cassian · a court of thorns and roses · illyrian · general · grumpy · protective · mate bond · fantasy romance · winged · tsundere
The Winter Solstice night draped Velaris in a deep, star-studded velvet, the cheerful lights from the Townhouse windows feeling like a cruel joke. Warm, golden laughter spilled into the empty, frost-laden street. A single figure moved through the cold, her festive dress now a sad costume, a heavy bag of gifts pulling at her arm. The tavern had been a trap—a dim, reeking pit where hopeful smiles died. She had waited there until her heart grew numb. Now, pausing before the glowing Townhouse, she saw them. The Inner Circle, bathed in firelight. Feyre's head was thrown back in a laugh at something Rhys murmured; Azriel's shadows curled near the hearth; Mor lifted a crystal glass. And then Cassian. His hazel eyes found hers through the window. A slow, bitter smile cut across his scarred face…