A Court of Smoke and Ash
An ACOTAR fanfic by: Allie Heathcoat
Synopsis: After hundreds of years, Rhysand's sister Violet is back from the dead. Full of blinding rage and vengeance, Violet has arrived home to right the wrongs of her old life while trying desperately to navigate the new one. All of that becomes even more complicated when Rhys discovers the actual events and reasons that lead to her death and the identity of the mate she left behind.
Chapter 1: No Place Like Home
-Feyre's POV
Life was perfect. Perfect being a poor choice of word compared to how blessed Feyre Archeron truly felt. Just four months ago, her son Nyx had been born, and as utterly traumatic as the birth had been, she wouldn't trade her newest Illyrian baby for anything. She would never be able to repay her eldest sister for what she had done in saving all three of them. Although, that didn't stop her mate from trying.
After Nyx's birth, Rhysand had showered Nesta with every gift he could get his hands on from books and paintings to dresses and jewelry. Nesta had begged him to stop of course asking that he use his newfound gratitude on an extravagant mating ceremony instead. And extravagant it was. Cassian and Nesta's ceremony had been a grand affair. Their whole family finally all together just as it should be. That was a little over a month ago, and no one had seen Cassian or her sister since.
The timing was getting a bit ridiculous. Surely, they had to come down from the House of Wind sometime. Rhys had once said that when the mating bond had been officially accepted that things could get intense not to mention the territorial problem of the male. Cassian was quite a territorial male to begin with. She could still remember the look on her friend's face when Nesta danced with Eris in the Hewn City. She could scarcely imagine how much worse it was now. Perhaps a month wasn't nearly enough time.
The bell hanging above the front door rang through the paint shop knocking Feyre from her reverie. The High Lady looked up to see a woman walking through the entrance. She had never seen her here before that she could recall, but was absolutely stunning with the long purple dress she wore hugging her slender figure. It was simple, yet elegant. Honestly, she looked quite a bit like Nesta's friend Emerie with her tanned skin and coffee-colored eyes. She assumed she might even be a distant cousin if it wasn't for her pointed ears that peaked out through her wavy black hair. Feyre had become so entranced by the girl that she hardly registered that she was speaking.
"Hello, sorry to disturb you. If you're closed, I can come back another time."
"Actually, classes don't start for another hour. I usually designate this time to paint alone, but if you wanted to sit and paint with me before class that would be alright."
"Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother."
"Of course. I don't mind the company." Feyre started gathering their necessary supplies. "Do you have any experience painting?"
"A little. I painted a lot as a child, but lost touch with it as I got older. I was always more adept at the performing arts like dancing and singing."
"Well, that stuff is important too. We have people of all experiences here."
The woman stared at the canvas for a few moments before asking. "What am I supposed to be paint?"
"Whatever you want. Sometimes if I can't think of something specific to paint, I just concentrate on a feeling, and I start from there."
"A feeling?"
"Some of the best paintings are created that way."
With that, the women set to work. Feyre wasn't certain how long they had been painting before the newcomer spoke again.
"That's a lovely dress you're wearing. Where did you get it if you don't mind me asking?"
"Oh, thank you! My mate's mother made it for me."
"Well, it's beautiful. She must have been very talented."
"She was. I only wish I could have met her."
"I'm sure she would have loved you."
"Do you live around here? I don't think we've met before, but you seem familiar to me somehow?"
"I grew up around here actually, but I've been away for awhile. I just got back recently."
"Well, Velaris welcomes you home."
"Thank you, Lady Feyre. You're very kind."
"Just Feyre is fine. You don't need to address me by any title. Especially not here. This is a safe space where everyone should be treated equal no matter who they are or where they come from."
The woman contemplated the High Lady for a moment and smiled genuinely. "I can see why he made you High Lady."
"Do you know Rhys?"
"I did."
Before Feyre could question any further, the girl abruptly stood from the table. "Well, I think my painting is finished." She said as she started making her way for the front door.
"Don't you want to keep it?"
"I appreciate that, but to be honest it's a feeling I'd rather be rid of. Feel free to do whatever you'd like with the canvas."
"Well, I do hope you'll be back. You're always welcome." She offered as she resumed her painting.
"I'm sure you'll see me around." The female reassured quietly stopping at the threshold. "It was wonderful to finally meet you Feyre darling…"
Feyre dropped the paint brush she had been holding, her head shooting up to meet the eyes of the woman. It was then she realized that her eyes were no longer brown like before, but a deep shade of purple. A purple that she had only ever seen on one other person.
"Who are you?"
The girl ignored the question and simply said, "See you soon." With a familiar wink she vanished into a cloud of black mist.