Realistic or Modern The Witching Hours [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

Jasleen's surprise was warranted, though it should have been obvious. Still, Asher answered, “This is Pia’s home,” he said as he pulled his car towards the garage. His bike was in there, as was a sleek red vehicle that was Pia’s. She had others drive it for her.

“I didn't know where else to take you. You're adamant about not taking money, and I wasn't sure what hotel you wanted to pay for right now,” he answered.

She'd left him with little direction and her defiance didn't help.

“You can sort yourself out here. I'm sure Pia won't mind giving you enough time to get on your feet and get on your way,” he'd say she wouldn't even notice given the size of her home, but that was a lie.

She always noticed.

“If you want to go elsewhere, just tell me where,” he didn't turn the vehicle off, just in case.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen took a moment to try to compose herself. She wasn't trying to lash out at the only person who had ever offered her a helping hand, but that was the only thing she seemed to be good at. Lashing out. Pushing people away.

Still, she wasn't an idiot. She knew she had nowhere else to go.

"It'll only cause problems for you and your friend." Her voice was quiet, small as she refused to look at him. A insignificant piece of lint on the dash seemed to be very interesting right now. "They're already going to be pissed that you helped me back there, if they found out I'm here..." She let herself trail off. Landon was relentless. He wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.

Still, she had no other choice. But she wouldn't put him or his friend in danger without at least relaying the risks first.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher snorted at the idea of them causing problems for Pia. “I think they need to be more concerned about Pia causing problems for them,” he hadn't heard how the meeting ended, but he had a good idea. “Pia travels to enforce the law. She may already be packing for Salem.”

She hadn't sounded pleased with any of it and she was always hands on.

So bringing the problem to her may be the least of their concerns. No matter his doubts, he'd seen her head off into battle, literally an be metaphorically, in the two years he'd known her.

“But I can't speak for her. You should let her know so she can decide if she wants to risk it,” that might make Jasleen feel more comfortable, as well. Pia did own the place, not him. And she could confirm if Pia was taking any action.

 

[awkwardradish]

Finally, she glanced over at him. Once again, she studied him, unable to form an opinion. A big part of her was telling her to piss him off, to push him away. It would be better to do this alone. But another part was tired of doing things alone, and it seemed like if she allied herself with Asher and Pia... things might change.

But getting her hopes up may only get them crushed.

"Alright." She conceded again. She'd been doing an awful lot of that with him. "I'll talk to her. I'll see if I can do something to help." She decided the latter on a whim. What kind of witch would she be if she took handouts from these people and let them fight her biggest enemies alone. "But if she's not going to Salem, I'm gone in the morning. It's better if I don't stay in one place anyway."

From her lap, Oliver meowed his disagreement, and her face softened. "What about Oliver?" She asked Asher quietly.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher really didn't know Pia’s opinion on cats, but he said, “I don't think she's allergic,” that would be…amusing. A vampire allergic to a cat. “You'll have to ask her, though,” he could reassure, but Jasleen was already going to talk to Pia. May as will bring up the cat.

“But I think you should be good to bring him in,” he added, “we can set him in my room or a spare room, if you don't want to bring him to meet Pia,” he suggested before turning the car off, and opening his door.

They weren't going anywhere else, obviously.

He'd wait for Jasleen to gather herself and what she might want to bring in to meet Pia, before unlocking the house and leading them in. He made his way through the familiar rooms to where he heard papers being rifled and came to what he mentally called the ‘private’ office.

Pia didn't hold meetings here or see people.

So, he knocked. “Pia, it's me and Jasleen.”

“Enter.”

No hesitation.

He stepped in to see her reading over a document that looked like it had been typed on a typewriter, clearly looking for something in it. It was on paperwork that had the emblem of The Jewels Hotel on the upper left of every page, but she set it down to look at them.

“Is everything alright?” Pia asked.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen didn't quite know what to do with herself. Should she carry her things in? Wouldn't that look rude? She didn't want it to look like she expected to stay there. But then again, Asher had brought her here.

She decided to carry her things. With her duffel over her shoulder, Grimoires in one hand, and Oliver in the other, she followed Asher through the nice house, her heart hammering in her chest. That was doing nothing for the exhaustion or light-headedness she alright felt.

When Pia looked up at her, she had the look of a deer in headlights. She didn't seem afraid of Pia, more like intimidated by the entire situation. How was she supposed to explain that when Pia had offered her help, she'd told her to fuck off, and now she was here, begging for help after the very people she was most terrified had found her and almost dragged her back to Salem?

She opened her mouth to speak, then decidedly closed it. After taking a beat to compose herself, the emotionless mask slid back into face. "The Salem witches are here. In town. At least three of them. I don't know if there are anymore."

 

[Lucyfer]

Pia’s expression hardened at the information given. “Names and details. I'll have them rooted out,” she didn't so much as request the information as demand it, setting the paper on her desk as she reached for her phone.

She sent a quick text to Snack:

More Salem witches in town if you have nothing better to do. They aren't under my protection.​

Happy hunting, in any other words, if he wanted to grab information. She'd send others, as well.

“You're not going to look into it?” It was Asher's way of prying though she was a bit too distracted to notice.

“No,” she said, “I'm leaving for Salem tomorrow tonight. You're free to stay until I return, I know we…,” she sighed, “we have much to discuss if you want answers but I can't delay.”

When she looked back up, she seemed to realize that Pia held luggage and she frowned at that. “Are you trying to lease your space, Asher?”

He shook his head, “No, we just…didn't have anywhere else to go immediately.”

 

[awkwardradish]

Emmett was quick to send a text back, almost like he'd been waiting.

Sounds like a party. Did the little witch tell you that? Should I come over?
​

He sent that text, then quickly followed it up with another.

In a purely professional manner, that is. We need a game plan.
​

Jasleen shifted awkwardly on her feet when Pia mentioned the luggage. Fuck, this was awkward. "Um... I don't know all of their names." She admitted, deciding to forego the latter question, since Asher had already answered. "They're younger than me. Newer recruits, I guess. But... Nicholas Pierce was here. He's Landon's right hand man." She glanced to Asher, then back to Pia. "He's pretty recognizable, because he has a scar over his eye... I doubt he'll leave town unless he's in a body bag or he has me in iron cuffs." Her voice was small as she made the admission, and she glanced to Asher again.

She should have let him kill the bastard.

Better yet, she should have finished the job when she gave him that scar over his eye.

"I'm hoping he leaves to report back to Landon. They expected me not to be able to use any magic, and... well, they also didn't expect me to be with a werewolf."

 

[Lucyfer]

Pia listened even as she read the text, responding:

Why don't you bring me a head of a scarred witch named Nicholas Pierce and information and then you can come over? ​

She didn't bother to mention how she got it herself. He'd guessed right, after all. After sending it, she sent the name and information to Trystan and Felix, the wolf contact she had, with the simple ‘open season’ message, secure that they'd pass it on.

She really detested people hunting in her city.

“And I suppose they won't expect you here. Or you're hoping they'll be too concerned to try and break in?” Pia asked, looking up with all the messages sent. “I'm not going to be here to protect you. You want to leave tomorrow night when I do.”

It didn't matter where. She wasn't terribly concerned, although Trystan would be house sitting, just in case. She wasn't generally sentimental, but there were things she didn't want to lose, things impossible to replace, in today's world.

“Pia–”

“I'm not saying it to be cruel. I don't know you, Jasleen,” a fact, “as terrible as your situation is, I'm not leaving you in my house while you're being hunted if I'm not here. Even if you're staying, Asher. It's not an ideal situation. Getting out of LaCroix will be better.”

 

[awkwardradish]

Emmett grinned to himself. At least he'd be getting some action tonight, even if it wasn't with a vampire. He'd rather get some information from this Nicholas Pierce man, anyway.

Yes, boss lady.
​

He'd pinned the nickname as a joke, but now he was beginning to think that it might suit her. After all, she did tend to take charge of things.

He liked that in a woman.

'Fuck, stop thinking about her like that.'

~***~

Jasleen shook her head quickly. She didn't want Asher to stick up for her, or try to convince Pia on her behalf. After all, Jasleen would have reacted the same way. A strange witch accused of necromancy? Also one who basically told you to take your money and shove it an hour ago?

She didn't expect Pia to like her. Or care what happened to her. She still wasn't sure why Asher did.

"Actually," Jasleen spoke carefully, still considering her words. Was she really about to do this? "I came here because I wanted to know if you were going to Salem. And now that I know you are... I want to come." Before giving Pia time to respond, she immediately began pleading her case. "I know I said I wanted fuck-all to do with this, and I still don't, but it's sort of my fight too, and I think it'd be shitty to let somebody else handle it. I know I'm bound, but I can still be an asset. I know the inner workers of that coven better than anybody. I know Landon better than he knows himself, and I can anticipate every move he makes." She once again shifted on her feet. "I won't get in the way. I swear."

 

[Lucyfer]

Pia kept all reaction off her face at the comment from Emmett and didn't respond. He'd let her know when he had information. She liked the title though. Not the first time she'd heard it, but it was better than others, like Princess, which she was bound to hear in Salem.

Jasleen was volunteering and Asher looked quite concerned about it. Pia steepled her hands and set her elbows on the desk as she leaned forward.

“This is not your fight. This precedes you by centuries. You're an innocent caught up in it. I was going to Salem whether or not you were involved.”

She wasn't having a guilty heart join her.

A vengeful one was another story.

“However, this won't end for you until they're dealt with. If you want to join to see it finished so you can feel safe, I'll accept that. I won't accept guilt.”

Asher frowned, “This is dangerous,” he was mostly talking to Jasleen, but trying to convince Pia to deny her in the same breath.

“So is existing while they want her. At least this way she'll have others looking over her,” Pia stated, “you can join those ranks if you like. You need to travel more, anyways.”

He opened his mouth to protest that, then shut it in contemplation. These people were doing terrible things. He wanted to end it. “Alright,” he agreed.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen didn't exactly love being patronized, but she kept her jaw clamped shut. She was normally a stupidly brave person, she'd mouth off to anybody sans their ability to kill her. No, Pia's ability to crush her was not what was keeping her mouth shut in this moment. It was the fact that she wanted Pia to allow her to come.

"It's also dangerous to sit around and wait for them to drag me back again." Jasleen quipped to Asher. It was the first time a little of her fire had come out directed at him. She turned her attention back to Pia, determined. "I'm not going because I feel guilty. And while Frederick may not be my fight, everything to do with that Coven is my battle. They tried to frame me. And on top of that, whatever Landon is planning, he clearly intends on dragging me through the mud with him." She straightened her shoulders. "I don't need anybody to look after me." She shot a pointed look at Asher. "Like I said, I know Landon better than he knows himself. I know how to handle him, I've done it before. I may not have complete access to my magic, but I still managed to put that scar on Nick's eye, and he ran like the fucking coward he is when he learned this bind wasn't going to hold all of my magic."

 

[Lucyfer]

“Ran, because of that, and I imagine, because a wolf was there,” Pia said mildly, “regardless, I will accept those reasons. As for Asher, he is his own man. He has already agreed to come. If you don't put him to use, I will.” It wasn't the original intent but she could use pawns effectively.

Not that she wanted to think of him like that but her mind was already moving into war mode. Anyone and everyone was a tool.

Asher nodded. “I want to see this end. Regardless. They're causing trouble here.” He said. He lived here. And he didn't want to deal with the spread into his home. Though he also wanted nothing bad to happen to Jasleen and he could admit that. She deserved a quiet life now after all she must have endured.

“Then I'll book two additional rooms,” she confirmed.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. She was glad that things were finally coming to an end. She didn’t want to live like this anymore, constantly watching her surroundings. On the other hand, she wasn’t sure she would ever be ready to see Landon’s face again. And now Asher was coming with them, and she felt like that was her fault.

She desperately wanted to shove her hands into her jacket pockets, but they were full. This was an awkward already.

“You should know that Landon won’t be easy to target.” She finally decided to give her more information. “Not because he’s powerful or anything, but because he’s a little fucking weasel. He’s good at running and he’s good at hiding. He won’t show himself unless you give him good reason to, which is why I think you should use me as bait.” The words left her mouth before she’d even really considered them, but there was no taking them back now.

 

[Lucyfer]

Pia desperately wanted to remind Jasleen how old she was. She’d dealt with many clever men. Many cowards. Many bold heroes. However, she held her tongue. It was evident this was already a lot for the woman, and she didn’t need to be talked down to further when she was attempting to help.

Besides, her insight would be useful. Even this was useful.

And Asher did not look pleased with the thought, anyways. He’d grown attached to the witch quickly. Likely, a lot of guilt on his part, too. He’d inadvertently dragged her into this by bringing her to the very wrong place.

“I will keep it in consideration, but it will not be the first route I go,” no one could hide forever. Pia could gather his address, where the coven met, even where Landon preferred to get his groceries from, to find ways to get at him long before she attempted a bait method. There were numerous options to go through before that one was considered. “You should go get some rest, though. It will be tomorrow night before you know it. Asher can show you to the bathrooms and kitchen, as well.”

Despite no longer eating human food, she still kept the fridge stocked. Partially for Asher, partially just to look normal. “I need to make another phone call.” Edwin was going to tear his hair out over two additional rooms. As if he didn’t have them available.

~***~

Trystan had taken Pia’s message, and groaned in irritation as any hope of finishing his Tekken matches were dashed. Still, he wasn’t going to let this warlock consume his entire night. So, rather than forward the message on and deal with others, he went to his map of the city that was splayed out in his ‘war room’. It was incredibly detailed, and something he was constantly updating.

Anywhere there was construction, it was noted.

Anywhere there were new ‘convenience trails’, it was noted.

No one knew LaCroix like Trystan.

And LaCroix knew him.

He slit his wrist over the map, but the blood didn’t soak into it, or even mess it. It hovered atop it, “Nicholas Pierce,” he spoke the name, “Not a resident.” The blood moved, and soon highlighted the location of the man on the map. Trystan hummed, noting the nearest monument he’d marked and shutting his eyes.

He sunk into the floor, and appeared outside, beneath a statue of Joan of Arc. He immediately took off at a sprint in the direction the blood had marked.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen couldn’t stand to be dismissed the way she was. She was a stubborn one, and she hated being underestimated. She clenched her jaw, and for a moment, it seemed like she might argue again. Then she decided that Pia wasn’t exactly the boss of her.

She didn’t need Pia’s permission to bait Landon out on her own.

So she just nodded, but the defiance was evident in her eyes. They were full of fire and determination, but also a mixture of fear.

She turned to Asher, trying to mask all the different feelings that were coursing through her. If she could get this damned mark off her arm…

“I’m not hungry. I don’t need the kitchen or anything.” She insisted, awaiting him to lead the way to whatever room she would definitely not be getting any sleep in tonight… or today.

~***~

Emmett was glad that Pia had told him about the witch. He was restless and antsy. Itching to do something with his hands. The witch would be a good outlet for that. He thought about killing him from a distance- a bullet through the head would do- but then he imagined he might ask him some questions.

He started his truck. This was the part he liked most. The finding people. It took him a while, and another call to Terrance so he could run the credit cards, but he was finally able to locate them.

Nicholas had indeed tucked tail. They were at one of the local motels. It wasn’t nice, but it was clearly an easy spot to take a victim and nobody notice, which was probably what he had been aiming for.

“Fucking bitch.” He hissed, slamming his fist into the wall. “How the fuck is she breaking out of the bind already?”

“Nick, man, calm down. We’ll figure it out. We still have the iron cuffs, and she can’t stay around the werewolf forever.”

“I want her in our trunk on her way back to Salem by nightfall.” He sneered. “Understood?”

The other one nodded his head frantically.

 

[Lucyfer]

‘The human is going to do something stupid.’

Jasleen may not have said it, but the look of defiance in her eyes said it all to Pia. She'd politely pretend not to notice. When it occurred, Jasleen would likely be in for a wake up call…and Pia wouldn't be there to help.

Hopefully, Asher would be, but if she chose not to utilize him, well, Jasleen could damn herself.

Pia went back to her papers as Jasleen addressed Asher with a comment that she wasn't hungry.

Asher nodded. “I can still show you if you like. It'll be several hours before we leave,” but he would lead out of the room to show Jasleen to her room first, if only so she could empty her arms. “It may not be as easy to find us afterwards,” Asher planned to sleep soon, after all.

Unlike Pia, he still needed to sleep.

And Jasleen may grow hungry within that time, or want to clean up in a shower. She did have to survive the daylight hours, after all. “You don't have to use the knowledge.”

She seemed to still want to resist every bit of aid offered.

At least she wasn't fighting a room, and he did bring her to one he knew was empty, a guest room painted in hues of green and gold.

~***~

Trystan approached the hotel lobby, looking every bit the deviant as he stepped to the counter. His favored attire of ‘hoodie of the day’ helped with that, as did his colored hair, “Hey man,” the woman behind the counter looked up with a scowl, “for a pizza delivery for Nicholas Pierce. Didn't tell me what room?”

She rolled her eyes, but looked at the computer. Monotonously, she chimed, “122,” and looked back down at the comic she was reading, clearly trying to enjoy doing as little of her job as possible on the night shift.

“Cool, thanks,” Trystan gave up a mock salute before retreating and walking around the outside, checking over the door numbers at he did so until he came to the room.

He knocked, “Food order for Nick?” Odds were always good people ordered food, but even if they didn't, that would usually get the door opened.

If not, Trystan really wasn't opposed to using other methods.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen’s skin was crawling with the need to run. To lash out in some form. It wasn’t Asher. In fact, she was trying so hard to bite her tongue because he had been so nice. She wasn’t sure exactly why she cared to hurt his feelings, but that was a question for another day. Hopefully one that she wouldn’t have to address.

“Thanks.” Jasleen muttered her appreciation, setting her things down. Part of her wanted to pick them back up just to run. But could she run forever?

“You don’t have to give me a tour or anything. You’ve already gone out of your way, I’ll be fine.” There was her attempt to deny help, to push him away again.

She knew it was rude to keep dismissing his attempts to help her, but she couldn’t afford any chinks in her armor. Not with Landon looming.

And boy, was Asher good at chinking,

~***~

It didn’t take Emmett long at all to find the seedy motel. He assumed they’d chosen it not because they were modest, but because nobody would bat an eye if they brought a prisoner here.

Maybe a feisty little witch.

He hummed to himself as he watched the familiar blue-haired blood sucker march into the lobby. Clearly, Pia didn’t trust either of them to get the job done alone. Amusing.

Whatever Trystan had planned, he supposed he’d go along, but he wanted Nick’s head.

He grabbed his iron cuffs, readying himself as he watched Trystan knock on the motel room.

Food delivery? That was his tactic?

Emmett inched closer. He plan was to barge himself in and bind Nick in the chaos.

The scar-faced witch flung the door open, a practically feral expression on his face. He was pissed- that was sure. The other two witches were tending to the wounds Asher had left them.

Nick sneered at Trystan. His guard was down, his instincts off. “I didn’t order food, asshole. If you’re looking for a free handout, go find it somewhere else.”

“Actually,” Emmett’s voice rang out from behind Trystan, where he’d been lingering. “I’m only looking for your head. After I get some information out of you, of course.”

Panic flashed through the witches eyes, and he held up his hands to no doubt recite some incantation, but a gun shot rang out.

Emmett shot him in the shoulder, sending Nick spiraling to the ground with a cry of agony. It wasn’t enough to kill him, just to subdue.

The other two scrambled up, panic flashing in their own eyes as Emmett wasted no time binding Nick’s hands with the iron cuffs.

“You could kill the other two if you want. I’m only interested in him.” Emmett said conversationally to Trystan.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher understood where people could get frustrated easily. He'd seen it with pets, and he'd seen it with kids. He could only compare Jasleen then to some of the kids he'd worked with, so afraid of not only being a burden, but also on relying on anyone.

Kids were meant to rely on others.

Hell, so were adults. That's how humanity thrived. Community.

It was harder to deal with from an adult. He couldn't deny that. Kids had the cute and open factor going for them. Jasleen had beauty, but she also had a history he wasn't willing to pry at just yet.

So he retained his patience. “If I'm offering I know I don't have to,” he said, “consider that you're doing me a favor. Uncertain footsteps will probably wake me up if I hear them later.” He could twist it so she saw it as him doing something selfish.

He wanted a good bit of sleep. She could help with that by knowing where she was going.

~***~

Trystan looked as Snack spoke, amused to see him there. Clearly, Pia really had made it open season. Good thing he didn't mind sharing, and as Snack shot the witch, he was inclined to just get back to his games.

But Snack offered dinner and who was he to refuse?

“Thank you,” he pulled his own gun out of the pocket of his hoodie, silencer on it, and put a shot through the head of one before lunging across the room and sinking his fangs in deep to the second one. The witch cried out at the sting of pain, before pleasure overcame his expression and he let out a moan as Trystan wrapped his free arm around the man and held him close to drain him to death.

He had no qualms drinking from the vein. That was his usual method, though he usually didn't kill.

Killing was a luxury rarely enjoyed nowadays with the new rules they all had to live by. Not that he'd ever been a fiend but…well, there was something addictive about the last drop.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen chewed the inside of her lip thoughtfully. She really hadn’t intended on wandering around. She was still nauseous, and every time she thought of Landon, it became worse. She didn’t think she’d be eating much tonight.

But maybe it would be nice to know where the bathroom was, as least.

“You’re very persistent, aren’t you?” Her tone was conceding. After she’d set the things down, she shoved her hands back into the pockets of her jacket. She eyed him, then nodded. “Fine.”

She couldn’t deny she was at least curious.

~***~

Emmett didn’t seem at all bothered by the blatant display of violence. Nick thrashed against his iron cuffs, spewing curses and empty threats with every breath.

“You will pay!” He yelled loudly.

“Probably not.” Emmett said with a shrug. “See, the only reason he hasn’t drained you yet is because I want some answers. The Astor Institute wants answers.”

Nick’s eyes flared with hope. “The Astor Institute? Man, w-we’re on the same side! We’re here for the witch- Jasleen-“ His words were cut short when he let out a cry of pain. Emmett had squeezed his shoulder harshly.

“Wrong answer.” He sing-songed. “We know about your plot to frame Jasleen and Pia. I want to know why, and I’m sure my blue-hair acquaintance here wouldn’t mind another snack if you decide not to give us truthful information.”

Nick’s eyes flickered over to Trystan worriedly.

 

[Lucyfer]

“Yes,” Asher agreed, hearing the conciliatory tone. He stepped out of the room and would first lead to the bathroom, which was quite large. The shower was separated from the tub, so one could pick a preference, and loaded with simple, clean scents, like bamboo and green tea. It wasn't sterile or chemical, thankfully, and succulents decorated it.

The green theme continued.

“This is the closest one to your room. There's another near the kitchen I can show you, just in case,” he said as he would intend to lead her out and towards that.

The interior followed the clean and calm theme, and a good eye would notice it differed a bit from the private space Pia kept. The office had been darker toned, leaning into reds, golds, blacks, and oranges – a sunrise motif, with items not nearly as organized into a theme.

The items there had been more ancient, as well.

The public spaces were clearly not Pia’s, and the kitchen continued the trend. It was still warm, with more pops of yellow, and open windows, as well as an adjacent dining room with a sliding glass door – obviously nowhere she'd venture in the day.

“It's stocked and fresh. Pia doesn't eat, so most goes to waste. You'd be fine to eat anything you wanted, it's here for appearances, really.”

Most of the home was.

~***~

Trystan took a seat on the bed as the last drop was drained, amused with the situation and the the hunter. “You kind of picked the wrong town,” Trystan said. “And I've been needing a new childe for menial labor, so if you don't feel like answering, I can just turn you,” Trystan threatened, “make sure you're bound in blood to me,” his grin widened, “with enough of my blood in your system, you'll never say no.”

The childe-sire bond was a tenuous one, strengthened by sharing blood. He no longer had a tie to his sire, but some kept control for centuries.

Others used it beyond that. Edwin on particular practiced all sorts of bonds and contracts.

But Trystan knew this threat would likely repulse the witch. Death was preferable to turning. “Y'all are really eating into my gaming hours, you know? I'd rather have you do this bullshit work for me.”

 

[awkwardradish]

When Asher agreed with her half-hearted insult, she found herself resisting the urge to smirk a little. The corners of her mouth twitched, but other than that, she followed him along silently. She didn’t speak much. She surely didn’t comment on the interior of the home, even though she had to admit it was nice. The succulents were a nice touch, she thought.

Jasleen didn’t speak until Asher mentioned the food. She shook her head a bit. “Like I said, I’m not hungry.” She shrugged nonchalantly. She was a tiny girl, and didn’t eat much anyway, but even now, she was worried she’d spew the contents of her stomach when she first saw Landon.

She did take a moment to look around, and decidedly offered up a curious question. “You said you owe your life to Pia. I’ve heard of vampires partnering together in some sort of alliance. They keep the werewolves during the full moon and the werewolves keep them during the day.” She finally finished with studying the room and her eyes moved back over to him.

“I always thought it was kind of a myth though. I’ve never met a werewolf, and the only time I’ve encountered vampires is when some of Landon’s allies would visit. Very briefly.”

She wasn’t exactly sure why she had voluntarily offered conversation with him, but there was certainly no taking it back now.

~***~

Emmett chuckled softly at Trystan’s banter. If he could put aside the fact that he was a vampire, he might actually enjoy working with him.

“N-No!” Nick’s voice was panicked, practically begging, and he frantically struggled against the iron cuffs once more. “I’ll tell you whatever you wanna no.”

Emmett pouted playfully. “Damn, you break easily.” He left Nick in the floor, pulled up a chair, and made himself comfortable.

“Why are you trying to frame Pia and Jasleen?” He asked simply.

Nick’s face contorted with anger and disgust at the mention of Jasleen. “Pia, because it’s easy.” He grit his teeth, as if it physically hurt him to be giving up this information. “People would have already suspected her anyway.”

“And the witch?” Emmett quirked a brow.

Nick sneered again. “Because that bitch is going to pay.”

“Ooo, somebody sounds bitter.” Emmett grinned. He was clearly having more fun that he should. He leaned forward on his knees, glancing to Trystan.

 

[awkwardradish]

When Asher agreed with her half-hearted insult, she found herself resisting the urge to smirk a little. The corners of her mouth twitched, but other than that, she followed him along silently. She didn’t speak much. She surely didn’t comment on the interior of the home, even though she had to admit it was nice. The succulents were a nice touch, she thought.

Jasleen didn’t speak until Asher mentioned the food. She shook her head a bit. “Like I said, I’m not hungry.” She shrugged nonchalantly. She was a tiny girl, and didn’t eat much anyway, but even now, she was worried she’d spew the contents of her stomach when she first saw Landon.

She did take a moment to look around, and decidedly offered up a curious question. “You said you owe your life to Pia. I’ve heard of vampires partnering together in some sort of alliance. They keep the werewolves during the full moon and the werewolves keep them during the day.” She finally finished with studying the room and her eyes moved back over to him.

“I always thought it was kind of a myth though. I’ve never met a werewolf, and the only time I’ve encountered vampires is when some of Landon’s allies would visit. Very briefly.”

She wasn’t exactly sure why she had voluntarily offered conversation with him, but there was certainly no taking it back now.

~***~

Emmett chuckled softly at Trystan’s banter. If he could put aside the fact that he was a vampire, he might actually enjoy working with him.

“N-No!” Nick’s voice was panicked, practically begging, and he frantically struggled against the iron cuffs once more. “I’ll tell you whatever you wanna no.”

Emmett pouted playfully. “Damn, you break easily.” He left Nick in the floor, pulled up a chair, and made himself comfortable.

“Why are you trying to frame Pia and Jasleen?” He asked simply.

Nick’s face contorted with anger and disgust at the mention of Jasleen. “Pia, because it’s easy.” He grit his teeth, as if it physically hurt him to be giving up this information. “People would have already suspected her anyway.”

“And the witch?” Emmett quirked a brow.

Nick sneered again. “Because that bitch is going to pay.”

“Ooo, somebody sounds bitter.” Emmett grinned. He was clearly having more fun that he should. He leaned forward on his knees, glancing to Trystan.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher wouldn't comment on eating then. She would or she wouldn't. If she felt like starving for over twelve hours, that was indeed her choice. He just needed to make her aware that she had options if her appetite returned. He hoped it would.

“I do,” he latched onto the other subject, “she was in the area when I was attacked. I had a…a stalker,” he felt embarrassed by it. “I was too kind to her. She was troubled. Needed a friend. I didn't think she actually was a werewolf, I thought it was like that thing teenagers do where they say they're this thing because they don't fit in and need to stand out…I don't know, obviously I was wrong.”

He had the scar and curse to prove it.

“After that, Pia helped me navigate this a bit. Made it clear I didn't have to join the wolves but I wasn't sure what else to do so she took me on. There's a vault in the basement I use on full moons. It keeps others safe,” he had no control. No one else deserved to suffer for it. “I just make sure no one comes in during the day that she doesn't want to see, and grab the Amazon packages from the sun,” he chuckled at the last, menial thing.

“I don't really know the others elves so I can't tell you much about what's normal. I've met them but I don't want to be in a pack or live differently.” He wanted to be as human as possible. “Most of them were born, not turned.”

~***~

Trystan snorted at the fear that little comment inspired in the warlock. “And because Pia would tear through you all once she found out what was going on,” Trystan mused.

Nick wasn't as forthcoming about Jasleen.

“Pay for what?” Trystan asked, “not giving you five kids? Being better at making bread than you? C'mon man, put your heart into it, make us like you, maybe we can be convinced you're right. I mean, maybe I can be,” he joked, “Pia's got this one wrapped around her finger, but she pisses me off plenty, barking orders, like, where does she get off,” Trystan scoffed.

Sure, his complaints were genuine about Pia but he'd never for a second turn on her that easily. They had their issues like any other dysfunctional family. Still, he figured a Salem warlock might latch onto it as someone on his side.

Trystan was aware of how traditional they were. They had to hate a woman ruling over anywhere.

 

[awkwardradish]

So it seemed the werewolf made a habit of being too kind to people who didn’t deserve it.

Jasleen would never stab him in the back like that, but she still wasn’t sure she deserved his kindness.

She listened without interruption, nodding ever so softly. She understood what it meant to be ostracized by your own kind. She also understood what it meant to want nothing to do with them.

“Werewolves, especially born ones, can be as pompous and uppity as witches sometimes,” She offered with a small shrug. “I don’t think you have to stick with your species, you know?” It was a rare piece of wisdom. “Fuck what they tell you to do.”

She shifted on her feet again. “Thank you. For everything. I don’t want to seem ungrateful.” She finally admitted. That was all the time explanation she offered, turning to direct her attention to another succulent.

~***~

“I’m not an idiot.” Nick spat. “You’re going to kill me anyway, so why should I give you any ducking information?”

Emmett rolled his eyes. “Because, tough guy. You might be able to change our minds. You see, I don’t give a fuck about any of this.” He shrugged, leaning back again. “So tell me something I want to hear.”

Of course, Emmett was lying. He was already planning on bringing Pia Nick’s head, he just couldn’t decide if he wanted to wrap it or not.

Nick hesitated, looking between his captors. “What do you want to know?”

Emmett shrugged again. “You told us about Pia, I believe that. It was convenient to frame her. By why Jasleen? And why frame her, then come for her?”

Nick pondered that for a moment. “Revenge.” He finally said. “She’s a bound witch. She shouldn’t be wandering about trying to break her binding.”

“Why is she bound?” Emmett pressed. He had to admit, he wasn’t sure about this witch. Was she really as innocent as she claimed.

He clenched his jaw. “For being disobedient to the order.” He motioned to the scar over his eye. “And for this.”