#Divine Detour

[annwritesthings]

Inspirational Journeys Presents Three Questions of Faith with Lori Ann Wood

We all have doubts and fears as we walk with God, along life’s journey. In this special book launch celebration episode, My special guest Lori Ann Wood, shows us how she categorized her doubts and fears into three questions of faith, throughout her diagnosis of heart failure and her faith journey. Be sure to have a method for taking notes handy, because Lori Ann gives us some divine nuggets we…

[wickedzeevyln]

Accidental Halos

I’m thankful for angels: the kind that cuts people off in traffic and drive slowly causing blood to seethe and hearts to beat like a kick drum pounded by a double pedal from a metal head. Until, I find myself easing on the brake and grinding to a halt. If not for the loving angel, I could have crashed against the tail of backed up traffic. I’m thankful to angels who rerouted me away from my…

[onefey]

the ancient set in botw has so much nonbinary swag. i owe robbie my life for this one.

[temeraire]

within the taxonomic group of vertebrates (animals with a backbone), amphibia is the sister clade of amniota. amniota includes synapsids such as mammals and sauropsids such as reptiles. in the christian bible, original sin took place when the devil in the form of a snake (sauropsid) convinced a human (synapsid) to eat an apple. the participants of original sin were only within the clade amniota, meaning that amphibians had nothing to do with sin and are, i propose, free from the judgement of the christian god

[angelicakatebooks]

✨ Here's to second chances and the magic of divine interventions! 🙌💖 #SecondChances #HeavenlyEncounters #EmbraceGrace #LifeSurprises #romancereads #KindleUnlimited #bookstagrammers #goodreads #bookbub #romanceauthorslife

[hvly]

whyyyy do i keep waking up with bubble guts 😔

[sirenmoontarot]

A letter from your Future Self 📜🪽

𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒹𝑜𝑒𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝓊𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌?

𝑀𝓎 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓅 ~ 𝒫𝓈𝓎𝒸𝒽𝒾𝒸 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 ~ 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈

Group 1

Okay guys for this group i am sensing your future self wants you to understand the importance of the unseen right now in your life, the unseen powers, the etheric guidance you receive, clairvoyant, intuitive hits. The power of the unseen forces in your life.Your future self is telling you that the apparent dead ends in your current road have an important and necessary purpose, they are meant to be. You have a vision, and its important you become more conscious about it, about your sense of purpose, some of you felt it since very young, and if not, try to know yourself more, to de depth to understand what drives you. All that is happening now, is leading you to your vision, and to your purpose here, and much more you cant yet see, this is the biggest theme here, being led to where you really cant see, all the detours, road ends, side paths... all is subtly and succesfully leading you to where you need to be. Some of you guys have important father issues, you have to acknowledge these issues and start healing them. You have to become your own parent, a nurturing one, and use the masculine energies to hold and support your vision. The masculine energy inside of us is very important, it also help us protect ourselves, defend what is important for us, sutain us and our projects, responsibility, etc. You need nurutirng, again, this is very important for you. The nurturing side of the archetypal father energy. You lack and need a strong healed masculine energy. Nurture, balance and heal the masculine in yourself, it will help you to find a suitable partner with healed masculine energies. you must allow changes to come to your life. you msut trust in the power of syncronity, in order to fruition your goals. For some of you guys, you are really encouraged on just focusing and working on your present time, your gudes are like, winking at you and just giving you the present moment certainty because its the only way you could make things work right now, everything else is blurred so you focus on what youhave to focus till the fog disappears! And a very different and exciting landscape will be in front of your eyes. Work on celebration, celebration of this present moment, gratitude, engage more with the people around you, finx excuses to gather or celebrate a party.

Thank you for reading dear group number 1 🤍 Lots of blessings 🦋see you in next PAC readings 🪽⭐️

𝑀𝓎 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓅 ~ 𝒫𝓈𝓎𝒸𝒽𝒾𝒸 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 ~ 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈

Group 2

Okay guys, in this group, damn the messages are getting are so deep T.T. Your future self is calling for you to literally melt into oneness, in order to release, find divine acceptance, forgive, and then, let it go, let it fade into the light, let it destroy itself even. This is also a message of, closing the doors of past traumas, finding closure, in order to finally end them, to end the ways they influence your life right now, because they are not benefitting you. I keep hearing ‘’destroy’’. Maybe some of you have to give yourselves the liberating power of saying ‘’not again’’, of getting mad, of feeling the rage that initiates the fire to let all that that needs to be destroyed, burn. Rage initiates change. Sometime it is good and it is called sacred rage for a reason. Maybe some of you have supressed anger for a long time and, specially your true feelings for so long, trying ti behave, trying to react and behave in the proper way. For some of you this is a huge rock, tied to your foot that doesnt let you advance. How could you dance trhoguh life with such thing attached to your foot. It is time you claim your sovereignity, your power, it is time to do so and only you can do it. You are not meant to carry these stuff that holds you, you are meant to decide, choose for your life and embrace all your power, some of you are scared of that. Now for this group you are also encouraged to heal the mother energies, the mother wound, and integrate this aspect, healthily in your subconscious. Mohtering yourself, your inner child, the aspect of the mother energies that is capable of supporting you, holding you, loving you unconditionally while you are transiting this time is the one you need. You need not to feel alone and unsupported by yourself.

Your future self is telling you to call in the Queen archetype, the queen energies, the worthy, the one that knows her value, her deservingess, her power, she is sovereign, she chooses her own life, she knows what she wants, she has no doubts, she doesnt believe in ‘’no’’, i feel some of you in this group, restrict or have restricted yourselves a lot and your future self is telling you noooo dont do that. Embody this powerful archetype and believe all you want you can have and you will have because that is how the Queen believes so, eveyrthing is possible for her. Having a safe space is important but do not constrain yourself, do not put too many limits on yourself, for example you might be a bit shy, and you think it is okay etc, but at some point you will have to grow and for some situations you will have to need not to be so shy, it is just an example, it is not wrong to be shy, but the thing is that, for some of you, your path requires you to grow certain aspects for certain situations that you are not comfortable with.

Thank you for reading dear group number 2 🤍 Lots of blessings 🦋see you in next PAC readings 👑🍰

𝑀𝓎 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓅 ~ 𝒫𝓈𝓎𝒸𝒽𝒾𝒸 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 ~ 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈

Group 3

Your future self is telling you is to stray from the enrgies of self judgment, be midnful how you use this archetype within you, if its limiting you. You are very wise, you have a lot of discernment, a lot of knowledge of the truth, but you need to stop the internal judge. And i am getting lush mountain vibes, you have to connect with your inner queen energy, again this archetype is coming up in this reading, like in the group two but in this case, this archetype might be less alien to you. You are called to own your sovereignity, self worth and the belief in your power and ability. You are called to do so, and to also find your own personal temple, some of the people on this group have gone trhough insane big internal changes, for you the time is for rest and restoration now. Your future self is telling you that you have worked so hard and that you need this period now. Your future self wants you to engage in more recreational, enjoyful non productive activities, stop working so hard for a while you deserve this rest and restoration. And very importantly, Love. Ahh love is essential, I feel the energies are telling you guys, that you are born warriors, you fight for your causes, it is in your core, however you are being called to, embrace the heart energies, connect to your dreams, connect to love. Not everything has to be a fight… put the warrior energies at rest. You have to understand what youre going trhough, face your shadow, your darkness. And love is a big theme here in the sense of, a positive influence that will come in your lives, you need to work on your relations, add more love into your life, allow love into your life.The big changes you went trhough or are going trhough are revolving your deepest roots. A need to reassess your fights, endeavours, a need to become more serious and awake about what is important to you, and to connect to your heart more and give it more space and presence in your life with healthy, meaninful positive relationships, let yourself love.

Thank you for reading dear group number 3🤍 Lots of blessings 🦋see you in next PAC readings 💘☁️

𝑀𝓎 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓅 ~ 𝒫𝓈𝓎𝒸𝒽𝒾𝒸 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 ~ 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈

Alla 𓇬 @sirenmoontarot

[hellbornsworld]

JUNGKOOK FANFIC RECOMMENDATIONS(16)°‧🫧⋆.ೃ࿔:･°‧🫧⋆.ೃ࿔:･

☁ roses | Jungkook X Reader | One-Shot | @keehomania

☁ Heart's Detour | biker!Jungkook x afab!reader | One-Shot | @winterchimez

☁ THE LOVE PROGNOSIS | jungkook x female reader | One-Shot | @awrkive

☁ THE BLACK ORCHID PROJECT | Jeon Jungkook x Reader (Y/N) | Series | @dumbheadblog

☁ Infinity | alien!Jungkook x human!reader | Three-Shot | @runariya

☁ BBYDADDY | JK X Reader | Series | @muniimyg

☁ THE SACRIFICE: Children of the Moon | Jungkook x f. OC | Series | @madrain230

☁ the exile | prince!jungkook x f!reader | Series | @stxrvel

☁ Y(E)ARNED | alien!Jungkook x human seamstress!female reader | Series | @runariya

☁ UMBRELLA | Crush!JK X Reader | One-Shot | @xovisa

☁ Level Up | gamer! female reader x swordsman! jungkook | @taevjim

☁ BAD HABIT | spiderman!jungkook X Reader | One-Shot | @hannieehaee

☁ BORDEAUX ! | CEO!JK X Reader | Series | @frmisnow

☁ CLOSER | jungkook x reader | One-Shot | @ckhaine

☁ DIVINE FEMININE | jungkook x fem!reader | One-Shot | @gimmethatagustd

☁ Prospects | JJK x fem! reader [x KNJ] | Series | @jeoncasino

☁ Chasing Cars | brother's best friend!Jungkook x younger sister!female reader | Series | @oddinary4bts

☁ EAGER DAYS | Idol!JK X Reader | Series | @jeoncopi

☁ Save The Date | Fuckboy!Jungkook x reader | @cherrypandora

☁ The Law of Attraction | Lawyer! Jung Kook x Reader (feat. Jimin x Reader) | Series |@jexnkookie

☁ 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄 | stalker!jk X “good girl”!reader | One-Shot | @maisanshine

[444forestfairy]

pick a snail pancake 🐌🥞

pick a snail pancake for an oracle card message on what is coming into your life slow and sweet! - something that’s been a long time coming but will pay off big

snail one 🌀

if you’ve been working on something with a group of people wether it’s a group project at work or a collaboration with friends I see that all the pieces will be coming together in a way that you’ll be happy with. I see you feeling strong and abundant. if you’ve been looking for someone to fill a certain roll or help you in some way the universe will be putting them in your path! extras- taurus season, something related to STEM, new piercings, puzzles, art/music, october, january.

snail two 🫐

immediately 3 cards jumped out- “lay a solid foundation”, “be fearless and bold”, and “a rebirth has assured” pile two this is definitely a message that your life is changing for the better. I see you’ve been working on yourself/your self concept for so long and it’s finally becoming comfortable and natural- your new normal is feeling good. you’ve been doing the hard work and the universe sees. your stepping into a confident energy that feels like a breath of fresh air. you feel rejuvenated because so much has been detoxed form your life. death and rebirth. extras- june, april, may, berries, planting flowers/gardening, scorpio.

snail three 🐌

wow you literally got the card turtle spirit that says “slow and steady wins the race”!!! how fitting is that. you also got turn knowledge into wisdom and trust in divine detours. If you’ve been working on something for a long time that’s requiring you to learn new things maybe you’re in school, maybe you got a new job or started a new business, i’m even seeing maybe you recently became a parent! could be a pet parent or a human parent, anyway trust in the time that it’s taking, trust you’re not falling behind or doing something wrong. literally trust the process. you’re on exactly the path you’re supposed to be on. I feel an extreme sense of calm and I feel like this is what the universe is asking you to embody as you move through this journey. you can do this and there’s no need to put too much pressure on yourself! extras- dogs and reptiles, eggs/something being born or hatched literally or metaphorically.

[servantofthefates]

10 Reasons Why I Love Being a Witch

1) Witchcraft loves me back.

With witchcraft, you get what you give. If you respect a spell’s instructions and perform it with faith, it will work. If you treat your tarot deck with regard, it will give you honest answers. Witchcraft yields results here and now, instead of promising eternal happiness after death.

2) It embraces who I am.

Witchcraft will never censor your truth by asking you to suppress your emotions. Pride, anger, greed, lust, envy… These are what make you human. And they are fuel for rituals. The craft teaches you how to harness and direct them, so you can live up to your potential.

3) It does not care about money.

Whether you use a $30 or a $3 candle will not affect the outcome of your spell. And the number of tarot decks, crystal balls and pendulums you own does not reflect how good a diviner you are. With witchcraft, faith and power are the only currencies that matter.

4) It allows me to avenge myself.

Turning the other cheek may sound nice. But it and self-love cannot co-exist. And in witchcraft, you have to love yourself before the occult allows you command it. The craft lets me practice self-love by giving back malice to anyone who sends it to me.

5) It allows me to help myself.

When your natural gifts are not enough to survive a challenge or accomplish a task, witchcraft lets you call upon the old gods and their minions for assistance. Spells that protect and disarm, heal and harm, grant and transcend are all at your fingertips.

6) It allows me to help others.

Witchcraft requires you to give back. But not through tithes or other taxes like that. Whenever you come across another soul who you think deserves your assistance, you can cast spells for them or perform divination on their behalf.

7) It lets me master myself.

Most people only know their conscious self. As a witch, you will be introduced to your other selves: your higher self and your shadow self. When the three of you have a strong understanding of one another, there is no obstacle you cannot conquer.

8) It lets me glimpse what is hidden.

Through divination, witchcraft allows you to witness things that have not yet come to pass. It also gives you access to the concealed present and the hidden past. This means you can look into people’s souls and see all their hidden motivations.

9) It dissolves my fears.

As a witch, you know that you are always where you are meant to be. Any unexpected, painful or tragic detours are only meant to reroute you to your true purpose. Witchcraft leads you to your true path. It is impossible to get lost.

10) I am the Pope of my religion.

Even though my family taught me the craft, I was given the chance to put that knowledge to the test. Nobody forced me to believe in anything that did not show itself to be true. And whenever I want to talk to my gods, I do not need a middle man. I always have a direct line.

[a-d-nox]

tarot cards and their key phrases: major arcana

this is just a beginners guide to the major arcana - i won't go into imagery, color use, etc. these are key phrases that come to mind when i think of the cards - NOT how they should be directly applied. they needs to be thought about situationally and the cards / when they are in combos they can change or alter their meanings of any reading.

the fool (0/22)

astrological equivalent: uranus

upright: adventure, adventurous, curious, risk taking, hopeful, leap of faith, trust, trust fall, spiritual guided, intuitive, and guided

reversed: hesitation, safety, taking precautions, needing to challenge fears and comfort zone, naivety, and needing a plan

the magician (1)

astrological equivalent: mercury

upright: creativity, creative, having everything you need, clear intentions, passion, passion projects, power, manifester, take action on dreams, and following your desires

reversed: misuse of power, manipulation, forcing a situation, doubting your abilities, feeling disconnected from your true self, needing to reconnect with your inner power, and needing to redirect your energy

the high priestess (2)

astrological equivalent: moon

upright: connecting to the divine, divinely guided, intuitive, higher self, looking within / shadow work, and having the answers you need

reversed: disconnection from intuition, looking for answers outside of yourself, relying too heavily on others, and allowing yourself to be influenced by others

the empress (3)

astrological equivalent: venus

upright: divine femininity, being receptive, receiving rather than taking, laid back, relaxed, taking your time, passion, creativity, magnetism, and attracting what you want

reversed: feeling blocked from love (from others/yourself), feeling disconnected from your creativity, not being able to receive praise/affection, pessimism, romantic complications, feminine health issues, needing patience, waiting for masculine energies to take initiative to fix things in your life. and needing to reconnection the outer realm

the emperor (4)

astrological equivalent: aries

upright: divine masculinity, taking action from a place of power, bravery, thinking of the world around you and not just yourself, feeling comfortable about taking up space, connecting with your inner authority, and knowing what your ambitions/drives are

reversed: being disconnected from your personal power, inability to take action / create forward momentum, not standing up for yourself, inability to take back control of your situation, toxic masculinity, abusing your power, defensiveness, and immaturity that originates in fear/anger

the hierophant (5)

astrological equivalent: taurus

upright: being open to learning new things, following tradition, forming beliefs/rituals, looking out for people who can teach you new things, and sharing your wisdom with others

reversed: detour in spiritual path / study, rigidity, close-mindedness, disinterest in learning new things, and needing to be respectful of others and their beliefs

the lovers (6)

astrological equivalent: gemini

upright: divine love, balance, yin and yang, mutual respect for others, healthy communication, and leading with love

reversed: codependency in your relationships, relying too heavily on others to make you happy, having unrealistic expectations of others, and needing to remember happiness is an inside job

the chariot (7)

astrological equivalent: cancer

upright: journey, next level of your goal, clear intentions, needing to focus, needing a plan, determined, being careful before doing anything big, intuitive, and needing action steps

reversed: lack of confidence, lacking direction/focus, needing a plan, impulse control, moving too quickly, and hesitating

strength (8)

astrological equivalent: leo

upright: inner and outer strength, being able to overcome anything, bravery, and courage

reversed: lacking self-confidence, not trusting yourself, inability to have faith in the world around you, apprehension, inability to take action, and being uncomfortable with vulnerability

the hermit (9)

astrological equivalent: virgo

upright: solitude, knowing your inner truth, wisdom, introversion, introspection / shadow work, and charging your social battery

reversed: fear of being alone, isolating from others, and not reaching out to others

the wheel of fortune (10)

astrological equivalent: jupiter

upright: strong spirituality, focusing on the good even when all seems bad, navigating uncertainty using faith, building up your own strength and resilience, focusing only on what you can control, letting go of things out of your control, and leaning in to fate

reversed: needing to focus only on what can be controlled, feeling like the world is chaotic around you, not wanting to let go of something that needs to end, instability, and needing to declutter

justice (11)

astrological equivalent: libra

upright: use logic, remain objective, uncovering the truth, stay true to yourself, acting with integrity, and have faith

reversed: struggling to maintain/achieve balance, your ethics being questioned/questionable, and needing to learn resilience

the hanged man (12)

astrological equivalent: neptune

upright: stagnation, gaining a new perspective, curiosity, waiting period, spiritual insight, surrender, peace, and impending transformation

reversed: fighting your circumstances, being forced to do things you do not wish to, delays, being shown what you are missing, eagerness to move on, and needing to be still

death (13)

astrological equivalent: scorpio

upright: death and rebirth cycle, change, seasonal shift, evolution, surrendering to the process, and decluttering

reversed: clinging to things that no longer belong in your life, living in the past, amplified pain, and needing to trust the universe and yourself

temperance (14)

astrological equivalent: sagittarius

upright: teamwork, divine guidance, divine timing, ask for help, needing to look for signs, find inspiration, needing to be flexible, and needing to have patience

reversed: trying to hard, forcing the situation unnecessarily, needing to relax, needing to trust divine timing, needing moderation, needing to reestablish your connection with your higher self and it's path, find balance, and avoid extremes

the devil (15)

astrological equivalent: capricorn

upright: confrontation, self-destructive thoughts/behavior, brutal honesty, unhealthy habits / coping mechanisms, self-sabotage, and facing the facts

reversed: new hope, abandonment, detoxing, building new habits, freedom from the past, making hard decisions, and unpopular opinions

the tower (16)

astrological equivalent: mars

upright: sudden change, control issues, devastation, destabilizing events, needing to persevere, what do longer serves you, new schools of thoughts, and newness in general

reversed: subtlety, disappointment, avoidance, clinging to the past, being uncomfortable, and needing have some trust in the world around you

the star (17)

astrological equivalent: aquarius

upright: lifting your spirits, preserving pain/violence, renewed faith/hope, creativity, giftedness, and healing

reversed: disconnection from the divine, needing to reconnect, losing faith, and needing patience

the moon (18)

astrological equivalent: pisces

upright: shadow self, negative traits, duality, primitive tendencies, evolution, expanding your consciousness, seeing what you previously missed, dreams, and intuition

reversed: refusing to acknowledge the truth, surface level knowledge, overcoming self-deception, and trust your intuition

the sun (19)

astrological equivalent: sun

upright: youth, vitality, inner child, reward, productivity, clarity, healthiness, and enthusiasm

reversed: difficulty seeing that the situation is changing, change doesn't happen overnight, take a second look at the situation, "it's not that bad", celebrate the small wins, and attempt optimism

judgment (20)

astrological equivalent: pluto

upright: be kind to yourself, spiritual awakening, accept and release the past, new phase of life, forgiveness, and work on moving on / healing from the past

reversed: repetition, needing to learn important lessons, being too hard on yourself, clinging to the past, and embracing growth/change

the world (21)

astrological equivalent: saturn

upright: end of a cycle, completing a project, reward, celebration, acknowledgement of how far you've come, maturity, empowerment, and a new beginning

reversed: time to finish up, needing to accept something, lack of closure, delayed gratification, finding closure on your own, move on, and new adventures

like what you read? leave a tip and state what post it is for! please use my "suggest a post topic." button if you want to see a specific pac/pile next! if you'd like my input on how i read a specific card or what i like to ask my deck, feel free to use the ask button for that as well.

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© a-d-nox 2023 all rights reserved

[heyyallitssatan]

Ok so, I want a warrior Penelope au, but Odysseus is still a warrior

Odysseus, student of Athena, warrior of the mind, foretold to changes the tides of mankind and the divine

Penelope, students of Ares, warrior of the heart, foretold to change the battles of men and gods alike

Together they will revolutionise war and fighting and ruling, they will change the world, warriors of the heart and mind

So I thought maybe Penelope would go with him to Troy, but then I realised that ruins everything, so instead she still stays behind with their newborn son and Odysseus promises to return before the boy even knows he’s gone

He doesn’t

So warrior Penelope had a choice to make, she can stay with her son, raise him and rule the kingdom (the people can complain all they want, who’s gonna stop her), and then when the suitors arrive instead of proposing the never ending weaving thing, she tells them whoever can best her in battle will win her hand (because she knows that only one man ever will) also, Telemachus becomes a warrior of both the heart and mind, taking the best strategic parts of Odysseus and the strongest parts of Penelope, becoming a warrior unrivalled by all but god kin, so when Odysseus does return home there are no suitors to kill, but she does make him best her in battle, they tie and she knows it’s really him and they live happily ever after (also Eurylochus doesn’t open the wind bag, they still get detoured either by someone else doing it or by some godly shenanigans, but those bitches do it together, Odysseus will return with most of his men in tow) (also also, he’s not a dumb fuck and doesn’t I cure the wrath of Poseidon, because he either kills Polyphemus or doesn’t tell him his name, they incur his wrath a different way that really just amounts to Poseidon being pissy and taking it out on the first human he finds)

Or, equally good, she sets out on her own venture to find her husband, her crew is fairly small in number, mostly warrior wives (because fuck you I do what I want there’s a coalition of warrior women in Ithaca now) including her right hand Ctimene, and her son Telemachus (she leaves the kingdom in the charge of someone she trusts I don’t care who right now), she starts searching for her husband, this leads to some absolute bullshit where through godly shenanigans and just generally shit terrible luck they keep missing each other just barely, but they’re too stubborn to go home so round and round they go, several years later they both manage themselves to the same island, so they’re together, but more shenanigans and it’s still several years more before they’re home to Ithaca, only to discover that in the mean time they’ve been declared dead and their kingdom’s been stolen, so the three of them literally fight their way to the throne and reclaim it

I like both models, I think both are nice

[blackkatmagic]

If ur taking Moonknight ships, Marc Spector and Steve Rodgers with mind control!

“Fuck you, that’s a lie,” Marc hisses, pressed as flat as he can get to the wall of the shrine that the Prince of Orphans led them to. The Mandarin was supposed to be here. The Mandarin is not here.

Scarlet Witch is, though, and it seems like she’s having one hell of a bad day.

Sprawled out in his throne, one leg crossed over the other and a dusty glass of something that absolutely isn't wine in his hand, Khonshu chuckles. “I would never lie to my knight,” he lies. “It’s the simplest way to break her control over him, my son. You asked for a cure and I've provided one.”

“Fuck you,” Marc growls, and ignores the look Clint is giving him from the other side of the small shrine. Clint knows Khonshu is real, or he’d better, after their detour into ancient Egypt that one time when the West Coast Avengers were still a thing. “Give me a different cure. A better one.”

Khonshu cocks his head thoughtfully, like that will hide the gleam of wicked mirth that swirls through the galaxies in his empty eye sockets. “That would require a quest seeking my sister-son Heka, my knight, and a remedy brewed by his divine hands. I don’t believe you have that much time at the moment.”

“If you depart your body now of all times,” Valkyrie tells him, low but very definitely dangerous, “I will tell your cab driver friend where you hid all of his false mustaches.”

Marc grimaces, ducking a little more as there's a loud crash, a thud, a groan. The Prince of Orphans lands hard on the stone, and Natasha drops down a few paces from him, breathing hard with a bruise already disappearing across one cheekbone.

With a loud, ringing thud, Steve’s shield embeds itself into the stone of the wall just to the left of the Prince, and heavy footfalls sound.

“Shit,” Marc mutters, and closes his eyes, ignoring the heavy weight of Khonshu’s amused stare. Breathes, steeling himself—

“Moon Knight,” Valkyrie warns, alarm sliding into her tone. “If it is that foolish an idea—”

“All of my ideas are foolish,” Marc tells her. "If he throws me across the room, try to catch me.”

“Moon Knight!” she protests, but Marc ducks away from her grab, vaults the wall, and then stops dead, something thudding in his chest. Steve is staring at him, looking dangerous as hell in the black of his old Nomad costume, even though no other man alive could probably pull off that V-neck. His eyes are red, though, and his expression is icy cold, in a way Steve would never be when standing in front of his own team. Whatever Wanda did to him—

Whatever she did, Khonshu gave Marc the way to fix it. It’s just a really fucking stupid fix.

“Moon Knight,” Steve says, and there's a rough, almost gravelly edge to it that makes Marc feel like a stupid teenager sneaking Captain America comics and fantasizing about them again. Him again. Which is absolutely not an appropriate thought to have when Steve’s currently a brain puppet of the Scarlet Witch during one of her breakdowns over her teenage kids getting pissy at her. Especially not given what Marc is about to try and do.

Steven would be better at this, Marc thinks, mostly resigned to getting punched in the face. Too bad Steven is a squishy human and Cap would turn him into a slinky.

“Hey, Cap,” Marc says, and tries to think of a way to say how about you let me get within grabbing distance without breaking my arms in a way that will go over well. “If Iron Man sees you walking around like that, you're going to give him the vapors.”

Steve’s expression darkens, and he flexes one hand like he’s imagining closing it around Stark’s neck. That’s a pretty standard reaction to Stark, though. It does give Marc cover to take two steps towards Steve, braced to move if things get violent, and he opens his hands, like an offer.

“Think you want a henchman?” he asks, and hears the bursts of indignation that come from four different directions as the team catches his words. Ignoring them, because Natasha is the only one close and conscious enough to be a threat if they decide to dogpile him, marc reaches up, pulling his mask off deliberately, and tells Steve, “Look, I don’t want to stick with these lunch detention nerd rejects if you're going off to do your own thing, Cap. I can be a good little right hand if you want me to.”

There's a pause, more thoughtful than before, and Steve finally turns, gives Marc his full attention rather than keeping one eye on Natasha and the Prince. “You want to be my henchman,” he says, flat, and the red light clinging to him like a second skin flickers, whirls.

“Henchman, goon, pet damsel if that’s more your speed,” Marc says, taking another two steps closer. He’s almost within arm’s reach now, and Steve still hasn’t tried to twist his head off his neck, so that’s promising. Probably. “I look great in a pink feathered negligée.”

Somewhere behind him, Clint gags pointedly, and Marc tries not to scowl, making a mental note to put ink in his coffee as soon as he gets the chance.

“Pink feathers?” Steve asks, and for the first time his tone slips out of cold anger, right into bemusement.

“I can lounge around your secret lair and let you test it out, if you want,” Marc offers, not even bothering to try for charming. Steven could manage that, but—yeah, Steven isn't going to touch this one. Besides, Steve seems blindsided enough by the offer that Marc steps right up to him, reaches out, and presses a hand to his broad chest without losing his head. When he looks up at Steve, halfheartedly trying to make it looking through his lashes like Marlene sometimes used to do to him when she couldn’t tell it wasn’t Steven in front of her, Steve looks down at him, something Marc can't read on his face, but—well. It’s not violent, at least. Marc got worse responses from other guys in the Marines, and given Steve’s from the 40’s, he wasn’t holding out much hope of better.

“So what about it?” he asks, leaning in, and Steve’s hand settles on his waist—

Marc kisses him, hard, no time wasted with finesse. He slams their mouths together, and feels more than hears the dry-bone-rattle of Khonshu’s laughter. Something burns, burns right through him and into Steve, as bright as the moon hanging full and round above them, and Steve jerks. His arm snaps tight around Marc’s back, and Marc braces to get tossed like a frisbee—

Instead, there's a groan, winded, warm. The kiss gentles, and a hand curls over Marc’s cheek, tips his head into an angle that’s a little less awkward. It feels a bit like an electric shock, and Marc twitches, almost jerks away, but…this is actually kind of pleasant. Not just awkward bodies, like sometimes happens, but—well. All those years spent crushing on Captain America probably have something to do with that.

Then, slow, gentle, Steve draws back, the shimmer of red around him gone. His eyes are sky-blue again, bright and familiar, and Marc takes one look at him, catches his breath, and says, “Fuck. Cap?”

Steve blinks, blinks again. Then, all at once, his eyes widen, and he says with deep relief, “Marc. You broke her control?”

“It was the image of the pink feathered negligée,” Marc tells him, flat, and desperately tries to jam his mask back over his head before something in his face gives away the whole I have a crush on the most unattainable man in existence thing. “You’re welcome. Thank Khonshu.”

“If I'm thanking Khonshu, I feel like it probably wasn’t that,” Steve says, and grimaces, putting a hand up to his head. “Ugh. I think I have a migraine.”

“Wanda’ll do that to you,” Clint says, cautiously poking his head above the edge of the low wall. “Moonie, did you really just break the evil witch’s curse with a kiss? Are you a fairy tale princess?”

“No, I'm Sailor Moon. And Wanda’s not evil,” Marc says, rolling his eyes, and drags his mask down a little more securely. “Shut up, bastard.”

Khonshu, still chuckling, tips his glass full of unidentified and unsettlingly-colored liquid at Marc. “You would make an excellent henchman, my knight,” he says, and is gone in the space between seconds.

“Damsel?” Natasha asks judgmentally, raising one red brow.

“Who wouldn’t want an easy retirement?” Marc counters. “If Cap wanted to take over the world, I think he could.”

Natasha weighs that for a moment, then snorts and waves in agreement, leaning down to check the Prince of Orphans.

“Please don’t ever let me take over the world,” Steve says, one hand still pressed over his eyes. “Even for the sake of your retirement.”

“Don’t look at me,” Clint tells him. “I look terrible in pink feathers. And my kiss can't break a curse.”

Marc flips him off, going to grab Steve’s arm and steer him out of the shrine. “Come on,” he says pointedly. “You should probably lie down. The birdbrain can handle getting everyone back to the ship.”

“While you play damsel? Come on, I can rock purple feathers—”

“Not as well as Moon Knight,” Valkyrie says, and between her and Natasha, they heave the Prince up. “Retrieve the good Captain’s shield, Hawkeye.”

Marc very firmly kicks the door closed before he can hear Clint’s protest.

Steve makes a quiet sound of amusement, body heavy where he’s leaning on Marc’s shoulder. “Do we need to have a talk about you offering to be a villain’s henchman?” he asks.

Marc rolls his eyes. “Only yours,” he counters, but instead of getting uncomfortable, the way he expects, Steve shoots him a thoughtful look.

“We should have downtime in Berlin once this mission is over,” he says after a moment. “I know you normally go back to New York, but you should stay. If you meant that kiss.”

Electricity, again. A frisson, sharp through Marc’s nerves, but—it makes breathing a little more difficult than it really should be.

“I could mean it,” he says, and looks away, feeling entirely too self-conscious. It was a bad kiss. Right up until Steve took over. “Assuming I didn’t scare you off.”

“I'm hard to scare,” Steve says gently, and—

Well. There's a fine line between supporting Steve and walking with Steve’s arm over his shoulder. Not that Marc is about to protest.

[2millu2]

The Bakery and The Beauty - Sanji Vinsmoke

ఌft. Sanji and Baker fem reader

WC. 4.6k

Warning: Smut, PwP, Baker, blood mentioned, Sanji being Sanji, penetration, dry humping, nipple play, fluff smut and fluff at the end, nipple play, oral (female and male receiving), fluffy, cursing, Virgin Sanji

AN: I know it didn’t win the poll but I had a great idea for a Sanji story 😜😜

The Thousand Sunny docked at the shores of Ember's Glow Isle, a lush tropical paradise that promised adventure and bounty. Nami, ever the navigator with an eye for treasure, had suggested this detour, and Luffy, their enthusiastic captain, readily agreed, lured by the prospect of uncovering hidden riches.

As the Straw Hat crew disembarked, Luffy's infectious energy was palpable. "Alright, guys! Let's split up and explore this place. Whoever finds the coolest treasure wins!"

Sanji found himself reluctantly paired with Zoro, much to his chagrin. He had hoped to accompany the lovely Nami, but fate had other plans. Nonetheless, he put on a brave face, determined to make the most of the situation.

"Of all the rotten luck," Sanji grumbled, his heart yearning to be by Nami's side instead of the moss-headed swordsman.

Zoro scoffed, unfazed by Sanji's complaints. "Just stay out of my way, love-cook."

As they ventured into the island's interior, their banter continued, a familiar dance of insults and jabs. However, their paths soon diverged, with Zoro inexplicably veering off into the dense forest while Sanji found himself drawn to a quaint town.

"Seriously, moss-head, how can you get lost when I'm right here?" Sanji huffed, exasperated and taking a puff of his cigarette.

But relieved to be free of Zoro's company, welcomed the solitude. "Well at least I get some peace and quiet," he muttered, adjusting the tie on his suit.

the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air. He inhaled deeply, his culinary senses tingling with delight. Following the tantalizingly sweet scent, he soon discovered a cozy bakery, its warm and inviting atmosphere beckoning him inside

The bell above the door tinkled as Sanji entered, greeted by an empty shop bathed in the warm scent of freshly baked goods. Before he could fully take in his surroundings, a sweet voice cut through the silence.

"Welcome to my shop," you said, a warm smile gracing your features.

Sanji's heart skipped a beat, his eyes immediately transforming into throbbing hearts. In a blur of movement, he rushed toward you, stars dancing in his vision. "My beautiful goddess!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with adoration. "Such a talented woman to own a shop as divine as this!"

Taken aback by his fervent display, you managed a bashful chuckle. "Why, thank you. You're quite the charmer."

Sanji's nosebleed erupted, crimson droplets speckling the floor as concern etched itself across your features. "Are you alright?"

Waving a dismissive hand and taking a tissue from his pocket, Sanji gazed at you adoringly. "A vision like yourself should never worry over a mere mortal like me." His eyes sparkled with renewed intensity as he clasped your hands in his. "But pray tell, what is the name of this radiant goddess before me?"

A rosy blush crept across your cheeks as you introduced yourself. "Y/N."

Sanji's body whirled in a dizzying spiral, his heart practically leaping from his chest. "Y/N! Such a beautiful name befitting an angel like yourself!"

Your laughter tinkled like wind chimes, amused by his over-the-top antics. Sanji felt the hearts in his eyes pulsate faster.

Regaining his composure, he gestured toward the display case. "What would you recommend for a humble traveler such as myself, my sweet?" His gaze remained fixated on you, taking in your every movement.

"Would you like to watch me prepare something special?" you offered, your smile widening at his enthusiastic nod.

As you led him toward the kitchen, Sanji raced ahead, throwing open the door for you. "After you, m'lady," he said, bowing deeply.

You giggled at his chivalrous display. "Such a gentleman."

Sanji straightened, his chest puffing out with pride and taking a puff of his cigarette. "All men should treat a lady with the utmost respect and courtesy."

Your respect for him grew, charmed by his old-fashioned manners and sincere reverence.

In the kitchen, you announced your intention to create the Gâteau Saint-Honoré, a dessert renowned for its complexity and elegance.

Sanji's visible eye widened, his respect for your skills soaring. "That's one of the most challenging desserts to master. I've only attempted it twice myself."

Intrigued, you inquired about his culinary expertise, and Sanji launched into a passionate explanation of his dream – to find the legendary All Blue, a mythical sea where all the world's waters converged.

Your eyes sparkled with wonder at the sheer romance of his ambition. "That's a beautiful dream," you breathed. "I'd love to see the All Blue someday."

Sanji's heart threatened to burst from his chest as he gazed at you with utter devotion. "Then allow me, my goddess, to be your guide on that journey. I would protect you from any harm that dared to cross our path."

Flustered yet touched by his offer, you thanked him, inwardly wondering if this charismatic stranger could truly make such promises.

As you began gathering the ingredients for the Gâteau Saint-Honoré, you seized the opportunity to learn more about Sanji's skills. "Since you're familiar with this dessert, would you care to assist me?"

Sanji's visible eye transformed into a heart, his entire being radiating bliss. "It would be my honor, Y/N-swan!"

The kitchen filled with an air of comfortable warmth as you and Sanji began the intricate process of crafting the Gâteau Saint-Honoré. Your movements were practiced and precise, a testament to years of culinary experience.

As you worked side by side, measuring ingredients and preparing the various components, you shared snippets of your life story with Sanji. "My mother was an incredible cook," you reminisced, a wistful smile tugging at your lips. "From a young age, she instilled in me a deep appreciation for the art of cuisine."

Sanji listened intently, his visible eye trained on your every move, captivated not only by your skill but by the soothing cadence of your voice. The frantic energy that had consumed him upon first laying eyes on you had dissipated, replaced by a sense of calm as he lost himself in the rhythmic dance of your culinary ballet.

"Mother taught me everything she knew," you continued, deftly whisking a mixture of sugar and egg yolks into a velvety ribbon. "She believed that cooking was more than just nourishment – it was a way to bring joy and comfort to those we love."

Sanji nodded, his heart swelling with empathy. He understood that sentiment all too well, for it was the driving force behind his own culinary aspirations. To him, cooking was an act of pure love, a means of expressing his devotion to those he cherished.

"As I grew older, I discovered my true passion lay in the art of baking," you confessed, a hint of pride coloring your tone. "There's something magical about the way simple ingredients can transform into decadent confections, each bite a journey of flavors and textures."

Sanji watched, transfixed, as you piped delicate rings of choux pastry onto a baking sheet, your movements fluid and graceful. He could sense the deep reverence you held for your craft, and it resonated with his own unwavering dedication to the culinary arts.

"I can see the passion in your eyes, Y/N-swan," he murmured, his voice reverent. "It's a privilege to witness a true master at work."

You blushed at his earnest compliment, unused to such effusive praise. Yet, there was a sincerity in Sanji's gaze that put you at ease, a kindred spirit who understood the depths of your devotion.

As you continued to work in tandem, the rhythmic clanging of bowls and whisks punctuated your conversation, creating a symphony of culinary harmony. Sanji found himself utterly entranced, not just by the delectable aromas wafting through the air, but by the serene confidence with which you wielded your tools.

Sanji's heart swelled with a newfound appreciation for the women he had unexpectedly discovered in this quaint town on Ember's Glow Isle.

With a mischievous glint in your eye, you dipped your fingers into the flour and bopped Sanji's nose, leaving a dusting of white powder on his face.

Sanji's visible eye widened in surprise before crinkling with laughter. "Oh, you're asking for it now, my dear," he chuckled, retaliating by tapping a flour-coated finger against the tip of your nose.

What began as a harmless exchange quickly escalated into a full-blown flour fight, the two of you giggling like children as you tossed handfuls of flour at each other. The air became thick with the fine white particles, coating your hair and clothes in a fine layer of flour.

In the midst of the playful chaos, your foot caught on a stray bowl, sending you stumbling forward. Sanji's reflexes were lightning-fast, his arms shooting out to catch you before you could hit the floor.

The sudden momentum caused you both to tumble, your bodies crashing together in a tangle of limbs as you landed on the kitchen tiles with a soft thud. Laughter spilled from your lips, the absurdity of the situation striking you in that moment.

As the laughter subsided, you became acutely aware of Sanji's proximity. His muscular frame hovered over you, his knee nestled between your legs, and your faces were mere inches apart. A flush crept across both your cheeks as the intimate position dawned on you.

"S-Sorry," Sanji stammered, his visible eye averted as he made to extricate himself from your embrace.

Before he could move, your hand shot out, fingers curling around his tie as you tugged him back towards you. In a bold move fueled by the heated chemistry crackling between you, you closed the distance and pressed your lips against his.

Sanji's body went rigid with shock, his visible eye widening as a torrent of emotions washed over him. For a brief moment, he felt himself going to nosebleed, the temptation to lose himself in the ecstasy of your kiss threatening to overwhelm him.

With a strong effort, he reined in his desire, determined not to ruin your beautiful face with blood. His hand found purchase on your waist, pulling you against him as he surrendered to the kiss, his lips moving in a passionate dance with yours.

The world around you faded away, the scent of flour and sugar mingling with the intoxicating aroma of desire. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the searing connection shared between two kindred spirits, bound by a love for the culinary arts and an undeniable attraction that had blossomed in the heat of the kitchen.

As your lips parted, breathless and flushed, Sanji's gaze locked with yours, a silent understanding passing between you. Words were unnecessary; the language of your bodies spoke volumes, conveying a depth of emotion that transcended mere speech.

With a tenderness, Sanji brushed a stray lock of flour-dusted hair from your face. "Y/N," he murmured, his voice thick with reverence and longing.

Sanji's lips crashed against yours once more, the kiss fueled by a burning desire that had been simmering beneath the surface. This time, the kiss was heated, passionate – a desperate need to express the depth of his longing for your touch.

Your hands moved with purpose, fingers deftly undoing the buttons of his suit jacket. With a smooth motion, you parted the fabric, revealing the crisp yellow button-up shirt hugging his toned frame. Emboldened by the intensity of the moment, you began to caress his body through the thin material, tracing the contours of his muscular build with eager hands.

A low, guttural moan rumbled from Sanji's throat, the sound muffled by the fervent press of your lips against his. He wanted you to know, to feel the effect your touch had on him, the way your caresses ignited a fire within him that threatened to consume his very being.

Encouraged by his vocal response, you deepened the kiss, your tongue boldly seeking entry past his parted lips. Sanji eagerly obliged, engaging in a sensual dance of tangled tongues and heated breaths, the taste of flour and desire mingling in an intoxicating symphony.

Your hands continued their exploration, fingers raking across the defined planes of his chest and abdomen, reveling in the solid strength concealed beneath the thin fabric. Each touch, each caress, elicited a shudder of pleasure from Sanji, his body responding to your ministrations as his cock begin straining against his pants.

"Y/N," he rasped, his voice thick with want, as your lips briefly parted for air. "The things you do to me, my goddess."

His visible eye glazed over with raw desire, a silent plea for you to continue your torturous assault on his senses. Sanji's hands found your waist, pulling you against him, allowing you to feel the undeniable evidence of his arousal pressing insistently against your core.

The scent of desire hung thick in the air, mingling with the lingering aromas of baked goods.

Without hesitation, you parted your legs, wrapping them around Sanji's waist and pulling him closer, pressing his evident arousal against your core. A breathless gasp escaped his lips as he felt the delicious friction, his visible eye darkening with unadulterated want.

Sanji's gaze swept over you, drinking in the sight of your flushed cheeks and kiss-swollen lips. "Y/N," he rasped, his voice thick with longing. "May I...?" His fingers traced the hem of your shirt, a silent request for permission to undress you.

You nodded, emboldened by the intensity of the moment, and Sanji wasted no time removing you of your shirt. As the fabric slipped away, revealing the lacy crimson bra that hugged your breast, Sanji's breath caught in his throat. His visible eye roamed over your clad breast, drinking in the sight.

Sanji's hands go to your thighs, lifting you effortlessly from the floor and sitting you on the countertop. Instinctively, your legs wound around his waist once more, drawing him impossibly closer as you grind your core against the hard length straining against his trousers.

A low groan rumbled from deep within Sanji's chest, his hands roaming over the swell of your breasts, kneading the firm flesh through the lacy barrier of your bra. The friction between your bodies intensified, as he pushed his bulge harder against core bumping your clit each time making you moan against his neck and he continues kneading your clad breast while kissing your neck the delicious friction stoking the flames of desire that threatened to consume you both.

Your fingers fumbled with the button and zipper of Sanji's pants, desperate to free his throbbing length from its confines. Just as you began to tug the fabric down, a shrill wailing pierced the air – the smoke alarm, triggered by the forgotten pastry in the oven.

Startled from your passionate haze, you both turned to see plumes of smoke billowing from the oven's interior. With a shared gasp, you leapt into action, Sanji rushing to yank open the oven door as you grabbed a towel to wave away the acrid smoke.

Your efforts revealed the charred remains of the Gâteau Saint-Honoré, reduced to a blackened, inedible husk. As the smoke cleared and the alarm fell silent, you couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation.

"Well, I suppose we got a little... distracted," you quipped, shooting Sanji a playful grin.

Sanji's laughter mingled with yours, the tension dissipating as he swept the ruined pastry into the trash. "It seems our great masterpiece didn't quite survive our heated encounter, my dear."

As your amusement subsided, your gaze inevitably drifted downward, taking in the prominent bulge still tenting the front of Sanji's trousers. A wicked gleam flickered in your eyes as you move from the oven, to him sinking to your knees before him.

"Just because our dessert didn't pan out," you purred, your fingers trailing up the length of his thighs, "doesn't mean we can't have our just desserts." Sanji's visible eye widened, his cock twitching in anticipation as your fingers pull down his pants.

Your fingers hooked into the waistband of his trousers, deftly tugging them down to mid-thigh, freeing his throbbing length from its confines. Sanji's cock sprang forth, rigid and flushed, the thick veins pulsing with his arousal. A bead of precum glistened on the swollen tip, a testament to the intense desire coursing through his veins.

"Y/N..." Sanji's voice was a low, gravelly murmur, his visible eye dark with lust as he watched you appraise his impressive manhood. Despite his reputation as a shameless flirt, this was uncharted territory for the young chef – a virgin, untouched by the pleasures of the flesh.

You sensed his nervousness, offering a reassuring smile before trailing a series of featherlight kisses along the veins of his cock. Sanji's breath hitched, his muscles tensing as jolts of pleasure rippled through him.

With a slow pace, you worked your way up to the swollen tip, flicking your tongue out to taste the salty essence beading there. A guttural groan rumbled from deep within Sanji's chest, his body trembling with the effort to remain still.

Encourage by his vocal responses, you parted your lips, enveloping the velvety head of his cock with the moist heat of your mouth. Sanji's knees nearly buckled, his hands shooting out to brace himself against the countertop as a strangled cry tore from his throat.

"Oh,fuck..." he rasped, his visible eye squeezed shut as he surrendered to the exquisite sensation of your warm, wet mouth enveloping him.

You hummed around his length, savoring the salty taste as you gradually took more of him into your mouth. Inch by delicious inch, you worked your way down his shaft, your cheeks hollowing with each languid stroke.

Sanji's hands tangled in your hair, his fingers threading through the silky strands as he fought the urge to thrust deeper into the heavenly warmth of your mouth. his mind consumed by the euphoric sensations sparked by your talented mouth.

With each bob of your head, you took him deeper, your tongue swirling around his moly cock as you pay attention on the sensitive underside. Sanji's body trembled, his knuckles white from gripping the countertop, his thighs quivering with the effort of remaining upright.

"Y/N... oh god..." he groaned, his voice thick and strained. "If you don't stop, I'm going to..."

His warning trailed off into a moan as you redoubled your efforts, hollowing your cheeks and increasing the suction. Sanji's control unravelled, his hips bucking involuntarily as his cock slid deeper into the your mouth sliding down your throat.

With a cry, Sanji's body went limp, his eyes screwing shut as he reached the peak of his pleasure. Thick ropes of his cum erupted from his cock, coating your tongue with his salty essence.

You swallowed reflexively, relishing the in taste as you milked him through his climax. Sanji's body shuddered, his breaths ragged as wave after wave of blissful release crashed over him.

As the last tremors of his orgasm subsided, Sanji's visible eye fluttered open, glazed with the afterglow of his pleasure. His chest heaved, his golden hair tousled and damp he gazed down at you with a look of reverent awe.

Words failed him as he struggled to find the words to describe the euphoric experience you had just bestowed upon him.

Rising to your feet, you closed the distance between you, your fingers tangling in the fabric of his shirt as you pulled him into a searing kiss. Sanji moaned against your lips, tasting himself on your tongue as his arms encircled your waist, crushing you against his frame.

"We're not done yet, my dear," he murmured, his delicious voice that goes down to your very core. "It's your turn."

he pinned you against the nearest wall, his hands roaming over the curves of your body with an urgency fueled by raw, primal need.

"I can't wait any longer," he rasped, his voice thick with want as his fingers undid the clasp of your bra, freeing your breasts from their lacy confines. "I need to feel you... all of you."

His lips crashed against yours in a searing kiss, your tongue tangling with yours as his palms kneaded the soft flesh of your breasts. You arched into his touch, a breathy moan escaping your lips as he rolled your nipples between his fingertips.

Sanji's mouth blazed a scorching trail along the column of your throat, his teeth grazing your pulse point before venturing lower. His lips found the swell of your breast, tongue flicking out to tease your hard nipple as his hands kneaded your other breast pinching the hard bud.

"Sanji..." you whimpered, your fingers tangling in his golden lock as his ministrations stoked the flames of desire burning within you.

he removes the rest of your clothing, leaving you naked before his gaze. Sanji drank in the sight of your nude form, his visible eye darkening with a primal hunger that threatened to consume him whole.

"Beautiful," he murmured reverently, his fingers ghosting over your skin. "Absolutely divine."

In one motion, he lifted you onto the countertop, his hands gripping your thighs as he parted your legs, revealing your glistening core to his hungry stare. You flushed under his intense stare, your teeth sinking into your lower lip as desire coiled tight within you.

Sanji's tongue darted out, tracing the arousal of your slick folds with a stroke that elicited a sharp cry from your lips. He hummed in approval, savoring the tangy essence of your arousal as he repeated the tortuously slow caress.

"So wet for me, my goddess," he purred, his fingers dipping between your folds to tease your throbbing bud. "Tell me what you desire."

Your back arched, a strangled moan spilling from your lips as he circled your swollen clit with skillful strokes. "You..." you whimpered, your fingers tangling in his hair as you guided his mouth to your dripping core. "I need you, Sanji... all of you."

A whine rumbled in Sanji's throat as he angled his face between your thighs, his tongue delving into your velvet heat with searing strokes. You cried out, your thighs clamping around his head as he lapped at your slick folds, savoring your intoxicating flavor.

His fingers joined the sensual assault, plunging into your cunt as his tongue focused its attention on your throbbing bud. You squirmed beneath his ministrations, your walls fluttering around his digits as he drove you relentlessly toward the brink of ecstasy.

Just as the coil of pleasure threatened to reach its precipice, Sanji withdrew, his face glistening with the evidence of your arousal. You whimpered at the loss, your hips bucking in a silent plea for him to continue.

Sanji's visible eye burned with raw hunger as he rose to his full height, his hands gripping your thighs as he positioned the swollen head of his cock against your dripping entrance.

"Are you ready, my love?" he rasped, his voice strained with the effort of restraining his primal urges.

You nodded fervently, your legs winding around his waist as you angled your hips, silently beckoning him to claim you. Sanji's breath caught in his throat as the swollen tip of his cock parted your slick folds, the velvety heat of your core enveloping him inch by delicious inch.

A groan tore from his lips as he pushed his cock within your tight, cunt, The sensation was utterly euphoric, your walls gripping him in a snug, silken embrace that threatened to unravel his carefully maintained control.

"So tight..." Sanji rasped, his breath coming in ragged pants as he savored the exquisite sensation of being inside you.

You clung to him, your nails raking down f his back as you adjusted to the delicious fullness of him filling you with his cock. With a subtle roll of your hips, you urged him to move, your walls clenching around his throbbing length in a silent plea.

Sanji groaned, his hips withdrawing in a slow, torturous glide before surging forward, burying himself within your depths once more. A litany of curses spilled from his lips as he set a fast pace, his cock pistoning into your tight, velvet heat with each powerful thrust.

The slap of flesh against flesh echoed through the kitchen, mingling with your breathless cries of pleasure as Sanji claimed thrusting his cock inside your aching core feeling the vein of his cock brushing against your walls . His hands gripped your hips, his fingers digging into your flesh as he used the leverage to drive deeper, his thick length stretching you deliciously with each thrust.

"Touch yourself," he growled, his voice sending pleasure straight to your core as he angled his hips, allowing his long cock to graze clit with each thrust. "I want to feel you come undone around me."

Obeying his demand, your fingers sought out the swollen bud of your clit, circling the throbbing nub in time with the rhythm of his thrusts. Sanji's lips crashed against yours, swallowing your cries of moans as the coil of pleasure tightened within you, rapidly spiraling toward your peak.

Your walls fluttered around his length, Sanji's thrusts became erratic, his entire frame tensing as your walls clenched around him milking his aching cock as you cum, dragging him over the edge alongside you.

Sanji buried himself to the hilt, his cum erupting in thick, ropes as he poured his essence deep into your quivering core. Your name tumbled from his lips in a breathless litany, his body shuddering as he surrendered to the intensity of his climax.

Spent and breathless, Sanji slumped against you, his arms encircling your waist as he cradled you against his heaving chest

"That was..." Sanji's voice trailed off, his lips curving into a blissful smile as he nuzzled against the crook of your neck.

"Incredible," you finished for him, pressing a tender kiss to his curly brow. Sanji hummed in agreement, he held you close, his arms wrapped securely around your waist as he basked in the warmth of your embrace.

After a few moments of contented silence, he drew back slightly, his visible eye locking with yours. There was a vulnerability in his gaze,.

"Y/N," he began, his voice low and tinged with a note of uncertainty. "What we shared here..." He paused, swallowing hard before continuing. "It wasn't just a one time thing for me. You've awoken something within me, it was the first time I felt like this with a women."

You remained silent, your fingers gently caressing his cheek as you waited for him to gather his thoughts.

"I know it may seem sudden, but..." Sanji took a deep, steadying breath. "Would you consider joining me on my quest to find the All Blue? To sail the seas by my side, exploring the culinary wonders of the world together?"

His visible eye searched yours, equal parts hope and apprehension flickering in their depths. "You've ignited a passion in me that burns brighter than any flame in this oven, and I can't bear the thought of pursuing my dreams without you by my side."

A soft smile curved your lips as you leaned in, capturing his mouth in a tender kiss. When you parted, your gaze was filled with a warm affection that set Sanji's heart aflutter.

"There's nothing I'd love more than to embark on that adventure with you, Sanji," you murmured, your fingers tangling in the soft strands of his golden hair. "The All Blue awaits, and I can't imagine a more perfect partner to share in its wonders."

Relief washed over Sanji's features, his lips curving into a brilliant smile as he pulled you flush against him, reveling in the warmth of your body pressed against his own. In that moment, you would chase the dream of the All Blue, embarking on a journey that would etch your names into the annals of culinary legend.

[m1d-45]

Hello! It's a new anon here!

My name is Baby Cat/Out of pocket anon!

If I may, a SAGAU Aether x GN! Reader who has a mortal form that is has similarities to the divine creator but not enough to be confused as an imposter.

I'll clarify a bit, Aether dosent know that his beloved is actually the divine one, but instead thinks that they have simply been blessed with part of their beauty. Tevyat dosent know the creator has descended and is waiting, meanwhile Aether has the creator in mortal form as his darling partner.

-Baby Cat anon

P.S! My cat Duckie has recently warmed up to a new person!

a new tomorrow

a/n: ignore my dogwater schedule i have not written like at all for the past 2-3 weeks ahahah (also this is isn’t very romantic coded but i already hate this piece so my bad g)

word count: ~3k

-> warnings: canon-typical violence, microscopic spoilers for liyue story quest ig

-> gn reader (you/yours)

taglist: @samarill || @thenyxsky || @valeriele3 || @shizunxie || @boba-is-a-soup || @yuus3n || @esthelily || @turningfrogsgay || @cupandtea24

< masterlist > || next part >>

when you’d first arrived in teyvat, you had fully expected to die, in honesty.

you were up on the top of starsnatch cliff, and had nearly fallen off in your initial panic if not for a sharp wind and a lucky break. you were much more mindful of where you walked after that, but mondstat was littered with impossible cliffs, and your memory of the area was sharply diminished when you didn’t have a little circle in the corner of your screen to remind you where you were.

you grabbed a few low-hanging sunsettias as you walked, making your way across a nondescript patch of grass. your plan was to just eat them as-is, but after a moments more thought into the idea, perhaps washing them first would be wiser. according to your memory, there were four main bodies of water: a lake and waterfall further north, the ocean to the east, cider lake to the west, and the state of the seven… somewhere.

the lake was surrounded by hilichurls and was a bit too close to the anemo hypostasis for your liking, the ocean was a no for obvious reasons, and cider lake didn’t seem like a particularly good idea, not to mention the only closest access to it you could think of was surrounded by hilichurls.

so, the statue of the seven it is. the only problem, of course, was that you had no idea where you were.

you tried to keep track at first, but then you had to climb down from one too many cliffs and had to take one too many detours around impossible ones, and now you were blindly walking. you could tell by the dense forest and the small lamp grass that you were somewhere in the whispering woods, but the thin path you were following have no indication of your direction. you hoped, of course, that you were headed north, but you didn’t know how to tell. the three sunsettias in your arms looked more tempting by the minute, but you were determined to clean them first. not only would that help you get your bearings again, but you’d lower the risk of whatever diseases were native to teyvat.

…which was something to consider further, in truth. your body wasn’t native, and hadn’t grown up with and developed an immunity to the bacteria here. would you get sick? had you already, and just had to wait until the symptoms developed? should you be more worried than you were?

the path around you was opening up, but you were too busy worrying to bother look up. what were the long-term effects of staying in teyvat? would you be intolerant or allergic to the foods here, because your body wasn’t used to processing them? what were the long term effects of-

“watch out!”

would you find out at all?

you looked over your right shoulder, at the voice that had called, and barely get a glimpse of bright gold before something white covers your vision, tiny hands pulling at your shirt.

“come on,” a high voice says, “follow paimon! let’s get away from the trouble.”

paimon-?

you stumble along with her, letting her take you further into what you now recognize as windrise. damn, wrong way.

“ooh, are those sunsettias?” you notice she’s blocking my your view of whatever’s behind her, likely the traveller and some enemies if you had to guess, judging by her presence and the sounds of metal on wood. “they look really fresh, too..”

you decide against trying to lean around her. best not to traumatize yourself on your first day. “uh, yeah, they are. would- do you want one?” you hold out one of the fruits. “i haven’t washed them yet, but…”

“oh, that’s okay!” she takes it eagerly, giving it a cursory wipe with her sleeve before taking a bite. “you don’t really need to wash em, in paimon’s experience! just a quick clean of any dirt and you’re all good to go!”

…that was stellar to hear.

you patiently wait, pretending the grunts and roars and sounds of clashing weaponry don’t exist. you try to offer paimon another sunsettia, since you know in-lore she’s almost always hungry, but she shakes her head.

“one for paimon, one for you, and one for the traveller! that way, everyone gets the same amount, and nobody’s upset!”

you don’t know how to feel about the fact that she addresses him as ‘the traveller’. on one hand, it makes sense she wouldn’t throw his name around like that. on the other, it feels… wrong. not in a way you can put a name to, but something about it is unsettling.

“did they offend you, or something?”

you startle, looking up, and see aether standing right in front of you, flipping through some hilichurl masks in his hands before passing two off to paimon, who puts them in a cloud of stars.

he looks at you expectantly, and you realize you had been frowning at the food in your hands. “o-oh! no, they.. sorry, i was lost in thought.”

he dismisses the rest of the masks into gold sparks with a nod. “are you alright?”

paimon gasps, hands over her mouth as she flies back a little. “oh, paimon forgot to ask! are you hurt at all? you don’t look like you’re from here…”

you flash her a smile you hope covers the change in topic. “i’m fine. and thank you,” you turn to aether, “your help is greatly appreciated-…” what do you address him as? you’ve technically never met, but to call him an honorary knight is probably unwise…

“the traveller is fine,” he says. “and you didn’t answer paimon’s question.” rats. “are you from teyvat?”

you hesitate, but eventually shake your head. “i’m not.”

he frowns. “how’d you get here?”

“i don’t know.”

“..you don’t have anywhere to stay, do you?”

oh no. you recognize that voice. “it’s fine, you don’t have to worry about me.” you glance around, eventually pointing at mondstat. it’s stunning in person, even from a distance, but you push past its beauty to talk. “there’s a city there, right? i’ll make do.”

“now’s a tense time, even mondstat isn’t as welcoming as usual.”

‘tense’? you don’t remember mondstat being involved in any scandals, and the skies seem clear, so you must be past the mondstat part of the story… “is something wrong? wait, don’t answer that; if it’s tense, then you surely have somewhere more important to be, right?”

paimon huffs. “paimon bets you’re broker than the tone-deaf bard!” wow, okay. “and a single sunsettia doesn’t get you far!”

aether raises a brow. “‘single’?”

“right!” you hurriedly pick the larger of the two, holding it out to him. “as thanks. she’s right, i don’t have any mor- uh, any more to give you, but it’s the least i can do.”

he shakes his head. “keep them. now, regarding your housing-“

“i can stay in mondstat-“

“the entirety of teyvat is on edge right now. the chances of an outlander being welcomed without hassle is low, even for mond.” he thinks about it, paimon mirroring the hand on his chin.

you try to think over the lore, attempting to remember something that could affect the entirety of teyvat. maybe you’re in the middle of the liyue quest? but why would he be in mond… unless you’re beyond the known lore, but in that case he has even less of a reason to be here, and not wherever the crisis is. not that that’s his obligation, of course, but given the trend-

“what’s your name, by the way?” you give it, and he frowns. “ah, that won’t do.” what. “i.. i don’t know about where you’re from, but where i’m from and here in teyvat, there’s a prominent religion that spans nearly the entire world here. this faith is the cause of the conflict i was talking about earlier.”

your heart picks up, and you pray it’s just some weird quirk of the lore you haven’t gotten to yet. maybe something with the heavenly principles? celestia? you regret not reading up on more of the lore now that you’re face to face with potentially a large part of it. “and?”

“you share the name with the primary god.” please don’t be what i’m thinking of, please don’t be- “the people of teyvat are rather protective of their creator, and doubly so now that their presence has gone missing.”

shit.

your mind flashes to all the sagau you’ve indulged in, to the break you’d taken a few days ago because your game had been acting up and you didn’t want to make whatever glitch it was worse in fear of losing your progress.

“oh,” is all you can say.

living with aether is easier than you thought it would be.

by the time you wake, he’s out working for the guild, leaving you and most of the realm within to yourself. you try and be useful by tidying up, but tubby keeps most of the realm clean, so there’s little for you to really do. there’s rooms that weren’t in the game—likely because this is his personal realm—such as a massive library and big sunroom, and you pick through the former on occasion. there’s books about everything, from encyclopedias on flowers in sumeru to the types of silk used in inazuman clothing. everything you don’t understand or want clarification on is bookmarked, and after he’s come home and rested, you both talk about them over dinner.

sometimes he knows the answers to your questions. other times you write them down on a slip of paper, and he takes a detour that day to ask. even if it’s something from a nation he hasn’t visited yet, he somehow finds the answers, returning to you with a longer sheet as he explains. you don’t ask where he got it, nor why he’s so willing to entertain your surely silly questions, but it probably has something to do with the fact that you didn’t fish up a companion that could answer all of your questions about a world you didn’t know deeper than surface level.

similarly, the transition in your relationship was also smooth, so quiet you almost didn’t notice it was happening. it was just so easy to be around him, your familiarity with him outside of the game and implicit reliance on him as an outlander during the mess of teyvat making him easy to talk to.

you didn’t notice when you started greeting him with hugs more often, nor when you started eating side by side at the table, talking about more than just the books. you told him about your world, and he spoke of his, telling you beautiful stories of his sister and their travels.

(“every world i’ve been to has worshipped the creator in one way or another,” he says, pushing his empty plate to the side. “does yours really not?”)

(you make the choice to set aside the many religions on earth. “we don’t,” you say simply, and he frowns, resting his chin in his hand.)

(“how interesting…”)

once he was confident that you knew enough of teyvat and it’s people, he began to take you on his commissions. the realm within was nice, and tubby held good conversation, but cabin fever began to set in after a month or so. he held your hand as you walked, steering you out of the way of monster camps or other adventurers. he didn’t dare bring you on the ones requiring fighting, but you’d helped find lost keys or fallen boards, paimon always certain to pull you away from battle, distracting you with a chat about whatever meal aether would make later.

(“do you guys always cook? doesn’t adventuring pay well?” you asked once, trying to remember how much commissions earned in terms of mora. you never really kept track, nor did you try and figure out how much it was to buy food from places, but surely…)

(“mostly! mora typically goes to either ingredients or first aid supplies. paimon’s thankful he’s a good cook, it’d be impossible to survive otherwise.” she said it so simply, as if it was an easy fact and not awful that they couldn’t afford to eat out even after everything they’ve done.)

(“that’s terrible…”)

(“its not that bad! you’ve tasted his cooking before, it’s great!” that’s true, but- “besides, it’s been getting better recently. with the creator absent, he’s able to take the commissions himself. though it is nice, it’s still worrying they haven’t come back..”)

(the idea that you’ve been indirectly contributing to their situation makes you a bit sick.)

the three of you were walking through liyue, heading for the last commission of the day. shitou, the jade betting guy, needed more ores for his business, and aether was leading you through the city. he’d chosen the waypoint on the western side of the harbor so you could walk through the city, and you were happy he did.

it was so beautiful in person, the buildings and bridges so much more ornate than their models could do justice. the streets were crowded, but you weren’t overwhelmed when aether was beside you, pointing out a jewelry store or a traveling merchant showing off bright balloons to children. you passed one man holding a conversation with a millelith soldier, who was his brother judging by the informal way they spoke and the mentions of shared relatives. you crossed the bridge leading to the eastern half of the harbor, the smell of something sweet and flowery drifting in the air.

“is there a flower shop around here?” you ask, and aether shakes his head, pointing at a building you vaguely recognize.

“there’s a tea house there, and they specialize in rose tea. we could pick up some if you wanted to try it?”

“that’s fine, i was just wondering. i wouldn’t want you to buy something for me if i didn’t like it.”

he stayed quiet, but you could tell he was still thinking about it. “what’s the appropriate way to brew it… wait, do we even have a teapot?”

“i’d hope so, otherwise you’ll have a lot to explain to the adepti.”

he bumps your shoulder as you both begin to turn toward shitou, but you see he’s smiling. “you know what i mean, not that kind of-“

“teapot?”

your steps stopped suddenly, the new voice one you regrettably recognized.

aether turned, greeting zhongli with a smile and a small wave. “not the realm within, don’t worry.”

“that’s good to hear. i’d hate for it to be causing problems.” his eyes flicked to you, seeming to search for something. “and your friend?”

it was weird, the way he looked at you, and aether seemed to pick up on it, stepping forward a bit to block you while also making it seem like he was just turning to face zhongli better. “just someone helping me out. what are you doing out here, don’t you have a shift at the parlor?”

bless aether and his ability to direct conversations, bless him and the speed with which he reminds zhongli of the necessary urgency when working at the funeral parlor, successfully sending the man on his way, even if he gives you another searching look as he does.

“sorry,” aether said, giving your had a squeeze as he approached shitou’s table. “he’s probably cautious because you look like the creator.”

you return it, staying quiet as he hands over the jade and only speaking up once the two of you turn around towards the closer waypoint. “it’s alright. thank you for talking to him.”

he flashed you a smile, putting one hand on the waypoint. “of course. it’s the least i could do.”

liyue fell away in a flash of white, the familiar music of the realm within washing away any lingering feaf or unease from talking to zhongli.

maybe one day you’d come clean, stop lying about reading information from his library. maybe you’d tell him, maybe you’d confess to how crystalflies always seemed to follow you, the wind always at your back.

“what would you like for lunch?” aether called, pulling down ingredients from various cabinets before you even answer because he knows what you’ll say.

“surprise me,” you reply, and he chuckles. the same answer, every time, and every time he manages to find something new to make you.

today you would keep quiet again, as you had every other day. today you would root through the pantry when he forgot the flour, today you would set the table and pull out some paper, asking him about whether or not they had silkworm farms if silk flowers were so common, at least in liyue.

today he would smile, and today he would answer, and maybe tomorrow you’d tell him something he couldn’t reply to.

but that was tomorrow. and this was today.

[alec-volturi]

LAMENT | Alec Volturi x Fem!Reader

This is chapter 1 to this series.

Summary: Drawn by reports of a violent string of murders plaguing Seattle, you take a detour to uncover the truth for yourself. But in the shadows of the chaos lies a sinister secret: a newborn army of vampires wreaking havoc on the city. As you navigate the perilous streets, you must stay hidden, evading not only the feral young vampires but also the relentless Volturi, who have been trying to track you across the years.

Pairing: Alec Volturi x fem!reader Genre: angst, romance, drama, fantasy, suspense, dark, vioIence, friends to lovers, dark academia, gothic horror, canon divergence Word Count: 2k Warnings: This will have the lore of both films and books of the Twilight Saga series but with much darker themes. Gore/blood, mentions of witches, witchcraft, burning at stakes, devils and demons, vampires. And ofc NSFW so minors don’t interact. All characters in this series are aged up or are above the age of 18.

A/N: Reader description not described besides having red/gold eyes, clear/blemish-free like skin, and having some abilities as canon to all vampires in the books. And clothing from time to time. Dividers by @cafekitsune ♡

Stories usually start with a "Once upon a time," a simple phrase that loosens the veil between the familiar and the forgotten, leading listeners into worlds safely confined to dreams. But this story was different; it felt like a secret, like shadows pooling at the edges of your vision, waiting to pull you into a night where time doesn’t pass, where mysteries linger, and every whispered word tastes like something forbidden. This wasn’t just ink on a page; it was a door to someplace half-real, someplace where darkness wrapped you close and left you wondering whether you'd ever find your way back.

This world isn’t like that. Instead, it’s a place where time stands still, its hands frozen in a perpetual twilight, neither moving forward nor offering escape. For some, it feels like eternity, an endless stretch of nothingness where the hours blur together, unchanging. But for others—those who wander the shadows or fall prey to what lurks within—it’s a once upon a nightmare, a story where the darkness never relents, where hope is a fleeting, hollow echo swallowed by the night.

In the year 1663, as dusk painted the sky in blood and shadow, the people of London knew better than to linger outside. Each night, as the first stars appeared, every family bolted doors, snuffed candles, and whispered fevered prayers as they hid behind thick walls. Beyond the windows, darkness belonged to those who had vowed to fight it: priest with holy scriptures clutched tight, town braves with sharpened stakes and pitchforks dispatched in blind white anger, sworn to rid the world of creatures who defied mortal law. Blood demons, shapeshifters, and witches—they were all condemned as sin’s cruel agents, hunted as monsters by men who claimed their duty was divine.

As the town’s lamps extinguished, the silence was cut by hounds howling at the scent of something unnatural. The synchronized march of boots clattered against the cobbled streets, while shouts and commands ricocheted off stone walls, penetrating even the thickest household walls and rattling the bravest hearts. Fear and faith held sway in equal measure as the men marched, some clutching crosses while others wielded silver weapons they designed thinking it would pierce the skin of creatures they had never truly seen.

But beneath the city, where no torchlight reached, another world had been hiding—a world of thirsting hunger, of whispers, of sleepless dark eyes. Through the damp and nearly caved-in sewers, slick with grime and infested with rats, a vampire coven had staked their claim. For months, they’d made their den in this forgotten labyrinth of foulness, surviving in silence, drinking only when the thirst grew unbearable. They’d kept to themselves, unnoticed by the townsfolk above, their existence a secret safeguarded by shadows and silence.

Yet tonight, their precarious sanctuary would be breached. The hunt’s new leader, a young man, by the name of Carlisle Cullen, had taken over from his now deceased father and previous Anglican priest, saw the world through different eyes. Only twenty-three, bold and relentless, he refused to limit his search to open fields or deserted woods as his predecessor had. People would whisper that he was smarter, shrewder; that he sought darkness where no one dared look. And tonight, that unyielding curiosity and grim resolve drove him down, down into the labyrinth of decay beneath London where he’d sworn he saw the monsters lurk. A little far behind him, lanterns casting jagged shadows as his men held their breath and followed.

With each step, the air grew colder, thick with the stench of age-old rot and black mold everywhere. Carlisle pressed forward in step much faster than the others with only two other men at his side, determined until he found it: the coven his father had hunted for two decades and never found was but three arm lengths away from them.

Chaos erupted as soon as the men were heard by this coven. They saw their bright burgundy eyes and weakened bodies suddenly stirring with a vicious, desperate hunger faster than their eyes could keep up. Blood splattered the stone as some of the creatures broke away, dragging one man into the darkness while another, a man speaking in Latin, lashed out on the spot, jaws bared, too starved to hold back. And amid the frenzy, she appeared.

She stood apart from the others, more kept and clean, her form delicate yet unyielding, framed by a grey gown that looked lavish, handmade of silk and cotton. Her skin was impossibly clear, like striking stone, and her fathomless eyes gleamed with something between rage and sorrow. Her lips, faded smooth, curled slightly into frown as she observed the slaughter around her, a cruel beauty etched in her features that seemed both ancient and timeless. She was like a statue come to life, a creature of elegance wrapped in death's chill, and as her gaze locked onto Carlisle, the air thickened.

Carlisle, though terrified, refused to flee. Heart hammering, he charged forward, blade in hand, toward one of the creatures—the one who chanted something fierce in Latin, rallying the other swift, chilling figures that blurred through the shadows as they ran away. But then, in one brutal moment, the world tilted; he was thrown to the ground by the man who had gone into a sudden frenzy, his side searing with pain. Blood seeped from his wounds, pooling on the grimy stone, and his breaths came shallow and sharp. He opened his mouth to scream but bit back the sound, fear taking hold as he thought of the townspeople—would they turn on him, claim he was infected, cursed by the vampire’s disease?

As he clawed at the ground, desperate to pull himself to safety, his gaze drifted upward, and there she was. He could do nothing but stare. Her form seemed to emerge from the darkness like a dream or an illusion, her skin radiant as though lit from within. Every inch of her invited him closer, her elegance disarming him, and he forgot, for a moment, that she was one of the monsters he’d been sent to kill.

“Miss!” he gasped, breath shaky, arm outstretched in a futile plea. “Hurry, quick! Get inside or hide before they… before they kill you!” His voice wavered, a desperate edge creeping into his words as he beckoned to her, oblivious to the danger she posed.

Her expression softened, a flicker of sadness crossing her face, almost as if she pitied him. Then she spoke, her voice ringing out like a gentle chime that seemed to drift through the chaos.

“Dear boy, you should not have come here.” she spoke, her tone light and melodic, as though she needn’t draw a single breath to speak. Her words lingered, brushing against him like silk.

He faltered, as tears traced down his cheek from pain and blood loss trickling from his arm and leg, mingling with the dirt. Confusion contorted his face as he fought to understand while staring at her, then all at once, the truth struck him like a blow to the chest. She’s one of them, his mind spinning, his eyes widening with horror. How easily, how effortlessly, he had been drawn in.

“Don’t be afraid,” she murmured, tilting her head, her dark gaze unwavering. “I won’t kill you.”

“Why wouldn’t you?” he spat, a note of anger mingling with the brokenness in his voice. He could feel the cold tendrils of despair creeping in, the bitter realization that he’d been charmed, deceived by beauty. A little hope that she may put an end to his suffering.

Her lips curled into the faintest smile, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. “I’ve been watching you—son of Cullen,” she replied, a strange fondness in her voice.

“You’ve piqued my interest. You dream of becoming like your father, don’t you? But you desire more. You wish to help others, to save them, and yet here you are, hunting us when you’re worth more. Tell me, why do you follow such cruel orders by such a man that cared not for you?”

Gracefully, she lowered herself to his level, kneeling close enough that he could feel the chill radiating from her. He was breathless, the words caught in his throat as he stared into her dark burgundy, fathomless eyes. The scent of blood hung thick in the air, mingling with the faint, sweet perfume that seemed to cling to her skin. Around them, the body of one of his men lay motionless, strewn like a broken doll across the ground, his eyes glazed and empty.

“You know nothing of me!” he shouted, his voice cracking, the burn of tears threatening to break free. He was shaking now, fear and anger warring inside him. All he could hear were the distant cries of his comrades, the faint echoes of those still coming to join the fray. Yet, for all their noise, it felt as though he and this creature were alone, the last souls in a world drenched in blood and shadow.

Her expression softened, her gaze flickering over his face as if she saw past his fear, his hatred, into something deeper. And for a fleeting moment, he wondered what lay behind those dark eyes, what truth might live within a creature so cold, so deathless. But he pushed the thought away, forcing himself to look anywhere but at her.

“You won’t have to suffer for long. At least not like right now,” she said, a frown lingering on her lips. “But I will tell you this—there is a price to every vow, every hunt, every act of mercy shown. And one day, you’ll have to choose what you stand for.”

Too weak to move, he lay trembling, silent cries catching in his throat as the cold of his skin pressed in. She watched him with a sorrowful frown, her eyes shadowed with something almost tender. And then, with a suddenness he could barely comprehend, she swept him up in her arms. The world blurred, and in the span of a breath, they were far from the echoes of shouts and the clamor of pursuit. She lowered him carefully onto the cool grass beside a riverbank, the night air thick with the quiet gurgling of the slow-moving stream.

“You don’t have much time left,” she murmured, voice softened. “Too much blood lost—you’re dying.” She paused, gazing down at him, her dark eyes almost regretful. “But maybe. . .maybe you’ll take this chance and do something good with it, with this second life. There’s light in it, I swear, if you find it.”

Her words were little more than a whisper, slipping through the cool night air like secrets meant only for him. She took his limp arm, holding it gently before lowering her mouth to his skin. Her fangs pierced his flesh with a sharp, burning pain of silver, and he gasped, feeling the warmth of his blood slipping away, mingling with something that felt like ice, binding him to a pain unlike he felt previously. And then, in the blink of an eye, she was gone, leaving nothing but the faintest swirl of mist where she had knelt.

For a moment, he thought he’d dreamed it all—the pain, a fierce burning agony that raced through his veins, igniting his senses, hollowing him out from the inside out. His arm throbbed with searing heat spreading up to the tips of his fingertips and into his heart, each heartbeat like a pounding fire surging through every inch of him. His breath caught in his throat, unwilling to let out, vision blurring as the transformation began its slow, merciless work.

It would take three days for the change to complete, for his body to surrender fully to the chilling darkness now coursing through him. In those days, he would be caught between two worlds, his mind twisting, his memories reshaping, his humanity slipping away like sand through his fingers. And by the time he would open his fresh red eyes, the girl—the one who had granted him this second life—wouldn’t be seen again. It would be decades before their paths crossed again, though the memory of her face, her voice, her lingering sadness, would haunt him through every year of his endless life.