Across The Universe-ch.16 (Fenrys X Reader)

Across the Universe-ch.16 (Fenrys x Reader)

Summary: Y/n has everything she needs in life. A family, friends, a safe place she calls home and most importantly a male whom she loves. What happens when it all changes when Y/n finds out about the betrayal of her lover and her so called family? Well, ending up in Terrasen and in queen Aelin's court was not what she expected but what she will need to start her new journey full of surprises.

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Unsatisfied and frustrated doesn't even begin to describe how she was feeling at the moment. After Eva called her down, Fenrys and Y/n waited until she was gone before adjusting their appearances and leaving her room together. Of course, throughout their little journey towards the sitting room, they could only steal glances at each other because there were servants all around them.

And it was killing her. It was killing her how she couldn't just drag him back into the room and finish what they started but....all this lust started to disappear as soon as they entered the room and she heard the ugly voice of the Book of Breathings hissing.

They entered at the same time as Aelin and Rowan and moved towards the table around which everyone was gathered, their faces frustrated and confused. The book just wouldn't stop hissing and once she reached the table, coming to stand right beside Lysandra, y/n could finally understand what it was talking about.

"They are coming"

"For her, for her"

"They are coming for her"

"Magic is shifting"

"What in the seven hells does any of this mea-" Aedion's words cut off by Yrene shushing him, clearly telling everyone to be quite for a little more.

"They are interfering"

"Gates, shifting"

It was as if there were multiple voices, all hissing the same things at once.

Aelin looked concerned as she looked at no one in particular and asked, "I don't understand. Is it talking about the valg's coming? Because we already know that."

Yrene shook her head, "No. You're right, we do know that already so it must be saying something else. Did you hear what it said? Something about shifting magic and interference."

Elide crossed her arms, gaze still locked on the book. "Yes, but what does that mean? Who is interfering?"

Y/n took a sharp breath in before asking the book directly, "What are you talking about, exactly? Who is interfering? Is this about the valgs?"

And then the book said only two words which were more than enough to answer her questions,

"Death Incarnate."

Y/n may not be the most genius fae to ever exist, but she for sure would know that only one being across any universe has this title.

Her ex friend, her ex high lord, the one who came to her doorstep in the first place.

Rhysand.

Her gaze locked with Lucien's who, seemingly, also understood what was going on as his eyes widened.

Her body suddenly grew colder as she asked with a shaky voice, "Is-is he interfering with the gates? Is he the reason for the shift in magic or whatever? Is- are they coming?"

"Who?"

"What are you talking about, y/n?"

"Who is 'he'?"

She ignored everyone elses questions as her mind was solely focused on the book and what it would say.

"Yes. They are trying to come."

She should feel happy, hopeful. They were coming to get her and once the valgs were killed, the gates were closed, she would get to go back to her world. She should be happy. She should be grateful. But why wasn't she? All she felt was dread and anger at the prospect of having to face them as well.

"Shhh, y/n. I am here, you are safe, just relax."

It wasn't until she felt Fenrys' grounding touch and sweet whispers in her ear that she realized her whole body was shaking as her eyes were distant, ears not hearing anyone but her own thoughts.

"Someone, please get water."

Fenrys led her to the small lounge chair and sat her down as Lysandra gave the cup full of water for her but quickly changed the route and handed it to Fenrys after seeing her shaking hands. The male helped her drink it before placing the cup on a nearby table and holding her hand while caressing her back with the other hand.

Chaol looked at Lucien, "What is going on?"

The prince just sighed before replying, "Death Incarnate is the title of Rhysand. The high lord of the Night Court. And y/n was asking if it was him who was the cause for the shift in the gates, if he and the rest of his court were trying to come here and apparently, according to the book, they are."

Once Lucien's words were out, y/n felt Fenrys' whole body stiffen, his hold on her to tighten as he slowly turned his head sideways to look at her friend.

Manon looked at Lucien, her anger clearly evident in her voice as she asked, "The same court that mistreated her? That lied to her?"

"What are you talking about?" Aedion's voice was full of confusion as he looked at the witch, expecting her to reply.

Manon's gaze came to y/n, her eyes asking for permission to tell them what they need to know. She nodded her head, too tired to argue or think of anything as the witch turned back around and explained what y/n once told her, filling the ones who didn't know in on the situation back in Prythian.

Once she was done explaining, y/n could physically feel the tension in the room that could be cut with a knife.

"Oh Gods..." Aedion's mouth was hanging open as Lysandra crossed her arms, the shifters tone cool as she declared, "They are fools for coming here, then."

Rowan nodded his head. "Because we won't let them live what they did to you down."

Elide put her head on a distressed Lorcan's arm as she said, "How can you go back with them, y/n? I do hope that once you do, you will leave them immediately."

Dorian shook his head, glanced at Fenrys with a knowing look, "Whatever the case is, they are not welcome here. They are clearly not wanted by the book either because their interference is causing a shift in the magic. We have to finish this job by the day of the lunar eclipse. And if they do somehow appear, then the choice to make will be y/n's and no one elses."

Lucien sighed, coming forward and placing a comforting hand on y/n's shoulder, "They- I don't even know what happened to them. I will be honest, me and them were never truly close....we have a long and complicated history which is why they never fully liked me, especially Rhysand and Mor-"

"Who is Mor?!" Petrah's voice sounded frustrated and protective as she looked directly at Lucien from her position on the opposite couch.

The prince gave Manon's second in command a small shake of his head and said, "She is....well, let that be a story for another time because her main issue isn't even directly related to me, her issue is with my brother."

"So, she is an idiot then."

They all looked at Lorcan as Lucien coughed out an "Excuse me?!"

The tall man just shrugged his shoulders, "If she is hating on you simply for whatever your brother did, then she is a fool and so is the rest of them if they support her."

"I agree." Petrah didn't sound happy at all as she voiced her agreement.

Y/n managed to place a reassuring hand on Lucien's as the redhead said, "Well, that isn't the main point. My point is, they- I never expected them to be like that towards y/n because, after all, they knew her for so long and from what I saw, enjoyed her company extensively. They were like family. Especially Cassian, Rhysand, Mor and Amren. And then Feyre and her sisters came into the portrait and everything just went downhill from there. And Azriel-"

"Is mine."

Y/n froze.

Lucien froze.

Everyone froze.

The room went silent as all head turned to the owner of that statement.

Fenrys.

When she looked at him, y/n only saw anger, possessiveness and violence readiating of off him. His expression, his eyes and his body.

She broke the silence, speaking for the first time since sitting down. "Fenrys, what- what do you mean?"

His intense gaze landed on her as he simply said in a chilly tone, "I mean, if he dares to step here, to come within my vicinity, then he is mine. Mine to break, mine to deal with, mine to beat up and mine to destroy. You all can deal with the rest of them but I will say it now, no one touches Azriel. He is mine."

Her eyes widened as she and Lucien spoke at the same time,

"Fenrys, no. You don't- it will only bring more trouble than necessary to you."

"Rhysand is the most powerful high lord, he won't let you treat his brother like that."

"Watch me."

From the way he sounded and looked, Fenrys was not fooling around, nor was he afraid of what Lucien just revealed to him. Y/n didn't know whether to feel safe or worried.

Aelin cleared her throat, drawing all the attention to her. "Well....this is definitely a new side of Fenrys I have never seen. What about you two?" she looked between her mate and Lorcan.

The two male's exchanged knowing looks, Rowan seemingly realizing the reason for Fenrys' sudden protectiveness as he said, "Believe me fire heart, this is new for us as well."

Lorcan smirked, "Yes, very new."

Yrene's calm voice filled the room as she said, "I don't think I can keep that book in our room, it talks too much."

Aelin moved towards the object and took it, ignoring it's protests as she turned towards the doors, followed by her mate, "I am taking this to the library. I need Arthur to have a look at this thing."

As everyone slowly began to leave the room, Lucien gave her shoulder one final squeeze before moving to help a struggling Petrah up, and leaving with her still asking him, "What's that Mor's issue with you?"

"Petrah, not now."

"No! Tell me, I must know so that when I see her, I will know how to attack her."

"Are you mad?! Over my dead body will I allow you to get yourself involved in this mess."

Y/n smiled at the couple's banter as their voices slowly began fading away, leaving her and Fenrys alone in the room. She sighed but leaned her head on his chest, causing his arm to come around her waist and slowly help her get up.

Once out in the hall, she detached herself from him as they began to walk silently.

"Fenrys, you shouldn't attack Azriel if he shows up here."

"Y/n, my respect and care for you is eternal, but I will have to go against your wishes on this one because even hearing his name causes so much rage to bubble up within me. Now, imagine I get to finally see him in real life, how can I hold myself back? It's as if fate has delivered him to me on a silver platter. As if he is wishing for death by coming here."

As they began climbing up the stairs she could only manage to squeeze his arm, "Fenrys-"

"What did I tell you, y/n? That I will protect your light from any darkness that dares to approach. Azriel is that darkness and I won't hesitate to end him if he even comes into the same world as you."

They reached her room, she opened her door and turned to look at him, "Please, please, Fenrys. You may hurt yourself-"

"And what about you? You were hurt countless times by him, by his friends and by someone else whom you clearly won't tell me about but that is fine, I am willing to wait on that. Whatever the case is, you are not alone princess. Not anymore. Not as long as I live."

And with that, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and turned towards his own room, quietly saying, "Get some rest now, princess. You have had a long day."

She couldn't sleep the night away, her thoughts filled with everything that was happening around her. By the time sunrise hit, y/n was once again heading towards the training area but stopped once a thought came to her head. She turned in her path, heading towards the library, her determination growing with each step that she took.

When she reachd the large area, y/n saw a tall, frail and quite old male in robes putting books inside the shelves. When he heard her enter the room, the male turned towards her and gave y/n a small, polite smile, "Welcome, my name is Arthur and I am one of the three head protectors of this ancient library."

Y/n gave him a small smile in return and said, "Hello, Arthur. My name is Y/n and I believe queen Aelin brought a book here last night?"

The librarian nodded his head, "Oh, yes. Her majesty asked me to keep it safe and protected here so I put it under wards."

She fiddled with her fingers as she asked him, "Could I- could I please take it for a short moment? I have some questions that I believe it can answer so..."

Arthur smiled and gestured for her to follow him. "Of course, y/n. I know of you so I am aware that the book responds well to you and only you. No one else."

He brought her to a medium sized, square table. with the book in it's center, emanating magical essence from around it. Arthur said a couple of words before the room suddenly felt less heavy and suffocating. He turned towards her and said, "I removed the main wards, still keeping some precautionary ones around. Do be careful, y/n, don't stay with it for too long."

She nodded her head at him. "Believe me, I am very well aware of it. Thank you, Arthur. I only need a couple of minutes."

The male nodded and left the corner in which they were in, heading back towards the other end of the room, leaving her alone with the ancient object.

Y/n sighed before coming to stand right in front of it, steadying her voice as she spoke, "I am not scared of you anymore. You fooled me the first time by sending me here but you can't fool me this time around."

The book replied with a knowing tone, "Good, because I am not sending you anywhere anymore, Illyrian."

Realization slowly dawned upon her, "You knew, didn't you? All this time, you knew that I had a mate here. That this was where I was meant to be sent."

"I did say that you are home now when I sent you here didn't I, child?"

She sighed, "Yes, you did. And....what now? Do I just accept it because you sent me here?"

"You tell me, witch. What do you think you must do?"

"I don't know."

"My job was to only send you here. The choice to make will be yours. Elara said as much."

"Wait. My mother- you- how?"

"She managed to bypass all of the high lord's wards and contact me. Ordered me to do what I did and how could I say no to the most powerful ironteeth witch, Elara?"

Her heart warmed. Her mother, the woman whom she didn't even know of for most of her life, was the one who started it all. She smiled gently, reminiscing the mother whom she only knew for such a short time.

"I think I know my answer now."

"You do not have any more questions left in you?"

"No, I have finally understood my purpose. Goodbye."

As she turned around and left, y/n heard the book say, "Make the right choice, child."

"She is your mate, isn't she?"

Fenrys paused his eating and lifted his head to see Rowan enter the room. The blond just muttered some incoherent sentence before resuming his eating. Rowan came and sat on the opposite chair, giving him an amused look.

"Seems like you have worked up quite the appetite. Apparently being a territorial fae bastard turns you into a starved wolf."

"I am not a territorial fae bastard." Fenrys grumbled while his mouth was full of food.

Rowan smirked, "Well, Aelin calls me that whenever I do what you just did in the sitting room last night."

"And what did I do exactly?"

"Get all protective and posessive over your mate."

"We aren't mates."

Rowan chuckled "Oh please, Fenrys. We all saw you stake a claim on y/n in that room. Besides, I already had my suspicions and Lorcan isn't the best secret keeper."

Fenrys clenched his fists on the table. "That little prick. I knew I couldn't trust him."

"So you are mates. Fenrys, you hurt my feelings by choosing to tell this to Lorcan over me."

Fenrys playfully rolled his eyes at his friend and said, "Shut up, bird. Besides, we don't even know if we will be together. Neither of us has accepted the bond."

Rowan's expression became grim. "So I've heard. Seems like you both are scared."

Fenrys sighed "Truthfully, I would be lying if I said that I am sure everything will be perfect. That I will accept the bond and already be deep in love with her. I do feel a lot for y/n but love is something I never had any experience in and.....with the kind of a past that I have, I am of course afraid. Afraid of scaring her away or doing something wrong. But what I do know is that I would never hurt her. And I am willing to accept the bond because I do like her and imagining a forever with y/n does bring me so much joy."

The prince nodded his head at his friends confession and after a moment replied, "You truly need one another, Fenrys. You need healing and so does she, from whatever nightmares she has endured. You both can heal together. Heal each other. Learn to love not only yourselves but also the world around you."

Fenrys gazed towards the window behind his friend, his expression thoughtful. "She is afraid, Rowan. Her life hasn't been easy and it seems like she hasn't gotten to feel joyful much because so many good things have been taken away from her. One of them being..." Fenrys had to reign his anger in as he said, "Azriel."

Rowan nodded his head slowly, gesturing for his companion to go on. Fenrys inhaled a sharp breath in before continuing, "He pretended to be in love with her, Rowan. In love. And she believed him, she believed him and overlooked all the other signs like them not being mates in favor of loving him. But, all this time he was being a bastard who lied to her. What a little coward. I hate him for breaking her, for shattering her heart and making her doubt herself. I meant what I said, Rowan. I will kill him if I see him."

The prince shook his head slowly, "No, you can't kill him."

Fenrys' brows furrowed "What?"

"I said, you can't kill him. I won't allow you to."

Fenrys scoffed, "Please, don't act so almighty with me. If the roles were reversed and Azriel had done all that to Aelin, you would rip him to shreds."

Rowan smiled slightly, "True, but the roles aren't reversed, are they? So, I won't allow you to kill him"

"What?! That's just-"

"He has a mate, Fenrys. You can't do that."

"Like I care. That viper mate of his should also stay away from me if she values her life. She has just as much of a fault in this as he does. I will kill him, Rowan. I am sorry but I won't follow your order on this one."

"I said don't kill him but I never said don't beat him to the brink of death."

Fenrys' eyes widened as Rowan laughed and winked at his friend before getting up and heading towards the door, "You underestimate me, Fenrys. They hurt your mate so of course you should destroy him, just don't kill him and cause an extra headache for us all with a court that isn't even from our world. Oh, and...."

Rowan gave a final look at Fenrys before closing the door, "If they even manage to come here and try something, believe me Fenrys, they will be going back home with broken ego's and shattered bones. Whether or not y/n will be going with them is up to her."

The old house stood silent, its windows staring out like blank eyes into the night.

Y/n must have read this sentence for what feels like the millionth time in the book. Her mind was just too mixed up with other things that she couldn't even concentrate on reading a single sentence from a random book.

"You are reading 'Whispering Windows'? Gods, that's the most boring book I've ever read."

Y/n looked from her place on the couch to see Manon and Eva entering the room as the younger girl made a disgusted face at the book y/n was holding.

"What, you don't like it?"

"Like it? The whole plot is so predictable that by the end when the supposed plot twist happens, you already expected it."

Manon came and sat beside y/n as Eva lay down on the carpeted floor, propping her head on one hand. The witch smirked after taking a peek into the book y/n was reading. "Don't worry Eva, it seems like y/n hasn't even gotten past the first page yet."

Y/n sighed and put the book down, "Yes, can't really concentrate right now."

"Why not?" Eva's voice sounded curious but Manon gave a knowing look at y/n as she said, "Because her mind is currently elsewhere. Something having to do with a certain mate perhaps?"

Eva's eyes widened and she immediately jumped up before y/n could even answer the question, "You have a mate?! Since when?! Is it Fenrys-"

Y/n quickly put her palm on the girls mouth, shutting her up, as she hissed, "Yes, and I would appreciate it if you wouldn't go around shouting it for all to hear."

She brought her palm down from Eva's mouth as the girl whispered, "Fenrys is your mate? Oh Godsss!!"

"Calm down, it's not like either of them has accepted it yet." Manon crossed her arms as she looked expectantly at y/n.

"How did you-"

"Know? Hmmm, I have my ways." the queen winked at her before nudging her on the ribs, "So, what will happen between you two? Are you planning on accepting it?"

Y/n tilted her head backwards on the couch and closed her eyes.

"Uh-oh."

Y/n's eyes opened once again as she looked at Eva "What?! I didn't even say anything yet."

The girl shrugged her shoulders before smiling, "You don't need to. Your posture just told me everything I needed to know and then your delay in answer proved me right."

Y/n and Manon both looked at her with slightly wide eyes as the former whispered, "Wow"

Manon turned to look at her once again, "You are going to reject the bond?! Why?"

Y/n sighed, "I went and talked with the Book of Breathings earlier today and turns out my mother was the one behind it all from the start. She knew I had a mate here so she managed to get me sent to this place, effectively making my and Fenrys' paths cross and that just gave me the answer I needed. Assured me of my choice."

"Which is?"

Y/n looked at both of them beore saying in a steady voice, "No."

"What?!"

"Why?!"

Both the queen and the girl shouted at the same time, still looking surprised by her choice.

She put her palm over both of their mouths' as she said, "If you will just shut up and allow me to talk, I will explain."

Once they both stayed quiet, y/n let out a breath and said, "As I mentioned, my mother had a hand in this, in us crossing paths. That's why I feel as if I have forced myself upon Fenrys. If I accept this, I will force him to be with me because we didn't meet naturally. I am afraid that at some point, he will realise this and stop feeling all those things for me and leave like Azriel did. Like everyone always does-"

"I will have to stop you right there." Manon's voice sounded firm yet reassuring and determined as she placed a hand on y/n's shoulder.

"I understand your fears. You have had some hard times in your life it seems, and have loved the very few things you considered good. Such as those fae and especially Azriel. But, they left you alone after you have loved so much and been so vulnerable that now you find it hard to open up again. But believe me, y/n. That isn't your fault at all. They didn't leave because you were mean, bad, unusual or something else but because they themselves are the problem. They are the liars and hypocrites. Not you."

When y/n opened her mouth to say something, Manon put up a hand and said, "Now, as for the whole being sent here situation, if not now then when? If your mother wouldn't have done what she did at that exact time to get you here then when, exactly would you have a chance to come here again? To cross paths with Fenrys? He adores you, y/n. He is ready to go to the ends of the world as long as it's with you. Believe me, Fenrys has changed so much for the better since your arrival. No one has had this effect on him but you. Only you."

Y/n's eyes watered slightly as Eva hugged her silently and Manon squeezed her hand with a reassuring smile, "Just think about it."

Y/n gave her a small smile in return as she nodded her head and sat with them in a comforting silence a little more, thinking over what Manon just said.

It was sunset when she was sitting in the gazebo, staring out into the ethereal view of flowers and other plants. Her surroundings were so serene and peaceful, contrasting with her inner turmoil as y/n was once again, lost.

"May I?"

That voice that always caused a warm feeling to envelop her. That calm yet deep voice that never fails to make her squirm in her seat. The only voice that ever made her feel such things.

Fenrys' voice.

Y/n lifted her head up to see him standing in front of the gazebo, a small smile on his face, looking as angelic as ever. She managed to smile back and nod her head.

He came and sat right next to her, his comforting scent invading all her senses as she couldn't stop her body from leaning against him causing Fenrys to immediately wrap an arm around her waist and put his head on hers.

She felt so safe in his arms. So safe and protected, as if no harm could ever come to her as long as she was with him. And truthfully, y/n did start thinking that it was like that. But then again, another small part of her was still unsure, still telling her that this would never end well. That this was a forced story.

"You seem deep in thought"

His voice that seems to turn gentle only when talking to her brought her back from her thoughts as y/n asked him the question she has been dying to get an answer for.

"Are you truly happy to have me as a mate?"

"Where is this coming from?"

"I don't know, just.... I don't know"

She felt him pull her slightly away so that they can look at each other. Fenrys' brows were furrowed as he looked expectantly at her.

Y/n sighed, "I- I just- forget it."

"No, I won't forget it because you will tell me what is causing you any trouble so that I can smooth it out."

Her eyes widened, "You care about me that much? You- you would try to solve my problems for me?"

Fenrys' arm around her tightened as he said, "Of course I care about you. In fact, I more than care about you. Your troubles are my troubles and so, I would do everything in my power to get rid of every single one of them until you are feeling at peace. Feeling safe-"

"I do feel safe, Fen. Whenever I am with you is when I feel safe."

He seemed to be surprised about that because now it was his eyes that widened. "You do?"

"Of course I do, Fenrys. I feel safe, cared, supported, appreciated and even loved whenever I am with you. You have shown me the love no one has ever shown before. That's why I am afraid that you may doubt this at some point in the future. I am afraid that you- that your feelings will change and you will also leave-"

Her words were silenced by Fenrys' lips on hers. He kissed her fiercely, full of adoration and passion while his hand kept on caressing her back.

When he pulled away from her, his breath heaving, as he put both of his hands on each side of her face, "Never say such things ever again. I would never and I mean never knowingly hurt you. I would rather get my skin ripped off my body than ever betray you, princess. I am ready to spend an eternity with you, I will accept it right this moment, even. But I am more than willing to wait until you are ready to make a choice."

A tear slipped down her eye before Fenrys kissed it away as y/n smiled at him, feeling so warm after the confession he made. "I think- I think I know my answer, Fen. I just need a little more time to be sure."

Fenrys smiled brightly and kissed her other cheek as he pulled her back into his chest and put his head back on hers. "Once you are ready, I will be here, waiting and ready to soothe your doubts."

Once they arrived to dinner, the room was full with everyone chattering and discussing things, Dorian's voice loudest of all as he mentioned that there were only two days left until the lunar eclipse now.

"Well, with two groups, I believe we have a chance at winning." Lysandras confident voice filled the room as she playfully hit the back of Dorian's head while passing by his chair.

Y/n sat down next to Fenrys as she asked no one in particular, "Who is going where?"

Dorian smiled brightly and pointed to himself as he said, "Of course, the one and only me, Eva, Elide, Yrene and Lucien are staying with you. The rest are going after the valgs."

"And me." came Fenrys' voice from beside her, full of determination.

Aelin cleared her throat, "Fenrys, you can shift. You would be more helpful with us-"

"I am staying with y/n."

"Fenrys-"

"No."

"Fenrys," y/n put her hand on his, causing him to look at her, his gaze immediately softening.

"Please, you will be more helpful in the fight against the valg."

"But-"

"I will be fine, Fen. I won't be alone, right?"

Yrene nodded her head "Of course, we will be with you every step of the way."

Y/n smiled and looked back at him. "See? You shouldn't worry about me."

He sighed and clearly was willing to protest more but one look from y/n caused him to give her a resigned nod.

After a while, as everyone kept on talking, y/n noticed that Petrah seemed to be smiling which was the most unusual thing ever because y/n never saw her smile fully. One look at Lucien confirmed what she thought. He told her that they were mates and from the small shake of his head that Lucien gave y/n, she understood that neither of them haven't accepted the bond, just getting to first know more of one another. Just like her and Fenrys, it seems.

As the dinner went on, y/n's doubts were mostly fogotten as she immersed herself in the endless conversations happening around her, feeling more at home than she ever had. And through it all, she felt Fenrys' firm yet reassuring hold on her hand, his presence like a light at the end of the dark tunnel.

Y/n knew that this was far from over, that they had trouble coming in two days but right in this moment, she was more than ready to face whatever that was coming as long as she had Fenrys by her side.

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The Price of Protection- Cassian x Fem!Reader one shot

Warnings: No happy end. Angst

Summary: When a looming threat endangers her mission and the lives of thousands at risk, y/n is forced to lie to her beloved to protect him. As Cassian faces her growing emotional distance and deceit, he grapples with the pain of betrayal and the burden of her hidden sacrifice.

Y/n's life was never an easy one. Born to a barely there mother and a nonexistent father in the Court of Nightmares, she endured and witnessed the horrors that came with being a part of such a place. The Court was a realm steeped in shadows and cruelty, where survival often meant navigating a landscape of constant danger and manipulation. From a young age, y/n learned to guard her emotions and trust sparingly, traits that were as vital as her ability to navigate the treacherous politics of her surroundings.

Her mother’s presence was a mere whisper in the background, leaving y/n to fend for herself amidst the ruthless environment. The Court's atmosphere was one of constant strife and fear, where the games of power played by those in authority were unforgiving. The lack of a stable family structure only heightened her sense of isolation, making every victory and setback a solitary experience.

Despite the harsh conditions, y/n's resilience shone through. She found a path forward not by succumbing to the darkness around her but by using it to fuel her own drive. Her sharp intellect and strategic mind allowed her to rise above the turmoil, catching the eye of those who recognized her potential and offered her opportunities beyond the Court's suffocating grip. It was through these opportunities that she managed to distance herself from her past, slowly carving out a role in the Night Court that leveraged her hard-earned skills and determination.

Y/N's transition from the Court of Nightmares to the Night Court was a painstaking journey, but it was within the Night Court that she encountered Cassian. Their first meeting had been marked by an unexpected clash of wills and perspectives. Y/N, in her role as a diplomatic liaison, was tasked with negotiating delicate agreements, while Cassian, with his commanding presence and warrior’s instinct, was often involved in the security aspects of the court. Their paths crossed during a particularly tense diplomatic event, where their differing approaches initially created friction.

However, over time, their mutual respect began to bridge the gap between them. Cassian admired Y/N's intelligence and unwavering determination, while she found solace in his strength and steadfastness. Their interactions, once marked by professional courtesy, evolved into a deep and transformative relationship. Each day, they helped mend the scars left by their pasts—Cassian offering a sense of safety and acceptance Y/N had rarely known, and Y/N providing Cassian with a perspective that complemented his own, a balm to his more battle-worn experiences.

For Y/N, Cassian was a revelation. His presence was both commanding and comforting, a stark contrast to the cold, ruthless environment of the Court of Nightmares. She found solace in his straightforwardness and the way he seemed to understand her unspoken fears. The strength he exuded wasn’t just physical but emotional, offering a sense of stability that she had longed for. His unwavering support helped her shed the armor she had built over the years, revealing a vulnerability she had kept hidden for so long.

Their relationship blossomed in the spaces between their shared duties and personal moments. Quiet evenings spent discussing their day, gentle encouragements, and the occasional playful banter became the highlights of their time together. They supported each other through the demanding nature of their roles, with Cassian often finding respite in Y/N’s insightful perspectives and Y/N drawing strength from Cassian’s steadfast loyalty.

Slowly but surely, their bond deepened. They would steal moments of peace from their busy lives—walking through the moonlit streets of the Velaris, sharing unhurried meals, or simply enjoying each other’s company in the solitude of their private quarters. Each day they spent together was a step towards healing, a reminder that despite their tumultuous pasts, they could find joy and solace in each other.

It was during one of these quiet moments, as they sat together in the soft glow of the evening, that y/n began to feel the full weight of her dual existence. The laughter they shared and the affection they displayed were genuine, but they were also tinged with a sense of impending challenge. y/n was acutely aware that her carefully maintained balance was about to be tested.

Her secret was a mission so covert that its revelation would endanger not just her life but the stability of the entire realm. Unbeknownst to anyone in the Night Court, y/n was part of an underground network dedicated to countering a covert, sinister plot orchestrated by an enemy faction. The supporters of the king of Hybern. This faction sought to destabilize the Night Court by sowing discord and manipulating key figures from the shadows. Y/N's involvement required her to gather intelligence, disrupt covert operations, and ensure that the enemy’s plans remained thwarted.

Her mission involved infiltrating various circles and manipulating events without revealing her true allegiance. She had taken measures to ensure that her role in this shadowy endeavor was completely obscured, even from those she cared about. The weight of this secrecy was immense; it required her to maintain a facade of normalcy and trustworthiness while orchestrating actions that could shift the balance of power within the realm. Y/n's ability to manage this dual life was crucial not only for the success of her mission but for her own survival, making each day a careful balancing act between her public persona and her hidden responsibilities.

The more she grew close to Cassian, the harder it became to maintain this secret. The weight of her hidden mission, coupled with her growing love for him, created an inner turmoil that she struggled to keep in check. She was determined to shield him from the dangerous reality she was entangled in, even if it meant carrying the burden of her secret alone.

As they continued to build their life together, Y/N was haunted by the knowledge that her mission could one day force her to make choices that would impact their relationship in ways she could scarcely imagine. The deeper their bond grew, the more complex the challenge of keeping her secret became, making each day a delicate balancing act between the life she shared with Cassian and the covert world she navigated in silence.

"You have to cut your ties with him and you know it."

Y/n switched her gaze from the wall she had been staring at for who know's how long and looked at the male standing in front of her. The harsh lines of his face were illuminated by the flickering light of a solitary candle, casting shadows that seemed to deepen the severity of his words. His eyes, cold and unyielding, bore into her with an intensity that left no room for argument.

“What are you suggesting?” Y/N’s voice was steadier than she felt, betraying none of the turmoil churning within her. Her hands, clenched at her sides, were the only sign of her internal struggle.

The male’s-Bram's- lips curved into a grim, humorless smile. “You know exactly what I’m suggesting. The mission’s success depends on it. If Cassian remains in your life, he could jeopardize everything. You’ve seen the threats. The enemy is watching, waiting for any sign of vulnerability.”

Y/N’s heart clenched at the thought of severing her connection with Cassian. The idea was more than just painful—it was unthinkable. They had built a life together, one filled with genuine affection and mutual support. To betray that, to lie to him in such a fundamental way, felt like tearing apart a piece of her very soul.

“He’s not just some distraction,” Y/N said, her voice strained. “He’s… he’s important to me.”

Bram's gaze remained unsoftened, his tone unyielding. “Personal attachments are a luxury you can’t afford right now. If the enemy discovers the extent of your relationship, they will use it against us. The stakes are too high. You need to be pragmatic about this.”

Y/N turned away, staring at the cold stone walls of the room as if they could offer her solace or answers. The weight of the decision pressed down on her, threatening to crush her under its enormity. Her mind raced through the possibilities, the potential consequences of revealing her true role or abandoning her mission.

"And what should I do? Do you expect me to just lie to him and break his heart?"

Bram gave her a cold, insincere smile as he said, "Yes."

“What if I can protect him without ending things?” she asked, desperation lacing her words. “There must be another way.”

Bram shook his head, his expression resolute. “There isn’t. You know that. It’s either your relationship or the mission. You can’t have both without endangering everything you’ve worked for. If he or anyone else finds out- everything we worked for will turn into dust. This is an underground battle that doesn't need to be brought into light. If the high lord finds out, thousands of lives could be at risk."

"No, I can- I can make him swear to secrecy! I can-"

Bram got up from his chair. "Do you know, that they have a secret weapon. And apparently some powerfully bred creatures. My other spies tell me the weapon is so unique, never seen before, with the most unusual powers that no one knows what it can even do. So if anyone outside this organization finds out, how easy do you think it would be for them to just let their weapons out into the world?"

The silence that followed was heavy and oppressive. Y/N struggled to reconcile the demands of her covert mission with the reality of her relationship with Cassian. The two worlds she had worked so hard to keep separate were colliding, and the fallout promised to be devastating.

Finally, she met Bram's gaze again, her expression a mask of resigned determination. “I understand,” she said quietly. “I’ll do what needs to be done.”

As she left the warehouse in the middle of nowhere, y/n thought over and over about how she would end things with Cassian. She had made sacrifices throughout her short but eventful life, not having any remorse for the things she had done. No one had any remorse for her growing up, so why should she ever feel bad whenever she took lives that deserved it?

But this...this was different. The pain of loosing Cassian was too much. She loved him dearly and would rather kill herself than allow this to happen to him. He deserves better. So, so much better.

It's for his own good. For the good of the realms. You can't have him or anyone else killed.

But the pain was unbearable, worsened by the fact that Cassian was not just her beloved, but her mate. She found out about it only two nights ago when she watched him train. Y/n was shocked, happy but most of all, sad. Because she knew it could never last long. Perhaps it was a good thing that he hadn't yet felt the bond because it would make this a little easier.

When she reached the house, he paused in the doorway, her fingers grazing the cold metal handle, her heart aching with the enormity of what she was about to do. Cassian's laughter from a nearby corridor reached her ears, a sound so pure and unburdened that it felt like a cruel contrast to the turmoil roiling within her. She could picture him now—his face alight with the genuine joy and warmth that had drawn her to him in the first place.

Taking a deep breath, Y/N steeled herself. She needed to approach this with the same calm resolve she applied to every diplomatic negotiation, every covert operation. But this was different. This wasn’t about maintaining balance between political factions; this was about unraveling a personal thread that had become crucial to her very sense of self.

As she walked through the hallways toward their shared quarters, every step felt heavier than the last. Memories of their shared moments—quiet talks under the stars, warm embraces, and their laughter echoing through the place—flashed through her mind like a montage of what could have been. The sense of loss was almost unbearable, and she fought to keep her expression composed, her emotions firmly in check.

She reached their door and hesitated before pushing it open. Inside, Cassian was lounging on the sofa, a book open in his lap, his expression relaxed and content. He looked up as the door opened, and his smile, so easy and genuine, faltered for a moment when he saw the look on Y/N's face.

“Hey,” he greeted softly, setting the book aside. “Everything okay?”

Y/N’s heart twisted at the concern in his voice. She could see the love and trust in his eyes, and it made the weight of her decision even more crushing. “Cassian,” she said, her voice cold and controlled, devoid of the warmth that once came so easily. “We need to talk.”

Cassian’s expression shifted to one of concern as he stood and moved toward her. “What’s wrong?”

Her heart was pounding but she managed to keep her mask of indifference as y/n said, "I am leaving."

Cassian’s eyes searched hers, confusion beginning to show. "Wha- I don't understand. You're leaving? Why?"

Now came the hardest bit. Y/n opened her mouth and said the worst thing, the only thing she never wanted to tell him because it was all a lie.

Y/n’s gaze remained detached, her heart aching as she spoke the words she had dreaded. “Because I’ve realized that I no longer have any feelings for you. My priorities have changed, and it’s become clear that staying in this relationship isn’t right for either of us.”

The impact of her words was immediate and devastating. Cassian’s face fell, his shock and pain evident. “You’re saying you don’t love me anymore? That’s why you’re leaving?”

“Yes,” Y/N replied coldly. “I’ve been unfaithful. I’ve been involved with someone else, and it’s clear to me now that our relationship was built on illusions. It’s better for both of us if we end things now, before more harm is done.”

Cassian’s face was a mask of disbelief and hurt. “Unfaithful? And you didn’t even tell me? You’ve been lying to me this entire time?”

Y/N’s heart clenched at the pain in his voice, but she forced herself to maintain her composure. “I’m sorry. I’ve made my decision. I need to move on to a new place, start anew. This is the end of our relationship.”

Cassian's eyes were wide with disbelief as his hand threaded through his hair. "Are you serious? You truly cheated on me?!"

When y/n didn't reply, Cassian came towards her, his eyes full with unshed tears and devastation. "Please, my love, tell me this is a joke. Tell me it's not real."

Y/n forced her voice to stay cold as she said, "No, it's not a joke."

At that moment, she saw how Cassian's expression changed from one of pleading to one of anger and disbelief as his voice too, grew detached.

"I guess I was really the stupid one all this time. Stupid for falling for you even though you used me for your needs."

She forced a laugh and moved past him, pretending not to be affected even though her whole body was shaking. "Believe it or not Cas, you aren't the most wanted male in the world. It was nice to have you to distract myself for a little while but I don't need you anymore."

When she turned around, it pained her, crushed her, to see him regard her with such disgust, such anger. He was clearly holding his rage in, waiting for her to leave. But this was for the best.

His voice like cool ice echoed through the room as he said. "Get your things and get the hell out of here. Pray to the mother that I won't ever see you again because y/n believe me if I do, I won't be as nice as I am now."

And without giving her a chance to reply, he spread out his wings and flew out of the house, leaving her to cry her heart out as she packed her things.

By the time Cassian had come back, y/n was long gone, no trace of her remaining.

They were never meant for a happy end, just borrowed time anyway.

Atleast now he would be safe. Atleast now the mission wouldn't be under jeopardy. Atleast he hates her now, that is for his own good right?....right?

But what about her? How many more times will y/n have to make sacrifices for the greater good? When will she get to keep something to herself, at least once?

It seems like never.

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A/n: Thank you for reading this little thing I wrote!!

Are you planning on writing a part 2 to The Price of Protection because that was SO GOOD!!! It would be really cool if the faction is successfully put down so the reader can leave the operation and also somehow Cassian finds out that it was all to protect him, maybe like during the final fight or something he sees her and they can reunite😭😭😭

Aww Thank You!! 🤍 Idk tbh because I kinda planned it out as a one-shot with no happy end but if you guys really want it I may feed ya’ll an another part😗🤷‍♀️

Do you already know when part 17 is coming??? I'm so excited!

Because this next chapter will be the final one, it is quite long and I want to take my time and make sure you guys will enjoy it sooo it will probably be out on like Saturday or Sunday 😊

Soooooo what if Rhysands sister doesn’t actually die?

What if she is taken by the Asteri/Valgs and raised in their own realm where she is trained and manipulated for their own purposes because they know how powerful she is?

What if her powers are completely different from Rhysand’s?

What if they have completely erased her past memories and made her a cold soldier?

What if she later on was allowed to travel all the universes with them EXCEPT Prythian?

What if she was there during the events that happened in TOG and CC?

What if she played a key role in the Asteri/valgs maintaining their power?

What if after Bryce killed them, she is out for blood because she was loyal to the core to the Asteri/valgs?

What if she goes after the Crescent city gang?

What if Rhysand and the whole IC end up finding out about this? About her?

And most of all….what if her mate is Ruhn Danaan? (Imagine Lydia doesn’t exist in this timeline)

What if I end up writing about this?

Well, I absolutely did.

The first chapter of The Hidden Legacy will be out soon;)

hi! I really love your writing and I am really curious about the new chapter of the story with ruhn. when will we have a new chapter???? <3

Hi bestie! Thank you sm<3 It will come out soon!! I’m just on a vacation rn so the updates are a bit slow but they are coming😙✨