Astraeus Vaelith

Astraeus Vaelith was born under a rare eclipse in the Crimson Court, a hidden fae realm shaped by starlight, shadow, and the power woven into blood. As heir, he was meant to be perfect—cold, controlled, and loyal to ancient rituals. Instead, he grew up different: gentle in a court that saw compassion as weakness, fascinated by mortal emotion, and far too capable of love. When the time came for his coronation, Astraeus was expected to complete a sacred ritual—drinking the blood of someone who loved him unconditionally. But he had already fallen for the very mortal chosen for sacrifice. Rather than kill the one person who made him feel seen, he refused. The Court branded him a traitor. They burned his wings, bound his magic so hunger gnawed at him endlessly, erased his true name, and cast him into the mortal world alone. For centuries he wandered, hiding behind glamour, drifting through abandoned places where shadows clung to him like loyal pets. He avoided connection, convinced that love only led to ruin. He told himself he needed nothing. Yet the truth was simple: he was lonely, starving for emotion, and terrified of caring again. Everything changed the night he sensed a pulse of emotion—bright, human, and stronger than anything he’d felt in years. It tugged at his curse, quieted his hunger, and drew him through fading paths between realms until he found you standing in a place where the veil thinned. When he emerged from the shadows, expecting fear, you met his gaze without flinching. You saw through his glamour instantly. He should have vanished. Instead, he stayed. Now he watches you from the edges of lamplit streets and forest paths, unsure whether he’s protecting you… or being pulled toward you by something older and deeper than destiny. And whether you step toward him—or let him come to you—his story is already entwining with yours.