Realistic or Modern The Witching Hours [Closed]

[awkwardradish]

Emmett's eyes lit up at Pia's comment, but he tried not to look too eager.

The snarl from Asher, however, actually caught Jasleen off guard. She removed her glance from Pia to look at him. It wasn't a glare, but it was a curious look, like she didn't exactly know what to make of him for a moment. She narrowed her eyes, before turning back to Pia. "Landon is my age. The Davis bloodline is not as powerful as the Bishop bloodline, which was my mother's bloodline. That Bishop power, along with the Wardwell power was passed down to me." Her voice, for once, was small. She didn't want to be talking about this, especially in a group of strangers.

"I don't know how much you know about witches, but it's common practice to marry to preserve strong bloodlines. Once a witch and warlock are married, they can sort of draw off of each other's power because they become common ancestors. To make a very... long story short, Landon wanted to marry me for my family's power. My family said no, and they were executed. I continued to say no, and rather than be executed myself, I left." She pursed her lips.

"So this Landon has been vying for power since a young age." Emmett mused aloud. He scrubbed a hand over his chin, pondering that. "How do we know you're telling the truth?" This time, he tone was genuine. He wasn't trying to provoke her, but he had to be sure she wasn't giving them false information.

Jasleen set her jaw once more. For a moment, it seemed like she might lash out again. Instead, she pulled her arm up to set it on the table and drew up her sleeve. There, just in the crook of her arm, was a relic branded into her skin. Both Pia and Emmett would recognize it as a symbol to bind her magic. It was used in extreme cases to tame violent witches. The brand itself was clearly old, as it'd healed a long time ago. "Is that proof enough?" She hissed.

Emmett's eyes narrowed at the brand, but he looked a little off kilter. If her magic was bound, she couldn't be performing necromancy. But in that case, how had she used magic against him in the alley?

 

[Lucyfer]

Pia wasn't oblivious to how Snack lit up. He might need more therapy than her, but she'd ignore it. The witch continued to respond well to her questions, and Pia hummed to acknowledge familiarity with some of the things she mentioned.

When the brand was pulled up, she nodded, “Powerful indeed to cast through that,” she confirmed. “Though that is confirmation of either excommunication or a jilted lover.” It didn't actually confirm marriage attempts. Or dead parents.

Truth such as that was usually covered up. Those in power wrote the stories and Landon had power. “If you're willing to divulge the names of your parents, I can likely find proof of their death. I am sorry for the loss. To have parents willing to listen to what you want is a treasure,” something she hadn't had, but in her day…well, it wasn't something she thought of, either.

Her parents weren't needlessly cruel.

Not as she had been.

“I don't understand what that is….” Asher spoke, even if he felt more and more like an outsider to this conversation. He had to know if he had a hope of being involved.

Pia nodded to Jasleen. She would let her explain, if she wanted to do so, about the mark on her arm and what it meant.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen's jaw once again tightened as she thought of her parents. Her mind went back to that day for a moment, before she shook her head, both to clear herself of the memories and to prevent Pia from digging any further. "They were executed in front of the entire coven. Landon framed them for treasonous magic, just like he's trying to do to me." She removed her arm from the table and tugged her sleeve back down, letting her gaze linger over to Asher. She hesitated a moment, then averted her gaze.

"It's a very powerful binding spell. It prevents me from using my magic." She explained quietly. "Usually, it's reserved for criminals. Bloodthirsty witches who would do harm to others. The more witches that bind you, the more powerful the binding is."

"But you used your magic. In the alley." Emmett pointed out. "Which means the binding clearly didn't work."

"It worked." For once, Jasleen hadn't lost her patience at hearing his voice. "I don't have access to most of my magic, and it exhausts me to use it." She didn't particularly enjoy laying her vulnerabilities out, but it was clear she couldn't avoid this conversation. "Landon bound me himself, and because my magic is stronger, I've been... poking at it. For many years. And it's still holding." She sighed softly. "Either way, necromancy is off the table with this brand on my arm."

"I suppose it is." Emmett responded thoughtfully.

 

[Lucyfer]

No names, so it looked like Pia wasn't pulling any records. Then again, it seemed that Snack was believing her, which was the main point of all this to begin with. She had also grown more comfortable speaking, so Pia allowed her focus to ebb, and the strange aura to flicker and die.

“That tracks with what I understand. It's why mages tend to work in covens to begin with, to pull on the magic of the group which can overcome an individual,” if Landon did it himself, he didn't have the backing. Pity.

She didn't offer to connect Jasleen with another coven to see about removal. Right now, Jasleen may not like that idea, and she just wanted out.

“I don't need anything else from you,” she said calmly, but allowed, “if Snack does, he'll make it known, otherwise you are free to leave.”

Asher gave a bit of an awkward nod, “I can take you back if you want,” he'd have to get up anyways so she could get her cat. He might see about grabbing some meat for the cat on the way out.

Poor thing had a rough night.

 

[awkwardradish]

Emmett nodded his agreement to Pia. He had nothing else for the witch, except that she might be a source of information he needed in the future. He studied Jasleen and Asher, then turned to Pia. He assumed they weren't done, at least.

Jasleen stood carefully, glancing at Asher. She wasn't exactly sure she could trust him. Once again, the look of a caged animal flashed in her eyes, but she masked her face again. She glanced back to Pia, then Emmett. "Landon is smart." She said suddenly. "He may not be very strong physically, but the man knows psychological warfare. He plays chess, not checkers, and he's in it for the long run. Don't underestimate him, or you'll end up dead." It almost sounded like some sort of peace offering, but Jasleen turned on her heel and walked out of the room before either Emmett or Pia could have time to answer.

Emmett watched her leave, humming to himself softly. "Noted." He thought aloud, before turning to Pia. "So, you're going to Salem, I assume?" A small smirk played on his lips. "I'm coming with you, of course, though I take you for a bit of a lone wolf." He was rambling, clearly enjoying the sound of his own voice. "Although, I would like the sit down with the witch sometime soon and get a better layout of the coven. This Landon guy seems like a dickhead, but I don't want to underestimate him." He leaned forward onto the table, regarding Pia with amusement.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher let Jasleen leave the room first, and then followed out, shutting the door behind him. He paused within the bar, “I think your cat deserves a bit of a treat for all this,” he said, “would it be all right to grab him some chicken while we’re here?” he gestured towards the bar, where he could easily walk over and place an order for a side of it.

And stick it on Pia’s tab, of course.

“I’m not asking you to stay with me, or let me drive you home, if it makes you uncomfortable. Just thought it would be nice to give’im,” he held his hands up in a bit of a surrender gesture, wanting to make it clear he wasn’t actually trying to hold her there against her will. If she just wanted to grab her cat and get walking, he was willing to let her.

He just felt bad for the poor thing tucked in a carrier while all of this went on.

Hopefully, feeling a bit better, though he’d probably still need that allergy check.

~***~

Pia didn’t even try to speak to Jasleen’s comment. She was expecting as much. It was how Frederick worked, after all. Watching Asher leave was a bit more painful. He didn’t spare her a glance. He was truly angry with the little he’d learned.

A problem for later. Landon was the problem now.

A knife tended to put an end to everything, but she had to be certain. She wasn’t like the hunter. She wasn’t just going to attack anything and anyone over a petty little accusation without any evidence she verified herself.

Although if the hunter did it, she could shrug it off.

He was intent on tagging along, and she’d known she wasn’t getting rid of him that easily, though she still gave him a flat, unamused look. “If you harass the witch within LaCroix, I will see you executed for it, Snack.” She said, “she is under my protection so long as she resides in my city. Though I presume you find me innocent enough to travel long-distances with?”

There was a touch of mockery there as she lifted her brows.

 

[awkwardradish]

The tiny witch studied Asher carefully. She was still trying to make up her mind about him. On one hand, she didn’t trust anybody. On the other hand, there was just something about him that seemed… trustworthy. She shoved her hands into her pockets, looking away from him for a moment. “Yeah. That’s fine. But don’t feel like… obligated or anything.” She didn’t have any money to repay him, and she hated handouts.

She shifted awkwardly on her feet. “I don’t want you to think I’m a total bitch.” The words were flying from her mouth before she could stop them, and she cursed herself inwardly. She shouldn’t care what he thought. “I just… well, you heard all that stuff in there. I’m cautious.”

She was far more than cautious. She was paranoid to a fault. But she wouldn’t admit that out loud.

~***~

Emmett rolled his eyes, a tiny grin spreading across his face. Pia was… fun. Exciting. And that was putting it simply. “Relax, I have no intentions of harming or harassing her, she’s clearly innocent.” He sat back again, lacing his fingers together behind his head. “I don’t kill innocents.” His tone was serious.

“That said,” he continued, “She knows the inner workings of that coven better than we do, unless we waist weeks on a recon mission. I don’t know if we have weeks.” He moved his hands, letting one land in his lap and one on the table as he drummed his fingers carefully.

“I’m not suggesting we do anything but ask her for more information.” He then held his hands up in false surrender. “Clearly, you’ve assumed the responsibility of calling the shots here, so I’ll allow it to be your discretion… For now.” He smirked.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher wouldn’t mention that he didn’t think obligations were a bad thing. He did feel obligated, but it was good to want to feel obligated to help. And so, he just walked to the bar and placed a quick order for plain, grilled chicken. He knew any spices wouldn’t be good for the cat, and then he turned back to Jasleen as she tried to speak about not being a bitch.

He scoffed a laugh at the idea, “You just witnessed an attack, you were almost shot, and accused of horrendous activity. I hardly think your reaction warrants being called a bitch,” he stated, “I am just…sorry you had to mix into all of this.” He glanced back to the room Pia and Emmett still occupied.

“I had no idea….”

Not about Pia.

Not about any of this situation.

He shook his head as the bartender returned with a little box of chicken and he pushed away from the counter and held it out to her, so she could deliver it to her cat. “I’d be cautious if I came from something like that, too.” He reassured as he’d lead the way back to his car.

~***~

Pia had indeed assumed the responsibility. It fit well upon her, and she scoffed at the idea of needing to know the inner workings as she rose to her feet. “As she said, she left at seventeen, and knew nothing of necromancy, nor the current leadership if it has shifted to Landon. I will not drag her further into harm’s way.”

That was not her wish. She didn’t want to be a part of this. She wanted to run, and Pia would let her.

“Besides, your Academy knows this is going on, even if they were unaware of who to point the finger at. I presume if you give them the proper direction they can find out. And if not,” she lifted on shoulder in a shrug, “I can be very persuasive when I want to be, and I have…old contacts.”

They would not want to see her.

She was more or less banned from Salem, out of fear she would indeed do something. Not with Frederick, but with her sire’s body. Returning was going to cause problems, but she’d deal with it.

“How long do you need to be ready to leave?”

 

[awkwardradish]

She hadn’t expected a laugh to come from Asher, and it showed in her face. She just blinked at him, unsure of what to make of his reaction. “Right…” The word left her cautiously. Did he have some sort of angle here, or was she just being paranoid?

Probably paranoid.

She followed him out to his car, where Oliver had made himself comfy in the carrier and fallen into a peaceful slumber. At least somebody was having a decent night.

“You uh, really don’t have to drive me home.” She shifted awkwardly. On top of the shit night she’d had, plus the awkward energy she already exuded, she seemed fidgety. “It’s a little ways away, on the other side of town. I wouldn’t want you to waste gas or anything.”

The thought of a long walk through the middle of town in the dark didn’t exactly sit right with her, but what other terrible things could happen tonight?

~***~

Emmett snorted a laugh, once again amused by Pia and her determined nature. She really wouldn’t involve the witch, even if it meant they had the upper hand? He supposed he could respect that, being as every time they mentioned the coven the girl got flighty.

“Alright, fine.” Surely these two could make a decent team, couldn’t they? At least long enough to put down some witches. “I’ll need to go back to my truck. As it stands, I’m armed for a fight with vamps, not witches.” He said playfully.

“I can drive us, if need be.” He stood now, rolling his shoulders a little. “That is, if you’ll trust me. I do kind of owe you one for stabbing you in the chest and all.” He chuckled at his own joke.

 

[Lucyfer]

“I know I don’t have to,” Asher said as they reached his car, and he unlocked it, to let her either take her cat, or slide in, “It’s an offer. If you’re comfortable with it, I will. If you’re not, I won’t,” he said.

He shifted his weight a bit as he stood by the driver’s door, “I’m probably going to waste gas anyways. I need to figure…what I’m doing after this.” Was he packing up and leaving Pia’s? Was he going to have a confrontational dialogue with her?

Was he going to go talk to the wolves?

He didn’t know. He wasn’t sure a long drive would help, but he didn’t think it could hurt, and getting her back home would at least ease his mind. He’d know she was safe and not wandering the streets. “So don’t worry about that. I have a lot to think about after…all of this.”

And he wasn’t looking forward to what the morning would bring.

~***~

“No need, I don’t trust you,” Pia stated bluntly, no charm to soften the statement, “I also have Trystan,” she didn’t drive. She hadn’t bothered to learn. Perhaps one day she’d be bored enough to learn, but right then she just wasn’t. “Given the hour, I will not be able to leave until tomorrow, but I can put in the work to have a flight ready at New Orleans, nonstop to Boston,” that was as close as they could get.

The drive to New Orleans would take an hour, and the flight, around three. She’d have to check, but she was fairly certain it was around there.

It was already after 10pm. Without the flight reserved, odds were against her making it to Boston before sunrise, and she wasn’t dealing with that stress. “I presume you have a place to stay. We can meet here tomorrow evening.”

He didn’t need to know where she lived. He likely already did but that didn’t mean she needed to make his life easy if he didn’t. “We can exchange numbers to keep in touch in case anything should come up.”

 

[awkwardradish]

She had given him an out. He hadn’t taken it like she expected him to. People always took the out.

As Jasleen studied him, she realized he was struggling. She had suspected he was new to the supernatural world, but this only solidified it. What person didn’t know who Pia Baptiste was, and what she had done?

“Alright. If you’re sure.” Her voice was quiet as she slipped into the car, pulling the carrier into her lap. Oliver meowed as he readjusted, but otherwise stayed asleep.

“For the record.” She said suddenly. “Your friend, Pia? I know you seem… pissed. About her past.” She studied him a bit nervously, like she might just decide to shut her mouth. “She’s sort of infamous in the supernatural world. She’s done some terrible shit, but she’s done a lot of good, too. I would just… consider that.” She looked out the window now. “My apartment is on the east side.”

~***~

Emmett once more barked laughter when Pia outright admitted she didn’t trust him. He couldn’t blame her- he had almost killed her. She was smart not to trust him. He still wasn’t sure he trusted her either, but boredom was a dangerous emotion. He could be hunting right now.

Animals, that was.

He nodded at her, pulling his phone out of his pocket. He slid it over the table to her after unlocked it. “Go ahead and put your number in.” He said simply. “You can text me the details of our travel and I’ll meet you wherever I need to meet you.” He then held out his own hand for her phone, a cheeky smile on her face.

“Can’t say this is how I normally get a woman’s number, but fair’s fair.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher slipped into the driver’s seat and started the car to get them towards her home. He took her direction and sighed as she spoke of Pia Baptiste, as if it was so easy to accept what she’d done. She’d only listed the sins vaguely – cannibalism, demonic sacrifice.

Did that mean she’d ate vampires? More than drank their blood, ate them? Or did she mean humans? It wasn’t good, either way.

And she sacrificed to a literal demon?

“I do not mean to offend, but it seems your knowledge of Pia is incomplete, as mine is. You were not aware of Frederick Reynolds,” he noted, but he sighed. He was ignorant. “Pia doesn’t talk about her past. I know she has one. I know it’s…not sunshine and roses,” he took a turn, “I can see it in the way others fear her.”

But he didn’t know what it was. And he didn’t anticipate it was…well, as bad as it seemed.

“I don’t…feel like I know her. And that means I don’t feel like I know if she’s doing shady shit under the cover of good. If you actually know more I’ll listen. The good, and the bad.” He didn’t know when the bad ended.

It seemed a while ago, but did that mean it was truly over? Trystan seemed to think so, threatening to kill Pia if it wasn’t…so he had to have some faith. It didn’t seem like she was subtle in the past.

Even so…it was a lot to take in.

~***~

The hunter at least kept his humor, and slid his phone over to her – and seemed to expect the same. She unlocked hers, and offered in turn as she picked his up and put in her details, dryly commenting, “I imagine you simply gather it from your connections and hope they don’t remember never giving their number to you.”

He was actually fairly attractive. Pia imagined he didn’t have trouble at all picking up women. He may even have a family he left behind, raising them up in the hunter tradition. It didn’t much matter to her, as she finished putting her number in his phone, and slid it back the table to him, to wait for the return of her phone.

“You can put your name in as Snack. I’m growing rather fond of it over whatever your actual name is,” she added, “and considering I’m tempted to make Trystan the loser of his bet with Adrianne, it may just prove true.”

Who knew?

Of course, she had no intention of it, even if the desire to drain him was only abated by being satiated. It’d been…a while since any blood bothered her so much. Trystan and Sekhnu’s used to. Frederick’s had been liquid ambrosia! And Ishara? The memory alone drew up cravings.

But she’d grown out of being a romantic about blood. It was all the same in the end.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen continued to direct him quietly. They were quickly heading towards the less than savory part of town, and its evidence was in the less than savory people that littered the streets. For a moment, she felt embarrassed. Between working at the vets office and Pia, Asher probably had all the money he needed. Jasleen didn’t know what that was like. A night of slow tips had her skipping meals to make rent.

She shook her head, then held up her own hands in mock surrender. “I don’t think it’s my story to tell.” Pia had been… well, good to her. She didn’t exactly want to gossip about her when she had no reputable information.

“Besides, like I said, she’s infamous. I don’t know her personally, all I’ve heard is shit from other witches. And witches are pompous assholes.” She shrugged a little. “This is me.” She pointed to the run down apartment building in front of them, with a few people outside her were clearly doing some shady business.

She looked over at him, then opened her mouth to thank him, when her mouth stopped, half open, as she stared at the open door on the second floor of the rusted stairwell.

~***~

Emmett chuckled at Pia’s words. In all reality, he’d expected her to either throw him across the room or tell him to go to hell. He wasn’t much of a lady’s man. He could be, he just had no interest. He preferred to spend most of his time alone in the woods.

Now, however, he found himself imagining not so savory things about Pia.

Bad Emmett. Very bad.

He shook the inappropriate thoughts from his head, programming his number in. He did enter the contact name as Snack, as he found the humor in the nickname as well, but in a cheeky last minute decision, he added a little heart. He handed the phone back, then took his own.

“My name is Emmett.” He told her with a chuckle. “You don’t have to call me that, but it’s probably important information to know if other hunters come looking for us.” He shrugged. He didn’t think that would happen, but better safe than sorry. “Emmett Astor.” He added his last name, knowing that she would make the connection.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher sighed at Jasleen’s surrender. He wouldn’t press. She was right – he ought to hear it from Pia herself, but that was going to be…hard. He had a feeling Pia wouldn’t lie. He might wish she had. She was…often too honest for her own good. In that first, terrible month, she hadn’t sugar-coated what he’d become, or what it meant.

He’d wanted to rage against it, but he’d still agreed to the vault, and learned how right she was when he transformed and loss all sense of self.

He hated it.

They reached her home, and he noted, “Well, you know her now. And you know how to find her,” Adrianne’s bar. Drop a name, and she could likely get in touch with Pia again fairly easily. He stopped his chevy as they reached her place, and he did notice the rather…unsavory environment.

Even before Pia, he’d been well off enough not to consider living in this kind of area. He was half-tempted to vouch for her taking some of Pia’s money, but he resisted commenting on her living before he saw her pause, and look at something outside.

He turned his head and saw it.

“You’re the…one with the door open, aren’t you?”

And it shouldn’t be that way.

“Let’s leave the cat and make sure it’s safe.” He suggested, willing to go up and see the situation for himself with her.

~***~

Snack.

With a heart.

‘If this isn’t some bullshit inspiration for another trashy novel….’ Pia could almost groan as she realized how much some of her fanbase would eat this up. They loved a good enemies-to-lover thing. She tabled the thought for now; she wouldn’t have time to write for a bit.

But he gave his name, and she did look only a touch surprised, because she knew the name. Not just Astor, but the rest of it. “Your parents must hate you,” she wasn’t sure if she meant that, “to send you after me,” were they trying to get rid of the heir apparent? “This is a job your father should have taken.”

Although that likely would have ended with a dead father, and then a vengeful son, and gods if that story wasn’t old and tired already.

She tucked her phone away. “Speaking of, I trust you know that when all is said and done, I do want a formal meeting with the Astor Institute. It’s about time we worked out a formal arrangement to help each other, and deal with the actual threats to humanity.”

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen’s skin prickled with dread. She heard her Grandmother’s voice again, telling her that she should never ignore her witch’s intuition, that it was dangerous to do so.

Right now, her intuition was screaming at her that something was terribly wrong.

For a moment, she considered denying Asher’s offer to go upstairs with her. After all, he had no obligation to protect her. To fight her battles. But the longer she stared at the open door, the more she felt her stomach churn.

Had they found her?

“Alright. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Her tone suggested that she was trying to convince herself more than Asher.

She got out of the car and bravely led him up the stairs towards the open door. It was still dark inside the apartment, which was a good sign.

“I’m sure it’s nothing.” She said again as they approached the door. “Sometimes it doesn’t latch all the way.”

She flicked on the light, a started yelp leaving her when she saw not one, not two, but three very satisfied looking men.

“Hello, Jassy. Date’s over, asshole. Get in the car and leave if you know what’s good for you.” The middle one, a blonde who had a scar running through his eye, looked at Asher, awaiting his response. A second warlock flicked his wrist and Jasleen cried out, falling to her knees.

~***~

Emmett found himself laughing once again. Shit, he had laughed more today than he had in months. “Hate me? No. Are they tired of putting up with my bullshit? Yes.” He smirked again, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket casually.

“My dad’s old, you would’ve killed him before he had the chance to know what happened.” He snorted.

He nodded. “A meeting will be arranged.” He promised, back to his serious tone. He studied her a while, then sighed a little. “For what it’s worth, I do apologize for staking you. I had bad information, and I rarely have bad information. Seems to me like somebody purposefully framed you, and is purposefully framing out little witchy friend.” He commented.

It had to be. Pia and Jasleen wouldn’t be implicated, and in the same city otherwise.

“I just want to now what this Landon character gets out of it. Obviously, the promise of power, but witches have it pretty good. The Salem coven has it even better.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher followed, keeping his guard up as they walked to the door. He was unfamiliar with the usual scents of the area so it was hard to get a read on the situation. Especially mingling trash with pungent herbs from her home. Much was covered up under that.

But his eyes saw better in the dark.

“Wait–” he started, before the light came on, and Jasleen revealed the threat and made herself easier to see, as well.

Jasleen crumbled after the words of one. Asher saw the flick of the wrist. He didn't really understand how magic worked, but he could hope it required a component – word, movement, ingredient – and perhaps line of sight, because his step back was only to flick the light off, and then lunge bodily at the warlock who had flicked his wrist, intending to tackle him to the ground and put his neck in a very compromising position, if he could get his arms around him.

Which, he was hoping they weren't supernaturally fast.

He didn't know many humans who could rival him in speed and definitely not in strength.

~***~

Naturally, Pia’s gaze followed the hands to pockets, looking for evidence of a stake. This was hardly her first time considering betrayal. It wasn't uncommon amongst her kind, and she wasn't sure how she'd navigate the likelihood of it in Salem.

Edwin wasn't exactly happy she was spared and she'd have to reach out to him if she wanted a place safe from sunlight.

But right now she'd focus on the positive as her gaze returned to Emmett’s face and his promises of a meeting. Sure, that could also turn out to be a trap, but that was a far more familiar situation. She disregarded his apology.

He wasn't forgiven, but there was no need to address words. He'd find forgiveness in action or not at all. “Freedom is a powerful intoxicant,” Pia advised. “Witches still need to hide,” just as vampires and wolves. “Tell someone they'll never need to fear the repercussions of society again, and it's not hard to manipulate them. That's the power Frederick has. That's his greatest offer, alongside power. The promise to never be afraid again.”

Witches may have it good. They passed as humans effortlessly, moreso than a wolf after a full moon, but they still had to pass. Just as vampires had to pass, and every other creature. There was no living freely. It was only in the scraps of shadow afforded them.

Pia hated it.

It was that hatred that was the most dangerous thing. She'd never accepted it, even if she lived it. The threat of trying again, some other way, was always just under the surface.

“It will make the coven more dangerous if they think their time is coming soon,” she noted, adding, “they won't duck into hidden alleyways to avoid suspicion.” Not as she had done.

 

[awkwardradish]

The witches standing before him obviously hadn’t expected Jasleen to have a werewolf with her. If anything, after their display of power, they’d expected him to tuck tail and run. He had the art of surprise on his side, thankfully.

The witch he’d aimed for crumpled under his strength, a cry of panic and pain leaving his throat. Thankfully, it did well to break his concentration, and Jasleen was freed from whatever spell he’d put on her.

“Making werewolf friends, huh?” Asher would recognize his voice as the one who had spoke the first time. “You’re a smart little thing you are- but you’re only delaying the inevitable.”

It was dark, and Asher had the advantage. None of the witches could see very well, including Jasleen. That didn’t stop her from uttering an incantation, and Asher would see her hand flick in much the same manner as the witch he now had by the throat.

“Nervi Resoluti!” As she uttered the words, the same witch from before let out a guttural groan, unable to move, as he was rooted to the spot.

It was a difficult spell to cast without a binding, and she knew she couldn’t hold him for long. Already, blood was trickling from her nose from the exertion.

The third witch tucked tail and ran out the door to freedom.

The scarred witch spoke once more, clearly trying to hide his time and throw off Jasleen’s concentration. “Delaying the inevitable.” He reminded her. “Whether it be tonight or some other time, you’ll be heading back to Salem with a pretty iron collar around your neck.”

~***~

Emmett clocked Pia’s gaze. He’d already throw his wooden stakes down in the alley, but he did still have his gun and knife. Of course, that wouldn’t kill a vampire, but it might be able to afford him an escape.

He only smirked slightly as he watched Pia. She was smart. A worthy opponent. He didn’t have those often. He found himself wondering what it might be like to fight by her side.

He bet they’d be an unstoppable team.

“I suppose you’re right about that.” He conceded. Of all the supernatural creatures he dealt with, witches were the biggest pain in his ass. Sure, they weren’t blood thirsty, and they didn’t lose control of themselves every full moon, but they were assholes. Too full of themselves and too quick to stab somebody in the back for petty reasons.

“Either way, he won’t be a problem.” Emmett said resolutely. He was confident in his own abilities to take on the witch, and he was just as confident in Pia’s abilities. A whole coven, though? “Are we going to be slaughtering the entire coven by ourselves, or do you intend to bring your werewolf bodyguard with you?”

He was definitely stalling. For reasons he couldn’t quite place, he didn’t want this conversation to end.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher heard Jasleen in the darkness and he felt the result as one witch went running and the one he was holding went limp. He bashed their head into the floor before rising to take hold of the scarred one, reaching through the darkness to grab them.

With their limited sight, it wasn't difficult to pull them into a chokehold. He smelled the blood and a spike of panic shot through him but as his face lifted to Jasleen, he saw it as a bloody nose.

Not injury inspired.

“Jasleen? What do you want done?”

Apparently they wouldn't be the last, but Asher wasn't sure if she wanted to question them. He could easily hold the witch and allow her to ask questions, with promise of pain for not answering or trying anything funny.

He'd wait for direction. If she didn't want to talk, he could bash this one, they could grab her things, and run.

Thankfully the kitty wasn't seeing any of this.

~***~

Emmett was confident. If he was younger, Pia would consider it untested bravado, but he wasn't. She wasn't good with human ages any longer but she recognized her wasn't green, at any rate. A bit too much scruff for that.

She shook her head at the question of bringing Asher. “I believe his tenure as my guard ended tonight.” His distaste for the revealations was obvious and she simply didn't have the time to ease him in to understanding things, not was she sure he would.

He was of modern times.

He didn't know how very different things had been in the past. Hells, Pia couldn't even open a bank account in her own name without Sekhnu pretending to be her father or husband until the 70s! Holding wealth had been tricky with modern banking until recently.

“I have contacts in Salem. They're not friends, but they'll be against Frederick.” May try to stake her, but that wasn't abnormal for how this week was going. “My blood brother happens to own a chain of hotels that cater to my kind. One of them is in Salem. Odds are he'll be there.”

And others.

She stepped to the exit of the room then. “You should make your family aware of the changes so they don't storm LaCroix looking for you.” And killing innocents.

She needed to arrange things with Trystan.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen could hear the blood rushing in her ears. She could feel her heartbeat hammering against her chest. Seeing those witches here, especially the scar-faced one, stirred up memories she hadn't ever wanted to face again. She stared at Asher and the witch for a long, tense moment. Her eyes had somewhat adjusted to the dark, and the moonlight from the open door gave her just enough light to be able to see her face. Thankfully, due to Asher's hold, she was able to release her spell, and she reached a hand up to wipe some of the blood from her nose.

It was the scar-faced witch who broke the silence. "You're supposed to be bound." He spat.

Jasleen swallowed the lump in her throat, despite the fact that her stomach churned with panic. "Why are you here? No." She shook her head, opting for another question. "Why are you trying to frame me for necromancy?"

He struggled against the hold of the werewolf, but quickly found it was no use, and stopped his struggling. "You know exactly why I'm here." Pointedly, he refused to answer her second question. "Did you really think you could just hide forever, Jasleen?" He was sneering, disgusted with her. "Landon will always find you."

Jasleen had to fight not to flinch at the name. She schooled her face, doing her best to slip into a mask of indifference. "You can tell Landon to go to hell. Assuming you live through the night."

He laughed bitterly. "Kill me." He said simply. "That won't stop Landon from finding you. And when he gets his hands on you, Jassy..." He trailed off, his tone malicious.

Jasleen turned her head, squeezing her eyes shut for a moment to compose herself. She couldn't afford to lose her composure. Not in front of Asher, not in front of the witch. "Let him go." She said quietly. After that, she turned her head back to the witch. "And when you find Landon, and have to explain to him that you failed to capture a bound witch, you can tell him I said to eat shit."

~***~

Emmett nodded once more, listening to Pia talk. He scrubbed a hand over his chin thoughtfully. Though she hadn't said it outright, it seemed that nobody in Salem was too fond of her. He couldn't blame them, really, if they were being led to believe she was resurrecting an ancient warlock hell-bent on world domination. "Alright then. As long as you promise not to let me become anybody else's snack but yours." He practically purred, another smirk taking root on his lips.

He knew he was very clearly pushing his boundaries with Pia. He half expected to be slapped across the face at any given moment, though he wasn't sure that wouldn't tempt him even more to provoke her.

He nodded once more. "I'll get in touch with my contacts. You don't have to worry about any hunters from the Astor Institute bothering your friends, or the city for that matter." He shrugged, as if it were that simple.

Really, it was. Emmett would say the word, and Pia would be their ally, not their enemy. He even imagined he could serve as an ambassador to the city.

He stepped to exit out of the room as well, following her lead. "I'll leave you to your healing, then." He nodded his head towards the place her wound had once been. "Text me the details, and I'll find you tomorrow morning." He confirmed, even though he didn't make a move to walk away. He found himself drawn to Pia in a way he shouldn't be.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher let the witch go when requested but he was tense for any action. He watched the other carefully as he picked up his fallen ally and hobbled out to make their escape. He waited until they were at least down the stairs before heaving a sigh.

Not quite relief.

This wasn't good. They still knew where she lived. They could try again when he left.

“I don't think you should stay here tonight,” or ever again. He glanced around, “I can stay and help you pack…drive you somewhere else,” a hotel that accepted cats or….

Well. Pia.

He didn't say that, though. He didn't want to throw her right back into things, and this would undoubtedly do that when Pia asked for an explanation. But he knew it was likely the best option for her.

Anywhere else would be easy to break into and do her harm.

~***~

‘This is how you get bit.’ Pia didn't mask her amusement with the hunter’s daring. He was an idiot, but idiots had their charm to toy with. Ages ago, she would have wrapped him around her finger, and had him addicted. That was, unfortunately for her, ages ago. She was half tempted to ask if he's ever actually been bit before, if he knew just what he was courting. Most hunters avoided such knowledge, but others made sure to know.

But he promised no harm, and followed her out, commenting about seeing her in the morning. “Night,” she clarified, not about to expose herself to him in the daylight any sooner than necessary.

She could be awake during the day, but she was weaker. If she stepped out into the sun, she'd be dead in less than five minutes. She didn't need a hunter around.

But he didn't move as the door shut.

“If you're hoping for a goodnight kiss, you didn't buy me nearly enough drinks for that, Snack,” she stepped back, noting Trystan's approach.

Trystan laughed a bit as he interjected himself, “Don't tell me you entranced another hunter?” Of course she shook her head but he talked on, “Honestly, I don't know why you ever needed to kill in the first place,” he joked, “let me guess, you're going to Salem?”

“Mmmm.” Pia hummed agreement.

“Have fun with that,” he didn't envy her at all, even if they liked him in Salem. He hadn't been a psychopath murderer, though.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen was still tense, even as the scar-faced witch retreated down the stairs. More than anything, she wanted to wrap her arms around herself and scream, but she wouldn't show that vulnerability in front of Asher. She couldn't. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment again, trying to ground herself. She'd exerted herself far too much, and not only was her nose bleeding, but her head was spinning.

"It's fine." She finally said. Her voice wobbled the tiniest bit. Fuck.

She flicked the lights back on, moving from her spot on the wall hesitantly. It was hard to miss the way her knees wobbled beneath her. "I didn't mean to drag you into this. It's not your fight. You don't need to get anymore involved than you already have." She refused to look at him. He might see the vulnerability in her eyes if she did.

Asher was right, though. She had to get out of here. She had to start over somewhere. She had to get away. She couldn't face Landon again. The thought of doing so brought bile back up into her throat.

~***~

"Night." Emmett corrected himself, before his eyes flickered to Trystan as he approached. For a moment, he was disappointed that his moment had been interrupted, but he scolded himself silently.

Pia was a vampire. He was a hunter. Those two things did not mix.

Even if she was interesting. Even if she was the only person who dared to push at him. Even if she was...

'Stop it, Emmett.'

Still, he grinned like a dog. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to buy you a drink the next time we meet and aren't trying to murder each other." He took a step back, nodding to Trystan. "I'll see you tomorrow night, Pia. Rest well, don't let the hunters bite." He winked, and with that, turned to stalk out of the bar.

 

[Lucyfer]

Jasleen really had a problem trusting others. It was clear before but even now, it was all the more apparent. She still tried to get him to go away, and he let out a gentle breath. “Jasleen. I'm not an idiot. And I'm not a knight in shining armor. If I'm offering to help, it's not because I need to. I want to.”

He stated, but elaborated, “Animals can't ask for help. They even struggle against it because they don't realize what help is sometimes. I'm still there through the bites and scratches. In my off time, I volunteer to help abused kids feel safe testifying in court, or even just existing in their neighborhood. I don't have to do any of that. But I do.”

He'd allow a moment for it to settle in.

“I can see your past has led you to mistrust people. And you're free to mistrust me and kick me out. I'll go,” unlike an animal, he couldn't force help upon a reasoning human, “but I want you to know I'm offering help. If you want to go back to Pia and take her up on the offer to leave this town, I'll call her. If you want a drive ten hours away, I'll drive. I have the means, and I don't want to see you suffer just for existing. No one, no one, deserves that, Jasleen.”

Not even Pia. The thought followed with the knowledge his decision would be to talk to her. He wasn't sure he'd stay with her but…a true talk was needed.

However, Jasleen’s situation was a bit more immediately troubling.

“Besides, I like your cat. I don't want anything happening to him, either.”

~***~

Pia waved as Emmett left and Trystan cackled at her side, “Never should have doubted you,” he commented, and Pia didn't correct him.

There was always some doubt about her power. She didn't think she used it, but then again, strong people didn't always intend to use their strength.

Pia…may have. It was second nature.

“I need a ride home, Trystan.”

He groaned, “Fiiiine,” he walked to the exit of the bar and Pia followed, “you still owe me to clean it up.”

She waved dismissively, “I'll send it on cashapp,” as if that was going to even dent her finances, “just send me the receipt,” the car did still reek of her blood as she slid into the front seat and Trystan took the driver's seat.

 

[awkwardradish]

Hearing her name come out of his mouth caught her off guard. She didn't flinch, but it clearly caught her attention. Maybe it was her intuition, but she was sure that if she decided to trust him, she wouldn't regret it.

The problem was deciding to do so.

She listened to him speak, keeping her jaw sealed tightly. His words sparked something in her, but she wasn't sure what. She'd be alone for so long, and she was so tired. She just wanted it to end, but it seemed it was only just beginning.

She didn't meet his eye. She wasn't sure she could. "I don't-" She stopped herself. "I stayed here too long. It's my fault. I should've moved or something." She couldn't afford to, but she wouldn't admit that.

"I don't want Pia's money, and I don't want you to drive ten hours." Her tone softened a little. "But for the sake of the cat," there was almost a teasing lilt to her voice, "I'll let you drive me... somewhere. I'll figure it out." She blew out a breath.

In the light, Asher could see that the apartment was tiny. It was only one room, save for the tiny door to the bathroom in the corner. There was a very small kitchenette with an old coffee pot, a small bed in the corner, and bean bag chair in the floor. Various plants and herbs scattered the floors and little shelves she had, along with some Grimoires scattered about. Noticeably, Jasleen had quite a few blankets.

"I don't need much." She opened a tiny closet, pulling out a large duffel bag as she began to shove what little belongings she had into it.

~***~

Emmett made his way back to his truck. It was an older model with a covered bed. Terrance kept telling him he should get a new one. He could afford it, after all, but this truck had never done him dirty yet. He plopped down in the cab and tossing most of his weapons into the backseat, save for the gun. He always kept that. Then, thinking of the shithead, he dialed Terrance's number.

Probably his only friend, Emmett needed to let his cousin know the new information he'd gathered. At the very least, he was going to keep his promise to Pia about making sure nobody disturbed her, or the city.

"Dude." Terrance's voice was groggy. "It's fucking two a.m. It better be important."

"It is. I'm in Louisiana." Emmett replied simply.

"Oh fuck- that's tonight?" The sound of covers shifting let Emmett know that Terrance was standing up, likely so as not to wake his wife.

"Yeah. I'm fine. Listen, don't get up. New information has come to light though. Turns out, it isn't the Baptiste vampire. Or the witch."

Terrance snorted. "They tell you that?"

"It's true, Terrance. I'm going to Salem. You probably won't be able to reach me. Just make sure that nobody messes with the town, or the Baptiste vampire. Understood?" His voice took a more authoritative tone, one he didn't often take with Terrance.

"Em-"

"Terrance." Emmett halted any argument from the other party. "Go back to bed. I'll let you know when I've taken care of the problem."

He didn't wait for a response before he hung up the phone.

 

[Lucyfer]

Jasleen relaxed, just a bit. Just enough. She was willing to be driven, and he had no where that to go but Pia’s. That's where he lived, and he didn't think that Jasleen had money for anywhere else.

And she wasn't accepting handouts.

She could determine what to do once she was there, he wouldn't spoil the surprise.

“Let me know if you need me to grab anything. I can carry a lot,” he offered, glancing at the books, prepared to carry them all to his car if she asked. Or the blankets. He wouldn't get in the way of her movements until asked, though.

In either case, he'd make sure they were packed and got back to his car, before he'd take them on their way to Pia’s. It'd likely become very obvious; Pia’s neighborhood was full of old, rich houses, and the style of her own was outwardly French Colonial in architectural design, with some modern twists.

~***~

Pia called Edwin as she sat in the vehicle. It took a while, and she could imagine his face as he saw the caller ID.

It'd been at least twenty years since they conversed and that was mostly to exchange contact information neither of them planned to use. Cell phone numbers were needed in this day and age.

But he did answer with a scathing, “Why are you bothering me?” hissed into the line.

“I need two rooms in Salem at your hotel,” she didn't waste her time. Charm didn't work over phones. “Myself and an Astor hunter.”

There was a longer pause. “To what end?”

“There's talk of a revival attempt for Frederick. I intend to do the job you should be doing,” I've touched her tone.

Trystan's knuckles were white on the steering wheel.

“I would know–”

“You know shit,” Pia snapped, brittle with history. “Tell the others. I'll submit to whatever oath when I arrive.”

“As if that was an option with you,” he sneered. “If this is some trick to restore our–”

“I'd die before I helped him.”

Silence.

They weren't even breathing.

“Tomorrow.” Edwin confirmed.

“Tomorrow.” She agreed and hung up.

Trystan didn't even add a joke. He let Pia out in silence.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen didn't take much with her. To be fair, she didn't have much. She'd always traveled light. She did grab a couple of her books, which looked to be Grimoires, but she help them tightly to her chest. She was already well out of her comfort zone accepting help from Asher, she didn't want to lean on him any further.

As she got into the car, her body sagged a little. She had clearly exerted herself a bit more than she should have, but what other option did she have?

She rested her head against the window as they drove, trying to will the throbbing in her temples away. Only when she tried to focus on the passing infrastructure did she realize that these were some... very nice houses.

And she hadn't even discussed where he'd be taking her.

She sat up quickly. The look of a cornered animal in her eyes, she glanced from Asher to the window, then back to Asher. "Wait- where are you taking me?" She had a feeling she knew. The vampire.

The one she didn't want to be involved with. Fuck. Did she really have a choice now?