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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Nahida sat outside on the soft grass, the warm sun bathing her small form as tears quietly rolled down her cheeks. She was alone, tucked away in a quiet corner of the mansion’s garden, where the flowers bloomed in vibrant colors and the gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh earth. But despite the beauty around her, a deep sadness filled her chest.
She hugged her knees tightly to her chest, feeling the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her. It had always been in the back of her mind—that she was different, that she would never truly grow. Her body would forever be that of a child, and though she could manipulate her appearance, it wouldn’t change what she was inside. Her mind, though sharp and wise beyond her years, was also stuck in that paradox of innocence and knowledge. She felt trapped.
What if Y/n thought she was a freak? What if he looked at her one day and realized she would never change, never age, and that he might come to see her as some strange, unnatural being? The thought terrified her. Y/n was the first person to truly make her feel loved, but now, those fears ate away at her happiness.
A sob escaped her, and Nahida quickly pressed her hand to her mouth, trying to stifle the sound. She didn’t want to cry, not where anyone could see her, but the tears wouldn’t stop.
Just then, she heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching. Nahida wiped her eyes hastily, hoping to hide the evidence of her distress, but it was too late. Raiden appeared from behind the trees, her violet eyes catching the glimmer of Nahida’s tear-streaked face. For a moment, Raiden simply watched her, her expression calm but knowing. Without a word, she came closer and sat down beside Nahida on the grass.
The silence between them was heavy, but Raiden didn’t force Nahida to speak. Instead, she allowed the younger Archon to cry, to let out the pain she had been holding in. Raiden wasn’t one for outward displays of affection, but she understood the importance of being present for those she cared about. And in this moment, Nahida needed someone, even if words weren’t exchanged.
After a while, Nahida’s sobs quieted, though her tears still flowed freely. She glanced at Raiden, embarrassed by her emotional outburst. "I’m sorry," she whispered, her voice shaky.
Raiden shook her head, her tone soft but firm. "There is no need to apologize for your emotions, Nahida."
Nahida sniffled, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "I just… I don’t know what to do. I’m scared."
Raiden tilted her head slightly, watching Nahida with an understanding gaze. "What are you scared of?"
Nahida hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "That Y/n will hate me… or think I’m a freak. I’m just a child… I’ll always be a child. Even if I can change how I look, it’s not real. I’ll never grow like everyone else. What if he… what if he can’t accept that?"
Raiden was silent for a moment, processing Nahida’s words. Then she reached out, placing a hand gently on Nahida’s shoulder, her grip firm yet comforting. "You are not a freak, Nahida. You are unique, yes, but that is not something to be ashamed of."
