"i did want to take your hand."

[iamreykylotrash]

It is published!

To all of my Neris peeps,

A Court of Silent Chaos has been published. This has been in my works for a while and I am starting to get back to writing again.

It is on Wattpad but if anyone would like me to share it on AO3 as well, just tell me.

I hope you guys love this journey Nesta will embark on.

[bloomingdarkgarden]

N E R I S

Nesta Archeron + Eris Vanserra

[iamreykylotrash]

The ship I’m praying will come true 🔥

[iamreykylotrash]

you whispered to the flames.

Nesta sat on the shores of the Night Court, hiding away from those who claimed to be her family. She watched as the waves crashed against the sand, seeing the water get close to touching her feet.

Her knees were to her chest, arms crossed on top while her chin laid upon them. It was as if she were protecting the last bit of herself that she did not want to give away. She felt lost, believing she had finally found home... but it didn't seem that way anymore.

She had been feeling this way for months, not knowing why. Cassian tried to speak with her, tried to get her to open up, but she didn't want to reveal her inner troubles, least of all to him. He wouldn't understand.

Nesta was proud of how far she'd come, but this feeling... this burning and restless feeling inside of her made her conflicted.

She was trying her best to pretend that she was okay, but it seemed that only Cassian knew it was all an act. They had countless arguments over it, resulting them to take a break from one another, sleeping in separate rooms.

Nesta should have felt guilty leaving her almost-mate in their bedroom alone, but she didn't. Instead, she felt more relieved than anything. She was alone with her thoughts, calming herself down in the silence, hearing the flames crackle in the hearth of the fireplace.

Hearing those crackles used to remind her of her father's neck breaking, but now... it reminded her of the Heir to Autumn, remembering how he summoned his ember flames into existence. She remembered how he admired them, twisting his hand around to see the flames dance before extinguishing them.

Nesta wondered what would happen if her flames touched his, if their palms touched while their fires collided.

The thought made her heart beat fast, making her take a deep breath. She stared up to the moon, seeing the stars gleam as they did every night. It reflected upon the surface of the ocean, bringing a certain brightness that made her squint.

She brought her hand before her eyes, summoning her silver flames with a silent command. She watched as it roared to life, twisting her hand to admire it as Eris had done with his.

Her ability hadn't vanished entirely after what happened in Feyre's birth, but it was weakened. She wasn't able to keep it on for long, feeling her own energy deplete as the seconds passed by. She willed it to stay, begged for it to come back.

Nesta didn't care if she was death itself anymore. She just wanted what belonged to her. It was her power and she didn't want to give it up, no matter what anyone else thought of it.

But before the fire dwindled into nothing, Nesta whispered the name of the male who had been occupying her thoughts for a while.

Eris.

Then the flames went out... but ember ones appeared feet away on the shoreline, wrapping up high before revealing the Heir to Autumn himself.

Nesta stood from the sand, staring at Eris in bewilderment.

How could he have heard her? How was it possible?

Eris Vanserra stepped closer to Nesta, taking in her haggard appearance, eyeing her up and down. He huffed a laugh, saying nothing.

Nesta knew she didn't look like she was in the best mental or physical state, mainly because she wasn't. She hadn’t been for a few months now. She was confused and conflicted, not knowing where she belonged anymore.

But when she saw Eris’s flames… it seemed as if her own were reaching out to him, wanting them to collide.

Eris smirked at her, taking in her appearance, “You summoned me, my phoenix?” He asked her, his amber eyes gleaming in the moonlight.

Nesta lets out a breath, keeping her eyes on him, “I am nothing of yours. How did you hear me? My flames... they couldn't possibly..." She trails off, looking down at her hands, wondering if his and her flames were connected somehow. It didn't make sense to her.

Eris chuckles, his boots pressing against the sand with every step, "Ah, but you called me nonetheless, my phoenix. What I'd like to know is... why?" He asks her, standing right before her.

She stares up at him, seeing his gleaming amber eyes. She was attracted to him, more than she'd like to admit. There was just something about him... something that intrigued her, that made her heart skip a beat.

"I'm not sure. Your name was the first that popped into my mind. I guess I was just... lonely. I'm confused." She says to him in a low voice, looking out towards the sea, watching as the water comes close to her feet but never reaching her.

Eris stares down at her, "Mmm, has something happened?" He asks her, his question genuine, filled with light concern. Nesta wondered if he actually cared about her and her problems. She wouldn't really share them with anyone anymore, especially since the relationships with her sisters had dimmed and her "mate" was annoyed with her secrets.

Nesta shrugs, "After everything I've been through, I thought I knew where I belonged. I thought that I had finally found peace within myself... but I haven't. There's still a void in me. It feels like my flames need me to do something, but I don't know what. I don't... I don't..." She trails off once more, taking a deep breath.

Eris raises a finger to her cheek, stroking it lightly, "Let me see your flames, my phoenix. Show them to me." He whispers to her, his eyes always remaining on her, like he was entranced.

She turns back to him, leaning into his touch, "They aren't strong anymore. When I saved Feyre and Nyx, I told the Cauldron that it could have it-"

He interrupts her, "I don't care about your family. Only you. Now show it to me. Show me your flames. It doesn't matter how weak they are. They are still there, still present within you." He whispers, his hand on her cheek.

Nesta doesn't mind his touch one bit. In fact, it made her heart swell, filling her with warmth and comfort. She trusted him more than she trusted her own family, seeing the truth behind his eyes. He laid himself out before her without even knowing it and she supposed she did the same.

She listened to Eris, summoning her weak silver flame in the palm of her hand. She looked down at it, her eyes sad. Even though she had stole the power from the Cauldron, it was something that had become part of her, wishing she had more time to explore the raw power.

Eris summons his own flames, the orange hue brightening between them. He places his hand in hers, their flames combining and fingers entwining. Her silver flames became brighter as well, raging as his flames were against her.

Nesta smiles softly, "There it is. That's how they were before." She breathes, unable to take her eyes off her flames, watching it fight against his orange flames, which burned brighter than hers.

Eris nods, looking at their entwined hands, "Their beautiful... too beautiful to be snuffed out. They deserve to be set free, to be witness by all. If you keep igniting them, they'll eventually come back. Don't get rid of your flames." He says, looking down at her once more.

Nesta meets his eyes, "I don't want them to be snuffed out. I want them to be strong. I want them again. I just don't know... I don't know if my family would be okay with it, if they'll be scared of me." She tells him, her eyes filling with tears. She was at her most vulnerable, but she didn't care. This male before her... she wanted him to see it.

Eris gives her a small smile, putting his forehead against hers, "Let them be scared of you. Let them judge you. Let them hate you. But don't let them take away what's yours, what you want the most. Keep your power. It only belongs to you. It is apart of you." He whispers, their noises rubbing lightly.

Nesta swallows, closing her eyes. Her heart was beating fast as their foreheads touched, making her mind run wild. She could feel this connection with him, one that ran deep within her veins. Their flaming hands were still entwined, silver and orange combined and raging like never before.

"What are you to me?" She breathes, needing an answer to the question. She had to know why they connected so well, why their paths crossed. She was supposed to hate him, but she felt nothing but pureness for him... like he was what she truly wanted.

Eris huffs a small laugh, "I wish I could answer that, my phoenix. But what I do know is," his lips kiss the corner of her mouth, "you have become important to me. You are what I truly want. There is nothing else that captures my eyes like you do." He says to her, taking in her scent.

Nesta opens her eyes, staring into his once again, "This isn't supposed to happen. Cassian is my mate. He is the one who... who is... you and I... we can't..." She stutters, not knowing what to believe anymore. Her heart was calling out to someone else.

But it wasn't her mate.

Eris sighs, taking himself away from her, their hands no longer entwined, "I forget that you are mated to that brute. He still doesn't deserve you, but then again... neither do I. No one deserves you. Absolutely no one." He says, staring down at her lips.

Nesta missed his warmth, wanting him against her again, to feel his touch again. She stepped towards him, "But you are the only one who understands me better than anyone else. No one else knows me like you do. You're connected to me. That's all I ever wanted. I wanted someone to see me and I know that it's you." She breathes, placing a hand on his cheek, taking in his every feature.

He had to be it. He had to be the answer to fill the void in her soul. Their connection ran deep, raging like their flames. He is everything she had asked for her entire life, staring at him with knowing.

None of it mattered. Her family. Her friends. Her mate.

Absolutely nothing.

She had everything standing right before her, the only thing that she had ever wanted...

And she was determined to keep him.

[iamreykylotrash]

the sister i didn't protect.

Nesta walked through her sister's home, admiring her paintings.

Her artwork was beautiful, capturing the glory of the Night Court, her home of Velaris, her mate, and her child. This was where her happiness lay, with a family that she found and confided in.

Nesta couldn't help but crack a smile. Her sister no longer had to fight for survival. Instead, she was living, thriving even, like a flower blooming.

But that smile quickly left as Nesta reminded herself of their life in the Mortal Lands, remembering all that Feyre had done and never having an ounce of help from any of her family members.

It was a memory that Nesta turned away from, wanting to move on and see the brighter future that was in store for each of them. But after spending so much time in the darkness, it was hard not to look back.

Nesta knew that she could have done more, but her mother's words echoed in her mind.

Feyre will take care of you.

She had entrusted her younger sister with the well-being of her family, while all Nesta had to do was marry someone who had status and wealth, bringing her family out of poverty. She had spent so much time examining herself in the mirror, wondering what she could do to gain a fine man's attention, hoping that one day, money would land back in their laps again.

But for the time being, it was Feyre's job to hunt, kill, and gain enough to survive.

As the eldest Archeron walked down the long corridors, she could see the doors to the throne room wide open, the yellow light of the torches blinking through the hall.

When she walked into the room, Feyre was standing beside the window, looking out to her court. She was wearing a black dress, its hem trailing the floor. She was decored in diamonds, shining as they caught the light.

She was a High Lady in every way, even without a crown.

"Isn't it late for you to be up?" Feyre asked, still staring out the window.

Nesta let out a breath, "I didn't realize I had a curfew." She says.

Feyre scoffed, "You don't. But I expected you to be in your room all day, reading a book, or drinking tea. I know that since it's your last day, you are ecstatic to get back to Autumn." She told her.

It was true. Nesta couldn't wait.

After visiting her sisters for the week, Nesta had craved to back to her own home in the Autumn Court, wanting to crawl into her bed and warm up against her husband. She wanted to feel his arms around her, bask in his scent, and make love until she was wasted with him.

She couldn't wait for the sun to rise.

"I'm sure your husband will be delighted to see you," Feyre said, with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

Nesta ignored it, "I don't need to talk about my personal life with you. My choices are my own. No one else's." She says.

Feyre nods, turning to her, "Of course. You made it pretty clear when you ran away from us. But you have made some poor choices so far, Nesta." She tells her.

Nesta knew where this conversation was going. Feyre wanted to get as much information about her relationship with Eris, not knowing that they truly cared for each other. Feyre believed Nesta was plotting against him, preparing to take him down, along with Autumn.

"As I said, my relationship with Eris is none of your concern. He is my husband. That's all your getting from me." Nesta says.

"But do you love him?" Feyre takes a step towards her.

Nesta did. Her heart ached for him.

But she'd never reveal that, especially to her sister.

"Do not push me, Feyre," Nesta warns her.

The youngest Archeron sighs, "Does Elain know the truth? Do you tell her about him and your true feelings? Is she the only one you confide in?" She asked.

Nesta stayed silent. Elain did know. She knew all of it, seeing as her middle sister was the one that she had stuck with all of her life, protecting her and entrusting her with secrets that no one knew. There were certain things she wouldn't tell her, but other than that, Elain knew everything.

Feyre's eyes brimmed with tears, "Why do you hate me? What have I done to you?" She breathed.

Nesta shook her head, "I don't hate you, Feyre. I never have." She tells her.

"Don't lie to me. I stayed up countless nights wondering what I did to deserve such silence from you. You never tell me anything. You never want to be with me. You always keep your distance. But with Elain, it's the opposite." She says.

Nesta swallows, "You and I had never had a relationship-" she starts, but Feyre interrupts.

"Because you never wanted to. All I ever wanted was to be close to my sisters and hope that whenever I needed them, they would be there for me. But it seems that the only time that you ever truly cared for me is when food would be served at the table." Feyre snaps, her anger seeping through.

Nesta sighs, "Feyre, it's difficult to explain. I know I should have done better, but..." she trails off.

"You can't even deny it. All of those years I kept us alive... and I have never heard you say thank you. I never received any love or support from you. I never even received the minimal help I asked of you." Feyre says, hitting Nesta with every word.

Nesta stalks towards her, “You knew how to handle everything! You were the one who caught the animals, skinned them, cooked them, and served them properly. I didn’t learn any of it! Father would tell me to do anything else, but I couldn't help you!” She told her.

She remembered when Feyre struggled to open a canned jar of beets, hearing her grunt. Nesta was about to offer assistance when her father grabbed her arm, shaking his head. He wanted Feyre to do everything on her own, even when she was desperate for help from either one of them.

But all Nesta could do was watch.

"Don't you dare lie to me! Since when did you care about our father's opinions? You always snapped at him when he gave you orders! You told him off when he tried to stop you from doing what you wanted! There was no limit to you! But now when it comes to me, that's when you decide to blame it on him?!" Feyre exclaims.

Nesta had never heard such anger from her sister, seeing as she was the one who kept her emotions to herself most of the time. She could see this rage was decades in the making, but it was now when it all started unraveling.

"I felt it was better for you to be alone!" Nesta yelled at her.

Feyre's tears fall, "I didn't want to be alone!" She screams.

Nesta couldn't say a word.

"I needed you. I needed Elain. I needed my sisters. Why do you think that I wanted you to train in the mountains? It's because I didn't want to lose you, to see you dead on the apartment floor. You were wasting your life. I know I shouldn't have pushed you, but Nes... I was so afraid of losing you." Feyre cries.

She continued, "I wanted all of us to be together. I wanted you to be happy here, even if it wasn't with Cassian. I wanted us to grow a bond with each other. I wanted us to finally be sisters instead of strangers. But I see now that it can never happen."

Feyre took a step back, "You married Eris. You became an adversary of the Night Court; of me. Your choices bore these consequences and there is nothing I can do. After this, you will head back to the Autumn Court and we might never speak again, but I want you to know this, Nesta-"

Nesta raises a hand, "Don't. Feyre, don't. I don't want to hear anymore." She says.

The Lady of the Heir sighs, finding the right words to say, "I should've stepped up. I should've taken the bow and braved the wilds on my own instead of you. You were just a little girl who had grown up too soon. I am sorry that I wasn't there for you. I am sorry for everything that happened to you, including Under the Mountain. You deserved better than us." Nesta states.

She steps towards her, taking Feyre's hands into hers, "But you get to live now. You get to thrive and be happy. I can't promise that I will be there for you, but know that I love you. Know that Elain loves you. And I wish you nothing but the best because it's what you deserve." Nesta says.

She lifts her sister's hands, pressing a kiss on each of them, "I'm sorry," she whispers before she lets them go, taking a step back.

Feyre sobs, "I don't want you as my enemy, Nesta. If you go back to the Autumn Court, that's exactly what we'll be. Neither of us can stop that." She tells her.

Nesta nods, "Your happiness lies here. Mine lies with the Autumn. Maybe one day I'll tell you everything, but know that I found where I am supposed to be. You are not an enemy in my eyes, little sister." She says to her.

"And nor are you in mine, Nes." Feyre breathes.

The eldest Archeron bowed her head once, before turning away from her sister, heading back into her rented room in Velaris. She changed into her nightgown, sitting on the windowsill as she admired the sparkling darkness.

She did not miss the hurt and pain that came with this court. This is where her trauma haunted her and where her life almost ended. This is where her choices were robbed and her life was decided for her. And this was where her heart was broken by the male she believed she was destined to be with.

No, she would not miss this court.

But she would miss Feyre, knowing that this was truly where she belonged. This is where she thrived, along with her mate, Rhysand, who would do everything to protect her. He was her happiness, along with their son.

Even though they had their fights and arguments, Nesta was proud of her little sister, knowing that she finally found peace.

[iamreykylotrash]

the conflict between courts.

PART ONE

Nesta awoke to the sun shining on her face, hearing the small coos of her daughter as she lay in the bassinet.

Eris was not next to her, remembering he had woken up for a meeting with the Autumn Court representatives. He had kissed her on her forehead, whispering those rare words against her skin.

Nesta had briefly woken up by the sound of his voice, seeing him walk over to where their daughter was sleeping. He had taken her into his arms, admiring her and planting a kiss on her cheek. His smile was radiant even before the sun made its way up to the sky.

But now that he had left, Nesta quickly made her way to her daughter’s bed, the small child rustling around. She stopped when she saw her mother, cooing as her dark eyes stared at her.

Nesta picked up her daughter, grinning as the child kicked her tiny legs in the air, excited by the motion.

“How’s my little one today?” Nesta spoke, her voice high and sweet.

Her daughter smiled, those tiny hands squishing her mother’s cheeks as she spoke. She was only five months old, making Nesta wonder how time passed so quickly. It felt like it only had been yesterday when she had given birth, remembering those beautiful cries as her daughter was laid onto her chest, looking at the world around her.

Nesta had not been prepared for motherhood, but she knew she would give the world to her daughter if she asked, wanting to be better than her parents, knowing they had failed her and her sisters time and time again. Her little girl would be spoiled beyond belief, loved, and cherished by everyone around her.

Princess Evie Vanserra.

It was Eris who had thought of the name. As soon as the child was born, it was the first word the Heir to Autumn had said. Nesta hadn’t even known of the name, seeing as they hadn’t figured out what they would call her. She had looked at her husband with complete surprise, pondering the name for a minute before settling on it.

“My Evie,” Nesta whispered down at her daughter, her little hand holding her mother’s finger.

Nesta didn’t know how she had got to this point in her life. Her mind had been filled with incredible suffering, her heart filled with loathing and hate for those who wronged her, including the mate she once loved. She never thought that she would come to a point of peace and happiness, married to a male who truly valued her, and birthing a child that was curled in her arms.

The void in her heart had been mended, finally having the life she knew she deserved.

Nesta heard her door open, seeing her maidens walking in, “My lady, you have been summoned to the Forest House. The Night Court have arrived and wish to speak with you. Lord Eris would like you to take the child, seeing as he doesn’t want her out of sight while the Night Court is here. But the decision is yours.” A maiden tells her.

Nesta knew peace wouldn’t last long, especially with the Inner Circle.

She clears her throat, “Then we shouldn’t keep our guests waiting. I will take my daughter. She will be in my arms. Make sure guards surround every perimeter of the room. If one of them even steps toward my daughter, their blood pools the floor. Do I make myself clear?" She asks them.

The maiden nods, "Yes, my lady. I will tell them at once." She says before walking out of the room.

After an hour passes, Nesta is finally ready. She looks into the mirror, seeing her silver dress gleaming in the sunlight. It was adorned with the finest jewels all the way down to the hem. A cape with the same material was placed on her shoulders, longer than the hem.

If a crown were placed on her head, she would look like a queen, ready to sit on her throne and speak to her court. She could envision it, seeing her husband wait for her, his hand leading her up the stairs and establishing their rule.

A smile almost made its way to her lips.

One day.

"Everything is prepared, my lady. The child is dressed. It is time." A maiden tells her, handing Evie to her.

Nesta's daughter sleeps in her arms, dressed in white. It was as if she were the only pureness in the room, radiating light all around her.

And Nesta was determined to keep it alive.

As she rode in the carriage on the way to the Forest House, Nesta felt a shift in her heart like it was reaching out to the familiar bond. But once her heart had recognized who it was, it had backed away, remembering the true keeper of it.

Evie squirmed in Nesta's arms as if she too could feel her mother's conflict. Soon, this little girl would be revealed to all of the courts, and Nesta would have to protect her from every one of them.

Especially Cassian.

Nesta's heart raced in her chest, wondering what the male would do when he laid his eyes on Evie. Her mind imagined every evil way he would try to do harm, scream profanities, and do everything within him to kill Eris and the child.

"Protect us," Nesta whispered to the Mother, hoping a prayer to her would boost her confidence.

A maiden put a hand on Nesta's thigh, "My lady, you are trembling. Are you alright?" She asked her.

Nesta nodded, clearing her throat, "I'm as fine as I could be. There is just so much that I haven't conquered yet. I suppose that I am more nervous for Evie than anything else." She tells her.

The maiden smiles, "I know that you can conquer any obstacle. From what I have seen, you are courageous, even in situations that do not require it. You hold your head high and show everyone you are not afraid. That little creation may have your utmost attention, but never forget who you are and what you stand for." She says.

Nesta scoffed, holding the maiden's hand, "Thank you," she breathes, letting her words sink in.

"You are my wife. The Lady of Autumn. The Silver Phoenix. The Queen of Death. You are power, Nesta. The people whom you are scared of would want to leach off of you, wanting you afraid so they could take everything from you. But you won't let them. I know you won't. I know you won't let them rule over you again."

Eris had said those words to her when she had doubted herself, wondering how she would be when she faced the people of Autumn when she announced her pregnancy. He had comforted her, held her until she had stopped panicking, comforting her with his presence. She had relaxed in his arms, calming herself with his words. He was right.

She had power.

When the carriage came to a stop, Nesta took a deep breath before stepping out, reminding herself that she didn’t have to be afraid anymore. She reminded herself that this was her court. She couldn’t be told what to do, only by those who ruled it.

As she entered the Forest House with her daughter in her arms, guards covered all sides of her, their armor clanking with each step they took. Nesta could already feel the weight of this meeting, knowing that the Night Court was anxious for her arrival. She could already imagine Feyre pacing about the room, wondering where she was, but Elain would be poise, standing beside Lucien, not muttering a word.

“More guards are in the room, my lady. They are ready to execute your commands. If anyone from the Night Court moves a threatening muscle towards you, rest assured that blood will be spilled.” A maiden tells her as they reach the throne room.

Nesta could already hear voices coming from the other side.

***

“Why are there so many guards in this room? What kind of ambush are you trying to cause, Beron?” Rhysand’s voice echoes, his violet eyes staring right at Beron.

Eris stood at his father’s side, his face blank as he awaited Nesta’s arrival.

The High Lord of Autumn speaks, “I assure you these guards are needed. In case you all try anything, they are ready to execute orders, especially for the brute of a general that you have next to you.” He tells them.

Eris scoffed. He never tired of calling Cassian a ‘brute’. The name fit him well, seeing as his eyes were staring savagely at him. Eris knew that he wanted to rip him apart, take Nesta back for himself and never let her go again.

The thought of Nesta being ripped away from him… Eris could already feel the heat of his flames on his fingertips. His wife had become everything to him. And now, they had a child together.

A child that would be revealed in a matter of moments.

Eris felt his heart racing as time ticked on, not knowing what the Night Court would do when they found out about Evie. He would do everything to protect her, especially from them. There was no way they would get their hands on her. His flames would turn them into ashes in a matter of seconds.

“Why would this be needed? Even after their separation, Cassian has never acted out against her. His self-restraint is strong.” Feyre says.

The Heir to Autumn rolled his eyes. Of course the High Lady would be the one to speak for him. She was still the same.

“Well from what I see, the general is looking at Eris with pure fury in his eyes. Keep your leash tighter around him unless you want to heighten the situation, Rhysand.” Beron says.

Cassian’s voice rumbles through the room, “When will Nesta be here?” He asked.

“My wife will arrive when she wants to. If she chooses not to come, then that is her decision.” Eris says almost immediately. He wasn’t going to let the brute forget who Nesta chose to be with. Eris would always be the one who knew her best. Nesta had told him things Cassian never even knew, being too afraid to wonder what he might think of her.

Cassian took a step closer, forcing the guards to point their spears, “You forced her to be your wife against her will. I’m sure that she never loved you. She was afraid of what you might do to her, so she married you. Nesta is my mate. She will always be mine.” He tells him, his body trembling with rage.

Eris also took a step closer, “You are being delusional, Cassian. Nesta made a choice. She chose to leave you. She chose to not let you hinder her anymore. You took away her freedom, which is something that she always wanted to have. She chose to come here. She chose to marry me. I never forced her to do anything. The same cannot be said for you.” He says.

Feyre sneers, “You are a liar! If you had seen the state my sister was in before we sent her to the mountains, you would have done the same. She was going to die if I didn’t do anything. I didn’t take away her freedom, I gave her a choice.”

Eris’s body fumed with anger, “Ah yes, those choices were either forcing her to train or make her leave your court. That seems fair, doesn’t it?” He asked.

“I wouldn’t have let her leave.” Feyre tells him.

Eris scoffed, “Then what would you have done? Locked her up and chained her to a wall so that she couldn’t escape? Would you have forced her to marry the general and hope they’d be happy together? I don’t doubt that you wouldn’t have let her leave, but I do wonder what you would have done if she chose to, High Lady.”

“You believe I am that cruel? I would never harm my sisters. They are the only family I have left.” She says to him.

Eris smirks, “And yet, Nesta left the Night Court out of fear of what you would do.” He told her, stunning her into silence.

Rhysand steps towards him, "Choose your next words carefully, Eris. Do not cross a line you can't come back from." He threatens, his shadows creeping into the room.

"Oh, but I love getting close to that line. It makes me eager to see what you will try to do." Eris says with a grin.

Beron lifts a hand, telling him to be silent. Eris wanted to shove it away, unable to contain his nerves. His wife was about to walk in with their daughter. There was no telling what kind of chaos would erupt when it happened.

The Heir of Autumn was about to excuse himself before one of Nesta's guards walked into the room, striding to the middle of the room.

He bows, "My High Lord, the Lady of the Heir has arrived."

Beron looks to Eris. His father wasn't asking for approval, but his face was stern, silently telling him to keep calm. Eris took a deep breath, keeping his flames at bay. He kept his eyes on the General of the Night Court, ready to pounce if he even made a move to Nesta.

"You may send her in," Beron says, standing from his throne.

When the doors opened, Nesta walked into the room with grace, her dress blinding anyone who stared, showing off the beauty that she was. She was decored in jewels, her ruby wedding ring shining like the sun as it solidified where her allegiance lay.

But it wasn't Nesta's presence that shocked everyone... it was the child in her arms. The child that belonged to her.

Eris stared at his dear Evie, wanting to take her in his arms, but he knew that his father wouldn't approve of that. He would scold him, looking at his granddaughter as more of a weakness than anything else.

He wasn't going to let that happen.

"Nesta?" Feyre breathed, taking a step forward.

***

The eldest Archeron looked over to her younger sister.

The High Lady of the Night Court lived up to her title, dressed in the deepest black, her dress shining like stars. Her crown was made of obsidian, the diamond embedded inside of it gleaming like the stars she looked upon every night.

She was deceivingly beautiful; a villain disguised as a hero.

Nesta would never make the mistake of trusting her again, especially with her own child. She could sense the shadows in the room, feeling death creeping inside of them, waiting to swallow someone and take them into the deep abyss.

"Nesta, what is this?" Feyre motioned to Evie, brows furrowed.

Nesta spoke, "This is my daughter. Evangeline Vanserra." She answered, plain and simple.

Feyre let out a breath, betrayal written all over her face, "How is this possible? How could you let this monster do this to you after all he has done?" She asked, glancing at Eris.

Fury arose inside of her, "I could say the same about your mate, seeing as he impregnated you with a baby that could have killed you and told that secret to everyone but you." Nesta snaps back at her sister.

"How dare you-" Feyre starts, but Nesta interrupts her.

"No, how dare you come into my home and insult my family? You motioned to my daughter as if she were the most despicable thing in the room! Never once have I looked upon Nyx like that!" Nesta yells at her.

Feyre shakes her head, "Nyx was conceived out of love and promise! Your daughter was conceived out of duty and force! You opened yourself for this monster who will only betray you in the end!" She exclaims.

Elain steps towards the High Lady, "How could you say that? Do you not hear your words? You judge her choices when you promised you wouldn't! You haven't been in her life for years, Feyre! You don't know what has unfolded after all that time!" She yells at her.

"Enough of this!" Beron announced.

Nesta ignored him, "It's alright, Elain. Feyre is only angry that she lost control of me. I am not her puppet anymore so she doesn't know what to do." She told her.

Feyre scoffed, "I am perfectly fine without you. I am just disappointed in your choices. You left the Night Court to come here and ruin your life all over again." She spat at her.

“Oh yes, like the Night Court would have been any better. I would have jumped off the highest cliff if I had to stay there any longer. You all had turned against me. Cassian had set me apart from you, pushing me aside and siding with you all before he ever considered me. If that is what a mate does to his ‘equal’, then I’d rather have no one beside me.” Nesta says.

Cassian speaks, "That's not true, Nes. You know I would never do that. I loved you. I still love you. Even if you have a child with another, my heart stays with you." He tells her.

Nesta hadn't expected him to speak, but now that she looks at him, she sees how haggard he is. He looks like he hasn't slept at all, his face with a dirty stubble, his eyes lowered as if he has been crying all night, and his red siphons dimmed from their usual vibrance.

Evie moved in her mother's arms as if she was uncomfortable with the male's voice. He was someone she didn't know, with whom she had no connection. Nesta wondered if the mating bond disrupted her daughter, feeling an unknown shift inside her she'd never felt before.

"If that is true, I'll crush your heart beneath my feet for all of the pain you have put me through. I was always second to you. My opinions or thoughts were never important to you. You destroyed us." Nesta sneers at him.

Feyre rolls her eyes, "All he did was love you, Nesta. You conjured up all of these negative thoughts inside of your head until you believed them. You made us all out to be the bad ones when in reality, all we tried to do was help you." She tells her.

"Help me? I wanted to die because of what you put me through! I had thought that I'd found happiness when I had healed from the trauma and torture of my mind, but you brought it all back the moment you decided I needed to be put through the wringer again! Truthfully, I had expected it," Nesta looked to Cassian, "but never from you."

The General became pale as she spoke, "You betrayed me in the worst way. You agreed with them and never defended me. That is why I left. Not because of them, but because of you." She finished.

Once again, Evie cooed, struggling in her mother's arms. Nesta immediately paid attention to her daughter, adjusting her and pecking a kiss on her forehead. Calmness washed over her like a tidal wave.

"I thought I'd never come to find happiness in my life. I thought I was hopeless. But it wasn't until I came to the Autumn Court, of all places, that I found myself and where I was meant to be. The only regret I have," Nesta stared at Feyre, "is that I didn't leave sooner."

The eldest Archeron made her way to stand beside her husband, who stayed perfectly still. He looked down at her, his face stern, but his eyes dancing with admiration. She wanted to kiss him, to tell him how much he meant to her, but she'd do that later.

This was the male she was destined to be with, mated or not.

"Well, now that we have our feelings out of the way, what is it that you have wanted to meet with me, Rhysand?" Beron asks, sitting back on his throne.

Rhysand lets out a breath, "Nesta Archeron was and still is, the emissary of the Night Court. Therefore, she and my representatives have to meet in Hewn City to discuss the state of the Night Court and how we will progress." He says.

Nesta's heart drops, "What the hell are you talking about? I resigned from emissary long ago. Your court and I have cut ties." She tells him.

The High Lord smirks, "You never signed an official document. You told me you were leaving, but I have no proof of resignation." He says.

They will have you tied to a leash of control. They will pull you in until you beg them for air. That is all they want from you. Control.

Eris had said that to her in the first months she had come to the Autumn Court. He knew that they would try anything and everything to get her back, especially because of the power she held.

But now, this was different. They had taken this too far.

"You fucking bastard. You are mental if you think you are going to take my wife away from me by force. Give us the papers of resignation and she'll sign them right here and now." Eris tells him, the heat radiating from him.

Feyre shakes her head, "She must meet with the representatives. They are the ones who will sign her off after she speaks with them. Her visit to the Night Court will be brief, that we can promise." She says.

Beron sighs, "And if she does not go? You forget she is married and has a child with my son. She has her duties here in my court and time does not wait for anyone. Her home is here." He tells them.

"Then a war between us will be waged," Rhysand says, making the room grow silent.

Lucien steps forward, "You are insane. We haven't even recovered from the War with Hybern and you want to wage one for someone who doesn't even want anything to do with your court anymore? This is low, even for the both of you." He says to Rhysand and Feyre.

"There isn't anything we can do. Either Nesta meets with the representatives or war is waged. Those are the options." Feyre says, looking back to her sister.

Eris scoffs, "Those are practically the same options you gave your sister years ago." He tells her.

Shadows creep closer from the corners of the room, but Nesta stopped them with a swipe of her silver flames, making Rhysand flinch.

Feyre looks at Nesta, "You make the choice like you always wanted to do." She says.

Nesta looks down at her daughter, seeing her sleep soundly in her arms. This little creation was hers to protect, love, and care for. She promised to be better than her own parents, never wanting to go down the path they did for their children.

But Nesta knew that she'd do anything to keep her daughter, husband, and home safe from anyone who tried to harm it.

She looked up to Eris, who knew the choice she would make. He lightly shook his head, his body trembling with anger for the enemies in front of them.

I love you, she thought to herself, hoping he could see it in her eyes.

Then she looked back to Feyre, "Alright, I will do this. But once this is done, the Night Court and I officially cut ties. And I never want to see you again." She snaps at her sister, hoping that she knows the damage she caused between them.

[iamreykylotrash]

A Court of Silent Chaos

"I, Nesta Archeron, take thee, Eris Vanserra, to be my husband and partner in life. I will be faithful and obedient to him for the rest of my days. I will honor him as he will honor me. My loyalties will lie with the Autumn Court and no other. And this is a promise I will keep."

{Coming soon to Wattpad, AO3, and tumblr!}

This story will follow after the events of ACOSF! The official synopsis will be up soon! I hope everyone will enjoy is once it’s posted! ❤️

[iamreykylotrash]

warmth in the blizzard.

psa: this scene does contain sexual content & language. if that isn’t what you like, please skip this one!

Nesta crossed her arms against her chest, shivering as the freezing wind blew violently against her skin.

She could barely feel the warmth of her flames, seeing the smoke rise from her body, trying to ignite at least one speck of fire, but to no avail.

Next to her, Eris trudged through the snow, one arm up to shield his face from the snow. He struggled to see, grunting as the blizzard came down harder onto them.

"We should have never winnowed here! Now, look where you put us!" Nesta yelled at him.

Eris turned to her, "You act like I wanted this to happen! I cannot winnow through the blizzard, especially when my abilities don't work! It's too dangerous!" He explains to her.

"Well, you should have asked Kallias to check the weather before taking us to this dreadful place! Our flames are no match for this!" Nesta told him.

Eris groaned, "Instead of arguing with me, look for shelter! We cannot stay out here for long unless we want to be turned into icicles!" He tells her.

Nesta rolled her eyes, scanning all around her, finding nothing. She shakes her head, "We have to keep moving! There has to be something here!" She tells him, the wind growing increasingly violent.

They trudge through the snow for another hour, struggling against the mighty blizzard. Eris was a few steps ahead, scanning everywhere for some sort of shelter. His arms were at his side, his hands balled into fists, smoke still rising from them.

"I see a cave over there! We can get there within the hour!" Eris yelled, pointing to the location, but Nesta said nothing.

She feels her body ache from the cold, half of it numb. As much as she tried, her flames would not form, leaving her weak. Smoke had no longer risen from her body, making her collapse to her knees.

"Eris," She breathed.

As if he heard it through the violent blizzard, her husband turned around, his face immediately growing concerned. He rushed back to his wife, seeing her paleness, "What's wrong?" He asked her.

She groaned as she tried to move, unable to take the pain, "It hurts too much. My flames are too weak. I'm freezing." She tells him.

He sighs, "The cave is so close. We're almost there." He tells her.

Nesta let out a breath, "I can't, Eris." She says.

He scoffs, taking his wife into his arms, carrying her, "Well, I can. But I need you to keep speaking to me. I need to know you are alright." He tells her.

Nesta rested her head on his chest, shivering as the cold dominated her. She put a hand on the side of Eris's neck, feeling his warmth. The heat seeped into her hand, letting her summon a spark of fire.

"That's it. Let me know that you are okay." Eris says, moving through the snow.

They hadn’t been this close to each other, not since they had kissed a few weeks ago. Nesta had always felt the urge to touch him, wanting to be near him, and wanting to make sure that he was okay. He had always been dependent on her, knowing she was still recovering from the trauma that the Night Court had inflicted upon her, including Cassian.

Nesta hadn’t expressed her gratitude in words, but she made sure to let him know with her actions. The night when he had rescued her on the border of the Autumn Court, she held him tightly, clutching his shirt with the strength she had left. The journey from the Night to Autumn had left her exhausted, the elements of each court attacking her and leaving her with nothing.

But once she saw the orange flames ignite in the darkness, Nesta knew exactly who had come for her.

Even now, Nesta is reminded of that same night. She stared at Eris, seeing him trudge through obstacles like he did nearly a year ago.

As they reached the cave, Eris set Nesta down on the frosted grass, mustering enough strength to walk again. Even though it wasn’t warm in the least, it was the only option they had for a shelter, seeing as the blizzard was getting worse with every passing moment.

“Why hasn’t Kallias or his soldiers come looking for us? It doesn’t make sense to spend so much time in the blizzard.” Nesta asks Eris, using her mouth to heat her hands.

Eris shakes his head, “They aren’t able to come out in the storm. They believe that who ever endures it, they are to be rewarded. With what? I don’t know exactly. It’s a tradition that’s been with the Winter Court for centuries.” He explains.

“So what? Are we supposed to stay here until the storm passes? You told me before that they can last for hours or even days! We have brought nothing with us, Eris! We aren’t prepared for this!” Nesta exclaims.

He turns to her, “Don’t you think that I am worried about that too? I didn’t think we’d winnow in the middle of a blizzard. No matter how long it lasts, we have to endure it. We’ll figure things out as the hours pass, but for right now… we have to get out of these clothes.” Eris tells her.

Nesta looks at him as if he was insane.

“We are drenched, Nes. We have to get out of these clothes and let them dry. If we say in them for too long, we could get sick and our abilities won’t return to us for a while.” He explains to her.

Nesta turns away from him, sitting on the grass, “I’ll take my chances.” She says to him.

Eris sighs, not saying anything to her. Instead, he starts taking off his clothing, stripping down into nothing. Nesta watched as he did it, unashamed as she admired him. He was perfectly sculpted, every part of him, even his…

Nesta cleared her throat, turning away.

“Don’t do that. I wouldn’t take my eyes off of you, my phoenix.” Eris tells her, laying his clothes on the floor.

Nesta clutched her wet clothes tighter, hoping that she would grow warmer, trying to avoid taking off her clothing. But no matter how much she tried to produce her flames, they would not come, hindered by the cold. She grunted, knowing that with every minute, the cold would only make her worse.

Eris kneeled next to her, his hand taking hers. Nesta was about to object to the action, until she saw a small orange flame in their hands. She gasped, desperate to see the power, hoping it could summon hers. But as she tried, she still couldn’t.

“That doesn’t make sense. Why can you have your power?” She asked.

Eris played with the orange flame, twirling it around his fingers, “Your body is cold from the wet clothes. You are freezing, growing numb. If you take them off, your body will warm, even if it’s cold. And if you are against me, it will be quicker.” He tells her.

“Don’t do that, Eris. Don’t trick me into doing that.” Nesta says to him.

Eris leans against the cave wall, “I have never tricked you into doing something you didn’t want. I have always been honest with you. But to get our abilities back quicker, we have to have nothing covering us. I get that you don’t want to do that, but it’s either that or death. And in all honesty, my phoenix, I’d rather force those clothes off of you than to have you dead in this cave.” He says to her.

Nesta rolls her eyes, staring out to the violent blizzard. She knew that it wasn’t going to stop anytime soon.

She stood up from the ground, shrugging off the long coat she wore. Her muscles ached from the movement, but she ignored it. As she took off every piece of clothing, she could feel her husband’s blazing gaze taking her in, leaving her heavy with wanting. This was an extremely bad idea, but it was the only one that made sense.

After she laid her clothes out, Nesta stood up, crossing her arms over her chest, turning to her husband, "What do we do now?" She asked him, feeling the cold dominate her like never before.

Eris's amber eyes stared directly at her as if he was entranced by her presence. He looked at her as if she were the only thing that mattered. He didn't look down at her body, nor did he seem disappointed, but it was like he was...

Nesta couldn't bring herself to hope, not like before.

After almost a year of not seeing Cassian, Nesta believed that the mating bond would cease, but it didn't. Her heart kept yearning back to him, but her mind knew that he wasn't good. Their relationship had crumbled because of his actions and the words he spat at her.

He had sacrificed her over his family. He chose to be beside Rhysand, instead of the woman he claimed he loved.

Even now, Nesta's heart shattered at the memory. Her brokenness was displayed for Eris to see. Before, she would have steeled herself, tried to hide it, and wiped the tears away.

But now, it had changed. Her feelings had changed.

Even though Cassian still had a hold on her, Nesta couldn't help but look back at her husband. He had been beside her, was vulnerable with her, and shown that she was his main priority. He had never put anyone before her, not even his own mother, whom he loved so deeply.

But after they married, Nesta saw that change in him, a transformation of someone who was closed off. He had opened himself just a bit to embrace her, letting her see who he truly was and why he did the things he did. It had been the most Nesta saw from anyone, even Cassian.

There were no secrets. No lies. No traps. No manipulation.

It was just him and her, sharing those flames of truth.

Nesta took Eris's hand in hers, starting to feel his warmth radiating into her. He had made her come alive again, not just with wanting, but with life as if she was beginning anew.

She made so many promises to herself, wanting to heal from everything that had been done to her. She promised to gain freedom, being released from the invisible chains that the Inner Circle trapped her in, laughing as they had death in the palms of their hands.

But it seemed that death had a savior... and Nesta was staring right at him.

Without saying a word, she lifted her leg over his lap, straddling him, staring into those amber eyes without shame. Her heart was racing, but she did not falter. Not with him.

For the first time in a while, Nesta had allowed herself to be bold, remembering a woman who was once unafraid to speak her mind. If her human side could see who she had become now, there was no telling of how she'd react.

Nesta's hands touched his face, moving his hair away from his face. He kept looking at her face, his eyes never tearing away from her for a second. His hands were at her waist, lightly squeezing her hips, and his growing erection was inbetween her, making her become drenched as her tether of self-control was nearly undone.

"Don't hurt me, Eris. Not like they did." Nesta breathes, her hands resting on his cheeks.

A flame sparks at the words.

“I have never dreamt it before. Nor do I dream of it now.” He tells her, his lips pressing to her collarbone, feeling their reviving warmth.

Nesta sighs, closing her eyes as her husband’s lips kissed her all the way up to her cheeks. She could feel them heating up, blushing from the action itself. She knew he could feel her wanting, begging for him to touch her everywhere.

His head snuggled into her neck, his breath warm as it hit her skin. He was intoxicated by her scent, being reminded of the beauty that she was. “You have bewitched me, my phoenix. It feels like I cannot live without you.” He admits to her.

Nesta kissed his head, taking in the scent of smoke and autumn, “How could you want me after hearing of what I am? How could you want death so close to you?” She asked him, the question unexpectedly spilling out of her mouth. Her husband’s head lifted, his gaze confused.

“I had faced death. I was entranced by it. And I adore it. You don’t terrify me, Nes. The Night Court had always warned you of your own powers, afraid of it being out of control. But you have control. You don’t let your power dominate you at all. You had always asked yourself why you couldn’t control your power while being in their hands, but the answer is simple: they didn’t let you.” He starts.

“They had taken control from you. They made you believe that you couldn’t handle your own power. They wanted to strip it from you. I know that because that is exactly what Beron did to Lucien. He wanted to manipulate him, make him weak so that he would be under his control. My father did not want him to find his power. He did everything to prevent it from happening." Eris tells her.

Nesta knew what 'everything' meant. Beron would beat Lucien to the point where the boy crawled to a corner and tremble. Knowing that Lucien was not his son, but the son of Helion, Beron did not want him to figure out what he was capable of.

And that meant that Lucien had suffered for centuries under Beron's hand.

"I don't want to regret this," Nesta breathes to Eris, her heart pounding as she grows restless for him.

The Heir of Autumn's lips brush against hers once again, "You're in control, my phoenix. Take it. Do what you want with me." He says.

It was there that Nesta lost herself.

That is exactly what she wanted.

As her lips collided with his again, Nesta let the flames engulf them, feeling none of the cold. Her blood ran warm, and she could feel her fingers as they roamed his body. He felt strong, his arms wrapping around her waist as he pulled her closer.

Beneath her, his length was between her, but she wouldn't let him in just yet. Slowly, she moved her hips, earning a groan from him. His hands gripped her hips, signaling that he wanted more.

Nesta kept a steady speed, separating their lips, and moving them down to his neck. She left her marks on him, biting and sucking down on his skin, her tongue circling the pleasure wounds. She heard him chuckle, his cock twitching with every maneuver she made.

She had come alive with control, not knowing how much she craved it. She had never had the choice, but this feeling did not seem foreign, as if it was already instilled in her.

Eris had brought this feeling back to her.

She kissed her way back up to his lips, pecking them once, "How badly have you wanted me, huh?" She asked, a smirk creeping upon her face.

Eris looked at her with pure lust, "Since the first time we danced." He admits, his hands moving down to her ass.

She hums, "It's good to know I occupied your mind for a while." She tells him.

He grins mischievously, "It is the greatest honor to have you." He says to her, before taking her lips with his once more.

Nesta had no doubt that her heart was tied to his, feeling that connection she desperately wanted to find. Even when she was with Cassian, something had felt wrong.

But, Eris was the last person in her mind she ever thought she could ever want.

Slowly, Nesta lowered herself onto him, his cock sliding gloriously into her. She let out a breathless sigh into his mouth, perfectly filling her. Excitement roared through her.

"You are glorious," Eris breathed, tilting his head to take one of her breasts into her mouth, pressing her body tight against him.

Nesta moaned at the lick of his tongue, a chill rising from the warmth. It was too good. This sensation that hadn't been felt in a long time had become enhanced, stronger than the others that she had laid with.

A flicker of sliver flashed on her fingertips.

With Cassian, the pull had been strong, making her crave for him at every moment. But that was because of the mating bond.

With Eris, it all had come naturally. Her feelings were not forced upon her but were formed because of his honesty and devotion to her. He had given her the truth and stood by her every day.

This was something true.

"Yes," Nesta breathed, her nails digging in his skin as she moved faster against him.

Eris groaned, lowering her onto the grass, hovering above her. He pushed himself further inside of her, earning another beautiful sound from her lips. His hands fisting the ground beneath him.

Smoke started to rise around them, silver and orange flames flickering as their passion rose.

Nesta looked down at their connected bodies. It was too hot, too intense for this kind of bond. She felt the sweat drip down her forehead, her hands tightly gripping his biceps as he trusted himself inside of her again and again.

He lowered his head against her ear, "That's it. I want you screaming for me. Let me know how much you want this." He says.

At the words, Nesta tightens around him, humming as he took her lips again.

"I want this," she breathed against his lips, "I want you. Give me everything."

He grinned, "With pleasure, my phoenix." He told her, turning them over so that she was on top of him, leaving her slightly confused.

"You are too beautiful to be beneath me." He tells her.

Nesta smirked, putting her hands on each side of his head, "You have such a soft spot inside of you." She says to him.

He grips her ass, "It is only yours to see." He says, his eyes gleaming.

She bites her lip, starting to move against him once again. She was so close, feeling the build-up of pleasure nearly bursting. She wanted it, craved for him to come inside of her.

The smoke around them rose higher, a combination of both of their flames forming. They crackled through the violent blizzard, stronger than the cold could ever bring.

They had both gone through so much, losing so much along the way, but each obstacle had led them to each other, finding a connection that not even a mating bond could form.

This was theirs.

Nesta's moans grew louder as she was on the brink of completion. She felt as if this wasn't enough, that this would not satisfy her. She would want him again and again until they were both drained.

"You can do it, my phoenix. You can come. I know you can." Eris told her, his hand gripping her hair, holding her head against his, their lips barely touching.

Nesta grunted, her movements slowing as she came. Her body trembled from the pleasure, sweat dripping down her skin, and her breathing heavy.

Before she could fall against him, Eris shook his head, "You're not done yet. Ride me until I come." He tells her.

She chuckles, "What will happen if I don't? What if I leave you suffering?" She asks him.

He scoffs, "The image of you will be enough." He tells her.

Warmth fluttered inside of her.

As she started to move against him once more, she lowered her head, her lips against his ear as he had done to her, "What did you imagine me doing to you, hm?" She asked.

"Many things." He says.

She scoffed, "What? Like sucking you off? Wrapping my hand around you and finishing on my tongue? Taking me from behind? There are so many ways." She says, earning a groan from him.

"I have dreamed of this too, you know. Ever since we kissed on our wedding day, I would always think about how you would feel inside of me. I would touch myself to the thoughts of you, feeling the heat of your skin against mine. I would picture your fingers inside of me, making me scream as I came onto them." Nesta admitted, feeling bold.

Eris let out a breath, saying nothing. Nesta felt him right there, his hands gripping her thighs as he was close.

"There were times when I pictured myself on my knees, taking you into my mouth. You were so good, so warm on my tongue. Would it be better now that I have you? Will you come down my throat?" She asked him.

But then she felt it.

Eris grunted as he released himself inside of her, holding her tightly. Nesta gasped as the warmth filled her, biting her lip as she stared down at her husband.

"You are a menace," He says, breathlessly.

Nesta laughs, "You have only yourself to blame." She tells him.

She got off of him, falling at his side, the flames still ignited around them. He turned to her, his arm wrapping around her waist, holding her close.

"I hope to hear more of that sound." He tells her, kissing her forehead.

She gives him a small smile, "And I hope to hear yours one day. Your true laugh." She says to him.

He smiles at her, "All I know is that you will be the cause of it." He says, putting a strand of hair behind her ear.

Nesta scoffed, kissing him again.

Ever since she was a little girl, she had dreamed about the male she would fall in love with. She would picture him as a beautiful human knight in shining armor, rescuing her from her miserable life, and taking her to a faraway land where they would live happily.

But Nesta would choose her life all over again if it meant meeting Eris, knowing that he was the one all along.

[iamreykylotrash]

a choice must be made.

PART II OF "A PROMISE FROM DEATH HERSELF"

psa: this prompt does include semi-graphic details of death and cremation. if that draws the line for anyone, please, skip this.

Nesta Archeron watched as the bells of Velaris tolled after the death of the truth-speaker.

It had been days since she laid her husband to rest, watching as the flames raged against his peaceful corpse. He looked as if he was asleep in the midst of the fire, calm as the flames turned him into dust. Nesta silently cried as she watched, pleading for the inferno to revive him.

But as the flames died, her husband was nothing more than ashes.

She was the one who gathered them into a leather pouch, walking with her daughter to the single autumn tree out in the meadow. She remembered how he held her beneath it as they sat to watch the sunset. Even when she was pregnant, his hand rubbed her stomach, the silent love pouring out from him.

It was there where she scattered his ashes.

Nesta had whispered 'I love you' as she watched him become one with the wind, holding their daughter tightly in her arms.

But now, it was time to watch another be laid to rest.

The citizens of Velaris gathered at the heart of the city, watching as Morrigan's body was laid upon the smooth stone, her body surrounded with red roses. Many of them grieved, but some others didn't even show emotion. It was as if there were those who knew this could happen.

The Inner Circle was not as powerful as it seemed.

She saw the funeral from afar and watched as Rhysand collapsed in front of his cousin's corpse, crying in his hands. Feyre laid a hand on his shoulder, trying to soothe his grief.

Even as the death of her husband was still fresh in her mind, Nesta wasn't able to stay still. She had made a promise, not only to herself but to Eris's family. He was going to receive justice.

The night sky was gleaming with stars, looking down upon the court as the ceremony began. A priestess held her hands high, begging the Mother to send the truth-speaker into blissful peace.

As Nesta took in the crowd, she spotted Gwyneth, seeing her frantically look around, as if she was looking for someone. Emerie was right beside her, as were the other priestesses.

But the one person who wasn't there... Azriel.

Immediately, Nesta looked behind her. She was met with the point of truth-teller centimeters away from her neck. Azriel's eyes blazed with anger, tears streaming from them as his body trembled.

Nesta knew she could have used her powers to push him away from her, to disintegrate him for eternity... but she didn't.

The Spymaster of the Night Court had been the only one to help her as she had suffered. At her lowest times, Azriel had silently offered her a cup of tea, patted her on the back, and got her back on her feet. Even as she fought with Cassian, Azriel never defended his brother's actions. Instead, he had stepped aside, and let her leave.

Even if he didn't care about her, Nesta did care about him.

He had given her a choice.

And she would do the same.

"Walk away, Azriel," Nesta told him.

He sneered, "I should kill you after what you've done. I should smear your blood all over this concrete." He tells her.

"You should. But I know you won't. Not if you want Gwyn to die of heartbreak. If you leave her alone, the mating bond will rupture and she will suffer. She will cry and cry and cry... until death takes her." Nesta says to him.

Azriel tenses, his eyes moving to the side. Nesta knows he is looking at Gwyneth, watching as his eyes soften, seeing the great love he has for her. His mate.

"I want you to walk away, Azriel. Take Gwyn far from here. Start a life away from Prythian, away from these people." Nesta tells him.

The Spymaster's eyes return to her, "Do you really think I am going to abandon my brothers and my court? You know where my loyalty lies, Nesta. You know what my answer is." He says.

"After what I will do, there will be nothing left of your court. You cannot kill me, Azriel. Death chooses my time. But I will feed souls to it. If you don't want me to feed it yours, you will do as I say. Take yourself away from this. Take Gwyn away from this. You said it yourself that you would do everything it takes to protect her. Protect her from me." She says to him.

Azriel slowly lowers his blade, his brows narrowing, "Why are you giving me a choice? I am the reason for Eris's death. He would still be alive if I hadn't let go of my guard. I was foolish to trust Cassian. You should kill me instead of him." He says.

Nesta shakes her head, "You are the only one worthy enough for a choice. You would have saved him. Cassian chose not to. He left Eris there to die. Even when Feyre begged to keep Cassian in the Night Court, I knew you didn't agree with it. You believe in consequences, Azriel. That is why I am giving you this choice." She tells him.

She took a step closer to him, "Gwyn always said she wanted to live near the ocean. She wants to hear the rumbling waves, walk on the sand, and swim in the water every chance she gets. You can give her that. She deserves to live and to thrive, especially with the male she loves." Nesta says.

Azriel says nothing.

Nesta puts one hand on his chest, upon the gleaming blue siphon.

"Give her that life, Az. Live that life with her." Nesta whispers to him, before she turns away from him, letting him make his choice.

After a few minutes of silence, Azriel finally speaks, "Just promise me that whatever you do... it will be quick. Don't let them suffer." He says, before winnowing away.

Nesta didn't promise it. She couldn't, not when the male who had left her husband for dead was alive, breathing the same air as she was. He would be the one who would suffer the most, knowing that everyone he loved will die by her hand.

She watched as Azriel spoke with Gwyn, seeing her face become concerned. She could see her friend become confused, but eventually, she understood, looking around the rooftops, her blue eyes locking on Nesta.

Gwyn nodded once at her before Azriel led her away from the crowd, taking Emerie's hand as well.

Nesta waited until they were far enough before she winnowed in front of the truth-speaker's corpse, hearing the hundreds of gasps in the crowd, and seeing many of them start to shift away.

She looked down upon Morrigan, taking one of the roses in her hand, igniting it in flames, "What a shame." She said.

Feyre stepped forward, "Nesta, please. Enough of this. I'm sorry. I'm sorry that we couldn't save him. But please, killing us will not bring him back." Her sister pleads.

"I don't need your apologies, Feyre. It's too late for that. You made your choice. You chose to defend the murderer of my husband and my daughter's father. You have sided with the Night Court every time. You have forgotten your family. And you have crossed the line." Nesta tells her.

Feyre doesn't say anything else.

"Now," Nesta turns to Amren, "onto the next." She says.

The Second Commander steps forward, her face blank and unafraid. She seemed ready to confront death, feeling nothing of fear. Nesta smirked, "I take it you are ready, Amren?" She says.

Amren took a deep breath, "Kill me already. Let's be done with this. Do with me what you did to Morrigan. Kill me as you did her." She snaps.

Nesta chuckles, "Oh, I won't kill you," she looks to Cassian, "but he will." She tells her.

Suddenly, death rules over the General's soul, his eyes becoming blank as he unsheathes his sword. The crowd screams as Amren is forced onto her knees by Nesta's power. Cassian's sword is against her neck, the point drawing blood down her throat.

"Nesta! Stop this, please! Don't do this! Don't do this!" Rhysand screams, but it is of no use.

Deep inside of her, Nesta could feel her mate's suffering, wanting to be let out of the trance. She delighted in the feeling, knowing he was terrified of her power. She met him there, laughing victoriously.

Nesta walked to Cassian's possessed body, putting a hand on his shoulder, "I told you that you would watch as they all died." She whispered.

Then, she looked at Amren, "It was nice knowing you, Second Commander. Greet Death for me, if you would?" Nesta asked.

"Please, don't-" Amren began, before her head fell to the ground, along with the rest of her body.

"NO!" Feyre screamed, lunging forward, but Rhysand held her back.

Cassian was no longer possessed. He had dropped his sword onto the stone, falling onto his knees as he stared at Amren's body. He looked down at his own hand, knowing that it was the one that killed her.

Nesta looks to her sister one last time, "The next time I arrive, will be the last. I will complete my promise. Each one of you will pay. And this court will be no more." She says to her.

Feyre's chin trembles, "I'm sorry, Nesta. Please, don't do this." She pleads once again.

But Nesta winnows away, feeling nothing of regret.

***

Tags: @loggingout1029 , @generalpeachyboots , @descalliestars , @pancakemaxxsmooch

[iamreykylotrash]

*slams credit card on table* I NEED A CONTINUATION OF “A PROMISE FROM DEATH HERSELF” YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE ME LIKE THAT!

Baby, I don't need your credit card. All you have to do was ask. And since you have, I will definitely be doing a part II! :)

[tamlinsrose-deactivated20250427]

Nesta accepting the mating bond with Cassian was sweet and all - but imagine she'd come together with Eris. How fucking badass would that be?

[iamreykylotrash]

I’m holding out hope. 😩❤️🔥

[iamreykylotrash]

a promise from death herself.

psa: this prompt does mention death and semi-graphic detailing. please, if you do not feel comfortable, skip this one.

Nesta could feel her body aching, her ears ringing from the explosion.

Her eyes fluttered open, seeing the gray ash floating through the air, hearing the cries of soldiers as war raged upon them.

She turned onto her stomach, groaning as her back shot prickles of pain throughout her body. She took deep breaths, struggling to get up from the ground.

"Eris," was the first word she breathed, wondering if he was alright.

He had left to check in with Rhysand and Feyre, planning to infiltrate the heart of the enemy camp with explosives. Even though he didn't trust them one bit, Eris knew they were a crucial part of the plan, hiding within the shadows of night, getting in and out quickly and quietly.

"I love you. I'll be back soon, my phoenix." Eris had whispered against her lips before leaving. Nesta had watched him winnow away, silently praying to the Mother that he would be okay.

Nesta lifted her head, looking through the fog. She could see her sword laying feet away from her, the blood-coated blade still shimmering. She crawled towards it, grunting as it was too painful to move.

But once she grabbed the hilt in her hand again, she used it to lift herself up, limping as she scoured through the chaos.

"THE ENEMIES HAVE BEEN DEFEATED!" Someone from the Winter Court yelled, raising their swords high as they let out a battle cry of victory, and the thousands of others followed suit.

Nesta was filled with relief, knowing that this war had brought nothing but pain and suffering to Prythian, which was still recovering from the War of Hybern. It had been a grueling ten years, reminding herself of the times she and Eris stayed up late discussing war plans with other courts, even with the Night Court.

But now the war had ended and the courts had won, Nesta sighed, feeling overwhelmed with hope. She was eager to head back home to her daughter, wanting nothing more than to hold her.

Although, where was Eris?

Nesta focused back on searching for her husband, knowing that he was also looking for her. There was no doubt in her mind that he was also scrambling to find her in the chaos.

But Nesta stopped when she saw Rhysand grab Cassian by the collar, screaming at him, "What have you done! Why didn't you clear him out! Why did you lie to me!"

Cassian didn't say anything. Instead, he stared at Rhysand with a blank face, unfazed by his tone.

"DO YOU REALISE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE! ANSWER ME!" Rhysand yells, his booming voice making the crowd around them turn and grow silent.

Nesta takes a few steps toward them, debating whether she should ask what was going on, but then... she saw it.

She saw him.

And everything became still.

Feyre kneeled on the grass, frantic as she tried to find Eris's pulse.

The Heir to Autumn lay still on the ground, bleeding from his head, and his lips turning a light blue. His ember ring, which was usually filled with life, had now darkened, the power nowhere to be found.

"Eris!" Nesta heard Lucien yell as he came up behind her.

The Heir to Day skidded on the ground, quick to find a pulse as Feyre tried. After a moment, he looked to Feyre, his eyes wide and tears brimming in them.

He trembled in rage, his own flames flickering on his fingertips, "What have you done?" Lucien breathed to her.

Feyre shook her head, "We went in. We planted the explosives. Azriel was tasked with taking Eris in and out to ignite them. Somehow, he was injured in the middle of it. Cassian..." she trails off, looking up at Nesta, "He was the only one left. Rhys and I had to get out as quickly as possible to avoid detection. We trusted Cassian to get him out and he told us he did, that he took him back to Nesta... but that wasn't true." She explains.

Nesta felt the world start to sway around her, feeling her flames grow cold underneath her skin. It was as if she was surrounded by snow, unable to ignite her flames, even when the rage was taking hold of her.

Slowly, she started to walk to her husband's body.

Feyre immediately stood up, backing away from him, her eyes on her eldest sister the entire time.

Nesta kneeled to the ground, touching her husband's face, feeling nothing of warmth. He was growing cold, his body going rigid as death had gained his soul.

It was then that she broke apart.

Nesta brought him into her arms, holding him as she grieved. She sobbed as her lips touched his forehead, wanting her own warmth to bring life into him again, wanting to see those beautiful amber eyes she had fallen in love with.

"Don't leave. You promised. You promised." She whispered, rocking back and forth as shock overtook her.

Victory had now grown silent, making everyone gather around, seeing the Heir to the Autumn Court dead in his wife's arms.

The rest of the High Lords made their way to the front, shock immediately overcoming them, including Beron. They all stared at the Night Court, seeing Cassian being protected behind Rhys, Feyre, and Amren. Azriel had stayed to the side, staring down at Eris. Morrigan stood next to him, crying silently.

"Rhysand, what is the meaning of this?" Helion asked him.

The High Lord of Night sighed, "I'm sorry," was the only thing he whispered.

"Sorry? You have killed my son. You have waged war in between our courts." Beron told him, his voice cold and calculated.

Feyre shakes her head, "Please, our people have suffered enough. We cannot survive another war. We will do anything, but please, do not wage war upon us." She pleaded.

"Then you will hand your general over to us. He will face the justice of the Autumn Court and be executed accordingly. Either way, you will lose." Beron tells them.

They all grow silent for a moment.

Nesta keeps her ears open, waiting for her sister's response. A part of her hoped that Feyre would see what her court has done, knowing Cassian has to be accountable for Eris's death.

But hope for her sister had died long ago.

"We can't do that. But we can promise that Cassian will be held accountable by the laws of the Night Court. He will be imprisoned and justice will be served. The title of 'general' will be stripped from him and he will cause no more harm to no one." Feyre says to Beron.

It had been the answer Nesta expected.

"You know your sister won't change. She will always side with Rhysand and the rest of them." Eris had once told her.

And it was true.

Feyre had clearly forgotten about her own family, siding with the one she gained every single time. There was no getting to her.

She would always choose them.

"Then this war will be between you and me," Nesta says, not looking up at Feyre.

Again, silence.

Nesta moved her husband's hair to the side, away from his face, "I will wage war against you and the Inner Circle, Feyre. You will pay for my husband's death. You will be the ones who will suffer for what you have done. I will take everything away from you, strip you of your choices, and make sure you beg for mercy as I once had within your grasp. You will pay for leaving my daughter without her father. You will pay for taking away the man I love."

Murmurs ran through the crowd.

"I promise that justice will be served for him. I promise that I will disintegrate every single one of you. I will make sure that my wrath would bring down every pain imaginable upon you as you have brought it upon me. I will parade your bodies around every court and ignite them with my own flames. Your ashes will be buried within Under the Mountain - in the place you each hated the most. This is my promise." Nesta tells her, lifting her head to see her sister.

Feyre's face was filled with complete fear. It was as if she hadn't recognized her, seeing a part of Nesta that no one would ever want.

But the Night Court had gone too far this time, never wanting to take accountability for their actions. And if that was the case, Nesta was going to make sure each of them suffered, dividing between them.

"You wouldn't," Rhysand breathed, his violet eyes gleaming.

Suddenly, Morrigan screamed, a snake of silver flames taking hold of her neck, making everyone gasp and back away.

She fell to her knees, begging for air as it tightened, her face turning as red as Cassian's siphons. Azriel immediately grabbed ahold of her, falling with her as death was preparing to take another soul.

"Nesta, stop this!" Feyre screamed.

Nesta did no such thing. She looked down at Eris, kissing his cold lips for one last time, knowing that they would never touch again after today. He would be cremated, becoming one with the earth.

And Nesta would be the one to scatter his ashes.

"Until our flames die," She said against his lips.

Slowly, Nesta set him back down on the ground. Lucien held his hand out to her, helping her stand from the dirt. Her sliver of power was still wrapped around Morrigan's neck, who continued to struggle to breathe.

Nesta looked at Feyre and Rhysand, "You both made the choice. Now, you will suffer the consequences, starting with the truth-speaker." She said, her voice filled with cold death.

Then, Nesta's eyes landed on Cassian, who stared at her like she was a ghost. His face was pale, blood streaming from the side of his head, and his siphons filled with life, unlike her husband.

"You," Nesta spoke to him, "will watch as each of them dies."

Cassian immediately snapped his head to Morrigan.

And Nesta was the one who dealt the killing blow, making Mor's neck crack, the sound echoing through the air.

One down. Five left.

Nesta Archeron watched as the rest of the Inner Circle scattered to the ground and hovered over Morrigan's body. Rhysand was the one who cried the most as his cousin's life was no more.

Now he knew how it felt.

And death was awaiting each and every one of them.

[gwynesta-archive]

No offense but the whole "Rhysand is the most handsome high lord" propaganda will be dead over once Eris ascends to the throne

[iamreykylotrash]

No, bc I fully believe this! 🧡🔥

[acourtofthought]

It's perfection 😍🦊🌺😍🦊🌺😍🦊🌺😍🦊

[iamreykylotrash]

The way this ship will ruin me if it happens! 😩💕

[iamreykylotrash]

defending what's mine.

Eris entered his father's throne room, seeing him sitting on the bronze throne. Beron watched as he made his way towards him, not saying a word until he was at the edge of the stairs leading up to the dais.

But when Eris stopped, the room was silent for a moment.

All he could do was stare at his father, his hands folded at his back, and be in complete stillness, not uttering a single sound.

It is what he was taught at such a young age.

His father forced him still, like a general to a soldier, screaming at him to follow his commands. At first, Eris was scared, knowing how his father would react if he disobeyed his orders. But it didn't take him long to understand what Beron wanted from him.

Control of his entire being.

Eris had always wanted to make his father suffer as he had, but he couldn't, not when he was planning to overtake the Autumn throne. He couldn't let everything go down the drain, knowing that Beron would catch on.

So, he would play the role of an obeying son, ready to do anything that his father commanded of him.

"I'm beginning to worry about you, Eris," Beron says, his voice echoing throughout the room.

Eris didn't say anything. It wasn't a question, nor was it something he had to answer. No, he had to wait until Beron had finished what he was saying. Only then would he await an answer.

"I had believed that once you married the Archeron sister, you would begin to prove to me that you deserve this throne. Instead of controlling her, you have given her freedom, letting her do whatever she wants without restrictions. She is a weapon to use against all of the courts, but you negate to see that." Beron says.

Eris feels his blood boil within him, wanting to rip out his father's tongue and shove it down his throat.

The High Lord of Autumn continued, "Nesta Archeron may be your wife and the mother to your unfortunate daughter, but she is still one of the most powerful beings on this land. Her silver flames are a gift to wield, knowing that the damage they could do would be irreparable. What she could do is beyond our understanding. That is why we must tame-"

Eris cut him off, "Tame? Do you believe Nesta to be some kind of dog or creature? She is a part of this court. She is my wife. As for my daughter, she is a blessing to have. I will not have you insulting my family." He tells him.

Beron slowly rises from his throne, his brown eyes raging embers, "You dare interrupt me, boy?" He asked.

The Autumn Heir takes one step up, "I have obeyed your every command, agreed to every single one of your choices, and I never opposed anything you said. But when it comes to my family, I will defend them, even from you." Eris snaps, his eyes gleaming with his own flames.

Then, a gust of hot air sent him flying, landing on the carpet of the throne room.

"Ah, so the firstborn has finally grown a pair? I have been waiting for this moment." Beron announces, his cape falling off his shoulders.

Eris stood from the floor, letting the hate he held for his father be known, unable to hide it any longer.

Beron descended the steps, standing feet away from his eldest son. He summoned his flames to the palms of his hands, an evil grin creeping onto his face, "This is the time, Eris. This is where you show me if you are worthy of the throne." He says.

"You want me to fight you? Is this what you trained me for? You want me to kill you to show you that I am worthy?" Eris asked him.

The High Lord laughs, "Killing me will mean that you have done what I've asked of you. Since you were born, I have trained you, made you into the male I wanted you to become. My blood runs through your veins. My mentality will pass down to you. My voice will haunt you until the end of your days. You will never forget me, Eris." He says.

“I’ll never be like you, Beron. I was taught better than that. You may have raised me and my brothers to obey your every command, but you knew that my mother cared for us, and nurtured us out of your sight. We each carry out your wishes because we all fight for the same throne. My brothers, except for Lucien, may have become cold over the years, but that is because you led them away from mother, forcing them to do your bidding.” Eris tells him.

Beron sneers, “You think I didn’t know what your mother was doing? I knew what she was teaching you. I whipped her for any subject she said. Why do you think she never showed her back? Why do you think she walked slowly? She hid the pain from you, Eris. She knew how you would get. I only wished you did know, that way you would have given into your anger long ago.” He says.

Eris felt himself tremble with rage. He had seen his mother stumble from time to time, still teaching them even after the pain Beron inflicted upon her. Even through all of that, she never gave up on her children, wanting them to know how they should be raised, and knowing the trueness of emotions.

But it wasn’t long until Beron put a stop to all of that, separating Eris’s younger brothers and forcing them to obey him. And after a few years, they all forgot what their mother had taught them. They were all cold to her, except for Eris and Lucien. The two eldest brothers could only watch as their brothers were wiped away, standing beside their father and obeying him in everything.

Eris summoned his own flames, throwing a ball of fire past his father’s head. A warning.

But Beron wasn’t fazed at all.

The High Lord chuckles, “You cannot hide anything from me, boy. I know of everything that happens in my household. No matter how hard you try, there isn't anything you can keep from me. I don't care what your mother taught you. I don't care if she showed you love and compassion. You are still my son. No matter what you do, you will still uphold my laws because you know that I am right. Everything I do is to keep my court strong, to keep it from crumbling."

Eris sneers, "I will never be anything like you." He says again, the flames burning brighter in his hands.

Beron smirks, "It doesn't matter, Eris! One way or another, someone will uphold the laws! It could be you, your brothers, or better yet..." he takes a step close, "it could be your own daughter. When she is older, she will get curious. She will wonder why her court crumbles under her father's rule? She will want to do something about it. Instead of being a disappointment, she might be the one to save the Autumn altogether." He says.

Eris throws another ball of fire yet again, but this time, Beron uses the quick maneuver to his advantage, moving quick as lightning, grabbing Eris's neck, his own flames searing his skin.

The Heir to Autumn falls to his knees, groaning in pain as his father looks down upon him, his face filled with rage. His hand tightens, making it harder to breathe.

"I had high hopes for you, Eris. I believed you were the one who would make me proud. I thought you would succeed. Instead, you have done nothing but fail me. I should have locked your mother in a cell. It is because of her influence that you have turned out as a failure. I should have never let you marry Nesta Archeron, seeing as the love you have for her made you weak. I should have killed that daughter of yours in the womb, seeing as you will not raise her as I raised you. No matter what you do now, you will never be worthy to rule the Autumn Court." Beron tells him.

It was then that the double doors of the throne room opened.

Eris heard his mother's cry, making his heart drop, "Beron! What are you doing?" She asked. Eris saw her standing at the threshold with Lucien beside her.

Beron snapped his head to look at the Lady of Autumn, his eyes holding nothing but hate for her and the son that wasn't his, "Look what you have caused, my lady. Look at what you raised. Our son is about to die because of you. You have made him weak." He says.

He turns back to look at his son, leaning down, "They will witness your death. I will kill your mother for what she has done. Then, I will go after your wife and daughter next. In the end, I will always win, Eris." Beron tells him.

Seconds later, another set of steps is heard. Eris watched his wife enter the room with their nine-month-old daughter in her arms.

Beron had stared at them as if they were the primary target.

Lucien stepped in front of them, putting himself in front of his brother's family.

"If anything happens to me, Lucien, I need you to promise that you will protect my family," Eris told him.

The Son of the Day Court narrowed his brows, "What do you mean? Why would something happen to you? Either way, I would protect your family no matter the circumstance. I've seen how important they are to you, especially your little girl." He tells him.

Eris sighs, leaning on the stone balcony, watching the sunset. He knew that the ruse wasn't going to last long, knowing that Beron was catching on.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't protect Jesminda all those years ago," Eris breathed, feeling his heart tighten as he remembered what happened to the girl his brother had once loved dearly.

Lucien hadn't said anything.

"I knew that I couldn't protect her, but I could protect you. I should have tried harder, but there wasn't a way to protect her without Beron finding out it was me." Eris says.

Lucien leaned next to him on the balcony, "Beron would have found her eventually. He would have killed her either way. It was my fault for getting involved with her in the first place. I should have known what Beron was capable of. If you had saved her, Beron would have never trusted you. He would have punished you as well and mother would have been left vulnerable."

"What happened in the past doesn't matter now, Eris. Of course, I will protect your family. I will protect them with my life if I have to, especially that of my niece. You have my word." His brother says with a hand on his shoulder.

In that moment of distraction, Eris escaped his father's grasp, grabbing his neck. He knocked the High Lord to his knees, looking down upon him. Eris knew that the man was not worthy of mercy, wanting to end his life right there.

But he couldn't.

Even with the heart of his mother, Eris could not forget what his father had taught him. Strength and courage. Yes, there was a speck of love in his heart for Beron, but hate mainly fueled it. His father was the scum of the earth, but Eris would get rid of him eventually.

Just not today.

"Don't... touch... my family," Eris struggled to say, trembling as the heat pierced his skin.

Beron chuckled again, "Even now, you cannot kill me. I knew that love had made you weak. But I didn't think that you'd let me live." He says, his flames extinguishing.

"I may not be the one to kill you, Beron, but your time will come. And when it does," Eris leans in close, "I will take the throne. I will change the Autumn. And you will be forgotten." He tells him, kicking his father to the ground.

Eris turns away from him, walking towards his family. He summoned a cage of fire around the High Lord of Autumn, keeping him detained temporarily.

As Eris got close, Nesta put a hand on his neck, her face filled with worry, "Are you alright?" She breathes.

He smiled at her, kissing her once, "I'm alright, my phoenix." He said against her lips, taking their daughter into his arms. The little girl cooed at him, snuggling into his shoulder. Eris kissed her head, grateful for this little creation.

Beron had said that love was weakness - a poisonous feeling that would betray you, but Eris knew that was a lie. His wife and daughter were living proof of that, regaining strength in every moment he thought about them.

And as he walked out of the throne room, Eris did not glance back at his father, wanting him to suffer as he once had.

[iamreykylotrash]

*bows down* thank you for all the neris content! i always get excited when i see something from you.

Aww thank you! I love writing them! Ever since their interaction in acosf, they have overtaken my mind! ❤️

[iamreykylotrash]

the agony of the truth.

All he saw was red.

Cassian’s rage had been heard by every corner of the House of Wind, his cries of agony and pain echoing throughout the halls. His hands threw anything he saw in his wake, destruction being left behind.

He could hear Rhysand call out to him, his voice filled with despair. He had tried to get into the house, but Cassian had drifted away from himself, ready to kill anything that moved.

And it was all because of her.

Cassian had seen the swell of his mate's belly, seeing her cradle it in her hand. Her smile was radiant, showing that the life inside of her was something she truly wanted. Eris stood beside her, his hand entwined with hers, staring down at her as if she were the most valuable thing in existence.

The General of the Night Court had fallen to his knees in front of everyone, staring at Nesta's stomach, knowing that the child she was carrying wasn't his, but of another... of Eris Vanserra.

He could feel his heart shattering, his rage rising higher the longer he stayed there. Tears fell down his face, his breathing becoming heavier.

Azriel had grabbed his arm, urging him to stand, but it seemed as if the world had stopped for Cassian, feeling as if life was not worth living anymore. The woman he loved was now pregnant by another male, content and vibrant with the life she had with him.

Cassian had only known that stubborn and rude woman that awakened his thoughts every time. He had craved her, wanted more of her, and believed that the Mother fated them for a reason. He had explored every part of her, knew her vulnerabilities, and felt every feeling they shared.

But he had ripped that apart.

Due to his own actions, Cassian had lost the woman he desperately loved, and who used to love him in return. She had warned him repeatedly that he would lose her, but he didn't listen. After hurting her with his own words, Nesta kept her promises, finding her way to the Autumn Court, where she became apart of them.

When Cassian's eyes connected with hers, he could see the hate they held for him, still holding onto everything he had said all those years ago. Those silver flames flickered as a warning to him… daring him to get close.

It was then that Cassian realized... he had ruined her.

He had led her to the point of hate. He had blamed her for the decisions she made, even when she had no choices in them. He had blamed her for her younger sister's suffering, even though she regretted it. He had blamed her for abusing the privileges of the Night Court, even when she never wanted to be there in the first place.

He had blamed her for everything she had no control over... and it cost him greatly.

Cassian hadn't known that this would be the price - losing her. He believed that after all this time, he still had a chance at regaining her. He hoped that she would eventually forgive him for everything he said and did. He believed that she would run back into his arms, relieved to be away from the Autumn Court and with him again.

But his fantasy was shattered by reality.

As Cassian tore at the rug beneath him, overcome with fury, his mind decided to torture him, making him remember the times he spent with his mate.

He remembered her touch, her skin beneath the palm of his hands, her lips on his, her shining eyes, and the beauty that she was. He remembered how he worshipped her, craving her every moment of the day, never wanting to be apart from her. He remembered waking up next to her, admiring the woman who he was fated to be with.

How had he lost her?

He once had everything he wanted right in front of him, cherishing it for a moment, before throwing it all away.

And Nesta was a part of that.

The General was now a pile of writhing flesh, the agonizing pain of his heart making everything around him be too much to bear. His tears hit the floor, along with the blood dripping from his knuckles, and the sweat falling from his body.

He once had imagined Nesta carrying their child, hearing her laughter as she cradled the baby in her arms. Cassian had been right behind her, his arms around her waist as they admired their little creation. That was the future he craved, wanting nothing more than to start that with his mate.

But he had ruined everything.

Instead of blaming her for the decisions she made, why hadn't he understood her, knowing that her choices were limited?

Instead of blaming her for her younger sister's suffering, why didn't he see the regret she held in her eyes, knowing that it was a dark time for both of them?

And instead of blaming her for abusing the privileges of the Night Court, why wasn't he there for her, knowing that she was in pain and at the point of death?

For his own defense, he brought up her past, something that she was beginning to bury. He wanted to hurt her, make her realize that she had been in the wrong many times, and show her that he was no better than he was.

It wasn't until he saw her tears fall and the shock overtake her face that he realized that he was incredibly wrong.

She had worked so hard to get to a point of happiness, never wanting to go back to the person she had once been. She had once been so vibrant and alive, gaining the peace she had ached for. She had admitted to him that she loved him, never wanting to lose the relationship they created.

But because of everything he had done and said, she had left him, starting her life with another. Now, Eris was living the dream Cassian always wanted, having Nesta to himself, awaiting a child that would surely be loved.

The General let out a cry upon the earth, screaming at the world for his pain and suffering. He wished that his life would end at that moment, not wanting to live if his mate was no longer with him. He felt as if there was no point in living without her, knowing that she would be happy, sharing her life with someone else who loved her, along with their child.

The last gaze he would ever have from her was one of hate and pity, not feeling an ounce of love that they had once shared together.

Even as she walked past him in the ballroom, he felt the cold radiate from her skin, her rage as cool as winter. He remembered the warmth of her love, knowing how fierce it was for him, the passion strong and blissful.

There was none of that anymore.

Cassian knew he was the only one to blame, figuring it all out as the agony inside of him grew. There was no hope. It was too late.

He would never have her again.

[iamreykylotrash]

where my choices led me.

Nesta sat on the blanket, wrapped in her husband's arms as they leaned against the tree. They watched as their one-year-old daughter sat on the blanket, playing with the wooden toys Elain had bought her.

Elain sat on the blanket next to her husband, Lucien, as well, grinning as she played with her niece. She cooed at her, making the Princess of Autumn giggle with every noise she made.

"She is beautiful," Elain says, looking up at her sister.

Nesta smiled, "I know. Sometimes, I can't even believe she's real." She tells her, feeling everything come back all at once.

It had been a few years since Nesta left the Night Court, since she left the Illyrian male that wanted to tame her. In those years, she had to learn how to put her heart back together, heal her mind, and learn to live without them. She had left everyone behind, including the person she believed herself to be.

Even after marrying Eris, she believed that she'd never escape the control that chased her. She thought he would use her, tame her, and make her listen to his every command. She believed that his father would want her as his own weapon, using her to reveal the secrets she knew.

But, none of that happened.

After she married Eris, he listened to her, made sure to abide by her every need, and wanted her to be as comfortable as possible. She could roam free around the court, speak to whomever she wanted, and run her own home without anyone to tell her what to do.

Eris had told her that she had choices. He had promised her that he would do his best to make sure that she had everything. He had let her choose.

Choices were something that she hadn't been given in a while.

Even after Nesta found out she was pregnant, Eris had stood by her choices on what to do, never disagreeing with her. Nesta knew that they both had a duty to produce an heir, but she hadn't known that she'd be a mother only after five years of leaving the Night Court.

Nesta's mother had raised her to become the ideal child every parent would want. She would be the one to show that the Archeron family was poised and well established, creating a persona that was far from what they truly were.

Nesta was afraid of how she would treat her own children, not wanting to become like her mother, but feeling as if it was inevitable. The thought always lingered in her mind, wondering if her mother's spirit would overtake her and overrule her choices.

But now as she lays against her husband, watching their child laugh in the sunlight, Nesta knew that her mother had no control over her any longer.

Yes, she always wanted her to marry a prince, but to always remember her family - of her. If her mother were still alive today, Nesta had no doubt she'd want to drain her and make her choices for her. There would be no escaping her.

As Lucien and Elain get up from the blanket to play with their niece, Eris whispers in his wife's ear, "What has you so deep in thought, my phoenix?" He asked.

Nesta takes a deep breath, deciding to reveal her troubles, "I just never thought I'd get to this moment." She breathes, feeling her emotions build up inside of her.

Eris kisses her shoulder once more, "Tell me. They aren't listening." He says to her.

"I never thought that I would escape the tethers that held me. After everything I went through in the War with Hybern, gaining my flames, and losing the people I love, I thought that my life was over. I felt hopeless. It's the reason why I drank, why I turned to others for comfort. I had a void inside of me that I couldn't fill. It was too much. All I wanted was peace." Nesta tells him.

"You're wasted in the Night Court. Absolutely wasted."

She continues, "I thought I had that with Cassian. I thought that I finally found peace and a home. But after he had agreed again and again with his family, I knew that he wasn't fully committed to me, even though we are mates. He betrayed my trust, he made me feel insane, and yet again I felt stuck in the same cycle of hopelessness," she turns to face Eris, "but then I came here. I came to you."

Her husband's ember eyes shine, but he stays silent. She smiles at him, "I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know what to do. I was afraid and alone. All I wanted was someone who understood me. I agreed to marry you because you provided me shelter and comfort and I had no other choice. But after knowing you, and seeing who you truly are, my heart finally gave in. You had never lied to me, never kept secrets, and you shared your vulnerabilities with me no matter how painful. You were there for me when no one else was."

"Don't believe the lies they tell you about me."

"I fell in love with everything that you are. You freed me from the tethers they held me down with. You were by my side every step of the way, even when we barely knew each other. I can't express how thankful I am for you. You saved me. You helped me fill the void. And you never abandoned me," she takes his face in her hands, "I'll love you until my flames die." She breathes, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Eris smiles at her, wiping them away with his thumbs, "From the first moment I met you, I knew that it was you. I knew that you are the woman that my heart was yearning for. Mate or not, you had consumed my mind. I had heard about everything you endured, the rumors that circulated about you and Cassian, and I wanted nothing more than to save you. I wanted to give you everything, including the freedom you deserved."

He kisses her once, his forehead touching hers, "There were times when I believed that we wouldn't make it. I felt as if I was going to lose you if I didn't help you recover from everything that had been done to you. I wanted to kill every single person who wronged you, who had held you down until you couldn't fight anymore. I fought for you every day, even now." He tells her.

His eyes turn away from her, a grin overtaking his lips. Nesta follows his gaze, seeing Lucien lift their daughter in the air, making her shriek in excitement.

Nesta falls back into her husband's arms, "Aside from being able to love you, you have given me the greatest gift of all. Our daughter. I had always believed that I'd end up marrying someone who was focused on completing the duties of the court, wanting to hold a title instead of wanting me. I thought that my marriage would be loveless, just like my mother and father. But you proved that wrong." He tells her.

"We both made a promise to be better than our parents. And I made a promise to you that I would never abandon you, or dishonor you in any way. I will always keep my promises. My love for you has no end, my phoenix, even for the children we will have." He says.

Nesta watches as her daughter stumbles on the grass, running away as Elain chases her. She starts to run toward her parents, giggling as she goes into her mother's arms.

Nesta grins, tickling her stomach, hearing the beautiful sound of her laughter. Eris's finger touches her cheek, grinning as he admires his daughter.

They had both come a long way, finding happiness through the obstacles they faced. And every choice, every decision, had led them to this...

Had led them to peace.