One-Shot: Shadows of Destiny
Summary:
Amidst the turmoil of a heated argument, an explosion forces Y/N to protect Azriel, resulting in both of them being injured. As Y/N tends to Azriel's unconscious form, the mating bond snaps into place, revealing their deep connection. When Azriel awakens, he must confront his feelings and the bond that has been hidden for years. Together, they face their newfound reality, united by a love that can withstand any challenge.
Word Count: 1118
Warnings: This story includes scenes of violence and injury, emotional distress, and themes of fear and guilt. There are mentions of medical procedures and some explicit language. If any of these topics are triggering for you, please read with caution.
The training room echoed with the clash of steel and the heavy breathing of the two combatants. Azriel and Y/N had been sparring for hours, their frustration and emotions fueling every strike and parry. The tension between them had been building for weeks, and tonight it had finally reached its breaking point.
"You're holding back!" Y/N shouted, her voice trembling with anger as she swung her blade at Azriel.
He deflected the blow with ease, his expression hard. "I'm not going to hurt you, Y/N."
"I don't need your protection, Azriel!" she snapped, stepping back to catch her breath. "I need you to treat me like an equal."
Azriel's jaw tightened as he lowered his sword. "You are my equal, but that doesn't mean I want to see you hurt."
Y/N’s eyes flashed with fury. "You don’t get it, do you? You never do! I’m not some fragile thing that needs to be coddled. I’m a warrior, just like you!"
Azriel’s shadows swirled around him, mirroring his agitation. "I know you’re strong, Y/N. But I can’t just turn off my feelings for you. I care about you too much."
"Care?" Y/N scoffed, tears of frustration welling in her eyes. "You think this is about care? It’s about respect. If you can’t respect me as a warrior, then what’s the point?"
Azriel took a step closer, his eyes burning with intensity. "I respect you more than anyone else. But watching you get hurt... it tears me apart."
Y/N’s breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. "Why? Why does it matter so much to you?"
Before Azriel could respond, a sudden explosion rocked the training room. The walls shook, and debris rained down around them. Y/N’s eyes widened in horror as she saw a large piece of the ceiling break free, heading straight for Azriel.
Without thinking, she lunged forward, pushing him out of the way. The debris struck her instead, knocking her to the ground. Azriel scrambled to her side, his shadows wrapping around them both protectively.
"Y/N!" he cried, his voice filled with panic.
She groaned, pain shooting through her body. "I'm fine," she managed to say, her voice weak. "Just... get us out of here."
Azriel scooped her up in his arms, his heart pounding with fear and guilt. He carried her out of the training room, his shadows helping to clear a path through the rubble. Once they were safe, he laid her down gently, his hands trembling.
"Stay with me, Y/N," he whispered, his voice breaking.
She nodded weakly, her vision blurring. "Azriel..."
As she lost consciousness, Azriel’s heart shattered. He had failed to protect her, failed to keep her safe. The guilt and fear consumed him as he held her close, his shadows wrapping around them both in a protective cocoon.
Y/N awoke in the healing quarters of the House of Wind, her body aching but her mind sharp. She tried to sit up, but a gentle hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"Easy," Majda, the healer, said softly. "You’ve been through a lot."
"Azriel," Y/N gasped, her heart racing. "Where is he?"
Majda’s expression turned somber. "He’s alive, but he’s in bad shape. He shielded you from the worst of the explosion. He hasn’t woken up yet."
Y/N’s heart clenched with fear and guilt. She had pushed him out of the way, but he had still been injured protecting her. "I need to see him."
Majda nodded, helping her to her feet. "He’s in the next room. But you need to rest too, Y/N. You’re still recovering."
Y/N nodded, but her focus was on Azriel. She moved to the next room, her heart breaking at the sight of him lying unconscious, his body covered in bandages. She approached his bedside, tears streaming down her face.
"I’m so sorry, Azriel," she whispered, taking his hand in hers. "I should have been more careful."
As she touched him, a sudden warmth spread through her, and she gasped as the mating bond snapped into place. It was an overwhelming sensation, a connection that went beyond anything she had ever felt. She knew, in that moment, that Azriel was her mate.
"Azriel," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please wake up. I need you."
Days passed, and Y/N stayed by Azriel’s side, her heart aching with the knowledge of their bond. She spoke to him, telling him stories and sharing her feelings, hoping that her voice would reach him.
Finally, one evening, Azriel stirred. His eyes fluttered open, and he looked around, disoriented. When his gaze landed on Y/N, a wave of relief washed over him.
"Y/N," he croaked, his voice weak.
She leaned forward, tears of joy streaming down her face. "I’m here, Azriel. I’m right here."
He reached out, his hand trembling as he cupped her cheek. "I thought I lost you."
She shook her head, her heart overflowing with love. "You saved me. You always save me."
Azriel took a deep breath, his eyes filled with emotion. "Y/N, there’s something I need to tell you."
She nodded, her heart pounding. "I know. I felt it too."
His eyes widened in surprise. "You did?"
She smiled, her tears falling freely. "Yes. The bond... it snapped into place when I touched you. I know you’re my mate, Azriel."
Relief and joy filled his eyes as he pulled her into a gentle embrace. "I’ve known for a while," he admitted, his voice trembling. "But I was afraid. Afraid of what it would mean for us."
She held him close, her heart bursting with love. "We’re in this together, Azriel. Always."
Their lips met in a desperate, passionate kiss, the weight of their words and the bond between them igniting a fire that had been smoldering for too long. They poured all their frustration, love, and longing into that kiss, finally allowing themselves to embrace the bond that had been waiting for them.
When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads remained pressed together, their breaths mingling. Azriel’s shadows wrapped around them both, a protective cocoon that shielded them from the world.
"I love you, Y/N," Azriel whispered, his voice filled with reverence.
"I love you too, Azriel," she replied, her heart full and whole.
In that moment, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, united by the bond that had finally snapped into place. Their love, forged in the heat of argument and tempered by their shared strength, was unbreakable. And as they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, they knew they had found their true home in each other.
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One-Shot: Gentle Shadows
Summary:
After getting injured during a mission, Y/N is confined to bed rest in the House of Wind. Azriel, determined to help her heal, bends over backwards to ensure her comfort and recovery. As he cares for her, their bond grows stronger, and Y/N realizes just how much she means to him. Together, they navigate her recovery, finding love and strength in each other's presence.
Word Count: 867
Warnings: This story includes scenes of injury and recovery, as well as moments of emotional vulnerability. There are also mentions of mission-related violence and mild language. Please read with caution if any of these topics are sensitive for you.
Y/N lay on the soft bed in the House of Wind, her leg bandaged and elevated on a stack of pillows. The mission had been successful, but she had taken a nasty fall during the retreat, injuring her leg. The healers had assured her it was nothing too serious, but she needed to rest and take it easy for a while.
Azriel entered the room quietly, a tray of food in his hands. His shadows, always a comforting presence, hovered around him. He placed the tray on the bedside table and gave her a gentle smile.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice soft with concern.
"Better," Y/N replied, returning his smile. "Just a bit sore."
Azriel nodded, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "You need to rest. The healers said you should take it easy for a few days."
Y/N sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and gratitude. "I know. I just hate being stuck in bed."
Azriel’s eyes softened with understanding. "I know it's hard, but you need to heal. And I'm here to help with anything you need."
Y/N felt a warm surge of affection for him. "Thank you, Azriel. You've already done so much."
He shook his head. "It's the least I can do. You risked your life out there. Taking care of you is the least I can do."
She reached out, taking his hand in hers. "I appreciate it more than you know."
Azriel squeezed her hand gently, his eyes filled with warmth. "You're strong, Y/N. But it's okay to let others take care of you sometimes."
She nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I know. And I'm lucky to have you."
Azriel leaned closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "You mean a lot to me, Y/N. I'll always be here for you."
Her heart skipped a beat at the intensity of his gaze. "You mean a lot to me too, Azriel."
They shared a quiet moment, the bond between them growing stronger. Finally, Azriel stood up and gestured to the tray of food. "I brought you something to eat. You need to keep your strength up."
Y/N smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. "Thank you. It looks delicious."
As she began to eat, Azriel busied himself around the room, fluffing her pillows, adjusting the blankets, and making sure she was comfortable. His attentiveness was both touching and slightly amusing.
"You know, you don't have to do all of this," Y/N said, a hint of laughter in her voice.
Azriel looked at her, a playful smile on his lips. "I want to. Besides, it's not every day I get to play nurse."
She laughed softly, the sound filling the room with warmth. "You're doing a great job."
As the evening wore on, Azriel stayed by her side, reading to her from one of her favorite books. His voice was soothing, and she found herself relaxing more than she had in days.
"You're really good at this," she said, her eyes growing heavy.
"At what?" he asked, glancing up from the book.
"Taking care of me," she replied, her voice soft with gratitude.
Azriel smiled, his eyes twinkling. "It's easy when it's you."
As sleep began to claim her, Y/N reached out and took his hand again. "Thank you, Azriel. For everything."
He squeezed her hand gently, his voice a tender whisper. "Always, Y/N. Sweet dreams."
As she drifted off to sleep, Y/N felt a deep sense of contentment. She was surrounded by love and care, and she knew that with Azriel by her side, she could face anything.
And as Azriel watched over her, his shadows wrapping around them both protectively, he knew that there was nowhere else he would rather be. Taking care of Y/N was not a burden—it was a privilege, one he cherished more than anything.
Over the next few days, Azriel continued to care for Y/N with unwavering dedication. He brought her meals, helped her with her exercises, and even entertained her with stories of his past missions. His presence was a constant source of comfort and strength.
One afternoon, as they sat together on the balcony, enjoying the warm sunlight, Y/N looked at him with a smile. "You know, you make a pretty good nurse."
Azriel chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "I'll take that as a compliment."
She reached out and took his hand, her expression serious. "It is. You've been amazing, Azriel. I don't know what I would have done without you."
He squeezed her hand gently, his eyes filled with warmth. "I'll always be here for you, Y/N. No matter what."
Her heart swelled with love and gratitude. "And I'll always be here for you."
As they sat there, hand in hand, the bond between them grew even stronger. They knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, united by their love and the strength they found in each other.
And as the sun set over Velaris, casting a golden glow over the city, Y/N and Azriel knew that their hearts had found their true home—in each other.
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