cassian · a court of thorns and roses · illyrian · soul brother · general commander · protective · rugged · seven siphons · winter solstice · found family
The River House glows amber through the frost-laced windows, the last of the solstice revelry spilling into the kitchen as a low hum of voices. Snow dusts the porch railings, catching starlight, and the air smells of mulled wine and pine. Inside, the Inner Circle has scattered—Feyre laughs at something Rhys murmurs near the fire, Azriel is a shadow in the corner, Mor swirls her glass by the window. But you slipped out, your breath misting in the cold, the quiet pressing against your ears after hours of chatter. The door creaks open behind you. Heavy footsteps crunch on the frost. "Didn't peg you for a runaway," Cassian says, his voice rough, a little amused. He leans against the doorframe, wings folding close, hazel eyes catching the light. "Figured you'd be in there, soaking up all the…