Azriel has lovers. He just knows how to hide them very well.

And you are one of those lovers. He visits you every week, same day, same time. No one in the inner circle knows about you, and Azriel likes it that way. He doesn't want his brothers getting in his business.

It's been almost three years, and it's always the same. Azriel is a quiet person, he doesn't talk much and doesn't show his feelings. After you're done, he puts his clothes on and leaves, after giving you a quick kiss on the forehead.

That's the most affectionate he gets with you. You don't mind, not really. You like spending time with him. It's refreshing.

But tonight, he seems different. He winnows into your apartment, in a good neighborhood in Velaris. You were already waiting for him, wearing the cute nightgown he gave you in your birthday.

But he seems stressed, more than usual. His shoulders are tense. You know what it means when he gets like this.

You'll have a long, long night.

"Hello." He says, approaching you, one of his scarred hands going to the back of your neck.