Eris Week | Day 2 | Childhood | There had been joy, too.
"His mother, who had adored dancing and hired musicians to perform at the Forest House. Her flames had once been a rosy gold when she lit the nursery’s hearth, a blanket to warm their shivering faeling bodies after a day at the swimming hole...It was melted down chocolate and hazelnut on a crisp morning." --Just Enough Light to Cast Shadows
Thank you to the talented Poppy for creating JEL's Amma and young Eris for me.
Art by @/poppypola and commissioned by me for @erisweekofficial
1 year after Eris successfully overthrow his father, Rhysand sends Lucien & his daughter to scout the autumn court seeing as Eris has asked for an alliance. Unfortunately a mating bond seems to complicate everything further..
Requested: no
Main Masterlist
Series Warnings: smut of all sorts, no many smuts to name, angst, talks of Beron, minor character death, talks of abuse, talks of assault, Eris is an asshole, just kidding its fake, Eris is daddy, talks of animal cruelty, insecurities, and much more, let me know if I missed somthing.
🌸🌶🔪
Author's note: ok so to give credit to the wonderful @acourtofwhatthefuck, I got the idea of the story revolving around a festival in the autumn court from one of her series but the rest of the story is mine.
Author's note 2: ok so if it isnt obvious in this fic eris is probably on of my favorite acotar men, sue me... but also IM BACK! Again! Ok so i know ive said that lik 1,200 times and never actually posted anything but hey I had some life stuff happen that screwed me over a bit. I actually have most of this written as of now so hopfully that head start helps me keep this one going.
The High Lord of Autumn learned a new trick and wants to share it with Azriel for @erisweekofficial 2025
This Eris is the same as the Eris in my other dragon piece and exists in continuation to that, but I made some changes (most notably with his various horns/spikes) to give the look more dynamic, interesting forms that also easily fit a humanoid face. If I have time before the day’s over I may draw up more sketches of this version of our fav fireling……perhaps that focuses more on his….bottom half……..show off his [REDACTED]
But no promises lol. This was my first foray into lineless art and I am. Exhausted. Pretend the inconsistency in his scales is an artistic choice. I’m just excited I can finally put him out in the world (and on time for the day I planned him for!), I’ve had this idea literally since my first brush with Dragon!Eris and have been working on this on and off for like a week and a half, I feel accomplished!
Anywho, taglist below the cut! Give a shout if I forgot you, or if you want on (or off! No shame in it)
Summary: Reader and Azriel decide to take part in Eris’s coronation, only to end up in one of the new High Lords traps.
Warnings: Mentions of UTM | petnames (bunny, love) | reader is lonely
A.Note: I wrote this last year as a one off so it might be a bit… well, not good, but I promise the rest of the week will be better 🙏😭
4.3k words.
I sat on the hardwood floors, leaning against the base of the couch, Azriel seated behind me as he flitted through a chapter book. I had my head back on the cushion, waiting for his chapter to end so he could finally give me attention, this silence was beginning to grow deafening.
I stared at the elegant panes of his face, his sharp nose and his hazel eyes scanning the words on the pages rapidly. My eyes trail down to his hands that clutched the book, sickening scars trailing from his wrist down to his fingertips. The white marring was a pattern I've memorized, trailing my hands along the grooves when I got too anxious and occasionally a small kiss to his knuckles to remind him that he shouldn't be ashamed of them.
"You're staring." He grumbled and a small grin formed on my face as shadows curled through my hair.
"You make it hard not to, Shadowsinger." I tease, it was no secret that Azriel was the most attractive of the three Illyrian brothers, no matter what your type was— Azriel was quite the stunner. He closed his book and put it on the armrest beside him.
"What is it that you want then?" He arched a manicured brow and my grin widened as I pulled myself up onto the couch, swinging my legs over his lap as I lounged back.
"I'd like you to tell me something," I ask as shadows come to swirl around my ankles. "Tell you what?" He mutters confused.
"Anything you want, what's on your mind?" I tilt my head and he closes his eyes like he needs to sift through his thoughts before he can answer.
"Beron died." He muttered and I rolled my eyes.
"Old news." I wave him off, the event happening weeks ago.
"Eris's coronation is tomorrow. He asked me to come." Azriel crosses his arms over his chest like the invitation was a threat of some sort. My smile dropped.
"Will you?" My brows knot together and he gives me an incredulous look.
"He invited everyone from the inner circle, but it felt more like a mockery than anything," Azriel grumbled. He knew that talking bad about the people of the Court of Dreams got under my skin more than anything and I had a newfound urge to choke out a certain redhead.
"We should go." My eyes light up and he looks at me like I'm insane, but stays silent, looking down at my feet in his lap. "If he invited us as a joke, we should go." I snort and he shakes his head in protest. "It'll be funny! Not to mention the drama it'd stir." I giggle mischievously and Azriel gives me eyes that were a full lecture on their own. "Oh don't act like you're not a total gossip, shadows tell you every secret you want to know." I kick his thigh playfully and he grumbles under his breath as I remember the nights we would share wine and converse over whoever's tittle-tattle that shadows informed him on.
"I don't gossip, I tell the truth." He states and I snort at the ridiculous claim.
"You need a refresher on the definition then because you've just proven yourself to be a pot stirrer Az." I pat his shoulder and he shrugs me off. We stay quiet for a moment, my hum of laughter filling the silence as he mulls over my ludicrous idea.
"Okay." He nods and I raise a brow.
"Okay?" I ask.
"Okay, we can go to his coronation." Azriel hummed and I blinked, confused as to why in the hell he'd ever agree to such things.
As if he'd seen the shock on my face he supplied a reason, "I have to go there to talk about contracts and alliances the day after so why not just arrive a day early?" Azriel poses and I smile excitedly. "This isn't just some ploy to get me out of the house?" I ask with a chuckle but there is some truth to it.
Ever since Rhys left for Under The Mountain I haven't quite been the same. I didn't leave the house unless I was with another, the whispers on the street about the High Princess. Those long hours spent with Keir in the court of nightmares, hosting it while my brother was away. Hating who I was then, cold and distant, both inside the court of nightmares and dreams. It was rare I got out, much less left courts. I didn't like the rumors, the talk on the streets, the theories. Most of it was idle talk, some of it had truth— and it was that minuscule portion that scared me the most.
"Yeah, I'd like that." I nod and he offers me a gentle smile, slightly forced but comforting nonetheless.
"Do you want to invite the others?" He asks and I take a moment to think about it, but decided that if Mor knew she'd be pissed, Rhys wouldn't go, Amren doesn't care, and I'm pretty sure Cassian would rather chop his own hand off. "No," I shake my head. "Just you and I could burn that court to rubble." I intone, crossing my arms like we'll need to do such things. and he raises a brow— that apparently intrigues him. "Joking." I smack his shoulder and a warm grin came to his face, genuine.
"Are you?" He narrows his gaze on me and I look away mischievously.
"I wouldn't mind seeing the prince's face if I took his court." I give him a gleeful smile, something like pride shines in his eyes. "I wouldn't mind seeing the prince's face in general," I grumble afterward, and the pride he held swapped for something of the opposite. "It's not my fault he's hot!" I throw a decorative pillow at him which he swerves with an ease I envied.
"It's your fault you find him attractive." He pushes my feet from his lap dramatically and I giggle at his childish behavior.
"You have to admit, he could turn you." I tease with a smirk and he glares at me. "If he didn't open his loud mouth he'd be perfect." I sigh dreamily, leaning back into the couch, utilizing the entire space as he gets up to put his book away.
"That's always the problem with the men I date. So pretty, until they start speaking." I huff, standing up and following him to the bookcase like one of his own shadows. "Maybe I should go for the quiet ones." I hum. "I ought to practice on you." I wrap my arms around his bicep and he bristles, lightly shoving me off as I cackle.
"You're not funny." He mumbles, walking over to his desk where he has unfinished work to complete.
"Don't act like I'm some sort of monster for teasing. That's all you and Cass do to me." I roll my eyes as I watch him sit on his stool. "You actually get the ladies, it's easier to joke about when it isn't true." I sling an arm around his shoulder and this time he doesn't shove me away.
"You would get males if you left the house." He grumbled in retort and an idea blooms in my head. "That's the idea for going to the coronation." I grin and he grants me a sidelong glance. "Is that why we're going?" He asks and I shake my head. "No!" I squeeze his bicep. "We're good allies, meaning we're there to support him," I argue and he huffs. He could never say no to me, never has. "And also admire his perfect face." I quietly mutter but it's nothing the Shadowsinger wouldn't notice.
"Go pack your bag." He shakes me off of his arm. "Just for one night. We'll find a hotel on the border." He hums and I nod, following his instructions with a new task rather than talking his ear off like usual.
——
It was the first Friday of the month, meaning that family dinner was afoot. Morrigan had spilled her glass of wine all over the Shadowsinger in a dramatic movement of her hands so he had gone to go change, meaning I was subject to sit in the center of the dining room surrounded by couples ogling at each other, they were practically drooling down their chins— and adding wine into the mix, gods it reeked of arousal.
"Horny bastards," I mutter, standing up and throwing my napkin down onto my plate. I bunch my skirts in my hands and make my way toward the hallway.
"Sister! C'mon!" Rhys races after me, following me all the way to the foyer of the large house.
"What?" I look at him confused.
"Won't you stay for dessert?" He says hopefully and I twist my lips to the side.
"I don't know Rhys, I'm tired." I sigh out and his eyes soften.
"You're always tired." His voice was a whisper his words had my feet bolted to where they stood.
"I trained with Cass this morning, I'm actually tired," I stress and he nods in understanding.
"Let me at least take you home." He reaches his hand out.
"I'm fine." I shake my head.
"Please." He pushes his hand toward me further and I look down at it. "Alright." I accept, sliding my hand into his, mostly out of pity.
He doesn't waste time in winnowing us straight to the house of wind, my feet planted solidly on the marble tiling. "I miss you." He uttered and I looked up at him, detaching our hands.
"I miss you too." I offer him a small smile but it doesn't quite reach my eyes the way he wanted it to.
"I wish you'd come by more often." Something in his violet eyes glazed over and my heart cracked.
"It's hard." I rub my hands together anxiously before deciding it best to just cross my arms. "I should be happy." A frown forms on my face and I don't have it in myself to maintain eye contact. "I don't know what's wrong with me. Something's just, missing." I shrug when he doesn't say anything.
"Something or someone?" He prods and I glare up at him.
"My love life isn't our biggest problem." I shake my head.
"But it is bringing you trouble, therefore it's bringing me grief." He mirrors my stance and crosses his own arms.
"Well that's not something we can just fix, it's an internal problem." I muster the courage to look into his familiar violet eyes. The same color as our father's own but held all the love of his mother's gaze.
"I want to be there for Nyx, for you and Feyre too. But I'm selfish and It's difficult for me to be surrounded by something I want for myself." I confess and he releases a soft sigh, then pulls me in for another hug.
"We'll figure it out, promise." He reassured. I allow myself to sink into the warmth of his hug, how similar it was to our mothers. I nod and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as he wraps his wings around us and cocooning the both of us in our own little world of darkness.
"Thank you, Rhys," I whisper. "Feels good to talk again." We haven't really said anything to each other beyond small talk after Nyx's birth, and that's nearly a year ago now. I haven't been the same since the war and found it hard to open up since. It's been a long while since he even hugged me.
"I'll see you again soon, okay?" I back away from the embrace and he nods. "Sooner than next month's dinner?" He hopes with an easy grin coming to his face and I nod confidently.
"Sooner than next month's dinner," I assure.
"Good." He smiles before walking towards the edge of the opening where he winnowed us.
"Night, Sister." He flares his wings outward. "Goodnight brother!" I wave him off and he dives off the side of the house, I'd be worried about him if I didn't hear the steady beats of his wings a moment later.
I release a long sigh and retreat to my room.
————
I stood in front of my body-length mirror, gazing at the gown I wore. It was a deep blue as an ode to my court, I always wore colors of the night when visiting other courts, and today was no exception. The gown itself was beautiful, soft silk material that moved like water. It had a dipping neckline with curtaining sleeves that hung off my shoulders, the excess fabric draping from my back in two long pieces all the way to the floor where the rest of the dress dragged. The skirt was one long piece but had a cone-like figure, excess material swooping along the sides and attaching to my waist, forming a flattering silhouette. The dress was modest in cleavage though had a long slit ripping up all the way to my hip, the toe of my heel peaking out at the base.
I was putting in a pair of silver dangling earrings when Azriel made his appearance known at my doorway. He released a low whistle and I smiled, turning around to face him. "How do I look?" I ask him. "Like the princess you are." He hums, pushing off the frame and extending his scarred hand towards me. "Do they know we're leaving?" I ask, grabbing my bag. "I don't think they'll notice." He shrugs and I slip my hand into his. Shadows twine up our connected arms and I smile at the temporary binding. "Ready?" He asks and I nod with a grin.
He steps into the shadows and pulls me along with him. I squeeze his hand tighter as we walk through the abyss of darkness. It takes a moment to know if I was even awake or not, but by the time I regain consciousness of where I was we were already back in the real world and now in the autumn court.
"I still don't understand how you do that." A shiver runs down my spine and I let go of his hand. "Here," He takes my overnight bag then it disappears into the shadows. Apart of me wonders where it's gone but I know he wouldn't tell if I asked. "Come on." His hand slips back into mine as he pulls me towards the venue of the autumn lords coronation.
At the entrance, we were greeted by two guards with bright red hair and faces that were nearly identical. Eris was a fool to think these two men could hold off Azriel alone. "Court and name?" The guard with a clipboard asked and I rolled my eyes at the extravagance of it, this isn't a wedding. "Night Court. I'm probably titled the Shadowsinger." Azriel hums, his hand squeezing mine a little tighter as the guard flips through the list, going all the way to the bottom where our section resided. "You're here, and the girl?" He glances at me carelessly. "I'm the princess of night, I don't know what the lord would put me down as." I crease my brows and lean over to peer down at the clipboard. Spotting the names put down as high lord of night, high lady, lord of bloodshed— and "Bunny." He glances up at me and my stomach twists. "Section B, seats four and five. Proceed." The two guards step aside. "Enjoy, Bunny." The other guard teases me with a malicious smile and it takes everything in me not to roll my eyes.
"I forgot how much I hate Eris." I huff.
"I forgot he calls you that." Azriel chuckles and I playfully bumped his shoulder. "He clearly doesn't know that bunnies are animals of Spring not Night," I grumble, picking apart the idiocracy of it.
"What sort of a nickname is owl though?" He defends and I roll my eyes, continuing my march down the long corridor, chairs passing each side of me.
"We're awfully close to the front," I mutter as Azriel sits down in the seat we were told to. Second front row and nearly center.
"Eris's motives are always a mystery." He sighed as I sat next to him.
"Maybe we shouldn't have come," I mutter. "I mean, is this rude of us?" I whisper.
"He's the one that invited us." He shrugs.
"And it was funny at the time, maybe we should go." I offer but before he can reply the music is starting and people immediately settle. Theres nobody to the right side of me, but people sit beside Azriel. Meaning the rest of my family was supposed to be lined along my right.
Royal coronations aren't nearly as fun as mating ceremonies. The best part of them was admiring the venue and all the dresses others came in. I was nearly asleep until Eris finally came out, on the dais with a priestess.
He wore a dark green tunic, nearly black. His dark red hair was stark against the cream-colored background of the manor walls. His golden eyes were practically glowing with power and I was intent on staring right at them as the ceremony went. The golden irises trailed over the crowd, across his mother, Lucien, and his other brothers who were some distance apart, a group of advisors who used to work under Beron huddled in the back, and then finally me. Our eyes locked right when the golden leaf crown was placed atop of his head and I swore it was pure power that shone in his eyes as he became High Lord. Finally high lord.
He didn't tear his gaze from mine. Not when he accepted the crown and definitely not when he sat on that throne, the one that looked as if it could swallow me whole but when he sat in it he was the one to dominate it, an absurd amount of manspreading at play as he lounged back in it. The flawless picture of a careless king.
A smile curved his lips as everyone stood to cheer. Azriel and I stood, but we did not clap, and he didn't look away even for a second as everyone bowed, and I kept my chin held high.
——
The chairs were cleared out and something like a party began, an extravagant ball morphed from a coronation. A long line of men women and children alike filed down the side of the wall, all leading up to the dais where Eris sat and answered any questions the civilians might have had. Who knew the next time they'd get the chance to speak with a high lord?
"We should probably go," I say, sipping from my wine glass. "I wanted to say something to him but there's not a chance I'm waiting in that line." I huff and Azriel hums in reply, sipping from his own whiskey. The autumn court had the best liquor and the best food. The court was always in harvest and the vineyards were always in fresh bloom. I would visit all the time if it weren't for the male that now ruled this place.
"We can go to the inn if you're feeling tired, if not I'd like to eat more." He plucks a grape from a bowl and pops it into his mouth. "I'm going to find a bathroom or whatever place I can be alone in for a moment." I excuse myself and he nods, bidding me a goodbye.
I failed at finding a bathroom but after trying a few doors I managed to find an empty room, the one for holding the guests' coats, but it was quiet nonetheless.
I release a deep sigh and shuffle through the coats, curiously passing time until the Shadowsinger is ready to go. The door of the closet swings open and I freeze as someone enters, getting caught for stealing when I was actually just hiding would be mighty embarrassing.
But I wasn't met with a guard I was met with a worn-out high lord, his head back against the door with the top of his shirt buttons unbuttoned and his sleeves rolled up to his forearms. "Running from your own party?" I scoffed and he startled, whipping his head to me.
"Hello, Bunny." He gave a foxlike grin.
"Don't call me that." I cross my arms but his smirk only broadens.
"It's fitting," He leans closer and flicks my nose. I flinch back but there's a lot less room in this closet with both of us in here. "Is that why you call me it then?" I stumble back as he comes closer.
"Do you know what a fox's favorite thing to hunt is?" He questions and I take another step back, my body pressing flush against the cold wall.
"I don't know, mice?" I raise a brow.
"Hm, would you like me to call you mouse instead?" His long legs close the distance between us in one stride and I'm looking right up at him. He reaches towards me and brushes his hand along the column of my throat, his thumb coming to my bottom lip.
"No," I swat his hand away but it comes right back to where it was.
"Because you're a bunny, and you're all alone with me in here, caught in my snare." His smile is malicious if not a little seductive. "I want a bargain with you." He hummed, his eyes flashing something like mischief in his eyes.
"You have nothing I want." I cross my arms in front of me.
"I have plenty of what you want." His thumb caresses against my jaw. "Your little family needs my alliance to succeed in their peace treaty," He hums knowingly. "Tamlin will go down in a feeble attempt at a fight but he'll give in. But me? With my army and skill set, it'd be war." He purrs and my skin alights with his warm touch. We would win, with the Night Courts allies we would win. But war means death no matter what, and that's the last thing we need. If I can avoid that and make sure he stays true to his word with a bargain I was willing to risk anything.
"What do you want from me?" Bargaining with Eris is tricky. He's beyond smart so any loophole he could find in whatever I make him do must be eliminated.
"I want you," His long finger trails from my ear to my lips where his thumb swipes over the bottom one.
"Me?" I scoff with a raised brow.
"Yes, you." He nods.
"Specify," I command him.
"I want you at my side for three days a week, and I'll sign your brother's little peace treaty." He nods, and my stomach drops to the floor. To give up half my freedom to ensure war won't break out— if he even would. I debate my options. I need Rhys or Amren to make this decision for me. I try to think of what they would do, and how they would approach the situation.
I know deep down they'd both sacrifice themselves and a lot more to ensure the safety of our family. So I think about my terms. "Why?" I ask.
"Does it matter?" He hums with a smile. "It's a yes or no." He shrugs.
"So if I agree to this, you'll never call out a war against my court?" I ask. He nods. "You'll sign the peace treaty and stay true to it?" My brow raises and he dips his head again. "You won't hurt any of them?" My voice is a little more soft. His nod repeats. I go quiet, thinking it over.
"Three days a week, whatever days you want." He hums like that gives me any sort of flexibility. "But you have to be by my side." He crosses his muscular arms that strained beneath his tunic.
"Deal," I mutter and his eyes glow in the dark of the closet. I gasp as ink begins to carve up my thigh. I move it out from my skirt where the slit is, revealing a deep maroon color swirling from the back of my knee all the way up and along to my inner thigh. I've never seen a bargain's ink another color than black, I suppose the cauldron liked the high lord. His pale hand came to my golden skin and brushed over the new tattoo, right along my bare thigh. When I realized what he was doing I moved my leg back under my skirt. He looks back up to me with a smirk curving his lips.
"Your neck," I reach up and brush the back of my hand along the new ink forming there, disappearing beneath his shirt. "Mine is a lot easier to hide." I hum.
"Who said I was going to hide it?" He arches a perfectly manicured brow. "I want yours on display when you're in my court," He grabs my wrist before I can pull my hand away from his neck.
"You're a fool if you think I'm ever letting it show." I snarl.
He smirks. "When your brother asks about where you got it, what you bargained to earn it, what will you tell him?"
I swallow thickly, keeping eye contact with his golden irises.
His smile widens when I don't reply. "I'll see you tomorrow, Princess," He mocks a bow and I narrow my eyes on him, about to retort but— cauldron-willed, bargains were unbreakable. I had no other choice. "Tomorrow," I whisper softly, mostly to myself but I know he heard it. How in the hell was I ever going to explain this mark to Rhys?
Even if he had to become the monster, Eris would make sure he was the last one standing. When they were all gone, he would be left to burn their ashes.
Made for @erisweekofficial for Erisweek2025 day 4- Revenge/Monster
You get an imaginary pat on your head from me (if you want) if you can guess whose ashes are being burnt 💛✨️
(Process pics, ramblings, and taglists below the belt :))
Yall I had so many ideas but also NO ideas for what to do for today- I was panicking and all over the place. Buuut then. I could think of nothing but skeleton art for a week. Aaaand it turned into Eris and I came up with a few good lines and well... here we are! I also really liked the idea of a non-typical monster- its not a scary creature, but a living skeleton is still a type of monster. God this came out well I'm actually so happy.
Hey. @irithiadourden . Remember Chasing Shadows? Yeah. I think that fic permanently altered my brain chemistry. Thank you for that, by the way ;]
Many thanks to Bob, my pet skeleton, for posing for me for this. We love and appreciate you Bob <3
The grand ballroom of the Forest House was alive with dancing, chatter, and sparkling glasses clinking. Lords and Ladies, adorned in rich, deep-toned garments, mingled with traveling merchant lords who had come to witness the Autumn Court’s splendor. You stood at the center of it all, beside Eris Vanserra, your mate and the High Lord of the Autumn Court.
Eris had been courting you for months, and though you had not yet been anointed High Lady, your importance in the court was undeniable. Your presence commanded respect, and every eye was drawn to you as you moved gracefully through the ballroom.
Eris had led you onto the dance floor early in the evening, his hand firm around your waist as the music swelled. The two of you moved together as if you were one, your bodies in perfect harmony, captivating the attention of everyone around. You could feel the admiration and envy in their gazes, but you only had eyes for Eris. His auburn hair caught the light as you spun in his arms, his amber eyes never leaving yours.
The dance ended in applause, and Eris leaned in to whisper in your ear, his breath warm against your skin. "You’re stunning tonight," he murmured, his voice laced with pride and something deeper, more intimate. Your heart fluttered at his words, and you smiled, your hand squeezing his.
“And you look dashing as ever,” you whispered.
As the night wore on, you and Eris made your way around the room, conversing with various lords and merchants. His hand never left your waist, a silent declaration of his claim on you, and a warning to anyone who might think of approaching you with anything less than respect. You were more than just his mate; you were his equal, his partner in every way.
Eventually, Eris returned to his throne on the dais, his presence commanding as he took his seat. You leaned in to speak to him, your voice soft so only he could hear. "I need a moment outside, just to get some fresh air."
He nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "Take one of the smokehounds with you," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I’ll be here if you need me."
You smiled and kissed his cheek before turning to leave, one of the smokehounds falling in step beside you as you made your way through the grand double doors and into the cool night air.
The gardens were quiet, the only sounds were the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze and the distant murmur of the party continuing inside. You found a bench beneath one of the towering oak trees and sat down, closing your eyes as you breathed in the fresh air. It was a relief to escape the intensity of the ballroom, even if only for a moment. The alcohol you had consumed earlier was starting to catch up with you now that you had a moment of reprieve, and you leaned back, feeling a slight dizziness.
The smokehound lay at your feet, its large, black body a comforting presence. You reached down to scratch behind his ears, smiling as he leaned into your touch. The creature had been a loyal companion since Eris had introduced you to the pack, and you trusted each of them implicitly.
But the tranquility of the moment was shattered when the smokehound suddenly stiffened, a low growl rumbling in his throat. You opened your eyes, instantly on alert. The hound’s growling grew louder, and he rose to his feet, staring into the shadows beyond the garden path.
A figure emerged from the darkness, stumbling and inebriated. You recognized him as one of the merchants who had been in the ballroom earlier, his steps unsteady as he made his way toward you. You stood quickly, your heart racing as you realized the danger. This was no harmless drunk; there was something malevolent in the way he moved, in the slurred words that tumbled from his lips as he approached.
“Hello, little lady,” he slurred. “What’s a doll like you doing out here alone?”
"None of your concern," you said, your voice firm despite the fear creeping up your spine. “I think it’s time for you to go back inside.” The smokehound snarled, stepping in front of you protectively.
But the man didn’t listen. Instead, he lunged at you, his hand wrapping around your bicep with a bruising grip. You cried out as he yanked you toward him, the force of his pull tearing your dress on the branches of the nearby shrubs. The smokehound barked viciously, the sound echoing through the garden as it leaped at the man, his teeth bared.
You struggled against the man’s grip, your fear turning to panic as he mumbled incoherently, trying to drag you away. "Let me go!" you demanded, your voice trembling. But the man only tightened his hold, his eyes glazed and unfocused.
“I think I’ll take you home with me,” he said, seemingly unbothered by the force of which you were thrashing.
The smokehound’s barks grew louder, more frantic, and you heard the answering howls of the other hounds from various locations around the Forest House property. The night was suddenly filled with the sound of paws pounding in the dirt, their fierce growls signaling that they were closing in on your location.
The man’s grip on you faltered as the first of the hounds arrived, their large forms circling him, their teeth snapping at his legs and the arm that wasn’t holding you. The hounds growled and barked, their maws open, sharp teeth on full display as they lunged at the man, forcing him to release you in an attempt to protect himself.
You stumbled back, fear and adrenaline coursing through your veins. It was dark, the moonlight filtering through the trees casting eerie shadows across the scene. You were alone with a drunk stranger, surrounded by bloodthirsty hounds that were trained to protect you but could easily tear this man apart if he continued to resist. Anything could happen in a fight like this, and the thought terrified you.
But then, through the chaos, you saw him—Eris, followed by a handful of guards with their weapons drawn. He was striding toward you, the rage rolling off him in waves, palpable even from a distance. Flames licked at his fingertips and the ends of his hair, his eyes glowing with fury as he took in the scene before him.
The smokehounds parted to let him through, their snarling mouths snapping shut as they sensed their master’s approach. Eris reached you in an instant, his hands gentle as he took you into his arms. The merchant was too far gone to resist as the guards grabbed him, dragging him off to the dungeons where he would no doubt face Eris’ wrath later.
Eris pulled back enough to look at your face, his anger fading into concern as he took in your trembling form. "You’re okay," he murmured, cradling the back of your head as he drew you to his chest. "You’re safe now."
His embrace was strong and warm, and you clung to him, the terror of the last few minutes finally catching up with you. Your body shook as the adrenaline ebbed, leaving you dazed and disoriented. Eris’ hand stroked your hair, his voice a soothing murmur as he reassured you over and over that you were safe.
Without another word, he lifted you into his arms, carrying you bridal style as he made quick strides back to the Forest House. You buried your face in his neck, breathing in his familiar scent, grounding yourself in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
He carried you up the grand staircase and into your shared bedroom, kicking the door shut behind him. The room was dimly lit, the fire in the hearth crackling softly, casting a warm glow across the walls. Eris set you down on the edge of the bed and knelt before you, his hands gently cupping your face.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice laced with worry as he inspected you for any injuries.
You shook your head, though your voice wavered as you replied. "No, just...shaken."
Eris nodded, his thumb brushing over your cheek in a soothing gesture. "I’m so sorry," he said, his voice filled with guilt. "I should have been there. I should have—"
You placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. "You came as soon as you could," you whispered, your voice soft but firm. "You saved me."
His eyes searched yours, and after a moment, he nodded, pulling you into his arms again. "Let me take care of you," he said, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through your chest.
He helped you out of your torn dress, his movements gentle and careful, before guiding you to the large bathtub that was already filled with steaming water. The scent of lavender and vanilla filled the room as he lowered you into the bath, the warm water soothing your frayed nerves.
Eris knelt beside the tub, his fingers trailing through your hair as he washed away the remnants of the night. His touch was tender, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he was trying to erase the memory of what had happened with every stroke.
Once you were clean and relaxed, he lifted you from the bath and wrapped you in a soft towel, drying you off with a snap of his fingers. He dressed you in one of his shirts, the fabric soft and comforting against your skin, before carrying you to the bed.
Eris settled beside you, guiding your head to lay on his chest as he wrapped his arms around you. His body was warm against yours, his heartbeat a steady, reassuring rhythm beneath your ear. You snuggled closer to him, the events of the night already starting to fade as exhaustion took over.
"Thank you," you murmured, your voice drowsy as sleep began to claim you.
Eris pressed a kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering for a moment before he whispered, "I’ll always protect you, my love. Always."
With those words, you finally allowed yourself to relax completely, knowing that you were safe in his arms. And as you drifted off to sleep, you knew that no matter what happened, Eris would always be there to keep you safe, his love for you burning as brightly as the flames that danced at his fingertips.
