Son of the Darkness XV /// Azriel X F!Reader
Summary: Hidden for so long The court of shadows thrived, and things were great until the high lord's death, now the next in line should assume the crown of high lord of shadows, will he accept his duties?
Warnings: None
Word Count: 3,5K
Notes: Okay, the new chapter is finally here, but before you read, pay attention here. I used the book as a base for this chapter, but the thing is, I haven’t read it in English, so all the dialogues are completely made up in my mind as I translated as whatever the voices in my head said. That being said, if you feel like “Hey, this is not what happened!” It’s cuz you’re right and it didn’t really happen, or at least not like I’m describing it.
Son of the Darkness Masterlist
Main Masterlist
Azriel sighed annoyed as they walked through the halls of the Dawn Court, the bright colours made his eyes hurt, being used to Tornan by now and the Night Court in general. Y/N walked on his right and Evanore on his left, the golden crown atop his head weirdly heavy as he thought that months ago, he was getting ready for this meeting as the Spymaster from the Night Court, and now, as he pushed through the double doors, he was a High Lord himself.
He was the last one to arrive, as Rhys had suggested, one by one the High Lords had arrived, with those selected to accompany them. Thesan waited for them with a friendly smile, trying to ease the already tense atmosphere, Tamlin was nowhere to be found. The others noticed the absence of the Shadowsinger and how three seats remained empty, some hushed whispers were shared among them as they wondered what was happening.
The sound of the doors opening brought all the eyes to Azriel, he had a smirk as he watched the room fall silent, the looks of disbelief on their faces, especially the Vanserras. Evanore walked in smiling and waving towards the Night Court group, Feyre waved back, she was the joyful and colourful ray of sunshine among them, she was wearing a deep green dress, that reached her feet, a huge slit on one of the legs, her hair in a braid, she didn't looked like a soldier, not like Y/N.
Y/N walked in, her face a cold mask, her dress reached the middle of her leg, the thin straps and the deep v cut showed too much skin, showing the pink scar and the beautiful tattoo, the handle of her sword was poking from her back, she only looked to her seat, not even acknowledging anyone in the room, Eris watched her with a smirk.
Azriel's shadows covered the whole ground as he moved to his seat, anyone present could feel how he reeked of primal magic, the type of magic the tales talked about, ancient magic coming from the Mother, the bold ones would dare to say that he was more powerful than the High Lord of the Night. Even Beron had the sense of seeming disturbed by his presence, flinching away as he felt the touch of his shadows in his ankles. Rhys smiled brightly at him, feeling a sense of proudness fill his chest, Cassian could only agree that he felt proud of his brother.
"Shall we begin?" His voice was low and sensual as he took the middle seat, with the two females graciously and dead silent sitting by his side.
⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆
Y/N sipped on the peach juice she was served, it felt like this conversation was leading nowhere, they couldn't agree on a single thing, the High Lord from the Autumn Court was the hardest one to deal with. Evanore's voice caught her attention and she turned her head, Eva was staring straight to the autumn heir, her eyes glazed as she repeated the words.
"Fajro kaj naturo, naskitaj unu por la alia” (Fire and nature, born for each other) Again and again.
"Kion vi faras?” (What are you doing?) She whispered, leaning behind Azriel, too bored to care about manners, like she was woken up from a trance, her blue eyes pierced her soul as Eva replied.
"Iu diris al mi, ke en sonĝo, antaŭ jarcentoj, nun mi pensas, ke mi finfine komprenas, kion ĝi signifas.” (Someone told me that in a dream, centuries ago, now I think I finally understand what it means.) She looked at the heir again, and it was like she could feel it.
“Li estas via amiko?" (He's your mate?) She raised an eyebrow towards the blonde.
“Jes!” (Yes!) It was all that she said before she turned to him again.
The room fell silent again as the doors opened for the last time, a blonde male entered, smirking like the devil, green colours adorned his clothes and the annoying smell of spring told her that it was Tamlin, the last High Lord. The soft glow of his ring caught Azriel's attention and he averted his gaze from Tamlin to the circle around them on the floor, Y/N's magic worked as a barrier, every High Lord had its own protection, but that was all it was. His protection could be deadly to anyone who dared to step closer to them, Eva was also smiling as her bracelet shone brighter.
"We weren't expecting you, Tamlin." Thesan spoke in a calm voice, nodding to one of the servants so they could get a chair for him, which was quickly attended and Tamlin sat by the table, his gaze filled with hatred for the Night Court switched to curiosity as he laid his eyes on the trio from the Shadows.
"I was told this was a High Lords meeting, didn't know you let everyone enter in here." His sarcastic tone made Y/N growl at him, his mockery to her High Lord could not end well.
"I must admit that I'm also surprised." Beron spoke. " As we also were told that your loyalty belongs to someone else." His tone wasn't gentle. Tamlin kept looking at Feyre like he wanted to jump at her throat, Y/N kept watching his every move. After all, he was a traitor.
"We should keep going." Helion suggested nicely.
"I don't have the habit of discussing my plans with the enemy." Feyre replied and Tamlin scoffed.
"You only have the habit of fucking them." Everyone from the night court held their breaths at his comment.
"Should I intervene?" Y/N whispered in Azriel's ear and he shook his head in denial.
"Not yet." She looked at the male again.
"Seems like an option better than war." Rhys answered after a minute of silence and Tamlin lifted his chin.
"And here you are, after starting it." Rhys lifted an eyebrow, hand splayed across his chest as he pretended to be hurt. The other High Lords watched quietly as the two fought like children, a banter that wouldn't take them any closer to winning this war.
"If you hadn't stolen my bride in the dead of the night, i wouldn't have to take such desperate measures to get her back."
"It was daylight when I left you." Evanore tried hard, but the loud chuckle escaped her lips and all the heads turned to her, Eris covered his mouth as he hid his own laughter, his eyes watching her attentively, maybe he felt it too.
"Why are you here, Tamlin?" Kallias said, and Y/N almost thanked him, they were there for a reason and not to discuss how Rhysand and Feyre got together.
"I made a deal, conceiving access to my lands with a sadist to get the woman I love back, I was going to fight him, try to find a way to break the deal after i had her back, but Rhysand and his people had transformed her into a different person, and she was more than happy to tear my court apart and let Hybern go through." His smirk was vile.
"You cannot erase what you did and try to pretend you're the victim here." Feyre said, she sounded hurt.
His disgusted grin only grew wider as he looked at Rhysand again. "Have you ever noticed the little whimpers that leave her mouth right before she cums."
Azriel's fingers were shaking but his voice was firm, and deadly as he said. "Be careful how you speak about the High Lady of the Night Court." Tamlin looked at him surprised and his confidence faltered for a moment.
"Like he knows how to make a woman cum." Y/N whispered to her friends and Azriel had to hold back a smile. Rhysand shook his head and Feyre seemed like she was going to explode. They had certainly heard her, the expression on Feyre's face, clearly not bothered by his comment only enraged him more.
"Thank you, that's what I needed to hear now." Feyre's voice sounded in her head and Y/N gave a small smile to her direction. Tamlin kept throwing accusations around, Azriel had to hold her wrist a couple of times to prevent her from taking away his ability to talk.
"They offer us stories about defending our land and bringing us peace, but SHE.." he pointed to Feyre. " Came to my lands and exposed it to Hybern. She took my High Priestess and broke her mind, after breaking her bones for pure envy. And if you're wondering what happened to that girl that went Under the Mountain to save us, look at her and the male by her side. Will we fight against Hybern together only to be ruled by a King and a Queen after? She already proved her ambition, and he was more than happy to serve Amarantha."
"Oh by the love of the Mother, do you have any illness that prevent you from ever telling the truth?" Y/N spoke, having enough of that fucking conversation. The blonde looked at her with disdain.
"Who are you, Azriel's little whore?" Azriel felt his blood boil and he knew Tamlin was just messing with him, the blonde prepared to speak again but nothing came, not a single word left his lips, he choked and breathed, his nails scraping his throat, everyone looked at him with puzzled expressions. Eris had a growing smirk as he knew what was happening, Rhysand and Cassian tried hard to keep their composure but Eva just didn't care, her hands covering her mouth as she giggled.
"She's my general, and should be treated as such, with respect, after all some of us know how to actually take care of women." The irony in his voice almost stung, he watched with a predatory gaze as Tamlin kept struggling to talk, Y/N's hand was hidden under the table as the mist came from her palm. His large hand squeezed her thigh, and she stopped, the shadows retrieving back to her and Tamlin gasped and breathed loudly, looking everywhere to see what the hell had just happened to him.
"Why are you here, Tamlin?" Kallias asked again and the male decided to go straight to the point this time.
"I'm here to help fight against Hybern."
"Liar." Cassian growled.
"You need to understand why we are not comfortable with sharing our plans with you." Thesan said, trying to ease the tension once again.
"Even when I have information against him?" He retorted, smiling at Feyre once again. "Why do you think i invited them to my home? I told you once that I would fight against tyranny, not even you was enough to prevent me from doing it. It was easy for you to call me a monster even with everything I did for you, for your family. " He looked at Nesta and not even Y/N wanted to be at the receiving end of the glare she sent his way.
"You witnessed everything that he did Under the Mountain, and yet you opened your legs for him. He whored himself to Amarantha for decades, guess it was easy for you to do the same."
"Careful." Morrigan warned but he ignored her.
"Tamlin, this is getting boring, take all this lovers drama elsewhere and let the rest of us discuss the war." Helion said, his voice monotone as he waved his hand in dismiss.
"You will enjoy the war, considering how good the last one was for you." Tamlin kept going.
"No one said that the war cannot be lucrative for some." He simply said, not letting the childish behaviour get to him.
"Enough!" Kallias yelled. "We have different opinions about how this conflict with Hybern should be approached." Eva nodded, agreeing with him.
"I'm against Hybern." He finally stated a serious tone.
"Prove it." Helion challenged.
Tamlin flicked his hand and stacks of paper appeared in front of him. "Letters from the army, weaponry, faebane supplies and everything we need to know." Cassian scoffed.
"As noble as this might seem." Helion scratched his chin, looking at him with a fierce gaze. "Who can guarantee that this isn't false information to get us to trust you?"
"Who guarantees that Rhysand and his followers aren't Hybern's agents, and this isn't a way of making us surrender without noticing?" He replied back and even Vivianne groaned in frustration.
"You cannot be serious." Nesta finally spoke, her piercing blue eyes throwing daggers at him.
"If we need to unite against Hybern, you're doing a terrible job to bring us together, Tamlin." Thesan spoke again, rubbing his temples in exhaustion.
"I'm just warning that they might seem like your friends, but the truth is, he warmed Amarantha's sheets for 50 years, and just worked against her when things changed. I'm just saying that, even if he claimed his city was attacked by Hybern, they did very well, like they were waiting for the attack. Don't think they wouldn't sacrifice some building and some lesser fae to make it seem like we have an enemy in common. Why was the Night Court the only one to know about the attack in Adriata and were the only ones getting there in time to play saviour?" The smug in his face, like he had won the argument, quickly vanished as Varian opened his mouth.
"They knew." He looked at Tamlin. "Cuz I told them."
"Maybe you're also working with them, you're the next in line for the crown anyways." The whole room huffed in annoyance.
"Maybe.." the eyes fell on Y/N. "This is a fucking conspiracy, all of us work with Hybern and we are trying to convince you to surrender." She mocked and even Beron let out a scoff in his direction.
"Next time choose only one target, it's more convincing than just pretend that everyone is working with the real enemy just cuz things don't go your way." Evanore adviced and Eris paid attention to her once more.
She was the other female alongside Y/N that time in the Winter Court, she was beautiful, a type of beauty that not everyone achieved, it was like the Mother took her time to sculpt her beautiful face and the bright blue eyes. He couldn't keep his eyes away from her.
"You're insane." Feyre rolled her eyes. "Are you even hearing what you're saying? Hybern turned my sisters into fae after your pristress sold them."
"Maybe Ianthe's mind was already in Rhysand's control. And what a tragedy, be beautiful and young forever. You're a good actress, I'm sure it's a family thing." He spoke directly to Nesta. She let out a low chuckle.
"If you want to blame someone for all of this, try to look in the mirror." Tamin growled at her.
"Don't even think about it." Cassian said to him through gritted teeth. Tamlin looked from Nesta to Cassian and scoffed.
"Looks like other preferences run in the Archeron family." He mocked and Feyre sighed.
"What do you want? An apology? Or that I crawl back to your bed and play the happy dutiful wife?"
"Why would I want spoiled things back? After you let him fuck you like.." Once again the words stopped abruptly and Azriel looked to his right side, Y/N lifted her hands and whispered a "Not me." The male opened his mouth once, twice but nothing came.
"You are a poet when you're quiet, Tamlin." Everyone looked at Rhysand, the flicker of doubt and fear in their eyes. Tamlin was as powerful as any of them, but when Rhys took away his ability to speak, they remembered that they weren't equals. "If you want us to prove that we are not working with Hybern, just remember that it would be much easier to just invade your minds and force you all to do as I wish.”
Beron was the only one dumb enough to let out a sarcastic laugh, and Eris just leaned closer to his mother to protect her.
“Even if Varian told you all, when he wasn’t supposed to.” Tarquin finally spoke. “You came, bringing another powerful High Lord that ended with everything in minutes.” He pointed to Azriel. “You were the only one to come, and not asked anything in return, why?”
“That’s not what friends are for?” Rhys simply said.
“I take back the blood ruby, not a single debt between us.” Tarquin said again.
“Don’t expect Amren to give hers back, she liked it a lot.” Cassian blurted and a shadow of a smile spread across Tarquin’s face.
“The war is here.” Azriel spoke, his throat dry from not using his voice. “We shouldn’t waste time fighting with each other.”
“The Shadowsinger is right.” Beron agreed.
“It’s High Lord of the Court of Shadows for you.” Y/N replied. And all the attention was on the three again.
“Which brings us to an interesting question.” Kallias started. “You call yourself a High Lord, but from which court?”
“The Court of Shadows was destroyed in the war.” Helion casually remembered.
“My Court needed to recover after the war, but now we’re ready to fight for our land. Hybern won’t take what’s ours, no one will, ever again.” Y/N’s voice was a warning, a reminder that no one knew what they were capable of, let alone their High Lord.
“Who guarantees you’re telling the truth?” Beron asked like a stubborn child and Evanore got up. She showed them, the court, her home, Thera and everything they needed to see to believe.
“It’s just like I remember.” It was all Helion said. “Well, going back to what’s important.” He flickered his hands and more papers appeared on the table. “Copies.” He motioned to them. “If Tamlin is telling the truth, we should focus on getting rid of the faebane.” He pointed to the male that crossed his arms and kept his face in a frown.
“How do you suggest we do it?” Kallias inquired.
“We can take care of this.” Tarquin replied. “We owe that to them, for Adriata.”
“There’s no need.” Thesan intervened. “I have someone I want you all to meet.” A High fae entered the room, she had long black hair and brown skin.
“My lord.” She bowed to him.
“Nuan is one of my best craftsmen.” He pointed at her and she gave him a shy smile. “Maybe you all know her as the person that allowed Lucien to use his left eye again after Amarantha removed it.”
“And what does it have to do with the faebane?” Helion, straight to the point as ever.
“I found a solution.” She stated.
“We heard rumours of faebane being used in this war. Used in the attack against your city, Rhysand.” Thesan gesticulated. “We thought that it was better to investigate this before it became a great weakness for us all. She’s also a great alchemist.”
“The mother provides us everything we need in nature.” Eva clapped and whispered that's right, which made Nuan blush. “It was just a matter of time to find what in Prythian was able to stop Hybern’s venom that was able to prevent us from using our power.”
Eva looked at Y/N “Ĉu mi diru ion?” (Should I say anything?)
“Ne, mi ne fidas al tiu aĉulo.“(No, I don’t trust that asshole.) She shrugged.
“Can you two stop talking in your witchling language? I don’t understand.” Azriel whispered back.
“It's a private conversation.” Y/N winked at him, turning her attention back to the other female.
“Nuan has made a powder, it should be used with our drinks and food and guarantee immunity against the faebane, we have it ready to be distributed among our unified armies.” Thesan concluded and Nuan smiled proudly.
“And what about their weapons? They wore gloves to destroy our shields.” Tarquin stated.
“I’m afraid we only have our abilities against it, the powder only protects you against your powers being taken from you, if someone stabs you with it it might help as well.” She shifted her weight from one foot to another.
“And we should just trust you? With this thing?” Beron’s voice sounded bitter.
“I will take your antidote.” Y/N and Feyre said in unison. And Beron huffed in annoyance.
“I won’t risk my armies and my family with this theory.” He replied.
“It’s not a theory.” Nuan argued.
Eris looked at Evanore once again, when he said. “I will take it.” Beron didn't say a thing, but even if he did, Eris wouldn’t care as he was staring at the big smile Eva was giving him.
The High Lord from autumn looked like he was going to burst into flames as his oldest son agreed with that, Eris tried to keep the composure, but the way his father was looking at him, made him shiver.
“That’s enough!” Nesta's voice sounded. “This meeting should be about you all protecting your people, and those who need it. You’re the last thing standing between Hybern and all the things that are good in this world.” No one dared to interrupt her. “You fought against Hybern in the last war! Why do you refuse to do the same now?” Beron just kept quiet.
“You can hate us all you want, I don’t care, but I do care that you’re allowing innocent people to suffer, you must protect your land, your people, Hybern will make an example out of you.”
“How do you know that?” Beron inquired again.
“I was thrown in the cauldron, it showed me the King’s heart, he will take the wall down and slay those on both sides.” No one knew if Nesta was telling the truth, but they all knew what the King was capable of.
“You were chosen to protect this land, how can you not fight for it?” She finished.
“I’ll consider.” Beron replied, waving his hand to his family and they all vanished, the smell of burned wood was the last thing left behind.
“We will fight, with all we have and how we can to protect everything we know and love. I don’t care if you will help us, the Night Court will stand against Hybern.” Feyre concluded.
“You have our support.” Y/N winked at her.
“I will fight with you.” Viv got up, nodding her head.
“Me too.” Cresseida, the princess from Adriata also stood, four powerful females looking at each other, the males just smiled, not daring to go against them.
Helion only nodded and lastly, Thesan, and Tamlin, for everyone’s surprise, agreed. Seven High Lords out of eight, this wasn’t bad at all.
⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆
Taglist: @allison-rosewood-maximoff @devilsfoodcake22 @fieldofdaisiies @brekkershadowsinger @valeridarkness @margssstuff
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Hustle Cat ??? Post-Route! AFTERMATH: ???
Angst Ahead!
A horrid metallic taste filled the air, Mochi scrunched his nose as the tangy disgusting sense danced on his tongue, he was looking for Avery. He wasn’t a dumb cat, he was even slightly magical to some degree thanks to that book his owner had - And he had finally come upon them. Thrown aside in the alley like broken statues, the rusted carcass-like figures of Avery and Graves were strewn in a manner that only one witch would ever cause. Mochi knew it had been a few months, but he was going to check the cafe for any ways of undoing this.
The cafe was closed, lights off and a locked door where bustling customers used to be, no more restaurant - though there was a man in dark cloak-like attire making his way up through the back entrance. The sly cat followed to find Reese and this witch - who he’d soon learn was called Asmodeus - were having a conversation.
“What do you require of my services, mere fletchling? I’ve not all day and your payment toward me isn’t anything special.” Asmodeus boomed, flicking his cape-cloak as he sat down on one of the couches smirking. Reese gritted his teeth as he clenched his fist.
“Nacht. Dispose of him. I heard he made my boss vanish from that Kaz kid you did some curse work for a while back. Something about providing him a heartburn hex’s ingredients? Anyway, I don’t care how. Just do what ya can to make sure he’s gone.” Reese’s tone was demanding - as if these months had only made his anger spiral deeper into frustration and a pit that he’d never return from.
“I can’t undo his work, you are aware? Though, your request is admirable. I shall attempt my undoing of him.” With that Asmodeus picked up his payment and left for the streets once again, now in search of the rust witch who still ran rampant. This is when Mochi saw the sign for a poetry night at a library featuring Hayes. Avery had mentioned the name before, so he began trecking further into the city.
Upon arriving, the poetry set-up wasn’t quite ready, so Mochi decided to listen into some other things - if he wasn’t caught he was sure he’d manage in the library. Plus, that book listed glamours as a thing, he was sure he’d be fine. Throught headphones his ears picked up the library’s internet connection being used to watch a gaming livestream. His ears perked as he listened intently.
“Heya Gamers! Finfin here again with another part of our Generic Dating Sim!~ - That’s the title, it’s not just any old sim! Last week we met the library owner, and this week we meet the cast!” her bubbly tone kept up until partway through the stream. “I’m Gre-” Grey. Her tone changed in an instant as if she was remembering a painful time or people close to her she had lost, it was clear that when she attempted to cover up her sadness it was false optimism.
“I’m Grey... I do the. Mystery novel organizations. Sorry gamers, I just got a little distracted there! We’re all good now!” she wiped a tear from her face on the facecam - though Mochi never caught that glimpse of her pain. Soon after his ears picked up the poetry starting. Hayes was the first act, he had come so far.
He seemed much more confident in the way he spoke, like Avery’s disappearance had inspired something in him to write more, and share it with the world. He mentioned his regrets, and that if he intervened maybe things would have turned out different - never specifying what caused Avery’s vanishment. When his poem began it took a turn for the morbid, the shy anxious child Avery once knew was gone, and Mochi was convinced this morbid confident poet couldn’t possibly be the same person.
After the craziness of what happened at the cafe Landry had turned to bars again, and had encountered Kaz in this one. Mochi was able to hear their conversation from the back while he explored the town for food.
“Got rid o’ the hex now, then? Musta took ya decades with how long you took. Hah! To think you’re considered an adept, I bet ya can barely tell me what incense does. You’re an excuse for a witch, really.” Kaz laughed to the hopeless expression on Landry’s face, as the tall adept took another drink.
“Gonna have to cut ya off there. S’too much for ya, Landry.” came the bartender’s voice - Mason. She had to find a new job, after all, and wouldn’t go back to the corner store as a person. It wasn’t something she was confident doing anymore. She cleaned another glass as she glared at Kaz, something was off but she had been told not to cause more fights with the customers.
“Oh shut it, Mason. You know it’s hopeless, too - Our jobs went down the crapper and there’s no chance of seein’ Avery or Graves again.” He was a lot less polite after as many drinks as he had. Mason was right to cut Landry there.
Especially when you could already hear clunking outside late at night. It was odd, that. Piles of rust would be noted around the bar, too. One looking strangely like the well-known officer Gina.
Best to ignore it in this city, though. Else similar things may happen to you. That was the tale of the rust with, after all.
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