Pushing her gently against the shower wall with his body, one of his scarred hands snakes up her side and arm, intertwining their fingers. His other hand dips low, fingertips trailing below her belly as he leans into her ear.
His voice rumbles and would be likened to crushed velvet if it was a physical anomaly. "Are you sure about this, my sweet melody?"
Gwyn shudders and pants hard, her core throbbing for him. Needing him, needing her mate in ways she has never wanted or needed anything in her entire life. More importantly, she trusts him. With her entire being.
"Yes", she whispers.
Those glorious fingers dip down to stroke her cunt, dripping for him. The moment they make contact, she can't help but let out a whine. A noise so unfitting for a proper female or a Valkyrie, but she can't bring herself to give one single fuck. She needs more. More.
"More", she moans, and he chuckles darkly. He circles her clit, causing her hips to buck towards him and her breaths to come harder and faster. Gwyn grips his shoulder with her free hand and props her leg up on the side of the tub.
The growl that escapes Azriel is primal, and it sends another jolt of electricity through her. His fingers delve into her, stretching her slowly as she mewls his name, her head lolling back with the intensity of the pleasure. A pleasure she never knew and could have never imagined could be so...delicious.
For the first time, Gwyn feels no insecurity, no fear, no panic. Just potent want and love for her mate. Something she needed from him to move towards their future.
He moves his fingers inside her, plunging them shallow then deeper, over and over, driving her mad. When he adds a third, she whimpers his name and his eyes meet hers. "Are you alright?", he asks, his voice utterly husky, never ceasing to turn her on more.
"Gods, yes, Az. Oh, fuck."
His smirk is feral as he continues, a look of hunger in his eyes as he watches his ministrations as his fingers disappear inside of her one more. He brings his thumb up to circle her clit again with more pressure, and she bucks her hips involuntarily this time, moaning loudly.
"A-Azriel! Y-yes…ohh!"
His wings shudder at her whines of approval and his cock hardens nearly unbearably again. He works her into a frenzy and curls his fingers inside her, causing her legs to tremble and her repetitive moans of pleasure to ring out in the echo of the large washroom.
Azriel kisses up her neck and sucks on the sensitive part of her flesh between her shoulder and neck. "Come for me, my delectable mate. Don't hold back." He pumps his fingers quicker and she squeals, her nails digging into his shoulder painfully, but the bite of them only excites him more.
"Yes...good girl, Gwyn."
She lets out a loud squeak as she comes hard, clenching around his fingers. Her body trembles with the intensity of it and he slowly pulls his fingers out of her, smirking devilishly as he brings them to his lips and sucks them clean.
Gwyn's eyes widen more than he's ever seen, and he allows himself to laugh; a deep, hoarse sound of glee from making his mate orgasm for the first time.
Azriel gently coaxes her leg off of the tub ledge and releases her other hand, hands quickly going to her waist to steady her, pulling her close and wrapping his wings around them as he peppers her in soft kisses, mostly holding her up.
"Az", she murmurs.
"I'm here, Gwyn", he says softly, smiling when she looks up at him, flushed and disheveled. "You are perfect", he breathes. "Perfect. Beautiful. Flawless."
The weight of his words hit her, and she tears up, forcing herself up on her tiptoes to kiss him lovingly, her fingers snaking into his wet onyx hair.
He kisses her back, pouring his emotions into it. He never wants to lose her. He can be a good mate. He can deserve her. He is allowed to be happy. Those thoughts make his head swim as her kiss makes him feel lighter somehow, less burdened, less pained. Like a drug.
"Gwyn", he murmurs on her lips airily as he cups the back of her head, kissing her deeper, his tongue darting into her mouth to taste her, to feel her tongue against him. To be utterly consumed by her.
She responds eagerly and hums pleasurably, her free hand stroking his bicep. Once they pull away for air, she smiles and pants. "Mine."
Azriel blushes and puts his forehead against Gwyn's, his gaze locked onto hers, overwhelmed by her love and trust. "As long as you'll have me, Gwyneth."
"Then I suppose you will be stuck with me for the rest of your immortal life then, shadowsinger", she teases, a soft smile coming to her pink lips, swollen from their kisses.
He grins genuinely and kisses the crown of her head. "How was that, by the way?", he mumbles, kissing the shell of her ear.
Gwyn bites her lip and cuddles closer, pressing her naked body against his. "It was...it was...I don't even know if I can find the right word. Perfect, Azriel. You are incredible and gentle and considerate and I love you more than anything in the world."
Her eyes sparkle as she cups his face, stroking his cheekbones. "I loved it. I don't panic once. You make me feel safe. And I know that if I was ever uncomfortable, you would help me through it."
"I love you too. And yes, I would stop, and we would figure it out." He nuzzles her nose with his own and rubs her back, reveling in her warmth and the feel of her soft skin against his.
"What if...", she trails off for a moment, thinking. "What if I wanted to keep the steam going?"
He raises an eyebrow and chuckles. "Meaning?"
"She rubs the back of her neck shyly and blushes. "What if I want you to take away the fear of a male leering over me...or...being inside me?"
His cheeks flush and he swallows. "Gwyn, I don't want you to rush. I don't want you to think that we have to rush. I told you—"
"I know what you told me, Az", she says quietly. "And I appreciate it. I'm just...I'm sick of that nightmare. I'm sick of equating it to pain and fear. I-I...you could change that for me. Maybe we could at least try? And I could tell you if anything bothers me. I'm sure you would notice anyway. Plus, I—", she pauses for a moment. "I could have lost you today. And I realized that each moment we have s precious. I don't want to have known my mate without feeling like...like we were one. Without ever solidifying our bond. I want that; I want you. Always."
Azriel swallows and tries to curb the still-pulsing need in his cock as he looks at her, her freckles seeming to dance like constellations upon her face. "If you are sure, I would do anything for you. You know that."
Gwyn blushes and nods, shutting the water off and slipping out of the shower, tossing him a towel as she wraps one loosely around herself. She can't help but glance at his hardness again before he covers up, chewing on her lip nervously.
Azriel catches the motion and raises an eyebrow. "Second thoughts already?"
"No...no. Just..."
"We are mates, Gwyn. We are compatible", he smiles, somehow realizing where her mind was going.
'Maybe it was too much of a juvenile thought', she thinks.
"Well, you are...big."
He chuckles a deep, hearty laugh and she can't help but giggle softly. "Stop laughinggg, I don't know!"
He grins and tips her chin up. "You know how I used my fingers to stretch you gently?"
Gwyn nearly shudders but nods.
"I would go just as slow with my cock. I'd make sure you adjusted perfectly and that you were comfortable. Though I'd certainly be aiming for much more than just comfortable by the time we were finished", he winks.
A grin spreads across her face and she rubs his chest tenderly. "You're being flirty and gentlemanly at the same time. Your flirty side is new, and I quite like it. I love that you can be so open and so yourself with me. No masks or hesitation. No thinking about your expression or words. Just...you. Freely. It makes me love you more."
Azriel swallows hard and nearly turns away as he feels the tears that threaten his eyes. But her words seem to sink into his chest like a warm safety net and he lets her see his vulnerability.
"Az", she whispers. "I love you. I choose you. Always. Honestly, even if we weren't mates, I'd be just as in love with you as I am now."
"You think so?"
She nods and presses a soft kiss over his heart. "I know so. We work too well together to not have at least tried this. Mate bond or no. But I do enjoy it, because it's like my own little tracker that lets me know you are safe when you're on missions", she grins.
Azriel finds himself letting out another laugh as he wraps his arms around her, his wings fluttering. He kisses her temple and sways. "It's nice. Knowing that someone cares if I make it home", he says quietly. "I mean, more than for...y'know. What I'm useful for."
This time Gwyn tears up, peering up at him from under her lashes. "You are not just what you can do, Azriel. You're so much more than your job or your magic." She lifts her hand and strokes over his heart lightly, her fingertips brushing over his skin. "You are...caring and intelligent and funny and strong, and even if you lost everything tomorrow—your abilities or your wings or even your memories, I'd still love you and I'd still be yours because your heart is there. I would never give up on you."
He sniffles and nuzzles her neck as she wraps her arms around him, teasing his hair softly. "I choose you, love", she whispers, feeling his tears drip onto her freckled skin. "Forever and always, Az. I would choose you over and over again forever. No matter what happens, I promise. I have so much love for you."
You're perfect", he mumbles.
"No. I'm not. I don't think anyone is truly perfect. But we are perfect together; we fit. We were meant to fit. We went through hell and back to deserve one another." She pulls away gently and takes his hand, holding it up between them as she interlocks their fingers. "Like ribbons of light and shadow", she smiles. "Twin flames who perfectly contrast."
A stray tear makes its way down Azriel's cheek, and she strokes it away with her left thumb. He leans down and kisses across her throat—across that beautiful damned tattoo of waves in a crescendo.
Gripping his right hand, she leads him back into their bedroom and moves over to their bed, sitting on the edge of it. Azriel takes a shuddering breath and looks over her in the light of the sun pouring in the windows, his breath catching in his throat from her beauty. Her copper hair looks molten, and her eyes look as vast and tropical as the sea.
"Gods", he grumbles.
She smiles shyly and looks up at him. "You flatter me too much, and I'll begin to expect it, shadowsinger."
"Maybe you should expect it", he smiles, stroking her shoulders. "You're just so...stunning."
Gwyn blushes and stands up, pecking his lips before letting her towel drop, biting her lip. He swallows and allows his hands to wander, knowing that if she is uncomfortable, she will tell him. Trust. Love. She is not a porcelain doll.
She lets him touch her, lets him trail his roughened palms and scarred fingers over her skin, and she shivers, enjoying the feel of it—of him. The warmth and the gruffness.
Azriel drinks her in, hunger and adoration in his eyes, placing his hands on her sides before stroking down over her hips then back up, over the curve of her breasts, his tongue darting out to lick his lips. Her eyes flutter and she lets out a breath, murmuring his name.
A soft smile plays on her lips as she meets his eyes again. "Let me climb into bed. Join me?"
Az shudders a bit and nods, moving over to his side of the bed and taking off his towel before laying down on his side, careful of his wings. She lies next to him and turns to him slightly, playing with his fingers.
"I'm not afraid of you touching me. You didn't make me panic once, Az. That's a big deal for me. And you know that it wouldn't be you that I freak out about anyway but...I feel so safe with you. I mean—", her cheeks redden. "What just happened in the washroom, I never...never knew it could feel like that. I never knew what to expect except pain and humiliation and disgust. But with you, all I felt was love and pleasure. And I found that I want that with you as much as you will have me."
Azriel pulls her close against him tenderly and kisses her deeply. She kisses back, the plumpness of his lips soft against hers as they move in sync as if they belong together. Because they do. They are two parts of a puzzle. A perfect fit.
Gwyn moans softly and moves closer to his body, rubbing his chest. He plays with her tongue and moves his hand up her skin, stroking her breast and dragging the pad of his thumb over her taut nipple.
A small gasp of pleasure escapes her and she pulls away to kiss down his jaw and neck, her hands still stroking over his warm skin, grounding herself to him.
He shifts them and positions himself above her, his wings on full display as they splay out behind him like two large umbrellas, shielding their dirty deeds from the window. Gwyn can't help but gawk at his entire form, fully bare, muscled, and primal. The body of a true warrior, the strength of a fighter, and the grace of a lover. This bare and vulnerable form of his that he does not show very freely. "Gorgeous", she breathes, tracing over his abs as he hums pleasurably.
His eyes are dilated as she looks into them, smiling. Their bond tugs at them insistently, desperate for them to solidify it by their joining. She blushes and he licks his lips, his gaze roving over her nude form under him.
"Let me taste you", he groans deeply, breathing in her lovely scent; sea salt and berries. The most delectable thing he'd ever know.
It wasn't so much of a question as a pleaful demand, but she shudders at the raw need in those four little words. "Yes", she murmurs, swallowing down her shyness.
He lets out a gravelly growl and lowers to kiss her tattooed neck, once again taking his time on the sensitive spot before making his way down her collarbone, then along the swell of her breast as she lets out a breathy moan. "A-Az..."
Peeking up at her, a soft smile plays on his lips, a sharp contrast to the blazing desire in his eyes. "Yes?"
She pants and turns red. "Keep going..."
"Whatever you please, my love", he murmurs, taking the hardened peak in his mouth and swirling his tongue, groaning when she fits his hair between her fingers in pleasure, so unused to these new feelings.
"Ohhh", she moans his name, bringing a leg up to rest on his hip, opening her legs wider for him. His hold tightens on her hips, his fingers digging into the soft flesh there, as she breathes harder.
"Gwyn", he snarls lightly. "You're not making it easy to resist taking you already." His breathing is labored, and his eyes look like molten bronze as he gazes over her. She licks her lips and a jolt of excitement runs through her spine, making her shudder, their mate bond heightening her desire for him.
"Why are you resisting then?", she breathes out, bringing a hand up to cup his cheek.
"Because I'll be damned if I act like a savage and don't even get to feast on you before I have you. Plus, I need you to be more than accepting, more than ready. You must be fucking dripping with need and writhing enough under my tongue to beg for more."
She gasps and goosebumps erupt on her skin as he grins ferally, before kissing back up her body slowly, stopping near her ear. His hot breath tickles her ear as he murmurs. "Remember, little mate, that I am a spymaster. I know the kinds of books you read. No need to pretend to be scandalized."
Her body shivers again as he drags his roughened hands over her skin.
The hands that saved me and please me.
"I-I have read some of these...things. But—"
"But you have never had the opportunity to be the one to feel them. Allow me to become one of your fictional boys, hm?", he murmurs, kissing down her back and between her breasts.
Gwyn chuffs out a laugh and pants, lowering her gaze to his from his position between her breasts. "Az, you're much better than those fake males. You are brilliant, handsome, and...gods, you are sexy." Her eyes sparkle as she gazes at him, looking over his body.
His grin lights her up as he continues his exploration of her skin with his lips. She moans lightly, focusing on the feel of his hot kisses that ignite every nerve in her body. "Azriel", she murmurs. "Azzy...my mate."
He groans on her skin and strokes her inner thighs, causing her to gasp lightly when he lowers his kisses to them, paying special attention to the sensitive skin there.
She arches her back a bit and the scent of her arousal pulls at every desire within him. "Spread your legs, love", he requests, his voice like liquid night.
Gwyn pants and strokes through his hair, swallowing hard as she shyly opens up for him, turning red when he growls in pleasure, his mouth kissing closer to her core.
"A-Az..."
"I'm here. It's me, Gwyn", he glances up at her. She takes a breath and blushes more, nodding.
"I love you."
"I love you", he smirks, and finally drags his tongue up her core. She moans louder, fisting his hair in her hand.
"Ahh—Ohhh...I-!"
Azriel strokes small circles on her thighs with his thumbs as he feasts on her, groaning in pleasure at her taste—his mate's taste. Every stroke of his tongue draws out small mewling noises from her that make him needier, harder, and more desperate to make her come undone. The only one to make her come undone.
As she begins to squirm beneath him, his darker side begins to enjoy it even more, knowing she is close to the edge and thriving in being the one to drive her there.
"Oh! Ahh…A-Azriel!", she whimpers, feeling herself creeping towards the precipice, her legs beginning to tremble as his hot mouth comes down on her clit.
"Az!", she squeals, her free hand gripping the sheets and the other tugging his hair as she comes hard onto his tongue as he continues to coax light pleasure from her through her orgasm.
Her breaths come fast and he pulls away slowly, his smile bordering predatory, which somehow excites her more.
Azriel takes his time kissing up her body, murmuring compliments between each kiss, enjoying how flushed she is. His cock throbs with need and he swallows hard, trying his best to ignore it. This is about Gwyn, not him. This has to be about her, she is the one in control. She needs to feel safe and comfortable. He will do whatever she needs, nothing more or less.
She continues to pant as she meets his eyes. "I—how...", her cheeks turn deep red and he grins proudly.
"You're delicious, Berdara."
"Oh, fuck", she pants. "You...that—that felt so...incredible. You're very er, skilled."
Azriel laughs softly and lies beside her, fluttering his wings to shake off a bit of the tension and need running through his veins, despite not being able to hide his raging erection.
Of course, Gwyn takes notice and smirks a bit. "Would you like me to help you again? Or would you rather have me?"
His lips part and his eyes widen slightly. "Gwyn—are you sure?"
"I'm okay, Az. I'm with you, my mate. I'll tell you if I'm starting to panic. I promise. I—", she pauses for a moment. "I want to be good for you. I don't want this to hold me back from you. I want...", she runs a hair through her coppery hair slightly frustrated. "I want to enjoy you...like Nesta and Cassian enjoy one another. I'm tired of being afraid of this. And right now, I'm not. I'm totally at ease. I want to take control over how I feel about my body. I want it to be mine again, and I want to share it with you, Az. Only you. Always."
He pants and leans down, kissing her passionately and allowing her hands to roam his body, stroke his length, prove that he is hers, she is his, and that she will always be safe with him. Groaning softly into her mouth, he settles between her legs, trailing his fingers over her hip and kissing down her jaw. "I take the tea every day", he mumbles, remembering that he should mention that to put her more at ease.
Gwyn chuckles airily and pants, dragging her hand through his hair and tilting her head to give him more access. "That's good. Wh—ohh...while I would love to eventually one day have children with you, I am in no way ready at the moment."
Az smiles on her skin and pecks her lips sensually. "I feel the same way."
Her teal eyes twinkle as she beholds him and his hazel ones meet them with equal intensity. "Now, prove to me what true pleasure can be, shadowsinger", she murmurs, moving in to nibble his earlobe.
"My honor", he groans, stroking the head of his cock against her slick entrance. He can't help the smirk that graces his lips at the gasp and loll of her head onto the pillow. "I will be gentle."
"I know you will, Az", she replies breathlessly. "I'm ready."
He pushes into her slowly and pants, his head dipping to the curve of her neck as he strokes her thigh gently.
Her fingers grip his shoulders as his wings once again flare out over them. She breathes out as he stretches her, her eyes taking in his pinched face, his wingspan, his muscles, everything about the caring male before her, distracting herself from the initial sting of it.
"Are you okay?", he murmurs.
"Mhmm", she pants and looks up at him gazing down at her. "Adjusting...grounding myself to you", she whispers. "Thank you."
"Don't ever thank me for doing something normal. I love you, Gwyn." Leaning down, he kisses her as he begins to move slightly, eliciting a small moan from Gwyn into his mouth.
She fists his hair and grips one of his shoulders tightly, a shudder running through her body as their bond is pulled taut, singing between them with electricity. "Az", she moans.
Growling lightly he nibbles her neck and pants. "Yes?"
"Ohhh! I—gods...you feel good."
He chuckles breathlessly and places his forehead on hers, looking into her eyes as he thrusts into her slowly yet steadily, his hands roving over her hips and thighs as she moans. He then strokes up her body and cups her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her hardened nipples as she mewls softly.
"A-Azriel..."
"Hmm?"
"Gods. Oh, gods...d-don't stop, please. Gods, you feel so good."
His body shivers and his wings flutter, coming down around their bodies like curtains as he begins to move quicker, moaning her name erotically. "Gwyn...Gwyn...", he chants, groaning in pleasure.
She tips her head back and moans his name, beginning to rock her hips against his, meeting him thrust for thrust. "M-More...Az...I—"
He rocks into her deeper, his cock nearly balls deep inside of her as they both take their pleasure from one another.
Soon it becomes harder and more insistent, skin on skin and neither of them are quiet. The tension in her abdomen builds and builds, inching her closer and closer to the edge of completion as she squeals, her fingernails digging into his flesh. "Azriel! I—!"
Az growls and grips her hips, angling her so he can move as deep as possible, his own orgasm building up fast. She pulls a hand from his shoulder and reaches over, gently stroking the membrane of his wing carefully and tenderly. "Love", she pants hard.
Azriel comes hard when she touches his wings, and Gwyn squeals his name, tumbling over the edge with him, both bodies trembling and shuddering together.
Together. As mates.
.
.
.
His wings are tucked around them as Azriel holds Gwyn close to his chest. She draws circles on his chest absently as he rubs her back, both of them coming down from their high.
"I love you", she whispers, looking up at him. "And it sounds weird to say thank you, so I won't but...it wasn't just sex to me. It...it was me taking my power back. Allowing me to enjoy something I thought I would never be able to enjoy. I had my choice taken away from me back then, I had my first time tainted, and I had my life upturned and my body defiled. You let me choose. You let me be the guiding voice. You let me feel, instead of doubting me. I'm so grateful for you, Azzy. I couldn't have a more magnificent mate and it still feels so surreal. So...yes, thank you. For being everything I need and want."
"I love you too." He leans down and presses a soft kiss to her lips. "I love you", he murmurs and kisses her again. "I love you so much", he whispers on her lips, kissing her more firmly a third time. "I don't deserve you."
Gwyn tears up and cups his cheek. "You do, Az. You deserve me. And I deserve you. We were meant for one another."
He tears up slightly and nuzzles her neck, relishing in her warmth. His shadows swarm into the room to join them, buzzing and talking all at once in their too-high-pitched whispers, brushing against their master and mate happily.
Gwyn laughs and a smile blooms on her face. "There you all are. I can see you're happy for us. Which is good, because I'm happy too. Elated." She looks over at Azriel and giggles softly, cuddling closer to his sweat-slicked skin; her own clings to his, as they both feel their bond glowing in their chests, tightening and reaffirming.
.
.
.
The next morning comes and Gwyn awakens to a surprise.
"I can't believe you did all of this for me!"
Az smirks handsomely, clad in nothing but his boxers and a 'kiss the cook' apron that Gwyn had got him as a housewarming gift. He's holding a tray with breakfast on it; strawberry pancakes—her favorite—with tea and a side of yogurt and berries.
"I figured we could celebrate such a joyous occasion. You have all your power back, our mate bond is permanently validated, and me...well, I'm just fucking lucky to have a mate as fantastic as you, Gwyneth. I'd do anything for you."
She sits up, now in a bra and a pair of shorts. "Well then park yourself on these fresh sheets because I'm starving, and I want to eat and cuddle the day away. I hope you don't have anything planned. Or Rhys..."
"No. I don't. I'm sure I will have to give him a report at some point today unfortunately, but as of right now, I want to spend time with you. He laughs softly and climbs back into bed, a small groan falling from his lips. He steadies the tray and tries to move his wings out of the way as she giggles.
"That must be annoying sometimes."
"All the time", he huffs, pouting.
"Well for what it's worth, it makes me quite proud that my mate has the biggest wingspan", she smirks, biting her lip.
Azriel blushes and rolls his eyes, flattered. He cuts up the food and begins to feed her as she raises an eyebrow. "All for you, little mate."
"Are you okay though? What was that groan for?"
He shrugs and brushes it off. "It was nothing. Just a bit sore from being stabbed. I know you healed the wound but it had punctured some muscle so...just residual soreness. I'm fine."
Gwyn looks at him with concern. "Az..."
"I'm fine." He shows her his side. "See? There is nothing."
"Alright...by the way, these pancakes are heaven, Az. Much like you."
"Oh gods", he mumbles, his cheeks turning pinker. "I am much more comparable to hell, darling."
"Not to me. You are my angel." Gwyn grins brightly and nuzzles his cheek. "You make me feel powerful and safe. I want to make you feel confident and worthy. Because you should be. I'm going to compliment you every day until you realize it's true and can realize that you are a great fucking person."
He turns his gaze and looks at her, feeding her another bite of food as his shadows settle around their arms. "Okay", he breathes out quietly. "Only because I've quickly realized that it's no use arguing with you", he winks.
Smiling, she takes the fork and feeds him a bite as well, before poking his nose. "Good male", she giggles.
"Hey, you're lucky I know when to be quiet, unlike Cassian. I am also glad that you aren't as scary as Nesta", he chuckles.
Gwyn snorts. "On occasion." She scoops up some yogurt with her finger and pops it on his nose, laughing.
He gapes at her like a fish out of water, which only makes her laugh harder, more gleefully, before she leans in and kisses it off.
"Mm", she giggles, licking her lips. "You know, I have read some very interesting things in those Sellyn Drake novels that involve food...such as whipped cream."
Azriel almost chokes on his bite and covers his mouth to cough as she laughs.
"My, my, shadowsinger, are you so modest?"
"No! Far, far, from it. I can be downright—", he wipes his mouth and levels her with a glare. "That was a trap."
"Well, if you are so sure you're comparable to hell", she smirks. "I knew you had a dark side, but I wonder if in the future you'll ever show it to me."
Azriel's face drops a bit, and he swallows. "Gwyn, I am not proud of some of my past exploits...or the fact that I enjoyed them."
"You don't scare me."
"No, I don't because I've never given you a reason to be scared. Some females...believe it or not they get turned on by terror. So...I was what they wanted. And it...", he sighs. "It's just a dark part of me that I don't want ever touching you. Not to even mention my job..."
"Azriel, I've already seen you soaked in another's blood, as well as your own. I've seen you slaughter dozens in a matter of minutes. I've seen you take pleasure in cutting a male's tongue out for atrocities he committed against other females as he bragged about it. Dark, sexual exploits do not scare me regarding you, because I know that as ominous as you think you could be, you pride yourself on consent like any other very good male. You are not evil, Azriel. I think that you think that somehow you innately are for your powers, your darkness. You are not. Gods, Az. You are not evil, sadistic, or anything like that, ever. You do your job, and then you hang that hat. It is not who you are. Plus, it is only against the guilty and deranged, never the innocent. And...y'know, some dark fantasies are normal. But you are a good person."
He pulls her close and nuzzles her neck, breathing in her scent. "I don't mind being the bad guy when I have to be."
"No. But you're not inherently bad. At all. Az, you're mated to me. If you were bad, I would be bad, at least on the inside."
He shakes his head, and she grabs his face. "You're good. And my point was simply that if, in the future, we want to explore other...sexual things, then we can. Together. Okay?"
Azriel nods weakly and meets her eyes.
"I'm stronger than you may think. I wish I had proven that to you already. And as I've said, if it's with you, I'll be okay. We can work together."
"You are strong Gwyn. You're my love, and I don't want...I...I don't like when you see that bad side of me. I don't want to be that way."
"You don't ever have to do anything you don't want to. Neither do I. That is why we have one another."
"I know", he murmurs, kissing her cheek. "I'm sorry I spoiled the mood."
"You didn't. Your feelings are just as valid as mine." She strokes his cheek and tips his chin to look at her. "We'll both have bad moments, hm? I'm here for you just as you're here for me. I love you."
"I love you, too."
She smiles and feeds him another bite of pancakes then eats some berries. She curls into his side and he wraps an arm around her.
"Maybe we can go flying after breakfast?"
He raises an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yeah. As long as you don't do those drops", she shudders.
He smiles. "Deal."
"Maybe I can convince Uncle Lucien to talk Helion into letting me use one of his Pegasi so I can fly with you instead of being carried by you one day", she giggles.
Azriel chuckles and snorts, shaking his head. "Uncle Lucien...gods...I don't know when I'll ever get over that..." He nuzzles her cheek. "But that would be a sight to see, Valkyrie."
Gwyn grins and turns her face, kissing him lovingly, half-laughing on his lips.
"Marry me, Gwyn", he murmurs.
Gwyn pulls away and gawks. "Wh-what?"
Azriel turns red and clears his throat. "Sorry...I—"
"No, say...ask me."
Azriel sits up on his elbow, a look of fear on his face as he takes her in, releasing a shaking breath. "Gwyneth Berdara. Gwyn. Uhh...my lovely melody, and the moonlight to my shadow. I've needed you my entire life and it's so surreal to have you. To deserve you and be your mate and I-I don't think I could ever go on without you for one single day now that you're mine. And I want to prove that to everyone I ever meet, despite it being super dangerous, but I-I think I can protect you and—"
"Azriel", she exclaims, gripping his face between her freckled hands and staring into his eyes. "We will overcome any obstacle there is to overcome. Together. Please...don't doubt it now."
He swallows hard and brings a trembling hand up to her face, his scarred fingers lightly brushing over the pink of her cheek. "Will you marry me? Will you do me the greatest honor by making me your husband?"
She tears up but grins brightly, from ear to ear. "Yes. Yes, I will marry you, Az. I will be just as honored to be your wife."
"I-I will get you a ring. I just...I couldn't wait and it—"
"I know. But even still, I don't need a piece of jewelry to know that what we have is forever. All I need is you, here, and alive, Azzy. As long as you are alive, there will always be us."
He leans in and brushes his nose against hers before kissing her deeply, casting the dishes into his shadows before pulling her close against him.