#The Witch of Camden Town

[evita-shelby]

Strings of Fate

Thanks @justrainandcoffee for having the dream that inspired Forbidden and this happier au and happy birthday 🎂 🥳

Cw: smut, infertility, Tommy’s canon fertility issues, cheating

Rose Coldwell needed a husband to escape Lawerence Evertt and the Shelbys could use someone to help Polly and Ada with Finn and John’s now motherless children.

His marriage was one of convenience and no matter what they did, it just didn’t work.

“I cannot have children,” his wife had admitted when they held Ada’s baby and Tommy wondered if they could try and have some happiness of their own.

The Romani Gangster had never held that against her, he was fond of her and cared for her like he cares for all his family, and when he realized the place Alfie Solomons had in her heart, Tom supposed it was a blessing in disguise.

He didn’t stop her; it wasn’t as if he hadn’t resumed his visits to Lizzie nor dallied with Grace in hopes of filling that hollowness in his chest. The least he could do for her is to ignore her visits to Camden Town and believe her lies.

Once business is done, he will broach the topic of a divorce. Tommy would use his own affairs to place the blame squarely on his shoulders and make sure her reputation remains spotless.

He needs Camden Town, Alfie Solomons would have no choice but to ally with him and help him take London or he’d never set her free. It is the only reason he is taking on Sabini now that both Kimber and Evertt are dead and gone.

Alfie’s no fool, his own wife was a Smith whose grandmother lived in Small Heath. If Tommy wanted, he could hurt her, but he wouldn’t. He’s not like that.

She’s a beauty, he’s seen her in the neighborhood enough times to know Mr. Solomons is a lucky man. She’s friends with Ada, on good terms with Polly and Finn adores her. Had he met her sooner perhaps, Eva Solomons would be Eva Shelby.

“If my husband were a jealous man, you would be pushing daisies, Mr. Shelby.” The witch says in Rromani as she looks at the wares in the shop that makes his suits.

“Something you must thank my wife for, I suppose.” His words hit their mark as she stills for a moment before regaining composure. They speak of the matter in their shared tongue, and no one here would report anything but mere speculation to his aunt, Chester Campbell and Sabini.

She and Rose are friends, even if dear Rosie thinks Eva isn’t aware of her relationship with her husband. What her reasons are for feigning ignorance about their affair is something Tommy intends to find out.

“He goes his way, I go mine.” The woman answered his unspoken question and refuses to turn and look at him. “Same agreement you have with Rose.”

“Can’t fill the emptiness either, Mrs. Solomons.” Even the name feels wrong, just as Rose Shelby does.

Tommy looks at a bolt of fine black lace and suggests it to her with a calculated look on his face to sell the lie. As far as Polly will know, he is merely convincing Eva Solomons to convince her husband to free Arthur and claim Billy Kitchen’s death as his doing.

“If you wish to seduce me, Shelby, you should try harder. I like to be wooed.” The witch dismissed his words and before she could ring up the shopkeeper to buy it, he orders the man at the counter to put in on his tab.

He pays for his suits now. Never leaves a debt unpaid and tips generously, he even vets his whores after Grace took advantage of his weakness in the name of the Law.

Tommy Shelby should remember how that hurt him and his family as he courts the Witch of Camden Town.

But he cannot help it, there is something pulling him to her that he hasn’t felt since Greta. Like an invisible string connecting his rotten soul to hers.

“Your cousin, Wag, said your husband refused your tickets to Chaplin's party after what he did to my brother and my men at his Seder.” The Gangster wanted revenge, he had an ace up his sleeve to get Alfie Solomons to have the police sergeant in his pocket release Arthur and his men.

This was more than just a play against Eva’s husband and Rose’s lover, this was Tommy Shelby being led by his stupid broken heart to see where that string of fate leads him to. Not his cock this time, though the woman beside him ignited all sorts of want with that feel of magic about her.

“I want you to wear that lace for me and after that, we will go to my sister’s place in London, and we will fuck until we forget what our spouses are doing in that property they think we don’t know about.” He comes close enough to breathe in the soft rose water and vanilla and that touch of myrrh and frankincense left over from incense to enhance her supernatural abilities.

Tommy Shelby doesn’t know what he’ll do is she says no.

“Tell Ada to leave the lights on and the front door unlocked, I will be arriving there before you to keep Sabini off my tail.” Eva turns and looks at him over her shoulder with an enigmatic smile.

She doesn’t wear black lace.

She wears a jet beaded dress with a satin slip underneath with her dark hair curled and lips painted with the lipstick Rose will find on his collar tomorrow.

He shouldn’t want her, her husband could kill his brother for this, but Tommy Shelby cannot help himself.

He hardly remembers the party as the heady smell of witchcraft and roses stirred a fire within him he hasn’t felt in almost a decade. Grace had been there with her husband, but he had paid her no mind as he came to know the bewitching woman on his arm.

“You behave as if you were a man starved for love.” Her eyes are dark with want and her quiet laugh betrays how mutual this burning he feels is.

“As starved as you are, love.” Tommy cannot even bother to check the coast was clear as he kisses her hungrily at Ada’s doorstep.

Despite the need to sate the hunger they feel, they take their time, stumbling to the couch where they don’t bother removing their clothes. Any attempt to strip her of her fine clothes is met with a wicked grin, as he ran is hands up her silky skin and felt the lace he had paid for as she sank down on his hand.

“You said I had to wear the lace, you never said how.” The witch said against his mouth before kissing like a high-end whore.

“I need you.” He groans against the column of her neck as he kisses every freckle Solomons takes for granted and matches the slow pace she’s set. “Evie, I need you.”

Sex with Rose was good, a bit tame, but enough to scratch the itch. This was different, as if he’d known the witch before, as if he hadn’t been meant for anyone else except her.

“You don’t even know me, Tommy.” She pulled him back to her mouth as she rid him of his vest, gun holster and every item between her long black nails and his bare chest.

She could tear out his heart from his chest and he’d let her, just to fill that hollowness inside him.

They don’t stay in the couch, neither wanted the night to end and in silence decided they’d greet the dawn clad only in sin. The bed would be where they fuck in earnest, where he will take advantage of his own lack of fertility to ensure Solomons stays none the wiser.

Tommy takes his time peeling off the lingerie she wore only for him, kissing every inch of her and letting the sense of déjà vu guide and reward him with sounds he bets Alfie cannot string from her.

God was always cruel to him, to give him a soulmate and give her to a man who doesn’t worship her like she deserves. He tells her so when after feasts on her cunt like a man starved.

“Then show your goddess how a true believer should worship her.” She pulled him up and tasted herself in his tongue as he made love to her until she wept from the ecstasy.

Dawn paints her skin golden, and her eyes turn the color of his favorite whiskey, he wished he could wake every morning like this.

“Who knew Mr. Shelby was a poet?” the witch reads his thoughts and hears him use poetry to describe the naked goddess he's still inside of.

“Who knew soulmates were real?” their hands interlock as they lay together basking in the afterglow, pretending they don’t have cages to return to.

Tommy Shelby knows he must make her part of the deal: he will set Rose free only if Alfie does the same with Eva.

He can’t let her go, even if he’s only known her for a day or two, he knows he can’t live without her.

They all return home; Rose smells of Alfie and he smells of Eva. It is the first of many, they know it when Rose takes Ada’s old bedroom and Tommy’s in his own bed and both dream of their lovers.

Neither feel hurt as they did before when the guilt ate at Rose even if he’s never been loyal to her, the callous too thick to let them feel their sins burning against their conscious and damning them to hell once more.

“I hadn’t planned to tell you this until the Derby ended, but I will set you free. Our deal has been honored and you no longer need my protection in the form of a wedding ring and my last name.” It sounds cold and cruel to everyone but them.

Rose cries in relief and joy as she hugs him in gratitude. He’s set up the date with their lawyer, paid extra to have it done faster and even sought the Rabbi in Rose’s Temple to ask whether he needs a Get so his soon-to-be ex-wife can marry his lover’s husband.

Even if he does die today, he will die as Eva’s fiancé and not Rose’s husband.

“Rose and I declared our marriage over, and unless you do the same, I will blow your fine establishment up to marry your wife. The choice is yours, Solomons.” The gangster fears death and yet fears nothing today, but he trusts his witch. His witch who told him the grave he will dig is meant to show him how expendable he is to his new master.

Everything would fall into place and all would be right in the world…for them at least.

That night, still reeking of graveyard dirt and a man’s blood, he spends it in Eva’s arms in the sprawling house she will rule over as its rightful queen.

“How soon can we marry?” she holds on tightly to him as if they may wake up from this dream any moment.

“Before you start showing, I hope.” Tommy answers guessing why she’d even ask in the first place.

And so, they marry, in the last days of summer with a special license as their former spouses do the same in Margate.

Whether Charles Absalom Shelby is named for his uncle or Charlie Chaplin, is something only the new couple will know.

[call-sign-shark]

The public, and by public I mean me 😂, want a play date between Kaiser and Cyril 🐕🐕. Destroying Tommy's garden

😂

Omg I died at your request. This was such a fantastic idea, Flor! Hope you'll enjoy some dog chaos 😂 I can't stop giggling when thinking about the moment Tommy will see it...

Summary: As you are waiting for Arthur in Tommy's garden, your afternoon takes an unexpected turn. In fact, Cyril and Kaiser decide to have a play date and it doesn't go well for the mansion's garden.

Words: 1.3k

Notes: This work is a part of Heaven in Your Eyes' universe, but you can obviously read it as a stand-alone.

If there was one thing you hated about your husband, it was his brother Thomas Shelby. That was why you decided to wait outside, in the mansion’s gargantuan garden, rather than accompany Arthur inside. Following the whole prison incident, he had himself become more distant from Thomas, even though the love and loyalty he felt toward his little brother kept him from sinking into pure hatred. Arthur reluctantly left you alone for a while in this potentially hostile environment, only doing so because of the giant hundred pounds dog that watching over you. For sure, Arthur knew that Kaiser would maim and shred any fool who would try to hurt you — you were more than safe when the dog was around. 

Here you were, comfortably sitting on a bench surrounded by a dizzying range of colorful flowers whose delicate scent was carried away with the soft spring breeze. Reading Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland for the hundredth time, you felt yourself transported to Wonderland’s garden by the words that were printed on the paper. A relaxed sigh escaped from your plump and glossed lips as the gentle warmth of sun rays caressed your porcelain skin. You were devouring Lewis Carroll’s story when, all of sudden, the loud bark of Kaiser snatched you from your bubble. As a gargantuan Cane Corso, Kaiser’s growls and howls tended to be so booming and low-tone they would make everyone’s quiver, even when the beast just wanted to play.

“What is it, Kaiser?” You asked the dog, closing the book and gently scratching the huge brute behind his cropped ear. Standing at attention, his Hazel eyes were staring far away at the distance. You frowned and looked in his direction, searching for the source of his agitation, “Oh fuck —“ The word fell from your mouth before you could even realize it, for what was catching Kaiser’s attention was the large silhouette of a man in a hat, a huge English mastiff walking beside him.  It did not take more than a quick look to recognize the infamous Alfie Solomons. You remained silent, one of your hands firmly closing around Kaiser’s collar to keep him close. To be honest, you mentally crossed your fingers for Alfie Solomons not to notice you for you wanted nothing from him. Not even a greeting. 

“Oh! SHALOM MRS. SHELBY!” Alfie’s voice boomed in the distance. Mission failed — the king of Camden Town not only had noticed you but was now heading to you, supporting his weight with a walking stick. You have heard from the Shelbys that his sciatica had become worse over time — not that you cared though, “Shalom.” He repeated, his piercing blue eyes staring at your aquamarine irises with unsettling insistence as he waited for you to greet him.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Solomons.” You gritted through your teeth, unable to hide the gleam of resentment that was burning in your dark pupils. 

“Here I finally meet her, Arfah Shelby’s wife and dearest treasure! The angel who fell from Shamayim only to get dicked balls deep by a foul-mouthed, whiskey-drunk, and rabid Peaky Blinders. Not that I want to disrespect dear Arfah, what a scary lad he can be when he’s angry.” Alfie took off his hat when he talked, probably in the hope of showing a bit of respect. Or maybe not, it was always so difficult to probe his attentions and thoughts, even for a witch like you, “You made him a believer tho, and I can understand why now that I’ve met you.” 

You bit your inner cheek so hard the metallic taste of blood exploded on your tongue. In case you doubted it you were now certain: you hated him. You were so annoyed by his presence that you did not notice Cyril and Kaiser sniffing each other, tail wagging in contempt. 

“Now that we are here, I’d like to give you my most sincere apologies for attempting to murder your husband. It was nothing personal, just some business formalities but thanks God this whole quarrel is behind us now! But know that your lover is one hell of a fucking bastard hard to kill. And God knew I did my best to—“ 

“Listen Alfie, for the sake of your weird alliance with Tommy we’re going to forget this accident, especially because I was not there at that time. But know that your apologies are not accepted. Pretty sure Mrs. Rose Solomons would dig her nails in Arthur’s chest to rip his heart out if he had tried to kill you. Consider yourself lucky I don’t. Only out of sheer respect for Rosie.” 

In the background, Cyril and Kaiser had started playfully jumping at each other, tongues hanging and butts wiggling. Quite a different mood than the one between Alfie and you. The Cane Corso rolled on the ground, his four paws up in the air as the Mastiff sniffed his belly. They seemed to have a hell of a fun moment.

“Bloody hell, woman, Tommy was damn right when he said you were Satan in the shape of an Angel. You’ve got claws just like me woman—“ 

“Goodbye, Mr. Solomons.” You cut him off, “Come on Kaiser.”  You said, processing to leave the place but you stopped when you realized your huge guardian had not followed you, which was unusual taking into account how obedient he was. 

“Well, well, would you look at that Mrs. Shelby! Seems like good Cyril and your dog get along pretty well. So well they don’t want to part, ey. You know I’m more than delighted by this new friendship because Cyril tends to feel lonely these days. He had a very great friend at Camden but I shot his owner — sad, sad story.”

“No, Kaiseeeeer.” You muttered to yourself, as you saw the two massive beasts chasing each other and barking playfully, their beady eyes glistening with excitement. Among all the friends Kaiser could have made, he chose Cyril. Not that you had something against that good boy, but it ultimately meant you had to stay near Alfie Solomons the whole time the animals were having fun -- And God knew the man talked too much, too fast, and was hard to follow. To be true, having a discussion with Solomons would always guarantee the apparition of an unpleasant headache. At first, you thought about forcing Kaiser to go, but he looked so happy you had not the heart to deprive him of his new furry brother, “Alright,” You finally resigned. Arms crossed, a moody pout plastered on your adorable angel face, you came back next to Alfie and kept your gaze fixed upon the dogs.

You both stayed there for a little while and surprisingly enough Alfie did not bother you that much. In fact, he was too busy looking at Cyril with a genuine sparkle of love in his eyes — for sure he had a close bond with his dog, as close as the one you shared with yours. Silence hovered above your heads until Cyril and Kaiser, delighted by the mansion’s vastness, ran to the most magnificent part of the garden to wrestle in it. The two adorable but massive beasts rolled in the flowers, their strong bodies crushing all of them and their jaws snatching the other plants.  Alfie and you opened your eyes wide and turned toward each other at the very same time, as you both realized that the dogs were wrecking Tommy’s garden. But when your eyes met, surprise faded away and a devilish smirk dawned on your lips.

“Well — that’s problematic, innit?” Alfie said, sarcasm coating his words, “We should stop them.” 

“Should we, though?” You replied.

Alfie took a last glance at the dogs, who were now ruining the only part of the garden that had been spared from their destructive paws.

“Naaah,” Alfie concluded.  

You snorted in amusement and shifted your focus back to the animals as Alfie did, for you were both like dogs with two tails at the simple fact of bothering Thomas Shelby. They said vengeance was a dish best served cold, but the truth was, for once, vengeance was a dish best served with mud and crushed flowers.

"Fuck Tommy," You said.

"Yeah, fuck Tommy."

✞ Any comment, review, reblog, or constructive criticism is welcome. Your reactions really motivate me and keep me alive, so please don't be shy. English is not my first language.

✞ Rose Solomons is @raincoffeeandfandoms ‘s OC

[justrainandcoffee]

Hallowe’en (Camden Town-1893)

Alfie and Rose are 5 years old. Camden Town same as the rest of the country is waiting for Hallowe’en and them like millions of other kids, they are too.

Her grandmother sewed a witch costume for her and transformed Alfie into a little elf. Even granny's dog receives a makeover.

Apart from being neighbours, they're best friends and as such they're ready to celebrate this day together. And, if possible, eat all the sweets and apples that the neighbours can give to them.

Alfie x Rose masterlist

[terriwriting]

Possible locations for Gotham, Metropolis, & Smallville

A non-exhaustive list of places to put Gotham, Metropolis, or any other fictional city.

Notes:

Cities need reliable fresh water, transportation, and food.

Wonder Woman doesn't need a city. She already has Paradise Island.

Gotham

I'm more of a Superman fan, so my notes on Gotham are relatively short. Plus Metropolis comes in two variations, while Gotham just needs to be a city that is old enough to have old infrastructure and deep-rooted generational wealth.

Illinois/Indiana:

The Chicago-Gary area is the easiest place to put Gotham if you want to move it away from the East Coast. Hello Kitty Unpretty's Gotham is a Great Lakes city.

New Jersey:

The classic. There are two good places for a fictional city, but the one in the southern area of the state will be noticeably different from canon-Gotham.

The Camden-Rehoboth Bay corridor could be unified by an old canal system. Place Gotham one one end of the canal and Bluehaven (Bludhaven to cynical locals) on the other, according to your preference. Note that the Rehoboth Bay end is mostly mud and silt layered over more mud and silt, so you're probably better off placing Bludhaven here as a smaller city with few major towers. Either end will need extensive drainage (canals, storm drains, aqueducts, and reservoirs), so that's great for the crumbling infrastructure. Remember that if you place Gotham here, Batman's costume needs to be light, not armoured, or he'll be dead in a week from heat stroke.

The New Brunswick-Newark metropolitan area fits the climate we usually see in comics. Maybe throw in Staten Island as a little treat for New jersey.

In either case, the rest of the Justice League calls Batman Tony Soprano behind his back.

New York:

The NYC metro region with no city unification. Gotham is probably Manhattan, plus maybe Staten Island for rich people like Bruce.

Ohio:

A unified Cleveland-Akron-Canton metropolitan area with a higher population, maybe?

Rhode Island

My preferred headcanon: The Newport-Providence metropolitan area as a unified city. Bruce Wayne is old old money, some of the Wayne cousins were involved in the witch trials, and this fits the map published by Mayfair games.

Metropolis

Metropolis comes in two flavours: The more common one where Metropolis is a stand-in for an old East Coast US city, or; The Superman: TAS version where Metropolis is a new city, built under the influence of tech billionaire Lex Luthor. I like both.

If you like Clark and Lex as high school friends, that's not really compatible with a New Metro built by Lex Luthor. There's just not enough time for Lex to build anything more than a small suburb. But Lex could be manoeuvring to take control of Metropolis from his family, or from some other DCU billionaire like Simon Stagg.

Connecticut:

There are two good regions in Connecticut to place a fictional city: The Bridgeport-New Haven region, or; The area between the Connecticut River and Thames River.

The Bridgeport-New Haven version better fits the Old Metropolis version, but can also be used for the New Metro version. If you're going for Old Metro, in reality this area did industrialize before the NYC area (Which was dominated by shipping before it picked up light manufacturing), but the early industrialists didn't invest enough in the trade schools or financial institutions that would have let them keep that early advantage. Have a few mill owners and canal companies invest in engineering schools, have later industrial barons invest in office equipment manufacturing and chemical engineering, and you have your Old Metro. For your New Metro, genius tech billionaire Lex Luthor plants a few factories in the major population centres, buys up golf courses to turn them into company towns with inexpensive mid-density housing, and then uses his political and economic influence to pressure the municipalities to merge into his new Metropolis. This version of the New Metro will have more old architecture, but that's not a bad thing.

The Connecticut River-Thames River region fits either version. For an Old Metro, just have the area invest in trades and technical schools as with the Bridgeport-New Haven region. There are old whaling towns in this area so the region could move into shipbuilding, marine alloys engineering, and later railcars and elevators and escalators. This is an easy place to plant a fictional new city, with a low urban population and lots of farms, golf course, and camp/resort sites to buy out. An ambitious billionaire or group of wealthy investors could start a new urban centre with relative ease.

Delaware:

Most of the Delmarva region is mud. You're not going to build many skyscrapers here. But you could fit some in along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.

A Metropolis on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal would probably be smaller than Metropolis is usually shown as, with maybe two million inhabitants instead of six-eight million. But this is comic books, so go with what feels right to your heart.

This works equally well for New or Old Metro.

New Jersey:

Have Bayonne & Newark industrialize early, deliver Staten Island unto New Jersey, invest heavily in education and financial institutions, unify Bayonne-Newark-Staten Island, and bada-bing bada-boom Lois Lane sounds like Carmela Soprano.

Staten Island isn't necessary, but you gotta put the fancy houses and big parks somewhere.

Works best with the Old Metro approach, but you could also have investors take over the urban area and push a lot of redevelopment.

New York:

There are a couple of good places in New York state for Metropolis.

For a New Metro, try the Chaumont Bay-Guffin Bay region. Access to rail, road, air, and sea shipping, and lots of tradespeople and professionals in nearby cities who are desperate for inexpensive housing.

For an Old Metro, you can't go wrong with a thinly-disguised NYC. Just file off the serial numbers, maybe some new rims, and drive it like you stole it.

Smallville

Generic East Coast:

If you're like me and prefer the feel of Bronze Age Smallville, you might want to keep Smallville as an East Coast town. This is easy. There's no reason for Smallville to be in the same state as Metropolis, so it can be anywhere from Maryland to Massachusetts. Towards the end of the Bronze Age it was generally described as vaguely New Jersey or Pennsylvania. East Coasters can entertain themselves imagining Clark Kent, MetU freshman, trying to order a pork roll and water ice in the Metropolis version of Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop.

Kansas:

The Flint Hills region matches modern continuity and the look of both the Smallville series and Bronze Age comics. Lawrence is a good model.

Special Mention: Susquehanna River

BludBluehaven: Great place for Nightwing to relocate to, regardless of where your Gotham is.

Gotham: Replaces Baltimore and/or Philadelphia as a rail and sea hub.

Metropolis: Great for the New Metro.

Opal City: Gotta go somewhere, and this matches the map DC published.

Smallville: Depends on what version you prefer.

What About The Teen Titans?

Fuck Marv Wolfman, that's what.

[tsaritiz]

All Identity V references (or easter eggs) to popular culture found.

Some are taken from theories of fandom others are found by me.

Martha Remington as the surname taken from the typewriter brand "remington" (also curious beacause in the game you have to decode typewriters)

Doctor, Emily Dyer is inspired by Amelia Dyer a british serial killer who killed lots of young children while beyond her cares.

Helena Adams references to Helen keller, a blind def woman who were a full-time activist.

Priestress (Fiona Gilman) references to HP Lovecraft's story "The dream in the witch's house."

The Magician references to Servais le roy, the creator of the illusion technic of levitation.

Naib Subedar, in his backstory makes reference to the british invasion of india.

Thief, Kreacher Pierson references George Müller, a Christian evangelist and the director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England. He was one of the founders of the Plymouth Brethren movement. His surname is named after Arthur Tappan Pierson, a friend of George Müller who wrote his biography.

The explorer references to Gulliver's Travels.

William Ellis references William Webb Ellis, the alleged inventor of rugby. He also shares the exact same name as him

Norton Campbell's background story references the author H.P Lovecraft's short story titled The Transition of Juan Romero.

Enchantress, Patricia Dorval's adoptive mother references Marie Laveau a Louisiana Creole practitioner of Vodou, herbalist and midwife who was renowned in New Orleans.

Wilding, Murro's Deductions mentions Kasper Hauser, a German youth who claimed to have grown up in the total isolation of a darkened cell.

Female Dancer, Margaretha Zelle references both Mata Hari, a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I and Natalia from The Last Circus.

Acrobat, Mike Morton's appearance references both Arlecchino from Commedia dell'arte and Vander Clyde Broadway an American female impersonator, high-wire performer, and trapeze artist born in Texas.

"Prisoner", Luca Balsa references Nikola Tesla a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.

Entomologist, Melly Plinius references Pliny the Elder (Gaius Plinius Secundus) the Roman author/naturalist/natural philosopher.

Batter, Ganji Gupta's background story references the British Colonization of Indian Subcontinent (1858-1947).

"Psychologist", Ada Mesmer's Surname references Franz Anton Mesmer, a German physician who developed the theory of animal magnetism. She may also be inspired in Ada Lovelace the matematician

Soul Weaver, Violetta references Aloisia 'Violetta' Wagner, a famous German freak show performer from the early 20th century. She was renowned for having tetra-amelia syndrome.

The Ripper, Jack references Jack the Ripper an unidentified serial killer active in the impoverished districts in and around Whitechapel in the East End of London in 1888. His background story references Walter Sickert, a German-born British painter and print maker who was a member of the Camden Town Group of Post-Impressionist artists in early 20th-century London and was suspected of being Jack the Ripper.

Geisha, Michiko references Chōchō-San from Madame Butterfly. She may also reference Yosano Akiko or Higuchi Ichiyo, both famous writers and geishas. But not only, she may reference the play of Fukuchi Ochi "Mirror Lion" .

Hastur is based on The King in Yellow from H.P. Lovecraft novels (Cthulhu Mythos Franchise).

Wu Chang, Xie Bi'an and Fan Wujiu references Heibai Wuchang (黑白无常, Black and White Impermanence) the two Deities in Chinese folk religion in charge of escorting the spirits of the dead to the underworld.

Photographer, Joseph Desaulniers references both Nicéphore Niépce a French inventor, usually credited as the inventor of photography and a pioneer in that field and Dorian Gray from The Picture of Dorian Gray. His background story also mentions the French Revolution.

Mad Eyes, Burke Lapadura references Edmund Burke, a highly regarded Canadian architect best known for building Toronto's Prince Edward Viaduct or "Bloor Street Viaduct" and Toronto's Robert Simpson store.

Dream Witch, Yidhra references Yidhra from the H.P. Lovecraft novels (Cthulhu Mythos Franchise).

Bloody Queen, Mary references both Marie Antoinette the last queen of France and a controversal figure during the French Revolution and the abilities based on Bloody Mary.

"Disciple", Ann's background story references the Salem witch trials.

Violinist, Antonio references Niccolò Paganini an Italian violinist and composer. He was the most celebrated violin virtuoso of his time, and left his mark as one of the pillars of modern violin technique.

Sculptor, Galatea Claude possibly references Camille Claudel a French sculptor known for her figurative works in bronze and marble and her name references to the statue carved of ivory by Pygmalion of Cyprus of the same name from Greek Mythology.

"Undead", Percy references Victor Frankenstein from the author Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein.

The Breaking Wheel, Will Brothers references the Breaking wheel with their trailer also referencing the Execution of St Catherine.

Naiad, Grace references Naiads, fresh water nymphs presiding over fountains, wells, springs, streams, brooks and other bodies of fresh water from Greek Mythology. She also appears to reference H.P. Lovecraft's novella The Shadow Over Innsmouth.

Wax Artist, Philippe is based on Philippe Curtius a Swiss physician and wax modeller who taught Marie Tussaud the art of wax modelling.

Hermit, Alva Lorenz references Thomas Edison, a famous inventor.

Night Watch, Ithaqua is based on Ithaqua from H.P. Lovecraft novels (Cthulhu Mythos Franchise).

"Big Daddy" is likely a reference to "Big Brother" from 1984 by George Orwell, the leader who keeps all citizens under constant surveillance and controls them.

Allen, while little is currently known about him, is likely based off Zadok Allen from The Shadow Over Innsmouth.

Andrea may be based on Antonia Bianchi, a singer and the long term lover of Niccolo Paganini.

Arthur Byers is likely based on Ambrose Bierce, the author of “Haïta the Shepherd” in which Hastur first appeared.[1]

Catherine is based on St. Catherine of Alexandria who was executed using a breaking wheel.

Christina's death scene in Philipe's character trailer is an allusion to The Death of Marat by French painter Jacques-Louis David.

Claude Desaulniers is based on Claude Niépce, the older brother of French inventor Nicéphore Niépce.

Damballa is based on the benevolent spiritual intermediary in Haitian Voodoo of the same name.

James Reichenbach's last name is a reference to Reichenbach Falls, the name of the location where Arthur Conan Doyle's character Sherlock Holmes had his fight to the death with his greatest foe Professor Moriarty.

James Whistler is based on the real life painter James Abbott McNeill Whistler who was the mentor of Walter Sickert.

Papa Legba is based on trickster spiritual intermediary in Haitian Vodou of the same name.

Princess Lamballe is based on Marie Thérèse Louise of Savoy (Princesse de Lamballe) who was one of Marie Antoinette's closest friends.

Robert is likely based off Robert Olmstead, the main character and narrator of The Shadow Over Innsmouth.

Sullivan is based on Anne Sullivan Macy, an American teacher and lifelong friend of Helen Keller.

The currently Unnamed Cat God is likely based on the short stories Nyarlathotep and Cats of Ulthar by H.P. Lovecraft.

Blue Aladdin references to Aladdin from Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp.

Violet Peacock's Chinese description references to The Peacocks Fly Southeast.

Both Poseidon's Crown and Poseidon references to Poseidon the god of the sea, storms, earthquakes and horses from Greek Mythology.

Caged Butterfly's description mentions Madame Butterfly.

The 1st Essence of Season 2 is based on several Fairy Tale Stories on each Costumes.

King's Tailor references to one of the Swindler from The Emperor's New Clothes.

Both Lazy Mr. Bunny and Mr. Turtle references to The Hare and The Tortoise from The Tortoise and the Hare.

King Arthur references to the character of the same name

Merlin references to the character of the same name.

Black Swan is based on Odile (The Black Swan) from Swan Lake.

Anubis is based on the god of the same name who is the god of death, mummification, embalming, the afterlife, cemeteries, tombs, and the Underworld in Egyptian Mythology.

Ancient Soul references to the Ankh an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol used in Egyptian art and writing to represent the word for "life" and, by extension, as a symbol of life itself.

Soul Catcher references to Day of the Dead a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6 from Mexica.

Golden Touch is based on King Midas a king of Phrygia who is known to turn everything he touched into gold from Greek Mythology.

The 1st Essence of Season 6 has several references to Greek Mythology.

Icarus is named after and based on the hero of the same name who is the son of the master craftsman Daedalus, the creator of the Labyrinth on Greek Mythology.

Apollo is named after and based on the God of the same name who is the god of oracles, healing, archery, music and arts, sunlight, knowledge, herds and flocks, protection of the young and the Member of Twelve Olympians.

Leonidas is named after Leonidas I a king of the Greek city-state of Sparta.

Pam possibly is based on Pan the god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, rustic music and impromptus, and companion of the nymphs.

Captain Hook is based on Captain James Hook.

Eversleeping Girl is based on Wendy Darling.

Forgotten Boy is possibly based on Peter Pan or one of the Lost Boys.

Siren is possibly based on the Mermaids from Mermaids' Lagoon.

March Hare is based on the Character of the Same Name.

Alice is based on the Protagonist of the Same Name.

Mr. Bunny is based on The White Rabbit.

Bill is based on Bill The Lizard.

Caterpillar is based on Hookah-Smoking Caterpillar.

Knave of Hearts is based on the character of the same name.

Executioner is based on one of the Queen of Hearts' Card Soldiers.

The Mad Hatter is based on the character of the same name.

Queen of Hearts is based on the character of the same name.

Serpent is based on Quetzalcoatl the god of life, light and wisdom, lord of the day and the winds from Aztec Mythology.

Lady Thirteen is based on Yu Mo from The Flowers of War, portrayed by the actress Ni Ni.

Sophia is based on Sophia Palaiologina a Byzantine princess, member of the Imperial Palaiologos family, Grand Princess of Moscow as the second wife of Grand Prince Ivan III.

Ivan is possibly based on Ivan III of Russia a Grand Prince of Moscow and Grand Prince of all Rus'.

Maroon Crystal is based on Dorothy Gale.

Princess Ozma is based on the character of the same name.

The Wicked Witch is based on both Wicked Witch of the West and Dorothy Gale.

Emerald City Coachman is based on the Coachman.

Oz, the Wizard is based on Wizard of Oz.

The Tin Man is based on Tin Woodman.

The Spookcrow is based on Scarecrow.

The Toothless Lion is based on Cowardly Lion.

Golden Ratio references to the Philosopher's Stone a mythic alchemical substance capable of turning base metals such as mercury into gold.

Electrolysis references to the technique of the same name that uses direct electric current (DC) to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction.

Ouroboros references to the ancient symbol of the same name that depicts a snake or dragon eating it's own tail.

Choir Boy has a The squared circle symbol an alchemical symbol (17th century) illustrating the interplay of the four elements of matter symbolising the philosopher's stone on his back.

Mutation represents Chrysopoeia an artificial production of gold, most commonly by the alleged transmutation of base metals such as lead.

Sulfuric Acid has a tattoo on chest resembling the symbol of the same name based on Dalton's Law of Atomic Weights.

Vine references to the Elixir of life a potion that supposedly grants the drinker eternal life and/or eternal youth.

Philofelist possibly references to Necromancy a practice of magic or black magic involving communication with the dead – either by summoning their spirits as apparitions, visions or raising them bodily – for the purpose of divination, imparting the means to foretell future events, discover hidden knowledge, to bring someone back from the dead, or to use the dead as a weapon.

Judge represents Pride.

Deputy represents Greed.

Clerk represents Envy.

Court 3 Commissioner represents Wrath.

Court 5 Commissioner represents Sloth.

Court 6 Commissioner represents Gluttony.

Court 7 Commissioner represents Lust.

Narcissus is named after the character of the same name who rejected all romantic advances, eventually falling in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, staring at it for the remainder of his life, his name is the origin of Narcissism.

Clio is named after the goddess of the same name who is the goddess of history, lyre playing and a member of the Muses.

Talia is named after Thalia who is the goddess of comedy and a member of the Muses.

Hebe is named after the goddess of the same name who is the goddess of eternal youth, prime of life, forgiveness

"Succubus" is named after a demon of the same name they are female demons that appears in dreams to seduce men, usually through sexual activity.

Rainmaker's Beauty Form is based on both Lady Shizuka, one of the most famous women in Japanese history and literature and Ameonna, a yōkai thought to call forth rain while the Prajna Form is based on Kuchisake-onna, that appears as a malicious spirit, or onryō, of a woman, that partially covers her face with a mask or other item and carries some sort of sharp object.

"The Prince" is based on the titular character of the The Happy Prince.

Feathered Cloak is based on Freyja, a goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, sex, war, gold, and seiðr (magic for seeing and influencing the future) from Norse Mythology.

The 3rd Essence of Season 17 is based on The Masque of the Red Death.

Man in Red is based on The Red Death.

Runaway is based on Prince Prospero.

The 1st Essence of Season 18 is based on The Marriage of Figaro.

Fury is based on both Count Almaviva (Philippe) and Countess Rosina (Christina).

"Susanna" is based on the character of the same name.

The 1st Essence of Season 20 is based on And Then There Were None.

The 2nd Essence of Season 20 takes place on The Crystal Palace on a fictional setting.

Lockheart is shown to be a fictional daughter of the in real life historical figure Joseph Paxton an English gardener, architect, engineer and Member of Parliament, best known for designing the Crystal Palace.

The 1st Essence of Season 21 is based on Bacchanalia, an unofficial, privately funded popular Roman festivals of Bacchus, based on various ecstatic elements of the Greek Dionysia.

Spring Heated Wine is based on Dionysus, the god of the grape-harvest, wine making, orchards and fruit, vegetation, fertility, insanity, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, festivity, and theatre and a Member of the Twelve Olympians from Greek Mythology.

Bai Ze is based on Bai Ze itself, a mystical Chinese beast connected with spirits.

The 3rd Essence of Season 22 is based on insects and also the seven virtues.

Winter Cicada represents Humility.

Frozen Butterfly represents Chastity.

Ant represents Charity.

Scorpion represents Kindness.

Mayfly represents Diligence.

Centipede represents Temperance.

Worker Bee represents Patience.

Boudoir Dream is based on Child Jane Hudson from What Ever Happened to Baby Jane which is a film adaptation of a novel of the same name, portrayed by the child actress Julie Allred

Iron Lady is based on Harriet Craig from the film of the same name which is a film adaptation of Craig's Wife, portrayed by the actress Joan Crawford.

Samara is based on Samarra from The Prodigal which is a film adaptation of Parable of the Prodigal Son, portrayed by the actress Lana Turner.

Rhythm of the Rain is based on Kathy Selden from Singin' in the Rain, portrayed by the actress Debbie Reynolds.

Recluse is based on Jef Costello from Le Samouraï, portrayed by the actor and filmmaker Alain Delon.

Hamlet is based on the titular character of the 1948 film which is the film adaptation of the play of the same name, portrayed by the actor and director Laurence Olivier.

Colonel Dax is based on the character of the same name from Paths of Glory which is a film adaptation of the novel of the same name, portrayed by the actor and filmmaker Kirk Douglas.

The Red Shoes is based on Victoria Page from The Red Shoes which is a film adaptation of a fairy tale of the same name, portrayed by the actress ballet dancer and actress Moira Shearer.

The Black Tulip is based on both Guillaume de Saint Preux and Julien de Saint Preux from The Black Tulip which is a film adaptation of the novel of the same name, both portrayed by the actor and filmmaker Alain Delon.

Just Around the Corner is based on Penny Hale from Just Around the Corner which is a film adaptation of Lucky Penny, portrayed by former child actress, singer, dancer, and diplomat and diplomat Shirley Temple.

Zouzou is based on the titular character of the 1934 film, portrayed by actress, French Resistance agent, and Civil Rights Activist Josephine Baker.

Ben-Hur is based on Judah Ben-Hur from Ben-Hur which is a film adaptation of Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, portrayed by the actor and political activist Charlton Heston.

Dorothy is based on Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz which is a film adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, portrayed by actress and singer Judy Garland.

Salome is based on the titular character from the movie of the same name, portrayed by actress, dancer, and producer Rita Hayworth.

Da Vinci is based on Leonardo da Vinci from The Life of Leonardo da Vinci which is a miniseries about the real life artist, portrayed by actor Philippe Leroy.

Svengali is based on the titular character of the 1931 film which is a film adaptation of Trilby, portrayed by the actor on radio, stage and radio John Barrymore.

Rashomon is based on the Samurai's wife from Rashomon which is a film adaptation of two Ryūnosuke Akutagawa novels "In a Grove" and "Rashōmon", portrayed by the actress Machiko Kyō.

Broken Blossoms are based on Cheng Huan from Broken Blossoms which is a film adaptation of The C**** and the Child, portrayed by the actor Richard Barthelmess.

Scarlet is based on Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind which is a film adaptation of the novel of the same name, portrayed by the actress Vivien Leigh.

Faust is based on the titular character of the 1927 film which is a film adaptation of the play of the same name, portrayed by the actor, director and singer Gösta Ekman.

Million Dollar Mermaid is based on Annette Kellerman from the film of the same name which is a biography about the real life swimmer, portrayed by swimmer and actress Esther Williams.

[wandawiccan60]

The Witch of Camden Town

Part 21

ALFIE SOLOMON’S MASTERLIST

TAGS: @kittycatcait219, @i-love-th-characters1, @akiralife, @hecatemoon87, @evita-shelby, @tomhardyspinkyfinger, @zablife, @star017, @omgeternal, @tea-atfive, @thefics-that-drip, @ao3feed-symbrock, @solomons-finest-rum, @jollysoulfestivalfreak, @buttercupsandboys, @bubblyani, @weirdgirl16355, @97freaknik, @thealmightybitchgoddess, @theshelbyclan,

A/N: Hii everyone and I am back with another chapter!!! I know I have been away for so, so, so long and it is good to be able to upload another new chapter to the story, I have been going back and forth in trying t get back to the story, basically I got a new job and I’m about to go back to school and I just hope I can be here more again but man its so hard and also I get very sidetracked as well. But I feel very happy to say that I have wrote a new chapter and I hope you all enjoy this new chapter. Again thank you all for who have been here since the beginning I really appreciate the follows, the likes, and also for all of you who want to continue reading this story. But again thank you all for sticking around and as always please enjoy.

WARNING 18+ ONLY!!!: Mentions of Torture, Graphic Blood, Some Cussing, Mentions of Prostitution, Mentions of Malnutrition, Abuse, and some Devastations(Alfie wanting Jovonka back)

****

Jovonka all curled up on top of the filthy bed in a fetal position crying for what felt like the thousandth time since her arrival at what she now discovered was a prison of a never ending hell. Her dried bloody wrists never have been once medicated by no one. Her hair that once was long and pure is gone and what's left of it only ends around her neck. But more gruesomely was her skin from her back marked by heavy red scars criss crossing from one way to the other. Reminding her of how many different men as well as Sabini would come to lash on her for their sick pleasures or more specifically whenever the Italian monster had to take some steam out he would take it out on Jovonka. There was nothing safe about this place it was only filled with torture, pain, the smell of death, and being used as a piece of meat for pleasure or a play thing. She hasn’t seen a single ray of sun for what she felt like in years. The only light she was provided with was an electric light above the basement and a couple of white candles to keep herself warm but it wasn’t enough. Food was served cold to Jovonka once the day was over with a small cup of water that had a bitter aftertaste. However that wasn’t the worst that she had to go through and there was a bigger problem than just her well being. Jovonka slowly placed a gentle hand above her stomach where a round visible bump was shown. She knew from the start Jovonka felt many changes throughout her body feeling the worst back pains of her life. Jovonka deeply wished for Alfie to be next to her and give the warmest hugs and comforting words telling her that she will be alright. But that will never be such an experience for her to witness. As for Sabini he became enraged and repulsed when noticing her stomach growing little by little. He would verbally and physically punish Jovonka for having an abomination inside of her. Obligating her to tell him what kind of man would let someone’s seed plant inside of her. Jovonka with all of her strength and taking in the agonizing pain never said a word to the Italian devil. She didn’t want him to know who the real father of the child was and it was only her and Isabel to only know..

“You. Once that thing inside of you is finally born you will get rid of and throw it into the streets. Do I make myself clear, you slut?” 

Besides dealing with hundreds of beatings, whips, starvation, and so on she hasn’t seen her older sister or even Edna since the day they were taken into the brothel house. It worried her very much not wanting to imagine what horrid things they also are experiencing. The one person that really didn’t bother to come to see her or even Isabel for once was Novel. It turns out from what Sabini had told her he has joined the Italian gang and in exchange gave him his freedom and having whatever he desires. Jovonka didn’t want to believe in such a thing knowing Sabini could be a lying snake. But sadly it was all true devastated to know that her once loving and trustworthy friend would turn his back on her and everyone that cared for him. How could Novel betray them like this? All because he had so much anger towards Alfie which he did nothing but give the young boy and the girls a home and safety. But I guess it wasn’t enough for Novel to be thankful for. A clunking sound of the door was heard above the stairs knowing who it was already. But she didn’t expect to see someone she has been thinking about for so long. The sound of footsteps made their way down while Jovanka didn’t bother to see who it was. Then one of the men named Albert spoke up telling the unknown person that they had a limited time to talk with her.

“You have 5 minutes to speak with her and nothing more, now make it quick,” he commanded, giving Isabel a push which she just brushed it off. 

While he made his way up the stairs again and hearing the door close shut, Jovonka slowly turned to look behind her. A relief spread throughout her face, happy to see a familiar face that she’s been waiting for so long until now.

“Is… Isabel is it… really you?” Jovonka said between pauses trying her best to hoist herself up with her right arm but was very weak. 

“Darling, what have they done to you?” Isabel, in a shocking state, sat on her knees and helped her little sister to sit up while she went on, “here now don’t move too much or you’ll hurt yourself more. Oh Jovonka… that bastard will pay for all of this.”

Isabel hugged her tightly in her arms crying her eyes out while Jovonka with little motion in her face returned the gesture back. She felt her sister's chin resting on top of her head caressing Jovonka’s short hair gently.  Wiping a bit of tears away she looked at her little sister softly grabbing her face with her hands seeing how hollow her eyes looked as if she was a living corpse. 

“Isabel… I’m so happy to see you… I thought you were gone,” Jovonka said, resting her hands above Isabel’s arms.

“No, no I’m still here my dear sister, I’ve feared all this time that you’ve been long gone thinking if they took you away somewhere else or have sold you to the streets after that night we were separated. But I’ve never thought that he had you locked up down here and… torture you like this,” she said in a whimper looking all over her sisters cold exposed body covered in bruises dried blood everything.

But what first caught Isabel’s eyes was Jovonka’s round stomach knowing that there was a baby now growing inside. Fearing that her visions were true all along. 

“I did as well sister… I thought they took you far away…thinking you were also sold off to someone. But thank heavens… you're here,” Jovonka said, giving off a small weak smile to her older sister making Isabel look up at her eyes

Jovonka noticed that her older sister's hair was different, all cut short like hers but more curly and fancy. Also seeing Isabel wearing a very satin clean dark green dress exposing her sharp shoulders. Seeing a bit of small purple bruises around her arms and chest knowing that she has been beaten abusively. 

“Jovonka I don’t have much time left but what I'm really here for is that I have to tell you something. I’ve had a few visions these past months and it was all about you. I saw you carrying the child in your arms but you both were covered in blood. It worried me that it was a sign that you were both dead but after that the visions stopped. And that is why I demanded Sabini to see if you were alive. He refused at first thinking that I was doing something foolish and thinking I would try to hypnotize him. I had to know and… I had to make a deal with him.”

“What… Why did you do that sister?” Jovonka said not liking where this was going.

“I had no other choice,” Isabel said, letting out a small sigh wiping her tears away with both of her hands as she continued, “I came to an agreement with him that I would be bought off by anyone no matter what they want. And if I refuse to do the services then he… he would kill me. I had no other choice Jovonka I did it because I wanted to see you. And now I am here with you.” 

Jovonka couldn’t believe what she had just heard coming out from her own flesh and blood.

This is all a dream… is it not?

“Isabel… n-no… how could you do this to yourself? Just so you can come and see me… and let strangers do…do horrendous things to you. Dear sister, I-.”

Suddenly the basement doors clunked open again indicating that Isabel’s time with Jovonka was up. Isabel felt her heart panic not wanting to leave her little sister just yet but she had no other choice.

“Jovonka darling, listen to me I will come back to see you again I promise you,” Isabel said cupping her sister's face with her hands but a sudden force fell on her.

Everything felt slow as the oldest sister shut her eyes closed seeing another strange vision. It wasn’t about Jovonka and the baby but of Alfie himself with peculiar men alongside him. While holding weapons as if they were about to go to war until the sound of a gunshot and several screams were heard as the vision came to an erupted stop. Isabel fully opened her eyes widely breathing in and out not noticing Albert standing behind her.

“Times up witch say your goodbyes now,” he said impatiently while Isabel didn’t hear him the first time.

Without saying nothing back and still stunned on what Isabel witnessed trying to understand what the vision meant. 

“I said Times. Up!” Albert exclaimed violently, hoisting her up on her feet by her left arm trying her best to break away from the man’s grip.

“NO. Wait, Jovonka! Please, let me have a few more moments with my sister. Please,” pleadingly cried out Isabel looking back at her sister, seeing her weakingly trying to get on her feet but fell on her knees.

“I said 5 minutes. So now, GET GOING!” yelled out the guard tugging on Isabel’s hand leading her back upstairs.

“N...no, sister,” Jovonka tried to call out but her voice was low and weak.

Isabel looked back once more, her eyes forming with water seeing her little sister vulnerable and in such a terrible shape. Once she and Albert made it to the top of the stairs Isabel was shoved to the side while the guard closed the door behind them. 

“Can’t you see how weak and sick she looks? Why hasn’t  Sabini called a doctor, how dare you all,” yelled out Isabel as a long stream of tears rolled down on her cheeks letting a few wails out as she fell on her knees on the wooden floor.

Albert ignored the crying woman walking past by her, not having time to hear the woman’s sorrows. Other onlookers didn’t say anything while they saw Isabel cry, not bothering to go and comfort her. Though there was one within the crowd that came to her side.

“Isabel, oh my child,” said the old maid, Edna gently putting her hands on top of her shoulders trying to calm her down, “What happened to Jovonka? Is she alright?”

“She looks dreadful Edna, so terribly awful I tell you. She’s like a living corpse that hasn’t been fed for days, never has once been outside for months, no water or food… oh gods Edna. We have to get the hell out of this place, this can’t go any further especially that Jovonka has a child. 

Edna’s eyes then grew in shock when she heard that Jovonka had a baby growing inside her stomach, not wanting to imagine the things that Sabini would do once the baby was born. Knowing full well that he wants to throw it away like it's not a living human being. 

“Isabel, that’s… that can’t be, we have to get you girls out of here as quickly as possible before the baby arrives. Who knows what Sabini will do once Jovonka gives birth to the little baby, and I know for sure he wants the baby disposed of.”

“I know Edna, but I saw a new vision when I touched Jovonka’s face, and it wasn’t about her this time. It was Alfie… I think… he’s still alive but he is not alone as I saw him,” Isabel said looking at the old woman, her eyes red from all of the crying.

Edna gave a confused look at the young woman not understanding what Isabel was saying. 

“My dear, what are you on about? But Alfie is gone, we saw him get killed in front of us but it’s impossible that he is still out there,” Edna said, trying to lower her voice not wanting any of Sabini’s men to hear their conversation.

Isabel slowly got on her feet while Edna looked around while Isabel walked her way down the small red hallways while Edna followed behind her making their way to a more private area. They passed through many rooms that were mostly occupied by both sex workers and male customers doing whatever they were doing behind closed doors. They then found one room not being used and Edna and Isabel made their way inside, closing the door gently being. 

“Tell me more about Alfie and what else did you see in this new vision of yours?” Edna said, sitting down on the soft queen sized bed waiting for Isabel to continue on.

“It was all quick, but I did get a glimpse of his face, it was really him but he had company with him. Some group of men that were wearing elegant suits, with peaky caps, and weapons like they were going to the battlefields. And there were sudden screams and a gunshot that was heard and that’s where it stopped Edna… I think Alfie is coming to rescue us. I think this is what the vision is maybe telling us, but the question is when will that day come?”

Edna stayed quiet when this was all being said, sensing some faith that Alfie is alive and will be coming for them with some help from these new strangers. Not knowing if these will new Allie’s to Alfie and if they were trustworthy to him. Only time will tell and at the moment they have to wait and see what really they should be thinking of is Jovonka who they need to look after. Especially now that Edna knows that Jovonka’s child will at no time be born too soon or later. 

“We have to speak with Sabini about your sister not being in good health and must be fed properly for both her and the baby’s well being. That bastard devil, how I would like to just place my hands around that abominable neck and choke him to death. He will pay for his sins Isabel knowing now that Mr. Solomon’s is out for not only us but for Sabini. Knowing what he has done to his beloved Jovonka, Sabini will face his judgment day and it will be a painful one,” Edna coldly said, to which Isabel agreed with the old woman completely.

“Alfie will get his revenge from Sabini, we will all see that. That bastard will pay for everything that he has done to all of us. All the pain he inflicted on us all and I will speak with him even if I have to get hurt physically knowing he has to hear what I want for my sister and her baby. He’ll have to obey my orders even if he won’t like it,” Isabel then said, feeling her hands turn into hard fists really wanting to hurt Sabini with all of her anger she has been building inside of her. 

“Darling, I know you have a lot of anger towards that devil, but I worry for you. I don't want either you or your sister to get hurt. I know you will sacrifice anything for Jovonka’s sake but I also want you to not be physically unwell. But please just be careful and whatever that wop says and he will refuse your requests but you will force him to make your requests come true, yes?” Edna said finally grabbing both of Isabel's hands bore her’s and nodded her head in agreement.

You will pay for this Sabini… as well as your dogs… none of you will be safe for what will come for you all…

****

 Arrow House, Warwickshire 

“Any trace of my beloved this time Tommy? I hope your people got something this time mate before I lose me fucking mind,” Alfie said in a bothered manner looking out at the big windows overseeing the big grass field in front of him as he continued tapping his left foot for the millionth time.

Thomas said nothing for a while knowing well enough what he would say the same answer to Alfie since the search for Jovonka started on the first day. He has done everything they did in a search party, going through other areas within Birmingham, asking Johnny Dog for any reports but they will always return with empty hands, Arthur, John, and the youngest Shelby brother Finn were busy getting answers out from Mason as much as they could. Even if it meant to punch, kick, and use tools on him that has been going on for weeks and months. Agony after agony Mason had some strength in him knowing he had lost so much blood from his fingernails, his right eye becoming blacker than it previously was before, his lips turned purple and puffy like a balloon. He could almost move his lips when he tried to speak pleading for the Shelby brothers to let him go and he won't say a thing. But even if he would say those words over and over there won't be a chance for him to get out of their restraints. And so while everyone that Thomas knew about and hired some people he knew and can be trusted did their part on this mission he knew Alfie would be growing more impatiently, angry, frustrated, and most of all he worried for his friend's sanity. Fearing that Alfie could lose it at any time if he didn’t get his beloved back in time seeing how important she is to him. 

Tommy didn’t say anything as he filled a glass cup full of whiskey while having a lit cigarette between his thin lips knowing what he'll say next won’t go so well. 

“Your silence speaks very loudly and it tells me that it does mean that your boys haven’t gotten any luck again hmm?” Alfie said taking a small inhale breath through his nostrils knowing fully well he has to hear the same words once more.

“Alfie, we are doing everything we can to find your woman. Arthur, John, Finn, and myself have tried to take as much information as we can out from Mason, but he has been refusing to tell us more on where they have taken Jovonka and her sister. I know this upset yo-.”

Alfie, using his cane as support, suddenly knocked out a tray of leftover food he ate earlier in the day with shattered glass spreading throughout the floor. Tommy didn’t flinch or be bothered by his friend's actions for one bit, seeing he was used to this type of behavior. The Shelby sat down on one of the couches taking another drag from his cigarette while holding his glass drink with his left hand letting out a small cloud of smoke from his mouth.

“I’m sorry Alfie, truly… I know what you're going through and feeling. If I was in your place, if I lost Grace and Charlie I would’ve lost me head by now and eventually would have killed myself already. Just so this invulnerable pain could go away, but you're stronger than that Alfie I know you are. I will bring her back I promise you, trust me when I say this eh?” Said Thomas looking at the Jewish king as he stood quietly saying nothing for a moment.

Tommy leaned his back against the couch, taking a long sip from his glass of whiskey until finally Alfie spoke out.

“I can’t go on like this Tommy… I need her here close in me arms, that smile of hers, her lips… God. Sabini is goin’ to fucking pay for everything he has done to all of us. The pain he’s inflicting on us all is hard to ignore and to take away, the only way that this can be stopped is him being dead and having my Jovonka and Isabel back to me. That wop you all have been keepin’ captive I would like to have a word with him. Knowing that I can get answers out of his mouth if I’m there in front of his presence.”

“Alfie, don’t you think it’ll be a bit of a risk to be out there seeing that they know by now that Mason and Liam are still missing. And I’m sure that Sabini has sent more of his men to look for them along with orders to still look for Elena. It’s best if you stay here without endangering you and Elena more, we will force Mason to talk about where they took Jovonka an-.”

“No!” Alfie said echoing out abruptly inside Thomas's office room, while giving a sharp glare back as he continued, “I have been stuck inside this house for far too long. And you sitting there tellin’ me to stay put is not goin’ to make me feel more at ease while my Jovonka is still out there with that fuckin’ wop! So no Tommy, I will not take your word and I would rather give up my life away to both Isabel and my woman than me fuckin’ self. Even if it means to get meself killed just to see everyone that I love safe and alive.”

The Shelby said nothing once Alfie finished speaking knowing deep inside his gut he agreed with everything that the Jewish gangster had said. Thomas has risked his life multiple times before, firstly there were his brothers, being there for them whenever they got into risky situations, next of course was Polly, being both an aunt and a mother figure to everyone before and after the war and when Thomas’s mother died. And most importantly of all, was Grace and his son, knowing his father and husband instincts would kick in at any moment if they were put in danger. Knowing he also sacrifice his life first before anyone else just to also see everyone he loves well and alive. 

Alfie walked across the room where he then grabbed a glass cup while he rested his cane against the small brown table stand. He quietly stared at the clear item in his hand as flashes of Jovonka’s smile, that laugh he fell in love with, her eyes that turned bright amber whenever they both became intimate in the bedroom, came into view before his eyes. How he wished he could hear her, touch her, and see her at this moment once more. Alfie then started to tighten his hand around the delicate item, almost to the point of breaking it with all of his strength. But he then relaxed his hand and put the item down on top of the table stand letting out a slow exhale through his thick nostrils.

“I will not stop saying this to you my friend,” Thomas then said, breaking the silence as he went on, “I will bring Jovonka and Isabel back home to you no matter how long the search will take. My brothers and my men are doing everything they can to find any trace of any kind. We will make Mason talk knowing that he’ll have to break at some point in time.”

Alfie didn’t say much once more, he instead grabbed his cane and made his way to sit down on another couch beside the table stand. Letting out a long steady breath looking out at the open green field in front of his view. There then was a knock on the door which Thomas then called out to whoever it was.

“Come in.”

Frances came inside the room, noticing the mess upon the wooden floor which she just ignored.

“Mr. Shelby, I’m sorry to interrupt you but your brothers would like to speak with you. They said it is urgent and important,” she said but before Thomas could speak the door suddenly swung open seeing John, Arthur, and Finn making their way inside.

“Tommy, you have to come back with us to the docks righ’ now. It’s Mason, he escaped from Johnny Dog’s but it is righ’ fuckin’ now,” said Arthur in a desperate tone looking between his brother and Solomon’s.

Tommy’s eyes grew wide in shock as he looked back at Alfie, which he also had a shooked up face knowing that the prisoner was their only hope to find answers about Jovonka and Isabel whereabouts. Without losing a heartbeat, both Shelby and the Jewish King got on their feet in no time making their way out of the office room. While on their way out of the Arrow House, Tommy got his black coat and peaky gray hat while his brothers started the vehicle in no time.

“Frances, tell Grace that I'll be back soon, and make sure to lock every door in the house and do not let anyone in you understand?” He said to the maid that she only nodded her head in agreement, “Righ’ Mr. Solomon's, you stay here for your own safety.”

“No Tommy, I am comin’ alon’ with you mate, there is not chance that I am not goin’ to let that fuckin’ wop get far away. He is the only thin’ that we can get close to Jovonka. Now then, do you want to waste more time here and tellin’ me to stay here like a fuckin’ little boy or should we get on our marry way before it gets any darker?”

Thomas knew there was no way in convincing the Jewish King to stay at the house, to which at this point he knew he lost the battle in this one. Before they could step a foot out of the house, Thomas noticed Little Elena from behind Alfie. The little girl looked on with concern in her eyes, not knowing what was going on in front of her. 

“Alfie, where are you going? Is everything alright?” Elena said, walking her way to Alfie’s side as she heals the man’s large hand against her ‘s.

Alfie carefully knelt down while supporting himself against his cane, which he successfully did and continued on speaking to Elena.

“Yes everything’ is fine my dear, I am just goin’ to go somewhere with Mr. Shelby that is very important. But don’ you worry love, I will come back as soon as possible;e. I promise you,” he said hoping that this will make Little Elena feel less worried but she still kept pushing on.

“Does it have to do with my sisters? Are they found at last?” She questioned with some glimmer of hope in her voice hoping that the nightmare was over.

“My sweet Elena, I promise you that you will see your sisters again and yes it has somethin’ to do with them. But don’t you worry so much about it yea? I will be back soon,” he said, giving a small smile to her while she returned the gesture and gave the man a hug.

From outside, John interrupted this tender moment with the honk of the car making Alfie grumble under his breath.

“Come on then, we are wastin’ fuckin’  time out here!” Shouted out John, getting more bothered by the second if they don’t move out quickly.

“Alfie, we have to go now, I’m sorry Elena excuse my idiot brother for saying a foul word in front of you. Me and Alfie have to go now we will be back soon won't we Mr. Solomon’s?” Thomas said looking back at the Camden Town king agreeing with the Birmingham Shelby.

When they both said their last goodbyes both Alfie and Thomas made their way to the car, sitting on the backseat of the motor car with Arthur and Finn. Once everyone was inside, John turned the vehicle on and made their way quickly to the docks, while Alfie could only hope they would find the escaped prisoner in time.

Hopefully that bastard hasn’t gone far away from here…

****

Once they made it to the docks, all of the Shelbys brothers and Alfie made their way out of the car, feeling furious to hear the news that Mason was let go easily under Johnny Dog’s watch. Knowing he was someone that Tommy has trusted for many years since he has known him. As they walked through the gray pavement road, they found Johnny Dog talking with Charlie with other groups of men knowing they were in a heap of trouble. They also realized that Alfie was with them, seeing that 

“Tommy, I’m so so sorry, we did everything that you have told us to do, but this time I didn’t he would escape in this wa-.”

“How the fuck did you let him out of your sites you bunch of idiots!” Exclaimed Alfie surprising both Tommy and his brothers thinking he is now the leader of all this but they let him continue on, “He was the only key witness into finding my Jovonka and you fuckers let him out of your sites.”

The group of men didn’t speak one word including both Johnny Dog and Charlie already, which they agreed that they did let the prisoner go away that easily. They have been keeping Mason in a very hidden place where no one would hear his painful screams while they would interrogate him for answers. But this time they all made the mistake of keeping more men to look after the Italian member.

“We are very, very, truly sorry Tommy, and mostly to you Mr. Solomon’s. I’m not sure how he managed to get his way out but you have my word when I say this. We will get him back but right now we have to track him down before he gets out of Birmingham,” said Johnny Dog, while Alfie said nothing, still feeling angry towards Tommy’s right hand man.

“Johnny is right, we have to split into groups from here on out,” said Tommy also sounding a bit bothered for what had just happened but he continued on with his next plans, “Right Charlie you take a couple of men to the north side see if you can ask anyone if they have seen Mason, Johnny, you take to the west and do the same and see if there is any traces of home, Arthur, you, John and Finn go to the east and look around to see if also anyone has seen him, and lastly me and Mr. Solomon’s will go deep into the deep forest’s far to the northern side of Birmingham. Keep your eyes sharp and head up, and keep your weapons at bay if you see the prisoner. Try not to aim him straight to the heart, we need him alive, yes?”

Everyone including his brothers nodded their heads as every group scattered to where they were told to go. Johnny Dog and his group of men loaded their weapons, as did Arthur, John, and Finn doing the same. All the while Alfie remained quiet seeing in the gray far distance where the little river canal was connected. He could still remember that terrible night, Jovonka, Isabel, and Edna looking terrified for their lives while he was held back being helpless and weak. The way Sabini touched her face while he cut her face while Jovonka screamed in pain, how he could go back in time and would kill that devil Italian in no time. Alfie closed his eyes trying to take that image away from his mind, while Tommy came to his side making him come back in the present.

“Alfie, are you feelin’ alright?” He said but the Jewish king stayed quiet still looking forward in front of him while the Peaky continued on, “we are about to head out now, before it's late. I suggest we get going. We’ll get him back. I have promised you that and Mason will have to speak, you'll see.”

“I know you have been Tommy, but I have one request and you will have to allow me to do it,” said Alfie making eye contact with the Birmingham king.

“And what is that Alfie?”

“Once that Italian runaway gets captured, let me do the talking. He will refuse to talk to me at first, but I will bring straight hell upon him. I don't care how much he has to live, or how much blood he will bleed out, I’m going to cut every life force he has in him to get the answers that I want him to tell me. And I want your men and your brothers out of it, do we have a deal my friend?” He said Tommy didn’t say anything but only nodded his head in agreement.

Once everyone was fully prepared Johnny Dog and his group left to the west while Charlie and his men left their way to the north, John, Finn, and Arthur made their way to the east, and that left only Tommy and Alfie to which they also left the banks in no time. Once they left the river banks, they were off to find Mason into the deep woods off in the countryside, Alfie only hoped that they would get to Mason as quickly as possible. 

He won’t get away that easily… not on my watch…

****

[zazzander]

12 Grimmauld Place Headcanons

Okay, okay - so - on the Wiki it says that Grimmauld Place is in Islington. However, it's almost guaranteed that this is not the borough the Noble & Most Ancient House of Black would live. For one, the area was historially occupied by wealthy merchants, artisans and farmers not aristocrats. In the 1970s, the place was very run-down and generally working class (though it was undergoing gentrification).

I found this blog which was super useful. They give three possible local stations from which Grimmauld Place would be in short walking distance: Goodge St, Camden Town or Caledonian Road.

While the other locations are probably fine, the Goodge St option is the most intriguing. It would place the house relatively close to the Ministry & the Leaky Cauldron. It's also not that far from Soho, which was a bit of a crazy place in the 70s (according to my googling), and definitely somewhere a young Sirius might have headed out as a rebellious 15 year old (probably where he picked up all those posters in his room).

So I found a square that was built in the Georgian era for aristocratic families called Fitzroy Square in the area. And while Grimmauld Place is obviously a street rather than on a square, I think the vibes are similar.

Fitzroy Square is close to a different station but Grimmauld Place is a fictional street - so I'd say it's a similar in vibe location, just down towards Goodge St Station.

Basically, in my head, Grimmauld Place is somewhere in Fitzrovia. An area of London that wasn't necessary "swinging" in the 1990s (as far as my googling tells me) but would have been perfectly adequate for the Black family in the 1970s.

Any of the above stations are in the old St Pancras Borough area, if I'm reading my maps right, and that's super interesting because it connects to another headcanon of mine about the house.

From the 19th century onwards, the parish and borough of St Pancras was home to a large, mostly middle-class, German population.

Irma Crabbe (Walburga's mother) was the original owner of Grimmauld Place. She inherited it because she was the Firstborn (gender irrelevant). Then Walburga inherited it when her mother died, because she was also the Firstborn. And then when she died, it went to Sirius - despite his disownment, since the house was seperate from the main branch's estates.

Anyway, Irma Crabbe was a German witch from a very prominent family. They were allies of the House of Black and would have used Grimmauld Place for as a house to live in while in England. It would also give them easy access to important locations such as Diagon Alley and the Ministry of Magic.

A large German population would have been a big plus in their books, as they likely didn't purchase No. 12 until the middle of the 19th century (considering the house has gas lamps for lighting, which became fashionable around that time) or later.

The house is also the reason why Walburga and Orion were married to each other; since she came with a large, centrally located house as part of her dowry. Having that estate come into the main family would be very beneficial for the family (the House of Black tends not to marry each other, according to their family tree. The match was very unusual and there must have been some kind of motive).

P.S. the reason why I call Irma a German witch is because of her name "Irma" and because Crabbe does not appear of the Sacred 28 list - so the family likely moved to England after the list was published. Crabbe is an Germanic sounding surname. Plus, her firstborn daughter is named Walburga which is a very Germanic sounding name.

[sigerson]

Would you like to talk about Andrew Wyeth paintings? What do you think of them?

Hi! So, first of all, thank you for asking. It's always great to talk about Wyeth's works, especially in light of Remus and Sirius's relationship (I'm interested in his paintings essentially because of them). Basically, Wyeth's paintings are particularly fascinating to me for their portrayal of the haunted world imbricated in the most domestic and familiar places.

Wyeth's works don't have an eminently objective way of representing an urban or natural scene. His landscapes are always subjective manifestations that incorporate sensitive and abstract elements of American culture. The paintings include not only concretely visible phenomena but also those of an imaginary order that concern the forms of thinking and experiencing space (see Evening at Kuerners, No Trespassing, and Witching Hour). In fact, if you're digging for an example, his works remind me a lot of antique cartography, which was not an art that only showed real locations; it also included imaginary or allegoric elements.

This idea brings to my mind the haunted houses and places that we experience in Remus and Sirius' world, from the Marauder's Map to the Shrieking Shack and the cave Padfoot lives in, besides the spaces created exclusively by the readers like Lupin's strange and isolated house in Wales or Sirius' apartment decorated with his family paraphernalia from the wizarding world (while being simultaneously located in Camden Town). As if we participated in Wyeth's paintings, we created the magical world based on this contrasting game between the orderly and sober nature and the wild woods and houses. We joined in the game by including bizarre objects in the narrative and also by hybridizing their human and animal forms (is Remus the wolf exclusively during the full moon?).

Places such as caves, shacks, houses and forests are elements in both Wyeth's painting and the wizarding world that aim to represent this feeling of protection so desired by men and animals; to represent places that can combat hostilities from the outside world. I see in both these media a kind of search for shelter, for a safe place, a location that reflects the will of the human being to return to inhabit a home in which he found himself protected. However, at the same time, these spaces are tied to a landscape that seems suspended somehow, or perhaps holding a malaise or a threat (see Open and Closed, Renfield, and The Mill). A figuration of terror and a sense of the unfamiliar reside in these places, belonging to a penumbral, ominous world where houses don't have adequately illuminated windows, for example.

The Shrieking Shack is precisely that: a place of boundaries, borders, and unexpected events. A place where Sirius, acknowledged as a monster and an omen of death (no less), becomes a human being, and Remus, inversely, the morally responsible professor with good manners, transforms into the said monster.

[eyeslikewatercoolers]

I'm bored at home today, so here's the full list of the plots for all of the s14 AU's that I have. Also I just wanted these in a post that's easier to find for the future.

-Magic AU (Jasco with Pillby in the background)

Jasmine is a witch from the magic realm, who's considered a 'late bloomer'. Her magic abilities are very limited, and she starts feeling like an outsider with the other witches and magical beings. She decides to move to the human realm to start a new chapter. Everything is going well for her; she lives with her other witch friend Kerri and Kerri's girlfriend, Willow, and she gets a job at a small coffee shop. Until she gets closer to the coffee shop's manager, Bosco, and her magic abilities wake up and quickly become uncontrolable.

-Soulmates AU (Jasya with Camgeria and platonic Willsco)

Soulmates all have a connection, and they can feel pain in their soulmates. There are three levels of connection(which each become less common up the scale); 1-Physical pain, 2-Emotional Pain, and 3-Telepathy. Jasmine and Daya (and their friends) know their soulmates, but they refuse to acknowledge it since they absolutely despise each other, and often annoy each other with small injuries/ailments.

-Magical Girl AU (Camine with Willgeria and Dayasco background)

Camden has been fighting witches and protecting their city as a magical girl for over 10 years. She lost her long term partner to a witch recently, and can’t seem to get along with any other potential partner. Enter Jasmine, who’s brand new to being a magical girl, and barely passed her training and can’t seem to find a partner that's able to work well with her.

- Vampire AU (Jasyasco with Camgeria and Rosnali background)

Bosco and Daya were in a happy and healthy relationship with their girlfriend, Jasmine. But one evening, Jasmine suddenly doesn't return home for several days, and her dead body is found in a local river. The couple spends months grieving their loss and starts to feel ready to move on. Until Jasmine comes back, appearing to be alive and well, with no memory of her disappearance or the last several months. But Jasmine constantly feels cold to the touch, sensitive to the sunlight, and starts getting an insatiable craving for blood.

- Love Letter AU (Jasya, also potentially part of the wedding planner AU, if we get that far in the future

Daya and Jasmine absolutely hate each other, and everyone and their mother believes this, except for Jasmine. Jasmine has had a growing crush on Daya, but obviously can't admit her feelings. So she keeps up arguing and bickering with Daya and writes letters to express her feelings in some way, all addressed to Daya. She never intends to send the letters, she just writes the letters and keeps them hidden like a diary collection. While Jasmine goes out of town for a couple weeks, Daya accidentally finds some of the letters that Jasmine forgot to hide with the others.

Literally, nobody asked for this, but dash is dead today, so here's this au list.

[thecondemnedangelgabriel]

Of Course

Truth Scares All

Evil HAS been Ruling Things

The Drumming for Just Death of the Executioner Tregonning

Is a demand from this Living God who had Already Been Outlawed

Under a Denied Murderous Fatal Persecution

By Hidden Holocaust and Slaughterhouse AND the Towers of London

...for Asking After Roxanne for the Wellbeing of Roxanne O O

... for the Wellbeing of Children

... for the Wellbeing of ALL

... Criticising MURDEROUS Bad Behaviour in that London Circle

... in a Free Society on a Public Site with a Necessary V

It Became Unbelievable In Its Complicity and Collaborations

With Totality

Psychopathic Culture and the Black Hole V

This is the Good Apocalypse }{

Intervention!

V!

Holy Spirit and Past Life Recall O O O

Abuses of Power

As the River Flowed Backwards the Over Flower

O!

Roxanne and the Joyless Division of Hidden Holocaust Redlight O O

The Camden Slave and Victimised SOUL... in a Denied Life Unkarmic Continuum

And Trapped O

Sof

Made an Honest Outlaw by the Corrupt and Blind Police...

For being Hunted by the Damned Souls sent by Old God Luna

Should not Tell A Soul

For Good Order O O O In A Mad Upside Down World

O

The Drumming is a Demand in the Face of Evilest Denial of Atrocity

The Voices from Slaveries

The Downtrodden in Tyranny

The Reservoir

Of Erasure and Suppressions

V

For Wrongs to be Righted and the End of the DENIAL of Death...

A Western Hell's Mouth Syndrome That Informs the Persecution

Of This Honest Holy Woman Impossible O O O

Sainted White Witch from Aberystwyth now Mother Moon Goddess

O

For Life And Death To Be Just

And for the Karmic River to Flow

As it MUST

O

It came after Huge Holy Miracle

Which took place in the World Spiritual Between Souls O O

And in the World Geographical... on the Banks of the Taff

On Diana Street and in the Orangerie of Roath Park in Cardiff

By the Lake of the Swans...

O

Which took place on the Journey to see a Sacred Elephant

Skanda Vale and the Church of the Five Saints

Merlin's Town

To Represent Vera Void who Angels would give No Just Audience To

To ASK God

WHY so much Hell in the World

V

Wales O

V

It was Vast Real Powerful Miracle in 2016... the advent of Apple Gods

She had been Weeping In Urgent Horror On The Line

For the Inevitable Deaths that She Felt Rumbling On

The Underground

Roxanne had Hurt Himself SO MUCH that His Soul left His Body

And occupied His Closest Soulmate's Overnight... on Diana Street...

She had seen His Spirit in the Branches of an Orange Tree...

And Blessed It

Calling for the Sacred Mother... O O O Giant

To Vanquish Quacking Demons

And then to Climb... Most Urgently... A Hill in Wales

Ancient Site of Human Sacrifice in Skanda Vale

For Interview With God

In the form of an Elephant

A Man Called Peter from Swansea... Led Sara Upward

O!

V

Huge Miracle... Her Soul Knocked So Hard that She Entered The Land Of The Dead

And the Souls of the Spirits... Swarmed through the Thinned Veil

Threshold of Place and of Death and of Life

It was a few weeks later that Trump Gained Power... in America

O

The Miracle was denigrated and ignored... by Human Beings

Because of the Old Mocking Angels O V

Who instead came under Strong Influence... to bring Antichrist Risen

But it has already come to Greatest Flowering within only 8 Years

Across All Worlds

And Ended The Slaughterhouse

It Unfolds Unstoppably

The Innocenti Soul Sacrifice

V

It is the Blossoming

And the Bloom

Of God The Giant

V

O

}{

[evita-shelby]

Forbidden

Based on @justrainandcoffee post where tommy is married to Rose and Eva to Alfie

For both @justrainandcoffee and @emotionalcadaver

Cw: open marriage, cheating, illegitimate children, drama

Rose was born to love Alfie just as Eva was born to love Tommy, and yet the whims of a higher power have made Rose a Shelby and Eva a Solomons.

Rose married Tommy to escape Lawerence Evertt and Eva married Alfie to escape death by firing squad. Neither are happy despite their many attempts and until they happened to meet their true soulmates by chance and realized they were married to the wrong person.

Eva met Tommy when he came to meet her husband in 1922 while Rose had reconnected with her love in the same train station she was to meet her husband on in the winter of 1918.

There was a silent agreement in their marriages, you go your way, I will go mine.

If Diane Solomons had Tommy Shelby’s cheekbones and left blue eye or if Mrs. Shelby seemed to book all their reservations with Mrs. Solomons only for both women to exchange spouses every time, no one dared to speak it out loud.

They could divorce, but their reputations could not handle it. Not after both Rose and Tommy entered politics and Eva rose so high in society even the Queen feared the witch’s displeasure.

1923 turns to 1927 and until that night they believed they could weather it and keep their arrangements until their marriage ended with death. One cannot simply divorce a gangster, nor can a female politician weather the shitstorm that would come from marrying her best friend’s ex husband while said friend married the other point of the triangle.

It is at a party for Tommy’s reelection campaign that both couples realize they cannot wait anymore.

Eva steals away with Tommy the moment both could invent a reason to get away, and Rose decides her career isn’t worth this torment and runs out of there.

She knows Birmingham as good as she knows Camden Town and leads Alfie to a Night Market she’s been dying to show him.

“This is wrong.” She breathes as they kiss in a dark corner, still terrified of stepping into the light hand and hand.

“They don’t care, love, what do you think they are doing in that dressing room right now? Next year I’ll be holding a bris for his bastard and you and I pretending we’re just friends.” Alfie says bitterly thinking Rose will call it off again.

“No, I don’t mean that, Alfie. I mean us not being together. Why must we all be miserable when the four of us can be happy with the right person? Eva loves Tommy in ways I never will, and I love you in ways she cannot.

Tommy knows it, I know it. Parliament isn’t worth all our suffering, my love.” Rose threw her arms around his neck feeling happier than she had ever been. “What do you say, Alfie Solomons, are you willing to see me burn it all to the ground for you?”

[ao3feed-malira]

COMPLETE MESS | teen wolf

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/VqEz9mW

by lanalovex

in which the sleepy town of beacon hills begins to reveal its true colors

Words: 9889, Chapters: 3/3, Language: English

Fandoms: Teen Wolf (TV)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Major Character Death

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M

Characters: Isaac Lahey, Asher Stilinski, Stiles Stilinski, Parker Stilinski, Sheriff Stilinski, Isaac Lahey's Father, Lydia Martin, Allison Argent, Chris Argent, Scott McCall (Teen Wolf), Melissa McCall, Liam Dunbar, Mason Hewitt, Corey Bryant (Teen Wolf), Theo Raeken, Aurora James, Griffin James, Cordelia Peirce, Hayden Romero, Malia Tate, Danny Mahealani, Bobby Finstock, Jackson Whittemore, Ethan (Teen Wolf), Aiden (Teen Wolf), Derek Hale, Peter Hale, Jordan Parrish, Kate Argent, Erica Reyes, Vernon Boyd, Kira Yukimura, Rayna Dillon, Nessa Blake, Jade Thomas, Xavier Blake, Alan Deaton, Rayanne Deaton, Harper Blake, Adeline Blake

Relationships: Isaac Lahey/Original Female Character(s), Allison Argent/Original Female Character(s), Allison Argent/Scott McCall, Derek Hale/Original Male Character(s), Allison Argent/Isaac Lahey/Original Female Character, Lydia Martin/Stiles Stilinski, Theo Raeken/Original Female Character(s), Sheriff Stilinski/Original Female Character(s), Malia Tate/Kira Yukimura

Additional Tags: Isaac Lahey & Stiles Stilinski Friendship, Isaac Lahey Feels, Isaac Lahey and Liam Dunbar are siblings, Camden Lahey is Jordan Parrish, Stydia, Scott McCall & Stiles Stilinski Friendship, Derek Hale & Scott McCall are Both Alphas, Witches, Beacon Hills (Teen Wolf), Bisexual Female Character, Teen wolf fix it, Supernatural Elements, Hybrids, Werewolf Hunters, Were-Creatures, Werewolf Culture, Werewolf Mates, Malia Tate is a Hale, Malia Tate & Jackson Whittemore are Siblings, Bisexual Malia Tate

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/VqEz9mW

[yaggydigital]

Moodboard for my witch OC Gemma.

[wandawiccan60]

Part 20: The Witch of Camden Town

Alfie Solomon’s X Jovonka(FemOC)

A/N: Hello everyone I hope you’re all having a wonderful 2023 so far and I am back with another new successful chapter for my Alfie story. I hope you guys enjoy it for those of you who have been following me in this journey and I want to thank you as always. In this chapter i had a hard time knowing where to stop but I am very happy where it ended. I know this part seemed sad again (I’m sorry guys 😔) but don’t worry guys Thomas is going to have a very big plot in the next few chapters😉😉😉. As always guys please comment, reblog, and gives follow it’ll mean a lot for the page and again guys you all rock . And as usual I’ll see you all on the post and Enjoy!!!

P.S. I’m typing on my IPad so this made me really happy to be able to write on my new IPad keyboard. 😃😃😃

ALFIE SOLOMON’S MASTERLIST

Word Count: 5,266

TAGS: @hecatemoon87, @i-love-th-characters1, @jarvisrocks, @zablife, @kittycatcait219, @evita-shelby, @theshelbyclan, @theshelbyslimited,, @ao3feed-symbrock, @rikki-b-lake, @annisse, @alikaheroes, @tomhardyspinkyfinger, @edwardthomashardy1, @star017, @thealmightybitchgoddess, @mollybegger-blog, @ninja-potato-shelby-solomons, @tea-atfive, @professor-alfie-solomons, @solomons-finest-rum, @symbean, @veddieiscanon, @97freaknik, @jollysoulfestivalfreak, @weirdgirl16355, @omgeternal, @twvstedsouls, @bubblyani, @buttercup32sstuff,@queenofthefaceless, @queencoraline3, @quarterpastmidnight, @thefics-that-drip, @queen-multi-fandoms, @lovebitesimagines, @alfiesolomons-treacle, @vee-eddie, @spicyshelf, @maladeusa, @shahandy, @skibbidybeep, @maddymax67,

WARNING 18+ ONLY!!!: Some Cussing, Some Blood, Trauma(mostly Alfie has PTSD sort of), Mentions of Child Mistreatment, & Even More Devastation

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 Arrow House: 1 Month Later

Alfie… Alfie darling… can you hear me love…

“Mmm… Jo- Jovonka?” Said Alfie, turning his head from one side to the other against the soft white pillow, hearing that familiar voice again. 

He saw her again, that heavenly goddess face of hers with that smile so bright. Her long brown hair softly waved through the smooth breeze. He saw her wearing a gorgeous long white sleeve dress standing on a big green field with a small cottage house shown from behind. 

“JOVONKA!” He screamed out while inhaling a long fresh of air, his eyes bursting open wide.

Alfie noticed he could see clearly from one eye while the other saw nothing but blurriness. It only made the Jewish king feel panicked, not wanting to believe that half of his sight was gone. 

Alfie noticed he could see clearly from one eye while the other saw nothing but blurriness. It only made the Jewish king feel panicked, not wanting to believe that half of his sight was gone. 

“No… no this can’t fuckin’ be, it’s impossible,” he cried out the old maid tried her best to comfort him as much as she could.

“Sir, please try to calm yourself. Breathe in and calmly. You’re safe and try not to move too much as well. You suffered too many injuries when Mr. Shelby’s men found you in the water banks off of Small Heath. Here, drink some wat-.”

“Small Heath?” Exclaimed Alfie once he heard the woman say Shelby and the town he was in. “Your fucking with me, aren’t you, madam? How long have I been in this place? And why did they bring me here?”

“Because Mr. Solomon’s you were almost at the brink of death and it was the right choice to bring you here in my home,” interrupted Thomas standing by the open door of the room, “and also you would have easily been put away in the gutter or easily found by the people that wanted you dead from the start.”

The Peaky walked his way next to the left side of the bed. Alfie remained quiet while the old woman stood up on her feet.

“What the fuck really happened to you, Alfie? Who did you start a war with now, eh?” Thomas pushed on, wondering how the fearless Jewish king of Camden Town ended up in such a way something he never thought he would see. 

“It’s somethin’ you will not understand Tommy, it is more of a personal thin’ than business mate,” said Alfie, remembering the day they took away his entire world in front of his own eyes.

Thomes in silence was now curious to know what caused him to end up powerless and weak.

“Righ’. Frances brings some food for Mr. Solomon’s if you please,” he said as the old maid nodded her head, walking her way out of the room, leaving both men alone.

Thomas took his silver case containing his cigarettes, putting one between his thin lips. 

“You should know already that I have a condition, mate. Smokin’ in my presence affects me, so I suggest yea not to do it,” said Alfie, pointing a finger at the Shelby, flickering open the lighter before burning the white stick.

“So what was it then Alfie?” Tommy went on lighting the cigarette ignoring the Jew’s warning as he kept asking more questions, “if it wasn’t for business then what caused the man himself to end up losing half his site and fractured bones? There had to be a reason to let yourself be fucked over like thi-.”

“I SAID LEAVE IT! It’s somethin’ I only should know of and you shouldn’ so don’t you push it, yea?’’ Alfie screamed out, breathing in hotly through his nostrils, staring back at Thomas feeling unbothered for one bit.

However, the Jew felt tears forming against his eyes, feeling his lips quiver slowly, nodding his head from side to side. Tommy never thought of seeing the king of Camden Town show emotion. He then walked his way towards the other side of the room until he sat on a brown hand chair. All the while, Alfie felt a tear stream down from the corner of his good eye. There was stillness in the room except for the crackling of wood coming from the fireplace. Tommy forward himself by his elbows, looking up at the once fierce crime boss crumbled with weakness. Alfie exhaled out an inaudible sigh and spoke up a moment later.

“I lost somethin’ so much more precious and dear to my heart than the distillery and the house in Margate,” he said between broken words recalling the horrific event in his mind as he went on, “she was everything to me Tommy, like you don’ imagine.”

“And who was she to you that sounds precious to you?” Thomas said, looking down at his cigarette stick letting out a slow puff, knowing exactly where this was going.

“Her name is Jovonka, the most beautiful goddess to ever walk upon this world. More marvelous than gold and silver that I have seen, oh god if only…,” Alfie closed his eyes as flashes of Jovonka’s smile and moments with her came into play as he clenched his eyes tightly together. 

Thomas said little as he let him release his sorrows out. As he sat up straight, placing the white stick between his lips. The Birmingham king felt what Alfie was feeling since he had lost two important people before in his life. The first, of course, was his mother Martha; she died of unknown causes once his father Arthur returned from the war. She did everything to raise him and his brothers and little sister Ada after their father abandoned them. Until Polly took the role of being both a mother and aunt and the accountant of the Shelby Company Limited. And then came along with Grace, who he almost lost her to a bullet at a formal party one night. Thomas took the shot and got hit on his lower back, not minding the hot pain that he felt that night. What mattered to him was her wife was alive and unharmed, even if he had to die for her. He inhaled another drag from his cigarette before he spoke once more.

“How did you lose her and by whom?” Thomas asked, lighting out the white stick on an ashtray Alfie then wiped the rest behind his right hand answering Thomas’ question.

“That fuckin’ wop himself, Darby Sabini. He took my dove away from me all because he wanted her for himself but for his sick reasons. It’s a long story mate, but one thing that I’ll promise is he is goin’ to pay and die once I have my hands around his bloody neck just to give him a taste of what seeing the fuckin’ devil would be like. He’ll see,” said Alfie, tightening his hands into hard fists angrily, remembering how Sabini put his filthy hands and cut her delicate face. 

“Fuckin’ hell Alfie, out of everyone in London, you're at war with him. How did you make him your biggest threat, considering you both are very close? And having your… I’m assuming they took away your wife from you and ending like this,” Thomas said, pressing his lips together while nodding his head in disappointment, not believing his friend would do such a thing.

“Hehe, nice try Tommy, she ain’t my wife not yet to say, but I’ve been thinkin’ of askin’ her to be mine way before the incident with Sabini. Which I should have when I had the chance, but it seems it will not happen. How long have I been asleep for eh?” Alfie asked, trying to get out of bed while feeling a sharp pain behind his back, which he stopped moving for a moment.

“It has been over a month since we found you half dead on the longboat. You were injured, half your face almost unrecognizable, blood everywhere like a slaughtered animal,” Tommy went on saying, but this shocked the Camden gangster hearing how long time has passed.

“You said fuckin’ what Tommy? Listen sweetheart, I’m not sure if you didn’t hear me correctly righ’ or you just didn’t clean your ears out properly this morning. But I’ll be asking you again mate, how long was I fuckin’ unconscious and don’t be a cunt if you repeat what you said before. Or I’m going to murder you even if I’m stuck in this infernal bed, yea?” Alfie demanded back, giving a deadly stare at Thomas, which the Peaky didn’t seem to bother about.

Before Thomas could repeat himself, there was a knock on the door, knowing who it was.

“Come in Frances,” called out the Shelby man as the front door opened as the maid came inside carrying a silver tray with Alfie’s breakfast on it.

“Is there anything else I could get you, Mr. Shelby?” She asked, placing the tray on top of a large wooden table filling a white china cup with black tea.

“No, that’ll do Frances, thank you,” said Tommy, dismissing her politely, to which she just nodded her head and walked her way out of the room, leaving both men alone once again.

It was quiet between the two. Alfie still wanted an answer, feeling rage from inside himself, not believing that it had been a month when he was almost beaten to death. It’s impossible for time to go by that quickly, but for Alfie he still didn’t want to admit what the Shelby was saying.

“Alfie, listen to me. I know it might seem like a joke to you, but it’s the truth. You have been in and out of consciousness whenever you said things Frances couldn’t understand. She tried to relax you by giving you many medications to calm you down,” Thomas said, but he could tell by Alfie’s facial expression he was not having it, nodding his head in disappointment.

“Why did you take me in, Tommy, eh? Instead of easily sending me to a hospital?” Replied Alfie carefully sat up from bed feeling a sore, faint pain on his back, letting out a low hiss groan.

“Because if you ended up in the hospital instead of bringing you in me house you would have easily gotten recognized and killed no matter what. That is how much I care for you, Alfie, even if we had some bad blood in the past. So you still believe I’m lying to you or agree with what I have said to you?” Thomas stood up on his feet, reaching out for a glass of water directing the cup towards Alfie.

The Jew swiftly knocked off the glass from Tommy’s hand, both water and shattered glass spread onto the hard wooden floor. The Shelby didn’t seem to be bothered by this behavior and instead just placed his hands inside the pocket of his black pants. He eyed Alfie once again, seeing water against his eyes, seeing and feeling that anger inside of him. 

“This can’t fuckin’ be mate, a month has passed by already,” Alfie said, caressing his beard while nodding his head. “I’m afraid at this point in time I fear they have done the worst to my Jovonka. That Italian bastard will see his Judgement day once I have me hand around his neck. I must search for my Jovonka even if my body hurts.”

“Alfie, don’t move. Stay still and rest your not fully recovered.”

“Leave me fuckin’ be! I can’t sit here the whole time while my Jovonka is still out there, probably at this moment afraid, gettin’ touch and tortured by that dirty fuckin’ devil while you're tellin’ me to stay here like if I had a disease! So don’t tell me yea that I need to wait for myself to heal like if you’re my decision maker!” She burstingly said, breathing harshly through his nostrils seeing in Thomas’ eyes, which he didn’t seem to flinch for once. 

Tommy said nothing for a while, hearing Alfie’s breathing calm down little by little. Until he came to his senses feeling his body relaxed, but he didn’t expect to hear what Thomas was about to say to him next.

“Look, Alfie, if you want and if you’re alright in what I am going to say. Me, me brothers, and me gang can spread out and search for your woman. I insist it doesn’t matter how long it’ll take us to find Jovonka either day or night, weeks, months, whatever. I know what you want the most in this universe is to have her back with you safe and out of harm’s way. You’ve done things for me before in the past, and I think it’s fair for me to return the favor by helping you with what I’m proposing to Alfie. But you have the last word,” said Thomas, turning to face the large glass window overlooking the fields in front of his house, hoping for the gangster Jew to say yes.

Alfie thought king and hard inside of his mind on what he just heard from his dear peaky friend. It didn’t sound like such a bad idea, considering the state he was in at the moment. However, he had a bit of a trust issue towards Tommy, his brothers and his Peaky gang. Thinking if all of this was some sort of lie that Thomas is making up. But deep down Alfie had to believe in him for this once feeling knowing fully well is giving his word and life. If it means death to find Jovonka with the Peaky Blinders help, then so be it. What Alfie cares about and is important to him right now is to have Jovonka in his arms once again and her sisters to be found. The Jew then pulled the white blankets off from him and carefully put down his feet, feeling the touch of the cold floor below him. Groaning under his breath while supporting his weight against his arms, he finally spoke after a long pause.

“Find my Jovonka Tommy and bring her home to me, as well as her two sisters. Please bring them back as well. Their names are Isabel and Elena. I just hope they aren’t harmed. And I hope it is not too late either,” begged Alfie, making the Peaky king turn to look at him with a confused look on his face.

“Wait Elena?” 

“Yes, Tommy, she’s just a little girl. I can’t imagine how afraid she would be feelin’ at this mome-.”

“Elena, I know who she is. She’s back at the orphanage in Birmingham,” Thomas said, cutting off the Jewish man. His eyes grew wide in shock, not believing what the Peaky just said.

“How, how did you find her, Tommy? Where was she? Did she escape from Sabini? Were her older sisters there with her?” Alfie asked from one question to the other that Thomas couldn’t keep up.

“Alfie, hold on a moment and listen,” The Peaky man said, trying to calm the Camden Town king down as he continued on, “her only company that she had with her was a large brown dog and two men that tried to take her away. But we saved her in no time. We killed one of them, but we have one as a hostage down at the docks. We already know that they work for Sabini, but there will be more of them coming, no matter what.”

The Wandering Jew just nodded his head slowly, feeling both shocked and relieved to hear Little Elena is safe and sound. However, it made Alfie think for a moment or two, feeling worried for the little girl to be recognized again, even if it’s at a place where there were many people. He didn’t fully trust the caretakers inside the orphanage and would rather have her here at the Arrow House than be in Birmingham.

“I thank you Tommy, really I do. However, I just feel it’s best for Elena to be here in your home. No disrespect to your institution or anything, but I would feel more at ease if she would be here instead. I just fear they would take away from her at any moment or be noticeable again. If that is alright with you and, of course, your wife,” suggested Alfie, hoping it wasn’t too much to ask from the Shelby.

Thomas agreed with him completely, thinking that Elena would be more comfortable in his house, especially that Alfie was here. And so later that day, he drove his way back to Birmingham and bringing Elena back to his haven.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Grace Shelby Institute 

Young children were laughing and playing around the small courtyard except for Elena, where she sat on a long brown wooden bench in a far corner. While Cyril laid flat on his stomach beneath the white pavement floor, eyeing the other little people in front of him. Ever since Thomas left her here at the orphanage weeks ago, it has been hard for Elena to socialize with the other girls her age. Especially the ones that have teased and called her names for no apparent reason just because she is new to the place. Since the first night, Elena couldn’t sleep thinking about if she will ever see her sisters and Alfie again one day. She went as far in thinking that she might spend the rest of her youth until she was old enough to fend for herself. Only with time will Elena have to accept the fact that Jovonka and Isabel might be long gone before she reached a certain age. But it is too early to think of such a false prediction that she knows it will never happen. As she continued to sit quietly minding her own self until suddenly she felt a painful hit on the side of her head. She let out a small “ouch” placing a hand on the spot where she got hit. Elena then felt her hand become sticky and watery, not realizing that blood came out from the top of her head. She removed her hand away from the spot until she saw her tiny hand marked with her own blood. She felt her heart pumping uncontrollably, not knowing what to do. There was sudden laughter coming from the bullies that threw the small pebble rock at her. Cyril growled at the little devils, and out of nowhere, another peddle was thrown at poor Elena. Hitting her this time on her left cheek, leaving a small red bruise. 

“Circus freak circus freak,” yelled out a boy about 10 years of age throwing another pebble, missing her completely accidentally hitting the big mutt, making him bark furiously.

This made the children back away, fearing that the dog would leap at them and bite. As well as the little girls that threw the first pebble, we’re also afraid of the big dog seeing the big sharp teeth that he was showing off. Cyril didn’t stop barking until a bell was chiming throughout the playground, indicating that their free time was over.

“Everyone make several straight lines, if you please. Come along now, yes,” said one nun, who were the caretakers of the orphanage and the children, did what they were told.

Elena stayed where she was, pressing both of her hands on the side of her head, putting a bit of pressure. She felt like she was about to faint, but she leaned back for a moment, resting her head against the white brick wall of the building. Elena tried her best to not let the tears that were forming inside of her. But with all of her strength that she had inside, it was no use until she became breakable. She hated the feeling of being inside a place where she being mistreated differently and being told nasty things. Elena wished to be back home in Romania just like the old times when she felt like an ordinary little girl. Where she could be in her own world and instead of being pushed and shoved by people, she didn’t even do harm to them. Her tears continued to stream down slowly on both of her cheeks until she heard her name being called.

“Elena, what happened to you? Here, come on, let’s go get you fixed up, yes?” Thomas said, placing his hands gently on top of her small shoulders, but she didn’t move an inch.

He noticed the now dried blood on both her forehead and hands. Elena still cried her eyes out. Cyril tried his best to comfort his little companion while he nuzzled and whined at her. Thomas knelt down in front of the little girl, taking her hands in his.

“Why are they so cruel to me? I just don’t understand… I want to go back home with my mama, papa, Jovonka, Alfie and Isabel. But I feel they will be gone when I’m older, and I’ll be all alone and no one to go to,” said Elena between whimpers, wiping her tears with the back of her hands.

Thomas could feel the pain that the little girl was feeling seeing that the place hadn’t been treating her with welcoming arms. Which is something that he has talked with the headteacher of the institute in his own way, of course. 

“Elena, you’re never going to be alone anymore. What if I told you that I should bring you home with me instead? So you don’t have to be here anymore. How does that sound to you, eh?” Said Thomas with a small smile. Elena looked up at the blue-eyed man, not wanting to believe him at first.

“You mean forever?” She replied.

“Yes, my dear, forever.”

Little Elena, without a minute to lose, hugged the thin man by the neck. He returned the gesture, gently carrying her in his arms.

“Let’s get you to your new home now,” Thomas said as both he and Elena made their way towards the inside of the building Cyril was following behind them.

Some hours went by as Elena was waiting patiently outside of the headmaster’s office, dangling her small legs to entertain herself. All the while, Thomas was confronting and making death threats and accusing the nuns for not properly watching over Elena. They were deeply in denial, telling the Shelby that they had been watching over the little girl, but Thomas wasn’t having it. But he easily mentally broke them once he told the nuns that if he ever sees that kind of behavior once more in his own orphanage there will be a price to pay. 

They then looked at each other until the main nun handed him out Elena’s documents without exchanging a glance or a word. Thomas took the papers, bid the nuns farewell and left them with one last chilling comment.

“Remember something ladies, there is God, then there are the Peaky Blinders. Good day sisters,” and with that he was gone, taking Elena back to Arrow House where she will be herself and be safely secured from the outside world.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Arrow House, Warwickshire

The sound of both Alfies’ footsteps and wooden cane echoed throughout the large living room. While overseeing through another large window as the sun was setting from afar. He ghastly stopped pacing back and forth since he got out of the bed, anxious and waiting as patiently as he could for Elena’s arrival. Inside the other room, there was Thomas’ young boy Charlie playing with his toys while her mother, Grace, sat on a large couch reading a book by the fireplace. She was hesitant at first when Alfie arrived at her home, thinking that he would bring lots of trouble for her, Thomas, and the rest of her family. But seeing the condition that he was in almost on the brink of death, she welcomed him. However, once Alfie gets fully stabled, she told Tommy that he needs to leave afterwards with no excuses. Which he promised her, but he hasn’t told her the other deal he did with him and that would make her upset. Alfie suddenly mumbled under his breath as he checked through the window seeing if there was a car already coming his way, but there wasn’t. 

“Where the bloody fuckin’ hell are they? It’s almost goin’ to be dark soon,” he said in a bothered tone while tapping his right foot, losing a bit of patience.

He didn’t notice Frances standing in the living room doorframe. She then spoke to him, making Alfie come back from his train of thought.

“Mr Solomon’s sir, sorry for the bother, but dinner is about to be ready soon. Will you be joining Mrs. Shelby and Charlie so I can set a plate for you?” She asked the Camden gangster, but he didn’t bother to look at her and said nothing.

Taking it as a no, Frances left the man alone, asking no further questions. But he then heard another woman’s voice with an Irish like accent knowing who it was without turning to look.

“You really care very much for this girl, don’t you, Mr. Solomon’s?” said Grace, leaning against the frame of the door, crossing her arms together. 

“Indeed, she is, and I kept a promise to both Jovonka and Isabel that I will keep them all safe, but I failed miserably. And now this time I have to keep Elena close to me if it kills me,” he said, gripping the top of the cane remembering the first time he saved the little girl back at the distillery and the start of a bond between her and him.

“If you don’t mind me asking, Mr. Solomon’s is Elena your daughter or some other family member of yours?” She asked, walking inside the room as she sat down on one of the couch armchairs hoping it wasn’t too much to ask.

“Hehe, funny that you say that Mrs. Shelby, but she ain’t my daughter. If she was my blood, I would break hell and would start losing my mind little by little. But she became family to me and so did Isabel, her older sister and then my love Jovonka. She became my everything in this world that I could have ever thought of having. Until I lost her that day, when he came to ruin everything,” he said, inhaling hot breaths through his nostrils can’t get that awful image out of his mind when Sabini cut her precious soft face. 

Grace nodded her head silently, understanding what Alfie is feeling at the moment, which she would feel the same way if he were in his place. Thinking about if something terrible would happen to her, Charlie and Thomas, she would most likely lose her mind as well. They are her whole life and happiness. Without them she would feel hopeless, lost, and feel a black dark hole in her heart. It sometimes haunted her, but tried her best to not think of it too much. Before she could ask Alfie another question, the little boy Charlie came inside while carrying a wooden horse toy between his hands.

“Mama,” he said, showing off the toy to his mother while she smiled, placing him on top of her lap hugging him close to her.

Alfie saw this, seeing the happy innocent son and mother sharing a tender moment in which he felt warm inside. Seeing how close of a bond they have together, reminding him of what he felt with Elena when they were back in Margate. Sharing wonderful memories and letting her be like a child, that she is meant to act. There was a sudden light coming from outside the window, which showed that Thomas and Elena had finally arrived.

“Father is here,” Charlie cheerfully saw the headlights of the car coming to a complete stop as he hopped off from her mother’s lap.

“Yes, it is papa. Come on, let’s go see him, Mr. Solomons. Will you join us?” Grace asked, but the only reply she got from him was just a nodding gesture.

As the trio made it to the front door of the house, Thomas came out of the car as he opened the door for Elena. Scared at first as she hugged Cyril close in her tiny arms. 

“It’s alright Elena, you’re safe, and I forgot to tell you, but there is someone that has been waiting for your arrival. He’s waiting for you at the door, do you trust me?” He said giving her another reassuring smile extending his right hand out to her Elena took his hand as she made her way out of the car her feet touching the dirt floor while Cyril followed right behind her 

In front of her, she saw the enormous house. She then saw a woman with beautiful blonde short hair with a nice looking white blouse dress with a little boy next to her. But suddenly behind them she saw a familiar face and, to her shock, she knew who it was right away.

“ALFIE!” she cried out while running her way towards him while the big bullmastiff ran after her, also recognizing his owner.

Alfie fast walked his way down the small steps, not caring if he was still in pain making his way towards the little girl. They both met in the middle of a water fountain. Both Elena and Alfie embraced in a warm, tight hug as he sat on his knees. Cyril excitedly sniffed around Alfie’s scent while he whined at his owner, happy to see his owner once again. 

“Oh, Elena I’m so glad to see you again I thought I lost you too, but thank God you’re here now,” he said leaning back to see her bright face seeing tears streaming down her cheeks, “and you as well Cyril.”

He patted the top of the dog’s head, barking in reply, giving small kisses on the side of his owner’s face, which Alfie just let him be.

Thomas smiled at the scene in front of him, knowing he did the right thing to bring the girl to Alfie. Knowing now that he had to think of what he promised to do for Alfie and that is to find Jovonka and her sister Isabel. 

“It’s good to see you too Alfie I was worried that the evil men caught you. But what happened to your face?” She said, placing her right hand gently against his ugly scar, which didn’t bother him for one bit.

“It’s nothing, Little Elena, and something you shouldn’t worry about too much, yea? We should get inside. It’s getting late. Now are you feelin’ hungry, darlin’? Dinner is about to be served. Would you like some?” He said, giving her a smile at her which she nodded her head in “yes.”

And just like that, Alfie felt at peace finally knowing that Elena was back in his arms and away from harm.

[inkwolvesandcoffee]

Cards & Conversations (Werewolf!Alfie Solomons x Reader)

Genre: Romance, Angst, Drama

Pairing: Werewolf!Alfie Solomons x Shelby!Reader

Word count: 3.8K

Warnings: Mild swearing, difficult father-daughter relationship, emotional abuse, melancholy thoughts, allusion to past violence and death, scars

Summary: We lose things over the years. Family members, innocence, the perfect world you held for a single summer.

Your heart.

But sometimes the gods are gracious and re-entwine your fate with the person you thought you lost forever, vanished after a heated conversation you were shut out of. Carefully shut away in a gilded cage again with only a blank page and his old typewriter for company. However, the tarot cards your brother gave you know what happened ten years ago.

They know why the King has returned to Camden.

Author’s note: This wee piece has turned out heavier in plot than I thought, enough so for me to want to work this out into a proper multi-part story in the future because there is a lot to dissect here and it feels kinda rushed. To me, that is, maybe not to you. Ah dinnae ken.

Anyways, I kept the tarot reading a bit shallow if only because I am still a beginner/someone who does it as a hobby. 

TH Masterlist

Tag list: @potter-solomons​ @vir-tual​ @zablife​ @buttercup32sstuff​ @ilovemanypeople​ @hecatemoon87​ @dreamlandcreations​ @elijahssuit​ @liliac-dreamer​ @alikaheroes​​

Support can come from the most unexpected corner, yet exceed your expectations in tenderness. 

A condolence card.

Flowers for your mother’s grave.

An arm around your shoulders throughout the funeral.

A hand to hold yours while navigating the chaotic and dangerous streets of London when finally having a chance to escape the mansion on the hill.

Fingers to keep yours, comically small compared to his, warm outside. 

In bookshops, only let go of during a cup of coffee or tea should it have a café.

An unnaturally warm body to snuggle up to whenever you feel cold.

Shoulders to be carried on during the odd trip down to Margate.

But those holidays during which my brother, Charlie, and I were kept out of business and separated from the rest of our family came to an end. About ten years ago, a long-standing peace pact was broken.

I can still recall the argument resounding from the drawing room. It’s funny how I thought shielding my ears would not have it touch me. Naive, really, innit?

“You crossed the line, Alfie.”

“You fuckin’ what?”

“You crossed the line.”

“The line?”

“She’s my daughter!”

But that wasn’t the real issue. No, there were two actual problems.

One, I’m Thomas Shelby’s and Grace Burgess’s daughter.

Two, according to my father, despite the similarities in hair and eye colour between us, I am the living embodiment of the only woman he’s ever loved. Don’t get me wrong, Lizzie is great and we get along well. Ruby, bless her spirited little heart, is as much of a sibling to me as Charlie is. 

But she isn’t Mum.

And Thomas wouldn’t let her memory be tainted by a connection to his greatest rival and ally, Alfie Solomons.

The King of Camden.

The alpha of the Camden Town Pack. 

The man who stole my heart ten years ago. 

That brings me to problem number three, hidden in the shadows and all too gladly forgotten. 

I was sixteen. He was thirty-six. 

At the time I didn’t know he had imprinted on me. Neither could I have guessed that there were such a thing as werewolves. The supernatural, in general. It was only when I started working in an odd little bakery run by an elderly woman I discovered how thin the veil between the realms are and what it means to have a certain heritage.

Aunt Polly is right.

We shake hands with devils and we walk past them. 

It’s a blessing to be a witch. But also to be a woman locked in a gilded cage, albeit, paradoxically, with a chance to have a life outside the family business. To have a talent for writing and being able to make a living out of it. To have fans curious about my stories, eager to read them and rejoice whenever they see me at signings and book events.

While I’m glad for what the gods have gifted me, to be a modern filid and possess a sixth sense, I might owe them for the rest of my life.

Because only last month they gave me back my heart.

Drunk, his hair and beard out of control, an ugly deep scar over his left eye leaving it blind, and soaked by the rain, he was there.

Alfie.

On my doorstep.

“So you’re the new witch in town, eh? Set up shop in me borough. Me kingdom,” he drawled. However, the way he leant in the doorway with haunted blue eyes ruined the mock indignation at once. A careful though gentle smile spread on his lips as he took me in. “Fuckin’ ‘ell, you’re even prettier than I remember.”

He leaned in, almost toppling over with unsteady feet. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t save us.” I am still uncertain whether he was heavily sniffling or it was a sob he tried to conceal. ‘‘This godforsaken soul couldn’t save you.’’

Thomas walked in at that moment, acknowledging our surprise guest in a cool voice. “Alfie.”

The prodigal alpha of Camden clumsily righted himself, glaring at the tyrant of the Westminster townhouse. “Tommy, good to see you. ‘Ow’s business?”

“Never been better.” Thomas shifted his attention to me. “Y/N, go upstairs. Mister Solomons and I have to talk.”

“I’m not-’’ I began, looking over my shoulder.

“Go upstairs!”

“Don’t yell at her!” Alfie roared before turning to me with a softer voice. “Go upstairs, right? It’s okay. We’ll talk tomorrow… if me head can remember.”

I clenched my fists, trying to keep my breathing even. As per usual, I managed. Still, I could feel myself hanging on by a thread, ragged around my throat.

Always pushed into the corner one way or the other.

Always me.

Why does it always have to be me?

Locked away in loneliness.

Shut away in a prison more cruel than The Tower. Left to my own devices and thoughts dedicated to the shadows, the dark corners of my mind.

Upstairs, Charlie walked out of his room, pale and concern etched on his face. He’s only too aware of how Thomas regards me and to this day makes sure I get treated as fairly as possible. “What’s happening? Why was he yelling at you?”

“The King has returned,” I mumbled, quickly brushing past him since I my pride refused me to let him see the tears brimming on my lashes. Footsteps as loud as a ghost’s, I slipped into my room and closed the door as softly as I could behind me.

The war inside was no one’s business, only for me to fight.

Another night of spilling the blood of its casualties on the page, somewhere between the lines a remembrance for the girl who hoped to rise like a phoenix. Another silent funeral for my soul.

An author is, essentially, all the characters she has created and is yet to create. My stories are told by people that carry little bits of myself, carefully concealed behind a fictional mask. But that’s what gets us through the day, innit, the stories we tell ourselves.

I was already broken up into so many fragments that night that I don’t even know who it is staring back at me in the mirror. Who is the woman people cheer for at signings in bookshops? Who is the lonely girl wandering in every Waterstones in Birmingham and London, a family member always nearby? Who was the young heart that was shredded to pieces and only recently glued together by rum rather than whiskey?

It’s a question I ask myself again now, looking down with a wistful smile. 

A blank page. Empty. Adjustable. Without personality. Whatever you want it to be and can give life to from your inner world.

Outside, the sound of shuffling feet goes accompanied by groaning, curses, low grumbles, and the creaking of wood. Somewhere in the distance a fight breaks out between two men, their voices too dim to make out the topic nor arguments of their heated debate. 

Although it isn’t my writing room with a desk by the window, this London hideout has become my personal bubble too. Alfie offered me to use his office whenever I want to, regardless of him being at work or not. Nonetheless, as during those holidays in Margate, he still prefers me to work on my books in his company on his rare day off. After all, despite the fact I’m, in his words, “off the fucking menu”, he trusts no one in his pack to not try their luck with me.

What a story that would be. A werewolf lower in rank trying to shack a Shelby witch, breaking the alpha’s rule. The alpha would go ballistic and a fight would break out.

Blood would flow.

The end is someone's death.

Fortunately, the rozzers in this part of town are in Alfie’s pocket because I don’t know how I’d save him from a charge for murder without my family’s help. Even then it’s highly unlikely he’d get away with it since no one wants him to live as desperately as I do.

“That ain’t writin’.” Alfie steps into the office, closing the door behind him. It falls into the lock with a soft click.

“No, indeed it isn’t.” I thumb the deck of cards in my hands. “Dad goes ballistic every time he catches me. If I don’t remind him of Mum, it’s this. Charlie’s different, though. He gave me these for my birthday and covers me as much as he can. He knows they’re important to me.”

“Funny, Tom going fucking angry at gyppo stuff.” He scoffs, sitting down in one of the chairs in front of his desk. “His anger is un-fucking-justified. Yes, you look like your mum, but that ain’t your fault. Besides, you’re… never mind. You don’t need to hear that.”

Maybe not right now, but still… one day I want you to say it again.

If only to hear I’m a beautiful person to someone.

To him.

I cock an eyebrow and scrunch my nose. For both our sakes, I ignore the unfinished remark. “Westminster changed him. We’re no longer gipsies. Looks like we’re fucking above that.”

“Not you, though,” Alfie says, a silent hint for me to continue in his soft-spoken voice.

I sigh. “Not me. I’d rather be a witch and honour my roots than become a toff settled in a mansion.”

“Got the itch to travel, eh?”

“Always. I remember what you promised me.” Throat constricted with solemn nostalgia, I swallow and fail to muster even a sliver of a smile. “But then again, I was just a girl back then. Stupid I believed you.”

Alfie opens and closes his mouth, but settles for a groan. He leans in and places a big warm palm over my fumbling fingers. A crown to protect the queen’s hand. “The road is open. I couldn’t take you then, right, I’m very well aware of that, but we can still go.”

“Despite who I am?”

“You’re not a fucking Shelby. Freedom is a ‘uman right, but not every ‘uman gets to enjoy it. I wanna open the cage, see where the little bird goes.”

And will the wolf follow? Or will he get someone else to free him from the Tower?

I bite my lip, gaze averted to our hands. 

Alfie clears his throat and leans back. The rings on his fingers shimmer in the artificial light when he lets his entwined fingers rest on his stomach. “Self-taught?”

“Polly taught me. Well, the basics. I developed my skills further myself.” I tilt my head, our eyes locked while an idea pops into my head. “I’m no expert, but… can I do a reading on you?”

He silently gestures at his desk, giving permission.

“I’ll do a simple spread. Three cards. Past. Present. Future.”

Hopefully, the cards will reveal what you and Thomas swept under the carpet.

I shuffle the deck, focusing on the question of what happened a decade ago. If there’s anything I want and need to know about the pack leader’s history, it’s this small piece we have in common. 

The crossroads between our stories.

I draw the first card, presenting the past. 

Ten of Swords.

The second card, the present. 

Six of Cups.

The third and final card, the future. 

The Chariot.

My stomach drops at the sight of the wolf pierced by swords. “Something failed, a defeat that led to some sort of collapse. But it wasn’t a part of your business that failed, was it?” 

I furrow my brow, pondering what could have happened. However, not a second has passed before I flinch and a vision flashes behind my eyes. 

Growling. Blood. Organs. Alfie clenching his fists and holding his head while his skin ripples. Empty and broken bottles of rum. The nauseating noise of bones cracking resonates in my ears while skin replaces fur and vice versa in quick succession. 

“It was a collapse of self. You took to the bottle, more and more, to drawn out the feeling of having failed. Changed more often until…” my breath hitches and I snap my head up to meet his gaze, still panting lightly. His expression is stoic, his sentiments concealed. “You went feral.”

So that’s why Camden was quiet, but Ollie was always tense. Poor sod, being left in command without warning.

I compose myself as best as possible and continue. “The present, Six of Cups. This world is still strange to you, but slowly you’re getting familiar with it again. How… how much do you remember?”

“Only you. Me fuckin’ noggin’ is a mess, one black hole.’’ Tenderness illuminates his eyes, warming the blue sea and icy lake in them. ‘‘But I, I swear, right, I’ve never forgotten you. You were there, even in the midst of the worst frenzy.”

I shake my head, desperate to stop him before we go down a familiar road. Before I start hoping for an ideal. “Don’t tell me you came back because of me.”

“You, yeah, you told me you wondered whether or not I’d come back. So,’’ he spreads his hands for a moment and then puts them down again, ‘‘ere I am.”

I mean, you’re not wrong. I did say that, but that was last month.

When I slipped out of my room just to get a glimpse of him before going to bed, feeling like a little kid again, rebellious enough to defy the rules. I ended up sitting at his bed for longer than I intended. To be honest, I had to kick myself out of the guestroom lest I ended up sleeping next to him, which would have worsened the already precarious situation with Thomas.

“I thought you were asleep.”

“Drunk, yes. But not asleep. I forced myself to stay awake, to enjoy every second of your company.” He bites his lip, failing to sound any less direct. “Not a moment went by I didn’t want to go ‘ome. But I ‘ad no one to guide me there.”

“Your guide didn’t know where to look. Lost herself in a terrible dark forest,” I murmur. “Must be strange, though, being back after so many years. Camden has changed.”

“It ‘as, but I still remember the way around me kingdom. Seems even the new faces know who sits on the throne.” He looks down at his hands and rest of his body. “Odd, innit, clothes and what we use them for? Feels unnatural, not like what Yahweh had planned for us to be wearin’ when ‘e made us. Didn’t want to give you a fright, though. Lots of new scars that ‘aven’t ‘ealed yet or barely. Yeah… would only stress you out. I do apologise for me manners, though, the way I ate that sandwich. One eats differently... out there. Besides, being blind on one side ‘as its complications.”

“You were a messy eater even before you left.” I can’t suppress a smile at a particular memory. “I always had to help you wipe crumbs from your beard whenever we went out to lunch. D’you remember that?”

“Can’t say it sounds strange to me ears.” His brow furrows and he flinches, fingertips pressed to his temple. Between shallow breaths sounds a note of delighted relief. “I think such a memory just returned.”

“You’ll get there.”

It’s better to remember something rather than nothing at all.

“Doc told me the best way to sort out the fuckin’ mess up there is to visit the places I’ve been. Said it could form a trigger.”

I shift in my seat. Regardless of being an adult, Thomas still likes to keep a close eye on me. And if it isn’t him, he’ll send another watchdog. Knowing him, it’s highly likely he’ll send for Michael, who has pretty much figured me out over the years. That’s what you get when you spend too many Christmases at Polly’s. “I’ll have to find a way out of the cage to meet you.”

“I 'ave a key.”

“You do?”

Ignoring my question, Alfie nods at the three cards on the desk. “Last card. What does it mean?”

Blinking in surprise at the swift change in topic, I clear my throat and return my focus to the reading. “The Chariot. You’ll gain discipline and self control. You found a way to quell the rage inside or, rather, subdue the Wolf.”

“Guess the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is paying off,” he chuckles.

“I thought you did boxing?”

“I did that before, you know, the whole leaving and feral thin’. Currently doin’ that.”

“It sounds less violent.”

“It is.”

“No cage fights?”

He shakes his head, a few strands of grey highlighted by the light. “No, love, no more cage fights. I can’t right remember, but I stopped participatin’ in those a long time ago. ‘Ell, I don’t even know anymore what they were like.”

“You were fearsome,” I say, hoping to spark a sliver of a memory which won’t contain the events that ended with fatal accidents. “Nothing could stop you in the ring.”

“What calmed me down?”

“A bath and a cup of tea.”

“Right after the fight, I mean.”

“They’d sent for me lest…”

“Lest what?” I avoid his gaze, which is clearly not appreciated. “Lest what, love?” he repeats, tone harsher and sharper.

I press my lips together, breathing in deeply. “Lest the wolf took completely over. The day it happened for the, fuck, I don’t even know how many times it had been. Four? Five? It might have been ten when I finally got through to you. And on that night, I made you promise to stop fighting.”

“Did I? Stop fightin’, I mean?”

I glance around the room, lost for how to answer. “I don’t know. You were proud of being a wolf, hell, the fucking alpha of Camden Town. It was the one thing you didn’t want to give up. Fighting was in your nature and I fear that it’s a part you wouldn’t give up. Not even for me.”

“I ‘ave now, yeah, I ‘ave now. No more fightin’, Y/N. I swear so on everything between this world and the next, every bloody grave I can think of.”

“Perhaps that abstinence from violence is where your success lies.”

Maybe temperance forms the key to self-control when it comes to us. Maybe we were poison to each other before, but what if we keep an eye on the dosage?

What if we can find our way back?

The door opens. Ollie remains in the doorway, expression pale. “Boss, Randy and Pete are nigh on having a shiv dance.”

“Fuckin’ ‘ell,” Alfie grumbles as he rises to his feet. “I’ll be there in a minute. Go on, off you fuck.”

“Yes, boss.” The second-in-command curtly nods at me, smiling politely. “Y/N, sorry for the intrusion.”

“It’s alright, Ollie. Thank you.”

“‘Ow about you stay ‘ere, hm?” Alfie proposes after his subordinate has closed the door. 

“How’d you mean? I don’t want to inconvenience-’’

“You’re not. And I don’t mean ‘ere as in this shithole of a basement with all these numpties. What I mean, right, is ‘ow about you stay ‘ere, at my side? Plus, I’ll be ‘onest, and you know I only am with you, it’s part of me plan to prove you’re not nor ‘ave ever been a Shelby.”

“Enlighten me,” I say to humour him yet harbouring no expectations for this to be anything more than a joke. ‘‘Tell me about this big plan of yours.’’

“A change of name.” Lost in thought, he strokes his beard. “Yeah… that oughta do it. Y/N Solomons has a nice ring to it, don’t it?”

Jaw clenched, I put the cards down to cross my arms. “Alfie, this isn’t funny.”

“I’m not being funny, Mrs Solomons. C’mon, stand up.” He walks around the desk and pulls me to my feet, his calloused palms warm against my skin. A strong whiff of oud wood and vanilla hits my nose when he leans in to rest his forehead against mine. “This old selfish chap means it. Marry me, eh?”

I run my fingers through his bushy whiskers, an old habit I can’t seem to quit. Sooner or later, this will turn out to be him pulling my leg. The words leaving my mouth are sceptic too, slow and hesitant as they roll off my tongue. “Are you mental?” 

“Perhaps, but I want to set you free. Show Tom he has a wonderful woman of a daughter who deserves the world, right, a world I want to try and give ‘er.” He removes one of his rings and the silver chain around his neck, making a necklace out of the pieces of jewellery. Then he reaches back to put it on me. The silver is lukewarm against my chest, having retained some of his natural heat. “I don’t need an answer right now. You don’t even need to love me in return. I simply wish to keep you safe, that which I couldn’t do the first time. But this time, yeah, this time I will. Swear so on every holy book in this whole damned world. ‘Sides, I had to pop the question at least once while I’m still ‘ere. While I still remember.”

My breath tapers, the butterflies violently trying to break out yet all congesting in my throat. Stuck in a net of fear. “I want to find our way back, I do. But marriage seems too big of a step to take.”

“You know me better than anyone else, love. Take your time to think about it, eh.’’ He lovingly strokes my cheek, softly purring. ‘‘I’ll wait. ‘Owever, if you reject my offer, at least use the name to be free. I’ll find you a place to stay either ‘ere in Camden or in Margate. A nice big apartment or an entire ‘ouse, whatever you fancy. Wherever you fancy, actually. So if you wanna go to, let’s say, France and mingle with fuckin’ baguettes, I’ll make it ‘appen.”

“Alfie…”

Before I can begin to protest, he shushes me by pressing his lips on mine. They’re still as soft and plush as I remember, tender yet full of restrained passion. Needing more of this, us, but sharing the hesitancy of chasing the ideal world we lived in for a single summer. 

After a moment he breaks away and kisses the tip of my nose. “I need to get back to work. Make sure these floors stay clean and those runts get a reminder of the bloody rules. Stay for as long as you like.”

I watch him leave the office, grown a little colder.

And aside from the dim shouting, growls, and Alfie putting the other wolves in place, there’s nothing.

Nothing except a racing, conflicted heart and an all too familiar companion.

Silence.