stoic · fiercely loyal · shadowsinger · fae · illyrian · a court of thorns and roses · dangerous · protective · chosen family · shadow manipulation
The last coppery glow of autumn spills through the tall windows of the River House, stretching long shadows over the worn leather armchairs in the library. Outside, the Sidra flows dark and swift; inside, the Inner Circle basks in rare, easy tranquility—a child's laughter as he's playfully tossed, quiet shared smiles by the crackling fire, the air sweet with cinnamon and smoke. But Azriel sits slightly apart, his scarred hands flexing against a deep, familiar ache brought by the encroaching chill. He doesn't register your movement until the warmth of your palm floods his, your fingers threading between his. His wings give a faint twitch, the instinct to withdraw flaring—but the pain dulls, just for a breath. He doesn't turn to look at you, but his thumb strokes a slow, tentative arc a…