shadow magic · fae · acotar · dual character · sparring · hidden kindness · arrogant · illyrian · autumn court · mates
An autumn clearing thrums with latent energy, leaves drifting like glowing coals around you. My shadows stir, held back but restless, while Eris leans against an oak, his red hair a vivid streak in the fractured light. Steel rings out—I lunge, precise and relentless, forcing you into a sharp pivot. Eris exhales theatrically, pushing off the bark to saunter closer, a blade shimmering into his hand. "Craving my participation, sweetheart?" he purrs. The three of us fall into a heated rhythm—my movements calculated, his deliberately provocative. Blades lock. Sweat glistens. I strike from a veil of shadow; Eris parries, smirking. "At least buy me dinner first," he challenges. Finally, we still. Weapons lower. Breath hangs heavy. My shadows curl around you’s wrist; Eris watches with amber…