Azriel Spymaster - Tumblr Posts

Cruel Fates (Part 2)

Pairing: Azriel x f!Reader, little Eris x f!Reader

Summary: Azriel is your mate but only you know it. You are very aware that he has eyes for someone else and thus you decide not to hide it forever. After all, what could go wrong right?

Warnings: Angst (I don't think I can ever stop myself from writing angst.)

Based on this ask.

4.1K words

Part 1 | Part 3 | Part 4

You found yourself aimlessly wandering along the banks of Sidra after storming out on Rhys. The ambient noise enveloped you—the rhythmic splashes of the river against rocks, the bustling chatter of the market, birds chirping in the background. Everything felt mundane, yet strangely comforting. Ignoring your problems wasn’t a solution, as Rhys had pointed out, but it was undeniably easier than facing or even acknowledging them. Nevertheless, you had resigned yourself to the current state of affairs.

Using distraction as your shield, you returned home burdened with bags filled with new books, clothes, and other unnecessary items. As you entered the elegant two-story building you called home, a sense of familiarity and solace washed over you. This palace had become a sanctuary, a reflection of your own essence.

Closing the door behind you with a soft thud, you were greeted by the familiar scent of citrus and jasmine. Setting down the bags, you kicked off your shoes. The silence of the house stood in stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the market. Just as thoughts of Azriel slipped from your mind, your senses sharpened, recognizing the subtle hum of shadows.

"Ah, the shadow singer. Ever heard of knocking or privacy?" you quipped, though you didn’t need to turn to know it was him.

"I'm a spymaster; it's not in my nature," he replied with his customary soft smile.

Refusing to let your gaze linger on him for too long, you busied yourself by fetching a glass of water.

"How can I assist you, Azriel?" you inquired as you filled the glass in the kitchen beyond the hall where he stood. You still felt a distance from him, not quite comfortable enough to address him as Az like your sisters, Feyre or Elain, did.

"Can't I simply enjoy your company?" he teased, his voice gentle.

Turning away, you closed your eyes for a moment, mentally reminding yourself to compartmentalize. "He's just being polite," you repeated to yourself, trying to drown out the nagging voice in your head that reminded you of Elain's constant talk about him. "He treats Elain the same."

You scoffed, hoping it didn’t come across as too rude. "Yeah, sure. Now, what brings you here?"

"We're expecting Eris to arrive in a few hours, around sunset. Rhys wanted me to ask if you've changed your mind."

Ah, you had forgotten about the impending meeting with the prince. You sighed. "And Rhys couldn’t ask me himself because?" It was a rhetorical question, but Azriel seemed unaware.

"He mentioned that you two had a disagreement, and he wasn’t sure if you'd be open to talking."

"Of course, I'll talk to him. I’m not a child," you replied, your brows furrowing. "And yes, I still intend to attend that meeting."

Azriel nodded, his expression unreadable as always. "Good to know. In that case, he asked me to inform you that you’ll have to deal with this meeting on your own, there are some crises with an Illyrian camp that he had to attend to, and he is running late.”

“Oh,” A part of you was glad that Rhys let you handle this, “It’ll just be me then?”

The spymaster shook his head, “Of course not, I’ll accompany you.”

You nodded as you were unsure of the right response, “Is there anything else I should know before I meet Eris?”

Azriel paused and started slowly, “My shadows tell me he wishes to overthrow his father. But it’s difficult to know what’s the truth.”

“Ahh, that’s why Rhys put me on this.”  you realized as Azriel nodded in response.

You wondered why Rhys requested you accompany him to a meeting with Eris. The powers you got from the cauldron were unique. Your ability ranges from slowing a person's pulse to snatching the air from their lungs as long as the target must be in your line of sight. You can command human organs and regulate emotions by releasing certain chemicals in the body. This allows you to induce suffocation by removing air from someone's lungs, controlling blood flow, causing heart attacks, dictating heart rhythm, and slowing healing. Aside from being extremely valuable in a battle, you can also act as a living lie detector, by monitoring a person’s physiological response.

“Alright, I’ll be there, is there anything else?” 

Azriel looked like he was about to say something before he muttered a no.

“You know better than to lie to me, what is it?”

He signed before he finally asked, “I knew that you and Rhys got close in a short time but I didn’t realise you were close enough that he trusted you to handle a meeting alone. That too with Eris.”

“Honestly, I didn't know either.” you said, “Rhys and I connected so quickly that it felt like I had known him for years, he is the older brother I never had. I am glad that he trusts me to handle this.”

You noticed a strange emotion flash in his eyes for a quick second before he gave a soft smile “I am happy for him, I am glad he found a friend in you, y/n. Cassian and I may be his brothers but he still doesn't confide in us completely, he is too afraid to burden us. Feyre and you are good for him.”

You returned his smile, “We all need someone to lean on.” 

“Well, Is there anything you need assistance with before then?", he asked.

You shook your head, dismissing any further conversation. "No, I'll manage. Thank you, Azriel."

He lingered for a moment, as if debating whether to say something else, but ultimately turned to leave without another word.

As the door clicked shut behind him, you couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. It wasn’t directed at Azriel, but rather at yourself for the walls you had built, preventing anyone from getting too close. Yet, at the same time, you couldn’t bear the thought of letting those walls crumble, leaving you vulnerable to the possibility of rejection. Aside from that, even if he did feel the same way, how long will it last? That too with your newly immortal lifespan? You have witnessed true love fall apart in a short time in the human lands. How would it not end in anything but pain in the life of an immortal? If there was one thing you knew for sure, it was that to love, is to destroy. Not telling Azriel was the best option for yourself, you were not going to invite pain to your doorstep.

With a heavy heart, you retreated to your room. You knew that sooner or later, Azriel would find out but for now, you allowed yourself the temporary respite of distraction. 

Later that day, the anticipation of Eris's arrival hung heavy in the air as you prepared for the meeting. Despite your best efforts to focus on the task at hand, thoughts of Azriel and the unresolved tension between you lingered at the edges of your mind.

As the sun began its descent, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, a knock at the door signalled Eris's arrival. Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you made your way to the entrance, your heart pounding in your chest.

Opening the door, you were met with the sight of Eris standing tall and imposing, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. His eyes, a striking shade of amber, sparkled with mischief as he took in your appearance.

If you were to describe him, you'd call him the living embodiment of fire. 

He was the light to Azriel's dark, they were opposite in every way possible.

“Well, well, well, if it isn't the infamous Y/N," he drawled, his voice smooth like silk. "I must say, you're even more captivating in person."

You rolled your eyes at his flattery, though you couldn’t deny the flutter of excitement that his words stirred within you. "Save the charm, Eris. It won’t work on me."

He chuckled, stepping closer until there was barely any space between you, the air between felt charged, "You wound me, darling. I assure you, my intentions are nothing but genuine."

Before you could retort, Azriel appeared beside you, his presence like a sudden gust of wind that left you breathless. Though his expression remained neutral, you couldn’t shake the feeling of tension radiating from him.

You did miss how Azriel's heart rate was unusually increased, while Eris' remained stable calm and genuine, just like he mentioned before. 

“Eris," Azriel greeted with a nod, his voice devoid of warmth.

"Az," Eris replied, his smirk widening as he used Azriel's nickname. "Always a pleasure."

The air crackled with unspoken tension as the three of you made your way to the meeting room. Eris's gaze lingered on you, his eyes flickering with a mixture of curiosity and desire that sent a shiver down your spine as you all took your seats.

“Imagine how surprised I was when my high lord told me that you had requested a meeting with the night court.” you began holding the prince’s eyes.

“I had requested to meet Rhysand but I am not complaining. You are far better to look at.” Eris said with a smirk that never seemed to leave his face.

“I'll inform him that you were pleased by the arrangement.” you replied with an earnest smile.

Maybe this could be fun, you thought.

Maybe you found Eris fun.

As Eris seemed to give another flirty retort, Azriel spoke.

“Why are you here?

“Ugh! You are no fun Azriel. It’s not like you don't know already.”

You raise your brows at him, asking him to elaborate. 

Eris obliged, “I want to…” he  seemed to pause choosing his words carefully, “relieve my father from his duties and be the high lord of Autumn court.”

You couldn’t help but snort a laugh at his words, “‘relieve my father of his duties’? My, my, whatever happened to daddy's loyal boy?” 

You caught the slight upper tilt of Azriel's lips just as your powers detected the slight rise in the pulse of Eris before it slowed down again.

“Apparently he's not as loyal as you thought.”

“How can we trust you?”

“Who are you kidding, princess? I'd be a fool not to know about your interesting powers.”

“Fair enough, what does the night court have to do with this?”

“Help me, to get rid of my father, support my claim as the high lord.”

“Why would we do that? We’d then be replacing one monster for another.” you shot back.

If your words affected him, he showed no signs of it, physically at least, but the small spike in his cortisol levels and the drop in his pulse told you your words hit their mark.

Eris's smile tightened ever so slightly, but he maintained his composure, leaning back in his chair with an air of practised ease. "I can see why you might think that, but I assure you, I'm not my father. Unlike Beron, I see the value in alliances and mutual benefit."

Azriel crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. "Convincing words, Eris, but words are cheap. What do you have to offer in return for our support?" 

You couldn’t honestly remember when was the last time you had heard him speak this much, or if you had ever interacted with him for more than a few words.

Eris's gaze flickered to Azriel, then back to you. "Information. My father is planning something that could have catastrophic consequences for all of us. He's been working with a human queen—one who has a vested interest in starting a new war between our realms."

Your heart skipped a beat, a sense of dread settling over you. "Which queen?"

Eris's expression grew grave. "Queen Briallyn. She's amassed a formidable army and is working with my father to create a weapon that could tip the scales in her favour."

You exchanged a glance with Azriel, whose stoic expression betrayed a flicker of concern. "What kind of weapon?"

"One that can manipulate the very fabric of magic itself," Eris replied, his voice low and serious. "It could render even the most powerful High Lords and their courts defenceless."

Azriel's eyes darkened. "And you have proof of this?"

Eris reached into his coat and pulled out a small, intricately carved box. He placed it on the table and opened it to reveal a collection of documents and maps. "These are the plans and correspondences between my father and Queen Briallyn. Everything you need to verify my claims is right here."

You leaned forward, scrutinizing the documents. The meticulous detail and undeniable authenticity left little room for doubt. 

You sighed passing the letters to the shadowsinger. "Just when we thought Prythian had a moment of rest."

Eris met your gaze, his expression was earnest. "Our courts need to work together."

You considered his words, the weight of the decision pressing down on you. It was a risk, but the potential consequences of inaction were too dire to ignore. "Assuming we agree to help, how do you propose we go about it?"

Eris's smirk returned, though there was a determined glint in his eyes. "We can meet regularly and update eachother with what we know and proceed from there."

Azriel's gaze remained fixed on Eris, his expression unreadable. "And what guarantees do we have that you won't betray us once you have what you want?"

Eris leaned forward, his amber eyes burning with intensity. "You have my word and the knowledge that if I betray you, I'll be signing my own death warrant. Beron would kill me in a heartbeat. I need this alliance as much as you do."

You took a deep breath, weighing the risks and benefits. Finally, you nodded. "Alright, Eris. We'll discuss this with our high lord and get back to you. But know this—if you betray us, there will be nowhere in this world you can hide."

Eris inclined his head, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. "Understood. Now, I've always been curious about your powers," he began, his tone light but laced with genuine interest. "I've heard rumours, but I find that firsthand accounts are always more... enlightening."

You arched an eyebrow, meeting his gaze with a guarded expression. "Have you now, Eris? And I’m not in the habit of revealing my secrets to just anyone." Your powers were not publicized much, you and Rhys decided it was more advantageous to keep it quiet. But they weren’t a secret either.

Eris chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "Ah, but I'm not just anyone, am I? People talk about you being able to control the very essence of life itself. Now, that sounds rather impressive, don't you think?"

You chuckled softly, crossing your arms. "Rumours tend to exaggerate. I'm sure the truth is far less exciting."

Eris took a step closer, his gaze never leaving yours. "Is that so? From what I understand, you can manipulate the body on a molecular level. Imagine the possibilities... and the danger."

You shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Dangerous, perhaps, but only to those who give me a reason to use it."

His eyes gleamed with amusement. "Fair enough. But tell me, how does it work? Do you just think about it and—poof—someone's heart stops beating?"

You gave him a sly smile. "If I told you, I'd have to kill you. Or at least give you a nasty headache."

Eris laughed, a rich, warm sound that filled the room.

Eris's expression grew more serious, though his smile remained. "You know, Y/N, there's something else I've been thinking about.”

You looked at Azriel and joked, “Look at that! You have certainly been thinking a lot recently, haven’t you Eris? Looks like you’ve been having a lot of thoughts.” You were surprised that Azriel gave a small smile from the way he had tensed this entire meeting, waiting for a chance to pounce on the Autumn prince.

Eris widened his smile at your comment as he continued, “Here’s my proposal, this alliance between us... it could be more than just a political arrangement."

You tilted your head, intrigued despite yourself. "Oh? And what exactly are you suggesting, Eris?"

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I'm suggesting a union between our courts, a marriage of sorts. Think about it—together, we’d hold so much power." 

Azriel lost all his self-control as he whispered in a deadly calm tone, “You have gone insane.”

You laughed softly, shaking your head. Your powers silently rush to soothe Azriel before he does something reckless, "You certainly don't lack ambition, I'll give you that. But why on earth would I consider such an arrangement?" 

Eris's gaze softened, and for a moment, you caught a glimpse of something deeper in his eyes. "Because I believe we could be unstoppable together. You're powerful, intelligent, and, if I may be so bold, quite captivating. With your abilities and my resources, there's no limit to what we could achieve."

You felt a flicker of something—curiosity, perhaps, or maybe even the faintest hint of intrigue.

“Too bad you were already mated, if only he knew”, you thought to yourself.

A slow thought crept into your mind, “So what if you were mated? Nothing was going to come out of it anyway.” 

"Captivating, am I? You do know how to charm, Eris. But you'll have to do better than that to convince me."

Eris's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Consider it, Y/N. Imagine what we could accomplish together. The Autumn Court and the Night Court united as one. We could bring peace, prosperity, and a new era of cooperation to our people."

You studied him for a long moment, weighing his words. There was no denying the potential benefits of such a union, but there were also risks—trusting Eris was a gamble, and one you weren't sure you were ready to take. Thoughts of what he did to Mor screamed in your head.

“I didn’t forget your past with Morrigan, Eris. You still expect me to agree to this?”

His eyes narrowed at that, “Morrigan knows the truth of what happened that day. Ask her for the entire truth.”

Confusion bloomed inside you at his words but you did not have time to sort through lies now, Azriel was too agitated and you were left with an important choice to make.

"I'll think about it," you finally said, your tone careful. "But don't get your hopes up, Eris. I'm not so easily won over." you slipped a mask of playfulness again.

Eris chuckled, rising from his seat with a graceful fluidity. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Y/N. Just promise me you'll keep an open mind."

You nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "I'll keep an open mind. But remember, Eris—if you cross me, you'll regret it."

He inclined his head, his expression earnest. "I wouldn't dream of it. Until next time, Y/N."

With that, Eris turned and left the room, leaving you alone with your thoughts. The idea of a union with Eris was both tempting and daunting, and you couldn't help but wonder what the future held for the two of you—and for your courts.

The room settled into an uneasy silence. You could feel the tension radiating from Azriel beside you, a stark contrast to his usually calm demeanour. His jaw was clenched, and his shadows seemed to writhe and twist around him with a life of their own.

You turned to face him, concern etched into your features. "Azriel, what's wrong? If I hadn’t calmed you Mother knows what you’d have done to him!"

Azriel’s eyes, usually a cool and controlled shade of hazel, now burned with a fierce intensity. "What's wrong? Are you seriously considering his proposal, Y/N?"

You blinked, taken aback by the intensity of his reaction, you have never seen this side of him.

 "It's not as simple as that, Azriel. We have to consider all options if we want to ensure the safety of Prythian."

He took a step closer, his voice low and filled with barely suppressed anger. "Eris is playing a dangerous game. A union with him? You can't seriously think that's a good idea."

You met his gaze, your own frustration bubbling to the surface. "I'm not saying I'm going to marry him tomorrow, Azriel. But we can't dismiss his proposal outright. There’s the potential benefit—"

Azriel cut you off, his voice rising. "Potential benefit? He's manipulating you, Y/N! He wants power, and he’ll use you to get it. Do you really believe he has anyone's interests at heart other than his own?"

You felt a surge of defensiveness, your own anger flaring in response. "And what if he does? What if this alliance could actually bring about the change we need? We can’t afford to let personal grudges cloud our judgment. He meant everything he said today, not a single ill-intended thought!"

Azriel’s expression darkened, his shadows growing more agitated. "This isn't about personal grudges. This is about trust, about loyalty. Eris has proven time and time again that he can’t be trusted. And now he's proposing a union with you? He’s trying to bind you to him, Y/N. To control you."

You took a deep breath, trying to steady your emotions. "I know it’s risky, Azriel. But we need allies. We need every advantage we can get if we're going to take down Beron and stop this war."

Azriel’s fists clenched at his sides, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "And what about your own safety? What about the risk to you? I can't stand by and watch you put yourself in danger for a power-hungry prince who will betray you the first chance he gets."

Your heart ached at the raw concern in his voice, hope threatened to manifest in you but you shoved it aside and held your ground. "Why do you care, Azriel? I can take care of myself. I’m not making any decisions lightly. I just need to consider every option."

Your words cut through the air like a sharp blade, and for a moment, Azriel seemed taken aback by your response. His gaze softened, his expression filled with a mixture of frustration and hurt.

"Why do I care?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Because you are like Rhys’s little sister, you are one of us. Because I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you."

Though a part of you was glad he cared but you scoffed in disbelief, “Right. Because I am important to Rhys. Well, this decision is mine to make and I will discuss it with Rhys as it concerns his court. I’ll be sure to take what you feel into consideration. Thank you for your input, Azriel.”

His gaze hardened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. "Fine. If that's how you want it. But have you ever stopped to consider the possibility that you might have a mate, Y/N?"

The question hung in the air like a heavy weight, the implication sinking in with a sickening certainty. You felt your breath catch in your throat, the blood draining from your face as you struggled to comprehend his words.

"What if you have a mate out there, waiting for you?" Azriel continued, his voice soft but filled with an undercurrent of pain. "What then?"

You recoiled as if struck, the weight of his words crashing down on you like a tidal wave. The truth, the painful, unbearable truth, threatened to drown you in its depths. A dry, joyless laugh came out of you.

"I don't have a mate," you spat out, your voice trembling with rage. You lied without a second thought. The ease of it scared you. "And even if I did, it's none of your damn business, Azriel. Stay out of my life."

With that final, venomous retort, you turned on your heel and winnowed out of the room, leaving Azriel behind in a cloud of anguish and regret. 

As you fled down the empty corridors of the townhouse, your heart ached with a pain you couldn't name. 

You opened Rhys’s study door without a second thought and sighed in relief as you found Feyre and him.

Realization of what truly happened spread through you like a bolt of lightning hit you. Both of them were quickly at your side, worried and asking you questions. A single tear slipped as your voice broke,

 “Not telling him was one thing, but lying to him? Oh cauldron, what have I done?”

Next Part

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Cruel Fates (Part 3)

Pairing: Azriel x f!Reader, little Eris x f!Reader

Summary: Azriel is your mate but only you know it. You are very aware that he has eyes for someone else and thus you decide not to hide it forever. After all, what could go wrong right?

Warnings: Angst, again.

3.1K words

A/N: Thank you @vanserrasimp for your ideas!!!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4

“Do you want some more water?” Feyre asked softly, her brows knitted with concern. You shook your head slowly, your gaze lost in the shadows of Rhys’s study, overwhelmed by the storm of thoughts in your mind.

“What happened, Y/N?” Rhys’s voice was gentle, but his eyes were intense, probing. They sat across from you like worried parents, and you sighed, lifting your eyes to meet theirs. Slowly, you recounted the meeting with Eris.

“Beron and a human queen?” Feyre repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief.

“He spoke true. I saw their correspondences with my own eyes,” you replied, the memory still fresh and unsettling.

“So he wants to join forces with us so he can rule,” Rhys mused, the wheels already turning in his mind.

 “And he proposed a marriage alliance between us.” You finished his sentence.

Their eyes widened, and Rhys gestured for you to continue.

“He said our powers together would be formidable and the alliance would be very convenient. I told him I’d consider it.”

“Are you insane?” Feyre frowned, disbelief colouring her tone. “Why would you even think about it?”

“Because he had a point,” you answered, your voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “It would benefit both courts, and before you question his sincerity, let me assure you, he was.”

You turned to Rhys, searching for his reaction. He simply asked, “What did Azriel say?”

“That’s where things got messy,” you admitted, recounting Azriel’s outburst and Eris’s proposal. When Azriel brought up the mating bond, it made you snap.

Rhys’s brow furrowed as you spoke, a knowing look passing between you.

Feyre noticed his reaction and asked, “What am I missing?”

He shrugged in an ‘ask her’ manner.

“Azriel is my mate.”

“WHAT!?” Feyre’s eyes widened in shock.

“I’ve known for a few months. I didn’t want to tell him, considering everything with his love life.”

“And now she downright denied that she has a mate,” Rhys concluded, shaking his head slightly.

Feyre buried her head in her palms for a few moments before looking back at you with a mix of disbelief and sympathy. “You lied to him.”

“I didn’t plan to,” you said, frustration lacing your words. “I’m not sure what came over me.” Even as you tried to defend your actions, you knew you had messed up.

Rhys, who had been silent, suddenly perked up. “He knows!”

“Huh?” Blood drained from your face.

“He brought up the mating bond and was against even the idea of a marriage with Eris. He knows you're his mate.”

“He said he cares because I’m important to you, and he hates Eris on a normal day, let alone when he asked for my hand.”

“Fine, but how will you argue with him bringing up the bond point?” Rhys pressed.

“I don’t know. Maybe he assumed I’d have a mate too, considering the rest of my sisters do?”

Rhys thought about it for a while and shook his head. “I still feel like he’s aware of his mating bond, too. He probably didn’t tell you yet.”

You let out an exasperated sigh. “I have legitimate reasons for not telling him. What does he have?”

“And what are those reasons exactly?” Feyre inquired curiously.

“One, he is in love with Elain, and she is also in love with him. Everyone knows that. Second, the mating bond is forever. It is permanent and painful. I have seen people fall in love easily and fall out just as easily. If ‘love’ can’t get through a mortal lifespan, how can it withstand an immortal one? Accepting the mating bond will only lead to pain, one way or the other.”

Feyre’s eyes narrowed while Rhys’s were filled with pity. You knew your views on love were not popular. You weren’t a pessimist, just someone who saw the world as it was. You wanted to believe in love so badly, but your past had taught you better. Rejecting the mating bond was far less painful than getting rejected.

After a few beats of silence, Feyre spoke in a haunted whisper, “I truly am sorry for you, sister. Whatever pain you’re trying to avoid will come no matter what. But when it does, don’t blame the bond. Blame yourself.”

Azriel

To say Azriel was confused was an understatement. He had never really understood Y/N, not that he'd ever made much of an effort to, but now he desperately wished he had. He had always thought of her as smart and careful, but not reckless. A child would know Eris was bad news. What was she thinking when she said she’d consider his proposal? Azriel was not a male to lose his temper, but she made him go feral. Ever since Y/N winnowed out of that room, her words constantly echoed in his mind. She asked him why he cared, and he did not know. He simply did, right? And what did she mean by “I don’t have a mate”? Did she just assume she didn’t, or did her mate die? Why was Y/N so furious at him?

He needed answers, and he knew who had them: Rhys. Which is exactly why he stood in front of his high lord on the balcony of the River House.

“Ask her, Az,” was the only response he got from him.

“Uh, why didn’t I think of that? Maybe because she asked me to stay out of her life?” Azriel said in a dry tone.

Rhys sighed. “It’s not my story to tell, assuming there is a story.”

“There is.”

“Then ask Y/N.” Rhys shrugged. “Or don’t.”

The spymaster could not remember when was the last time he was this crazed out. He was well aware of how unreasonable his reaction to this whole show was, but he couldn’t help himself when he asked, “How could you let her marry Eris?”

Rhys gave him a pointed look, his eyebrows raised. “One, she hasn’t decided yet, and two, no one lets Y/N do anything, let alone me.”

Azriel shook his head, at himself for his poor wording and at Y/N for her poor decision-making.

“She’s new to all this. Maybe she doesn’t know how Eris is.”

“She says Eris spoke true, and I believe her. Even a mind reader can be fooled when you practice enough, but you can’t fool her powers. Nothing escapes her, Az.”

True, very, very, very true. Azriel knew it, and yet he couldn’t accept it.

It was when his brother asked, “Why are you so bothered by it?” that he realized he didn’t fucking know. 

Why was he bothered by it? Why did he care? Why?

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“I don’t.”

“Hmm.”

“What does that mean?” His eyes narrowed at his high lord.

“Nothing. Just speak with her? Maybe you’ll know.” Cauldron, he wished it was that easy. Y/N was a mystery to him, a stranger. It didn’t feel right to ask her. He wished he knew her well like Rhys and Cass do. The only thing he knew was that she was powerful and dangerous.

“She might kill me.”

Rhys laughed at that. “Then give her some time.”

A whisper of a shadow brushed his ear. But you also know she is loved, how your family cherishes her.

Y/N

You walked through the corridors of the River House, your mind a whirlwind of confusion after your conversation with Rhys and Feyre. Your decision to keep your bond with Azriel a secret weighed heavily on you, but the thought of facing him—and the inevitable pain it would bring—was even more daunting. And then there was Eris. He occupied your thoughts equally, but you welcomed it; he was a very pleasant distraction, but the thought of Azriel interfered there too. Why was he so against Eris? Was Rhys right? Did he know about the bond? As your head swarmed with even more questions, you decided you needed some quiet, some space, a moment to breathe and process everything, away from bonds, decisions, and the pressure of court politics.

As you turned a corner, you heard soft voices coming from the garden. Curiosity got the better of you, and you slowed your pace, your footsteps quiet on the stone floor like a wraith. Peering through the open archway, you saw Azriel and Elain standing amidst the blooming roses, their figures bathed in the golden glow of the afternoon sun. 

Wonderful, you thought to yourself, this is exactly what I needed right now.

You knew you had to get out of there; witnessing whatever was going on between them was a terrible idea, but you found your feet stubbornly rooted to the ground.

Azriel's back was to you, his wings slightly drooped as he spoke to Elain. You couldn't make out their words at first, but the tender expression on Elain's face and the way she gently touched his arm spoke volumes. A pang of something sharp and bitter twisted in your chest, a feeling you couldn't quite name or rather refused to, but you recognized it all the same.

Azriel looked at Elain like she was the sun, the light to his shadows, his eyes filled with an emotion that you deep down wished was directed at you, to feel the warmth and certainty of it. But another part of you recoiled, reminding yourself of the pain that love could bring, the scars it could leave behind.

Thanks to your fae ears, Elain's voice carried over the breeze, soft and melodic. "Azriel, you deserve to be happy. To find someone who truly sees you."

Azriel nodded, a faint, wistful smile touching his lips. "I thought...maybe I could be that person for you, Elain. Maybe we could be right for each other."

Your heart clenched at his admission. Leave, Y/N, leave, your brain urged, but you didn’t. Despite everything, it was clear that Azriel's heart leaned toward Elain, and he was still chasing the idea of love he believed they could have. Yet, as you watched, you noticed something in Elain's eyes—sympathy. She seemed to understand Azriel's confusion.

Elain gave him a gentle smile, her eyes kind yet firm. "Azriel, you've been a wonderful friend. But you need to be honest with yourself about what you truly want."

He nodded, though his expression remained troubled. "I just want to do what's right. I pined for Mor, but that was just a wishful dream, and then you came. All signs pointed to you. I just want to be with someone who fits."

Apparently, that was enough pain for your heart, so finally, you took a step back, your heart heavy with the realization of Azriel’s struggle to find where he belonged, to understand the love he craved. But the sight of him seeking comfort in Elain's presence confirmed your doubts. It was enough to solidify your resolve. He was searching for something in Elain that he yearned for, and it looked like he found it, and it hurt you more than you wanted to admit.

You had to protect yourself. You couldn't risk exposing the bond, not when Azriel's heart was clearly elsewhere. The risk of rejection, of enduring the inevitable heartbreak, was too great. It was certain; it was no longer just a possibility.

You retreated down the corridor, determination settling in your chest like a cold, hard stone. You would accept Eris's proposal. It was the logical choice—the safe choice. An alliance with Eris would protect your heart and the Night Court. And if it meant denying the bond you felt with Azriel, so be it. This was not the first time the bond was denied, and it wouldn’t be the last. At least this way, you would be spared the pain of seeing Azriel look at Elain with love that wasn't meant for you.

Your footsteps echoed in the quiet halls as you made your way to your chambers. Each step felt heavier than the last, burdened with the weight of your decision. You had a choice to finalize and preparations to make. The path ahead was clear. It was time you started to face destiny on your terms.

Reaching your chambers, you closed the door behind you, leaning against it for a moment. You took a deep breath, steeling yourself against the emotions threatening to overwhelm you. You had always been strong and always made the difficult choices. This was no different. You would marry Eris, forge the alliance that would protect Prythian, and bury the bond deep within yourself, where it could no longer hurt you.

As you stood there, alone in the dim light of your room, you allowed yourself one moment of vulnerability. A single tear slipped down your cheek, which you quickly wiped away as you squared your shoulders. Determined, you sat at your desk and reached for a parchment and quill.

Dear Prince Eris,

I hope this letter finds you well. After giving it a lot of thought, I’ve come to a decision about your proposal. Let’s discuss it further at the Midnight Solstice Ball in the Hewn City. It’ll be a good chance for us to talk privately and to discuss more about our deal. I’ll give you my answer then, but I think you’ll find it worth the wait. Until that time, I trust you’ll keep this between us.

Looking forward to seeing you,

Y/N

Azriel

The conversation with Rhys replayed in Azriel's mind as he made his way through the corridors of the River House, the sound of his footsteps a dull echo. Why are you so bothered by it? Rhys's question had struck a chord within him, and Azriel found himself restless and searching for answers he couldn't quite grasp. He needed clarity—needed to understand what was happening between him and Y/N.

As he reached the garden, he saw Elain among the blooming roses, her presence as serene as the morning sun. Azriel hesitated at the threshold, a familiar mix of comfort and uncertainty settling in his chest. Elain was his friend, someone he could confide in without fear of judgment, and yet a part of him wondered if she could help him understand Y/N's behaviour.

"Azriel?" Elain's voice was gentle as she turned to him, a welcoming smile on her lips. "What brings you here?"

He approached her slowly, the scent of roses mingling with the crisp morning air. "I needed someone to talk to," he admitted, his voice rough with the weight of unspoken thoughts. "I hope you don't mind."

"Of course not," she replied, gesturing for him to sit beside her on the garden bench. "What's on your mind?"

Azriel sat down, his wings folding neatly behind him as he stared at the vibrant flowers. He struggled to find the right words, unsure of how much to reveal. "It's about Y/N," he finally said, glancing at Elain to gauge her reaction.

Elain's expression softened with understanding. "I heard there's been some tension," she said. "Is everything alright between you two?"

He shook his head, frustration creeping into his voice. "I wish I knew. She... she makes it difficult to understand her. I thought I knew her, but now I'm not so sure." He paused for a moment, trying to organize his thoughts, “I...I don’t understand her,” his voice strained. “She told me she doesn’t have a mate, but that’s not true, i gathered that much from Rhys. And then there’s Eris. She’s considering marrying him, and I don’t know why it bothers me so much.”

Elain’s gaze softened, and she reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “Azriel, Y/N is a complicated person. She’s been through a lot. Maybe she’s scared.”

“Scared of what?” he asked, his frustration evident. “I just want to understand her, to know why she’s doing this.”

Elain sighed, looking thoughtful. “Sometimes, people lie about things because they think it’s the only way to protect themselves. Maybe she’s afraid of the bond, of what it means.”

Azriel clenched his fists, trying to suppress the anger and confusion roiling inside him. “But why would she lie to me? Why not just tell me the truth?”

Elain shook her head. “It’s not always that simple, Azriel. Bonds are...intense. They can be overwhelming. Maybe she’s trying to herself from getting hurt.”

“I feel like I’m missing something, like an important piece in a puzzle.”, he confessed.

Elain turned to him and offered one of those healing smiles, “Time will tell, Az. You shouldn't worry yourself too much.”

He nodded, right now he just needed to wait.

A few minutes passed as they both sat in silence, taking in the beautiful garden.

He turned to her, taking in her gentle presence. There was a time when he had believed she might be the one to fill the void in his heart, but now he questioned everything he had assumed. "Elain, I've been thinking," he began, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Elain gave him an encouraging smile, her eyes filled with understanding. "What is it, Azriel?"

“I have been searching for love for a very long time but I never felt like I deserved it.” He admitted to her. 

Elain’s eyes furrowed as she placed a comforting hand on his arm,  "Azriel, you deserve to be happy. To find someone who truly sees you."

Azriel nodded, and a sorrowful smile graced his lips. "I thought...maybe I could be that person for you, Elain. Maybe we could be right for each other."

Elain sighed softly as she spoke, "Azriel, you've been a wonderful friend. But you need to be honest with yourself about what you truly want."

He nodded, as he searched for words, "I just want to do what's right. I pined for Mor, but that was just a wishful dream, and then you came. All signs pointed to you. I just want to be with someone who fits."

Elain remained silent as she listened to him, “But I think I made you seem like something you are not, you are one of my closest confidantes but I thought or rather hoped we’d be more. I was desperate to have something that my brothers had, so much so that, I was sure you were my answer.” he paused, "I wanted to be the person for you, Elain. I thought that the cauldron was mistaken, but now I see that I've been chasing something that isn't meant to be." 

"But I've realized," Azriel continued, "that while we share something special, it's not the kind of love I thought I was looking for. We're better as friends, aren't we?"

Elain nodded, her smile warm and understanding. "I think so too. We have a bond, Azriel, but it's different from what you have with Y/N."

He let out a soft chuckle, the sound tinged with relief. "I suppose I've been chasing shadows, hoping to find the light in the wrong places."

Elain nodded, understanding in her eyes. "It's okay to want love, Azriel. But maybe you need to look beyond the obvious, beyond what's easy."

Next Part

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Let me know if you want to get added to the list or if I missed someone!

Azriel: Allow me to introduce myself.

Azriel: My name is Azriel.

Azriel: So if any of you have anything else you’d like to say to my high lady, I will drag you outside and we will handle this Night Court Style.

Feyre: Why are you always blaming Eris for everything?

Azriel: Well, somebody has to, or he’ll go through life thinking there’s nothing wrong with him.

Azriel: What the fuck? People actually tell their crushes they like them?

Nesta: What the hell do you do? 

Azriel: I die? What kinda question...

Eris: Come on, what would you do if you were me?

Azriel: Oh If I were you, I would’ve killed myself years ago.

Cassian: Can you keep a secret? 

Azriel: Do you know anything about my life? 

Cassian: No, I don't. Good point.

the routine (4)

heeeey guys. this is a short one but i wanted to share something with you, since it's been a while! it's getting harder to write, but i found some peace of mind today so i wanted to give you this. hope u like this! love u all and hopefully see u next time. i promise it's gonna get better, just give me some time :(.

summary: trying to settle into life after what happened has proven to be just as difficult for both you and Azriel… pairing: azriel x fem!reader words: 1.5k warnings: still just angst.

part 1: the cliff

part 2: the house

part 3: the court

There was something bittersweet hanging around your house since that argument with your parents. It had been a week since you had returned and, sadly, things didn't feel as good as they used to. You didn't expect you all to be exactly the same either, you and your parents had been through specific times that wouldn't allow them to ever be the same again, especially when they were so reluctant for you to return to the Night Court. Even you didn't know if you would be completely ready to do so in the near future.

One good thing was that, during those days, you had learned to manage your emotions to keep them from running strongly through the bond you shared with Azriel so as not to overwhelm him. Perhaps it was the only thing that had distracted you during that time from rethinking what had happened, even more than your parents' attempts at conversation.

There was also the matter of the shadows. You knew they were Azriel's, you thought they belonged to him, but some of them were constantly accompanying you, and they got scares out of your father from time to time.

Going back to your parents was supposed to bring you peace, but you felt calmer every time you looked at the tattoo running down your arm and the promise Azriel had made to you with crystallized eyes.

“I hear your thoughts all the way over here, you know?”

You lifted your head, blinking faster. The wind caressed your cheeks and moved your loose hair, for a moment forgetting where you were. Shadows gathered around your feet.

“I'm sorry, did you say something?”

Alya had a posture with her arms up, sending you a curious look. Your childhood friend barely needed to hear the tones in your voice to know when you were lying, but she seemed to want to let it go that time. The people around you didn't seem to know how to deal with the conversations when word got out that you were back, but Alya had a talent for knowing when to touch on topics and when not to.

“Several things,” her body moved toward the fruit baskets, taking the last basket in her arms and starting to walk in the opposite direction. “My brother got married.”

“Really?”

“And he has children.”

“Really?”

“Twins.”

You let out a laugh, remembering Alya's rebellious older brother. Your visits to her house were always accompanied by the constant whining and fighting between Trav and his parents because he didn't want to start a family in the near or distant future. He was so insistent about it, even though it was the only thing his parents wanted. According to Alya's accounts, it was impossible for him not to start imagining that future when he met his mate.

“What about you?”

“Ah, no, please, no. There is nothing interesting to tell about my life. I assure you that Mrs. Taylors had a more exciting life for the past few years than I have,” Alya and you arrived at her mother's fruit stand, where she dropped the last basket of goods you had helped her move all morning. You marched beside her, detailing the look of nonchalance she was trying so hard to maintain.

“It couldn't have just not happened. It was… too many years,” despite the boastfulness with which you wanted to carry the conversation, your voice reached to cut off finishing the sentence. Alya turned to look at you, her worried eyes analyzing your face before grabbing your wrist and walking away from the fruit stand.

“You know you don't have to pretend around me, right?”

Alya closed the door to her house behind her. Her family had gotten a very homey house right in the heart of the city's commerce and they kept their very well kept stall right in front of it. Every corner of the place felt like a home because of the great dedication and love her whole family put into it. Even when her brother was missing, it seemed that the house had not lost any strength or presence.

Maybe that's why you felt a wave of longing and nostalgia hit your body, leaving you more vulnerable than you had been the last few days.

“Living with my parents hasn't been so great,” you began, lowering your gaze with a frown. Alya had moved into the kitchen and you had happily settled down on the counter right in front of the stove. Your hands in front of you on the white ceramic were moving nervously, interlocking and clattering your nails on the hard material. “After so long I thought that… I thought that nothing would change when I came back. I thought we'd be even closer together than before, I even thought we'd sleep together. I spent so many nights… alone and so cold. I couldn't bear the thought of going back and having to go through that kind of torturous loneliness again.”

Alya moved in front of you, setting aside the tea brewing to clasp her hands in yours, still twitching in nervousness and anxiety. Her expression was no longer one of dread as she noticed shadows moving around you.

“Is it because of him?”

You nodded, and acknowledging it once again was no less painful.

“It's illogical, I think,” Alya rested her arms on the ceramic, frowning slightly. The warmth of her hands, even though it wasn't a bit chilly in her house, brought you just enough coziness to try to soothe your heart. It reminded you of that moment at the border of Court Day next to Azriel. “After so long without seeing you, why not take advantage of the indefinite time you'll be with them? They stress too much about something that could happen in two decades, even.”

“I've tried to tell them, but I don't think they'll be happy until I tell them I'm not coming back.”

“What about him?” Alya cocked her head to one side, and at your confused look added, “He wouldn't be willing to come?”

“What? No. I couldn't even suggest it to him,” you shook your head as soon as the words left her mouth.

“Why not?”

“His whole life is in that court, Alya. Asking him to give it all up for me just because I wouldn't be willing to do it for him, wouldn't that be too selfish?”

“You must keep in mind that you've been through special circumstances. If he really feels a quarter of the bond love, then he won't mind giving up everything for you.”

“I don't want to talk about this anymore. The tea is going to dry up.”

Alya shifted letting out a gasp of surprise.

“Fine. But you have to keep in mind that it's not just about you now. You're not alone anymore. You don't have to make decisions for him or stop making them because it's not just your feelings you have to be careful with.”

-

Azriel still didn't understand how Mor had convinced Tarquin and Rhysand to meet for that reunion on the day you finally returned home, but he was immensely grateful that she had been able to negotiate the terms down to the last instance. The same thing he would've done.

“Are you ever going to see him again?”

“Not as long as I live.”

The aforesaid appeared at the training camp when Azriel was taking some time away from the crowd of people living in the Town House. He would never have believed that he would rather strain his body until he passed out just so he wouldn't have to meet Rhysand's or Cassian's face at every corner. The blood in his veins burned as if it had poison in it, one step away from starting to spit in their directions as if they were the only ones to blame for everything that had happened.

As if he needed to find a culprit for your departure.

But there was no one to blame. It had been your decision. And every day since then Azriel's sentence became significantly larger and more tedious to carry. The worst part was not even knowing when that ordeal would end. Living with that bitterness in his heart and that emptiness in his soul, he didn't believe there could ever be peace in his relationship with his brothers. No one in the house overlooked that.

"She's fine," Mor changed the subject abruptly, knowing exactly how to appease the flame of his anger.

Azriel nearly melted with his forehead against the punching bag. His shoulders slumped in momentary relaxation, the only relaxation he'd allowed himself to have since you'd left.

“You saw her?”

“Yes, she was spending time with her friends. She was smiling. Laughing. She looked happy.”

Azriel had to fight the whine that wanted to escape his lips. He shook his head in assent, trying to keep the emotions at bay, sending a silent thank you through the masses of air. He felt his heart squeezed inside his chest. Every day was a constant uncertainty because he couldn't even feel her anymore…

Mor had to travel weekly to Summer because one of the terms of their agreement with Tarquin required it and for the last three weeks all Azriel had been waiting for was news about you, to know that you were well, that you looked well, that you were really happy there, at home… away from him.

“You know that doesn't imply that she wants to forget you, right?”

The mere implication made his head fall back on the sack. Azriel tried to nod, feeling the words and his own emotions choking him. His body would become an inert object at some point, that much he knew, because he couldn't spend too long living like this. He couldn't even imagine it, if he was just beginning the period that could last for years, even centuries for all he knew.

“I know…” his voice came out choked, almost mistaken for a sigh. “I know.”

He repeated again to himself.

Azriel dreaded knowing how things were going to be from now on.

-

taglist: @isa1b2h3 @naturakaashi @anuttellaa @tele86 @amysangel @fxckmiup @inloveallthetime @fightmedraco @railingsofsorrow @fandomarchiveilyd

tis the damn season

a season of sadness wanted to come to an end. 'tis the damn season and you thought maybe you could go home and live with your mate the way it was meant to be…

pairing: azriel x f!reader

wc: +3.5k

warnings: pure angst, cuss words and slight (or light? soft?) unprotected (wrap it up) smut. no happy ending, sorry

note: hi guys! :)- i wrote and published this one some time ago, but i deleted it because it was poorly received and that disappointed me a bit. but now that i was able to read it again, i feel it's a good job and that should be enough for me. i hope you guys like it :). see u next time!

Azriel was your mate. You had known for a couple of months. He knew it long before that, too. The bond snapped first for him, but he never tried to get close to you. You didn't know if it was out of fear or if he never agreed with what was chosen for the two of you by the Cauldron. 

Likewise, you never had time to ask. The battle against the King of Hybern almost cost you your life. You didn't know what things had been done outside of your consciousness to keep you alive, you didn't know what boundaries Rhysand had crossed to bring you back to life, and you never wanted to ask either. You never asked anything, living in that ignorance gave you a sense of peace you didn't want to get rid of. 

But things were never the same after that. From the day you woke up, everything felt different. During that time, you didn't allow yourself much time to delve into what the recent bond between you and Azriel meant, and he always agreed to give you your time. 

However, one day, out of nowhere, it all became too overwhelming. And you decided to run away.

You never said anything to anyone, and you closed the door so Azriel couldn't feel you. You knew it must've been painful for everyone, especially your mate, but being with all of them after everything that had happened was unbearable. You lived under a constant reminder of suffering, violence and blood. You couldn't stop seeing your hands full of blood every time you closed your eyes, guilty for the lives they had taken as if you had had any right to do so, but having to know daily that it was all justified. Velaris and the permanence of the rest of Prythian justified it.

So, you went far away, to the other side of the world, to the east. To the Continent. 

And life was not easy at all. You knew Azriel wasn't having a good time. After a while, the wall you both had built around the bond was beginning to crack and his emotions were seeping through those tiny cracks. You could sometimes feel his sadness, his pain… his anger. After a couple of minutes of heartbreaking grief, the pangs of anger would appear. You could tell what he was going through and, selflessly, you tried to think that your decision was for the best. 

Rhysand wrote to you almost daily. Paper with his handwriting constantly appeared around you and, although you never answered him, he always made it a point to let you know everything that was going on in Velaris. 

The first few days were the hardest. 

There was a heavy snowfall on the Continent when you arrived, something that had never been more than a welcome, tearing at your skin. The cold was so deadly and the gales so lethal that you couldn't leave the apartment you were renting for a whole week. Apparently, at that time, that was normal. The cold that fogged up the windows, that froze your limbs, and that made all signs of life disappear. 

Where are you? Azriel is very worried

Please, answer me 

Y/N 

WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU???? 

Cassian and Azriel are flying over Velaris. Can you just tell me, please? 

Y/N, we are very worried. Please.

Please.

You had a lot of tugging on your bond from Azriel. You could feel his desperation even through the walls of silence. Those were difficult days. The cold days were not comforting at all. 

However, as the months passed, with the cultural difference and the harshness of reality outside of the family you had known for as long as you had memories, so many hundreds of years ago, you gave in to Rhysand's wishes to return to Velaris on the night of the Starfall.

And that night… well, you hadn't told anyone you were going. 

But as you expected, Azriel was the first to know you were there. 

You heard the flutter of his wings before you saw him, towering in the moonlight against the dim lighting in the city in anticipation of the biggest celebration of the year. He stumbled as he fell, being one of the few times you had seen him unable to control his strength, staggering with his feet and hands to get to a safe distance from you. His breathing was rapid, almost erratic and his eyes were bright, crystallized. The stirring movement in your chest brought tears to your eyes. 

Azriel was there in front of you from the moment he had the slight feeling, because he knew the bond wasn't wrong. And his gaze reflected everything. Everything he wanted to say and everything he preferred to keep silent. You had never felt so strongly the need to be close to him; you hadn't even accepted the bond, but you felt as if you had just done it. His eyes roamed the features of your face, his expression contracting as if he was slowly processing that you were really there in front of him. 

You saw him raise one of his hands, the hands that had so often held you in the darkness and through the sadness. If you focused really well, you could almost notice how his body trembled at the closeness, with anticipation, just as your body shuddered at his presence. 

The effects of the bond were powerful. But that hadn't been what made you fall in love with him. 

Azriel took a tentative step forward, reaching out his hands as if in a trance, seeking to touch you to make sure it was really you in front of him and not some kind of hallucination. Your voice stopped him on his feet. 

“Hello, Azriel,” you could barely speak, that suffocating feeling of being close tightening your throat. His eyes moved quickly back to yours and watered once more, his breathing quickening again. You didn't know what you had awakened in him just by speaking to him once more after so long without seeing him, but it must've been the same thing that ignited in your body when he spoke. 

“Y/N,” he elongated your name, like a plea or a prayer, you weren't sure. Electricity coursed through your body in a matter of seconds and you felt your feet move before you could stop them. The emotion rising in your chest matched your mate's expression, nostalgic because it had been so many months since you had last been so close and yet more pained and suffering because you had been the reason all that pain now surrounded you both. 

You stopped just inches away from him, your hands itching with the need to touch him, to feel him close, to once again have that warmth that would warm and thaw your soul. His huge, beautiful wings were taut behind him, being that all his attention was focused on your every move. You saw him hold his breath as you approached, struggling hard to hold back the tears that welled up in his eyes. 

“Are you okay?” you whispered the question, the air stealing your confidence, perhaps feeling a little silly and embarrassed about it. Suddenly, you felt too small under his gaze. 

“Okay?” the change in his voice was hardly imperceptible, sending shivers throughout your body, the panic of fear making its way into your chest, the bond tightening as if both ends were being pulled at the same time. “You left for a year without telling anyone. We went months without knowing if you were okay. I couldn't… I couldn't… feel you.” 

His voice became shaky, each word brimming with a tinge of suppressed anger. 

“Do you think I'm anything close to okay?” 

Yes, it was a stupid question. The knot in your chest grew rapidly, the back of your throat burning with pent-up tears. 

“I can't even enjoy the relief of seeing you now because… I'm so angry.” 

“I know…” you barely mumbled, lowering your head. How could you look him in the eye? Why did you think you had the right to go back as if nothing had happened? It was clear that things weren't going to be like they were before. You weren't sure about the others, but it seemed you had taken some of Azriel with you by disappearing like that. Proud you weren't of your actions, but you didn't know how to explain to his shattered features and cheeks wet with tears that, at that moment, you believed it was the right thing to do. 

The tears in his eyes prompted your own and you sobbed unable to contain the feeling. You tried to regain your composure, because you had no right to show such sadness when you had created it all. But Azriel was faster and you didn't even manage to put your hands under your eyes when his arms wrapped around your shoulders tightly. His wings also surrounded you and, although you had hardly noticed it because of the darkness, you felt his shadows dance around your feet. 

The warmth of his body was automatically welcome. How many times had you imagined that scene in your cold bed on the Continent, all alone and devastated from time to time, with memories invading your mind. Not many times did you regret your decision, except when you thought of Azriel. 

He sobbed too, his hands tightening on your arms, as if he was afraid to let you go again. He probably was. 

“I don't understand what made you think you'd be better off away from us… away from me, but I'm sorry.” 

His words surprised you, but a flood of feelings greeted you from the other end of the bond as Azriel let go and you couldn't think too hard. Crying swirled in the back of your throat. The level of pain and sadness that your mate was handling and had hidden from you for so long was so uncontainable that you almost doubled over, leaning over Azriel's body as you felt it rushing through you. 

“I thought you needed space. I know what happened with Hybern was too much for you and I didn't want to overwhelm you. But if I had known that decision would've made you decide you'd be better off away from me…” Azriel gulped, his voice full of feeling breaking off between words. “If I had known I promise you it would've been different.” 

You couldn't believe Azriel was telling you that. And the feelings coming from his end through the bond confirmed it to you. Azriel felt guilty about your departure. From moment one, when the panic and fear dissipated, Azriel never stopped feeling that it had been his responsibility that you decided to leave. And he couldn't have been more wrong. You loved him, had loved him long before the bond appeared, but the things that happened after Hybern, that affected you, had nothing to do with him. 

“Azriel…” 

“I'm supposed to be your mate. I'm supposed to support you, help you when you're down. I don't understand how I could fail at that. I'm sorry,” his voice was muffled as he spoke with his face hidden in your neck. At no time did he let go of you and his wings kept you warm. At that moment, that was home. 

“I promise it's not your fault,” you managed to speak, your face pressed against his chest. 

“I was supposed to be with you, accompanying you, but I-” 

“Azriel, you didn't do anything wrong,” you fought against his tight grip so you could look him in the eyes and the tears running down his cheeks broke your heart once again. 

“Then why did you leave?” 

You didn't have an answer for that and Azriel realized it when your lips pursed. He sighed, as best he could, and drew you back into his arms. Maybe he didn't need an answer at that moment, just having you by his side was more than enough. 

With the others it wasn't much easier. 

Rhysand and Feyre almost wept at your feet. Cassian, on the other hand, didn't hide it and deliberately filled your shoulder with tears and saliva. Mor lifted you into the air and almost didn't let you escape when Azriel started begging her to let you go already. Everyone cried. Possibly even Feyre's sisters shed a tear or two. 

You felt calm for a while. Complete, as if you were back in that house, in that home, before Amarantha and Hybern destroyed everything for you. 

But things couldn't be perfect. After the Starfall, you began to feel that anxiety again. Azriel could only tell by your body language, because you still kept your end of the bond completely closed to him and he couldn't feel the swirl of emotions coursing through your body. You had barely had time to get used to the familiarity of the situation when all the memories came flooding back. Perhaps you had blocked them out during your absence living on the Continent, you weren't sure, but the cries of war began to haunt you from the back of your mind. 

Azriel's shadows were also restless and that was another way he could tell something was going on. He was almost glued to your side all night, watching you out of the corner of his eye when you stepped away to talk to some friends. He never let you out of his sight. You knew where this behavior was coming from, but it never occurred to you to comment on it at any time. 

So, by that time, Azriel knew what was going on and you were sure you couldn't escape him. When he approached you and extended his hand in silent invitation, with the sound of conversations and drinks in the back of your head, you almost didn't hesitate to take it. His darkness enveloped you and, within seconds, you appeared in your room at the Town House. The party was now an imperceptible murmur. 

“Would you like to rest?” Azriel spoke, after spending several seconds standing facing each other. One of his hands ran over your face barely perfunctorily, but the warm sensation ignited too many things in your body. He arranged the strands of your hair that hid your face behind your ears with delicate, almost invisible movements. 

You only moved your head in response, up and down, under his watchful gaze. 

He almost crawled away, moving to your old bed that didn't have the same sheets as when you left. In fact, when you took a quick glance around the room, it looked too neat considering the amount of time that, presumably, no one used it. 

You shrunk at the thought of Azriel coming in regularly to clean it. 

With crystallized eyes you watched him move the comforter to make way for the clean white sheets waiting to be used once again after so long. 

Azriel turned to look at you, expectant. You didn't know if he was waiting for you to move to lie down or to ask him to leave so you could change into comfortable pajamas, but you did neither. Not when the emotions in your chest moved you, when they were more uncontainable now that you shared your mate's. Not when he opened up to you in such a vulnerable way, when he let you know that which for so long he kept to himself. Not when he gave you to understand that he was always waiting for you, even though it hurt him terribly that you had decided to spend all that time alone. 

So, for some reason, whether it was feelings or rationality, you approached him. You let yourself be carried away by nostalgia, by the silent desires of your heart, and you approached your mate with long strides. 

His expression went from neutral to confused as you got closer and you only remembered seeing it turn to surprise when you cradled his face in your hands and kissed him. 

It was rough and awkward at first, because your mate was completely transfixed for a few seconds. Maybe out of anxiety you counted ten. But, whether he was born from the same place as you or not, Azriel melted under your touch and as soon as he came to his senses he was kissing you back. It was just the kiss of an unaccepted bond, of a separated couple who held too many melancholy memories in their chests to bear on their own. 

Azriel wrapped his strong arms around your waist and bent his head to kiss you more deeply. You could feel the desperation and desire hovering tentatively in his demeanor, but he held back to give you a sweet, soft kiss; a kiss that said welcome, a kiss that urged you to stay by your side and never be separated from him again, a kiss that made you wonder why you had left in the first place. 

The softness of his movements were a direct contrast to your own. You cradled his face tightly, moving your lips over his as if second nature. Then you circled his neck, pressing him against you as if somehow you could hold him that much closer. You wanted him closer. 

But Azriel broke away, breathing in and out between gasps, and looked up at you with dark, glowing eyes. 

“Do you want this?” 

His hands on your skin burned. 

“Yes,” you answered quickly and tried to move closer again to kiss him, but he broke away again. 

“And are you going to stay after this?” 

Your eyes met his worried expression, thinly disguised. Ever since he'd opened his end of the bond for you, shedding any obstacle on his part that wouldn't allow him to feel you, everything you'd seen from him had been genuine. So you knew that concern was genuine and the mere conception generated pain in your heart. 

“I will stay,” you assured him, forcing your lips into a tight smile. 

Azriel studied your face trying to convince himself of your words, for he was an expert at knowing your body language, and you had no idea what he saw that convinced him and led him to pounce on your mouth once more. 

When the lightness settled into the bond, you were thankful you had never lowered your wall. Guilt suffocated you. 

But you kissed him back and followed your heart's desires, if only for one night. 

Azriel moved his hands along every curve of your body before removing your dress. If you hadn't stopped his movements, he would've surely ripped it off. His eyes followed every part his hands had explored and then his lips were on every inch of skin. Against the soft mattress and with your wrists held by his hands, you could only sigh and moan slightly at the way he explored your body. And yes, Azriel took his time. 

Before long there wasn't a single cloth separating the two of you and your mate simply couldn't keep his hands and lips still. Not that he wanted to, either. You moved your hands along his back, trying to avoid his wings, and moving your lips down his neck when he would let you because it seemed like all he wanted to do was eat you up with kisses. 

It wasn't long before he had you panting against him, with the sound of bodies colliding being the only thing your head could process at that moment. The tingling that coursed through your body was like no other you had ever felt; the wonders Azriel was doing with your body were unparalleled. He was panting too and every time he met your eyes it seemed to you that they were darker than the last time, but he never stopped holding you at any moment, never stopped hugging you as if his whole life depended on it. Maybe it did. 

The feel of his body against yours was indescribable, the movement and rhythm almost unbearable. You had never felt pleasure even remotely close to what he was making you feel at that moment. 

“Azriel…” you moaned his name, gripping his shoulders tightly, burying your nails as if it were your only stability. 

He cursed between gasps, increasing the pace and the force with which he held your waist. 

You were never going to get to touch the sky like you did that night, that much was clear. Even though your head was split in two, you looked into his eyes as you went through the most shattering, sweeping orgasm you'd ever had, reveling in the sounds that came from his mouth as he followed you to paradise. 

You thought it was going to be hard afterwards, but you fell asleep almost instantly. 

When you opened your eyes again, your mate's arms and legs were wrapped around your body and one of his wings was covering your nakedness and keeping you warm. You were facing him, chest to chest, and just looking at his peaceful sleeping face made you want to cry. Life was here, next to him, why couldn't you accept that? 

Getting out of bed without waking him up was quite a battle. Not as much as it was to sit at the foot of the bed, watching him rest, completely unaware of what would await him when he woke up. This time you were being selfish, you knew it, it was too cruel. But in your head there was nothing but disaster, pain disguised as stability. You couldn't have a good life with Azriel now and you didn't know if you could bear to see him to tell him after you promised to stay. You shouldn't have told him that, but how could you tell him otherwise? Maybe if he woke up at that moment you would stay… maybe that's why you sat there for so long. 

But finally you left, just like last time, in the middle of the silence, with his shadows following your feet and trying to keep you company. You felt a deja-vu as you stood in front of the door, thinking about how on both occasions you were thinking about what would happen if someone showed up to stop you. 

It didn't, in either case, and you knew the next day the exact moment when Azriel realized you had done it once again. He didn't try to hide his pain, he didn't have to, you deserved to know how you had made him feel. 

On the ship, on the way to the Continent, you fell to your knees as his pain stole your breath. 

azriel masterlist

angst (a) fluff (f) smut (s) masterpost

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ one-shots

tis the damn season (a)

a season of sadness wanted to come to an end. 'tis the damn season and you thought maybe you could go home and live with your mate the way it was meant to be…

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ series

the cliff, 2, 3, 4 (a) (f) ongoing

you never thought that the road to your mate could bring so much suffering…

more to come...

maybe they'll just jump at each other at the same time

So does Gwyn kiss Azriel first or will Azriel kiss Gwyn first?

I just finished CC and I don't know what to do with my life

Azriel: *wakes up the next day to find the hallway full of eggs*

Cassian: *cooking Nesta breakfast*

Cassian: Hey Nes, how do you like your eggs?

Nesta:

Nesta: 😏

Nesta: Fertilised

Cassian: *drops the pan and forgets about breakfast*

Why can't this happen in real life

To The Readers Who Look Up At The Stars... and Wish.

Azriel X Reader

Content Warning: unedited.

Summary: Azriel can't tear himself from the stars.

A/N: I will add the taglist when I get to a computer! Enjoy!

Dividers by @tsunami-of-tears

Nesta searched for her friend. She knew that he and Cassian had returned from a tough mission as her mate had returned bruised and exhaustion dominated over his features. He desired to bathe and go straight to bed, barely able to bend and place a tender, loving kiss to her lips. And it took a lot to exhaust the General in such a way, and she knew she needed to check in with the shadowsinger.

The Valkyrie approached Azriel's door and knocked. Her frown deepened as her knocks went ignored. She tested the door, know, the cold biting into her skin as she twisted and shocked to find the door bent to her will and opened.

As the eldest Archeron walked into his room, she took a moment to take in his room. He kept it clean and organized with minimal decor, and yet the room felt cozy, and Nesta could even see the painting of him and his brothers at the top of Ramiel and smiled her hand grazing lightly over the crimson hue of her mates Siphons. A cool sensation threaded through Nesta's fingers tugging her, and she smiled, looking down to find a shadow swirling around her hand. "Hello, where is he?" The shadow tugged once more, and she followed as it led her to his balcony.

Azriel was leaning against the balcony rail, his wings tucked tightly, and his shadows pooled at his feet relaxed. Though his back was to her, Nesta could tell that he was looking up at the night sky, the stars and the moon illuminating the balcony. Nesta walked up and leaned next to him.

They stood in a comfortable silence for a few moments before Azriel, to the Valkyrie's surprise, spoke, a smile tugging at his lips, "My beloved will return to me, tonight."

Nesta's head snapped toward the shadowsinger, "Beloved?"

Azriel nodded, "Yes. Each star is a reader of our story, Nes." He pointed to a large bright star, Nesta's gaze follows, "That one emerges often, and it's as if my body just pulls me to it when it appears. I know this reader is special, a beautiful creature that deserves to be cherished."

Nesta faced her friend once more, "How can you be sure?"

Azriel smiled, "I just do. Nes." As he rubbed his chest, his siphons glowing atop his scarred hand.

Nesta bit her lip for a brief moment, "I wonder if I'm the villain in this story."

"Quite the opposite." Cassian's voice called out from the balcony door. Nesta swirled around to find the General with the tired grin. "You are quite beloved. You've helped many heal, My Love." He held out his hand, and Nesta grabbed his, "My beautiful, loving Mate." Cassian kissed her temple. "Let's go to bed."

Nesta nodded but not before turning back to Azriel. To find her smiling at her. "I'm alright, I promise. We'll go have breakfast at the bakery you like tomorrow." Nesta nodded her head as Cassian led her out of the shadowsinger's room.

Azriel's head looked back up at the Stars, "Oh beloved, how I yearn to touch you." He lifted his hand as though he could caress the star. His thumb tried desperately to caress it as though it were your cheek. "My beautiful Reader. Sweet Dreams. I'll see you soon." Lowering his hand, he walked toward his bed, but not before looking up at his star once more. Wishing that one day his path would find its way to you.

Softly, you shut the book and lean your head against nothing. Wishing scarred calloused hands were cupping your face so tenderly. That wings spanning so wide they would touch both walls of your room would hover over you in a wave of protectiveness. Sadness hollowed you out, as that would never come to be. Azriel, the spymaster of the Night Court, was fictional, and as you got ready for bed, your mind wandered to what night time routine would look like the Illyrian. Even though he was fictional, you could still daydream about what life with him would look like!

As you crawled into your bed, you shut off your light and let the light from the moon illuminate your room. Looking at a particular bright star, your eyes began to grow heavy. You barely registered the shadows swirling over your copy of the popular book that the shadow singer makes his first appearance in as unconsciousness consumed you.

You awoke in a bed that was fairly familiar to you, and when you tried to move a muscled arm that was around, your waist stiffened, keeping you in place. Your head turned, and your pulse quickened as soft hazel eyes met yours. A smile tugged at his lips, and your eyes drifted to his bare chest tattoos kissing his skin. You jolted slightly as his shadows snaked up your leg. Azriel chuckled, and you met his gaze oncemore. "Hi." You whispered.

Azriel's scarred hand cupped your cheek, his smile never faltering. "Welcome home, my sweet Reader." He pressed his lips to yours, and you couldn't help but smile. Home. He felt like home.

If this was a dream you prayed, no one would dare wake you up.

~Fin

General tag: @milswrites @lady-of-tearshed @tsunami-of-tears @readychilledwine @ceoofyearning

@velariscalling @daycourtofficial @prythianpages @writingcroissant @itsswritten

@illyrianbitch @acotarxreader @pit-and-the-pen @nocasdatsgay @labyrinth-of-stories-and-stars

@thelov3lybookworm @ninthcircleofprythian @lilah-asteria @kingdomofstarrynights @hellodarling1357

@kylaisra @nickishadow139 @aelincaddel @nighttimemoonlover @demirunner

@marvelbros-oneshots

*sighs* I had to:

THE CAULDRON AND THE SHADOW SINGER:

Azriel: but what if the cauldron was wrong?

The Cauldron: what the- Do I have to explain mating bonds to every mated pair in Pyrinthia? Why am I always getting blamed? Blame the Mother!

Azriel: "the third one"

The Cauldron: The third-? You know what? Screw this. You want to blame me for the mother not giving you someone else's mate? Great, go for it. But you know what? Boom, your shadows won't say anything.

Azriel: "his shadows had not warned him"

The Cauldron: how's that? And now, BOOM, she's smiling at your shadows.

Azriel: it was directed at his shadows

The Cauldron: Huh? How's that? And here you go, BOOM, she's kicking you out

Azriel: "are you kicking me out?"

The Cauldron: He's staying, why is he staying?

Azriel: "I can't sleep without my favorite dagger"

The Cauldron: no, wait. You were supposed to leave-

Azriel: "his shadows darted 0ut to dance with it"

The Cauldron: Why is it doing that? I didn't do that

Azriel: "rotate your wrist"

The Cauldron: They're joking with each other. What is happening right now?

Azriel: "something restless settling in him"

The Cauldron: I need an EXPLANATION!

Azriel: "charming irreverence gone"

The Cauldron: Charming irreverence?

Azriel: "Buried the image down deep, where it glowed quietly-"

The Cauldron: I know this glow. How do I know this glow?

Azriel: "A thing of secret, lovely beauty."

The Cauldron: Wait a second, I know this...MOTHER!

The Mother: YOU TOLD ME TO MAKE MATES GET TOGETHER IF I WAS BORED!

Azriel questioning the Cauldron and then having a spark in his chest for Gwyn wasn’t a coincidence

should I try to break chat AI for Azriel?

I already broke Jungkook. So I think I can do it.

To gain your trust...

SUMMARY: Going to the house of the wind to heal an injured fae is more strange than expected. *Warnings: Stalker!Azriel, OFC with name (I need my character to have a name, but you are free to use another one!), Healer!FC, Rhysand and Cassian are annoying; FC is confused and mentions a slight fake injury. That's it I think, but let me know if I missed something. A/N: Just a little fic I had on my mind. Let me know how I do because this is my first time writing something so long. Enjoy!

🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄

In the dawn court, everything was made of gold.

During dawn, the streets sparked and created a shine that would never be found anywhere else; the skin of the fae sparked just as gold did, as if they had glitter spread over their cheeks. The streets were filled with music that couldn't be found anywhere else, and there was so much wonder in the sky when the sun was setting. The sight was so beautiful it made her want to cry.

That's what Iris missed the most about home,

Well, that and not having to climb all these stupid stairs.

Usually, Madja was the one who came to the house of wind when a healer was needed (it was the house of the General and his mate, so they wouldn't allow a stranger in). The high Lord was usually the one who winnowed her or flew her in, but considering that the inner circle and Iris had no connection or relationship whatsoever, she had no one to ask for a ride.

So she suffered as she climbed, cursing the creator of the stairs as her legs shook and she questioned her existence. Why was she in the night court again and not in her beautiful court? Oh yes, because she wanted to learn from Madja.

Best and worst decision of her life, if she was being honest.

But still, she climbed the stairs wishing she had the ability to winnow, fly , or teleport or just...do something instead of climbing. Lady Nesta was strong, but she clearly was not.

When she finally reached the top of the stairs, a painful moan left her lips just as her knees gave out. She fell on the floor with a thud and stayed there wondering how she would survive going down. Perhaps she would jump from the side of the house, it seemed more productive.

"Not to interrupt your train of thought, but you are needed a bit closer to the sparring ring." A low voice mumbled behind her, causing her to jump startled and almost fall forward in fear.

Something cold wrapped itself around her waist as a yelp left her mouth; the thing around her waist pulled her back and away from the stairs. "BY THE MOTHER AND HER CAULDRON!" She shouted, being moved away against her will. Once she was a few feet away, the feeling around her waist disappeared, and she was left looking terrified while she clutched her bag close to her chest, eyes wide.

Her eyes turned to a male with long hair and a smug grin on his face, his eyes bright with contained laughter. "Hello, Iris." He acknowledged her.

Iris swallowed and gripped the bag tighter. "Lord Cassian." She mumbled softly, trying to put on a brave facade but failing due to her early near death.

Cassian smiled at her, a bit brighter. "You were too close to the stairs," he noted.

Iris felt herself blush in embarrassment. "Yes, thank you for saving me." He should have left her fall and saved herself from this moment.

Cassian chuckled softly and shook his head. "Your gratitude is misdirected, Iris. You should thank our shadow singer."

Iris's mind reeled. The shadow singer? Azriel?

Cassian seemed to notice her confusion, and he also seemed to enjoy it. "Azriel sent his shadows over when he noticed you; they are the ones you should thank."

Iris merely blinked at him, cursing in her mind at herself.

"Shall we? You are expected." His hand motioned for her to walk ahead, so she tightened her grip on her bag and started walking.

After a few seconds, she stopped in her tracks when she noticed Lord Rhysand and his shadow singer on the ground; Lord Rhysand was staring at the shadow singer with a smile as the winged male clutched his hand on his chest. When he heard her, he gave her a smile, his starlight eyes shining in amusement.

"Oh, Iris. You're here," He said happily, standing up. "We were waiting for you."

Iris frowned slightly at the High Lord, confused. Since when was he so happy to see her?

"High Lord." She mumbles with a nod, still confused at his happiness.

The High Lord smiled brighter and moved away, standing beside Cassian. "Our shadow singer seems to have broken his wrist, and we were wondering if you could, perhaps, give him a hand?"

For some reason, Cassian started laughing, and Rhysand chuckled darkly. Iris looked between both males, wondering what they were laughing about.

"Enough." The dark voice of the shadow singer snapped from the floor, clearly not amused at whatever his brothers were laughing at.

Iris turned her head to him, only to find his eyes on her, analytic. Her body tensed up, noticing how he caught the change of mood.

Her reaction was natural, of course. After she had arrived at the night court a year ago, she had expected to be welcomed by Madja only to have been winnowed into an interrogation cell in the Hewn city, the shadow singer staring at her coldly and asking her why she would go to the night court.

Iris had been confused and scared, but she had answered sincerely; her answer, however, had not pleased the inner circle, and she had been kept in the cell for two days, the same question being asked over and over and over again until her High Lord had gone to confirm her identity. Yes, she was a healer with exceptional healing magic. No, she was not a spy. Yes, he was sure. He had no reason to send a spy to the night court. No, he wasn't lying. Yes, they could look into his head. No, he had never seen her before.

After two days, she was released from her prison and taken by Thesan, who took her to a suite in the Sidra and taught her how to use mind shields to protect herself from the daemati. Afterward, Thesan walked her to Madja's house, only to announce that the shadow singer would trail her for a few days.

Seeing him reminded her of the awful ten months of having eyes on her back, and she didn't like the feeling of being there again.

"Shadow singer." She mumbled coldly.

"Iris." He said, tilting his head, shadows like waves around him.

She wanted to bash his head to the floor.

But she would heal his wrist first.

She got on her knees, placing her bag beside them. "May I see your hand?" The question left her mouth sharply, angrily, but the shadow singer listened and stretched his hand towards her so she could inspect it.

Once she saw his wrist, her frown deepened. Turning to the High Lord, she spoke, "My apologies, High Lord, but what am I meant to heal?"

The High Lord's grin widened. "His wrist, of course."

Iris wanted to smack him. "His wrist seems perfectly fine." the words left her calmly. She had dealt with complex patients back home and would do it here too.

"Is it? I could have sworn it was broken. Isn't that right, brother?" The question was directed to Cassian, who only grinned wider and nodded.

"Yes it was. Horrible thing to see."

"He seems to be fine now," Iris stated, turning her gaze back to his hand.

"Oh, you should still check if it's okay. Bones, you know, no way of telling when they are broken." Iris was sure she had made a face when the High Lord made his comment. She had seen enough broken bones to know they had a tendency to made themselves painfully known.

Her ears catch a soft chuckle, which causes her to bring her eyes up to meet the shadow singer, noticing the slight grin on his lips. What was so funny now?; he noticed her look, and quickly erased the smirk, looking back down at his hand.

Counting mentally to ten, she grabbed his hand, noticing how he tensed up at the sudden touch; even the High Lord and his general had stopped chuckling behind them.

Carefully, she traced her fingers over his wrist, feeling the ridges of his scars but paying them no heed. Her magic wrapped itself warmly around his wrist, inspecting it and then retreating when she found nothing. Her hands let go of his softly.

"His wrist is not broken," Iris mumbled, turning to her bag. "Neither are the tendons. Are you in any pain?" Her words seemed to echo in the empty space, which made her nervous. Had she done something wrong?

"A bit." His voice came out slightly lower and raspier than usual as if a river were rushing through stones. For some reason, it caused a tingle in her spine.

She opened her bag and fumbled with some glass jars, finally pulling one after a few seconds. "Here, this should help." She turned back to the shadow singer, holding the jar out to him.

He eyed it, suspiciously. "What is it?"

"It's devil's claw, an anti-inflammatory," she grabbed another bottle. "And this is passionflower, to help with any pain. It seems your syphons did all the healing, but I will give you this just in case."

The shadow singer grabbed both bottles uncertainly. "Why not use your magic to heal me entirely?" He questioned, pocketing the jars.

Iris closed her bag. "I trust plants as much as I trust magic, if not more." He seemed curious about her explanation but nodded, not questioning her. Careful with his massive wings, he stood up and stretched his hand out to her.

"Allow me to help you."

Iris eyes his hand warily but decides to grab it. His hand was soft due to the scar tissue, warm as he helped her stand up; once she was up, she released his hand and turned to the High Lord and the general, both males looking at her with interest.

"Is there something else you require, High Lord?" She hoped he would say no. She wanted to go home and keep working on her herbal remedy.

"No, Iris. I am grateful for your help." The High Lord gave her a soft smile which was enough to send Iris over the border and make a run for it.

"In that case, I'll leave." With another nod, her feet took her to the stupid stairs.

"Iris." The shadow singer called out behind her, stopping her in her tracks. When she turned around, he was holding her bag on his hands. "You forget this."

Her cheeks flamed in embarrassment, staring at how the shadow singer made his way to her, her bag on his hands, his shadows pooling at his feet.

She cursed at him for being so handsome, then cursed at herself for thinking that. "Thank you." Her fingers wrapped themselves around the straps, taking them away from his hand.

The shadow singer eyed the stairs behind her. "Let me take you to your home." He offered, his hazel eyes going to hers, a strange brightness in them. Iris, however, felt sour at the reminder that he knew where he lived due to his stalking.

"I think I will brave the stairs, but thank you." Azriel arched an eyebrow, and the motion was so smooth that she stared at him in awe for a few seconds, her heart picking up speed.

"It's a lot of stars," he noted. "Allow me to do it, as repayment for helping me."

Iris wanted to say that she had only done her job, but considering how badly her legs were shaking and how -due to the climb, not to the shadow singer, of course- hot she was, she decided to accept.

"Alright then," she uttered, trying to put on a brave front. "I would appreciate it."

Azriel smirked at her and stretch his hand out for her to grab, his eyes a bit dark. "Shall we?"

For some reason, Iris felt it was a test but she couldn't comprehend why. Still, she didn't wanted to fail, so she grabbed his hand and nodded.

"Take me home, please."

And with a small, soft smile, shadows twisted themselves around her body. and a strong grasp on her hand, they winnowed away.

🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄🗡️🌄

After successfully -and awkwardly- dropping Iris at the front of her suite in the Sidra, Azriel went back to the house of wind where his brothers awaited for him with smiles on their faces.

"She gave you medicinal plants!" Cassian exclaimed as soon as he landed on the floor. "Isn't that the same as food offering?"

"If it were the case, then I'm afraid she's been accepting many." Rhysand laughed, a distant looked on his face. "Feyre is wondering is she can come for dinner tonight."

"No," Azriel answered for her. She wouldn't be near any of them any time soon.

"You wound me, brother." Rhysand purred. "We won't harm her."

"I'm aware, but she doesn't trust me just yet." He said shamefully.

"I wouldn't trust you either, if we are being honest." Cassian whispered, laughing at the look Azriel gave him. "You can't blame the poor girl for her behaviour, brother. You stalked her for almost all of her stay."

"I was doing my job." Azriel defended himself with no conviction.

"No, you were being an idiot." Rhysand declared. "Feyre and me asked you to watch her for a week, no more."

Azriel had to agree on that. They had only said a week but then he had just become so obsessed with her, her life, and how she was settling in. enjoying...once he realized what he was doing, he stopped but it seemed Iris still remembered.

"I'll fix it." Azriel smiled confidently.

"Oh, you will, brother," Cassian laughed. "I wonder how long it will take before your mate accepts you."

Tag list!: (Literally the shortest tag list ever but I love you for being part of it) @rcarbo1

LOVING YOU IS MY FAVORITE LIE

— azriel x fem!reader

“ for either an eternity or a second, it seems as though it is impossible to take a breath. you crave for the sweet relief of cool air into your lungs, but no matter how much you tense your shoulders, it never comes. ”

Hi hii I'm the one who sent the az request! AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!! 🩷🩷

would you write reader saying something she doesn't mean and making az cry and then comforting him? (Established relationship btw so like they're already mated) basically the same thing but roles reversed 😭 I'm sorry I just love angst to fluff too much!! Thank you and have nice day/night bb <333

Warnings: Cursing, Angst, Azriel crying, slight mean Azriel.

At Least Tell Me

You slam the door as you go into your bedroom, everyone in the House flinching. Cassian walks into Rhysand's office, confusion all over his face. "What's wrong with Y/n?" He asks.

Rhys sighs heavily. "Azriel's on a mission, and he's coming back tonight." Cassian tilts his head. "Shouldn't she be happy?"

"Azriel didn't tell her that she left." Rhys sighs. Cassian's eyes widen. "How did she not-" "Azriel told her that he was going to visit his mother for a day and was going to return this morning. He has been gone three days, and Feyre darling told her yesterday that he was on a mission. Y/n has been slamming doors ever since." Rhys says, exasperated. Cassian shakes his head. "Y/n's temper rivals Nes, we may have to evacuate the house just because." Rhys snorts.

Time Skip-

Azriel lands on the balcony of the house, being greeted by his High Lady. "Y/n is pissed at you." Feyre says. Azriel's shoulders slump. "I know." "It's going to be bad." Feyre says. Azriel nods, and walks into the house, ready to face the wrath of his mate.

You knew Azriel was in the house. You overheard your older sister talking to him. But the rage bubbling inside was hard to keep a lid on it.

The door opens to reveal your mate, his wings drooped slightly. You turn to face your vanity, not bothering to make eye contact in the mirror with him. "I'm home." Azriel says.

"That's a first." You say coldly. Azriel sighs. "Y/n-"

"No don't you Y/n me! What the fuck Azriel?" You shout. Azriel flinches slightly, and the mask of the shadowsinger appears in that second. "I did what I had to do."

You laugh. "You did what you had to do." You laugh some more. "Did we hear that?" You yell, laughter erupting from you. Azriel rolls his eyes at you. "Azriel, you lied to me! Do you not see what's wrong with that? I was worried for you! I thought something happened to you!"

You come closer to him. "You don't need to worry about me." He says. "That was being reckless." You snap. Azriel lets out a cold, mocking laugh. "Now that's a joke. Miss Reckless, calling me reckless!" He scoffs. The shadows move about, flurrying in the range of emotions between the two of you.

You let out a yell of frustration. "See this is why I fucking hate you Azriel! By the gods, somedays I just want to fucking leave and never return!"

You cover your mouth, eyes widening. Azriel goes still, his shadows dropping. The house grows silent. You step back and Azriel rushes toward you. He kneels and clings to your legs. "A-Angel, I'm sorry. I'm so-" Huge sobs cut him off as he sobs into your stomach. "Angel please don't-" he sobs. "Please don't leave me. You can hate me all you want, just don't leave me."

Your heart breaks as you kneel to meet Azriel's height. "Oh no. Baby I'm so sorry. It cannot make up for my words and I'll do anything to make it up to you. Darling I'm so sorry." You wipe his tears away.

Azriel pulls you into his lap and buries his face into your neck. "Just don't leave me. Don't leave me." He sobs. "Oh baby, I'm not leaving you. I don't hate you, not at all. Oh baby." You coo, rocking the both of you left and right.

Finally, his sobs quiet, and he pulls away to look at you. "I'm sorry baby." You whisper. He shakes his head. "I'm sorry for lying to you. I shouldn't have. I should have been up front, and-"

You kiss him, interrupting his rant, and he desperately kisses you back. You break away and rest your forehead against his. "Do you want to take a bath first, then nap? Or do you want to nap, then take a bath?" You whisper. "Nap." He murmurs. He picks you up and carries you to your shared bed. You take off your dress, revealing your bra and panties, and Azriel strips down to his boxers.

You get into the bed first, opening the covers for him. Azriel follows right behind you and buries his face into your stomach, and you run your hands through his black hair, slowly putting him to sleep.

𝙸 𝙲𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝙱𝚊𝚌𝚔 | 𝙰𝚣𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚕 𝚡 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛!𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚛𝚒𝚎

𝚂𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚢: 𝚈/𝙽 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚋 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙸𝙲 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚙. 𝙰𝚣𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚕 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚒𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚠. 𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍. 𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙸𝙲 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚜 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚝 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞.

𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚊 𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚛 𝚘𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚠 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚊𝚢. 𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚙 𝚒𝚗 𝚁𝚊𝚟𝚊𝚛𝚢𝚗 𝚊 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚏𝚎𝚠 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎. 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚘𝚖 𝚍𝚒𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚗

𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊 𝚝𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚘 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚍. 𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍, 𝚂𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚙𝚎𝚛. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚈/𝙽 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙻𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚅𝚊𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚓𝚗 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚋𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜.

𝙿𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚝 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚜. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚛𝚞𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎.

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚞𝚙 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚢.

𝙳𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚁𝚑𝚢𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝙷𝚒𝚐𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚘 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚘 𝚝𝚘 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖.

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚐𝚘 𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚜𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚜𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚖𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊. 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍, 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚗, 𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚒𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖 𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚒𝚛 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚎r 𝚔𝚗𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚜

"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚖 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚑 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊 𝚛𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠, 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛?" 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜.

"𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗- 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍." 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚊 𝚏𝚎𝚠 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙰 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛. 𝚂𝚘 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚓𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚙 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚙. "𝙸 𝚊𝚖 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊 𝚜𝚘 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚍.

"𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚐𝚕𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚋𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛" 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜.

"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚢. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚒𝚐𝚑 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚒𝚛 𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚔.

"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚐𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜. 𝙸𝚏 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚜 𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕"

"𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚢. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚐𝚘 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝙴𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚊. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚔.

"𝙷𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚘 𝚈/𝙽 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚟𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚝, 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚜𝚒𝚝" 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚌𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚜 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚑𝚎𝚛.

"𝙷𝚒𝚐𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙽𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚊𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖" 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜.

"𝙳𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚎?" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚢.

"𝙽𝚘 𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚓𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘. 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚒 𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚘 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚠𝚎 𝚊𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚜" 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜.

𝙸 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚐𝚘 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖. 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚜?" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊.

"𝚆𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚙 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚐𝚘 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚕 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚋𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚕. 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚍𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚛𝚕𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚐𝚎𝚝" 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚛𝚔𝚜.

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛. "𝙸 𝚊𝚖 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚠𝚘 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚐𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢. 𝚂𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚖𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚙" 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜.

"𝚈𝚎𝚜 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚞𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚘𝚠. 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚊 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚙. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚘𝚍. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕. 𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚙𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚒𝚗 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜.

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚙𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚗 𝚊 𝚌𝚕𝚘𝚊𝚔 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚊𝚖𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚙 𝚂𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚙𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚔𝚗𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚐𝚑. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚙𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚑𝚊𝚒𝚛 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚗 𝚊 𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚋 𝙰𝚣. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗.

"𝙰𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢?" 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜.

"𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚊𝚜 𝙸'𝚕𝚕 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚎" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚖𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚙.

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚊𝚒𝚕. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚌𝚕𝚘𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚜𝚘 𝚗𝚘 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙰𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚒𝚐𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙻𝚊𝚍𝚢𝚜 𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚐𝚊𝚞𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚙 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚛.

"𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚋𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚒𝚐𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙻𝚊𝚍𝚢𝚜 𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝?" 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚊𝚞𝚛𝚍 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚍.

"𝙸𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚞𝚜𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚗𝚍

𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚊𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚐𝚕𝚊𝚍 𝚗𝚘 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚎.

"𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚛?"

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚙𝚏 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝚊 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚝 𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚊𝚢. "𝚆𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚒𝚐𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙻𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚛" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚢.

"𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝙸 𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚛?" 𝙳𝚎𝚟𝚕𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚎𝚍.

"𝚆𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚢

𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎.

𝙷𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜. "𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛"

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚊𝚞𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜. 𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚙𝚊𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚠.

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚛𝚔 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚊𝚢. "𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚊 𝚐𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝙳𝚎𝚟𝚕𝚘𝚗" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚋𝚢 𝚑𝚞𝚜 𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚑 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚙𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚒𝚐𝚑 𝙻𝚊𝚍𝚢, 𝙵𝚎𝚢𝚛𝚎, 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙰𝚖𝚛𝚎𝚗.

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘 𝚍𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚜. 𝙰𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚋𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚒𝚐𝚑 𝙻𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜. "𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚖𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛"

"𝚈𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎, 𝙸 𝚊𝚖 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜"𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚢.

"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚞𝚜𝚜 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚞𝚜?" 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚘𝚍. "𝙸 𝚊𝚖 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝙸𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝙲𝚒𝚛𝚌𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚞𝚜𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛, 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝙸 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖" 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝙰𝚖𝚛𝚎𝚗.

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚗 𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝 𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙸𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝙲𝚒𝚛𝚌𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚜. 𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚖𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝙰𝚣𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚕 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗.

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚘𝚝𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚙𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚘𝚝𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚜 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛.

"𝚂𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎, 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝙸 𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎?" 𝚁𝚑𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚓𝚊𝚠 𝚍𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚜. 𝚑𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝙰𝚖𝚛𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙵𝚎𝚢𝚛𝚎. "𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝙸 𝚊𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚗.

𝙲𝚊𝚜𝚜 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜. "𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚊 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚢𝚛𝚒𝚎 𝚊𝚏𝚝-" 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚜 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞.

𝙼𝚘𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚜 𝚒𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚗 𝚏𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙰𝚣𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚕 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔, 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜. "𝚈/𝙽"

"𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙 𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜" 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚢.

𝙸𝚖 𝚌𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚗 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝.𝟸