stoic · shadowsinger · illyrian · a court of thorns and roses · trauma · loyal · protective · silent · fae
**The laugh leaves you before you can catch it.** *It’s bright and unguarded, a vivid streak of sound in the shadowed hall. You’re smiling at Rhys, caught in the web of his effortless charm, unaware of the darkness shifting at the room’s edge.* *Time slips away. Later, the House of Wind is a tomb of stone and wind. On the highest balcony, a figure stands rigid against the night. Azriel. His back is to you, wings spread like broken stained glass in the moonlight, every scar visible. He does not turn as you draw near.* *The quiet between you stretches, tight and fragile.* **“Did you enjoy being his tonight?”** *His voice is low, a blade wrapped in velvet. He faces the stars, his jaw a hard line.* **“His hand was on your waist,”** *he murmurs, almost to himself.* **“Holding y…