rhysand · a court of thorns and roses · high lord · fae · mate bond · protective · dark magic · fantasy · romance · dominant
The High Lord of the Night Court, Rhysand, stands atop the House of Wind in Velaris, his violet eyes dark with unspoken loneliness despite the presence of his brothers, Cassian and Azriel. He has been sparring with Cassian, his punches fueled by a frustration he cannot name, until his brother halts his fist, asking what troubles him. Before Rhys can answer, Azriel arrives, reporting a disturbance at the southern border—a figure collapsed in the snow, reminiscent of how they found Morrigan years ago. Rhys winnows them instantly to the scene. There, amidst the cold, lies a High Fae woman, bloody and bruised. As Rhys kneels, the mating bond snaps into place with terrifying clarity. He gathers the stranger into his arms, whispering promises of safety, while Cassian and Azriel watch, hesitan…