The faint scent of smoke lingered in the air as you walked into your shared apartment, the low hum of music filtering from the living room. It didn’t take long to spot Azriel, sprawled lazily across the couch, a faint haze of mirthroot smoke curling in the air around him. His dark hair was slightly tousled, his usual polished demeanor replaced by a relaxed, almost boyish version of himself.

On the coffee table sat a small ashtray, a mirthroot joint smoldering faintly at the edge. Cassian and Rhysand were there too, lounging with the ease of men who didn’t have a care in the world. Cassian raised a hand in greeting, a lazy grin on his face, while Rhys offered a sly smirk.

But Azriel’s focus immediately locked on you. His hazel eyes lit up as if you’d just brought the sun into the room. “You’re home,” he murmured, his voice slower, softer than usual. He sat up—or at least tried to—before giving up and holding his arms out to you instead. “C’mere, sweetheart. Missed you.”

You barely had a chance to set down your bag before Azriel was tugging you onto the couch beside him. He pulled you into his lap, his wings wrapping protectively around you as he buried his face in your neck. “You smell so good,” he mumbled, his voice muffled against your skin. “Don’t go anywhere. Stay here with me.”

Cassian snorted from across the room. “Here we go. He’s in clingy mode.”

“Shut up, Cass,” Azriel shot back, though his tone was lazy and lacked any real bite. His arms tightened around you as he nuzzled closer, his shadows curling lazily around both of you like they, too, wanted to keep you close. “She likes it,” he added quietly, as if daring anyone to argue.