*ChaChaChai*

She’d had visitors every day, each one doing their hardest to coax a smile, a sound, a word out of her. They’d all failed. 

Feyre had tried first, tone easy yet wary as to not spook her. The youngest Archeron had clasped a brush in her hand, ready to untangle the knots in Elain’s unbound golden hair. Elain had stiffened imperceptibly, but it was enough of a reaction for Feyre to take notice and step back. Elain couldn’t see the tears on her little sister’s cheeks, but she knew they were there if only for the smell of the salt. 

Rhysand visited her the following day, offering to escort Elain around the city he called Velaris, and leave the stuffy bedroom behind for a while. The Lord spoke of pastry cafes and perfume shops, hoping to entice Elain enough that she’d join him for a walk along the streets or for a quiet drive in his motor vehicle. His extended palm had hovered in the air for a minute before quietly seeing himself out. 

Nesta burst into her room the day after. The oldest Archeron had kneeled by her sister’s feet, pleading for Elain to just say something, to just eat something. It was unusual for Nesta to beg for anything, and it should have shocked Elain out of her stupor. But she remained in a daze, staring blankly out the window, before Nesta had reluctantly left the room. 

On the fourth day, Elain’s bedroom door opened and closed like it had the past few days. The difference was, whoever had entered her room had remained silent. 

Elain sat in her chair, unmoving, as the stranger took a few steps into her room. The nearer they approached, the more Elain’s nose twitched delicately at the scent of cedar and something earthy underneath it, like rain or wind or mist. 

She did not flinch as the stranger set something down on a side table and asked softly, “May I sit with you?”, nor did she deny his request. With as much energy as she could muster, Elain dipped her chin. 

The stranger took a seat beside her, yet said nothing else. It was odd. He had not forced her to speak, or suggested she leave the confines of the bedroom. He simply settled in an armchair next to her and kept quiet. 

They remained that way for much longer than either had expected, not a single word uttered between them. When Elain’s thoughts became too loud she’d inhale, filling her nose with the stranger’s scent, letting it pull her back to the present. A sense of calm, of peace, washed over her. 

The longer they spent sitting side by side in tranquil company, the more Elain found herself curious about the stranger. Who he was. Why he’d joined her. 

She craned her neck, brown eyes blinking heavily, before asking, “Who are you?” 

He didn’t answer right away, so Elain took the opportunity to admire him: the strength of his jaw, the slope of his nose, the curve of his lips, the deep hazel coloring of his eyes, the soft raven waves of his hair. He was broad, and had he been standing, Elain would have guessed at least six-foot-four, if not slightly taller. Tan skin was littered in dark ink across his arms, neck, and disappeared beneath the plain white shirt. 

He was purely masculine, but not in an arrogant way. This stranger carried himself quietly, almost as if he didn’t want to attract attention or appear intimidating.  

Elain realized she wasn’t unsettled by his presence, not in the least. Something eased within her as she studied him. She hadn’t felt this restful and clear-headed all week until he sought her out. 

“I’m Azriel,” he responded, keeping his voice neutral. It wasn’t pleading like Nesta’s had been, or cautious like Feyre’s. She appreciated that. 

“Elain,” She replied, wincing at the rawness with which she spoke. She cleared her throat, trying again. “I am Elain.” 

Azriel nodded. 

“Did Feyre send you?” 

A shake of his head. 

“Rhysand?” 

Another. 

Elain frowned. “Then why are you here?” 

Azriel’s lips twitched faintly. “Should I not be?” 

Elain straightened, ignoring the ache in her muscles. Maybe it had been a poor decision to forgo the lush bed in favor of rotting in the chair. “I did not say that. I simply mean if you’re not here to escort me around Velaris or pester me into eating dinner, then why did you come?” 

She watched Azriel’s brow furrow as he considered her question, hands clasped together in front of him. “Is that what you need?” 

“I’m sorry?” 

“Is that what you need right now?” Azriel wondered softly, hair brushing across his forehead as he leaned forward. “Do you need someone to escort you around Velaris or pester you into eating?” 

He had been the only one to ask. In the days that Elain had been visited by Feyre, Rhysand, and Nesta, they had suggested, begged, and at times implored. None of them had stopped to consider her, ask her, what she needed. Not until now. 

“No,” Elain decided firmly, shoulders relaxing just a little. “No, that’s not what I need.” 

“What do you need then, Elain?” 

She swallowed, eyes flickering between the window and his patient face. “This life is… new to me. Everything around me is different. I am different.” From her new body to Feyre’s found family to the modern clothing neatly stacked in drawers and filling her closet, everything was foreign.

“Is different troubling?” Azriel asked cautiously. 

Elain shrugged. “It doesn’t have to be.” 

Azriel nodded, his mask of indifference falling ever so slightly at the forlorn look on her face. “You didn’t deserve any of this, Elain. I truly am sorry.” 

A sigh fell from her lips the same moment a tear slid down her cheek. She lacked the energy to brush it away. “I will adapt. I think I just need time. And perhaps something…familiar.” 

Azriel understood this, perhaps more than anyone. He’d been an outcast his entire life. Sometimes he still struggled to make peace with it, to figure out his place in this extraordinary world when he himself was ordinary. 

He stood then, offering Elain a gentle smile as she tracked his movements. He motioned to the side table, offering, “It’s there if you’d like it.” 

She turned, eyes widening at the teapot and cup situated on a pale blue tray with a single red rose positioned in a crystal vase. Her breath hitched slightly. 

Azriel made for the door, not wanting Elain to feel suffocated. But something like pride swelled in his chest at her response to his approach. She’d spoken, asserted her needs. And the most shocking part of it all? She’d done that with him. 

“Azriel.” He paused by the threshold, turning. Elain stood from the chair, fingers twiddling with the flower she’d plucked out of the glass. Her eyes were clearer, voice stronger as she said, “Thank you.” 

Azriel dipped his chin and casually closed the door, but not before answering, “I thought you’d appreciate something familiar.”

Artwork by @chachachai17: Here

Not bad, certainly not perfect, but…okay. 

She had known wealth, financial security, and stability, courtesy of her Papa’s occupation as a merchant. His craftsmanship was both admired and coveted, and many would pay a pretty coin to inherit ownership of one of his finer gadgets or trinkets. 

She had known etiquette classes, fine dining lessons, and galas, and while neither of those things had particularly interested her, rather were forced upon her by her persistent Mama, Elain still recognized the need to be thankful for the experiences that many were not fortunate to have. 

And she had known a warm house, a full belly, and the embrace of her sisters. She had shelter, delicious food, and while she and her sisters could not have been any different, there still had been a time where their relationship was strong, solid. They were not only sisters, but friends. 

But after Mama’s long battle and eventual death brought on by pneumonia, things began to take a turn for the worse. Papa had become a shell of himself, incapable of mustering up the energy to continue creating and selling his knicknacks. Instead of passing the time in his woodshop, slumping in a rickety chair by the fireplace had seemingly become his favorite pastime. Her older sister Nesta took notice of this, and had become colder, crueler, and resorted to neglecting her own responsibilities as a way to hopefully motivate Papa to get up and do something. 

It didn’t work. 

And with Feyre, Elain knew some part of her younger sister hoped that Nesta’s plan would work, but it ended up being wishful thinking. One day, Feyre had traipsed out to the woods in the dead of winter with a makeshift bow and arrow, and had arrived home with enough deer meat to last them a full week. From that day forward, whether she wanted to or not, Feyre had become the sole provider and head of the Archeron household at just fourteen years old. 

And that left Elain, stuck right in the middle of wanting to be helpful, useful even, but not knowing how. Mama had only trained her to be demure, sweet, to depend on others. She’d never been taught how to contribute otherwise, to seek independence and make her own decisions. Elain was conditioned to hide in the shadows undisturbed, lest she become a burden to her family. 

Her life had plummeted straight to hell when Papa died a few years later, and when Feyre had gone missing amongst the fae and beasts in a land named Prythian shortly after. Elain had many sleepless nights after Feyre’s disappearance, wondering how a mere human could possibly survive in a land filled with monsters and magic.

They had been warned about Prythian from an early age, the dangers that awaited any woman or female who set foot on the soil. Though it was becoming more modern with each passing day, they were still viewed as accessories, property even. And Elain had found herself vomiting into a bin every so often, thinking about her sister possibly being subjected to that fate. All she wanted was for Feyre to be home in the Human Lands, safe and sound. 

After months of silence, Elain’s hope of seeing Feyre again had dwindled, but never fully abandoned her. She’d lost her parents, and now potentially her sister, even though she knew her younger sister was resourceful enough to survive. Still, everyone that had ever taken care of her had been torn away, almost everyone that she’d ever loved. So Elain did what she had been raised–groomed–to do. 

She sought out a husband. 

Soft smiles, delicate laughs, and the intermittent fluttering of dark lashes had soon enough landed Elain a marriage proposal from none other than Lord Graysen, three weeks after their initial courting.. He was the most desired bachelor, and he wanted her. No matter how she felt about their engagement, Elain was pleased that she could at least procure a future for herself, and perhaps Nesta, too.

But as quickly as she had secured her future, it was ripped right out from underneath her. A choice made had then become a choice stolen. 

In the middle of the night sometime in the beginning of May, Elain had been kidnapped from her own home. She had been bound, gagged, and blindfolded when her knees roughly scraped against marble floor, unaware of where she could have been taken or who her captors could have been. When the restraints were removed, Elain noticed three things. 

She was nowhere near her village. 

Nesta had been kidnapped alongside her. 

And Feyre was alive. Different, with pointed ears, inked forearms, and an otherworldly glow, but alive. 

And then Elain hit rock bottom. 

She hadn’t been aware of what was transpiring in the room, not understanding the panic in Feyre’s voice or the fear on her nearest companion’s face, a Fae male with onyx hair and deep purple eyes. 

And then she was being dragged across the floor by her hair and tossed into what appeared to be a ginormous black cauldron. It was then she could empathize with Feyre’s panic and the stranger’s fear, because those same feelings were coursing through her veins. 

Elain had tried to scream, tried to claw her way out of the freezing water, but her limbs had stopped flailing as she was forcefully shoved underneath the water, held there, unable to stop the liquid from filling her lungs.

Five excruciating minutes later, Elain was dumped onto the floor of the hall, and from the devastated look on Feyre’s face to the sharp inhale from Nesta, Elain knew that whatever had been done to her had been irreparable. 

It hadn’t taken much convincing for Elain to agree to move in with Feyre’s new family and friends, because there was no convincing at all. 

From the moment Elain had been cast out of the cauldron and forced to witness Nesta’s transformation, she’d gone mute. Whereas her older sister was combative, throwing sneers and muttering curses at everyone who just wanted to help, Elain had not uttered a single word, had not looked at anyone for longer than a fleeting second. Not even Feyre, who had whispered tearful apologies as she tied a piece of black cloth with mountains and stars around Elain’s wrist, promising to explain everything later. 

The only things that had captured Elain’s attention for longer than a second were a trimmed rose bush outside of the home she was currently in, and a blue and white porcelain teapot situated on a rectangular table. She’d admired the rose bush and longingly traced a finger over the pot. 

The house she’d been transported to belonged to the male with the stunning violet eyes. Rhysand was his name, and he was both Feyre’s husband and the feared Lord of House Night, one of seven Houses in Prythian. Elain was sure someone had tried to explain what that meant, but had given up once they noticed the blank stare on her face. 

Feyre had attempted to introduce her to two females named Amren and Morrigan. But Elain had slipped into such a catatonic state that even Morrigan’s bubbly personality could not coax a smile to Elain’s lips. She had simply sat in pained silence, head somehow both empty and plagued with racing thoughts, before Feyre and Rhysand had escorted her to an unoccupied room on the second floor. 

Anything the Lord and Lady of the House had tried saying to her fell on deaf ears, for Elain had not acknowledged a single word. She only took a heavy step into the room, drenched silk nightgown clinging to her body, and shut the door. 

Once inside the room, Elain padded over to an armchair near the window, took a seat, and finally closed her eyes. 

She was oblivious to the lone shadow that would periodically slither under the door to watch her for the next few days.

Art by @chachachai17: Here

The rest of the skaters slowly trickled onto the ice for their own rehearsals. Kallias and Viviane gave them curt yet respectful nods. Cresseida and Varian of Summer wrapped them into hugs, wishing them luck on their performance as they skated off to the opposite end of the rink to practice their own number. Surprisingly, Lucien and Vassa were nowhere to be found. 

“Look baby,” Azriel gestured to the metal bleachers, grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. 

Elain followed his finger, eyes sparkling as she noticed her family and friends all gathered together. Feyre, Nyx, Rhys and Cassian with their hockey equipment, Nesta, Nuala, Cerridwen, even Miryam and Drakon, and Azriel’s mother. They had all come to show their support. 

Elain refused to let the brimming tears fall, lest she ruin her makeup and scramble to reapply. But she would run to them after the competition ended no matter the outcome and embrace them all in gratitude. 

Once warmups concluded, all of the duos skated off the ice and prepared to be summoned for their performance. As Azriel and Elain made their way to their designated waiting area, Elain spotted a figure slouching in the shadows. 

Vassa leaned against the wall closest to the exit, arms crossed over her chest, clad in simple gray leggings and a forest green sweater. Elain frowned, beelining for the lone skater. 

“Vassa?” 

The redhead froze, blue eyes wide. She scanned Elain from head to toe, but it wasn’t scrutinizing. Finally, Vassa dipped her chin. “Elain.” 

“What’s going on? Why aren’t you on the ice?” Elain wondered, voice filled with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. 

Vassa shrugged her shoulders. She was entirely too nonchalant. “I’m not competing. I withdrew this morning.”

Elain blinked owlishly. The words took a minute to register. “What? Why?” 

Vassa gave her a pointed look. “Aside from the fact Lucien lied about you dropping him from the competition, he also showed his true colors at Rita’s, and it was embarrassing to say the least. He’s not the skating partner I want, nor is he the kind of man I need. I respect both you and myself far too much to spend even one more moment in his presence.” Sheepishly, Vassa added, “I’m sorry for being so cruel to you. I took what Lucien said as truth without even considering your side of the story.” 

Elain sighed, chest squeezing at the apology she hadn’t expected. She felt bad for Vassa, truly. She’d been a pawn all along. “I can’t blame you entirely. He can be truly manipulative when he wants to be. I’m just sorry you got caught up in this mess.” 

“Me too. And look, I don’t expect any forgiveness,” Vassa said, lips twitching. “But I do hope you win it all.” 

Grinning, Elain surprised both Vassa and herself as she pulled the skater into a hug. Vassa clasped her tightly, and Elain realized Vassa may have needed a hug just as much as she did. 

The women exchanged goodbyes before Elain sauntered off to rejoin Azriel. He smiled softly at her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and kissing her head. “Winter goes first. Followed by Day, Spring, Dawn, Summer, and then us.” 

Elain nodded, her attention drawn toward the ice as Kallias and Viviane skated toward the center. Elain had always enjoyed Winter’s performances, and she was excited to see the passion Viviane could pull out of Kallias, whose features were normally tight and controlled. 

Winter had performed as well as to be expected. Their skating was fluid, turns crisp, and choreography emotional. Elain did not envy the Day skaters one bit as they were set to follow the Winter duo. 

Cyrus and Zaria had never seen the podium in their six years of skating together, and this year would be no different. The Day skaters struggled with timing their spins, and their choreography was dull. Elain also had the inkling they did not get along both on and off the ice. 

Aviva and Attwell of Spring were the youngest performers, both shy of nineteen years old. For only being partners for two years, they showed immense potential in the world of ice dance. Their performance was strong and lively, and their costumes were a stunning emerald green. They’d be memorable amongst the judges. 

Dawn’s skaters Jemuel and Austra had improved over the last year, but like Cyrus and Zaria, would most likely not stand atop the podium. Jemuel had lost his footing during one of the lifts, and Austra had tumbled to the ice because of it. Even with the mishap, the pair finished their number with dazzling smiles. 

Cresseida and Varian had put on a spectacular number, to no one’s surprise. Their movements were light yet powerful. Their choreography was always so expressive, and it didn’t shock anyone to find them singing along to their lyrics. They were truly born to be ice dancers, and if Elain had to lose to anyone, she wouldn’t be upset if she lost to the Summer skating duo. 

As soon as the ice had been freshly cleaned and prepped, Elain and Azriel were called for the final performance. With their hands clasped tightly, matching bracelets hanging off their wrists, the duo skated toward center ice, grinning at the excited cheers coming from their friends and family. Before assuming their position, Azriel pressed a gentle kiss on Elain’s forehead and whispered, “This is your moment, sweetheart. You’ve worked so hard for it. No matter what happens, I’ve got you, El. Always.” 

Elain winked, no trace of the once timid, uncertain ice dancer to be seen. The woman standing on the ice was self assured, confident in her abilities, and simply here to have fun. Everything Azriel had taught her came rushing back, gratitude swelling in her chest. Elain said in an equally hushed tone, “Let’s do our thing, honey.” 

Months of practice had led up to this moment, and when the music sounded throughout the rink, the pair skated their hearts out one last time. They blocked out every sound that wasn’t their chosen song, focusing their attention solely on each other as they danced expertly around the ice.

And Elain could feel it. With new music, a new partner, and a new outlook on life, Elain concluded with each spin, each lift, they were giving the performance of a lifetime. 

The duo hadn’t faltered, not once. Every turn was crisp, sharp, and every lift was executed just as well as they’d done in practice. There was no fear, no apprehension. Just undiluted passion and trust that even the audience could feel. The pair became the music, letting it settle into their bones, wide grins stretching across their faces because they knew this performance was it. 

And when the music had ended, cheers erupting from the crowd, Azriel scooped Elain into his arms and clutched her tightly to his chest. He felt the vibration of her laughter, her absolute joy, and fuck it if it was inappropriate, but he set her down on the ice and caught her lips in a celebratory kiss. There was no hesitation as she kissed him back. 

They skated off the ice hand in hand, embracing once more as they took up a seat and awaited the final scores. Together on the bench, Elain leaned her head on Azriel’s shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her, taking a swig of water with his free hand before offering it to her. 

And when the final scores were announced, Elain had fallen to her knees, body shaking with the force of her tears. 

Because they had won. 

For the first time in all her years of skating, Elain had finally won. 

Azriel lifted her from the floor, hands cradling her wet cheeks. They said nothing for a moment, awestruck by the sheer fact that all of their hard work had paid off in the sweetest way. Cresseida and Varian had placed second, with Kallias and Viviane following at third. 

But they had won. 

“We did it,” Elain rasped, eyes rapidly blinking away the onslaught of fresh tears. “We did it.” 

“I’m so fucking proud of you, baby,” Azriel answered, pecking the top of her head, her cheek, her nose. “I’m so fucking proud of you.” 

The feeling of a gold medallion being fastened around her neck was another feeling entirely. Atop the podium, Elain’s beam became almost painful. Cheers erupted from her family when the medal was finally placed around her neck, and this time Elain didn’t move to brush away the tears. 

Her sisters had been the first ones to wrap her up in a tight hug, the first of many they would share now that their relationship was healing. Miryam and Drakon had kissed her cheeks excitedly, and Naomia’s eyes shone with pride as she squeezed Elain gently, whispering praise only for her to hear. 

Nuala and Cerridwen had taken turns crushing her in a hug, Cassian had swung Elain around multiple times, and a smacking kiss was placed on her forehead from Rhys. The best kiss came from Nyx though, sloppy and full of giggles. 

Elain glanced between Cassian, Rhys, and Azriel, grinning. “It’s your time to shine now.”

There was a fifteen minute break between the end of the competition and the beginning of the championship hockey game in order to prep the ice. Elain had used that time to quickly change into something more comfortable. She had surprised Azriel right before he took to the ice for a quick warm up, his eyes twinkling as he ran his gaze over her figure and grinned appreciatively at her choice of attire. 

His alternate Velaris Ice Warriors hockey jersey. 

She must have snagged it from his wardrobe this morning and stuffed it in her training bag before they’d left. It swallowed her lithe frame, and seeing her adorn his number so confidently caused something possessive to flood his veins. Azriel’s arm snaked around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest, and brushed his mouth over her ear. 

“When we win this game, I am taking you home. And when we get home, I am going to fuck you. And the only thing I want you to wear is that jersey.” 

Elain’s cheeks flamed as Azriel pressed a bruising kiss to her mouth, shot her a devilish wink, and hurried out onto the ice. She recovered with a shake of her head, cupping her hands around her mouth before shouting, “Good luck!” 

She joined the rest of her family on the bleachers, nestling between her sisters. Feyre and Nyx were covered head to toe in purple in support of Rhys, and Nesta, to Elain’s utter surprise, wore an oversized jacket with Cassian’s hockey number etched onto the sleeves.

Elain stifled her laugh behind a hand. “Nesta?” 

Her older sister scowled, chin resting on a closed fist. “Do not even fucking ask.” 

Feyre snickered, bouncing a babbling Nyx on her thigh. “She lost a bet. Cassian, naturally, is very smug about it.” 

Something easy settled into Elain’s chest as she laughed and chatted amicably with her sisters. But the conversation abruptly ended when both teams met at center ice. It surprised no one that the Velaris Ice Warriors faced off against the Oakland Bloodhounds for another championship title. 

Elain had been on the edge of her seat for the full two hours. Azriel had taken some time over the last few days to teach her a bit more about the sport so she could properly understand the game. Feyre cheered loudly anytime Rhys did…well, anything, and Nesta tried to look disinterested, but Elain tracked her sister’s eye movement and came to the realization she had been watching Cassian’s every move. He was the most physical player on their team, and Elain tried not to grin at Nesta’s lips twitching when Cassian got a little too rough on the ice. 

She had no room to poke fun at her sister, because with ten minutes left in the third period, the Ice Warriors leading the Bloodhounds 3-1, Azriel had found himself in a scrum with Eris. Gloves were tossed, helmets were ripped off, and fists were flying. They had each gotten a few hits in, but naturally Azriel came out victorious, with only a drop of blood on the corner of his lip. He had made sure to find Elain in the crowd as he was escorted to the penalty box, shooting her a wink and a wolfish grin. 

Elain had understood Nesta’s reaction to Cassian fighting perfectly, because seeing a feral side of Azriel had heat shooting straight to her core. She couldn’t wait to get home. 

As the final buzzer sounded off, cheers erupted from the stadium as the Velaris Ice Warriors secured another championship, beating the Oakland Bloodhounds by a final score of 4-2. Feyre had thrown herself and Nyx into Rhys’s waiting arms as confetti rained down around them. Elain had clutched Azriel’s body to hers, absorbing his joyous laughter, and Nesta had shocked them all by planting a firm kiss straight on Cassian’s mouth. No one was more surprised than he was. 

As the rink finally cleared out thirty minutes post game, Elain waited patiently by the front door for Azriel to exit the locker room, gold medallion still dangling from around her neck. A few minutes later, Azriel approached her with wet hair, a wide grin, and a matching medallion clasped around him, too. 

He dropped his hockey bag by their feet, sliding his arms around Elain’s waist and bending down to kiss her softly. Her arms snaked around his neck, twirling the damp strands of hair around her fingers. 

“Hi Champ,” She breathed, lips lifting at the corners as she smiled tenderly.

“Hey Champ,” Azriel repeated, nuzzling his nose against hers. “We really did it, huh?” 

Elain nodded, eyes shining with unshed tears. Oh, how both of them had trained and fought so hard for the chance to celebrate these moments. Pride swelled in her chest. “We did it, Azriel. We really did it.” 

Elain wondered how long it would feel surreal. Would she still be in awe a week after now? Months? Years, perhaps? She wasn’t sure, but if Elain knew one thing, she knew she wanted to embrace this moment, this joy, because she had earned it. Every last bit of it. 

Elain grasped his hand in hers, and together they made their way out of the Snowspell Ice Rink. They’d just reached Azriel’s car as he said playfully, “So, Champ, what do you plan on doing with the money we’ve won? It’ll be awarded to us by the end of the week. Got any ideas?”

Across the parking lot, Elain’s eyes zeroed in on a small girl from Summer around the same age she had been when she skated for the first time all those years ago. When the girl finished tying her skates, she glanced upward, locking her gaze on Elain. The girl had offered a timid smile, and Elain threw a comforting one right back. 

A few cars over, a teenage girl was sulking to her mother about the lack of skating rinks in Dawn Court, and how much of a hassle it was to continuously drive to Winter for skating lessons. 

And just a few feet away, another small girl from Night proclaimed to her father that she, too, would win a skating medal one day. She just needed a place to practice. 

With tears in her eyes and hope blooming in her chest, Elain realized that Prythian could indeed use more ice rinks. And by the look of recognition displayed on Azriel’s face, he knew right there what Elain planned to do. 

But for now, Elain simply turned to Azriel and with the gentlest smile he had ever beheld, she promised, “I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.” 

Artwork for the chapter by @chachachai17: Here

Elain had tried to drag the surprise out of him at first, even going as far as to entice him with her mouth around his cock earlier that morning, but he’d held firm and kept his lips sealed. She’d worked incredibly hard over the last two months, and he wanted to give her a chance to truly relax away from all the pre-competition commotion. She deserved it more than anyone. 

As Azriel pulled up to the small resort and parked in the designated lot, he glanced at Elain from the corner of his eyes. Her face morphed into one of recognition, a gasp slipping past her lips. “Shut up.” 

His mouth twitched. “I didn’t say anything.”

Elain’s head whipped toward him, a dazzling smile on display. “The Sun Valley Springs?” 

The hot springs and steamed pools were staples in the Day Region, and quite possibly one of the most luxurious attractions in all of Prythian. It was the perfect weekend getaway, especially for an athlete who sought requiescence.   

Elain launched out of the car just as Azriel cut the engine, running around the hood to fling herself into his waiting arms. Her laughter vibrated throughout his body, her kisses on his face loud and smacking. “You are spoiling me, Azriel. Really, you didn’t need to do all of this.” 

He set her down gently on the gravel, ghosting his lips over hers. “What did I tell you? I want to do these things for you. You deserve it all, Elain. I’m going to give it to you.” 

She kissed him hard, tongue snaking into his mouth. Their kiss was heated and would have led to other raunchy activities, but a throat clearing behind them forced the couple to pull away, cheeks flamed. 

Elain shot a sheepish look toward the woman, whose features were screwed up in a teasing manner. Her accent was thick as she said, “That’s what the bungalows are for.” 

Azriel huffed a laugh, sliding an arm around Elain’s waist. “Alba, this is my beautiful woman, Elain. Elain, this Alba Sol. She’s the manager of the resort here. And she’s cousins with Helion, goaltender for the Sun Valley Scorpions hockey team.” 

Elain extended a hand. “A pleasure, Alba.” 

Alba winked. “Likewise. Now come, let me show you around.”

Later that night, Azriel and Elain made their way to the hot springs hand in hand, plastic glasses dangling from Elain’s free hand and a bottle of wine clasped in Azriel’s. They had changed into swimwear shortly after a hearty dinner with exquisite Day Region delicacies, now seeking some time to wind down in the warm water near their bungalow and enjoy each other’s company in quiet solitude. 

Together they descended into the water, letting the heat seep into their muscles and soothe the aches from the last few days of practice. As Elain swept her golden hair atop her head, a few stray wet curls framing her face, Azriel popped the wine and poured two generous glasses. 

“Are you nervous?” Azriel asked softly, passing a glass to Elain. He didn’t need to elaborate further on his question. There was only one thing he could have been referring to. 

Elain sipped the wine, sweet and thankfully not too dry. A small crease formed between her brows as she considered his question. “No, not really. I don’t have a reason to be. There’s no…pressure. As much as it would be nice to finally win, it doesn’t feel like a do or die situation anymore.” She licked her lips, savoring the flavor. Her features softened. “It’s freeing. Knowing that in a few days I’ll be stepping on the ice for me. No one else. And whatever happens at the end of all this, I can skate off that ice knowing I gave this sport every damn piece of my heart and soul, and I did it with the best skating partner in all of Prythian.” 

Azriel’s cheeks warmed, sipping his own taste of wine. Elain chuckled at the color blooming beneath his skin. “I know I’ve said it a thousand times, but expect me to say it a thousand more. I am so proud of you, Elain. I’ve always believed in you, but watching you start to believe in yourself was one of the most special moments I could ever witness.” Azriel blew out a breath, liquid swirling in the glass. “You have no idea how grateful I am that you showed up on my doorstep that night and asked me to be your partner. It was the easiest yes I’ve ever given.” 

Elain smiled faintly, recalling the memory all those nights ago when she had marched to Azriel’s home with determination coursing through her veins. She hadn’t even thought about what would've happened had he said no. But she was glad she never had to find out.

The couple sat in content silence for a while, only accompanied by the sound of sloshing water and a soft breeze. From across the pool, Elain stared longingly at Azriel, whose gaze was tilted upward toward the inky sky, eyes flicking between the stars. She’d never seen him as peaceful as he was now. 

He looked ethereal under the glow of the moon. High cheekbones, sharp nose, strong jaw. Water droplets slid down his neck, his chest, giving the illusion that his tattoos were somehow a shade darker than black. Elain watched his throat bob with each sip and swallow of the wine, and when he observed her surveying him and offered a gentle upward tilt of his lips, she decided right then and there exactly how she wanted to spend the rest of their night. 

Steadily, Elain stood, the water splashing against her navel. Azriel watched her movement, his pupils dilating at the sheer beauty of her. And then with nimble fingers, Elain reached a hand behind her back and untied her bathing suit top, never breaking eye contact as she set it on the edge of the pool. The slight breeze in the air grazed over her exposed breasts, nipples tightening at the soft caress. 

Elain watched Azriel’s teeth capture his lip, grip tightening on his wine glass, as she reached beneath the water, tugged off her bathing suit bottoms, and dropped them beside her top. There she stood, naked in the middle of the hot springs, with the steam wafting around her like shadows. 

Azriel’s voice was thick as he drank in every feminine curve of her body. “Elain.” 

She drifted toward him until she was close enough to settle in his lap, one hand wrapped around the back of his neck. Instinctively, Azriel spread his legs wider, grunting softly as her flesh settled over the tent in his shorts. She rocked her hips against him, eliciting a moan from his lips. “Sweetheart.” 

Elain’s fingertips grazed the band of his swim trunks. She brought her mouth down to his ear, making sure her breasts were firmly pressed against his chest and murmured, “I want these off.” 

The speed at which Azriel removed his swim trunks would have been comical had he not been so painfully hard and desperate for her. He practically threw the shorts onto the pile of wet clothing at the opposite end of the pool. Completely bare in the water, scarred hands skimming the skin of her hips, the underside of her breasts, Azriel gazed at Elain and asked, “Now what?” 

Her eyelids fluttered as his thumbs rolled over her taut nipples. Under the water, she wrapped her free hand around his cock, pumping him once, twice. With the same gentle breath, she whispered, “I want you to make love to me.” 

Azriel stiffened, eyes snapping up to her face. 

Her expression was open. 

Honest.

Fearless.

“Say that again,” He begged, hands cradling her face earnestly. Beneath his chest, his heart thumped erratically at the prospect of claiming Elain in the most intimate way fathomable. 

“I want you to make love to me, Azriel,” Elain repeated, the words a ghost touch over his skin. Her brown eyes glimmered and whether it was from unshed tears or the moonlight, Azriel couldn’t be sure. But they were bright, beautiful, and trusting. “Right here in the water, under the moon and the stars in the sky.” 

Azriel’s blood thrummed. His palms went to her waist again, keeping her in place as his eyes continued to scan her face. No signs of hesitation were present, but he needed to be positive. “Are you sure, Elain?” 

She dipped her chin, pressing a tender kiss to his mouth. “I’ve never been more sure of anything. I want you and I want this and I want it right here.” 

Something cracked wide open in Azriel’s chest at the conviction in her voice, the undeniable truth in her words. 

She wanted him. 

She was ready to take that final step with him. 

His heart constricted. 

Azriel surged forward then, capturing Elain’s lips in a crushing kiss. She kissed him back just as fiercely, matching each stroke of his tongue. Elain clutched his shoulders as his mouth deviated from her lips to her neck, lapping up the water droplets on her skin before using his teeth to bruise and nip and claim.

When his fingers found her clit and rubbed deliberately lazy circles, she bucked against his hand until his fingers sunk into her. Elain moaned into the night sky, nails digging into Azriel’s tan skin. 

“Please…” 

“Please what?” Azriel taunted, cock twitching at the way her cunt fluttered around his fingers. When his thumb grazed her clit again, Elain’s thighs quivered beneath the water. 

“Oh, shit–.” 

Azriel’s lips twitched, fingers fucking into her faster until she was writhing in his lap. “You’re always so beautiful,” He began, clasping the nape of her neck until her eyes were pinned to his. “But you look fucking exquisite right before you come.” 

To Azriel’s surprise, Elain paused his ministrations by snatching his wrist, chest heaving as she caught her breath. “Wait!” 

He stopped abruptly, withdrawing his fingers. Concern etched itself into his features, eyes roaming over her body. “Are you alright? Did I hurt you?” 

Elain shook her head, eyes blown wide as she sucked in a breath. “No. I–no. I uh,” Elain swallowed, a sheepish smile playing on her lips, fingers twirling the ends of his ebony hair. “I just…want to come together.” 

Azriel blew out a relieved breath, connecting their lips slower this time. Elain smiled into the kiss, caressing his cheeks and neck as he used his hands to drag her across his cock, groaning at the arousal covering his length.  

“Tonight is about you, baby,” Azriel said sincerely, dusting kisses along her collarbones. “You tell me what you need and I will give it to you.” 

This time, Azriel was sure the shine in her eyes was brought on by tears. Elain nodded, hastily brushing a tear from her cheek before wrapping her arms around his neck. “I want you just like this,” She proclaimed, resting her forehead against his own. “Just like this.” 

Azriel fisted his cock beneath the water, lining himself up with her entrance. His eyes flickered toward hers. “I want this to be so good for you, Elain. If you’re hurt or want to stop, we stop.” 

Elain nudged her nose against his. “I trust you, Azriel. Nothing in the world could ever make me want to stop.” 

Elain reached under the water, taking his cock in her own hand, at her own pace. With her eyes locked on his, she offered him an easy smile as she slowly sank down until he was fully sheathed inside her, pussy clenching as he filled her.  

They sat there together, unmoving, letting Elain adjust to the new feeling. Azriel assessed her face, but no signs of pain were present. Warm brown eyes were glazed, pink mouth hung open in unadulterated bliss. 

Slowly, Elain lifted her hips, whimpered at the guttural sound that erupted from Azriel’s throat, and filled herself once more. Azriel’s fingers gripped the edge of the hot springs pool, only sheer willpower holding him back from fucking up into her. 

“Fuck, you’re perfect,” Azriel grit out, groaning when Elain surprised him by circling her hips. He let her take what she needed, enthralled by the way her breasts bounced each time she fucked herself down on his cock. He reached out to cup them, thumbs pinching and soothing her nipples. 

“You feel so good,” Elain’s moan was loud, unashamed. Nails bit into his shoulders, scratched at his toned chest, and she knew he’d wear the marks proudly. Her cunt throbbed with each gyration, whining softly when her clit rubbed against the coarse patch of hair at the base of his cock. 

“Look at you, Elain,” Azriel murmured, brushing the stray hair that had fallen loose from her updo. He wanted to see every detail of her face. The scrunch of her brows, her lustful gaze, every piece of her that had succumbed to pleasure. “Look how well you’re taking me. Fucking yourself on my cock like you own it. You do, sweetheart. Every part of me.” 

The flush to her cheeks was noticeable even in the dark of the night, and Azriel smirked at the realization that he could rile her up so easily. “You like being praised, don’t you baby? Like hearing how good you are for me?” 

“Y-yes,” Elain sputtered, circling her hips almost frantically with each compliment that rolled off his tongue. “Shit, yes.” 

“Absolutely perfect,” Azriel breathed, hand snaking between her thighs. His thumb pressed against her clit, and she cried out, clutching at his skin. 

“You said you’d give me anything,” Elain mewled, hands moving from his chest to clasp her own breasts. She bounced faster, revealing in the way her pussy stretched to accommodate the size of him. He felt better than anything she could have conjured up in her mind. 

“I did,” Azriel confirmed, eyes so dark they might as well have been black. “And I meant it. Every damn word.” 

Elain bit her lip, smiling coyly. “Then give me more.” 

Accepting the challenge, Azriel bucked his hips upward, testing the waters, delighted by the broken moan that fell from her lips. He did it again and again, still applying sweet pressure to her clit until he felt the familiar tremors in her thighs, the clench of his own abdomen. 

“I want to come,” Elain whispered, mouth falling open at a particularly deep thrust of his cock. “I want to come with you, Azriel.” 

“Anything baby,” He grunted, tugging her close against his chest. Elain’s arms wound around his neck again, the feeling of being safe and loved overwhelming. 

Elain’s head whipped back as her orgasm hit, and Azriel’s arms tightened around her body as he pumped himself into her until his own orgasm subsided. Clinging to each other in the warmth of the hot springs, they kissed gently, tongues exploring lazily, until calmness settled deep in their chests. 

And then Elain felt herself being lifted from the pool, legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. Azriel carried her carefully across the small bridge that led to their bungalow, closed the door with his foot, and tenderly laid her on the bed. 

Elain propped herself up on her elbows, a pretty flush to her cheeks. “Az?” 

His eyes darkened to near black as he crawled on top of her, using a hand to pin both of Elain’s above her head. Her shallow, anticipatory breaths hit his cheeks as he leaned down to whisper, “I'm not finished with you, yet.” 

Elain’s drawn out moan filled the once silent bungalow as Azriel slid himself inside her again, this time softer, gentler. Her legs locked around his hips, pressing him impossibly deeper into her body. 

Azriel’s movements were slow, intentional. He rotated between dusting featherlight kisses across her skin and gazing into her tearful eyes as they made love together. 

A rogue tear slid down her cheek, and Azriel smiled warmly as he used a thumb to brush it from her face. “Sweetheart?” 

Elain sighed. “I’m so happy,” she whispered, maneuvering a hand out of Azriel’s grip to delicately cup his cheek. “I’m so happy with you.” 

Azriel felt a slight sting in his own eyes but did his best to focus on Elain, her pleasure. But the joy Elain felt was burrowed into his own heart. There was never a time, never a moment, when he was happier than right here with her. This night, this woman, meant everything to him. 

And Azriel and Elain knew, even if it was too early to say it, that love had bloomed between them. Gentle, undeniable, unbreakable love. And no matter the outcome of the competition, Elain would sleep peacefully the next few nights knowing Azriel would always be in her corner. 

Win or lose, he was in it for the long haul. 

And she loved him even more fiercely because of that. 

ART FOR THE CHAPTER BY @chachachai17: Here

Azriel’s laughter was loud and boisterous as he shook his head and craned his neck to peck Elain’s cheek. They needed to be at the Snowspell rink in a little over an hour for one of their last practices before the competition, but this surprise simply couldn’t wait. Azriel silently hoped it wouldn’t freak Elain out too much. 

“I’m going to remove my hands, but don’t open your eyes yet. Okay, here we go. One…two…three.” 

Elain’s eyes fluttered open, letting them adjust to the brightness, and inhaled sharply. She was on a cobblestone pathway that led up to a quaint cottage, surrounded by dozens of rose bushes in various colors. She caught a glimpse of the vast lawn in the back of the property, large trees, even more flowers, and metal archways placed strategically along the grass. It was something out of every gardener's dream. 

Elain blinked. “What… is this place?” 

Sheepishly, Azriel clasped Elain’s hands in his, holding them to his chest. His heart thumped rapidly beneath his sternum, cheeks as pink as the rose bush near their feet. In a timid voice, he answered, “This is Rosehall. It’s where my mother lives.” 

Elain’s heart fell into her stomach, eyes wide and round. She sputtered, “Your mother? Az, we’re–I–we haven’t even been together that long.” 

“I know,” He said simply, dusting a kiss along her knuckles. “I just wanted the two most important women in my life to meet. Forgive me for jumping the gun a bit, but I’ve dreamed of this moment far longer than I’m ready to admit.” 

There was nothing to forgive. Would a hint have eased her nerves? Probably. But Azriel’s eyes were filled with so much love, so much hope, that she couldn’t find it in her heart to be mad at him. 

“I don’t know if she’ll like me,” Elain whispered, voice watery as she blinked back tears, confessing a fear she didn’t even know she had until now. Her lip wobbled. “I–I haven’t had the best luck with mothers.”

A featherlight kiss silenced her. Strong arms wrapped around her body, and Elain melted into him. Melted into her safe space where nothing could harm or hurt her. Where she was cherished and protected and loved.

“My mother is nothing like yours, sweetheart. Nothing . I promise. She is very excited to meet you Elain, and she does have a surprise of her own for you. But if you would rather go home, we’ll leave right now and come back another time. The last thing I want is for you to feel uncomfortable.” 

Elain blew out a breath. 

She could do this. 

She could do this. 

Gripping Azriel’s hand, Elain allowed him to lead her inside the cozy cottage. The interior was decorated in various shades of green and brown, the white accents tying everything together for a welcoming, serene feeling. Plants lined windowsills and hung from ceilings, and a small fire crackled in the hearth. As they stepped further into the house, she was met with a plethora of different smells: a roast, something citrus, freshly baked bread, and lavender and waterlily. Probably a scented oil or spray.  

“Mother?” Azriel called out, head swiveling around the living space in search of her.  “We’re here.” 

A tiny woman who looked almost identical to Azriel, save for the scar that slashed through the corner of her mouth, rounded the corner of the kitchen. Her hazel eyes sparkled when she spotted Azriel, and Elain could feel the love she had for her gentle giant of a son. 

“Darling,” His mother greeted, pulling Azriel into a hug before patting his cheeks. Large and masculine as he was, he appeared quite charming and boyish before the older woman. They stared at each other, such fondness evident on their expressions. “It’s good to see you again, my boy.”   

Azriel dipped his chin. “My apologies for not calling as frequently, Mother. Life has been quite busy, to say the least.” 

Naomia’s lips twitched in amusement, gaze now focusing on Elain who stiffened imperceptibly, heart thundering. “Has it now?” 

The color on Azriel’s cheeks deepened as he glanced between the two women, a hand on Elain’s lower back as he guided her a tiny step forward. “Mother, this Elain Archeron. Elain, this is my mother Naomia.” 

Elain swallowed before offering a shy smile, hand outstretched. “It’s so nice to meet you, Naomia. Your home is lovely. I’m a big fan of the rose bushes.”

Something in Naomia’s face softened as she reached for Elain, ignoring her palm and opting to pull Elain in for a gentle squeeze. The weight lifted from Elain’s shoulders as she graciously accepted and returned the embrace. “You’re even more beautiful than my son described, and he waxed poetic about you, darling. It’s so good to meet you. Can I offer you something to drink? Water? Tea? Something stronger?” 

“Tea would be perfect, thank you.” 

Naomia took Elain’s hand then, showing her the way to the kitchen. Azriel followed silently, a calmness settling over him as he watched the two women who held his heart take their seats at the circular dining table. 

Azriel observed from the doorway, a hint of a smile gracing his lips as Elain visibly relaxed when Naomia served the roast. They chatted amicably, conversation flowing seamlessly between new recipes, flower arrangements, Naomia’s job as a seamstress, Elain’s ice dancing journey, and happier childhood memories. 

After lunch, Naomia led Elain through a tour of her garden, the older woman linking their arms together and she prattled on about the numerous florals. Elain’s doe eyes were big with wonder as she fiddled with flower petals, ran her fingers over tree bark. She shared the story of how she came to love gardening and Naomia listened intently, a trait Azriel most definitely acquired from his mother. He leaned against a tree as the two women took a seat on a wooden bench underneath one of the various archways. 

Visions of the future flitted behind his eyes. As much as Azriel loved hockey and was thrilled to be ice dancing again, he’d always longed for a quiet, simple life. A safe, loving home. A wife. Children if they chose to have them. Smiles and laughter that sounded better than any song. 

With Elain, he thought it may be possible after all. 

Azriel watched Naomia place her hand on top of Elain’s. She cleared her throat, face donning the same pink shade that had previously darkened his own cheeks. “Darling, I’d like to ask you something.” 

Elain encouraged her with a nod. 

His mother’s shyness was endearing. “I know the ice dance competition is coming up. And I’d like to do something kind for you, not just because you’ve made my son the happiest I’ve ever seen him, but because you deserve to know how infinite a mother’s love truly is.” 

Elain’s eyes watered. Naomia had been everything Elain wished her own Mama could have been. Kind. Tender. Selfless. Unconditional in her love. 

Naomia offered her hands a squeeze, mustering up the courage to say, “It would be an honor for me to create your competition attire, if you permit me to do so.” 

Elain gawked, hand flying to her mouth at the unexpected request. “Naomia, I could never ask you to do that.” 

The older woman simply smiled. “You didn’t ask, Elain. I offered. In fact, I insist .” 

Elain’s head swiveled to Azriel. No doubt this was the surprise he had mentioned in passing earlier before lunch. He folded his arms across his chest, throwing a wink in her direction. 

She turned back to Naomia, chewing her lip. “If it’s not too much trouble, I would love that very much,” Elain said, brushing the tears from her cheeks. Her heart felt like it could burst from her chest. “This means more to me than you’ll ever know. Thank you.” 

Naomia pulled Elain in for another embrace, this one more solid, more secure. When they untangled themselves, his mother kissed both of Elain’s cheeks. “You are family, Elain. My sweet daughter. I hope I can be the kind of mother you should have had growing up.” 

Azriel swallowed thickly, watching as Elain kissed his mother’s cheeks as she had done to her. He rubbed the spot on his chest where his heartbeat thrummed rapidly. 

“You’re already that and so much more,” Elain replied quietly, gently squeezing Naomia’s hands. 

As they prepared to leave for their practice, Elain promised the older woman that she’d stop by as often as possible, either for lunch or to sit peacefully in the garden together. Azriel stood back as the two women smiled and clasped each other tightly, the image forever tattooed in his mind.

Azriel kissed his mother goodbye, not missing the very un-subtle way Naomia pointed to her ring finger and mouthed, Marry her.  

He blushed profusely, snaking an arm around Elain’s waist as they made their way to his car. Azriel reached to open the passenger side door, but a hand paused him. Fresh tears welled up in Elain’s eyes. 

“Sweetheart?” 

Elain’s mouth found his, kissing him fiercely and without restraint. She pulled back, resting her forehead against his, a hand clasping the back of his neck. “Thank you.” 

He understood. 

Those two simple words were enough to show him just how grateful she was for today. Naomia had been everything Elain needed. And it warmed his heart to know just how much Elain already treasured his wonderful mother. 

Azriel cupped her cheeks, pecking the tip of her nose. “Always.”

ART FOR THE CHAPTER BY @chachachai17: Here

It was a Saturday afternoon, and Elain was feeling particularly cheerful, so much so that she invited her sisters over for lunch. The spread consisted of glazed grilled chicken, salad, and some fresh fruit. They eagerly agreed, grateful to be in a healthy place in their sisterhood where they could enjoy spending time together without Elain feeling shame or guilt. 

Color bloomed beneath Elain’s cheeks as she stabbed at her chicken, memories from two days ago wiggling their way to the forefront of her mind. She was thrilled the cupcakes had been a hit to Nesta’s young dancers, but all Elain could think about was the way Azriel had perched her on the counter and touched her in ways that set her body ablaze.

“So would Rhys,” Feyre confirmed with a nod, taking a bite of salad. Blue eyes sparkling, she confessed, “He loves those chocolate croissants you make. They are to die for. And I know Nyx will grow up to have the same sweet tooth his father does.” 

Elain thanked them with a nod of her head, guzzling down a few sips of ice water. It did nothing to quell the warmth pulsing through her body. An image of Azriel’s head between her thighs flashed in her mind, and her legs squeezed shut instinctually. She could almost feel the phantom touch of his tongue on her clit.

“Elain?” Feyre asked, head cocked in consideration. The youngest Archeron eyed her sister skeptically. “Are you okay? You’re a bit flushed.” 

Caught. 

Setting her fork upon her napkin, Elain fastened her hands together on the table and addressed her sisters, who looked a bit uneasy. “I have something to tell you.” 

Silence. 

She swallowed, eyes flicking between Nesta’s confused face and Feyre’s curious one. “I’m…seeing someone.” 

More silence, except for the gentle slurp from Nesta’s wine glass. 

Elain cleared her throat, sitting straighter in the chair. An easy smile graced her lips. “I’m seeing someone…officially.”

“Elain,” Nesta drawled, locking eyes with Feyre, who was trying and failing to hide a beam behind a tattooed hand. “Are you trying to say you have a boyfriend?” 

The term boyfriend felt almost too juvenile. What she felt for Azriel, and what she knew he felt in return for her, was so strong, so deep, that calling him ‘boyfriend’ felt a bit silly. He was so much more than that. 

But Elain nodded anyway, wincing as her sisters shrieked with joy. She and Azriel hadn’t yet talked about how they wanted to announce their relationship to their family, and she hoped he wouldn't mind if she took the lead on this. Not without teasing her sisters first, of course. 

“When? How? Who?” Feyre pressed, scarfing down the last few bites of her Cobb salad so Elain could have her full attention. 

“Details Elain,” Nesta said over the rim of her glass, a smirk pulling at her mouth. Knowing Nesta, she’d want to know every raunchy thing Elain and Azriel had gotten themselves into. “Details.” 

Elain shrugged and willed away the grin attempting to pull at her cheeks. “I don’t kiss and tell.” Oh, she was going to drive her sisters crazy . 

“Bullshit!” Nesta exclaimed, swallowing the last bit of wine and slamming down the glass. She stabbed at a stray piece of chicken on her plate, pointing it at her younger sister. “Just give us something. What’s he like?”

Slicing through another piece of chicken, Elain racked her brain for the perfect words. Azriel was the embodiment of everything lovely in the world. She found it difficult to limit herself to only describing him in a few words. “He’s thoughtful. Protective. Supportive. He’d do anything just to make sure I was happy.” The smile tugged at her lips then. 

Her Azriel. 

Her thoughtful, protective, supportive Azriel. He would have blushed at the compliments. 

“He seems wonderful, Elain. When exactly did this happen?” Feyre inquired, chin resting on her linked fingers. “You’ve always been so preoccupied with skating. We didn’t even know you were entertaining the idea of dating.” 

“I’ve changed a lot over the last few months,” Elain answered proudly, washing down her lunch with a few swallows of sweet wine. Feyre nodded her agreement. “We decided to make things official a few days ago.

“And are you going to tell us who it is?” Nesta pressed, eyebrows wagging knowingly. She was practically bursting out of her seat, knuckles gripping the edge of the table. 

Elain knew her sisters were expecting Azriel’s name to come out of her mouth. And she almost decided to put them out of their misery, but where was the fun in that? 

With a shrug as nonchalant as Azriel’s stoic face, Elain said to her sisters, “You don’t know him.” 

Feyre blinked owlishly, lips pursed. 

Nesta’s brows furrowed. 

Elain chewed her lip, reigning in her laughter. They were going to kill her. 

“What do you mean we don’t know him?” Nesta asked after exhaling a breath. “You’re not…with Azriel?” 

Elain shook her head. 

“Why the fuck not?” Nesta demanded, snatching the wine bottle to pour herself a generous glass. 

“Easy, Nes,” Feyre chided, tattooed hand resting on her older sister’s arm. Blue eyes turned to Elain. “What happened? I thought–we all thought–you and Azriel had feelings for each other.”

“I met someone new,” Elain played along, flicking a piece of lettuce with her fork. Nesta tracked the movement, eyes narrowing. Even though she was being playful, the words tasted sour on her tongue. 

“Oh,” Feyre leaned back in her chair, smile strained. Her poor sister was doing her very best to act supportive. “Well…if you’re happy, then we’re happy. That’s all that matters, Elain. When do we get to meet him?” 

“Here’s an idea,” Nesta cut in sharply, suppressing the urge to chuck a grape at Elain’s forehead. “Nuala and Cerridwen’s party is tonight. You never had any plans to go, but with you being a changed woman and all,” Nesta cackled when Elain stuck out her tongue. “Why don’t you bring him?” 

Elain could picture it now. All of her friends and family inside the bar, throwing back drinks and sharing laughter, their faces morphing into complete shock as she and Azriel strode hand in hand to their table. A curve lifted the edges of her lips. 

“I think that’s a perfect idea.”

Elain had phoned Azriel shortly after her sisters left her apartment. Without much convincing, Azriel had easily agreed to Elain’s plan to surprise their family with their new relationship. That initial elation had now morphed into nerves as she stood in front of the vanity mirror in Cerridwen’s apartment, running her eyes over the outfit Nuala had all but shoved onto her frame. The twins had been ecstatic to receive Elain’s call inquiring if there was room for two more to join the birthday celebrations. She had to hide her laughter behind her hand when Nuala all but screeched her disappointment that Azriel was not Elain’s “beau”. 

“Are you sure this isn’t too much?” Elain wondered aloud for the fifth time that night, palms running up and down the outfit. While it wasn’t entirely her style, Elain had to admit that she looked sexy in black, and it did wonders for her confidence. Something told her Azriel would definitely approve. “I’m not too…exposed?” 

Nuala groaned dramatically, and Elain shot her a bewildered look. Cerridwen chuckled softly, swiping color across her lips to match her bright pink outfit. “Elain, you look stunning . And besides, being semi exposed is the point. You want to drive your man crazy, don’t you?”

Was there a polite way to tell her friend that she was driving her crazy? 

“I don’t have to try too hard. I could wear a paper bag and he would worship me,” Elain said gently, fastening her earrings in place. The realization hit her right in the chest. Azriel made her feel like the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, and it was getting easier to truly believe it. She smiled softly to herself. 

“Then there’s no need to worry about a dress,” Cerridwen said simply, patting Elain’s blushed cheek. “You look perfect, and we cannot wait to meet him.” Cerridwen leaned in close, breath ghosting over Elain’s ear. “I cannot promise you I’ll like him better than Azriel, though.” 

Elain snorted and shook her head. 

After spending fifteen extra minutes trying to capture the perfect photograph, the three girls set off for Rita’s. Fluorescent lights, raunchy dancing, and delectable drinks called their names.

The Night Region’s most popular bar was always crowded, known for its exquisite cocktails and delightful owner Rita, and tonight was no exception. After kissing the twins’ cheeks and urging them inside to begin their birthday celebration, Elain waited on the busy sidewalk for Azriel to arrive. 

He hadn’t kept her waiting for long, thankfully. Five minutes later, she took notice of his sleek black car veering into a tight spot on the corner of the street. And when he stepped out of his car, Elain’s breath caught in her throat. 

Azriel had always been handsome, but tonight he was downright sinful . Adorned in his signature black, with slightly wet waves, her E chain around his neck, and her pink friendship bracelet firmly secured on his wrist, he looked like something out of a dream. 

And Azriel all but fell to his knees in front of the entire club and worshipped Elain right there on the sidewalk. He’d never seen her wear anything like this and he hoped it wouldn’t be the last time. From the tight cropped shirt and short skirt, down to her tinted stockings and heels, she was a vision. He couldn’t even feel guilty for the way his cock slightly strained in his trousers. His woman was fucking gorgeous . 

“Hi handsome,” Elain breathed, clutching her purse higher onto her shoulder. The small movement pressed her breasts closer together, and Azriel allowed himself one long look before stepping forward, taking her face between his hands, and connecting their lips in a kiss that was hotter than the Day Region sun.

“The things I’d do to you if we weren’t in public,” Azriel mumbled against her painted lips, palm grazing the curve of her ass before giving it a cheeky squeeze. Possessive. Claiming. And there’d be more of that once they entered the club. “Baby, you are fucking beautiful.” 

Elain’s hands wandered over his chest, thankful his shirt was unbuttoned so her fingers could brush over his gold and silver chains, and tugged him closer. “The things I’d do to you,” she whispered, teeth nipping at his lower lip. 

Az’s brow quirked at the same time his lips twitched. “Is that so? Exactly what would you do to me, Elain?” She was becoming bolder, braver, and she positively glowed with self-assurance.

Elain winked. “If you’re good, maybe you’ll find out later.” She kissed his cheek playfully, entwining their fingers. Brown eyes sparkled as she offered a shy smile. “But for now…let’s go say hi to everyone."

Elain wasn’t sure who screamed the loudest when she and Azriel made their way over to their friends, hand in hand: Nuala, Nesta, or Cassian. 

“I fucking knew it!” 

“You little liar!” 

“It’s about fucking time.” 

Immediately, Elain was swept up into a circle with her sisters and the twins, questions fired in rapid succession as she explained the real story. By the time she finished recounting the events from the last few days, all five women were giddy with excitement. 

From his place in the booth, Rhys cocked a brow at Azriel, who sat opposite with Cassian. His captain said in a teasing tone, “So, you finally decided to put a ring on it.” 

Cassian clapped Azriel on the back, grinning wide. “That’ll come next month, right brother?” 

Azriel shook his head, dark waves falling over his eyes. He wasn’t strong enough to hold back the hint of a smirk on his lips. “Fuck the both of you.” 

Rhys considered Az for a moment, whiskey swirling in his glass. A slight smile pulled at the corners of his lips. “Are you happy?” 

Azriel nodded. “Incredibly.”

“And you’re still participating in the ice dance competition before the championship game?” 

Azriel’s jaw tightened. He wasn’t in the mood to fight, but if Rhys was looking for one, he’d accept the challenge. “I gave Elain my word, Rhys. I told you once and I’ll tell you again. If you force my hand and make me choose, the choice will always be her.” 

Rhys’s mouth twitched as he tipped back his glass, not before stealing an adorning glance at his wife who may have already overindulged in a few too many glasses of Aperol Spritz. “As it should be. I’m happy for you, brother. I promise.” 

Azriel shook his brother’s hand, pulling away to stand when Elain grinned brightly at him. She dug around in her purse, triumphantly finding her wallet. “I’m going to grab a drink. Do you want anything? Bourbon? Gin?” 

Azriel snagged his own wallet from his pocket, placing a few bills in her hand. When she furrowed her brows, he gazed at her expectantly. 

“I can pay for drinks, you know,” She retorted, eyes narrowing as she fisted the money. 

“I know you can, baby. But you won’t. Not when you're with me.” With a quick kiss to her pouty mouth, Azriel whispered his drink order before sending her off to the bar, eyes never leaving her figure. He wouldn’t smother her, but Azriel refused to pull his glance away from Elain for even a moment.

A whistle sounded beside him. “You’ve fallen hard, brother,” Cassian’s beam lit up the club better than the lights. “It’s good to see you with something other than a scowl on your face.” 

Azriel rolled his eyes, hands shoved into his pockets. “Shouldn’t you be panting after Nesta instead of pissing me off?” 

As if she heard her name, the oldest Archeron grazed by them, a glass of strange blue liquid in her hand. Before she could stumble onto the dance floor, Azriel watched his brother snatch her free hand in his, pulling her into his chest. 

“Hello Nes,” Cassian snickered at the irritation on Nesta’s face when her drink sloshed in the glass. “Save me a dance later?” 

Nesta snorted. “In your dreams.”

“You’re always there. Normally with less clothing on.” 

“Pig.” But it wasn’t said with any malice. Nesta’s red mouth quirked against her will. She gave Cassian a once over before joining her sisters. 

Azriel flashed Cassian a knowing look. “Seems like I'm not the only one who has fallen hard.” 

Cassian muttered something unintelligible under his breath before stalking off with his beer. 

The night progressed smoothly, and Elain found herself grinning and dancing with everyone she could as Azriel monitored her movements. Of course, she’d been successful at dragging him over for a dance or two. He could never say no to her, and the prospect of having her body writhing against his as the music pounded from the speakers was an opportunity he wasn’t willing to let slip by. 

When they danced he held her close, scarred hands roving over every inch of her body. There was no mistaking that Elain Archeron was irrevocably his. Thoughts of taking her right there on the dance floor were fleeting, but they were spurred on by the curve of Elain’s sweet ass rubbing against the front of his trousers in a slow grind

He bent down to her ear, voice low and husky, “If you keep doing that, we’re going to have a problem .” 

Elain pressed herself harder into him, a teasing smile gracing her lips as she swayed. “I’ll fix the problem later.” 

Azriel groaned into her hair, spinning her in his arms and capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Their tongues mingled, tasting and exploring, without a care in the world about who may have been watching their display of affection. 

Elain pulled back first, sucking in a gulp of air. “Don’t you move. I’m getting us another drink.” She pecked his lips again before sauntering off to the bar, flashing Azriel a wink that promised wicked fun later on.

She ordered herself another Moscow Mule along with Azriel’s whiskey neat, fingernails tapping on the bar along to the beat of the music. She sipped on her beverage, head fuzzy with a nice buzz, as the bartender scurried off to grab the whiskey. 

Someone sidled up beside her. “Well. This is certainly interesting.” 

It took a moment for the less than enthused voice to register. When it did, Elain pivoted, body frozen as blue eyes pinned her to her spot at the bar. 

Vassa. 

Elain said nothing as Vassa ordered four tequila shots, flashing the bartender a dazzling smile. She turned to Elain then, mouth set in a harsh line.  

“You don’t strike me as a club girl.” 

Elain shrugged, sipping from her cocktail as the whiskey glass was placed in front of her. She would not be intimidated. Not this time.  “You don’t know me.” 

Vassa nodded, something like respect etched into her features. “Fair enough. I do know, however, that you’d rather be doing anything else than standing here talking to me.” 

Elain twirled the straw in her drink, eyes scanning the club for Vassa’s companion. She spotted Lucien across the dance floor situated at a table with a few friends from the Spring and Autumn regions. His eyes, however, were trained on her and Vassa, jaw feathering. “I can’t say you’re not perceptive. I don’t want any trouble, Vassa. Please. I’m just here to have a nice night with some friends.” 

“As am I,” She answered, throwing back two of the shots and wincing at the harsh taste. “But I just want to know one thing. I’ve been curious about it, and I can’t understand it.”

With a nod, Elain urged her to continue. 

Vassa chewed her lip contemplatively. “Why did you do it?” 

Elain’s brows furrowed. Had she misheard her? “Do what?” 

Vassa shot her a hard look, features sharp. “Don’t play stupid, Elain. It’s not a good look on you.” 

Now she was on edge, fingers curling around her glass. “First of all, do not insult me. Second of all, I truly don’t know what you're referring to. Stop being vague and ask me what you want to know.

Blue eyes narrowed as Vassa fiddled with the lime on the third shot glass. She questioned after a moment, “Why did you drop Lucien as your skating partner? He was nothing but kind and supportive of you.” 

Blood drained from Elain’s face. Her eyes flicked to Lucien just as he stood from the table, monitoring his ex-partner and current partner. If looks could kill, Elain would have incinerated him on the spot. 

Kind? 

Supportive?

No wonder Vassa had glanced at her with such disdain that day at the rink. She didn’t have the whole story. Scratch that. She didn’t have the right story. And Lucien had prevented her from telling the truth.

Seething, Elain slammed her glass on the bar and stalked over to Lucien, who was approaching her with an equal amount of aggression. Vassa was hot on Elain’s heels. 

Lucien’s teeth grit, eyes filled with a nasty combination of both fear and disgust. “What the hell did you say to–.”

The slap across Lucien’s cheek was somehow louder than the thumping bass of the song, causing a few club goers to turn their heads. Lucien clutched his jaw, tongue swiping at the drop of blood on his lip. He must have bit it. 

“Tell her the truth,” Elain spat, a tremor wracking her body. She couldn’t remember the last time she had never felt rage so deeply. But she was finished with the blatant lies and refused to walk away until the record was set straight. “Tell her how you dropped me from the competition without an ounce of remorse or concern as to how this would affect me. Tell her how you proceeded to insult me in order to uplift your own fragile ego. And tell her how you were most certainly not kind, not supportive, and did everything you possibly could to make me feel inferior.” 

Vassa was silent beside her, looking as conflicted as ever. 

Lucien chuckled, the sound grating her nerves. He shook his head, hair falling over his shoulder. “Did Azriel drop you on your head a few times during practice?” 

His words couldn’t affect her. Not if she didn’t let them. Frankly, the old Elain would have closed her mouth and said nothing. But that wasn’t who she was anymore. And truly, sometimes people did not need to be met with kindness, especially if those people did everything in their power to break her. 

Elain’s shoulders relaxed, a smirk stretching across her mouth. “Do you understand how pathetic it is that your confidence is lacking so severely that you resorted to insults because somewhere deep deep down, we both know you’re threatened and intimidated by me?”

Elain was unsure what possessed Lucien to raise his hand toward her. One minute, he was standing in front of her, lip curled over his teeth as anger simmered in his gaze. The next second, a fist collided with his opposite cheek, sending the redhead stumbling to the polished wooden floor. 

She felt Azriel’s presence beside her, gently pushing her back until she was shielded. Hazel eyes darkened as Lucien attempted to stand, legs almost giving out from under him. 

“Are you out of your fucking mind ?” Lucien roared, stepping up to Azriel toe to toe. It wasn’t as intimidating as the redhead probably thought. Azriel had both height and muscle mass. He was a force to be reckoned with. Elain knew it was inappropriate, but there was nothing she could do to quell the throb between her thighs. 

Azriel shook out his hand, hardened gaze never straying from Lucien’s form. “Figured I’d give you a bruise that matches the one my lady gave you.” And then with barely concealed wrath, Azriel fisted Lucien’s collar. Now that the music had been shut off due to the commotion, his low voice was heard throughout the entire club. “Raising your hand to any woman is criminal, but attempting to hit my woman, in front of me, is a death wish.” 

Azriel roughly released Lucien’s shirt, the frazzled man tripping over his own feet as he attempted to put distance between himself and Azriel’s massive frame. His breaths were wild as he gripped a table for support. 

“You have more of Beron in you than you think,” Azriel spat, reaching behind to squeeze Elain’s hand. He hoped she wasn’t trembling in fear of his violence, but this wasn’t even the worst he could do. “If you ever so much as think of looking at, speaking to, or touching Elain again, it will be your funeral. Get the fuck out of my sight.” 

The authority, the sheer dominance dripping from Azriel’s voice did nothing to help her arousal, and she was a moment away from sinking to her knees in front of him. Impatiently, Elain tugged Azriel to the front of the club. His throat bobbed nervously, worried that she had become frightened. 

The look in her eyes as she kissed him was anything but. 

“Please take me home,” Elain begged, sucking his bottom lip between hers. It wasn’t anger or pain or fear in her eyes. No, not at all. It was unrestrained lust. “Now .”

The couple couldn’t tear each other’s clothes off fast enough. Back in Elain’s apartment, locked away from the world in her room, she pushed Azriel to sit on the edge of her neatly made bed, standing between his legs as his hands roamed her exposed skin. She was left only in her black thigh high stockings, and he was still clad in his trousers, which just wouldn’t do. 

“Azriel,” His attention zeroed in on her face, thumbs softly running over her hips. Her lipstick was smudged from his kisses, prompting a smug grin on his face. 

“Elain,” He replied, just as gently. This woman could coax tenderness from him without trying.

She bit her lip shyly. Azriel just barely restrained himself from putting his teeth in that same spot. One day, he’d mark every inch of her body. “Thank you. For what you did back at the bar.” 

Azriel’s fingers tightened around her waist, and she rested her palms along his tattooed shoulders, tracing the outlines of the intricate dark ink. “You don’t need to thank me for that, Elain. I know you can stand up for yourself–and I’m so fucking proud of you–but I will always defend you. I do not tolerate when someone threatens or disrespects my woman.” 

Butterflies erupted in her belly, heat spreading across her skin. 

This man.  

He was so, so good to her. 

As delicately as she could, Elain lowered herself to her knees–thankful for the plush white rug she bought last month at the outlets– smooth hands running up and down the expanse of his strong thighs.

Heat flared in his gaze, tracking her less than subtle motion. “Elain.” 

“You’ve taken such good care of me, Az,” Elain’s voice dropped to a sultry whisper, nails scratching along the fabric. “Let me take care of you tonight. Please?” 

He swallowed, cock twitching at the thought of her pretty lips wrapped around him, her own fingers teasing her pussy as she took him deep into her throat. Fuck, how lucky was he? “Is that what you want, sweetheart?”

Elain only nodded once, hunger darkening her already intense gaze. She’d wanted to do this the whole night. Pleasure him. Please him. Reward him. 

Something settled in Azriel then, and he would deny her nothing. Leaning back on his palms, Azriel eyed the exquisite woman in front of him. Unbound golden tresses flowed over her shoulders, down her back. Some makeup was smudged from a long night of dancing, but it made her appear just that much more wild, more desperate for him. She was shirtless, breasts on display, nipples taut. And that thatch of hair between her thighs was still so fucking tempting, just barely concealing her arousal. Azriel vowed to get his mouth on her later.   

The dip of his head was his consent, and then her nimble fingers began to work the buttons on his trousers, shucking them down his legs until he was left only in his dark boxers, cock straining painfully against the fabric. 

Something akin to hesitation flickered in her gaze. It was fleeting, but it was there and he didn’t miss it. 

Azriel reached out his hand, tilting her chin up with his thumb. He offered her a reassuring smile. “I know this is your first time, baby. It’s okay. I promise. If at any time you want to stop, you tell me. I want you to be comfortable. Nothing is more important than that.” 

Elain’s fingers twisted, a bit of sweet shyness replacing that brief confidence she exuded moments ago. “Will you let me know if I do something wrong? If you don’t like it?” 

A piece of Azriel’s heart broke. Leaning forward, he brushed a kiss over her mouth. Nothing rushed, nothing feral. It was gentle, tender. “Baby, you’d have to try very, very fucking hard to mess up a blowjob. I promise it’ll be so good. Because you’re a good girl, right? My good girl.” 

Her brown eyes sparkled, licking her lips and nodding. 

“I know you are. My beautiful, perfect girl. Take your time, sweetheart. Explore. Do what feels right and if you’re unsure, I’ll guide you.” 

With renewed vigor, Elain sat up straighter, fingers grazing over his swollen erection hidden beneath the fabric. She was entirely grateful for him. Letting her do things at her pace, allowing her to explore new territory. Reassuring her there was no need to feel anxious because she was safe with him. 

Slowly, she peeled his boxers down his legs, sucking in a harsh breath when his cock sprang free. He was large and beautiful and yes, she may have been slightly intimidated by the sheer size of him, but if Elain learned anything about herself during the last few months, it was how much she loved a challenge. 

Azriel moved as close to the edge of the bed as possible without falling off, but Elain simply commanded, “Stand up.” 

He complied quickly, cock bobbing with the movement and slapping against his stomach. A bead of precum glistened at the tip, and Elain swiped her finger through it, bringing it to her mouth. 

And then she shocked him by kissing the head of his cock before running her tongue along the entire length of him. He jolted forward, hand flying to her hair. 

“Shit .” 

She alternated between slow, soft kitten licks on his tip and longer, languid strokes along the base. When she finally wrapped her lips around him, Azriel’s groan seemed to reverberate throughout her body.  

Elain took half of him into the warmth of her mouth, tongue rolling and sliding along his shaft, moaning at his taste. Azriel’s fingers tightened just a bit in her hair, keeping her in place. He was a gentleman, of course he was, but even a gentleman had to fight back the urge to roughly fuck his woman’s mouth. “Fuck, Elain. Are you– shit –sure you haven’t done this before?” 

She briefly pulled off him, tongue running over her lips. “Never. Is it okay?” 

Azriel’s eyes bulged, using the hand in her hair to tilt her face upward. “‘Okay’ doesn’t describe it, baby. You’re taking me so well.” He let out a curse when she sucked him back into her mouth the tiniest bit deeper than she had before, gagging slightly. Azriel swore the sound made his cock harder than it already was. “Use your hand to help you, sweetheart. Perfect, baby. Just like that.” 

Her fingers gripped what couldn’t fit in her mouth, and soon enough euphoria was shooting all throughout his body. With each bob of her head, Azriel was well aware of the saliva coating his cock and dripping from the corners of her sinful lips. 

“Look at me Elain,” Azriel hissed, hips bucking gently when her eyes fluttered shut. “Look at me when you suck my cock. There she is. There’s my pretty girl. You’re so good to me, yeah? Doing so good, f’me.” 

The praise spurred her on, head bobbing faster, hand twisting around his shaft. She gazed up at him, obeying his command, reveling in the way his head was thrown back in pleasure, strong neck on display as he tried and failed to keep his composure. 

She wanted to see just how much he could fall apart. 

Her free hand gently cupped his balls, and a particularly harsh thrust pushed his cock toward her throat. Tears pricked her eyes, mixing with the dark makeup, but she recovered, breathing evenly through her nose as she continued to take him.  

“Sorry baby,” He apologized sheepishly, lost in the pleasure. Nothing could compare to the way Elain was positively ruining him. One moment her tongue was flicking over the underside of his cock, and then the next she was swallowing him deeper into her mouth, moaning around the shaft to let him know just how much she was enjoying this, too. 

And she wasn’t sorry one bit. 

Not for the way his thighs clenched in anticipation of his orgasm.

Not for the way sweat gleamed on his chest, brightening his glorious tattoos. 

And certainly not for the way his heavy groans had morphed into desperate pants and whimpers. 

Elain cupped him again, relaxing her jaw when the head of his cock repeatedly bumped against the back of her throat. Above her, Azriel was cursing more than she’d ever heard him. He was on the brink of bliss. 

“Your mouth is a fucking dream,” He groaned, stomach constricting as she paid special attention to his balls. “Fuck…I’m– shit –Elain, if you don’t want me to finish in your mouth, you need to pull off.” 

She refused to do such a thing. 

Elain sucked him harder, faster, one hand gripping his cock while the other lazily rolled his balls. She never took her eyes off him, and Azriel whimpered at the expression, seeing it for what it was. 

She wanted him to finish in her mouth, and she wasn’t stopping until she achieved her goal.

His balls tightened in her hand, fingers gripping her hair so hard it was probably painful. Azriel’s entire body tensed, and a moment later he spilled down her throat, panting as she swallowed everything he gave her. 

Elain released his cock with a wet pop , tongue licking up the cum that had dripped down her chin and escaped the sides of her mouth. She stared up at him, smudged lipstick and mascara streaks running down her cheeks, and smiled innocently as if she hadn’t given him the best orgasm of his life. 

In a movement so quick Elain couldn't react, Azriel scooped her off the floor and tossed her onto the bed, nestling himself between her thighs, legs thrown over his shoulder. 

“What in the world are you doing?” She asked, voice slightly hoarse. Elain pushed herself onto her elbows, heart hammering in her chest. “I thought I was only going to take care of you tonight.” 

Azriel kissed her clit, eyes flicking up to Elain’s fucked out face. He shot her a wink before burying his tongue in her cunt. “I lied.”

ARTWORK FOR THE CHAPTER BY @chachachai17: Here