They had been trying for twenty years. Two decades of quiet hope and heartbreak, of healers and prayers and silence that hurt.
When Azriel returns from a mission, the first thing he notices isn’t her voice or her scent of home—
And for the first time in twenty years, the shadows weep with him.
…….
⸻
The house was silent except for the rain. It slid down the windows in thin, shimmering lines, tapping gently at the glass — steady, soft, like the rhythm of a heart. Azriel always said he loved the sound of rain because it drowned the world out.
Tonight, it felt like it was holding it still.
He hadn’t been home in a week. A border mission, quick and dirty, Rhys had said — though nothing ever felt quick when Azriel was gone. The clock had passed midnight when I heard the low rustle of wings outside, followed by the quiet thud of boots on stone.
And then his scent — wind, steel, cedar, and something darker — rolled through the doorway before I even saw him. I was standing by the window when he came in, drenched, shadows curling close to his shoulders. He froze halfway across the room, nostrils flaring faintly, head tilting in that subtle, predatory way.
It took me a heartbeat to realize what had stopped him.
His gaze flicked to me, then lower — not at my body, but through it, as if scent alone could tell him what he couldn’t yet see. His voice came quiet, almost disbelieving. “You smell… different.”
My fingers tightened on the back of the chair. “Do I?”
He blinked once, slow, eyes narrowing slightly. “It’s faint. Sweet, somehow.” A pause. His throat worked as he swallowed. “Like… sunlight.”
Something inside me cracked. I wanted to tell him then — to spare him the wondering — but the way he said it, the way he sounded almost afraid to name it, made me wait.
He approached carefully, each step deliberate, as though afraid the truth might vanish if he moved too fast. When he reached me, he lifted a hand, hesitating just an inch from my skin. “Tell me I’m wrong,” he whispered. “Please, tell me I’m not imagining it.”
I caught his trembling fingers and pressed them to my stomach. “You’re not.”
He froze, eyes darting to mine, and I nodded. “It worked, Azriel. After twenty years.”
For a moment, he didn’t breathe. Then his lips parted in a small, broken sound — somewhere between a gasp and a prayer. His hand remained where it was, splayed over my abdomen, trembling.
Twenty years. Twenty years of healers and false hopes and quiet nights filled with what-ifs. Twenty years of him telling me it was all right if it never happened, that he already had everything he needed — and me knowing how it still haunted him when he thought I couldn’t see.
Now, he was looking at me like the world had tilted. “I smelled it,” he said again, voice hoarse. “I thought I was losing my mind.”
“You weren’t.”
The smallest, disbelieving laugh escaped him. He pressed a hand to his mouth, eyes glistening as if the tears were fighting their way through disbelief. “Mother above,” he whispered. “After all this time.”
When he looked up again, the quiet cracked completely. A soft, strangled sound escaped his chest — not pain, not sorrow, but a kind of joy so raw it broke him open. His eyes shone, his wings shuddered, and his whole body folded toward me.
I caught him before he could fall, pressing a hand to his chest, feeling his heartbeat thunder beneath it.
“Hey,” I murmured, even though my own voice shook. “You’re home.”
He laughed through the tears — a low, shattered thing. “You smell like light,” he said again, as if he still couldn’t believe it. “I can’t— I never thought I’d get to smell this.”
I cupped his jaw. “You’ve been waiting twenty years, love. You can believe it now.”
He pulled me into him then, so hard it nearly knocked the breath out of me. His wings curved forward, wrapping us in shadow and warmth, the scent of rain and earth closing in around us. His tears fell onto my shoulder, silent and relentless.
“I thought it would never happen,” he whispered into my skin. “I told myself I was fine with it. That I had you, and that was enough.”
“It was enough,” I said, my voice breaking.
He leaned back just enough to see my face, his expression raw, open in a way only I’d ever seen. “But this—” His voice cracked, and he swallowed hard. “This is—”
“I know.”
He bent his forehead to mine. The rain outside softened, slowing until the house was wrapped in stillness again. His thumb brushed over the place beneath my ribs — reverent, almost afraid.
His shadows unfurled slowly, as if waking from a long sleep. They brushed lightly over my stomach, swirling like dark ribbons of wonder. A few lingered there, pulsing once, then curling protectively around us both.
“They know,” I whispered.
Azriel smiled faintly, tears still glinting in his lashes. “They always do.”
He exhaled, voice trembling with something like awe. “I don’t think I can stop crying.”
“Good,” I said softly. “You’ve got twenty years to make up for.”
He huffed a quiet laugh — raw, shaky, real — before lowering his forehead to my shoulder. “You’re cruel,” he murmured.
“You love me for it.”
“I do,” he said simply.
Then he kissed me — slow, steady, like an anchor — and his hand came to rest over the quiet miracle between us.
For a long time, neither of us spoke. We just breathed. His thumb moved absently against my skin, tracing circles, as if to memorize the shape of hope.
“I’ll never take this for granted,” he said finally.
“You never take anything for granted,” I whispered.
He gave a small, shaky smile. “Twenty years,” he repeated. “And it was worth every one.”
The rain whispered against the window again, steady and soft, while his shadows held the two of us close.
And for the first time in two decades, silence didn’t ache — it glowed.
This idea comes completely from @avabrynne !! Great thanks to her for letting me use this prompt!!!
Masterlist
Summary: Gwyn and Azriel had been tiptoeing around her connection for almost a year now. The night before summer solstice the group goes out to Rita’s. Things finally snap for them when Azriel sings her a song.
Warnings: light NSFW, other than that nothing!! Complete fluff!!
Word count:3270
~~~
It was the week of summer solstice which meant the glorious city of Velaris was bustling with parties and celebrations. Gwyn had been comfortable enough to start going out with her girls and the inner circle by last winter solstice after Nesta and Cassian got together.
So here she sat in Nesta's room getting ready with Mor, Emerie, Nesta, and Feyre. She sat on the bed watching as Nesta moved her hair into a lovely ponytail. Nesta's eyes met hers through the mirror.
“Come on Gwyn, let's find you a dress, Mor can you do her makeup?” She turned to the blonde and waited for a nod before walking off to her wardrobe. Gwyn moved into the stool that sat in front of Nesta's vanity, staring at Mor evaluating her.
“Let’s make you irresistible, maybe you’ll find a lovely suitor.” Mor’s brows wiggled with intention as Gwyn’s cheeks flushed.
She didn’t tell anyone about her small crush on the court's shadow singer, nor did she tell anyone about their midnight training sessions. She nodded her head to Mor with a smile.
“Oh, I haven’t even thought about that. Where are we even going tonight?” She asked as Mor applied a Smokey line of Khol to her eyes.
“Rita’s is having a live singing night tonight so we are going to go and force the boys to sing,” Feyre spoke from her spot next to Gwyn.
“All the boys?” She poked her head to look at Feyre before Mor grabbed her chin to guide her back to where she needed.
“That’s the goal!” Feyre's happy voice chipped.
“I found the perfect dress!” Nesta shouted before coming out of her closet with a mid-length silk dress that was the same shade of blue as her priestess robes. A gorgeous number that had Gwyn melting at the idea of wearing such a delicate piece on her body.
“That’s gorgeous Nes, I can’t possibly take that from you.” She whispered as if her voice would hurt the dress.
“Gwyn, I don’t even know why I have this dress, it certainly is not my color.” Nesta shrugged before moving to place the dress over a chair.
“Hey, Gwyn?” Emorie came to sit next to the nymph.
“Yes Em?”
“You remember when we went and you bought those lacy underthings even though you knew you weren’t gonna wear them?” She whispered only loud enough for the two of them to hear.
“Yes, I got them because they gave me power over myself, even though I have no reason to wear them they make me feel pretty,” Gwyn responded, currently applying a reddish-pinkish colored lip salve.
“Well… they would be perfect to wear under this dress.” Emorie shrugged. Gwyn paused, contemplating it, after a hesitant moment she nodded and stood to ask the house to retrieve them.
Once she was in the bathroom with the dress and her underthings she quickly changed. She pulled on the light blue lacy underthings before slipping on the matching slip for it. She took a second to observe herself in the mirror, reminding herself of her affirmations. I am the rock against which the surf crashes. Nothing can break me.
She pulled on the tight piece of silk, marveling at how it hugged her form to her waist before slightly tapering out into a lovely flowing skirt. The neckline was something she hadn’t seen before, the fabric was rippled in a purposeful way to look like loose silk when in fact it was not. It gave her a sight of her cleavage, her breasts were not large but they were at least a handful. The skirt had a dangerously high slight that came to rest at mid-thigh. As she laced the back her waist became more accentuated.
Gwyn took a second to take in the sight of herself and how beautiful she looked. The light blue- almost iridescent- silk showed off her slight tan from training and her vibrant hair. Even her freckles seemed more prominent.
“You ok in there Gwyn?” Nesta's voice asked, laden with concern from the other side of the door. Gwyn walked over to the door and opened it.
“Yeah, I’m ok. Are you sure this dress isn’t too much for tonight?” Gwyn asked shyly.
“No this is perfect! You look gorgeous Gwyn! Let’s do your hair.” Came Feyres voice from behind Nesta who was still staring at Gwyn with her jaw open.
“You look absolutely stunning Gwinnie. I know a certain male who is going to explode when he sees you.” Nesta told her while pulling her back to the vanity.
Gwyn took a second to mull over Nesta's words as one of the girls put two thin braids in her hair at the front before pulling it up into a ponytail, one braid running on each side.
“Who do you mean Nes?” Gwyn finally found the courage to ask, hoping she doesn’t sound as hopeful as she is.
“Oh come on Gwyn, we all know the shadow singer holds a certain appreciation for you, we see the way he looks at you. And those midnight training sessions, he’s never done that with anyone.” Mor spoke from behind her as she applied perfume oils to her skin.
“Wh-what, I don’t know what you are on about. Az and I are certainly just friends.” Gwyn blushed at the implication.
“If that’s what you think.” Emorie chuckled.
~~~
More and Feyre winnowed all of them to Rita’s. The girls ordered a round of drinks while waiting for the males. Not five seconds after their drinks were in hand did they hear the unmistakable sound of Cassian’s laugh.
They all turned towards the sound, finding Rhys dressed in his normal dress pants and a button-down, Cassain in typical pants and a loose top. Gwen slightly choked on her drink when her gaze ran across Azriel, he was hardly ever seen outside of his leathers, but tonight he wore black tight jeans and a black shirt that hugged his muscles, his wings standing proud and his black hair a bit messy. He looked more than edible, and when his gaze found Gwyn staring her cheeks blushed.
Azriel was the first to move towards them, his head dipping in acknowledgment to the girls before his eyes raked over Gwyn's form. His gaze moved down her body slowly, taking in each and every element of the gorgeous nymph. Azriel had always been attracted to Gwyneth and not just her beautiful looks but her intelligence as well. She was the only one who matched him, who challenged him in all ways, intellectually, in the ring, and all other aspects. Gwyn never failed to turn every interaction into a game.
When he finally came face to face with Gwyn he could only think of one thing to say.
“You look absolutely stunning, Gwyneth.”
A blush quickly rose on her already pink cheeks, her entire neck now heating at his compliment.
“You as well Shadow singer. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you outside of your leathers.” She smiled at him, not noticing her friends staring at the two of them. Azriels eyes slightly widened at her words, taking them in a different way.
“Not like that Az!” Gwyn laughed out. “I just meant you are always wearing your leathers, I’ve never seen you in casual clothing. It looks good.” She explained herself as the left side of his lips twitched.
“I understand Berdara.” He shook his head. He leaned over Gwen’s small form to get the bartender’s attention.
Gwen’s eyes stuck to his chest and his very prominent pecs. She turned her head to the girls before sliding out from under the shadow singer, reaching out and hugging Cassian.
“Gwinnie.” He shouted before patting her head.
“Cass.” She laughed, “Have you already had some drinks?”
“Oh absolutely, Rhys and I finished a good bit of scotch, Azzie insisted on being sober until we got here.” He continued before moving over to his wife and mate, whispering something in her ear that made her blush.
Gwyn said her hellos to the high lord before they all moved to find a booth tucked away somewhere. They all moved in, Feyre and Rhys on the innermost part, on their right were Nesta and Cassian, and on their left were Emorie and Mor, which left Gwyn and Az to sit together. He stood to the side waiting for her to slide into the booth.
She felt his gaze on her back, by now she had already finished her first drink and was feeling the effects of it. Her skin flushed with the heat of the alcohol, her grace already a bit more clumsy. Gwyneth Berdara was and always had been a lightweight.
Azriel slid in next to her, his thigh meeting hers. His shadows slid over her legs and up one of her arms, curling themselves around her as they always do in her presence. Her light giggle hit him hard. He turned his head to find her playing with the shadows as they moved all over her arms.
“Ok, shall we kick this night off with some singing?!” Mor clapped from her seat, startling Gwyn.
“Who’s first?” Feyre asked, looking around the table.
“Gwyn should go first. I’d kill to hear your voice again.” Azriel muttered the last part only loud enough for her to hear.
“Oh no, I’m already tipsy. I don't think it’d be that good.” She chuckled nervously, silently praying to the mother it wouldn’t have to be her.
“I’ll save you Gwinnie, I’ll go first. Don’t fret you’re next Gwinnie.” Cassian rumbled, trying and almost failing to stand and get out of the booth.
Cass semi-stumbled his way to the stage, asking for the projecting device and introducing himself. Rita’s erupted in cheers as Cassian started to sing a newer song about senseless love and nonsense. Something that Bryce chick had taught him.
“Gwyneth…” Azriel drew in a whisper, “Why wouldn’t you sing? You have a beautiful voice.”
“I am not nearly drunk enough to sing in front of all of these people. Maybe later tonight.” She shrugged in response, turning her head towards the shadow singer, not realizing how close he was.
“Speaking of, would you be a doll and go get me a new drink Azzie.” She mocked Cassian’s use of the nickname.
He chuckled and nodded before slipping out of the booth, walking with his head high through the crowd, power radiating off his body. When she turned back into the booth she saw Nesta and Feyre staring at her.
“What?”
“What?!” Feyre mocked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Azriel give this many smiles in public before.” She said, sipping on her drink.
“Oh hush, he’s just comfortable because he’s around his family.” Gwyn lied smoothly. “Plus maybe it’s just because I’m that funny” She mockingly flipped her ponytail, freezing when she felt it his something, or someone.
She turned and saw Az standing there with two drinks and a raised eyebrow looking down at her. Azriel had always towered over Gwyn but with her sitting in the low booth and him standing she was face to face with his stomach. She winced before scooting over to let him in.
“Hush.” She muttered before taking her drink out of his hand and chugging it.
“At this rate, you’ll be drunker than Cassian in no time,” Emorie spoke from her side of the table.
“Maybe I need to be so you all will be somewhat tolerable.” She replied with a thick layer of sass. Rhysand let out a deep chuckle, turning back to Feyre as they engaged in a silent conversation.
She felt a large hand run over the length of her ponytail, toying with the ends. She turned to look at the shadow singer as he stared at her.
“Can I help you?” Her eyebrow hiked up as his hand glided over the back of her neck, resting there as if it were normal.
“If I sing will you?” His deep voice asked, sending shivers through Gwen’s body.
She was speechless, Azriel had only ever sung for her once, granted his voice was beautiful, but he had said he doesn’t often do it in front of people.
“I suppose that is a fair deal. But first, since Cassian is finally done torturing the crowd with his voice let’s dance!” She clapped, standing quickly and swaying from the rush. Azriel’s scarred hands found themselves on her waist to help stabilize her. She smiled down at him before forcing everyone else to dance.
The song was something upbeat and fun, after Bryce had left to fight her war she came back with a gift, the swords, and these things called speakers that connected to one of her phones, she had also given them a large amount of batteries so it would last them while they studied the devices to replicate them. It made them all quite happy to have a new form of music, though some people were skeptical.
Gwyn grabbed Azriel’s hand and dragged him to the area of people dancing. She was a giggling, bubbly mess, and the shadow singer loved it. He had never seen her so unrestrained, save for their conversations while no one was around. Azriel cherished those conversations, he replayed them constantly in his hand, his heart fluttering at the memory of her bright smiles and sassy jokes.
With all regard abandoned Gwyneth danced, moving her body in a way that wasn’t meant to be sensual, but to the intoxicated shadow singer, was so enchanting. His shadows whispered to him about holding her ponytail around his fist as he thrust into her from behind, or about sliding the top of her dress down and watching her beautiful breast bounce. He quickly shook his head to rid himself of the thoughts and mask his scent. He didn’t used to have fantasies about Gwyn, but recently most of his nights are spent in a cold bath.
Azriel did not dance, he stood there like a guard to Gwyn, and when she noticed she stopped dancing. She moved her way to Azriel, wrapping her arms around her neck to raise herself to his ear.
“Why aren’t you dancing Azriel?” Her sultry voice spoke into his ear. Azriel stifled a groan at the sound of his name out of her mouth.
“I don’t dance, you know that Gwyneth.” He responded, placing his hands back on her hips to keep her steady.
“But Az…” she whined, dragging out the Z in his name, sending truly impure thoughts into his filthy brain.
“Gwyneth.” He spoke curtly with a voice so low she thought she might be imagining it.
He placed her on the floor before looking up, trying to regain his composure and restraint. He let go of her before walking up to the stage. He looked back at Gwyn and watched as her eyes widened as he took the amplifier.
He waited for the crowd to calm down before starting without any music.
I'd be the voice that urged Orpheus
When her body was found,
Gwyn stared at him as his beautiful voice started to sing a song she hadn’t heard before.
I'd be the choiceless hope in grief
That drove him underground,
Gwyn felt Nesta slide next to her, also completely enamored by Azriel's voice.
I'd be the dreadful need in the devotee
That made him turn around,
“How did you convince him to sing?” She whispered, barely audible, so as to not disturb the delicate song.
And I'd be the immediate forgiveness
In Eurydice.
“I didn’t.” She responded, making eye contact with Nesta as he sang the next line.
Imagine being loved by me!
Gwyn felt something pool inside of her stomach. She had spent many late nights in the bathing chambers, pleasuring herself to the thought of the shadow singer.
I won't deny I've got in my mind now all the things we'd do
So I'll try to talk refined for fear that you find out how I'm imaginin' you
Not once did Azriels gaze stray from Gwyn, not as he watched every emotion fly across her face, or as the heat rose in her cheeks at the implication of the words he sang.
He moved on to the next line as Gwyn stood there staring back at him. Suddenly, as he reached the end of the last verse, everyone else disappeared. It was just her and him as he wholeheartedly sang the words.
I won't deny I've got in my mind now all the things I would do
So I'll try to talk refined for fear that you find out how I'm imaginin' you
Azriel watched as realization flicked upon Gwyn's eyes. Her chest and neck started to flush the same color as her cheeks. The same flush he had imagined in his mind as he stared up at her from between her legs.
Gwyn's eyes flicked back over Azriels form as she realized he was single-handedly singing to her. Heat raked through her as she recalled the lyrics.
“I’ll be back Nesta.” She whispered breathlessly, turning and walking quickly to the back hall where there was an exit into the alleyway.
She rested her head against the brick wall, her heart beating wildly and her breath completely gone. She closed her eyes as she ran back through all of their interactions, screaming at herself for being so naive and blind.
She opened her eyes as she heard the door she came through open and close. Azriel was standing there, something like fear on his face as he waited for her response. All Gwyn could think to do was to walk up to him and kiss him.
Her arms flew around his neck as their kiss became hungry and passionate. Gwyn's hands found one of her thighs, pulling one leg up to his hip as he walked them so her back was against the wall. He broke the kiss, staring at her.
“Gwyneth.” He whispered.
“Azriel.” She whispered back, her lips ghosting against his. This time it was him smashing his lips to her, pushing her against the wall as one of his hands tangled itself in her ponytail.
“Wait. Gwyn, are you sure? Are you sure you want this? Us? I know I’m not the most honorable male, and I definitely don’t have a clean past.” He asked her.
“Azriel. I have wanted this since I cut that ribbon, I have wanted you since we started our training sessions and I found out just how beautiful your soul is. I don’t give a crap about your past, mine is definitely not clean. And those hands that you despise so much are the same hands that saved me, the same hands that taught me how to defend myself and reclaim my power, and hopefully the same hands that will make me cum.” She stared up at him as his hands flexed against her skin.
“Thank fucking gods, we can have a more meaningful conversation later, right now I just need to kiss you. Is that ok?” Before his sentence was fully out of his mouth Gwyn was nodding.
Azriel continued their kiss, pulling her leg tighter around his hips. The hand that was in her hair came down to her other thigh and tapped at it, signaling for her to jump. They were both breathless as they broke the kiss.
“Thank you, Gwyn.” He whispered, staring into her beautiful blue eyes.
“For what?”
“For showing me that I’m not ruined.” He smiled at her, a wide bright smile that carried across his whole face.
That damned dress.
~~~~
Note: I think this concept was so cute!!! I love writing Gwyriel!! Don’t worry I didn’t forget about the fics I promised!! They are coming, this was just my contribution to Gwynriel weeks!!
As the Winter Solstice approaches, Gwyn navigates the snowy streets of Velaris in search of the perfect gifts for her friends. But when a chance encounter with Azriel stirs hidden feelings, the season of giving takes on a new meaning.
Word Count: 4050
Warnings: Fluff!!!!, light sexual themes(Thoughts and Talks of Sex), emotional vulnerability
⸻
The air nipped at Gwyns nose as she walked the town. Searching for the perfect gift Gwyn stopped in every bookstore, bakery, and boutique alike. It had been over a year since Gwyn got her own apartment and hardly saw the inner circle, so to her this solstice celebration was important to her.
She clutched the necklace gifted to her two solstices’ ago, left by a so-called stranger, she had her suspicions. She breathed in the smell of confectionery as she passed a bakery selling all sorts of goodies. With a thought striking she entered the bakery, searching for snowflake shaped cookies and other sweet goodies. These will go perfect with the flower for Elain. She thought to herself as she arrived at the counter.
With a polite conversation and a fair tip, she headed into the masonry next door. Now having all but one gift she concentrated on Azriel’s gift, anxiety welling in her chest with the pressure of a perfect gift. Stoic, brooding Azriel has been in full effect with majority of the people he talked too recently, save Gwyneth of course. Being so new to all the extravagant parties her high lord threw she always insured her gifts were up to par.
She left her fingers trace each carefully engraved sheath as she browsed the options. She paused on a sheath that had engraved snowflakes with pine trees in a landscape portrait. Her back stiffened as the bells on the door jingled, giving way to a loud male voice, however she relaxed as she recognized the obnoxious laughter from Cassian, her friend and mentor. She grabbed the sheath, planning to ask him about it but froze as she also heard a deep subtle chuckle. She would recognize that laugh anywhere seeing she listened to it most nights in the training ring during their one-on-one sessions.
She turned, hiding the sheath behind her back, plastering on a bright smile and letting her hair fall over her right shoulder.
“Boys!” She exclaimed. “What are you guys doing here?” She asked with a bit too much false surprise, which Azriel noticed, though Cassian did not.
“Shopping for Rhysand.” Cassian shrugged. “The real question should be what are you doing here gwinne?” The brute slung an arm around her shoulder, bringing her into a side hug.
“Oh just, ya know, buying new, um.” She searched frantically for a justifiable reason to be in the shop. “Um, belts! Yes. Belts. For, well, belt things.” She smiled again, nerves eating her from the inside out. Azriel had to force himself to hold his chuckle in at her blatant lie. He let his shadows, which so desperately wanted to be released, shoot towards her. While Az had been on mission his shadows would not stop talking about her. Isn’t the nymph so pretty. We miss her songs. Take us to her Shadowsinger. They begged him, irritating the mother out of him.
Gwyn smiled as they wrapped themselves around her ankles, weaving in and out of her hair, making a mess of the perfectly curled waves. Az had always loved the way her red hair shined in the sun. Though her skin was much paler and her freckles were harder to distinguish with the cold seasons.
“What belts are you getting?” Cassian, oblivious as ever, walked around the store, picking up objects for scrutiny.
Azriel slid next to Gwyn as she, mustering all the stealth he taught her, placed the sheath back on the table. He took in the way the silver necklace sat stark against her dark blue tunic.
“So, what are you truly doing here Berdara?” His shadows moved as he pushed her hair back to one side. A red flush crept up Gwyns cheeks as the skim of his fingertips set her skin aflame. She found it quite challenging to hide anything from the spymaster.
“Like I said, Shadowsinger, I was shopping until you lot interrupted me.” She found her confidence again after a slip into her unrequited crush. Gwyn had been crushing on the male for over a year, however, despite Emeries protests, she had not told him.
“Yes, but this store does not sell belts. They sell weaponry and weapon accessories.” His full lips tilted into a sly smirk, a knowing look catching his eyes.
“Fine, if you must know. I was shopping for you.” She rolled her eyes, internally berating herself for giving in so easily. She turned as to get a breath out from his capturing gaze. He followed behind her quickly, shadows wrapping themselves around her like they were hers.
“Oh, were you now?” His tone full of a cockiness that hardly took over. “What were you thinking of buying?” A teasing touch grazed up her arm. Azriel delighted in the shivers it scent down her spine. Though he had not told anyone, Azriel somehow found himself in pure adoration of Gwyneth.
At first, he chalked it up to curiosity and a need to fixate on someone. However, he quickly realized it was nothing like how he felt about Mor, or Elain. He felt an innate pull to Gwyn. Near pain when he is out of Velaris for extended periods of time, mind going crazy when he couldn’t be enveloped by her intoxicating scent. The way her eyes flowed like his favorite river and the way her hair wrapped the most beautiful face like a copper picture frame that Feyre had picked. He respected Gwyn more than he had ever respected another, and to him that is how he knew it was more than an infatuation.
He loved teasing her, watching a gorgeous blush take her face and being out her freckles. He yearned to count each one, memorize its place so each summer he could find constellations as they appeared. His favorite part of the day was training with her, sharing pieces of himself that often he had not shared with anyone else. He took pride in her comfort around him, he damn near cried when she told him she was getting an apartment above a bookstore in town.
He watched his Gwyn become the female she is today despite being thrown challenge after challenge in life. He would beg at her feet for even the consideration as a romantic partner to her. But for now, he would settle with knowing exactly what innocent touches set her skin alight. And this was one of them. He inhaled deep, letting his lungs fill with her scent.
“Well, I can’t tell you, that would defeat the whole purpose of a surprise.” She giggled at the thought. She paused, staring at a gorgeously crafted dagger with a grand sheath.
“Mmm, well I guess I’ll find out soon enough.” He pressed closer into her space, a hand playing with the ends of her hair as he admired her, unconsciously letting his other hand trace. Up and down her arm.
“I guess you will.” She whispered, heat flushing her core. Gwyneth quickly took note of the things to buy before escaping the stuffy store.
~~~
Gwyn got to the town house early, setting up part of the gifts in their place, however she needed help to move one of the gifts into the recipient's room. Then she went back to her apartment to grab her things before meeting Nesta and Emerie at Nestas house of wind, getting ready for the party together.
Gwyn surely regretted her outfit choice as they stepped onto the cobble streets to walk to the townhouse. She had yet to be brave enough to wear something as showy as she currently wore. Her wardrobe mainly consisting of her priestess dresses, tunic tops, pants, and training leathers. However the pale blue silk clung to her waistline before flowing into a loose skirt with a slit that ended above her knee, the slit and droopy neckline showing more skin than she ever had before. However, she was surprised by the new necklace and matching earrings dropped off at her apartment. The stunning silver and pearl necklace came to a rest below her collarbone with a stunning teal gem that seemed to flow like water, the earrings matching perfectly. Nesta and Gwyn had panted each other’s nails, Nestas a stunning grey, hers a matching pale blue, her favorite winter color.
“Are you excited Gwyn?” Nesta asked as they all linked arms while walking.
“I truly am, I am excited to see everyone again and have Elain’s divine baking.” She smiled at the oldest Archeron sister before turning to her other friend, “what about you, are you and Mor finally going to act on your feelings?” She poked into her dear friends side.
“I don’t know, are you and that shadowsinger finally going to admit the mutual feelings?” Emerie poked back. All three of them laughing as they reached the townhouse.
Nesta raised her fist to knock, all three of them near shivering from the cold. Feyre opened the door, greeting them all with a warm smile.
“Hi! Come in come in!” She ushered us into the warm townhouse, all three of us pausing to remove our shoes. “Everyone’s in the sitting room, dinner should be ready soon.” She announced, a glow about her that Gwyn hadn’t seen since the chaos of NYX being born.
The girls followed the high lady into their sitting room smiling at each other, still linking their arms. Before parting to find seats. The room was filled with laughter and cheer as Gwyn took in the people she had come to enjoy. Cassian noticed her first, hugging his mate before placing a kiss on Gwyns cheek.
“You look stunning gwynnie! Come let’s get you a drink!” He cheered, well past intoxicated.
With a small chuckle she denied his request before greeting everyone else, pausing when she met the Shadowsingers eyes. A tingle made its way up her spine as he let his graze roam over her, pausing for a fraction of a second at the necklace before continuing his roam. She took in the dark, almost complementary, blue outfit he wore. She let her gaze stick around the shirt, taking in the way the fabric hugged his biceps and chest. She imagined running her nails along the hard planes of his chest, feeling his abs contract as she touched him.
A throat cleared, bringing them both back to reality. She looked up, realizing they were all staring at her.
“I’m sorry what did you say?” She asked, her voice a bit husky, before everyone laughed.
“We were just asking if you liked the tree. Feyre decided it would be nice to have for Nyx.” Rhysand's gaze dropped to the babe in his hands. Nyx had just started walking and talking, more often than not his words coming out as babbles.
“Oh yes! I love it. It is gorgeous Feyre.” She appreciated the perfectly decorated tree.
~~
Soon after, it was announced dinner was ready, all of them finding their seats at the table. Rhysand at the head with Feyre to his left, Cassian and Nesta on his other side, Mor and Emerie sitting on the other side of Elain, by Nyx, and Azriel on Nestas right. Leaving the last seat open to the right of Azriel. Gwyn took her seat with no fuss, just a blush warming her face.
“Are you alright Berdara? You seem quite flushed.” Azriel said to her, just low enough that she could hear it.
As she went to respond she felt a shadow curl around her calf, staying there while another flicked itself down the back of her neck. She cleared her throat before responding.
“Yes, I’m fine, it was just very cold outside. Brought a flush is all.” She smiled at him, her hand resting on her thigh.
They ate their salads with lively conversation, Gwyn took in the laughter and joy, something she had yet to have in her home. She hummed along to the low tune playing throughout the house.
“So,” Azriel leaned into her ear, whisper tickling her ear. “Are you going to tell me what you got yet?” He watched as a shadow weaved itself in and out of her fingers, the one on her calf inching just a hair higher.
“No, Shadowsinger. And stop asking, you will find out soon enough.” She sweated at his thigh, taking a small breath at the hardness of it. One of Azriel’s hands gripped hers, keeping it from moving off his leg. He loved it when she touched him, a rare thing at that.
“But how is that fair? You already got one of your gifts.” He smirked, gaze dropping to the new necklace sitting around her throat. A small stake of claim, a piece of jewelry that he picked out resting upon her skin.
“This is from you?” Her fingers absentmindedly tracing along his thigh, a pool of heat collecting in her core. “I love it Az.”
He nearly groaned at the use of his nickname, something Gwyn hardly used. He gave her a genuine smile before turning to Rhysand, redoing the main conversation, yet never letting go of her hand.
Without words he let his fingers trail up the bare expanse of her arm, savoring the soft silky skin. He let the shadow slip ever so slightly higher, teasing the top of her knee, waiting to gauge her reaction. He adores the flush that now crept onto her chest, bringing his gaze to the swell of her breasts. He savored the way her scent changed, careful to mask his own scent, so not to expose himself.
They finished dinner before moving back into the sitting room to open presents. It was a lively affair, watching Nyx waddle around, yelling with joy at his new gifts, watching the joy on Feyre and Rhysand's face as they watched their son. They laughed as Mor passed out lingerie to all the girls, pausing when she got to Gwyn.
They all watched as Gwyn opened the box to find a stunning nightgown, the same matching lingerie hidden in the box. Gwyn gave Mor a hug, a sense of belonging filling her soul at the feeling of being included. Mor didn’t look at her like some broken, fragile thing anymore, none of them did. They all saw Gwyn for the strong Valkyrie warrior she was.
She felt Azriel stiffen next to her as he peaked into the box on her lap. A small quiet groan escaping his throat at the sight of the scraps. Gwyn quickly filled that away for later. standing to pass out her gifts. Feyre got a set of handmade divine paints with a new set of paint brushes as well. Rhysand got a new map, along with books studying the potential of world walking. Nyx got a stuffed Pegasus. She gave Elain her box of sweets, and a new garden book, complete with pressed flowers. Mor got a new set of lip paints, ranging from baby pinks to blood reds. She skipped over Emerie and Nesta, promising their gifts in the library later. Cassian got a new set of leathers, as well as a pair of expertly crafted leather gloves to accommodate his siphons. Then she moved to Azriel, standing infront of him she pulled out the small ornate box.
She watched with keen eyes as he opened the gift, fingers running over the landscape sheath before removing the blade. A new throwing daggers, curved to fit the palm of his hand, music notes engraved, and a perfect carving on the blade for his shadows to flow through. She watched as they skirted over the blade, wrapping themselves around the metal.
She waited with tense shoulders for his reaction, yet when he looked up his eyes were full of an emotion she had yet to see. He gently placed the blade back in the box before grabbing her hand.
“Gwyn this is one of the most beautiful blades I have seen in my lifetime. Thank you.” His hands held hers tightly, a smile overtaking her face.
“There are more but I didn’t put them in that box, they wouldn’t fit.” She stammered, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
“This is perfect. I don’t need more.” He commented quickly. Both of them locked in each others' eyes as Nyx waddled over and hugged Gwyns legs.
“Singa! Singa!” He chanted as he jumped on her foot. She broke the stare with a giggle, reaching down to collect the babe.
“How about I take you upstairs and I’ll sing to you? How’s that?” She offered, knowing it was well past his bedtime. She waited for Feyres approval before taking him up to his room.
Soon after they finished gift’s Azriel left the sitting room, quietly approaching the babes' room without disturbing anyone. He watched Gwyn sing a quite slow lullaby to Nyx, who was already out cold. Carefully approaching the two he traced up her arm, alerting her of his presence.
“Can I give you your gifts now?” He whispered, setting his chin on her shoulder. She nodded with a low hum, walking with him to his room. She placed a hand on his chest before they entered, effectively pausing Azriel’s movements.
“Close your eyes, part of your gift is in here.” She waited for him to do so before she opened his door, guiding him by his hand into his room. She looked to make sure everything was right before she told him to open his eyes.
“Gwyn.” He breathed out as he took in the masterful piano that sat in the middle of his room.
“Well, I couldn’t really move it myself, so I had Feyre and Mor help, but we couldn’t really put it anywhere else.” She rambled, playing with the ends of her hair. “If you don’t like it, I’m sure rhysand can move it, or Cassian-” she was cut off by Azriels arms wrapping around her, pulling her into a hug. She felt something glow in her chest as she listened to his heartbeat.
“I love it, Gwyn. I was serious when I said I didn’t need more, but my god Gwyneth. This is amazing. Thank you.” She whispered into her head. Her hands met his waist, hardly wrapping around his broad body.
“There’s, um one more gift. In the bench.” She muttered into his shirt. But as he went to pull away, she gripped him tighter, enjoying being engulfed in his scent. She felt that glow in her chest grow as he hummed, the rumble of his chest vibrating the both of them. She held on for another minute before releasing him and walking to the bench of the piano.
She bent over, feeling his eyes dip to her ass, opening the compartment she drew out the last box. She walked over to him, placing it into his hands with a careful smile. He quickly set the box aside before lifting her to sit on the top of the piano. Staring at her teal eyes he reached for the box, letting his shadows open it he found the leather harness with a pair of matching gloves.
“It’s for when you are out, that way you can hold more daggers and other things, and the gloves have the thing for your siphons, but they let you feel things better than your current pair. The shop owner said it was a special leather-” she was cut off by his lips meeting hers. A sigh escaping her as his hands grabbed her hips. She opened her lips, allowing him to slide his tongue into her mouth, hips opening to accommodate for him to stand between her legs.
She lost herself in the feeling of him, her hands roaming his back, tracing the outside of his wings, a shudder took over him as he pushed his hips into her. That glow in both of them hummed louder as it clicked into place for him.
He had never met another soul who understood him so wholeheartedly, who never judges him and always knows exactly what he needs. A person who completes him in every way.
“Fuck Gwyneth.” He panted into her hungry mouth, pulling away to stare at her. “You are so perfect, you know that?” His hands roamed her waist, thumb sitting under her breast.
“Was that my gift?” She asked him, a wide-eyed look on her face. He chuckled as he pulled away, walking over to his nightstand to grab the box.
He placed it in her delicate hands, watching as she pulled the ribbon that held the box closed. He watched as a matching set of bracelets and rings appeared. Both holding the same stone as the one sitting around her neck, imbued with the power gifted to him. She grabbed one of the bracelets, appraising it as she slipped it onto her wrist. Azriel grabbed the ring, holding in his fingers.
“Gwyneth, I have been losing my mind while on assignment this last year. Going crazy not being near you, hearing your laughter every night, feeling your warmth as we sit together. I never want to feel like this again, I never want you to feel like I’m too far to reach. These are connected to me, I found an old river nymph who was able to take some of the same power from my siphons and the power of the river and imbue it into these stones. This way you are always connected to me and the water.” He slipped the ring onto her middle finger. “If ever you feel like you are lost, like you can’t find your way home, all you have to do is hold one of these stones, I will find you.” He kissed her cheek, erasing the tear rolling down it.
She set the gems aside carefully, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. A thought snapping into place for her. He is my mate. She allowed the thought to flow into him through the kiss. A groan escaping his mouth when he felt the thread pull tight between them. He pulled back a hair.
“There’s two more gifts, but I can only give you one.” He hesitantly pulled away, walking to the large en-suite bathroom. He grabbed the squeaking created from the tub, an orange kitten meowing in his arms. He placed the small precious thing into her arms.
A smile overtaking her face, excitement welling in her chest. She placed one more chaste kiss on Azriels lips before bounding out the room, ignoring her disheveled hair, smudged lips, and slightly askew dress she hurried down the steps. Bringing the kitten straight to Nesta and Emerie she held the babe for them to see.
“Look!! I got a kitten! I’ve only read about these!” She rushed out in excitement, holding the cat as it meowed at her. “They only exist in the southern mortal lands! I can not believe this!” She exclaimed with joy.
All the girls fawned over the small thing until the early hours. Gwyn falling asleep on the floor next to it, the others retreating to their respective rooms. Azriel carefully lifted Gwyn, his shadows holding the kitten, as he carried her up to his rooms.
He placed her into his sheets as he put the kitten back into the home he built in the bathroom. When he returned Gwyn had woken up, standing to watch him.
He gave her a smile as he moved to his wardrobe, pulling out two large shirts and a pair of sleep pants for himself. Handing one to Gwyn he turned around, attempting to give her privacy as he removed his shirt.
Before he could put his other shirt on her fingers raked down the spine of his back, her breath blowing against his wings. He tried, and failed, to keep himself from hardening. He turned to see Gwyn dropping her dress, exposing her only in panties. A low rumble left his throat as he took in the peaks of her breasts.
“Say the words and I’ll leave right now Gwyn.” He whispered, his last attempt to be a gentleman.
“I love you Azriel, I have for over a year.” She whispered back, closing the space between them.
They spent the rest of the night learning every part of each other. And breaking the frame of his bed.
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AN: hey gang! Ik it’s been a really long time and this probably isn’t the best since I’m so rusty! I hope I can continue to find inspiration to write because I do love it! My requests are now open!!!!!!
