If you can’t tell, we’re easily swayed, so we’re welcoming back Starfall Week 2025, hosted by your very own @azsazz and @writingsbychlo!
We understand that this is very short notice, so please don’t feel pressured to write all of the prompts, or, you can post to Starfall Week anytime outside of the listed dates! We love seeing what you all write! ✨
Starfall Celebration is running from March 19–25, just like last year. We’ve come up with 7 Starfall related prompts for your favorite characters from the ACOTAR world. Character ships, x reader ships, crackships, and artwork of all kind are eligible to participate!
Please tag this blog so that we can read, share, and enjoy all of the wonderful pieces as we go through the week!
Lots of Starfall love and well-wishes, Kierstin & Chloe xoxo
Character A thought it was a date and Character B thought they were going as a group…
So this lovely fic is for @starfallweek. Thank you @azsazz and @writingsbychlo for the promts, it was so much fun to write that.
YN
I can't stop my hands from smoothing out the fabric of my new dress. It is as if it had been melted onto my curves, sheer white and almost see through, only the small clear embroidered crystals reflect the light and let people see that I’m actually wearing something. I want to look my best for him. The perfect dress for the perfect night.
Starfall.
Only a couple of weeks ago, my best friend asked me if we would go there together. I have known Cassian for three years, not much for him because he was more than five hundred years old. I was only 22 when we met and we instantly clicked. His goofiness pulled me in. He was all about jokes and having a good time, always optimistic and a daredevil like in all history books. He’s not only good looking - he’s the most handsome male that ever walked Prythian. All muscles and rugged features, wild eyes and windswept hair. But his heart of gold was what confirmed my crush on him. He listened closely to his friends and came up with all sorts of solutions and had the best moral compass I've ever seen in a person - standing up for those in need and lecturing those who fail to fit in.
In his long life he had many opportunities to become the person he is now. I don't have as much experience as him but that never stepped in the way of our friendship.
There it was again. That little word that made my heart sting. We were only friends.
Since I met him I wanted more but never knew how to approach, firstly because I never had a relationship and secondly because I saw the girls he flirted with when we were at Rita’s. Of course I never told him that I envied them - they were able to touch him, feel his heartbeat under their palms, or get to know how it is to fall asleep with him.
But I’ll press those poisonous thoughts down for tonight. It's a special occasion and I don't want to ruin our night by being in a bad mood. I wonder when we’ll meet the others later. Cassian said to me that he wants to have dinner with me but he never mentioned the Inner Circle. When we celebrated Starfall the last few years, we always met with them right away at the house of wind.
The ring of the doorbell shatters my raging mind. I see his impressive silhouette through the frosted glass and my heart skips a beat. He always had to go sideways through the doorway due to his broad shoulders. I smile to myself as I catch a glimpse of the dark streaks from his armour that left dark indents on the wood - he stormed in one evening, not knowing I just painted it. I never corrected it. I like having a bit of him there.
I open the door and my breath halts in my throat. He holds a huge bouquet of white flowers, glittering just like my dress and he gazes at me like I was the sunrise after the longest night.
He’s frozen for a moment. “You look…stunning.”He says with a raspy voice and a big smile stretches his lips. He scans my body again without shame until his eyes find mine. “You're beautiful, sweetheart.”
I remember to breathe again at his compliment and I can’t help but throw back a radiant smile. My cheeks heat up under his gaze and an amber drops between my thighs, causing them to clench together. He always had that effect on me. Every time he looked at me that way or when our fingers touched each other accidentally, my head swam and a coil formed in my crotch just like I was a horny teenager.
“Uhm- “ I stammer. “Thank you, Cass. You look very handsome yourself.”
His grin widens and I think we get lost in each other again before he extends the flowers for me. “I got those for you.”
“Cass they are beautiful. Thank you.” I took them from him and buried my nose in them.
“Starfall is only tonight but I wanted you to have them as a reminder. I had them enchanted so they will last for a month.”
I look up at him and he chuckles, reaching out to my face. “You’ve got some glitter there.” His big palm cups my cheek and his thumb brushes over my nose to collect the fairydust. My cheeks turn from pink to scarlet at his intimate touch. He was never shy to pull me into a hug or his side, but this was different. I never want this moment to end, because I think I won’t get another.
“That’s very sweet of you.” I smile at him and quickly go into the kitchen to grab a vase and place them on the console in the corridor, so it’s the first thing that greets me when I come home later.
“Ready for tonight?” He asks and holds up my coat for me to slip in. I thank him and let him help me into my coat before we step outside.
The air is cold against my shins and a fresh layer of black ice covers the cobblestone streets. He notices that I cannot keep up with his pace, because my heels slip across the ice. “Can’t lose you, sweetheart.” He extends his elbow and I wrap my hand around it for stability. The close proximity to him is intoxicating and plays with my mind. The way he softly touches me and helps me not to fall is something he did a hundred times before. But today it feels different - more sincere.
Cassian
I think my heart will jump out of my chest eventually or it stops and I’m going to have a heart attack.
The way she smiled at me when she opened her door made me question why I hadn't asked her out years ago. Well- I didn't actually say that this was a date but I think it’s pretty clear. I asked her when I accompanied her home some weeks ago - If she wants to spend starfall with me. Her doe eyes brightened and her smile was radiant when she said yes. I wanted to kiss her there and then but only pecked her cheek as good bye. I want our first kiss to be special.
A special day for a special kiss.
She got a new dress for tonight and she never looked better. The way she clings to my arm warms my heart. Finally, I was able to touch her in more than a friendly way. I hold her hand or place one of mine on the little of her back as I help her up the stairs to the restaurant. It was booked out for months, so I had to bribe the owner and we got the best table.
Her eyes lit up even more as we sat down on the balcony in the first row with a perfect view over the festival grounds. The Sidra glittered in the distance and the sun slowly approached the horizon. I helped her out of her coat again and pulled out the chair for her. She didn't have to tell me that he liked a gentleman, I could see it in her bright face every time I did chivalry things for her.
She sighs as she browses through the menu and frowns. She always takes forever to decide what she wants to eat. Too many good options. I chuckle at her as I pour her a glass of wine.
“Come on, Cass,” She muses and places her chin on her fist. “Tell me again like you tell me every time when we’re out eating.”
I smirk at her. “Studies show that people who are faster at deciding are happier.” I like to tease her and the waiter comes to our table, asking if he may take our order.
She frowns again at him and opens her mouth to tell him she needs another moment when I stop her politely. I collect her menu and say to him. “We’d like to have everything.”
“Cass wait-”
“Oh right. And we’d like to share the baked fruit with chocolate sauce as dessert.”
“As you wish.” The waiter takes the menu from me and I find her gazing at me with something like wonder and delight about my action of taking care of her needs.
“Everything okay, sweetheart?”
“Yes,” she says with a content voice and her hand drops to the table as if I just enamoured her. I slide mine over hers, it's so soft and tiny. She doesn’t flinch away from my touch. She likes it. My thumb brushes the skin there and she relaxes under my touch.
Dinner goes smoothly. The look in her eyes with all her favorite food right in front of her is something you just can't buy with money. I steal some of her zucchini fries while we chat about everything and nothing while I tease and flirt with her. Usually she throws back a witful remark, but not this time. She leans in, bats her eyelashes and flirts back with that pretty smile on her pouty lips.
After dinner I take her hand and cautiously weave us through the crowds on the festival grounds. I find a small spot in the middle of the bridge over the river and secure her in front of me - her back to my front and my arms around her middle while my wings prevent other people from stumbling into her. Her body stiffens for a second, we’ve never been as close as this ever before and she bends her neck to look up into my eyes - probably for reassurance if I’m aware of what I’m doing. I tighten my arms around her middle and her fingers cling to my forearms. I smile at her and lean down to kiss her cheek when cheers around us drift through the air.
YN
Our eyes shoot up at the sky. The first streak of light drifts across the sky. Then another one and even more beams of all the colors of the rainbow rain down. Starfall has always been a celebration of memory. The spirits of the past return to dance across the heaven and they remind us that love and dreams never die. To me it was a day of hope - that the future would hold happiness for me and my loved ones.
We’re so close I can feel his quick heartbeat in my back. I’m too flustered to say anything, all I do is melt against him to enjoy the warmth of his strong body.
Standing here, under the cascade of shimmering stars I realize that Cassian was my hope. My dream. And I make a wish that maybe I could be his one day.
Then, he turns me around to face him. My breath hitches as one of his hands is on the little of my back, gently pulling me closer. Everything happens in slow motion. His fingers tilt up my chin to look into his eyes and his gaze confirms that I was wrong for thinking that we were here as only friends. The flowers, the lingering touches, His flirting and his careful attention and the way he looked at me tonight.
Then, he leans down and kisses me. There is no hesitation, no question. His lips are warm and sure against mine and without thinking I wrap my arms around his neck to pull him even closer. He tastes like the first snow as I deepen the kiss, opening my mouth for him - letting him in.
I am so drunk on him that I forget to breathe and as we finally part, he rests his forehead against mine. Our breath is uneven and mingles in the cold air. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time,” he admits.
My heart beat is so fast I think it would jump out of my chest. “But…I thought…”
He huffs a quiet laugh. “I asked you on a date, sweetheart. You just didn’t realize it.”
My stomach flipped. “Oh.”
Cassian grins before pressing another lingering kiss to my lips. “I’m glad you do now.” Another star streaks across the sky and I smile against his mouth. Never have I been happier to be wrong. We barely notice the dancing lights as we get lost in each other's gazes and I pull on his tunic for another kiss.
For @starfallweek [hosted by: @azsazz and @writingsbychlo]
Starfall Week 2025 Masterlist
Day 7 - What if getting struck by a Starfall Star invoked a new power within Character A? How might Character B react?
Summary: Starlight is the core power of Night. And getting struck by a pure streak of it, ended up giving you some unseen gifts of Night.
Cw: None
Starlight was known to be pure Night, there was no form of magic bigger than starlight. It was in everything, it was the essence of Night. So it was easy to figure out that when a streak of it struck you, it would leave with something new
As you stood beneath the celestial canvas, your skin tingled with anticipation, watching Starfall. The night air hummed with otherworldly energy as if the very stars themselves were alive and whispering secrets. You closed your eyes, breathing in deeply, and felt the weight of starlight settling upon you like a gentle rain.
A shimmering trail of silver light danced across the sky, weaving an intricate pattern. Without thinking, you extended your palm upwards, as if beckoning the celestial light closer.
The moment the star made contact, a jolt of energy surged through your body. You gasped, feeling the starlight coursing like liquid fire within your veins. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying, leaving you breathless and trembling.
When you opened your eyes again, they gleamed with an ethereal luminescence, casting an aura of mystique around your delicate features. You were in a bed, their bed as your High Lady and Lord stood over you, worry written all over their features.
Feyre's gaze searched yours, trying to discern the extent of the change that had taken place. She reached out a hand, hesitating for just a moment before gently touching your cheek. Her fingers brushed against the radiant glow emanating from your skin, and she flinched slightly at the unexpected warmth.
"I... I don't know what happened," You whispered, still reeling from the encounter with the starlight. Your voice sounded foreign, resonating with an otherworldly timbre that sent shivers down Feyre's spine.
Rhysand sat beside you, he reached to hold your hand and flinched the same, "It was just starlight, it shouldn't have made you pass out. It could be something to do with you not being from Night... But..."
His words trailed off as he studied your face more closely, noticing the subtle changes in your appearance. Your lips, once a soft pink, now held a faint blue hue, almost imperceptible but undeniable. He exchanged a concerned glance with Feyre, who nodded grimly.
As Feyre helped you sit up, you noticed the way her eyes lingered on your hands, the ones that had touched the starlight. A flicker of unease ran through you, but you pushed it aside, focusing instead on the strange sensations coursing through your body.
"Can... Can you not touch me anymore?" You asked them, worried at the thought of them never holding you again.
Feyre's expression softened, and she reached out tentatively, letting her fingertips brush against your arm. "Of course we can still touch you. We're not afraid of a little starlight." Rhysand nodded in agreement, his thumb stroking the back of your hand reassuringly.
However, their attempts at comfort only seemed to heighten your anxiety. You pulled away slightly, needing space to process this newfound awareness of yourself. "I don't understand what's happening to me," You admitted, frustration creeping into your voice. "This power, these changes... They're not natural. I'm Day, not Night."
Feyre sighed, her brow furrowing in concern. "We'll figure it out together, I promise. But first, let's get you some rest. You've been through quite an ordeal." She guided you back under the covers, tucking you in warmly.
Rhysand sighed, rubbing his temple, turning to Feyre, "We've never encountered anyone like this before, someone who absorbs starlight and begins to exhibit Night traits. Making you into High Fae gave you the powers of all Courts. But starlight?"
The implications of their words sank in, sending a chill down your spine. You were something else entirely now, a mysterious fusion of Day and Night, born from the very essence of the cosmos.
"I think it chose you." Feyre said softly, holding your paling hand, a surge of electricity rushed through you. As Feyre's words echoed through the chamber, the room began to spin, colours bleeding into one another. "Starfall stars don't randomly land on you."
The electric current from Feyre's touch intensified, pulsing through your veins like a heartbeat. You gasped, feeling the starlight within you respond, the electricity was yours, not Feyre's, coiling tighter, ready to unleash its full potential.
Suddenly, the room stilled, the spinning colours fading into a mix of blues and purples. You blinked, disoriented, as Feyre's hand slid from yours, leaving behind a trail of glittering stardust.
"What did it do?" Rhysand asked, his voice laced with worry as he watched you, waiting for signs of what might come next, for something he'd never seen before.
You took a shaky breath, trying to calm the turmoil inside you. The starlight pulsed within, urging you to embrace its power. Slowly, you raised your hands, studying the glowing trails left behind by Feyre's touch. With a tentative gesture, you brought your palms together, feeling the electricity crackle between them.
To your amazement, the sparks grew brighter, swirling into a miniature vortex above your joined hands. The air around you shimmered, as if reality itself was bending to accommodate the raw energy. You gasped, realizing the true extent of the starlight's influence - it had awakened a part of you that defied explanation.
Feyre and Rhysand watched in awe, their faces illuminated by the dancing lights. "By the stars," Rhysand breathed, "you're a conduit for the celestial power."
The vortex intensified, growing larger and more complex, tendrils of light reaching out like grasping fingers. You felt dizzy, overwhelmed by the sheer force coursing through you. Feyre and Rhysand stepped back, their expressions a mix of fascination and fear.
Suddenly, the vortex exploded outward, bathing the room in a blinding radiance. When the light faded, you found yourself standing alone, the bed you were on nothing but stardust, the starlight reflected in your eyes. The changes it had wrought remained, etched into every cell.
You looked down at your hands, half-expecting to see them glowing once more. Instead, you noticed a subtle shift in them, the brown skin pulsing with silver, the nails sharpened into delicate claws. You lifted your gaze to meet Feyre's, seeing her own surprise mirrored in her eyes. "What have I become?"
Rhysand approached you, hands raised, as if he was cautious, "It's ok... We'll help you figure it out."
You nodded, trying to steady your racing heart as Rhysand drew near. The starlight still thrummed within you, a constant reminder of the transformative power that now resided within your very being.
"We need to understand your abilities," Feyre suggested, her voice measured and calm despite the shock of witnessing such a phenomenon. "For your safety, and ours."
Rhysand nodded in agreement, his violet eyes searching yours intently. "Let's start with small tests. See how much control you have over the starlight's effects."
You swallowed hard, steeling yourself for the unknown. "Alright… What do you suggest we try first?" As you spoke, the starlight within you responded, a soft glow emanating from your skin once more. You felt its eager pulse, a siren call to unleash its full potential.
Rhysand considered your question, his gaze flickering between you and Feyre as they conferred silently in their head. After a moment, he turned back to you, a hint of excitement colouring his tone. "How about we begin with something simple? Like making the room lighter or darker." He demonstrated the suggestion himself, effortlessly manipulating the darkness around him with a mere thought.
Now it was your turn. You focused on the starlight within, visualizing a gentle breeze rustling the silken curtains. As you willed it, the fabric swayed. Emboldened, you tried to warm the chilly air, imagining a cosy fire crackling in the hearth. You gasped when the curtains set on fire instantly, flames licking at the edges of the luxurious material.
"Shit!" Feyre leapt forward, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air, dousing the blaze with a cool, soothing mist. Smoke curled upwards, dissipating into wisps of stardust.
Rhysand swiftly moved to Feyre's side, his presence calming even as he assessed the situation. "Careful, love," he murmured, though there was no real danger now thanks to Feyre's quick thinking. He glanced at you, a mix of amusement and concern on his face. "Perhaps we should start smaller next time, hmm?"
You nodded vigorously, cheeks flushing with embarrassment and the thrill of wielding such immense power. It was exhilarating yet terrifying, a double-edged sword you weren't yet sure how to wield properly.
"Remember, it's okay to make mistakes," Feyre reassured you gently, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. Her words soothed your frayed nerves, and you managed a weak smile in return. "Maybe don't burn the house down. We should take this outside."
Rhysand chuckled, shaking his head fondly. "Sounds like a plan. Let's move this training session to the gardens. Plenty of fresh air and open space for our experimentations." He offered you his hand, helping you to your feet. As you stood, you noticed the way his touch sent shivers down your spine, the connection between you humming with barely contained energy. "You'll have to train these powers."
You sighed, looking back down at your slivering hands, "Now who will tell my brother about this?"
Rhysand's expression softened at the mention of your family. "Leave Helion to me. I'll handle the news and ensure he doesn't overreact." His confidence was reassuring, and you felt a weight lift off your shoulders. "Right now, focus on mastering your abilities. That's what matters most."
Feyre nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with determination. "We can't predict the extent of your powers, but with practice, you'll grow stronger and more trained at controlling the starlight within you. Whatever it may do." She placed a reassuring hand on your arm, the warmth of her touch grounding you amidst the whirlwind of change.
Together, the three of you made your way to the sprawling gardens beyond the castle walls. The night air enveloped you, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of Night creatures.
@starfallweek 2025 March 23rd Prompt: It’s a Starfall mating ceremony, the dreamiest night of the year!
A/N: I originally wasn’t going to do this one, but I decided to try and it ended up grabbing my hand and running away with it! I hope you enjoy! Also, I need more platonic! Rhys fics in my life.
It was only the beginning of the week leading up to Starfall, and you were already exhausted. The entire world wanted a piece of you. You were stuck in meeting after meeting around Velaris for your duties, everyone wanting things handled immediately so they wouldn’t have to work the rest of the week. Never mind that you were having more and more things piled onto your plate by them, but such is the burden of the Inner Circle this time of year.
You were already stretched thin, wanting nothing more than to return home to Azriel, your mate, for some much needed cuddly comfort. You two hadn’t accepted the bond yet, but had every intention to. Starfall being so close to when things snapped for you both, you’d wanted it to be special. After everything the two of you had been through, both together and apart, romantically and not, you both thought you deserved the happily ever after treatment.
Your mistake had been telling Rhys that.
No sooner had you walked through the door of the townhouse, intent on dropping your stuff on the nearest surface and collapsing into the nearest soft thing, Rhysand poked his head out into the foyer.
His face lit up, star filled in its own right, and immediately pulled you into his arms, saying your name with childlike excitement. “Just the female I wanted to see.”
“Hi Rhys,” you said, unable to keep the exhaustion from your voice. Likely your mind as well, you hadn’t thought about your shields in a long time.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about your and Azriel’s ceremony.”
A wave of tiredness rolled through you at the thought of yet another discussion. “Rhys,” you pleaded, “when I told you-“
Rhys was not paying attention, it did not even appear he had heard you. “I have so many ideas to run by you. You were right, you both deserve something special, and I want to help you make it perfect.”
He looked down at you with shiny eyes and you faltered for a minute. Curse your loving heart.
With a failing social battery, you tried the one card you had. Feyre would understand you, she always did. If you could get Feyre to rein him in… “Wouldn’t Feyre want to help as well?”
“The studio’s awfully busy this week I’m afraid. I know you know the feeling, and I do apologize for that, love. Think of this as my apology to my soon-to-be sister-in-law?” The last part came out like a question and your flimsy resolve broke.
You sighed, “okay, Rhys.”
He beamed, simultaneously lifting your spirits and raising your apprehension, before grabbing your shoulders and winnowing you two away.
Unbeknownst to you, Azriel had arrived upstairs moments before.
He’d sensed your sheer exhaustion and strangled acquiescence and had tried to get to you as soon as he could. You had been here, not too long ago if your scent was still this strong in the house. He’d almost believed you were still here, calling out your name until he picked up on Rhys’s as well.
A groan worked its way unbidden from his throat.
Of course. Rhysand had intercepted you before he could get here. The High Lord had told him how excited he was for the two of you. Azriel should have assumed something like this would happen. He’d likely been waiting for you to get home, eager to make preparations.
Azriel trudged downstairs, lightly agitated. His shadows flickered along his back, flared in response to his emotions. He picked up your discarded work bag and returned it to the place you always kept it in your room. As he held the strap, felt the weight of it, his heart sank. Tiredness radiated out from your side of the bond. He had half a mind to wrench you from his brother’s clutches and return you safely home.
To him.
But he knew you. Knew you wanted to make everyone else happy, even to your own detriment. It was something he simultaneously loved and hated about you. He knew the earful he’d receive if he pulled you out.
But oh, that little protective impulse.
Little. Who was he kidding?
When he saw you tonight he’d talk to you about that little habit of yours. Then hopefully, you’d finally let yourself get some sleep.
He sent a pulse of adoration over to you, pleased at the weak - but very much there - echo of it you sent back.
Just a little longer, he told himself, then no one will be seeing either of us for months. He didn’t just mean the frenzy, either. Both of you could more than use the time off relishing in the arms of the one you love.
A soothing pulse reached his chest and he realized he’d been gripping the strap of your bag with white knuckles. He must have projected his protectiveness through the bond to you. You were reminding him to relax.
He would. He just had to find a way for both of you to.
Having errands of his own to run, he did not return home again until much later. He made his way softly to the room you two had taken to sharing. He was the Spymaster, so he made no sound at all as he entered the room, expecting to find you asleep in bed.
Instead, you were at the desk with a candle burned down nearly to the bottom of the jar that contained it. Paperwork was strewn about as your head lay on some of them. Ink stained your fingers in little wisps, either smudged where your hands brushed it when it had been wet or simply there due to your frenzied writing style. Shadows of a sort.
You were knocked out though. He sighed, tilting his head. His shadows reached for you, more indicative of his longing for you than creatures of their own.
He wiped the ink off your fingers, careful not to disturb your much needed rest, before moving you to the bed. You didn’t wake as he pulled you to him, hugging you close like a teddy bear. He draped a wing over you and pressed a kiss to your forehead before joining you in the realms of sleep.
You were awoken by Rhys’s voice in your head. “Rise and shine! You and Feyre have a seamstress appointment!”
Had you really been that out of it that he could just barge into your brain and wake you up?
“Apparently, yes. She’s waiting for you downstairs. She didn’t want to bother you.”
Huh. Maybe someone could learn a thing or two from his mate.
His laughter reverberated in your mind. “Hurtful. She’s got the day off and so do you. Only ceremony planning today, and I mean it. Have fun!”
Thanks. Then you built your mental walls back up. Days off are great when you aren’t behind on work and aren’t forced into planning an elaborate mating ceremony, you thought privately. Anxiety itched around your mind.
You slowly realized your surroundings now that you were more awake. You were exactly where you wanted to be, in Azriel’s arms. But Feyre was waiting downstairs, waiting to help you find your dress. You couldn’t just leave her. Tired as you were, they truly did mean well. This was something you needed to do. Along with everything else you had on your to-do list.
So, you tried to pull yourself from Azriel’s hold. Predictably, he groaned and pulled you closer, wrapping his arms tighter around you. It was adorable, but you’d made up your mind to leave. He was not helping.
“Az, love, I’ve gotta go.”
He buried his head further into your neck. “No you don’t.”
“Yes I do,” you chuckled.
“Work?”
“No.”
“Rhys?”
“Sort of. Feyre’s waiting for me downstairs.”
“Ceremony stuff?” his muffled voice said.
“Something like that.”
“You would really deny me the presence of my mate?”
You chuckled, “we aren’t mated yet, Az.”
“We are to me.”
Your heart squeezed. You kissed the crown of his head and said, “two more days.”
He reluctantly let you go, shadows chasing half-heartedly after you.
“Have fun being the artist’s dress up doll,” he teased as he leaned in the doorway, you in the hall.
You smirked back at him, “be careful how you speak of my High Lady.”
“Sense of humor, yet another reason to love you.”
You shook your head. “I know what you’re trying to do and it won’t work.”
“That flush suggests otherwise.”
“Az.”
He held his hands up in surrender, “can you blame a male in love for trying?”
Feyre could hear you both from the stairs by now and snickered at your, “good-bye, Azriel.”
He watched you go from the door of the house, feeling the weight of the world bearing down on you. He knew you wanted things to be perfect, both for Starfall and the ceremony, but he couldn’t care less for that perfection, least of which when it affected you like this. To him, it would be perfect just because of you. He’d have everything he’d want for the ceremony anyway. Just you. He didn’t need you wearing the perfect dress, didn’t need the perfect decorations, the perfect food. He’d eat the crumbs off your plate if you’d offered them to him.
Maybe that had been his mistake. He’d assumed you’d known that. Maybe he should’ve told you. He still could. Put an end to the massive undertaking his family had turned your wishes into. He loved that they wanted to help, but this was getting out of hand.
That was a conversation he needed to have. The next time he saw you, that’s what he’d do.
He, unfortunately, did not have the opportunity. After spending three hours trying on dresses before you found one you liked, Feyre pulled you around for another two hours with additional ceremony prep. Then after that, you were running around catching up on the work you hadn’t completed the previous day. You barely stopped to eat as Velaris became your personal obstacle course.
You crashed on the couch, but woke up in bed again, Azriel next to you. You pulled yourself out of bed, not waking him this time, and left him a note. There was still a lot for you to do the day of Starfall. You’d see him that night, when the work was all over.
Cassian had been your chosen mode of transportation up to the House of Wind for the events of the day, once all your work was done. You’d managed to get everything done just before sunset and found Cassian with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
He’d grinned at you, ribbing you over the events of the evening and ferried you up to the house with the two of you laughing the whole way.
Once deposited, you walked inside the house, finding your family setting up your decorations. Gwyn had kindly offered to officiate the ceremony tonight and the rest of the family were helping with the decorations.
“Alright,” you said, rubbing your hands together, “what still needs doing?”
“You need to get ready, and that’s all we’re allowing you to do,” Feyre said, firmly.
“But-“
“No-“
Amren dropped the decoration she had been fighting against and spun you around. “Out, girl.”
“But-“
With her pushing you out of the room by your back, you could not see her, but you could feel the glare she was sending you and promptly shut up.
You teetered slightly on your feet, attempting to find some kind of excuse so you could still help, but found none. Your family sent you soft and amused smiles and you were silently on your way.
The laces on the back of your dress had been giving you trouble, and just as you were getting frustrated, emotions of the day still pulling at you, the door opened.
“Feyre, can you-“
You turned. Feyre was not the one who’d entered the room.
He was dressed up, at least as far as he was likely willing to. The deep blue outfit was not anywhere near Rhys level, but it was beautiful. He was beautiful.
His eyes were wide, staring at you in such awe that you had to look away.
“You look-“
“It’s too much isn’t it? I thought so. I had a feeling about the other one. It’s all too much isn’t it? Everything’s-“
Azriel stopped you by reaching forward, holding your chin with his thumb and forefinger, gently stroking the bottom of your lip.
“You look stunning. It’s not too much. It’s not too little.” He punctuated this sentence with a soft, passionate kiss.
“It’s perfect.” Another kiss, this one longer than the first.
“Any type of ceremony, any timing, any and all details in any configuration, would be perfect. You want to know something?”
Words could not find you, so you nodded.
“There is no way this night could be anything other than perfect for me, because it’s you. You are everything I want, everything I could ever need. I couldn’t care what you’re wearing or what the room looks like, so long as I get to look at you.”
Tears lined your eyes as you said, “Me too.”
“That being said, let’s go enjoy the work you did. Just promise me you won’t run yourself into the ground over details again, okay? I don’t take kindly to my mate buried under mountains of work.”
“I promise,” you said, kissing him, “so long as you promise me the same.”
“I swear it, sweets.”
“And help me lace up the back of this?”
You both exited the room and slowly walked to the now fully decorated room. Your family noticed your quiet smiles and followed your lead, sobering the whole affair a bit. It was quiet and soft, but in a good way. The feeling you get as you open a brand new book. The feeling of lying down in your bed and staring at the ceiling.
There was a dreamy quality about the whole thing as you all moved to the balcony. Rhys and Feyre’s smiles were twinged with apologies but you waved them off, Azriel’s steady hand on your shoulder.
In the anticipation of Starfall before you, you both softly said your vows to each other, your family watching on with wistful smiles. You had planned something elaborate, in terms of the food you wanted to offer. A recreation of the meal you shared on your first date. It would have taken awhile, and was meant to be symbolic, but at the last minute, you decided to swap it out in favor of a spare cookie the two of you had made together the weekend before. It wasn’t perfect, but it was food the two of you had laughed over when you shared the experience of making it. Indicative of your love and a promise of what your future would be. Maybe it was perfect after all.
You each offered each other a bite as Gwyn guided you through the ceremony.
“Why were they so dry?” Azriel said, humorously, despite himself.
“I swore we put the right amount of milk in,” you laughed.
Gwyn smiled at the two of you as she slowly bound your hands together with a ribbon. As she concluded, lights began to flash across the sky. You watched it for a moment before you leaned in and shared a kiss, this time as mates. It was everything you could have wanted. It was perfect.
For @starfallweek [hosted by: @azsazz and @writingsbychlo]
Starfall Week 2025 Masterlist
Day 6 - Starfall this year was a costume party and now Characters A and B can't find one another.
Summary: On the night of Starfall, the party didn't end until the sun came up, and after a nasty break up your sisters dragged you out to party with the rest of the Inner Circle. You end up running into someone whose it.
Cw: Dark!Az, he mad mad, jealous Az, shadowplay, choking, I think by far the most Azriel smut I've written... Smut 18+ MDNI
a/n: Long fic WOOHOOO, strap in and strap on! (would fit better if there *was* pegging involved but still it has Azriel's dick in it so it had to be at least that big)
The pulsating beats of the music thrummed through your body as you stepped into Rita's, your sisters flanking you on either side. Twinkling lights cast a warm glow over the busy crowd, your faces illuminated by flashes of colour from the mirrored disco ball above. The air was thick with the mingled scents of expensive perfume, sweat, and something more primal.
"You needed this," Feyre said, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze. She was dressed as an angel, her shapeshifting powers giving her a way to form pure white feathered wings, and Rhysand was somewhere getting drinks for her, dressed as a dark devil to compliment her. "To get out, have some fun. Forget about him."
Nesta nodded, humming in agreement, her lips curving into a small smile at her sister's words. You knew they were right, after everything that had happened, you desperately needed a night out. Nesta was already snatched away by Cassian, dressed as old warriors of legends, lost in the music.
Elain, dressed like a walking garden, was nursing her drink and sitting by, even though such parties weren't her scene she was with the shadow twins, talking and having a laugh.
You wore an outfit that looked like it was made of life itself, the shimmering fabric seemed to pulse with an inner light, leaves and vines twisting around your curves as you moved. The skirt you wore flared at your thighs, the corsetted top barely covering your curves. Your hair had white tinsels in it, styled up in a high pony, a mask over your face, fully covering you. You found it hilarious, dressing like life, given your powers. Nesta had convinced you to dress slutty to "catch a better male for the night" as she put it, there was plenty blushing involved on your part as she went into detail about the importance of a matching set of lace underneath.
While you stood there, amidst the pulsing throng of bodies, dancing your heart out for the past hour or so, having a little too much to drink, you couldn't recall, the music seeming to flow through your very veins, you felt a sudden presence behind you. Strong hands gripped your hips, pulling you back against a firm chest. You could feel the heat radiating off the body pressed so close to yours.
"I must say, that costume is... Captivating." A low, heavy voice murmured in your ear, sending shivers down your spine. "Life itself couldn't possibly be more beautiful than you look tonight."
You turned your head slightly, catching a glimpse of a someone covered in darkness, he wore a cloak over his head. Suriel? A scythe in hand. Death. How poetic.
You felt a thrill run through you at the dark stranger's bold touch and flattering words. There was something magnetic about his mysterious aura, something familiar too, the way his strong hands held you possessively. When you glimpsed his cloaked form and the ominous scythe, a frisson of excitement mixed with apprehension danced along your nerves.
The mysterious male in the death costume spun you around to face him fully, one large hand still resting possessively on your hip. Up close, you realised you could truly not see his face, as if the darkness that surrounded him made him appear headless. His other hand came up to brush a stray lock of hair from your cheek, leather glove-covered fingertips grazing your skin and leaving tingles in their wake.
"I've been watching you all evening," He murmured, his deep voice resonating through you. "Watching you move, watching you shine brighter than anyone else here. Tell me, little life, do you often have this effect on strangers?"
His thumb traced idle circles on your hipbone through the thin fabric of your costume as he waited for your response, the heat of his palm seeping into your skin.
The male's fingers tightened almost imperceptibly on your hip as he awaited your response, the heat of his touch seeming to brand your skin even through the thin fabric of your costume. You swallowed hard, pulse quickening at his proximity and the dark promise in his tone.
"I… I don't know what you mean," you managed to say, voice coming out breathier than intended. "I'm just here to enjoy the party with my sisters." Even as the words left your mouth, you knew they rang hollow. There was a part of you that revelled in his intense focus, in being singled out amidst the writhing sea of bodies. You were glad you had let Nesta talk you into wearing a matching lace set to "be ready for a male" in her words, because you were going to fuck him tonight, you just felt like it, in your slightly tipsy state, you needed someone to forget him, someone currently without a face seemed like a wonderful option.
A low, dark chuckle rumbled from the cloaked male's chest at your feigned innocence. "Is that so? Well then, allow me to change your mind." In one fluid motion, he pulled you flush against him, one muscular thigh slipping between your legs to press intimately against your core. The heat of him seared you even through the layers of clothing separating your bodies.
"This isn't just enjoyment, little one. This is destiny." His gloved hand slid up your side to cup the swell of your breast, kneading the soft flesh possessively. "Can't you feel it? The pull between us, like moth to flame?" Leaning in, he nipped sharply at the sensitive skin below your ear before soothing the sting with his tongue. "I'm going to worship every inch of you tonight until you're begging."
You gasped as his thigh ground against your core, but instead of pulling away, you leaned closer, "And what of you, do you approach random females having fun out of nowhere and think everyone wants you?"
The cloaked male threw back his head and laughed, a rich, dark sound that sent shivers down your spine. "Oh no, sweet thing. I don't make a habit of approaching just any female." His hand slid lower, gripping your ass and pulling you impossibly closer. "But when fate drops a goddess wrapped in silk directly into my path, I'd be a fool not to act."
He captured your lips in a searing kiss, his mouth moving over yours with skilful intent. One hand fisted in your hair, angling your head to just push the mask past your lips as he plundered your mouth thoroughly. When he finally released you, you were left panting, knees weak.
"My apologies, I couldn't resist sampling the nectar of the Mother herself," He purred wickedly, he wasn't sorry at all. And you weren't either, cause you felt like you knew those lips, and you kissed him back more confidently.
He broke the kiss, only to trail his lips along your jawline, nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin. "Mmmm, I can taste the wine on your lips. But there's another flavor beneath it, something sweeter. The essence of life itself." His hand slid under your skirt, calloused fingers caressing the smooth skin of your thigh. "I wonder, does all of you taste as divine as your mouth?"
The crowded dance floor seemed to fade away, the pulsing beat of the music dimming to a distant thrum. All you could focus on was the heat of his body pressed against yours, the wicked promises in his gravelly voice, the teasing caress of his fingers inching higher up your thigh. Your core clenched with need, arousal dampening your lace.
He groaned softly as his fingers brushed against the damp lace covering your most intimate area. "Already so wet for me, aren't you little goddess?" His hand traced teasing patterns over the soaked fabric, applying maddeningly light pressure. "I bet you're aching to be filled, to be stretched wide. Let's take this somewhere private, yeah?"
Then he pressed his scythe to the back of your head, then you realised that it wasn't simply a part of his outfit and the blade was very much sharp. As the reality of the situation dawned on you, a surge of fear mixed with exhilaration coursed through your veins. The cold metal of the scythe pressed firmly against your skull, a potent reminder of his power and dominance.
"Move, now," He commanded, his voice a low growl that vibrated through you. Without hesitation, you allowed yourself to be led through the crowd, his grip on your arm unyielding. The dance floor receded further into the background as you stumbled after him, your heart pounding in your ears.
He guided you through a door in the back, set for privacy in the club's nightly activities, the doors were dark red yet translucent, you could make out faint bodies of lovers pressed together, the male guided you to one of the empty rooms. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of incense and something muskier, more primal. A large wooden table dominated the centre of the space, its surface polished yet stained with age.
As soon as the door clicked shut behind you, he spun you around to face him, pressing you back against the cool wood of the table. His hands roamed over your curves, squeezing and kneading as if to claim every inch of you as his own.
"You look exquisite in the dim light, like a Nightbloom blooming under moonlight," He murmured, his breath hot against your ear. "So delicate, yet perfect for the taking." His fingers deftly untied the bow at the front of your corsetted top, revealing the lacy cups barely containing your breasts. "Let's get rid of these restrictive garments, shall we?"
With practised ease, he peeled off your corset, leaving you in your mask, tiny skirt and the soaked lace covering your cunt.
His hungry gaze devoured the sight of your nearly bare body, drinking in the curves and valleys of your skin. The way your nipples pebbled in the cool air, the gentle rise and fall of your chest as you breathed heavily, the glistening evidence of your arousal on the lace clinging to your cunt. Every detail was etched into his memory, fueling his desire.
Without warning, he swooped down, capturing one pert nipple between his teeth. He suckled gently, sending jolts of pleasure straight to your core. At the same time, his hand delved beneath your skirts, fingertips grazing the sensitive inner thighs as he worked his way upward.
"Mmm, you do taste divine," He purred against your breast, his free hand palming the other, rolling the nipple between his fingers. "I could feast on you all night long."
You cried through the pleasure, head rolled back, you still couldn't see the male's face, covered in darkness, but as the shadows flickered in the room, you were fully sure who he was, yet you still played the part of not knowing.
His gloved hand slipped past the lace barrier, fingers brushing against your slick folds before circling your clit in deliberate strokes. "Such responsive little life," Death murmured approvingly, his hot breath tickling your skin. "I can tell you're eager for more."
With a sudden, decisive move, he hooked his fingers inside you, thrusting them deep into your clenching heat. A guttural moan escaped you as he pumped his digits in and out, stroking that magic spot within you that made stars explode behind your eyelids.
"That's it, let me hear you," He coaxed, his thumb continuing its relentless assault on your clit. "Scream for me, little goddess. Show me how much you crave my touch."
"What should I moan for you?" You gasped, toes curling on the table, hands gripping the sides as his gloved fingers curled inside you, now that you knew, you could sense the scars on his hands. "Death?"
He chuckled darkly, the vibrations of his laughter sending tingles through your body. "Yes, Death," He confirmed, his fingers never ceasing their sensual torment. "And I'm here to collect your soul..." His shadows moved the Scythe to aim for your throat, forcing you to keep your head up.
His pace quickened, pumping into you harder and faster until your whole world narrowed to the sensation of his fingers stretching and filling you. The pressure built, coiling tighter and tighter in your core until you teetered on the brink of release.
"Now, scream for me, life," He demanded, his thumb rubbing merciless circles around your throbbing clit. "Let go and give me everything." With a final, brutal thrust, he pushed you over the edge into blissful oblivion.
With a final, ruthless thrust, he pushed you over the edge. Your body convulsed, back arching off the table as a scream tore from your throat. Waves of intense pleasure crashed over you, drowning you in ecstasy, light leaving your form as it slammed back in, you were a little ashamed to admit that your previous lover had never made you feel like that just by his fingers, or any part of him.
Death watched, mesmerized, as you came undone beneath his skilled touch. The way your cunt spasmed around his fingers, the flush of bliss on your cheeks, the sheer abandon in your expression, It was intoxicating.
As the aftershocks subsided, he slowly withdrew his fingers, bringing them to his lips to taste your essence. "Delicious," He purred, savouring the flavour of your climax, tasting your essence.
He leaned in close, his shadowy form looming over you. "But don't think that was enough to sate me, little goddess," He whispered, his breath a chilly caress against your ear. "I want to consume every last drop of your sweetness, to drink deep from the well of your desire until you're utterly spent and begging for mercy."
He grabbed your hips, pulling them back against his straining cock. The thick head prodded insistently at your entrance, seeking entry into your welcoming heat.
With a swift, powerful thrust, Death buried himself to the hilt inside you, his rigid cock stretching you wide open around him. A harsh groan ripped from his throat at the exquisite sensation of your slick walls enveloping him, your tightness a delicious contrast to the chill of his skin.
He began to move, withdrawing almost completely before slamming back in, setting a punishing rhythm that shook the table beneath you on it's legs. Each stroke was a claiming, a possession, a declaration of his dominance over your quivering form.
The sound of flesh meeting flesh filled the room, punctuated by your cries of pleasure and his guttural grunts. His shadows danced across the walls, mirroring the wild, primal energy coursing through his veins as he lost himself in the carnal delight of taking you.
The shadows covered the translucent glass, so no one outside could see the two of you. His movements became even more frenzied, hips snapping forward with reckless abandon as he chased his own release. The table creaked ominously beneath the force of his thrusts, but he paid it no mind, too consumed by the need to fill you, to mark you as his own.
"Fuck, you're so tight," He gritted out between clenched teeth, his hips snapping forward with renewed vigour. "I'm going to fill you up, little life," He snarled, his voice raw with lust. "Every last drop of my seed, marking you as mine." With a final, brutal plunge, he buried himself to the root inside you, his cock pulsing as he spilt his cum deep within your womb.
The sensation of his hot release flooding your insides triggered another orgasm, your body trembling and clenching around him as you came once more. Body curling around his to grip on.
"He. Didn't. Deserve. You." Azriel grunted as he slammed through your climax, his hood falling down, the shadows that he'd used to cover his face falling, "I hated hearing you sob for him at night. When my mate should be moaning for me." He growled the term and for you it was like time stopped.
Azriel captured your mouth in a searing kiss, swallowing your gasps and moans as he rocked into you, his hips grinding against yours in a slow, deliberate dance. "You're mine now, y/n," He growled against your lips, nipping at them possessively. "Mine to claim, to cherish, to fuck."
His words sent shivers down your spine, a thrill of excitement mixed with trepidation. But there was no denying the fierce passion burning in his eyes, the unyielding conviction in his tone. He wasn't asking, he was declaring, staking his claim on your very being.
As if to emphasize his point, Azriel pulled out of you abruptly, only to flip you onto your stomach and yank your hips up into the air, his shadows gripping your ponytail, grabbing your form still for him.
Without wait, Azriel lined his still hard cock up with your dripping entrance once more, still more to go, the blunt tip probing at your slick folds. Then, with a savage grunt, he drove into you again, burying himself to the hilt in one brutal thrust.
"Ah- AZ!"You felt every inch of him, his hard length splitting you open, reaching depths you didn't know existed. He set a punishing pace, his hips slapping against your ass as he took you with animalistic ferocity, each stroke driving home his claim on you.
Azriel's grip on your hair tightened, pulling your head back as he leaned over you, his breath hot against your ear. "This is what you needed, isn't it, Life? To be taken, claimed, owned?" His voice was a low, menacing purr, laced with dark promise. He pressed in fully, bruising your cervix with a rut of his hips. "Because I'm not done with you yet. All you needed was me. Your mate. But instead you went for that pathetic male. I could feel you when you were under him, how little he pleasured you. I wanted you to explore around and that was the male you chose to have your heart broken by? That male made you cry!"
Azriel's accusations cut deep, striking at the heart, you had chosen wrong. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes, but he continued unabated, his relentless pace never faltering as he pounded into you.
"You thought you loved him, didn't you?" He sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Thought he understood you, could make you happy. But look where it got you - crying yourself to sleep, desperate for something more. Something real."
His hand left your hair to trail down your spine, nails digging into your skin as he gripped your hip, holding you in place for his brutal thrusts. "I am that something real, y/n. I've always been here, waiting for you to realize it."
"Az..." You whimpered under the weight of him, his cloak fell as his wings stretched to their full might. Though you weren't scared of him, instead you felt something snap between you, a thread of gold that connect you.
Azriel's wings unfurled, casting an ominous shadow over the room as they spread wide, the leather a stark black against the dim lighting. The sight alone would have been intimidating, but coupled with his dominant position over you, it was a potent display of his power and control.
As he continued to pound into you, his movements grew more erratic, his hips snapping forward with a frenzy that bordered on violence. The table creaked ominously beneath you, threatening to collapse under the force of his thrusts.
"I'm going to ruin you for anyone else," He growled, his voice a low, menacing rumble. "No other male will ever satisfy you like I can. You belong to me, body and soul." His hand slid from your hip to wrap around your throat, applying just enough pressure to make your pulse race. "Say it, princess. Allow me to kill him and I will bathe in his blood, for ever shedding a tear on your pretty face not born of pleasure."
Azriel's grip on your throat tightened, cutting off your air supply as he held you in a vice-like embrace. His free hand slid down to grasp your jaw, forcing your gaze upwards to meet his intense stare in the obsidian of his shadows, being so dark they reflected back everything he was doing to you, like a mirror to the show.
"Look at me, y/n," He commanded, his voice a low, dangerous hiss, his eyes were fully shadow. "Meet my eyes and tell me you understand. Tell me you're ready to let go of that pathetic excuse for a lover and embrace the darkness that's been waiting for you all along."
His hips never ceased their relentless assault, each brutal thrust driving home his point, his possession, his ownership, his jealousy. The air was thick with tension, heavy with the weight of his unspoken threat hanging over you like a spectre of doom. "Say it," He repeated, his grip on your throat constricting further.
"Yours," You choked out, the word barely audible over the pounding of your heartbeat in your ears. "I'm yours, Azriel."
With those three simple syllables, the dam broke. Azriel released his hold on your throat, allowing you to gasp in a ragged breath. His fingers dug into your jaw once more, angling your head to the side as he leaned in close, his lips brushing against your ear.
"Good girl," He purred, the approval in his voice sending a shiver down your spine. "Now, let's finish what we started."
And with that, he redoubled his efforts, fucking into you with a newfound intensity, each thrust pushing you closer to the edge of oblivion. A ring of white forming around the base of his cock, everything of his he'd already deposited deep within you.
In that moment, he didn't look like a male who'd put on a death persona for a little party, but he was death himself, come to take you. And you would gladly go with him.
Azriel's movements became more frantic, his strokes growing shorter and harder as he chased his release. His nails raked down your back, leaving red welts in their wake, a physical manifestation of the claim he was making on you.
"You're mine now, y/n," He growled, his voice strained with the effort of holding back. "My mate, my love, my everything. No one else gets to touch you, to taste you, to make you scream."
With a final, brutal thrust, he buried himself to the hilt, his cock pulsating as he spilt his seed deep inside you again. The feeling of his hot cum filling you, you let out a strangled cry as he put his entire weight on your back, the table underneath giving out. Mixed with a shadow that rubbed insistently at your clit, it triggered your own climax, waves of pleasure crashing over you as you came undone in his arms.
Azriel collapsed atop you, his weight pressing you into the now very broken table as he rode out the aftershocks of his orgasm. His chest heaved against your back, his hot breath fanning over your neck as he struggled to catch his breath.
After a long moment, he lifted his head, looking over his shoulder at you with a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "That's right, princess," He murmured, his voice husky with satisfaction. "You're mine now."
Slowly, he withdrew from you, his softening cock slipping free with a wet pop. A trickle of his essence leaked out, glistening on your inner thighs as he settled beside you, pulling you into his embrace.
"You're safe with me, y/n," He whispered, nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck. "You know that, right?"
Azriel's words were a soothing balm to your frayed nerves, his warm breath against your skin calming the lingering tremors of your climax. You nodded.
"I know," You replied softly, turning your head to press a gentle kiss to his cheekbone. "I trust you, Azriel. I... I feel what Feyre explained she felt."
He hummed in approval, his arms tightening around you as if to pull you deeper into his embrace. "Good," He murmured, his lips grazing your temple. "Because I intend to keep you safe... And satisfied... For eternity." He kissed your temple, "Still, tell me, should I kill him? As much as I didn't enjoy you wanting to go after someone else, he did break your heart."
Azriel's question hung in the air, heavy with implication. In truth, part of you wanted revenge, craved the sweet justice of watching Azriel's wrath unleash upon the one who had wronged you. But another part, the part that had surrendered itself to this dark, beautiful male, whispered that perhaps there was mercy to be found.
"No," You said finally, your voice firm despite the uncertainty swirling within you. "I don't want you to kill anyone for me..."
Azriel regarded you for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. Then, slowly, a dark smile curved his lips. "I will end generations for you, my mate. Anything that hurts you is nothing but dirt to me."
Azriel's declaration sent a thrill through you, a mix of fear and exhilaration at the depths of his devotion. But as you looked into his eyes, you saw no cruelty there, only an unwavering commitment to your well-being. He would be your darkest protector, your mate.
"I believe you," You whispered, leaning in to brush your lips against his in a tender kiss. "And I'm glad to have you by my side, but he's not worth any more moment of my time. Just let him go."
Azriel's response was immediate and passionate, his mouth claiming yours in a searing kiss that left you breathless. His hands roamed your curves, mapping every inch of your body as if reassuring himself of your presence.
For @starfallweek [hosted by: @azsazz and @writingsbychlo]
Starfall Week 2025 Masterlist
Day 4 - It's a Starfall mating ceremony, the dreamiest time of the year
Summary: Leaving all you knew behind had turned out to be good for you, a few years later, when it was Starfall again, and you couldn't help but miss home, Tarquin took it upon himself to make you feel at home again.
Cw: Fluff
a/n: same reader from desolated cause I couldn't handle my own angst
The night sky was heavy with the scent of sea salt and sand as you stood by the balcony of the Summer Palace in Adriata, you looked at the water waves rising and falling by the full moon in the sky.
The gentle lapping of waves against the palace walls filled your ears as you gazed out over the shimmering expanse of the Sea. The full moon hung low and luminous in the velvet sky, its silvery rays dancing upon the undulating surface like a thousand scattered diamonds. A warm breeze caressed your skin, carrying with it the essence of the ocean and the faint perfume of Summer native flowers.
Lost in contemplation, you barely noticed when someone approached behind you until a melodious voice broke the tranquil silence. "Beautiful, isn't it? There's something magical about the sea under moonlight."
"Is it weird I miss home?" You sighed, turning to look at the gorgeous High Lord of Summer, his dark skin complimented his turquoise eyes, white braids framed his face, and even after a few months around him, you couldn't stop yourself from admiring him.
You had asked Rhysand to send you away for Court relations, unable to stay home, you had first gone to Dawn, swearing off males, and then you had ended up in Summer Court, the sandy beaches, the bright sun in the sky, all of it stole your breath away, especially the young High Lord of Summer.
Tarquin's eyes sparkled with intrigue as he studied your face, a gentle smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He took a step closer, the warmth of his body radiating through the warm night air. "Miss home? Or perhaps... Miss something else?"
"It's Starfall... I was my favourite festival, I loved shopping, cooking, dressing up and everything." You sighed, looking up at the High Lord, "A part of me felt like I only did it for a male's attention, but I know I didn't. I still like it, even if I'm not trying to charm someone."
His expression softened, as he stepped closer, his other hand coming up to tuck a stray lock of your dark hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering on the curve of your cheek. "I have seen the way your eyes light up when speaking of your traditions, the genuine happiness that covers your features. That is the true spirit of celebration, the love of the act itself, not any potential admirers."
"You're right," You murmured, leaning into his touch almost subconsciously. His fingertips were warm and gentle against your skin, sending a pleasant tingle down your spine. "I do love the festivals for their own sake. The colors, the music, the food... It brings joy to my heart."
Tarquin's smile widened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Then we must ensure you have the opportunity to celebrate here in Summer. I would be more than happy to host a Starfall like feast for you." His gaze turned playful, a mischievous glint in those mesmerizing turquoise depths. "Perhaps you could teach me some of your favorite recipes. I may be High Lord, but I assure you, I am quite adept in the kitchen."
"You want me to cook for you?" You asked softly, barely above a whisper, you were sure you could feel a bond to the High Lord forming, but you were not ready for it a bit, the stubborn part of you was still cautious of getting close to someone in case their mate made an appearance.
Tarquin's eyes crinkled gently as he started to chuckle, "Oh no, no. I want to cook with you, very different." His hand moved from your cheek to rest lightly on your shoulder, his touch warm and comforting.
"Cook with me?" You repeated, surprise evident in your tone. The idea was both thrilling and slightly terrifying. To spend time with the High Lord in such an intimate setting, working side by side. It sent butterflies fluttering in your stomach.
He leaned in slightly, his breath ghosting over your ear as he whispered, "Unless, of course, the thought of spending such quality time with me is too... Overwhelming?" There was a teasing lilt to his words, but also an underlying current of sincerity. As if he truly wanted to understand your feelings, to respect whatever boundaries you might have, hand stroking your arm.
Around him, you forgot you were scared, something that you wanted to be loved for felt like didn't even exist around him, for so long you had been defined by your physical appearance, it didn't even matter to him, when he touched you, his hands never paused at the cuts, he never asked how you got them, even if he might've not been into you, he made you feel as if you were pretty, as if any hurt part of you didn't exist around him.
"I can't give you starlight, but I promise to be a attentive student," he continued, his voice low and rich like honey. "And in return, perhaps you might learn a thing or two about Summer cuisine. What do you say, y/n? Will you honor me with your culinary expertise?"
"I do miss food from home..." You took his hand in yours as he pulled you back inside, "I think I might mix it with the Summer seafood." You looked around the kitchen, everything was so ethereal in Summer, fully out of a storybook.
He released your hand to roll up the sleeves of his pristine tunic, revealing forearms toned from years of swordsmanship. "I have a variety of fresh seafood delivered daily. And of course, an assortment of exotic Summer fruits and vegetables. Anything you want it's here." Tarquin gestured expansively to the well-stocked pantry and spelt aquariums lining one wall.
You smiled, already getting into what you loved about the food as he offered to chop everything, the air tinged with the smell of food, the species mixing together and hitting you into over-explaining every single thing on why you loved it.
You looked at Tarquin, at how gentle he was, he'd been nothing but kind to you, wanting you to love staying in Summer, you couldn't help but imagine cooking for him, how it'd seal the bond you both knew you had but said nothing of it, someone perfect for you.
For @starfallweek [hosted by: @azsazz and @writingsbychlo]
Starfall Week 2025 Masterlist
Day 4 - Character A thought it was a date and Character B thought they were going as a group
Summary: A little misunderstanding, thats all it was, a gathering with your friends was all that you thought it was, but for a certain shadowsinger, it was meant something way more.
Cw: Fluff
"Oh, y/n, why didn't you tell me you saw Azriel as a brother?" Cassian had snuck in beside you while you admired the star-lit sky surrounded by your people, his question took you by surprise. He slung his arm around you, "If I had known I never would've convinced Azriel to persue you."
"Wait what?" You spun to Cassian, confusion written all over your face. His words repeated in your head, and the fact that he convinced Azriel to pursue you rang in your mind.
Cassian chuckled softly, his golden eyes glinting in the starlight as he gazed at you intently. "Oh come now, don't act so surprised. It's clear as day that Azriel has feelings for you, strong ones at that." He gave you a gentle squeeze with the arm still draped across your shoulders.
"I may have... Encouraged him to take action, to stop holding back and express his true desires." A mischievous smile played at the corners of his lips. "Little did I know he was a brother to you."
"Cassian who told you that?" Every moment you'd spend with Azriel played in your head, his feelings for you were something you had been unable to see, you turned to Cassian, "This... This was supposed to be something..."
"Azriel thought..." You took a few steps away from Cassian, looking for Azriel in the party, at every flicker of shadow. As you rushed through the crowded party, pushing past bodies and clinking glasses, your heart raced with each step. The revelation hung heavy in the air, Azriel's feelings, Cassian's meddling, the complex web of bonds and unspoken affections.
As you frantically searched the crowded party, your eyes finally landed on a tall, broad-shouldered figure standing alone near the balcony indoors. Azriel. He seemed lost in thought, gazing out at the twinkling sky, trying to ignore the festive chaos swirling around him.
Taking a deep breath to steel yourself, you approached him slowly, your heels clicking against the polished floor. When you reached his side, you gently placed a hand on his arm, feeling the firm muscles tense slightly at your touch.
"Azriel," you said softly, your voice barely audible over the pulsing music and chatter. "Can we talk? Please?"
He turned to face you then, his piercing hazel eyes widening as they met yours. There was a vulnerability in them that you'd never seen before, shadows curling away as if giving you privacy, a raw emotion that made your heart ache.
"Of course, y/n. Always." His deep, resonant voice was low and intimate, meant only for your ears amidst the party. Slowly, deliberately, he took your hand in his much larger one, scared fingers intertwining with your softer skin. The contact sent a shiver racing up your spine. "I will always be there for you, even if you see me as your br-"
You cut him off with his kiss, squeezing his hand tighter, leaning into him. Eyes closing as you finally felt his lips against yours, countless nights of imagining what it would feel like and you never imagined the situation you would be in when it did.
Azriel froze for a split second as your lips met his, clearly stunned by this sudden turn of events. But then, almost instantly, he melted into the kiss. One large hand came up to cup the back of your neck while the other pulled you flush against his muscular chest.
He kissed you back with a fervour that stole your breath away, centuries of pent-up longing, pouring out into the passionate embrace. His lips moved against yours with skill and hunger, coaxing you to part them and allow him to deepen the kiss.
When he finally broke away, both of you were left panting, hearts hammering in sync. Azriel rested his forehead against yours, hazel eyes fluttering open to gaze at you with unrestrained adoration and desire.
"That was…" He murmured huskily, voice roughened with emotion. "Not very family like of you."
"I don't see you as my brother, I never have, that'd be disgusting given the thoughts I have of you." You whispered back, hands over his on your face, "Who even got that in your head, Az?"
"You... You truly don't feel that way?" He breathed, his grip on you tightened, hope shining in his eyes, voice thick with emotion. "All this time, I thought... I hoped, but I never dared to dream... I mean we did grow up together, and I see Cassian and Rhysand as my brothers but..." His hands splayed across the small of your back, pressing you against the hard planes of his body. "I love you, y/n. Not as a sister, but as the one I've wanted since the moment I first saw you."
In response to his words, you surged up onto your tiptoes and captured his lips in another searing kiss, pouring all of your own long-suppressed feelings into the heated embrace.
When you finally parted for air, you nuzzled into the crook of his neck, breathing in his familiar, comforting scent mixed with something new and exciting. Your hands roamed over the broad expanse of his chest, mapping the contours of muscle beneath his shirt. "I'm sorry I just thought by us, last night you meant you, me, Rhys and Cass..." A realisation hit you, "And that's why you thought I think of you the same way... This whole thing was my fault huh?" You asked with a sheepish grin, "Leaving you brooding."
Azriel shook his head vigorously, a soft chuckle rumbling in his chest. "No, no, it's not your fault at all. If anything, I should have been clearer, more direct about my feelings instead of letting them fester all these years. I was just too afraid to risk our relationship, to potentially lose you completely if you didn't return my affection."
"Come on, there's still time for us to spend together tonight." Azriel smiled warmly, taking your hand and leading you towards the balcony doors. The cool night air greeted you as you stepped outside, the distant sounds of the party fading into background noise. He simply held you close, savouring the feeling of finally having you in his arms without restraint.
Day 4: character A thought it was a date and character b thought they were going as a group
Summary: Maybe misreading letters sometime lead to happy nights.
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Word Count: 1283 (longer than i thought it would be honestly)
Warnings: a bit of angst ig? heh
A/n: i wanted this to be SO, SO ANGSTY, but then i was like eh lets see where this goes, and its kinda fluffy i think! so ig thats a plus? as always, with me not liking my fluff fics, i think i could have done better with this one, but i wrote half of this in like 30 mins lol (dont we love procrastination 😍😍😍)
ANYWAYS. not proofread but hope yall like it!!
my entry for day 4 of @starfallweek <3
ANYWAY ENJOYYYY 🥳
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Sometimes, Y/n had learned, the cold that seeped into her bones was not always a bad thing.
Sometimes, instead of the cold heralding an impending arrival of doom, the feeling grounded her. It made her focus on getting herself warm and ignore the nervousness spreading through her veins like venom.
On the evening of starfall, it was the giddiness of finally having her mate to herself that induced the feeling.
For months now, Y/n had felt like she had been waiting for this very day. The two had barely been mated for six months before the high lord had him deployed at the outskirts of a city on another continent, one too far for Azriel to be able to winnow or fly home easily. And so Y/n had endured, written letters that barely got a response, usually two sentences detailing his health, inquiring about hers, and a small, little promise at the end, telling her he’d be back soon.
The day before starfall, she finally got more.
The cold I’d acquired a week ago is gone. How are you, love? Be ready for starfall. I’m visiting for the night. Though I won’t be able to stay. Let’s make the most of our time together, right?
Yours,Azriel.
She hadn’t been able to sit still for more than a few moments since she had received the letter. Nerves made her jittery, her heartbeat erratic at any given moment.
Most of her day had passed making cookies, the same ones she had baked the day they had accepted the bond. It would be a nice touch, she hoped, for their first starfall together. It gave her a reprieve from her thoughts too, from the constant buzzing in her head. It gave her something to do with her hands, gave her something to focus on.
Just before night dawned, the table was spread with aromatic foods, all his favourites, and desserts. He had a sweet tooth, something Y/n adored. She was dressed up too, hands on her hips, surveying the sparse ornaments she had decorated the space with.
It was perfect for the two of them, she thought.
The sun set. Moon rose.
Candles were lit, the faelight enhancing the soft glow.
And yet, the one who Y/n waited for didn’t arrive.
But.. she had waited four months.
One hundred and twenty one days.
Two thousand nine hundred and twenty hours.
Another hour of wait wouldn’t kill her.
She glanced out the window. No trace of shadows.
And another hour.
Y/n picked up a book, having covered the feast she had prepared.
And one more.
Starfall was almost about to begin.
Finally, the sound of wings descending stole her attention, and Y/n was out of her seat and opening the door before she could even think about it.
"A… Cassian?"
The general smirked. "Oh don’t look so disappointed. Any other day, I’d be sobbing if you greeted me with that look."
Y/n straightened her shoulders, pushing a smile onto her face. "I’m sorry! It’s just- I didn’t expect you-"
"Oh hush. I was just teasing." His smile softened as he took a step onto the porch, his eyes moving behind her, taking in the decorations inside. His brows furrowed. "Were you… expecting someone?"
Y/n tucked her hair behind her ear. "Az. He said he’d be home for starfall."
Cassian’s eyes widened with understanding and something close to…pity? "Oh. He didn’t tell you that we were meeting at the river house?"
Y/n blinked in confusion. "He… is at the river house?"
Cassian nodded matter of factly. "He was asking about you."
Her heart dropped a little, yet she ducked her head, a bashful smile on her face. "I- I must have misread his letter. I-"
"It’s okay. Happens sometimes. Come, he’s waiting. Let me take you." His voice was gentle, understanding, like he knew she was lying. She had not misread the letter. After all, there weren’t enough words to mis-read. She had just assumed he’d want to spend time with her after months of absence.
Y/n nodded, her shoulders bunching inwards as she closed the door behind her, feeling the scrutinising gaze of the general on her back. His grip was gentle when he wrapped her in his arms, and Y/n could tell he was trying to purposefully look anywhere but her.
In a way, she was glad. She did not want to see the pity in his eyes.
The flight was quick, leaving her with little time with her thoughts. Another blessing on a ruined evening, one she was grateful for.
Soft laughter poured from the sitting room as Cassian landed, and Y/n hurried to find her balance and waited for Cassian to lead the way.
"Well, fly safe, Az."
Y/n’s heart stopped at the high lord’s voice.
Was he already leaving?
There was no response, except a quiet hum that ignited the longing residing within Y/n’s heart that she had tried so hard to hide from her mate, lest he abandon his mission. And if he had to leave now…
Only one glimpse. That’s all she wanted. She wouldn’t stop him. This was important to him.
He was still in his leathers when the main door opened, the siphons on his body glowing like a beacon in the dark night, beckoning Y/n closer like she was prey. His wings were slumped, almost imperceptibly, but Y/n noticed. Not in the way they slumped in her presence, relaxed, but… dejected. That’s what he looked like. Like his expectations for the night weren’t met. And she had an inkling why. After all, she felt the same.
His eyes were rimmed by darkness, the spark in them dimmer as they swept the foyer, waving to his family. And then he turned, his eyes landing on Cassian walking up the steps towards him. Azriel’s brows furrowed.
Azriel’s eyes flared the moment they landed on Y/n
His body jerked lightly, as if it were trying to move towards her without command. The corner of his lips lifted as he began towards where she stood, frozen.
"Thank- thank you." Azriel mumbled softly to Cassian, who nodded, shooting Y/n a teasing smile. Azriel reached out to clasp his brother’s shoulder gratefully before he began down the steps towards her, the door closing behind him and giving the two a reprieve from the curious stares.
"Az." Y/n mumbled, her gaze fixed on his.
"Y/n." He whispered, his eyes tracing over her figure. "I… I’m sorry."
She shook her head. "Did you forget to tell me that we were having dinner with them?"
He swallowed. Nodded. His hands reached out to lightly caress her face, his shadows already twining around her fingers and hair. "I was in a hurry. And excited. And it is no excuse. Forgive me, love."
Y/n wrapped her arms around him, an involuntary sigh escaping her as her figure relaxed into her mate’s body. "It would have been nice knowing I was not going to have my mate all to myself, but… I forgive you, Az. It’s no big deal."
He scoffed, his arms winding tight around her. "The hell it isn’t."
Y/n huffed out a laugh, pulling back to search over his features. "So… you’re leaving now?"
He offered her a gentle smile. "No. Bullied Rhys into letting me stay till tomorrow."
Her heart soared, and she stepped out of his embrace, her hand’s clutching tightly at his forearms. "Really?"
He grabbed her jaw, pulling her into a soft, quick kiss. "Really."
For @starfallweek [hosted by: @azsazz and @writingsbychlo]
Starfall Week 2025 Masterlist
Day 3 - Character A is confused about the meaning of Starfall and misinterprets the entire evening.
Summary: While exploring an Illyrian mountain, a meteorite crashed into place, carrying an alien species that now called you its host, leaving you to explain that Starfall wasn't the end of the world.
Cw: Just silly fun, Venom is jumping universes again.
a/n: I was really thinking hard about this prompt, redid it twice... Then I had a dream of Rhys and Venom in Reader, it was like destiny... So... I had to. And I present to you, Venom in the Maasverse.
"STARFALL!? YOUR "MATE" WANTS TO CELEBRATE STARS FALLING?" The panicked voice of the creature that now lived inside you said in your head, a black gooey substance rising from your arms as it went back down, "HE WANTS TO KILL US."
You groaned, head pressing in your hands, as you sat in front of the vanity mirror, "Please stop yelling at me..." You knew you should be more careful of an alien sharing your body, but it wasn't the weirdest that had ever happened to you. "That's not what Starfall is and Rhys doesn't want us dead..."
The being pulsed within you, tendrils of shadowy black substance snaking through your veins. "YELL? I am merely expressing concern for our mutual survival! This... Rhys, he is an unknown variable. His intentions could be anything!"
"He is not unknown, you are unknown." You pointed to your vanity, where beside your head a creature of a being fully black, apart from the white eyes looking at you, "Cauldron boil me, don't looking at me all judging..."
The entity's form shimmered and shifted on the vanity, its shadowy tendrils curling in agitation. "I am simply assessing the situation with the logical perspective only I can provide!" It paused, it talked like you, studying you intently with those piercing white eyes. "Tell me then, what IS this 'Starfall' celebration? And why would your mate wish to partake in such an event involving celestial bodies plummeting from the sky?"
Picking up a blush, you dabbed some on a brush, putting it on the creature's cheek, hoping to annoy it into going back inside, making it shake the powder off, "Its not actual stars falling, it's starlight, sprirts are carried through the sky tonight, it's actually gorgeous. So please, just enjoy the night."
The entity shuddered as the powder brushed its skin, a flicker of curiosity sparking in those pale eyes despite itself. "Starlight spirits... How whimsical. Illogical." It leaned closer, studying your face intently. "It would be better with actual stars. More chaotic."
"And how logical is an alien creature who calls itself Venom, of all things, landing in a universe where apparently magic is real and wherever you were before it wasn't?" You sighed, exasperated. "Just... Be normal tonight, only my mate knows about you and I would rater you not try to eat the head of my friends."
The dark being rippled, shadows swirling around its form as it considered your words. After a long moment, it inclined its head in a gesture almost like a nod. "Very well. I will try to blend in. To appear normal." Its voice took on a slightly mocking tone. "Far be it from me to cause a scene at your little celestial party."
"Not quite celestial. You're impossible." You muttered, setting your make-up down, this was like arguing with yourself, you couldn't wait for Rhysand to pull this thing out of you and send it home.
"Are you ready, my dear?" Rhysand knocked on the door to your shared room and walked in, "Mother, I need to get used to seeing that thing..." He blinked at the sight of you and your new, acquired alien, arguing. "If you don't want Azriel's shadows to see completion you better keep it away... I must say, darling, you never fail to surprise me. An alien parasite, really? How delightfully macabre."
"I'M NOT A PARACITE!" The creature yelled at Rhysand, glaring at the male. You sighed as now they argued, busy admiring the gown you were wearing.
Rhysand sauntered over to the vanity, looming behind the entity, darkness rising with each step. "Now then, let's establish some ground rules, shall we? Rule one: no trying to possess or otherwise harm my mate. Rule two: you attend this little gathering on your best behavior. If you do any of it I will rip you apart in ways you haven't seen before."
"SEE HE THREATENS US!" The creature turned to you, as expectant as a child complaining to their mother.
You rolled your eyes at the melodramatic display from both parties. "Enough, both of you." You fixed the creature with a stern look. "You, I know you just want to surive, but Rhys isn't going to hurt us. He's my mate, my love. I trust him completely."
Turning to Rhysand, you smiled softly. "And darling, please don't threaten it. I know it's strange having an extra presence around, but until we find a way to send it home, it's a part of me... It's here to stay for a while." Your hand came up to cup his cheek affectionately, you knew he was agitated, the creature had added a layer of protection to your mental shields, Rhysand had said it looked like dark spikes all over, forcing him outside your mind.
Rhysand's expression softened almost imperceptibly at your touch and gentle words. He placed his hand over yours, calloused fingers brushing your skin. "As you wish, my heart. I will endeavor to tolerate our uninvited guest." His gaze flicked to the creature, eyes glinting with warning. "But know this - her safety and happiness are paramount. Anything threatening that, and there will be consequences beyond your comprehension."
"Isn't this perfect?" You smiled wide, getting up, the creature melting into your form, you could feel it in your head, missing Rhysand's presence, "Come on, let's go out there, enjoy Starfall."
"CELESTIAL BODIES."
"Please stop yelling, I will literally stab myself in the head."
@starfallweek 2025 March 21st Prompt: Character A is confused about the meaning of Starfall and misinterprets the entire evening.
Starfall was coming up.
Bad news: No one had actually told you what it was about. Any discussions about it between the Inner Circle and your recently Made sisters, you had coincidentally missed.
It wasn’t on purpose. What with, you know, the war and getting used to immortality and magic powers, it didn’t seem like the most pressing of concerns. You were blameless, how would a former human know to ask about an event that they didn’t know existed until the week of?
Unforeseen side-effect, all you could do was infer what Star-Fall as a name could mean. And it didn’t sound pleasant to you. At all. Falling stars sounded dangerous and scary. Like a magical natural disaster.
You were terrified.
You noticed all over Velaris, lights were going out in homes across the city. Good. People were either hunkering down or evacuating. You had been told that you’d be flown up to the House of Wind for the event. Hiding in the depths of the library sounded like an excellent idea.
Azriel brought you up earlier than he would have expected you to ask, but assuming you’d want some time to get ready for it, he didn’t argue.
He was puzzled by your tense nature though. He thought you were doing better with the whole adjusting process. But, if any family knew about good and bad days, it was this one.
“Are you alright?” he asked tentatively as he set you down.
“As I can be,” you responded, “where’s everyone else?”
Azriel didn’t need his shadows to read you, the anxiety was written all over you.
“Probably still making preparations, why?”
Your voice came out like a sigh of relief, one he had difficulty understanding, “okay, that’s, that’s fine. I’ll leave them to it, then. I’ll be waiting in the library.”
Azriel was about to ask another question, try to figure out what was bothering you, but you sped off before he could. Frowning, he sent a shadow after you, if not to help him figure you out, then at least to offer you comfort. He’d been surprised by your affection for the little black wisps, but eventually warmed to the notion that you liked them. He didn’t dare to think that the affection you had for them extended in similar levels to him. You were his High Lady’s sibling and a friend. As much as his heart longed to chase after you, he’d let you be.
An hour passed. He’d expected to receive notice from the shadow that you’d started dressing for the party. Nothing. It hadn’t even left your side. But, then again, who was he to know how much time you needed. Maybe you were lost in a good book. He sent two more off to the library, just in case.
Another hour and everyone else was already here. Still no sign of you, no message from his shadows.
“Something wrong, Az?” Feyre asked him, noticing his puzzled expression.
He confided what he’d noticed about you earlier, simultaneously asking if she’d seen or heard from you.
Upon hearing a no, he’d made up his mind, he’d go looking for you. Feyre thanked him as he went but he wasn’t doing it for her. Her tone and smile suggested she knew that.
Once inside the library, he sent his shadows out, stalking the shelves in search of you. He’d ordered them in no uncertain terms this time to report directly back to him if they found you.
Moments later, a shadow sped back to him, swirling around his wrist and tugging urgently toward the stairs to the lower levels.
The rest of his shadows were with you, sequestered in a back corner, when he found you. They were rolling over your shoulders and arms in a way that suggested comfort.
They quickly darted back to him as you moved to stand.
“Az! Thank goodness you’re here, where is everybody?”
“They’re upstairs-“ he began, but you frantically cut him off.
“-Well we’ve got to get to get them down here, come on!”
He had to throw his wings out behind him to steady himself as you pushed past him. He chased after you, grabbing your wrist as soon as he could get close enough.
He softly said your name, willing you to stillness as he said, “slow down, what’s wrong?”
“Slow down? What’s wrong?” you repeated as if he’d grown a second head, “why are you being so calm about this?”
“About what, sweetheart?”
“Starfall! It’s dangerous!”
That stilled him, stunned in his confusion. “Starfall isn’t dangerous.”
You fully stopped then, your expression a mirror of his own. “What do you mean?”
“We,” Az paused, “we told you about Starfall, didn’t we?”
You shook your head.
Azriel raised his head, finally understanding.
“Come on,” he said, hand tentatively slipping around yours. When you didn’t flinch away from the texture, instead twining your fingers with his scarred ones, he continued. “I’ll show you.”
You reluctantly followed behind him and he tried to ignore the shutter in his heart at the trust you always placed in him. He led you up and out of the library, happy to see the event hadn’t started yet.
He coaxed you out and onto a balcony as the house seemed to hold its breath.
“And you’re sure it’s safe,” you said, still standing a ways back from where he comfortably leaned on a column.
“You aren’t in any danger,” he reiterated with an amused smile, “but I’ll protect you nonetheless.”
You broached a step forward. Then another, and another until you were next to him.
“What’s going to happen?” you asked, a small piece of the childlike wonder you and your sisters had lost in your human lives creeping in.
“You’ll see.”
You blinked and almost missed it as ribbons of starlight began shooting across the sky in a kaleidoscope of color. Beautiful, and nowhere near dangerous. An awe filled gasp tore out of you and you leaned forward, eager to see it all.
“Better than the library, huh?” Azriel chuckled beside you.
“It’s beautiful.”
Azriel, not that you could see him, was looking at you, the lights of Starfall illuminating your face.
“It sure is,” he breathed.
This may have been your first Starfall, but to him, watching you, it felt like he was seeing it for the first time too.
For @starfallweek [hosted by: @azsazz and @writingsbychlo]
Starfall Week 2025 Masterlist
Day 2 - Character A has a little too much to drink during the festivities, leaving Character B to take care of them. Or maybe not.
Summary: Everyone was having fun, enjoying the party in the House of Winds. everyone had someone, but you. Everyone was happy with the new additions to your family, but you.
Cw: Angstttt, mentions of torture
a/n: The... The way I started sobbing writing this omg, what have I done... I hate angst but it's so good
You pour another glass full of wine as you watch the Inner Circle mingle about and laugh, enjoying the festivities as the sky rained down with stars. The night was peaceful, your mind was anything but.
You never thought you would be one of those females who got bitter over a male, but here you sat, looking at Cassian with his arm slung around Nesta. You could do nothing, they were mates, and the thought made you want to scream and cry. It was unfair, you had been there for Cassian for five centuries, then the Archeron came along and he followed her around the second he laid eyes on her.
You hated the thought of hating her even more, it wasn't her fault she was broken by life, you had been too, but you hated how she had to heal with him. You had been Cassian's, but he wasn't yours, not anymore. Even this House you had called your home for so long was brought alive by Nesta, as much as you loved your family, you couldn't help but feel replaced, at how easily Nesta had taken up your space in the family, made you wonder if you had any to begin with.
As you gazed into the depths of your wine glass, the rich burgundy hue seemed to mirror the turmoil within you. The clinking of glasses and muffled laughter from the party faded into background noise, replaced by the relentless pounding of your heart against your ribcage, tears fell freely from your eyes, mixing with the wine as you drank to numb the pain, only making you fall into despair more.
A part of you had hoped that Nesta would reject the bond while consumed by haterade of your family, you really had when she figured out you loved Cassian. But mates always came together in the end, the thought stung more than the scars on your back, they were a proper mated pair now, Rhysand had paid for their ceremony, and you had been there, watching Cassian vow aloud to another what you had to him in silence. Only, Nesta wasn't another, you were. Nesta was his mate, his other half. You just were.
You drowned out your sniffle with another sip, your mind fully foggy with the alcohol, your tears made the drink far more salty. You were salty. How had Cassian not seen you? You had been his first, he had kissed the burn wounds on your back to make you feel better about how you never got to have your wings. Your brother, Azriel, lost the proper use of his hands, but your half-brothers had burned your wings weeks after you were born while they were still on your back.
But now, as you watched him laugh and dance with Nesta under the starlit sky, you couldn't shake the feeling that all those moments, all those whispers and kisses, had been for nothing. That Cassian's love, once solely yours, had been eclipsed by the arrival of this new, broken soul who needed him, and he had rolled over for her every time, despite how she'd insulted him and pushed him away, he seemed to fall for her even more.
You let out a shaky breath, trying to calm yourself as you swirled the remaining liquid in your glass. The bitter taste mingled with the salt of your tears, a potent reminder of the sorrow that threatened to consume you whole. In the distance, the music continued to play, a lively tune that seemed to mock your misery with its carefree rhythm.
The weight of unshed tears felt like leaden pearls in your throat, choking off any hope of forming coherent thoughts. You swirled the wine in your glass, watching the crimson liquid coat the sides before slowly dripping back into the depths, much like the way Cassian's affections had drained away from you and onto Nesta.
It hurt to remember how you used to crave his touch, the gentle way he'd stroke your scarred back, whispering words of comfort and reassurance. Those intimate moments now felt tainted, sullied by the knowledge that he had bestowed similar affection upon someone else. Someone who didn't bear the same scars, the same history as you did.
Perhaps that's what it was, she wasn't physically scared, physically she was as flawless as any High Fae, while you were a broken mess of burns, cuts and lashes, your tortured story lived on your skin, perhaps he just needed someone who was just as beautiful as he was, and you just weren't it for him.
The cruel truth of your own self-deprecation hung heavy in the air, a tangible manifestation of the toxic thoughts swirling in your mind, a sane part of you knew it was the wine talking, but that part wasn't in charge of you now. As you gazed down at your reflection in the wine-stained glass, the shadows cast by the flickering torchlight accentuated the lines of pain etched across your face, a topography of suffering that mirrored the anguish in your heart.
"You're right," You whispered, the words barely audible over the distant strains of music. "I'm not beautiful. Not pretty enough..." The admission stung, a razor-sharp blade twisting in the wound of your shattered pride. You forced yourself to meet your gaze, to confront the ravaged visage staring back at you.
A broken sob left your lips, "For... For him..." You covered your mouth with your free hand, your hand was covered in marks of your brothers' knives when they had wanted to check their sharpness. You just wanted to be loved, to be desired for all your scars and all your pain, not just by anyone, you wanted it to be him, you had let yourself believe it was going to be him.
"You'll never be enough for him," a voice inside your head hissed, a venomous serpent coiled tight around your heart. "Not with Nesta by his side. She's perfect, flawless, everything you're not." The words cut deeper than any whip ever could, slicing through your fragile sense of self-worth and leaving you bleeding out on the cold, unforgiving stone floor.
Tears streamed down your cheeks unchecked as the cruel truth sank in, each drop a fresh betrayal, a stinging indictment of your unworthiness. "Foolish enough to give love freely, not worthy to receive it."
@starfallweek 2025 March 20th Prompt: Character A has a little too much to drink during the festivities, leaving Character B to take care of them. Or maybe not?
Cassian had experienced stress many times throughout his life, mostly on a battlefield or during missions of some sort. However, he had never felt stress quite like realizing in the winding down of the Starfall party, that he had absolutely no idea where you went.
You who, last he’d checked when you were right next to him - and he could’ve sworn you were a second ago - were very, very drunk.
You two hadn’t been seeing each other for very long but you’d been friends for centuries. You were one of Azriel’s best, having been on what you affectionately nicknamed ‘Vanserra babysitting duty’ when you were stationed in Autumn. You’d gotten too close to that den of vipers though and had to be extracted and retire from your spy duties, using your skill set to aid the Inner Circle in other ways. You had a knack for organization, information and correspondence making you an ideal agent to send in Rhys’ stead for negotiations around the court if he couldn’t be there. You were also an incredible civil servant in Velaris, aiding her citizens however and whenever you could. You even managed volunteering in the theater district. It was kind of impossible for Cassian not to be a little in awe of you.
That didn’t stop him from wanting to protect you. It may have even compounded the problem.
He’d never seen you drunk, or at least never like this. You were swaying before the lights even started falling. He had to find you.
He whipped his head around the room, scanning for any sight or sound from you. Not over there. No. Where were you?
He was about the check another area entirely when he heard it. Your laugh, loud and sharp cutting across the room. He spun, finding you and Mor in equal hysterics, slouching on each other like you were both using the other to hold yourselves up. The only destiny that awaited you two in that configuration was the floor and fate was fast approaching.
Cassian still smiled at the sight as he made quick strides over to the two of you. It was a testament to his strength that he managed to hold the both of you upright with only one hand each.
“You girls having fun?” He asked.
You and Mor’s laughter peetered out as your forehead scrunched in bleary confusion. You stared into your nearly empty drink like it was the Cauldron itself before blinking up, finally catching sight of him.
The grin that split your face squeezed his heart in the best way.
“CASS!” You shouted, sounding the happiest you’ve ever been, and threw your arms around him. Or, at least, you tried to. Cassian had to let go of Mor to open his arms to catch you, the other female slouching back in her chair. You didn’t seem to notice, wrapping your arms around his neck, practically purring.
Cauldron boil him, you were drunk.
You never called him Cass.
Ever.
The only nickname you ever used was Rhys because he had all but commanded you to do so. It was always ‘Cassian’ with you. He had to get you home, now. He couldn’t stand to think of what might’ve happened if you were by yourself. He knew most of the people at this party, but there were some males he didn’t know. His eyes sliced daggers around the room at the thought.
“Cass,” you slurred, playing with a lock of his hair, “what’s wrong? You look like Azzy.”
Cassian paled. ‘Azzy’ had been your boss for centuries. You were on friendlier terms now with the career change, but you’d be caught dead before you let anyone hear you call him that.
Cassian swallowed, looking down at you with a comforting, if not a little nervous, smile, and said, “Nothing’s wrong sweetheart. I just want to take you home and take care of you, okay?”
You looked down, forehead scrunching again as if thinking was difficult. “Okay,” you said, looking up at him, sound in your drunken decision.
“Okay,” he said slowly, pulling you up and wrapping his arms around your shoulders from behind, his wings and body a shield against the world.
“Have fun!” Mor, who was not as drunk as Cassian thought she’d been, called from her chair, taking the remnants of your drink Cassian had deposited on a nearby table.
You giggled - actually giggled - and nuzzled into Cassian even as you walked. Mother spare him.
Flying you down to the apartment you kept in Velaris, just on the edge of your beloved theater district, was tricky. It took longer than Cassian had expected it to, but it did him a world of good knowing he was the one getting you back safe. What? Who said that?
You were adorably stubborn. Attempting to push him in your sluggish state when he tried to unlock the door for you. Insisting on being a good host when you both got inside. Arguing that you were, “not as think as you drunk I am,” and that you were well and fully capable of taking care of yourself.
Cassian laughed, not mockingly, but in honeyed amusement. “I know, sweetheart. But I want to take care of you. Let me do this okay?”
You faltered, and Cassian saw a flicker of clarity in your eyes. He grinned, recognizing that even inebriated as you were, his words could still strike the heart of you like this. You settled back into your subdued state of being from before just as quickly, but you allowed him to care for you this time.
“You’ll want to drink this water, it’ll help you feel better in the morning.”
“Eat some of this, sweetheart. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Just have a little of it.”
“I’m going to wait outside, change into these pjs, and get me when you’re done. I’ll be right here.”
It wasn’t long before you poked your head out the bedroom door and Cassian let himself inside. You were tired, babbling nonsense at this point, as he pulled you to the bed.
He helped you down onto the mattress and tucked you in nice, snug and comfy. You smiled lazily up at him as he leaned down pressing the softest kiss on your forehead. Heart eyes looked down on you for half a moment before he crossed to the door to leave, half sure you would be asleep by the time he got there.
“Cass,” you said, panic pushing through your grogginess. It only seemed to ease a bit when he turned around.
“Stay,” you pleaded like it wouldn’t melt his heart on the spot.
“Sure, sweetheart. Sure thing.”
He carefully removed the covers on the other side of the bed and squeezed into the small space, trying to not disturb your comfort while creating a tiny amount of his own.
When he fully settled, facing you, he brushed a hand over the side of your face and kissed your forehead again. “See? I’m not going anywhere.”
You hummed softly, closing your eyes. He watched you a second longer, then did the same.
A contented sigh from you, and then you said, “Thank you, Cassian.”
Hmm. He sighed like you had, settling down after a night of revelry.
This was nice.
Hmm.
Hmmm.
Wait a fucking second.
He opened his eyes to see you grinning wickedly at him, your eyes decidedly not foggy and your countenance the exact opposite of what you had been moments before. Puzzle pieces clicked in his brain as your grin grew wider.
“W- You were faking?!”
The question drew full body cackles from you as you sat up, the covers moving with you and pooling at your waist. Cassian followed at a break neck pace.
“What!? Explain!”
“Mor and I thought it would be a good idea!”
“What- how- how did- how did you do that?”
You smiled at him with a quirked eyebrow, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. “I’m one of the best spies your brother’s ever had and I regularly work with and around actors, dear. How do you think I did it? I knew there were a few things that you’d never think I’d say. If I threw those in, along with typical drunken behavior, you’d believe it.”
Cassian continued to make sputtering noises, so you explained further.
“I approached Mor with the idea and she thought it would be funny. I just wanted to see what you would do. You were even sweeter than I thought.” You turned your attention down to the sheets, drawing little shapes with your finger, avoiding his eyes.
The surprise finally dissipated from Cassian’s brain. A wolfish grin spread across his face. He brought his hand up, cupping your chin and pulling your attention to him.
“What I’m hearing,” he said, low and dangerously joyful, “is that you wanted my attention.”
To his delight, instead of cowering, you met him. “I always want your attention.”
He smirked, eyes flicking to the bed below you and back up. “We’re in a bed right now, and you aren’t under the influence anymore…”
You chuckled and he fought the urge to chase the sound. “I’m a little under the influence, it wasn’t all fake. The water and food definitely helped.”
“Well, I’m a little under the influence too.”
“On what?” you said, “I don’t remember watching you drink anything at all tonight.”
For @starfallweek [hosted by: @azsazz and @writingsbychlo]
Starfall Week 2025 Masterlist
Day 1 - We all know that the stars that shoot across the sky on Starfall are vibrant and varieties of colour, what if each colour represents something bigger?
Summary: Your rare ability to see spirits has something that spooked you out for as long as you can recall, on the night that they travel across the sky, it doesn't seem too scary.
Cw: Fluffly af
The night was dark, right before the stars showered, you stood awaiting for the spectacle, it was something special, even folk from other courts wished they could witness what you were about to, standing with your mate, Rhysand, over a balcony of the House of Winds, you waited holding your breath.
With the anticipation building, you both held each other's hands tightly as the sky began to darken even more, the moon doing nothing to lighten it. The cool breeze rustled through your hair, carrying with it the scents of Night Court, your new home, the salt of the Sidra, the freshness of Nightblooms, and the faint hint of magic that permeated everything here.
As the minutes stretched into what felt like hours, your heart pounded against your chest, the excitement nearly unbearable. But then, just when you thought you couldn't wait another second, the first star fell from the sky.
A gasp escaped your lips as you watched the shooting star streak across the sky, its trail of light burning brightly against the backdrop of the night. You squeezed Rhysand's hand, your excitement palpable, before turning to him with a smile.
Your eyes met his, filled with an equal mix of awe and happiness. "It's all so bright now," You said, almost giddy with excitement.
With a gentle squeeze of your hand, Rhysand returned your gaze, his own eyes reflecting the starlight and the warmth of his affection. "Yes, love, it is indeed beautiful. And it's only the beginning." His voice was low, laced with magic, making the words sound like he was making a vow. But he wasn't even looking at the sky, his eyes were all for you.
Each star brought a gasp from you, your joy and wonder contagious, even the folk that had seen this multiple times seemed to enjoy it just as much.
Your eyes turned misty, because no one saw what you did, the stars weren't just stardust or starlight, they were people. People who came down to dance with the citizens, mothers and fathers, children taken too soon, lovers lost to war, you could feel them, returning to their people, to their loved ones, each star a different colour, each special, while they could not see.
Rhysand held you close, concern written over his face, "Are you scared, darling?" He knew you saw more, had since you had lost your parents, unlocking a power not many others had in your grief.
"No..." You shook your head, smile crinkling your eyes through a sheet of tears, "It's so beautiful." Feeling the warmth of Rhysand's embrace, you lean into him, your body trembling slightly from the overwhelming beauty of Starfall.
"It's breathtaking, isn't it?" His voice rumbles softly against your ear, the vibrations adding to the magical atmosphere. "I'm glad we get to share this moment together."
Where your hands were joined, two ghostly hands joined yours, you looked up and saw two females, one elder and the other barely an adult, you looked into their eyes, the shade of brown, the wings they supported and you knew who they were. "Rhys... I think your mom and sister are here..." You said, barely a whisper.
"My...?" At the mention of his mother and sister, a look of surprise crossed Rhysand's face, quickly replaced with a sense of reverence. He turned to look where you were looking, his expression softening. "Are they really there?"
"Tell my son we are always there, for him and for you." His mother smiled at you, his sister taking a seat upon his shoulders, though he couldn't feel her pulling his hair.
"Fly Rhysie! Fly!" She pulled again, causing you to giggle.
You looked at your mate, "Your sister's on your shoulders, she wants you to fly."
Rhysand chuckled softly, the sound vibrating against your chest. "Well, it seems someone is feeling adventurous again." He winked playfully at you before turning his attention to the sky above, his wings grew from his back as he took flight, he was sure he could hear his sister giggle and latch onto him as he did loops in the sky.
"I'm glad you're here, dear." You turn your attention back to his mother at her sweet voice, "You bring out the best in him, I've never seen him smile as wide as he does with you."
You looked at her ghostly figure curiously, "Have you been watching us? I've charmed you already, huh, does that mean I don't have to work for your approval...? " You trailed on, unsure what to call her.
"Please, call me Ma, my son's mate is nothing if not like my family." She smiled stepping closer to you, covering your back with her wing, a show of bonding, "And you've had my blessing since the moment my son laid his eyes on you. You don't have to work for anything."
@starfallweek, hosted by @azsazz and @writingsbychlo
a/n: I was the one that sent @azsazz an anon asking if they would be hosting the Starfall week again this year and then I forgot about it, so some short drabbles for the week and I am fully smashing keys to write! Enjoy <3
Day 1 - We all know that the stars that shoot across the sky on Starfall are vibrant and varieties of colour, what if each colour represents something bigger?
Blessing (Rhysand x Reader) {fluff}
Summary: Your rare ability to see spirits has something that spooked you out for as long as you can recall, on the night that they travel across the sky, it doesn't seem too scary.
Day 2: character A has a little too much o drink and character B is left to take care of them. Or maybe not?
Summary: Surrounded by the soft, cold wind, and bottles.
By herself.
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Word Count: 444 (lol)
Warnings: a bit of angst ig? heh
A/n: this is a tinyyyyy one BUT THIS IS YUM I THINK HEHEHE its kinda angsty 😋
my entry for day 2 of @starfallweek hehe
ANYWAY ENJOYYYY 🥳
°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°
He wasn’t coming to save her, Y/n knew.
Azriel had been one of the ones who cared. Always.
Y/n wasn’t in bed by her bedtime? Azriel was there, knocking on her door. She coughed more than once when eating? He was bringing her healing potions, thinking she caught a cold. She stared at a distance too long and didn’t smile as wide when Cassian told a joke? He was there, asking her if she was okay. She went out with Mor and Cassian and had a little too much to drink?
He was right there, guiding her to bed before she could walk into a wall.
So why, when now, she lay on the tallest, highest terrace in the house of wind, surrounded by nothing but her thoughts, the gentle, cold breeze and at least three bottles of liquor- two of them already empty- did he not show up?
She knew why.
The newer additions to the Inner circle kept him busy now. It was no longer just the five of them. Now there was Feyre, Nesta, and the ever beautiful Elain.
And Y/n couldn’t bring herself to dislike the middle Archeron sister. She was just so sweet, so beautiful and kind, and Y/n was… whatever she was. She wasn’t down there, mingling and laughing with the crowd as Elain was.
Instead, she lay on the hard, solid floor, staring up at the journeying stars with tears dripping down the side of her eyes, rolling into her hair, her hand clasped around the neck of a glass bottle. So fragile, so easily shattered.
She did not know if she was thinking of the bottles or herself as she lay there in her expensive, shimmery outfit.
‘Which one do you think I should get? Blue or green?’
‘Blue.’ He said, without taking his eyes off of the one adorned in the pink dress, holding another in her hands. He didn’t notice his oldest friend stiffen, glancing at him uncertainly, before nodding, wondering why he hadn’t told her to get the green one, knowing she liked the colour more than blue.
‘Az, we’ll spend the day together tomorrow, right? We’ve been doing it for cen-’
‘Yes, yeah sure.’
Despite the words, the tone was dismissive. And Y/n nodded after a moment, hoping he followed through.
After all, it had been their thing, to sit together under the open sky and watch starfall together, sharing secret, quiet laughter.
But… Now she lay there, in a dress she hadn’t even wanted to choose. By herself, all alone. Drunk out of her mind.
And this time, Azriel would not be coming to save her.
A/N: This story features next gen ocs I created for a fic I posted on my AO3, ThatOneAceCryptid, which I may cross post on here at some point. Go check it out if you’re curious! The first prompt of Starfall Week just had me thinking of them, so here we are. I love these kiddos so much! Hope you enjoy!
@starfallweek 2025 March 19th Prompt: We all know the stars that shoot across the sky on Starfall are vibrant and varieties of colors. What if each color represented something bigger?
Regardless of what duties and destinations separated them, one tradition the Archeron extended family always ensured was attended by every member was Starfall. The beautiful phenomenon meant so much to so many of their number that no one ever made a case to stay away. Most of the family still spent most of their time in Velaris anyway.
The Vanserra portion of the family was no exception to this tradition despite their split time in Day, and after a brief while away, Cecil Vanserra had been missing his Night Court cousins.
Nyx, resident artist and smarm dispenser. Aunt Nesta and Uncle Cassian’s twins, Astoria and Nova, a duo of all encompassing energy and odd dichotomy. Sapphira, Uncle Azriel and Aunt Gwyn’s eldest, likely with plans to scare the living daylights out of him already. Her younger brother Draven who, for this particular event, dropped his usual quiet stoicism and showed the world there was a sense of awe within him.
Juliana, the twins’ best friend, would likely be there as well, performing with that wonderful voice and violin of hers. If Cecil was a betting Fae - and occasionally he was - he doubted they’d get Nyx’s eyes off her all night. But it wasn’t his place to interfere. That would make for some fun additional entertainment for the rest of them at least. Lovesick Nyx was hilarious.
The ferrying process up to the House of Wind had begun with an hour or two to spare. Lights winked out all over Velaris as her citizens moved to the bridges and boats or brought blankets out into sidewalks or roofs. The stars seemed to already be there in the smiles on people’s faces or in the excited laughter of children, their wide eyes on the sky.
Dual snickers pulled Cecil from his glancing about to see his mother and father already being carried up. In front of him were the matching wicked grinning faces of Nesta and Cassian’s girls. They crossed their arms at the same time, seemingly unconsciously.
Both of them had similar builds, faces and their father’s dark hair but that was about where the similarities ended. Astoria’s hair was done up in a bouncy, loose crown braid. Nova’s was in a half-up bun, the underside of her hair dyed to match her mother’s shade. Astoria, chaotic in her own right and especially so with her sister beside her, held a more rigid stance than Nova despite the mischievous glint in her eyes. Nova was a starburst disguised as a half-Illyrian. Her excitement never failed to leak out of her, like it was doing then.
“What are you doing down here,” Astoria asked, “can’t you fly yourself up?”
In theory, yes, he could. He was the only one without biological wings, but, not too long ago, Cecil had crafted fabric wings of his own in order to join his cousins in the air. He’d scared all their parents half to death, but that free, fuzzy feeling he’d gotten had been so, so worth it.
“I left them. They’re still more glider than wings, I’m afraid.”
“You’ll get it,” Astoria said. Her tone was unaffected but there was an encouraging certainty behind it, almost as if she invoked her iron will to make it so, and Cecil smiled softly.
“What about the-“ Nova held her hands up, making a ‘phshhh’ sound and imitating fire.
“I didn’t want to hedge my bets on maybe having enough power to get up there,” Cecil said, leveling an unimpressed look at Nova.
The girls shrugged, each holding their hands out to him.
“Pick your poison,” Nova grinned.
“Astoria.”
“What?!” Nova said, incredulously, “I’ll make it fun!”
“I don’t want it to be ‘fun’, I want to arrive with my limbs all still attached.”
“Whatever, fine, I don’t even care anyways,” Nova said, clearly faking her hurt before she shot up into the sky with a concussive blast of air. She was halfway to the house before Cecil even recognized she was gone. He could hear her laughing from the ground.
Astoria, precise in most that she did, quickly brought them both up to the house. Cecil’s strawberry blond waves were flopped in all directions, forcing him to shake it and smooth it back down. Astoria flicked a piece of it with a laugh.
Draven soared in through one of open archs beside them, coming in fast enough to barely have time to stop. He landed sure footed though, flexing his large wings out as he combed a hand through his dark mop of hair. He was holding himself different than he usually would, subtly, but anyone who knew him noticed. His shoulders were higher, chest raised. His mouth was quirked up just that little bit.
“Someone’s happy” Cecil commented.
“It’s Starfall” Draven answered, head tilted.
“We know,” Astoria and Cecil said together, smiling at the inkling of childlike wonder you could see in Draven’s eyes if you squinted.
“Is Jules here yet?” Astoria asked.
“Mhm,” Draven smirked, “Carried her in myself thirty minutes ago. Nyx is gonna lose his jaw.”
“Perfect,” Cecil laughed and the three walked around the outer balconies to the area Nova and Saph had designated as ‘theirs.’
It was just on the fringes of the party. A quieter balcony that still had a good view of the interior - where the music would be played - but felt private enough that their own dancing and revelry didn’t butt up against their parents. Sapphira’s long auburn braid shook as she smacked Nova’s hand away from a cookie plate.
“Hey!”
“Wait.”
“Saph, I haven’t eaten all day!”
“Just wait until everyone else gets here! I want everyone to see them before we eat.”
“Fine!”
“What’s up?” Draven asked.
“Your psycho sister is withholding cookies,” Nova said, though any bite in the sentence was clearly fabricated.
“You can have some when it starts, I promise,” Saph said softer, “there just aren’t that many.”
Peering over at the plate showed it speckled with small sugar cookies, each decorated in a midnight blue to soft turquoise ombré. They were all dusted with a silver edible glitter. Gorgeous and delicious all in one.
“How long did it take you to make these?” Astoria asked.
“Three days trial and error,” Saph laughed, shaking her head, “I made so many mistakes.”
“Well these are beautiful,” Cecil said, everyone assembled nodding in agreement.
A few lingering notes on a string instrument picked up from inside, the cousins all turning to spot Juliana beginning her set. She was an opening act tonight. She wouldn’t allow the High Lord and Lady to give her the full time, wanting to earn her acclaim rather than it being handed to her thanks to her friendships with the young adult Fae assembled on the balcony. It was commendable, her determination and independent spirit.
Her long brown hair, streaked partly with white in the front and along the sides, was usually up in a bouncy pony tail. Tonight, she had opted for a waterfall braid, likely chosen to echo the name of the event in part. A waterfall for Starfall. There were all sorts of shiny star shaped pins filtered throughout it. She wore a silvery shirt under a shimmery midnight blue vest, her trousers so blue they were almost black. She was a vision of night sky splendor.
Draven was right.
Nyx was toast.
The first few bars began as the heir himself rounded the corner. He, in that moment, was a vision of his father at a younger age, adjusting is fluffy black hair and smoothing out his already immaculate dark navy finery. Despite the tailored nature of his appearance, his emotional state is frazzled, a rare sight indeed.
“Did I miss her?”
Cecil smirks. Nova snorts.
Sapphira leans over to her brother, whispering, “and he thinks we don’t know?”
Draven laughs, dropping his head. He whispers back, “the two of them might be the only ones who don’t.”
Nyx did not wait for them to answer his question, indicating he may not have even heard them, glancing into the party from his spot near the large double doorway. He peered inside, looking for the source of the beautiful melody emanating from inside.
Once he found her, he froze. A man at sea.
His cousins watched, waiting a second. Two. Three.
Sapphira was the one who coughed into her hand, startling Nyx out of his reverie. “She’ll be there for a while, everybody get comfy, I made cookies.”
“But we can’t have any until Jules gets here,” Nova protested.
“I let her have one before she got set up.”
Nova’s indignant noise was punctuated by a peel of laughter around the circle.
With minutes to spare before the event, Juliana joined them, sweeping into the seat they’d left empty for her by Nyx. They offered her their compliments and congratulations as she carefully placed her violin case down as they all prepared for the event that was to come. Cecil wasn’t sure why they bothered with chairs, they’d all be leaning against the railings in moments anyway.
The younger inner circle - much like their predecessors on the balcony adjacent theirs - were full of lively, loud conversation nearly all the time. Total silence was often rare, and yet, as anticipation built, the sounds of young adult family members decrescendoed until nothing remained.
The Night Court as a whole held its breath.
Quickly and quietly, they all found a space leaned against the balcony’s rail, looking around to try to catch it early. Faelings on solstice morning.
Draven’s eyes widened, “there!”
They all followed his arm as the first spirit soared slowly across the sky. A gorgeous golden glow peeling slowly across the sky, looking for all the world like a herald, guiding the rest.
All at once the sky was awash with a kaleidoscope of colors. Purples, blues, reds, greens, shades of all kinds, so many hues Nyx and his mother would both struggle to name them all.
Two decades of watching this event for the assembled group, and it still never ceased to amaze.
After a while, Nova spoke, “What do you think the colors mean?”
“Hm?”
“They’re all different colors. What do you guys think that means?”
Hmm.
“Well,” Cecil said, recalling conversations with his mother, “no two flowers are the same. No two snowflakes are the same.”
“Right, but they’re spirits, yeah? Not just stars” Astoria countered.
“Nyx?” Juliana asked.
He seemed to struggle with deciding which stunning sight to look at. He decided, saving himself a modicum of embarrassment, to watch the sky.
“Maybe it denotes where they’re from. Maybe they don’t all come from the same place.”
“Just like Fae from different courts look different,” Sapphira said, “shaped by their environment.”
“Maybe,” Astoria said.
“Could it be that they each have powers? Like green means this, blue means something else?” Nova asked.
The seven of them mulled that over for a moment.
“They all look different though, at least a little,” Juliana said, “maybe the intensity of the color has something to do with it as well?”
“I don’t think that’s it,” Draven said, something soft and reverent having slid into his voice. They all turned to him at the edge of their line, silently urging him to continue.
“They’re souls. Spirits. We don’t know where they’re from or what they can do, but they’re all different. Just like us,” Draven paused, shiny eyes glistening as they watched the sky, “maybe the colors are representations of them. An essence of who they were. Maybe that’s what we become when we cease to be.”
With his thought finished, a heavy but not unpleasant weight settled over the group. They watched as Draven slowly, reverently smiled up at the falling stars and tipped his head to them. The yellow one at the front, just about the wink behind the mountains, almost seemed to flash brighter in that moment, as if saying ‘goodbye’ or ‘thank you.’ Maybe both.
They all smiled up at the stars then, watching, for once, in silence as the spirits took their annual journey to wherever they were going. The Night Court stood vigil for them every year, watching over their travel. Those who matched Draven’s sentiment, said small prayers to the Mother to wish the spirits safe travel to wherever they were going. After all, they’d appreciate someone else doing so for them.
Whether anyone would ever know for sure, who’s to say? But was a nice thought. Any world, no matter what, could always use more of those.
