A Song of Ice & Shadow

Being the eldest sibling is not always easy. Y/n knew this firsthand, shouldering the weight of responsibility for her younger sisters from a young age. After their mother's death, she made the difficult decision to leave her sisters behind and stay with her supposed biological father. It wasn't because she didn't share the same father as her sisters; in fact, he loved her like she was his own and never discriminated between them. For the first two years after their mothers death, she stayed with her family, but when her "father" lost his fortune, she knew leaving was the only option. It wasn't just about lightening their burden by having one less mouth to feed; she also hoped by seeking out her biological father, she could find work and send money back to her family.

Surprisingly, her father welcomed her with open arms, a kindness that caught her off guard considering he had shown little interest in her when she was younger. Despite her initial skepticism, she didn't question his motives, fearing he might kick her out. With cleverness and father's help, she managed to pursue higher education, while working to make ends meet. Though her earnings were modest, she'd send whatever she could spare to her family, ensuring they had enough to survive. With Feyre's help, there was always food on the table.

Y/n's life was devoid of fun. Between studying, working, sleeping and occasional visits to her family, she had little time for socializing and friends. This isolation was entirely her choice; she distanced herself from others, earning a reputation as being cold, heartless, selfish, and arrogant to those who didn't know her well. Yet, beneath this exterior, she harbored a deep love for her sisters and would sacrifice anything for their well-being, despite no longer showing them affection after their mother's death. They understood her silent expressions of care, recognizing that actions spoke louder than words.

One thing everyone knew for certain is that y/n was stubborn. She held fast to her beliefs and opinions, regardless of external influences. Among her sisters, Netsa was the most like her and the one who admired her the most. The two shared the closest bond before she left, but make no mistake, if anyone Nesta feared and obeyed, it was Y/n, knowing she was not one to be crossed.

After Feyre left the mortal realm, her family's fortune turned, and she finished her education. Consequently, her visits became less frequent, as she immersed herself into her work. 

A smile appeared on y/n's face at the thought of her sisters' reactions to seeing her after a long time. She decided to surprise them with a spontaneous visit. Unbeknownst to her, another surprise awaited her inside the place she called home.

"Nesta, Elain, I'm home!" y/n announced as she opened the front door of their home.
"Are we expecting someone else?" Rhys whispered to Feyre.
"Nesta, why didn't you tell me y/n was coming?" Feyre questioned, panic all over her face.
"I didn't know. She usually sends word before she comes" Nesta claimed.
The conversation between the two sisters earned them a curious, yet worried look from the three males. Nesta stood from chair, hurrying to the door, but she was too late, y/n was now standing in the dining room, the smile dropping from her face and replaced by a shocked expression at the sight before her.
"What is going on?" y/n asked carefully and slowly.
"These are Feyre's friends. We were not expecting you today" Elain replied.
"Y/n, it's been a while. I'm so happy to see you" Feyre stood from her seat and hugged her sister, who was reluctant at first but returned the hug.
"You brought Fae-kind into our home?" it was more of a rhetorical question, but Feyre answered anyway.
"Y/n, this is Cassian" she inclined her head to the male with long hair "Azriel" she pointed to the male who y/n could've sworn was the most handsome man she's even laid eyes on "and Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court" Feyre finished introducing.
"It's a pleasure to meet you" Rhys said with a warm smile.
"I'm sure" y/n sneered, returning her gaze on her sisters "you still haven't told me what's going on and why the very same race we despise are now in our living room, dining with us" y/n tried making sense of the situation.
Feyre explained the situation, why they were here, what they needed from the sisters and the threat posed by Hybern.
"So the moment you became Fae, you chose to forsake us?" this was all y/n could utter.
"I'd never do that. Me being Fae doesn't change that. It never will. You'll always be my sister" Feyre assured her.
"If you did, you wouldn't have brought THEM here. Hatred aside, do you have any idea of the danger you just put Nesta and Elain in?" Y/n turned her hand into a fist, her knuckles as white as they could be, trying to keep her temper in check.
"There was nowhere else to go" Feyre claimed.
"And you were alright with this?" Y/n turned to face her other sisters.
"I wasn't, but Elain agreed" Nesta informed her.
"Feyre's right, there-" Cassian spoke.
"Who are you again?" Y/n glared at him "I'm too tired to deal with this now" she rubbed her temples and said to no one in specific "call me when they're gone".
"Uhm, they're-" before Nesta could finish the sentence, y/n was already gone "-going to stay for a while" she sighed.