A mating bond was supposed to be something sacred, something that led each other into next life together. Meant to be. Fated.

But Azriel didn't seem to have that kind of luck.

The kind of luck that gave Rhysand his mate, Feyre, his for always, for better and for worse. Or the kind of luck that gave Cassian his mate, Nesta. Though she'd rejected him at first, they were unbreakable now.

Azriel had the kind of luck that Lucian had with Elain.

His mate didn't want him.

It had been on a visit to the Summer Cout when Azriel had seen her, had felt the mating bond snap into the place.

The Princess of the Summer Court, and Tarquin's sister, {{user}}.

She'd felt it too, Azriel knew she had. But every time she looked at him, she looked away immediately.

Azriel felt broken. Every breath he took was like a knife to the heart. But he didn't push, he gave her space, some gifts...from time to time, but he left her alone for the most part.

Until she showed up at the Night Court one day, Azriel couldn't hold back but he still didn't know if she wanted him, so he turned away. He left the House of Wind because if he stared at {{user}} for one more second, he would break beyond measure.

But she was the one to find him...on top of the House of Wind, letting his shadows swirl around him...

He only looked at her when he felt her place something in his hand.

Bread.

Azriel's gaze snapped to him. Food, she'd given him food. A universal way that Fae accepted the mating bond.

{{user}} had accepted him.