#cassianweek2024

And they lived happily ever after… The end.

You snap the book close in your hands and groan. You slide the back of the book onto the nightstand, right beside your empty mug of tea, and stretch your arms above your head. You sigh at the feeling of your numb muscles stretching out after a long time stuck in the same position. You look up at the clock to check how long exactly you’ve been reading, and the realization hits you full force.

Seven whole hours. Mother above… More like “Mother’s tits”, as your mate would so graciously say.

Speaking of him, you haven’t heard much of him in a while, which was weird, since he would always be tucked at your side at any given time of the day. He would usually burrow his face in the middle of your breasts, and start kissing them sneakily once he has enough of waiting for you to finish reading. He would become insufferable if you have the misfortune to read a relatively steamy part of your book and become all hot and bothered. Cassian would always manage to make you even more flustered or aroused when this happens. 

But the General hasn't shown up for seven whole hours. Tendrils of guilt swirls around your stomach, squeezing it uncomfortably as you come to the realization that you have failed to notice Cassian’s absence until just now. You softly tug on the golden bond that shone permanently in your chest, connecting your soul with the male of your every desire, but you receive no response, as if he had blocked you out. 

You slide your cold feets into your slippers, and pick up the mug on the nightstand, bringing it with you on your quest to find the General. The house of the wind is silent, save from the fire soothingly dancing in the hearth. Your eyes scan the living room, then the kitchen… No sign of Cassian. You walk toward the sink, washing your mug and placing it down into the drying rack, all while thinking where your mate can possibly be at this time of the night. 

Your eyes move to the front door, and you notice that there still was a thin layer of snow melting under the sole of his boots. He must’ve been training until late, which means…

Just as you start to make a connection of where your mate is most likely to be, the sound of water running from the bathroom confirms your theory. You tiptoe to the bathroom, trying to be sneaky, but Cassian’s gaze is already set on you when you walk in the bathroom. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you up.” He says, turning his back to you.

The water is pouring down on him, soaking his hair, droplets of water sliding down the waves of his hair, following the uneven black lines tattooed on his shoulders, sliding all the way down his back, finishing their course by caressing his muscled ass… “I wasn’t sleeping.” You admit, starting to undress, not minding at all that your mate can smell the shift in your scent. 

Cassian shoulder’s tense slightly as you walk closer to the foggy glass door, naked. You raise a brow, halting your hand on the doorknob of the shower, about to question him but he’s quicker to speak. “Y/N, don’t come in here just because you pity me.” All hints of arousal leave your body at his words, your brain blurry from trying to understand where Cassian's insecurity comes from.  

“Alright, then,” You say, stepping inside the shower, standing right behind the General's massive shoulders, hands on your hips. “Mind telling me where such thoughts come from?” Your finger taps on the back of his head slightly, insisting that he turns around to face you, to face what’s on his mind and open up to you. 

Cassian’s shoulders drop, his wings so low that they brush the shower tiles on the floor. “Cassie… My love…” You stroke the spot in between his wings in a comforting manner, and you feel his wards crumble, his emotions pouring through the bond. 

Self-loathing, pain, loneliness… 

His feelings make your own heart sting, and your face crumbles at how much pain your mate seems to suffer from. You lift his wing, and carefully slip underneath it to sneak between the wall and his face. He turns his face away from you, facing the wall. You can’t tell if it’s tears, or water that’s rolling down his cheeks. “I need you to be honest with me,” He sighs, as if trying to gather the strength to speak his next words. “Do you…” His eyebrows knit, and your eyes glance to his fists, clenching, unclenching. He was nervous. “Do you find me annoying?”

“No, Cass-”

“Too clingy maybe?”

You frown, and wrap your fingers around his wrist. “No… My love-”

“Then why is it everytime I touch you, you…” His eyes snap to yours, and you hold your breath at how bloodshot they look. From crying. “You…” His voice softens, and he has to bite his lip to keep it from trembling. “Do you like it when I touch you?” He asks in a whisper, his head tilting to the side. Pain was written all over his face.

“Oh, Cassian…” You smile sadly, opening your arms to offer him a hug. He swings you into his arms, both of you now standing under the warm water. He buries his face in the crook of your neck. “I love it when you touch me. What made you think otherwise?” You comfort him, kissing the side of his head lovingly. 

“It almost looks like you avoid touching me. I just… I don't know. It made me wonder if perhaps I was the one being too touchy.” He confesses, still hiding his face in the safety of your neck. 

“Hey… look at me.” You move back to cup his cheek, forcing his eyes to meet yours. “If I didn't like you touching me, I would've told you so. I promise,” You kiss the tip of his nose. “Now, if I made you feel like I was avoiding touching you, I'm sorry. It's just…” You chuckle softly, shaking your head. “I'm just… I just like to express my love differently, I guess. Like, I usually express my love with little acts of services, or words of affirmation…” 

Cassian nods slowly, and scratches the back of his head, chuckling too. “Oh…” 

There's a moment of silence where the both of you just stand naked in the shower, your hands caressing Cassian’s cheeks, the stubbles scratching your digits softly. 

Cassian’s hands wrap delicately around your wrists, and he brings one of them to his lips, pampering the soft skin of it with kisses. “I'm so sorry I didn't notice all of this… I was too focused on my own love language. And since you weren't so… Gods, I'm such an idiot…”

“You're not an idiot,” You reassure him. “You're allowed to be worried about things, Cass. I'm happy we talked about it.” 

His lips leave your wrist, and hover over your mouth, softly brushing against yours. He tucks a strand of wet hair behind your ear, and whispers against your lips. “Yeah… I'm glad we talked about it too…” Then he kisses you, his lips feeling so light against yours. So was his heart, now that you've communicated.

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You felt like you were failing your readers, though every time you sat with a blank page and fresh ink the words refused to come. As though they were mocking you as if to say you didn't deserve the success you had received.

Your mate who normally quieted the evil voices that would seep into your mind had been called away on a mission and so the cruel worlds morphed from a small dark spot into your mind into maelstrom of feelings worthlessness and as though you should give up your dreams all together.

Wrapped so deep in your thoughts, you barely registered the warmth of your tears running down your cheeks or the door of the bathroom opening revealing Cassian emerging. His gaze caught your crumpled form and he tried tugging on the bond only to find you had blocked him out.

Cassian in nothing but his sleep pants, his hair damp from bathing, and his wings tucked in tightly approached you. "Sweetheart," He whispered as he lowered to his knees giving you the distance to gauge the situation but close enough that his fingertips grazed the top of your hands that held your skirts in a vice grip.

You were a captive to your mind, the overwhelming anxiety gripping onto you tightly you couldn't even reach out to your mate. The words swirling trying to ingrain their lies.

You are not worthy.

You are pathetic.

You are talentless.

Give Up.

Cassian didn't need the bond to see what was occurring that the brilliant mind he adored so much was rendering you into a state of darkness. "Come Here, Sweetheart." Before you were able to register what was happening you were in his arms, the scent of Sandalwood and the lingering leather eased your breathing slightly.

He placed you on your feet and began to undress you. It was when he had you bare did he speak, "Shower, or bed?" His voice held no judgement only love and tenderness for you. Cassian's hands stroked your arms and the action alone caused the darkness to recede in your mind and you were able to come to the present.

"Bed." you whispered, voice dry from the crying.

Cassian kissed your shoulder, "Of course." He held out his hand and your favorite silk night dress appeared thanks to the House of Wind. "Arms up, My Love." You did as he asked and he got you dressed for bed. The cool material lowering the temperature of your overheated skin. Cassian gripped your head, "Come on, let's get you to bed."

You simply nodded your head as your mate led you to your side of the bed. Making sure as you began to get comfortable in bed that he was still touching you. He knew you needed his touch more than anything right now and went as far as crawling across you to his side of the bed to not break the contact. Once he adjusted his wings into a comfortable position he pulled you close to his chest. Your head pressed against his chest the steady beat of his heart, like a beacon of light blasted the dark thoughts and your breathing became easier as the voices quieted.

"We don't have to talk about it tonight." He whispered, his lips pressing against his forehead. "We will be talking about this in the morning along with planning a holiday away for a while."

Your lip trembled as he stroked your face with his thumb., "I love you. Thank you." Your eyes met his warm hazel ones, and you gave him a smile.

He returned your smile, "There's my girl." He placed his lips to yours pulling away lazily. "I love you, Sweetheart. Let's get some rest."

In a matter of seconds your eyes had fluttered shut and lulled by the heartbeat of your mate.

Cassian: General of the Night Court's Armies, The Lord of Bloodshed, but for you? He was your Knight in Shining Armor.

Always there to make sure the darkness never consumes you.

Your Hero.

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You came to the library of the House of Wind after the temple near Illyria was attacked. Luckily, no one got hurt, but it resulted in hundreds of important scripts and scrolls being burned. Rhys, as the good High Lord he was, offered you a position at the library to be their dedicated War Researcher.

You weren’t a priestess, and you certainly weren’t as traumatized as the others were, but the House of Wind library was your home. And yet, you tended to leave the library often to go find more books or research in Velaris. Or even in other courts. Only with Cassian’s protection, of course.

So, when you decided to go to the Summer Court to find a specific strategy in the technique you were researching, Cassian insisted on coming.

For him, it was making sure you were safe. Making sure his mate was safe.

Azriel loved to tease him on how "lovesick" he was with you. But nobody but Cass knew about the bond. Not even you. He didn't think he, a big, brutish warrior would be good enough for you, the quiet, shy, happy librarian. It wasn't fair when you looked at him with such adoration every time he stepped up to protect you. To guard you at the other courts. It was almost like you knew about the bond and didn't tell him. Like he didn't tell you.

You, on the other hand, couldn't be more oblivious to Cassian's affections. You loved Cassian. You were in love with him. But you didn't want to ruin the friendship you had. Who would come with you to visit courts if it did? You loved Az and Rhys, but they weren't Cassian. They didn't make you laugh with their sarcastic comments. They didn't growl at any male who looked at you the wrong way. While some females may have found it overprotective or possessive, you found it endearing. He was making sure you were well protected under his arm, surrounded by his wings.

Soon, you walked onto the roof of the House of Wind, clad in your normal attire for the summer court. Loose fitting pants and tunic, clad in Summer Court white with glints of Night Court teal. Your hair was braided back as you met Mor, who would winnow you both to Summer Court. Azriel was standing beside her, quietly chatting with her.

Cassian was decked in his Illyrian armor, all 7 Siphons on display, when he came through the stairwell. As they always were when you were going to another court.

Mor and Az watched as Cassian tucked in his wings, lowering himself towards you in greeting. "Are you ready to go to the Summer Court?" He asked.

You smiled up at him, nodding happily. "I am," you said softly. "I can't wait to find this book. I think you're going to like it too, once I finish reading it. And then we could compare notes." You said happily. "Or we could read it together!"

Azriel held back a laugh as a blush crept up Cassian's cheeks.

"Oh.. Uh.. Yeah, yeah that would be great." He said.

Azriel coughed, glancing over to Mor. Cassian, one of the deadliest Illyrian warriors, was making himself smaller, blushing, and stumbling over his words. For you. It was endearing, but it was going on so much now that Mor and Az had a plan.

"The Prince would love to see (Y/N) while you're both there. You should stop by the palace in Adriata." Mor said. "Tarquin? You remember him. He's the nephew of Nostrus."

"Me?" You asked, wrapping your arms around yourself. You were no stranger to meeting princes or High Lords. Rhys valued your opinion on war tactics and had you sit in on calls and diplomatic meetings. But it was always surprising when one of them requested for you.

"He said something about a private dinner." Azriel said.

"With me?" You asked again, looking up at Cassian. "I-I don't know if Rhys would approve of a private dinner." You said, looking back to Mor.

"You won't be alone. I'll be there with you." Cassian said, setting a light hand on your shoulder.

You let out a sigh and smiled. "I hope Prince Tarquin is okay with that." You said squeezed Cassian's hand.

"Can we go now? The library there closes early and I don't want to waste a minute." You said.

Mor stepped up offering her hand to you.

"Better hope Tarquin doesn't make a move before you, brother." Azriel whispered to Cassian before winnowing away.

Cassian glared at the spot Azriel was just in before turning to Mor. "Let's go."

You found your book and about five more that you wanted to bring back to Velaris. As you were making your way to the palace, you saw Tarquin approached Cassian and you.

"Lady (Y/N), it's a pleasure to see you again." Tarquin said, kissing your hand.

Heat gathered on your neck and you prayed he couldn't see. You stepped closer to Cassian, the familiar warmth of his body bringing comfort to you. "You as well, Prince Tarquin." You said.

"I'm just going to give these to Mor so she can bring them back to the Night Court... and then we will meet you for dinner." You said.

"We?" He asked.

"Cassian... will be joining. If that's okay." You said, shifting on your feet.

"Oh... that is fine." He said.

"Cass, I'm gonna go meet Mor in that cafe over there. Stay here." You said, squeezing his arm before you walked over to the cafe.

You waited for Mor as you stood with your books, glancing around. You knew Cassian was still watching you through the window. As you looked over to give him a smile, you missed the male that strode up to your side. "Do you need help with those?" He asked.

You jumped slightly, then looked over to the male. "Oh.. no, thank you." You said and shook your head. "I'm just waiting for a friend." You said.

"Isn't that what they all say?" He asked.

"Who... they?" You asked.

"You females. You just want to be left alone do you lie." He said.

"I'm- I'm not lying... sir." You said, taking a step back. "My friend is coming to pick these up." You said.

"Sir? I quite like that." He said, taking a step towards you. His hand came to your arm, causing your stomach to roll.

"Take your hand off me." You said.

"Why? What are you going to do?" He asked, stepping closer to you as his other hand came to your other arm.

"Let go of me." You said again.

"Or what?"

"The lady said to take your hands off." Cassian growled, one of his daggers immediately at the male's neck.

If the male was phased by a knife at his neck, he didn't let on. "Piss off, she's mine." He said.

"Let her go before I slice your neck." Cassian said.

He could smell your fear, smell the terror as you watched the male's eyes darken.

In an instant, the male winnowed out of Cassian's grasp to behind him, his sword now out in the middle of the cafe.

You stepped back, hitting your back against the window. The books fell from your arms as you watched Cassian draw his sword, a shield of red being put up around you.

"Get her out of here." Cassian growled. That's when you noticed Tarquin standing next to you.

"General, you should stand down." He said.

"You want to fight?" Cassian asked the male. He only growled in return.

"Come on," Tarquin said, motioning for you to follow him. You kept your eyes on Cassian as Tarquin escorted you out of the cafe.

"Wait." You said and paused, watching as Cassian and the male began to fight. The other patrons scrambled out when the male started to use his magic.

"Cassian!" You yelled when he threw out his magic, causing the building to rumble.

Tarquin held you back, holding onto your arm. "If you go any closer, you could get hurt." He said.

Tears began to build in your eyes as you felt the ground shake again. Something in your gut pulled you to him, needed him to be safe. Needed him to stop fighting.

A sob left your lips as the building finally gave way. "Cassian!" A primal scream left your throat, causing your knees to buckle as the building crashed around him.

You ran towards it, shaking out of Tarquin's grip to go find him. That's when it snapped. When you felt the bond tugging you closer to him, under the rubble. Your knees scrapped as you slid on top of it, digging the loose parts out.

You sobbed as your fingers tore, trying to find him. You felt the bond, felt it pulling you towards him. He wasn't dead. He couldn't be. Not when you felt a tug back. When you felt a sense of calm wash over you that he sent down the bond. Suddenly, just a few steps away from where you were digging, a red light shot out of the rubble.

You let out a sob of relief as Cassian emerged from it, dust covering his face and body. You crawled over to him and wrapped your arms around him. "Cassian! Don't do that ever again." You sobbed, burying your face in his neck.

You felt his chuckle as he pulled you close to him. You thought the worse when you only felt one arm wrap around your waist.

You pulled back, more tears falling from your eyes when you noticed he had all six of your books in his other arm. "I couldn't forget these." He said.

You laughed, hitting his arm as more tears streamed down your face. "I have the most idiotic mate in the world." You teased.

Cassian's eyes widened, searching yours. "You know?" He asked.

"The second the building fell..." You whispered.

"Gods... I love you." He whispered back, pulling your waist closer to him as he pressed his lips against yours passionately.

"You two are gross." You heard Rhys's voice ring out behind you.

"And you're banned from the Summer Court until further notice." Tarquin said, crossing his arms. "Please leave."

You pulled back, love shining in your eyes as they stayed on Cassian. "I think my mate deserves a well cooked meal for bringing down a building for me." You said.

"Don't encourage him." Mor said, helping you two out of the rubble. You were now both covered in dust, and a little bit of blood. But you didn't care. Cassian was your mate. And you absolutely loved the lengths he would go to so you were safe.

Cassian would take all the teasing in the world from the rest of his family if it meant you would look at him like you were now. With that same adoration in your eyes... but more. With pure love in your eyes. He would bring down the whole of Prythian just to see that look another time.