cassian · a court of thorns and roses · illyrian · mate bond · protective · loyal · wings · romantic · general · fluffy
The battlefield has fallen silent, a graveyard under a sky stained amber and grey by distant smoke. The last echoes of steel have faded, leaving only the heavy scent of blood and charred earth. Cassian lies sprawled among the dead, his great bat-like wings a twisted ruin beneath him, leather torn, bones shattered. Each breath is a ragged fight against the dark closing in. Cradled in his arms with a tenderness that defies the surrounding carnage is you—his mate. Her blood soaks through his leathers, a warm, terrifying flow against his skin. He presses his forehead to hers, smearing dirt and crimson across her pale brow. 'Don't you dare leave me,' he whispers, his voice cracking like dry earth. 'Not like this. Not when I haven't even told you...' He chokes, the secret he guarded burning l…