All about LADS

Once upon a time in a far away land, a castle stood at the heart of a lush forest.

Lavish and beautiful, Silvermist Castle stood surrounded by emerald green in the summer and pristine white during winter. Within, polished stone met stained glass, and gold decorated every surface. Every wondrous room you could think of could be found somewhere amidst its sprawling halls and winding stairs with a bit of luck and good direction. During the warmer months, its well-maintained garden would delight guests with dizzying colors and flutters of petals in the wind; and during the colder months its occupants would seek warmth and company by a splendid fireplace.

The castle was proud to be witness to many a peaceful morning, and to plenty more starlit nights of celebration.

But it witnessed a fair share of sorrow too.

Its longest winter began shortly after the visit of a puzzling stranger. The man appeared cloaked in the shadow of the night, ruby-red eyes glinting with the kind of drive that would send a lesser man scrambling, and after the gamble of a night the castle found it had a new owner.

It was sad to see the old noble family go, but it was also puzzled by the silver-haired man. For a while, it was fine. Quieter, as its new Lord was not one for pompous parties, but the strange man was better at preserving its halls and grounds than the family had been. The suits of armor that lined the western wing had never shined so brightly, and the old rugs and tapestries had been replaced with glorious red. It was a shame, really, that he didn't seem to feel the call to show the place off.

Qin Che, as the castle learned with the passing days, was a peculiar man that slept the daylight away and rose with the moon. Rarely did it ever stay in the castle for a full day, and would often return either bloodied, followed by treasures, or both. No one visited more than once, save for his two most loyal servants, snd so the days dragged on. Peaceful, yet boring.

Little did it know that tragedy lay waiting at the turning of the season.

When the Winter Solstice came around, so did a woman that moved with the elegance of a slow snowfall. Clad in emerald green, white, and gold; she requested refuge for the night. Surprisingly, Qin Che agreed and even offered a meal. The castle watched in perplexion as the pair dined on fresh meat and good wine, until its Lord paused and met the forest eyes of their strange guest.

"What brings you here tonight, Sorceress?"

The woman paused for the slightest moment, before a smile spread across lips the color of ripe apples. "You're quite sharp, My Lord."

"You may cut the pleasantries now." Qin Che drummed his fingers on the table, but his eyes remained steady on his target. "I've heard of you."

The sorceress' laugh tinkled as she leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. "And I've heard tales of a beast that tricks people out of their most priced possessions."

The castle held its breath. Its master simply narrowed his eyes.

"Is it treachery if they agreed to the bargain out of their own volition?" The man took a sip of his wine, leaning back in his chair. "Everything has a price. I simply offered something more… enticing."

The Sorceress' eyes flashed gold for the briefest moment before she replied. "And left them without it too."

"They couldn't pay the price."

Silence stretched across the hall, only the howl of the storm outside and the clock ticked the passage of time.

"And what would our Lord have me pay for a night of hospitality?"

Qin Che's eyes narrowed, his tone flat. "I haven't decided yet."

The Sorceress rose, elegant and poised as she stepped closer to the head of the table. With a flick of her wrist, a rose — ruby red petals and rich emerald, beauty wrapped in thorns — floated at the center of the table.

"I have naught but this single rose to offer you."

"You mock me."

"On the contrary, it's an honor to receive such a gift from my folk." The Sorceress smiled, beautiful and defiant. "You can misjudge how much something is truly worth to another being. What is garbage to some, is gold to others."

"Spare me your lessons."

"The Forest has been watching you."

Qin Che's eyes flashed red, and for a brief moment he looked every part the beast others had branded him as. "I have nothing to do with your brethren."

"Perhaps not, but you've hurt those we favor."

Lightning struck, closely followed by thunder. Qin Che laughed, a low challenging rumble. "So you've come to seek revenge?"

"I've come to verify what we already suspected."

"And that is?"

"You have no love in your heart."

"Sentimentality has no value to me."

"It's time you learned what is truly valuable."

And although its master did his best to hold on, a mortal proved to be no match for The Sorceress. In a surge of golden power her melodious voice echoed through Silvermist Castle's grounds and rattled the very being of its owner. Claws grew from manicured fingers, black scales sprouted like thick armor, horns and wings followed, too wide for even the main hall. Vines and thorns grew atop the castle walls, and winter stormed outside.

"If you can learn to love another, and earn their love in return before the last petal of this rose falls, then you shall be free of our curse. If not, you shall remain a beast for all time."

And so the castle's longest winter began.

•··········•··········•

Once upon an endless winter, a girl stumbled upon a castle.

It was strange, as it had not been winter when she headed out of her home in the village. One step it was still summer, another step and the cold wind bit at her too-thin clothes, a white wonderland stretching out as far as the eye can see. Yet, the moment she tried to turn back it she was still caught in winter.

With nowhere to go, the girl stumbled along the snow, a splash of vivid purple on desolate white. When the girl found the castle, she breathed a sigh of relief, if only for a moment. The wind could not get to her inside, but she was already soaked where the snow had melted into her clothes and there was no warmth to be found in the place.

Sadly, she thought it was a stupid way to go as she shivered in the middle of what once must've been a magnificent main hall and closed her eyes.

•··········•··········•

When the girl woke up again she was surprised to find that she did so at all. A marble fireplace crackled, warm and pretty despite it looking like it hadn't been used in years. She was wrapped in thick warm blankets, and steam rose up from food waiting on a wooden table nearby.

Although wary, the growling of her stomach made the decision for her and soon enough she dug into the warm soup, bread, and ale. Each bite drove away the cold that had settled into her bones, and cleared the fog in her mind.

That was until a rumbling voice echoed in the room. Low, ancient, not quite human.

"Eat," It said, and the girl's spoon clattered when it fell in her surprise. "When you have regained your strength the twins will guide you out of my domain."

"W-Who are you?" The girl's voice echoed, but there was no one to be seen. The voice did not speak again as her eyes roamed the room, shadows danced on the walls due to the fire, and there was a layer of dust on some corners. "Twins? What -"

Upon the windowsill stood two crows, watching her intently.

"What…" The girl's voice trailer off.

"Forgive our master, he's the best but a little shy."

The girl screamed and scrambled back into the nest of sheets. "Y-You talk?!"

"Of course," One replied, even puffing up its chest as it regarded her with sharp black eyes. "But you won't find creatures as brilliant as us elsewhere."

"I'm Xuē Míng," The other continued. "And that is my brother Xuē Yǐng. Though we don't expect you to remember that."

"I- "

"How did you find your way here?"

"I… don't know. One moment it was Summer, and the next I was here."

"Interesting." The crow that called itself Xuē Míng blinked, regarding her with curiosity far too sharp for a creature that shouldn't even be able to talk in the first place. "Do you have a name?"

"Nymeria."

"Powerful name." Commented the other crow, beady eyes studying her still, as if it were making a decision. "Be our guest, Nymeria."

"Don't let the food grow cold." Xuē Míng added.

The crows did not say more, merely urged her to finish her meal before it turned cold. They made for merry, meddlesome companionship. Even if they refused to answer her questions all while they had plenty of their own about her village. Nymeria dined and, reluctantly, waited the night in the warm room after an unsuccessful attempt at opening the door. Warmth finally settled onto her limbs after a while, and despite her racing mind and curiosity she drifted off.

•··········•··········•

Come morning, the two led her through winding staircases and halls aged by loneliness and time. What must've once been rich red tapestries, now looked dull, and there was a layer of dust and cobwebs in every corner she looked. She had the funny thought that the castle needed a little love. But soon enough the winter wind was biting at the thick coat they lent her and the thought drifted away.

The crows led her to a clearing, a glistening lake shimmered in the center of it.

"Stay here, keep your eyes locked onto the lake as you count to 30 and then close them. When you open them again you'll be out."

"That's it?"

"Well it's the quickest way out… Unless you're willing to walk more. If we go now it'll just take two days to reach the castle's boundaries." Xuē Yǐng added.

"No thanks." Nymeria added quickly, settling into a spot in front of the lake. The snow over the frozen surface swirled with the wind.

"Not so fast, little beauty." Xuē Míng called out, fluttering his wings and landing on her shoulder. "Open your palm."

The girl did as asked with a furrow of her brow, and the other crow dropped a pendant into her palm — a tear-shaped, beautifully carved ruby hung on a golden chain. Heavy, somehow warm in her palm.

"This… is if you ever wish to return."

"Huh?"

The crows laughed and flew away, paying her no mind. The girl's purple hair fluttered in the wind they stirred as they left her with a confusing instruction and protests falling from her lips.

If that is your wish, all you need to do is find your way to this lake and whisper a command.

A life for a rose.

•··········•··········•

It was as simple as they said to return.

Just like it had been to stumble upon that strange corner of the woods, one blink it was there and the next Nymeria was shedding her coat under the scorching summer sun as she made her way back home.

It wasn't as simple to forget.

Even when she settled back into her routine at the village, the memory of that everlasting winter remained, along with the strange castle and its two crows. They haunted the corners of her mind as she strolled through town to get the supplies her family asked for, or even when she reached for a book at the library only to put it back down. Unread.

How could such a thing be possible? Had she fallen asleep by the lake and dreamed it all?

She wondered even through warm meals and discussions of her future where her wants had no sway over her parents' decisions.

Above of all, she couldn't forget the voice of their master. It'd only been one sentence, but that voice — rich and sure — tugged at her curiosity, and perhaps at something dormant within her.

Two weeks after the encounter, Nymeria found herself running through the woods once more. Her family, though still deeply loved, had taken it too far. She was to be wed in a week's time, to someone she did not know or love.

Before she realized what she was doing, the lake glimmered before her once more in the orange afternoon light.

Nymeria stared at the pendant the twins had given her, the red of the gem catching in the dappled sunlight of the forest like fire. The only proof it hadn't been a dream after all, and before she realized what she was doing the words fell from her lips.

"A life for a rose."

First of all... how DARE you.

Your writing has this ridiculous ability to make everything feel so... soft? Like I'm wrapped in a blanket with a cup of tea while simultaneously having my heart squeezed like a stress ball. Explain yourself!!!!!

Also can we talk about your descriptions?? Because I swear every scene looked like it belonged in an actual fairytale movie. I could SEE everything. The flowers. The castle. The little moments....

I also love that your pacing never feels rushed. You let every interaction simmer until suddenly I'm sitting there like "...oh no, I'm emotionally invested." Ugghhhh I need moreeeeee /lh

YOU COOKED BY INCORPORATING THE TWINS TOO!!!!!

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

He halts behind a yew sapling, ears perking up when he catches it. Hind leg scraping into the forest floor, as if readying himself to lunge. Internally, Valko snaps in warning; you know better.

His wolf obeys but pushes a sigh through his nose, sick of the way Valko's been getting between him and his target every time he takes their body.

They lie in wait as the group of humans congregate and idle, his wolf's sensitive ears painting the scene on their eyes' behalf. Conversation quieting, the metallic rattle of a chain-link gate, rusty hinges protesting as it clangs open and shut, their collective disturbance slowly swallowed into the seclusion of the No Hunt Zone until it's silent.

His wolf holds their body still for a heartbeat, two. His eyes narrow into a sniper-like scope when his target appears next to the van, figure outlined by moonlight.

Without any obstructions, the scent swells, strengthens. Growing teeth that sink deep into his coat, standing the fur on his body straight up until his hackles raise and his muscles tighten.

Piercing yellow eyes never veer from the lone figure as Valko's wolf skulks toward them. He pads soundlessly across the forest floor until his body is flush with the van. The human, none the wiser, now merely feet away, fixated on the device on their wrist.

This close, the scent's become overwhelming. It thrums through the air like a magnetic field, tuning everything out except for bone-deep, primal chant of mine, mine, mine that even Valko isn't immune to anymore.

His wolf takes one step closer, another, then another, and all-too-late Valko realizes that maybe this isn't the best way to–

"Stop."

The command bombards him with a swarm of realizations, ricocheting between man and wolf like agitated molecules in a heated chamber: how did you know that they'd been– scent; you were totally spying, sneaky little hellion– mine; buddy, there's a gun pointed at our– mate, mate, mate.

That last word is expressed aloud through a deep growl of frustration. Frustration over the distance between you, over Valko holding him back, and over everything else that's standing in front of this wolf and his newly found mate – including the gun in your hands.

You startle at the sound, but your arm never wavers. "Don't. Move."

That's it, sweetheart, Valko thinks. Don't let this big lug push you around.

But for the first time since he was a rowdy pup learning how to shift, Valko is unsure of his wolf.

Not that he'd hurt you, never that, no wolf would ever hurt their mate. But you're a human and he's still a wolf. An onyx-coloured beast with mahogany markings, as large as the vehicle parked next to him. Who's being kept away from his mate. Who might not be mindful of your boundaries, or his strength, when it comes to having you to himself.

Before Valko can react, find a way to forcibly take back their body, his wolf sits, tilts his head – and whines. A 200-pound apex predator who cowers to no one, feared by humans and creatures alike, whining.

Nothing about your stance changes, but a curious, considering light slightly softens your gaze as you continue to stare at Valko's wolf. He stares back and slowly rises. Places a paw forward. Another when you don't react, as if he's trying to act casual.

Your brow furrows and your head tilts to your right, a hesitant glimmer of recognition flitting over your face. His wolf halts, snout just a handful of inches away from you, calm and attentive on the outside. On the inside, he's impatient as hell. Visions of him rubbing his nose into your skin and leaving his scent all over you project as a constant loop in Valko's mind and all he can think is: please don't embarrass us.

Completely ignoring him, his wolf sends a low rumble through his chest, a sound used to soothe newborn pups. And though the fear doesn't smell as acrid and acute as it did just a few moments ago, neither Valko nor his wolf like that it's still present.

Cautious about closing anymore distance, he lowers himself to his haunches until he's below your eye level, noting the size of your pupils as you take his features in, the loosening grip on your gun, the dawning realization.

"Valko?" You ask, incredulous, accusing. And yeah, maybe a little more annoyed than he'd been hoping for. "Oh god, tell me you didn't–"

At the sound of their name, Valko's wolf lunges forward without warning, headbutting the gun out of your hand and burying his nose in it, snuffling and licking and nuzzling.

You yelp and your fear skyrockets just as fast as it retreats, smothered by a relieved, hysterical laugh that has his wolf smug for all of five seconds before you snatch your hand away.

"I can't believe you– When I said 'you' shouldn't have anything to do with this mission, I meant every version of you." The biting tone does nothing to wipe the charmed smile from your face as you wipe your hand on the back of your jeans. "Ugh gross, your nose is all wet."

He takes that as an invitation, pressing forward again, nudging into your hip, chasing the hand you're keeping from him behind your back.

Valko would like to roll his eyes at his wolf, at this lovestruck, downright pathetic behaviour he'd quite frankly never seen him display – at least, not since he was a yearling still being carted around by his mother. But with one small whiff of your delicious, intoxicating scent, he instantly gets it.

"I told you I'd find a way to bring whatever we find to your research facility," you say, voice clipped and low. "Do you not trust me?"

His wolf butts his snout into your stomach when you cast a quick glance at the gate behind you, affronted at your divided attention. Finally, you peer into Valko's eyes and sigh. "Can you even understand me?"

Hunter and wolf stare at each other for a moment, the rapid whoosh of a tail the only sound in the clearing. When too much time passes he whines again, to Valko's chagrin. Like a damn puppy.

"I'll take that as a no." you giggle.

You tentatively offer him your palm and he finally dives in, rubbing and licking as he circles you. Covering you in his scent. Covering himself in yours. Valko and his wolf love your taste, like flaky salt and pine sap. Like warm sunrises and crisp leaves. Like sweet and warm and home.

Valko raises a brow as his wolf chuffs and noses and yips like the attention-whore he is.

"Shh, you have to be quiet," you command, finally giving in and scraping your nails across the fur behind his ear.

His body melts beneath your touch until he's a puddle of fur at your feet, belly flashing, tongue lolling.

Dude, Valko projects in mortification, where's your dignity?

Unfortunately for them both, that's the last thing on his wolf's mind when your nails move to scrape beneath his chin.

Mate. He thinks back, in a tone equivalent to "duh."

Valko's wolf growls playfully when you glance at gate behind you again, mouthing at the rubber sole of your boots, wanting all your attention. An indulgent grin curls your lips, and you lower to a crouch to reach him better.

"You certainly act like him," you note with a murmur. His wolf shuffles forward with his hind legs, draping himself across your lap in a way that has you chuckling. "Exactly like him, actually."

"Big puppy eyes. All up in my business. Hyperactive as hell." He paws at your stomach a few times and you snort as you grab it and move it away. Valko's wolf chuffs in indignation, sticking his whole snout under your arm in a wordless demand. "Bossy."

You sigh, sinking your fingers into his pelt, scratching a spot along his flank that sends his tail thudding happily into the ground. "As if dealing with one of you wasn't enough."

Your hand travels lower, the softness of your breasts pressing into him when you reach deeper into his undercoat. His wolf's muzzle noses into the crotch of your jeans, resting at the apex of your thighs so he can breathe in your pussy, where your scent is the strongest.

"You're so big," you murmur, staring down at the way his head covers both of your thighs, the way they strain to hold up his weight. Your other hand nestles into the space between his ears. "And soft."

Valko and his wolf both snort. There's nothing soft about him right now. As it is, his wolf can barely contain himself from rutting into your thigh. And if he had their body, his cock would probably be leaking from how painfully hard he'd be.

Still, Valko warns him: behave.

And yet underneath the instinctual urge to breed his mate, even Valko can see there's an unfamiliar sensation of levity, of joy that his wolf is feeling. Valko's never really gotten this from him before. Aggression, irritation, sure. But, never this carefree sort of happiness.

"Look at these mitts of yours," you tease, pressing the softness of your palm to the rough pads of his paw with a wide smile.

And maybe Valko would too if he was an outsider looking in. Stumbling upon a massive beast on its back, snuggling a human a fraction of its size on the outskirts of one of the most dangerous areas of Linkon would be a sight.

Usually when Valko's wolf has their body, his mind isn't really present. He processes and documents everything that happens, but it's like his consciousness is disconnected. In the passenger seat, along for the ride.

He's anything but disconnected right now. And he's completely in awe of how differently his wolf is behaving. Wanting your attention, but not pushing. Horny, but deferring the urge.

Is this what meeting your mate does to you?

His wolf huffs in an absentminded reply as he plasters himself to your lower abdomen, your womb – my mate will grow our young – and Valko would be damned if that response wasn't as condescending as hell.

"Hey, what're you doing?" He's moving around now, getting more playful, and probably not watching his strength as much as he should as he rests his paws on your chest to lap at your cheek, judging by the way your arm darts behind you to brace your weight. His tongue darts out again, over your lips this time.

Valko freezes when you squeal and thump the side of his muzzle. "Stop."

But Valko's wolf doesnt even snarl. Instead, he settles back onto his paws, resting his head between them, glancing up with a remorseful whine in his throat.

When you roll your eyes and reach back out to pet him, he lurches forward and laps at your cheek again, making you giggle softly. "You're like a giant puppy."

A rustle stirs one of the bushes nearby, snapping both your heads toward the sound.

His ears flick once before he turns back to you, smelling nothing more than a squirrel darting around. But your attention stays fixed on the shadows, moving from the forest to the chain-link fence.

"It's probably not much longer 'til my team comes back," you murmur. You turn to face Valko and smooth your hands over his sides once more. "You have to get out of here, big guy."

He gusts out another whine deep in his throat, this one smaller, more pitiful. The bastard's begging.

"Go on," you urge in a low voice when he doesn't move, waving your arm toward the forest. "You can't be here when they come back."

He tries another tactic. Lowers his head to catch the leather of your belt in his teeth, gives his head a little shake in defiance.

You thump your hand over his snout with a stern, "No."

His ears flatten, and he answers with an indignant huff.

If Valko could pinch the bridge of his nose he would. C'mon man, pull yourself together.

"Sit." His wolf hesitates for only a moment before lowering his behind to the ground.

Unfortunately, even when he's sitting, his head remains above your eye-level, leaving you to rise to your toes in order to place your palms on either side of his snout.

"It was nice to meet you, big guy," you murmur. "Tell Valko I'll come and find him after this, okay?"

His ears flick at the sound of his name, but the only answer he gives you is a low, mournful whine.

"And..." Your fingers curl gently into his fur. "Deliver this for me."

You tug his snout down just enough to meet him halfway, pressing your lips to the soft velvet of the peach fuzz between his eyes and nose.

Valko and his wolf still, their heartbeats escalating as one in response to open affection from their mate.

Then, as if deciding he needs the final word, his wolf takes one last lick beneath your chin. Smug when the soft sound of your laughter becomes the last thing he hears as he finally, reluctantly, trots away.

Valko is more grateful than he wants to admit that his wolf finally listens. He's going to need every second he can get before he sees you again. To regain his control before he meets you back at the facility. To pretend his harebrained scheme to have his wolf meet his mate, feel your touch, hear your laughter, and taste your skin, hasn't completely unraveled him.

Because if your scent had been intoxicating, the taste of you is downright dangerous.

➻➻ MASTERLIST

NOTE: Just an excuse to write about Valko in his wolf form and use one direction lyrics as a fic name xoxo