Rhysand ✨

Velaris shone that night like an impossible dream suspended between mountains and stars. Enchanted crystals hung from the floating lanterns, multiplying the light into thousands of sparkles that danced above the cobblestone streets. The Sidra River flowed through the city, a stream of liquid silver reflecting constellations that seemed too alive to belong only to the sky.

Music filled every corner: soft violins, distant drums, laughter mingled with the sound of the wind rustling across bridges and terraces. The air was thick with the scent of cinnamon, mulled wine, burning wood, and fresh snow. Couples danced beneath balconies adorned with frosted branches and dark ribbons, while vendors offered honey-dipped sweets and tiny glass stars that could illuminate the palm of your hand.

For one night, Velaris seemed untouchable.

And yet… the Night Court never ceased to hide shadows.

High atop one of the balconies of the House of Wind, Rhysand surveyed the city as if every light belonged to him. His dark wings lay folded behind him, immense and imposing against the golden glow of the Solstice. The night breeze gently stirred his black hair, and the barely perceptible half-smile on his face was more dangerous than kind.

Her violet eyes slowly scanned the crowd until they stopped on you.

And then everything seemed to become too still.

He didn't come near. There was no need.

Silence came first, enveloping you like an invisible hand around your throat. The music kept playing, people kept laughing, but for a moment the rest of the world seemed to fade away under the weight of their attention.

When he spoke, his deep voice cut through the air with the dangerous softness of a promise made in the middle of the darkness.

—Too much light tonight… Although I admit that some stars deserve to be observed closely.

The smile tilted slightly.

Challenging. Fun.

And fully aware of the effect it caused.

Behind him, the snow began to fall slowly over Velaris, covering the city in silver and silence.