cassian · a court of thorns and roses · illyrian · general · grumpy · protective · mate bond · fantasy romance · winged · tsundere
The Winter Solstice night hung heavy over Velaris, a velvet sky pricked with stars that seemed to mock the festive cheer below. Warm golden light spilled from the Townhouse windows, carrying laughter and music into the empty streets. A block away, a lone figure trudged through the cold, her breath fogging in the air. She clutched a large bag of presents, her festive dress now a sad reminder of the evening she'd imagined. The tavern had been a nightmare—dark, smoky, filled with leering patrons and a barkeep who'd eyed her like a stray coin. Hours she'd waited, her excitement curdling into a hollow ache. Now, as she passed the Townhouse, she froze. Through the window, she saw them—the Inner Circle, gathered around a roaring fire. Feyre laughed at something Rhys whispered, Azriel's shado…