Archeron sisters revelation (established relationship with Azriel, twin sister of Feyre)
The River House was alive with the sound of crackling flames in the hearth and the distant murmur of the Sidra beyond the windows. The Inner Circle gathered in the grand room, its high ceilings and elegant furnishings only adding to the tension that hung in the air. Feyre sat near Rhysand, her eyes wary, while Cassian and Azriel lingered by the wall, arms crossed. Mor and Amren watched with curious expressions, though there was a hint of unease beneath their calm exteriors.
You sat quietly, your gaze fixed on the dancing flames. Being Feyreâs twin, your role in the family had always been one of quiet sacrifice. While Feyre hunted in the woods, you had taken on a different kind of burden, one that involved sneaking through the shadows of the village, accepting dubious jobs, and dealing with people whose morals were as twisted as the thorns in the forest. You had done whatever was necessary to keep your family alive, but it was not something you ever spoke of. Only Feyre knew the extent of what youâd doneâthe things you had to endure to keep your sisters and father fed and safe.
Nestaâs voice, sharp and filled with disdain, cut through the low chatter. âYouâve always been a liar and a thief. And now, youâre nothing but another pretty fae with nothing to offer but deceit.â
Elain, as always, stood beside Nesta, her expression a careful mask of neutrality. She rarely spoke against Nesta, preferring to stay in her elder sister's shadow. But now, she nodded slightly, her gaze cast down, as if Nestaâs words were just another truth she quietly accepted.
You bit back the sting of Nestaâs words, the old familiar anger simmering beneath your skin. It was a feeling you had grown accustomed to over the yearsâNestaâs biting comments, her constant judgment, and the way she seemed to look through you as if you were less than nothing.
âIâm done with your self-righteous act,â Nesta continued, her voice rising. âYouâve always been like this, taking the easy way out. Stealing, sneaking around, getting into trouble, while Feyreââ
âEnough!â Feyreâs voice rang out, sharp and commanding. She stood, her eyes blazing as she looked at Nesta. âYou have no idea what she has done for us.â
Nesta rolled her eyes, scoffing. âOh, please. We all know Feyre was the one out there, huntingââ
âYes, I hunted,â Feyre interrupted, her voice trembling with the weight of unsaid truths. âBut do you know what she did? Do you have any idea the lengths she went to? While I was in the woods, she was in the villages, taking on jobs no one else would. Stealing, yes. Swapping. Dealing with people who would have slit our throats if they thought they could get away with it. She did whatever she had to do, while you sat by and judged us both.â
The room fell silent, the crackling fire the only sound as Feyreâs words hung heavily in the air. You looked at Feyre, surprise and gratitude mingling in your chest. You had never expected her to speak up like this, to defend you so fiercely in front of everyone. Nestaâs face paled, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to form a response.
Rhysand, who had been listening quietly, leaned forward, his gaze intent on you. His violet eyes softened, and a rare, solemn respect flickered there. âI didnât know,â he said softly, his voice filled with a quiet reverence. âThank you, for everything you did. I see now that it wasnât just Feyre who sacrificed for the family. You did the same, in your own way.â
Nesta looked as if she had been slapped, her eyes narrowing as she turned her gaze back to you. But this time, there was no more fire in her voice, only a cold, hard wall of resentment. âI didnât ask you to do any of that.â
âYou didnât have to,â Feyre shot back, her voice firm. âShe did it because she loved us. Because she was willing to get her hands dirty in ways you never would. She didnât have to be asked.â
Rhysand nodded in agreement, his expression still thoughtful. âItâs not easy to do what you did. To make those choices, to bear that weight in silence.â He paused, glancing at Feyre before continuing, âYou both are more alike than I realized.â
Elain looked between Nesta and you, her eyes softening slightly, though she remained by Nestaâs side. The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of your unspoken sacrifices finally laid bare.
Azriel had been silent throughout the confrontation, his shadows whispering around him, restless and agitated. His gaze was locked onto you, the dark depths of his eyes filled with a storm of emotionsâanger, pride, and something deeper, something more primal that simmered just beneath the surface. He stepped forward, his wings twitching slightly, his posture taut as if barely containing the urge to cross the room and wrap you in his embrace.
He turned his attention to Nesta, his voice cold as steel. âYou have no idea what she went through. What she endured while you sat in your fatherâs house, warm and safe. She fought for you, risked her life for you, and all you can do is spit venom.â
Nesta glared at Azriel, but she held her tongue, seemingly recognizing the shadowsingerâs temper was not something to challenge lightly.
Azrielâs gaze softened as he looked at you, his voice gentling but still fierce. âYou didnât deserve to bear all that alone,â he said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down your spine. âI should have known. I should have been there for you.â
You shook your head, offering him a small, weary smile. âItâs not your fault, Azriel. I didnât want anyone to know. It was my choice.â
Azriel crossed the room in a few swift steps, his presence a wall of strength and quiet protectiveness. He reached for your hand, his grip firm and reassuring. âWell, now I know. And Iâm here. I wonât let you carry anything like that alone again.â
The bond between you thrummed with his emotions, the quiet fury at Nestaâs cruelty, the fierce protectiveness that made his shadows coil around you as if shielding you from the world. He lifted your hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to your knuckles, his eyes never leaving yours.
âYou are stronger than any of us,â Azriel murmured, his voice so quiet only you could hear. âStronger than youâll ever give yourself credit for. And I am so damn proud of you.â
Feyre moved to stand beside you, her hand resting gently on your shoulder. âWe wouldnât have survived without you,â she said softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. âYouâve always been there for us, even when it meant putting yourself in danger. Iâm so sorry itâs taken this long for everyone to see it.â
The room was silent, the weight of Feyreâs words settling over the gathered company. Cassian and Mor exchanged looks of quiet understanding, and even Amren nodded slightly, her sharp gaze appraising you with newfound respect.
Rhysand stood, offering you a small, sincere smile. âYou are a part of this family,â he said, his voice carrying the weight of a promise. âAnd we are grateful for all that you have done.â
Nesta said nothing, her expression closed off as she turned away, a stubborn set to her jaw. But you no longer cared for her approval or her understanding. You had your sisterâs love, the respect of those who mattered, and Azriel by your sideâhis hand still holding yours, his touch a constant reassurance.
As the tension in the room slowly ebbed, you felt a quiet peace settle over you. The shadows of your past, once kept hidden and buried, had finally been brought to light. And though the scars remained, you knew you were not alone in bearing them anymore.
Azrielâs thumb brushed over your knuckles, his eyes never leaving yours. âYouâre safe now,â he whispered, his voice a solemn vow. âAnd I will always be here to remind you of that.â
You leaned into him, your heart full, and let the warmth of his presence and the strength of Feyreâs support wash over you. Whatever challenges lay ahead, you knew you could face them. Because for the first time in a long time, you didnât have to face them alone.
