and soundlessly scolded myself, dragging the blankets on my bed to the side and crawling onto the mattress.

The sky slowly turned darker and darker outside my windows until it was pitch black, a few single stars making it past the glow of the city, twinkling in the deep night as I curled up under my blanket, my noise cancelling headphones blocking out the commotion of the party, my bedframe vibrating lightly with the beat as I buried my nose in a pillow and felt the gentle weight on my chest press onto my throat.

The clock on my phone showed past eleven pm when it lit up with a text. I crunched my brows softly and picked it up, and suddenly, my heart fluttered into my throat at the name flashing over the screen.

Azriel.

are you home?

I hesitated, but before I could even open the message, another appeared on the screen.

come on, love, take off the headphones and open up

Cass is singing and my ears are bleeding

My breath hitched in my throat, something rising in my chest, and I looked up towards the door, hesitating before pushing the blankets to the side. Pulling my headphones off, I climbed off the mattress. With the buffer gone, I could hear the noise of the party, only slightly muffled by the door – and a knock, followed by a deep voice, floating through the door like its owner had leaned his head against the wood as he softly called my name.

“C’mon, love, don’t leave me hanging.”

My breath caught in my throat at the way Azriel gently mumbled the words like he didn’t want anyone listening in, like maybe he thought I wasn’t listening either.

My heart thrummed against my ribs as I shuffled over the carpet towards the door, something bubbling in my chest, chasing away the heavy feeling for just a little second, then I unlocked the door and carefully pulled it open, and my eyes met amber ones.

Something dipped in my chest, and I held my breath.

Azriel blinked, and his eyes dragged over his face as he slowly, slightly raised his head. One corner of his lips curved softly, and my heart suddenly thrummed against my ribs as my gaze darted over his tall frame leaning against the doorframe, his shoulder propped against the wood, blocking the view of the hall, blocking out everything as he stared down at me. He was wearing his padded jacket over a hoodie, his cologne was rising into my nose and he was so close, I could feel his breath grazing on my forehead, could count the golden specks in his eyes as they moved over my face.

I blinked, then I crunched my brows softly. "I don't hear any singing."

Azriel's lips quirked. "He's still getting ready. Just wanted to get a head start."

I huffed, but somehow, a soft grin managed to fight it's way onto my face.

Azriel's gaze slowly dragged over my face. Then he blinked.

“You okay?” His low, deep voice trickled down my spine, calm and steady, and I hesitated, feeling the gentle weight pulse in my chest.

There was a loud laugh somewhere down the hall, I nearly jumped; my eyes darting towards the noise for a second, and a deep breath loosened from my throat.

"Just - one of those days." I looked up at him again with a soft, crooked smile as I leaned my temple against the doorframe, wincing when people cheered in the living room.

Azriel's eyes flickered over my face, golden specks shifting. Then one corner of his lips slowly curved upwards.

"C'mon." He pushed off the doorframe, towering over me, his eyes flickering over my face, iris twinkling softly. "I'll take you for a ride."

I stared up at him as something rose under my ribs, and my throat thickened a little, then I breathed a smile.

"Thank you."

Azriel's eyes dragged over my face, lips curving, then a small smirk caused a crease to form in his cheek.

"You should put on some pants though."

A minute later, I slipped out into the hall, wearing a pair of black leggings I had changed into, and Azriel pushed off the wall, his chest brushing against my back as he started to follow me towards the door. People moved out of my way, backing away, and I felt something hop in my chest in confusion until I threw a quick look over my shoulder and found Azriel's eyes directed over me head, deep, dark, piercing, making people shrink back and out of my way.

My heart rose into my throat, and I quickly turned back ahead before the pressure in my chest could flow into my eyes.

At the coat rack, Azriel reached over my head, pulling two helmets off the top shelf, and I slipped into my sneakers before pulling my armored jacket out of the heap of clothes. Sliding into the sleeves, I took the helmet Azriel handed me, then I slipped past him when he opened the front door.

Cool night air hit my face when a few seconds later, I dragged open the door to the street, causing me to breathe in deeply and close my eyes for a second. The gentle weight on my chest seemed to lift a little, then something brushed against my shoulder, and when I opened my eyes again, Azriel moved past me and stepped onto the sidewalk, sliding his helmet over his head.

Breathing out, I followed after him towards his motorcycle parked behind Cassian's truck. Tugging my helmet over my head and turning on the comms, I zipped up my jacket. Then I raised my head, and Azriel swung a leg over the seat, sitting down, the visor of his helmet flashing in the light of the streetlamps when he looked towards me and nudged his head in a soft gesture to come closer.

Stepping towards him, I felt my breath hitch in my throat when Azriel reached out, his warm, rough hands brushing against my neck. Carefully, he straightened the hood of my sweatshirt before gently tapping my throat.

"C'mon." His deep voice echoed through me from the comms, and feeling my heart do somersaults at the way his golden eyes dragged over my face, I slipped into my gloves as Azriel started the bike. Then he looked back at me over his shoulder, and I slid my visor down before taking his offered hand, climbing onto the bike behind him. The seat vibrated under me, and sliding forward, I wrapped my arms around Azriel's middle.

Reaching back to lightly pat the side of my knee, Azriel slid down his visor. Then he looked over his shoulder and pushed off the ground, the bike rolling out onto the street before picking up speed.

By the time we were out of the side streets, the weight on my chest slowly began to lift away, disappearing into the dark night sky as I slid my arms tighter around Azriel's waist, my body following his movements as he weaved past the few cars still on the move. Streetlights dipped the city in a golden light, mixing with the lamps shining in windows and lit shop fronts and signs as the cool wind snuck through the material of my leggings and caused my skin to tingle.

Something started to flutter gently against my ribs, and I let my head sink against Azriel's shoulder, staring at the quick passing lights. The streets were almost empty, and Azriel accelerated, the noise of the engine and the rumble of the bike the only things on my mind, along with the feeling of Azriel's body, tall and solid, keeping mine upright and steady.

At a stoplight, he reached back, his gloved hand sliding into the crook of my knee and squeezing.

"You okay?" His deep voice vibrated through me, and I nodded against his shoulder, tightening my grip around him. Azriel turned his head to look back at me, and I swore I could feel his gaze flicker over my face even through the visor. Then he dipped his head forward a little, and my heart caught in my throat when his helmet rested against mine for a moment.

The light turned green, and Azriel pulled back before turned around, his hand sliding away from my knee, my skin tingling where his fingers had held me.

I didn't know how long we curved through the streets, but my legs were cold and a little stiff when Azriel slowed the bike. Feeling my brows crunch in soft confusion, I looked over my shoulder when he rolled off the street and onto a parking spot next to the sidewalk.

"Everything okay?" I slowly slid his arms away from him, sitting up and wincing slightly when my back and bum protested. Then my gaze got caught on the lit up front of a diner a bit down the road, and my stomach grumbled softly.

Azriel pulled off his helmet, his hair tousled as he looked back at me, eyes twinkling golden in the light of the lanterns, and I slowly started to smile beamingly.

The bell over the door rang when Azriel pulled it open, and I breathed in deeply at the scent of food and coffee, warmth hitting my face when I slipped past him.

The diner was busy for a little past midnight; there were a few small groups of people that seemed our age, a table full of teenagers and some older men at the counter.

Something brushed against my back, then Azriel appeared behind me, towering over me, his hand sliding up my back to gently nudge me towards one of the booths at the window.

Sliding onto the leather bench, I placed my helmet and gloves next to me before shimmying out of my jacket. Then I raised my head, and something fluttered under my ribs as my gaze settled on Azriel, dark strands of hair curving over his forehead as he slid his gloves off and placed them on the table. His shoulders shifted under his hoodie, the golden specks in his eyes twinkling as they moved away from the window to meet mine, and my heart missed a beat.

"Hi!"

The chipper voice of the waitress made me quickly tear my eyes away from Azriel's, heat rising into my cheeks as I looked up at her, but the girl didn't seem to notice my slow reaction as she beamed at Azriel. I blinked, feeling a soft huff build in throat as my lips twitched, then my gaze darted back towards Azriel - only to find his eyes still resting on my face, the shadow of a crease in his cheek as his gaze tracked over the blush in my cheeks.

Heat washed over me, and I blinked, somehow forcing my gaze away from his to look back up at the waitress, sending her a quick smile. "Hi."

The girl seemed to realise Azriel wasn't looking at her, because she turned towards me, her smile dimming a little but still friendly when she raised her brows. "What can I get you?"

Browsing over the menu quickly, I rattled down the order of a piece of chocolate cake, fries and a hot cocoa before allowing my gaze to stray back towards Azriel. He blinked, then he looked up at the waitress that blushed under the weight of his gaze and said a simple "Coffee.", his deep voice steady. The girl beamed and nodded.

She was about to turn when her eyes caught onto something, and I could see her smile slip for a second, her eyes widening. Then she hastily turned around.

Feeling my brows crunch in confusion, I turned my gaze back towards Azriel, but my question got stuck in my throat.

Azriel's body had grown completely still. A muscle in his jaw twitched, tension vibrating through his shoulders - and his eyes, dark and distant, stared down.

Following his gaze, I felt something drop in my chest, and suddenly, my heart ached.

Azriel's gaze was piercing his hands, the scars shifting when he flexed his fingers, tightening them into fists before forcing them apart.

He blinked, then he pulled back, like he was preparing to slide his hands into his pockets, or grab his gloves to put them on again - and before I could think; without even wanting or needing to, I reached out, my fingers sliding over his.

Azriel froze. Went completely still in place, like maybe, he was even holding his breath. I could feel his fingers twitch under mine like everything in him was screaming to pull away, and for a second, I expected him to follow the order. But then his hands went limp, and his gaze dragges over my hands, visibly smaller than his as they curled around his fingers.

Azriel's jaw worked, then he raised his head, and my heart caught in my throat.

Azriel blinked, and his iris shifted, his eyes growing heated, almost feverish as they pierced my face like he was drinking me in, deep, desperate. His throat worked harshly and his shoulders tightened under his hoodie. Then a muscle in his jaw tightened, and Azriel turned his hands, his fingers linking with mine so tightly, it felt like he was afraid they were nothing else but a hallucination.

Something rose under my ribs, an ache spreading through my chest, and I swallowed, fighting against the pressure behind my eyes as I stared at him, feeling my heart beating violently as for a second, my whole body screamed at me to get up and slide onto the bench next to him to draw him into my body, hold him until the way he had stared at his hands like they belonged to a monster was nothing but a memory.

Instead, I wove my fingers through Azriel's, brushing my thumb over the uneven back of his palm, following the lines of marred skin, and Azriel blinked, his gaze following the movement of my finger like he'd been starving for it as his body melted into the seat, his shoulders sagging.

My fingers stayed firmly linked with his even as the waitress returned, red spreading over her cheeks as she hastily placed cups and plates on the table, but Azriel didn't even spare her a glance, his eyes piercing mine, deep, golden specks shifting in a slow, feverish twinkle.

Eventually, I slipped my hands out of Azriel's, his grip loosening slowly like he was just as hesitant to let go of me like I was to pull away. Sliding the plates into the middle of the table between us, I picked up my mug and breathed in the scent of hot chocolate, and warmth bloomed in my chest when over the rim of the cup, my eyes found Azriel's.

We shared the fries and the cake, the tightness in my chest slowly washing away as I tried to wrestle my fork past Azriel's, giggles breaking from my throat, causing his lips to curve. Outside, the city was dark, the lamps the same warm amber light as Azriel's eyes that rarely strayed from my face.

It was past one am when I stepped out into the cold air, shivering softly as I breathed in and tipped my head back to look up at the sky. I felt Azriel's shoulder brush against mine as he followed me out onto the street, and we turned, beginning to walk back to his bike, the city silent except for the occasional sound of car moving past. Closing my eyes for a second, I inhaled, the crisp air filling my lungs.

The back of Azriel's hand grazed mine, and my heart rose into my throat as my eyes snapped open.

At the edge of my vision, I saw Azriel look down at me. His graze dragged over my face, and I thought I saw his jaw shift. Then his fingers brushed against mine again, and his index finger carefully slid into the spaces between mine.

My breath faltered and my heart ceased beating, and Azriel gently hooked our fingers together.

Fighting to inhale, I stared ahead, the cold suddenly gone and replaced by shivering tingles running over my whole body.

Azriel slowed down until coming to a halt next to his bike, and my fingers nearly slipped from his when I turned to face him, but his grip tightened. My heart was beating in my throat as I looked up at him and desperately tried to avoid the urge to swallow.

Azriel was so close that I could see the pink and purple lights of the shop windows next to us reflected in his eyes. The scent of his cologne was rising into my nose and making me dizzy.

Azriel's gaze flickered over my face, and slowly, one corner of his lips tipped upwards just so.

For a second, he looked like he was hesitating. Then Azriel reached up, his warm, rough fingers brushing a strand of hair out of my face. My head spun as they grazed my cheek, dropping, and my breath caught when his index finger slipped under my chin. His chest brushed against mine, and I was suddenly aware of every part of me, every part of him, the way his breath grazed my skin as Azriel's finger carefully tipped up my chin. His gaze flickered over mine before sinking lower, and my breath caught in my throat when he slowly dipped his head.

My heart rose before stilling, and my eyes fluttered shut. My hands reached out to dig into Azriel's sides, and I could feel myself tremble as his breath grazed my lips -

Somewhere behind me, a car honked, short and sharp, and I jumped; Azriel's gaze darted up, and I sucked in a shuttering breath.

My eyes widened as I quickly let go of his sides, something thrumming violently against my ribs as I felt heat wash into my cheeks, because shit -

My gaze flickered up - and my heart dipped and fluttered.

The neon lights were throwing shadows under Azriel's cheekbones and jaw, his features like carved from marble as he stared over my head for another second, his hair dark and tousled and crease between his brows, and suddenly, my breath was hitching.

Too damn pretty.

Azriel blinked before looking down at me, and something in his eyes softened as his gaze flickered over my face. He looked hesitant for a second, but a small twinkle was building in his gaze as it dragged over mine. Then he blinked, and he reached out, his fingers brushing against my chin, thumb wiping over my cheek.

"C'mon." His deep voice sounded almost a little hoarse as it washed over me. "Let's see if the others have left the flat standing."

My heart dipped and tumbled, and a soft giggle broke from my throat even as I tried to keep my breathing under control.

Azriel's lips curved, and his eyes dragged over my face for another second. Then he turned, and I quickly sucked in a soundless breath, my eyes widening as something pounded violently against my ribs.

The flat was still standing when we got back. The hall seemed to be even fuller than when we had left, and I felt my heart flutter against my ribs when Azriel slowly closed the door behind us.

I hesitated, then I looked over my shoulder, my gaze flickering over his face. Trying to swallow against the thick knot around my throat, I felt my heart flutter violently against my ribs. Then I reached out and slid my hand into his, and as Azriel's gaze darted down, suddenly burning and feverish, I linked our fingers, his rough skin warm against mine.

Tugging, I started walking backwards, feeling one corner of my lips curving into a soft, cheeky smile as I pulled him with me, raising my brows.

"My room is farthest away from the chaos."

Azriel breathed a huff, but his lips curved upwards, and feeling my heart thrumming against my ribs, I turned and slid past people, Azriel so close behind, I could feel his breath on my hair as he followed, his thumb stroking softly over the back of my hand.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secretlyhers @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate2 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds @harrystylesfan2686 @icey--stars @ssmay123

[court-of-starss]

drop this sunflower 🌻 into the inboxes of the blogs that make you happy! lets spread a little sunshine ☀️🩷💐

omg? thank you so much lovely 😭❤️

[court-of-starss]

well the people have spoken, eris one shot coming soon 😏

sooo….

I have 4 WIPs sitting half finished on my desktop

[court-of-starss]

drop this sunflower 🌻 into the inboxes of the blogs that make you happy! lets spread a little sunshine ☀️

you little cutie 🥹

[court-of-starss]

sooo….

I have 4 WIPs sitting half finished on my desktop

[court-of-starss]

Dandelions | Azriel x Witch Reader

summary: Azriel asks you for an elixir to soothe his aches and you accidentally give him the aphrodisiac you had made for Nesta, bringing to surface one of his hidden desires.

warning: this is purely smut with a breeding kink. some fluff at the end

a/n: this is based off this request. I feel like this can be read as a stand alone imagine but if you're interested in reading more of Az x witch reader, you can find the masterlist here.

**

The door creaks open, signaling Azriel’s return from a day that seemed to drag on endlessly. His wings sag under the weight of fatigue and as he steps into your study, the scent of herbs and potions are instantly wrapping him in a soothing embrace.

And there you are, a sanctuary amidst the enchanting chaos. His mate.

You're engrossed in your apothecary work. Your spell book floats in midair in front of you, your keen dark eyes scanning through the ancient text as your fingers deftly work their magic to bring the essence of the herbs to life. The sight reminds him of the day he met you, when the mating bond had snapped.

A soft smile tugs at his lips as he stands in the doorway for a moment. The fatigue that clung to him like his shadows begins to lift as he watches you, admiration and love evident in the way he drinks in the details–from the concentration in your furrowed brow to the way your pretty lips move in incantation.

The weariness he feels is soon replaced by a warmth that radiates from the depths of his heart and quiet footsteps carry him closer. He’s surprised his shadows haven’t given him away. They love you as much as he does and it is often them who greet you first.

His arms wrap around you from behind and he pulls you into his embrace. He nuzzles his nose lovingly into your neck. “Hello, love.”

“You’re home!”

He can hear the smile in your voice and you can feel the exhaustion in his body, his tense muscles finally relaxing and body slightly slouching into yours. “Long day?”

“Yes,” he responds and you’re turning in his embrace to face him properly with a gaze of deep rooted concern. He kisses your worry away. “But coming home to you makes it all worthwhile.”

He takes delight in the way you grace him with a smile, your eyes softening into their natural color as you brush his hair back. “Should I draw you a bath?”

He pulls you tighter against him until you are chest to chest. Your heart, the emerald talisman kept safely in his chest pocket, hums between you. A bath sounds nice but he just wants to bask in your comfort. 

“Will you join me?”

“If you wait for me,” you reply and pull away to catch the slightest frown on his face. “It won’t be long! I have one more elixir to finish!”

Azriel’s eyes drift to the line of elixirs you have sitting on the counter behind you.  They seem to glisten enticingly under his curious gaze. “Do you have anything to soothe aches?” He asks as he reluctantly lets you go to carry on with your work. “Training was rough this morning.”

“Of course. The one with the green liquid should work,” you say as you mindlessly point to the array of potions you spent all afternoon making, failing to catch the way the aphrodisiac you made for Nesta morphs from its deep red to a verdant green. “Drink all of it, if you need to. I can always make more. Just let me seal this last one with a spell and then I can draw your–”

Your voice falters as you turn to face Azriel, your gaze momentarily flickering to the potions before settling back on him. He fails to catch the way your eyes widen in a sudden panic and swallows the sweet liquid in a big gulp. It’s only once all the liquid is gone from the vial that he picks up on your slight distress.

 "What?"

“Umm,” you stammer, your hand rubbing nervously at your neck as you sheepishly look up at him. 

“It wasn’t poison, right?” He jokes but your silence wipes the smile off his face. “y/n.”

“Of course not!”

You drop your gaze, murmuring something else quietly under your breath. Both his shadows and ears strain to discern your words but they fail in their attempt. “y/n,” he calls your name again, growing worried by the second.

You slowly raise your eyes, and as they meet his, a rush of warmth colors your cheeks, betraying the fluster that has settled on your face. You should’ve separated the love potion from the others, especially when you knew how sneaky it can be. It’s known to masquerade itself as any elixir beside it as it yearns to be used and your poor mate took the bait.

“Youaccidentallydrankanaphrodisiac.”

Though your words are mushed, your voice is louder this time and he’s able to make them out. He throws his head back and laughs. A deep and amused sound.

“You’re not mad?” You say and though he’s laughing, your body tenses at the thought of him saying yes. Your hands clasp behind your back in a timid manner, inadvertently puffing out your chest and drawing his attention there. 

“I’m not mad, love.”

His eyes land on the silver jewelry delicately hugging your neck and then to the charm with his initial. When you suck in a short breath of relief, he watches the rise and fall of the curves of your breasts as the sweet sound caresses over his skin in a heated whisper that pricks at his skin. 

“Azriel.”

“I’m fine,” he says, brushing off your concern but his gaze lingers on the movement of your chest for a moment longer before meeting yours again. He follows up with a boyish grin, despite the sudden racing of his heart and the familiar feeling of blood rushing downwards. 

“How about that bath?”

**

There’s a buzzing underneath his skin. All the soreness and ache of his muscles melts away and it’s not from the inviting embrace of the steaming bath. A burgeoning impulse stirs within him. It’s as though the elixir he consumed earlier is coursing through his veins, gathering strength and coalescing in the depths of his stomach before dropping to his hardening cock.

Every gentle lapping of the water against his hot skin, every touch of yours as you help clean him feels so good. It certainly doesn’t help that you’re putting on a show, intentional or not, as you bend down and shift around him, gracing his eyes with tempting views of your ass or breasts.

He submerges his head into the water and while his body is now clean, there’s nothing clean about his thoughts when he rises back up. You’re at the center of every single one of his whirling thoughts, filling his head with lewd images. Of you on your knees as you take him into your mouth, of you under him as he thrusts into you hard and fast, of you on your back as you let him have a taste. Fuck. He wants it all.

As you drag the stool and shift to sit behind him, he reclines in the tub. His hands are gripping the edge of the porcelain roughly, his knuckles whitening under the strain and he can feel the flicker of amusement it draws from you through the bond.

His head goes quiet when he feels your chest brush against his wings, muscles tensing as your cool breath fans over the back of his neck. A teasing brush of your fingers along a sensitive spot on his wing as you clean at them with a damp towel has him biting his lip, suppressing a whimper. It’s almost embarrassing the way you’ve barely even touched him at all and he’s already at the verge of coming undone. He feels like a touch starved horny teen all over again.

“What’s the matter, my love?” You whisper sweetly, lips hovering dangerously close to his ear. Your velvet voice is smooth and it sends a thrill down his spine and straight to his throbbing cock. When you brush your fingers along that spot again, the porcelain cracks under his grip. 

The air is thick and heavy with his scent and the damp towel falls from your grasp. When you press your hands onto his shoulders, he can feel the shift in your demeanor. “Need some help?”

“Please.”

“Please what?”

He can hear the smirk in your voice but the way you’re touching him renders him momentarily speechless and he can’t bring himself to muster a sly remark. Not when he’s completely at your mercy. He’d have to take what he can get for now.

His breath hitches when your hands graze the hardness of his chest, easing their way down to where the warm water of the bath laps at his abdomen in a slow and taunting manner. Your cool touch immediately soothes his heated skin. As you reach further down, his eyes flutter shut and head tilts back into your chest. His throat bobs when you stop right above where he needs you the most.

“Please, touch me,” he breathes, no longer caring how desperate he sounds and it’s like music to your ears.

Azriel is not one to beg…but for you? He’d do anything for you. If you’d ask him for the moon on the string, he’d deliver it to you and in this moment, he’d do so in a heartbeat. Anything to feel you. He’s aching to feel your touch. So bad it’s nearly painful.

Sensing his desperation, his shadows are trailing down your arms to his muscled chest, guiding you to Azriel’s cock so you can grant their master the relief he’s begging so sweetly for. Your teeth nip gently at his neck in approval before wrapping your hand around him and he lets out a sigh of relief.

“Like this?”

“Gods, yes.”

You continue to kiss along his neck, stroking his length just the way he likes it, drawing the sweetest whimpers and moans from him. The water laps against his chest at your movements and his nipples harden at the sensation. He’s never felt so sensitive. 

When your lips pepper kisses along one of his wings, he loses his resolve. His stomach tightens and he lets out a deep groan followed by a string of curses as he comes undone. His eyes flutter shut in pure bliss.

You kiss his temple. “Good boy.”

He doesn’t know if it's your words or the aftermath of his orgasm but that exhilarating buzz returns to his skin and he can feel the sinful liquid coursing through his veins again. More, more, more.

His eyes snap open and he stands abruptly, prompting you to do the same.

Water traces sinuous paths down his body, leaving glistening trails in their wake as he steps out from the bath. His wings unfurl behind him and his frenzied shadows disperse. Azriel’s gaze darkens until there’s only traces of hazel left behind, mirroring the gradual darkening of his shadows that envelop the room, casting an ethereal aura upon him. 

He looks like a god. 

Your knees tremble and you find yourself leaning against the counter behind you for support. His keen eyes pick up on the subtle movement, lips curling into a smirk. “You liked having me at your mercy? Hearing me beg for you, didn’t you?

You don’t answer but you don’t need to.

“My sweet girl,” he purrs as he steps forward and you clench your thighs in anticipation. “I can smell you.”

Long gone is the soft and whimpering male from moments ago. It’s as if a flip was switched from the intensity of his release. In his place, stands something darker and primal. He approaches you like you’re his prey and cages you in, his wet body pressing into yours. You keep your eyes on his, letting out a shaky breath when you feel something hard against your stomach. His smirk widens. 

“You’re all wet,” you protest weakly as you look up at him.

His hand caresses your face, a thumb sweeping in a long stroke along the side of your throat as he leans down and inhales sharply. “So are you.”

He nips at your neck the same way you did to him, his hand undoing the front laces of your dress. “It’s my turn to have my way with you, to have you at my mercy.”

Your dress pools at your feet followed by your underwear and he steps back, eyes tracing every contour of your bare body in deep appreciation. Mine, mine, mine. Dark tendrils curl around you, caressing every place his eyes do and if your scent had not given you away, the shadows would’ve. As they travel lower, they meet your dripping core, humming with eagerness. A cool stroke against your clit as a small moan escaping from your lips and when his eyes lifts back up to meet yours, there’s pure lust simmering in his heated gaze.

A slight pressure against your shoulders has you giving in and dropping to your knees in submission. It’s a silent agreement that you’re his to use and only his and he nearly growls at the sight. Desire consumes him like a raging storm, unleashing a torrent of unbridled passion. He’s filled with the primal urge to claim you and devour you in its wake. He brushes a hand against your face when you look up at him, thumb brushing against your lips.

“Open.” 

You do and your tongue eagerly swirls around the digit before sucking it into your mouth. He lets out a hum of approval, slipping his thumb out from your mouth with a pop. His hand buries itself into your hair, tilting your face the way he wants it while his other hand pumps his throbbing cock. 

He doesn’t have to ask. Your hand is already wrapping nicely around the base of him with the guidance of his shadows. You lean in to flick your tongue across his leaking head.

“Fuck,” he hisses as you take him into your mouth. His head tilts back, lost in the pleasure, barely giving you any time to accommodate his impressive length before pushing his hips forward. “So good for me.”

He begins to thrust, the hand buried into your hair guiding you to move in rhythm with him. He allows his shadows to continue to touch you and they brush along your folds, teasing your entrance. They rub against your clit and it doesn’t take them long to bring a wave of pleasure crashing over you. You’re moaning, sending delicious vibrations straight through him. His pace quickens, thrusting deeper with every snap of his hips.

“That’s it. Take it all.” he groans, digging his nails into your scalp. He holds you flush against his pelvis while you gag on him. Tears prick your eyes at the stretch but you’re desperate to bring him to his release and swallow around him. “Oh fuck.”

He feels the coil in his stomach about to snap and he wants to give in to it, to cum down your throat and make you swallow every drop. But there’s a voice inside his head, a deep and primal urge of need, that has him pulling away abruptly.

“Come here,” he says with a low growl as he beckons you to your feet and as soon as you're standing to your full height, his lips are slotting over yours in a heated kiss. 

He presses his body further into yours and you can feel every inch of him vibrating, his entire body pulsing with need. His skin feels so hot against yours and as his shadows envelop you both, you’re stuck in a dance of fire and ice. The dark tendrils disperse and you realize you’re in your bedroom now. You almost want to laugh. The walk from your bathroom to your bedroom is a short one but your mate is keen on not wasting anymore time.

His scarred hands are rough on your hips as he spins you around and presses your front against the bed. “I need to fuck you.”

You arch your back for him. “Please.”

Deep heat spreads over his skin at your whiny and desperate tone. He slaps your ass, reminding you that he’s in complete control now. “Please what?”

“Please fuck me,” you’re begging and he loves every second of it, his cock twitching in anticipation. “I need your cock so bad.”

One hand kneads the soft flesh of your ass while the other pumps his cock. He drags his thick length along your folds, coating it in your arousal. “I’m going to fill you up so good. You want that, don’t you?”

“Yes, yes.”

He pushes into you, reveling in the way your walls are wrapping around him. You’re so warm, so tight and he’s already completely lost in the pleasure. He doesn’t give you time he normally does to adjust to his thick length. He thrusts so deep into you, your hands are clenching around your silk sheets. He fucks into you ravenously like a man starved, hands gripping onto your hips so hard you’re sure you’ll bruise.

“Going to cum so deep inside you until you’re full with my seed.”

Your face falls forward from the strength of his thrusts, knees giving out. He sees you struggling to get back on your knees so he pulls you flush against his chest with a hand wrapped around your neck, squeezing slightly. You cry out at the new angle that has you seeing stars. His breath is hot and heavy and he brings his mouth to your ear. 

“Perhaps, I’ll fuck a baby into you so everyone knows you’re mine and only mine.”

“Gods, yes,” you cry out, clenching around him, his words bringing you so close to your release.

A deep growl resonates from his chest. He can feel everything you’re feeling through the bond. You want this as much as he does. The mere image of your body changing, swelling with his child has him quickening his pace. His brain fogs and he gives himself completely to that primal desire that was brought to surface by the aphrodisiac.

Bringing his free hand to your stomach, his fingers tease at the flesh right over where he can feel the bulge of his cock as he pounds deep into you, right where your womb would grow with his seed. All he can hear are the lewd sounds of skin slapping against skin and your pretty moans.

One brush of his thumb across your clit has your thighs shaking and screaming out his name as you reach your peak. He can feel his own release trembling underneath his skin. A couple more thrusts and wave after wave of immense pleasure courses through him. His cock twitches and then he’s spilling thick ropes of cum into you, groaning as your walls spasm and contract around him. He cums so hard, he can feel his release running down your thighs.

He pulls out just long enough to turn you so you’re on your back. A sinful smirk graces his lips at your blissed out expression but he’s nowhere near done with you. He’s still so painfully hard. More, more, more.

Positioning himself between your legs, he sinks into the delicious warmth of your hot dripping core, both moaning when he bottoms out. 

“Please.” Tears stream down your face and you’re not sure what exactly you’re begging for. You’re so sensitive, hands clenching so tightly onto the sheets as he drags his cock over and over that deep spot inside you. “Azriel, I don’t think I can–”

“You’re going to take everything I give you,” he interrupts sharply with a growl, leaving you a whimpering and crying mess beneath him. 

“Az—oh fuck.”

“You’re so perfect for me.”

His arms wrap beneath your shoulders to mold your body to his and he presses hot, feverish kisses down your neck and chest. His lips then slot over yours, stealing your breath away. When you moan into his mouth, he swallows it and eases his tongue into you, urgently exploring every crevice of your mouth.

He’s well aware that the elixir he accidentally took has amplified his every sense. Yet, amidst his heightened state, his love and adoration for you, so deep and genuine, remains the most enchanting potion he has ever known. The candles flicker with the green glow of your magic and he continues his brutal pace, immersing himself in the pleasure of it all with a strong determination for you both to reach another painfully delicious release.

**

Azriel blinks his eyes open and his heart melts at the sight of you, his beautiful mate, curled up in his arms. The tenderness of the morning light casts a warm glow over you, highlighting the delicate curves of your face. He gently reaches out to trace a strand of your hair, relishing the softness beneath his touch. A stark contrast to the way he handled you last night. He knows you're awake when he feels you tug on the golden strings of the bond, flooding him with a profound sense of pure happiness that seeps into every corner of his being.

“I love you so much.”

“Good morning to you too,” you say, your voice still thick with sleep, but a hint of a smile on your face.

You stretch out your sore muscles and Azriel’s eyes flash with concern when the sheets drift lower. He catches a glimpse of the bruises littering your body and you can feel a flicker of guilt down the bond. “Are you–fuck. Was I too rough? I’m so–”

You shift in the bed and silence him with a soft kiss. When you pull away, you smile at him, sending a wave of reassurance down the bond because while yes he was rough, you loved it.

“You were perfect.”

He sits up in bed and when he finds no trace of hurt or regret of how rough he was with you last night in your features, he finally relaxes and returns your smile. 

Your smile falters. “If anything, I’m sorry. It was my mistake that you drank that aphrodisiac. I made it for Nesta and I knew I should’ve stored that sneaky elixir somewhere safer but it wasn't too bad, right?”

Now it’s Azriel’s turn to brush away your concern and he shakes his head at you with a deep chuckle. "It wasn't bad at all. I enjoyed every part of your mistake."

“The best mistake I’ve ever made,” you grin and he laughs with you, his shadows dancing happily around his shoulders.

“What was in that elixir anyway?”

Your eyebrows furrow. “What do you mean? It’s an aphrodisiac, it stimulates sexual desire.”

“I know what an aphrodisiac is,” he replies and he feels the heat rise to his cheeks. Oh gods, he was going to have to say this outloud.  “I’m talking about the way I was filled with the primal urge to–to breed you.”

“Oh,” you say and laugh again at the look bewildered look Azriel was giving you. “That was all you.”

You sit up and you don’t miss the way Azriel’s gaze flickers down to your bare body. Reaching out, you coax his gaze back to yours.

“My magic does not work that way, remember? It can’t create and destroy desires. It can only bring to surface what’s already lurking deep within."

Your eyes are alight with amusement as realization dawns on your mate. He’s flustered but only for a fleeting moment. The corner of his lips curve up and when your hand begins to move from his cheek, he places his own over it to keep it there.

“You wanted it as much as I did.”

“I did.”

There’s a warmth radiating from his heart that is so strong, you can feel it too. His hazel eyes hold onto yours with an intensity that goes beyond words, and when he speaks again, there’s a delicate vulnerability to his voice because in the year since you’ve been mated, this is a topic you’ve yet to discuss.

“You want to have children…with me?”

“Yes.” The response spills from your lips without a moment’s hesitation and his entire being seems to shudder in response. “Do you?”

"Of course I do," he breathes out, sealing his words with a tender kiss to the palm of your hand that has your heart fluttering. “I want everything with you.”

“I want everything with you too.”

Happiness dances in his eyes. Azriel is not a selfish man, always putting others’ wants and needs before his own. He had even accepted that meeting his mate was an unattainable dream. That is, until you came along, dismantling the walls he had spent centuries constructing around himself.

You, a manifestation of his long-buried dreams and wishes, emerged as a living, breathing reality. The selfish desire to have everything with you consumes him, even more so when your desires always seem to mirror his. You're his perfect match and he doesn't know what he did to deserve you. He can only thank the Cauldron, forever indebted to it for entwining your soul with his.

Overwhelmed by his profound emotions, tears brim in his eyes and you're kissing them away before they can escape, smiling when his lips capture yours afterwards. He pours everything into the kiss. It starts soft and sweet but quickly morphs into something more as he brings his hands to your neck.

He pulls away, rolling over to hover over you in your bed, bracing strong arms on either side of you. He kisses your nose and lowers his body until his lips are hovering over right where your heart is racing. Another kiss.

Heat pools down and your breath hitches when he pauses at your stomach to press a kiss there. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?” He murmurs and you can feel his grin against your skin as he settles himself between your legs. He hikes one of your legs over his shoulder, slowly running his tongue up your thigh. The gesture draws a soft sound from you that he will never tire of hearing.

“I’m worshiping the mother of my future children.”

**

a/n: the bath scene was purely inspired by this because hot damn 🥵 I do plan on writing some future imagines of Az and reader having kids but meanwhile, you can have a glimpse at their first born from this headcannon.

[court-of-starss]

okay okay okay.

first of all, i have never been so edged for a kiss before how dare you 😭😭😭

secondly, holy shit?? i am IN LOVE with these two, the cheeky little jabs, the FLIRTING??? this is going to be my roman empire.

how you manage to capture such beauty in words actually shocks me, like what’s your secret???

💜 starshine pt. VI 💜

Rhys x Reader

part I part II part III part IV part V part VI

summary: when after more than a century, things finally begin falling into place.

notes: I can't believe how long this took - both writing this next part and the actual things happening *facepalms*. and these twoooo 😭💕. I can't. they make me feel so mushy and happy and all giddy and warm. and all of you, loving this so much, make me feel even more mushy and happy and giddy, so thank you so much for staying with me on this!! if everything goes to plan, this is actually the second to last chapter, and we are, finally, getting somewhere ;)

______________________________________________________________

With a sharp inhale, my eyes snapped open, and my breath staggered.

The sheets were clinging to my skin, damp with cold sweat, my heart pounding painfully against my ribs, blood rushing through my ears as my gaze darted over the dark ceiling. For a second, panic and a dull pain rose in my chest, my body frozen still.

Then I realised that a weight was resting over my stomach and a scent was flooding my senses, so achingly familiar, my muscles melted.

Quickly, I turned my head, and my lungs squeezed.

In the silvery light of the moon shining through the windows, I could see Rhys' dark shape stretched out on the mattress next to me, the dips and planes of his muscular back rising and sinking slowly with his even breaths. His head was resting on the pillow next to me, facing me, brows smoothed over, eyes closed, dark hair tousled, swirls of darkness stretching over his broad shoulders and down the arm that was loosely resting over my waist, his skin radiating warmth through my thin nightgown.

My heart soared before free falling, and I squeezed my eyes shut for a second, fighting against the echoes of screams and laughter in my ears, the feeling of cruel darkness and bound magic and hands slipping away into nothingness.

Suddenly, the air felt too stiffled, to stale, too reminiscent of the nightmare that had been reality.

Hastily, I pushed the covers to the side and slid off the mattress, my feet quick on the cool floorboards as I darted over to the huge windows soundlessly, tearing at them until they were open and a soft, cool breeze brushed over my skin.

My heart squeezed tightly, and I breathed in, quick and deep, the scent of sweet petals and night leaving an ache growing in my chest as my gaze darted over the garden bathed in starlight, flowers glowing and faeries floating over the water reflecting the galaxies above.

My fingers curled around the window handle before loosening, and something in my chest quivered when I let my forehead sink against the cool wooden frame and squeezed my eyes shut. I could still feel the heavyness on my chest, the ache pulsing under my ribs as images flashed before my eyes, and something closed around my throat.

Sliding my hand off the window, I looked over my shoulder towards the bed, and the ache in my chest soared at the dark shape still sleeping on the mattress, calm, there.

Fighting against the sudden pressure in my throat, I moved, quickly slipping past the bed and out of the room.

The house was silent as I hastened soundlessly down the stairs, my long sleek nightgown swishing around my ankles as I slipped past the table and opened one of the big windows leading onto the terrace. The gentle night breeze whispered over my bare arms and shoulders, and I squeezed out into the night, the stone of the terrace cold under my feet as I moved down the steps, replaced by cold, soft grass.

Faeries were swishing through the glowing flowers, darting towards me and showering me in golden dust, tittering softly and curiously before whizzing away again. Slowly, my steps calmed, and I closed my eyes, breathing in the fresh air, feeling flowers and high grass brush my hands, calm slowly spreading through me that seemed to stem from the earth itself.

Next to the pond, reflecting the galaxies twinkling over the mountains, I let myself plop down into the soft grass, stretching out and staring up into the sky. My palms pressed against the earth, and I closed my eyes, focusing on the soft hum on energy that slowly travelled through me, golden light lazily flooding through my veines until my breath shuddered.

My heart tipped over, I opened my eyes, and movement at the edge of my field of vision made me turn my head.

Something rose and pulsed gently in my chest when I saw the dark figure standing on the terrace.

Even from a distance, I caught the moment violet eyes clocked me by the pond, bare shoulders sinking a little, swishes of darkness whispering into nothingness as Rhys' gaze pierced mine. Then he moved, beginning to slowly walk down the steps.

Resting my cheek on the grass, I watched as he came towards me, movements smooth and elegant, his tousled hair black like ink in the night, violet eyes reflecting the silver and purple above. His pants were sitting low on his hips, and something twisted in my stomach at the sight of shifting muscles disappearing into black fabric.

The silk of his pants swished against my skin when Rhys crouched down and let himself plop down onto the ground next to me. Then his shoulder brushed against mine when he stretched out on the grass, one of his hands sliding up to rest on his stomach. His body dwarfed mine even shoulder to shoulder, my feet level with his knees, and I stared at the side of his face as his gaze dragged slowly over the night sky above, something dipping and swerving, squeezing and fluttering in my chest as my eyes flickered over his nose and lips, the sharp line of his jaw and cheekbones, and suddenly, my breath hitched in my throat.

“What happened?”

Rhys' quiet voice, deep and a little raspy with sleep, tore me out of the pulsing feeling under my ribs, and when I blinked, he turned his head to look at me.

I tried to swallow against the flutter in my throat, the ache in my chest that staring at him had awakened. Rhys seemed to misinterpret my silence, one corner of his lips tipping up gently as his gaze slowly moved over my face.

“As far as I know, you don't usually wake up in the middle of the night to lay around on the cold ground.” There was a soft twinkle in his eyes, but it couldn't hide the barely there crease between his brows, and something dipped in my chest when my shoulder brushed his and I felt a clenching sensation in my chest that wasn´t mine.

I blinked again, and the soft ache under my ribs pulsed.

“I had a dream.”

Rhys' gaze moved over my face. Then his quiet voice vibrated through me, gentle and even.

“What kind of dream?”

Something closed around my throat like an iron fist, and I stared at him, feeling a weight settle on my chest and pressure rise in my throat and eyes.

“The mountain,”, I whispered.

Rhys blinked, and I could see the muscles in his shoulder shifting, growing still.

“It used to be worse.” I tried a lopsided smile, but it felt weak, and a little uneven. “But it still comes back, once in a while.”

Rhys stared at me. Then he mumbled softly: “What do you dream of?”

Something started skipping painfully under my ribs.

“I see the faeries.” My whispered words were barely audible as my gaze dragged over Rhys' face, trying to ingrain every angle into my memory as pressure began to rise in my throat. “Caught and chained, tortured and mutilated in the revel. And I can't help them. I'm caught in the crowd, and I try to move, but no matter how much I fight, it's like I'm watching from outside my own body. And their pain breaks me apart.” My voice was weak, the images rising in front of my eyes causing the ache in my chest to grow.

“And then I see you.” My whisper broke as the pressure in my throat rose, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from Rhys' face, even as my vision blurred and my lips quivered. “And she's torturing you, and I can't move. I can't get to you. And I try to tell you, scream at you that I'll get you out, but I can't speak.” My breath trembled as the ache in my chest spread, taking over every inch of my body until my voice broke and I felt something hot run over my cheek. “And then I wake up, and I'm alone. Seeing you, finding you, was all a dream. And I can't feel you.” I inhaled quickly, hotly, my chin trembling. “You're gone.”

Through blurry eyes, I saw Rhys stare at me, still, frozen. Then a muscle in his cheek shifted, and he rolled onto his side; a warm, calloused hand slipped up my neck to cradle the side of my face, and Rhys leaned down his head to press his forehead against mine.

“I'm here.” His deep, husky voice travelled through me, vibrating with sorrow yet so steady and firm, my breath shuddered.

My eyes squeezed shut as the ache in my chest rose and overwhelmed me, and I twisted, wrapping my arms around Rhys' shoulders, clinging to him as I buried my face in the crook of his neck and felt hot tears roll over my cheeks, the ache in my chest pulsing.

“Look at you,”, Rhys mumbled, his hands sliding over my waist as he slipped his arms around me, pulling me tightly into his chest. “Really thinking it'd be that easy to get rid of me.”

A wet laugh bubbled in my chest. “Wouldn't it?”

“No.” Rhys' mumble was steady, if only a little hoarse when he dropped his nose into the crook of my neck, causing a gentle shiver to travel over my spine. “You know I'm too much of a selfish bastard for that.”

I inhaled shudderingly, feeling my lips rise weakly as I whispered into his skin: “No, you're not.”

“I am.” A calloused hand slid up over my back, the arm around my waist pulling me in tighter as Rhys curled around me and buried his nose at my shoulder, his low voice vibrating through me as he mumbled steadily: “Because even if my soul was dragged from this world, I would still claw my way back to you.”

Something rose in my chest, wild and violent, and my eyes opened, a curtain of tears leaving the world blurry as Rhys' quiet voice washed through me. “No one will ever keep me from you, take me away from you again. Wherever I go, it'll be only with you.”

My heart soared before giving out, and I dug my fingers into his broad shoulders, feeling my leg slide over his waist as his tall body curved around mine.

“Sounds impractical,”, I whispered thickly, my breath hitching and causing my voice to break a little.

Rhys' lips curved against my skin.

“We'll make it work.” His quiet words vibrated through me, steady and soft. “I'll just follow you like I always have.”

My chest tightened harsly as warmth pulsed through me, and I whispered, soft and weak: “What if I go somewhere you can't follow?”

Rhys slid his arms closer around me, burying his nose against my skin as he mumbled back hoarsely: “There's no place in this world, or beyond, that you could go where I wouldn't follow.” I could feel him swallow, then he added a soft, mumbled: “I'll always find a way to you.”

My heart tightened as my breath caught in my throat, and I clung tighter to him, feeling his body shielding mine as I curled into his chest and turned my head to bury my face in his neck, squeezing my eyes shut, my body shuddering with my exhale and the weight of tears pressing on my throat.

“Why?” The whispered words were trembling, thick, spilling past my lips before I could stop them, fueled by the ache rising under my ribs. But Rhys just swallowed, his deep voice soft in a hoarse mumble.

“You know why.”

My heart twisted and rose, higher and higher. My breath caught in my throat, and my lips quivered as I hastily burrowed my face in his neck and tried to breathe against the ache pulsing under my ribs.

The breeze whispered through the trees, faeries floating over the pond as the stars twinkled in the sky. Rhys held me until my eyes were heavy, tears dried on my cheeks, my heart thrumming steadily against my ribs. Then he gathered me in his arms and moved to stand.

Something rose under my ribs, and when I pulled back just a little, my arms still slung around his neck, he dropped his forehead against mine, his breath fanning over my skin as he turned.

My heart swelled in a flutter, and I clung to him, his arms holding me steady as Rhys started to walk back towards the house. I curled my arms around his shoulders and squeezed my eyes shut, feeling warmth pulse through me, strong, steady, Rhys' nose brushing my cheek when he pressed his forehead against my temple, carrying me up the stairs.

☆

I woke with the gentle morning breeze brushing over my skin, the scent of daybreak dew and fresh air filling my lungs, and my body buried in a warm chest, the heavy weight of arms slung around me tightly and a scent in my nose that, even in the haze of sleep, made something tumble under my ribs.

My breath hitched softly, and I opened my eyes. My gaze focused on sunkissed golden skin and dark twisting tattoos over strong collarbones and a muscled arm cushioning my head.

My heart toppled, and something in my stomach dipped.

You know why.

Rhys' hoarse voice echoed through my head, and suddenly, the flutter in my chest grew until there was a soft ache pulsing under my ribs.

Feeling a soft weight on my throat, I turned, sliding out of Rhys' arms as carefully as possible. My heart was thrumming against my ribs when I slipped out of the room, and trying to fight against the chaotic whirlwind in my head and chest, I moved down the stairs.

Golden morning light filtered through the windows facing the front garden, painting patterns onto the carpet and the books filling the shelves. I dragged open the window doors leading to the terrace, breathing in deeply as my gaze moved over the garden dipped in the first golden sunrays, fairies whizzing through the air, carrying dew drops, giggling and tittering, and my heart skipped softly against my ribs.

Filling the kettle and putting it onto the stove, I pulled a pot from the cabinet, and a cup. Then, my hands no longer busy, I slowly turned, leaning back against the counter as my fingers flew over the cold marble, up to the ends of my hair before settling with fiddling with the thin strap of my nightgown as I stared into the garden, my heart pounding in my chest.

You know why.

Something in my stomach tumbled.

I did.

I had for a while, had felt the thought looming, bright and powerful somewhere under the surface. The beginnings of a realization, a vague shape, like an unspoken thought, a distant knowledge that I refused to grasp.

Because acknowledging it, just thinking it out loud would mean something so big, so terrifying it made something squeeze in my chest. An explanation as to why Rhys had kept coming back to me. For the way he stared at me, the twinkle in those violet eyes, that rising feeling in my chest I couldn't place and that radiated from him, the closeness, the touching, the blatant flirting and the things he said, casually, easy, so so sure.

It made something rise in my chest.

There was something, a reason, a realization, just under the surface. And it terrified me.

Because what if I was wrong? What if what Rhys was supposedly feeling was just fleeting, or not all I made it out to be? What if I was seeing was what I wanted to see – and not what really was there?

Something closed tightly around my chest as the flutter in my chest rose, soared higher and higher.

It would mean a broken heart.

My breath shuddered, and I squeezed my eyes shut.

Gods, I'd been an idiot. Not realising, maybe refusing to see how my soul reacted to the male with the stars in his eyes, how my whole being seemed to respond to him.

I had fallen. Maybe slowly over a century, maybe with a crash the first time I´d met him and felt him behind those walls.

Something squeezed under my ribs, twisted before rippling away soundlessly, and a trembling breath left me as I opened my eyes and stared out into the garden, wide-eyed and utterly terrified.

I loved him.

Maybe, it had always been there, lurking under the surface, in the way my breath seemed to hitch whenever I stared at him and he smiled.

I loved him. So fiercely, so deeply, so all-consuming it made my chest thrum, caused my heart to twist and soar, until it filled my body. Slowly, creepingly, it had taken up every part of my soul and my being. Had made him a part of me, his pain, his anger, his sorrow, his happiness, all mine in a way nothing had ever been before. Had made him beginning and end and everything in between.

I loved Rhys.

“Shit,”, I whispered softly.

There was a low, deep chuckle behind me; and I jumped and whirled around.

Rhys crunched his brows against the light, purple eyes tired and twinkling, his voice, rough with sleep, vibrating through me when he mumbled with a smirk: “Ouch. Not usually the way I'm greeted.”

My fingers dug into the counter as I stared at him in shock, trying to breathe, my eyes wide and my heart pounding against my ribs. There was a pillow crease on his cheek, which I hadn´t thought physically possible, his hair was tousled and muscles were shifting under his bare skin as he moved past the table and rubbed his eyes.

Suddenly, heat was washing over me, and I tried to tear my gaze away, pull myself together. But my body refused to listen, stayed frozen in the spot as I stared at him wide-eyed, my breath hitching harshly, and Rhys slowed to a stop. His gaze flickered over my face, and a soft crease formed between his brows.

“Darling?”

Maybe my shields had never been any good, and he'd been able to sneak past them all this time. Or maybe, the feelings whirling in my chest, and the chaos and panic in my mind, were simply too strong, bursting through me, echoing outwards so loudly, he didn't need to be in my mind to read them.

Either way, Rhys stilled. Became frozen in the spot as he stared at me, and suddenly, his eyes shifted. Turned swirling and bright like the galaxies in the night sky as the crease between his brows melted away into nothingness and he exhaled like he'd been waiting for a century.

“All this time.” His soft voice was hoarse as his gaze dragged over my face, slightly feverish, drinking me in as he mumbled: “And you still didn't see.”

My heart dropped and I could feel my lips part – then something in my chest shifted, and soundlessly, a wall crumbled.

A barrier of the mind, built around the male a few feet away, slowly collapsing into itself.

My heart caught in my throat, and my eyes darted up and widened as something in my chest rose.

I could feel everything.

Emotions so strong, they took my breath. Twined together so firmly, they were barely discernable, desperation, adoration, want, need, twisting together into something hot and rising, growing into something all consuming. I´d always felt Rhys, but never like this; had never felt his emotions, so deep and powerful and clear, they turned my doubts and fears to stardust, the ache in my chest blowing away into the sky, until my breath shuddered and my heart settled.

I inhaled softly, feeling my lips part as the emotions that weren't my own pulsed in my chest, steady, firm, unrestrained. Then I raised my head, and Rhys swallowed, his iris a night sky as his gaze dragged over mine, deep and feverish and drinking me in as he mumbled hoarsely: “There it is.”

A soft, breathy giggle bubbled in my throat as I stared at him, feeling pressure building in my throat and a flutter rising in my chest, growing with every second.

My fingers shook a little as I took a hesitant step forward, followed by another, and another, my eyes darting over Rhys' face, my heart swelling. He had grown completely still, like the smallest move could scare me away, like something wasn't pounding against my ribs and swelling in my throat and tears pressing against my eyes as I raised a hand and placed my palm on his chest.

The feeling of Rhys´ warm skin sent a shiver down my skin, just like the quick, racing beat of his heart as I stared up at him, feeling my bottom lip wobble a little even as I started to smile, slow and beaming. Then I opened myself and the whirlwind under my ribs.

Rhys' eyes widened.

A shuddering breath ran through him, and his hand flew up to cover mine, fingers curling around mine, holding on almost desperately, like he was afraid I'd pull away, break the thrum of emotion flooding through me into his body. Then a soft sound broke from his chest, and Rhys moved, forward and forward until my arm was trapped between us and the whole of his body pressed against mine, his hand sliding up to cradle my face, and my heart caught in my throat when he dropped his head to press his forehead against mine.

The flutter in my chest rose, and I quickly squeezed my eyes shut and breathed out shakingly.

Rhys made a soft, hoarse sound deep in his throat, his hand slipping down the side of my neck, fingers sliding into my hair as he pressed closer, and my heart shuddered. I could feel his body towering over me, the way the muscles in his biceps shifted when his fingers slid closer around my hand, his warm chest pressing against mine -

Heat twinged low in my stomach, and my fingers curled against his chest.

A gentle shudder ran over Rhys' warm skin, and my breath hitched when he dipped lightly his head to the side, his nose brushing against mine.

My heart rose into my throat, and I swallowed, my hand uncurling slowly as I slid my palm down his chest. I could feel his muscles tensing under my touch, a shiver running over his skin, his fingers twisting into my hair, and a tingle ran down my spine when Rhys slowly nudged his nose against mine.

Something dropped very low in my stomach, heat rising up my body. I swallowed, my free hand rising to cling to Rhys' side, and when I pulled my head back a little, just enough to look at him, his breath grazing my skin, my heart rose.

Rhys' eyes were glazed over with a heat that made something twist in my stomach, his iris hazy and a few shades darker under heavy lids, a muscle in his jaw shifting and throat working, his gaze molten where it was glued to my lips.

My breath caught in my throat.

Even when he'd stared for too long, something heated in his eyes, it had always been brimming under the surface, never quite so obvious. Now, nothing was hidden. His breath was uneven, his lips parted and throat working, and his eyes, heavy lidded and dark, were swirling, feverish, wanting -

Rhys´ fingers curled into my hair, and my body shuddered, something whirling and rising under my ribs as I dug my fingers into his skin and raised my chin without having control over it, Rhys' hot breath grazing over my skin when my nose nudged against his.

A deep sound rose in Rhys´ chest, his eyes shifting into something deeper and darker, and his hand slid into my hair when he dipped his head, his nose brushing against the side of mine, tantalizingly slow. Something clenched harshly in my stomach when I felt his hot breath grazing my lips, and a tingling shiver ran down my spine when I sank back down onto my heels and Rhys followed me, calloused hands pulling me closer and head dipping to -

"Hello?", a melodious, happy voice chirped from the terrace, and my heart jumped; my eyes flew open as I lightly pushed at Rhys' chest and whirled around, and Mor walked through the open window doors.

"Anyone he-", her gaze met mine, and she slowed to a stop, one corner of her lips quirking cheekily.

"Am I interrupting?"

My heart missed a beat, and I hastily looked back over my shoulder, only to find Rhys' eyes on me like maybe, it had never left. There was a twinkle slowly spreading through his iris, and my heart rose in a flutter, because something had changed, obviously, something thrumming against my ribs, and yet -

I narrowed my eyes in a soft glower, and Rhys slowly started to smile, lazy and brilliant.

"What are you doing here, Morrigan?" His deep voice rumbled through me even with him a foot away, his twinkling eyes never leaving my face.

Mor crunched her brows, seemingly completely unbothered as she turned in a circle with a flourish.

"Well, you hadn't even told us this place existed until yesterday, and -", she looked over her shoulder, smiling brightly, "I was curious." Her twinkling amber eyes found mine, and her smile softened, though the light in her eyes seemed to brighten. "It's beautiful."

Something rose under my chest as my gaze flickered towards the garden without me being able to help it, my breath catching in my throat. "It is."

I could feel the weight of eyes on me, a tingle travelling over the side of my face, and I blinked, clearing my throat and grinning sheepishly at Mor. "Sorry, didn't exactly expect anyone -"

"Obviously." Mor's lips twitched into a smirk as her eyes moved from Rhys, lounging against the counter in only pyjama pants and staring at me, towards my long nightgown, and I winced and quickly crossed my bare arms in front of my chest, feeling heat rising in my cheeks as I crunched my nose.

"You want some tea?"

"You know, actually,", Mor turned towards me and raised her brows, "I also came here because I thought it could be fun if I showed you the city today?" Her lips twitched, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Have some one on one time, if Rhys isn't too bothered by that." She winked at me.

"Why would I be bothered?" Rhys' eyes stayed on my face, one corner of his lips curving upwards when he slowly crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Well, you did keep her from us for more than a century, without telling us once about her; which, by the way, is ridiculous." Mor's lips curved. "It's almost like you were afraid we´d steal her away from you or something -"

"Can we get breakfast?", I quickly interrupted, because Rhys' eyes had started to twinkle in a way that made shivers dance down my spine and something twitch in my stomach.

Mor turned her gaze away from Rhys, her knowing smirk bleeding into a genuine, beaming smile when she widened her eyes. "Obviously! I'll show you all the good places, and more; do you have your dress yet?"

I blinked, then I turned my head towards her and crunched my brows. "What dress?"

Mor parted her lips. Then she sighed dramatically and rolled her eyes, turning towards her cousin with an exasperated look.

"Rhys, you prat; you haven't told her?"

Rhys stared at me, his violet eyes twinkling when he said, deep voice absentminded: "Was busy."

Mor huffed, her lips quirking. "I bet you were."

Rhys just lightly rolled his eyes, and I quickly mouthed prat?, causing him to glare softly at me. Don´t you dare.

Feeling a slow, beaming smile take over my face, I widened my eyes and mouthed prat, and Rhys huffed, his lips curving until a wide grin made his cheeks crease.

Mor cleared her throat, and I quickly tore my eyes away from Rhys' face, feeling heat bleed into my cheeks when my gaze met Morrigan's, her eyes twinkling knowingly.

"Haven't told me what?", I said quickly, bouncing on the balls of my feet lightly and fighting against the blush growing on my face.

Mor sighed, but her lips curved as she raised her brows.

"Summer Solstice."

My heart rose in a flutter, and my gaze darted towards Rhys as my lips parted.

"You - you celebrate that here?"

"Well, not on a huge scale like Summer and Day,", Mor waved her hand dismissingly, "but Rhys has started throwing a party every year still, because, well -", she smirked, "any excuse for a party is a good one."

Rhys' lips curved softly as his eyes pierced mine, a twinkle in their violet depths that made my breath hitch.

"Anyway, he holds it at the River House -"

I blinked before raising my brows.

"Another house?" I felt my eyes widen slightly as my head whipped around and I stared at Mor before quickly looking back at Rhys in disbelief, but he just shrugged.

"Yes, well, when we started doing the celebration, we decided to hold it there because the garden is just beautiful this time of year, though,", Mor turned to look over her shoulder, her eyes almost wistful, "definitely not as beautiful as this one."

My breath hitched as my gaze followed hers, and something fluttered against my ribs.

"The longest day of the year."

Rhys´ voice made my heart dip, quiet like only I was meant to hear, and I blinked before tearing my eyes away from the garden, something rising in my chest when I found his twinkling eyes on my face.

"I know." I felt my lips curve softly even as I suppressed the urge to swallow, my eyes moving over his face. "The fairies dance through it, all night long."

Rhys' gaze pierced mine, deep, twinkling, like maybe, he could see the memories of midsummer nights in a wild garden and a dress whirling around my ankles.

"Maybe they'll dance with us if you're there."

I stared at him, and my heart began to slowly flutter against my ribs, more wildly with every second as I started to smile slowly.

"Is that your way of asking if I'll come?"

Rhys stared at me, something swirling in his eyes when he mumbled, slow, deep, steady: "Would you come?"

My breath caught in my throat, and I blinked. Then I widened my eyes and whispered cheekily: "I don't think I have a dress."

Rhys' gaze heated, but before he could open his mouth, Mor chimed in, beaming happily.

"We can get you one! Today; I mean, it is in two days, but I'll take you to the best dressmaker of the city, you'll love it; and she'll have it done in time!"

I felt my lips part quickly, but before I could even make a sound, there was a soft huff; a familiar scent washed over me, and fingers slipped under my chin, closing my mouth again.

"Don't even think about it."

My heart jumped and eyes darted up, and Rhys' lips curved.

I huffed and twisted my neck to get a better look at him, feeling my brows crunch in protest, but Rhys just sent me a wink. "You know arguing is pointless. I´ll get you a dress one way or the other."

Glowering up at him even as something jumped high in my chest, I narrowed my eyes even further when he smirked and dipped his head to mumble: "Just say thank you."

His warm breath brushed over my nose, and my heart dipped.

Staring up at him, I scowled gently. Then I turned my head and sent Mor a brilliant, cheeky smile. "Thank you, Mor."

Rhys huffed, sending me a light glare, and Mor smirked and winked.

"My pleasure." She raised her brows and clapped her hands. "Alright, let´s go! Though you,", her lips quirked, "might want to change first."

When I moved back down the stairs a few minutes later, dressed and tying off my braid, Mor was crouched in the middle of the garden, watched the faeries that seemed a little weary but curious when she beamed at them.

"You know she's going to put you through trying on dozens of dresses?"

My heart skipped, and my gaze darted towards where Rhys was leaning against the counter, a steaming cup of tea in his hand and one corner of his lips curving as his eyes raked over my face.

"So?" I felt my lips quirk.

Rhys iris twinkled. "A lot of it will be Night Court fashion." His gaze dragged slowly over my body, one corner of his lips curving into a slow, lazy smirk. "It usually means little fabric."

I stared at him as heat pooled low in my stomach, and suddenly, something started fluttering against my ribs violently.

Slowly, I started walking backwards towards the terrace, sending him a growing, wide smile.

"If you want to see me scantily clad, you just have to ask."

Rhys' gaze darted up, his gaze narrowing in and growing dark and heated, and feeling my heart catch in my throat, I smiled beamingly and turned around with a breathed laugh, jumping out onto the terrace to meet Mor at the foot of the steps.

☆

Feeling a breeze brush some hair into my face, I breathed out softly, the warmth of sunlight dappled over my face making my lips curve without my doing.

"So..."

I blinked before opening my eyes and lowering my head, and Mor crunched her nose, looking at me curiously. "What's so special about Summer Solstice?"

We were sitting on the steps of a fountain, the water splashing and bubbling in our backs, a thin paper bag sitting between us on the grey cobblestone, smelling of the buttery pastry I had bought in a shop in one of the countless alleys.

Mor had kept her promise, taking me for breakfast in a small café right at the Sidra. Then, she had pulled me into the maze of alleys, streets and squares. First, she´d taken me to the workshop of her favorite dressmaker, located in a beautiful townhouse in the Rainbow, the artist's district. It belonged to tall, slim High Fae who was clearly familiar with Morrigan, and who had, very happily, pulled all the stops when Mor had winked at her.

Mor had made me try different silhouettes, and I had wandered the aisles and aisles with fabrics, my breath catching at the colors and stitchings. We'd agreed after a while, and when we left the shop, there was a rough sketch and fabric sitting on the dressmaker's desk, my heart beating against my throat.

Now, the afternoon sun was shining in the sky over the small park that stretched over a small hill surrounded by tall sandstone buildings, their roofs glittering in the light. Trees rose into the sky, offering shade, sunlight dappled in swaying patterns onto the grass and cool stone of the fountain where we had decided to take a little break, my feet aching and my heart full.

I needed a second to tear my eyes away from the sight of the city stretched out before the mountains. Then I blinked and crunched my brows, looking over at her.

"What do you mean?"

One corner of Mor's lips curved gently. "You just... you looked so surprised."

I felt my heart rise in a soft flutter against my ribs, and I hesitated for a second, then I turned my head and gently narrowed my eyes at her curiously.

"How long have you been... celebrating it like this?"

Mor furrowed her brows, shrugging softly as she plucked a piece off her pastry. "Not long actually. I think Rhys just decided to do it not quite a century ago, fairly out of,", she blinked, her words slowing as her eyes suddenly began to twinkle softly, "thin air..."

I stared at her, a quick flutter beginning to build in my chest.

"What does it mean to you again?" Mor stared at me, her lips curving.

"It's..." I swallowed softly. "It's a celebration. For all the fairies. They gather and dance, from evening until deep into the night. All of them, sprites, pixies, nymphs, wraiths, all coming together, celebrating light and life and -" My breath hitched. "Magic."

Mor's warm eyes were glittering.

"You think he -" My voice broke off, my breath catching in my throat.

"Started celerbrating it here because of you?" Mor's lips tipped upwards, and she blinked and raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling in the light. "That does sound awfully like him."

Feeling my heart pounding against my ribs, I stared at her, something suddenly tingling in my stomach.

Mor's smile widened a little. Then she blinked.

"You know, he never told us about you." She raised a brow, her iris sparkling. "Not once."

I huffed gently.

"I know." Shaking my head softly, I turned my head, crunching my brows gently as I blinked into the sunlight. "He told me about that, after I got mad because he turned up, winnowing in even though he was badly wounded,", a breath left me, "idiot."

Mor giggled, and I felt my lips curve.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Mor´s gaze flicker over my face, warm and bright. Her throat worked. Then she whispered softly: "Thank you."

I blinked. Something in my chest rose and tightened as my gaze darted towards her, and Mor breathed out, her smile a little uneven when she stared back at me.

"I've known Rhys practically my whole life." She furrowed her brows gently, her eyes swimming with emotion. "He's always - carried a lot of weight on his shoulders, and it just got more when he became High Lord. He always took on everything, had to be strong, for everyone. He lets us know when things are heavy, but - he never fully lets us in." She huffed. "He doesn't want to burden us." Shaking her head gently, she hesitated before looking over at me, one corner of her lips rising gently.

"But then he started disappearing, just for a few hours, sometimes more, sometimes less. He never told us where he was going;", she raised her brows, "I always assumed he was just - taking a breather somewhere, taking some time by himself. But whenever he got back, he had that light in his eyes." Her iris started to twinkle as she stared at me.

"That was you." She blinked, her voice a little hoarse when she whispered: "You saved him. Because you saw something in him he lost the ability to see. And because he believed you. Because he saw something in you too. That same thing that makes him stare at you like you put the stars into the sky." She swallowed gently, and her eyes flickered over my face. "With you, he can just be."

My breath caught in my throat as I stared at her, something suddenly tight in my chest.

"He told you all of that?", I whispered.

Mor's lips quirked gently.

"Not everything. But enough." Her gaze flickered over my face. "He told us about you only after he came back from -" She broke off, her eyes welling with grief. Then she looked back up at me, her iris shimmering as she raised a corner of her lips. "He was - a wreck, when he got here. But you - you kept him afloat. He was waiting for you. It was like he was holding his breath. And then you turned up and..." She breathed a brilliant smile. "I've never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you."

My heart rose against my ribs, and Mor sniffled and beamed. "It's like he's come back to life, in a way he's never been before. Like something has - settled, fallen into place."

Something welled over in my chest, and I turned my gaze ahead, fighting to swallow against the pressure in my throat as I stared down the hill and over the roofs of the city, glittering in the sun, trees swaying gently in the breeze.

"Yeah,", I whispered.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Mor's gaze move over my face, bright and warm. Then she turned back ahead as well, and together, we stared over the city.

"It's beautiful,", I mumbled softly.

Mor´s lips curved upwards, her voice a little hoarse when she mumbled back: "It's the Court of Dreams."

☆

The sun was disappearing beyond the mountains, painting the skies pink and violet, the first stars twinkling high above when I slipped through the gate and breathed in the scent of flowers and grass and soft evening air.

Mor had dropped me off at the winding street before winnowing away, pulling me into a hug so tight, my ribs cracked, but I had just squeezed her back, feeling the scent of her perfume rising into my nose and her hair tickling my skin.

Slowly making my way around the house, I inhaled slowly, feeling warmth spread through my chest when I saw fairies whizzing through the air over the pond, giggling and chasing each other.

"You took your time."

My heart rose against my ribs, and Rhys, sitting on the steps leading up to the terrace, watched me, his violet eyes reflecting the stars blinking in the sky when he lightly raised a brow. "I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me, leaving me here all by myself -"

A soft snorted laugh built in my chest, and I sent him a cheeky grin. "I'm sure you were perfectly fine entertaining yourself for once."

"I wasn't. I got so bored I actually went to do some work."

Giggling softly, I gently kicked his leg before plopping down next to him, breathing in deeply. His scent rose into my lungs, and my heart missed a beat.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Rhys' twinkling iris flicker over my face. "Did Mor drag you from shop to shop until you fainted from exhaustion?"

I crunched my brows and looked over at him. "Why, do you think I look the part?"

Rhys' lips curved.

"Did you find a dress?" His gaze drank me in as a crease formed in his cheek, and I stared back, my breath catching and my heart thrumming against my ribs.

"Yeah." My voice was a little soft, a little breathless as I tried not to stare at the curve of Rhys' lips and the small dip in his cheek, his skin glowing in the sunset.

"And?" His voice trickled over me, slow, deep, matching the volume of mine as his gaze dragged over my face, heated, swirling.

I felt my lips tick up as I shrugged one shoulder gently, innocently. "What?"

Rhys stared at me, his arm brushing against my back, sending tingling shivers down my body, and slowly, one corner of his lips curved. "Where is it?"

I huffed softly. "Not yet made."

"Shame." Rhys' eyes were twinkling. "You could let me take a peak."

I widened my eyes and whispered with a bright, cheeky smile: "Where's the fun in that?"

Rhys slowly started to smile brilliantly, his eyes crinkling, and my breath caught in my throat.

For a second, we stared at each other, something trumming in my chest and twisting in my stomach, then Rhys blinked, his eyes never leaving mine as he mumbled: "I think I might have to take the couch tonight."

I could feel my brows crunch in confusion. "Why?"

A deep crease formed in Rhys' cheek, his iris twinkling as his gaze dragged over my face. "I'm not sure I would be able to control myself if I saw you in that flimsy nightgown again."

My heart dipped, and suddenly, something hot trickled down my spine.

"I could leave it off."

Rhys' iris hazed over, a rough sound breaking from his throat, and I hastily bit onto the inside of my cheek as a laugh bubbled in my chest, mixing with a rising, fluttering feeling.

"Beast,", Rhys mumbled, his husky voice leaving something twisting down in my stomach.

I shrugged, feeling my lips curve as I turned my gaze back towards the garden. "I mean, if you can't handle it -"

Rhys' gaze narrowed in on my face, became deep and twinkling, and something toppled in my chest as I nearly bit down onto my lip, wondering what on earth I had been thinking.

Swallowing it down, I looked over my shoulder, and Rhys stared at me, gaze molten and dark as slowly, a slight smirk made his lips curve, playful and mischievous.

"Is that a challenge, darling?"

My breath caught in my throat, and my heart swerved sharply.

I blinked, then I shrugged softly, smiling back cheekily. "I don't know, is it?"

Rhys breathed a deep chuckle and leaned forward, and I felt myself freeze when his warm breath brushed over my lips. Then he gently nudged his nose against the side of mine and mumbled, his lips almost brushing my cheek: "Careful." He pulled back just enough to stare at me, his violet iris reflecting the sky as they dragged over mine, twinkling. "I don't lose."

"First time for everything,", I whispered back breathily, feeling my heart rise into my throat, and Rhys slowly started to smile.

@starswholistenanddreamsanswered @stayinglow-exploringworlds @tcris2020 @lizziesfirstwife @brandywineeeee @t0uch-starved-h0e @sharknutz @valencia-rou @twsssmlmaa @waytoomanyteenagefeels @luvmoo @starrybeesandlibraries @corvusmorte @marmorjorts @bubnix @wallacewillow0773638 @ailyr92 @azrielshadows1nger @secretlyhers @icey--stars @awritingtree @cult-of-enji-todoroki @oksloan3 @emotional-loner @azrielslefttoe @ladybirdbeetle7 @brujitafantomatico @jurdanpotter

[court-of-starss]

I think what gets antis so heated about Feyre and Feysand is the fact that no matter how many essays they write or how many likes they get on those essays, Feyre is still going to be one of the most beloved and talked about protagonists in the fantasy/romance genre and Feysand are still going to be one of the most impactful couples in the fantasy/romance genre.

[court-of-starss]

Nightmare Azriel x Reader

a/n: oh my god, I’m actually so shocked by the feedback from the last fic. It gave me the serotonin and motivation to write a part two :o I'm probably going to make this into a series, I have many ideas!! Maybe some smut if I'm feeling brave... thank you so much, I hope you enjoy! :))

can be read as a standalone, but without some context from pt.1 things might become confusing

synopsis: your need to help gets you into trouble

Warnings: strong(?) hints of sexual activities, minor angst, minor violence, fluff

Pt. 1

 

In the corner of his eye, he can see you picking at your fingers. Your sharp nails do unnecessary damage to your fragile hands. 

He knew you were worried for Feyre, ever since she’d been taken to the spring court you’d been on edge. 

It went beyond a loyal subject worrying about her High Lady. You fretted for Feyre like you would Amren, or Rhys, or Mor, or Cassian.

Though it was endearing in a way, Azriel didn’t like the way that worry manifested. The way you unknowingly damaged yourself. Your bottom lip was split open from gnawing on it, the skin on your fingers was peeled back and inflamed, and dark circles found their place under your eyes from sleepless nights. Unable to really rest when your friend was in the jaws of the spring beast. 

His shadows reach for you, demanding to be with you. 

He let a few of them loose, watching as they traveled to you instantly. One settled at your hands, weaving between each of your fingers and curling around your wrist. Another rested on your shoulder, brushing your face. The others couldn’t decide where to settle, traveling over your body frantically as they tried to comfort you. 

The shadowsinger was about to pull them back, but as soon as they felt his pull they settled in whichever place they could. Nuzzling against you. Desperate to stay with you, comfort you. 

Azriel found it amusing, and so utterly relatable. 

He forces his attention back to the papers on his desk. Which was more than a struggle.

It was an impossible task, staring at building diagrams and reading reports from his spies, when the most magnificent woman he’d ever known sat not three feet from him. 

Then he felt your eyes on him, and he knew there was no point even trying. He wouldn’t be able to focus. 

He meets your gaze and arches a perfect brow. 

You wanted to ask him something. That much was obvious. But you hesitated, you didn’t know if he would say yes. 

“What is it?” 

You glanced down at your hands, then up at him, then back down at your hands. “May I go see Rhys?” Your voice is small as you ask.  

When you heard the shadowsinger sigh you knew what the answer would be. 

Azriel ran a hand through his hair as he watched you.

You had been asking that a lot recently, and at first he allowed it. He saw no harm in you sitting with his brother, helping him when he needed help, listening when he checked in on Feyre through their bond. He knew his brother didn’t mind, he understood your anxiety and shared it with you tenfold. But Rhysand had a lot to deal with, so for that reason, Azriel shook his head. 

“Rhys is very busy.” He starts, extending an open hand toward you. Smile tugging at his lips when you walk around the desk and place your hand in his. “Feyre is strong, she can handle herself.” He assures you as he pulls you to stand between his legs, letting his hands soothe your body. Letting his shadows join him.

But he can tell by how tense you were that his assurance wasn’t helping. 

His fingers thread through your hair. “You want to help Feyre, is that it?” His thumb brushed over your jaw as you nod. “Why don’t you pay her sisters a visit? I’m sure that would ease some of her stress, to know that you’re there for them like you were for her.” 

He watched some light enter your eyes and almost smiled in victory. You were so enthralled with the idea, you tried to run out of his office to visit them right at that moment. He caught you, pulling you back against him until you sat in his lap. “Tomorrow.” He breathed. 

You leaned into him, coaxed by his hands. Sighing as his mouth plants wet kisses down your neck, shivering when you feel his tongue come out to lick over your pulse.

Azriel let himself get lost in you. In feeling you against him. In bathing in your scent. 

He doesn’t let himself second guess his suggestion, even though there was a very reasonable voice in his head that was kicking him. A voice that berated him for being so foolish. That screamed to just let you see Rhys. That begged to keep you far, far away from Nesta Acheron.

But that voice is drowned out by his need for you. 

He groans when you turn around in his lap, straddling him, shimmering black dress riding up your thighs. His hands immediately find purchase on them, squeezing. While yours tangle in his hair.

You pant, lips parted as your eyes run over him. Stopping at his lips, his eyes, his mouth, his neck, the hands that squeezed your thighs when you looked at them. You were mesmerized by him. 

You needed him. Gods, you needed him.

He kissed you like a starved beast. You moaned when his tongue brushed over the roof of your mouth, eliciting a hum from him. His hands slid up to your hips so he could grind you against him, hiking your dress up with them. 

You feel him harden beneath you.

“What do you want?” He asks against your lips, kissing them again, then kissing along your jaw, and then kissing back down your neck. Latching on to the spot that had your hands gripping his hair, your thighs tightening around his hips. 

“I…” You try, but words won’t form, only sounds. 

He parts with your neck to lean his head against yours. Looking in your eyes. Pulling back a bit when you move to kiss him. Hands now holding your hips still against him, torturing you with the feeling of him pressed against you.

 Your eyes plead with him, your sharp nails almost digging into his scalp as you lost yourself, and he can’t stop the smirk of pure satisfaction from spreading across his face. “Tell me what you want.”

You shudder when you feel him twitch underneath you. “Please.” His hands squeeze your hips. “Please. Use me.” 

The groan that left his mouth had to be the most sinful thing you’d ever heard.  

*****

Anxiety chews on your mind, spits it out, and chews it back up again. You wring your shaking hands. 

Before you was the door that separated you from the Acheron sisters. 

You knew of them, knew what they were like from what Feyre had told you. And now that you were thinking about it, you didn’t want to help them. Not for their sake. 

But for Feyre… You’d started coming to terms with the fact that you’d do just about anything for her. 

However, that didn’t stop your heart from beating so fast you were afraid it would fail.

Azriel’s hands rest on your upper arms and he leans down to your ear. “Breathe.” You absentmindedly lean into him, relishing in the feeling of his lips brushing your ear. His breath fanning across your cheek.

“If you can’t handle this we’ll go back.” He says, making it very obvious that he wouldn’t mind curling back up in bed with you. You exhale a shaky breath as his hand slowly slides over your breast, your nipple hardens under the silky fabric of your dress and he traces it with his finger. You were seriously debating it. 

But your need to help in some way, to do something useful wins. 

“I can handle it.” You say, sounding not at all sure of yourself. 

But he listens, moving his hands to rest back on your arms. Thumbs drawing calm circles. 

You give yourself a moment to breathe. Leaning your head back against his chest. Feeling your stomach flip when his lips press against your head.

When you were finally ready he opened the door for you. You took one more futile deep breath, all the air in the world wouldn’t be able to tame your emotions, then walked in with a friendly smile plastered on your face. 

You immediately wished you’d accepted his offer to go back to bed when the harsh eyes of the oldest Acheron sister settled on you. There was no mistaking who was who. 

“What are you?” 

Her words were like a physical blow. Her voice, colder than ice. You step back bumping into Azriel’s chest.  

He rests a hand on your shoulder as if to say, we can still go back. But you’d made your choice, you were here to offer your help. If they didn’t want it, then fine, but you would still offer it.

“A friend,” You manage to say. Her cruel gaze felt like a physical weight on your being. So scrutinizing, so full of hate. It’d been a while since someone cast eyes like that your way. Azriel had been careful to make sure of that. “Of Feyre’s.” 

Her stare narrows on you. Drinking you in. You watch her gaze snag on your pointed teeth. You close your mouth. Whatever you were about to say dying in your throat. 

“Some friend.” 

Azriel glared at Nesta, the warning clear on his face. Say no more. He puts a hand on your lower back, guiding you to where the other sister sat, on a chair in front of a window. 

The weight of Nesta's stare never left you.

But when you see Elaine, all of it ceases to matter.

All thoughts left your brain. Not unlike how you got sometimes with Azriel—when all the pleasure became too much—but also completely different. It wasn’t Azriel guiding you now. 

It was what lived inside you, the writhing magic that was always thrumming under your skin. 

Your brain doesn’t register how the girl looks, hollow; as if someone scooped all the life out of her. Your brain doesn’t register a thing except the irresistible pull. 

You could feel it, or her, calling to you. Beckoning you closer. 

You couldn’t refuse. 

When your mind came back to your body, you stood directly in front of Elaine. Your palm cupping her face. 

Then you felt something awful slither into your head. It slipped through the crevices of your mental barriers and crawled into a dark corner of your mind. Hiding from you, even though you could feel it watching.

Nausea overcame you. You snatch your hand back like she burned you. Shuffling back toward Azriel who looked at you with concern.

Then Elaine's eyes closed. Nesta rushed to her sister as she went unconscious. Almost falling out of her chair. The older Acheron managed to catch her in time with help from Azriel’s shadows. 

You turned to Azriel. “I want to go.” Your words barely a whisper.

His eyes widen when he sees the fear on your face. The horror. His shadows encompass you, providing your body with a cover, a shield. 

“What did you do?!” Nesta shouted through pants of fatigue, having just lugged her sister to bed. You gripped Azriel’s shirt and he held you close to him as he led you out. Away from the screaming woman. “What did you do to my sister?!” 

***** 

“What happened?” 

You swallowed at your High Lord, glancing at Azriel. For what? You didn’t know. Help? Comfort maybe? Whatever it may be you didn’t receive it. All you got was a nod in Rhysand’s direction. 

So you turn back, struggling to find your words under his serious gaze. Not harsh, but very, very serious. “I don’t know. She looked so tired… I just—It felt like she was calling to me.” Trying not to think about that thing you could still feel hiding. Still, feel looking at you with eyes you couldn’t see.

He waved for you to continue. 

“She’s fine.” You say, and somehow find yourself completely sure of those words. Though you had watched her pass out with your own eyes. Knew it was your doing. 

“How do you know that? This is different. Even Azriel said he’s never seen you do something like that before.” You look down at your hands, picking at the already torn skin. 

You don’t dare look up when you feel Rhys rise from his seat. Feel him walk around his desk until he’s in front of you. It's when he speaks that you feel the need to meet his stare.

He holds a hand over your head. “May I?” 

Azriel steps forward. Looking as if he were about to protest. Rhys shoots him a look that makes him stop. 

Rhys needed to know what happened, to make sure you didn't harm his mate's sister. The bond took control of his instincts. Your word wouldn't suffice.

You’d never deny your High Lord a request. Never deny any of your friends a request. You never had before, Azriel always had to step in and do it for you. 

So when you stiffly shook your head no, well, to say they were shocked would be an understatement.

Your whole body was tense as if just the act of refusing took everything out of you. Required every bone, every muscle, and every bit of air in your body.

But you couldn’t risk that thing infecting Rhys. Not when you didn’t know what it was. Not when you could feel its hungry stare. 

You held your breath until Rhysand’s hand dropped to his side.

Your felt physically ill. The weight of what you just did settling on you. You stiffly turned to Azriel.

“I want to go.” You said for the second time that day. 

Azriel’s brows dipped as he looked at you, worry covering his features. His shadows were restless, flicking with agitation as they too struggled to see you so bothered. 

He glances at Rhys but the High Lord gives him a look of sympathy. “I need to speak with you.” 

The shadowsinger’s jaw clenched. Wanting nothing more than to refuse, to point out the state you were in even though it was as clear as day. 

But he couldn’t say no to his brother, not after all he’d done for them. 

He walks you to the office door, turning you to face him before you can leave. He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to your head. His words were nothing but breath against your ear. A whisper for only you to hear. “Go to bed. I’ll join you soon.” But you didn't walk away, looking unsure, nervous. “Go.” 

Your only consolation, as you left, were the shadows that parted with him and linked with you. 

Once you were far enough down the hall the High Lord spoke. “What was she thinking?” He paced in front of his desk. “She knows her magic is dangerous… did she even read those books Helion sent?” He swallowed as he remembered the limited information those three books had, the only books that made any mention of dreamwalkers. 

“Of course, she read them, you asked her too.” Azriel said, bite in his tone. Making Rhys sigh and stop his pacing. The High Lord sends an apologetic look to his brother as he sits on the front of his desk. “She wasn’t thinking,” Azriel says after a few moments of silence. 

Rhys raised a brow, silently telling him to elaborate. 

The shadowsinger leans back, remembering that look on your face. A look he’d seen many times, but never in a public setting, and you never moved on your own.  “She was in a trance.”

“Elaine could’ve done something to her.” Rhys thinks aloud, making Azriel straighten. 

Did she curse you? They still had no idea what gifts the cauldron bestowed upon the Acheron sisters. The last thing he wanted was for you to be on the receiving end of those gifts. 

Both the Illyrian men sat in worry. 

“I’m sorry, I suggested she visit them. I thought maybe she’d click with them like she did Feyre.” Azriel says, running a hand down his face. 

Rhys shook his head. “Don’t be sorry. I know she wants to help. And not everyone can be as charming as Feyre.” At that, the brothers shared a strained smile. 

“How is she?” 

Rhys let out a deep breath as he picked imaginary lint off his clothes. “Alive.” 

Azriel couldn’t imagine how he’d act if you were in enemy territory, the thought making him tense, body itching to be near you. He’d die before he’d let that happen. 

“She’ll be home soon.” Azriel offers Rhys the words of comfort, even though they wouldn't do much.

Before Rhys could reply shadows scurried under the door rushing to Azriel.

The shadowsinger’s face went pale at their whispers. He shot up from his seat. “[name].” 

Then a loud bang was heard followed by a scream of bloody murder. 

The two males were rushing out of the room and running through the halls of the house within a split second. Somewhere along the way Cassian had joined them, shirtless and sweaty. Having rushed out of the training room the moment he heard the bang.

More bangs sound, but none as loud as the first one. And no more screams follow.  

Azriel found himself wishing for you to scream. If you were screaming you were breathing. 

He burst through the door of your shared chambers, almost knocking it down. He didn't stop to stare at the sight before him like his brothers did. There was no time to pause, not when you were being shoved into the tub by Hybern soldiers, their jagged nails gashing your beautiful skin. Their faces were unnatural and barely formed. Some were faceless, just flat skin and dark empty holes where their eyes and mouths should've been. 

Stood behind you was the disfigured form of the King of Hybern himself. His body was reconstructed by the nightmare, making his fae features more monstrous. More fitting for his character.

The evil king's smile stretched from ear to ear as you thrashed under the cold water. 

Azriel shoved his way through, ripping you from their arms and dragging you out of the tub. But the soldiers didn’t stop. Still reaching for you with their long slender fingers. 

Tears flowed from your closed eyes, your body twitching and shaking as you were tortured both in your mind and outside it. 

“Rhys!” Azriel shouted springing the High Lord into action. He rushed over, dodging the grabbing arms before setting both hands on either side of your head and forcing you to wake. 

Your eyes snapped open, gulping in as much air as possible. The figures dissipated into thin air. Like a flame being snuffed out. 

You squirmed away from the hands of your High Lord. Pushing against the firm body you adored so much.

You grabbed Azriel, holding him tight. So tight he wouldn’t be able to leave you again. Too afraid to worry about your bare body and the fact that both Cassian and Rhysand could see. Too afraid to notice the other person who stood at the doorway with wide eyes. Too afraid to do anything but hold him.

“Shhh. I’m here now. I’m here.” He held you tighter as your body shook with silent sobs. “I’m here. I’m here.” 

You know what happened now. What that thing was. Gripping Azriel tighter as the knowledge weighed on your brain. 

You tensed when he lifted your shivering body into the outstretched towel Cassian held. Azriel pulls you close to him when you recoil away from his brother's gentle touch.

Cassian watched Azriel wrap the towel around you. Heart heavy as you clung to his brother. A look of pure dread etched on your face, accompanied by a stream of never-ending tears. 

 You’re vaguely aware of Rhys rummaging through your drawers in the background. Vaguely aware of Azriel lifting you once more. Cradling you against him as he carried you to the bed. 

He took the medical supplies from Rhys and then asked his brothers to leave. They hesitantly obliged, taking the shocked Nesta Acheron with them and closing the slightly damaged door.

He lays you down on the bed, backing up a bit to open the first aid kit but you lurch for him. Arms tightening around his neck. 

“I’m not going anywhere.” He says, wishing he never had to say such words to you. “I’m right here with you.” Feeling his chest split in half when you reluctantly let him go. Bottom lip quivering. 

His hands are softer than usual as they patch you up. Frown deepening at every single scratch, and bruise he saw. His fingers brush over an already forming bruise on your waist. Bile rose in his throat as the image of those horrid hands grabbing and piercing your smooth skin filled his mind.

“I took it from her.” 

Your broken confession drew his attention away from the bruise and to your scared eyes. He felt helpless as he stared into them, he should've never left you. He cradled your face, thumbing away your tears only for more to take their place. He brushed those away too. 

“That nightmare. I took it from her.” 

back←

[court-of-starss]

Control Azriel x Reader

a/n: I'm so lost, i don't know what I'm doing. Still learning how to use tumblr but in the meantime, welcome to the first fic i feel like posting.

synopsis: feyre's growing curiosity about you sparks some personal questions.

Warnings: mentioned SA, fluff, hints of sexual activities

pt.2

One of the first friends Feyre made in the Night Court was you. You reminded her of the twin wraiths in a way. Never saying much, if anything at all. Maybe that was one of the reasons she liked you so much. 

You didn’t need to talk to enjoy each other’s presence. Feyre had as much fun sitting in silence with you as she did on a night out with Mor. 

But as time passed, as Feyre became a constant in the Night Court, she had grown curious. She wanted to know more about you like she did the others. 

So she started asking you questions, and to her surprise, you would answer her. Your answers weren’t clipped, or vague. You never sounded annoyed with her, you were completely open and honest with her. 

“How long have you known everyone?” Feyre had asked while you gently played with her hair, her scalp tingling at your touch. 

You thought about it for a moment. “Over two hundred years now.” 

She tilts her head, so apart from her you were the newest member of the inner circle. “How did you meet?” She asks, shivering as the tingles travel down her spine.

You start braiding a few small strands from the front of her face as you speak. “My kind are far different from other Fae.” Feyre practically perks up at the words. She knew you weren’t high fae but she never bothered saying anything about it, she barely even noticed it most of the time not nearly enough to warrant a discussion. “They hail from no court, and bow to no lord, not even the Mother is with their thoughts.”

Feyre tried to imagine what that would be like, how they would act, what traditions they’d carry. She thought of your features, the ones that stood out among other high fae. Your ears didn’t point, your nails were like claws, and your teeth bore long sharp canines on both the top and bottom of your mouth, but the feature that stood out the most was the one you kept hidden. 

Feyre saw them once, your wings. The first time she met you. Like they were just there for a formal introduction. They were big, beautiful, and intricate. They looked like moth wings, and fluttered like them too. Opening and closing slowly when you were lax.

Immediately when Feyre saw them, she felt like painting again, she could barely keep her eyes off them, barely keep herself from reaching out a hand to touch them. Maybe that was the reason for their absence in the next visit; all that remained of the glorious appendages was precise ink that lined your back the whole of your back, a tattoo of folded wings. 

From the way they folded, they almost formed a natural cape. She wondered how far your tattoo ran, the extravagant fabrics of the dresses you wore only showed so much. 

She pictured a whole colony of people that looked like you and immediately felt like painting again.

“It’s why nobody can do anything about their backward ways, they listen to nobody but themselves. Believe no one but themselves.” All preconceived thoughts of your people turn sour with your words. 

“The things they’ve done, they still do…” You release a shaky breath as you finish the small braids and set them aside.

Feyre turns to look at you when your delicate hands part with her hair. She finds you sorting through a box of hair ornaments, but your eyes are clouded. Not even the most glorious of diamonds could shine through that fog. “You don’t have to...“ 

You blink out of your daze and wave her off as you pull out a few gem-encrusted pins and show them to her. Waiting for her to give you a nod of approval before pulling out a stunning bejeweled silver comb and repeating the same process. Your collection was truly marvelous. 

“When I was saved, it was my first Flowering Night.” You spoke the words with barely concealed bitterness. “A night where all mature unpaired females are sent into the woods for any participating males to hunt down and take as they please.” 

You tuck back the small braids with the sparkling pins. Feyre listened as you continued, she wanted to say something but what would she say?

“No one could run very far from our community, the woods of the Middle hold no mercy. It was either hide and hope you make it till dawn without being spotted by a male. Or die to the other horrid creatures that live in those woods.” 

Feyre’s heart ached for you, her sorrow a tangible thing able to be smelt in the air. And you squeezed her shoulder, you comforted her. Her sorrow only increased. You never deserved any of it.

“I chose the latter.” You carefully place the comb into her hair, finding it in yourself to smile at the final product. You still fiddle with a few strands until you feel pleased. “A close encounter with death led to the discovery of my gift,” 

Dreamwalker, Rhys had called you.  An ability so rare even Helion’s exquisite library had very little information on it. 

Feyre loosely understood that you could enter another person's dream. Could manipulate it as you wish, to serenity or to a blood-curdling nightmare. But what made you so powerful, what made you such a valuable asset to the Night Court was your ability to bring dreams to life. All manner of dreams. 

However, your ability was sparsely used for court matters, and only necessary people knew of it. You were their trump card. Something nobody would see coming. 

Feyre would never forget the time you had a nightmare, sending half the court in preparation for battle. She’d also never forget the way Azriel had fought off the nightmare incarnate to get to you. How he charged forward without an ounce of hesitation. While Rhys had stood protectively in front of Feyre, and Cassian’s siphons flared from beside her, providing a shield around them.

Feyre had realized then that Azriel would go to hel and back for you. 

Feyre turns to face you, to look you in your enchanting eyes now that you are finished playing with her hair. “I was barely a woman, I didn’t know the first thing about defending myself. I didn’t know what this gift was.” She watched you raise a hand, small stars forming and trailing your fingers, blinking and shimmering as you played with them. “What good is a gift this powerful if you don’t know what to do with it? It’s as good as a broken blade.” 

Feyre’s breath leaves her body when you pull down the shoulder of your elegant emerald gown, revealing a long jagged scar running diagonally across your chest. The skin puffed up from how deep the gash was. “I would’ve died if it weren’t for Azriel.” 

The high fae’s eyebrows raise ever so slightly. 

“He heard me screaming. And he came for me.” You pull the shoulder back up and smile. Actually, smile. Feyre had never known someone like you, someone able to flip such a horrid memory around. Someone so able to pick out the good amongst the bad. “It wasn’t until a century later that I finally accepted his invitation to the Night Court and met everyone else.”

Feyre found herself grabbing your hand and squeezing. So grateful you had accepted his invitation. 

You squeeze back. 

“You’re so strong.” Feyre says, furrowing her brows when you laugh like she had told a joke. 

“It wasn’t strength that led me here, Feyre.” You tell her. Once again she wanted to paint you, but she felt like she wouldn’t be able to do you justice. “It was fate.”

A knock sounds at the door. 

“Come in.” Feyre calls and you both look to the opening door. Two incredibly attractive Illyrian men stand at the doorway. 

Rhys smiles at the sight of you two, eyes raking over the hairstyle you’d given Feyre. “You look lovely, Feyre darling.” Her face heats as you smile in triumph. 

“Say goodnight.” Comes Azriel’s voice in that tone he only used on you. 

You obey his command without a second thought, giving Feyre a light hug and giving Rhys a small bow before scurrying toward Azriel’s waiting arm. 

You fall into step with him as his hand lands on your lower back. But before the two of you could disappear you tug on his shirt, prompting him to stop only long enough for you to turn back toward Feyre and say a final goodnight. “Dream well Feyre!” Then he continued leading you away to your shared chambers. 

The mated pair watch you two travel away. Rhys with a look of content for you and his brother. Feyre with a new curiosity. 

She couldn’t help but be curious about the dynamic you and Azriel had. The way that dynamic bled into the interactions you had with your friends. How you always asked for permission before doing something and always jumped up whenever anyone asked you to do something. Rhys seemed to catch on to that curiosity. 

He decided to save you the embarrassment of Feyre asking you herself. He had enough of an understanding of you to know when something would make you uncomfortable, no matter how much you said otherwise. 

You’d always answer any questions asked of you openly and honestly, whether you wanted to or not. It was one of the reasons many were at first against your visits with Feyre, himself included. The newly turned fae was far too oblivious to your situation to recognize when she was taking advantage of your obedience. But you assured Rhysand repeatedly that Feyre never bothered you with her questions. That you enjoyed her presence just as much as she, hopefully, enjoyed yours. 

Much to everyone’s delight, Feyre regarded you with gentleness and awe from the very start. It was the effect you had on people. It was the reason Azriel didn’t put up a fight about leaving your visits unsupervised.

“[name] was raised by cruel people, they taught her that in a relationship the male's word is law. Her people think a female is expected to give up any and all control to her male. It’s one of the few things she never was able to condition herself out of, Azriel helps her by providing that control she needs.” 

Feyre thinks about that, face heating at the images it created. She wondered what that would be like, to surrender herself completely. “So if he told her to jump off the nearest bridge…?” 

“She’d do it, with zero hesitation.” 

Rhys smirks, knowing glint in his eyes as his gaze runs over the blush that coated her face. 

“But he’d never ask something like that of her. He knows her inside out, knows when something is too much or not enough.” He steps closer to her, delighting in the way her breathing picks up. “If I didn’t know any better I’d think your interest in this topic was more than innocent curiosity.” 

“Well, do you?” Feyre asks, making his eyes narrow. “Know any better?” 

Rhys’s gaze becomes dark. “Nope.” 

****

“Did you enjoy your time with Feyre?” You sigh at his voice, the comfort it brings you. You find yourself leaning into him, and he allows it. 

“It was nice.” You say truly. It felt like it was easier to breathe now that Feyre had more of an understanding. “She asked about how we met.” 

The hand on your back pulls you closer to him as if he were remembering that day. Remembering what you looked like as that hideous creature held you down, slicing into you. The way you flinched away from him after he’d slayed the creature. The sheer dress that you wore, If it could even be called that. He could still picture everything so vividly. 

How you eventually submitted to him, and how that made him sick. How he carried you out of the Middle and into the lands of the Night Court, never taking you into the cities. How for the next century after that he would visit you at the little private cabin only he and his brothers knew about, how he took care of you, and how he grew to love you. How you grew to love him in return.

He shoves those thoughts into the back of his mind as he opens the door to your shared chambers, walking you inside before shutting the door behind you. 

His hands move to your shoulders while he guides you to sit on the edge of the large bed, big enough to fit at least three winged beings. Hands brushing down your body as he kneels before you, settling on your ankle. He brings your foot up and rests it on his thigh before slowly unraveling the straps of your heel. Once finished he continued with the right heel, his touch nothing but confident from years and years of practice. 

A hand pats your thigh, letting you know he’s finished. Your eyes trail him as he heads toward the bathroom, you’d be happy to just look at him for the rest of your immortal life. 

You help Azriel, though he had no problem doing it for you, by taking off your jewelry one by one, setting each extravagant piece on the nightstand. By the time you're done Azriel’s waiting for you next to a full bath.

“Come.” He beckons from beside the large clawfoot tub. Hand outstretched and waiting for you. 

You saunter toward him, sighing as you let your brain just rest. Let him do everything for you. 

His hands are strong, and gentle, and secure all in one as they guide you out of your gown, his clothes following not long after. You sigh as he brings you into the tub. Positioning you so you sat between his legs, back to his front. 

Your eyelids slowly fall shut, coaxed by his soothing touch. Feeling nothing but content when he pushed your head back to lay on his shoulder, a gentle kiss pressed against your temple.

You were soon in a state of barely there, just teetering on the side of sleep but awake enough to move when he told you to. 

“Lean forward.”

His hands rub up and down your back, cleaning and massaging the skin there. You shudder in pleasure and he hums soothingly. Like cooing at a pet. You straighten up a bit when he taps the marked skin a few times, moving forward just enough for your wings to slowly peel away from your back. What was once ink on your skin, now real moving wings. 

“Spread.” And you do so, wings unfolding and stretching out completely. 

You shiver as his hands brush against them, making them twitch both away and toward him. As if they couldn’t decide whether the feeling it brought you was too much or not enough.

As always Azriel handled them with utmost care, humming when small noises of pleasure escaped you. When he was finished he tapped your shoulder to let you know, but you were too tired to summon the magic needed to conceal them.

Though, not tired enough to remember it was his turn. 

Slowly with lethargic movements, you turn to face him. Wings folding up again, forming a natural cap on your back. “Can I-“ You begin but catch yourself before you can finish. His narrowed eyes crinkled into a smile. Happy he no longer had to remind you of such a simple fact. 

Don’t ask to touch what is yours.

So instead you reach for the soap in his hands and begin to wash him. Taking satisfaction in the way his wound-up muscles, tense from hours of work, relaxed under your touch. The way his hands rested on your hips, squeezing every now and then appreciatively. The hums that left his mouth, no longer with the intent to soothe you but to let you know how pleased you made him. 

Your touches became increasingly distracted, sleep slowly leaving your system as your mind filled with nothing but him. 

He smirks, a mix of amusement and attraction. Allowing his own touches to become less innocent. His hands move to wrap around your wrists, dragging your hands down, down, and down his body. Soap long ago discarded. 

“Touch me.” He commands. 

And nothing could keep you from satisfying him. 

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[court-of-starss]

Eris and Azriel - A Court of Thorns and Roses

Artist: @jodicreatesartwork

[court-of-starss]

Cassian: Do you want to play 20 questions?

Nesta: Sure. What is your favorite color?

Cassian: Triangle. Can I take you out tonight for dinner? Rita’s. 7 pm.

Nesta:

Cassian to Azriel: And that, my brother, how you ask Gwyn out.