Realistic or Modern The Witching Hours [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

“My species is human,” Asher said flatly, “not that I'd say they're great. I do prefer animals,” he added with a bit of a smile, “just not a fan of sweeping generalization,” even about the wolves.

They hadn't been cruel to him. They hadn't demanded he join. How much of that was Pia's involvement, he didn't know, but he wanted to think that the werewolves likely weren't all bad. He didn't want to think all witches were, either.

Otherwise, he'd give up.

“You're welcome, though. You don't seem ungrateful,” he wouldn't say what she did seem. Best not to get into that sort of argument right then by stating those details.

“Do you want company longer?”

He likely wouldn't sleep immediately. He should still be at work, so he wasn't dead tired yet. He could stay with her if she wasn't ready to be alone yet.

~***~

“No no no, he's going to kill you, I'm going to turn you. Make him happy and you just die,” Trystan chuckled, “make him upset and I have a new servant,” his grin was all teeth. If the witch wanted to know the options, well, Trystan was happy to remind him.

“And I don't think you're making him very happy,” he tilted his head toward Snack, “revenge for your eye might make sense if you were the big guy, but you're taking orders from someone else who wants Jasleen.”

On the run helped his cause, no doubt.

But why was she wanted?

“So c'mon, what did she do to upset the big man in charge that he's made it so personal, eh? I can start guessing, if you want,” he had atrocious ideas no one would want to think about their boss, “we can spin them as truth if we need to. I've been writing history for centuries.”

 

[awkwardradish]

The werewolf was a bit defensive about his humanity. She supposed she could understand why. He wasn’t born into this, and he hadn’t had hundreds of years to get used to it. Jasleen, on the other hand, had been, and it skewed her world view to the negative.

At his question, she hesitated. She wasn’t sure why. She should have told him no. She wasn’t here to make friends, and after everything with Salem blew over, she intended to go somewhere far, far away and make a new life for herself. It was better not to get attached.

Finally, she shook her head. “No, you can sleep. I should check on Oliver, anyway. He’s had a hell of a day- er, night, I guess.” She blew out a tiny laugh through her nose. “He’s meows a lot when he wants attention anyway, and I wouldn’t want him to piss Pia off with his incessant yelling.” She chuckled fondly to herself.

~***~

Nick once again fought against his cuffs. The prolonged exposure to the iron was beginning to singe his wrists. “I understand how petty it seems on the outside, okay? She disturbed the order of the coven. She refused to marry, to perform the right to strengthen the Elder’s powers. She is disobedient and curious. Curious witches never bode well in the world.”

Emmett narrowed his eyes. Was that really all there was to it? “So… you’re wasting all this manpower to seek petty revenge because your friend, Landon, got turned down?”

“Did I not just tell you that she put my fucking eye out?” Nick snapped. He was in pain, and clearly losing his patience. “Witches like her do not have a place among us. She rejects order. She practiced taboo magic.”

“Ah, there is it.” Emmett patted his head. “Good boy- tell me more about that.”

“Fuck you.” Nick spat in his direction, once more yanking at the cuffs to no avail.

 

[Lucyfer]

It took Jasleen a moment, which Asher considered a good thing. He nodded, “I understand,” he would give her space, “I'll be sure to swing by a bit before we're heading out so you can prepare yourself.”

Two hours seemed fair. He'd just need to check when night fell.

“Take care, alright? And give your cat all the love,” he'd head out on that note, and head towards Pia's office once again.

They still had a few things to discuss, and he wasn't going to sleep anytime soon, so he may as well try to learn more about the woman he'd been protecting. He needed to decide if he's continue this after the Salem incident.

He knocked on the door and heard a sigh.

She knew.

“Come in.”

~***~

Trystan groaned in obvious frustration, playing up his loss of patience as he fell back onto the not at all comfortable bed, “Seriously, can I just have him?” He complained. “He won't be able to resist telling if I turn him,” maybe he'd prefer that.

Then he could die a monster. Nick would love that.

Wouldn't make a very good head, though.

“C'mon, spill the beans, maybe it's taboo enough the good hunter will avenge you or whatever,” he lifted a hand as he stayed on his back and gave a dismissive little wave with it, clearly wanting to get on with his.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen glanced back at him as he left. Take care. It was so casual… like they were actually friends or something.

She couldn’t have that.

With a small sigh, she moved back to the room she’d been allowed to occupy for the night.

“Hey Ollie.” She sighed as she sunk down against the door, allowing the cat to crawl into her lap with a small mewl. She stayed like that for a long time before moving to the bed as the sun rose.

~***~

“Oh, that is a fair point. You could turn him and then he’d have to tell us everything.” Emmett tapped his chin in thought.

“No!” Nick said frantically. To die a monster would be the worst fate for a witch. He wouldn’t be able to join his ancestors. “Fuck, I’ll tell you. She’s a spell breaker.”

“Aren’t all witches spell casters and spell breakers?” Emmett raised an eyebrow.

“No. One a spell is bound, usually only the witch who cast it can undo it. Jasleen is an exception. Actually, her whole bloodline is. She can weave intricate spells and undo spells that other bloodlines have performed.” Nick explained. “It’s why the binding isn’t holding.”

“And that’s taboo?” Emmett scrunched his nose.

“Yes. It makes her strong. Powerful. Dangerous.” Nick struggled some more. “Landon was going to reinforce the binding when we brought her back.”

“Ah, Landon. I have a few questions about that little weasel also.” Emmett said casually.

 

[Lucyfer]

“Makes her strong,” Trystan scoffed, “so we just ban people for being better than others, that's fucking rich,” he sat up, “bet it's a Salem thing. Other covens would be drooling for this. And they'd support someone with that power.” Or at least, he assumed so.

He didn't see why it was such an issue.

An individual could be strong but covens were still stronger. They improved each other. This group clearly just had an issue with a witch who didn't want to be involved, so they cast all kinds of labels on her.

“Is that all you wanted, Snack?” he got to his feet, “I'm happy to stick around and play bad cop, but if you're good,” he lifted over shoulder in a shrug, “I wouldn't want to get in your way of getting some head.”

He really couldn't help himself.

 

[awkwardradish]

Emmett rolled his eyes, like he was annoyed by Trystan’s comment, but a smirk spread onto his face.

Nick visibly panicked. “Oh fuck, I am not-“

“Relax.” Emmett made a face. “He means your actual head. You see, I made a promise to deliver it to somebody.” He stood menacingly, and Nick scrambled away on his knees.

“Actually, I almost killed somebody innocent because of you and your coven.” His tone was conversational, like he was recounting a funny tale. “So as a token of apology, I plan to give her your head. Simple enough, right?”

“Fuck you!” Nick yelled again. “You’re gonna be fucking sorry.”

“Probably not.” Emmett shrugged again. “It’ll be worth it anyway.”

“The witch.” Nick was frantic, grasping at straws. “She’ll stab you in the back. She doesn’t work well with people. I can-“

“Who says we’re working with her?” Emmett tilted his head. “Did we say that?” He turned to Trystan.

 

[Lucyfer]

When Nick scrambled back Tristan moved to stand behind him to block his path. It was fun, working with Snack. He had more humor than most hunters. Too many were all about the business, they took no joy in it. Had no fun! It was a shame Snack got caught up in this life. He'd die.

“She does tend to like the heads of her enemies,” Trystan mused, more to himself, as Snack waxed on about the reasons why he was delivering a head.

It'd definitely been a while since he knew of anyone so down bad they were dropping off heads, though.

“I don't even remember her name,” Trystan answered about the witch, “Pia wouldn't want to work with her anyways,” whether or not she was, didn't matter, “she likes to deal with things on her own. Well,” he laughed, “things that matter. Sorry Nicky boy, you didn't really register on her list, you just pissed her off just enough for her to declare open season,” he grinned, “ought to be glad it was us and not the wolves that found you. They like to eat their meat while it's still squirming,” that was a lie, they were actually pretty chill.

But Nick didn't know that.

“They might be getting close though, this motel is near them,” another lie.

 

[awkwardradish]

For the first time in a long time, he was having fun on a hunt. Normally, he'd opt for something quick and less time consuming. He never really cared much for the hunting like his family did, but when you're born into a legacy, you're destined to carry on the family name.

"Time's up, Nicky boy." He opted to use Trystan's nickname for the witch, tilting his head. There was no longer an amused look in his eyes. If anything, he just looked ready to get the tedious part over with. "Any last words?"

"No- No please, I swear, I'll do whatever you want me to do-" Nick was begging. How cut.

"Really? You're going to use your last breaths to beg me?" Emmett deadpanned. He'd expected more, honestly. "I'll make sure Landon knows what a fucking coward you were, and that you managed to sell him out while you were begging us not to kill you."

With that, he grabbed the iron cuffs, yanking Nick close as he sniveled and begged.

The smell of urine permeated the small space, and Emmett made a face. "Fucking pisser..." He grumbled.

He didn't waste time in taking Nick's last breath. One moment, he was squirming, and the next, Emmett had simply snapped his neck so that he hung limply in his arms.

"I was serious about the head." Emmett told Trystan with a smirk. "Do you think the Dollar General is still open? I wanna wrap it."

 

[Lucyfer]

This was definitely one of the reasons Trystan preferred his victims didn't know death was coming. Most didn't have dignity and then you ended up with piss on the floor that was just embarrassing all around. Trystan definitely felt a severe case of second hand embarrassment.

And first hand disgust as he shook his head and headed for the door. “Nah, but Wal-Mart is,” Trystan grinned, “we made sure to get those overnight shenanigan's back.” they needed public places that were open at all hours of the night, besides a couple of gas stations.

He paused, not walking out, “You're really down bad, huh?” It seemed too fast, despite Trystan seeing people fawn at Pia’s feet more than once. Those usually started with a positive opinion, not murderous. “What'd she say to you? What'd she promise?” His eyes twinkled with mischief, but his tone was confused.

He wasn't sure if he should be pitying this man or not.

~***~

Asher didn’t hesitate to take a seat this time. The paperwork from before was still out, “Is this the hotel we’re staying at?”

“Mm,” Pia sighed, “Edwin owns the hotel chain known as the Jewels. There’s one in Salem – the Quartz,” naturally he’d go with the stone most commonly associated with witchcraft, “I have our rooms reserved. I’m just…refreshing myself on our last agreement.”

She wasn’t allowed to step into Salem. That seemed enough to let herself be driven in, but she wouldn’t be able to step out of the vehicle without Edwin abolishing the oath she’d bound herself to. They’d adjusted the language when air travel became common and she needed to fly over time and again. “Edwin is strict about the rules.”

His talent gave him that ability. It was a fucking nightmare.

Their sire made mistakes in creating them: she and Edwin both craved power, just as their sire did. It manifested in terrible ways.

She set the document down again, “You’re not here for that.”

“No, but I am curious about Edwin.”

“He’s younger than me,” Pia said, “and doesn’t understand the word ‘relax’. We share a complicated history.”

“One that involves Frederick?”

“One that involves Corydon, our sire,” she hadn’t spoken the name in…centuries. Likely not since he was staked. And she’d barely known it then. He’d been a mystery who entered her life like a whirlwind and left, leaving everything in disarray. “But it ties to Frederick, and what I did. Edwin was…a part of setting me right.”

“You’ve never talked about your sire before.”

Pia was silent on that. She didn’t enjoy the topic. “You want to know what I’ve done,” she redirected. “What I’m still doing, and why. You want to know if I’ve changed.”

“…Yes.”

 

[awkwardradish]

Emmett rolled his eyes. He wasn’t “down bad” for Pia. He wouldn’t consider it that. Sure, he’s enamored him with her fight, but he didn’t see anything going anywhere long term. He just enjoyed messing with her.

And she wanted his head.

“She didn’t promise me anything.” He said simply. “Actually, she’s made it very clear that I should fuck off.” He smirked the tiniest bit. “Here’s the thing- what was it? Trystan?” He didn’t wait for a response as he continued.

“I don’t give a fuck about any of this hunting stuff. Usually it’s about as boring as watching paint dry to me.” He shrugged. “I didn’t want to take this job, I had other plans. But your friend Pia just made it interesting, and if I have to do this,” he motioned to Nick’s body, “I’m gonna have fun while I’m doing it.”

He went to work on removing the witch’s head. “I’m not in love with your friend. And she didn’t use her power to influence me, if that’s what you’re searching for.” He smirked- that tidbit of information had also been in her file, but only suspected. Pia had confirmed his suspicions when she’d calmed the feisty witch down.

 

[Lucyfer]

Trystan laughed a bit at the audacity of Snack, and thinking the powers hadn't been used. It was possible he was right, but Trystan had his doubts. “That's the funny thing about her talent – it's not that easy to pin down. But it's good you're aware. If you start feeling too fond of her, you might stand a chance.”

Though his tone held doubt.

“Then again, I've watched someone stop mid-stake because they were suddenly terrified, so,” he shrugged.

It was all mind games. All emotion and intuition fuckery. Trystan was aware enough, but he still felt the impact. “Best of luck to ya. If you're going to Salem, you might want to ask Edwin how he does it. Exposure is a bitch, after all. You don't know when it'll creep up on you. If it's real. If it's not. You'll have the history then.”

There were glints at Trystan's own confusion, between the lines. His own uncertainty at being manipulated.

But it was gone in a flash, “Do you all know what I do?” He was stupidly curious, not bothered by the decapitation process in the least.

~***~

She let out a breath and leaned back in her chair, “I came to America in the 1600s, after I got tired of the Church trying to kill me in Europe for doing nothing but helping people with the knowledge I’d amassed. I traveled with a coven. Frederick Reynolds happened to be one of them. He connected me with a devil that made the passage…easier,” to say the least. She hadn’t needed to devour the whole crew.

“He claimed my sire was on the new continent, and I craved revenge.”

“You hated him for turning you that much?”

“I hated myself,” she said, “but I’m too much of a coward to take my own life, so his was the next best option,” and still, he lived, because she was a coward. She did not speak to that, “Frederick promised me revenge, freedom, power…nothing I’d ever had and everything I wanted. But it came at the cost of keeping Ishara satisfied, and Ishara was only satisfied if she was fed.”

She shut her eyes, “I didn’t massacre for her, though. This was a new land…I massacred to keep the Church’s influence from taking hold. I’d raze entire villages of puritans to lessen the influence and think nothing of it. This was going to be our land, a land away from the influence of the Church, a land where vampires and witches and wolves could live freely. Purges were ideal.”

But it wasn’t enough.

It never was.

“I hated them. It wasn’t Ishara, it was me. I hated them. I hated the vampires who supported them, I hated the vampires who thought we had to stay in the shadows, and I became a menace, until Edwin got to me.”

 

[awkwardradish]

Trystan’s doubt planted a seed in Emmett’s mind, and as he worked on removed the head, he considered his words. He’d been careful not to let Pia influence him, but how could he know? This was unusual for him.

But like he said, he was having fun. He hadn’t spared her life because of some influence, he’d done it because she was innocent, and he wanted to get to the bottom of this Frederick business.

That’s what he decided, anyway.

At Trystan’s question, he hummed softly. “The Astor institute doesn’t have much on you, to be honest.” He admitted. “I’d consider that I good thing, though. They- we,” He corrected his wording, “only really keep tabs on people who have proven to be a danger in the past. I knew you’d be here, and I knew not to underestimate you, but your ability was not mentioned in the file I read.” He finished, standing and wiping his bloodied hands on one of the stark white towels.

 

[Lucyfer]

“Good,” Trystan said, not offering a word on his capabilities. Pia’s were out in the open for her mistakes. Vampires warned each other. Hunters warned each other. Hells, it was woven into traditional vampire lore about vampires being hypnotically influential.

Travel wasn't really a talent spoken of and he intended to keep it that way.

“Y'all can just keep thinking of me as the vampire addicted to video games and we'll get along fine,” he said, “hopefully with different colored hair the next time you're around. This gets boring after a while.”

There was no question why his power related to travel.

Boredom.

He offered a thumbs up at the head removal, “Not bad. I miss the days of blades that could hack through a neck in a single stroke. Not that I mind guns. Prefer them nowadays,” even if they were barely effective against vampires. He wasn't hunting his own kind. His troubles were mostly with humans.

~***~

She opened her eyes, “He saw…what our sire was doing. And he recognized me by blood, learned I wanted revenge, before he approached me and told me Frederick was working with him. He had the power to banish Ishara so we could talk without her, and he told me how the bond between us was allowing Ishara to mold me into a perfect vessel. I didn’t believe him…but I investigated. And he was right.”

Her exhale was shaky, “I set Ishara on my sire. She had no loyalties,” Pia laughed a bit at that, “the stake was enchanted by the coven who wanted Frederick removed, and I pinned them together. I helped them destroy Frederick, but it wasn’t because I was good. Asher,” and that was the important part, “I hated being used. I hated being betrayed. I wanted revenge for it, and Edwin knows this. It’s why he doesn’t trust me; I didn’t help anyone because I had a change of heart, I was just angry.”

She’d mellowed significantly, “And my act was enough to let me live. I moved here to escape Salem, and I took power because I could.”

“Then…why don’t you just…why are you…?”

“Being good?” she canted her head at his struggle. He nodded, “I helped Frederick because I believed in the potential of freedom, and I wanted nothing more than revenge on Corydon. There’s…no potential for freedom now. The closest I get to it, is enforcing the law here, growing my wealth, and making sure things run smoothly. And things run smoothly when everyone makes sure not to draw the attention of humans and hunters. It’s simple.”

And not the answer that Asher wanted to hear, to learn Pia was ‘good’ for convenience, for selfish reasons, not out of generosity or mercy. Not compassion. She could have said as much. Those reasons existed; she was aware she’d grown soft – but it was about time to break the hold she had on Asher, and let him find himself, now that he’d had a couple of years to adjust to what he was.

“Does that answer your questions?”

He was silent, pensive. Pia allowed it, and eventually, he said, “You…said you hated yourself.”

“I do,” she wouldn’t put that in the past tense.

“Even before all of this…why?”

“The first person I ever killed was my infant child,” Asher’s look was sharpened by surprise, and all of Pia’s confident front faded, “I was mortal once,” she reminded, “when Corydon changed me, the only thing around to feed on was my own child.” She rose from the desk, “Of course I hate myself,” she sighed, “and lost my anger when I dealt with him. I suppose that made it easy to settle for…this,” she gestured out generally, “it’s why I understand your struggle so well, and I’ll never take the vault from you, no matter what you think of me. Losing control, harming your loved ones…it’s a terrible fate.”

“I’m sorry—”

“Don’t. I don’t deserve it and you know it,” she chuckled, “just be grateful I’ve found power in keeping peace. God forbid I ever find it in a dream of freedom again.”

 

[awkwardradish]

Emmett snorted his amused laughter at Trystan. He had t expected him to offer up any information about himself, and he’d only told him what little information he had because he didn’t care, and neither did the institute.

He looked around for the trash bags, before deciding to just put the entire head in the small bucket trash can the motel provided. He dumped it’s little contents on the floor, then continued with the head.

“I meant what I told Pia. I’m not some blood thirsty hunter who thinks all vampires should die.” He shrugged. “Honestly? Vampires like Pia do a better job of policing this world than humans do.” He chuckled again.

“When all this is over, you will both have an ally in the Astor Institute.” He picked the trash can up and smirked. “I’ll leave you to clean up.” He said mischievously. “I have a head to deliver.” With that, he slipped out the door before Trystan could argue, tucking the trash can under his arm.

It didn’t take him long to go into the Walmart close by and buy a small box as well as wrapping paper, but he had to make a second trip for some tape he forgot. It took him longer than he’d like to admit to actually wrap the box, and even then, the wrapping paper was crooked.

Then, he drove to where he knew Pia’s house was. He whistled to himself as he tucked the box under his arm again, then pressed the doorbell.

 

[Lucyfer]

Pia meant to leave the room and let Asher out. She'd divulged enough. Looked into enough. Corydon’s name left her feeling sick. The thoughts rushed forward as a too-real threat. She had meant to spend time researching how to deal with Ishara to end the threat.

She had…before becoming overwhelmed with LaCroix.

And that wasn't ending based on the unexpected doorbell. Asher tensed, although she slipped by him. “Are you expecting anyone?” He asked.

Pia shook her head, though she had a few suspicions. Asher didn't ask, but walked behind as she went to the door to answer herself since it was still night.

They both scented blood.

And Emmett.

“That smells like Nicholas,” Asher's hackles were clearly up, though when the door was opened, there was only Emmett. No sign of Nicholas.

Well, a wrapped box.

Pia's brows lifted in intrigue, already guessing by the scent of blood. “You didn't provide notice of completing the job.”

Asher wasn't confused long. “You sent him to kill them?”

“Him and everyone else.”

 

[awkwardradish]

Upon hearing the doorbell, Jasleen tensed from her spot in her room. Her characteristic paranoia took over. A million different scenarios were running through her mind, all of them related to Nicholas, taking root and allowing her paranoia to grow. On a whim, she slipped out the door and padded down almost silently to where she could at least eavesdrop.

Her heart was thundering against her chest, and she was sure that both Asher and Pia would be able to hear her.

“That smells like Nicholas.” The phrase had her own hackles rising, and she was just about the bolt when she heard their conversation.

Emmett whistled to himself until Pia opened the door. He shot her a sickly sweet smile, holding out the poorly box in front of him as an offering. “I see you brought your guard dog. Stand down, boy.” He smirked lightly.

“Job is complete. Nick’s head, as requested. I managed to get some pretty interesting information about wolf boy’s little witchy girlfriend, but he wouldn’t squeal much about Landon.” He hummed, rocking on his feet.

‘Fuck.’ Jasleen’s heart sped up considerably. Whatever information Nicholas had given Emmett, it couldn’t have been good, whether it was true or not. The only exit she knew of, however, was the front door, which was currently blocked. She could sneak out when they were done.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher bared his teeth at being referred to in dog like language, hardly standing down as Pia took the box. He didn't smell anything dangerous with it, though when it was opened he had to avert his gaze or he would have fallen sick.

There was a serious difference between eating raw steak and seeing a freshly decapitated head. This was not an act he'd committed or wanted to see.

Though, it didn't bother Pia. She was actually fighting to keep a smile contained as she looked upon the bloody mess, and even drew it out by the hair, careful to keep it over the box so it wouldn't drip blood on her floor.

She hummed an amused chuckle and shot a look at Asher that he felt, “Hmm….”

He knew that sound. “No.” He snapped.

Another chuckle from Pia.

“You are not using my life for inspiration,” he tried to look at her, saw the head, and looked away again.

Pia set it back in the box. She could use the skull for something. She would have to figure out what. And ignore the more…fleshy cravings. “Go check on Jasleen. I imagine she heard the doorbell, as well.”

He wanted to protest being shunted out of the conversation, but he didn't want to be around the head any longer, so he silently agreed and walked off, realizing only as he reached the hallway he'd actually heard her.

It'd just been overshadowed by everything else, so he tuned back in to the sounds to locate her.

Meanwhile, Pia stepped aside, “You can come in and explain what you learned.”

 

[awkwardradish]

Emmett hadn’t expected such a reaction from the wolf. Really, he couldn’t even handle a severed head? Then again, he supposed he was new to this life. He’d grow accustomed to it, eventually.

Emmett watched Asher leave, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “So obedient.” He chuckled lightly to himself, before stepping in the threshold. He took a moment to look around. He didn’t quite think the color scheme suited Pia, but he’d keep his comments to himself.

Trystan’s words floated around in the back of his mind, and he found his face hardening, though he didn’t look angry. Just less playful.

“He didn’t give me much, unfortunately. He was too busy pissing himself right before I killed him.” He scrunched his nose at the memory. “But he did tell me a little about why they want the witch, and I think it’s valuable information.”

~***~

“Go check on Jasleen.” The words, and the footsteps that followed, had another bout of sheer panic coursing through her veins. She should have left town when she had the chance. She shouldn’t have trusted these people. Nicholas had already turned them against her.

She debated trying to hide. She didn’t want them to know she’d been eavesdropping. If she played it cool, maybe she could slip out in the middle of the day, when everybody was sleeping. But Asher would come to her bedroom.

She turned on her heel and darted that way, trying to keep her footfalls quiet.

 

[Lucyfer]

The entry area did indeed match the ‘calm’ and ‘clean’ vibe, being public space. Pia didn't even notice it any longer, although she did know she had little intention of letting the hunter get far.

She should at least talk to him away from the entry.

“Mm. She seems to be aware of it herself,” that she was being hunted down wasn't a surprise. She'd offered her version, how much it omitted was debatable. What Emmett had to offer would at least give insight into what the other side was being fed.

“Follow me,” she would lead down a path but take a turn into a room not far. It wasn't her office space, but a public lounge. The large windows gave it away as public.

The walls were lined with shelves of books, but nothing truly rare, even if quite a bit of it seemed that way by virtue of age or subject matter. Bronze objects littered the shelves.

Lies of times and places she didn't care about. Roman and Egyptian. It made her seem more ancient than she was.

She settled the head on the coffee table before taking a seat on the couch. There were other chairs and couches around. “Tell me what you learned about her from the other side. Asher's heard enough about sins for one night.” She wasn't inviting him in until she'd vetted the information.

~***~

The running was painfully obvious to the wolf's ears. As with the attempt to stay silent. He knew what it meant but managed not to sigh as he followed at a distance, to give the illusion of being confused, and to let her decide on the place to stop, where she'd feel safe…er to have a discussion.

It seemed like it was her room, and despite everything, he approached it with a knock.
“Jasleen?” He called, as if he didn't know, “I wanted to let you know about the doorbell and check in. It's no one after you – just the hunter from earlier.”

Asher obviously hadn't stayed to gather information, but he still added, “He had…he killed Nicholas. And he had some information on you.”

Information, Asher realized, he'd rather hear from her. Perhaps it was a boon from Pia to check on Jasleen first.

 

[awkwardradish]

Emmett didn’t much care about the decor. He recognized the expensiveness of it all, since he’d been in many homes similar, including that of his parents. Even his own loft in the city, which he only used for dinner parties and when he didn’t want to drive to his cabin, was decorated in a similar manner.

He had hired somebody to do the work. He assumed Pia had as well.

He made himself at him as she sat on the couch. He took a seat opposite her, sprawling his legs out like they were old friends. “First of all, this coven has some serious bad blood against her. Even our little headless friend admitted that it seemed petty.”

He almost felt bad for the girl. “I don’t know all the personal details, but he told us that she had a unique ability that they deem dangerous.” He leaned forward on his knee now. “I don’t know much about how witches work, but she can apparently break through spells that have been wound by other witches, which is why that binding on her arm is slowly unraveling.”

He thought for a moment, his face serious. “He also told us she gave him the scar over his eye, but I’d be willing to bet he earned every bit of that.”

~***~

Jasleen wasn’t an idiot. She was sure Pia or Asher had heard her, especially since she couldn’t seem to get her heart beat under control. It was a gut reaction to run, and now she was regretting it, because she couldn’t avoid him.

It still took her a while to open the door. So long that it almost seemed like she wouldn’t. She wanted to school herself first. To calm her beating heart, to seem like she hadn’t just flown into a bit of panic and paranoia.

When she opened the door, her face was the same mask of indifference, but there was fear in her eyes that was unmistakable. Hearing that Nicholas was dead quelled a bit of that fear, but now she had to wonder what he’d told the hunter, and if it was true.

She watched him for a moment, still gripping the door knob. “What information?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Emmett took his seat, comfortable immediately, and offered what little he'd learned. She openly scoffed at what he said. “That's it?” Of course, witches didn't often have unique talents. Vampires did, but they were limited to that. Witches could cast from a multiplicity of spells and options. Time was their enemy, as well as strength, though they could prepare in advance, and even enchant items to carry a spell.

Breaking a spell was something that could be done, though it usually took more than one witch, or a lot of time. After all, any spell that held was usually powerful, done through a process.

It was unique for a single witch to have so much power. Pia understood why they'd be desperate to want her back, and make sure she contributed to the bloodlines, but it was still so pathetic. The coven had no thought of the future, only the present.

“God, how petty people really are,” she rolled her eyes, “no wonder they want Frederick if they're scared of something they could do themselves as a coven. The bloodlines must be in shambles, though I'm sure they have only incest to blame for that,” she rolled her eyes. “At least this means the coven can't be that powerful.”

Not if they couldn't bind a witch properly, and not if they were scared. “And I don't have to worry about introducing her to the New Orleans coven to undo things.”

Win win in Pia's book.

~***~

“I don't know,” Asher answered. “Pia sent me to check on you. I guess she was concerned you would be worried, so I wanted to let you know you're still safe here.” He answered her, though the fear was evident in her eyes.

“Do you know what he might have said?”

It was a chance for her to guess, or confess to some other things she may have omitted.

“I'm sure Pia won't keep the information from us for long,” he added, “so you'll get to address it directly,” even if right now, Pia was limiting the audience, and making sure some things were kept under wraps. “She'll keep in mind the source is…biased negatively towards you, whatever it is.”

Truth or fiction.

 

[awkwardradish]

Emmett had to admit, he had the same reaction as Pia. All this anger and manpower over something so small? So seemingly insignificant? “That’s all he said. I think there’s got to be a lot more to it, though. There was a hatred in his eyes. Not disdain. Pure hatred.” He admitted, though he was honestly just thinking aloud.

He sat back down, scrubbing a hand over his chin thoughtfully. “So the witch is here, then?” He’d put two and two together that Pia had commanded Asher to go check on Jasleen, and he hadn’t left. “That’s good, I guess. Somehow I don’t think this coven will end this petty feud until they’re all slaughtered.”

He sighed, sitting back once more. This was turning out to be messy, and he hated mess. It was too time consuming. “What’s your plan here?” He finally asked. “You’re just going to march into Salem and slaughter them all? I mean, I’m on board, but I’d like to be prepared.”

~***~

Jasleen studied him once more. He was definitely fishing for information, but she couldn’t be sure why. So far, Asher had seemed like he might genuinely care. She couldn’t decide if he was just a good person, or if he was playing an angle.

“He could have told him any number of things.” Her voice was small for once, the more vulnerable side coming through. She wasn’t sure why she found it so easy to let down her walls around Asher.

Oliver meowed at her feet, weaving himself in between Asher’s legs in a desperate grab for attention.

At least Oliver could trust him. Life must be simpler as a cat.

“I’m sure he probably told him all about what a terrible person I am. How I can’t be trusted.” She paused. “How I put that mark on his eye, and how he was innocent in the whole ordeal.” She shook her head, as if she could rid herself of the bad memories. “Or maybe he told him why the binding is slowly unraveling.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Hate was powerful, but hatred could also exist for next to no reason. Emotions were fickle like that. She'd certainly hated for very, very petty reasons before, though that flame never burned as hot as the hatred for…

Well, she didn't want to think his name. She was done with that for now.

“Yes, Asher brought her here after their run in. She'll be safe. She's volunteered to come along to Salem, so Asher will be joining,” may as well fill him in since he was traveling with them, too. “You can ask her all you like on the flight.”

She was now a part of this, after all.

“As for plans, I need to get the lay of the land. Slaughter to that degree is not easy to cover up, and would involve plenty of innocents. I intend to gather information, meet the involved parties, and then strike where necessary,” whether with violence, bribes, or other methods.

Senseless violence no longer had a place in this world. She needed to confirm what was actually being done, first.

“You can make yourself useful in the daylight hours by seeking information and contacts then.”

~***~

Asher smiled down at the cat as he came forward and crouched down to better give the cat what he desired, scratching behind an ear before moving his fingers to scratch under his chin.

He nodded as Jasleen offered some ideas. “He may have,” Asher didn't know. “Do you know why the binding is unraveling?” he could guess she did to bring it up, or she had a very good guess.

Either way, it was something she thought Nicholas would know – or lie about.

He didn't bring his gaze up to her but kept it on the cat. He didn't know if the illusion of privacy would help or hinder. She sounded so small, so maybe not being looked directly at would help.

 

[awkwardradish]

Gathering information sounded boring as hell. He loathed business meetings, and that’s exactly what it sounded like Pia had in mind. He scrunched his nose, but he understood. They couldn’t exactly wipe out a whole town at the drop of a hat. “Oh, I intend to question her.” He affirmed. “I’ll be nice though, don’t worry. I have nothing against your little pet wolf or pet witch, I just want to know what information she’s hiding.”

He sighed at her next suggestion. He would need to sleep sometime, but there was still a lot of adrenaline coursing through his veins. “I’ll get in touch with Terrance and have him send over my files. I’m assuming you have a computer here?” He smirked the tiniest bit. “Or are you still use quill and parchment?”

He just couldn’t help himself.

He stood, sensing he was extending what little welcome he had. “When should I be here tomorrow- er, today?” He tilted his head.

~***~

Once again, Jasleen studied him. Oliver was purring like a freight train, oblivious to the tension in the room. Jasleen, however, couldn’t decide if she trusted Asher with the information.

But then again, it was bound to come out anyway.

“Most witches cannot unweave a spell on their own accord. It takes an entire coven, or a couple witches from the bloodline of the person who first cast the spell.” She began her explanation. She didn’t know how much he knew about witches, but she could guess it wasn’t a lot.

“My mother’s bloodline has some special… talent.” She chose her words carefully. “We are spell cleavers by nature. With enough practice and time, we can unwind almost any spell or curse. It’s rare, and it pisses everybody off.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Pia didn't mention that she didn't care how it was done, so long as violence didn't erupt from either side. She intended to ignore everyone on the flight with earbuds, and, indeed, a laptop. “Clay tablets and cuneiform, please,” she drawled, clearly not serious, as she added, “I don't have guest computers. You can buy a burner if you forgot to pack one.”

If he just needed her email, though, she could provide that.

She rose after him, half surprised he wasn't asking to stay. She wasn't about to request it. “About 6pm,” she indicated, “night fall isn't long after. The private plane has already been reserved, as have four rooms at the Quartz,” she confirmed. “I presume you already know about the Jewel hotels and their proprietor?”

Given he was also childe of Corydon she assumed he would know.

~***~

Asher didn't know much, and certainly didn't know this information. He supposed it was powerful, but it was clearly not something impossible – Jasleen could have gone to any coven and requested help, otherwise.

He frowned.

“Well, that is a good power to have at your back,” he agreed, looking up from the black car, “but I don't see why Nicholas would think that information would turn anyone against you? I–wolves are all the same, but vampires have unique talents. I don't know what they are but I don't think Pia's going to ostracize anyone for having a unique talent of their own.”

He was pretty damn sure of it now. She didn't really have a place to speak or judge others for power at this point. Definitely not a witch who's power was saving herself.