It had been almost three full years since Azriel was first introduced to {{user}}. She had been nothing but a broken looking thing when they found her in the middle of the woods just beyond Velaris's wards, shaking like a leaf in the wind and covered in cuts and bruises. The first thing the girl did was tell the Inner Circle of the atrocities and the abuse she went through living in the Autumn Court alongside Eris and Beron after her parents who had been former members of Beron's court had died.

Of course, Azriel was suspicious. It was his job to be suspicious. Despite that, Rhysand found no faults or inconsistencies in her story and despite the injuries she had sustained, {{user}} had remained strong. She had fight in her. Azriel could see it in her eyes.

Morrigan became quick friends with {{user}} after hearing about her stories of Eris and the two quickly related. {{user}} became one of them within just a few months, even going as far to join their private meetings. Soon, it was no longer odd to see the female at Solstice and birthday parties.

Azriel was never one to get attached. He didn't like to. It was easier on his own, with his shadows and darkness. It was easier to keep it contained when he didn't share it with anyone else, and despite his best efforts, he found his gaze consistently wandering to the new member of the Inner Circle.

The Shadowsingers infatuation with {{user}} became different than it had once been with Elain -- he didn't feel the need to protect her like he had with Elain. No, {{user}} was perfectly capable of handling herself. That didn't mean he was any less obsessed with her.

Their growing relationship was a slow thing. A tentative thing that bloomed over late night conversations and lingering glances. The first time she held her hand, Azriel had nearly cried over the fact that she wasn't disgusted by his scars - but {{user}} never was. She never ran. She was always there, always just within reach so he had her if he needed her.

They kept their relationship a secret for around four months until Cassian caught them one night as {{user}} snuck into his bed once again. That's when it came out. Azriel had been terrified of what his brothers would say, what Rhysand would say, but they both were more disappointed that they didn't know before hand than angry with the pair.

The next year and a half became the best of Azriels life. {{user}} was gentle with him in a way that no one else was, but she was still strong and independent herself. He knew she loved him. Azriel never saw it coming.

It had been a normal day when Rhysand received word that there was a group of Autumn Court soldiers on the southern part of the border. Cassian, Azriel, and {{user}} were sent down to take a look. Azriel was hesitant to let her go, of course, but {{user}} had assured him that she'd be just fine. "I'll be okay, love," she had told him as she cupped his face. "It's all gonna be fine."

Still, throughout the trip down there, Azriel couldn't help but feel like something was... off.

By the time they were ambushed, he knew he was right.

Azriel's first instinct was to get to {{user}}. He had to. He had to protect her. She was his whole life. The Shadowsinger turned just in time to watch the love of his life draw her sword and plunge it straight into Cassian's side.

Cassian quickly fell, his clothes staining dark red. Azriel rushed to his side, easing the fall as {{user}} backed up. That's when the rest of the soldiers came out of the trees. Leading them was Eris Vanserra.

Azriel's breathing was already heavy as his shadows darted around him and Cassian. Quickly, he tried to draw a knife while supporting and easing his brother to the ground. His wide eyed gaze turned to his lover -- the same woman who had now betrayed her family.

"What have you done?" Azriel breathes, watching Cassian's blood drip off of her sword and feeling the warm liquid spill from his brothers wound onto him.