#*vezriel

[eatsbooks]

What are Cassian's thoughts on Vera?

first of all thank you so much for asking about my babylove because i lovelovelove talking about her and your interest means the world to me<3

so vera is very, very good at being externally perfect and pleasant and poised. she was trained by her father for unquestioning obedience and unflappable pleasantry, no matter what she was feeling (and to be clear she is often feeling [demon roars bloodcurdling screams rageragerage]) — so cassian’s initial thoughts on her are pretty positive! he thinks she’s quiet but kind, attentive, funny when she gets a bit of drink in her. he likes her for azriel; he likes how present azriel seems when she’s around, even if that presence is only for her, and he likes that even for as quiet as she tends to be unless spoken to, she is always ready to advocate for azriel. there’s no questioning her devotion to his brother, and that’s what azriel deserves from a partner.

things start getting a little sticky as vezriel’s relationship develops because azriel begins to withdraw from the inner circle due to 1) vera showing him truly unconditional love (there is nothing he could do that could push her away, and subconsciously he believes that his family’s love for him is conditional on them never knowing the truth of how Bad he is) and 2) rhysand taking Interest in vera as her true abilities are uncovered. with azriel withdrawing more than usual and rhysand worried about losing two valuable assets, rhysand is in cassian’s ear about his concern for azriel. haven’t seen him in a while. is he alright? i only worry about him isolating himself. i don’t know her that well… do you? what do we really know about her? at this point, cassian grows a bit wary of vera. because what does he really know about her, aside from her being perfectly court-trained and cordial? azriel won’t share anything he’s been learning about her, won’t betray any information about her past, and vera never says anything real about herself. cassian doesn’t want to lose azriel, but he sees how important vera is to his brother. he tries to get to know her better as a gesture of good faith. (rhysand is very happy that cassian might glean info about her on his behalf.)

and then — what the fuck is going on with vezriel secretly meeting up with eris vanserra? cassian isn’t as embittered towards eris after the events of acosf, but how the fuck does she even know eris? she’s from the day court, even though she doesn’t look at all like a day faerie. and why are they looking at each other like that? why are all three of them looking at each other like that? and when cassian questions azriel, why does azriel get so viciously defensive? cassian really just desperately wants to understand. he wants to understand vera, and he wants to understand what’s going on with eris, and he wants to know that azriel is happy and safe and not being taken advantage of in some way. unfortunately, not a single soul in that throuple is willing to share a shred of information about each other or their dealings, even when it gets to a point that they probably should. especially after eris is in the mix and more actively turns azriel against rhysand to protect vera from his interest in her. poor cassian just winds up very deeply confused and hostile towards her because azriel has always tended to be withdrawn, but now he’s unreachable.

[blake--winter]

𝙰𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚊.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐁𝐘𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆

[ri-writes-if]

Chapter 6 is released!

You’ve been wandering in the darkness, but now the light is here, and it blinds you. Your vision clears, and you see it. You see the trap closing right above your head, leaving you with no way to escape.

The situation with Vezriel’s sibling becomes troublesome. Because of your abilities, you learn more than you should know. But it gives you a chance to see Vezriel from a side they show to few demons.

A strange vision promises you misery, though you don’t know why or how. Is it connected to Os? You can only guess, though you don’t have much time for it as Os pulls you back into the high society and shows you how they deal with some matters.

Perhaps Laz would’ve preferred to keep you at a safe distance, but when trouble knocks on the door of their home, Laz can’t refuse your help with an important matter. If you want your payment in honesty, you might just get it this time.

You and Ashmedai both walk closer to something you would rather not remember. For you, it is a painful reminder; for them, it’s another stone added to the weight of their guilt. They’re not prepared to give their last, most painful ‘secret’ to your judgment, but they must.

Az seems so simple, but the more you learn about them, the less you understand them. They’ve opened their home for you���which you never expected to happen—and have shown you unprecedented trust, but you still can’t stop wondering about what they’re hiding from you.

Over 100K words of new content!

Other updates/changes:

Content warnings are updated!

Added the Oracle’s appearance description and the characters’ heights to the profiles.

The relationship’s statuses will update almost at the end of the chapter, so take a peek at these 👀

Serif font is changed. I don’t think anyone cares, lol, but this one is easier to read.

A new hidden stat. It is an obvious one, so I’ll let you find it in the chapter. It’s not here to make or ruin your playthrough, so don’t fret about it and choose what is suitable for your Oracle! :) It’ll mostly give you additional flavor text depending on the other choices you make in the future.

There are lots of variables and branches at work, and I couldn’t go through all of them. So if you see something wanky, or a bug, or a double space line, or typos, or anything that sounds like it shouldn’t be in your specific playthrough/etc., please let me know! You can put it in the tumblr askbox, in the form, or message me directly anywhere.

LINK

I’ve been waiting for this chapter (this and the next one) for so long. When I was coming up with ideas for this story, the last scene of this chapter was among the first things I wrote down. At last you can guess where I’m leading the Oracle and what their journey will look like. Their journey and their growth... or downfall. And you’ll be the one to decide what it is and what the Oracle thinks of it :)

I wonder how many readers will be surprised by it and how many have been expecting it 👀 Let me know what you think about it!

@interact-if

[ri-writes-if]

Intro

LINK | 6 chapters, ~360K words (last updated 30/05/25)

FOUND A TYPO/BUG? | PATREON | PUBLIC BONUS CONTENT | DISCORD | PLAYLIST | PINTEREST | PROGRESS UPDATES | SNEAK PEEKS | SNIPPETS

In the underworld kingdom, where demons fight for survival against the abyssal monsters, you are just an Oracle. In the distant past the Oracles were at the top of the demonic hierarchy, but those golden days are long gone. You did what you were most afraid to do and now sit under arrest in the royal palace.

When the Abyss sends you a vision of a terrible disaster that will happen in the future, you make an inevitable “deal” with the Sovereign to try to change the future and improve your abilities, not only to become stronger and learn more about the coming disaster, but also in an attempt to achieve mind stability. 

However, what has been happening to you since you received the vision makes you think that you are already slowly but surely losing your mind. 

Will you be able to maintain your sanity and help others protect the kingdom, or will you become just another name in the long list of Oracles gone mad?

This is a free to play interactive fantasy story with a heavy focus on friendship and romance (with strangers to lovers or enemies dynamic). The story is rated 18+. Content warnings: violence, death, loss of sanity, trauma, avoidable sexually suggestive/sexual content, and more (the full list is in the demo).

Customize your Oracle: pronouns, traits, and appearance. Choose your full ✨ demonic form. ✨

Build friendship or romance with five different characters. (Allo and ace routes available.)

Learn more about the Oracles’ past and what truly drove their royal clan into ruin. Uncover the secrets of your abilities. Chat with the Abyss?

Decide what you do for fun. Do you sing, dance, paint, play a musical instrument, or write? 

What you did cannot be undone. Your reputation forever ruined, how will you handle the public’s new attitude toward you? 

Maintain your sanity. Depending on your choices, you’ll either move closer to loss of control and madness or further away from it.

Decide what fate awaits you. You’ll have to make an important decision that will open two very different paths for you, influence the plot’s progression, and your relationships.

Will the victory be sweet?

✨ Vezriel, The Sovereign (m / f)

Vezriel seems a perfect ruler: they’re smart, calm, patient, know moderation, and always put demons’ well-being first. But you’re not so naive as to think this is their real face—many secrets lurk under the golden shell of the nobility. You never thought of meeting them in the past, but now spending some time with them is inevitable. Perhaps you will find out what lies beneath their mask?

They have dark brown skin, long curly black hair, and black eyes with pale white flecks. Tall and of strong build, Vezriel cuts a robust but elegant figure, usually dressed in beautiful robes.

✨ Osara / Osaron, The Heir (f / m)

Vezriel’s only child and heir, O is their Chief Counselor, and they have a consistently good reputation. Their character reminds of their parent, though O is much more cold and reticent. Nothing seems to touch or shake their emotions, despite the known long list of ex-lovers. You don’t need their attention, but the circumstances have put you right under it. What will you make of this opportunity?

They have warm brown skin, long wavy black hair, and silver, almost white eyes. O is tall and strong, their expression impassive most of the time, which makes them rather intimidating and unapproachable to some demons.

✨ Lazarus / Lazaris, the General (m / f)

L rose from the bottom of the ladder and made a name for themselves, though judging by old rumors, their clean background wasn’t always so clean. They’re charismatic and popular but keep others at a distance—everyone except their friends… and you. L treats you especially well, but you’re not foolish enough to blindly play their game. What do they want from you?

They have beige skin, short/medium-length wavy blond hair, and golden eyes. Many small and big scars can be seen on their hands. L is tall and has a strong build. Despite their high station, they seem friendly and laid-back.

✨ Ashmedai, the Royal Healer (f / m)

Ashmedai was sent to observe your condition after the incident and to help you with mind stability if needed. They performed their duties without showing any displeasure or impatience no matter how you behaved. Ash is secretive and reserved, and you guess their restrained temper is connected to the dark rumors surrounding them. Will they open up to you?

They have pale skin, long straight black hair, and bright red eyes. A large scar runs on the left side of their face, from their forehead along their eye and to their chin. Ash is tall and slender.

✨ Azarias / Azaria, the Royal Musician (m / f)

Ash’s younger sibling, Az somewhat resembles them in appearance, but their characters couldn’t be more different. Az is bold, humorous, and fickle. They know everyone—and everything about everyone—and enjoy a special favor from the Sovereign, which has allowed them to retain their place in the royal palace for many years. You’re concerned about their peculiar attention to you because there’s no reason for it—you two have never met before. Or… is there a reason after all?

They have pale skin, long white hair, and black eyes with narrow silver pupils. A tattoo of a snake with flowers curves around their neck. Az is tall and lean.

[ri-writes-if]

Progress Update — 31/01/25

The first progress update in 2025 year 👋 January feels like two months; I legit had to look at the calendar today because I thought March was tomorrow, lol

Everything for February for Patreon is already written, so I’ve been fully focused on the chapter. I finished the last scenes of the common route and have reached the first individual scenes. I’m done with Vez’s branch and have almost finished Os’s branch.

Vez’s branch sits at ~10K words with all variables included (sorry, counting wordcount for one playthrough is a headache). There’s progression to their side plot, more personal conversations with them, and a couple of adorable moments.

On Os’s branch, I’m working on the last scene, and I’m halfway done with it. This scene wasn’t in the plans, so I had to figure out what to do about it. I wasn’t sure about this, but the scene is coming together even better than I thought. Their branch is already at ~11K words. There’s some plot stuff, a new character, one on one time with Os, and relationship progression. I think their dynamic is becoming much clearer in this chapter.

Some scenes differ depending on your relationship with the characters—romantic or platonic, high or low friendship. I’d say the best are the high friendship variants (if you’re not on the romantic path) because the lows are mostly here for these who play through the characters’ routes without growing too close to them. (Idk, maybe you want to see what there’s in their route, lore and other stuff, but you don’t want to be their friend because you don’t like the character that much?) It leads to the characters and the Oracle being less open with each other. So beware that your relationship with them is not, like, zero. Getting the high friendship variants isn’t hard, it doesn’t require max points, so you shouldn’t have problems with that unless you actively try to get low friendship.

The chapter sits at ~38K words with all the branches, excluding the code. I’m not even halfway done with yet, though. I should finish Os’s branch tomorrow, and then I’ll begin Laz.

Btw, this month’s sneak peeks from Ashmedai’s and Vezriel’s romance paths are on Patreon.

[ri-writes-if]

Second Monthly Bonus Story — Vezriel, Kidnapped

Vezriel purses their lips and stands. “We’re going out to join the search. Make sure everyone is on alert. I want the whole city turned upside down if it helps to find them.” Laz protests with a frown, “You might be needed here so we can quickly find you if we require your orders.” “Os will issue orders in my stead.” Vezriel looks at their child, expecting a positive answer. They won’t wait hidden in the palace when [Oracle]’s whereabouts are unclear. It doesn’t matter whether the others approve of this idea—Vezriel will go out to search regardless of their opinion.

This is the canon timeline + established relationship. The Oracle is kidnapped. A bit of a hint at Vezriel's other sides, hehe 👀

LINK

[ri-writes-if]

I can't believe I haven't made a poll for this yet. Yes, you can choose only one. Choose 🫵

[ri-writes-if]

sneak peek #6

A piece from the scene with the winner of the pool, Vezriel:

“Aren’t you too soft and open with me?” you ask, reaching your hand to their face, watching whether they’ll stop you. They don’t move even when you trace the line of their cheek with your fingers. They stare into your eyes, frozen, as if waiting for something. “Or are you like this with everyone?”

Yes, it's the Oracle talking, not Vez, but I think this is a moment curious enough to share and tease you with :) heheeheheh

ℹ️ The text is taken from the first draft, which isn’t edited yet.

[ri-writes-if]

First Monthly Bonus Story — Vezriel, Oracle Royalty AU

“I’ve always wondered, what does your clan think about your frequent journeys outside?” Vezriel faces the oncoming monster, adjusting their grip on the sword. “What does it matter?” You can’t hide your surprise from your voice. “You don’t care?” “No, I’m asking what does it matter what they think about it and if I care or not?” You strike another monster and throw its dead body in Vezriel’s direction, hoping it hits them. It doesn’t. Vezriel evades it, though it begins to disintegrate even before it falls to the ground. “I’m curious, that’s all,” you say. “And trying to hold a conversation.” Ignoring your childish outburst, they look behind you and nod. “You didn’t have to follow me. There are many other demons who would love to speak with you.” “And you can’t?” “I’m not here to talk.”

Non-Sovereign Vezriel isn't that different from Sovereign-Vezriel, but you might think otherwise because they act very differently. But it's still the same person, with the same character. They're just so much more reserved in the canon, and you will see them in all their glory in this story 🤭

LINK

[ri-writes-if]

sneak peek #1

There's so much to choose from that I'm lost, lol! If you don't want any spoilers at all, then don't open the post.

“You should be the one minding your manners and words,” they say, their voice controlled. “In general, not just in front of my guests. I like [name]’s company, that’s why I seat them at my table. Apologize.” It’s not a request. Not an order even. It’s a dare—you can see it in Vezriel’s unflinching, direct stare. [redacted] purses their lips. When they look at you, they clench their jaw before throwing, “I apologize for my words, Oracle.”

It seems someone got reprimanded by Vezriel 👀 hehe

ℹ️ The text is taken from the first draft, which isn't edited yet.

[ri-writes-if]

Vezriel was fifteen years old when they learned their mother had a secret. Every Sovereign known to history after the fall of the Oracles had this secret. It wasn’t even that good of a secret. Just common sense.

As I promised, here’s Vezriel’s short bonus story ✨ It’s set in the past, when they were much younger, and has a light lore spoiler, but it’s not important to the main story.

LINK

The page has the MC’s customization, but it’s not used in the text yet. I’m leaving it here in case I need it in the future.

[ri-writes-if]

How would O react to the comment: “You're getting a sibling.”

Os would love to have a younger sibling! They would be even more excited than Vezriel (Vez would be excited too, Os is just an "over the top" type of excitement). They would try to contain it, but unsuccessfully.

[ri-writes-if]

hi! just finished the demo, and i am in love with vezriel and ashmedai!!! do you have any plans for, or would you be interested in, any poly routes? if not, would any of the ros be open/receptive to it?

I’m glad you’re loving these two! Can’t wait to show you the scenes with them in the next chapter 💛

I was thinking about poly routes before writing the game, but I was afraid to bite off more than I could chew and I wanted to keep the story manageable since it’s my first IF, so I decided against adding them, and I’ll keep it that way for the main game.

As for who could be open to it, I think Os, Laz, and Az, but serious feelings would need to be involved. Vez and Ash are both the type to fall in love with one person. I can imagine Laz and Az getting into poly together after they grow closer, and something happening between Os and Az, too. Especially if their third partner makes them spend more time together (‘forced proximity because they’re crushing into the same person’ kind of thing).

Thank you for the question!

[ri-writes-if]

Just finished Ch.2 and it was amazing! I'm going with Vezriel and I'm loving them so far especially since they actually seem to care. Also love how Mc seems to want their attention and what not. I am so looking forward to more! Also can't wait to see more of this "her". I am looking forward to the ballroom. Especially since my person went with the dance hobby.

Keep up the good work!

I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! A Vezriel lover, I see 🤭 And I can't wait to introduce you to "her" too. My favorite character hehe

Thank you for this kind message! 💛

[ri-writes-if]

Chapter 1 corrections (2/2): Playing instrument (violin) was selected as hobby- Vezriel glances at you before lowering her gaze again. “I have no wish to compete, but I would like to hear your performance. And, of course, Nelith, I wouldn’t mind listening to your singing if you wish to share it with us.”

I fixed the things from the both parts (the first too). Thank you a lot for catching these and sending them my way! 💛 I doubt I would've noticed it without your help.