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TITLE: Little One Chapter 4
PAIRING: No Pairing
RATING: T
CHAPTER: 4/?
SUMMARY: Cassian meets an orphan named Lyra in Windhaven and brings her to Velaris. While staying with the Inner Circle, she develops a connection with Azriel. Will Lyra become part of the family or will she be forced to return to Windhaven?
Over the next few days, Rhysand and Feyre tried their best to create a routine for Lyra. Every morning Rhysand would come and get her for breakfast, then the wraith twins would bathe her before they headed to Feyre’s art studio for the day.
Nyx attended lessons with his father, so the two faelings didn’t get to spend a lot of time together.
Feyre and Rhysand thought it would be best to create some distance between the two of them. There was no guarantee that Lyra would be staying in Velaris and it would break Nyx’s heart if they grew too close.
As much as Nyx wanted them to be a family, Lyra still felt like an outsider. Rhysand and Feyre were kind to her, but they didn’t treat her like they treated Nyx.
“Why don’t you draw something?” Feyre suggested. She put a piece of paper in front of Lyra and some crayons.
Lyra took her arm and swiped them off the table.
“Lyra!”
Lyra crossed her arms and set her head on them.
Feyre knew this was Lyra’s way of pouting.
“Lyra, can you show me how you’re feeling?”
Lyra didn’t look up.
Feyre considered using her Daemati powers, but she knew Lyra’s mental defenses were weak. Feyre pulled on the mental tether with Cassian.
Can you come to the art studio?
She was met with silence. He was probably with Nesta and she didn’t want to know what they were doing.
She pulled on the mental tether with Azriel next.
Can you come to the art studio?
Azriel arrived a few minutes later. He walked over to Lyra and picked up the paper and crayons.
Lyra lifted her head when a shadow wrapped around her wrist.
“Can you tell me how you’re feeling?” Azriel asked her.
Lyra just stared at him.
He pushed the paper closer to her. “Could you draw it?”
She took a blue crayon and drew a sad face.
“Why do you feel sad?”
Lyra drew three figures in a house.
The three of them were smiling.
Outside the house she drew a small stick figure that was crying.
“I’m sorry we’ve made you feel that way,” Feyre told her. She leaned down to place a hand on Lyra’s back, but she jerked away.
Azriel placed a hand on Lyra’s arm and she relaxed.
She doesn’t like me, Feyre told Azriel.
It’s probably because you’re not Illyrian, Azriel said.
Feyre wanted to argue that she now had an Illyrian anatomy, but she wasn’t Illyrian in the way it mattered. She hadn’t grown up in the culture.
Azriel stayed with them the rest of the afternoon.
Feyre wished Lyra would speak to her, but Azriel assured her that she spoke to Cassian and Nyx when they were alone. With Azriel there, Lyra was able to work through her feelings.
The more Feyre watched them, the more she noticed how in tune the two of them were.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Lyra shot up in bed panting. Her cheeks were wet with tears, but she didn’t know why she was crying.
She wiped at her face and felt the shadow around her wrist pulling her towards the door. It led her to Azriel’s bedroom.
He opened the door and looked down at her. “Hey, what’s wrong, little one?”
His gentle tone caused her to start crying again. “It’s okay. Come here.”
He picked her up and cradled her to his bare chest. He had done the same thing with Nyx when he was a baby when nothing else would calm him.
Azriel brought her head to his chest, stroking her dark hair. “Just listen to my heartbeat. You’re safe, little one.”
He paced his room, softly humming until her sobs turned into soft sniffles. “Bad dream?” he asked her.
Lyra nodded.
“That’s okay. I get bad dreams too.” He picked up a blanket and wrapped it around Lyra’s shoulders, being careful of her wings.
Azriel noticed that Lyra was inspecting the blanket. “Do you like it? My mother made it for me.”
Lyra yawned and her eyelids started to droop.
Azriel laid down on the bed with Lyra still curled up on his chest. He leaned down and kissed her head.
Azriel promised himself that he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Not while he was still breathing.
TITLE: Daughter of Bloodshed
PAIRING: Azriel/Ferrawyn
RATING: T
CHAPTER: 7/?
SUMMARY: There’s a female in Illyria showing an extraordinary amount of power. Rhys sends Cassian to Windhaven to bring her to the House of Wind for training. While there, the Inner Circle realizes that she may have a deeper connection to their Lord of Bloodshed.
“Nesta wants to meet you,” Cassian told her.
Ferrawyn nearly choked on her tea. “What? Why?”
Cassian shrugged. “Elain was talking about you.”
“Apparently you made quite the impression on Elain and her mate. She’s a better courtier than you, Cass,” Rhys said.
Azriel, on the other hand, wasn’t surprised.
Ferrawyn had an aura about her that made people want to love her.
“I think it’s time for you to train with the Valkyries, Ferrawyn,” Rhys told her.
“Wynne.”
Rhys’ brows furrowed.
“I…I’d like to be called Wynne.”
Cassian was grinning ear to ear. He was over the moon that she was choosing to go by the nickname he had given her.
“Very well, Wynne. You’ll begin training with the Valkyries tomorrow morning,” Rhys told her.
“And my siphons?”
“Are being worked on as we speak. We’ll start with two and see if you require more than that.”
Azriel and Rhys were betting that she would need at least four or five if she had inherited even half the power Cassian had.
Cassian looked at her. “Do you have a pair of fighting leathers?”
Ferrawyn shook her head.
“She looks about Emerie’s size,” Azriel observed, “Maybe she has an extra pair.”
Ferrawyn’s eyes lit up. “Emerie? Emerie is a Valkyrie?”
Cassian nodded.
That answered the question of whether she knew Emerie or not.
“Trained her myself,” Cassian said, smug.
Azriel hit him on the arm.
“Az helped of course.”
“Will…will you be there?” Ferrawyn asked Azriel.
“Of course.” He’d be overseeing the priestesses as he usually did, leaving Cassian to train the Valkyries.
“See you bright and early, Wynne!” Cassian said.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ferrawyn woke up and slipped on the fighting leathers that had been left folded on her desk. They were incredibly form fitting and made her feel self-conscious. She found Cassian at the breakfast table and a bowl of scrambled eggs and protein at her spot at the table.
“Where’s Nesta?” Ferrawyn asked.
“She…didn’t want to overwhelm you. She’ll be meeting us at training.”
Ferrawyn took a seat and ate her breakfast, before following Cassian to the training area.
There were three people already there stretching.
One had brown hair braided into a coronet and looked like Feyre. Another had copper red hair, much lighter than Lucien’s. And the third…
“Emerie!” Ferrawyn ran to the other Illyrian woman.
Emerie barely had enough time to stand up before Ferrawyn launched herself on her. “This is where you disappeared off to,” Emerie said, “No one would tell me where you had gone. All I heard was that you blew up a tent.”
“Blew up a tent? Now how did you do that?” the copper haired one asked, “I’m Gwyn by the way.”
“I found a siphon,” Ferrawyn said, “I’m not even sure how I did it.”
Emerie and Gwyn giggled.
Cassian walked up to them. “Morning, Nes.”
Ferrawyn’s eyes went wide.
The brown-haired one was Nesta. “Nesta Archeron.”
Ferrawyn nodded her head and dropped into a shallow curtsey. “Ferrawyn. It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Nesta.”
Nesta rolled her eyes. “Just Nesta.”
“Ladies, this is Ferrawyn. The newest Valkyrie recruit.”
“Does she know what she’s getting herself into?” Nesta asked, her silver-blue eyes on Ferrawyn.
They felt like they were staring directly into Ferrawyn’s soul.
“You’ll want to take your boots off,” Nesta told her.
“My…what?”
“Your boots.”
Ferrawyn untied her boots and slipped them off.
Nesta stood next to her and guided her through the first steps of training.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
By lunch time, Ferrawyn was nearly passed out. She was exhausted.
She sat on the ground near the training ring staring off into space. Her mind was too tired to wander.
Nesta, who was watching the priestesses train, noticed that Cassian got the same look in his eye when he was tired. She called it his “thousand-yard stare”.
Nesta sat next to the younger girl.
Ferrawyn shook her head and looked at Nesta.
“You get used to it,” Nesta told her, “Being tired afterwards.”
Ferrawyn groaned and dramatically fell onto her back.
Nesta heard a huff of laughter she was pretty sure had come from Azriel. Nesta laid down next to her and they stared up at the sky. Out of the corner of her eye, Nesta saw Ferrawyn start to twirl a piece of hair around her finger as she stared up blankly.
Cassian did that too when he was tired.
There were too many similarities between this girl and her mate that she couldn’t ignore.
Azriel appeared above them. “Ready for lunch?” he asked Ferrawyn.
She simply nodded, staring up into his hazel eyes.
He came around in front of them and knelt, taking Ferrawyn’s hands in his own. He gently pulled her up and Nesta noticed how he gently ran his thumbs over the backs of her hands before letting go.
“Coming, Nesta?” Azriel asked.
“No, you two go on ahead.”
The two Illyrians left, leaving Nesta with a lot to think about.
TITLE: Little One Chapter 3
PAIRING: No Pairing
RATING: T
CHAPTER: 3/?
SUMMARY: Cassian meets an orphan named Lyra in Windhaven and brings her to Velaris. While staying with the Inner Circle, she develops a connection with Azriel. Will Lyra become part of the family or will she be forced to return to Windhaven.
When Lyra opened her eyes, it was dark. Had she slept through dinner?
She sat up and saw a tray sitting on her nightstand.
It had a bowl of soup and a cup of milk on it.
Lyra slid out of bed and carried the tray to a small table next to the balcony. The shadow around her wrist slipped from her skin and slithered out the door. Lyra felt sad at its departure.
She sat down and started to eat her dinner. She was halfway done with her soup when the door opened.
An Illyrian male entered the room.
He was smaller than Cassian. Shadows curled around his boots and shoulders. He had a mug of tea in his hands. “Can I join you?” he asked her.
Lyra nodded.
He walked over to her and sat down across from her on the floor. “I’m Azriel,” he told her.
Lyra just blinked at him.
He didn’t blame her for not talking to him. He’d been in her shoes once a long time ago.
Lyra reached out a hand towards his shadows.
“You like them?”
Lyra nodded.
Most children were scared of him. Of the High Lord’s infamous Shadowsinger. He wasn’t as friendly or easy-going as Cassian nor was he as suave or charming as Rhys.
A few shadows curled themselves into her hair and she giggled.
Azriel fought a smile.
Lyra was so innocent.
Just like Nyx.
Lyra suddenly yawned and he pulled his shadows back.
“Time for bed, little one.”
Lyra climbed back into her bed and pulled the covers over herself.
Azriel leaned down and tucked her in. “Goodnight, Lyra.” He busied himself with cleaning up Lyra’s dishes until he heard her breathing level out.
He turned to the young female. Azriel felt a fierce need to protect her. He walked over to her and caressed her cheek with the back of his finger.
A shadow slithered down his arm and wrapped itself around her wrist. It would alert him if something was wrong.
Azriel took one last look at Lyra sleeping peacefully in her bed and left the room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next morning, there was a knock on her door.
Lyra sat up, hoping it was Azriel again.
Rhysand instead entered her room. “Good morning, Lyra.”
Lyra looked down and saw her shadow was missing.
Where was Azriel?
“He’s training the priestesses at the House of Wind with Cassian, but he’ll be by later on this afternoon.”
Lyra’s eyes went wide.
“I’m a Daemati. I can hear your thoughts if they’re broadcasted loud enough. We’ll work on your mental shields at a later time. Would you like some breakfast?”
Lyra slid out of bed and followed Rhysand to the dining room.
Feyre and Nyx were there already, along with a woman who looked like Feyre and a male with bright red hair.
He had a mechanical eye that narrowed when he saw her.
Rhysand picked her up and gently placed her in a chair.
This one was made to accommodate wings thankfully.
Rhysand took a seat next to his mate and son. “Lyra, this is Elain Archeron and her mate Lucien Vanserra. Elain, Lucien, this is Lyra. She’ll be staying with us for a while.”
“She’s my new sister!” Nyx said.
“Friend,” Feyre gently corrected him.
Feyre and Rhys hadn’t discussed adopting Lyra; despite the connection Nyx had with her.
“But she’s Illyrian, like us!” Nyx argued.
“We’ll discuss this later, Nyxie,” Rhysand told him.
Lyra wanted to be part of a family. She wanted someone who would take care of her and protect her. Someone who would tuck her in at night and kiss her forehead and dry her tears when she cried.
She glanced at her wrist, wishing her shadow were here to comfort her. She liked Azriel’s shadows.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw something.
It was a little miniature fox made out of fire.
Lyra gasped.
“My oldest brother taught me that trick,” Lucien told her.
The fox nuzzled her hand. It wasn’t the same as Azriel’s shadows, but it still made her smile.
TITLE: Daughter of Bloodshed
PAIRING: No Pairing
RATING: T
CHAPTER: 6/?
SUMMARY: There’s a female in Illyria showing an extraordinary amount of power. Rhys sends Cassian to Windhaven to bring her to the House of Wind for training. While there, the Inner Circle realizes that she may have a deeper connection to their Lord of Bloodshed.
Ferrawyn slept in the next morning. When she opened her eyes, the sun was already high in the sky.
She was surprised that Rhys hadn’t come and woken her up yet. Maybe Azriel had told Rhys about her late night.
Ferrawyn threw on a loose-fitting gown and ventured into the hallway. She could hear voices coming from the kitchen. She walked in and saw Rhysand, Azriel, and Cassian sitting at the table eating breakfast.
“Good morning, Ferrawyn,” Rhys said.
But Ferrawyn’s eyes were on Cassian.
He smiled at her. “Hey Wynne!”
“Cassian!” Ferrawyn threw her arms around his neck from behind. Ferrawyn looked at Azriel, who sat across from Cassian. “Hello Azriel.”
Azriel sipped his coffee. “Hello Ferrawyn.”
Ferrawyn took a seat next to Cassian.
Cassian grabbed a plate and started to fill it with food. He set it down in front of Ferrawyn.
She noticed he had filled it with all her favorites. “How did you know?”
Rhys smirked over his cup of tea. “Because they’re Cassian’s favorites as well.”
Azriel’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the two. He looked at Rhys who subtly nodded.
So this was why Ferrawyn had been kept a secret from the rest of the Inner Circle.
“Az said you had a rough night,” Rhys said.
“The storm woke me up,” she told him.
“How is your elbow?” Azriel asked.
“It feels fine. Thank you.”
“Did you hurt yourself?” Cassian asked.
“Azriel scared me and I fell into an end table.”
A growl emanated from Cassian, shocking everyone at the table.
“I’m fine! I was just startled! I didn’t know he was here.”
Cassian calmed down and went back to eating.
“Cassian?” Ferrawyn asked.
“Hmm?”
“When can I meet Nesta?”
Cassian froze, his fork halfway to his mouth.
“Azriel said she’s your mate.”
“She is,” Cassian said.
“Then why can’t I meet her?”
“Nesta is…it’s complicated,” Rhys told her.
“She could meet Elain,” Azriel suggested.
Rhys considered this. Anyone who Elain liked was okay in Nesta’s book.
“Who’s Elain?” Ferrawyn asked.
“Feyre’s other sister,” Rhys said.
Ferrawyn went quiet and pushed her food around with her fork.
Azriel’s shadows slithered across the table to comfort her.
“You have a big family. It must be nice.”
“It can be. It can also be a bit much,” Rhys told her.
“Elain likes to garden and bake. Her mate Lucien has been on the Continent, so she’s been lonely,” Azriel mentioned.
Ferrawyn knew what it felt like to be lonely.
“Maybe you could help her bake something? Or help her in the garden?” Ferrawyn nodded.
Rhys sat back in his chair. “Then it’s settled. I’ll take you to the townhouse tomorrow.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next morning Rhys winnowed them to the townhouse.
Ferrawyn immediately felt more at home than at the House of Wind.
Cassian and Azriel needed to resume their training with Valkyries, so it was decided that Rhys would accompany her on this little outing.
Elain floated into the living room. She was just as beautiful as Feyre. “Hello Rhys,” she said.
“Hello Elain. This is Ferrawyn.”
Ferrawyn gave her a small smile.
“Nuala, Cerridwen, and I were just about to bake a cake for Lucien,” Elain told him, “He’s supposed to be returning today and I wanted to surprise him!”
“Can I help?” Ferrawyn asked.
Elain smiled. “Of course!” Elain looped her arm with Ferrawyn’s and led her into the kitchen.
She helped Elain measure and mix the ingredients for the cake, while the wraiths prepped the oven and cake pans.
“Tell me about…Lucien,” Ferrawyn said as they waited for the cake batter to bake.
“Lucien is the son of the High Lord Helion of the Day Court. He’s also the emissary of the Night Court and occasionally the Spring Court.”
“So he travels a lot. Don’t you miss him?”
Elain nodded. “But we can communicate with bond.” She touched her chest, above her heart. “It’s more like feelings rather than words, but it’s better than nothing.”
“How did you meet him?”
Elain’s eyes went glassy. “When Nesta and I were taken by Hybern…they forced us into the Cauldron. Lucien was there and when I came out of the Cauldron, the bond snapped.”
“And it was the happiest day of my life,” they heard.
Elain squealed and rushed towards a redheaded male with mismatched eyes. “You’re back early!”
Lucien smiled. “I couldn’t stay away for another second.”
The way Lucien looked at Elain…it made Ferrawyn’s heart ache. How she longed for someone to look at her like that.
Lucien looked at Ferrawyn and his metal eye narrowed. “Who is this?”
“This is my new friend, Ferrawyn!”
Lucien took in Ferrawyn, from her pointed ears to her wings. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ferrawyn.”
Ferrawyn nodded. “Lord Lucien.”
Lucien shook his head. “Just Lucien, please.”
“We were baking you a cake as a surprise,” Elain told him.
“I could leave and come back. I’m an excellent actor.”
Elain giggled, her hand on his chest.
“Let’s bake something else. Do you know how to make lemon tarts?” Ferrawyn asked, “I used to make them all the time in Illyria.”
Lucien put a hand on Elain’s back. “That sounds delicious. Would you like my help?”
Ferrawyn wanted to object, before remembering she was no longer in Illyria.
Elain turned to her mate. “We’d love your help.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When they returned to the House of Wind, Ferrawyn carried a box of lemon tarts.
Rhys had returned to Velaris to the home he shared with Feyre and his son.
Cassian was nowhere to be seen, so she assumed he was with Nesta somewhere in the city.
“Azriel?” she asked, knowing the male was hiding in the shadows somewhere.
He appeared beside her and she tried her hardest not to jump.
She turned to him and held out the box of lemon tarts. “I…I baked them with Elain today. I used to make them all the time in Illyria and I thought…”
“For me?” Ferrawyn nodded.
“I…I know we’re not mated or anything, so it shouldn’t trigger a frenzy.”
If I could choose a mate for myself, it would be you, Ferrawyn thought to herself.
Azriel cautiously took the box and opened it. He picked up one of the lemon tarts and popped it into his mouth. The flavors exploded on his tongue and he groaned. He’d never been one for sweets, but he would eat anything she gave him.
Ferrawyn shivered.
“Thank you,” he told her.
“You’re…you’re welcome.” She stood there for a moment before she said, “Goodnight Azriel.”
Azriel gave her a small smile. “Goodnight Ferrawyn.”
TITLE: The Portal Part 1
PAIRING: Azriel/OC
RATING: T
CHAPTER: One-shot
SUMMARY: Areliviel, Azriel's mate, falls through a portal and lands at the feet of a certain Starborn prince.
[A/N - I have only read halfway through Crescent City #1, so I am taking creative liberties.]
One-minute Ari was running from Autumn guards and the next moment she was falling from the sky. She hit the ground and she both felt and heard something crack.
Had she winnowed on accident?
“Are you alright?” she heard a deep voice ask.
Ari looked up and breathed a sigh of relief. “Rhys. Oh thank the Cauldron!”
The male cocked his head to the side. “Rhys? Sorry to disappoint, sweetheart.”
Through the haze of pain, she could have sworn her High Lord had been standing over her.
They both shared the same dark hair and deep blue eyes that almost looked violet.
Ari reached for the bond she shared with Azriel. The bond wasn’t broken, but instead of a glowing golden thread she found a dormant bond.
A tear left her eye. She couldn’t communicate with Azriel. Couldn’t tug on the bond when she needed comfort.
“I need a healer,” she told the male above her.
He nodded. “Can you stand?”
“Help me sit first.”
Ari screamed as he helped her sit up. Her siphons weakly flared to life. She placed her hand on her injured shoulder, creating a splint with her magic.
“What’s your name?” the male asked.
“Areliviel. My friends call me Ari though.”
The male smirked, an exact copy of Rhys’. “Yeah. Bit of a mouthful. Name’s Ruhn.”
God, even their names were similar.
Ruhn helped her stand and she finally got a good look at her surroundings.
Buildings made of glass touched the sky. People walked around in strange clothing.
Ari could feel herself start to panic. “Where…where am I?”
“Lunathion.”
That wasn’t a city she’d heard of in Prythian or on the Continent. It quickly dawned on her that she wasn’t in the Fae Realm anymore.
“I’ll take you to my sister,” Ruhn said, “She knows everyone.”
Ari’s spy training kicked it and she tapped the siphon on the back of her hand. Her leathers retracted, leaving her in a tunic and leggings. She looked back at her wings.
Ruhn waved his hand, dismissively in the way Rhys did. “Those are normal here.”
Ari followed him to an apartment. They entered and she immediately saw red hair. She had one of her daggers out before anyone could blink.
“Whoa!” Ruhn said, stepping in front of her.
“Ruhn, who is she?” the girl asked.
“Are you Autumn Court? Is this Eris’ idea of some sick joke?” Ari snapped. Her eyes never left the female with red hair.
“Hey, Ari. Look at me,” Ruhn said, using that same tone of voice Rhys used when she, Cassian, or Azriel flew into a rage.
Her eyes met his and her arm lowered a fraction.
“1. We don’t have courts here and 2. We don’t know who Eris says, but whoever he is he sounds like asshole,” he told her.
She let out a small laugh.
“You gonna put the dagger down now?” Ruhn asked.
Ari sheathed her dagger, but only because the winged male next to the red haired female looked like he was about to rip her throat out.
His wings were feathered, unlike her own.
“Dawn Court?” she asked him.
The male shook his head.
“Seraphim? One of Drakon’s people?”
“Hunt is an angel,” the female said, “I’m Bryce Quinlan. Ruhn is my brother.”
“Where did you come from?” Hunt asked.
Normally, she wouldn’t have told them anything, but it was clear that they wanted to help her. “I come from a land called Prythian ruled over by seven High Fae lords. My mate is Azriel, Shadowsinger and Spymaster for the High Lord of the Night Court.”
“How did you get here?” Bryce asked.
“I…I fell into this world.”
“A portal? You fell through a portal?” Hunt asked her.
“I…I guess so. How do I get back?”
The trio shared a look that told her she wouldn’t like the answer.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
In Prythian, Azriel felt it the moment the mating bond went silent. He bent over Rhys’ desk, one hand clutching his chest.
“What? What is it?” Rhys asked. Rhys stood by his brother's side, one hand between his wings and the other on his arm.
“The bond…it’s…”
“Gone?” Cassian guessed.
“If it were gone, he’d be screaming in pain,” Amren said.
They all remembered Feyre’s screams when Rhys had died.
“It’s like it’s gone dormant,” Azriel explained.
“Where was she?” Rhys asked.
“In Autumn.”
They all exchanged looks.
“She was doing reconnaissance.”
Rhys glared at his Shadowsinger. “For what? I didn’t authorize this!”
“She was keeping an eye on Eris. There were rumors that he was going to move on Beron.”
“We can’t sneak into Autumn,” Feyre said, “Not when tensions are still high.”
Azriel snarled. “We are not going to leave her!”
“She’ll come home to us Azriel. If she can survive Under the Mountain, she can survive anything,” Cassian told him.
Azriel reached out across the now dormant bond wondering if he would ever feel Ari on the other side again.
TITLE: Little One Chapter 2
PAIRING: No Pairing
RATING: T
CHAPTER: 2/?
SUMMARY: Cassian meets an orphan named Lyra in Windhaven and brings her to Velaris. While staying with the Inner Circle, she develops a connection with Azriel. Will Lyra become part of the family or will she be forced to return to Windhaven.
Cassian entered Rhys’ study at the River House.
Azriel was there as well.
“What’s her name?” Rhys asked.
“Lyra. Her father died in the war with Hybern and her mother left her,” Cassian told them.
“Do we know if she’s dead?” Azriel asked.
“If her mother truly abandoned her that would make her a ward of the war camp,” Rhys said.
Cassian scowled. “Which means Devlon can do whatever he wants with her.”
“Not necessarily. As High Lord and being half Illyrian myself, I could bring her here.”
“But for how long?”
“Until we find a more permanent place for her to go. Feyre is already fond of her and it would be good for Nyx to have a playmate.”
Feyre and Rhys had been trying for another baby, but it hadn’t been successful yet.
“Then it’s decided. Lyra will come stay here.”
Cassian flew back to Feyre’s shop to tell Lyra the good news. When he saw Feyre, he nodded.
Feyre walked over to Lyra. “Lyra.”
Lyra’s eyes filled with tears. It was time to go back to Windhaven. She didn’t want to go back there. No one paid attention to her there. No one spoke to her in a soft encouraging voice.
“My mate, the High Lord, thinks it would be a good idea if you came and stayed with us,” Feyre told her.
“Would you like that Lyra?” Cassian asked.
Lyra nodded.
“Wonderful. Let me close up the shop and we’ll head home,” Feyre said. She found a small bag for Lyra to put her art supplies in.
Cassian scooped Lyra up and put her on his shoulders. She giggled and grabbed onto his wings.
“Me next! Me next, Cass!” Nyx said.
“Cassian isn’t for climbing,” Feyre told him.
“We’ll play later, little warrior.”
They walked the couple blocks to the River House. They went inside and Cassian set her down.
Lyra looked down at her muddy boots and took them off, setting them by the front door.
“You don’t have to that,” Feyre told her.
Cassian pulled his boots off and set them next to Lyra’s.
Feyre led them to a small sitting room.
“Daddy!” Nyx yelled. He went running into Rhys’ arms. Rhys picked him up and kissed his forehead.
Lyra couldn’t remember the last time someone hugged her. Had anyone ever lovingly kissed her cheek?
Lyra didn’t even notice she was crying until she felt something cold on her cheek. She went to brush it away and noticed it was a shadow. Lyra let out a soft gasp.
The shadow suddenly jerked away from her.
Lyra’s face crumpled and she collapsed to the floor. Her hands came up to her face as she started crying harder.
“Az…” Rhys said.
Shadows wrapped themselves around her wrists. They curled over her cheeks and wound themselves through her hair as if to say, “Don’t cry! We’ll be your friends!”
Lyra sniffled as she wiped her cheeks with her hands.
“Perhaps Lyra needs some rest before dinner,” Feyre suggested.
“I agree. It’s been a trying day,” Rhys said.
Feyre put a hand on Lyra’s shoulder, directing her into the hallway.
The shadows retreated back into the study.
Azriel moved to follow them, but Cassian’s hand on his chest stopped him.
Rhys knew why he wanted to keep an eye on the little girl.
Azriel saw himself in Lyra.
“Give her time,” Rhys told him.
Feyre led Lyra to a bedroom.
There was a small bed and wardrobe like they had been expecting her.
“The house has enchantments,” Feyre explained, “Would you like to change?”
Lyra nodded.
Feyre helped her into a blue sweater and a pair of cream leggings.
They were so soft and Lyra could tell they cost a lot of money. Far more money than Lyra and her mother had ever had.
Lyra climbed onto the bed and pulled the covers over herself. When was the last time she’d slept in a real bed instead of a hard cot?
Feyre left the room and Lyra settled in for her nap.
Before she closed her eyes, a shadow wrapped around her wrist.
TITLE: Daughter of Bloodshed
PAIRING: No Pairing
RATING: T
CHAPTER: 5/?
SUMMARY: There’s a female in Illyria showing an extraordinary amount of power. Rhys sends Cassian to Windhaven to bring her to the House of Wind for training. While there, the Inner Circle realizes that she may have a deeper connection to their Lord of Bloodshed.
A crack of thunder awoke Ferrawyn. She shot up in bed, her heart pounding.
“Rhys!”
There was nothing but the rumble of thunder.
Ferrawyn looked around her bedroom lit only by the flash of lightning. She ventured out in the hallway.
“Cassian?”
Was she completely alone here? Surely, they wouldn’t have left her by herself. She saw something out of the corner of her eyes.
A male materialized out of the shadows.
Ferrawyn yelped and stumbled into a side table, banging her elbow before she hit the ground.
“Are you okay?” he asked her, his eyes wide. He reached forward to help her up and she saw the scars on his hands.
Everything clicked into place.
The shadows, the scars, the dagger at his side. This was Azriel, the Night Court’s resident Shadowsinger and Spymaster.
Ferrawyn backed away from him in fear, until her back hit the wall. She whimpered as she held her bruised elbow.
“I won’t hurt you,” Azriel told her.
Tears filled her eyes.
Why wasn’t Cassian here?
She must have asked the question out loud, because Azriel answered, “He’s staying in the city with Nesta.”
“Who’s Nesta?” Ferrawyn asked.
Azriel’s brows furrowed. “Nesta is Cassian’s mate and Feyre’s sister.”
Cassian had a mate? Why hadn’t he told her?
“Can I help you up?” Azriel asked her.
Ferrawyn nodded, sniffling.
Azriel gently helped her to her feet.
Ferrawyn hissed when the movement jostled her arm.
They stood there for a moment just staring at each other.
“The storm woke me up,” she told him.
“Cassian used to be afraid of thunderstorms when we were younger.”
Ferrawyn gave him a small smile. “Really?”
Azriel nodded as a shadow darted out to wipe a tear from her cheek. “I…I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s okay. Rhys didn’t tell me you were here.”
“I’m here every night.”
Ferrawyn’s brows furrowed. “What do you do all night?”
“Sometimes I sleep, sometimes I train.”
A loud crack of thunder made Ferrawyn flinch and she grabbed onto Azriel’s leathers.
Azriel wasn’t sure he was breathing. Azriel’s arms wrapped around her and he gently rubbed her back.
The blue light from his siphons was soothing to Ferrawyn.
Azriel held her until her breathing leveled out and her heartbeat returned to normal. “Can I get you anything?” Azriel asked her.
“Hot chocolate.”
Azriel chuckled, causing Ferrawyn to hit him with her good arm. Azriel led her to the kitchen and a cup of hot chocolate was sitting on the counter.
Ferrawyn grabbed it and noticed it was hot.
Azriel answered her unasked question. “The House has enchantments,” Azriel told her. He sat next to her, observing her.
So this was the new Valkyrie. The only thing Rhys had said was he was overseeing her magic training. Cassian had been tight lipped about her also, only telling Azriel her name. He imagined she would get along well with Elain and Gwyn, both of them being on the quieter side.
Azriel was startled out of his thoughts by Ferrawyn’s hand touching his. She was leaning over the counter looking at the siphon on the back of his hand.
“They’re so beautiful.”
Like Elain, he had no idea if she was talking about the siphon itself or his scars.
“Rhys said I’ll be ready for siphon training soon,” Ferrawyn said softly.
“Will Cassian be training you?”
Ferrawyn shrugged, sleepily blinking her eyes.
They sat in silence for a few minutes.
“The storm has passed,” he told her.
Ferrawyn hummed, still tracing the siphon on the back of his hand.
Azriel tilted his head and caught Ferrawyn’s eyes. “You should get some rest.”
Ferrawyn let go of his hand and Azriel resisted the urge to reach back and thread her fingers with his.
She offered him a small smile. “Goodnight Azriel.”
“Goodnight Ferrawyn.”
When she left the kitchen, he felt like a little piece of himself went with her.
[A/N - When I started writing this story, I was not planning on Azriel being the love interest. He kinda came out of nowhere.]
TITLE: It’s a Love Story Chapter 2
PAIRING: Nyx/Vanserra!OC
RATING: T
CHAPTER: 2/?
SUMMARY: Nyx Archeron and Brigid Vanserra, Prythian’s Romeo and Juliet. Will these two find a way to be together? Or will their story end like the doomed couple?
Brigid was in the library in the Forest House when a courtier she’d never seen before walked up to her.
The courtier handed her a letter. “From Prince Nyx,” she said.
Brigid looked around the library.
“The library is empty. We made sure of it.”
Brigid took the letter and opened it.
Dear Brigid,
Do not be alarmed by Aerith. She is one of my Uncle Azriel’s spies. I didn’t know how else to get a message to you. There’s a cabin on the border of Autumn and Spring. Meet me there tomorrow. I cannot wait till the Autumn Equinox to see you. Burn this letter once you’ve read it. I look forward to seeing you, Princess.
Sincerely,
Prince Nyx
Heir to the Night Court
Brigid read Nyx’s words a few more times before she burned the letter. She was tempted to keep the letter, but she couldn’t risk her father or a servant finding it.
Brigid didn’t know how to feel about Night Court spies in her Court. But knowing her father, he probably had his own spies in the Night Court as well.
Brigid walked over to the window, staring out towards the Autumn/Spring border. She knew there was a hunting cabin her Uncle Lucien had told her about where he used to meet with his lover Jesminda before her death.
Now she would just need to come up with an excuse to tell her father.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Her excuse was she was going to visit the outlying villages of the Autumn Court that often did not see the royal family. That was the one thing Lucien had stressed upon her growing up.
Getting to know the lesser fae of the court. Those were the people who really mattered. Those were going to be her true subjects.
Brigid left her horse tied to the fence and went inside.
Nyx was sitting on the couch. He rose when he saw her. Today he was dressed in a simple black tunic and trousers. He didn’t look like the Heir to the Night Court. He looked like a regular male meeting a female he couldn’t stay away from.
“Brigid,” he breathed.
Brigid rushed over to him and pressed her lips to his.
It felt like all the tension left his body as he cupped her face in his hands. “Hello, Brigid darling.”
Nyx wrapped his arms around her, and she set her head on his chest. Having her in his arms felt right.
“We’re not mates, are we?” Brigid asked.
Nyx sighed and set his head on hers. “No, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
“But…it could still snap right?”
“Brigid, look at me.”
She looked up at him.
“I don’t care that you’re not my mate. I have feelings for you and that’s all that matters.”
“Do you promise?”
Nyx leaned down and brushed her lips with his. “I promise.”
Nyx suddenly felt a searing pain in his chest. He pulled away from Brigid and doubled over in pain.
“Nyx?” Brigid asked.
Nyx pulled at his tunic and found a brand in the shape of a fox over his heart. “What the…?”
“That wasn’t meant to be a bargain!” Brigid told him, “I promise!”
Nyx stared down at the brand and then back at Brigid, who had tears in her eyes.
“I’m so sorry.”
Nyx composed himself and walked over to Brigid, taking her in his arms again.
Brigid’s fingertips lightly trailed over the brand, making Nyx hiss in pain.
“It’s okay. We’ll figure it out,” he told her.
“…Promise?”
Nyx smiled and chuckled lightly. He pressed a kiss to Brigid’s head. “I promise.”
SUMMARY: Elain finds her and Lucien's daughter making flower crowns.
"What are you doing, my love?" Elain asked her daughter.
Iris was seated in a meadow and there were flowers all around her on the ground. "Making flower crowns."
There were a few ruined ones off to the side.
"TamTam was helping me, but he had to go on patrol."
Since handing over control of Spring and making Elain High Lady, Tamlin had opted to be a sentry instead.
"I was trying to make one for daddy," Iris told her.
Elain sat down next to her daughter. "Let me try, sweetling."
As the new High Lady, Tamlin gave Elain some of his power. As they wove the flowers together, Elain used her powers to make the stems stronger and create more blooms.
"It's perfect!" Iris said, "Can we go show daddy?"
Elain nodded. "He should be done with the petitioners."
They walked back to the manor.
Elain found a servant. "Is the King done with petitions?"
The servant nodded. "Yes, my Queen."
Elain and Iris made their way to the throne room where the last of the petitioners were trickling out.
A few of them stopped and greeted them.
Elain was polite and kind to all of them.
Once everyone was gone, they approached Lucien who sat on the throne with his hand over his eyes.
"Tired, my love?" Elain asked.
Lucien sighed. "You have no idea."
He brightened when he spotted Iris with her. "Hello, sweetheart."
Iris climbed the steps of the dais and held out the flower crown.
"Is that for me?" Lucien asked.
Iris nodded. "Mummy helped me make it."
"The stems kept breaking," Elain explained.
Lucien took off the crown of the High King and took the flower crown. He placed it gently on his head. "It's perfect."
"Now you really look like a High Lord of Spring!" Iris crowed.
Lucien scooped her up and put her in his lap. "Then perhaps we should have one made for you as Princess of Prythian and the Spring Court."
"And one for mummy too!"
Lucien smiled. "Of course. We can't forget mummy."
"Mummy is the most beautiful fae in all of Prythian!"
Elain took Iris from Lucien and pressed kisses all over her face as she giggled.
Lucien never thought he'd have this.
A mate and a child.
There was a knock at the throne room door.
Lucien groaned.
Elain kissed his cheek and said, "We'll leave you to it."
They slipped out the door behind the throne.
As they left, they heard one of the courtiers says, "That's not your normal crown, my lord."
"No, it's not. It's the one my daughter made me," Lucien replied.
Elain took Iris' hand. "Come along, sweetling. There's a recipe I've been wanting to try."
TITLE: It's a Love Story Chapter 1
PAIRING: Nyx/Vanserra!OC
RATING: T
CHAPTER: 1/?
SUMMARY: Nyx Archeron and Brigid Vanserra, Prythian's Romeo and Juliet. Will these two find a way to be together? Or will their story end like the doomed couple?
[A/N - I can't stop starting multi-chapter fics...]
Brigid remembers the first moment she set eyes on Prince Nyx of the Night Court. She didn’t know who he was, although context clues should have told her.
The dark hair, the blue eyes that sparkled with mischief, the black suit shot through with silver, and the huge wings that sprouted from his back.
In her defense, the Night Court was not discussed often in the Forest House.
It was Summer Solstice and even though the Autumn Court didn’t really celebrate it, her father would use any excuse to throw a ball. Part of her thought it was to expose her to the eligible bachelors of Prythian, but he had promised not to pressure her into getting married until she felt she was ready.
Brigid was standing on her balcony when she spotted him walking through the gardens below. He must have felt her stare, because he turned around. He had a smirk on his face which told her that he picked up on the change in her heartbeat.
Brigid quickly ducked into her bedroom. She tried to calm herself before she made her way down to the ballroom.
The ballroom was filled with fae from every Court.
She wandered the perimeter until their eyes met again.
He glided through the crowd until he finally stood in front of her.
“Hello,” she said.
“Hello, darling.”
The pet name made Brigid blush.
“Would you honor me with a dance?” he asked.
Brigid nodded and he led her onto the dancefloor.
His steps were smooth, and it was almost like they were floating.
“You’re the perfect partner,” she told him.
His smirk became downright sinful. “Is that so, princess?”
Brigid blushed. “I meant dance partner.”
“I know. I just like watching you squirm.” He laughed when she glared at him. “My aunt actually taught me. She almost seduced your father simply by dancing with him. If she had, then this would be a lot more awkward.”
Brigid opened her mouth to say something, but someone grabbed her arm and pulled her away from him.
“Get away from her you Illyrian brute!” her father snarled.
“Eris, you really must come up with better insults,” Rhysand said, appearing at the young male’s side.
It finally dawned on her who he was.
This was Nyx Archeron, son of High Lord Rhysand and High Lady Feyre Archeron of the Night Court.
Nyx gave her a sad smile. “Surprise, princess.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Her father confined her to her room for the remainder of the evening.
Brigid was just getting ready for bed when she heard tapping on her balcony door. She turned and saw Nyx crouched on her balcony, the talon of his wing gently tapping on the glass.
Brigid ran over to the door and pulled him inside. “What are you doing here? Someone could have seen you!”
“That’s why I was crouching down.”
She rolled her eyes. “What are you doing here?” she repeated.
“I had to see you before I go back to the Night Court.”
“But why?” Brigid couldn’t understand why he would want anything to do with her considering who her father was.
“Because I feel drawn to you, princess. There’s just something about you. I can’t stay away.”
“My father will kill you.”
Nyx scoffed. “I’d like to see him try.”
There were footsteps outside the door.
“Please. You have to go," she told him.
“I want to see you again.”
“If I say yes, will you leave?”
Nyx nodded.
“Fine! Are you happy now!”
“Immensely, princess.” He turned to leave, and she let out a breath. Nyx opened the balcony door and stretched his wings, getting ready to take off.
He suddenly turned around and strode back over to her. Nyx gently cupped the back of her head in his hand and pulled her into a kiss.
Brigid melted into him instantly.
He pulled back and winked at her. “See you later, princess.” He stepped out onto the balcony and took off into the night.
Brigid wondered what it was like being able to take off and explore whenever you felt like it. She watched until Nyx was just a speck on the horizon. She turned back to her bedroom, shutting the doors behind her.
As she got ready for bed, she kept touching her lips.
Brigid wondered when Nyx’s lips would touch hers again.
TITLE: Blossoming Love Part 2
PAIRING: Lucien/OC
RATING: T
CHAPTER: One-shot
SUMMARY: Lucien and his mate finally have their mating ceremony.
“I don’t want a big mating ceremony,” Lucien argued.
“As Heir of the Day Court…” Helion said.
“I didn’t know I was Heir to the Day Court until two months ago!” Flames danced in Lucien’s remaining russet eye.
“Lucien,” Emmalynne said.
Lucien took a deep breath, the flames in his soul receding.
Emmalynne turned to Helion. “Could I offer a compromise?”
Helion leaned back in his chair.
“We have a big mating ceremony befitting an heir…”
Lucien groaned.
“…But then we get have a mating ceremony the way we want it.”
Helion smiled. “Done.” Helion turned to his son. “You could learn from your mate a thing or two about diplomacy.”
Lucien growled, his Autumn Court temper taking over.
Emmalynne stood up. “Thank you for meeting with us, Lord Helion. But Lucien promised to show me the gardens.”
“Of course, my dear.”
Lucien stood up and they left Helion’s study.
“That could have gone better,” she told him.
“I apologize, my love. I spent over four centuries knowing I would never take my father’s throne. It’s…been a lot to process.”
They arrived at the gardens and the flowers seemed to turn to her.
“Do you know what it’ll be like?” Emmalynne asked.
“Every court is different. In the Night Court, mates typically exchange food they’ve made. In Day, it’s a book. Spring, it’s flowers and in Autumn mates braid their hair.”
“Braids?”
Lucien nodded. He swept some hair behind her ear, caressing the side of her side with his thumb. “Right here. So everyone knows that fae is mated.”
“I know we’re already mated, but I can’t wait for it be official.”
Lucien smiled. “Me too.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Over the next few weeks, Emmalynne racked her brain for what book to get Lucien for their mating ceremony. She considered a book of maps or maybe a book of languages.
Lucien on the other hand, knew exactly what to get her.
Finally the day of their mating ceremony in the Day Court came.
Emmalynne walked down the aisle with Helion as her escort.
Lucien waited at the end of the aisle dressed in golden robes.
Helion kissed her cheek and placed her hand in Lucien’s.
“We are gathered here today to witness the joining of this male and female. The Mother has bound them together and nothing may part them now. Now, the mates will say their vows and exchange mating gifts.”
Lucien went first. “Emmalynne, you were an unexpected gift from the Mother and the Cauldron. You came around when I needed it most. The three years we were separated were the worst years of my life. You re-entered my life again just like the first time. I can’t wait to see where this life takes us.”
“Lucien, when I snuck into Spring, I never imagined that a High Fae would be my mate. The best I could hope for was a half-fae like myself. You are the male of my dreams and I’m lucky to call you my mate.”
Lucien took his chosen book from Helion and gave it to Emmalynne.
It was a book about the language of flowers.
She smiled and took her book from Feyre. She gave it to Lucien.
It was a book of poetry.
Lucien smiled.
“I figured you could read it to me later.”
“It’s perfect, my love.”
The priestess finally bound their hands in a golden ribbon. “What the Mother has joined, let no one tear asunder.”
Lucien leaned forward and softly kissed Emmalynne as everyone cheered. “My mate.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
True to his word, Helion allowed Lucien and Emmalynne to have a mating ceremony with no interference from himself.
Their mating ceremony in Spring was a little awkward, but Tamlin had apologized for his before and he and Lucien were working on mending their relationship.
In Spring, they exchanged flowers as mating gifts.
Lucien presented Emmalynne with red camellia. “You are a flame in my heart.”
Emmalynne presented Lucien with baby’s breath. “My love for you is everlasting.”
The mating ceremony that really mattered was in one they had in Autumn.
It was the mating ceremony of Emmalynne’s dreams.
Lucien looked like an Autumn god in his deep green jacket. His red hair looked like pure fire against the setting sun.
Eris, now High Lord of Autumn, stood by his baby brother’s side.
When it came time for their vows, they spoke from their hearts. There were no pretty, political words here. They spoke of their grief of losing each other and how their words were now complete.
Lucien expertly braided her hair, but Emmalynne’s braid was messier than his. She promised him that she would fix it later.
Lucien simply shook his head and said, “It’s perfect.”
TITLE: Snow on the Beach
PAIRING: Azriel/OC (Kallias' sister)
RATING: T
CHAPTER: One-shot
SUMMARY: Azriel and his lover, Kallias' sister, meet in the Summer Court.
[A/N - For this one, the OC has purposefully not been given a name.]
She’d been trying to catch his eye all evening, but she stubbornly kept having various males come up and ask to dance with her. When she really only wanted to dance with one male in particular.
Even Helion had a stolen dance or two.
She’d gone out of her way to commission the most elaborate gown. A silver and white evening gown that sparkled like a thousand stars. She could only imagine how it would look against his Illyrian leathers.
He hadn’t left his High Lady’s side all night.
Rhysand flitted about the ballroom like the courtier he was.
She started to make her way across the ballroom, only to be stopped by Cassian stepping in front of her.
“May I have this dance, princess?”
She frowned but nodded.
Cassian led her out onto the dance floor. “You’re like a sparkling snowflake. It’s a wonder you haven’t melted yet.”
“I was going for a star.”
“You look stunning.”
Her head snapped up.
Cassian had a smirk on his face. “His words. Not mine. He’s indisposed, so he sent me in his stead.”
Her cheeks burned. So he had noticed her.
Cassian leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Meet me on the beach in half an hour.”
The song ended and Cassian stepped back from her, kissing her knuckles. “Thank you for the dance, princess.”
Her brother Kallias approached her next. She sighed. “Don’t.”
“Why was the Night Court’s general dancing with you?”
“I don’t know Kallias. Maybe to be friendly? Foster good will between Winter and Night?”
Kallias suspiciously eyed where the Night Court stood together.
“Excuse me. I need some air.” She left her brother standing on the dance floor and slipped out the back door.
The palace in Adriata where Tarquin was hosting his Summer Solstice ball opened straight onto the beach.
She took her heels off, carrying them as she walked towards the waves. She found a secluded beach and stared at the moonlight reflecting off the ocean.
“It seems the night sky is missing one of its stars.”
She rolled her eyes and turned to him. “Thought you didn’t resort to poetry.”
Azriel smiled. “Apparently you inspire it in me.” He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her forehead, breathing in her scent.
She smelled like the air before it snowed.
He dreamed of the day it would mix with his.
“I’ve missed you,” she told him, her hands on his chest.
He twirled a piece of her snow-white hair around his finger.
“I wish we didn’t have to hide. I want everyone to know you’re my mate," she told him.
Tensions between the Winter Court and Night Court were still high, even after the War with Hybern.
Kallias and Viviane had not forgotten about Rhysand’s actions while under Amarantha’s rule.
“I love hearing that word on your lips,” Azriel said, running his thumb across her bottom lip.
“Kiss me.”
Azriel obliged and pressed his lips to hers. Azriel’s shadows swirled around them.
They were so caught up in each other that they didn’t notice that snow had begun to fall around them until they heard, “It’s snowing! In the Summer Court!”
The two of them pulled apart, laughing.
“Sorry,” she said.
“Don’t be. It’s beautiful, like you,” Azriel told her.
She blushed and pulled him down for another kiss.
Kallias stepped out on a balcony. This wasn’t his doing or his mate’s, so that only left one other person.
“I’m guessing your sister is missing just like my Shadowsinger?” Rhysand asked him.
Kallias simply glared at him.
Rhysand gave him a mischievous grin and clapped him on the shoulder. “See you later, brother-in-law.”
TITLE: Little One Chapter 1
PAIRING: No Pairing
RATING: T
CHAPTER: 1/?
SUMMARY: Cassian meets an orphan named Lyra in Windhaven and brings her to Velaris. While staying with the Inner Circle, she develops a connection with Azriel. Will Lyra become part of the family or will she be forced to return to Windhaven.
[A/N - I was supposed to post this this weekend. Whoops.]
Cassian was walking through Windhaven when he saw a small Illyrian girl sitting near the edge of the forest by herself.
She had a stick in her hand and it looked like she was drawing in the dirt.
He walked over to her and sat down.
There was no reaction from her.
“Hey,” he said.
She didn’t respond, just continued to draw in the dirt.
“What are you doing out here by yourself?”
Silence. She wouldn’t even look at him.
“My name’s Cassian. What’s yours?”
She stopped drawing for a moment. “…Lyra.”
“That’s a pretty name.” Cassian looked around.
There was no one to be seen.
“What are you doing by yourself?”
“The other kids didn’t want to play with me.”
“Where are your parents?”
"Dead.”
Cassian went still. He should’ve seen that coming.
“My daddy died in the war.”
Many Illyrian children were left without mothers or fathers because of the war.
“What about your mother?”
Lyra shrugged. “She went away one day and never came back.”
Her mother had likely abandoned Lyra and left the camp entirely. Especially if her mate was dead.
Cassian gestured to the drawing on the ground. “That’s really good. You know, our High Lady is an artist too.”
That got her to look up finally. Her eyes went wide.
“Hello,” Cassian said, giving her a smile.
“You’re the General,” she said, softly.
Cassian shook her head. “Nope. Just Cassian right now.”
Lyra had never met her High Lord or High Lady, but she’d heard whispers.
“I could take to her art studio tomorrow if you’d like. She has a son about your age,” Cassian told her.
“Prince Nyx.”
“That’s right. Although I probably wouldn’t call him that. He might walk around demanding everyone address him that way.”
Lyra giggled and Cassian thought it was the sweetest thing he’d ever heard.
“I’ll be back tomorrow. Meet me here.”
Lyra nodded.
It took every bone in Cassian’s body not to pick her up and take her with him.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
True to his word, Cassian returned the next day. He scooped her up in his arms and they took off for Velaris.
Lyra had heard about the magical city where the High Lord and Lady lived with their family, but she never imagined that she’d ever see it.
Cassian held her in front of him, his large hands almost wrapped around her small body. “Try flapping your wings!” he told her.
Lyra’s tiny wings fluttered against her back. She should have been able to fly by now, but no one in the camp had bothered to teach her to fly.
They landed in front of Feyre’s shop and Cassian set her down. He took her small hand and they went inside.
Fae of all ages and kinds were painting, drawing, and crafting.
“Cassian!” Feyre said, “What are you doing here?”
“I brought you a friend,” Cassian told her.
Feyre knelt down in front of her. “Hello, I’m Feyre. What’s your name?”
Lyra was silent.
“Her name is Lyra,” Cassian answered for her.
“Oh! What a pretty name!”
Lyra wouldn’t look at Feyre. She was staring at Feyre’s tattoos.
“Do you like them?”
Lyra nodded. Lyra reached out and traced one with her small finger.
“Lyra here is a little artist.”
“Are you? Well then, you’re in a good place.” Feyre stood up and offered Lyra her hand, but Lyra pressed closer to Cassian. “Cassian can stay with you if that’s what you want,” Feyre told her.
Lyra nodded and Feyre led them over to a small table.
The chairs were short, but not made for wings.
“Just don’t lean back,” Cassian told her. Cassian sat on the floor next to her chair.
“Cass!” A small boy with dark hair and Illyrian wings tackled him.
“Little warrior!”
Nyx pulled away from Cassian to look at Lyra. “You’re new!”
“Nyx,” Feyre scolded.
Nyx approached Lyra and took her hand. He gently kissed the back of it as Lyra blushed.
Feyre and Cassian were trying their hardest not to laugh.
Cassian pulled on the mental tether he shared with Rhys. Your son has been taking lessons from you. He showed Rhys the memory and
Rhys chuckled. Quite the little courtier. Who’s the girl?
Found her at Windhaven. She’s an orphan. Cassian felt Rhys close down the bond.
Nyx was sitting next to Lyra while Feyre talked to both of them in a soft voice.
They looked like a little family, even with the ratty dress Lyra wore.
Rhys pulled the mental tether. My office now.
Cassian stood up. He gently put a hand on Lyra’s back. “I’ll be back, okay?”
TITLE:Meant To Be
PAIRING: Cassian/OC
RATING: T
CHAPTER: One-shot
SUMMARY: Eris and Lucien's twin sister come to visit him in Velaris to meet Elain.
Eris winnowed Cyra and himself to Velaris.
Lucien agreed to meet them for lunch before introducing them to his mate.
Eris had seen her before in the Hewn City, but Cyra had never stepped foot outside of the Autumn Court.
Cyra deeply missed her twin brother.
They had been inseparable before the incident with Jesminda. But since the fall of the Spring Court and the War with Hybern, she’d hadn’t gotten the chance to see him.
Lucien was waiting for them outside a café. He spotted them and ran to Cyra, scooping her up in his arms.
She giggled as Lucien twirled her.
“Oh, I’ve missed you!” he told her.
“Well if you would stay in one spot!”
Lucien’s mismatched eyes fell on their eldest brother. “Eris.”
“Lucien.”
“Can you two get along today? Please?” Cyra asked them. She knew today was important to Lucien.
“Of course,” Eris said.
They sat down at a table and ordered their food.
“Tell me about Elain,” Cyra said.
Lucien’s russet eye lit up. “She’s beautiful.”
Eris scoffed. “Of course you would think that. She’s your mate.”
“Eris!” Cyra hissed.
Eris just rolled his eyes.
“She loves to garden. Velaris’ gardens have been flourishing thanks to her.”
“Sounds like she’d fit in perfectly in Spring,” Cyra said, but that was clearly the wrong thing to say.
Lucien’s golden eye narrowed and relaxed. “I…I haven’t been back to Spring since Feyre gave birth to Nyx.”
“Oh. I’m sorry, Lu.”
“It’s okay. You didn’t know.”
Eris (more like Beron) kept Cyra sheltered. Every inhabitant of Prythian knew Beron had a youngest daughter and had been asking for her hand ever since she became of age.
It was a miracle that Eris had convinced Beron to wait until the right match came along. One that came with political advantage and an alliance.
Their food arrived and Cyra took a bite. She groaned. “I don’t know why you ever leave here with food like this,” she told Eris.
It was spicy, but not in the way food in Autumn was spicy. In Autumn they used spices like chai, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
She had half a mind to ask for a set of spices to be sent to the Forest House. “You are now required to bring me food when you visit here,” Cyra said.
“So I’m a meal delivery boy now?” Eris asked.
Cyra smirked. “Yes. You are.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The River House was a short walk from the café.
Cyra’s mouth dropped open. “You live here?”
“The whole Inner Circle lives here.”
It was so open and light and nothing like what Cyra would have expected of the High Lord and Lady of the Night Court.
“Elain should be out back,” Lucien told them. He led them through the foyer and out a set of glass doors. “Sweetheart, we have visitors.”
A female in a pale pink dress stood up, wiping her hands on a towel.
Elain had golden brown hair and brown eyes. True to Lucien’s word, Elain was beautiful even by High Fae standards.
“Elain, this is my twin Cyra and my eldest brother Eris.”
“I must say you look well, Elain. Much better than in the Hewn City,” Eris told her, “Night Court black doesn’t suit you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Cyra,” Elain said, ignoring Eris, “Lucien has told me all about you.”
Cyra winked. “Only bad things I hope.”
Elain opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by a booming voice. “Eris? What the hell a…?”
Cyra turned to the voice and saw a large Illyrian standing in the doorway.
Cassian felt his entire world shift when her amber eyes met his. He had to grab the doorjamb to keep his knees from buckling.
Eris immediately scented the bond. “No! Absolutely not! My sister is not going to be mated to some Illyrian brute!”
“You know you won’t be able to keep them apart,” Lucien told him.
Eris and Lucien started bickering, Elain stuck between the two redheaded males.
Cyra walked over to Cassian. “So, mates huh?”
Cassian could only nod.
Cyra cocked her head to the side, assessing him. She finally put her hands on her hips and said, “Could be worse.”
Cassian’s smile was blinding as he chuckled. “Trust the Cauldron and the Mother to give me a smart-mouthed redhead for a mate.”
“I’ll have you know that I’m quite the catch, General.”
Lucien and Eris were now watching them banter.
“Well they’re definitely meant to be,” Lucien said.
Eris sighed with his arms crossed over his chest. “Unfortunately.”
