ACOTAR one shots, imagines and short stories

*Echoes of a War-Torn Heart (Cassian x OC) - Part 1*

Word count: 5092

Characters: Cassian and Lyra (OC)

Warning: Mature themes. 18+

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The sun hung low over Velaris, casting a warm, golden glow over the city. The Sidra River shimmered, its gentle waves reflecting the vibrant colours of the sky. On a quiet balcony overlooking the river, Cassian sat with his back against the stone wall, Lyra nestled between his legs, her back pressed against his broad chest. His arms wrapped around her, his hands tracing lazy patterns across her stomach as they watched the city unwind into evening.

"You know," Cassian murmured, his breath warm against her ear, "I think we've spent more time out here on this balcony than inside the house."

Lyra smiled, tilting her head slightly to give him better access to her neck. "Can you blame us? This view is amazing... and you make a pretty comfortable seat," she teased softly.

"Comfortable, huh?" he replied with a playful grin, his fingers trailing a little lower on her stomach. "Just wait until you see the seating arrangements in our new place. I've got a few ideas that might interest you."

She laughed, the sound light and warm. "You've always got ideas. And most of them involve us getting into trouble."

"Trouble? Or just some well-deserved relaxation?" he countered, his lips brushing against her ear. "Maybe we should test the furniture before we move in... just to make sure it's sturdy."

Lyra rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. "Cassian, you'll break the furniture before we even get a chance to use it."

"Not if we take it slow," he said with a mischievous wink. "Or fast—whichever works. We can always replace it."

She turned her head to look up at him, her fingers absently playing with the engagement ring on her finger. Rhysand had gifted them the new house as a celebration of their engagement, and the gesture made her heart swell with happiness. "As long as we're together, I don't care where we are—or how much furniture we go through."

Cassian chuckled, squeezing her gently. "That's the spirit. But seriously, Rhysand really outdid himself with that house. He must be trying to keep us busy so we don't cause too much trouble for him."

"Us?" Lyra asks incredulously. "I'm not the one who causes Rhys trouble. That's all you, Commander."

Cassian grinned. "But wherever we end up, I'll make sure it's perfect for us. I'll build you another balcony if that's what it takes—though I'm not sure anything could top this view."

"Maybe we'll have to make new memories to match it," Lyra said, her tone teasing.

Cassian's eyes gleamed with playful intent. "Oh, I've got plenty of ideas for that."

"I don't doubt it," Lyra laughed, shaking her head.

He nuzzled her neck, his breath warm against her skin as he spoke softly. "Leaving it behind won't be easy," he admitted quietly, his voice carrying a weight of melancholy and affection.

Lyra's gaze lingered on the city, the golden light dancing on the river. "It's hard to imagine anywhere else feeling like home as this place does." They had built so many memories here in their tiny apartment, each corner holding a piece of their shared history. Every room seemed to whisper echoes of their laughter, their first arguments, and their moments of quiet solace together. The modest space had become a canvas for their life—a haven where they had experienced so many "firsts" and milestones that made it feel like an extension of their very souls.