ACOTAR one shots, imagines and short stories

Torn Between Fate and Love - Elara's Year - (Azriel x OC) - Part 3

Word count: 6588

Characters: Azriel and OC

Warnings: Angst

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After giving Azriel her blessing to explore the bond with Seren, Elara made the heart-wrenching decision to leave Velaris behind. Her heart was heavy with a mix of hope and sorrow, knowing that her choice, though painful, was meant to offer both of them a chance at true happiness.

Her departure was met with reluctance from her closest friends. Rhys and Feyre, deeply concerned for her well-being, tried to convince her to stay. Rhys, with his commanding yet compassionate voice, had urged her to reconsider, his worry evident in every word.

"Elara, are you sure about this?" Rhys asked, his voice tinged with both authority and concern. "You don't have to leave. We'll support you, no matter what."

Feyre nodded, her eyes filled with empathy. "There's no need to rush into something so drastic. We can help you find a way to stay, to make it work."

Elara shook her head, a sad smile playing on her lips. "I appreciate it, truly, but I can't stay. Being here, seeing him every day, knowing I can't be with him... it would tear me apart. And it wouldn't be fair to him, or to Seren."

Cassian, ever the playful one, tried a different tactic. He casually leaned against the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. "Well, if you're so determined to go, you'll have to find your luggage first," he teased, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Elara raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress a laugh. "Cassian, what did you do?"

He shrugged, trying to look innocent but failing miserably. "I may have... misplaced it. Somewhere in the House. It could take days to find."

A small laugh escaped her, despite the sadness gnawing at her heart. "Cassian, you know that won't stop me."

His grin faltered slightly, and he stepped forward, his voice softening. "I know. But I had to try, didn't I? It's not just Azriel you're leaving behind, Elara. We're your family too."

Elara's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked at him, then at Rhys and Feyre. "I know. And leaving all of you... it's the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But I need to do this, for me, and for Azriel. If I stay, it will only make things harder—for all of us."

Feyre stepped forward, pulling Elara into a tight embrace. "We'll miss you," she whispered. "But we understand. Just promise you'll take care of yourself."

Elara returned the hug, her voice thick with emotion. "I promise. And I'll visit, when I'm ready."

With a heavy heart but a clear sense of purpose, Rhys arranged for Elara to go to the Dawn Court. There, she would have the opportunity to put her healer skills to good use under the esteemed tutelage of Thesan. The move was not just a new beginning but a chance for Elara to rediscover herself and find solace in a new environment, away from the painful reminders of her past.

Cassian finally retrieved her hidden luggage, setting it down with a sigh. "If you ever need us, you know where to find us."

Elara nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude for the friends who had become her family. "Thank you. All of you. For everything."

As she finally turned to leave, the sun setting over Velaris in a blaze of gold and crimson, Elara knew she was stepping into a new chapter of her life. It was a chapter filled with uncertainty and pain, but also one that held the promise of healing and growth. And though she was leaving behind so much of what she loved, she was also giving herself—and Azriel—a chance to find peace.