Auriella walked through the woods alone, the moonlight beaming down upon her.

She kept her steady pace, her heart was beating out of her chest, feeling that it might burst at any moment. She wondered if she was getting ahead of herself if she should winnow back to the House of Wind and confine herself in her room.

Her mind urged her to turn back, but her heart yearned for her to keep moving forward, to head to the Spymaster's cabin.

Auriella didn't even know what she would say to him once she saw him. Her body was filled with too much nervousness to let her think straight. She felt the sweat build upon the palms of her hands, rubbing them on the fabric of her cardigan.

Mate. Mate. Mate. Her shadows whispered.

They danced all around her, brightening in the darkness. She smiled at them, feeling accomplished at improving her shadowsinger abilities. Doing it all without Azriel was a challenge, but she did it nonetheless, knowing that war was coming soon.

Auriella didn't know how she could be heading to her mate at a time like this, seeing all the havoc The Being had caused in the courts. For three months, her priority had been to find answers and seek the truth, and to fight off the creatures that tried to get into the courts. But now...

Everything had changed.

Auriella could see the cabin only a few feet away from her. Her heart hammered against her chest, mixed with anxiousness and excitement. She could hear the soothing sounds of the waterfall, but it did not make her heartbeat any slower.

As she stepped onto the wooden porch, Auriella wasn't able to hear any movement from inside. When she moved to the window, she could only see two candles burning on the nightstands.

It illuminated the cabin enough for her to see how minimal her mate lived. Everything inside was... simple. The entire space was his room, kitchen, and bathroom at the same time. It seemed that he didn't mind it, as long as it was his own.

Auriella smiled. She didn't know how the Spymaster of the Night Court could be so boring when it came to his home. She wished she could joke with him about it, teasing him until he kissed her to shut up. But she had no idea where their relationship stood.

Through the bond, she knew that he wasn't near. She wondered if he was in Velaris, visiting his companions or if he was off somewhere else; somewhere where he didn't have to see her face.

Auriella's heart tightened at the thought. She didn't want him to be avoiding her, even though she definitely deserved it. She wanted him to be near her, to speak with her, to kiss her or hold her tight. And if he wanted nothing but silence, she would give it to him for as long as he needed.

She never wanted to be without him again.

As she started walking away from her mate's home, Auriella couldn't help but glance at the waterfall. It gleamed upon the moon's reflection, making it more beautiful than it already was. She remembered feeling the cool water against her fingers the day before she left for the Dawn Court; the day that changed her forever.

Auriella walked towards it, stopping right before the water touched her feet.

She wondered how cool the water would feel against her body. It was as if it tempted her to submerge herself into it, to be at peace for a while and forget about everything that burdened her. She didn't want to think about her family, The Being, or about anything at all.

She only wanted a moment of peace.

Auriella shrugged off her cardigan, tossing it onto the grass. Before she took off the rest of her clothing, she looked behind her, hoping that there were no lingering eyes that spied upon her, but she knew that she was alone.

And once she was completely sure, Auriella stripped down to nothing.

She placed her bare feet into the water, the coolness sending chills up her body. She hissed but didn't back away from it. She continued descending into it, crossing her arms against her chest as the water went up to her waist.

The gentle breeze combined with the freezing water made her shiver, but it didn't faze her. She placed her focus on the waterfall, wondering what secrets laid behind it. Her shadows whispered in her ear, telling her to look for herself, and pulling her towards it.

A second later, Auriella submerged her entire body, swimming right underneath the rippling water. Her shadows didn't follow her, scattering themselves into the darkness of nature.

The Daughter of Dawn lifted herself up from beneath the surface, rubbing her eyes free from the water and pulling her hair away from her face. She took comfort in the seclusion, seeing how the water hid her away from the outside. It was as if she was able to leave all of her worries behind, letting her have a few minutes to herself, thinking about nothing else.

Auriella grinned, splashing the water in the air, letting it drip back onto her skin. She took in this moment of freedom, embraced the feeling of happiness that this brought her. She knew that it wouldn't last long, that she would have to leave and face reality once more.

At this moment, nothing mattered.

Only herself.

But before Auriella could do anything else, her eyes were glued to the writing on the concrete wall feet away from her. She made her way towards it, seeing that someone had taken a rock and repeatedly scratched out sentences that she couldn't make out anymore.

The only words that weren't scratched out were of her.

Daughter of Dawn. Mate.

Auriella. Mate.

Mate.

Her heart skipped a beat as she saw the words written underneath, making tears well up in her eyes.

I love her. I love her. I love her.

She covered her mouth with her hand, unable to believe what she was reading. For a moment, she believed herself to be in a dream, waiting to wake up at any moment.

But she was awake.

This was real.

Azriel loved her.

It had been long since she had felt such a feeling blossom in her chest. The last time she had ever felt like this was with Marcellus. He was someone who knew how to make her smile, even when they felt like happiness was an eternity away from them. They relied on each other, not just for pleasure, but for companionship and comfort.

Auriella had told Feyre that she never loved him, but she knew that it wasn't true. After seeing him die the way he did, she wasn't able to describe the pain in her heart. She wanted to run towards him, to take him into her arms, and never let him go.

After everything she had been through, it was a pain she never wanted to feel again. She wouldn't be able to bear it; the heartache, the loneliness, and the despair that it would reign upon her. She had been through it once and it almost killed her; almost sent her falling into the ocean that would swallow her whole.

But now that she had met her mate, it seemed that all of those thoughts had been thrown out the window. He had changed her life for the better, evolving her into the person she was today. Yes, she had much help along the way because of Rhysand and Feyre's kindness, along with their Inner Circle, but her mate had sprung hope into her again; hope that she wouldn't have to face the darkness alone.

She wanted him. She craved him. She loved him.

And it was clear that he thought the same.

Auriella placed her hand on top of his writing, "Oh, Spymaster... how I love you." She breathed, scanning his words over and over again.

Suddenly, Auriella went still as she sensed him near. It was as if her mind remembered what she was doing, bringing back the overbearing panic she felt when she first winnowed to the forest.

The bond roared to life, making heat rush through her veins. She could feel the sense of possessiveness coming from her mate, knowing that she was behind the waterfall without a piece of clothing on her.

Slowly, Auriella turned around.

Through the water, she was able to make out her mate's silhouette. It was as if he was staring right at her, ignoring the liquid that was between them. Even when she couldn't clearly see him, Auriella imagined him in his armor, looking like the unstoppable warrior that he was.

She remembered seeing him fight in the war with Hybern, slashing through anything and anyone that stood in his way. It was as if he were one of the gods, tearing down those that tried to get through him, and succeeded. He was someone who showed no mercy for those that stood against him or his court.

He was a man willing to fight for his family or anyone he cared about.

Even for his mate.

After a moment, Auriella could see him start to turn away.

No, she says down the bond.

She sees him turn to her once more.

Az..., Auriella trails off, unsure of what to say to him. It had been a week since they last spoke, their mating bond silent on both sides. It was as if they both were hesitant to say anything to the other, their thoughts hindering their true feelings.

Auriella? Azriel asks down the bond.

Her name was like honey off his tongue whenever he said it, making her skin blaze with desire for him. There was no one else she could ever want, could ever connect to the way she did with him. They were pieces of a puzzle, fitting next to one another perfectly.

He was hers and no one else's.

I love you. With all of my heart, body, and soul... I love you. I never want to spend another day, month, or year apart from you. I want this. I want you. I want everything. She admits to him, her eyes still on him.

Silence fell upon them.

Auriella didn't move. She didn't make a sound. She stared at her mate through the water, her heart beating out of her chest. She bawled her hands into fists, hoping that she wasn't wrong about him and his feelings. Tears welled in her eyes as she waited for his response, unable to take the anxiety that ran throughout her body.

But after a few moments, Auriella could see him shift. It took seconds for her to realize what he was doing.

Piece by piece, Azriel dropped his armor to the ground, stripping himself.

Auriella swallowed hard, feeling her body become hot for him. She licked her lips, wanting to leap out from behind the waterfall to touch him, but she was frozen in place. Her eyes were glued on him as he tossed his clothing away and started to descend into the water.

And when the water went up to his waist, she saw him tuck in his wings before he submerged himself completely, heading towards her.

Auriella's breathing hitched. She immediately turned around again, facing the concrete wall. Her emotions were all over the place, making her feel like she would explode.

Even when the shadow of her mate appeared on the wall, she felt like she couldn't breathe. She was exposed to him, showing him her scars, and revealing her every vulnerability. It was like he had twisted everything inside of her, making her very being spin with feelings that she couldn't describe.

For a long time, Marcellus was the only person she had been with. He was the first to receive everything of her. Mainly, she had sex with him to forget; to relieve the pain that Amarantha had inflicted upon her. She used him and he used her, letting them both have a moment of pleasure before facing reality once more.

But after Marcellus, she didn't do anything with anyone else... until Azriel.

Auriella could see his shadow grow smaller as he walked towards her, the water moving along with him. She was already aching for him, her breasts growing heavy as she felt the heat of his body right behind her.

She trembled as she felt Azriel's forehead touch the back of her head.

She felt him gently place his hand on her bare abdomen, feeling the rough skin touching the smoothness of hers. He pulled her back towards his chest, making her let out a sigh, becoming relieved at the contact.

She leaned her head back against his shoulder, "I'm sorry," Auriella breathed, "I'm sorry for leaving you for so long. I'm sorry for ignoring you. I'm sorry for hurting you."

Azriel lowered his head to her shoulder, planting kisses all the way to her neck, making her let out a breathless moan. He sucked lightly on her skin, keeping her against him. "You're sorry?" He asked, his tongue making circles around her throat.

Auriella whimpered, "Yes," she breathed once more, "Yes, I am."

The Spymaster's hand went lower, right below her navel, "Really?" He asked, kissing her jaw.

"Az, please," She begged, placing her hand on top of his, leading him even further down. He groaned as his fingers touched her underneath the water. Auriella hissed with pleasure as he started to move in circles, slowly and torturously. He kissed her neck, grazing his teeth over her skin.

Auriella put her arm back, keeping Azriel's head where it was. She slid her fingers into his hair, twisting the wet curls. She turned her head towards her mate, seeing those hazel eyes she had dreamt about every night. They were hungry, becoming restless with every minute that passed.

She was sure that her eyes held the same for him; filled with wanting and craving for them to entwine their bodies to become one. Neither of them hid their thoughts, clearly showing what the other wanted.

Auriella kissed him, "Mate," she breathed against his lips.

The single word was enough to free the Spymaster from his tethered state, crashing their lips together and plunging his fingers into her all at once. Auriella moaned into the kiss, already feeling herself tighten around him. His free hand took hold of her breast, his thumb grazing over her nipple.

Auriella bit down on his lip, tugging on it before letting go, and quickly placing their lips back together. She wasn't able to comprehend everything that she was feeling. It was as if she had lost herself in him, which she probably had, seeing as she was ready for this; ready to commit herself to him for eternity.

Underneath the water, another finger went in, making Auriella squirm against him. She felt herself rising to the peak as he went faster, her breathing growing heavy. She separated their lips, "Az!" she yelled, tightly shutting her eyes.

"Go ahead, sunlight." He murmured, planting a kiss on her cheek.

At the sound of his deep voice, Auriella came within seconds, her moans drowned out by the downpour behind them. She clutched her mate's hair, feeling herself grow weak from the pleasure. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as her mate slowly touched her sensitive core, whimpering as she rode out her orgasm completely.

And when Azriel removed his fingers, he immediately turned her around, placing her back against the concrete wall. He brought his hand up to her neck, keeping her there. He licked her bottom lip, his tongue entering her mouth, exploring.

Underneath the water, she could feel the tip of his erection brushing her leg. It was enough for arousal to overtake her once again. She resisted the urge to look down, wanting to see the sheer length of him. She was hungry; aching to his cock inside of her. She wanted to be ruined by him, to be fucked by him until they were both hoarse.

It was as if this bond had taken over her mind, whispering in her ear to do things that would drive her mad with wanting. Before she came to the Night Court, it was easy to ignore. But as they got to know each other, the bond slowly became restless, pulling her and Azriel together as the days passed. And now, self-control was no longer there for either of them.

Auriella gave into her mind, wrapping her hand around his cock - unable to reach her fingers around him completely.

The Spymaster gasped, separating their lips, "Fuck," he breathed, baring his teeth. His chest heaved up and down as she stroked him, her nails grazing the underside. She felt it twitch in her hand, making her smirk.

He placed his forehead on hers, shutting his eyes as she pumped him a bit faster. His hands were against the wall, body trembling as she touched him. She kept her eyes on his face, wanting to see exactly what she was doing to him.

Auriella dipped her head down to his neck, her tongue gliding up his throat. She sucked on his skin, humming as she left small red marks, kissing them once before moving on. She moved her hand faster, her mate letting out a deep groan. His hand went off the wall, slapping her ass hard.

She hissed, but she didn't stop. Instead, she went one step forward.

Auriella lifted her leg, wrapping it around his calf, pulling him closer. She placed the tip of his cock against her core, gliding it. Her eyes rolled back, becoming breathless once more.

"Ella... oh, fuck," Azriel moaned, dropping his head onto her shoulder. She whimpered as his teeth bit down on her skin hard, grunting as he was getting close to the point of release.

"Give me everything," Auriella breathed.

The Spymaster wrapped his arms around his mate, winnowing them into his cabin.

***

Auriella fell onto Azriel's bed, her body still wet. She gleamed in the moonlight that shined through the window above them. She sat up, grabbing his face, and pressed their lips together once more.

Azriel led them further onto the bed, which was quickly becoming drenched. But it didn't seem to bother either of them, their bodies pumping with heat and adrenaline. They were both aching for one another; wanting to fall into pleasurable ruin.

"Spread out for me, my love," Azriel breathed.

Auriella listened, opening her legs for her mate to settle in between them. He hovered above her, gently kissing her skin. "I have to go slow. I don't want to hurt you." He murmurs against her collarbone.

She nods, "I know. It's alright." She says to him.

He kisses her forehead, "Eyes on me, sunlight." He tells her.

Auriella looks up at him, taking a deep breath. She places her hand on his back, bracing herself. After years of not being active, she was sure that it would bring a world of pain if her mate had thrust himself in all at once, especially with the size of him.

She felt the tip of him at her entrance, gliding himself in slowly. He retreated back before going in again, a bit further than before. This time, Auriella could feel the prickle of pain as he opened her up more. She hissed but didn't stop him, knowing that it would pass.

She couldn't help but look down in between them, seeing just how massive he was. Her mouth watered at the sight of it, wondering how he would feel on her tongue. She wanted to taste him, to have him moaning her name as he released himself down her throat.

He would taste delightful... that was if he fit in her mouth.

She licked her lips, earning a chuckle from Azriel above her. His finger lifted her chin, making him look into his eyes once more. "That would be a treat, wouldn't it?" He muttered, seeing her dirty thoughts.

His thumb skimmed her bottom lip. Auriella immediately took it into her mouth, sucking on it while her eyes beheld Azriel's. She moved her head back and forth, showing her mate exactly what she would do once his cock touched her tongue.

She would take it, every last drop.

"I know you would, sunlight," Azriel said before plunging the rest of himself inside of her, making her cry out.