#elrielmonth24

[leiaamidala]

𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆 & 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒕

⊱❊⊰⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣⤞ art by @gessueter

⤞ commissioned by me

⤞ Elriel Month: Endless Possibilities 

⊱❊⊰⁣⁣⁣

Instagram | Twitter | @elriel-month

please do not repost.

[tswaney17]

@elriel-month | Endless Possibilities

“𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝙰𝚣𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚕 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚒𝚖𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚎.” - 𝙸𝙳𝙱𝚃𝚆𝚈 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟺𝟾

For the past 4 years, I’ve written a 300k+ word novel called “I Do Bad Things with You,” and to celebrate its ending, I wanted to have a very special artwork that I could use as the cover of this fic (because yes, I will be getting this bound). There’s nobody else that could’ve brought this idea to life for me. I’m so incredibly thankful to Katie for taking on this commission. It is truly so beautiful and I honestly cannot stop looking at all the details she was able to put in for me.

Thank you, Katie, for your expertise, your gorgeous work, and your friendship in creating this magical piece. 💖

You can read the entire fic, plus the prequels, here. 🌹🦇

🎨 theclever.crow (IG) | Comm by me

Characters belong to @therealsarahjmaas

𝗗𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁.

Likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated. 🫶

[elriel-month]

“It had ever gone this far. They’d exchange looks, an occasional brush of their fingers, but never this. Never blatant, unrestricted touching. Wrong—it was so wrong.”

“He didn’t care.”

Elriel Month officially begins next week and as a little gift, we have this beautiful piece by @/giulopesart (IG), commissioned by @lesolehabitantdelalune to give you a taste of what May has in store! 🌹🦇 We hope you’re as excited as we are!! 💕

Please no reposts. 🫶

[slytherhys]

I choose you and me, religiously

Prompt: Clandestine Meetings (week two) @elriel-month

You can also read this story on AO3!

A/N: I was so happy when @elainsweetcobalt asked me to write a story to accompany this amazing fanart for this week's prompt. Shout-out to her and @tessorange-art for the incredible job because holy shit it's such a good fanart

It was nearly 1am when Elain finally got the courage to get up from the couch and lie to her family.

“I’m exhausted.” She said with what she hoped was a soft, convincing smile – so at odds with the erratic spike of adrenaline coursing through her body, numbing her limbs. “I’m going to call it a night.” She added a bit apologetically, aware of her sister’s knowing gaze on the side of her face. Elain paid Feyre no mind, feigning obliviousness as she dropped a good-night kiss on Rhysand’s cheek, happy to see that no suspicion lingered in his star-speckled eyes. Feyre, however, was waiting for Elain with open arms and an intrigued look on her face.

She knew her sister wouldn’t ask questions while her mate was watching them so closely, but nervous bubbles still fizzed in her tummy as she wondered what, exactly, was going through Feyre’s mind. Nevertheless, Elain smiled – a doe-eyed, innocent grin that did absolutely nothing to fool her sister, who remained mercifully silent as Elain wrapped her arms around her – and it was all she could do to keep her composure as she turned around and climbed up the stairs, the curious gaze of her family on her back the only reason why she didn’t rush to her room.

Truth be told, neither Rhys nor Feyre had any reason to be suspicious, no reason to believe Elain to be anything but the stickler for rules she’d always been. The reliable if not predictablesister is what they saw every time they glanced at her, and it was an image Elain was all to happy to sustain if it meant one more night with him, his lips on her skin, his weight on top of her.

Her entire body was a riot of sensations – hot yet cold, numb yet buzzing with energy – yet there was no reluctance, no hesitation in her step as she entered her room – silently locking the door behind her – and made her way past the neatly made bed, past the overflowing vase of colourful tulips and towards the balcony door, throwing it open with gusto.

Only to find that no one was there.

Which was to be expected, if not a bit underwhelming. So what if her throat was dry with thoughts of running into his arms? So what if she could barely breathe with the anticipation that pounded through with every beat of her heart?

Elain turned, walking towards her vanity in a futile attempt of distracting herself, pointedly ignoring the tulips that seemed to taunt her from beside the balcony door. Her reflection watched her from the mirror with feverish, wide eyes and flushed cheeks the same pink as her satin dress – one she had picked specially with him in mind. Goosebumps covered her skin as a cool gust of wind caressed her ankle, wrapping around her calf-

Elain looked down – at the dark tendril stroking her skin – and her gaze immediately snapped up again, looking through the mirror at the man standing behind her, so silent and so still she blinked to make sure she wasn’t imagining him. But there he was. She parted her lips, every word fleeing her mind as she took him in – a midnight-dark shadow and impressive, leathery wings, carefully tucked in behind him. His lush lips were tilted up ever so slightly, hair wind-blown and wild. A familiar swarm of shadows lazily coiled around her, reaching for her, touching her – gently wrapping around her legs, brushing against her arms.

Her name on his lips was a greeting, a plea, and before Elain could greet him back his scarred hand were caressing her neck, his thumb stroking her delicate skin. In a woosh of relief, Elain tilted her head to the side, wild eyes urging him to touch her more, to wrap his hand around her throat. But Azriel’s touch remained soft, languorous. His hazel eyes, however, betrayed his otherwise calm expression, chaotic as they traced her face, her bare neck, the plunging neckline of her satin dress, and then flickering to her face in obvious appreciation.

Elain’s mind went quiet as his hand trailed slightly down, playing with the strap of her dress, teasing her until she was squirming in her seat, spreading her legs open. She couldn’t even bring herself to be embarrassed by the needy sound that left her lips as she pressed against him. A whisper of a touch made her gasp, and Elain watched with hooded eyes as shadows trailed up her skin, brushing against her upper thigh.

Azriel leaned down and pressed his lips against her pulse point, nibbling and licking at the sensitive skin. Elain watched him through the mirror, fighting not to close her eyes and lose a second of the sinful image he painted tasting her. Azriel looked up, as if sharing her exact thoughts, and Elain’s breath caught in her chest as his hazel eyes flared and he smiled wickedly.

“Yes.” Elain answered the unspoken question, making Azriel chuckle at her eagerness. Elain did her best to glare at him, but then Azriel was pressing soft kisses to her shoulder, and any urge to fight was quickly forgotten.

“Were they suspicious?” He asked instead. The rumble of his whiskey voice sent a thrill down her spine, straight to her core. Elain bit her lip and shook her head. “Are you sure?” He knew damn well she was sure – just as she knew he had checked if it was safe to come into her room before even stepping foot in her balcony. But this was a familiar game to them, and they were both beyond pretending the thrill, the rush of sneaking out, of getting lost in each other when, on all accounts, they shouldn’t, didn’t excite them.

At that moment though, Elain couldn’t care less – not as she got up on shaky legs, turned around and threw her arms around his neck, kissing him with such force that Azriel staggered back before righting himself. He groaned low in his chest, kissing her back as if it were second nature. His shadows, Elain noticed fleetingly, had made themselves scarce, now replaced by Azriel’s hands as they reached for her legs and wrapped them around his waist.

“Does Rhys know you’re back?” Elain mumbled, pressing kisses to his jaw as he carried her to bed. Azriel pulled her hair back, holding her body close while pulling a strap of her dress down her arm, exposing her nipples to the cool breeze. He groaned, kissing her bare shoulder, down her chest until he was wrapping his lips around the peaked bud. Elain almost let him distract her. “Az?” She urged.

Azriel pulled back, kissing her temple, and laying her down the bed with such care her heart squeezed inside her chest. “He’ll know in the morning.” He finally said. Which meant no one knew Azriel was already in Velaris, back from his week-long mission. Which meant he could spend the night with her, unafraid of being sought out by anyone else.

Despite the leathers that still covered his body, he wasn’t the Shadowsinger, he wasn’t the Night Court’s Spymaster. Tonight, he was just Azriel. He was only hers.

So Elain smiled, leaning back on her elbows as she watched him take his top off, his eyes never leaving hers. And she didn’t look away either - not even as the sound of his pants hitting the floor echoed through the room. In what felt like slow-motion, he climbed up the bed and pushed the hem of her satin dress up her legs. The caress of his scarred hands against her tender skin made her squirm where she lay, and a needy whimper left her lips as his thumbs caressed her inner thighs. Elain spread her legs, mindless with want and too desperate to feel ashamed of her wanton display.

Azriel didn’t seem bothered by it in the slightest – and with a groan, his fingers found her soaked center. With a muttered cursed, Azriel’s gaze turned to Elain, his lips seeking hers, his tongue battling hers as his thick fingers entered her, his thumb swirling around her clit. He fucked her with his fingers, going slow and fast then slow again, playing with her body until Elain was bowing off the bed, hips moving as she sought the sweet pressure of his fingers. Azriel knew what she needed – harder, faster – but still he kept his lazy pace, watching her with a satisfied smirk and hunger in his eyes. Like he couldn’t get enough of seeing her squirm under his touch, cheeks flushed while the sounds of his fingers fucking her echoed through the room. Azriel kissed her jaw, her neck, her chest, all the while muttering sweet praises against her skin.

Good girl.

You’re so wet for me.

You make me so hard.

His dirty words were enough to send her over the edge, and before Elain could help it, she cried out, legs shaking as she came hard around his fingers. There was nothing in her mind but pure bliss, her entire body seemingly bursting at the seams as she kept clenching rhythmically around him.

He shushed her tenderly, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “You need to be quiet, or I can’t make you feel good, baby.” He muttered against her lips, pulling her bottom lip between his teeth. Elain, still panting and probably looking as debauched as she felt, didn’t give him a chance to deny her a thing. Before he could mutter any more idle threats, she was pushing him until he fell on his back, bed bouncing with the impact. “Elain–” He tried to scold her, but she was beyond reasoning. Elain straddled him with ease, pulling the dress that had pooled around her waist up her body and throwing it behind her, caring little for where it landed. Azriel went silent, but the sight of his hands gripping the sheets spoke of his restraint. He wouldn’t touch her if he didn’t think he should – and hadn’t that been their problem for so long?

No longer, though.

Elain leaned down, dropping a kiss to his chest, eyes locked on his. “What if I want to make you feel good, too?” She murmured, kissing and licking his neck until he was panting under her. She would mark him tonight, right there so everyone could see. Let them ask where he had gotten it – let him remember it all again and come up with an excuse that could never do them any justice. “Will you be quiet?” She asked softly, hand reaching for his cock where it strained between their bodies. Azriel groaned, head dropping back as she pumped him slowly.

His hands finally reached for her waist when she bit the lobe of his ear, squeezing her fist around him and the sight of his naked body under her, strong muscles writhing and completely at her mercy sent a new wave a wetness to her core. She started pumping him harder, kissing him as he tried not to moan too loudly. Suddenly Elain understood why he enjoyed seeing her at his mercy.

“Holy fuck–” He groaned and power rushed through her at seeing this unbreakable man panting for her touch, nearly begging her for more. But Elain wasn’t as cruel as him – she raised her hips ever so slightly and aligned his member with her aching center. Azriel seemed to have stopped breathing, his own hands holding her still as she started to drop down his cock. “Shit.” He rasped and Elain had to agree. He fit perfectly, stretching her, and filling her in a way that sent starts bursting behind her eyelids.

She leaned down, hands holding her weight on his chest as she tried to move, but Azriel stopped her. “Give me a second.” He asked. Elain nodded, eyes closed as she fought the instinct to ride the man under her until both of them were screaming, secrets be damned.

“Azriel, please.” She begged when she couldn’t handle it anymore. “Don’t make me wait anymore.”

He smiled softly, pushing a lock of hair away from her face. “Go ahead, baby.” He rasped, hands dropping to her hips. “Ride me.”

She hardly needed to be told twice. She moved her hips slightly, finding the perfect pace until both were panting, fighting not to make too much noise. But it was impossible – not as Azriel bent his legs and started thrusting up, hips meeting her own until the only thing she could hear was the sound of his skin meeting hers, his pained groans that sent sparks up her legs. A large hand grabbed her ass, guiding her up and down his cock as Azriel, with an impressive show if strength, sat up, his mouth wrapping around her nipple and sucking.

“Yes.” She mumbled, hands holding onto his shoulders as he kept filling her, fucking her until there was nothing she could think about the feeling of his body pressed against hers.

Euphoria crashed down her body as his skilled fingers found her clit, his lips on her neck as he rasped, “Come for me.”

Elain’s entire world ended and was made anew. Pleasure like she had never felt before numbed her limbs, turning her into putty in his hands. She felt herself fall onto him as he held her close, seeking his own pleasure in erratic thrusts and soft praises muttered against her sweaty shoulder. She felt him come inside her with a groan, filling her until they were both sated, drained, and falling down on the bed with whatever sliver of energy they had left.

“Holy fuck.” Azriel panted and Elain couldn’t help but giggle where she laid, splayed on top of his body and unwilling to let go.

She smiled lazily. “You’ve said that.”

“It bears repeating.” He smirked, chuckling softly as he glanced at her. He stroke her cheek gently, lost in thought. Elain didn’t ask him what was going through his mind, not even as he watched her with so much tenderness Elain almost looked away. Azriel leaned down instead, kissing her slowly, deeply. “Can I hold you while you sleep?” He asked, a soft frown on his face.

Elain pouted. “I don’t want to sleep.”

“You’re exhausted.”

“You’re back from Rask, and I’m the one who’s exhausted?” She teased, but Azriel just looked at her, letting her see everything going through his mind.

“I just need to hold you tonight.” He said, and Elain said nothing else. Because he would be leaving soon. Because she’d be waking up alone, any trace of him gone, his scent already fading from her sheets. And like always, despite her sore body and the vivid memories that would make her blush early in the morning, she would wonder if it had all been a dream. That is until she looked at the lovely vase by the window, where a new tulip stem would’ve joined the others. A different colour every time so Elain could tell them apart.

So Elain nodded as she reached for his lips once again. She wondered if maybe it was time to talk to Feyre. If there was a way for him to stop going away every other day. Not for the first time, she wondered if Rhys kept Azriel away for a reason – if in his concern for the people he loved, the High Lord wanted to avoid Azriel coming around Elain as much as possible, believing distance to be the key to a situation no one wanted. If he thought time apart would make them forget each other, want each other less.

If only he knew.

“I’m probably leaving again soon.” He murmured against her lips, as if he could muffle the words and stop them from coming out. From happening. “I won’t be able to tell you when I’ll be back.” He frowned, as if only now realising he’d be spending nights away from Velaris again.

A pang twisted in her stomach, but Elain smiled serenely, pressing a kiss to his chest. “That’s okay.” She reassured him, even if she knew every cell in her body would spend the entire time longing for him, too busy missing him to care for anything else.

Azriel eyed the balcony door, the gauzy curtains still blowing with the night breeze. “I don’t want you to wait for me without knowing when I’ll be back.”

Elain raised her head, eyes heavy with sleep as she watched him. “Won’t you come to me when you get back?”

“Always.”

“Then I’ll be waiting for you.” She reassured him.

“Elain–”

“Sleep, Az. You need to rest.” She laid her head on his chest, snuggling closer to him just as he interlaced his fingers through hers. He sighed in defeat and Elain felt her heart trip inside her chest as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head, smiling happily as she closed her eyes. “I always leave the door open for you, anyway.”

[saraannereads]

Elriel Month Poetry | New Beginnings

Silent Moments

How can silent moments with him be more full of joy than a hundred conversations with everyone else?

He says everything without saying anything and I understand it all

Without needing monologues or soliloquies or anything but a look a stolen glance meant just for him.

And just for me.

Fan art credit @cinnibelle

There she was

And there she was— radiant in amethyst her eyes shimmering in the moonlight of the garden.

His breath caught as he watched her golden brown curls the hair he loved cascading on her skin.

She would never know how beautiful she was the way he held her safe in his heart how he ached to share everything with her.

How he dared not dream for the fear of waking to find his arms empty without her.

The woman he loved quietly yet fiercely but always from a distance.

Art credit @tessorange-art

Moonlight Secrets

His naked body tangled tightly with hers like ivy twining on a tree

She savored his touch enraptured in the feel of him his beautiful hands on her skin tongue on her neck his name on her lips

In the dark of night with only the moonlight to hear she was wild and free no longer trembling or caging the longings of her heart

Alone in her bed – she was his.

He was hers.

Art credit @jasmineandshadows & @arielfriass on IG

He was her choice & she was his secret to tell

Art credit to @jasmineandshadows & @emartsemi

Happy Elriel month, everyone! Manifesting their beautiful story soon! Thank you to the wonderful artists who let me incorporate their gorgeous art into my poetry!

All poems by me :) If you want to use them, please credit my account. Enjoy!

@elriel-month

[nikethestatue]

Elriel (clandestine meetings)

Art: shirayukicat

[merakimoonglade]

Double Feature

Prompt: Hold Tight and Don't Make a Sound, @elriel-month

Summary: Alone in a movie theater, Elain and Azriel find themselves distracted from what's on the screen.

Notes: Porn without plot, (semi?) public sex, no other content warnings apply

The full story can be found on A03.

Excerpt:

“Two for the Suriel double feature, please.” Elain Archeron gasped as she pressed herself against the dull metal counter of the movie theater’s ticket booth. The marquee only extended out about a foot and she was already half soaked from the fifteen foot sprint from her boyfriend Azriel’s car. She was lucky she hadn’t fallen in her ankle-wrap wedges.

“That will be $37.28,” the forest green haired teenager behind the lightly fogged glass replied without looking up from his mobile phone.

Elain pulled Azriel’s credit card from the pocket of the hoodie he insisted she wear, confirmed that it hadn’t gotten wet, then slipped it through the rectangular slot in the glass. While the cashier ran the card she pulled off the thick cotton jacket and shook it out hoping to get any excess water off before it had a chance to sink in. She breathed a sigh of relief when she looked down; Azriel’s large black hoodie had protected her lilac sundress. She was pretty sure it would be transparent if it got wet.

“Theater two.”

Taking the pale blue tickets and the credit card Elain smiled at the boy. “Thank you. I like your hair by the way.”

He looked up from his phone, had he even looked up to run her card?, and stared at her, his dark brown eyes going wide in his narrow face. He had to still be in high school. “Uh, thanks. Uh, the rain is really coming down isn’t it?” He stammered as color bloomed in his cheeks.

“It’s ridiculous isn’t it?” Elain half turned, squinting into the dark gray night towards the parking lot. Despite the heavy curtain of rain she should have been able to spot Azriel by now. “They said 20% chance of rain tonight. At least these storms are usually short lived.”

She gestured towards the door. “I’m just going to wait inside. Have a good night.”

“Good night,” the teenager called, his voice an octave lower.

Elain shivered as the cool air of the lobby met her rain-kissed skin. She paused just inside the doors taking in the Rainbow Arthouse Theater. Gold and cream accented the burgundy walls, the colors repeating in the tile floor and a paisley print on the ceiling. Elain loved the elegant, old school charm; all of the decor was either original to the second oldest movie theater in Velaris or a near replica.

Shoes squeaking on the gold and cream floor, Elain made her way to the young woman behind the concession counter. Realizing she had a customer and not just someone smiling politely her way, the cashier smiled brightly and enthusiastically asked what she would like.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen the lobby so empty,” Elain commented. It had taken her a moment to realize that she and the cashier were the only people in sight. Her younger sister and her husband were probably already seated.

The young woman gave a noncommittal shrug as she filled two sodas. “A few people came in not too long ago for Carynthian Fighter 3, but Wednesdays are usually pretty slow. If you’re here for the Suriel double feature then you might be the only one in your theater. The special screenings usually only fill up the first two nights and the last night.”

Elain frowned. She needed to check her phone; hopefully Feyre and Rhys were running late.

“I’m meeting two others, and I’m here with my boyfriend,” a small thrill pulsed through her, she and Azriel had only been dating for six weeks. “He let me off at the front while he parked. I’m not sure what’s taking him - speak of the devil.”

Azriel stood where Elain had minutes before, securing the snap on her clear bubble umbrella, the shoulders of his black tee shirt and bottoms of his dark jeans marred with water spots. He must have felt her eyes on him because when he looked up there was a small smile on his impossibly handsome face.

Elain wasn’t sure if he was a devil or a fallen angel.

[reverie-tales]

Love Me on Purpose

Elriel Month 2024

Summary: Elain seeks answers for her hopeful heart with the aid of her seer powers and rose blooms.

Notes:

- For @elriel-month's Endless Possibilities Prompt.

- A special thank you to @witch-and-her-witcher for quickly reading this for me.

- Canon AU, One-shot, Fluff

- Word Count: 1584 AO3

The scent of aromatic roses clung to the night air.

Elegant, slender hands plucked the satin petals off one rose, then another. Red, yellow, or white. She didn't care as silent screams echoed in her soul. Boiled-up rage hidden beneath the expected face of kindness—politeness—slammed to the surface of damned propriety.

Over and over, Elain Archeron decimated the beautiful rose bushes she lovingly grew. The tenderness she often portrayed in caring for the gardens of Velaris was absent. The lonely, waning crescent moon and prying stars were the only witnesses to her crime.

Her sweet heart will break when awareness settles in her bones, but not yet, for though her brown eyes were open, she saw not what lay in front of her but something farther away in the planes of possibility.

She plucked and plucked and plucked.

Shifting possibilities in her seer eyes—a gifted curse from The Cauldron only she may touch.

Hours before, Elain had gone to bed that evening, tears slipping down her beautiful face. No one heard her quiet dreams and hopes, except for her powers that lay within. It stirred from unexplored depths, rising to the surface. To console its master, its wish.

When in pain, what can one do but yield to the comfort offered?

Hair cascading down her shoulder, barefooted and only a robe covering her silk nightgown, Elain let her power lead the way. She felt no cold. Burning power thrummed through her veins. She snuck away from the River House way past midnight until her now dirt-covered and grass-stained feet stood within the rose section of the city's newly erected garden center, which she helped build with blood, sweat, and tears.

Destruction was over now, and she sought one clear answer. Her hands grasped for three perfect flowers to aid her quest. Noting their shape and texture, she shifted from one rose bush to another until she attained what she desired.

She held three stems of varying roses tight in her hand. Their thorns cut her skin. To bleed was the price of visions of the heart, and Elain was ready to pay for it.

A red rose for love.

A yellow rose for friendship.

A white rose for peace.

Reverently, she plucked a petal from each and let it drift to the ground.

He loves me.

He loves me not.

He loves me.

There was the answer she wished to obtain.

In one breath, lightning-fast visions bombarded her: gentle scarred hands tracing her lips, apologies whispered in the dead of night, secret rendezvouses in hidden gardens and quiet rooms, hazel eyes seeing all of her ruins and beauty among the hope-filled darkness and light, tangled in bedsheets—his kisses on her skin feeling like home, a deep warm voice baring his soul to her—a fool he was, for she was no mistake of his but his choice as he was hers.

Yes, the choice was theirs and theirs alone—to love or not to love?

If she chose Azriel to love, who was going to stop her?

No one.

Mating bonds be damned.

Slowly, the seer faded from her eyes. Retreating like fading light at dusk to that cauldron-blessed well of power until summoned once again. Clear consciousness returned to brown doe eyes that saw what she did to the garden she lovingly toiled with for months.

A dismayed sigh left Elain's lips. "What have I done?"

The rose section was in disarray. Bushes with fewer flowers growing on them than they had in the morning. Broken branches and torn stems. Leaves and petals were scattered on the ground. It was a small mercy that she didn't uproot them from the soil.

Frantic thoughts on how to save the rose bushes ran through her head while, mistakenly, she let go of the three roses she held in hand as her arms dropped to her sides.

Out of nowhere, a wisp of shadow rushed for the falling roses, tying itself into a knot around the stems and catching them before they could touch the grass.

Though surprised by its sudden appearance, Elain's mouth curved into a smile. She knew who owned the shadow that graciously saved her roses—whose command it obeyed. She could tend to the garden later, she decided. There was a Shadowsinger she needed to see.

"Thank you," she told the shadow.

The shadow offered the roses back to her, but she shook her head. Sweetly, she asked, "Clever shadow, will you show me where your master is hiding?" Her brown eyes glinted with mischief. "Carry them back towards him, please?

The shadow twirled its makeshift bouquet in the air as if saying yes, it liked her idea.

"Wonderful!" Elain clasped her hands together. "Shall we begin?"

Swiftly, the shadow moved toward the lighted stone pathway leading to other sections of the garden center, Elain trailing after it.

They passed through the adjacent herb section, certain herbs catching her eye, like the pretty lavender blooms and the oregano and rosemary in need of pruning. Leaving the herb section, the shadow led her toward the more secluded section of the garden center, where a statue of a lonely maiden reaching for the stars stood in the center of an alcoved jasmine garden.

She scented him before she saw him. Night-chilled mist and cedar, a heavenly scent to her nose, mixed in with the lovely fragrance of night-blooming jasmine flowers growing on an arch above the lover's bench he sat on. His swarm of shadows concealed him, but the moment Elain laid her eyes upon him, they dissipated.

He was in his Illyrian leathers, with two blue siphons visible strapped to his hands and Truth-Teller buckled on his side. A relaxed male with his wings flared behind him, his arms uncrossed in her presence. Though his eyes—hazel eyes brimming with quiet concern and yearning—watched her intensely, waiting.

They have briefly spoken in months with Rhysand's order still in place to stay away, but right now, after her visions showed her what she desired most, she didn't think much of the High Lord's order. Feyre and Nesta surely didn't need any High Lord's approval to follow their hearts. Then why should she?

As her shadow guide dutifully delivered her roses to him, dropping them on his lap before disappearing to wherever they went when not summoned by their master, Elain spoke his name with her whole heart full of hope. "Azriel, I found you."

"You did." A small, sad smile. "Do you need me to take you home?" He made to stand up, but she approached him, halting him with her hand and sitting beside him.

"No, not yet." She pointed with her chin to the roses still on his lap. "Do you like them?

He nodded. "They hold secrets, only for you to tell."

"Well, in that case, do I finally have a secret to hold over the notorious spymaster?"

A true smile. "Yes, unless you want to tell me."

Elain pretended to think about it for a moment, biting her lip. But when Azriel's eyes lowered to her mouth, she blushed and admitted, "They showed me our near future."

His eyebrows rose, but he didn't doubt her. He examined the roses and the tinge of blood on the thorns, his eyes shifting towards her hand's healing cuts. He reached for her hands, and she did not balk. Let him caress the light cuts that were already fading.

He swallowed. "Tell me more, Elain, please."

"We can be together if we choose to be, fate tells me. Hide in the shadows if we must from those who want to keep us apart, but no more hiding ourselves from each other." She took a deep breath. "I want to be with you, Azriel, if you want to be with me too. I want the chance to love you against the odds, even if that large metal pot disagrees."

In one smooth motion, he gathered her in his arms. His warm body and wings chased any cold she felt creeping back into her skin the moment the effects of her power subsided. He carried her like the day he rescued her from the Hybern camp during the war. Protective. Tender. Determined.

He needed no words because when he leaned down and kissed her as if she were his only reason for living, she understood and held onto him tight.

His shadows returned, but this time they circled around them both, not to shield but to winnow.

"Where to, El?"

"Anywhere, as long as you're there."

"Rosehall? Meet my mother?"

"Where? What? Right now?" Elain panicked.

Azriel chuckled. His blue siphons flared, a shadowy breeze enveloping them and winnowing them away.

"Azriel!" Elain protested. What would his mother think of her arriving at this time of an hour in her robe? Shoeless? And her hair? She was afraid to imagine her state.

She didn't need to worry, though, as she realized they were materializing in the yard of the River House. Powerful wards kept them from winnowing inside.

Azriel whispered in her ear, "Not tonight, El," his voice husky with sensual promise. "But soon, I'd love to bring you to Rosehall." He gestured to the house. Cheekily, he asked, "Want me to escort you to your room?"

She had half a mind to tell him no, but instead she intertwined their hands and pulled. "You better and stay with me."

And indeed, Azriel did for that night and many nights after.

Thank you for reading! 🩷

🌷 Masterlist