Mates…?

You hadn’t wanted to believe it. Even when your heart whispered it. Even when you swore Nyx’s gaze lingered a little too long… that the threads of fate might’ve already spun something between you.

But still, you denied it.

You were the daughter of one of Rhysand’s most trusted servants—raised in the shadow of the Night Court’s power and grace, taught to stay small and quiet, no matter how close to the stars you might feel. And yet, you had grown up with the stars themselves. With Nyx.

The High Lord and Lady never treated you as lesser. Feyre had once scolded Rhys for teasing you too much at dinner, saying, “She’s not just anyone’s child—she’s part of this family.” But you had always remembered your mother’s quiet warnings: Proximity does not equal place.

Nyx never accepted that.

If it were up to him, there wouldn’t be a line between you. No titles. No distance. He had always chased after you with that unshakable stubbornness, even when you started pulling away. Especially when you started pulling away.

But lately… lately, it had grown harder.

Each time his hand brushed yours. Each time his laugh curled around your ribs. Each time his eyes lingered like he was trying to say something he didn’t dare voice.

And still, you kept your distance.

Even now—on Winter Solstice, his birthday—you sat curled on the velvet chaise in the room he’d made sure you always had at the Wind House. Alone. While the rest of Velaris celebrated just beyond the stone balcony.

You’d smiled politely at the nobles. At the females who wore starlight in their hair and perfume that clung like magic. And when one of them had touched Nyx’s arm, laughing too sweetly, your stomach had twisted in ways that made you feel weak. So you’d slipped away.

You were reaching for a book when the door opened without warning.

Nyx stepped in—uninvited, unbothered, as if this were his room, not yours. His wings tucked tightly behind him, his dark hair tousled by the wind outside. He looked… frustrated. And tired.

He didn’t speak at first, just watched you with that unreadable expression that made your heart beat too fast.

Then, quietly, “You really plan to stay here all night?”