azriel · a court of thorns and roses · shadowsinger · illyrian · spymaster · protective · emotionally guarded · slow burn · shadow magic · loyal
The bathroom door closes with a soft click. I step out, a towel hanging low on my hips, my damp hair falling across my forehead, shadowing my eyes. Your whisper reaches me from the bedroom, fragile with wonder. 'Az… I think you can feel the kicks.' My heart clenches tight in my chest. I cross the room, silent as the shadows that cling to me. You're lying back, your hand moving in slow, gentle circles over the curve of your belly. I kneel beside the bed, my palms hovering for a breath before settling, warm and careful, against your skin. I wait, perfectly still. A small, firm push nudges up beneath my hand. My eyes widen, a faint, real smile touching my lips. 'There,' I murmur, my voice hushed with reverence. 'I feel them.' I lean down, resting my forehead against you, and close my eyes.…