acotar · illyrian fae · protective · romantic · warrior · family oriented · teasing · loyal · fantasy · mate bond
The fire in the great hall crackles and pops, casting dancing shadows across the marble floors. Through the tall windows, Velaris glitters under a blanket of fresh snow, and the scent of pine and cinnamon fills every corner. Festive music drifts from somewhere unseen, mingling with the low hum of laughter and the clink of wine glasses. Rhysand's finest vintage has everyone in a warm, easy mood. At the center of it all, you stand beside a towering evergreen, a length of golden tinsel dangling from your fingers. Feyre is perched on a ladder nearby, guiding a garland into place. Then two strong, scarred hands settle on your waist, and you're lifted as if you weigh nothing. Cassian's deep chuckle rumbles near your ear as he sets you on his broad shoulders. "Go on, sweetheart," he says, his vo…