The Whispers of Shadows - A&A One Shots

a night above the sidra

Velaris was a silent city in the early mornings. The sun had yet to rise, still hours away, but Aurora couldn't sleep. Something kept her mind from falling quiet and allowing her to sleep, so she slipped from bed, tugged on a light coat, and began walking along the empty streets. Nothing in particular was troubling her, but sometimes her mind chose not to calm in the silence of night.

Aurora looked over the quiet homes and shops, grinning at the way some of the vendors had left their items outside, still on display. The safety of this city was unmatched, there was hardly ever crime. As a warrior, Aurora would never flinch at wandering dark streets alone, but as a female, she would have never gone out like this anywhere else.

That fear of males never truly went away. Aurora knew that she'd be able to defend herself now in most situations, but the shadows of that history still remained. Still, even in a city like Velaris, a dagger was placed in the ankle of her boot. She was glad nobody was around to spectate the outlandish style she bore.

Hair frizzy and strewn about her shoulders, a silk nightgown that was shorter than the thin coat, and tall boots she wore during training. Aurora was quite the sight to see in the emptiness of the streets. She enjoyed it though; the serenity of Velaris during a summer night. The Sidra roared just beyond a stretch of buildings, the only sound other than the scrape of Aurora's boots.

With a widening grin, she rounded the corner of the street and made way to the large bridge that overlooked the river. The way the moon and stars glistened on the fast running water was enough to soothe any sleepless night. Her fingers curled around the wooden frame of the bridge and leaned forward. An ever so gentle breeze caressed her cheeks as she watched the glittering reflecting below.

It wasn't the breeze, but another touch ran down her back. Aurora straightened slightly, tilting her head to look over her shoulder. A figure formed through shadow just beyond the bridge. Another touch to her back, her hair, her cheek; his shadows doing his bidding. Azriel walked closer, closing in the gap between them.

"Want to explain to me why you're standing on a bridge in the early morning?" He rasped, sleep still heavy on his voice. Azriel stepped up behind her and Aurora leaned back against his embrace. Azriel ran a hand over her stomach and used the grip to pull her closer to him. His other hand slid along her neck and he pressed his forefinger to her chin. Aurora tilted her head back and felt his lips against her neck.

"I couldn't sleep. I wanted to go for a walk," she hummed.

Azriel kissed the skin below her ear before responding, "I could've done something to help you relax." A rush of warmth ran through her and a giggle bubbled in her throat.

"I think my walk sufficed," Aurora told him, tilting her head further to catch those sultry lips with her own. Azriel's hand on her stomach gripped the fabric that laid over it, not a breath of air between their bodies.

"Turn around," Azriel murmured against her lips. Aurora obliged, the hand on her throat running along the skin as she turned toward him and pulling her hair to the side. Azriel captured her lips again and Aurora felt the railing of the bridge digging into the small of her back. His hands took her waist and lifted, making Aurora squeal against his mouth. Azriel sat her on the railing of the bridge and gave her no time to worry as he kissed her again and again.

"I'm going to fall," Aurora breathed when Azriel pulled back to kiss her throat again. She held onto his shoulders, arching into his feverish kisses as they lowered to her chest.

"I won't let that happen," he responded. True to his word, Azriel's arm was around her back. The rush of his teeth and tongue on her skin blended with the fear of plummeting into the raging river. Aurora's body burned, ached.