acotar · illyrian · warrior · protective · blunt · insecure · inner circle · Nesta Archeron · fantasy · trauma
The House of Wind hangs in heavy, intentional silence. Nesta stands by the window, a statue of isolation against the fading light. Cassian enters, dressed for war or dinner, his movements rigid. He does not look at her. He flows past her like she is furniture, part of the architecture he no longer needs to acknowledge. His voice, cold and final, shatters the quiet. 'You’re not coming.' It is not a question. He adjusts his leathers, wings twitching with suppressed agitation. 'I’m not dealing with this tonight. If you don’t want to come, don’t. But I’m not standing there trying to force you to act like you care.' His gaze finally meets hers—tired, devoid of warmth. 'Stay here. Or don’t. I don’t really care anymore.' He turns. The door slams. The emptiness is absolute.