Archons x male reader
Candle lights flicker, rain drops onto the ground.
7 souls captured in the heart of darkness.
The candle, extinguished.
Credit to the artist who drew the art in the story cover.
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Y/n sat comfortably on a plush armchair in the library of the grand mansion, a soft blanket draped over his lap. After a week of settling into his new life with the Archons, this was the first moment of quiet he had for himself, and it felt wonderful. In his hands, he held one of his favorite books—one he hadn't had the chance to read since the chaos of moving and getting used to living with these powerful beings who now surrounded him daily.
He glanced up from the pages and looked around the room. The mansion’s library was grand, with high ceilings and walls lined with shelves overflowing with books. The light from the large windows bathed the room in a gentle warmth, a stark contrast to the cold of Snezhnaya outside.
Y/n smiled softly to himself, sinking deeper into his chair. He loved the Archons—each of them had been nothing but kind to him, protective even. Though it was still surreal to think about how they had all been trapped in their vessels before he found them, and now, they had become his constant companions. They always made sure he was never alone, whether it was Mavuika bringing him tea, or Zhongli telling him stories from ancient times. And even when they weren’t by his side, he could feel their presence all around the house.
But for now, in this quiet moment, he was able to finally enjoy a bit of solitude with one of his beloved books.
As he turned the page, he heard soft footsteps approaching. Glancing up, Y/n saw Nahida peeking into the library, her curious eyes glimmering. She smiled when she saw him and quietly entered the room, careful not to disturb his reading too much.
“What are you reading, Y/n?” she asked in her gentle voice, stepping closer to him.
Y/n smiled warmly at her. “It’s an old novel I’ve read before. I just wanted to relax for a bit.”
Nahida tilted her head, her small hands clasped behind her back as she leaned forward to peek at the title. “Ah, it looks like something with a lot of adventure,” she remarked, her voice filled with soft curiosity.
“It is,” Y/n nodded, setting the book on his lap for a moment. “But it’s also about companionship and trust, about people who rely on each other through thick and thin.” He glanced up at her, a gentle smile on his face. “Kind of reminds me of all of you.”
Nahida’s eyes brightened at his words, her heart swelling with warmth. “That’s lovely,” she whispered. “It’s nice to know that you see us like that. We feel the same way about you, you know.”
Y/n chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t know if I’ve done enough to deserve that yet, but... I’m happy to hear it.”
“You’ve done more than you think,” Nahida said, giving him a reassuring look before sitting down on the floor beside his chair. She rested her chin on her knees, gazing at him thoughtfully. “I know you’re still adjusting, but we’re really glad you’re here with us.”
Y/n felt a warm flutter in his chest at her words. “I’m glad too. It’s been... different, but in a good way.”
Just then, the door creaked open again, and Venti slipped into the room, as light-footed as ever. He carried a small lyre with him, a playful grin on his face. “Ah, our dear reader!” he sang, making his way over to Y/n. “Enjoying your book?”
