Title: Rough Night (reader X Matt)

I Promise || Part 2 || Steve Rogers / Reader

Summary: Finally the part 2 of promise is here. Steve Rogers had to fake his death for two years and left Y/N with her three (Four after she gave birth) kids alone. Her eldest, Peggy don’t want to forgive him.

Genre:Angst, Fluff

Fandom:Captain America, Marvel

Disclaimer: I will do other parts to this if you want me to

A/N: I’m sorry I haven’t posted it earlier.. Tell me if you like this part and want me to continue it.

PART 1

_______________________________________

After two years, your husband and father of her four children, was back home, alive. Tears were rolling to your eyes seeing him and the kids again happy. But Peggy, no.

“No! Don’t touch me!” She said pulling him of, of his attempt to hug her. Your smiles dissappeared.

“Peggy, what’s wrong?” He said, looking at her with his puppy blue eyes. She was trying hard to keep her angry expression.

“Your kidding me? You left us alone for two years! Mom was pregnant to your fourth child and you weren’t even here! Were you here when Grant made his first steps? Or when Natalie started speaking properly?“ She told him with anger, hot tears streaming down at your faces.

“Peggy, calm down. It’s ok. He is here now and don’t talk like that about your father..” You said but she shot you a look, as deadly as hell.

“No mom it’s not ok! You know what? Fuck it! I’m going to sleep” She said locking the door behind her. Steve took you in his arms while you both cried.

“I’m such a horrible mother.” You whispered to him and he caressed the back your neck.

“No Y/N, you’re not. She just needs some space. I love you. Every person in this house.” You heard your baby crying. “Go to sleep baby. I’m going to get Grant to sleep. I want to spend some time with him and you. You’re tired y/n. I will come back to you in seconds.” He mumbled to your ear as you gave him a kiss on his cheek.

Steve moved to the baby’s room and took him in his arms.” Hey little Grant. I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you were born. I was just trying to keep all of you safe.. Now your sister hates me, but I love her. I love every of you. You’re my family. “ The baby stopped crying and giggled. “Your so cute. I think you got your mother’s personality.” Now Grant started closing his eyes. “Goodnight my little.” He said and left the room. After visiting all the kids rooms for a goodnight, he went to Peggy’s.

“Peggy, can we talk?” He knocked the door but got no response. “Peggy are you there?” He slowly opened the door but found nothing on it. Quickly, he ran to your room, shaking you to wake up. “Peggy’s gone!”

“What do you mean?” You asked as he stood there in shock. “I visited her room but she wasn’t in there! I searched everywhere.” You got off the bed and ran to her room. The posters of her favorite Tv Show still hanged on the wall but something was off. You found a note in the corner of the wall, near to her almost black photograph.

Agent Y/L/N and Captain Rogers

We have your daughter Peggy Rogers . We won’t hurt her. Not until tommorow. You bring s.h.i.e.l.d’s information till 8:00 PM. If you won’t, your daughter want be the same again.

“No, no, no!” You screamed as Steve holded you. “What are we going to do now?”

“I’ll call Tony..” He said, sweat mixed with tears and his shaking voice echoed through the room. “We have a problem.. Peggy is kidnapped and someone left us a note… Yeah.. Ok.. We’re coming.”

“Wait how about James, Natalie and Grant?” You asked Steve and he walked towards you, cupping your cheeks. “Laura agreed to take care of them.” You relieved a bit when he told you.

You opened the door to Clint and prepared your kids. “Don’t worry Y/N. We’ll find her.” He said before grabbing James and Natalie’s hands to lead them to the car. Steve followed with Grant still asleep.

“What if something goes wrong? If we don’t find her?” You said and Steve pecked your lips.

“We will find her, I promise..”

Avengers Facilities, New York City

“Guys I think I found something..” Tony shouted from the computer labs. With the little strength you had left you ran upstairs and sat next to Steve. “She’s in a Hydra base.. They sent us a video of her.” He said and clicked on the video.

Peggy was in a chair covered with chains. She was shouting to let her go and was pleading for help. The female agent next to her told her to stop yelling but she didn’t listen. She punched her instead, the black piercing on her bottom lip fell to the ground and blood covered her jaw. Steve punched the wall behind him and you cursed under your breath clenching your fists. “How hours away?” Pietro asked and Natasha looked at the screen, then on the clock.

“Three hours.” Natasha answered. The clock was writing 6 AM…

To be continued…

Cold Feet (Bucky Barnes x Reader)

fluff. fluff. fluff

loosely based off an episode of how i met your mother bc i’ve binge watched it and its aMAZING 

this has female pronouns bc that’s how it worked out but pls bear in mind that most my work is gender neutral  

-Jazz

Prompt /song; none

Request; my own idea for once lol

Other characters featured; none 

KEY

Y/N - Your name

Y/L/N - Your Last Name

Warnings; language 

Word count; 847

felix is also a totally fictional guy that I just came up with 

–

(this gif actually kills me.)

You stood in front of the mirror, staring at your reflection. Your white dress seemed to be the most eye catching thing on you right now. Your hair was done beautifully, your eye makeup made you feel like a model and the huge diamond on your ring finger was almost show stopping.

You wanted to get married. You wanted to find someone to spend your life with and have that special connection that seems almost extinct. 

But like all weddings, there was one minor detail the bride didn’t like. Usually it was the colour of the details on the cake, or the font of the name cards on the tables. 

It was only the groom that you didn’t like. Nothing horribly major, right? 

‘Shit.’ You murmured. ‘Shitty, shittity shit!’

‘Y/N?’ Your best friend called from outside the bathroom. ‘Are you getting cold feet?’ 

‘Nope! I’m good. It’s perfect!’ You over-enthusiastically replied.

You would have been over the moon to have a wedding like this.

If you were marrying Bucky..

You’d broken up with him nine months previous. But, due to your work and who you hung out with, you saw him most days and had become really good friends, despite the fact you’d dated for a year and a half.

You’d still been crazily in love with him when Felix asked you out. And when he asked you to be his girlfriend. And finally, when he proposed. And when he asked you to move to London with him. But you were as stubborn as they came, and didn’t think of leaving London and leaving Felix for Bucky until - Well, until he’d confessed his love for you.

At six this morning, after he’d flown from Brooklyn, may I add.

Let’s rewind.

You’d gone for a walk to clear your head - You knew wedding jitters were normal, but these weren’t jitters. These were urges to pack your bags and fly the fuck back to New York. Back home, to where your best friends were.

Instead, you were in Chelsea, London. A place where the subway was called the ‘tubes’, a place where it rained far too much and a place where Bucky wasn’t. 

You clenched your fists and marched down the street, under the dim brightness of the fading out street lights, as the rain slashed again your hair, sending chills down your shaking body.

‘Y/N!’ A familiar voice yelled.

You were imagining it. It wasn’t him.

‘Y/N!’ 

You hadn’t slept very well. It was your imagination, you told yourself.

However, when a cold, metal hand grabbed yours and pulled you back, you gasped.

‘Bucky?’ You spluttered, staring at the guy in front of you. His brown hair was disheveled from running, he looked exhausted. He’d come all the way from Brooklyn. ‘What are you doing-’

‘I love you, Y/N. I can’t let you marry him. You just have to come home-’

You stared at him in disbelief. He’d got on a plane, at 1am in New York time, to fly to London, and tell you he loved you. But the wedding was planned, Felix would be waiting and everyone was expecting you to be at the aisle in three hours.

‘Buck.’ You murmured. ‘I can’t. This has been planned. I can’t leave. I’m sorry. I love Felix.’

You didn’t want him to look so heart broken. You had to resist the urge to kiss him, and tell him you would get on the next flight home. To arrive in Brooklyn and hug your friends, and to just spend time with Bucky. Because you loved him. So why didn’t you say so?

‘I get it.’ Bucky murmured. ‘It was a long shot. But, at least I have an answer, right? It’s better than not coming and living the rest of my life not knowing what you would have said-’

‘Please don’t speak like that.’ You muttered, your voice breaking. ‘I have to get back to get my hair done. The wedding is at nine am, and I’m kind of shitting myself.’ You tried to laugh.

‘Good luck, Y/N. Felix is a lucky guy.’

–

As it turns out, you will get some strange looks whilst walking through London Gatwick Airport in a huge wedding dress. And by some, I mean literally every person.

You didn’t remember much from the past hour. You had a brief memory of running, getting in a cab. The cab driver gave you a strange look, but you got to the airport with Felix’s stolen credit card. But you clearly remembered leaving your ring and a note behind.

‘Felix,

I can’t marry you. It wouldn’t be fair on you, or me. I can’t apologize, because I can’t be sorry for falling in love with someone  else when it’s not within my control. 

Good luck, 

Y/N.’

And now, you were dragging yourself through the airport, towards the flight desk. The the elderly hostess gave you an odd look, but then a sympathetic smile. ‘Can I help you, dear?’

‘Hi, yes. I’d like a standard ticket for the next flight that leaves for Brooklyn, please.’

–

part two?

‘

Take Care

anonymous requested: hiya! love your blog- could i request a bucky x reader oneshot where the reader’s been hiding out with him, and during the escape scene from cacw she’s in the apartment when steve comes in? hpe that makes sense! thx!

Author’s note: Hey! That makes perfect sense - I’ve actually been toying with this kinda idea for a while now, so I’m glad someone requested it! Hope you enjoy xxx

Bucky Barnes x Reader

The apartment is dark, newspaper covering the windows and blocking you from anyone’s view. Your heart is beating loudly in your chest, filling the silence of the ratty apartment, as you anxiously check the time again. You can’t stop yourself from being nervous - it’s a habit whenever Bucky goes out on his own. You’re nervous that he won’t come home, that someone’ll catch him, even out here in Bucharest, that he’ll go back to being the Winter Soldier instead of your boyfriend. You scold yourself for just standing around and waiting for him - instead you slide your journal out from under Bucky’s, on top of the fridge, and flip to the next open page.

Keep reading

After All This Time Pt.2

Requested?: Yes.

 Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: Bucky and the reader dated in the 40′s, and after Bucky’s death she ends up getting iced with Cap, and becomes an Avenger. Bucky then finds out the reader is alive.

Warnings: Civil War spoilers (maybe??) Language.

Word count: 1,455

A/N: FINALLY. I’m so sorry this took forever. I promise I’ll try to update the next part sooner. I know this is nothing, but I think shit is gonna start to go down next chapter. Make sure to follow if you liked this and wanna know when I update. Also, gif isn’t mine, all credit goes to owner.

My Masterlist 

Feel free to request anything by sending an ask to my inbox! (Please check if requests are still open before requesting!)

Part 1

After All This Time

Ever since Bucky’s death sleep had become your worst enemy. It was as if your body didn’t want you to sleep, and even when it did, your mind tormented you with horrible nightmares, all about Bucky’s death.

“F.R.I.D.A.Y?” You called out into the darkness. On nights like this when you had no company you entertained yourself by talking to the computerized A.I.

“Yes, Ms. Y/N?” The robotic lady-like voice responded.

You closed your eyes, clutching the sheets to your chest. “Do you think I’ll ever see Bucky again?”

Keep reading

Travelin’ Soldier

Bucky Barnes x Reader

alright here’s another sad one. didn’t hurt as much to write but i had tears forming. sorry again!

Author: Amanda

Keep reading

Peace in the Rain

Prompt - I saw this and found myself picturing T’Challa in the rain. So this is a little drabble where you are comforting T’Challa in the rain for my T’Challa feels. (630 Wds)

Pairing - T’Challa x Reader

Warnings - None

The sky looms above you, angry and weeping, it’s thick fat tears decorating your skin and seeping into your clothes. He stands at the edge of the balcony, looking over the waterfall. Walking up behind him, you wrap yourself around his bare waist, the hard ridges of his muscles are slick with the rain. He clasps a hand over yours, squeezing gently. 

“You are getting wet, my love”. His rich, smoky voice pulling a shiver from you. 

“So will you, Your Highness.” You smirk against his back at that, knowing he is likely doing the same. In truth you were one of the few people who did not treat him like a King, but like his own man. Granted you worshipped him, but in a whole different way to his subjugates. 

He turns in your arms, one arm slipping around your shoulders and the other cupping your face, his long fingers disappearing into your hairline. His eyes are heavy with emotion as they land on yours. You didn’t often find him like this, but when you did you knew it was best to let him talk to you on his own terms. He was duty-heavy and it ensured his own emotions were locked up tight, stored away until they bubbled up in moments like these. He sighed, deep and weary. 

“I almost killed an innocent man.” His voice catches slightly at the end and the small sound alone sends a wave of pain to your own heart. 

“Chal, you didn’t know he was innocent. Besides, you already righted that wrong. Bucky is healthy and safe, thanks to you.” You raise your hand to cover his, and very softly add “And you didn’t kill Zemo." 

"My father would be disappointed in my behaviour. I did not honor our ways.”

“Baby, hey. You were blind with grief. He would understand. And he’d be proud of every single thing you’ve done since Siberia." 

You turn and place a soft kiss to the palm of his hand. 

 “Your father was a good man T’Challa. To his core. The only thing that he would be disappointed in is that you haven’t forgiven yourself yet. Your hate did not consume you, you let it go. You did the right thing. So please, forgive yourself, learn from it, because it is going to eat you alive.” 

He stares at you, lost for words for once. You watch, and wait, hoping this time will be the time it sticks. Your words resonate with him, and you see the change in his face when they do. 

“You are right my love, as always. What would I do without you? Hmm?” He pulls you tight against him, hand cupping the back of your head as he lays a delicate kiss on the top of your head. 

You tip your head back to look at his face, inspecting it for any traces of lingering guilt or self doubt. He takes the opportunity to lean in for a kiss. Your mouths meet unhurried, tongues dancing a perfect symphony of love and hope. You pour everything you have into it, every single ounce of love you have for him and he does the same. The raindrops run heavy down your face and it feels like they are cleansing your soul. You break the kiss to gulp down air, the smile dancing across your face is mirrored in T’Challa’s.

“What were you doing out here anyway?” You’re genuinely curious as you take deep shuddering breaths. 

“I find peace in the rain.” You smirk a little at the roughness of his voice is, clearly not unaffected by that searing kiss.

“I thought cats didn’t like the rain?” He laughs a deep booming laugh that makes your heart leap and stutter, before scooping you up.

“You are trouble. But you are my trouble.”

Tags: @bovaria @marvel-ash @metallicbuck @bionic-buckyb @manawhaat @jarnesbrnes @writingruna @fvckingavengers @mamapeterson @sincerelysaraahh @sinnamon-barnes - I didn’t know who to tag in this

Watch Me

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word count: 687 words

Warnings: Absolutely none. This is all fluff and cuteness. 

Request: Bucky sees the reader one day and follows the reader but keeps his distance and is to nervous to approach the reader but you notice and introduce yourself. Anonymous _______________________________________________________________________

You can feel his eyes like daggers in your back, but you don’t think he means harm. He’s been watching you clear tables all afternoon and you’ve dropped things several times throughout the day, because his stare makes you nervous. Every time you look his way he quickly looks at something else, but you’re confident that he is indeed looking at you. 

“How can I help?” you ask another customer but your mind is somewhere else; what would happen if you introduced yourself? You take down the order while you ponder the question. The worst thing that could happen is that he denies everything and you scare him off. 

“Mary, can I leave a bit earlier today?” you ask your boss wanting to talk to the man before he disappears.

“I don’t see why not. You take the finished orders out and you’re free to go,” Mary smiles. You thank her and hurry out with the last dishes before heading out back to change into your regular clothes. 

“Here goes nothing,” you mumble to yourself before heading outside. But when you get outside you notice that the man is gone. As if he was never there to begin with. 

“What the hell?” you ask yourself looking around. He couldn’t have just disappeared. He was there just a minute ago and the streets are too crowded for him to make a quick exit. You sigh as you begin to walk home. It’s a 30-minute walk and after 15 minutes of walking you feel his glare again. You turn around and notice him behind you. It’s starting to creep you out because he seems to want something from you. Why else would he be following you? Deciding to catch him in the act you turn around a corner and wait for him to follow. It doesn’t take long before you’re suddenly face to face with him. 

“Hi,” you breathe a little nervous. It’s starting to down upon you what you’re actually doing. He could be a stalker or something worse. 

“Hi,” he says a bit wondrous. It’s only now you notice that there’s something different about his arm. Is it silver? 

“I’m Y/N,” you say wanting to tread carefully. 

“That’s a pretty name,” he says and you wait a moment, but he doesn’t say more. He doesn’t introduce himself and you can’t help but wonder who he is. 

“Thank you,” you say blushing a little, “what’s your name?” 

“Bucky. I mean that’s just my nickname. I-My name is James Buchanan Barnes,” the tall man replies. You can’t help but laugh a little. 

“I like Bucky.” It’s quiet for a while. “Why have you been following me?”

“I just thought you were really beautiful. You are really beautiful,” he says stammering a little. You can’t help but find it adorable how shy he is. With his enormous arms and his tough exterior you’re surprised to learn that he’s practically a teddy bear at heart. 

“Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself,” you reply feeling your cheeks burning. Both of you stand there in awkward silence waiting for the other to say something. 

“Well, are you going to ask me out or not?” you ask feeling a little bold. You’ve clearly taken Bucky by surprise with sudden outburst. But he quickly recovers and smiles. 

“Can I buy you a cup of coffee?” he asks. 

“I don’t drink coffee,” you say deciding to tease him a little. You need to get him back for staring at you all day. He looks like a lost puppy because coffee is apparently the only idea he has. 

“I’m just joking. I’d love a cup of coffee,” you say laughing a little. He starts laughing himself as he realises your comment was meant as a tease. 

“Come on,” you say grabbing his hand and intertwining your fingers with his. You’re surprised at how bold you’re acting, but Bucky seems to give you confidence. And it doesn’t take you long to find a coffeehouse. Once inside and seated you can finally have a proper conversation with the gorgeous man in front of you. 

“Tell me about yourself.”

I’m Sorry I Destroyed You - Bucky x Reader

Requested by anonymous

Prompt: “I was trying to help you but I kinda destroyed you.”

A/N: I really enjoyed writing this one aww. I was smiling the whole time because  I love Bucky so much. I hope you all enjoy it!

You sat back in the chair, looking at the man lying in the hospital bed. He slept peacefully and you were happy he wasn’t in pain right now. You buried your face into the side of the bed, your hair falling down around your shoulders as you started to cry. Bucky and you had been sent on a mission that went so very wrong. As the two of you were trying to escape, your powers got out of hand and you had accidentally hurt him while fighting off the enemy. And you hated yourself for it.

A hand started to stroke your hair and you lifted your head to meet the eyes of the Winter Soldier. 

He had a look of concern on his face. “Why are you crying, (Y/N)?”

“Because I hurt you, James. I was just trying to help and now look at you…I’ve destroyed you.” His metal arm was mostly missing and he had multiple burns down his flesh arm.

He grinned at you and chuckled, wincing in pain at the wound that extended all the way across his cheek. “It’ll take more than that to destroy me, darling.”

You sadly smiled at his attempt to make you feel better.

“Say, I know how you can make it up to me.” He slyly smiled.

“How?”

“When I get out of here, let me take you dancing.”

You giggled. “No one dances like that anymore, old man. It’s all about nightclubs now.”

He laughed along with you. “Well then we can do whatever you want.”

“I’d love to really dance with you though. Just the two of us.” You blushed as he laced his fingers with yours. You looked back over at him and his beautiful blue eyes seemed to be twinkling.

“Then it’s a date, doll.”

You did good Chris. 

You gave an entire generation a shining star in Steve Rogers. Not only in strength, but in courage. In valor. In getting back up every time you fall, in fighting for what’s right even if everyone is against you. In being kind, being selfless, being determined, being loyal. 

It was never about the super speed, strength, and shield for me.

Steve is hope, inspiration, a friend during the darkest of times, a beacon of light when the world is against you. Steve is adjusting in a place you don’t feel like you belong, loving so fiercely you become almost reckless, sorrow so painful it makes you ache, smiling despite it all and holding yourself tall. 

Thank you Chris for taking on this role even when it terrified you. Thank you for embodying this character, for not only portraying his ideals, thoughts, and behaviors so perfectly, but for adopting them and working towards being a better man. 

I’ll always believe we deserve a more Steve central cap 3. Maybe one day we’ll get that.

But for now, I just wanted to say, Captain America won’t disappear even if Chris is done playing Cap. Even if someone reprises the role, there’s only ever going to be one Cap. Chris is an iconic Steve Rogers. Even if A4 is the last time we see him on screen, he has a place in our hearts that ensures his legacy, his love, his story will always be there. 

That little guy from Brooklyn who was too dumb and too brave not to run away from a fight, I’ll follow him forever. 

Thank you Chris Evans for being our Captain. Thank you for bringing Steve Rogers to life. 

The Lie of Windhaven | Azriel x reader [Part 2]

The Lie of Windhaven [Masterlist] here!

Summary: Azriel has dragged her into a mess she now has to do her best to survive. People show their true colours, and others drop a name.

A/N: I did iiiit!! And we can all thank @bellaskhakhiskirt for the extra encouragement that had me finish this tonight haha. Thank you guys so so much for all your sweet comments on part 1!! I got a bit overwhelmed replying to everything, so just know that I read them all (sometimes multiple times a day) and they make me so happy! 🥹🫶

Word count: 4222

Warnings: language, canon typical violence and ✨misogyny✨, brief description of SA and physical abuse

-

Previously:

“I have the right to demand her hand,” Azriel said, and her brows twitched closer together at his choice of words.

“I beg your pardon?”

The right?

Devlon swivelled around, furious that Azriel hadn’t yet dropped the discussion.

Elas scoffed. “Oh yeah? And what right is that?”

Azriel’s eyes met hers then, and the determination she saw reflected within them had her heart drop to her stomach. She knew in that moment what he was planning to do, the lies he planned to weave.

“No,” she breathed again just as Azriel opened his mouth to doom them both.

“She’s my mate.”

And just like that, every head within hearing distance turned to look at her.

-

A beat of silence.

“No,” Devlon declared. “Absolutely not.”

Azriel held her gaze for a moment longer, as though willing her to play along, but she felt her insides boil with anger as he turned back to look at Devlon, his expression as collected as ever.

“Are you questioning the Cauldron?”

She knew what he was doing. The mating bond was held above all else—untouchable by any rules or previous alliances. If Azriel officially claimed her as his mate, no other male in the camp would dare touch her, and no engagement, betrothal or marriage would stand.

A fine plan in theory, only there was one problem.

It was a lie.

And to impersonate a mating bond …

Devlon had killed for far less.

The warlord’s attention still lay on her and she could see every last bit of his hatred burn bright as day in the black pits of his eyes.

“There’s no way she’s your mate,” Elas said, a deep crease between his brows as he, too, continued to look at her as though the answer would be found on her face. “She would not have accepted my proposal if she was.”

“She did not know,” Azriel said. “The bond only snapped in place for me when I saw her in the dining hall last night. It caught me off guard.”

“She cannot possibly be your mate,” Devlon said, his voice low and menacing, his eyes boring into hers.

“She is standing right here.”

Silence fell at her words. Silence so all-consuming, one could have heard a twig snap in the forest bordering on the camp’s north side.

Y/N regretted her words almost instantly, the look in Devlon’s eyes cold enough to kill, but part of her eased when she felt a presence in her back, tall enough to cast a long shadow. She didn’t need to turn around to know that it was Cassian. She could tell from Azriel’s lack of a reaction.

She hadn’t even noticed him rounding the courtyard from where he’d stood on the opposite end, but she was thankful for his presence, shielding her not only from some of the stares but also from Devlon’s immediate wrath.

“You want to be part of this conversation?” Devlon growled through barely parted teeth. “Fine. Be part of it. Come here, now.”

She did her best to maintain the slippery grip on her composure as she bridged the last remaining steps setting her apart from the three men. Cassian remained where he was, and she felt the distance grow like she was swimming further away from a safe shore and straight into shark infested waters.

Devlon never took his eyes off her, and when she stood close enough to their little group, she felt like she was shrinking beneath his calculating gaze.

“Did you know of this supposed bond?”

Her teeth clenched briefly, and in her mind, she cursed Azriel for dragging her—dragging them both into this situation.

“No, my lord.”

“And you accepted Elas’ proposal earlier today?”

“Yes, my lord.”

He hummed. “And this new … revelation,” he stated with a quick glance at Azriel. “You do not share the shadowsinger’s sentiments? You do not feel a mating bond?”

Her mouth clapped shut. What was she supposed to say to that? Of course she didn’t feel a bond. She didn’t feel it because it did not exist, but admitting to it would cost Azriel big time.

They wouldn’t kill him—he was too precious for that—but they’d punish him by punishing everyone he loved. And they’d start with Cassian.

He was powerful too, sure—powerful enough to receive seven Siphons of his own. But they didn’t adorn his armour yet, and he was neither a shadowsinger nor a future High Lord, which left him unprotected amongst his brothers.

“As of right now,” she began, her eyes flickering to Azriel for only a second. “No, my lord.”

“It did not yet snap in place for her,” Azriel said, and for the first time, a note of tension crept into his words. “Which means she cannot yet feel it. Surely, you’re aware of the technicalities, Devlon?”

“Don’t condescend to me, boy,” Devlon snapped. “I will have you whipped no matter how many shadows you wield.”

Silence settled once again, and after a long, tense pause, Devlon straightened his back, crossing his arms behind it.

“I want proof.”

Azriel remained quiet.

It was Elas who spoke next.

“You cannot mean to entertain this nonsense, my lord,” he said, his voice hard as he stared Azriel down. “She has agreed to marry me. I have her friends to bear witness.”

“Be that as it may, another has laid claim to her,” Devlon said, his mouth twisted as though every word tasted bitter on his tongue. “The mating bond must be honoured, no matter how … unfortunate a match. You will wait to wed her until I have something to either prove or disprove the existence of this bond.”

“What do you mean, proof?” Y/N said, hesitance in her words. “How would one go about proving a mating bond?”

The smile Devlon gave was cruel, and before she knew it, his hand had shot forward to wrap tightly around her arm, dragging her close enough for his breath to hit her face with the words he spoke next.

“It would do you good to remember your place, girl. You address me properly or I will have you stripped bare for a good lashing,” he growled low enough for his words to hum through her very bones. “Proof means proof. If this godsforsaken bond was real, you’d know how to prove it. For starters, our dear shadowsinger over here would feel everything you felt.” His eyes flickered to Azriel, though his grip remained bruising on her arm. “Perhaps we should test the theory right now?”

A blade flashed in his hand—one she hadn’t noticed him draw from the sheath by his hip.

A muscle in Azriel’s jaw ticked. “Cutting her will prove nothing.”

“Maybe not,” Devlon said, straightening where he stood, though his hand remained where it was. “But slitting her throat will do wonders to rid us of this little disturbance.”

“I leave for three days, and you start threatening to slit people’s throats, Devlon?” a new voice drawled, sounding almost bored.

Y/N’s eyes flickered to the side, and a wave of relief crashed over her at the sight of Rhysand standing next to Cassian. If there was one person who’d manage to get them all out of this unscathed, it was Rhys.

His wings were out, hands buried in the pockets of his pants, head tilted as he took in the scene before him. “I take it your news have not been received well, Azriel?”

The relief she felt dropped to her stomach like a stone.

Azriel remained silent, his attention resting on her.

“You knew of this?” Devlon’s eyes were ablaze as he stared at Rhys.

“Well, of course,” Rhysand said, sighing softly through his nose. “What part of ‘I can see into people’s minds’ has you baffled?”

A quiet snort sounded from the remaining crowd of onlookers, and Devlon’s face twisted with rage.

“I’m warning you now, boy,” he growled. “You might be the High Lord’s son, but he’s given me permission to treat you as I would any other soldier, so you watch your—”

“Fascinating,” Rhys drawled, picking a piece of lint from the cuff of his leathers. “But be that as it may, I can attest to the validity of this bond.”

She would throttle him.

Her eyes flickered back to Azriel and the calm gaze he kept on her.

She would throttle them both.

There was not the slightest hint of a doubt that somehow Azriel had managed to get Rhys on board with this moronic plan. Which meant that not only had he endangered her, but he’d also endangered his friends. Because if Rhys knew, she was willing to bet what little money she had that Cassian knew as well.

“He’s the shadowsinger’s friend,” Elas spat, features taut. “Of course he would say that.”

Devlon finally let go of her arm, though it was only so he could lift his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose.

“I want you all out of my sight.” He growled.

“But, my lord, I—”

“Now,” Devlon snapped, shooting Elas a look that had his mouth clap shut at once. “You will not wed her until I say so. I require proof I can trust.”

It was Azriel who spoke next. “And what would adequate proof entail if the word of a daemati does not suffice?”

Devlon looked at him for a long while then. As though contemplating whether to cut out his tongue for daring to speak.

“I shall have a high priestess give her assessment.”

Once again, the blood ran cold in her veins.

No one in the entirety of Prythian knew bonds quite as well as the priestesses did. They would be able to sniff out a lie from a mile away.

“I will send for one first thing tomorrow morning and until she arrives, neither one of you is to wed this one.” His mouth twisted with distaste as he threw her a last withering look before turning to address every Illyrian within earshot. “Now, if I have to repeat myself one more time, I will have you all running lapses until the sun rises tomorrow morning. Get out of my sight!”

Y/N had just turned to catch the wide eyes of Lissa and Malina, her heart pounding, when another hand found her arm. This time, however, it was with the gentle grip of long fingers curling around the back of her elbow.

“Come with me, sweetheart,” Cassian muttered in her ear, and before she knew it, her feet were rushing to catch up with his long strides as he headed straight for the hut at the edge of the camp she knew belonged to Rhysand’s mother.

-

Her eyes were ablaze as Azriel stepped through the door of the hut, her fists clenched by her sides. Cassian stood at the small kitchen counter, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression grim.

Her mouth opened and Azriel knew what to expect.

“How dare you,” she breathed, and his jaw clenched at her tone. “How dare you ruin this for me. He was my one choice, Azriel. My one option.”

“He was not—”

“He was!” she snapped, her voice gaining in volume, her brows pinched in rage. “And even if he wasn’t, he was who I chose. You took away my choice and in doing so you practically guaranteed my death. I never would have thought you to be so cruel.”

“Cruel?” Azriel gaped at her. “I am doing this to help you.”

“I never asked you to!” Her voice began to wobble now, her eyes growing glassy, though her cheeks remained dry. “In fact, I explicitly recall telling you that we were over.”

“So you expected me to sit back and watch him turn you into an empty shell? A womb to be filled?” Azriel’s voice was of calm disbelief, his mask carefully locked in place to hide the burning anger that threatened to swallow him whole.

“Well, now you get to watch Devlon slit my throat once the priestess tells him that this bond is a load of bullshit, so thank you for that.” She laughed without an ounce of joy. “I hope you’re happy with that outcome.”

“He won’t kill you.”

“He will. In case you didn’t notice, he almost killed me today.”

“I won’t let that happen.”

“You are not my knight in shining armour just because I let you fuck me a couple times, Azriel,” she spat, the fury now bright as day in the depths of her eyes, and Azriel swallowed at the impact of her words.

Silence settled—silence thick enough it threatened to drown him—and as he stared at her, he could see it all. He saw the deeply rooted fear in her eyes, the anger he’d caused, the desperation in the face of a bleak future, and he took a step back.

“I know,” he spoke quietly.

“Do you?” She stared at him. “Because I don’t think you do, or you wouldn’t have gone and invented a fucking mating bond.”

When Azriel remained quiet, she rubbed angrily at the tear that had escaped her left eye to trail down her cheek at last.

“I need to go,” she muttered, walking around him in an arch as big as the room allowed to head for the door. “I need to speak to Elas. I need to apologise.”

Every part of him screamed to stop her from leaving. He didn’t want her anywhere near Elas and his rage, but he’d done enough for one day. She wouldn’t allow him to touch her right now, wouldn’t listen to his requests, and so he stepped aside and suppressed a flinch as the door fell closed behind her.

A few silent moments ticked by, and when Cassian spoke, his words rang loudly through the silent hut, though his tone was uncommonly gentle.

“Did you think this through, brother?”

A joyless smile twisted the corners of Azriel’s lips. “What do you think?”

-

“Elas, please,” she said, rushing to catch up with the Illyrian’s long strides as he headed for the hut he shared with three other warriors. “I swear I didn’t know Azriel was going to do that. I don’t know what’s gotten into him, I—”

The Illyrian scoffed. “A mating bond, apparently.”

“I didn’t know,” she repeated and hated the way her voice sounded as she did so. No part of her wanted to beg Elas for forgiveness when it was Azriel who’d dragged her into this mess.

She stumbled to a halt when Elas swung around, his eyes ablaze as he loomed over her.

“You didn’t know? Interesting,” he drawled in a tone so unmatching of the fury in his face. “But you are aware that you’ve been fucking him, yes?”

“I—” she broke off, her brows twitching closer together. “We had a … fling, yes. But it was over before I accepted your proposal.”

He stared at her, unblinking, and when her skin began to crawl, she curled her hands into fist by her sides, willing herself not to cower.

“I didn’t think it would matter,” she said matter-of-factly.

“It’s obvious that you didn’t think.” His voice dropped to a hum now, his upper lip curling in distaste. “Don’t assume for one second that I would have asked for your hand if I’d known that—”

“That what?” she hissed, her teeth clenched as she took a step closer, her anger getting the better of her. “That I have a sex life? May I ask how many people you’ve slept with, Elas?”

He moved before she could react, and his knuckles where sharp as he slapped her across the face with the back of his hand.

She gasped with the impact, her head swivelling to the side, her feet stumbling where she stood, the world around her suddenly swaying. He was on her then, gripping her jaw, forcing her to meet his gaze before she could even think to collect herself, and her hand instinctively shot up to wrap around his wrist for stability. 

His nose was mere inches from hers, his next words a quiet hiss.

“That I’d be marrying a whore.” She felt his breath on her face, her jaw aching beneath the hard grip of his hand. But she held his gaze with quiet defiance. “I allowed you to keep your wings intact because I thought you knew where your priorities lie. I thought we had an agreement. We could have been good together. We could have been content.”

He took a deep breath through his nose and for a brief moment, she wondered whether he could smell the fear she so desperately tried to suppress.

“I shall still wed you once this nonsense is dealt with, but do not expect a marriage from me. You’ll do for carrying my offspring, but I have no desire to give a good life to another’s fuck toy.”

She felt her throat clog up, doing everything to will back the tears that threatened to shoot to her eyes.

“I was wrong about you,” she ground out through clenched teeth. “You’re just like the others. And I’d rather die than marry you.”

Elas hummed, and when the corners of his lips curled into a little smirk, her heart sank further.

“I’m guessing your chances of dying are pretty good once Devlon has proof that this bond is a scam—which we both know it is,” he said, the words almost sensual as they rolled off his tongue. “But either way, I staked my claim. I have your word, and I have witnesses to prove it. So in the unlikely event of your survival, you shall belong to me.” Lifting the hand he didn’t keep wrapped around her aching jaw, he brushed a strand of hair from her face, the gesture almost gentle. “And what fun I’ll have humiliating you as you have humiliated me.”

His eyes moved to her lips then and she could feel her bottom lip begin to wobble with the harshness of his words and the future they promised.

She noted the way he exhaled through his nose in a quiet scoff, and next thing she knew, horror coursed through her veins as he lowered his mouth to hers.

His fingers pressed deep into her skin, his grip crushing on the bones of her jaw, preventing her from backing away. And when his mouth covered hers and he pried her lips open for his tongue to lick deep into her mouth, she gave a choked sob.

She pulled on his wrist, her hands hitting his shoulders in an attempt to shove him off her, but she was too weak. She was powerless, as she’d never been allowed to train. And suddenly she realised why Illyrian males were so keen on keeping their women defenceless.

There was nothing gentle in Elas’ kiss; none of the passion she’d felt heating her blood whenever Azriel had kissed her. Elas was demanding—harsh in the way he claimed her mouth and unrelenting in his hold on her jaw.

He tilted her head back, forcing himself closer to her and his tongue deeper into her mouth. His teeth scraped harshly against her lips, and when he finally pulled back, she felt the sting of split skin.

The breath was tearing in and out of her lungs now, and immediately, she clenched her teeth hard enough to hear her jaw give a crunching groan.

Elas hummed again, tilting his head with an eyebrow raised in mockery. “Yes, you’ll certainly do.”

When he finally, finally let go of her, it was with a shove that had her falter where she stood.

Her eyes were burning now. But she wouldn’t cry. Not here, not in front of him.

Elas turned around, and as he headed towards his hut, he threw snide words over his shoulder.

“It’ll be interesting to find out what it is that has the shadowsinger so wrapped up that he’ll risk losing his life over a cunt.”

She stared after him, unable to move as she let his words sink in.

It was ironic, really. In his attempt to spare her from a future he thought as bad as it would get, Azriel had only managed to guarantee her a fate much worse.

It dawned on her then. That she’d spent the rest of her life in agony. She’d spent the rest of her immortal existence utterly miserable. At Elas’ mercy—assaulted, disrespected, alone. All he’d done just then had been a glimpse into the future that awaited her.

A sob tore through her—one she could neither stop nor muffle—and just when she was about to crumble entirely right then and there in the middle of the camp, gentle hands found her arm.

“Not here,” Malina spoke quietly. “Don’t let them see.”

A gentle tug on her arm had Y/N stumble along her friend’s side, until a familiar, dusty scent filled her nostrils.

The supply hut.

Perfect.

Her eyes flickered to the table she’d sat on last night and suddenly she felt the urge to laugh in the face of all the things that had gone wrong in less than twenty-four hours. It would have been hysterical, had it not been so … final.

It was Lissa who brushed loose hair from her face. Her big, round eyes were filled with concern, and at the wetness on her cheeks, Y/N realised that she hadn’t been laughing after all.

“He’s going to make my life a living hell,” she heard herself say, her voice hoarse, her tone dull. Despite the tears streaming down her face, she felt numb. Like her mind had been disconnected from her body.

“We saw,” Lissa spoke quietly, brushing her fingers through her friend’s hair in a soothing manner. “I never would have thought him to be so … vicious.”

Y/N scoffed weakly. Because hadn’t she known him to be a vicious fighter? She realised then that it had been naïve of her to assume he’d be any different when it came to his wife.

“You won’t end up with him,” Malina stated, and she sounded almost sure enough to be convincing. Almost.

“Please stop,” Y/N spoke softly. “I can’t take this irrational confidence from you too. It is futile.”

“Only if your bond to Azriel can be disproven, and the Cauldron never miss—”

“The bond does not exist.” A wave of exhaustion crashed into her as she lowered herself to the edge of the wooden table, lifting her palms to press the heels of her hands over her eyes. Her head was throbbing. She wanted to lie down. “Azriel made it up.”

Silence fell over the dusty little cabin. And it seemed to stretch on forever.

She didn’t want to lift her head, didn’t want to see the horror on her friends’ faces as they realised the true extent of her predicament.

“We’ll have to fake it, then.”

To everyone’s surprise, it was Lissa who’d spoken the words.

“You cannot fake a mating bond,” Y/N muttered.

“Oh, sure you can,” Malina said, and when Y/N lifted her gaze, she shrugged. “Or Azriel would not have attempted it. He’s smart, darling. Smarter than all of us. And he’s obviously trying to help you, so I’d suggest you follow his lead.”

“He went behind my back,” Y/N said, her forehead creasing. “And he ruined every plan I made for myself. For my life.”

“You despised those plans.”

“That doesn’t matter, he—”

“It does matter.” Malina sighed as she propped a hand on her hip. “Look, I get where you’re coming from. But I’m thinking you need to consider your current situation and set your priorities accordingly.”

Y/N lifted a brow. “What?”

“What I’m saying is you need to focus on getting through this first. You can be angry with Azriel later. What’s done is done. There’s no going back so you might as well go with it to try and save yourself instead of wasting time on holding a pointless grudge.”

“She’s right,” Lissa said tentatively, smoothing a warm palm down the length of Y/N’s back as she sank to the table next to her. “She could have said it a little nicer, but she’s right.”

Malina snorted.

“And besides, you only need to convince one person, how hard can that be?” Malina waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “I’ve always been convinced the priestesses fake it anyway.”

“There are only twelve, right?” Lissa asked.

“Yes, and Devlon sent for one he can trust to be impartial.” Malina scoffed. “You can say what you want about him but when it comes to the mating bond, he really doesn’t fuck around. He’ll have her flown in and all.”

That caught Y/N’s attention. Having a priestess flown in meant that she was too far to winnow.

“She doesn’t reside in the Night Court?.”

Malina tilted her head, a glint in her eyes. “You’re trying to steal his prized shadowsinger, of course he’s going to get someone that couldn’t have been bribed by Azriel or his brothers.”

Y/N lifted a brow at her friend. “You heard him say all that?”

“Oh, yeah,” Malina said, and a smirk stretched over her face. “You’d be surprised what they let you hear when they think you’re of next to no use to anyone.”

Y/N sighed through her nose and let her face sink back into her open palms, wincing at the tenderness of her jaw. She could feel the slight swelling of her cheekbone, a smudge of blood landing on her hand where she held it pressed to her lip.

Lissa’s interest seemed piqued at Malina’s words. “I thought most of the priestesses lived in the Night Court,” she said, curiosity in her tone. “Where is he flying her in from?”

“I forgot.” Malina waved her hand again. “Some super spiritual priestess temple. I heard him say that she’s their newest member. Ianthe, I think her name was.”

-

Taglist Part I:

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