princess

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Date:Ignis 2

Interaction: @Helo @Tae @ReusableSword @Conscripts @Potter @Tpartywithzombi @samreaper @FunnyGuy @SausagePat @Lava Alckon @CitrusArms @Oso @Apex Sunburn

The sun has set, and Drunkards Day shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, it’s only getting rowdier! What began as day drinking has swelled into midnight debauchery. Games have grown riskier, dancing wilder, and declarations bolder. More than one poor soul has already passed out in a fountain or been carted home in a wheelbarrow!

Even the city watch and nobility are not immune to the fun. Guards often shrug off duty to join the revelry. With order loosened and revelers distracted, the night is infamous as a prime opportunity for crime; pickpockets thrive, gangs move in shadows, and more than one noble finds themselves the target of schemes masked as drunken misadventure.

Weather: The evening is warm and partly cloudy, with a gentle breeze. Yet storm clouds are gathering on the horizon, and by late evening a thunderstorm is expected to roll in.

Note: If you’re wrapping up daytime events, please mark them clearly as Flashbacks.

🌙 Nighttime Festivities 🌙

At nightfall, festivities escalate across Sorian:
• Bonfires crackle in the plazas, attracting musicians, dancers, and daring fire-breathers.
• Drinking contests turn into wagers of coin, clothing, and dignity.
• The watch pretends not to see the brawls unless they want in.
• Lanterns light the boulevards, where stands selling food and drink to passerbys thrive.
• Taverns roar until dawn, their doors wide open to anyone who can stumble inside.

Who will still be standing by sunrise?

Participating Establishments – Night Specials

🍷 After Dark Events 🍷

• Prince Callum Tavern
  🎭 There is a Prince Callum lookalike underway this evening. Free refills until the first Callum passes out.
• Sorian Smokehouse
  🔥 Midnight roast — meats and spirits served straight off the firepit. First keg tap at 11pm.
• Tavern by the Sea
  🌊 Dockside drinking contest whoever can stay standing on the pier by sunrise wins free drinks for a year.
• The Gentlemen’s Grill and Cabaret
  🎩 Special midnight cabaret. Expect scandalous performances, champagne showers, and a very loose interpretation of the dress code.
• The Tough Tavern
  🥊 Brawl tournament continues into the night. Champion crowned at midnight with free drinks until next Drunkards Day.
• The Dregs Divebar
  💀 “Last Man Drinking” — patrons compete to stay conscious. The losers? They’re the floor décor.

Map of Sorian

Wiki Links

Main page
World Info
Sorian Info
Caesonia Info

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Lottie, Kazu and Olivia Flashback

FLASHBACK

Lottie, Kazumin and Olivia

Time: Afternoon, Sola 30
Location: Sweet Serenity Creperie and Café

Charlotte was already seated with her chin in her palm within the Sweet Serenity Crêperie and Café, her fingers nervously tracing the embroidery on the tablecloth. Sunlight filtered through the windows, highlighting the blush color on her dress. A matching ribbon tied some of her hair back, allowing curls to frame her face.

She had obtained a private section for them to converse without worry, and had even already ordered some food: a communal high tea tower and the charcuterie board.

Olivia and Kazumin would likely arrive ravenous after all.

The tower stood proudly at the center of the table, overflowing with cucumber sandwiches, tuna sandwiches, buttery scones, and an array of desserts. Beside it was an arranged charcuterie board, filled with fine cheeses, meats, and crackers.

The last time she had been with the two of them for a long amount of time had been after the banquet, after everything had unraveled so terribly. As she sat there, her mind replayed the distressing moment when she’d slid down against the wall onto the cold floor, her face buried in her trembling hands, feeling utterly overwhelmed.

Olivia and Kazumin had found her there, and they had guided her safely home without probing, and she had yet to discuss that evening with either of them. Now, that inevitable conversation loomed heavily.

The faint jingle of a bell broke her from her reverie, drawing her gaze up to the doorway where Olivia and Kazumin were entering. She summoned a sweet, yet slightly awkward, smile. Then, she lifted her hand in a tentative wave.

Olivia strode into the Sweet Serenity Crêperie and Café. Her arm was linked with Kazumin’s and there was a shyness to her action. Her strawberry blonde hair was tied into a neat plait, and her dress hugged her in the right places. She wore a pair of matching flats. She glanced around with eagerness at the cafe, since she had only admired it from afar throughout her life. The decorations, the food, and the people were exciting.

Kazumin was close behind, his arm linked with Olivia’s, having caught notice of a fancy toy shop.” Ooh lookit lookit, Olive! Those new puppets look so darn detailed!” He called out, the urge to explore had since become overwhelming, passing all the fun and interesting shops, only the high nobility were given privy to. Multiple times, he almost wandered till the faint pull of Olivia reminded him to keep walking, but those finely made puppets were too much of an allure.

Once her gaze set on Charlotte, her expression lit up and she gracefully rushed over to join her. She haphazardly tugged Kazumin along because she knew how much they would enjoy the food. Olivia sat down and released her grip on Kazu with a delighted grin and turned to Charlotte.

Momentarily distracted in awe and nearly wandered off till he felt Olive’s insistent tugging; an excitable, anxiousness was easily felt and followed by a faint bell ding. Turning towards the door on the ding, intending to follow immediately after. Instead, the cowlicked blonde was forced to pause from the unexpected wave of sweet floral and sweet food-scented intermingled scents that washed over him. Yet, despite the strong sweetness, it never felt overwhelming.. A sense of calm crashed in its wake, causing his body barely containing enthusiasm to mellow, matching the mellow, wavy ocean blue patterned short-sleeved buttoned up shirt he sported, the first few buttons undone to better his preferred loose fit (overalls, while the most comfy, felt a bit too casual for this instance) and pair of baggy blue shorts stopping at the knees. Resting atop his head was a fading straw hat with some frayed bits, signs of hours spent beneath the sun, offering much-needed shade on particularly sunny days. The jolly bouncing it did, following his eager had it appear to bounce in a mirroring tandem.

”Hi, Lottie!” She grinned and pulled her into a side hug with joy. The girl she never imagined interacting with previously was rapidly becoming one of her best friends. ”This looks amazing. How are you?”

Not till Olivia had been halfway in rushing towards the person who had well prepared ahead of time for the trip.” Char!” Throwing up his arms elatedly, only to slightly pout dejectedly.” No fair! We were supposed to double-tackle hug her. Grah! Those damn puppets distracted me with their tantalizing dancing!” Complained the wide-stepping flip-flop-wearing blonde who made no sign of stopping in his bouncy tracks, the rapid, loud clopping of flip-flops heralded his approach, then gave a raucous cheer, wrapping an arm around both Charlotte and Olivia.

” Besides, ya call that a hug, Olive? Naw..such occasion calls for the family lasso hug!” Pulling both of them to his sides, giving a tight hug with the biggest grin to show the pair that things would be alright.

A few seconds held before breaking apart as Kazu then slid onto his chair with a brief chair tilting thump and delighted whistle.” Got dang ya sure picked a grand place to.. I think the word was brunch? Still a bit lost on the whole brunch and lunch thing but with such a sweet spread like this, who cares?!” Swiping up a cucumber sandwich in his left hand as the right hand worked on buttering up a scone.

” Love the place ya picked, Char, the flowers are gorgeous and soothing, but…” Pausing in his adoring and prepping, his giddy, bright, chocolate brown eyes softened with concern.” H-How are ya feeling?.. And the question is for both of ya with…what happened at the feast and all?” He muttered out while awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, unsure how to go about asking, having been left wondering what had plagued Charlotte; her distraught state made clear attempts were pointless at the time.

That didn’t keep the pair from ensuring she would not endure it alone and certainly not on an empty stomach. Here sat a shared feast in thanks, but he couldn’t relax properly until he confirmed that the ladies were assuredly fine from whatever had afflicted them.

Lottie’s smile had been small but sincere as she had watched them approach, her hands folded in front of her. “Hello, you two,” Charlotte greeted, her voice lilting gently. As Olivia wrapped an arm around her, Charlotte didn’t hesitate to lean into it, letting her head brush against her friend’s shoulder for the briefest moment. When Kazumin joined in, encircling them both in a ‘family lasso hug,’ a laugh escaped her lips.

When he released them, she lingered longer than necessary, her hand resting on Olivia’s arm. “You both give the most heartfelt greetings,” she said fondly, “I confess I wasn’t expecting to be ambushed quite so affectionately.” Her gaze lifted to meet theirs, “But I think I rather needed it.”
She reached to gently clasp Kazu’s hand for a moment. “Thank you both for coming, and for helping me at the banquet. I'm…” She paused, searching for the right words, her lashes fluttering as her gaze briefly dropped. “I’m much better now, truly. Still a touch frayed around the edges, perhaps, but nothing a bit of snacks and friends won’t mend.”

With a smile returning to her lips, she gestured toward the spread of food before them. “I went ahead and ordered some before you both arrived, since I had a strong feeling you two would arrive famished...” With a teasing look, she added, “As always!”

He had sat in his seat quietly observing and scrutinizing Charlotte as he spoke. His brows were knitted and furrowed in concentration as if expecting to see any stray signs of magic or hint of whatever afflicted her that night of the feast. Had been opening his mouth to speak when the touch of her hand clasping over his caught him by surprise, having him flinch initially, but the comforting warmth of her palm disarmed his stiffened body.

”Ah..well that’s a relief to hear! Ya had me right worried for a fortnight there.” A head-shaking sigh left him with a soft squeeze in return.

As the family lasso hug commenced, Olivia gave them both a tight hug. Lottie’s actions were not lost on her, either. Though Kazumin had let go, Lottie had leaned into her and hadn’t, and once their gazes met, Liv could see a thousand words being told. Olivia let go, but only after Lottie had.

”You bet we do,” Liv chortled, with a smirk. ”We wouldn’t skip helping you for the world.”

She clasped her hands together and ignored the food; although, her stomach protested-loudly. ”We’re here for you, Charlie girl. You look beautiful, by the way, and thank you! We are hungrier than ever, ” Olivia had told her about how hungry she’d been living on the streets, searching and begging for scraps, although she hadn’t explained in detail the dark magic’s effects on her or how she’d view her magic use as a cup half-full.

Kazu intended to continue having more to ask when a familiar chortling broke out. Turning his attention to the smirking Olivia he chimed in with a sentiment he more than agreed with.” Aye, what she said! Ain’t nothing keeping me..er us from helping out a pal! No better way to perk one’s mood than sharing a meal with friends, and you best believe we’re starvin!” Nodding his head a little too overzealously, only to cover his snickering mouth upon catching the belly rumble, though any attempt to tease was quickly silenced by the loud, hungry grumbling of his own.

To address Kazumin, she turned to glance in his direction; except now, her gaze became shy, her cheeks flushed, and she avoided looking him in the eye.

”I’m doing okay, though that feast was quite the event. So much happened in such little time,”

Her mind replayed the dark magic struggle, Killian-Wulfric-Alibeth’s scenario, and then her kiss with Kazumin. To be fair, she categorized her kiss as the more major event of the evening. Olivia had briefly described Killian to Charlie after the banquet. Thinking of it now, her stomach churned with anxiety and fear. They had dodged a bullet from not being caught.

To prevent idle chatter, she loaded her plate with food and began eating hungrily.
The cowlick blonde was relieved to know Char appeared to have recovered after being left to ruminate and ponder, and was still chuckling when Olivia turned to assure him as well.

“ Aye..that feast certainly was somethin…lot of crazy went down, but gla-” Kazu stopped mid-way with a nervous gulp at seeing her blushed face shifting and looking away in a shy demeanor. It took a few seconds for it to dawn on him, and his face felt heated up as the memory of that night tried to infest his mind, as it had been doing so on and off for the past two days.

*Uurgh…come on! That’s unfair of ya, Percy..acting all shy and..blushing…ugh.. *

Scratching at his head while averting his gaze towards the cucumber sandwich sitting on the plate before him. As he did so, worried Char might suspect or get the wrong impression, and swiped up the sandwich with an awkward chuckle.” L-like I was saying, glad the two of ya are uh..doing alright…..now let us eat!” Kazu exclaimed, shoving the sandwich into his nervous, giggling mouth as an excuse to avoid any further talking.

Charlotte had begun nibbling on a scone, pausing only to hum in appreciation. Kazumin’s question still lingered in her mind a moment, prompting her to wonder if Olivia had gone through an ordeal.

She swallowed and reached for her tea, glancing over at Olivia as a more thoughtful look crept across her features. “Did something happen to you at the banquet?” she asked in a manner that was not accusing, just curious and concerned.

”Yes, and I want to be honest and open. The three of us are in this together.” Oliva admitted, unwilling to lie to Lottie. She glanced around at the empty room and ensured they were alone. With Killian and Torvi lurking around Sorian, quietness was essential.

”All the yelling, and arguing in the banquet triggered me. My dark magic came back and nearly possessed me. Kazu helped me out of it. We became.. Well, closer than we’d thought or planned.” Liv’s face now matched her head as she glanced at him then back to Lottie. Her gaze focused on the table before her as she knew it would upset Kazumin, but they had to be honest with one another.

“Nearly possessed you!?" Charlotte's voice was quiet, but she was ever incredulous and bewildered by Olivia's words. The shock was plain in the widening of her eyes. She knew all too little about magic still, yet it seemed it was going to be an unavoidable concern, especially with Olivia. Her hands pressed briefly to her knees as if to still their restlessness before she released a small breath, the corners of her lips twitching as she forced composure.

Nearly possessed… The words gnawed at her.

”Still, I was nearly robbed of myself by the dark magic and I don’t know what else will trigger it. I’m trying so hard not to use it because Killian and Torvi are in town and the queen’s in jail. I don’t want to know what they’d do to me if it happened again. "

For further context, Olivia recapped the incident in detail and her past to Charlotte to help her understand the means as to why it happened and how. ”My mama was so obsessed and possessed by the dark magic now and it’s gotten to me too,” Once she finished, she shot Kazumin an apologetic glance and then began stuffing her face with food.

His choice to stuff his mouth full quickly became a regretful one following Char’s question. Eyes widened with a glint of panic upon Olivia stating her intent to be honest; how open did she intend to be?! The fear of revealing too much had Kazu attempt to speak, but in doing so, he had accidentally inhaled a small chunk of cucumber.

Kazu quickly shot the same hand that held the sandwich to cover the nearly muffled gasping that had slipped. Hearing his redhead bestie carry on with her recap on the dark magic incident, he hardly wanted to interrupt and fought to stifle his discomfort. His attention is split between Olivia and dislodging the damn gherkin jerk!

Noticing her glance in his direction mid-way, he rushed to fix up his posture, hand covering his mouth, doing all he could to appear as if going through a big chew while giving a flimsy nod. Once she had looked away, his right hand, resting against the table, grabbed the nearest cup or container he hoped was water. Instead, a scalding, eyewatering burn hissed down his cleared throat.

* Gah! Tea…why did it have to be tea?!* Kazu whimpered gently against the cup, blinking the tears away, only to catch sight of her blushing face while hinting about their shared moment that sent him into a mini coughing fit.” Well…y-yah.*cough* .l-like hell I’d let that dark magic take *cough* ya!” He spoke determinately between the hoarse coughing and strained awkward chuckle.

Charlotte’s brows knit in concern, and she set her cracker down, reaching over to give Kazumin a steady pat between the shoulders as his coughing fit persisted.

“Easy there…” she murmured, offering him a reassuring smile before turning her attention fully to Olivia. Her voice carried conviction as she said, “Kazumin’s right. We won’t let that happen.”

She straightened and let her hand hover over the amulet dangling from her neck as she said wistfully, “I’d hoped that the amulet of mine would do more to shield you that night… Maybe it’s not enough on its own, but we’ll find something that is. Whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

There was a pause after her statement where her gaze slid to Kazumin, studying him for a moment before flicking back to Olivia. She remained deep in thought until another hum slipped past her lips, and a cheeky smile curved her mouth. She didn’t say another word, simply taking a dainty bite of her little cracker sandwich as if the thought had never crossed her mind.

Olivia’s eyes widened when Kazumin began choking. She knew she was responsible. She patted his back and offered her napkin to him apologetically. ”You okay, Kaz? Take deep breaths,” Her gaze remained on him until he regained his composure. A grin flashed across her face when he declared his stance against her being possessed; then her gaze switched to Lottie.

The amulet. Her brows furrowed. ”The amulet was magical? I didn’t know what it did. I knew it likely could have an impact on magic. Did it hide my aura or something? Did you know witch hunters would be there? I.. Wow, thank you, Lottie.” She reached over and squeezed her hand gently.

She let go, and noticed her friend deep in thought. Lottie’s cheeky smile caused Liv to grin and blush. To change the topic, she focused on her.

” I believe it did hide your aura. I’m not sure if it does much else.”
Kazu had been gently patting his chest when he felt another patting on his shoulder and shortly another. An embarrassed flush tinged his face slick from the tea.

” Yah I’m *cough* fine….just got a little too *cough* excited. Don’t get to enjoy brunch with two lovely ladies often.” Chuckling with a playful wave over his face to dismiss their worries.” Appreciate the pattin, thanks. Now…what’s this bout a magic amulet?” The blonde asked through a slight wheezy cough, having that necklace come to mind.

”Well, Lottie, from your perspective on the banquet; who do you think cursed you?” While her tone was polite, a flash of fire erupted in her eyes. Whoever, likely Calbert, would pay.

His curiosity increased with a mixture of concern at the mention of a curse. Shifting his gaze to Char, recalling how she had been acting off, a decent bit of coaxing had been needed just to get her to eat, let alone talk. Kazu opened his mouth as if to inquire, but decided to hold off for now and let Char and Olive explain, given the time they had to discuss these past few days. Opting to instead nod his head with an anxious curiosity roiling in his eyes as he idly grabbed a sandwich and munched away.

A hum of delight followed upon the first bite, properly enjoying the offered spread. A sigh of relief followed, seeing the topic changed, albeit hardly a topic any less worrisome.

“I cannot say for certain just yet… Only that the Black Rose has been rather terrible toward us, and I suspect someone in their circle is to blame for the magic cast on me. Tell me Olivia, do you know much about curses, hexes… all that dreadful sort of thing?” Charlotte asked softly.

Olivia nodded with a sigh. Guilt washed over her like raindrops. ”I do,” Liv admitted sheepishly and looked away. What would they think of now? ”I used hexes and curses on this gang in the slums. I call ‘em Asher’s gang. I fought em on many occasions and started hexing and cursing them to get them to fuck off,”

“Goodness you poor thing.” She reminisced for a moment, then smiled cheekily. ”Also, fought ‘em on occasions and won, too–with a bit of magic, y’know,” Liv chuckled without humor. Her eyes were distant for a minute, until she snapped back to reality.

”Curses and hexes, though, come with big prices, and once you use ‘em, it’s hard to stop. Whoever did that to you is a corrupted asshole already.” She reached out and took Lottie’s hand and squeezed it. ”I will not let that happen to you as long as we stick together. I’ll find whoever did it, and find out why, Lottie-Dottie,”

The way the pair casually spoke of magic amulets and curses left Kazu in perplexed silence. He could do little else but idly nibble at a scone after a scraping heap of butter; impressed as he was, almost felt lost. But the way the fiery redhead explained made digesting smooth as his buttery snack, while the bit of further insight into what she had endured with this gang struck a sad chord.

Kazu paused mid-bite with a huffed sigh, trying to process these tidbits of curses.* Hm, this explained Char’s strange attitude.. Odd that Olive suffered her own episode round that time too but..that thing at the balcony felt like no curse.* A cold sliver slithered uncomfortably down his back from the reminder of the foul tendrils.

A playful chuckle pulled him from his thoughts, greeted by a cheeky smile that melted the shadowy nightmares. He scarfed the last of the scones as she finished and gave a quick mouth wiping swipe of his left arm into a thumbs up and hasty gulp.” Ah, screw that Asher prick. If them gangster tryhards are dumb enough to mess with ya after getting cursed, then they asked for it.” An assured nod flashing a big grin.” Only wish I had been around to see ya kick their as- er butts.” Punched the air, his tone mocking and insults in mind harsher, correcting so as not to appear too crude in front of Charlotte.

“ And Char…that magic amulet.” Turning his gaze between the two before settling on their hands. Gently joining his with Olive, where he gave a soft, shaking squeeze.” I..I don’t know if it's right to thank you…considering it left you vulnerable for…” He took a gulping pause, a quick peek at Olivia; how close he had been to losing them.” I want to thank you…really… and am thankful both of ya made it through..”

Chuckling, lightly shaking his head, hiding his misty eyes.
“I do hope something has been done about that gang by now. What a dreadful ordeal for you to have faced on your own…” Her brows drew together in sympathy as she released a sigh. When Kazumin’s hand brushed hers, her gaze drifted toward him, softening as a smile touched her lips.

“And with the witch hunters present, I could hardly leave Olivia so terribly exposed. She will have to be much more careful now.” Tilting her head thoughtfully, she studied Olivia a moment before adding with genuine curiosity, “Tell me, how does one even cast a hex? Is it simply the shorter form of a curse? And would it have to have been someone already in the room?”

Olivia smiled at Kazumin. He was endearing, and sweet. ”I won some, but not all. It was normally more than two against me.” Then, after Charlotte spoke, her smile faded and she avoided eye contact.

Hearing mention of how they ganged up on her had him muttering harsh words directed at the cowardly rat bastards. His body had angrily tensed at the prospect when noticing Olivia's eyes turn away with a saddened expression, and he put aside his growing grudge towards Asher’s gang and listened with redirected focus.

”Well,” Olivia shifted and glanced down at her hands instead of them. Her voice became quiet, despite their private room. ”It’s a whole ritual, basically. Hexes and curses are different; hexes are temporary and curses can last a lifetime, or be brought down from generation to generation, depending on the type. Most importantly, you need a personal item from the person. For me, I usually stole a piece of clothing, or something I’d seen them using, like a knife.” At this, Charlotte’s brows lifted and her expression soured as if discovering something foul in the pastry she had been eating.

Her voice became quieter, almost inaudible. ”You don’t have to be in the same room as the person. I was nearby to watch the effects of it for my own entertainment. It’s easier if you know the person or have met them, yes.” She glanced around with worry, though it was only the trio. ”Probably best we spoke more of this, at one of our own homes.”

She turned to face Charlotte next. ”Whoever hexed you was someone who’d been near you recently. You had gone to the art thingy, right?“

He listened with quiet intensity as the topic proved a difficult one by the redhead’s uncomfortable shifting.” Dang, this curse talk is some interesting stuff. Had no idea they had such differences.” Rubbing his chin in pondering fashion.” Art thingy? Did ya meet anyone acting strange? Or getting all close and funny? If it requires a personal belonging, they’d likely do it when alone and get all close and handsy.”

He frowned, gulping down a sour taste, how easy it could be to get materials for hexes and be left none the wiser.” Sounds like this black rose group is meddling in dangerous stuff if they’re willing to do hexes and ruin an innocent garden with their gift.” A bitter scoff, shaking his head.” Good chance they’re prepping curses, but they seem to require more effort to get that lasting effect, yeah? Plus, those *parties* are using some strange concoctions that messed with all those nobles' heads, me included…. they're up to something massive and deviously shady..”

“Yes… I had been there with Mr. Deacon, and he took my hair ribbon.” Charlotte’s brows furrowed thoughtfully as she allowed the pastry in hand to fall back to the plate, finishing her bite slowly, as if distracted. She shook her head, hair shifting softly around her face. “He had been seated for most of that banquet… I cannot imagine when he might have found the opportunity to weave such a hex… and yet the thought lingers, unwelcome though it is.”

Her gaze grew distant, unease dimming the brightness in her eyes. “There are so many things I could say—of the strange way he toyed with my head, of that smile he gave me… Perhaps it was the hex warping my view, but in my heart, I do not believe it.”
She drew in a soft breath, her expression resolute as her eyes flicked between them. “I think Alexander Deacon could be a dangerous person. Promise me you will both keep your distance from him… at all costs.”

Listening to Charlotte talk of this Deacon going about with her ribbon, doing who knows what ill intent they intended, the hex was an introduction to their wickedness.

” Promise…that’s gonna be a tough one when he’s messing with a friend of mine with this hex voodoo nonsense.” Pausing his cracker sandwich stacking to observe the pair, grappling with magic to not only be real but witnessing two examples that could partially explain the stigma against it.” Hard to not want to punch the fucker after what he did but…I’ll try my best.” He nodded with a half-hearted shrug.

Liv was quiet while Charlotte spoke. She knew her confession meant a great deal to tell them. Still, the itch to investigate it stung. For now, she nodded along and showed Lottie her pinky for a pinky promise. Afterwards, she continued eating rather hungrily while attempting to remain polite.

Charlotte’s gaze drifted toward Kazumin. “...What ever became of your garden, Kazumin?” she asked gently. Then her countenance softened further as she hastily assured him, “If the memory proves too heavy, you need not trouble yourself to speak of it.”

Kazu blinked images of the tree, a nervous gulp, face paling slightly as the ruined bark towered in the background, an ominous specter.” I-..n-no, it’s fine! I mean..er in talkin about it, that is, so all’s good.” He hastily said with an awkward neck rub to assure the concerned brunette.” It’s..well, most of the damages I can patch in and regrow, but the tree….” Trailing off his voice cracking, needing a moment to take a breath.

” It was a lovely little apple tree ya know? Was a lonely and shriveled-up thing at first, but damn if I didn’t get it fruiting!” A heady soft thump of his fist against the table.”Didn’t deserve getting pincusioned with those…vile dolls.” His nose curdled picturing their detailed designs.” Whoever made them certainly enjoyed showing off their craftsmanship and attention to detail.” Shaking his head, a bitter smirk, bile on his tongue.” Kills me leaving the garden like that…but it drives me to want to deck the bastard and any that had a hand in it, ya can believe that.” Said with a determined huff of his nose, then picked up the stacked multi-layered cracker sandwich made in the midst of his mini rant, taking a big bite and downed it with tea, washing the remnant of bitter rage having ranted enough.

” Phew…sorry about that. Didn’t mean to get riled up and heated there.” He frowned regretfully for letting his emotions get the better of him.
All thought left Olivia once the subject of the voodoo dolls came up. She pulled Kazumin into a firm hug and wouldn’t release him until he was composed. She stroked his hair and held him gently. ”You need not be upset, Kaz. That was extremely disturbing. I don’t blame you for being upset and neither will Lottie. I’m so, so, sorry that it happened to you.”

An unexpected yelp left Kazu’s lips from the sudden hug. The abruptness of cold air to soft fabric and the warm, gentle stroke of fingers to his hair. Confused at first, then Olive's hushed words brushed his ears with comforting sentiment, and for a moment, the world went forgotten as he let himself almost drift into the hug, picturing Percy and his family surrounding him with hopes of sharing this with them again soon. A pang of homesickness coursed through him in a shivering wave, letting it pass with a hopeful sigh.

She let go of him and offered him a pastry to help quell the storm rising inside of him. ”We’ll plant you a new tree–it’ll be protected by magic, too. I won’t let anyone disfigure it, okay? And you’re right, whoever did it is a sick fuck.”
Her eyes flashed like fire. Only visible to Lottie, a dark tendril curled around her fist that rested at her side. She sighed and continued to eat, without any trace of what had occurred.

The sounds of dishes clinking brought the world fluttering back, and with it the reminder of the current company. His only saving grace was that the close hug obscured his flushed face, a reluctant sag of his shoulders when the hug ended. The heated embarrassment still evident on his face softened at his friend’s words.

” A-Ah..aye, a new tree..r-right…” Kazu awkwardly added, chuckling uncertainly.” I-I mean, yeah! A magic tree…hey! Could make it a group project, and make a whole magic garden. Let’s see em try messing with a garden that can fight back.” Pumping his fist, delighted at the idea, while mentally groaning at how these hugs kept throwing him off.

Charlotte’s lashes lowered and her brows furrowed as she processed what Kazumin had said, connecting what dots she could. Finally she offered, “I can go take the dolls down for you?”

“ What? No nonono no!” Kazu interjected quickly, waving his hands frantically.” That…it’s really kind of ya to offer, Char. But…it’s not right to have ya see..that grim sight.” His face darkened briefly as the tree flashed almost mockingly in his vision.

” [color=iimegreen]Sides, I doubt the lord duke would much approve of me having ya tend to a disfigured tree.[/color]” Shaking his head, frowning at the prospect of having either lady bear witness to the mangled tree.” Naw, I’ll get it taken care of, don’t worry.” Nodding with his sandwich holding hand offering a thumbs up, leading into a meaty bite. His grumbling appetite hungered!

It was at that moment something stirred at the edge of her vision. Her head tilted slightly, eyes narrowing as her gaze locked on Olivia’s fist at her side and she froze. The air seemed to shimmer around it subtly, and then… a dark tendril curled there.

Her eyes widened, panic rushing through her veins as quick as blood. For a heartbeat, she thought the others might have seen it too. Relief flickered as she looked around and noticed no one had yet.

Oh, gods no… Not here, Olivia…

Her lips parted, but no sound escaped. She smoothed her dress with trembling hands. Her breath caught as instinct rose: an impulse she did not understand but could not resist. Slowly, carefully, she reached not outward but inward, pulling. The tendril responded like water following a current.

Her eyes widened further as the darkness slid toward her, obediently sinking into her hand. Her palm prickled, her knuckles tightening around the energy that entered her, hidden beneath her sleeve. Charlotte exhaled as quietly as she could.

What did I just do?

Abruptly, she rose from her chair, the scrape of wood on the floor sharper than intended. “So.”

With a too-wide smile, she set her hands on her hips as if nothing at all had just occurred. “Who’s ready for shopping?”

Olivia stared at Charlotte with disbelief and awe. What the hell happened? The sharp noise emitted from Lottie’s chair caused her to jump. This was a topic for later. Fortunately, it seemed that nobody had noticed.

She joined Lottie and nodded fervently. ”Me! Let’s go shopping!”
With the matter of the tree and unpleasant discussions seemingly finished that the cowlicked blonde had let loose some restraints. Hands grabbing for dishes left and right, the awkward talks and stressful close embarrassed calls only furthered his ravenous appetite. Nearly diving in full gorge mode when the scraping of wood scratched the tempo pulling his head up from the decadent meals to be treated to an unexpected wide grinning Charlotte.

” Huh? Oh! We going shopping too?!” Asked with an incredulous curious raised brow, a bit unsettled by the smile appearing too wide, almost like one he’d give but something felt a bit..off about it. Yet, seeing her stand there all bubbly eager had him guess it away as excitement; hardly could blame her as he soon hopped to his feet, brimming with his own smile.” Been wantin to see the kind of fancy shcmancy shops them elites got here.” Laughing taking a big chunk out of a butter and jelly slathered biscuit.

Olivia grinned and offered her arms to the duo. It was almost too wide of a smile. Anything they could do to get away from the topic was a blessing. Her brows furrowed in Lottie’s direction, but she did not voice her concern. She took her hand and squeezed it gently, and let go.

”Definitely excited to see what the elites have,” Her voice dropped to a whisper to the both and forced a laugh. She took a few snacks from the table and continued eating until they left the establishment. Though her stomach was full, she would never admit it. The food was amazing.

✨Beyond The Veil✨

FLASHBACK TO NIGHT BEFORE

Lys, Volfango & Angel

---

Angel drained the last of her neon-pink drink, scrunching her nose dramatically at how sugary it was. She placed the empty glass down with the precision only afforded by the thoroughly intoxicated. The music pulsed around her, the room a hazy blur of neon lights as she pivoted on her heels to throw herself into the clutches of the next EDM song.

Then, a smooth voice broke through the noise to her ear: "You may excuse Volfango, but he cannot simply watch when such beauty is before him. Perhaps we may join you?"

She turned slowly, eyebrows arching high as a delighted, tipsy smile took over her face.
"Volfango will make this night one to remember, just the way you want it."

Angel’s smile nearly fell as she watched the man with the luscious dark hair trail a finger down Lys’s back. However, it was kept intact simply by the idea that the man was referring to himself in the third person. In fact, Angel was entirely consumed by the task of trying not to laugh at the concept.

”For a heartbeat, I thought she looked like someone I used to know.”

Her eyes darted from Volfango to Lys rapidly.

”But that girl wore wildfire in her hair. This one’s cloaked in starlight.”

”Either way…” Angel flashed an innocent grin full of teeth at Lys as she spoke, ”I’ve always been one to welcome unexpected guests into the chaos. The more, the merrier.”

If this were a film, this would be the moment she’d pause, tension rippling beneath the surface, maybe even clutch her chest dramatically, but she was completely hammered, so instead she snorted. She broke into loud and unrestrained laughter, holding her sides as she doubled over slightly. Then she hunched forward, holding her sides as she gasped for breath.

“Wait—wait, hold up,” she wheezed, waving a hand like she was calling time-out. “Volfango? Is that your actual fucking name?” She straightened up, blinking through tears, her tone full of disbelief. “Are you actually referring to yourself in the third person right now? Is that a thing you do? …That’s adorable.”

Volfango grinned at her unrestrained laughter at his way of speaking. It was an old trick played on him by his older sister when they were both little. The way she was laughing reminded him of that moment. It took him a few decades to remove but he had grown so fond of it he decided to adopt the way of speaking. Besides, it was sure to make people remember your name and when paired with his eccentric personality it made sure none would forget him. ”Volfango is glad you think so.”

She wiped tears from her eyes and added perhaps randomly, “I mean, full disclosure: I totally thought I saw you guys getting busy banging on that poor, defenseless couch earlier. Which—no judgment.”

He nodded at her statement and briefly glanced over his shoulder at the scene of the crime. ”Yes, it seems they are finally bringing out the wet floor sign…”

Angel straightened up with an exaggerated sigh, sweeping her hair back over her shoulder as she flashed a playful smirk. “Just between us, I’m always a little frisky myself when I’m this drunk, so you two really caught me at a great time. ”

Her gaze then drifted, reluctantly but purposefully, settling squarely on Lys. With exaggerated innocence and wide-eyed sincerity that wouldn’t fool a child, Angel fluttered her lashes dramatically and announced, ““Oh, hi there totally new person who I’ve absolutely never met before.”

She flashed Lys an overly bright grin, extending her hand theatrically as she introduced herself: “I’m Sicily, a totally normal girl who’s definitely not hiding a thing, and I’m gonna need at least two more songs before I’m ready to make any more decisions tonight. So, Volfango and…hot girl whose name I absolutely don’t know… Let’s party.”

’Oh how marvelous.’ He thought to himself, feeling his mouth water now that the feast was properly on the menu. ”Come, then. Let us get further... acquainted.” He took his time speaking the last word while he moved in closer and slid his palm onto her back, touching the exposed skin between her shoulder blades.

His attention shifted over to Lys, a smirk on his lips ”Shall we, mia bellissima ninfa? Our new companion wishes to have a good time.” In that moment, Lys whispered in Volfango’s ear, letting him know that she had to take care of something, but she’d soon return. In the meantime, she encouraged him to have his fun.

A shiver rippled through Angel’s skin as his fingers traced the bare stretch of her back. She tilted her head toward him, one brow arched in amused challenge. Her gaze flicked briefly to Lys as she slipped away, but the moment passed like a shrug, and Angel leaned smoothly into his touch, her hand resting on his shoulder, hips moving with effortless rhythm.

The beat thrummed in her chest as she leaned back into him, a lazy smile curling on her lips, her voice warm and laced with mischief. “Since we’re getting acquainted…” she mused, twirling a finger in the air like she was making a list. “I like long walks on the beach, pizza at 3AM sharp, and feeding mangy stray cats kibble.”

With a playful grin, she then reached up and trailed a finger along his jaw.
“So tell me, Volfango... who exactly am I dancing with?”

His hips and torso move just as smoothly as his arms as he danced alongside Angel, never letting his hand leave her for more than a moment. When she fell with her back against him, his hand found rest on her hips while he leaned his head around just over her shoulder. ”A man of many talents and interests, you being one of them of course.” He spoke gently into her ear, using the closeness for a quick kiss on her neck.

”But that isn’t much of a satisfying answer, and Volfango always satisfies.” He began to sway as he kept her in his tender embrace.

”Volfango enjoys meditation in the morning, eating greasy foods on cheat days, and helping people enjoy themselves.” He of course was referring to his work in the entertainment industry, though the double-meaning was very much intended.
Those who knew him as the second son of one of the most powerful Fae in Haylcon were few and he had made deals to ensure they would not break their silence easily.

She arched a brow at the boldness of the kiss, though the affection was far from unwelcome. The vampires at the Black Spire were many things, but never affectionate, at least in any real way. Her fingers traced idle patterns on his forearm, a faint sadness tugging at her heart as she wondered if he enjoyed such warm intimacy so casually every night. Perhaps she had missed out on far more than she realized.

“You seem lucky,” she said at last, her tone softer now,. “Your whole life sounds like… one long vacation. “

For the briefest moment, a jagged image flashed in her mind: a man lying in a pool of his own blood, her own hand wiping crimson from the edge of her sword. She pushed it away before the memory could take hold, tilting her head and letting her tone lighten again.

“Greasy food only on cheat days?” she teased with mock disbelief.. “Fuck, I eat that stuff all the time. Guess that means every day’s a cheat day for me.”

The muscles in the corner of his right eye twitched at her statement, but her own brief shift in expression told him she had reasons for believing so. This part of his life did feel like a vacation compared to what it once was. The scars of what it took to earn it he carried with him everyday. ”Volfango has simply made the right moves at the right time.” After saying this, he dipped her back just a bit and pivoted her in a half-circle before bringing her back up to him.

He chuckled a little, the honesty of it surprising him. ”And yet your figure remains perfect. You must be very active.”
“Oh absolutely too active.”

”Tell Volfango what brings such a stunning fox to this den?” He shifted through the song and dance until he was behind her, wrapping his arms around her stomach holding her as they moved with the beat.

She let herself sink into the rhythm, his arms around her, her voice quieter now. Most of the time, she had felt the less people knew about her the better. But sometimes even Angel got tired of playing the game.

The music was nice, the boy was pretty and she was wasted. Maybe just once, she could show a card or two. Not like she’d thought any of this out anyway.

“Trying to enjoy freedom while I can.” She spun slowly in his arms, hands sliding up to drape lazily around his neck. A wry smile tugged at her lips.

Gilded cages. Empty promises. False Family

“Not that deep. Just… here to have some fun.”

Destiny refused. Seeking direction. Goal undefined.

There was a flicker of warmth in her gaze before she added with a breathy laugh, “You definitely qualify as fun. Should I assume Volfango came out tonight to dance with hot babes?”

”And in that, Volfango believes he has been quite successful.” His voice lowered a little, hands roaming slowly along her side to make his point.
Unexpected companionship. Volfango could listen to her speak for hours. She had the right looks and attitude to make it big on the silver screen but he felt a kinship he had not been expecting. He wanted to keep his eyes on her…and hands…and much, much more.

Then she deepened her voice playfully, expression deadpan but eyes gleaming.

“Sicily is so here to hang with long-haired hunks in a room that smells like sweat and beer.”

”Such words are music to Volfango’s ears.” In that moment, a fairy-like ball coalesced around his shoulder and began to float around them, pulsing in different colors to the bass. ”Volfango is yours for the night, Sicily. Allow him the pleasure of entertaining you.”

After Volfango’s offer, Angel grinned, spun to the beat with her hands in the air, jumping in tune to the music and declared with a giggle:
“You’re all mine then!”

Then she slowed as her eyes locked onto the floating ball. Her brows lifted and she immediately tried to poke it.

The light shimmered where she poked it and it split into many small lights that brought along a shroud of darkness. At that moment, it was just Angel and Volfango dancing with the spheres of light performing back-up around them.

”Volfango would offer this before the true fun begins…in case one night was not enough of Volfango.” He pulled back a hand and flicked it upwards and summoned a slim, sleek card with his name, picture, and number on it.Volfango offered it to Angel between two fingers.

Angel plucked it between her own two fingers and then momentarily reviewed it with a smirk before storing it in her purse. Minutes bled together in the haze of sound and light as they danced together until the music shifted and the alcohol had finally hit her full blast. Angel swayed with the music still, letting her body lean lazily into his. Her lips curved in a teasing smirk as she tilted her head to look up at him.

“Mmm… I can decide what we do, can’t I?” she murmured flirtatiously. Before he could answer, she reached up and poked his cheek with a single finger, giggling. Her lashes fluttered as if weighing some grand decision. “Do you wanna go cuddle or something?”

Volfango let out a low chuckle at her playful poke. ”Volfango would greatly enjoy more time with you in his arms.” He said in a softer tone, imagining without shame how much more comfortable their cuddling session would be without clothes. That said, he would happily be her pillow if that would make her happy. Pleasure came in all shapes and forms, after all.

”Shall Volfango reserve a room where we can cuddle….or something?” Expressive as Angel may have seemed to him, he doubted she would enjoy such an open display of intimacy as Lys.

”Perhaps he may provide a massage. Volfango is quite exceptional with hands, he has been told.” His voice not hiding precisely what kind of massage it may turn into.

“Reserve a room? Mmm… dangerous.” Her eyes glittered.
“Let’s do it.”

”Perfect. Follow Volfango and he shall acquire the proper accommodations.” His golden eyes sparkled with motes of light before guiding Angel away from the dance floor. A possessive hand kept around her hip to signal she was taken for the time being. Volfango briefly scanned the crowd for his bellisma ninfa but alas she was likely stirring trouble elsewhere in the club.

It hadn’t been hard to secure a V.I.P. room on the second level of the club. One short conversation to the manager running the floor was all it took and he hadn’t even needed to drop the Da Vita name. Volfango may not have the same reach as his father but when it came to establishments of entertainment he had significant influence.

Volfango held the door open for Angel to a luxurious suite, one-way glass overlooking the spacious center of the club. Counters illuminated by colorful lights with a fully stocked bar, a large couch facing the window, projected waves of water that seemed to flow down the waters, and touchscreen panel next to the couch for ordering different kinds of services.

”It is not too late to slip from Volfango’s fingers…” He gestured towards the inside of the room like a refined butler welcoming his mistress.

Angel arched a brow, mischief curling at her lips. “Are you trying to get rid of me already, or something, Volfango?” With a dramatic little gasp, she pressed a hand to her chest like a wounded heroine, then broke into a grin as she made her way into the room before her.

”Volfango would never dream of doing something like that.” He let out a soft chuckle at the budding inside joke between them. His eyes shamelessly watched her step past him and into the room. Volfango moved forward and let the door close behind him. His hand holding onto the handle to infuse a minor charm. The handle would twist and turn both directions without opening the door, just to give them an extra layer of protection and privacy.

She then made herself right at home, plopping down on the bed with zero hesitation, sprawling out like she owned the place, giggling into the cushions. Angel raised her head and gave him a cheeky grin, “C’mere, c’mere—pspspspsps!” she called, beckoning him over like he was a stray cat she’d just decided to adopt.

Volfango grinned at her playfulness and swayed his body with feline grace as he walked up to the bed. His golden eyes blinked and upon opening his pupils became vertical slits that disappeared soon after when he blinked once more. Whiskers, he thought, might have been far too distracting.

When he inevitably came closer, she yanked him down into a cuddle pile, tucking herself comfortably against him. For a few beats, she was quiet, staring up at the glowing ceiling lights above them.

Volfango didn’t struggle against falling into the bed, shifting behind her so that he could comfortably wrap his large arms around her. His hands brushed and caressed where they had fallen in rhythmic circles and lines, not diving further or pursuing more intense intimacy. She might not have reservations against that sort of thing, but it didn’t take magic to understand she wanted something else.

Then her voice softened unexpectedly. “Me and my twin brother… We used to stay up talking for hours looking up at the ceiling like this. Dumb stuff, serious stuff, whatever.”

He propped himself up a little on his elbow to look down at her, his hand running up and down the soft skin of her arm where he also noted the density of muscle.
She tilted her head to peer up at him, curious. “Serious question… Do you have any siblings?”

Volfango’s eyes darkened a bit at the question though he didn’t look away as their gazes connected. ”A brother and three sisters. Volfango is the second oldest. He has not spoken to them in a long time.” He gave his serious answer, a bit of sadness seeping into his typically energetic tone. He had been closest with his older sister, born within a couple years of each other. Extremely close for Fae. They played all kinds of pranks on each other, all in good fun.

”Moments like the one you speak of are often the most precious. Tell Volfango more.” Volfango relaxed his expression once more, his voice adopting a softer, more soothing tone. Now that they were laying like this, he could feel something tickle the back of his mind. A faint touch of magic around Angel became more clear to him.

Angel let out a sharp exhale that could’ve been a laugh. She tipped her head back toward the ceiling, lips twitching with a smirk. “I… I haven’t talked to my brother in a hot minute either.”

Her voice held a careless lilt at first, but as she went on, it thinned as if someone had been tugging a thread too tight. “Having a twin is the weirdest damn thing. It’s like… You get used to this constant mirror walking around, someone who knows your stupid jokes before you finish them, someone who… just gets you. And then one day…It’s like he turned into a stranger wearing his face. Talking to him felt like screaming into an empty room.”

Volfango listened attentively to her as he kept up his gentle caress. The words she spoke about her brother striking too close to home for him. It was a surprising connection between the beautiful stranger he found himself wrapped around like a safety blanket. Perhaps that was why the pain and sorrow in her voice resonated with him and he found himself all that more invested in her. More of his hand made contact with her body, but his touch grew softer in reaction. Volfango loved the sound of his own voice, for sure, but he wanted to just listen to hers right now.

She went still, the distant beat of the music muted against the silence between her words.
“With him gone like that, even when he was standing beside me, it was like… losing a limb I could still feel aching.” The admission hung there a moment too long before Angel seemed to realize how much she’d bared. Her jaw tightened and her brows knit.
She turned back to him quickly with a crooked grin, voice lifting to cover the cracks.

“Anyway. Why’d you quit talking to your siblings, huh? Bet you were never lonely growing up. It must have been like the Brady Bunch…” She twisted her body up to hover over him and with a smile she teasingly asked, her hair spilling down in the space between them. “And did you all refer to yourselves in the third person or was that just your thing?”

Her raw honesty was both striking and refreshing to Volfango and in some ways captured him more than her beauty. Despite his separation, Volfango felt he had exchanged his masks for a different set...but at least he got to choose these ones. Would it hurt to lift the mask for a little? The quick answer was yes, potentially horribly so, but he was willing to suffer a little pain.

”Volfango alone lays claim to that charming aspect. His darling older sister had tricked him and he was forced to address himself in such a manner.” A pure smile spread on his lips as his golden eyes looked into Sicily’s, no reservation about maintaining eye contact with her. ”Volfango later managed to overcome the charm but he decided to perform it on his own. His sister soon came to regret it.”

Angel scrunched her nose and let out a dramatic little whine, her voice pitching up in outrage. “What the hell, sis!”

Then she broke into a grin, eyes gleaming as she leaned closer, “Honestly? That’s badass. She tried to stick you with something to embarrass you, and instead you flipped it and made it your signature. That’s a power move, Volfango. Now it’s your thing — not hers. Of course she’s pissed! ”

His hand brushed some of the hair that had fallen between them over her shoulder so he could see more of her pretty face. When he did so, the magic he had felt grew stronger. As one well-versed in the use of magic to change appearances, he was able to feel the general nature of what the magic was. Volfango wondered what changes had been made…

”There was hardly a moment where Volfango had a moment to himself. Our childhoods were strict but we were there for each other.” He let out a small, amused scoff as he started to brush his finger through her glamorous hair. ”That was…until our father brought up our inheritance.” Volfango kept a smile but his eyes expressed something far more grim. ”Volfango’s older sister, the one he looked up to, turned quickly on him when it was revealed there would be only one heir.”

He took a lock of her hair and brought it to his lips and pressed them against it closing his eyes. Sicily’s golden hair began to recede from where his lips had touch, revealing the marvelous crimson color underneath. Volfango slowly opened them and smiled warmly at the change. ”So, Volfango took himself out of the running.” He concluded. Volfango’s eyes scanned her face framed by her new color. “You pull off blonde very well, but red is certainly more your color.” He purred the words.
Angel’s smile had softened while he spoke, her head tipped just slightly as she listened. The teasing edge in her eyes gave way to genuine empathy bleeding through the haze of liquor.

“That’s… kind of heartbreaking, honestly. Family’s supposed to be the one place where you don’t have to fight for your worth. Though you were right to go the ‘fuck the heir Olympic’ route. You were like… I’ll just be over here living my best life.”

But then she realized that his lips had brushed her hair—her real hair—and the playful mask cracked. Angel went very still as if the whole room had shifted sideways. She felt the color drain out of her face as crimson strands slipped free where blonde should’ve been.

Her eyes snapped to his, wide and sharp with alarm. The smirk she tried to conjure faltered halfway. “I—uh—” She stammered, pushing upright a little too quickly, hands smoothing her clothes like she’d suddenly remembered she had somewhere to be.

“I gotta… I gotta go.”Then, fumbling for ground she didn’t have she added: “This was… cool though. You’re cool. I mean, way too cool for me probably, but still—yeah. Next time. I wanna hang out again.”

Her laugh was thin, nervous. She backed away like she’d just realized the floor might give out beneath her at any second, and suddenly made a beeline for the door.

Volfango’s face didn’t tense in alarm nor scowl in disappointment at Angel’s reaction. His eyes flashed a bit of confusion but mostly they expressed curiosity. He sprung off his hands and landed on his feet, reaching out to grab her forearm to stop her. Careful of his grip.

”Volfango has overstepped it seems. He apologizes for his selfish curiosity, though Volfango cannot say he regrets seeing such a perfect red.” He eased himself closer once more.

”That color must expose you to much danger. Allow Volfango a moment more of your time.” He did not wait for her response before feeling the magic once more. Small orbs like fireflies dance along her hair as it returned to the blonde it was before.

”Sicily, please call upon Volfango. He shall not breathe a word except those you desire to hear.”

Angel’s breath caught as she glanced down, strands of blonde once more framing her face. For a moment, she just stared at it, fingers twitching like she wanted to reach up and test if it was real.

“…Thank you.”

Her lips curved into a small smile, warmer than her usual smirk, though no less quick to vanish.But then her shoulders tightened, and she pulled herself back behind that careful mask she wore so well. Her gaze lingered on him, her eyes wary yet grateful, before she turned toward the door.“I should go. Thanks again for tonight.”

”The pleasure was Volfango’s. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

The Fae prince’s eyes lingered on Angel and then where she had been standing once the door closed a few seconds after. His smile slowly faded as he let out a long sigh and walked towards the one-way window that looked over the dance floor. Neon lights illuminating his dark figure as he dwelt on the night so far and what he had yet to accomplish. The time for fun was at a close. Now…it was time to shuffle the board.

Neo Genesis: Chronicles of Eberron

🌸 Race: Half-Elf 🌸
🦋 Class: Druidic Mystic 🦋
🍄 Location: The Bathroom🍄
🍃 Interactions: Menzai@Samreaper Minerva@FunnyGuy Bastion@Oso 🍃
🌼 Equipment: 🌼

Full Equipment List

✦ Druidic Staff
✦ Stone-Carved Dagger
✦ Poison-Tipped Blowgun Darts
✦ Her amulet
✦ Satchel
✦ Flint & dried tinder moss
✦ Waterskin
✦ Dried Medicinal Herbs
✦ Bag of pretty trinkets, marbles and rocks
✦ Sharpening river stone
✦ Oruna tribal moon bracelet

🪷 Attire: Outfit 🪷

Attire

✦ Antler Headdress – Elegant branching antlers wrapped in vines and blooming wild roses and other flowers, dangling with purple crystal teardrops.
✦ Thick Magenta Hair – Flowing in long, heavy waves with many braids, tiny beads and blossoms braided throughout.
✦ Forest Bralette – A natural fabric top adorned with layered leaves, hide, flowers, and shimmering gem accents across the bust.
✦ Arm Jewelry – Vine-wrapped armlets and bracelets studded with glistening stones in violet and turquoise hues.
✦ Green Cloaklet – A light green cloak clasped with a gem like amber—crafted from flora and fauna
✦ Layered Skirt – Flowing petal-draped skirt with high side slits, woven from cloth and flower petals
✦ Waist Adornments – A golden vine belt holding a satchels, feathers, and a charm pouch of herbs and trinkets.
✦ Leg Jewelry – Beaded anklets and thigh cords with gemstone charms
✦ Nature Tattoos & Paint – Faint tribal markings or nature-inspired body paint peek beneath her outfit

🪞 Gold Balance: 55 🪞
🌸 Injuries: Phia is exhausted, weak, and achy. 🌸

Phia had inhaled sharply as the crack of the captain's knee filled the air.

Her whole body flinched. Her fingers curled tighter around her staff. Instinct screamed at her to run, to hide, to do something, but all she could do was freeze. Everything about the man in green made her skin crawl, especially the way he moved like a cat that had already caught its meal and was just waiting to see if it would twitch. Her instincts didn’t just whisper this time: they roared.

The woman looked like a predator. The big one, Gnarly, was the kind of male you didn’t challenge unless you wanted your throat broken. Phia didn’t need anyone to explain who held power here. She could feel it.

In the way the others shifted. In the silence after the gun. In the way no one breathed when Beckett smiled.

“You're right,” she whispered to Menzai, eyes still locked on Beckett with unblinking focus. “They're not good envoys.” Dread bloomed in her belly, but she blinked it away as she was instructed to remain with Minerva. She looked around until she caught the spotted lady's glance. She lit up instantly, waving both arms with such force her balance nearly tipped. "Minerva!"

Then Beckett's voice cut through again, sickly sweet.

“Who wants to meet a real Pirate Prince, eh?”

“Sweet Phia.” Phia blinked, startled as Minerva suddenly grabbed her wrist and lifted it high.

“Yo ho ho! Ahoy!! Peaches Minerva speaks! Me and me bestest matey, Sweet Phia… We will parley with your Pirate Prince!”

Her lips parted. Parley sounded like a kind of food.

As Minerva released her, Phia stumbled forward to follow, her steps unsure and her body still awfully weak from everything it had endured. Menzai had told her to stay close to Minerva, and she was doing exactly that.

“But first, we wanna ask you somethin’?"

Phia's eyes widened as she felt a big poke to her arm.

“Okay, Sweet Phia, ask him something. We need to show them we mean business.”

Phia turned slowly to face Beckett. "Okay. I will ask him something." Her gaze lingered on him far too long as she tried to think of a question. Any question.

“If she goes…” Before she had a chance to speak, a familiar voice caught her attention, and she glanced to see the metal man who had carried her before. “I go.”

She smiled warmly at him for a moment in a manner that was genuine and grateful. Even surrounded by monsters, some still stood for something. Then, she turned back to Captain Beckett. A long, awkward silence continued before she finally spoke.

"I am going to ask that you do not hurt our captain again. " Phia furrowed her brows and glared up at him.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Day
Location: Sorian Park
Attire: Dress, Amulet
Interaction: @Oso Cassius
Mention: @Helo Callum @Potter Kira @Tpartywithzombi Violet

---

“Three-hundred!”

Charlotte's gaze locked on the drunk prince, her brow raising. “Three hundred?” she repeated softly, though it was not in wonder. Her gaze darted toward him, mouth parted in the faintest, incredulous laugh. The monkey’s cackling did little to steady her pulse.

“And another hundo from the MON-KAAAAY!”

Uncharacteristically so, Charlotte let herself grin, lifting her hand in a playful wave toward Callum and his strange little monkey. The gesture had a girlish lilt to it, but the look in her eyes was more intense than her smile betrayed. Her other hand found her hip, shoulders curving into a pose. Even as Callum’s voice rang out to Kira, Charlotte did not flinch. Instead, she clasped her hands together beside her cheek with delight, tilting her head sweetly as though she were the very picture of amused innocence. Her lashes lowered just so, her gaze trained on Callum as he spread his arms wide with his whiskey bottle in hand.

“Oh, what a lovely idea!” she cooed brightly.

On the surface, it was coy, harmless teasing, a dutiful jewel playing her part in the spectacle. But beneath it, Charlotte’s chest thrummed with anger that still burned hot, a type of sharp anger she hadn’t entertained in years.

Her gaze flicked past Callum to the man who had set all this into motion. Cassius. For the briefest instant, her smile faltered. The hurt rushed back in like a tide, but instead of letting it drown her, she turned her chin and faced the crowd again. Yet her eyes betrayed her, catching on Violet at his side. It was only a fleeting glimpse, but enough to tell that she had been comforting him. She could not help but wonder if the rift between herself and Cassius would now cast its shadow over her relationship with Violet too.

“A woman, Lord Cassius Damien, and Prince Callum Danrose! Didn't I tell you all, Lady Vikena is as exceptional as it gets!”

“Four-fifty.”

“550 gold!”

“How about one thousand for the lovely lady.”

Charlotte’s stomach dropped. The air felt heavy, pressing down on her ribcage as if it meant to suffocate her, though her smile clung to her lips as if stitched there by a needle.

One thousand.

Her fingers curled tighter into her skirts until her knuckles prickled, the fabric an anchor as the park fell still. Then the silence shattered into gasps and whispers, but none of it touched her. Inside, her chest burned as if it had been filled with molten lava. One thousand... You would do this, Cassius? After everything? After cutting me open, you come with gold and expect—what?

Her eyes slid to him again, unerring, finding him even among the sea of onlookers as though the rest of the world had fallen away. The edges of her vision blurred, but he stood clear as day, the word defiance made flesh, every inch of him battered yet unyielding. She tipped her chin, lashes low, radiating the poise of a woman who had just discovered exactly how dangerous she could be.

“My, my…” she breathed, her voice sweet but her gaze daring him before she turned lightly back to the crowd, voice brightening. “Such generosity for a worthy cause."

“1000! 1000 for Lady Vikena! Going once… Going twice… Three times! Congratulations Lord Damien, you have won a date with Lady Charlotte Vikena of Vermillion! Please provide your bid to Lady Blackwood, and please do enjoy your wonderful picnic!” the announcer called.

And in that instant, as she made her way off the stage, Charlotte Vikena looked less like a jewel to be won and more like the storm that could swallow the auction whole.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Day
Location: Sorian Park
Attire: Dress, Amulet
Interaction: @CitrusArms Stratya @Potter Kira @Oso Cassius
Mention: @Helo Callum @FunnyGuy Alexander

---

“Prince Callum Danrose is piss drunk.” It had been nearly impossible to halt the irises of her eyes from lingering Alexander's way briefly. "Do recall his mother was arrested before at least half of the Caesonian nobility." Charlotte informed him in a whisper through the teeth of her smile. Her gaze slid to Callum momentarily, and she took a moment to fully take in the presence of the monkey as the chorus of voices swelled:

“21 on the Knight Captain!”
“30 for Stratya! I like a woman who knows her way with a sword!”
“Over here! 37 for Stratya!”
“50 for Stratya! She’s mine! Back off you youngins”
“Oh fuck off you old bastard! 70 fucking gold!”
“100 gold!”

“100! 100 for Stratya! 100! 100 for Stratya… Going once… Going twice… Three times! Congratulations sir, you have won a date with Stratya Durmand of Vermillion! Please provide your bid to Lady Blackwood and please do enjoy your wonderful picnic with one of the fairest of our ladies!”

Charlotte shifted on her feet. The whole thing had been entirely overwhelming. She couldn't believe how quickly people could be bid off like prized pigs. Something about it all gave her the wiggins. She sent Stratya a sympathetic, conspiratorial smile, then edged close enough to murmur, “If any of this proves disagreeable, come signal me. I am here for you.”

“Another maiden from Vermillion, and I say this with no offense to my favorite Knight Captain, but Lady Vikena is the grand jewel…

The smile stayed; it always did. But it went thin at the edges, and the line of her shoulders drew a breath tighter. She was a jewel. A polished, prized jewel placed on a velvet cushion to be admired and appraised. And Stratya, so casually set aside with an apology, as though a woman could be footnoted.

Charlotte veiled the brief flicker of irritation in her eyes, her brows furrowing as she tried to drown out Alexander's words in her mind. Her fingers smoothed her skirt once, then stilled, pressing into the fabric as though to anchor herself.

Then the callers started again.

“Lady Vikena starting at 50 gold! 50! 50 for Lady Vikena!”

Her pulse answered in time with the numbers. Each one landed like a coin dropped in a dish, and she hated the sound. Charlotte held her poise anyway, since that was what was expected as the calls continued.

”120 gold!”

The new voice made her brows lift. A woman’s voice. Curious, Charlotte’s gaze sought the source, and soon found her: dark-skinned, beautiful, eyes gleaming in the light. Her mind wandered back to the Royal Curd, plucking the name from the depths of her mind: Mira? ... No Kira. Olivia was beside the woman, shrugging. A soft giggle escaped Lottie's lips.

For the briefest moment, her chest eased. Same-sex courtships were hardly the fashion in Caesonia, not when dynasties demanded heirs. But Charlotte saw no harm, and less still in kindness. She let her smile warm as she looked at her, offering Kira a grateful nod.

“Two hundred.”

She could have plucked that voice out of a crowd of thousands. Her eyes fell on him instantly, and her lips parted.

Cassius.

The sight of him hit her like a strike to the chest. He looked battered, her scratches doing him no favor, and his eyes were darker than she remembered. For the briefest moment, something sharp tugged inside her, a rush of worry she wanted to ignore. That face, once, and unfortunately still, capable of making her heart race with something she could not name, now also made her body feel unbearably heavy. Pain, grief, confusion, anger—all of it tangled together, with one word repeating over and over in her mind like a metronome: why, why, why... At first steady, then quickening until it drowned her.

But just as swiftly, suspicion rushed in to fill the space. Her lashes lowered again, and her fingers knotted into her skirts, her fists barely trembling. Perhaps he had drunk himself sick like Callum. Perhaps he only meant to stir at old wounds, to make a spectacle of her while she stood vulnerable on this stage. And yet… his expression did not quite convey mockery. That left her more unsettled than if it had.

Was it for his father? For his own vengeance?

Her pulse rose with the thought. She found herself pouting at him, her brows lowering, her eyes darkening with anger she did not bother to hide.

Why do you insist on haunting me, Cassius?

Her eyes burned, not only with sorrow but with a righteous anger. Her lip trembled before she mastered it, lifting her chin high to glare down at him. Fear had no place in her gaze anymore.

If you think I’ll let you… then you are sorely mistaken.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Lorenzo and Charlotte flashback

FLASHBACK

Charlotte & Lorenzo

Time: Morning after Ducal Meeting
Location: Carriage Ride

---

The carriage jolted gently as it pulled away from the palace. The seating was plush, and the paneling, once rather lovely, now felt like the walls of a confessional as Charlotte sat with her hands folded neatly in her lap. Her eyes were fixed not on her father but on the blurred vision of buildings sliding past her window. She had not yet looked at her father.
Not since they had entered. Not since the door had closed behind them like the drawing of a curtain.
“Someone cast magic on me last night.” She didn’t raise her voice; she didn’t need to. “I embraced my friends because I feared I had been poisoned.”

“Eh-” The short sound escaped Lorenzo as his head whipped toward her. There should have been words that left his lips but the revelation generated too many reactive responses at once to form them. “Wh-what?” He had no shame in his shaken reaction, for the things said by Charlotte were both alarming and something he did not wish to believe.

“Someone cast magic on you last night?” He repeated her statement in hopes he had misheard her.

Charlotte gave a solemn nod. “I’m fairly certain. Last night was terribly strange... I suffered the most dreadful hallucinations and peculiar sensations. At first, I feared perhaps I’d been poisoned, but...” Her voice trailed off, and her shoulders sank, “Well, seeing as I’m still here to tell the tale, I suppose that wasn’t quite the case after all.”

“Lottie…” Lorenzo had gone from not knowing what he heard to not knowing what to say. There hadn’t been any jest in her tone or shakiness to her demeanor, which only served to make her statements more difficult to take in. Shaking his head with a wistful smile and denying it all was far easier.

“Lottie, it seems this talk magic has truly gotten to you.” The lightest of chuckles left him. “And if anyone were to cast a spell on my dearest daughter, it would be a kind one. Like making all your least favorite vegetables taste like freshly baked bread! Poison? Magic? Occam’s razor tells me you were just having one of those womanly moments.” The more he spoke, the more he was able to minimize Charlotte’s suspicion.

“You know, your mother had moments like that when she didn’t eat or drink enough throughout the day. Dizz spells, haha, the irony of such a term. But she’d do it so there would be no doubt in her mind about her looking her best in her dresses. And if you consider it, your date at the art gallery likely had little food to offer. Hordeaurves… Pretty, quaint, and tasty, but hardly fulfilling. In my opinion, they should serve them in threes… or fours even. Yes, four would be quite the treat! Which also reminds me! I told Gilbert to have some brunch prepared just for us. Nothing specific, really, but it will certainly be delicious as always. Just don’t let Olivia beat you to your servings, or you might find yourself dizzy all over again. And then you’ll believe you're poisoned. And then you’ll start saying someone cast a spell on you.” He grinned, making light of the whole thing.

Charlotte’s gaze drifted downward, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she brushed her palms soothingly against her thighs. A familiar ache pressed against her chest, subtle but unmistakable. She had hoped, if only briefly, that perhaps this once Lorenzo might truly listen. But his swift dismissal made it painfully clear he wasn’t ready to grapple with such uncomfortable truths.

She first eased her expression, pushing down the sting of disappointment. It was easier this way, she reminded herself; easier to believe she had merely overreacted. Arguing further would accomplish nothing. “Perhaps you’re right…” Her voice was subdued, wrapped in a false air of acceptance. Slowly, she raised her chin and offered him a smile.

“Brunch sounds rather wonderful, especially after the meeting we just had.”

Charlotte turned her gaze back to the window, contemplating whether to warn her father about Alexander Deacon’s intrusion into her head at the museum. But given his reaction just now, she reasoned, perhaps Lorenzo wasn’t in the mood for troubling revelations. Still, she could not let the danger pass unmentioned entirely. Choosing her words carefully, she finally broke the silence once more:
“Also, I suppose… Considering Alexander Deacon’s connection to the Black Rose, and Prince Wulfric’s clear suspicion of them, perhaps it would be best if we steered clear of him. At least until we know more. I have an obligation to the charity event this week, but it does help that it is a public affair.”

“Yes, yes, that is quite the conundrum. I mean, the Black Rose possibly being involved in all these dark things occurring in Sorian. I don’t doubt the prince, but it’s hard for me to believe one of the largest trading companies is involved in witchcraft.” Lorenzo frowned disappointedly. “And this Alexander Deacon…” Lorenzo shifted uncomfortably in his seat and unnecessarily cleared his throat.

“I don’t want to judge the man based on these allegations, but it would also be rather blasphemous to undermine the crowned prince. I’m not sure if you saw, but I spoke to Mr. Deacon last night, and he didn’t strike me as nefarious. Sure, he’s probably a slimy businessman— they’re all slimy, but he managed to-” He couldn’t form the thought at first on how to describe the conclusion of their interaction.

“He helped me find reason in a moment when I may have been unreasonable… A moment when I had decided you and I would leave this place, and return to Vermillion.” Lorenzo admitted without looking her in the eyes.

Charlotte finally looked at him with a flicker of unease in her eyes. “He is not a good man, Lorenzo.” She told him outright, her voice unwavering. “Even if you can’t quite bring yourself to believe me, I beg you not to be quick to trust him.”

“Oh…” Lorenzo’s mouth was left slightly agape. Her adamance in her opinion of Alexander proved too strong for him to dare to combat. He had to trust her, but isn’t that also what Alexander told him to do? She left him wondering if Alexander was no different than Calbert and Hafiz— charming smiles hiding devilish intentions.

Charlotte let the silence settle for a moment before continuing. “And… I don’t think it was unreasonable of you to consider leaving.” Her countenance softened, and she gave him an understanding smile. “Truly, things have been unrelenting as of late. I don’t blame you for weighing what might be best for us.”

Her hands folded more tightly in her lap. “But I believe the Black Rose is already entwined in matters that affect the people I care about. I can’t in good conscience walk away, not yet. Not until I know the truth… If it ever becomes too much… we still have the option. But for now, I need to stay.”

“The truth?” Lorenzo asked softly but quickly cleared his throat, this time deliberately. “What do you mean by that, Lottie?” Lorenzo furrowed his brow in concern.

“I-... “ Her mouth parted momentarily. Her lashes lowered as she breathed in slowly. “I believe the Black Rose has taken an interest in some of the people I care about.” She explained calmly. “I don’t know why exactly. But I’ve noticed a pattern—things that don’t feel like coincidence anymore.” She tapped her foot lightly against the floor of the carriage before adding quickly, “It’s nothing to worry about. I’m keeping an eye on things, and I’m being careful.”

Then she tilted her head up again and shifted the conversation.

“Do you plan to seek a new wife this season?” she asked, her tone curious, as though the question had been floating in her thoughts for a while, yet the concerned expression on his face told her that he was not so easily distracted.

It would take a far thicker smokescreen to throw his attention away from Charlotte's wellbeing. He could already feel the slight rift between them— the impasse. Both striving to protect people they clutched so closely to their hearts. While their intentions were similar on paper, they couldn't be more further apart once said in the space between them.

Lorenzo gulped. The pause before a lunge. The rumble before the eruption.

“Charlotte…” His voice held steady, hiding- no, stalling what was to come. His hands balled into fists in his lap, as he prepared to put his foot firmly down on this matter.

“Let her do as she wants. It's too late to change anything.”

Gentle was the push of these words in his mind. Not forceful, but more like a supportive hand placed on his shoulder. The planted suggestion made by Alexander Deacon gently pulled him back, his voice, a soft caress and a warm reassurance.

“No...” He said quietly with a gentle shake of his head. “No, I hadn't considered such. I-I don't believe I’m quite ready for that just yet.” He said weakly as his fists collapsed flatly in his lap. “Um, do you have anyone you fancy yet? Or who fancies you?” Again, his voice dripping with submissiveness.

Charlotte’s lashes lowered, and for a long moment, she only watched her thumbs brush over one another. “I thought maybe…” she began softly, the words faltering.

She stopped there, swallowing, her throat tightening. Her eyes drifted toward the passing streets beyond the carriage window, though her expression softened in a way that betrayed she was seeing something else entirely. “But… as it happens, such things do not always turn out as one might hope.”

“Oh, Lottie,” It took everything in Lorenzo to push past his desire to know more, but pushing for answers would only serve to make things worse. From what he witnessed last night, he was already aware of the rejection she had experienced that day. And whether it was by Alexander or someone else, the most important thing was to comfort her in the moment. “Things like this happen. The best things one moment become the worst things in another, or what you thought you wanted for so long turns out to be the worst thing you’d ever had.” He placed a hand on top of hers.

“Whoever that man is, is an absolute fool for turning his gaze from the only young woman I know who can be the best person one could ever have. No buts and no exceptions.” Lorenzo found his smile again as he was reminded where he truly found his joy. “He will realize his mistake, and perhaps regret it for the remainder of his life, because for a moment, he failed to see and recognize you. A woman who truly cares for others in a way even her own father believes is too much, but she does so anyway.” He chuckled, squeezing her hand slightly. “But she's smart, graceful, sweet, and I would be more than proud to see her be my heir to the Vermilion Duchie.”

Charlotte’s throat tightened, and she blinked quickly to keep her composure. At last, she leaned forward, slipping her arms around his shoulders in a tender embrace. “Thank you, father,” she whispered earnestly. “For always being so good to me. Truly… and for being so good to Vermillion. I only hope that one day I might love them as well as you do.” She drew back and met his eyes, her own glistening with emotion as she added with a smile, “I shall treasure your kind heart for all my days.” Her hands closed gently over his, a sad yet wistful fondness softening her features. “I have missed our talks so very much.”

“As have I, Lottie. I-” He second-guessed himself for a split second before he committed to his sudden idea. “I think we should block off an evening every few days. Just us, the staff, cookies, and milk- or whatever we want, really. Nothing obligatory.” He shook his head.

Charlotte’s expression lit up. ”I would love that.” She confessed and beamed softly at him. For just a small precious moment within this vast storm of troubles, the two found more than just peace— they rediscovered a feeling that had slowly slipped from their grasp during the course of this season.

Their carriage came to a slow stop in front of their estate, and for the first time since the ball that kicked everything into motion, they walked feeling that they had each other to lean on. Even if the rest of the Sorian fell to ruin, they would surely have that.

✨Beyond The Veil✨

^{____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

Location: That same fucking warehouse in the outskirts of Gutterbane • Time: Evening

Interactions:N/A • Mentions: @FunnyGuy Sean @AuthenticTomb Volfango

^{____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

Music

^{____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

Returning to the scene of a crime was stupid. Everyone knew that.

Angel knew it too, and still she had come back. The scent hit her first just as it had last time: the metallic tang was there under a sharper sting of bleach. It coiled down her throat and sat there, sour and unmoving. The warehouse hadn’t changed its bones, but someone had tried to make it unrecognizable.

The bodies were gone. The vats were gone. The hooks were gone.

But the shape of what had happened still lingered.

Thunder roared somewhere above as she zipped her hoodie. The rasp of the zipper cut through the quiet. Her sneakers echoed in the open darkness as she stepped inside, where the floor had once been slick with blood.

Now it was as if someone had come and polished it clean.

Fresh bolts capped rusted beams. A long crack she remembered was sealed under a crooked line of paint. Someone had tried to stitch over the wound of the place, to hide what it had been. The effort made her lip curl.

Angel stood just inside the threshold as the rain began its relentless assault on the roof. Somewhere in the dark, a fan hummed, stirring only the illusion of air. The room had been rearranged so thoroughly it was almost insulting, as if grief and death could be tidied away.

A single light burned in the center of the floor, illuminating a bright circle of the metal floor. Everything beyond it stayed drowned in darkness.

Unmistakably, the words "COME HOME" were written. And in blood, not paint. She could tell from the way it had dried, the edges tightening into that almost glassy maroon that caught light and held it.

Blood always told on itself.

Angel stood outside the circle and took her time staring at the words before her, but nothing about her expression revealed that she had been phased.

It was as if she had known this would be here Maybe some part of her had even wanted to find it. Maybe that was why she had walked herself back into this fucking place.

"I can't yet."

Lightning flashed, tearing the sky open and flooding the warehouse in white. It illuminated her still features briefly like a photograph. Her eyes caught the light and threw it back red for a heartbeat, caught like an animal in the woods. Then she turned, pivoting sharply on her heel, and stepped back into the storm. Rain passionately came at her sideways, drumming the concrete beneath her as she yanked her car door open.

She dropped into the driver’s seat and slammed it shut, the noise outside snuffed. The night had been shut out a sudden hush permeating the air except for the sound of rain pattering the windows. Angel wrapped both hands around the wheel and held on until the leather complained audibly. Her right foot started tapping, beating like a metronome against the rubber mat.

Streetlight smeared pale across the glass, blurred by water racing each other down. Angel found her gaze in the rearview and held it. The mirror gave her the truth without mercy: red eyes with pupils dull like coins under the flare of lightning.

Wet strands of gold clung to her cheekbones and jaw.

A bead of water slid from her earlobe to her collarbone and vanished under the zipper.

She couldn’t decide if she looked haunted or just empty. Maybe both. Maybe that was the point.

Her mind slid back to the night before. The neon lights. The bass beating like a heartbeat beneath her feet. The brief warmth of Volfango’s arms around her.

That fleeting illusion of feeling alive.

_{It was only a matter of time until they'd find her.}

The last dream she had pressed in, unwelcome, curling at the edges of her thoughts. She forced it away, as her fingers moved fast, pulling her phone free. Her thumbs tapped across the screen as she found Griggs name.

He answered quickly this time, but Angel wasn’t sure she liked the words that followed. With a groan, she sank back into her seat, the leather sighing beneath her weight.

Her Text

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Day
Location: Sorian Park
Attire: Dress, Amulet
Interaction: @CitrusArms Stratya @FunnyGuy Alexander @Tae Mina

---

“From the very heart of Vermillion, Verimont's Darling—Lady Charlotte Vikena.”

At her name, Charlotte emerged from the side of the stage. The sunlight caught in her dark hair as she stepped gracefully forward. Her dress swept about her ankles, its soft colors chosen to flatter without ostentation. She smiled, sweetly yet with some shyness coloring her cheeks, before sinking into a curtsy for the crowd.

Straightening, Charlotte clasped her hands before her and let her gaze sweep across the rows of bidders, “Good day to you all. It is an honor to stand here for such a cause, and in such lovely company.”

She glanced over at Captain Stratya Durmand and gave her an encouraging smile as the others on stage introduced themselves.

It had been a long week...Longer than she cared to admit...and Charlotte wasn’t entirely certain she wanted to be standing on this stage at all. The whole ordeal felt rather contrived, and yet… she reminded herself why she was here.

Alexander Deacon.

The man was hardly trustworthy. Every instinct told her so. And yet, he dangled answers before her like fruit just out of reach, and she needed those answers more than she wished to let on. If keeping him close meant indulging his schemes and playing the game for a day, then she would do it. She would smile and curtsy and pretend it was all quite natural.

Still, she had never done anything of the sort before. The thought tugged at her composure. Her brows knitted and a subtle yet brief frown formed across her lips before she could hide it away. Tilting her head slightly toward Stratya, she let her voice slip in a hushed murmur.

“What does one do if no one bids on them?”

The words were in jest, but they also betrayed her nerves. She quickly smoothed her expression back into a bright smile for the crowd, but her fingers tightened just a little in her skirts as the others introduced themselves.

✨Beyond The Veil✨

Angel: Friday Evening Flashback

FLASHBACK

TRIGGER WARNING: Implied SA

^{____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

Location: Eclipse • Time: Friday Evening

^{____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

Music

^{____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

The neon lights of the club pulsed around Angel as she began weaving through the crowd toward the exit, the bass still vibrating in her bones with every step. Just as she reached the edge of the dance floor, a sharp tug of instinct made her glance abruptly toward the door she had been approaching. And there he was... The same cocky stranger who'd approached her earlier, guiding a young woman as if she were dead weight. The girl was clearly wasted, her head lolling limply against his shoulder, her limbs slack and swaying helplessly at her sides as he carried her toward the shadow of the room. He paused to hover his hands over her back, wandering purposefully. Even in her haze, the girl flinched weakly, a small frown ghosting across her lips and her brows furrowing unhappily.

Disgust twisted Angel's expression.
It was always the same. Predator. Prey.

In her freedom, Angel had realized this dynamic was a harsh truth for all living creatures, not just vampires who fed on humans. Yet seeing it unfold before her eyes still made her blood boil. Fury surged through her like a spreading wildfire just as it always had. And yes, she knew it was hypocritical, but Angel couldn't ever make herself care about that in these moments.

Her nails dug sharply into her palms as her mounting anger carried her purposefully toward them. The man barely registered Angel’s presence until she appeared suddenly, blocking his path. He inhaled sharply, eyes widening as she tilted her chin upward, her gaze locking him in place. Her posture remained confident as a dangerous smile curving her lips. "It's me you really wanted tonight… isn’t it?"

He paused, blinking in surprise, confusion painting his face. Then he finally flashed her that predatory grin of his. He loosened his grip slightly on the unconscious woman as he took in Angel, the way her eyes glittered fiercely beneath the lights.

“Well,” he drawled, confidence quickly resurfacing as he appraised her, “can’t say you’re wrong.”

Angel closed the distance slowly with controlled rage, every nerve screaming at her to lash out violently. But she held the storm at bay. Her movements slowed deliberately, every step seductive. A tempting smile danced across her lips as she brushed her fingertips seductively against his chest, drawing his full attention. "She's just the appetizer.” Angel whispered in a sweet coo, her voice smooth as butter. She leaned in, lips nearly brushing his ear. “I can be so much more satisfying.”

His breath quickened, pupils dilating as his arms slackened further, the unconscious girl nearly slipping from his grasp. Angel stepped in, guiding his hands completely away from her until the girl drifted onto a nearby chair.

She still kept his gaze captive, deliberately tracing his jawline with one finger, leading him subtly backward, away from the girl’s vulnerable form. With her other hand, she pushed him firmly backward until the backs of his knees hit another chair. With a shove, she pressed him into the seat, leaning over him deliberately. Her golden hair fell around her shoulders, dangling in his face as she hovered close, eyes flashing briefly red.

"Let’s take this outside, shall we, baby?"

It wasn't long after that he had led her through the club, guiding her swiftly through a side door into the dim seclusion of an alleyway. The cool night air brushed against her skin, a welcomed feeling after the oppressive heat of the club. It sharpened her senses as she allowed him to back her against the rough brick wall.

He leaned into her hungrily, hands roaming her possessively as his lips met hers with greedy fervor. Angel played along, hers parting to meet his in a convincing performance. However, beneath the facade, each touch, each push of his body against hers stoked the storm building within her. Her fingers trailed along his neck and down his back, nails lightly skimming his skin, feeling the pulse beneath that flesh. Unable to hold back her disgust any longer, Angel dug her nails sharply into his back, hard enough to draw blood, savoring the gasp of pain that broke the rhythm of their kiss.

He pulled back, startled, eyes wide with confusion as he stared at her. Angel's expression was devoid of any warmth; the alluring mask dropped entirely and was replaced by a look of icy disdain. Her eyes pierced him as his rapid breathing filled the silence.

"You won't speak a word about what's coming next," she murmured in a tone that was low and dangerous. She leaned closer, lips brushing his ear, a subtle menace filling her tone, "What's wrong?" She asked mockingly with a tilt of her head, "Wondering whether you'll even have the chance to say no?"

Fear began to flicker in his eyes, confusion giving way to panic. But Angel gave him no opportunity to pull away, her hands gripping his shoulders hard as her irises flared crimson in the darkness.

"You tried to take advantage of someone too drunk to refuse you. Allow me to show you exactly how that feels." she hissed, baring her fangs as they elongated.

Before he could scream or struggle, she struck ruthlessly, her fangs puncturing the skin of his neck. He jolted violently, muscles rigid as shock and pain surged through him, but Angel’s hold was unbreakable. She fed slowly, savoring the fear pulsing through his veins, letting her anger pour out of her in the unrelenting draw of his blood. His pulse slowed beneath her lips, adrenaline giving way to exhaustion as she drank him. The taste of his terror was bittersweet.

She took her time, draining him just enough to leave him weakened but alive. When she finally pulled away, she released him with casual disdain, watching impassively as he collapsed heavily onto his knees on the filthy concrete.

A dim blue glow illuminated from the ground nearby as his phone lit up. Angel’s gaze flickered down to the message displayed on the screen:

Betty <3 : Will you be home soon?

Angel stared down at him, silent, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she wiped the lingering blood from her lips with the back of her hand. She reached into her purse, pulling out a crumpled pack of cigarettes. Lighting one with a shaky hand, she inhaled deeply as she knelt beside him. A brief flicker of weariness softened her expression.

For a moment, she observed through lowered lashes, her eyes darting up and down his form.

She took a few more drags of her cigarette, then she tapped 9-1-1 into his phone and dropped it onto the pavement beside his limp hand. Rising to her feet, Angel cast one last disgusted glance down at his crumpled form before stepping hurriedly away toward the street.