This is probably my third time writing Spice, ever! I hope you enjoy it!
Azriel eyes dripped with desire as he recalled how Gywn had executed a roundhouse kick and nimbly bent over backward in training this morning.
The move had sent wicked thoughts echoing through his mind. He tried to stop himself but his iron-clad self-control was not enough and he became flustered.
His mind had drifted to the different positions in which he could bend the Priestess over. How the more difficult poses would be easy for them with his strength propping her and the way she could contort so easily.
As his eyes shuttered he could visualise it. His arms held her legs, securing them around his hips while she balanced on her forearms. He entered her from behind...
He could feel himself swell underneath his leathers. His cock pushed against its lacing, demanding his attention.
He let his hands drift over his bare chest as he lay there fantasizing about it, not wanting to succumb to the sweet relief just yet.
Gwyn moaned from his sheer size. He was big, he could see the determination set over her features to take all of him. He freed one of his hands to caress her back as she arched into him as he tunneled further into her.
"Azriel, it's too much."
She writhed around him, panting. He was only halfway in.
"I know you can take it, love." He bent over and kissed the base of her spine.
Azriel's hips stuttered as his fingers ghosted further down and he worked quickly at unfastening his pants. The cool night air hit him as he ran his palm over his slit. He grunted at the moisture he already felt gathering there. He wouldn't last very long today.
He eased out and gave her a shallow thrust back in, not going further than he already was, until she was ready.
Her fingers gripped the sheets tightly. Her cries were muffled into the pillows.
He could feel beads of sweat gather at his temples and down his chest. His abs flexed and contracted as he went deeper, holding her closer to him.
She felt like a vice around him, one he couldn't get enough of.
"More, Azriel. I want all of you."
His breath puffed out of him, sliding all the way in and picking up his pace.
She sobbed and he twisted her burning locks around his fist.
"Good girl." He rasped as the sound of their body colliding created a filthy symphony around the room. She arched all the up, her back meeting his chest, and hooked her arm around his neck.
Azriel's grip tightened on his shaft as his hand moved faster over his cock. His stuttered moans slipped into the dead of night as his cock jumped and twitched in his palm. He was burning up.
"No sassy retort." He gasped in her ear, hand drifting over her breast, circling her nipple gently. Gone was the mischief that danced behind those teal eyes, only pleasure flitted across them. Her pupils were blown wide.
She made a sound of protest as he slipped out of her and flipped her on her back so he was facing him. He wanted to see her face when she came.
She clutched him tightly when he eased back inside, and both of them made a sound of relief. Her fingers tangled in his hair as her leg snaked over his thigh.
"I wouldn't get so cocky, Shadowsinger." She groaned and trailed those hands down his chest. His head threw back at the sensation. He could feel his release climbing up his spine. He'd be damned if he didn't get her there first.
Gywn's peppered hot, open-mouthed kisses along his neck. She knew how crazy that drove him. He buried his face in her crook, his hips losing rhythm. He fisted the pillow above her head as she whimpered. She was close to. He could feel her inner walls fluttering.
"Yesss." She dragged out and he watched as her face screwed up and the rosy flush started at her neck, covering her cheeks as she came with a whimper and a drawn-out moan.
"Azriel!"
Her face was so pretty when she was in the peak throes of pleasure.
Azriel grunted helplessly as white-hot europhia hit him.
"Ugh, fuck." He erupted, spilling endlessly on his chest and neck, rope after rope. His member was red and weeping from how hard he'd gripped himself.
His chest heaved up and down violently as he came down from his high. If his fantasy ever became a reality, he'd be a mess. He'd spilled like a young Illyrian with little grace and finesse. It had to be a record of how fast he got off.
He could hear how his brothers would snicker about his stamina and a growl released from his chest as he slammed his head back on the pillow over and over again.
Thank you for listening to my ted talk and joining my filth fest.
Putting his trust in someone who always made his resolve fray and left him aching for a fight was no easy feat for him. Someone they considered an enemy less than a year ago and now he was putting his faith in Eris keeping Gwyn safe, the person he loved most in life. It was all kinds of wrong. He hated waiting at the edge of Winter Courts borders, knowing the implications of an outright war should he step a foot out of line. No, they had to do this by the books.
Inspired by this post by @gshadowsinger Let me know if you want to be tagged in the fic! 
Gwyn couldn't help the appreciative sigh that left her lips at the sight of the Shadowsinger sprawled across the settee in the House Of Winds. It was technically girls night and her, along with Nesta and Emerie, were all huddled in their own little corner with an array of candles surrounding them and filthy smut books that could make a grown warrior blush.
The house made sure nothing was spared. They had spiced meats on a platter, cheese, olives and more chocolate cake than was humanly possible for one person to consume but her attention had kept drifting towards the dark haired Illyrian all night.
Should she have had any self control, she would have looked away 30 seconds ago but her eyes kept drifting over his form. The way those delicate wings were tucked in tight, the stretch of his black tunic across his chest. The way he had loosened some of the buttons after a long day revealed a hint of his brown chest and those swirling tattoos.
She gnawed at her bottom lip. Her mouth went dry as she watched those fingers leaf through stacks of paper, filling the air with a soft rustling. The same fingers that corrected her form every day and helped secure her grip on various weapons. Those hands which were large, sure, confident and calloused with years of missions. Those hands that saved her that day with Hybern’s soldiers.
She knew that entertaining such thoughts about the spymaster would lead nowhere good, especially since she had caught on that he harboured feelings for another but the more time they spent together with their private lessons, the harder it was to deny just how breathtaking the male was.
Seeing him made her curious about other things. Things she only thought about when she was alone in her dorm, away from the other acolytes. Like how far down those Illyrian markings went and how she yearned to trace them with her fingers. How solid his body might feel as she sat atop of him while she explored the expanse of his golden skin. How those hands might grip her hips to steady her and how soft and molten those eyes might turn as he gazed at her.
Did his voice sound deep and gravelling after waking and was his panting the same as in training when he finished a set with Cassian as it was after he made love.
She crossed her legs tighter as she felt a dull ache start to form at her centre and it was Emeries snickering that had her snapping to attention.
“Your smut is that good, huh?” She enquired. Gywn loosed a breath, having evaded being caught oggling at Azriel. A blush rose to her cheeks as she realised her friend could not doubt scent her arousal.
“O-Oh, yes it's very good.” Her voice sounded strained and breathy, even to her. It was Nesta who giggled and pulled her own book to her mouth as she fixed her attention on Gwyn.
“I shall have to read that one next.” Nesta grinned fiendishly.
Gwyn tried to calm the storm brewing in her heart and cheeks.
“You can have it as soon as I’m done.” She vowed and that was that, it seemed, as her friends attention slowly turned back to their stories but her eyes passed over the Shadowsinger again. His inky hair was the most disheveled she’d seen it. The locks falling into his eyes and curling at his ears. It practically made him look boyish. It seemed he had a lot on his plate.
As if he had finally sensed her attention, his eyes clashed with hers and she couldn’t help the guilty look that overcame her features as she quickly jerked her book back up and pretended to be scanning the text again. She could feel his stare burning holes. That and his brave, little shadow that was weaving through her fingers excitedly as she held the cover to her face.
She lowered the book again after what felt like an hour, only to find Azriel quirking his brow up in question at her and a faint smirk pulling at those inviting lips.
Her heart pounded violently. It was a surprise that it didn’t just fly right out of her chest. She forced herself to glower at him which only made a full grin bloom across his face. Oh he was so infuriating. He probably had girls falling over their feet at that smile. She huffed and settled in further on the couch with annoyance. If her eyes could speak they would be telling the Spymaster to ‘eat dirt’
As if he could hear her thoughts, he lifted his tumbler full of whisky in response before bringing it up to his laughing mouth and taking a sip. His hazel eyes crinkled at the corner and shone with playfulness. As if to respond. You first.
Her toes curled in her fluffy pink socks and she unconsciously slammed her book so loudly that both ladies yelped and started in their seats. Her face was no longer a soft pink but a raging red with embarrassment. They noted what had caught her attention and the conviving little, Illyrian was scanning his report like nothing had happened, making her look crazy. His posture relaxed as ever but it was only the slightlest hint of twitching at corner of that mouth that said ‘I win’
Nesta gave her a concerned look.
“What’s wrong?”
“Azriel’s breathing is so loud and obnoxious, is it not? I can hardly concentrate.” She blurted the first thing she could think of. A heavy silence filled the room for a second before Emerie burst into laughter, tears leaking from the corner of her eyes.
“What?!” She spluttered in between her fits.
Azriel seemed to pursing his lips to hold back his own.
Nesta’s brows bunched together in thought as she surveyed Gywn as if she was seeing something she hadn’t before.
Her eyes were shooting daggers as Azriel sauntered over to their corner.
“My apologies ladies. I didn’t realise my presence was so obnoxious.” His tone basically biting back a chuckle. Oh how she wanted to throttle him now. How had she let him get the upperhand in this game of theirs. He sketched a bow.
“I’ll head to my quarters so you can enjoy your….” this time he did chuckle as he surveyed those half naked males on the covers of their novels. “Reading…”
To her surprise before she could snark a retort Nesta beat her to it.
“Keep your opinions to yourself, Az.”
“I didn’t say a word.”
“You didn’t have to.” Emerie grinned, pointedly looking at his rustling wings behind him.
Azriel clasped his hands behind his back and only smiled wider. Nesta stared at him like she’d never seen him before.
He shrugged in farewell as he set off down the hallway but before he turned the corner he drawled over his shoulder without looking back.
“The best book by Sellyn Drake is Smoky peaks and a warriors bed.”
Gwyn blinked, her stunned face was echoed throughout the room and then they were in uproar at the seemingly polite and quiet spymaster reading filthy romances. The cackling was endless as Azriel got in the last word.
I've been rewatching Shadowhunters and just bear with me.
If you want to hit peak sad vibes read it with this is me trying.
Azriel is training with the girls and he notices Gywn seems off. Her smile wasn't as dazzling. Instead of her usual irreverence there seems to be a heavy weight on her shoulders. Her usual teasing and goading non-existence. Azriel is usually observant but he'd been paying special attention to the priestess lately. Even Nesta hadn't sensed something was bothering her yet. He knew better than to push but his eyes stayed glued to the other half of the ring throughout the whole session even though she was technically Cassian's charge.
Most of the trainees had dispersed after class but Gywn always went the extra mile to get a half an hour in alone. On a usual day, Az would either offer his teachings if his schedule wasn't packed which seemed fewer these days with the amount of responsibilities on his plate but today he just leaned against the archway and watched, his hazel eyes lost in thought as he catalogued her moves and her seemingly building frustrations. As she moved to the side of the ring to leave, ignoring his presence the whole time. He gently encircled her wrist with his fingers, stopping her in place.
"Berdara." His voice was deep like gravel, his all seeing eyes flickering over her worn form. Her breathing was rough from exertion, skin wan. Their eyes locked for a brief second and the amount of pain washing through those teal eyes knocked the breath from his chest. She jerked out of his touch and continued her descent down the house stairs without looking back.
It had been couple weeks since that incident and neither had spoken since that day. The following training sessions had followed a similar pattern with Gywn's mood plummeting further. Cassian, along with the other charges made sure to give the flamed-haired, nymph a wide bearth, in and out of training.
Azriel didn't know why he chose to go to the library. His shadows had been pressing on him all day, whispering utter nonsense. He told himself it was because he needed more resources on the otherworlds and nothing to do with the Valkyrie that resided there.
Clotho bowed her head to him in greeting. You seem more restless than usual this evening, Shadowsinger.
"Just some unfinished business." He mumbled back flatly as he disappeared inbetween the stacks. His wings were tucked in tight and body stiff. His fingers skimmed over multiple tombs until he found the one he was after. On a normal occassion he would just grab his books and go back to his office but his shadows urged him to watch, to listen.
He sighed. He could already feel a migraine coming on. He couldn't remember the last time he had gotten more than two hours of sleep in. His tired eyes skimmed over words and symbols. The sound of his pen scratching over parchment filling the silent air of the library.
He didn't know how much time had passed but he could feel a crick forming on his neck. He stood up to stretch, his muscles stiff from sitting for so many hours. He heard a slight shuffling coming from a level below the sound of voices. He stilled, knowing it was none of his business at all what was bothering Gywn but he went below anyway against his better judgement. His shadows were swirling like crazy around him.
He had every intention of making his presence known but stopped in his track when heard a white haired female berating Gywn. Every bone his body straightened at the tone.
"You are worthless, Gwyneth." She sniped as she slammed a tome in front of her.
"How am I supposed to read your sloppy writing." Gywn softly whispered something back that his ears couldn't make out.
"What are you good for if you can't do such a simple task that even five year olds have perfected. Mother above, you call yourself a priestess. Why have you been shackled to me? " She groaned.
Anger so hot choked Azriel. He wanted to roar at her for speaking to Gwyn who was one of the most capable people he knew in such a way. He knew that was a bad idea and took all his restraint to not defend her. He knew how as a male he was already intimidating in this place but add his darkness and shadows and he was terrifying sight, just like his father.
"I-I...I'm sorry, Merill." Gywn voice was shaky and her entire demeanour was defeated. Merill just looked at Gwyn in disgust before she stalked into another row of books.
Azriel watched as Gywn took a deep breath, trying to steady herself but he could see the tremble of her lips and the way her fingers kept opening and closing.
She turned to make a move back to the desks in the centre when she came face to face with him.
"Azriel!" Her voice conveying surprise. He could feel the shame rolling over her in waves. Her eyes were turned to the floor as her hands went behind her back.
"Are you okay?" His tone was soft but his eyes were still a hazel storm.
"Of course." She tried to play it off like it was nothing but her irreverent nature was nowhere to be found. Her lips still trembled and her eyes were like sea glass as they glistened.
"Gywn..." It was one of the few times he used her name and it seemed to break something inside of her. The dam had finally broken and a sobbed strangled in her throat as her hands went to her face to cover her tears.
"Everything she said is true, I couldn't save my sister, I couldn't complete the bloodrite on my own and I can't even write some damn notes for Merill. How can I call myself a priestess let alone a Valkyrie." Her body shook from how hard the tears were pouring out of her.
"She's wrong and you are too." He merely shrugged, knowing this would infuriate her. He could handle her annoyance, her anger, her teasing. Anything but that hopeless look in her eyes.
"You don't know anything about me." She scathed. He shrugged again, feigning calmness when he was anything but.
"I know enough to know this isn't you. You are a fighter and a scholar and the bestest friend Nesta has ever had. You are a Carythian and a Valkyrie and a Priestess. That is more achievements than most would ever accomplish in 10 lifetimes and sometimes what we think to be our greatest weakness is our biggest strength."
The Nephelle philosophy.
Gwyn blinked at him, stunned for a second.
"Thank you." the sound a mere whisper, tears still streaming down her face. She tentatively wrapped her arms around him. Both of their bodies went stiff. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been embraced by a women whom he wasn't in a physical relationship with. She made to pull away, clearly finding it too awkward but he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her in closer. His breath ruffling her strands of hair. She melted into him now and his fingers gentled over her head as his eyes fluttered shut and he just enjoyed this moment. He felt warm and...and something else he couldn't quite name the emotion but it was nice to have a friend such as Gwyn. Who was fierce and loyal and went to the mat over and over again and she was here, hugging him and thanking him...He felt good..in a way he hadn't for many centuries now.
Thank you for listening to my ramblings. I have no doubt I'll have more Az inspo as I continue to rewatch the show and see more of the snacc off a man on screen and the way they both have that long they both have a long suffering vibe about them. Someone give these two characters a break with pina coladas
A fic based on this post by @gshadowsinger. For context about the first part.
Azriel was distracted and a distracted warrior left for a sloppy one. He knew that. How many times had Cassian and him drilled those words to the girls while they were training.
He saw a flash of her burnished hair before she disappeared out of sight again. The lump in his throat hadn’t eased since they’d had the conversation with Rhys in his office.
“It’s a good plan, Az. You know it.” He had to tamp down the snarl that was bubbling up his throat. His fist clenching and unclenching.
“It’s a big fucking gamble and there is so many unaccounted variables that could go wrong.” His tone icy cold as he pushed back
“She’s more than aware of the risks and is prepared to do it.”
Just standing in front of him, staring him down as he spoke made him want to punch his brother in the face.
“Eris gave me his word that he’d get her in and out pretty much undetected. We’ve-”
This time he couldn’t contain the growl that curled in his chest.
“Eris is a two faced snake.”
Rhys continued, unfettered. His face softening slightly.
“Az-”
“Don’t. Just don’t.” His voice coming out hoarse and loaded with emotions he wasn’t ready to face. He knew Rhys understood everything, saw more than he was letting on.
“It’s not your choice anymore and she is more than capable.” His tone was final.
“I know that.” He never questioned how strong she was.
Sending her straight into enemy terrority for her first mission was not ideal but as conflicted as he was. He was also so damn proud at how far she’d come from her first dagger training lesson and he knew it spoke to her skill at how damn talented she was that it was honour to be asked to carry out such a vital task for their court.
A good chunk of his work was being patient, watching, listening to things others didn’t pick up on and waiting for the right moment to strike. That’s what made him such an effective Spymaster but right now there was a restlessness that not even his breathing techniques could soothe.
Putting his trust in someone who always made his resolve fray and left him aching for a fight was not easy feat for him. Someone they considered an enemy less than a year ago and now he was putting his faith in Eris keeping Gwyn safe, the person he loved most in life. It was all kinds of wrong. He hated waiting at the edge of Winter Courts borders, knowing the implications of an outright war should he step a foot out of line. No, they had to do this by the books.
Azriel should be the one in there, blending into the shadows, retrieving damn ancient text that was vital but Rhys had barked at him and threatened to pull rank if he so much stepped a foot in Autumn Court terriority. The new breed of dogs that Eris’ father had sired could sniff him out shadows and all, magic included and would not hesitate to alert the breach in their borders and shredded him to pieces as Eris had put it so vividly.
Gwyn was neutral. They had never met her before and she was posed as the picterseque priestess in her robes, coming to give her blessings before the Autumn equinox. They wouldn’t even give her a second glance.
Gwyn was armed with more steel than she’d ever had during training, all concealed underneath her blue robes. Her eyes drank in the surroundings and the male escorting her. Eris Vanserra was unusually quiet considering less than an hour ago he was all but goading Azriel for a fist fight. He was perceptive and no doubt now understood the feelings that lay between her and the Shadowsinger, if his satisfied smirk was anything to go off of.
He led her down a long corridor. The afternoon sun streaming in through the rows of large windows, burnishing the place in oranges and golds tones. It made the autumn court heir look all the more rakish and up to no good she frowned.
He stopped before an circled alcove and indicated that this was the room, the Autumn High Lord’s office. She should be bleating with fear at the thought of rifling through a High Lord such as Beron’s personal artifacts but all she felt was a cooling calm. She had 10 minutes to get the the artifcact undetected. Elain had shown her the through her vision what it looked like.
She barely took in the oak panelling in the office with its colour of warm russets and forest greens. It would been a nice room if the High Lord who owned it wasn’t such a raging tyrant hell bent on gaining more power and land in Prythian.
She took a deep breath in and focused all her faeness into her senses. If anyone she excelled and sorting through hundreds of texts in the span of less than a minute, working with Merill had at least come with its perks of being efficient. She let the slight of hum of her invoking stone guide her to find the magicked text.
Eris was outside, standing guard. Two raps against the heavy door let her know that she had 3 more minutes left before his father would make his way back. Her eyes kept scanning and flicking through anything that her magic buzzed towards. There had to be thousands of books along the floor to ceiling shelves. She knew they were cutting it close as sweat started beading down her forwarding and back underneath her robes.
“Hurry.” Eris hissed through the door but she didn’t let him ruffle her.
Her stone glowed brightly as she spotted the familiar red binded book with the gilded gold embossing. The thing was unremarkable and small. Her fingers had just touched its spine when Eris came barrelling in.
“You’re out of time. I’m sorry.” He said, sounding out of breath. She was about to ask what for; without warning he pressed her against the shelves and bent his head at the crook of her neck. There was deafening roar in her head as her vision turned red and hazy. She was going to stab him right here.
Another set of footsteps entered the room.
Beron blinked in surprise at the sight before him. His lips rising in a snarl.
“A fucking Priestess, Eris.” He barked. The sound making every hair on her body stand up. The sheer dominance might have had her quaking if he was her master. She felt every muscle in Eris’s body coil tightly but forced himself to give his father a lazy, yet cunning smile.
“I’ve always had a taste for the forbidden, father.” He shrugged, leaning away from Gywn at last but standing in a way that still blocked her from view.
“You are to be an example for your brothers. Rutting a damn Priestess is beneath the Vanserras! In my office no less.” He bellowed
He watched the slight tremor of anger run across Eris spine.
“You will be punished later, now GET OUT! I have an important meeting.”
Gwyn quickly shoved the book under her robes while he was in a fit of rage before letting her pious and meek demeanour fall over her. She let the hood fall further to cover her face as she walked around Beron, following Eris out the door before she could reach the handle the High Lords hand gripped her arm tight enough that she had to clench her teeth from letting out a wince.
“Don’t even get any silly fantasies in your head about my son.” He spat with disgust. “And keep your whoring mouth shut.” He threatened, crowding her space.
“Yes, My Lord.”
She couldn’t stop the pained cry leaving her throat this time. A burning singed the bareskin of her arm. The High Lord putting enough heat to his threat, leaving a permanent reminder no doubt to drive his point home.
Fear crossed Eris’ eyes but in the same blink it dissipated. Finally he slackened his hold and she all but rushed out the forsaken room. Once they were out of earshot. He turned to her.
“Are you-” She stopped him from finishing that sentence.
“Later, lets get out of here first.” She didn’t dare survey the damage that had been done to her arm.
“Fuck.” She heard him mutter under his breath but they kept their heads down as they briskly walk back down the corridors out into the courtyard before heading towards the rolling lands. Her arm was searing with pain at every bite of wind that brushed across it.
The winter court border was in sight, less than 6 kilometres away and she’d be out of this hellish place but of course it couldn’t be that easy.
The sound of thundering hooves filled the air and she heard one word and a gentle touch on the small of her back.
“Run.” Eris whispered without looking back. They set off from their brisk walk to an all out sprint, the long fields of grass flowers tangling across her robes and legs. She felt an arrow whiz past her face and nick the side of her, drawing blood.
Panic and fear overtook her body as the males laughed and surrounded them. Her body flashed between that fateful night with Hybern’s soldiers and now.
Flames ensconed around her body rooting her in place.
“We heard about a pretty little Prietess but we didn’t think it was true.” One of them called out. She heard Eris snarl a low warning.
“Shut your rutting mouth, Orlon.”
“Don’t want to share?” The one at the end goaded. Eris let a bored look fall across his face.
“Didn’t know you were panting so hard to have something my cocks already been in.”
Fight back some small part of her whispered but it was drowned out but the dark place she had befallen in her mind. The helpless part of her.
A sob got caught in her throat as one brushed a finger down the bleeding ear to her slim neck. She was so helpless, so utterly powerless.
The sound of steel being unsheated filled her ears and she barely registered Eris tipping that point of his sword at the neck of his brother that dared touch her.
“Go on with your day and I won’t have to teach you a lesson.”
“I don’t think I will, brother. This is so much more interesting.” The one, Orlon, moved towards her next and gripped her waist, pulling her towards him.
That was enough. I am the rock against which the surf crashes.
She exploded all steel and fury as she slashed the hand that so dared to touch her without consent and then it was a tangle of swords, fist and flames rushing past her.
A blow caught her on the cheek and she whirled, practicing the move that Azriel had taught her a thousand times over. Her foot struck out and while the male fell her, her dagger met and claimed him, stabbing through his rib and withdrawing out just as quickly as she met her next opponent behind her. She whirled, light as the wind that sung to her and magic echoed her move as she slammed her palm so hard in his solar plexus that he went flying back.
A stray blade caught her around her thigh and a cry of pain sung through the air. She had to keep moving if she was to survive. She sent a blast of blue towards his head, knocking him unconscious.
One of the brothers notched another arrow lose and she barely dodged that with her bad leg. She gripped the dagger that was at her side and sent it flying in the air, towards him missing him but just a fraction.
“Run!” Eris screamed this time. She saw a wall of blue flame erupt in front of her, creating a barrier between her and Eris’ brothers.
“It won’t hold them for long.” But it wasn’t meant to, she realised. It was supposed to be a headstart towards the borders that was so close but so out of reach. She binded all her willpower to ignore the blood dribbling down her leg and the searing pain in her arm as she dashed towards that edge of green. 100 metres to go 90 then 80. She was so close as she kept hobbling. She spied those towering mountains, sprinkled with ice.
Another arrow came soaring through and this time it caught her on the leg that was already bleeding and injured. She screamed in earnest as she could hear footsteps heading nearer. She was crawling. The last few inches separating her from salvation. She had barely crossed over before a hand grabbed her leg, made to pull her back.
She was all out sobbing now as she heard those boots land in front of her and those shadows skittering the earth. His face cold with icy rage.
“Get your fucking hands off her.” His voice was like death personified. He sneered at Azriel.
“Keep your nose out of our business, Shadowsinger. This is our brothers property.”
Azriel looked stunned for a second before he struck out. His shadows suffocating the redheaded male from within, making him fall to his knees. She watched with satisfaction as he clawed at his neck, at his face. That was the male who first laid hands on her.
“Get up.” Az hazel eyes bored into hers as he watch those tears stream out.
“I c-can’t.” She was hopeless and powerless and all those things she believed to be true about herself. Worthless. He should just leave her here. As if hearing the directions her thoughts went. His nostrils flared.
“Get up, Gwyn. Get up and fight.” He said, his voice hard with quiet encouragement as she caught more of Eris’s brothers join from behind her.
“I…”
“Nothing can break you. Nothing.” He said with such fierceness. Rage started bubbling up inside her soul, crashing inside of her like a tidal wave. His eyes held so much love and care.
“Go.” He held out his hand for her, those scarred beautiful fingers and she gripped them and let him haul her up. She didn’t waste a second as she pulled out her sword and met Orlon stroke for stroke. Her teeth bared. She’d would never be weak again. No ones plaything.
They were back to back, Az meeting his own opponent, slaying him down. He knew they couldn’t kill the brothers of Autumn, not without starting a civil war. They had to do just enough to put them down before winnowing out here.
She could see Eris’s red flames joining the fray and soon the three of them had them outnumbered and outskilled.
They were all panting hard.
“You must leave.” Eris warned. Gwyn frowned, worried about the repercussion he might face.
“What about-”
“Now, you must go before others come sniffing around. I’ll debrief with you after it is safe for me to meet again.” He directed that towards the Shadowsinger who nodded in return.
Azriel had her in his arms within seconds and they were soaring for the skies overhead before winnowing to the Velaris.
The adrenaline was crashing out of her and soon she was feeling very tired and faint. As soon as they touched out at the House of Winds. He heard Azriel cry out for the Madja as he cradled her to his body. She noted others had entered the room too. That was the last thing she remembered before her eyes fluttered shut.
Azriel wanted to murder those Autumn court pricks the next time he saw them. He watched despondently from her bedside as Gwyn’s chest rose and fell. His silence was sullen and cruel. He wanted to tear the world apart when he saw the extent of her injuries. Eris had just given Rhys access to his mind 30 minutes ago and that had been directed back to him, watching all the awful things Beron had said and done to her. How Eris’s brothers had touched her with ownership and branding without her permission.
He raged on the inside. His lethal fury held by a bare thread. The burn on her arm would not scar, Madja had reported which was a small blessing considering how bad it appeared to be. The wound on her leg would need longer to heal though and plenty of rest. It probably would scar.
His fingers glided through those bronzed locks. His heart swelling to double its size. He lay his forehead down near he hand, loosing a deep breath from deep within his core.
He heard her groan before she eyed him sleepily.
“That was a big huff for an Illyrian warrior.” Her voice croaked out with amusement. Every emotion came crashing into his body and his throat felt tight with pain and sorrow.
“Gywn!” He sat up straight, his eyes roving all over her again wildly
“Hello Az,” Her teal eyes sparkled. He couldn’t help the choked whimper that escaped him. She was okay and here and playing with him. Her fingers reached out to intertwine with his and he kissed the back of them, pulling them to his chest. His heart was pounding loudly, an unsteady beat. That only made her grin wider.
“Feyre was right. You three are Illyrian babies.”
He barked a laugh at that and found some part of relaxing, knowing they hadn’t broken her. They could not break her. Her will, her spirit, her beautiful glow.
“No more talking to Feyre. Did she also happen to tell you that I have the largest wingspan?” He could play back, if for only a moment but that haunted look in his eyes would take a long time to disappear.
Gwyn sniffed at that but the way her bottom lip was clamped between her teeth and the slight flush that had started staining her cheeks let him know that they had discussed him in detail. He couldn’t help the male satisfaction that coursed through him.
“How are you feeling?” He implored with a soft look on his face only reserved for her.
“Like a woman who just went through her first mission.” He let out a soft chuckle at that and stroked her hair again. Her eyes closed at the sensation, enjoying having him so close.
“Glad to see you are in good spirits.”
“Mmm, the drugs they are giving me is amazing.” He shook his head but couldn’t stop replaying the scene of her crawling to the last few inches of the border. The tears streaming down her face.
“I’m okay, Az. Really.” She said in a gentle tone. Her fingers now stroking down his face in comfort. He leaned into the touch, heart stuttering. Gods he was so enamoured. So in love. It was probably written all over his damned face. He didn’t care.
“You forgot….” His voice hoarse, barely holding it together. “Forgot how powerful and deadly you are for a second.”
“I know.” She sighed as if she was pained too. “They deserve worse than what I gave them.”
“Next time we won’t be as so merciful to leave them alive.”
Something in her fluttered at the threat he posed to them about the bigger threat he made her out to be.
“I love you.” Her voice a quiet lilt and her eyes bright as the sun warmed sea. His knees would have given out from underneath him if hadn’t been sitting on this damned chair.
“Say it again.” He groaned in disbelief.
“I love you Azriel.” She didn’t even hesitate. His chest ached. This woman. His soul and very being.
His voice was low and raspy. His eyes dark with desire.
“I wanted to be the first one to tell you that I love you.”
The beam that Gwyn had on her lips could be bright enough to rival the sun. Their vicious competitive streak coming out.
“You snooze you lose, Shadowsinger.” She taunted but he could see how much this news pleased her. The way she was restraining herself from doing more or saying more because she could no doubt hear the footsteps that had gathered outside their room just waiting for the go ahead to be let in to see her.
“Later, Shadowsinger.” She almost moaned.
“You’ll be the death of me, Berdara.” He groaned out and that seemed only please her more as she flashed him a sultry look before shuffling back down into bed getting comfy.
“Come in.” She said and the door all but flew off it’s hinges as Cassian swooped in, followed but Nesta and the others. He watched his brother pull her into a warm hug and he snarled at him to be careful of his big paws on her healing body.
“When was the last time you took a break, Berdara?” His quiet voice broke the silent night air. She waved him off, still hunched over the text, eyes barely looking up.
He drifted closer to where she sat at his long desk. The breadth of it made her look small. He stopped opposite her and leaned his palms against the dark wooden grain. His shadows were agitated and aching to go near her as if to console her.
As always let me know if you want to be tagged lovelies <3
Her heart pounded violently. It was a surprise that it didn’t just fly right out of her chest. She forced herself to glower at him which only made a full grin bloom across his face. Oh he was so infuriating. He probably had girls falling over their feet at that smile. She huffed and settled in further on the couch with annoyance. If her eyes could speak they would be telling the Spymaster to ‘eat dirt’
What if they've been getting closer and closer as time goes on, like they know eachother better than anyone else does but nobody else realizes how close they actually are. Until one day something happens, like on of them gets hurt or has a panic attack, and the other goes all protective and are the only one who can comfort them. And everyone else is like, when did this happen?
Trigger warning: PTSD, anxiety, panic attack, SA
Gwyn had finally gotten the courage to attend a dinner at the High Lord and Lady's residence.
The champagne had started flowing as soon as she step foot through the threshold. Gwyn wasn't much of a drinker but she indulged herself for such a momentous occasion. The slight fizz and tang of the drink made her feel as light and airy as the bubbles floating up.
Every time the Shadowsingers eyes locked with hers across the room a zap would go through her and her whole body became very aware. She shot him a soft smile as he made his way over to her. He didn't ask if she was 'okay' or 'enjoying herself' like everyone else had so far but instead goaded her and she hadn't realised that was exactly what she needed at that moment as she had been holding her Champagne flute a little too tightly, nervous.
"Your stance is terrible for a warrior" His face was serious as always, but you could see the mischief twinkling behind those hazel eyes.
"My instructor wasn't very good." She dismissed. She watched as his lips twitched at the corner faintly and he struggled to keep his smile at bay. Her heart thumped so viciously. He looked like he was about the say more but Feyre’s twinkling voice cut through the chatter around the room.
"Dinner is ready. Cassian please wait till everyone is seated before shoving your big mouth with food." He kissed her cheek in response as he rushed over to the dining room. Gywn and Azriel still stood there smiling at each other as everyone around them made their way over.
"I'll make you eat those words in our next session, Berdara."
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, Shadowsinger. I heard Cassian say you could work on your hand-to-hand combat a bit more."
The stunned look on his face made her grin even wider as she brushed past him to join the others. The others didn't mark his late entrance or the fact he had to smooth his features back into neutrality as he entered.
Nesta motioned for her to take the free seat beside her but she couldn't help but notice the Spymaster sitting a few spots away with an empty chair next to him too. She hesitated and was graced from making a decision as Elain sat next to her sister.
Gwyn made her way to the last remaining spot. Her cheeks burned a bright red as Azriel pulled her chair out and waited until she was settled before easing himself in. Rhys, who was sitting on the other side of her, went to fill up her glass with red wine and it was at the moment her eyes were drawn to the crimson runner on the wooden table. All the air felt like it had been knocked out of her chest as the blood drained from her face.
God, no. Please not here, she thought as her hands started trembling violently. Her hips where pinned again with the bite of oak digging in to her. A heavy body, scalding her back as her night gown was rucked around her legs. Gwyns cheeks scrapped along the roughened texture as the tang of salt mixed with the taste of her despair. His abrasive movements inside her had her willing the mother to make it all stop. Her eyes fixated on the woven red runner, looking like the blood of the innocence spilling down her legs and-
“Gwyn?” Nesta’s voice prodded as she spiraled silently into herself. She didn’t know when warrioress had come to her side, worry lining her forehead. She stood abruptly, knocking the wine over. The sight of the red staining and pooling on the floor made that night and this setting blur together. The room was a kaleidoscope of colours and sound. Someone touched her arm and her body reacted, knocking them down and flipping them on their back.
“Please!” She bemoaned, clutching her head as her lungs tried to get air. Horrible, retching escaped deep from within her broken body. A babe wail filled the air, reminding her of all the children that didn’t get to escape their fate.
“Gwyn.” A voice as deep as the bottom of the ocean called to her, pulling her to the surface. Warmth of the soil and cold of the ice blended together. It filled her eyeline.
“Breathe.” She hadn’t realised that air still wasn’t reaching her inside.
“Breathe.” The voice as smooth as water gilding through her fingers reminded her. He didn’t dare touch her yet. The sounds around overwhelmed her. The scents of meats and spices made her nauseous.
“I’m going to take your hand, okay?”
She thought she might have let out a nod as roughened fingers enlaced hers. Her vision swimming as he brought it to his chest. She still wasn’t getting enough air. The heat seeped through his tunic and spread through her numb fingers. His heartbeat was a steady thrum.
“Count.” He commanded.
“One....two..” She croaked, weakly. “Three, four, five.” Each number coming with more ease than the next.
“Ten, eleven, twelve.” The voice joined her and eventually things stopped being so out of focus. Her nails that had dug into his chest, loosened slightly.
“You are the rock against which the surf crashes.” He rumbled. “Repeat it.”
“I am...the rock...against which the surf crashes.” She hesitated.
“Again.”
“I am the rock against which the surf crashes.” Her voice coming out more stronger this time. She didn’t know how much time passed as they kept repeating the exercise but when she came to, her head hurt, her body was limp and the Shadowsingers thumb was reaching up to brush away the tears that had spilled out her eyes.
Embarrassment tided through her as she leaned heavily against Azriel. Their hands still entwined and laying across her lap. She focused on the blue siphons instead of the occupants currently gaping with surprise.
“We need water.” Azriel snapped, darkness coated every word.
“I’m fine.” You croaked at him, but he was not having it. The room suddenly fell into motion again, sounds echoing around them. You recognised the High Lords wedding band as he tried to hand you the glass only for Azriel to intercept before your fingers could brush.
“I’ve got it.” He told his brother with his no nonsense attitude. Rhys seemed stunned at the curt manner or the situation being resolved by Azriel. She wasn’t quite sure. The water going down her throat was the reprieve she had needed.
Her eyes tracked Rhys as he shared a look with someone over Azriel’s head.
“Do you need anything else?” Mor came up to the other side of Azriel.
“Just give her a minute.” He huffed back. She didn’t even think he realised that his wings was lifting up higher and curving towards her.
“Azriel, we aren’t going to hurt her.” It was Nesta gentle soothing that had his shoulders relaxing marginally.
From the astounded expression ranging across everyone’s faces. She came to the realisation that Azriel didn’t do this often and that they hadn’t ever seen this side of him. It confused her since this was a side of him that she was well acquainted with. He was the rock which the surf crashes against....
