The Whispers of Shadows - A&A One Shots

the return of azriel

The sense of home is constricted into one male. Aurora couldn't help but feel like Azriel is her home, whether in Velaris or not. The feeling of his arms around her body, the sound of his heart thrumming, the velvety wings that loved to cocoon her in sleep.

When Aurora laid alone in this bed, in this house, she felt just as empty. Not sad, not lonely, just empty. Her arm reached out to the empty side of the bed, fingers grazing the cool sheets. She had hardly slept without his body pressed against hers. It wasn't healthy to rely on him so much for her own sanity but Aurora figured it had to do with centuries of being alone without that sense of comfort. It was still fresh, even after a decade. She wasn't sure she'd ever grow comfortable in her own body and mind.

Aurora rolled onto her back and pulled the fur blanket over her head. The winter months weren't as brutal in the Night Court, but the chill was something she despised. The only coolness she enjoyed anymore was Azriel's touch.

Her mate had travelled to the Spring Court for the past week to watch over Tamlin's movements when word spread of a female moving into his estate. Rhys wanted to ensure it was a relationship wanted on both sides and not forced, so Az was stationed just off the property, constantly watching. She hated the thought of Tamlin having any joy, but if finding a relationship helped get him off her and Feyre's back, Aurora would welcome it.

Rolling onto her side, Aurora curled her bare legs into her stomach. It was so rare to not have Azriel at her side, Aurora didn't know what to do with herself. She yawned and stretched, finally deciding to go warm herself under the hot water of the shower.

A new sense of emptiness tugged at her stomach as she ran her fingers through her damp hair, combing the soap suds away. A new favorite of Azriel's was joining her in the bath or shower and making it far more interesting than standing beneath the stream. A week without his touch shouldn't be difficult to deal with, but in the past couple days, Aurora ached at every thought of the Shadowsinger. His lips, his teeth, those wicked fingers, his...

Aurora bit her lip and let the water stream over her face. She didn't dare act on those thoughts, not when it was Azriel that she craved. She knew far too well that her own touch wouldn't suffice the burning desire riding low in her stomach.

With a dramatic sigh, Aurora turned the water off and dried her body with a soft towel. The towel wrapped around her body as she stared into the foggy mirror and picked and prodded at the several imperfections that littered her face. Finally, when her cheeks and nose were red with angry skin, Aurora padded into her bedroom to change.

"Oh, fuck!" Aurora shrieked, stumbling back and grabbing at the falling towel. Nesta and Cassian were sprawling out on her bed, grinning at her.

"What? Aurora, the big bad warrior, doesn't stab us when she's scared?" Cassian teased, stretching out onto his back. Aurora rolled her eyes and attempted to calm her rattling heart while strolling over to the wardrobe to gather her clothes for the day.

"Why are you two in my house?" Aurora sighed. Nesta pushed herself onto her elbows, tilting her head and giving Aurora a raised brow.

"First of all: You should be more aware when two people are breaking into your house and in the next room. Second of all: Rhys, Feyre, Nyx, Mor, and Elain are all at the cabin for a few days and we are bored."

Aurora gave her an exasperated look before slipping behind the wardrobe door to pull on fleece lined leggings and a thick knitted sweater. When she emerged, her eyes widened in surprise when Nesta was in the center of the bed on her knees and Cassian was sitting on the edge closest to the wardrobe, Nesta's hands around his throat and tugging on him.

"He was trying to look," Nesta explained, releasing Cassian's neck and sending him shooting forward from the sudden release.

"What are you two doing today?" Aurora asked while wandering into the bathing chamber to toss the towel on a rack.