Chapter 1
Trion’s head pounded. Peeling his tongue from the roof of his mouth, he stretched out in his bed. Everything was stiff, and he flinched as memories from last night began to bombard him. Raen’s breath had been hot on his neck.
“I never see you around these days,” he’d said, pulling away slightly from Trion’s ear to look at him. Trion’s throat bobbed, and he temporarily lost his train of thought. The lights made Raen’s hazel eyes dance like a flurry of leaves in an Autumn breeze. Someone shoved past the pair, jostling Trion closer to Raen. The Bog was completely packed last night – everyone was so gleeful the semester was wrapping up that the Guiness taps had run out by 10:30.
“I’ve just been busy with exams,” Trion lied, moving away slightly, trying not to sway on his feet. It wasn’t a complete fib – things had been really busy with his course that would one day allow him to practice as an Apothecarian, something exclusively taught in Dunedin. He genuinely hadn’t had time to deal with Raen’s shit – especially during the Winter months, when the days were darker and the nights longer. Raen gave a small nod before sidling away from Trion, tucking his midnight-feathered wings close to his body.
“You should let me know when you’re keen to catch up now you’re free,” he said, winking as he turned. Trion smiled tightly before downing the rest of his cider.
“Sure, yeah. I will,” Trion said, watching as Raen made his way through the crowd, heading down to the smokers area. He swore he felt a cool breeze brush his damp forehead.
“What was that about?” a voice queried from behind him. Trion turned. Vari, his best friend since first-year halls, stood before him, drunken smile on her tan, freckled face and a beer in each hand. Trion just shook his head, frowning.
“He’s still so fucking into you,” she laughed, pushing another drink into his hands and taking his empty glass. “You know, for someone who is related to the literal Sun, you’re not very sunny. How about you put a smile on your dial?” Trion frowned harder, allowing some of that sunlight to leech into his glare.
“Don’t do your light tricks with me,” Vari tutted, pulling him toward the karaoke stage and their group of friends. With the humidity of the bar, her hair had begun to regain its curls, despite her forcing him to work his “heat magick” earlier with a couple of metal rulers, given her hair straightener had broken a week ago. Trion couldn’t help but smile, letting Vari drag him into the throng.
He’d think about Raen’s suggestion later.
Chapter 2
Flinging his curtains open, Trion counted eleven chimes from the Clocktower. Last night, it had been lit up an icy blue in preparation for Midwinter, Trion’s least favourite time of the year. It was a time where his connection with his Father, one of the Summer Keepers, was the lowest. He barely spoke to him from late May into late August, and he couldn’t help but feel lonely. They’d never been close, but his Mother always emphasised how lucky he was to be sired by such a powerful force – even if studying to become an apothecary meant trekking down to the University that felt very little of his Father’s influence. Ruled by months of damp cold and clear nights, it was no surprise that those related to the Keepers of Winter, Autumn and even Spring tended to gravitate toward down South. They pretty much had a constant indirect connection with their relatives, who were busy honouring their chosen seasons.
Weak, sickly beams of sunlight spilled across Trion's fingers from the window, easing the pounding in his head. He’d certainly had an advantage over the New Years period, where a couple hours in the Summer haze cured any hangover.
Despite the semester being over, Trion still had a couple of things to wrap up on campus. He was the editor of the University’s student magazine, The Rag. He’d only really gotten involved with the publication when he learnt where the office was – located nearly at the peak of the Clocktower, far above those sweeping oak trees that stretched over most of the campus. If there was one place to get sun and a good view in Dunedin, it was up there. Plus, being editor wasn’t so bad. He liked hearing all the gossip around campus, and the people he worked with were pretty nice. Many students who had some connection to Spring or Summer Keepers also sought out the light, and it was nice to be with likeminded folks – those who didn’t think that keeping all the air vents on the highest heat possible was sweltering, but rather comforting. It was a nice place to be on a cold day.
The walk to campus went quickly, and Trion was pleasantly surprised to find that the temperature was milder than it had been all week. He made his way past the various lecture theatres, shrugging off his hoodie and letting his skin soak up all the light the morning had to offer. Barely anyone was around campus, aside from the various nymphs and naiads that maintained the grounds and the health of the Leith River. Nearly all students were hungover, he suspected. Trion pushed his way through the oak doors at the base of the Clocktower, starting the climb up to The Rag’s office. Legs and lungs burning, he finally reached the landing, fumbling for his keys and stepping into the dim room. Papers and empty mugs were still scattered across various desks from their last Print Night, blankets and cushions strewn across the two couches that lined the walls. It was a simple space, and could’ve been mistaken for a post-grad office but for the various news clippings, artwork, old magazines, posters and collages that cluttered the walls. Trion’s desk was shoved into one corner, piled high with various printouts, lamps and an old radio. He made his way over, sinking into his chair and turning the radio on, letting the babble serve as background noise while he rifled through his drawers, attempting to reinstate some organisation. Humming to himself, he rolled up the blinds and stacked various dishes that he would take down to the kitchenette.
Good morning Dunedin! You’re listening to 91FM, OneWave. This is Raen – bringing you radio rain or shine… Trion rolled his eyes as Raen’s drawl filled the room. How’s the head? You lot better have some energy left for Midwinter – that’ll be a real night to remember. Anyways, those who are in the know will know that I will be hosting the afterparty of the century at the Estate, so I hope to see everyone there.
Midwinter was the night of the year for most that attended the University, and then some. Relatives of every Season travelled to attend the day of festivity, much to the University’s chagrin. Midwinter consisted of bonfires on the corner of every street, litres of mulled wine and the children of Autumn and Winter Keepers being even more cocky – despite Trion wondering how that could even be possible. Every year, Vari dragged him along to various celebrations, convincing him to pretend to be related to Autumn with her, despite her Spring heritage. She always reckoned it got them into more parties, but never The Estate. The Estate was where Raen and some of the other more cold-blooded students flatted – a 16 bedroom villa that was notorious for its balls and galas. Vari hadn’t managed to get them invited along yet, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. He doubted this year would be an exception, and he always wanted to entertain her. Midwinter was the point where her Mother would begin getting in contact with her again, and Autumn would begin losing its grip on Dunedin for the year. It was a time of celebration.
Trion yawned, still feeling off from last night. He glanced at the couches, and plush blankets. It was so quiet in the office, and the sound of the radio was great background noise. He folded quickly, flopping down and nestling up in the blankets. It would just be a quick nap.
Chapter 3
Trion awoke with a start, heart pounding. The office was dark, the air damp and cold. He must have been asleep for hours. A smell of mildew hung in the air. Cursing silently, he shivered beneath the blankets, breathing deeply through his nose. Concentrating, he reached into himself, finding the heat that simmered beneath his skin. It felt like liquid gold surging through his veins, and his fingers tingled. He heard the wooden beams above him crack and shift as he heated the room, the sudden change in temperature driving the moisture out of the air. Pushing himself into a sitting position and shrugging off the blanket, Trion made eye contact with himself in the darkened windows. His eyes were twin wells of sunlight, and his arteries glowed beneath his shoulders and neck. It was a sight he rarely let anyone other than Vari see – it just wasn’t something those living in Dunedin thought was appropriate.
Suddenly, he noticed movement in the glass. Was there something outside? Squinting and rubbing his eyes, Trion nearly had a heart attack as he realised that the movement wasn’t coming from outside, but rather from someone behind him – inside.
“That’s cheating, you know,” Raen said, spinning in a desk chair across the room. To Trion’s satisfaction, Raen looked mildly uncomfortable, no doubt due from the sudden blast of heat. The feathers on his wings even looked slightly ruffled – something Trion hadn’t seen for awhile. Not since Raen had been pushed back on his bed, wings splayed behind him, mouth parted…
Trion just bared his teeth, furrowing his brow at Raen. “You shouldn’t be up here. You fuck with the humidity. It isn’t good for the papers.”
Raen just chuckled, standing from his chair and walking over to where Trion sat on the couch. Raen was taller than him – pale, dark haired and lanky – but he still moved with a grace that would make any ballet dancer jealous. Trion's heart continued to hammer away, and he suddenly felt very exposed in his tank top. He wished he hadn’t ditched the blanket.
“I was walking through campus from the OneWave station. The leaves and breeze told me that you wandered up here earlier, and they didn’t say anything about you coming down. I just wanted to check if you were okay, or whether you were so hungover that you choked to death on your own vomit,” Raen replied, smiling with faux sweetness.
He towered over him, peering down at Trion with those green eyes. Or were they brown? Sometimes, Trion could swear he saw shades of red, and yellow. They looked like a creek bed, or a forest glade. Raen cleared his throat, breaking eye contact. Trion flushed.
“I just took a nap. I heard you on the radio,” he blurted. “How’s the Midwinter preparations going?” Trion asked, desperate to change the subject. Raen grinned.
“Always keeping tabs on me, aren’t you? They’re going swell. It’s set to be the biggest party yet, and we’re already at capacity. Are you getting up to much?”
Trion shook his head, crossing his legs. Without invitation, Raen sat down next to him, lacing his fingers behind his head. “Sucks. If you’re trying to get an invite, you can just ask me instead of feeling sorry for yourself.”
Trion raised his eyebrows, turning to Raen incredulously. “It’ll cost you, of course,” Raen continued, and Trion barked out a laugh. Of course it would – nothing Raen ever did came without a cost.
“It’ll be a great way to impress your girlfriend,” he crooned, smiling fiendishly.
“Vari isn’t my girlfriend,” Trion snapped, turning to Raen. “I don’t want to come.”
Raen sighed. “Suit yourself. I should be going.”
Trion watched as Raen stood and stalked to one of the massive windows before prying it open with long, deft fingers. Hesitating, Trion thought of Vari’s face, and pleading eyes. She would kill him if she found out that he’d passed up on an invitation to The Estate.
“Wait,” Trion said, sighing. Raen cracked the window open before turning, raising an eyebrow.
“What can I do for you?” Trion asked, regretting the offer already. Raen just smiled slightly, beckoning to him. “Come here,” he said. Trion stood, walking over. Raen had the window fully open now, and the campus stretched beneath them. The night was cold, and a sharp wind rustled through the office, making the posters on the walls flutter. Trion looked down nervously, not daring to glance at Raen.
“I want you to kiss me.”
Raen’s fingers gently hooked beneath Trion’s chin, making him look up. There was definitely red in Raen’s eyes – Trion was sure of it.
“What?” he choked out, desperately trying to not shrink back from the wind.
“You know how I like it. With Midwinter coming, I just need a reminder.”
Trion’s heart sank, but he knew what Raen meant. That’s all he was – just a reminder of the fading summer heat, cool breeze and smell of oak. Raen just wanted the feeling of Autumn before Spring began to encroach – not him. That’s all it ever had been.
Trion just nodded, taking Raen’s hand from his chin and lacing their fingers together. He studied Raen’s perfect features – the slope of his nose, the arch of his brows. His breath smelt like cinnamon, and his fingers were cold against his heat. Trion leant in, watching Raen’s eyelids shutter before their lips brushed.
Kissing Raen felt like letting go. It never became less of an odd feeling to taste him, to feel how his power responded to Raen’s closeness. It wasn’t ever a bad experience, but bittersweet. It felt like the last picnic you’d have with your friends before the ground became too wet, or the last beach trip you took before the chill made it unbearably cold.
Raen untangled their fingers, reaching for Trion’s waist and pulling him closer. He kissed him hungrily.
“Please, Trion,” he murmured, pulling away slightly. His pupils were dilated, and a slight flush had come over his cheeks. “It’s been so long.”
Trion swallowed hard, allowing some of that molten light to course through his veins before leaning in to crush their mouths together again. Raen moaned into his mouth, wings fluttering. His fingers dug into his hip. It was so easy to forget why Raen was a very bad idea. Gently, Trion pushed his hands against Raen’s chest, breaking their embrace.
“You should go now,” Trion said softly, stepping back. Raen’s eyes flickered with something. He was probably just horny and wanted to take things further, but Trion swore he saw something else too. Raen straightened before his usual grin returned. Trion scowled.
“Right.” Raen dug around in his pocket, pulling out two large oak leaves. “Here you go,” he said, handing them to Trion. “I’ll see you in a couple of days.” Raen braced his hands on the windowsill, leaning his body back into the open air. Trion nodded, opening his mouth to speak, but not finding any words. Raen just winked at him, before letting go of the windowsill and plummeting into the night. Trion heard a soft, muted boom as Raen’s wings snapped open and a dark figure streaked past the still open window. At least he had good news for Vari, he thought, slamming the window shut.
Chapter 4
Vari had been predictably thrilled to find the oak leaves sitting on the flat’s kitchen counter. Trion watched as she bounced around their living room, chattering about what she would wear. She was so excited that her canines had elongated into sharp fangs, and her eyes had taken on a distinctly animalistic glint.
“How did you even get them?” she exclaimed, practically purring. “I heard that they were already at full capacity!”
Trion smiled. “A man never reveals his secrets,” he drawled out dramatically, studying his nails.
He felt happy, and proud to be able to do a nice thing for Vari. His mind drifted to the comment that Raen had made about Vari being his girlfriend as he watched her dance around. She was incredibly attractive – with glossy coils of dark hair, always tanned skin and an athletic build. Plus, it was natural that they would both get along – they both liked being outdoors. She was the best swimmer he’d ever met, and they’d spent weeks in the sun and the sand together over the summer break. Vari was his soulmate, but in a way that was deeply familial. Vari paused suddenly, sniffing the air. Her eyes widened and she spun to look at him.
“You’ve been with Raen! I can smell him all over you,” she exclaimed, shaking her head. Trion blushed.
“Yeah – okay. Fuck. I was in the office the other day and he just appeared. He said he’d give me tickets if I kissed him.”
Vari just shook her head. “He always gets like this around Midwinter – he’s done it for the past two years and it’s fucking annoying. He’s using you.”
Trion groaned. “Yes. Yeah. I know.”
Vari just tutted before strutting off to her bedroom, murmuring about finding matching outfits. Raen had always been like this, ever since they’d met in halls. Trion had been younger back then, and more naive about what people would see in him when they realised that he was one the few Summer relatives in Dunedin. While the more benign occurrences involved only trying to recruit Trion into a flat to save on power, people like Raen realised he had other uses. Pulling a hand through his hair, Trion left the kitchen and made his way to the bathroom. He needed a shower and to get Raen’s apparently lingering scent off of him. Smelling like rotting leaves and rain wouldn’t do for Summer’s son. He didn’t bother to check the temperature before stepping in, the water steaming off of his skin – literally.
He couldn’t help but be annoyed with Raen. It had taken him a long time to get over him and realise that he likely didn’t see anything in Trion beyond sex – not that they ever went that far. Trion had figured out what Raen was interested in before that happened. That stupid fucking memory of Raen spread on his bed entered his mind again. Those beautiful wings behind him, and the nearly shocked expression in his eyes. He remembered the way Raen’s stomach had flexed as he sat up and sunk to his knees.
“I would do anything,” he had breathed, staring up as Trion knotted his fingers through Raen’s hair, pulling slightly. He used his other hand to push his thumb between Raen’s lips, parting them and feeling his teeth against the pad of his thumb.
“Really?” he’d asked, the sound so low it was almost a growl. Raen had just nodded, his eyes widening.
“Yes.”
Trion huffed in frustration, feeling his cock stiffen. The water was barely lukewarm as it hit his skin, but was boiling by the time it left. Bracing a hand against the shower wall, Trion took his length in his hand, pumping himself with agonising slowness. He bared his teeth, imagining it was Raen’s tongue that slid over his slit rather than his own thumb. He moved his hand faster, panting slightly as he brought himself close to the edge. He closed his eyes – thinking of Raen’s long fingers, and his crooked smile. How hungry he was when he kissed him, and how he’d sounded when he’d begged Trion for more – so needy and desperate. Trion swore under his breath, thrusting into his hand. It was the thought of Raen on his knees that sent him over the edge, and that Trion could have pushed him on to his desk in the office earlier today and fucked him right then and there. Raen would have let him.
Trion shut the water off, towelling himself dry. As he settled down for the night, curled beneath his covers, he still thought of Raen and the look in his eyes when Trion had broken away from their kiss. There was frustration there, but also sadness. Raen had been sad.
Chapter 5
The days leading up to Midwinter passed in a flash, and it wasn’t long before Trion and Vari were drunk and happy, starting the trek to the Estate with their oak leaves in hand. Bonfires flared outside the bigger flats, partygoers spilling in and out of the streets. The sound of laughter and smell of spices filled the air, and Trion looped his arm over Vari’s shoulders as they approached The Estate at the end of Castle Street. The building was massive – lit up by lanterns that were enchanted to hang in the air, ivy running up the stone walls. He could see people in the windows, and smoking on the balconies. Wings, fangs, tails, horns and adorned their bodies – blessings from their Seasons. Trion tried not to look too hard for a particular set of black wings. Music played as they stepped up to the threshold, and Vari presented their tickets. Almost as soon as she lifted them into the air, a quick breeze whisked the leaves away, back down the street.
“That was easy,” she said cheerily, swigging from her bottle of wine.
“Vari!”
Trion and Vari turned to see a blue-skinned girl bounding toward them, clad in a green dress that looked like it could’ve been made from the most delicate of spring leaves.
“Neena!”
Vari rushed forward, embracing the girl. Neena was the news editor of The Rag, and despite him technically being her boss, she only ever seemed to listen to Trion if she knew that Vari agreed with his ideas.
“I haven’t seen you in forever. I have someone you must meet.”
Before Trion could get a word in, Neena grabbed Vari’s hand, whisking her away to the side of the Estate. Vari glanced back apologetically, pointing toward the front door of the flat. Trion turned his gaze to see a tall, winged man in a charcoal suit standing there – eyes already locked on him.
“Glad to see that you made it,” Raen said, striding out to greet him. Raen looked good. Like, really fucking good. Kohl lined his evershifting eyes, and a crown of oak twigs, acorns and leaves sat atop his head. Trion felt underdressed.
“Want a flat tour?”
Chapter 6
The Estate was pretty much what Trion imagined it would be. None of the fireplaces looked like they had been used in years, and the air felt dry, but cold. Many of the bedrooms were filled with drunken party-goers, but he could tell that the people that lived there were powerful based off of the various amulets and gemstones scattered across bedside tables and window sills.
“And finally, this is my room,” Raen said, opening a door down the end of the corridor with a silver key. “I always keep it locked for these parties – ever since I found some couple fucking in my bed.”
Trion snorted, stepping inside. This wasn't what he thought Raen’s room would look like. Everything was neat – books arranged meticulously, and the bed perfectly made up. Lamps lit the room, filling it with a cozy glow. Nothing was on the walls, but pots filled with plants took up much of the room.
“Is it always this tidy, or were you expecting a visitor?” Trion asked. Raen just let out what sounded like a nervous chuckle.
Despite himself, Trion couldn’t help but smile. Raen was nervous that he was in his bedroom. He sat down at the foot of Raen’s bed before taking another sip of his beer, watching the room swim around him.
“I, uh, got something for you,” Raen muttered, shrugging off his jacket before shuffling around in a draw next to his bed. He pulled out an amber stone that glittered warmly in the lamplight and sat beside Trion. Trion sucked in a breath.
“Is that a sunstone?”
Raen nodded, pressing it into Trion’s palm. Immediately, the room straightened, and he sobered up. Bit of a vibe killer, but a sunstone was one of the most powerful things you could give someone that lived and breathed light. It had literally fried the alcohol out of his system.
“Where did you even get this?” he asked, feeling the stone warm to his touch.
Raen shrugged. “People don’t have much use for them down in Dunedin, funnily enough. Happy Midwinter.”
“Thank you,” Trion said, turning to kiss Raen on the cheek. Raen blinked, looking a bit bewildered. Even if Raen was primarily interested in him for his power, Trion didn’t care in that moment. It had actually been a really nice thing to do. That’s why he didn’t bother to break eye contact with Raen, or move away when he shifted incrementally closer.
The sunstone now seared ice-hot in Trion’s palm, the heat radiating up his arm and chest. Raen’s eyelids fluttered as he glanced down at Trion’s mouth, and he closed the gap between them just as Trion felt the power of the sunstone start to make his fingers itch and his vision go fuzzy. Trion couldn’t help but notice that the temperature of Raen’s mouth was surprisingly cool against his tongue – like a rare patch shade in a desert. Trion pushed Raen down against the bed.
“Oh, fuck,” Raen gasped, shifting beneath him as he pushed himself further back onto the bed, allowing for Trion to hover over him. Raen panted, smiling. “You need to let that stone go,” he said, gazing up at him.
Trion cocked his head. “Oh, come on. Surely you can keep it together, or has Winter’s Wane weakened you too much already?”
Raen just moaned in response, shucking his shirt off and pulling Trion down to kiss him again. Despite his challenge, Trion slipped the sunstone into his pocket before fumbling for Raen’s zipper, feeling his length push against his palm.
“Please, yes,” Raen hissed, and Trion was more than happy to comply. The fade of the sunstone’s power was a warm afterglow as he sunk down toward Raen’s waist before taking Raen’s cock in his mouth, flicking his tongue in lazy circles. Raen bucked in desperation, but Trion just growled, using one hand to hold Raen’s hip in place. The room was filled with the sweet sounds of Raen’s moans, the distant thrall of the party and the gentle rustle of all of Raen’s houseplants, whispering in tandem with his heavy breathing.
“Wait, Trion. Wait,” Raen gasped, threading his fingers through Trion’s hair. Trion pulled away, gazing at Raen through his eyelashes. His forest eyes were wide and wild, feathers on his midnight wings ruffled. It was one of the most beautiful things Trion had ever seen.
“If you keep going like that, you’re gonna make me cum,” Raen flushed. Trion just smiled fiendishly, feeling Raen’s fingers tighten in his hair as he lowered himself back down and let Raen’s cock push against the back of his throat.
“Oh, Lords above,” Raen cursed, stiffening.
“You can cum for me, Raen,” Trion murmured, his fingers closing around the sunstone in his pocket once again. He heard Raen make a strangled, whining noise as he released himself into Trion’s mouth, the windows rattling as a cool Autumn breeze buffeted them.
After giving him a few more soft pumps that made Raen shudder, Trion moved back up to flop beside him, lacing their fingers together and smiling at the ceiling.
“I think I blacked out for a second there,” Raen admitted, turning to look at him. Trion laughed a low chuckle, bumping his knee against Raen’s and squeezing his hand before letting go.
“It’s my pleasure, really,” he said, giving Raen a quick peck on the mouth before sitting up. Raen cleared his throat from behind him.
“I like hanging out with you, Trion. I’ve missed you. I’m really glad you came tonight.”
Trion stood, turning to look at Raen still splayed back against the bed, none of that usual cockiness in his eyes. He wasn’t sure what to say.
“I would love it if I could take you out for lunch tomorrow,” Raen said, scrambling for his shirt. Trion’s face must have given away his uncertainty, because Raen twisted his fingers together nervously, and the room definitely dropped a couple of degrees.
“I completely get it if you don’t want anything more serious.”
More serious? Raen wanted something serious with him? Had Trion really read Raen so wrong?
“Raen, I–”
Before Trion could get another word in, someone ripped the door open. Trion turned just in time to watch Vari stumble in, looking bewildered as she glanced between the two men.
“And what the fuck have I just walked in to?” she snarled, lips curled to reveal sharp, lethal fangs.
“Nothing,” Raen said coolly, pulling his shirt on. His face was stoney, and his eyes wicked. “We were just planning to rejoin the party.”
Trion’s brow furrowed, and he watched as Raen stalked out of the room, leaving him and Vari staring at one another.
“I’m keen to head home,” she hiccuped, eyes wide, her pupils narrowed into thin slits. “Did you and Raen–”
“We can talk about it tomorrow,” Trion said, blinking hard. Classic. Just as he thought Raen wasn’t a complete dick, he had to go and prove Trion wrong.
“Let’s head home.”
The sunstone seemed to grow heavier in Trion’s pocket with each step he and Vari took to leave The Estate. He kept his focus on leading Vari out of the crowd, eyes fixed ahead of him. To anyone watching, nobody would have thought that Trion noticed the winged figure in the corner of the living room with eyes that practically bore holes through Trion’s back.
It was only once Trion and Vari had crossed the threshold of The Estate that Raen headed back upstairs, locking the door of his room behind him.
“Fuck,” Raen muttered, climbing into his bed and pressing a pillow over his head to try and drown out the sounds of Midwinter.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck.”
