#acosm

a/n: Idk if anyone remembers this series or cares but I think about Val from time to time & it breaks my heart that I didn't get to finish her story. I didn't even get to the part that inspired this series. Stupid writer's block. Anyway, this is what I had planned for part two & thought why not share it. Warning this is a draft/summary of a plot so things are not finalized and may be confusing.

Val emerges from the blood rite as an Oristian. She almost made it to the top but when she saw Damien (Lord Devlon's son, the one who hurt her in the past and the one who Azriel threatened) being attacked on the mountain, she chooses to save him. It's kind of a moment of pity but also one of spite because he'll have to live with the fact that he survived the blood rite thanks to her (because all Damien attributed to her was just “another pretty face”)

Of course, this is ground breaking because she is the first female to achieve such a title (and maybe not so realistic in terms of canon stuff but ya know what, that's the beauty of fanfic lol.) But for her, this moment proved that she was worthy of fighting for her court.

This doesn't settle well in the Night Court. I imagine that Prythian is not so accepting of having such a powerful female and in this series, Rhys's dad is an asshole to her. So he throws a ball for her to celebrate her achievement but it's really her engagement party in disguise. He's marrying her to the Night Court's general, who is cruel and set on "taming her." Because now she is engaged, her father forces traditional expectations on her to keep her from “stepping out of line” with her power and also to quiet down rumors that she may be the heir the Cauldron chooses (and not Rhys.)

Az, Rhys, and Cas are pissed. With the upcoming war, they make their own plans to kill off the general so Val doesn't have to marry him. Meanwhile, Val & Az are still sneaking off. During this time, Val begins to understand her powers more and more, which is astral projection. Her powers were always connected to the moon and I really liked the idea of her being able to leave her body and wander off into some kind of spiritual realm and enter other people's dreams. (I was also going to mess more with portals/astral projection here but I wanted to read CC & TOG first for more context on portals.) However, at this point, she doesn’t realize she’s trying to astral project. Az does find her right when she’s on the verge of succeeding in her first astral projection and he freaks out because her body is unresponsive. He essentially calls her back to her body & they’re both confused as to what the hell happened. Az chooses not to question it, too distracted in his relief that Val is okay and was just in a “deep slumber.”

Val and Az do eventually get caught by Rhysand that goes a little like this. The mating bond has already snapped for them (any guesses when lol) but they were pretty much in denial for their own reasons. Az didn't think he was deserving of Val as his mate. Val was scared that Az only felt something for her solely because of the bond and not because he actually loved her. They do address the bond and their feelings.

Nothing changes much in terms of their relationship. They still keep it a secret, only difference is that now Rhys knows. Things are tense between Rhys & Val. I was planning on mixing canon here with the war and Valkyries dying, which leaves Val devastated. Val's fiance also dies and it's revealed that this had been the High Lord's plan all along. He wanted to get rid of his general but in a sneaky way to avoid conflict in his court so he arranged Val to marry him, knowing one of the bat boys would take care of it. (I was planning on writing a scenario where all 3 of them had their plans to kill him off like poison, targeted attack, etc and it's not clear as to which was the plan that actually killed him. Funny part here is that this is something they kept from each other but Az ends up finding out and has a small laugh at that.)

Val's dad suspects something going on between Az & Val. He sends Az on a triggering mission and then gives Az a warning to stay away from Val or else. Az realizes Rhys had been right all this time. That the High Lord would use their feelings for one another against each other so Az decides to distance himself. He ultimately breaks Val's heart for the sake of keeping her safe and things go downhill from here between them.

The war is still going on. Rhysand gets kidnapped by Amarantha (I already forgot who it was he had gone to save? I think it was Jurian? only to get captured.) When Val hears this, she goes to rescue him and reluctantly works together with Az. The war ends shortly after but Val is still giving Az the cold shoulder.

I had a headcanon that somewhere in this timeline, Rhys and Val go to the Bone Carver. Rhys sees either Feyre or Amarantha & Val sees Tamlin (I made this choice based off this theory that the Bone Carver shows you someone related to your death/near-death.)

Anyway, Prythian is trying to move on to a period of peace after the war. Tamlin & Rhysand become closer to one another. Val's mom notices the distance between Az & Val so she takes it upon herself to do something about it. She insists on Val taking her to see her friend one day and they end up at Rose Hall to visit Azriel's mom. Az just so happens to be there too. Things are tense & awkward. Az and his mom end up having a talk once Val and her mom leave: “Why do you deny yourself happiness, my son?” “It’s complicated.” “tell me…is she worth fighting for?” “Yes.” he answers without hesitation. “Then fight for her.” His mother says, encouraging him not to give up. Something along that.

Amarantha is still lingering around Prythian and I wanted to write about her pursuit/interest in Tamlin. This pisses Rhys off and Val steps in to help, which then makes Azriel jealous. After pining and groveling from Az, him and Val reconcile.

Another headcanon I had was that Val's mom always knew Val & Az were endgame. So just as she had made dresses for Rhys's mate, she made many for Val. She even made mating ceremony outfits for Val & Az.

Val & Az make a plan to basically elope/accept their mating bond. They set a date & make private arrangements with a priestess.

Meanwhile, as Rhys and Tam grow closer (and also Val but on her end, it is all platonic), Tam's dad does not like it. I was still going to follow canon, where he plans to target/kill Rhys. But the sons of spring find Val & her mom instead so they attack them. They kill Val's mom first. This is where I had planned for Tamlin to save Val from dying (was still debating on two possible scenarios so I'll just leave it at this.)

I had also planned for him to use his shape shifting abilities (as far as canon goes, he is only able to shift others into animals but I've always been curious how Feyre was able to shift into Ianthe so I feel like this is part of his power that he keeps secret) to shift Val's appearance to keep her safe from his brothers. He also helps her hide somewhere for the time being.

Angst comes in because this all happens right before the private mating ceremony Val & Az had planned. They are all devasted when they find Rhys's mom's head in the river. All they find of Valeria is one of her belonging's so they go Spring Court for revenge. Tamlin's family gets killed. Rhys is too enraged to hear reason, his dad goes on to kill Tamlin's mom. Az is also there but his priority is to find Val because he thinks they have her held captive. He doesn't find her in time but he can still feel the mating bond. He goes crazy trying to search for her.

Weeks past and no sightings or news of Val. Until one night, he no longer feels the bond at all and completely breaks down.

Meanwhile, Val is going through a period of grief from losing her mother & starts to blame herself for it. She doesn't want to face Rhys because she feels like she failed him in keeping their mother safe. Tamlin allows her to stay with him for as long as she needs (he’s also grieving loss of his family.) Val is still disguised as a different fae. So she starts to explore her astral projection powers more, wanting to find answers. This is where she learns she can travel through a spiritual realm. She reunites with Noctis & her mother, who warn her not to stay in this realm for too long as time passes differently there.

Val also learns that through this spiritual realm, she can travel & visit others. So she visits the Night Court & finds Azriel. She touches him, hoping he can feel her but he doesn't. She then finds herself slipping into his dreams just to see him again.

Azriel begins to dreams of her a lot. He finds himself sleeping more just to see her again. One night, he wakes up to find the piano playing itself–a love ballad. One that Val wrote for Azriel. He thinks this is the way of the house of wind comforting him but his shadows pick up on a presence. (In reality, it's Val trying to communicate with him through the “spiritual” realm.)

So in summary, Val's powers were portal/astral projecting and she's able to slip into other's dreams or visit them (kind of like ghosts? I guess. How you may feel a presence but sometimes, you don't necessarily see them.) That is where part two ends because I had planned for a part three...Though part three wasn't as extensively planned as part two, it was going to focus on Val finding her way back to herself (bc her soul does get lost from astral projecting too much) and realizing so much time had passed.

She's still in Spring but I was torn between having her come back prior to ACOTAR events or somewhere during. Tamlin had vowed to keep Val safe because he blames himself for what happened. If this were to happen prior to ACOTAR, I planned to include Lucien, more Amarantha and her meeting Feyre.

If this were to happen during ACOTAR events, I pictured Tamlin keeping Val safe in a locked room (using magic to keep her body preserved, I dunno, I didn't think this far lol.) Lucien & Feyre grow curious about the room but it's Feyre who sneaks her way in and sees an unconscious body. Tamlin lies and tells her it's his sister or some relative. Feyre lets this slip to Lucien who calls Tamlin out because he knows Tamlin never had a sister or living relative that he’s close to. When Val does “wake up” from her astral projecting, tensions rise between her and Tamlin when she asks for him to release her of his magic and let her look like her again. All she wants to do is go back home. But Tamlin tells her it’s not safe.

Either way, I planned for Val to meet Az again but he doesn't recognize her because she doesn't look like Val. Though, he feels something deeper between them & from his pov, he freaks out because he recognizes a pull. He fears what this means for him because he thinks this is the Cauldron's way of telling him Val is dead. (So insert more angst here because Val & Az went from friends to lovers to “enemies” to now “strangers.”)

Eventually, Tamlin does release Val from his magic. She looks like her again and wastes no time in going back home where she reunites with Rhys, Cas, Mor & Az.

 She decides to winnow to the Sidra, knowing someone would sense her "intrusion" to Velaris. And within seconds, a winged figure lands behind her. Azriel. He pales like he’s seen a ghost and falls to his knees, tears welling up in his eyes. He thinks he’s hallucinating. “Val?” He breathes.

“I’m sorry I missed our mating ceremony.” She replied with tears in her eyes. “I got held up.”

and Val & Az have their happy ending <3

Valeria stood at the edge of the balcony, her gaze fixed on the vast expanse below. She hesitated and took a couple steps back.

“I’m scared.”

A scarred hand reached for hers, stopping her from retreating any further. Her eyes traveled up until she met Azriel’s gentle gaze. His presence was reassuring as he stood beside her.

It had been a little over a month since the incident in Windhaven. Her wing had healed thanks to Madja’s healing hands, leaving a scar behind. Madja had told her that she’d be able to fly again once it properly healed but it provided little comfort to her as the memories of that night tormented her every night. What if Madja was wrong?

Valeria felt her hand grow clammy within Azriel’s grasp and she instinctively started to withdraw but Azriel tightened his hold instead.  His thumb rubbed soothing circles onto the back of her palm.

 “What if I fall?”

Azriel’s chest tightened. He hated the fear in her voice, the uncertainty that clouded her eyes. He hated the effect those men still had on her. Hehe was determined to prove her wrong, to bring back her confidence. He gave her a gentle and reassuring smile.

“I’ll catch you.” He replied but was then quick to add: “But you won’t need me to.”

“Okay.” Valeria breathed as she faced the edge of the balcony again and stepped forward.

Azriel gave her a squeeze before releasing her hand, taking a couple of steps back to allow her space.  The cool breeze of Azriel’s shadows whispered around them. Her wings unfurled behind her, a display of midnight hues stretching wide. The full weight of them brought an ache to her injured wing.

Her heart fluttered in her chest and she took another deep breath. She heard the distinct sound of Azriel’s wings as he extended them. They casted a shadow behind her smaller form and brought her further comfort. He would be right behind her.

Before her thoughts could convince her otherwise, she jumped off the balcony of the House of Wind. She winced at the discomfort from her scarred wing and she struggled to balance herself in the air. Her descent became a panicked fall but only for a fleeting moment. She pushed past the discomfort and extended her wings further, gaining control and finding her balance within the air as she glided.

Then, she was flying.

 Her heart still fluttered against her chest but it was no longer anxiety that quickened it. It danced to the familiar melody of excitement as the adrenaline that usually accompanied her when flying coursed through her veins. 

Azriel was flying at her side and he extended his hand, an invitation to soar through the night together. She accepted, their fingers intertwining and a smile gracing her lips that had Azriel’s own heart fluttering at the sight. 

As they soared higher, they weaved through the outlines of clouds and Valeria laughed as one particular cloud had Azriel grimacing and coughing. The stars in her violet eyes had returned, dispelling any lingering fear she had, as she let go of Azriel’s hand.

“Catch me?” She asked.

“Always.”

Azriel told himself he would stop seeking moments alone with her, making sure that there was always someone else present. He could hardly resist himself around her. His control around her was slim to none and it was dangerous. He decided to spend the night at the House of Wind after one of his missions to keep himself from visiting Valeria’s room at the moonstone palace but as he had retreated to his room for the night, he could sense her presence in the same house. He could feel her fear too. 

When his shadows brought him to her, he had found her at one of the balconies. She had not hidden her wings to allow them to properly heal and he had noticed the subtle twitch of them as she gazed longingly at the starry sky.

That's what led to them sharing this moment together and he allowed himself to live in this moment, to enjoy it fully. There was no harm in it. He genuinely wanted to help her face her face. Cassian would've done the same.

Azriel allowed her a couple of moments to give her a head start and then he was soaring after her. A wave of affection and warmth surging through him and propelling him forward as her laughter echoed in the crisp night air.

**

“What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same.” Valeria replied as she walked into the dining area. The house switched out the chair beside Cassian’s for one that had no back to accommodate her wings. She smiled in gratitude as she took a seat beside Cassian.

Cassian ruffled her hair with a fond smile, earning himself a glare. He chuckled in response and then stuffed his mouth with scrambled eggs. “Where else can I enjoy a free and delicious breakfast?” 

A plate full of her favorite breakfast food, french toast and fruit appeared in front of her along with a hot, steaming cup of coffee. She took delight in the scent of cinnamon and dark sugar. The house of wind had remembered the way she enjoyed her coffee.

“The Moonstone palace felt suffocating.”

“You should’ve brought Mor with you so you wouldn’t be alone or let me know. I would’ve stayed the night here.”

“I wasn’t alone.” Valeria said mindlessly.

Cassian opened his mouth to ask, wondering if Rhysand had joined her, but he found his answer at the sound of approaching footsteps. 

“Good morning, Az.” His eyes narrowed as Azriel silently took the seat across from him. “You didn’t tell me you were staying here.”

Azriel speared a piece of meat on his plate with his fork. “I didn’t know I had to inform you of my whereabouts.”

Cassian rose a brow at Azriel’s snappy tone.

“I’m going to continue training.”

Silence fell.

Azriel hastily swallowed a big bite of his food, and Cassian’s eyes widened slightly, both momentarily taken aback by Valeria’s outburst. Blinking at her in unison, they turned their full attention to Valeria, who set her fork down to explain herself. 

“Although it was my training that led to the–” Valeria grimaced as her mind searched for the right word”--incident,  it was my training and powers that saved me. I want to be better.”

Valeria had done a lot of thinking while she was healing. Cassian and Azriel didn’t get to check up on her as they had wished as they were bombarded with tasks. Perhaps, this was another form of punishment from her father or punishment toward Cassian and Azriel for harboring her secret. 

Mor, Rhysand and her mother took turns attending to her bedside but the moments she was alone, her mind inevitably drifted to thoughts of the Illyrian males she killed and the way their voices and screams followed her, even after their deaths. She had let Rhysand into her mind and showed him everything. He had paled as he lived through her memory himself and afterwards, he had promised he would help her harness her powers and if she was up to it, he would help her continue to train.

“I don’t feel remorse for killing them.”

She replayed the haunting memories of that night hundreds of times. It was scary and shocking at first–the mere fact that she was capable of killing. She surprisingly didn’t feel guilty over their deaths. She didn't feel anything. Sure, they had families but they weren’t innocent. They had a long history of abusing the females of Windhaven, her best friend included, and of clipping their wings. They had attacked her. She would do it again if she had to.

“Good.” 

“They deserved it.” Cassian nodded, agreeing with Azriel. “But what about–” 

“I can’t continue training with the Valkyries but I can still train here. Rhysand offered to teach me. He already managed to convince the High Lord.” Valeria interrupted. Her expression turned sullen and her wings slouched behind her. “At least the High Lord listens to him.”

Her father had not been happy that Rhysand had intervened in her punishment but other than a glare, he had not reprimanded Rhysand, even though he had taken full blame for killing the Illyrian males. He misted the bodies away to hide the evidence of their true nature of death. Her brother thought it was best to keep her abilities and powers hidden for now, fearing that if their father knew, he would take advantage of Valeria. 

“I’ll join in training you.”

Valeria lifted her gaze and met Azriel’s.

“I think it’d be best if I helped train her.” Cassian said, sending Azriel a glare.

“Please don’t feel obligated to do so. I have already asked enough from you by forcing you to keep my secret.” Valeria replied, her gaze shifting between the two males, a sense of confusion settling in. Why were they glaring at each other? Had she missed something? 

“It’s settled then.” Cassian tore his gaze away from Azriel. “We’ll both join Rhys for your training. When are you starting?”

Valeria grinned. “Later on in the evening. Rhys is bringing that guy from Spring since he’s taken him under his wing. What was his name again? Tamarind or something.”

“Tamlin.” Azriel corrected, his stomach churning at the name as his shadows reminded him of the Spring court’s youngest son and the way he had looked at Valeria during the High Lord Dinner. He rose from his seat. “I have to go and take care of some assignments now if I want to make it back in time.”

As he strolled toward the exit, passing by Valeria, he didn’t miss a beat and leant down to kiss her cheek. Cassian’s glare reappeared but quickly transformed into a look of pure shock as Azriel, sporting a smirk, replicated the gesture on his cheek.  

Azriel left without uttering another word, his shadows trailing behind him.

“Did he just–”

“Yup.” Valeria stifled a giggle behind her hand, fingers pressed against her cheek to conceal the rising blush. “What do you have planned for the morning?”

“I have to return to Windhaven and speak with the other generals in an hour or two.”

“Lovely.” Valeria replied with a mischievous grin. “Then, you have enough time to accompany me to the library and visit a dear old friend.”

Cassian’s body tensed and he shot her a wry look. He then cleared his throat, feigning nonchalance. He stood from his seat. “You know what, I think I should actually get going now.”

**

"Bryaxis asked about you," Valeria murmured, her fingers deftly weaving through Cassian's long hair as she fashioned it into a braid. Despite his initial request for a bun, she had convinced him that a braid was more practical for training. It was an argument made on a whim when the truth was, she simply enjoyed braiding his hair. Rhysand and Azriel’s hair was too short. “He misses you.”

Seated on the training grounds, Cassian paused in his task of sharpening Valeria's dagger, giving her a bemused side-eye.

Her laughter bubbled forth, and she playfully tapped his shoulder, signaling the completion of her handiwork. Her day had consisted of helping out in the library but she hadn’t visited Bryaxis at all.

Azriel stepped out from the shadows on the rooftop of the House of Wind, his shadows melding seamlessly with the surroundings. The smirk on his face was evidence that he had been lingering longer than he let show. “Don’t scare him like that, Val. He might just piss his pants again.”

Cassian withdrew from Valeria, rising to his feet with an abrupt motion. He shot her a pointed glare that had Valeria turning to Azriel. She raised her eyebrows silently questioning him.

 "You promised it would remain our secret!" Cassian exclaimed. He was then raising the sleeve of his leathers up, revealing the small fine line tattoo of a crescent moon and sword overlapping one another that had etched itself onto his skin after he had caught her training with the Valkyries.

 A bargain had been struck that night–a secret for a secret–as Valeria knew that the only way to keep him quiet was to bring back the embarrassing memory of Cassian and Valeria’s encounter with the darkness that lurked within the library. His tattoo matched the one at her side, near her ribcage and for many years, it remained often hidden by her clothes. Of course Azriel had noticed her tattoo one night and driven by curiosity, he had sneakily extracted the truth out of her in a way that didn’t dishonor her bargain.

“Does this mean nothing to you?”

“Cas–”

A sudden gust of wind swept through the training grounds, accompanied by the melody of wings slicing through the air. Rhysand appeared alongside a hawk, both of their keen eyes scanning the scene. Valeria appeared flustered, Cassian was sulking and Azriel wore a smug demeanor. Rhysand touched down on the ground with a questioning look.  “Do I want to know?”

“No.” Both Cassian and Valeria replied in unison, whipping their heads to Rhysand with matching glares as they felt the subtle intrusion of his talons attempting to slip into their minds. 

Their attention then shifted to the hawk just in time to see it transform into a high fae form. A male emerged from the blinding gold light, greeting them with a shy hello.

“Tamlin, you’ve met these fools before.” Rhysand remarked, nodding his head toward his sister and friends. “Val, Cas and Az.”

**

“Drop and give me thirty.”

Valeria gaped at her brother who smirked at her in return. He reached forward, using a finger to close her mouth. “You think just because I am your brother I’ll go easy in training you?”

With a huff, Valeria complied with the training exercise. Tamlin joined her while Cassian and Azriel continued their own stretches and exercises. Much to her dismay, her warm up did not end after her push ups. Rhysand had her and Tamlin running around the training grounds with a variety of demanding exercises.

The exhaustion was beginning to settle in and Valeria’s breaths came in labored gasps by the time Rhysand tossed her a sword. Her only relief was that Tamlin appeared to be more winded than her. Rhysand allowed him to sit on one of the benches and take a break as he was a beginner.

The glint of steel caught the sunlight as it began to set. Valeria readied herself for the next phase of the training, her muscles burning with effort. She pushed past her exhaustion against Rhysand’s strike.

She was agile and fierce, dancing through her maneuvers. Rhysand, equally formidable, moved with a grace that mirrored her own. Amidst the sparring, Tamlin found himself drawn to Valeria’s prowess. His eyes involuntarily followed her every move, captivated by the fluidity of her motions.

Valeria was unaware of the attention, her focus solely on refining her skills. Azriel, always perceptive, noticed Tamlin’s lingering gaze, lips pressed into a taut line. His fleeting moment of distraction resulted in Cassian landing a blow to his side, knocking the wind out of him.

The moon was shining upon them when Valeria finally bested her brother with a triumphant grin. She dropped her sword, letting it clatter onto the grounds. Glasses of cold, refreshing water appeared on one of the empty benches and Valeria made her way to them, murmuring a small thanks to the house.

“You’re good.” 

Valeria turned around to find Tamlin. “Thanks.”

“I can’t help but ask why you train?” His voice carried genuine curiosity. “Shouldn’t you–”

“Be off learning how to be a good wife instead?” She interrupted.

Tamlin’s green eyes were widening,a genuine apologetic look on his face. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“It’s okay.” Valeria softly chuckled, shrugging her shoulders.  “I train because I simply want to...and because someone has to kick Rhys's ass.”

Rhysand shot her a glare while Cassian and Azriel laughed.

The night continued on with another hour of training. When Valeria had settled herself onto one of the benches, her muscles were screaming for rest. Rhysand was instructing Tamlin and showing him a couple of Illyrian methods but Valeria’s attention was focused on Cassian and Azriel sparring. They had stripped off their shirts and Valeria couldn’t help but admire the glistening of Azriel’s sweaty skin and the every movement of his muscles.

**

The soft glow of faelight filled the room as Valeria stepped out from her bathroom, her aching muscles slightly soothed by the hot bath the house had drawn for her. She approached the piano in her room, the exact same model as the one she had back at the Moonstone palace. There was another in one of the living room of the house as it was a necessity for her wherever she stayed. The instrument, once a source of solace and joy, now seemed to echo the void left by the absence of her beloved bird, Noctis.

Her fingers ghosted over the keys in hesitation. She hadn’t played since his death.

A knock on her door had her turning away from the piano. She opened the door slightly, eyes widening when she found Azriel standing on the other side. She hadn’t expected him to visit. While Rhysand had gone to drop Tamlin off, he had planned to also spend the night at the house. She realized he must not be back, considering Azriel was standing in front of her this late at night.

His hands were behind his back as he shifted his weight from one foot to another. “I have something for you.”

“For me?” She echoed curiously. Stepping back, she welcomed him inside, making sure to shut the door behind him. When she turned to face Azriel again, one of his hands was nervously rubbing at his neck while the other remained behind his back.

“This was meant to be your birthday present but it wasn’t ready in time.” Azriel said, his gaze flickering toward the piano in her room before meeting hers again. “I was going to give it to you when I saw you next at the Moonstone palace but I didn’t expect to find you here last night so...”

“What is it?” Valeria asked, leaning over to catch a glimpse of what he hid in his hand.

With a timid smile, Azriel brought his hand forward, revealing a delicate jewelry box engraved with carvings reminiscent of the ink on his skin. Her violet eyes glimmered in surprise as he presented his second gift to her. The first had been a beautiful pair of sapphire earrings.

Accepting the box into her hands, she marveled at its size, now appearing larger in her grasp than in his. Opening it, she uncovered a miniature figure inside. It was not just a jewelry box but a music box as well. A beautifully painted raven, a replica of Noctis, was perched on the tiny stage within. As the lid lifted, a familiar melody filled the air–the very tune Valeria and Noctis used to sing together.

“How?” She whispered.

“I know the melody by heart and found someone to help me record it. I crafted the box myself, which is why I couldn’t finish it in time. I wanted it to be perfect. Well, close to perfect..."

Her breath caught as she traced the delicate details of the music box. Warmth flooded her heart. Azriel, always attuned to her emotions, knew.

Despite not seeing each other often the past couple of weeks, he knew that the piano, once a shared sanctuary for Valeria and Noctis, now held bittersweet memories that seemed to weigh down on her heart. He was determined to help her heal and bring back the joy to her life, recognizing that music and flying were among her favorite things.

Tears welled in her eyes and Azriel’s shadows were curling against his ears. His eyebrows furrowed as he hesitantly asked, "Do you not like it?"

“It’s perfect.” Valeria shook her head, a radiant smile breaking through her tears. "I love it."

Azriel was relieved and as he looked at her, he found himself caught in the vulnerability of the moment.

His hand caressed her face and as their eyes locked, they shared a tender gaze– a silent acknowledgment of the emotions that lingered deep within them. He ignored the warning bells in his head, pushed past Cassian’s warning voice. He was already breaking his self-imposed rule of being alone with her.

Just for this one more moment, he told himself.

He leant down to match her height and placed a kiss on her forehead and then, he kissed away the tears that escaped her eyes. A gentle reassurance that he would always care for her. And finally, he kissed her lips. A short but sweet kiss that spoke of feelings lingering in the air.

When he pulled away, she wrapped her arms and pressed her smaller body into him. He hugged her back, embracing the forbidden sweetness of the moment.

They remained in each other’s arms for a while longer until Azriel’s shadows were standing taut and alerting him of Rhysand’s return. It was only then that he pulled away and whispered a soft “goodnight, Val."

The next morning, Valeria found herself drawn to the piano once more. This time, the melancholy had lifted. As her fingers danced across the keys, Azriel could hear from his room, content in knowing that he had helped mend the fragments of her broken song.

**

A/N: i'm assuming since Tamlin can shift into a beast, he can also shift into other animals? I only included the hawk thing bc I found it too funny if Rhys was carrying Tamlin lol. the song I imagined Val and Noctis to sing a lot is David Bowie's As the World Falls Down. It's such a beautiful song and I feel like it captures a desire to escape from reality, which is fitting for Az and Val. Here's a music box version of it, if you're curious. the next part will be the last imagine before I start on the storyline but there will probably be more additions in the future like cas and val meeting bryaxis and maybe more moments between her and cas

The training grounds echoed with the sound of grunts and the shuffling feet as Cassian and Azriel circled each other. Their movements were not as precise or graceful as usual, marred by their roaring hangover.

Yet Cassian had insisted they still train.

“You’re getting sloppy, Az.” Cassian said, easily dodging Azriel’s punch.

He had left little opportunity or time to protest on training when he forced Azriel awake. The image of Azriel holding Valeria, someone he saw as his own little sister, in such an intimate way brought a sense of unease. It was a feeling fueled by the protectiveness he harbored for her. 

“Anything on your mind recently?”

“You mean besides this raging hangover?” Azriel spat back, squinting as the sun’s rays blazed over them.

“Perhaps, I should specify. Anyone on your mind recently?”

Their hands moved, parrying and throwing punches. The hits were calculated, the strength held back. With a huff, Cassian chose to cut to the chase, finally voicing his suspicions and concerns over something that had been gnawing at him for a while now.

“What’s going on with you and Valeria?”

“Nothing.”

“Bullshit.” Cassian snapped. He found an opening and landed a punch to Azriel’s shoulders, no longer holding his strength back and sending Azriel faltering backwards. “You two were cuddling.”

“You were cuddling me.”

“Oh and I’m sure it was me spooning you that gave you a raging hard on.”

“You wouldn’t understand.” Azriel finally said with a defensive glare.

“You’re right. I wouldn’t understand because Rhysand is like a brother to us and she is his little sister. Our little s–”

“She may be like a sister to you.” Azriel cut in sharply. The icy rage he carried with him, one only Rhysand had witnessed before, dared to surface. “But not to me.”

Cassian glared right back at him. “She’s off limits.”

“Why? Is it because I’m a bastard?”

Cassian flinched. The weight of the word was heavy, one that burdened his own shoulders too often. It hurt him to think that Azriel would think so lowly of him, to call him out cruelly over something he had no control over, especially when Cassian was in the same position.

Azriel’s gaze hardened at the silence that fell, daring him to say what lingered unspoken in the air. He needed to hear it, to shatter the illusion he had desperately and delicately crafted for himself.

“You know I would never use that word against you like that but it’s an unfortunate title we must carry.” Cassian’s gaze had softened. “She is not only Rhysand’s sister but the daughter of a High Lord. She’s already suffered through so much and I don’t see this ending well for you, for her. So whatever it is that you two have, it needs to stop. Now.”

“I don’t think I can.” Azriel’s voice was pained, his face held an expression Cassian could not read.

“Don’t tell me you two have already…”

Azriel’s silence was an answer. 

Cassian dropped his fists, using one of his hands to pinch the bridge of his nose instead as he felt bile rise in his throat. He had been angry at first. Despite not sharing the same blood, he loved Valeria like his own sister. And Azriel, he was his best friend, the closest thing to a brother he could ever have. He was torn. He wanted to be happy for Azriel. If it were anyone else, Cassian would’ve cheered him, would’ve annoyed him for more details.

Azriel could have anyone. Anyone but her.

 “This is more than physical attraction,” Azriel was desperately protesting because if anyone would listen and be willing to understand, it was Cassian.  “When she hurts, I hurt. When she’s happy, I’m happy. I need to be with her all the time. I-I can’t control it.”

Cassian would never say it outloud but he hated the thought that surfaced onto his mind. His mother, born of low status, faced rejection after she became pregnant while his father had received no backlash. The same cruel fate had befallen upon Azriel’s mother. Why would Azriel and Valeria be any different? If anything, since their roles were reversed, it had potential to be worse.

And he could not let any harm come to Valeria or Azriel.

 If the High Lord found out that his one and only daughter was no longer a virgin, no longer pure…Cassian shuddered at the thought.

“Learn to control it.” Cassian’s cut through the air, his cold voice returning. “Before things get worse, before you fall in love.”

Azriel found himself stumbling back until the back of his knees hit the bench. He sank onto it as Cassian walked away.

It’s already too late, he wanted to say. Everything he felt for Valeria had already turned into love. But he could not find his voice.

Cassian turned to leave, but before he moved on, he paused. “Count your stars lucky that it is me who caught you this morning and not Rhysand.”

**

Weeks later…

Valeria sighed deeply.

“Stop moving.” Her mother chided with a tsk.

“Is this really necessary?” Valeria asked, her voice almost a whine as her mother continued to fuss with the fabric.

“Absolutely, my little star.” Lady Yvaine replied, eyes twinkling with excitement and admiration over her work. “Every stitch is a wish, every fold a dream. This dress has to be perfect!"

Valeria turned her head over her shoulder to glance at her reflection in the mirror. She was draped in a smooth white satin, a rough silhouette of a wedding dress. Her mother’s keen eyes were delicately placing a layer of glittery tulle over the satin fabric.

“I’m not even getting married,” Valeria grumbled as she turned back around.

Her mother, who was knelt before her, pinning the tulle fabric down looked up at her. “You never know when a charming suitor may come by. I want my daughter to be ready.”

Valeria knew there was no winning with her mother so she bit her lip to keep herself from retorting. She couldn’t ignore the nervous fluttering in her stomach at the mere thought of marriage. In a world where females rarely had a say in their unions, the looming specter of her father’s choice stirred unease within her. A selfish and innocent desire whispered in her heart, wanting to marry for love, a prospect already coming into mind…

The intricate ink wrapped around her ring finger pricked her skin, reminding her of Rhysand’s promise to her. That she would marry someone who could make her happy, make her laugh. Someone who loved her as much as she loved them. Someone who smelled good.

It was a foolish promise for him to make but they were kids when the bargain had been struck. She wondered if it was a promise he would be able to keep or if they would discover the consequences of when a Night Court bargain is broken. 

“I already made your husband’s suit so that it may match perfectly with your dress.”

Lady Yvaine’s voice pulled Valeria out of her thoughts. Valeria’s eyebrows knitted together, a ghost of a smile on her face at her mother’s enthusiasm. “How is that even possible? We don’t even know who it will be, their measurements, if they’ll even want to wear it.”

Her mother placed her hands on Valeria’s hips, using her body to help her rise. She smiled lovingly at her daughter, caressing her cheek. “I just know,” she said with a gleam in her eye.

The blood drained from Valeria’s face. “Is there something I should know? Has father–”

Lady Yvaine’s laughter interrupted Valeria. “Don’t fret. Nothing has been said so far.”

Valeria shifted as she fell deep into thought again. Memories of the fear and worry she had felt when she learned of Mor’s arranged marriage flooded back and then her mind drifted to a conversation she had with her mother years ago. She knew her mother’s marriage to her father was not based on love. It was based on their mating bond, their fates intertwined and destined together by the Mother. And there was one question she hadn’t dared to ask back then…

Lady Yvaine frowned, mirroring Valeria’s expression. She could sense her daughter’s unease. “What troubles you, my star?”

Her voice was merely a whisper. “How did you know he was your mate?”

“The bond snapped for us at the same time. It’s an indescribable feeling but when our eyes found each other, I felt like the world stood still. I couldn’t look away and in that moment, all I knew was that I needed him. I knew he felt it too when he killed my uncle, who had been seconds away from clipping my wings.”

“But you don’t love him.”

It was more of a statement than a question.

Lady Yvaine gently cradled Valeria’s cheeks in her hands, pressing a loving kiss to her forehead. “But I love what he gave me.”

“A mating bond is rare in itself, even more so for love to be involved as well.”

Valeria wanted to ask more but a knock on her mother’s door had them both turning their heads. “Come in,” her mother’s voice beckoned and the door opened, revealing Rhysand.

He smiled as he entered, his eyes widening when he took in the sight of Valeria. The ink entangled around his left wrist pricked at his skin. “Is there something I should know?”

“Just mother being eager to send me off in her finest.” Valeria replied, turning to her mother with a pleading look in her eyes. Her mother rolled her eyes but gave her a light tap on her shoulder. “She already made your future wife's wedding dress. A whole wardrobe, in fact.”

Valeria made her way to the privacy screen in her mother’s room, keen to take off her future wedding dress.

“That’s insane.” She heard Rhysand chuckle as she changed back into her usual attire, a soft linen blouse and trousers to allow her to move freely, something that would be very much needed when she snuck off for her Valkyrie training later. “How do you even know if it’ll fit them?”

“She just knows.”

“I just know.”

Valeria and her mother said in unison as Valeria stepped out from the privacy screen. Her fingers worked her hair into a fishtail braid. 

Lady Yvaine grinned and shrugged her shoulders. “Mother always knows best.”

“What are you doing here? Weren’t you visiting Mor?”

“I was but I couldn’t find her.” Rhysand replied as he helped their mother put away her needle and threads. “So then I thought why not go enjoy a nice lunch in Velaris with my beautiful, sweet and loving mother and annoying, grating little sister?”

Valeria gave him a vulgar gesture when their mother wasn’t looking. He sent her one back. Their faces were stoic when their mother’s gaze flickered between the two.

But then Rhysand’s expression changed, contorting into one of pure bewilderment. His nostrils flared and body tensed. His mouth set into a hard line and then he was scowling. His eyes were distant but burning with rage.

“What is it?”

And when she heard it, she immediately recognized the voice that was frantically calling out her name, calling out her brother’s name. It was Azriel’s. Her eyes widened and then the three of them were running.

They found Azriel in the foyer of the Moonstone palace and Valeria felt her heart drop at the sight of the injured female in his arms.

It was Mor.

Her blonde hair was disheveled and tangled with autumn leaves and branches. Her face was marred with dirt and scratches. Her skin was bare and exposed, revealing bruises and gashes but her stomach was the most terrifying sight. There were nails embedded to her skin, blood trickling down, as they held up a note.

Valeria didn’t bother to read the note as she rushed up to Azriel. Tears stung her eyes as she reached out toward Mor’s neck, a sliver of relief flooding through her at the pulse. She was alive.

“We need to get her to the infirmary.” Lady Yvaine stated. “I’ll call for Madja.”

Valeria’s touch lingered on Mor, her other hand reaching out for Azriel. She winnowed them into the palace’s infirmary, knowing Rhysand would follow. Azriel placed her gently on a bed and Valeria was quick to cover her with a sheet. She wanted to take the note nailed onto her stomach off but she could smell the faebane and she feared making the injury worse if she did so.

She glanced between Azriel and Rhysand, sensing that they were still communicating in their minds. “What happened?”

“Get Cassian.” Rhysand was ordering Azriel.

“Are you sure–”

“Get. Cassian.” Rhysand seethed, his fists clenching at his sides until his knuckles turned white. “I want him to see.”

Azriel turned to Mor, not wanting to leave his friend’s side while injured. She had been unconscious when he found her. He had been patrolling around Autumn Court’s borders per his High Lord’s request when his shadows alerted him of an injured female in the forest. He then shifted his gaze to Valeria and she gave him a reassuring nod, an unspoken promise that she would take care of Mor.

Azriel disappeared into his shadows and Valeria looked at her hurt friend, her own heart aching. “Mor,” she called out softly, her fingers gently wiping at the caked tears on her friend’s face, but the blonde did not stir, not even when Valeria’s own tears accidentally fell onto her face.

“Rhys, you have to tell me what happened, who did this.”

 “Eris broke off the engagement and her family punished her. Her brothers did this to her and then they dumped her in Autumn.”

“I don't understand. Why would Eris break off the engagement?”

Valeria lifted her head, watching as Rhysand’s gaze darkened. The anger was not directed at her but at someone behind her.

“Cassian.” He snarled. “Look at what you did.”

Valeria turned around. Azriel and Cassian stood behind her, a couple of feet away from her and Mor. Azriel’s face was stoic and unreadable but there was an icy rage within his hazel eyes. Cassian was frozen in pure horror as his eyes landed on the unconscious and bleeding female. He barely had enough time to react before Rhysand was lunging forward.

Rhysand pinned Cassian to the floor, shadows and darkness madly swirling around him. He gripped Cassian’s leathers to bring him up and then slammed him back down to the floor. 

Rhysand’s hands wrapped themselves around Cassian’s throat. “You knew the consequences but you couldn’t keep it in your pants, could you?”

“Rhys.” Azriel reached out to pull Rhysand off of Cassian but was met with the wrath of Rhysand’s darkness.

“It wasn’t like that.” Cassian croaked out, his eyes pleading with him to hear him out. “Please–”

“Give me one good fucking reason why I shouldn’t kill you right now.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Valeria caught the sight of Mor stirring in bed, her face contorting in pain. 

“Enough!” Valeria exclaimed sharply, silver tendrils of moonlight escaping from her fingertips. They darted toward Rhysand, shattering his cloud of darkness and forcing him apart from Cassian.

Rhysand slammed into the floor, the silver tendrils wrapping around his wrists and anchoring him to the ground. Cassian was gasping for air and Azriel rushed to his hide, helping him to his feet. Rhysand’s gaze widened in disbelief as it landed on his sister. He knew she had powers but he had never seen them so violently on display and never had anyone been able to overcome his own.

Valeria was glowing, her powers trickling from her hands and threatening to lash out again. “I don’t care what happened but there will be no more injuries. Enough harm has been done.”

The door to the infirmary opened, her mother and Madja rushing in.

Valeria’s eyes were cold and demanding as they burned into her brother’s. His lips curled into a deep frown. She had never looked at him that way before--

“Val–”

“Leave.”

**

Days had passed and Valeria spent them at Mor’s side. She seldom left, only to shower, change or eat, but even then, she always made sure there was someone with Mor. Sometimes, it would be her mother, Rhysand or Azriel. She was reluctant to let Cassian watch over her, worried over what could transpire if Rhysand and Cassian bumped into each other, but she made sure to keep her friend up to date with Mor’s status.

It was on the eighth day that Mor finally woke. Her body was slowly healing. She had confessed everything to Valeria, on how Valeria’s words the night they went to Rita’s inspired her. She knew the consequences of her actions but she would much rather face those than live a life where she was forced to remain by Eris’s side. It wasn’t just Cassian she had spent the night with but Tanwyn as well and she had made Valeria promise that she would leave that detail out if anyone asked.

As Valeria held her crying cousin close, she couldn’t help the tears that fell from her own eyes. “I need to talk to him.” Mor whispered. “Cassian needs to know that I don’t blame him for this.”

Valeria nodded. “I’ll go get him for you.”

**

Valeria had given Cassian and Mor privacy. She froze when she felt her brother’s presence. “Rhys.”

The two hadn’t spoken much over the past couple of days. Valeria knew that Rhysand’s actions had been spurred by his protectiveness over Mor but she did not agree with the way he had attacked Cassian. Rhysand had apologized to her and to Mor but he knew it was Cassian who needed to hear it. Guilt flickered in his violet eyes.

“I need to talk to him.” 

“After.”

She felt the cool caress of his shadows before she saw him. They slivered up her arms, coaxing her head to turn toward their master. She hadn’t spoken to Azriel much either. She was relieved that he was here, her body yearning to be close to him but she couldn’t bring herself to move. The way Rhysand had reacted to Cassian and Mor struck a sense of fear in her and Azriel, always attune to her, could feel it too.

When Cassian slipped out from the infirmary, she felt herself tense up. There was a reassuring tug, tempting her gaze to Azriel again just as his shadows had done. He would be present and willing to intervene if things got heated again. It was only after she felt another tug that she allowed herself to return to Mor, sending a wary glance to each of them.

**

Rhysand’s head hung low as they all sat in one of the living spaces of the palace. Azriel and Cassian had refused to sit in case they had to spring into action. Cassian leant against one of the pillars while Azriel stood in between them both. His shadows were curled against his ear, keeping him alert on every movement and breath. 

“I’m sorry for hurting you.” Rhysand said. He finally lifted his gaze, his eyes brimming with tears. “Mor is like a sister to me and seeing her hurt–” he grimaced as the image resurfaced “--I shouldn’t have lashed out at you like that. I was just so angry but you didn't deserve that. She explained everything to me. I just wish you would’ve come to me first. We could’ve planned something, I–I could’ve protected her.”

Cassian mirrored Rhysand’s sullen expression. This was the first time they had fought over a serious matter and gone days without speaking. “I’m sorry too.” 

The two exchanged a teary look and before they knew it, they were hugging and forcing Azriel to join.

When they pulled away, Rhysand dragged a hand down his face, his features betraying his exhaustion from the previous days. He looked at his two closest friends, his brothers. “We can’t keep secrets like this from each other.” He sighed. “Is there anything else I should know?”

Azriel’s shadows stopped their whispering and froze as their master’s wings twitched. This was his chance to tell Rhysand–to come out clean. Perhaps, Rhysand would be understanding, he would find a way to help him and Valeria. But it was Cassian’s gaze he met first and he moved his head in a subtle manner. Don’t. 

“Alright then,” Rhysand broke the silence. He tapped Cassian and Azriel on the shoulder in a farewell gesture. “I need to go speak to my father over Mor’s new living arrangements. She’ll be staying with Valeria and my mother from now on.”

**

Shadows danced around them, enveloping them in a cloud of darkness and keeping their exchanged words a secret.

“I fucked up.” Cassian said with a frown, his wings sagging to the floor. While Mor and Rhysand had forgiven him, he couldn't forgive himself. He knew that Mor would face great punishment for losing her virginity to him but he would've never imagined it'd result in something as terrible and cruel as this. “Didn’t I?”

“Yes.” Azriel answered dryly. “You’re a fucking hypocrite.”

“It’s different.” Cassian was quick to reply.

Azriel glared, remembering their conversation from weeks ago, when Cassian had warned him to stay away from Valeria, reminding them of the consequences that laid ahead of them if they continued to be together. And then Cassian had gone and done something similar with Mor and it was only Mor who had to face the brutal consequence of their actions alone. This is exactly what Cassian had warned him about so how was it any different?

“It’s not.”

“I don’t love Mor and it was a one time thing only. You, on the other hand…” Cassian’s voice trailed off. 

Azriel braced himself for Cassian’s expected harshness, anticipating an insult. He was not prepared for the sting of the words that followed:

“Let this be a reminder to us, as cruel as it is, that in this world, you and I are unfortunately what our fathers made us. We are not free to want things. We are not free to love who we want. We are not deemed worthy."

As Cassian took a step back, Azriel’s shadows fell. They returned to their master, sensing his hurt and snaked around his limbs. They wrapped him in their loving embrace, offering the comfort they had provided for many years. 

Not deemed worthy.

The words had sliced through him like a blade, shattering the fragile illusion he had painstakingly built around himself. It was an illusion he clung to desperately, hoping that Valeria could one day be his–that he would one day be worthy of her smile, her heart.

Falling in love with her had been effortless, inevitable almost. But he was no lord, bore no high status. He was a bastard and the realization of his unworthiness cut deep. A painful acknowledgement that Valeria, the High Lord’s daughter, was beyond reach.

His reach. 

He would forever be hers but she would never be his–could never be his. A love forbidden, an unattainable dream.

**

tag list:  @justrepostandlove , @kemillyfreitas, @thelov3lybookworm

A/N: this part was hard to write for me because Cassian did the one thing he warned Azriel about so I tried my best to convey both of their feelings. What happened between Mor and Cass was consensual and Mor was aware of what could happen still no excuse for what her family did to her, broke my heart when I read that part in the book while Azriel and Valeria are in their own little bubble, choosing to ignore the consequences. So while they essentially did the same thing, their intentions were different.