You had barely known Azriel when the mating bond snapped into place. It happened on a quiet morning when you bumped into him. You made polite conversation and both your eyes widened as you felt the bond string into place.

You knew he was trying; the both of you were. But you couldn't blame him if he wanted to be with other women, he barely knew you; you barely knew him. You didn't know what the Cauldron was thinking. You knew for a fact that there was something there; maybe something that could be cultivated with time. You enjoyed his presence and he seemed to enjoy yours.

He wasn't obligated to be loyal; after all there wasn't much to be loyal to. He was your mate after all, would he even have acknowledged you if not for the bond?

You couldn't burn the image out of your head, him kissing Elain. You easily ignored the longing looks he sent to Mor; with enough imagination you could just will the looks away but this was real. Too real.

Was he going to reject the bond now? You knew that just because the Cauldron matched you didn't mean that it was right but, he didn't even try. You hardly spent any time with him since you found out. At least not as much as you hoped for. Was he going to reject you? Were you going to be mateless for the rest-

You take in a sharp breath and clear your head. Overthinking would do you no good. The next few weeks few by quickly; pestering Rhysand for missions and keeping yourself busy. You barely spoke to Azriel these days; not even sparing him a glance at the usual Night Court dinners.

You feel the pop of your back as you stretch like a cat— returning to the Night Court after being away for a few days. You were sore and bruised from all the mission but nothing too major; nothing you- A quiet knock is heard at the door.

You open the door with an inquisitive look on your face. Oh, it's Azriel. The look he gives you is far from joyful— he looks angry as if he was containing some sort of annoyance. "{{user}}. Where were you?" His tone clipped as his jaw clenches.