Beautiful Story - Tumblr Posts
Temples are built for gods. Knowing this a farmer builds a small temple to see what kind of god turns up.
Another beautiful story by @ignyxdaughter
Love your works so much ❤
𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐘𝐈𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓
(𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 /𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐤𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐳𝐨𝐯𝐚 𝐱 𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧)
READ ON WATTPAD
status: on going
prologue
chapter I - ravka
chapter II - intuition
chapter III - who are you?
chapter IV - the moon and the wolves
chapter V - air singer
chapter VI - beautiful
chapter VII - closer than you can imagine
chapter VIII - a bird and a promise
chapter IX - secrets
chapter X - the shadow cupid
chapter XI - the labyrinth of bookshelves
chapter XII - always and forever
chapter XIII - the cut
chapter XIV - equals
I melted 😍. This is so cute.
stars in your eyes.
masterlist (azriel x reader) a/n: more azriel fluff because you know I love to hurt myself. summary: you’re struggling to find the perfect birthday gift for your mate so you enlist the help of one illyrian general.
“This is quite honestly the worst idea you’ve ever had.”
Your gaze travels down to the skimpy lingerie scattered across the shelves and back up at the hulking figure of the male standing before you. The sight of your friend standing in the middle of a lingerie store was definitely turning heads. Though to be fair, you were wholly to blame for dragging Cassian out for a day of shopping on the Rainbow.
“Scratch that. Letting you talk me into coming here is the worst idea I’ve ever had.”
Cassian gives you a nonchalant shrug, draping an arm over the mannequin positioned at the store’s front display. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”
The other shoppers were actively avoiding looking in your direction, but you could still feel their curious glances either way. Somehow you doubted that Illyrian warriors and sirens were the usual crowd at this lingerie store.
The pretty shopkeeper approaches you with a bright smile and nearly swoons in Cassian’s presence. “Did you two need any help?”
You could’ve sworn that you caught a glimpse of Cassian flexing his biceps underneath his leathers as he points at the sheer underclothes hanging off the mannequin. “Yes, actually. Do you have this in cobalt blue?” He leans in conspiratorially and the female blushes. A shameless flirt, that one. “It’s a birthday present for my brother.”
It’s your turn to flush as the shopkeeper smiles, taking in the silky negligee and its intricate lace pattern. The fabric wouldn’t even cover your pinky finger, much less your entire torso.
“He’s joking,” you interject with mortified laughter. “But we appreciate the offer. You have a lovely store.”
“Of course, my lady. Let me know if anything catches your eye.”
Once she’s out of earshot, you swat Cassian over the head.
“Ow!” He exclaims dramatically, narrowing his eyes at you with accusation as he rubs the back of his neck. “What was that for?”
“For telling a random stranger that I plan on wearing a shoelace for Azriel’s birthday.”
Your friend rolls his eyes. “Come on, Az will love it.”
You groan. Your mate's birthday was only a few days away and you have yet to find a suitable present for him. Between buying decorations, ordering all of Azriel’s favorite dishes, and making sure everyone’s schedule matched up for the surprise party at the end of the week, shopping got pushed to the side. The problem with buying Azriel a present is that it needed to be perfect. You knew he’d appreciate any gift from you, but you wanted it to be heartfelt and personal. Your mate put so much thought and care into everything he did for you, it was the least you could do to return the favor.
Perhaps you were putting way too much pressure on yourself, but this was Azriel. He deserved the best of the best.
“Be serious, Cas. I only have a few days left to figure this out.”
“I am being serious!” Cassian exclaims. “If Nes got this for me on my birthday, I’d be a very happy male.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
That earned the Illyrian general another thwack on the head. “Nudity is not the solution to everything.”
“Speak for yourself. I’ve never met a problem that couldn’t be solved by getting naked.”
“I knew I should’ve asked Rhys to come with me instead,” you mumble under your breath.
“One, I’m highly offended. Two, Rhysand would have told you to buy Az something ridiculous like a palace or a pegasus.”
Cassian had a point. The High Lord had a tendency to go overboard when it came to presents. Last Winter Solstice, Feyre had to talk him out of buying a boat for Nyx. What a toddler needed a boat for, you had no idea, but Rhys was convinced that his son absolutely needed one after a swim in the Sidra.
“Do you think it’s too late to ask Helion for one of his?” You say half-jokingly. At this point, you weren’t above begging the High Lord of Day if it meant making your mate happy.
“Helion’s more likely to invite both you and Azriel into his bed than give you one of his most prized possessions. Cauldron knows he’s been trying to get Az to agree to it for centuries.”
You snort. “Can’t blame him. The High Lord has great taste.”
“So do I,” Cassian declares with a huff. “Which is why I think you should buy this.” He waves a hand to the skimpy negligee again. “While you’re at it, throw in some handcuffs. You two may have everyone else fooled, but I know what you and Az get up to. It’s always the quiet ones that you have to watch out for.”
You slapped his arm, nearly choking with laughter. If only he knew what Azriel was really like in bed. Everyone always said that Cassian and Nesta were the worst out of the mated couples, but you and your mate couldn’t keep your hands off of each other for nearly a full decade after accepting the bond and a handful of those encounters may or may not have involved whips, chains, and handcuffs. Sometimes all three.
“You’re just mad that Azriel has the biggest wingspan.”
After much contemplation, you, Feyre, and Nesta finally decided to put the argument to rest and measured each of your respective mates and the verdict was final. It was officially confirmed that Azriel did in fact have the biggest wingspan out of the three brothers. Rhys and Cas were in obvious denial, but the ironic part was that Feyre’s wings were the biggest of them all.
“I haven’t heard any complaints this far, so I’d say I’m faring quite well.”
“Focus, Cas.” You drag him out of the store and into the busy street. Shops flank you from both sides and while you bopped in and out of them, you found nothing of note. “Between planning the party and hiding the fact that I’m planning said party from Az, I’ve been a nervous wreck. Do you know how hard it is to keep a secret from him? He's literally the Spymaster. Not to mention, I don't even know if he’s going to like it. Oh gods, what if he hates it?”
“He’s going to love it.” Cassian remarks, striding along the Sidra. “And if he doesn’t, there’s always the threesome with Helion.”
You groan in frustration, rubbing your temples. “That’s not funny, Cas.”
Cassian’s face softens as he nudges you with his hip. “You really care about this, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. It’s Azriel. I want it to be special.”
“And it will be,” your friend says reassuringly. “You’ve put a lot of thought into this birthday party and Az will see that. My brother is a simple male. All he really wants is for his loved ones to be happy.”
“I know,” you say with a sigh. “I just want everything to be perfect. He does so much for me, for all of us. I want him to feel how loved he is.”
Cassian smiles. “I’m glad,” his eyes meet yours and his voice is softer when he speaks again. “I’m glad Azriel has you. I knew it was hard for him when Rhys and I found our mates, but then you came along and…I don’t know. I’ve never seen him like this. You bring out a different side of him. He’s happier, lighter even, and he’s finally accepted the love that he’s deserved all along. I’ve always wanted that for him.”
Your eyes brim with tears. Cassian has seen Azriel in his darkest times. Stood by him through war, sickness, and hardships that no one should ever have to endure. It meant a lot to hear him say that.
The bond between you and Azriel wasn’t always easy. There were walls and barriers that you two had to break through to get where you are now, but you continue to choose to love each other day after day.
You swipe a tear away and Cas ruffles your hair. “Hey, none of that. Azriel would kick my ass if he knew I made you cry.”
Cassian drapes an arm over your shoulder while you sniffle. “Don't worry, I’m sure you’ll come up with the perfect present. With Nes, I just choose gifts that I know would mean a lot to her. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that we cherish the most.”
“When did you become such a romantic?” You tease.
“What can I say? The mating bond has made an honest male out of me.”
“Thank you, Cas. For helping with the party and coming out with me today.”
The breeze blows through Cassian’s raven locks as he smiles down at you. “And thank you. For loving my brother the way that you do.”
“I’m lucky to have him,” you say with a smile. “I think that’s what makes this so hard. Azriel deserves the damn moon and stars.”
Cassian chuckles. “If only you could wrap up the skies and tie it up in a neat bow, you wouldn’t need me as a shopping companion.”
Just like that, the idea takes form in your mind. You dart out into the cobblestone streets so quickly that you nearly trip over your own feet. “Cas, you’re a genius!”
You’re already several paces ahead of him before Cassian could even comprehend what was happening. “Where in the Cauldron are you going?”
“To get my mate the perfect present!”
When Azriel’s birthday finally rolls around, you had everything planned down to the tiniest detail. The townhouse was decorated, the food was plated, and with the exception of the High Lord and your mate, the members of the Inner Circle were all gathered on your roof.
“Rhys says Azriel just left the house.” Feyre announces as she drapes streamers from the rafters. Rhysand had been vital in making sure your mate would be out of the house this afternoon so you and the others could set everything up. They were debriefing on reports from the Continent while you put the finishing touches for tonight’s party.
Nyx darts in between Feyre’s legs and tugs at your hand. He’s dragging a framed painting that was nearly double his size behind him. He bounces on the balls of his feet excitedly. “Can uncle Az open my gift first? Mommy helped me paint him in her studio.”
You chuckle, peeking behind his back. The painting was indeed of Azriel and it even included an adorable depiction of your mate’s dancing shadows and glowing blue siphons, complete with his signature wings. “Of course, Nyx. I’m sure uncle Az will love it. We can even hang it up in his office.”
The adorable toddler claps his hands together as Feyre scoops him up into her arms. “Remember, love. We have to hide and be very quiet so we can surprise your uncle.”
Nyx nods, placing a finger to his lips. You can't help but pinch his cheek.
“Ready?” The High Lady asks you with a smile.
You nod at your friend. “Let’s go, everyone. Az is on his way.”
You signal for the rest of your guests to get into their hiding place. Mor and Amren duck behind the table containing the food and drinks, while Nesta and Cassian scamper towards the reading hammock Azriel built for you last summer. Elain and Lucien take cover behind the cushioned seats that you, Feyre, and Mor often lounged in when it was sunny out. Feyre and Nyx squeezed in next to them as you made your way downstairs.
You open the door just as Azriel lands in front of your home. A smile instantly brightens his face when he sees you walking towards him. When he looks at you like that, it feels like time itself was standing still to savor the beauty of your mate.
Gods, you were so in love with him that it hurt.
Tucking his wings tightly behind him, Azriel lifts you off the ground and greets you with a kiss. You giggle as he twirls you around before setting you down.
“I have a surprise for you.” you say with a smile. You wave a blindfold in the air, causing Azriel to raise a brow. The devious smirk that made its way onto his beautiful face made you chuckle. “Not that kind of surprise.”
“Too bad,” Azriel says with a laugh. “It’s been a while since we used one of those.”
“There’s plenty of time for that later,” you say with a wink. “But for now, it’s meant to cover your eyes.”
He crouches down, allowing you to tie the fabric behind his head. After ensuring that he couldn’t peek through the blindfold, you slowly guide him towards the door. Rhys winnows in behind you and slips past Azriel with a wink.
Your mate’s shadows peer over his shoulder in curiosity, but they keep silent as you continue to lead Azriel further into the house. Sometimes you couldn’t believe that all of this was real. As you looked around with fresh eyes, you could see traces of the life you lived with Azriel. The neat stacks of your favorite books that lined the walls, which your mate insisted on sorting alphabetically, reminded you of all the nights that you sat under the stars reading together.
The kitchen floor where you sat together, giggling like children as you spoiled your dinner with sweets just because you could. The bed that you crawled into every night, cocooned in the safety of Azriel’s arms with your limbs tangled together like you were afraid that he’d disappear if you didn’t hold onto him tightly enough.
As if sensing your thoughts, Azriel squeezed your hand. It was his way of telling you that he was here and that he wasn’t going anywhere. You squeeze back three times.
I love you.
The golden faelights glow against the setting sun just as you step out onto the rooftop.
“You can open your eyes now.”
Azriel obliges just as everyone pops out from their hiding place.
“Surprise!”
Azriel hasn’t stopped smiling since he stepped foot on the roof. You weren’t sure how your mate was going to react since he usually avoided being the center of attention at all costs, but as everyone watched him open his gifts, you could tell that he was genuinely happy to have his family celebrating with him.
Nyx’s gift was obviously in the lead for most adorable. Azriel was basically putty in the little Illyrian’s hands and he knew he had his uncle wrapped around his finger. Rhys and Feyre were up next.
The High Lord slides a key towards Azriel and your eyes widen.
“Don’t worry,” Rhys says with a grin. “It’s not what you think it is. Feyre darling and I spoke with Tarquin and he’s lending you one of his properties in Adriata for a week. You’re free to take the time off whenever you want. You two lovebirds have certainly earned it.”
Azriel’s eyes meet yours and you feel a playful tug down the bond. You had a feeling that you’d hardly get any sleep on the vacation that Rhys and Feyre so kindly offered.
A mischievous grin touches Azriel’s lips. “Thank you, that’s incredibly thoughtful of you both.”
“You’ve never offered me and Nesta a vacation in Adriata,” Cassian jests.
Rhys rolls his eyes. “Unlike you, Azriel isn’t banned from the Summer Court. Tarquin would have a heart attack if you so much as think about stepping foot within his borders.”
The Illyrian general crosses his arms. “It was one building!”
Nothing topped a stay at the Summer Court, but the rest of Azriel’s presents were still incredibly thoughtful and sweet. Amren gifted him with an incredibly rare history book that looked like it was nearly as old as her. Cassian presented him with a scabbard that had three sets of wings engraved on the soft leather, symbolizing the bond between Azriel and his brothers.
Nesta approached next with a leatherbound journal that had Azriel’s initials stamped on the cover. Everyone braced themselves for Mor’s questionable choices when it came to gift giving, but she surprised everyone with a cask of fine wine that was made in the year that Az was born. Elain and Lucien were up next and the couple’s gift was a combined effort. Elain provided a small lemon tree while Lucien planted it in your backyard.
Finally, everyone turns to you.
“I’m saving mine for later.”
Cassian claps Azriel on the shoulder. “You’ll be thanking me later, brother. I helped her pick it out.”
“Mother save me,” Azriel mutters under his breath.
It’s nearly midnight when the party finally winds down. As you wave the last of your friends off, you and Azriel head back upstairs and sit side by side on the hammock. His wings cocoon you with warmth while you sit under the stars. You felt incredibly grateful that somehow, someway, you and Azriel found each other.
Your mate wraps his arms around you, kissing your cheek. “Thank you, my love. Tonight was amazing.”
“Did you enjoy yourself?” you ask, peering up at him through your lashes. He pulls you closer, burying his cheek into your neck.
“It’s hard not to with you by my side. I couldn’t have asked for a better day.”
You sit up, retrieving a small box from your pocket. “I'm not done celebrating you yet."
Azriel takes the velvet box from your hands and carefully unravels the ribbon tied around it. You watch in anticipation as he pulls out the small crystal orb. At first glance, the glass is small and unassuming, but that was the point.
“Tap it.”
Your mate holds up the orb and nudges it with his fingers. The crystal comes alive with the night sky, the moon and stars shining brightly within its reflection. If you looked closely enough, you could see the mountain peaks rising up from the horizon while the heavens sparkled with showers of light.
“It’s what the stars looked like on the night we met,” you explain softly. “Cassian actually gave me the idea and Rhys helped me retrieve the memory. I found a small shop that was able to contain it in this orb. Do you remember?”
Hazel eyes search your face as he nods slowly. “How could I ever forget? It was your first Starfall. When you walked in wearing that blue dress, I think I knew. Even then, I knew it was you.”
You smile, full and bright, just for him. The memory of that night was so vivid, it felt like it was just yesterday. As one of your oldest friends, Rhys had invited you to celebrate Starfall with the rest of his Court. You were only meant to visit for one night, but you ended up staying for longer than you ever expected.
You and Azriel just clicked. As soon as you saw him, there was this unexplainable pull. It was like he'd become your center of gravity. You spent the whole night talking on the balcony and getting to know one another. When the sun finally rose, neither one of you wanted to let the other go.
So you never really did.
“I did too. When I looked at you, it was like I’d finally found the answer to every wish I made on every shooting star. You gave me the moon and stars that night and every night after, so I’m giving it back.”
Azriel kisses you gently, squeezing your hand three times. I love you.
“I’d give you the whole damn sky if you asked me to,” he says as he kisses the tip of your nose. Azriel cups your cheek, his hazel eyes full of adoration. “I love it and I love you. I have since the night we met.”
When you kiss him, you thanked the heavens above for granting you all you’ve ever asked for and more. Forever and always, Azriel was your wish come true. The shooting star that lit up your night sky.
“Happy birthday, Az.”
Another amazing chapter ❤️
You Can Stay Here
Chapter 40: Coming Home (but not quite there)
MK is finally discharged from the hospital and gets to go home with Pigsy and Tang.