Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

There was nowhere to go. 

Elain turned around in a circle, one hand clutched to her chest as if it would calm her heartbeat. But the panic kept rising, numbing her fingers, freezing her feet to the ground. 

The image had come into her mind not five minutes ago, the urgency with which it unfurled immediately set her heartbeat racing. Three flames danced toward her, traveling through the dark. There was something brutish and wicked about them. They were tracking her. She didn't know how, but she could feel it. They knew exactly where she was.

She had stood from her spot in the garden, thoughts whirling as she tried to figure out what to do. There was no one here. She was completely alone at the River House. She reached out in her mind to see if anyone would hear, but she felt nothing. No one. 

Nothing should be able to winnow to the River House, right? She had heard Feyre say so before? Perhaps she should go inside then, maybe search for a weapon. If only she could get her body to respond and move. 

Time ran out. Three huge redheaded men appeared before her, grinning like wolves. The scent of decaying leaves and crisp air clung to them, stinging Elain's nose.

Even if she could have cleared her mind to make a decision, there was no time. One of them lunged and grabbed her, another pressing a cloth to her face as she struggled. She felt the familiar tug of winnowing, and then the entire world disappeared.

***

Footsteps echoed through the hall. 

Elain pulled her knees up to her chest as they grew louder. She tucked her head into her folded arms and shivered. The brutes who had kidnapped her had returned several times to jeer at her, throwing bits of moldy bread as if she were a caged animal they wanted to rile. Every taunt held a promise of what was to come, their delight growing as the color drained from Elain's face. Apparently, she was to be a gift to the High Lord.

These footsteps were not as heavy as theirs had been, but the idea of a new bully was almost worse than those three returning. Perhaps it was the High Lord coming to claim his prize. The iron gate of her cell rattled as someone placed a hand on it and heaved a deep sigh.

"Did they hurt you?" A smooth voice met Elain's ears, but she did not look up. 

Another sigh, and then, "You're the High Lady's other sister, yes?"

Elain lifts her head at this, brows furrowed. The face before her was similar to her captors. The same copper hair, cunning amber eyes, and smattering of freckles. But the curve of this man's jaw and the sweep of his cheekbones conveyed an elegance the others had not possessed. There was something delicate and cruel about his beauty, whereas the others had been simple brutes through and through.

Elain only stared at him, filling her red-rimmed eyes with as much ferocity as she could muster. She thought of her sister's steely silver gaze and attempted to channel it into her own. The man held her gaze and studied her, his expression unchanging. 

"I'll return in a few hours," He said, when it became clear she was not going to speak, "I'll need to come up with some sort of diversion. If anyone comes to see you, do not tell them I was here."

Then he was gone, those echoing footsteps disappearing back down the dark stone hall. As the metal door shut behind him with a clang, she finally placed him. It was Eris, the one who had danced with Nesta in the Court of Nightmares. His demeanor and dark clothing fit in well with the stone city, but his shimmering hair and flaming eyes were the brightest thing there. Too bright to belong. It had stuck in her memory.

So it was the Vanserra brothers who had kidnapped her. They had been the flames in the dark. Was it a cruel trick for Eris to visit and pretend to care?

Elain curled up on the cold floor, wrapping her arms around herself, and waited. 

***

Elain heard nothing to indicate that Eris had returned. She was jolted from her sleep by metal rattling against the gate. 

She jumped to her feet, barely making out the figure before her in the dim light. Eris was cursing under his breath, clutching his side. 

"Take it," he snapped, thrusting his hand through the bars, "Hurry. I can't do it."

Elain stumbled forward and reached for it, shuddering as she found his dripping hand. He pressed a key into her palm, slick with blood. 

Fingers cold and trembling, she stuck her hand through the bars and found the keyhole. A chorus of shouting began in the distance.

"Hurry," Eris hissed, followed by a grunt of pain. The blood made the key slippery and it took her a moment to get it to turn. 

"I'm trying," Elain sobbed as the rabble became louder. Closer. The key clicked and turned.

As soon as the door had swung open wide enough for his arm to reach through, he grabbed her wrist and pulled. 

And then they were falling through the world. 

***

They landed in the snow, surrounded by darkness. Elain stood still for a moment, waiting for the world to stop spinning around her. Then she became aware of Eris kneeling beside her, still grasping her wrist as he stained the snow around him with crimson.

"Inside," He rasped, releasing his grip.

Only then did Elain notice the cabin before them. Lush pine trees filled the space around it, branches heavy with snowdrifts. It was silent here, save for the wind howling above the trees and the heavy breathing of her rescuer. 

She waded through the snow and found the door to the cabin unlocked. Eris crawled after her, letting out a grunt of pain, and collapsed just inside the door. Elain closed the door and bolted it, then kneeled beside him. 

A fire was already roaring in the hearth, warming the room. She could finally see her companion fully, laying on his back, chest heaving. The light made visible all of the cuts and blooming bruises across his face and shoulders. His face was pale, a drop of blood trickling from his parted lips. Eyes closed tight as both hands clutched at the red spot at his side. His hands covered the bulk of the wound, but the rips and stains of his jacket poked out around his fingers.

"What happened?" She asked softly, brows furrowing. 

"My brothers found me," He gritted out, "Ash Wood and faebane."

"Stay still and I'll help you, Eris," She pressed down on his shoulder in attempt to still his writhing.

"You know my name?" His eyes opened, resting on hers. Something fluttered in Elain's chest. 

"I've seen you before," Elain looked away from his intense gaze, eyes sweeping through the cabin. 

"And you trust me?" He grunted, then shut his eyes tight, mouth twisting in pain. 

"You rescued me." Elain shrugged. She stood and began searching for supplies. 

The furniture here was weathered and well used, and knick-knacks and decorations dotted the space. She found clean towels in the kitchen and a first aid kit in the wash room. 

Returning with her supplies, she knelt beside him once more and began to lift his hands from the wound. He resisted, trying to keep his hands clutched there. 

"Let me see, Eris," She said. He relaxed as she said his name, letting her lift his wrists and press a towel into his hands. He gripped it tight as she inspected the wound. 

"Tell me your name," He said, the words strained. 

"You don't know the names of the High Lady's sisters?" She teased, though her smile didn't reach her eyes. "I need to take off your jacket."

"I can't sit up," Every other breath was a gasp.

"I'll cut it then." 

Elain grabbed the scissors from the first aid kit and cut away the thick jacket, beads scattering as the thread was severed. She peeled back the layers and cut away his shirt. The fabric was so soaked with blood it fell to the floor with a wet splat. 

The wound, near his bottommost rib, still bled but it was not as deep as it could be. Whoever tried to stab him had not been successful. Though it did seem the tip of the knife had been twisted, tearing the flesh around it. Elain could not help but wonder what the attacker looked like after Eris had finished with them.

"I know Feyre and Nesta," Eris grunted as she applied pressure with a clean towel. Elain's eyes skimmed over the numerous scars across his muscled abdomen. Some were still pink and healing.

"And Elain," She murmured, "Your brothers did this?"

Eris did not answer. Silence settled between them as Elain packed his wound with gauze and secured a bandage over it. Then she scrubbed as much of the blood away as she could, gently taking his hands and wiping each one clean. 

He looked at her again, briefly, then did a double take. His brows furrowed, jaw clenching, as he brought his fingers to the bruise on her cheekbone to examine its severity. 

"Which one of them did this?" He growled. 

"That was me," Elain said, cringing at the cold feel of blood on her skin. "I lost my balance trying to look through the cell door."

"Don't lie," He gritted out.

"I'm not," Elain pleaded, reaching for a new towel to press against his injury. Fresh blood seeped from it. "Please calm down."

Eris was searching her body for other injuries. He found the bruise around her bicep, yellow splotches where a strong hand had gripped her too tightly.

"Tell me which one of them did it," Eris snarled, though his vision was moving in and out of focus.

"The tallest one," Elain said to appease him, gathering new gauze and bandages with her other hand, keeping the pressure on his ribs. "Stop moving, Eris."

"I will kill all of them," He continued grumbling, trying to raise himself up on his elbows.

"Open," Elain commanded, pressing her thumb against his bottom lip, ignoring the smear of red she left. He glowered at her and tried to fight her touch, but he was weak and tired and Elain won out, dropping the pill into his mouth. Bitterness and the taste of his own blood covered his tongue and he scowled. Elain held his mouth closed with the back of her hand, keeping him from spitting out the medicine.

Immediately, sleep was pulling him away. He tried to fight that too, forcing his vision to focus on Elain as she worked over him. But he couldn't resist whatever she had given him and his consciousness fell away.

Chapter Text

Eris awoke to the morning sun pouring gold over his body and into his eyes. He blinked hard, the harsh light adding to the pounding in his head. He brought a hand up to block the sun, startled by the pain of his fingertips brushing bruises and cuts. The stretch of his side as he lifted his arm drew a sharp pain from his ribs. 

It took a moment to remember where he was. Why he was laying on the floor of his cabin, the rigid floorboards aiding the overall pain blooming through his being. A pillow had been tucked under his head and two blankets around his body, though they offered little comfort. The bloody mess from last night had been cleared away, his cut up jacket and Elain's ragged dress draped over kitchen chairs to dry.

Eris's eyes dragged through the room, looking for the middle Archeron sister. He found her curled up on one of the sofas, a quilt pulled tightly around herself. Her eyes were closed but the expression on her face was not particularly peaceful. It prickled at his conscious, wondering if she was in pain. 

His gaze drifted toward the other couch, perpendicular to Elain. It was looking much more inviting than the floor. 

Eris found that he could sit up, but not without a loud, involuntary groan of pain. Elain's eyes fluttered open at the sound, brows furrowing in worry. 

"Don't move," She said, her voice raspy from sleep. Eris did not obey, crawling slowly across the floor and up to the other sofa. 

"The floor does not feel good," He said, breathing heavily from pain and exertion.

"Neither would your wound reopening," Elain scolded. She tossed back the covers and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. 

Eris settled on the couch, letting his body sink into the cushions, and studied Elain while he caught his breath. Elain stretched while she scowled back at him. Her hair was still damp from a bath, freshly braided out of her face, and she wore one of Eris's tunics as a nightgown. The morning light clung to her golden-brown hair as if it adored her. It shimmered in her hazel eyes, igniting them with gentle fire. 

Each of the Archeron sisters had been gifted their own shade of beauty. In between their matching features were little things that made them their own being. Feyre's beauty was warm and strong, Nesta's all sharpness and ferocity. Elain was a little of both, all soft curves and sweet features, with a wild gleam beneath it all that threatened to bite. It was the Kingslayer, that lay underneath.

Elain broke from his stare and made her way to the kitchen, a pair of Eris's socks slouching around her ankles. She filled the kettle and set it on the stove, retrieving another pot and spoon from nearby. The kitchen was enchanted, anything cooked in it took half the time it usually needed. But it seemed particularly eager to please Elain, boiling her water in a handful of minutes, a savory scent filling the cabin from the other pot. 

Elain shuffled back to the sitting area and placed a cup of tea before him on the coffee table before shuffling away again. She returned a moment later with two bowls of porridge. But she didn't hand one to him, yet. She stood above him by the couch, staring down with a hardened expression as she said,

"I would like some answers."

Something in that look told him that her kindness had a limit. If he pushed, she'd have no qualms leaving him to his own devices. Which could be a problem, considering that Eris tended to have a difficult time knowing when to stop.

"Answers to what, littlest Archeron?" He asked, glancing at the bowls in her hands. 

"I'm not the littlest," Elain said, a hint of indignation in her voice, "Feyre's the youngest."

"Is she?" Eris laughed, melodic and sharp, "I would not have guessed. She has the audacity of an oldest sibling."

"I'm in the middle," Elain shoved one of the bowls toward him and returned to her couch, pulling the quilt over her lap. Putting distance between them.

"What answers would you like, Middle Archeron?"

"Why did your brothers kidnap me?" There was no amusement anywhere on her face. 

"Ah. I believe they found out about my proposal to Nesta," His smile faded. 

"You proposed to Nesta?" Elain whispered, eyes widening. Her spoon paused halfway to her bowl.

"She didn't tell you that? I thought you were there, that night."

"What does your proposal have to do with me?" Elain ignored his question. So he had seen her at the Hewn City, he just hadn't known her name. She had only been meant to stand there and look pretty, after all. 

"I believe they intended to tell my father this 'secret' and deliver Nesta to him as a sort of gift. Apparently, the attention to detail between them is severely lacking and they did not remember which one of you is Nesta."

"Why did you save me?" Elain shuddered, her mind drifting toward whatever they had planned to do with her. Their taunts through the iron bars of what their father had in store.

"As much of a headache as the Archeron sisters tend to be, no one deserves to suffer at their hands." There was an angry flame in Eris's eyes. Any teasing or playfulness had melted away. "Tell me what they did to you."

Elain bit her lip, eyes flicking over the pink scars on his torso. They had been inflicted recently enough that they had not blended into his skin tone yet. She swallowed before answering. 

"I can't say I was handled very gently, but they did not hurt me. They seemed to be saving that honor for your father."

The fire in Eris's eyes burned brighter at that. He closed his eyes, stoking the flames, and leaned his head back against the arm of the couch. 

"They will all be lucky if they survive the consequences of this." Eris murmured, his voice like tendrils of dark smoke. A silence settled for a long moment, Elain poking at the porridge left in her bowl. 

"What happens now?" She asked, keeping her voice soft, as though doing otherwise would rouse his power again.

"It will take a few days for my magic to return enough to winnow very far," Eris said, "But then I'll take you back to the Night Court. I don't think it's possible for anyone to come and get you without rousing suspicion or causing trouble."

Elain scowled in spite of herself, shoulders stiffening. Eris's gaze swept over her, analyzing every feature, deciding which of his words had bothered her. Such discontent on her pretty face. 

"You...don't want to go back to the Night Court?" He asked, bemused. 

"I just don't want to be there at the moment," Elain looked down at her half-eaten breakfast, "There was a sort of falling out before I was taken."

"Do indulge me," Eris prodded, not even attempting to hide his desire for gossip. He settled further into the couch, preparing for a good story.

"I don't believe you're authorized to hear Night Court secrets," The scowl returned. A hint of the bite beneath the softness. He liked it. 

"I see," Eris poked his bottom lip out in an exaggerated pout.

"They must not know I'm gone yet or they'd have found us already," Elain ignored him. 

"They value you very highly, then," Eris prodded, secretly relishing in the idea of anyone from the inner circle finding her here, wearing his shirt. Though perhaps it was for the best that they didn't. He was in no shape to fight for his life, no matter how entertaining it would be.

"They don't value me, they think I'm helpless. That's different." The bitterness in her voice pulled him from his daydream. There was deep hurt in her eyes.

"And yet you were alone when you were taken, and no one has noticed you're gone?" 

Elain shrugged, still not looking at him. "I saw it coming in a vision but I couldn't stop it. They shouldn't have been able to winnow there, anyways. It must have been some kind of loophole."

"They've never trained you in anything? To defend yourself?" Eris asked, prying into the source of that bitterness unapologetically. He did not know if it was for her or for himself.

"No one's ever asked if I wanted to," She met his eyes, something dismal in her expression. Something almost hopeless. "I don't want to be a warrior, but I wouldn't have minded learning something."

Eris was quiet for a moment, considering. He put his empty bowl on the table and took a sip of tea. 

"If you want to make them worry, you can stay a few extra days." His lips curled into a grin. A grin very similar to Rhys's, precise and nearly feline. Something a little wicked to its curve. Nothing like Cassian's grin, wild and untamed, bursting with joy.

"I don't want them to worry, exactly," Elain sighed, "I just...."

Eris was studying her again, relentless in his scrutiny. Perhaps Elain would have minded less if his observations weren't so accurate.

"No, not worry," Eris drawled, wicked smile returning, "You want them to feel jealous."

Elain flushed and pursed her lips. He was not wrong, and she did not care for it. But she, too, has pictured the inner circle's faces if they had caught her here. Innocent Elain in the clutches of Eris the rake. 

"I'm invited to a feast at the Hewn City in a few days. Come with me as my guest and they will be livid. In the meantime, I'll teach you whatever self defense I can." Eris eyes twinkled, voice smooth as silk.

Elain looked at him, at the cruel smile on his face. They would indeed be livid. Some of them may never forgive her. But perhaps this was the statement she needed to make. No one else seemed to have reservations about their scheming and secret keeping. She could show them that she was not so different from them after all. But she did have one concern.

"Lucien." Elain chewed her lip. 

"I'll glamour you," Eris said, "only your sister and her toy will know it's you and they'll never tell."

"What is your motive?" Elain's gaze snapped to his as though the thought had just hit her. She squinted at him, trying to see through him as he did her. 

"No traps, no ulterior motives," Eris chuckled. "We'll just eat and drink and twirl around a bit to piss them off."

Eris would not allow himself to be the sort of person to hold Elain's well-being hostage for his own purposes. Besides the fact that he was not in good enough health to deal with their rage if he were to stoop that low. And that Elain must be unharmed in order for this alliance with the Night Court to remain in tact. This had to be Elain's choice. There was nothing for him to gain but his own petty satisfaction. But Elain looked as though she had everything to gain from this ruse. Her entire autonomy suddenly dangled within grasp. 

"Okay," She said, her face solemn, though her cheeks flushed light pink, "I'll go with you."

"Excellent," Eris purred, sitting back against the couch in satisfaction. "Though you may consider sending them a note, lest the continent be torn apart the second they discover your absence."

Indeed. Elain stood to make her way to Eris's desk, but stopped and turned back toward him. 

"How has no one found us yet?" She tilted her head and Eris found himself admiring the gold sparkling in her eyes. 

"No one knows this cabin is here. Even if they knew, they couldn't make it past the wards." 

So, they could not track her and pull her away. Elain sifted through the papers on the desk and found a blank piece with Rhys's Night Court symbol on the corner. She found a heavy copper pen and weighed it in her hand as she considered what to write. Deep in thought, she barely registered the sounds of Eris rising from the couch and coming to read over her shoulder. Either his wound was healing or he swallowed his pain well. 

I've gone on a trip. I am safe and no one is forcing me to write this. Do not tell Nesta. 

More soon,

Elain

The note vanished after she finished writing, leaving her far too aware of Eris's closeness, the warmth of his body and the sensation of his breath across her skin. 

"I believe Nesta would disembowel me with her bare hands if she knew you were here," Eris said, just above a whisper. 

Elain turned around, bracing her hands on the desk behind her. This closeness was not better, her torso only a few inches away from brushing his. Eris did not move away. 

"Yes, she doesn't think very highly of you," Elain said, hoping she did not blush as she met his eyes. 

"You don't share her opinion?" He asked, half-teasing and half-probing. The corners of his eyes crinkled. 

"I suppose I'm still making up my mind," She answered, half-teasing and half-warning.

"Smart girl," Eris said, his voice rumbling through Elain's chest and quickening her heartbeat. "I could still disappoint you."

How did she say that she knew he would not? That she saw exactly what he was. A cat that made himself look large and menacing to his enemies. And underneath the facade, layers and layers of grief, anger, and shame. Accompanied by an endless well of sorrow.

The paper returned with a snap, rustling as it landed on the desk. Elain jumped and finally pulled her gaze from his. It was her sister's handwriting.

Busy now, talk later. Not happy. 

The words made her stomach lurch, but Eris only grinned. 

"I suppose it's no secret what they're busy with," He rolled his eyes. She swatted at him, but he remained glued to where he stood. 

"Did you sleep at all?" He asked, his tone sober once more. He had only just now noticed the deep purple smudged under her eyes.

"Not much," Elain admitted. Her attention turned back on herself, the tiredness hit her all at once. Her body was admittedly feeling weary. The heaviness was mixing with Eris's scent, wood smoke, brown sugar, and sweet spices. It made her a bit dizzy. 

"Sleep, then," Eris said, his voice soft. "Now that you know everything will be alright."

Elain obeyed, weak against the call of the soft couch, crackling fire, and Eris's tender command. 

***

Eris has decided to take a bath, despite Elain's warnings against it. The little magic in his body seemed to be holding his wound steady, but it was not healing as it should be yet.

"It's been quiet for too long," Elain called through the door, "Say something or I'm coming in."

"Maybe that's what I wanted," Eris's teasing voice drifted back to her. Elain blushed and crossed her arms. As though he could sense her indignation, Eris added, "I'm fine, mother hen. I'm going slowly."

The door swung open and Eris appeared, half-naked with a towel wrapped around his hips. Elain blushed deeper and let her gaze drift to the floor. Eris swallowed his desire to wink at her, disappearing into the bedroom instead. He closed the door all but a crack, and Elain wondered if it was supposed to be some sort of invitation. 

"You know I have a few dresses here," He called, "You don't have to wear my shirt, if you don't want to."

Damn his teasing. Elain pressed the backs of her hands to her warm cheeks.

"I did not see them last night," She answered, resisting the urge to spit the words at him. "Is that this secret warded cabin is for, then? Bringing girls to?"

"Some girls," Eris chuckled, swinging the door open and meeting her in the hallway once more, "Some boys."

He had dressed in sweat pants and a long, soft tunic. Damp hair brushed back, freckles on display, bottom lip still slightly swollen. The lounge clothes fit him well, hugging and draping over his muscular figure in all the most flattering ways. He held a blue cotton dress toward her, draped over his arm. His other hand held fresh bandages. 

"Anyone who needs it, really," He continued, smile falling, effectively pulling Elain from her ogling thoughts, "It's a safe house of sorts."

"I don't suppose you have something I can wear to the Hewn City," She said, swallowing her guilt. She could imagine what he might need a safe house from, with brothers that had no qualms stabbing him with ash wood and faebane. She could also imagine that he would not answer if she asked further questions, anyways. 

"No," Eris grinned, violent brothers forgotten, "We'll have to go shopping. There's an excellent dress shop in the village nearby. A neat little tourist town."

Shopping with the heir of the Autumn Court? Would her sister even believe her? 

"I don't have any money," Elain protested, but Eris waved her away. 

"You can pay be back some other way," His eyes glittered. He uncrossed his arms so Elain could examine his abdomen. 

She glared at him for a moment before lifting his soft shirt. His wound had not reopened in the bath, and was beginning to scab over, but she still wished it was further along in healing. It was going to leave a nasty scar, feathered around the edges from the way his flesh had been torn. 

"Looks fine, but be careful," Elain said, dropping the fabric, trying so very hard to ignore his amusement, ignore the goosebumps that had spread over his skin from the brush of her fingertips. 

"The cruel lady would make me bandage my own wound?" He asked, voice full of mock hurt. 

Elain's memory flashed back to the last time she was this close to someone, alone in a hallway. When she had closed her eyes and waited like a fool while Azriel contemplated and decided that it had been a mistake to even touch her. Perhaps, if she had been bolder, that night may have ended differently. She would not be the same Elain, now. She would give in to the part of herself that enjoyed his teasing, if not only just to see the surprise on his face when he realized that she could play, too. Elain was no demure flower. 

"You need only have asked, my lord," Elain crooned, looking up at him through lowered lashes, plucking the bandage from his hand. 

She let her touch linger as she stuck the new bandage on, tracing each edge to smooth it down. Holding his gaze, she let down his shirt slowly and allowed her knuckles to drag across his skin, all the way down to his waist band.

Then she slipped past him, letting her shoulder brush his. She closed the washroom door behind her, leaving him alone in the little hallway. 

Eris had seen the determined glimmer in her eye. That hint of a bite underneath her sweet demeanor. A shiver ran through him as he thought that he would like to see that edge unsheathed. And pressed against his neck while he was completely at her mercy.

Chapter Text

While Elain slept, Eris rummaged through the cabin and managed to find a balm that helped combat the effects of faebane. It was not as good as the updated antidote that the Dawn Court had created, but it would speed things up. Enough that he insisted he was capable of cooking dinner, though he still dragged a chair to the stove to sit on while he stirred.

Elain had slept most of the day, waking in the late afternoon as the sun became more gentle, filling the cabin with golden light instead of a harsh glare off the snow. Eris tried not to be too endeared by her sleepy eyes and messy braid, but a small part of him wanted her to be his. To wrap the sleepy girl in his arms and press a kiss to her forehead. 

Everything that made her adorable had faded into a darker, more sinful shade as she had bandaged his ribs. Eris was never one to feel shameful of any form of debauchery. But her touch, so light it could almost be construed as innocent, had set him ablaze with a strange shame he had never felt. Like he didn't deserve it. He had assumed from her shy nature that any touching and teasing from her was a rare gift. 

Now, sitting on a chair in front of the stove, he shook his head free of his thoughts. But not before feeling a bit of pity for his little brother, who he knew had not yet won her heart. If he had Lucien as enamored as he felt, he must be suffering. 

Elain had begrudgingly agreed to let him cook, as long as he stayed sitting. But she was waiting until the morning to decide if he was ready for a trip into town. 

"You take your shopping very seriously," She said when he protested, "you'd fit into the Night Court well, in that way."

"You can make your own dinner if you compare me to them again," Eris grumbled. 

"I would have made it myself, but you insisted." She sat on the floor of the kitchen, back against a counter cabinet. She had pulled her knees up to her chest and tucked her legs under the fabric of her skirt. 

"Yes, because you made the last two." He had found sandwiches pre-made in the fridge when he grew hungry around lunch time. Another thing she had probably done to pass the time while she couldn't sleep.

"It's supposed to be a lady's job, anyways." Elain said, tossing her braid over her shoulder. Even though she really believe that. 

"How very archaic for the Night Court," Eris smirked. 

"But not the for the Autumn Court, I suppose." Elain regretted the words as soon as they had come out. She wasn't sure where the indignation had come from it. It had been almost like an instinct.

She watched as Eris face twitched, and then a calm mask of detachment slipped into place. One she had not seen since he had come to her cell. By the mother, was that only yesterday? 

"Not for Beron, you mean." Eris said quietly, his voice far away and icy to match the mask. 

"I'm sorry," Elain whispered, shrinking into herself, "I didn't mean-"

"It's ready," He interrupted. He spooned stew into a bowl and held it out to her, keeping his eyes on the stove. Then he filled his own and winnowed the few feet to the kitchen table, sitting with his back to her. 

Elain stood still for a moment, watching the steam curling up from her bowl. Apologizing again would do no good. She knew he didn't want to be pitied. He wore his pride around him like a solid shield. 

Standing in the silence, her eyes drifted toward the curve of his neck and the small sliver of muscle that was visible above the collar of his shirt. His red hair fell in soft waves against his neck. He may be leaner than the Night Court warriors, but his sleeves were still snug around his biceps. 

Eris sighed, pulling Elain from her thoughts. As insistent as she may be about propriety, Elain was not above admiring beautiful things.

"Come and sit," He said, though the warmth had not returned to his voice yet. 

"Thank you for the soup," Elain scurried to sit behind him.

Then it was quiet again. Only the sounds of the crackling fire and the still-bubbling pot on the stove, mixing with the clink of spoons against ceramic bowls.

"Thought for a thought?" Elain asked, tentative. The thing Feyre always said when Elain was quiet. Eris said nothing for a moment, but he did seem to be considering.

"There are a lot of things about the Autumn Court that I wish were different," He sighed. Elain had a feeling that this was the Eris that most other people saw. Closed off, moping. An impenetrable wall of gloom around him.

"But there are things you love about it," Elain prodded.

"It is beautiful," He relented after another pause, voice finally beginning to soften, "And peaceful - in some parts. And I do love my hounds."

"Hounds?" Elain's eyes lit up. 

Eris looked at her for a moment, more ice thawing by the second. He stepped across the room and grabbed a photo frame from the desk. He placed the frame on the table in front of her and sat back down.

Elain picked it up gingerly. A weathered, sepia photo of a dozen sleek, beautiful hounds sitting in a row, in a frame of carved maple leaves. Foliage of all colors piled up on the ground around them, dappled light across the whole image. Elain looked back at him, beaming. 

"What was your thought?" He asked, his eyes smiling back at her. She liked this Eris more. The one who was tender and not ashamed of loving things. The one who teased her and talked to her almost like a friend. 

"I'm thinking it's a shame how much pretending you do," She said, setting the frame on the table. Her boldness could push him right back into his fortress, but she took the risk. 

"Maybe so, but that's a thought about me, not about you." Eris shrugged. 

"There's not supposed to be rules to it. But ask me a question, if you want to know something about me."

"What was the falling out in the night court?" He eyed her as he said it, watching the hint of a scowl pass over her face. 

Indeed, she was struggling not to let hypocrisy win and close in on herself in response. 

"It's embarrassing," Elain protested. 

"You know plenty of embarrassing things about me," Eris countered, gaze still on her as he sipped another spoonful of soup.

"I do not. I barely know you."

"Fine, then I'll tell you something embarrassing about myself next."

"You're a busy body and a gossip," Elain rolled her eyes and sat back in her chair, arms crossed. She kept her eyes on the table as she spoke. "I heard of something Rhysand had done. Something that changed the course of things for me a great deal. It happened quite a while ago, so I probably shouldn't care. But I do, anyways. Especially because he never would have told me himself. No one would have. Nesta let it slip because she had too much to drink, and she probably only knew because she squeezed it out of Cassian."

"What did he do?" Eris asked, engrossed. 

"He forbid someone I cared for from seeing me," Elain gritted out between her teeth. She flashed him a look, warning him not to ask any follow up questions. 

But he asked, anyways, "The shadowsinger?"

"How did you know?" Elain cried, blush creeping up her neck and the points of her ears.

"Well he wouldn't forbid a man from seeing his mate, so it couldn't be Lucien. Unless it's a stranger to me, that leaves Azriel. Everyone else is mated."

"Azriel is mated too," She said, voice full of bitter longing, "But he wasn't back then. They're on a honeymoon, now. Rhysand was furious with Nesta, though they're always furious with each other over something. She and Cassian have been visiting Illyrian camps since then, and Rhysand is back and forth between the Hewn City and Velaris, basically hiding from me."

"So you were alone," Eris finished softly. 

"You can see how I might prefer to be here," Elain offered a weak smile.

"Stuck in a tiny cabin with a grumpy Autumn heir, hiding from his barbaric brothers and the overbearing High Lord of Night. I'm flattered."

"Tell me something embarrassing," Elain demanded. 

"I tend to snore," He confessed, the corners of his mouth creeping up into a smile.

"I know that already!" She cried. 

"My point stands, lady. You already know many embarrassing things about me." Such a crooning tone and teasing grin. A little part of her wanted to smack it off his face. He would probably enjoy it, the deviant. 

"You do not play fair," Elain snatched her dish and brought it to the sink.

"But I thought there weren't any rules," Eris followed, standing far too close once again. How he loved to pin her, this way. 

"Must everything always be a game?" Elain tried to pretend he was not so close, desperately pushing down the heat in her body. 

"Something tells me you're not as averse to games as you try to seem," He answered, his breath hot against her ear. He was close enough to see the goosebumps that spread over her skin. 

They were still for a moment, Eris waiting to see what she would do. Elain trying to make a decision as her heart thundered in her chest. 

"What are you doing?" She whispered, turning her head enough to catch a glimpse of him in her peripheral. 

Eris's smirk faded as if her words had woken him from a trance. He stepped back and opened his mouth to say something, only to close it again and leave her there in the kitchen. He grabbed a book and settled on the sofa, beginning to read with rapt attention. 

As soon as he stepped away, the air around Elain felt cold and empty. It brought her back to that Solstice night, standing by herself in the hallway. Lonely and rejected. A mistake. 

Overcome by a blend of unpleasant feelings, Elain sat down by the fire and rested her chin on her knees, basking in the warmth of the fire to replace Eris's closeness. 

At some point, she had laid on her side and fallen asleep. When she woke again, in the middle of the night, she was back on the comfortable sofa, quilt tucked in tightly around her. Eris's soft breathing across the roomu lulled her back to sleep. She dreamt of autumn sunshine, the smell of fallen leaves, and of hot cider on a cold fall night.

Chapter Text

When Elain woke in the morning, Eris was frying pancakes in the kitchen. Shirtless and barefoot, which seemed very unsafe but admittedly nice to look at. It was a good sign, as well, that the balm had done it's job. The smattering of bruises seemed to be mostly gone, only a few smudges of color ghosting his shoulders. 

"Eat up! Long day of shopping ahead," Eris sang, gesturing to the full plate of pancakes and eggs on the kitchen table. 

A mug of hot cider sat beside it, and Elain eyed it suspiciously, wondering if he had somehow sensed her dream. Nevertheless, he seemed very chipper this morning and it was a pleasant change from the awkwardness of last night. 

Elain savored the pancakes, a little hum of satisfaction escaping with the first bite. Food in Velaris was delicious, but the variation of another court's flavors was a nice change. 

"You didn't have to sleep in your dress," Eris said, joining her at the table, "I'm sure the tunic was more comfortable."

"Is that what your guests do? Sleep in your shirts?" Elain looked up at him through her lashes as she took another bite, "I did notice you don't have any nightgowns."

Eris suppressed a grin. Somehow, no one else had figured out that little scheme. Or at least, no one had said anything. 

"You don't seem to be a morning person," He said, instead of answering. 

"Oh, I am, actually. I love the early morning. But I watch Nyx so often that I've more or less adapted to his schedule, and he definitely takes after his father." Elain sipped her cider, relishing the spices that lingered on her tongue. 

"Poor little fellow," Eris clicked his tongue, shaking his head in mock sympathy. 

***

Elain emerged from the washroom, dressed, groomed, and bathed. She had decided she liked the cut of Autumn Court dresses. Comfortable, modest, and delicately adorned with embroidery and beads. She had chosen a warm burnt orange and admired the way it complimented the honey-brown of her hair. Eris resisted the urge to tell her exactly how well the wardrobe of his court suited her. Or that he wished she'd wear her hair down, as was the current fashion in Autumn.

Instead, he held out a wine colored-coat for her to slip on, and tucked a knitted scarf around her collar. She found the matching mittens and and hat stuffed into the pockets and tugged those on as well. 

"Ready," She said, a little bit muffled behind her layers. He couldn't help his grin then. 

Eris began to put on his own coat, but stopped and let out a hiss of pain. 

"Are you okay?" Elain's brows knit together. 

"I'm alright," He sighed, "Just stretched a little too far on my bad side."

Elain took his coat from his hands and helped him into it. He gave her a grateful smile and led her out of the cabin, away toward the edge of the wards. When Elain turned around, the cabin had disappeared. There was not even a clearing where it should be. Nothing but a tiny gap in the trees. 

"Neat trick, no?" Eris eyes sparkled. 

Elain placed a mittened hand on his arm and looked up at him with furrowed brows. "Are you sure you're up for winnowing?"

"Yes, dear," Eris smiled, "I'll be alright. Not all of us have wings to take us where we wish, anyways."

"How is it so cold here, if we're in Autumn?" She asked, ignoring the pet name. But she did take the hand he held out to her. 

"We're very close to the Winter border. Hazelbury is the last Autumn village before the Winter Court border. Its higher up here, so it snows during cold snaps. Ready?"

"Ready."

Elain gripped his hand tight as they winnowed. She was grateful for the barrier of their mittens and gloves, but she could still feel his warmth radiating through her. 

***

They landed among the trees, bits of loose snow falling onto them from above. 

"Alright?" Eris asked, brushing snowflakes from her eyebrows. Elain looked up at him and started, forgetting that the plan had been to glamour them both. He was unrecognizable, his red hair now deep brown, the angle of his nose smoothed, his skin clear of freckles. The fire was gone from his eyes. A little ruby teardrop dangled from one ear, as if to compensate for the missing warmth.

"I stole a description from a Sellyn Drake novel," Eris gave her a crooked smile.

"How do you know Sellyn Drake?" Elain laughed. Her eyes drifted to the bustling village ahead of them, a blur of colors and motion. The murmur was pleasant, frequent laughter rising up from it.

"My observational skills are excellent," He said, "And how do you know Sellyn Drake?"

"Am I glamoured?" Elain dodged yet another of his questions, bringing her fingers to her nose to feel it's shape. 

"A little, you'll see." Eris started toward the village path, stepping high through the snow. Elain was grateful for her the heavy boots and wool socks she'd been given. The cabin truly seemed to hold everything one could need.

"What do you usually call yourself when you come here?"

"I've never needed to come up with a name. What about you? What would you like to be called today?"

"I suppose I'll think of one in the moment if it comes up," Elain said, blushing at the improper answers that had come to her. None of which she planned on ever uttering out loud.

The bustling crowd flowed around them as they stood on the edge of the cobblestone street - presumably the main street. Worn buildings popped up all around, their once-colorful roofs spreading as far as the eye could see. Lanterns hung from the awnings, and strings of fae-lights wove back and forth overhead, illuminating window displays filled with lovely things. 

"General store first," Eris said, pressing a guiding hand to the small of her back. He led her inside one of the wooden buildings, warm air greeting them in the doorway. He gave Elain a smile and nodded toward the displays. "Pick whatever you want."

So, Elain took her time studying the displays as Eris made polite conversation with the shop keeper. She felt a little pang of guilt as she came across a box of pencils in an autumn color scheme that Feyre would surely love. She wasn't even sure if her sister would accept a gift from the Autumn Court, anyways, judging by her reaction to Elain's note. And Nesta was not supposed to know she was here, so she couldn't pick a gift for her, either. 

Instead, she picked for herself a maple sugar candy to try, and a few varieties of seeds she had never seen. Perhaps someday, when things were different, she could return with her sisters and shop with them. 

***

Elain dared not make the comparison aloud again, but Eris's shopping habits were very similar to Rhys's. He encouraged her to pick something at nearly every shop they stopped in, claiming it was necessary for the "full Autumn Court experience." 

By the time they had made it to the dress shop, his arms were full of bags with handmade cheese and bread, fresh flowers, books, and  candy. Half were recommendations or gifts from the shop keepers, all of whom seemed to recognize and greet him eagerly. Naturally, Elain began to wonder how often he did this and how often he needed to visit the safe house.

The dress shop was no different. Eris flopped down into a chair at the front of the store, letting his arms rest from carrying the heavy bags. A short, older women scurried to greet him. 

"Ezra, my love," She cried, planting a kiss on his cheek. 

An involuntary, shit-eating grin spread across Elain's face. Eris flashed her a warning look. So he had chosen his name him a Sellyn Drake novel, as well.

"What brings you in today?" The woman asked after she had finished fussing over him. 

"My lady is to accompany me to an event in a few days," He gestured to Elain, who blushed and nodded in greeting, "Do you have anything that we could take with us today?"

"Of course," The woman cried, placing a hand over her chest. Her enthusiasm was rather infectious. "I will find a few sections for you."

"I do hope she brings something scandalous," Eris grinned, leaning back in his chair as if it were a throne, crossing one leg over the other. 

"I will not wear anything scandalous unless you agree to show just as much skin as I do," Elain retorted. 

Eris tipped his head back and laughed. He seemed so at ease here, pretending to be someone else. Someone proud of his court, enjoying a day of leisure in a tourist town. It made Elain's chest ache for him. 

The seamstress returned and beckoned Elain to a dressing room. She seemed baffled by Elain's insistence that she could dress by herself, but left her alone nonetheless. It did not escape her that the woman had never asked for her name, leading her to wonder how much she really knew about Eris. How much she knew about guests that must remain anonymous.

The first time Elain looked in the mirror it startled her. She forgot Eris had glamoured her, though the changes were not as drastic as his. The curve of her nose and lips had tilted, eyebrows thicker and straighter, and her eyes shifted more towards a solid green than her own hazel. It was unsettling, though the girl who stared back at her was pretty. 

Elain had planned to show each choice to Eris and let him choose. It was his money, after all. But she lost her nerve after slipping the first dress over her head. A moss green silk gown with cut outs around the waist and translucent gossamer sleeves. The skirt hugged her hips and flared out at the knees, a train of shining fabric falling behind her. It was beautiful and skillfully made. But she was not brave enough for the plunging neckline and skin-tight bodice. 

She made her way through the rack of dresses, each one-of-a-kind in some gorgeous jewel toned fabric. When she found one that she loved, it took her a long moment of staring in the mirror until she gathered enough courage to leave the dressing room.

It was not anything as revealing as her sisters might choose, but it was tighter and showier than anything she'd normally go for. The plum-colored velvet gown had a full shirt with slits up each side, inching dangerously high on her thighs. The bodice laced up like a corset, the square neckline framing her cleavage with shimmering golden lace. Over the whole gown, swirls of beadwork caught the light and glowed like gemstones. The back dipped low, threatening to expose the dimples at the end of her spine. 

"Well?" Elain appeared before Eris, wringing her hands in nervousness. 

Eris's eyes snapped up from the newspaper in his lap, his gaze dragging slowly down her body. As if memorizing every detail. He swallowed hard before clearing his throat and announcing, "It's perfect."

Elain padded to stand before the mirror. Eris appeared behind her, dutifully clasping his hands behind his back. 

"And what do you think?" He asked, eyeing her furrowed brow. 

"It's a bit more...scandalous than I'd usually choose," She said, turning to side and letting the slit in the skirt expose the length of her leg. 

"Well we are hoping to cause a bit of a scandal, no?" He flashed a wild, crooked grin. 

"I suppose you'll be baring your back in solidarity?" Elain watched him in the mirror, his eyes drifting up and down her form. 

"As I promised." Eris laughed, "Now you just need a dagger to match. There's a shop a few doors down-"

"No," The words came out before Elain knew she had wanted to say them. "I want it to be yours."

Eris's eyebrows arched high, a little of his glamour fell and let a few flames through. They burned into her, blush creeping across her chest under the golden lace. 

"I want the dagger to be yours. I want to-to have something of yours," Elain stammered. 

Eris's eyes were on hers in the reflection. She watched them darken, a muscle in his jaw twitching. One of his hands, despite his best efforts to behave, reached out to rest on her exposed thigh, fingers brushing just underneath the velvet fabric.

"I'll give you a dagger of mine," He purred into her ear, deep voice rumbling in his chest, "if you'll promise to wear it here."

Elain's stomach fluttered, skin heating under his touch. 

"Promise," She whispered. 

"Go change, little dove," Eris whispered, giving her a little nudge. 

It took her just a moment to return to herself, to resist the urge to lean her back against him and let his lips brush her neck. Perhaps they would, before their time together was over. And perhaps she was terrible and wicked for wishing such a thing. She moved towards the dressing room as if in a trance. 

***

Elain managed to collect herself before returning to Eris, shoving down the butterflies in her stomach and fanning her face to cool her skin. Eris stood at the counter chatting with the seamstress, No sign of the hunger that had gripped his features before. They had found a pair of matching shoes and enchanted them to fit Elain's size. 

"Eris," Elain said as they gathered their bags and boxes. 

"Yes?" 

"You are not buying me anything else today."

"I refuse to be ashamed of my love for buying things," He proclaimed, "Just dinner, and then we go home."

"Just dinner," Elain repeated firmly. 

"And maybe dessert," He grinned. 

"Eris," Elain groaned at him but he just smirked. 

***

Eris took her to the edge of a village, leading her to a restaurant with walls of full-length windows. The waiter led them to their own room in the back, a cozy booth tucked into an alcove of glass. A little faelight, encased in a dome of glass, sat on the center of the table. The heavy snowflakes just outside caught the light and glittered as they fell.

"My favorite thing about this place," Eris said after the waiter had left them, "Is that they decide your order for you and have it sent to your table. You don't have to talk to anyone for your whole meal."

Eris tapped the faelight on the table and two mugs of hot chocolate materialized, garnished with whipped cream and chocolate snowflakes. 

Elain's heart hammered in her chest. Of course, he had to look gorgeous in the dim light, every handsome characteristic accentuated by the fae light. He had dropped his disguise, the full force of his beauty hitting her like a rough wave. He smiled like he knew what she was thinking, and Elain wondered if it was a good thing or a bad thing that no one would return to wait their table. No buffer for her to insist on propriety in front of. 

Because the most troubling thing of this whole ordeal was how easy it all was. Easy to talk, easy to flirt, and so very easy to want him.  

Chapter Text

Eris flung his shopping bags on the kitchen table and let out a dramatic groan. 

"It's your fault for buying so much," Elain said, hanging up her coat. Then she followed him to the table and began to help sort through their haul. 

"I regret nothing," Eris pulled an empty jar from the cabinet and placed the fresh flowers in it like a vase. 

Elain rolled her eyes at him but she was smiling, piling up her treats and souvenirs. Maple candies, Autumn seeds, glass dragonfly earrings, postcards of Hazelbury, a handkerchief embroidered with foliage. And then there was the sourdough bread, fancy cheeses, handmade taffies, and roasted nuts that Eris had collected.

When she was done admiring, she grabbed her new gown to hang in the bedroom wardrobe. She paused for a moment, peeking inside the dress bag to admire the beautiful bead work again. 

"Elain."

Elain turned around to find Eris leaning against the bedroom doorway, arms crossed.

"Yes?"

"I have a predicament."

"Yes, Eris?" She found herself smiling again. It was hard not to. She was giddy and full from the loveliest day she'd had in a long time. 

"I do not want to sleep on the couch again, it hurts my back. But I would not be much of a gentleman if I did not offer it to you first."

"You take it. You're injured."

"I figured you would say that. I also figured you would say no if I offered to share."

Elain chewed her lip and said nothing. Eris's eyebrows drew upwards.

"Or...you would not say no?"

"I hate to sleep alone. I hate the dark," Elain confessed. Sharing a bed with her sisters for so many years had left an imprint. Now, she could not sleep alone in the dark or she would constantly wake in fear of something lurking in the corners. That may also have something to do with being snatched from her bed by Hybern soldiers.

Eris studied her for a moment before saying, "Well then there's two options. I can leave a faelight for you, or you can share the bed if you're up for it. There's plenty of space."

"Just sleeping?" She asked, not looking at him but at her intertwined fingers.

"Just sleeping," Eris smiled at her, but it was not teasing. It was solemn, honest. 

But she still had to scold her heart for how it leapt in excitement at the thought of laying wrapped in his hold all night. Tangled in his warmth and not curled up alone against the rough fabric of the sofa. 

***

Elain changed in the washroom, slipping on another of Eris's tunics. It would be admittedly more comfortable than sleeping in a beaded dress. 

Wide eyes stared back at her in the mirror, watching her every move as she tried to slow her breathing. Eris would never try anything, never do anything she didn't want and she knew it. But that was not the problem. 

The problem was that a part of her wanted to uncage the gleam in his eye and meet it head on. She wanted to be devoured. Perhaps it was only the proximity. She only wanted him because they had been cooped up and close together in the little cabin. They had shared too many touches. But that was not true, either. 

It was his character, his beauty, his own desire. He was kind, and soft, and he wanted her. The temptation was becoming overwhelming. She wanted to have him for herself, just for a little while. But even more than that, when the tension burned away, she wanted to be his friend. 

When she returned to the bedroom, Eris was already under the covers, arms crossed behind his head. He had pulled the curtains closed but the moonlight was persistent, squeezing between every crack. It washed over Eris's skin, giving him a silver glow. Somehow Elain had forgotten that he did not wear a shirt to bed. She padded toward the bed and leapt under the covers, eager to escape the cold and the perfect view of him from the doorway. 

His warmth spread to her, even as she tried to keep a solid distance between them. 

"Thought for a thought?" Eris asked, pretending not to notice her blush. 

"This is certainly not where I thought I would be when I was kidnapped," She admitted, peeking over the blanket she had pulled up to her chin. 

"Don't all girls daydream of being rescued by a prince?" She could hear the smirk in his voice. 

"And taken to a clandestine cabin in the woods to be trapped until his curse wears off? I've never heard such a scandalous fairy tale," Elain scoffed. Laying beside him, his scent was everywhere. 

"I have heard that kisses are good for breaking spells if you'd like to get out of here faster," He teased. 

"I thought this was an innocent invitation," Elain scolded, though she had to bite back a smile.

"Of course it is," Eris exclaimed in mock offense.

Elain did not know what to say, after that. If she told him to stop, he would. If she didn't, then his teasing would go on. And lead where? She turned on her side to look at him. 

"Why did you pull away last night?" She whispered, eyes searching his.

"You reminded me to behave," He answered, his own smile fading. 

"And the dress shop, then?"

"Failing to behave myself."

"And what about now?" She cursed the slight tremble in her voice. 

"We'll go to sleep if that's what you wish," He whispered, brushing a stray curl from her cheek. "I'm not stupid to fall for another Archeron. If anything happens between us, I know it ends when you go home."

Elain's heart beat quickened once again. And she did not shove down the fluttering in her stomach, this time. Perhaps what she wanted was within her grasp, after all. 

"You loved her, then? My sister?" She asked, not of jealousy, but wondering. Clearly, much had happened that she hadn't observed. It was a moment before he answered. 

"I would have," He said in a voice full of sorrow, "I know that none of the others trust me. But I would have loved her, and I would have protected her."

And probably torn each other apart, Elain thought, but she did not say it. Then it was her turn to pause, wondering if she should ask the question that weighed on her mind. 

"I need to know something, Eris." She whispered.

"Yes," He sighed, as if he already knew what she was going to say. 

"What happened with Mor?" 

"You're all obsessed with this," He spat in annoyance, rolling his eyes. 

"It matters to me," Elain said, trying to ignore the sting of his words. 

"We had a plan, Mor and I," He relented, something sharp in his tone. He spoke quickly, as if eager for this explanation to be over with. "We planned to marry for appearances, and in secret we'd be free to love whoever we wanted. Then she decided to 'ruin' herself and sleep with Cassian, to take hold of her own future. I don't begrudge her for that, I actually sort of admire it. But I wish she'd have told me that she'd changed her mind."

Eris paused and rubbed the back of the his neck, as if to ease the pain of the memory.

"Her family did what they did to...to ensure that there would be no baby as a result of what she'd done. When they left her at the Autumn Court that day, they fully intended for us to be responsible from that point. If I had touched her, showed her any kindness at all, it would have been seen as my claiming her. And I would have had my own consequences from my father. If she had wanted to be free that badly, bad enough to risk punishment and give up her maidenhood, then I would not subject her to a marriage with me."

"You could have both been free," Elain whispered, but Eris shook his head. 

"As horrible as it was, it's probably good that it happened the way that it did. I do wish I'd been brave enough to change it all. But now, it has to be Mor who tells the truth."

Eris turned onto his side, facing her.

"Can I ask you something now?" He asked, still solemn, leaving no room for follow up questions.

"I suppose," Elain nodded, though she braced herself.

"Are you still a maiden?" 

"Why on earth would you ask me that?" Elain cried, the reaction involuntary. She did not care for it, still feeling such shock about these subjects. And truthfully, she knew exactly why he was asking.

"Sometimes you seem shy about certain things," He said, a little bit bewildered by her reaction. 

"That's a private question." A half-hearted defense.

"You've seen me half naked," Eris grinned, "I say either make it even or answer my question."

"Kind of," Elain answered, looking away from him. Eris said nothing, waiting for her to elaborate. 

"The last time was with my fiance, before I was Made. A human man. It's just been so long and I've heard that it's...different in a fae body. So it almost feels like starting over."

"What happened to your fiance?"

"He was not thrilled with the idea of having a fae wife," She said bitterly, picking at the sheets with her fingernail.

"Weakling," Eris scoffed. 

Elain took a deep breath. It was still not easy to talk about these things, but it was something she was trying to be better at. As scandalized as she felt sometimes by the inner court's honesty, she admired their vulnerability. The ease with which they handled it all. It seemed freeing. 

"It's not easy to talk about such things," Elain confessed, "It's not how I was raised."

"Really?" Eris grinned, his voice dripping in sarcasm. When she glared at him, he dropped the smile and continued, "Thank you for putting up with my prodding. I haven't meant to make you uncomfortable. And I appreciate your honesty."

His words made her melt, a little. Every piece of her heart she bared to him he handled with such care. There was nothing in it for him to learn all the woes and petty problems of her little world. But he wanted to know them, anyways.

"You know," He said, still solemn, "It could be better to begin again with someone you're not in love with."

"I'm not falling for that line," Elain smiled. She could have sworn she saw a flash of hurt in his eyes. 

"It's not a line," His gaze pierced into her, "And I don't mean me. I just mean it doesn't have to be sacred."

Something inside her began to soften, like these were the key-words she had been waiting to hear. To free her from the trance she'd been in. She could feel it in her chest, the release of a tension that she had been holding since the moment she came out of the cauldron. All of the things that had been holding her back faded, leaving her in the silence with her heart hammering, staring back into Eris's intense gaze. The moonlight painted flecks of silver in his eyes. And she wanted it to be him.

"Eris," She whispered, definitive and shy and inviting all at once. And he knew what it meant.

Elain reached toward Eris's bare chest with shaky hands. Eris brought his hand to the dip of her waist, the warm weight of it only adding to the dissolution of Elain's self control.

"Will be friends still, when it's all over?" She asked, eyes welling at the idea of that loss. 

"Of course, little dove," Eris said, so tenderly it ached. 

So Elain slid her hand up to cradle his jaw and brought her lips to his. 

*

They had touched so many times in the last handful of days, but none had been this deliberate. None had been an answer to the yearning. All had been to placate it. To buy them time to escape this situation without sparking fire between them. But now it was hopeless, and the fire blazed. 

Eris kissed her back with fervor, sliding his hands into her hair to pull her closer. His lips were warm and coaxing, eyelashes brushing against her cheeks. He tried to lean over her and deepen the kiss, but the movement sent a shooting pain through his half-healed wound. Elain pushed him back down and took his place, careful to keep her weight off the bandages. 

"I suppose you'll have to be gentle with me," He whispered, eyes twinkling. He tangled his fingers in her curls again, relishing the silky strands against his rough hands. They were as soft as he'd imagined. 

Elain was unleashed. The fire burning within her could be controlled no longer. She grasped his chin in her hand and nipped at the tip of his nose. 

"No promises," She whispered. Before he could answer, she traced his full bottom lip with her tongue and pulled it between her teeth. Eris moaned against her mouth, the sound vibrating through his chest and into hers.

"You said something about being shy?" Eris's eyes darkened as Elain pulled back, chest heaving. He was lost in her entirely.

"Actually I think it was you who said that," Elain smirked, savoring the new note in his scent. 

Eris kissed her, gripping her waist and pulling her flush against him. His tongue swept into her mouth and she let him in, drinking in his desperation. She let her greedy hands roam over his skin and in turn, his hands slid over the curve of her ass and held tight while she kissed him and kissed him. Deeper, faster, more curious.

"Holy mother, Elain," He muttered into her neck, catching his breath. When he raised his head to meet her glazed eyes, her cheeks were deep red, swollen lips parted. He dragged his touch down to her breast and watched her breath catch. In this state of desire, she was nothing less than breathtaking.

He began a trail of kisses down her neck, pulling the soft skin of her throat between his teeth in time with firm squeezes of her breast. He rolled her nipples between his fingers and pulled her in closer as she arched her back and whimpered. She never wanted it to end. His tender touch, ruthless lips and teeth. She savored every claiming mark he left behind. 

Then his fingers were trailing over her stomach, down the lace of her underwear. He ran a finger along her center, feeling the wet stain there. 

"How long have you been wet for me," He purred into her ear. She said nothing, bracing her hands against his chest and hooking her leg up over his to give him better access. But he kept his touch light and teasing. 

"Tell me," He growled, before pulling away and closing his mouth over her stiff nipple through the fabric of her shirt. 

"Since the dress shop," Elain gasped, pressing herself as close to him as she could get.

"Good girl," Eris hummed and hooked a finger into her underwear, tugging them down. He returned to her nipple and bit down, earning another whimper from her. The sound made him wild and he dipped a finger into her cunt, hissing as she dug her nails into his muscled chest. 

His finger moved in and out of her at an agonizingly slow pace, the wet sound out of it was utterly filthy, loud in the quiet room where their heavy breathing was the only noise. The fire burned ever brighter. Elain's face was warm, heart hammering as he carried her closer to release. She moved her hand to palm the hard length straining at the front his pants. 

"Let me take care of you first," Eris whispered, though his hips bucked into her touch on instinct. 

"I want to touch you," Elain panted, beginning to dip her hand under his waistband. Her fingers brushed the top of his soft trail of hair.

"How could I say no to that," He smiled, shifting so she could pull his sweatpants down. She took in the sight his thick length, curving up toward his stomach, a bead of slick dripping down the side. She swallowed hard and wrapped her fingers around him, feeling every vein straining under his velvet soft skin. 

Eris added another finger in response, pushing into her cunt so slowly Elain's eyes rolled back and fluttered shut. He took a moment to feel her pulse against his fingers. And then it became a rhythm between them, push and pull, in and out, arching into each other. Elain was vaguely aware of her own cries and Eris's deep, gutteral moan as their release hit in tandem. Wave after wave crashed into her, her first orgasm of this intensity in such a long time. She held onto his chest with one hand, still gripping his cock with the other, as she clenched around Eris's fingers.

And then they were staring at each other in the dark, quiet and still for a long moment. Eris pulled two towels from who knows where and handed one to Elain, a grin spreading across his face. 

Before she wiped herself clean, Elain locked eyes with him and brought her hand to her mouth, licking it clean of his seed.

"You filthy minx," Eris murmured, and she flashed him a sheepish grin. He gestured up toward his face and growled, "Come here."

Elain stilled and stared at him. He gave her a smile, reassuring that he meant it. But she stayed where she was. 

"Sit on my face, dove," He chuckled. 

Elain shrank in on herself, suddenly small in the bed beside him, eyes filled with uncertainty. Eris studied her, brows knitting together as he tried to assess where her hesitation came from.

"Don't tell me your human lover never used his tongue?" He frowned, running a hand through his hair. Elain shook her head, pulling her bottom lip in between her teeth. Eris let out a snarl of anger.

"Straddle my face and lean against the headboard," He said, more of a command than a request. "You deserve a thorough ravishing."

Elain obeyed, carefully tossing a leg over his hips and crawling up his body. He guided her as she straddled his face, leaning her elbows on the headboard for support. His thumbs rubbed circles on her thighs, sending reassurance through her. She tried to keep herself light but he chuckled again from underneath her and pulled her down against his mouth. 

Elain gasped at the first swipe of his tongue through her cunt. Her face had been red hot from embarrassment, but now it faded into arousal. Eris's tongue explored every fold, lapping up her last orgasm, taking his time. She never imagined such a soft touch could elicit such intense pleasure.

He circled around her bundle of nerves, sucking, letting his teeth just barely brush the sensitive skin. Elain cried out, head falling back and hips bucking against his mouth. He kneaded her ass and thighs with bruising force, dipping his tongue deep inside her. 

Elain found herself grinding against his tongue, chasing her orgasm. It was too good, too much, and she needed more. Eris plunged two fingers inside once more, not bothering with a slow entry this time. It hit her full force, legs shaking and toes curling as the pleasure rolled through her body. He coaxed her through it, fingers curving and tongue unceasing until her hips slowed and her limbs trembled trying to hold her up. The bliss lasted forever and not long enough.

Then he helped her down and handed her the towel as she laid back against the pillow. His lips and chin were wet from her release and she watched him a little incredulously.

"Did I hurt you?" She asked, voice small. 

"No, darling," Eris's smile faded, "Did you not enjoy it?"

"No! No," Elain blurted, restoring his sly grin, "I just...didn't know if it was for me or for you."

"Both," He answered, gently turning her over and tucking her back against his chest, "I love my tongue in your cunt and your orgasm in my mouth."

Despite everything they had just done, she was still a little scandalized by his language. Though she would be lying if she said it did not bring a little heat to her blood. Nevertheless, she reveled in the feeling of his arms around her, basking in the warmth of him and the silver moonlight that bathed them. Her body felt light, still singing with pleasure.

"Was it different in a fae body?" He asked, and she could hear the sleepiness in his voice. She felt him bury his nose in her shoulder and she melted into him.

"Better," She blushed, even though he couldn't see her face. "What are you thinking about?"

"Roasted hazelnuts and a slice of smoked cheddar." He mumbled against the back of her head. 

The midnight snack was never realized. Eris was lost to sleep in seconds and Elain was soon to follow.

Chapter Text

Elain woke to soft kisses. One on each of her cheeks, one on the tip of her nose, her forehead, her ear. 

"Eris," She let out a sleepy giggle, reaching out for him. She tangled her fingers in his hair and held him still, smiling up at him and fighting to keep her eyes open. Soft honey eyes looked back at her, full of adoration and a gleam of contentment.

"Morning, sleepy dove," He murmured, burying his face in her shoulder and wrapping his arms around her. It was so lovely to wake up to someone. Someone happy to see you. 

"I suppose you are regretting everything this morning?" Eris teased between kisses across her collarbone. 

"Regret is not the right word," Elain feigned seriousness, eyebrows drawing together as if deep in thought, "More like...underwhelmed. I suppose you'll just have to do better, today."

Eris scoffed as her sly grin grew, as she clutched him tighter in silent encouragement to take the challenge. He fought for a moment between punishing her there and then, and flipping the challenge back onto her, coaxing out the minx under her demure facade.

Pride won out, and Eris was determined to turn her to a quivering, begging mess beneath him.

In truth, Elain's whole being felt light. Lighter than it had in a very long time. Somehow, he had convinced her to pour her entire heart to him, and he had listened. He had lifted so much weight from her shoulders. And he knew, because he felt the same way. But he was nothing if not stubborn and would not let her cheekiness slide. 

It was not quite thirty minutes later when he met his goal.

"Still underwhelmed?" Eris pulled away just at the edge of her descent for the third time, looking up at her from between her thighs. 

"No," Elain choked out, fingers buried in his hair, trying to pull him closer, "I won't tease again. Please, please!"

Eris relented and let her fall into bliss, considerably satisfied with himself. He always got what he wanted.

***

Eris turned his self defense lesson into an opportunity to flirt, and Elain had expected nothing less. Brushing against her, finding ways to touch her skin, speaking in innuendos. Always that sly smile.

The snow had mostly melted in the night, revealing the decaying leaves below. The sun filtering through the trees gave little warmth, and the wind weaving through the forest was bitingly cold. But Elain's skin was flushed and warm from the exertion and from Eris's attention, her cheeks bright pink and eyes glowing.

To his credit, and despite his own distractions, Eris was an excellent teacher. By the end of his lesson Elain had built an arsenal of tools and moves that would help to make her less of a target. He showed her how to free herself from several holds, how to incapacitate an attacker long enough to get away, how to properly use her dagger if it came to it, and how to flip someone over her shoulder. Though Elain wondered if that last one was possibly just for his own entertainment.

He went through the concept and movements until she had them memorized, before giving her the chance to try it on him. He told her she only had one shot. Though the pine needles may feel soft beneath their feet, it would not feel the same when his entire weight was used against him. 

Elain's execution was perfect and Eris found himself laying on the forest floor, trees towering above him, spinning with the rest of the world. He let out a small groan in spite of himself and Elain's beaming face came into view. 

Eris wanted her to feel confident. To move through the world with more agency and have the courage to take what she wanted. There was a hint of it, then, as she looked down at him. 

But by the time their lesson ended, it had disappeared. Elain sat down on a tree stump with a sigh, looking deeply tired.

"What's the matter, sweet one?" Eris crouched before her, taking her hands in his. He was determined to drink in every moment with her, seize every opportunity to cherish her before he possibly never saw her again.

Elain looked down at her lap, avoiding his patient and searching eyes. She chewed her lip as she thought. 

"There's just so many things in this world I don't know. About defending myself, about who I am and what I want...." The lump forming in her throat cut her off. 

About love and sex and intimacy, she wanted to add, but did not have the courage. He probably knew, anyways. He seemed to know her better than herself somehow.

"Oh, dearest," Eris reached up to brush a tear from her cheekbone. Elain convinced herself to meet his eyes. "Don't let that discourage you. Let it drive you. The whole world is a possibility. Let it turn you a little wicked. And then take the whole world in your hands and make it give you what you want. Do not for a moment believe yourself to be as weak as Rhysand has treated you."

A flame sparked in his eyes as he spoke, his gentle tone turning to something sharper. Elain reached out to hold his cheek, sweeping her thumb across his freckled skin. More tears fell, too many emotions swirling in her mind. Somewhere in the back of her head was a sense of urgency. The awareness of time ticking down to the moment it was all over. She could see it in his eyes, too.

"I have trapped myself with the choices I have made," Eris's voice broke just a little, "And it would heal me to know you avoid the same fate. Use your power to free yourself."

Elain could feel the desire building in her chest, sparked by the cracking of his voice. To chase the power he spoke of and the freedom to move through this world as a formidable opponent. Eris watched it glow in her eyes. A smouldering ember, allowing him just a hint of what she held within her. Her expression had changed, the uncertainty replaced with a terrifying calm. 

Elain had a face that was inherently kind. But as Eris held her hands, he could feel what began to boil under the surface, what fire had already been lit by her mistreatment. He thought of her sister and the silver flames of death that cloaked her. Nesta had scared him before, but she would no longer frighten him. From this moment on, Elain would always scare him more, as something else dwelled beneath it all. 

Elain would dangle her kindness like a prize, a glittering gem coveted by many. To be in her good graces and bask in her ethereal beauty was a gift and one she did not give freely. Anyone who took advantage of it would find themselves trapped like a greedy animal, subjected to her power, given to her by the Cauldron itself. Daughter of the only Mother, beloved by the Cauldron, she would wield the powerful blade of her own judgement with no remorse and those who failed her would weep at what they'd lost. Mercy from Elain Kingslayer would be earned only by those most worthy.

***

Elain peeled off her coat and scarf, tossing them into the coat rack without much care. All she could think about was getting into a warm bath and chasing away the cold that gripped her to the bone. 

She had not noticed that Eris copied her every move and followed her to the washroom until she began to pull her dress over her head and a pleased hum met her ears. She jumped and turned, meeting Eris's smouldering gaze. 

He smirked at her and reached for the hovering hem of her dress, pulling it up and over the rest of the way. 

"I want to soak in the bath," Elain informed him, crossing her arms to deprive him of the curves that he was currently devouring with his gaze. 

"I won't stop you," Eris answered, his voice low. Indeed, he held his hands behind his back, though he leaned forward to leave a soft kiss on her shoulder. "And I'll leave the minute you tell me to."

But of course, Elain was silent. She flashed him one haughty look before turning on the faucet. She removed her undergarments as slowly as she could manage, bending all the way to the floor as she slid off her underwear. She pulled up her brassiere with care, ensuring that her breasts bounced against her ribs as she released them. 

Eris watched it all hungrily, not bothering to hide the evidence that grew against the front of his pants. 

Elain stepped so daintily into the bath water, letting out an exaggerated sigh as she lay back against the tub. Then she looked toward him at last, gazing up through her lashes in surprise as if she had forgotten he was there.

"Oh, I'm sorry," She said, voice high and sweet, "Were you hoping for an invitation?"

"Something like that," Eris smirked, his usual wit lost to him just then.

Elain pretended to think for a long moment, pulling her lip between her bottom teeth as her gaze dragged over his form at an agonizing pace. Then finally, "Alright, I suppose I don't mind sharing."

She smiled to herself at the speed at which he removed his clothes, too desperate to hide his want. His skin still glistened with sweat, highlighting every dip and swell of muscle. If he had any patience left, Eris would have stood still and let her admire him, but he was cold and sore and he could not resist the sight of Elain waiting for him, eyes wandering over every inch of his naked body.

As he lowered himself into the tub to sit across from her, the bliss of the hot water erased his desire for a brief moment. He laid back against the tub as Elain had, closing his eyes and letting the warmth envelope him. 

He heard a splash of water and then felt Elain crawling into his lap, her skin smooth against his under the water. He settled his hands on her waist and opened his eyes, but the face that met him was a sad one. 

Elain's brows furrowed with grief, lips pursed, as her fingertips ran over the scars on his chest and shoulders. Beads of water dripped from her fingers, as gentle as her touch. 

"What's wrong?" He asked, pulling her closer against him. She didn't stop her examination. 

"You've felt so much pain in your life," Elain croaked, fingers brushing against a particularly large scar, "And from people who should not have hurt you."

"They're not all from my father," Eris whispered. Elain only looked at him, eyes glistening.

"Please cheer up, dove," He wrapped his hand around hers and lifted it away, brushing her knuckles across his lips.

"Why do you speak of it that way?"

"Like what?" Eris couldn't look at her, not at the sadness on her face. The sadness for him. He could bear it alone, but not when it looked back at him like this. 

"Like it's alright."

"Because I can't fix it. I'm already doing everything I can. Every waking moment is spent on planning for the future," He let his head fall back, taking a break from the intensity of her stare by bringing his gaze to the white ceiling. "Someday it'll all be over. I usually get what I want."

Elain tucked herself into him as a response, nuzzling the bridge of her nose into the curve of his neck. Eris wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close, soaking in the sympathy pouring from her heart. 

"I will take the world in my hands," Elain murmured, the sound vibrating between their chests, breath tickling Eris's skin, "And I will punish it for what it's done to you."

Eris's heartbeat quickened at the ferocity in her tone, contrasting with her soft, melodic voice. At the way she gripped him tighter, nails digging into his skin as if she was worried he'd slip from her grasp. She pulled back to look at him, eyes darkening with anger and determination and desire. 

Eris brought his hand to the back of her neck and pulled her into a searing kiss. Perhaps he was pathetic for the way her power heated his blood. He couldn't think clearly enough to care, let alone chastise himself for it. Not with this beautiful, wicked thing in his lap, grinding her naked body against his. 

She kissed him hard, teeth clashing against his, tongue fast and punishing. She nipped at his lips, and grazed her teeth along his jaw. She left a kiss over every scar she could reach and let her hands wander his body like her touch could erase what had been done to him. 

Eris settled one thigh between her legs, pulling her down into him as she met his lips. He felt her gasp against his mouth, pausing to process the pleasure that ran through her. Then she continued, rolling her hips against the tight muscle of his thigh, letting his firm hands guide her. The warmth of his skin and the water drew beads of sweat from her brow.

He watched her with hungry eyes, her lips parted and swollen from her kisses. Elain could feel her release building quickly, but she slowed to a stop. 

"What is it?" Eris murmured, but she didn't answer. She threw her leg over his to straddle him once more. Then she reached down and pulled his length into her fist. Eris groaned, eyes never leaving hers as she stroked him, his fingers digging into her thighs. 

Elain rose up on her knees and began to align him with her center. Eris grabbed her wrist and his eyes searched hers. 

"Are you sure?"

"I am sure." She said, firm. No sign of hesitation.

Eris relented, releasing her wrist and allowing her to sink down onto him. Elain braced her hands on either side of the tub, letting her head fall back as she reveled in the stretch. Reveled in how good it felt to give her body what it wanted. 

Eris took the opportunity to lean forward and kiss her exposed neck. The movement pushed him deeper inside her, eliciting sounds of pleasure from them both. He brought his hands to her breasts, massaging and pinching as he attacked her neck. Soft kisses, punishing bites, apologetic swipes of his tongue. He left dark bruises along her collarbone, in the hollow of her throat, over her pulse points. When she had taken him in fully, he dropped his hands to her hips and encouraged the smooth push and pull of her body. 

It did not take long for her movements to shift from slow and savouring to desperate, feverish. Lifting her hips and slamming back down, the head of his cock hitting some glorious spot inside her. She reached down and circled her clit with her finger tips, adding to the building pleasure.

Eris was trembling, breathing hard, moans escaping from deep in his throat. They were music to her ears, a song of his adoration.

"Elain, you should slow do-" He panted, gripping her thighs tighter.

"Are you telling me that you have no tonic in this secret sex cabin?" She cut him off, not stopping but keeping the same relentless pace.

Eris blinked at her and then tipped his head back and laughed, shoulders shaking. The corners of his eyes crinkled, something Elain had not seen yet. She stuffed it away for later, something else to cherish. If she could, she'd put it in a locket and wear it over her heart.  

"I do," Eris said, punctuated by a laugh-turned-whimper. 

"Then come inside me."

Eris clenched his jaw, all mirth giving way back to desire. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in close, arching her back, holding her tight against him as he thrust into her hard and fast. 

Elain held onto his shoulders, face buried in his neck as he fucked her, crying and whimpering against his skin. Release hit Eris first and he pulled her in, biting down on her bottom lip and groaning into her throat. Elain swallowed the sound, and the extra heat deep in her cunt pulled her over with him. She cried out his name, followed by a sob. 

"Good girl," Eris purred, though he could barely think through the waves of ecstasy, "Come with me."

They clung to each other through the entirety of their release, skin against skin. Catching their breath as the movement of their bodies slowed to a stop.

It had been over for only a handful of seconds before everything began to feel solemn again. The sand was falling through the hourglass and neither could shake their awareness of it.

Elain's eyes welled with tears and  Eris and held her tight, cradling her head against his shoulder. She traced mindless circles in the curls at the nape of his neck, Eris running his free hand up and down the length of her back. They stayed that way for a long while. As long as the hourglass would allow. 

***

Elain lay awake in the dark, trying not to disturb Eris as he slept beside her. She was full from dinner, satisfied with what she'd learned from their lesson, and delightfully sore from the exercise and from a third round of lovemaking after dessert. But something Eris had said while they ate had stuck in her mind, keeping her from drifting off. 

"You know," He said, strangely reserved. Not wanting to look her in the eye, "My brother is not so bad. Actually, I'd say he's the best one of us."

Elain had stopped eating and stared at him, bewildered. 

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that maybe you should give him a chance to show you how well he could care for you," His words eye gentle, but he still would not look at her, poking at the last few bites on his plate.

"You know nothing of what's between us," Elain said, voice bitter. Eris had already braced for it.

"Maybe not. I just want things to be different for you, after this." He stood to take care of his plate, leaving her to ponder his words. 

She was still pondering his words. She knew that she had perhaps been unfair with Lucien. But the circumstances of him being around her, trying to court her, were too overwhelming. She had not been interested in someone who she had not chosen. Someone thrust upon her by the same cauldron that stripped her over her humanity, drowning her in death and gifting her rebirth as something she never wanted.

But she was so lonely. And Eris was right, she knew Lucien would be good to her. But at this point, was she even worthy of him?

Elain pulled herself from Eris's arms, pausing to see if he'd wake. When his even breathing did not falter, she left the bed as quietly as she could and made her way to the washroom. There, she strapped Eris's dagger to her thigh and stood in front of the mirror. Over and over, she practiced what he had taught her. Pulling it out in a fluid motion, solid in her grip, holding it up as if to an attacker's throat. 

She did it again and again, banning all thoughts but those of perfecting her movements. It did not clear her mind as well as baking or gardening, but it worked somewhat. She tried to let her nerves about the following day drive her, sharpen her skill. That's what Feyre would do, anyways. 

When she was tired enough to sleep, she slipped back into bed, cuddling in close to Eris, letting his warmth lull her away.

Chapter Text

Eris. He is on his knees, surrounded by darkness. Not the stillness of night, or the emptiness of death, but the living blackness that had embraced Elain in the depths of the Cauldron. Everything and nothing, breathing and throbbing around him like a heart pumping blood. It is the place where all life begins and the epilogue that comes after the end of time. 

Eris is covered in dirt and blood. So thoroughly caked in it that Elain can't tell if it's his or someone else's. His breathing is ragged and every line and crease of his face is emphasized by the grime. It makes him look his age. It makes him look tired. 

The moment is charged with anticipation. His face and body taut, stiffening with every passing second. Then, whatever he is waiting for happens. And he sags, all that tension releases, shoulders drooping. He takes a shaky deep breath and it looks like the first one he has taken in a long time. Perhaps the deepest breath he's ever taken.

His skin ignites into flame, beginning at the tips of his fingers and traveling up his wrists and arms. He lets his head fall back and tears fall down his face, sizzling as they meet the flames enveloping his body. There is a golden hue to the fire and a heartbeat like the one in the darkness. It consumes him, covering his face and circling his head like a halo or a crown.

It ebbs away as quickly as it began, leaving Eris alone in the nothingness again. But now, he glows. There is new power beneath his skin, left behind by that golden flame. The years of horror have burned away, leaving behind a being made of pure power and fire and light. It adds to his already aching beauty, the glow in his eyes before was nothing compared to this. Sunlight shining through amber, sparks dancing inside it. 

His features convey a calm that Elain has never seen, a dazzling and terrifying combination with the power coursing through him. Rivalling Rhysand's. Rivalling every other High Lord's-

Elain woke with a start. She took in the dark, still room, and registered the feel of her own body pressed against Eris's warm skin. She glanced at him over her shoulder. His face was peaceful and his breathing deep and even. All was well.

Then she began to sort through the contents of her dream, replaying every moment in her mind. It felt like a punch in the stomach when she realized what she had seen. And now she had to decide if she is supposed to tell him, or if it had just been for her. To hold in the back of her mind until it happened. A kernel of hope. Sleep pulled her under again before she could decide. 

***

Elain turned back and forth in the mirror, running her nervous hands over the velvet of her dress. Her brown curls were arranged in a messy style, adorned with the pins that Eris had bought her. Each pin had a dangling golden charm of Autumn flora. Acorns, maple leaves, pinecones, and mushrooms. In her ears, she wore one of the glass dragonfly earrings she had picked and one golden tear drop.

She had decided against a necklace, letting the exposed curves of her breast be the centerpiece instead. How very unlike her. She wore Eris's dagger on her thigh, the leather strap snug against her skin. She wore no makeup, but the natural blush of her cheeks and lips was a pretty shade of pink against the purple of her dress. The matching shoes were dainty, embroidered plum velvet with a small heel. Even through her nervousness she knew that she looked beautiful.

Eris's knock sounded against the bedroom door. 

"Come in," Elain answered, cursing the slight tremble in her voice. 

Eris appeared, eyes twinkling with his eagerness to see her final outfit. Eris himself had opted for deep brown leather pants and a mossy-green silk shirt, covered in deep purple embroidery. He wore his hair slicked back and the other dragonfly earring dangled from one ear. It was simple, but of course he managed to look handsome and powerful. Effortlessly beautiful. Elain began to worry she may have overdressed. 

"Little dove," Eris purred, sensing her anxiety, "You look beyond beautiful. Lovely, exquisite. Perfectly wicked."

He stood behind her, dragging a fingertip across the beaded pattern of her bodice, following the motion in the mirror. Elain shivered and leaned against him. He bent to press a kiss to her neck, but Elain swirled out of his touch and pressed a hand to his chest to stop him.

"I can't smell like sex or they'll kill you on the spot," She warned, though her skin had flushed a deeper red. Eris growled.

"Then we'll just stay here," He said, eyes dragging over her neckline. She usually hated it, attention like that. But she knew his admiration and respect equaled his desire. So she basked in it instead of hiding. 

"This was your idea," Elain laughed at him. 

"Fine," Eris threw his head back and released a loud, dramatic sigh. Then he looked at her with a mock frown and a playful gleam in his eye. "Shall we then, sweet one?"

He reached out for her hand, lacing their fingers together, and winnowed them into the belly of the beast. 

***

Elain breathed the familiar scent of the Night Court and shivered. It was the same as ever, heightening her awareness of every change within her. Home may be the same, but she was not. Music drifted to her ears and she thought of Nesta, the Symphonia resting on her vanity as she painted her lips for some event. 

The Hewn City was in fine form tonight. For all the talk of nightmares and horrors, the city under the mountain could be exceptionally beautiful. Every stone surface gleamed, warm fae lights casting their golden glow. Long tables had been arranged in the great room, centers adorned with candles, glass ornaments, and stars made of silver and copper. The High Lord and Lady sat at the end of the longest table. Elain felt a rush of relief as she realized no one else from the inner circle had come. There was no one else here for her to disappoint.

Rhysand saw her first, gliding into the room on Eris's arm. His fork fell from his hand and clattered to the dark marble floor, silencing the circle of guests around him. Feyre frowned at him and followed his gaze, face draining of color when she saw her sister. A servant scrambled to pick up Rhys's forgotten utensil and bring him a new one. 

Rhys started to stand, fury painted over every feature, but Feyre grasped his arm and pulled him back down. She had recognized the glamour before he had, quickly calculating the consequences of an outburst.

It was the longest walk of Elain's life, through the great room and the sea of watching eyes as they approached the High Lord and Lady. Feyre's hand remained on Rhysand's arm, barely leashing the power that threatened to explode. Heads were turning, wondering who Eris had brought as his date.

"Rhysand," Eris purred, bowing low. Elain curtsied as though it were not her family before her. 

"What the fuck are you doing?" Rhysand snarled, his voice low. 

Impatient claws tapped at Elain's shield. She stayed firm, despite her surprise. She knew he would check and make sure she was not under some sort of influence but she had not expected it so immediately.

"That's no way to greet my guest," Eris tsked.

"Elain?" Feyre asked, brows furrowed, waiting for an explanation. 

"I took a trip," Elain said simply, willing her voice to be steady. Confident. At the very least, it did not tremble.

"Indeed," Feyre rolled her eyes. 

"A trip to the Hewn City?" Rhysand was not amused. 

"It was more about the company than the destination," Elain drawled. Rhys's eyes narrowed, but Eris gave her hand a squeeze, pleased. The High Lord's eyes flickered between them, glancing from dragonfly earring to the other.

Eris and Elain had not come up with much of a plan between them, beyond deciding that the main objective was to grate on Rhysand's nerves as much as possible without pushing him over the edge. Whatever annoyed Rhysand would also annoy Feyre. Her temper was not as much of a cause for concern. It would be no fun, after all, if they did not make it out of this ordeal unscathed. 

They also agreed that Eris would not leave Elain alone. She knew her sister and brother-in-law would try to corner her and talk to her alone. When they did, Eris would step away and let her have her moment. But until then, and after then, he would be glued to her side to ward off any questionable characters.

Currently, Eris held Rhysand's piercing stare, utterly unaffected by his fury. Feyre was studying her sister, as if searching for injuries. Her gaze found the dagger strapped to her thigh and her brows furrowed even further, puzzled. Shock still lay underneath her expression. Elain felt another set of claws, her sister's, tapping in her mind. She gave her nothing.

"Well, we're late enough as is," Eris said, feeling Elain tense beside him. "I suppose we should find our seats."

"Does Beron know of this?" Feyre demanded. Elain stiffened again, feeling incredibly stupid. How had she not thought to ask Eris that? Had his brothers told their father about her or was she to be a surprise?

"No," Eris said, firm. Certain. "He knows nothing."

He whisked Elain away before they could ask anything else, neither of them turning back. They did not need to be looking at the couple to know that they now stared at each other, sharing some infuriated internal conversation. Elain offered Eris a small smile and he grinned back, reassuring. The grand entrance was complete. 

Their seats were in an ideal spot. Far enough away that Feyre and Rhys could not talk to them without shouting, but close enough for them to watch and seethe. Indeed, Elain could practically hear Rhysand's teeth grinding together as he looked at them. The rest of the party was seemingly forgotten by him. And what a shame, for the room looked lovely.

"Are you alright?" Eris murmured to her as they sat.

"I just feel foolish for not thinking to ask about your father," She answered in her own hushed tone, focusing on spreading the silver napkin across her lap.

"He will never know," Eris said, keeping his eyes on the little piece of paper that marked the spot as his, name scrawled in beautiful calligraphy. If he looked at her, it would be with too much tenderness. It would be her Eris. Someone that no one else knew and no one else could see. 

"My brothers were waiting for his return to surprise him. They'll never speak a word of it because they'd have to admit that they failed. I promise, you were always safe with me."

Elain wished that his words helped, but her anxiety only grew. There were so many things she hadn't thought to ask. So many things she still wanted to say. How had he justified spending these days away with her? What would the cost be?

She looked at the paper at her own place setting. Guest. Nothing felt quite right. It was as though being here, surrounded by the jagged stone walls and marble floors made it all real. The reality of the last few days was crashing into her. 

Her fingers trembled in her lap as a servant placed a plate of food before her. She stared at the roll on the edge of her plate and it reminded her of the moldy bread Eris's brothers had thrown at her. She had been so certain that she would not escape the Forest House without some new terrible memory. She then Eris had appeared in the dim light, hair shining like a crown of gold.

Elain glanced at him, at the mask of sneering cruelty he had put on. And it struck her that she would likely never see him without it, after this. The loss was sinking in, twisting her heart. Of course he had to pretend here, she knew that. He could not be her Eris here. He could not be her Eris ever again. But he was never hers to begin with and she knew that. So why did it hurt like this? 

A strangled, sob-like sound escaped her throat and Eris's gaze whipped toward her, eyes immediately assessing.

"Eris," Elain heard a deep voice rumble in greeting, "You look well."

Keir stood beside their chairs, a wry smile gracing his features. Elain smoothed her expression, shoving her grief deep down. 

"Never better, Keir," Eris smiled but his voice sounded a little pained. Elain wondered how many times he had heard such a greeting while healing from terrible wounds underneath his fine clothes.

"Who is your lovely guest?" Keir turned his attention to Elain, who tried not to shrink into her chair. It did not escape her how his eyes dragged over her low neckline just a little too long. 

"A friend from the Night Court," Eris gritted out between a tight smile. His words were rushed, trying to get the king away from them as quickly as possible.

"What a beauty," Keir laughed, as if he had made a clever joke. 

"Indeed," Eris's voice lowered to a near growl. 

"Well, enjoy the feast," Said the king, oblivious to the annoyance of the Autumn heir. He ambled away, hands clasped behind his back.

Elain dropped her shoulders when he walked away and Eris pressed an apologetic kiss to her cheek. And caught a glimpse of Rhysand, red with anger at the simple gesture. So, he placed a hand on Elain's back, fingertips tracing soothing patterns, and stared back at the High Lord with a lazy grin.

Elain looked up at him and when he saw the worry and sorrow in her eyes his smile faded. His hand pressed flat between her shoulder blades. 

"Come," He said, "Let's find the wine."

Elain tucked her arm into his elbow and followed him away from the grand table. But Eris did not head in the direction of the wine. He found a quiet alcove out of view of the High Lord and tucked them inside. 

"What's wrong?" He asked, hands resting on either side of her face, thumbs sweeping over her cheekbones, "Was it Keir? I hate him."

Elain grasped two fistfuls of his silky shirt and drew in a shaky breath. Tears were threatening to spill over and she couldn't speak around the lump in her throat. How could she begin to explain the mess swirling in her mind right now?

"We can go," Eris whispered, full of worry, "We've already pissed them off. We don't have to stay."

"When do you have to go back?" She asked, voice trembling. Angry with herself for not asking this before. 

This is not how she wanted to feel. She wanted to make a statement, to annoy Rhys and Feyre. But now they were here and all she could think about was Eris. 

"Soon," He admitted, shoulders drooping a touch, "But don't think of that yet. We have one more night together. And right now is about you."

Elain nodded and curled her fingers around his, melting into his touch. She wondered if she should tell him her vision. If she should have told him before they left. Eris smiled so softly, so sadly. He kissed away the tear that fell down the side of her nose.

"Let's get tipsy and try to have a lovely time, yes? Be sad later, if you must."

"Kiss me," Elain whispered, her grasp tightening.

Eris glanced around, making sure no one important would see. Then he pulled her in and kissed her. Elain felt some strange relief. He had not been changed, somehow, by the facade of detachment. His lips were still soft and warm, his touch still tender. All of that had been real. Elain kissed him harder.

He pulled away breathless, still not letting go of her face, and looked at her. There were dangerous words hidden in the honey of his eyes. Words of ruination. Elain saw and she wanted them. To breathe them into her lungs and be drunk on them. She did not let herself think of what she might give up just to hear him say them.

"Wine?" Eris said, instead of one of those blasphemous things, his breaths unsteady. He pressed one last kiss to her lips.

"Wine," Elain agreed, "Or whiskey if they have it. Maybe shots."

Chapter Text

Elain laughed, head fuzzy from whiskey, dizzy from spinning around and around. Eris laughed with her, holding her tight against him as they danced. 

The night had turned around, transforming into something sparkling with alcohol haze and dazzling with the rush of being seen. Perhaps it was terrible for her to feel so high on the wicked thing she'd done. But at the moment, she couldn't find it in herself to be sorry. She was not even sure if it was the deed that had thrilled her, or just the fact that she'd managed to do it.

Eris had taken full advantage of the cut of her dress, constantly finding her bare skin as they sat at the long table. His touch was reckless, pulling a deep blush from her every time he ventured a little too far. Rhysand glowered as if he knew exactly what was happening under the table. Because he did know, and it was exactly what he would do in Eris's position. 

This was a gift that Eris had not anticipated. Watching Rhysand attempt to swallow a bitter spoonful of his own medicine. It was a gift he savored.

Same as he savored the glittering gem of a girl in his arms, her laughter like a song as she danced and spun. This was turning out to be, perhaps, the greatest scheme he had ever thought of. He had twirled her away from the others a few times, into some little alcove to kiss her and drink in her giggling and teasing. 

It was in one of those alcoves that he discovered she had foregone underwear. Of course, she blamed it on the cut of the dress. If she had worn any, the high slits would have shown it. Then she had smirked at him and practically skipped away, knowing he would be at her heels chasing her. 

Eris intended to whirl her back into that unsupervised corner as soon as the current song had ended. His desperation was growing and his standards were dropping at the same rate. He felt that his hands had touched every inch of her skin but the place he wanted most. 

But before they could begin something truly scandalous, Eris was swept away by some political nobody to a dull conversation with other representatives. 

Had his senses been a bit sharper, he could have avoided it. But he had downed one too many fancy drinks, garnished with sugar stars and mint leaves. The taste of revenge and Elain and sweet mint all together was intoxicating on its own without the alcohol. Thus, he found himself pulled away and Elain found herself standing alone.

"Elain," Rhys's voice drifted to her and she turned to find him staring down at her. 

Hands in his pockets, face cold and emotionless. It stung, just a little, to be on the receiving end of that mask. She had seen it used on many others. But never her. 

"Rhysand," She said, too aware of her slightly slurred speech and pink cheeks. Perhaps she should not have had so much to drink before he had singled her out. She knew he was going to. At least Feyre had not joined him.

"You look lovely," He said, the sincerity giving Elain a pang of guilt. 

"Thank you," She blushed and cleared her throat. Trying to remember what she had wanted to say. 

"Why Eris?" He said, voice quiet. "I understand you were upset with me. And I wish things had happened in a different way. But I was only trying to do what was best for you and Azriel-"

At the sound of Azriel's name, Elain's anger returned. Her mind cleared. 

"I should have some say in what's best for me, shouldn't I?" Elain snapped, finally looking into his midnight eyes. They did not muddle her thoughts as they had when she first met him as a human.

"Of course," Rhysand spoke through pursed lips, "But I'll admit I don't understand your choices. What of Lucien? What of Mor?"

"Lucien will know nothing, unless you tell him," Elain gritted out, "And you are making a good deal of assumptions, Rhysand. You know nothing of what's happened the past few days."

"Mor may not forgive you," Rhys said, ignoring the rest of her statement. 

His words did not seem to be as cleverly thought out as usual. Perhaps she had flustered him more than she anticipated. He appeared to be grasping at whatever he could to affect her in some way. Elain had triggered an anger that was beyond reason.

"There are many things you don't know," Elain drew herself to her full height. Barely rising to Rhys's shoulder. If he had asked honestly, kindly, she may have told him the truth. But not now.

"Enlighten me," Rhysand drawled, rather predictably.

"You know the rumor, Rhysand. But I know the truth. Tell her where I've been and note her reaction. Is her concern for me or for her own feelings? Perhaps you should finally ask her to tell you the story herself."

Elain did not hate Mor. She was not mad at Mor. She softened her tone before adding, "I would hope she understands what it is to make difficult choices to get your loved ones to hear you. She should know how it feels to be drowning in the need to be seen as you truly are."

Rhysand must know there was some truth in her words. His fury had cooled to a mere simmer. But he hadn't calmed enough to sort through what she had said, just yet. Instead, his eyes flicked down to the dagger strapped to her thigh, and Elain wondered if he recognized it as Eris's. 

"Do you even know how to use that?" He said, tone one of disdain. 

In one swift motion, just as Eris had taught her, she unsheathed the dagger, gripped it in her hand, and had it hovering an inch from the High Lord's neck. He did not flinch, did not move in the slightest as he stared at her, darkness and anger swirling in those violet eyes. Behind it, something else glimmered. Something that looked like pride. 

"Very well, Elain," He placed a gentle hand on her wrist and lowered the blade away from his neck. "Point taken."

He turned on his heel and disappeared, hands clasped behind his back. Elain stared after him, trying to unravel her emotions. Then Eris was at her side, a firm hand wrapped around her waist. 

"Are you alright?"

"I think," Elain sighed, letting her body slump against him, wondering how much he had heard, "That if this does not make them listen, then perhaps they just don't want to hear me."

"Come," Eris pressed a kiss to the top of her head, tightening his grip around her, "You're in need of desserts."

***

Desserts turned out to be kisses in that hidden corner. He was not wrong in assuming that it would cheer her up. Though the heat between them was rising to a dangerous height. Whatever had been settled between Elain and Rhysand would be undone if they were caught this way. Pressed against each other, Elain's leg hooked over Eris's hip as he held tight to the bend of her knee. Lost in a deep and feverish kiss.

Eris pulled away and grasped her chin, thumb pressed against her lips. Elain captured it and pulled it into her mouth, caressing the pad of his thumb with her tongue. 

Eris made a low sound deep in his throat. Then he dipped his head to her chest and began to trace the line of lace over the swell of her breasts. The hand around her leg held firm and the other ventured under the velvet skirt yet again.

"Eris," She breathed, grasping fistfuls of copper hair and pulling his head away. 

"Yes, darling?"

"I'm done here," She whispered, chest heaving. Eris eyebrows drew upwards. "Take me somewhere else and finish what you started."

Eris eyes darkened, his grip on her tightened, and then they were winnowing.

***

Eris winnowed them to a dim, stone corridor, arched doorways at intervals as far as the hallway stretched. This must be some hall of guest rooms in the Hewn City, as the marble floor matched the one in the ballroom. 

He grabbed her hand and led her to one of the aged wooden doors, pulling a key from his pocket and unlocking it. 

The room was large and cozy, lit by candles and sconces housing fae lights. A large bed sat centered on one wall, draped in soft sheets and fluffy blankets with a velvet canopy hovering overhead. A fire blazed in the stone hearth and a doorway on the back wall led to a washroom. It was all warm colors, maroon fabrics, cobalt rugs, and dark wooden furniture.

"I didn't think about where we'd stay tonight," Elain said, toeing off her shoes and feeling the plush carpet under her feet. 

"I did," Eris flashed a wry smile. "And I thought of something else, too."

He padded to one of the nightstands on either side of the bed, one with a lidded silver tray resting on it. Eris lifted the lid with a flourish. 

"Desserts!" Elain cheered. She crossed to him and threw her arms around his neck. "You're too good to me."

"Oh, I'm not done yet," Eris chuckled, replacing the lid and wrapping his arms around her. 

He kissed her fiercely, charged with the wicked energy of the evening. Elain kissed him back, hands in his hair, standing on her toes to press her body into his. Eris's lips were everywhere. On her neck, her jaw, the hollow of her throat, the expanse of her pale chest. Elain's head still buzzed with the remains of the alcohol and it only added to the heat in her stomach. She pulled and met his gaze, wild-eyed and disheveled from the revelry. 

"There's something I want to do," She whispered, fiddling with the buttons of his shirt. 

His eyebrows drew up as he helped, unfastening each button with more precision than Elain could muster. She pulled at his belt instead, much easier to undo. When he had been released from his clothes, she pressed her hands to his bare chest and kissed him before he could begin on her dress. She smiled against his lips as her thumbs brushed his nipples and pulled a delicious shiver from him. 

Then she pushed him, hard, and watched him stumble back against the bed. Eris watched her, enamored, pupils blown with desire. Elain locked eyes with him and sank to her knees between his legs. Her hands went to his thighs and wandered, noting which tender places made the muscles in his jaw twitch. 

Then her lips and teeth replaced her fingers and she left a trail of punishing bruises on the inside of his thighs, relishing the groans and whimpers that left him. She soothed each spot with her tongue and kissed it softly. Finally, she drew his length into her mouth, running her tongue over the arousal dripping down the tip. 

Eris moaned her name and threaded his fingers through her curls. Elain arched her back at the sound of it, hips grinding against nothing as she bobbed her head and wrapped her hand around the length that wouldn't fit. She pulled away, swirling her tongue over the underside of his cock, tightening her grip. It was too slow, too teasing for the desperation that had gathered within him.

He let his head fall back, his eyes close, and he grasped handfuls of her hair to pull her in closer. He urged her into a faster rhythm, fingernails scraping against her scalp and spreading goosebumps across her skin. His groans became closer together, a long string of cursing and pleading. Elain sucked her cheeks in tight around him as her eyes watered and he fell over the edge. Heat bloomed in her throat, each erratic thrust of his hips releasing more against her tongue. Elain swallowed, gazing up at him while he watched. 

"Fuck," Eris breathed, loosening his grip. He stared at her, the tears gathered in her eyes, her lips red and swollen, the self-satisfied smirk she wore. Her dress was rumpled and her hair was a beautiful mess. It was enough to heat his blood all over again and he grabbed her chin to pull her up toward him. 

He kissed her, tongue in her mouth tasting the remnants his release. Then he returned the favor of her marking bruises, nipping with enough force to pull little yelps from her throat. But she did not stop him, only held on tight.

"Eris," She breathed, as his teeth nipped at her collarbone. 

"Tell me what you want, dove," Eris purred, returning his tongue to her skin.

"Fuck me," She whispered, pressing herself tighter against him. The first time she had ever spoken the word in his presence. 

Eris paused, heart jumping into his throat. Then he grasped the front of her dress in both hands and ripped. Beads scattered, bouncing to the floor with a shower of clinking sounds. 

"Eris!" Elain gasped, holding onto the fabric at her waist to keep the dress from falling off completely.

"I paid for it," Was all he said before his mouth was on her exposed breasts. 

Elain had determined to remain indignant, but the scrape of his teeth against her sensitive nipples was enough to undo her resolve. She moaned and pushed her chest further into his mouth. Eris gently wrapped his fingers around her wrists and pulled her hands away from her waist, letting the dress flutter to the floor and reveal her body. 

Then Eris removed his mouth from her and stood back, admiring. The fae lights carved out her form in golden slivers of light, illuminating her soft curves. He was memorizing, saving the image in his mind. 

"Make sure you admire both sides equally," Elain admonished and flipped over, bending over the tall bed and presenting her backside to him. She was more than ready. She was burning from a night full of secret touches, Eris's terribly behaved hands always reaching for the exposed skin of her back, her thighs, her cleavage. He had never ventured between her thighs and discovered her soaked skin, ready and warm and aching. So she would show him. 

Eris made a desperate sound and she felt his warm hands at her waist, running over the curve of her back, the swell of her ass, every inch of skin she presented. He spread her thighs apart and admired her glistening folds, waiting for him. There was a pause as he grabbed his length in his fist and aligned, and then he thrust into her in one motion, hips pressing firmly against her bottom. 

Elain gasped and grabbed a handful of comforter, pushing her hips back against him. Eris moaned, unmoving. 

"Patience, dove," Eris murmured, spreading her even further apart to push in deeper.

He could feel her pulse around his cock, warm and desperate. He relented to her body's pleas, pulling out almost all the way and then slamming back in. He repeated it a few times, relishing her cries and the way her back arched. 

"Please," She begged into the blanket, "Fuck me."

Eris obeyed, beginning a ruthless pace, skin slapping against hers. He hoped that if the High Lord had stayed in the Hewn City tonight, his room was nowhere close enough to hear Elain's sounds. Or at least, maybe no one would not recognize the sound of innocent Elain begging harder faster more.

"Do not stop," He gritted out, voice low, "I want to hear you."

Eris reached underneath her and circled her bundle of nerves, rewarding him with a chant of his name. She pinched a nipple with one hand, the other attempting to brace against the mattress as her body was shoved backward and forward by his movements. 

"Come with me?" Eris groaned, feeling too intensely every time she pushed her hips back against his. 

"Yes," Elain sobbed, feet finding purchase against his on the floor. 

"Good girl," Eris breathed as his release crashed into him, whole being trembling with the force of that pleasure. Elain's hums and cries were muffled by the comforter, her legs trembling against his. He could remain in that world of bliss forever, so aware of every place their skin touched. He chased the feeling as long as he could. It never lasted long enough.

Eris pulled out, seed leaking down Elain's legs. She did not notice him leave, gathering her wits as she remained bent over the bed. Arms curled underneath her, golden hair silky against her bare shoulders, she let out a contented sigh. Pleasure still coursed through her, like her body singing thanks for its release after hours of teasing.

Elain jumped at the feeling of a damp towel against her skin, relaxing as Eris cleaned her thoroughly. When he was done she flipped over and flashed him a breathless grin. 

"Alright?" Eris asked, climbing into the bed beside her. 

"Almost," She said, wriggling under the sheets. She pulled the tray of desserts onto her lap and handed him a fork. "Now I am."

Chapter Text

Elain and Eris lay sprawled across the enormous bed, half-dressed and tangled in the silk sheets. The golden fae light casts a warm glow throughout the room, aiding their complete loss of time. 

They talked about everything and nothing. Of Rhysand and Feyre's delicious anger, of Elain besting Rhysand, of how wonderful the little desserts had been, and several times Elain proclaimed that she would be craving the smoked cheddar from Hazelbury for the entirety of her immortal life. 

They traded childhood stories, bizarre daydreams, and favorite romance novels. What Elain would have named Eris's hounds. What Eris would plant if he had a garden.

Eris told her about his mother and listed everything she would love about Elain. He told stories of a mischievous baby Lucien thieving sweets and wooing courtiers. 

They talked about everything but what would happen later that day. 

Neither wanted the morning to come but neither bothered saying so. And both thought briefly of saying some reckless thing, some proposition that would turn their world upside down. Neither did. But it seemed at one moment, when their eyes met and glittered, and heavy silence hung between them, that it was understood. 

Maybe in another life. 

Elain had just started to doze when the sun began to rise. The little stained glass panels in the ceiling lightened, the colored glass glowing like gemstones. 

"Little dove," Eris kissed her bare shoulder, pulling her awake once more, "I believe your time with me is almost up."

"No goodbyes," Elain said, rousing herself and interlacing her fingers with his, "I don't want to say it."

"We won't, then. Not now and not later." Eris pulled her in closer and buried his nose in her hair.

"I've been thinking about something," Elain murmured, pressing his knuckles to her lips. 

"Yes?" Eris smiled against the top of her head.

"I don't want to go back to Velaris. Do you think Lucien would let me stay with him in the human realm? Maybe just until Rhysand calms some and Nesta learns of what I did." She looked up into his face, unsure of what she'd find. She hadn't told him that she'd been considering it.

But something lit in his eyes and he smiled wider. "I will take you. I think he will understand."

The smile faded a little and he added, "I need to ask you for a bargain, little dove."

Elain's brows furrowed but she nodded. 

"I think we should agree to tell no one of what happened between us. I don't think the kidnapping has to be a secret. It's not that I'm ashamed, but what we've done-"

"I understand," She whispered. She had already decided, herself, that she would tell no one. 

Feyre and Rhys had surely already assumed the worst. That Eris had seduced her and ruined her innocence. As if she had much to begin with. But it would make things so much more complicated for them both if anyone else knew. Not to mention the target that apparently came with any attachment to a Vanserra brother. As Lucien's mate, she would be protected. But not as Eris's friend.

"But that's not a bargain, silly boy."

"Well I was thinking that in exchange, I'll give you a real tour of Autumn whenever I become High Lord. Once it becomes the Autumn I want it to be." His pointer finger traced a line back and forth on her cheekbone. 

"And you'll write me letters," Elain added, "Even if you have to sign them some wild fake name. Dear old Griselda."

"It's a deal," Eris laughed, not thinking much about his choice of words. Then he jerked back and hissed, slapping a hand over his ribs. Elain felt a sting on her own torso and a sinking feeling in her stomach.

Eris pulled his hand away to find a tattoo over his fresh scar. A constellation - columba, a dove. Elain stared, color draining from her face as she brought her fingertips to her own matching tattoo. 

"Won't that cause you trouble?" Elain croaked. 

"No, I can glamour over it," Eris grumbled, "Idiotic Night Court and it's garish customs."

It should not be funny. But Elain had to hold a hand over her mouth anyways to hide her grin. Eris scoffed and lunged at her, straddling her hips and holding her wrists above her head. The silk sheets soft against his thighs, her beautiful body on full display before him. 

Eris attacked, pressing the lightest kisses he could manage over her tattoo, traveling down to her sides and back up until she writhed underneath him and laughed in spite of herself. 

"Stop it, you beast!" She cried, trying to break from his grasp. He relented, letting his body fall on top of her. He laid his head on her chest and cuddled into her, one hand holding tight to her waist. Elain let out a happy sound and ran her fingers through his hair. 

"Eris?" She asked, just above a whisper. 

"Hm?" Eris hummed, about to fall asleep. 

"What do you think your father was going to do to me?"

"I don't want to think about it," Eris murmured, shaking his head against her, "His methods of punishment are quite broad."

"Eris?" She whispered again, inhaling a deep, shaky breath. 

"Yes darling?" He propped himself on his elbow to look at her, eyelids drooping from exhaustion.

"I had a vision. About you." Eris's eyebrows knit together, lips parting as if to say something, but he stayed quiet. 

"I believe you'll be successful," She said, running her fingertips gently down his face. She could not keep her hands from him, from trying to map his body with her touch. She may have accepted the inevitability of their parting, but she would still take every piece of him that she could. 

"I think I saw you becoming the High Lord. There was some kind of golden magic and fire that didn't burn you."

Eris only stared, his expression unreadable. Then, he returned his head to her chest and heaved a sigh. 

"I'll believe it when I see it," He mumbled. 

"My visions are never wrong," Elain said carefully, frowning.

"I didn't mean it like that. I just mean...I don't wish to get my hopes up." His tone was guarded. The firmness of his voice told Elain that this was something he would be stubborn about. It was something he couldn't afford not to be stubborn about. 

"You made a bargain around becoming High Lord," Elain whispered, "But you don't believe it will happen?"

"You make me want to promise things," He sighed, sounding very tired, "But in truth, there are so many moving parts and I am just one person. I have a better chance with Rhysand on my side, though."

"Have you gotten anyone else on your side?" Elain asked, smoothing down strands of copper hair. 

"I'm working on it," He said. Then he brought his fingers to her lips and playfully pinched them shut. "No more talk of this. We should try to sleep for at least a few hours. Or at least talk of something happier."

"Just one more question," Elain mumbled around his hold.

"Mhm." 

"Will you be okay? Really truly?"

It was a long moment before he answered. He tightened his hold on her and pulled the blankets closer around them.

"I will." He promised.

"I should've made it part of the bargain," She whispered back, looking down at his auburn lashes and freckled skin. 

"I promise you, dove. I will be alright. For you, I will be alright."

***

Elain inquired and found that the High Lord and Lady usually stayed in private quarters on the floor above. The High Lord was in a meeting, but she may knock and see if the High Lady wanted to speak. Likely, the guard told her, the High Lady would sense her presence and then decide if she wanted to be seen. 

So, Elain made her way up the stone stairwell, lit with glowing sconces. The city was quiet and albeit, very peaceful. Perhaps everyone was still resting from the revelry the night before. She passed no one else, save for two soldiers posted at the entry way to the private floor. That and the intricate carvings and doorway inlaid with jewels let her know that this was indeed the right place. 

Elain took a deep breath and knocked on the massive mahogany door. It surprised her when the door swung open just a moment later and revealed Feyre, her face as warm and welcoming as the stone walls of the city. She said nothing. 

"I came to talk," Elain cleared her throat, determined not to lose her nerve. 

Feyre stared for a long moment, considering. Little Nyx cooed and giggled behind her and Elain could not help the rush of joy she felt at the sound. Feyre opened the door wider and stepped aside, letting her in. 

Elain rushed to Nyx's bassinet and the toddler gave a cry of delight when he saw her, holding out his hands. Elain scooped him up and nuzzled him close, covering his chubby cheeks in kisses.

"Talk," Feyre crossed her arms, tone icy. Her gaze was wary, watching her little boy tangle his hands in Elain's hair. It stung, deeply. As if Feyre no longer trusted Elain. As if Elain would ever hurt Nyx. 

"I didn't want to hurt you," Elain turned to her sister, Nyx cuddled into the crook of her neck. 

"I wasn't hurt," Feyre said, "I was angry. I don't know what you think you're doing."

"Trying to make you listen," Elain's voice rose a touch higher. Nyx looked up at her, little eyes wide in concern, and she rubbed circles across his back. 

Feyre stilled, a little of the fierceness falling away. She waited for Elain to continue. 

"I couldn't breathe there, anymore," Elain took a deep breath, reminded of how tight her chest had constantly felt the last few months. "I know you and Rhys deal with so many complicated things every day. And you're trying to keep us all safe. But I can't stand to be managed anymore."

"You couldn't speak to us about it?" Feyre's tone softened a touch. 

"Rhysand has been hiding from me," Elain pointed out, expelling her nervous energy by swaying back and forth the way Nyx liked. 

"So you sought out Eris?"

"I did not seek him out," Elain cried, "His brothers kidnapped me!"

"What?" Feyre whispered, stricken. 

"They thought I was Nesta. They were going to give me to Beron. I saw it coming in a vision and I reached out and no one was there." Tears were welling in Elain's eyes, a lump rising in her throat at the memory. 

"Elain," Feyre said softly, voice breaking. 

"Eris rescued me, and he almost died doing so. They used faebane and it took him a few days to get any magic back," Elain choked back a sob, Nyx's tiny hand reaching up to rest on her cheek. In a near-whisper she added, "He is my friend."

Elain could see Feyre's mind spinning, trying to catch up. Her brows drew together, face creased with anxiety and pain.

"Everything he's done-" Feyre started. 

"I know," Elain cut her off, "But just listen to him yourself, some time. You and Rhys speak of dreamers, but you forget that not all of them exist within your court. And not all of them have had their wishes granted like you."

Feyre was quiet again, thinking. Considering. It was more than Elain had hoped for. A pensive Feyre was better than an angry Feyre. Elain lost herself in Nyx's big, sparkling eyes and babbling song. She had missed him terribly.

"What will I tell Nesta?" She asked, finally.

"That I've gone to the human realm to see Lucien."

"You want me to lie?"

"You won't be lying. That's where I'm going today. Eris is going to take me."

Feyre took a deep breath as she digested this.

"It may be good for Rhys to have time to cool down," She admitted. Her voice wavered a little as she asked, "How long will you be gone?"

"Until I find what I need," Elain said.

There was much to be said, still. About Eris's brothers and what should be done about them. About Nesta and how her wrath might be avoided. About Elain, and all of the things that had been weighing on her heart. It hung in the air between them, heavy.

"I need to find for myself what you found in Velaris. What Nesta found in the Blood Rite," Elain's eyes searched her sister's. Eyes the color of dusk, sparkling with glimmers of her power. 

Feyre rushed forward and wrapped her arms around her sister. Nyx giggled, delighted to be trapped between them. 

"I am proud of you," Feyre said, tears glistening in her eyes, "I'm sorry for what it took for me to listen. But I'm proud of you, and Rhys will be too when he calms down."

A slow, sly smile spread on Feyre's face. "You did something I would have done. I never thought I'd see the day." 

***

When Elain returned to the lower floor, it was time for the real goodbye. Eris sat on the edge of the bed, Elain's things packed and sitting on the bed beside him. He had winnowed back to the cabin to grab a few extra things for her since she would not be returning to Velaris. 

His face was sad, eyes gleaming with sorrow, shoulders slumped. Elain crossed to him and stood between his legs, grasping his face in her hands. She said nothing, the trembling of her chin too great an obstacle. Then Eris drew her in and wrapped his arms around her. Tighter than ever, face buried in her shoulder. And he did not let go for a long time. 

When he did pull back, he had cleared some of that sorrow from his features. Putting up a brave front, as usual. He wiped a tear from Elain's cheek and offered her a smile. And Elain wondered if he would let himself feel it, all alone in solitude of the cabin or his room at the Forest House. Or if he'd ever let himself feel it at all.

She could not help but feel it. All of it. She was certain he had no idea what he'd done. He had no idea that he'd pieced her back together and placed the world in her bandaged hands. And if she told him, he would not think of it as the grand gift it was. As if it were as small as a maple sugar candy or a dragonfly earring. 

He had changed it all, molded the course of her entire future. Everything from this point on would be compared to the guide he had written. For all things: if it did not come close to the reverence with which he had handled her, it would never be enough.

"I have had such fun causing trouble with you," Eris's voice was raspy, "And you have no idea how much you have done for me, little Archeron."

"You have no idea how much you've done for me, my love," Elain croaked, and kissed him for the last time.

Chapter Text

Elain stood in front of the wooden door, studying its weathered texture, as she waited for the courage to knock.

She had heard the snap of Eris winnowing as she walked up the path. But then she kept waiting, even though he was gone. If she could show up to the Night Court in a scandalous dress to piss off the High Lord, she should be able to do this. 

There was no choice, with Eris gone.  She had asked him to leave before she reached the door for that reason. Now, that seemed like a very stupid idea. If Lucien said no to her request, he'd have to take her back to the Night Court himself.

Elain drew a deep breath and knocked. There were footsteps, a pause, and then the door swung open. There was Lucien. He blinked and took a step back.

"Elain?" He asked, scanning her for injuries, searching her face for any signs of bad news. His gaze caught on the bag in her arms and his brows furrowed. 

"Hello," Elain blushed, her voice softer than she would have liked. "I need to ask a favor of you."

Lucien blinked for another moment, his golden eye whirring. Then he seemed to find himself and stepped aside. Elain strode past him and into the foyer, immediately catching sight of Vassa and Jurian peering around the corner from the living room. They saw that they'd been caught and disappeared. 

"You...smell like my brother," Lucien said, incredulous. 

"Yes, he's the one who brought me here," Elain blushed deeper. She knew she had scrubbed any salacious notes from her skin, but of course must still smell like him. It was a long way from the Night Court to the human realm.

"Let's sit," Lucien said, growing more puzzled and awkward by the minute.

He led her into the living room and Elain bit back a smile at the sight of the mismatched furniture and gaudy decorations. This is not where she would have pictured Lucien, but it was endearing.

Elain sat on a plush couch that was a horrid shade of pink and set her bag beside her. Lucien took a seat across from her in a ragged corduroy armchair. She tried very hard to ignore the fierce, whispered argument from the other room. Lucien appeared to be doing the same and trying not to roll his eyes. 

"So," Elain cleared her throat, "I suppose I should start by saying that nothing is wrong and no one's in danger. It's just that I've cause a bit of drama and I was hoping I could stay until it blows over."

"Go on," Lucien leaned back in his chair, watching her intently. 

"Your brothers tried to kidnap me."

"What?" Lucien cried and pushed to his feet, just as Elain had predicted. 

"They thought I was Nesta," She explained, clinging tightly to her wits, "And they wanted to bring me to your father as a gift. Since Eris proposed to her."

"Eris proposed to Nesta?" Lucien's eyes widened as he flopped back down. "A gift to my father?!"

"Yes, that's what I said when I heard, too," Elain wrung her hands as she spoke, "Eris rescued me from your brothers and he took me to his safe house. He was really hurt and they used faebane, so he had to wait a few days to take me home. He was worried that if he called for someone it would make more trouble."

"I see," Lucien murmured, raking his fingers through his hair. His russet eye was bright and wild, golden eye whirring at the same rapid speed of his thoughts.

"And we kind of came up with a plan," Elain added sheepishly, shoulders drawing up in anxiety. 

Lucien raised his eyebrows and said nothing, though his face looked a little paler. 

"Rhysand made me very angry recently and I wanted to...piss him off," Elain sighed, her nervousness clouding her ability to find more proper words. The twitch of Lucien's lips did not escape her. 

"So I went with him to a feast at the Hewn City and we pissed Rhysand off."

This was the part that Elain had fretted over. The part that she had no idea how Lucien would react to. Half of her was relieved that the bargain kept her from telling truth about how intimate she had been with Eris. Perhaps that made her some sort of villain. But she was not sure how much she owed Lucien. She did not like the idea of owing anyone her body.

Lucien was still for a moment, his face expressionless. And then his lips quirked up into a smile. 

"Elain and my brother scheming together? What did Rhysand do to deserve that?" He chuckled. Elain had forgotten how lovely his voice was. Melodic and smooth.

"Probably not enough," She admitted, her own smile forming, "But I do have the Archeron temper, after all."

"Noted," Lucien said, looking a little bewildered, tucking a strand of copper hair behind his ear. 

He was so like Eris in some ways. The color of his hair, his Autumn-hued eye. The sharp features that made him distinctly Vanserra. But sometimes she forgot how one of a kind Lucien was. The straight angle of his nose and the deep bronze of his skin were original, along with the long scar that painted its story across his face. Lucien was his own kind of breathtaking.

"You're not angry that I was with Eris?" Elain chewed her lip. 

"You seem to be in one piece," Lucien said, eyes glancing over her as if to double check, "And he would know better than to bring you here if he'd hurt you. I'd kill him and he knows it. So, if you're alright, then no, I'm not mad."

"I'm alright," Elain nodded, relief flooding her body, "I actually had fun. I think he's my friend, now."

"That is the most unsettling thing you've told me," Lucien declared, though he was smiling. He stood and swept Elain's bag from the couch. "I'll show you to the guest room so you can rest and I can digest all of this."

"Of course," Elain said, scrambling after him, "And you can still say no and I'll find somewhere else to go."

"Why would I say no?" Lucien said softly, turning to face her. 

Because I am a wretch, Elain thought, a lump rising in her throat. She couldn't make any words come out. 

"You can stay as long as you want," He said, more tenderly than she deserved. She would try to be worthy of him. That would be her goal, from now on. 

"You'll regret saying that once you grow sick of me," She tried to joke, giving him a watery smile. 

Lucien laughed and gave her a soft smile. He led her to a room down the hall and placed her bag in the simple bed. 

"It's not much," Lucien said, turning to leave, "But it's comfortable. And you'll like Vassa and Jurian."

He was halfway out the door when Elain croaked, from the middle of the dim room, "Lucien."

He whirled and took in her trembling bottom lip, her hands wringing each other. He fought the urge to go to her and pull her into his arms. 

"Thank you," She said, voice breaking.

Still at war with himself, Lucien only nodded and smiled before closing the door. 

When he turned around, Vassa and Jurian were at the top of the stairs, gesturing wildly and whispering cheers. Vassa began a victory dance and Jurian began a string of crude gestures. Lucien scoffed and grabbed them both by the ear, dragging them away before Elain could hear their ridiculous behavior. 

***

Lucien slumped into his chair, staring at the cluttered desk of his study. He had locked the door behind him but he did not have long before his friends were pestering him once again. He did not blame them much. Elain's appearance was quite an unprecedented event. 

But he needed a moment to wrap his head around it and calm the humming of the bond in his chest. Just a moment to collect himself. 

He paused as he caught the letter sitting on a pile of papers and envelopes. Eris's stationery, sealed with his signet. Lucien sighed, hoping for the best, and unfolded the note. 

Lucien,

Assuming Elain has told you what our brothers have done. Do not worry, they will be punished. 

She is a gem. Take good care of her or she will slip through your fingers. But don't treat her too softly or you will lose her all the same. 

Apologies, brother. For many things. 

Eris 

Nothing of Eris, nothing of his wound or how well he was healing. Typical. Selflessness hiding behind arrogance. Advice about his own mate.

Lucien scoffed and tossed the letter away. He was not stupid, he could piece together his brother's apology, Elain's blush, and the dual purpose of that cabin in the woods. There was much more to the story than what Elain had given. About Eris, about Rhysand, about all of it.

But all he could really bring himself to care about was that she was here. That Eris had acted on a positive impulse for once and managed to keep Elain from becoming a sacrifice to his wicked father. 

The territorial instincts from the bond buzzed in his veins, but he ignored them. Elain had made no commitment to him. Elain was her own creature. As shy and kind and sweet as Elain was painted to be, she would do nothing that she did not want to do. It had been her choice to come here. 

And yet somehow, Eris had a part in convincing her to come here. He must have, because nothing else had changed between Lucien and Elain. All he knew now was that the only way to keep Elain would be to welcome her just as she was. 

Lucien's thoughts shifted to his brother. To the ominous threat of punishment. He hoped desperately that Eris would not do something stupid and get himself hurt or worse by those brutes. 

He found himself picking up his pen and beginning a letter to his brother. Something he had not done in a very long time.

Chapter Text

i.

Every muscle in Eris's body tensed, bracing for whoever he may meet when he appeared in the Forest House. It was inevitable that he would run into someone, and he would prefer to fight now while his body was charged with the ache of his goodbye. Not later, when the sorrow sank into his bones and made them heavy as lead. 

Thus, he did not winnow to his room, but to some moderately busy hallway. As the mossy stone walls came into view, lit by candles in tiny alcoves, he saw that he was alone. But he would not let his shoulders drop until he got to his room, secured within its enchanted locks and impenetrable wards.

As he rounded the corner, his eyes met his brother's.

"Where have you been?" Calix hissed, stopping in his tracks.

"None of your damn business," Eris snarled, "But maybe it had something to do with the stab wound you gave me."

Before Calix could answer, Eris grasped a fistful of his brother's hair and slammed his head back against the stone wall. Calix gripped Eris's arm, trying to ease the burning pain on his scalp, but he did not fight back.

"If you ever try anything like that again I will cut off your balls and feed them to my hounds," Eris growled, inches away from his brother's face, "See how much use you are to father with you can no longer bear a son."

"Find a new whore, did you Eris?" Calix sneered, despite his squirming under Eris's hold. 

Eris pulled his dagger, gripping it in his fist, and drove the point into Calix's ear, pinning him to the stone. Calix closed his eyes tight and cried out. Droplets of crimson red flowed over his ear and dripped onto the wall.

"Do you believe my threats now, coward?" Eris snapped, twisting the point of the blade as Calix bit back sounds of pain. Exactly as Calix had twisted his blade in Eris's ribs. "You goddamn idiots didn't even take the right sister."

"Fine, I believe you," Calix panted, trying to kick at Eris and thinking better of it when the movement drove the dagger deeper.

Eris released him. Calix fell forward, bracing himself with his free hand as the other clutched the side of his head. Beads of ruby caught the dancing candlelight as they trickled down his neck.

"If you think that was the extent of your consequences, you are sorely mistaken," Eris spat, no remorse for the whimpering creature on his knees before him.

Eris turned on his heel, but before he could leave his brother's voice drifted to him, barely more than a whisper.

"At least get her scent off you before you come home next time."

Eris stopped, bristling, fear and fury mingling and nearly taking over his body. But he continued on, hands curling into fists as he left his brother there, bleeding.

***

Eris curled up in the tub, soaking in the hot water, his gaze drifting toward the Autumn Wood beyond the ornate window. He was less than thrilled to be back here in this world of violence and coldness and pretending. His fingers brushed over the tattoo on his ribs. 

The temptation was so overwhelming it made his body tremble. The temptation to dig his hands into the delicately crafted facade of the Autumn Court and tear it open. To steal Beron's power, his crown, and then make his way to the human realm and take the gift the Cauldron had given to his brother. Once Helion pulled his head out of his ass and realized he'd fathered an heir, Lucien would have plenty to keep his mind busy, anyhow. 

But Eris was no villain.

He sighed and sank further into the water, hoping Elain was faring better than he. He hoped his brother would not do something stupid and ruin it. And he hoped he had not ruined everything for his brother. 

He tried to hold tight to what Elain had told him. Her vision and what he would achieve. He tried to believe it, but at this moment it was feeling about as possible as Calix apologizing.

At least, no matter what happened now, he had a friend out there in the world. He hoped to the Mother she was feeling happier than he was, and maybe when they met again, he would be happier too.

ii.

Darling Griselda,

I resent that you keep details of gossip from me. You know how few interesting things I have to fill my own days and nothing would thrill me more than the particulars of Vassa and Jurian's latest argument. Though I'm sure the last one has already ended and a new one will come to pass before I even receive your next letter. I do wish you'd allow me to send letters via magic and not "the human way."

Have you had any more visions? How is your training? Is my brother competent in his instruction? 

Give Jurian my thanks for the little sweater he knitted. Lumpy as it may be, Marigold loves it and the other hounds are jealous. 

Hazelbury is as beautiful as ever and I do wish you could see it. Time slips through the hourglass and soon is the day my end of the bargain is fulfilled and we are reunited. Effectively removing this tacky and tasteless tattoo. 

Your friend,

Ezra

iii.

Dearest Ezra,

I do apologize for disappointing you but the honest truth is that I gave you all the details I had. It was nothing of substance, truly just another argument about the garish pink couch that Vassa hates and Jurian loves. You were right in your assumption, however, that a new spat has already begun. It is still unfolding but you may anticipate salacious details in my next letter. 

And do not try to tell me you do not enjoy the anticipation of an old fashioned letter. I maintain my stance. 

My visions are few and far between these days but I must admit I prefer the calm of their absence. Lucien is an excellent teacher and training goes well. Until of course Jurian decides to watch and correct him and the session devolves into chaos. I am glad that you have kept up your correspondence with Lucien, it seems to make him happy. 

As for the sweater, I better not give Jurian your thanks or this obsession with knitting may continue. He is working on the next sweater already, though Lucien has three, I have two, and Vassa has too many to count. 

As for the tattoo, I've grown rather attached to mine.

Fondly, 

Griselda

iv.

The River House estate was a murmur of whirling movement and color. Staff and friends and family were busy with preparations, swarming around Elain as she stood still, a rock against the current.

Lovely sweet and savory smells and the off-key notes of instruments being tuned drifted to her as she sat at the kitchen table and arranged flowers in vases. Perhaps she ought to be nervous and rattled, but she felt the most calm she had every been. Content, humming to herself as she dropped lilies and carnations into crystal vessels. 

A knock on the door broke through the cacophony of sounds. 

"I'll get it," Elain called to no one in particular, knowing they were all too preoccupied to have heard anyways. 

Elain swung open the front door, expecting to greet another acquaintance she barely remembered, or yet another cousin of Rhysand's that she hadn't met. 

Instead, standing in the doorway with a wrapped box under one arm and a wheel of Hazelbury cheese under the other, stood Eris. Grinning, amber eyes alight. 

"Hello and congratulations, little sister."

Chapter Text

Elain slept as the sunrise fell through the skylights and painted her skin lovely colors. Her cheek rested on Eris’s chest, brown curls falling across her bare shoulders, one hand curled into a fist and tucked tight against her body. 

Eris was wide awake, thinking dangerous thoughts as he watched Elain’s eyelashes twitch in her sleep. He was exhausted, his body heavy and sore. But he could not bear to let sleep take any of their time together. He must make every second count. Even as she slept, he could study the planes of her face and make a shrine to them in his memory.

Every few moments he would circle back to that thought of how little time they had left, every cycle escalating the frenzy in his mind. The loop shrank and shrank until there were no other thoughts in between the roar of it’s almost over. 

His heart beat harder with every passing minute. That was probably what woke her, the thumping rhythm under her ear. 

“Eris?” Elain mumbled, eyes fluttering open. One look at his panicked face, his fingers running through his hair over and over, and she was sitting up. “What’s wrong?” 

“I cannot tell you,” He said, the tone in his voice one Elain had not heard yet. Unmasked, unveiled entirely. Even with a bleeding stab wound, he had not sounded so small and vulnerable. 

“Please?” She whispered, grabbing hold of his trembling fingers and pressing them to her lips. “So I can help you.” 

Eris was quiet for a long time. Elain sat over him, cross legged, one knee resting on his ribs. She held that hand to her lips and smoothed his hair away from his forehead. It hurt to watch the tears gather in the corners of his eyes and drip down his temple. His bottom lip trembled, chest rising and falling at an erratic pace as he tried to quiet his crying. 

She sat in the silence with him, waiting for him to release whatever it was that weighed on him so heavily. An image came to her, of golden eyes filled with something precarious, and she wondered if she already knew what the answer might be. 

“I am a wretch,” He croaked, finally, “I am wicked.” 

“For what, love?” She asked, and watched his eyes shut tight. The tenderness, the sweet name, broke him. It destroyed whatever resolve he had left.

“I want you all to myself,” He buried his face in her lap so she would not see it crumple. His next words were muffled by the sheets. “I want you to stay with me. As horrible as I am for it, that’s what I want.” 

“Eris,” Elain breathed. She had predicted correctly. Maybe she should be shaken by this confession, but she was focused on his quiet sobs, his shoulders shaking. Because after was a wretch, too, by Eris's standards.

Something settled in her, then. Something that had never felt solid before, always shifting and changing. But now, it clicked into place and a sense of calm washed through her. And a part of her knew it could not be undone. She could not pull those pieces apart, no matter what happened.

“Eris,” She said again, trying to pull him up to face her. He relented, meeting her gaze with red and watery eyes. A sweet and aching feeling filled her chest. Eris watched her eyes glow with pain, and misread it. Before Elain could speak and say the words that would break him, he had to let her know the rest. 

“Elain,” He said, swallowing hard, breathing deep to calm himself. 

Elain wondered if he had ever said her name out loud before. He couldn’t have. She would have remembered and engraved it in the back of her mind for how lovely it sounded. 

“You are the sweetest, softest thing I have ever encountered,” Eris began, hands reaching towards her face with a mind of their own, “You are my most equal opponent. I had not laughed in so long I thought I may have forgotten how to. But then I laughed so much with you. And I cannot do it. I cannot face a world where you are someone else’s and I just go on alone. I will do it, because I have to. But you must know, at least, that I have fallen in love with you in only four days.” 

Elain’s eyes welled with tears, and she smiled. Grinned. Eris tried not to let his heart leap with hope. She wrapped her fingers around his wrists and melted into his touch.

“You don’t have to do it alone,” Elain whispered, choking on a laugh, “Because I want to go with you.” 

“What?” Eris said, so softly she could barely hear it, teary eyes searching hers.

“I will stay. I will stay with you.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying,” Eris protested, shaking his head, causing a tear to drop from the tip of his nose, “We’ll be hated. We’ll be villains. Our love will be stained. They will think us cruel.”

“Then we will be a fairy tale after all,” Elain’s lips twitched up into a smile. Eris stared for a long moment.

“You’ll marry me?” His hands trembled and voice shook. 

“I will marry you.” 

Eris wrapped his arms around her and hauled her body toward him. One arm wrapped firmly around her waist, his other hand cradling the back of her head. It was so different from all of the other times he had held her. There was no bittersweet longing, only reverence, only deep relief. Like he was finally letting himself touch her the way he wanted to. He cried into her shoulder and held her tight. 

“Lucien,” Elain whispered, muffled against his skin.

“I know,” Eris let out a sob, terrified that one word meant she was reconsidering. “I know. I’ll apologize to him every day for the rest of my life. I’ll let him fight me, if he wants. I’ll get him the best healers in Prythian and I’ll explain everything myself so you don’t have to. If you will please, please let me have you.” 

“You have me,” Elain pulled away, brushing her fingertips across his freckled face. She pulled him in and kissed him. In a way that would hopefully make him believe her. “You have me, my love. Take me home.” 

***

A little while later, with their things gathered, a calmer Eris winnowed them back to the Safe House. Morning light filled the cabin and painted everything in a layer of gold. Like the little gilded house was a gift from the sun. The first one to know their news. 

Here, it would all begin. For better or for worse, Elain would make him a vow and allow it to paint her skin. Then they would decide how to face the world together. Lucien, her family, Beron, they would all know tomorrow. Today was theirs. Just one more day in solitary bliss before life began again. 

Elain had never thought she would feel less weary about the idea of her immortal life. But with Eris at her side, she had never felt more capable. She breathed deep, the sweet smell of the cabin, the scent of her lover, and contentment filled every part of her. This was home.