#The Witches of Silverlake | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

sebstanaddict · 28 days ago

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Too Good To Be True

Sebastian Stan x Reader Story

Summary: A romantic comedy story where Sebastian Stan falls in love with reader but she is not who he thinks she is.

When reader found out the Gypsy woman was still alive, her world turned upside down. An opportunity for her and Aurora to switch bodies again and get their lives back presented itself. Will she take it and risks losing Sebastian?

Pairings : Sebastian Stan x Female!Reader

Chapters : 27/28 (Might add more)

Chapter List >

Warning : just some sexual reference, nothing vulgar

Word count : 6.2k words

---

Chapter 27 - The Truth

Y/n stood on the edge of the sidewalk outside the quaint shop in Silverlake later that day, her heart pounding as she stared at the sign: "Spellbound Herb." The shop seemed unchanged, even though Aurora once broke into it, yet it felt different, heavier, as though the air around it carried the weight of secrets long buried. Her fingers brushed against the strap of her bag, where the DM from Nadya still lingered on her phone.

She pushed open the door, a soft chime announcing her arrival. The scent of sage, lavender, and something faintly metallic filled her senses. The interior was dimly lit, warm light glinting off rows of glass jars, spell books, and intricate amulets. The atmosphere was enchanting yet unsettling, like stepping into a dream she couldn't quite trust.

Behind the counter, Nadya stood. Her long black curly hair flowing behind her, her sharp green eyes holding a wisdom that seemed to pierce straight through Y/n. Her lips curved into a knowing smile as Y/n stepped forward.

"Aurora - or should I say... Y/n?" Nadya's voice was smooth, almost melodic, and laced with amusement.

Y/n froze, her breath catching. Hearing her real name from Nadya in this space, in this moment, sent a chill down her spine. "You know it's me?"

"Of course, dear." Nadya gestured toward a small table with two chairs by the window. "Come, sit. Let's talk."

Y/n hesitated but complied, her legs feeling unsteady as she lowered herself into the chair. Nadya moved gracefully, placing a cup of tea in front of her before settling into the opposite seat.

"I've been expecting you," Nadya said, her gaze never leaving Y/n's.

Y/n swallowed hard. "You... disappeared. You gave us those potions and then you just disappeared. They said you were dead."

"Not dead," Nadya said with a soft laugh. "Merely... misplaced. My ship was caught in a magical storm during a retreat. It threw us into another dimension. Time flows differently there, and bringing us back was no small feat. But here I am."

"Why? Why did you give us the switching potions? Our lives have been upended ever since the switch and now everything is so messed up." She said, her voice shook as anger started to rise in her heart.

"My dear, do you even remember your condition before the switch?" Nadya chuckled and her mind went back to the gala and all the unfortunate events happening to her right before the gala.

"I saw someone who needed help. Not just someone but two people who needed help to figure out their identities and to realize what is most important in their lives." Nadya continued, smiling at her with an annoying knowing smile.

"Well, months have passed now and I think Aurora and I have learnt our lessons. So.. can you switch us back?" She asked, her anger and annoyance at the witch brushed aside as she waited for the most important question to be answered.

Nadya leaned back, her fingers steepled as she studied Y/n. "You're direct. I like that. Yes, I can give you the antidote. But," she added, her tone shifting to one of gravity, "there are conditions."

"Conditions?" She asked, remembering the conditions she had heard the other witches mentioned and wondering if they were the same.

Nadya reached beneath the counter and placed two small glass bottles on the table. They were intricate, almost jewel-like, their contents shimmering with an otherworldly glow.

"This is the antidote," Nadya explained. "One for you, and one for Aurora. But it will not work unless two conditions are met."

Y/n's throat tightened as she stared at the bottles. "What conditions?"

Nadya's eyes softened, her voice taking on a maternal edge. "First, you must truly want to switch back. Not because of guilt, obligation, or fear - but because it is what you genuinely desire, deep in your heart."

Y/n felt her chest constrict. She thought of her mother, of the life she had left behind. But she also thought of Sebastian, of the warmth in his eyes when he looked at her, the life they were building together. Could she really walk away from all of that?

"And the second?"

"You must accept your old life for what it was," Nadya said, her tone firm yet compassionate. "Its flaws, its struggles, everything. Only when you make peace with who you are can the antidote work."

Y/n stared down at the tea in her hands, her reflection rippling in the dark surface. Her voice was barely a whisper. "What if I don't know what I want?"

Nadya reached across the table, her hand warm and steady as it rested on Y/n's. "Then you must take the time to find out. But remember this, child: truth is everything. No matter how tempting the lie, no matter how perfect the illusion, truth will always win. It may hurt, it may shatter what you've built, but it is the only path to peace."

Y/n's eyes burned with unshed tears. "What if the truth destroys everything?"

Nadya smiled, her expression a mix of sadness and pride. "Then it wasn't meant to last. Lies may be comforting, but they are fleeting. Build your life on truth, and it will stand the test of time."

The weight of Nadya's words settled heavily in Y/n's chest. She wanted to argue, to push back, but deep down, she knew the witch was right.

Nadya withdrew her hand and stood, her movements as fluid as water. "Take these." She placed the bottles into Y/n's hands. "Whatever you decide, choose with your whole heart. Anything less, and the magic will fail."

Y/n rose slowly, her legs feeling unsteady beneath her. "Thank you," she managed, her voice hoarse.

Nadya's smile was kind but tinged with something deeper - understanding, perhaps, or a knowing she didn't voice. "You have a difficult road ahead, my dear. But I have faith in you."

As Y/n stepped out into the sunlight, the bottles in her bag seemed heavier than they should have been, their weight mirroring the turmoil in her heart. She thought of her mother, of Aurora, of Sebastian. No matter what she chose, someone would be left behind.

For the first time, the life she had stolen felt unbearably fragile, as though it could shatter with a single breath.

—

Y/n had barely slept. After her meeting with Nadya the day before, her thoughts had spiraled endlessly, a tangle of guilt, longing, and indecision. The witch's words echoed in her mind: "Truth is everything. And truth always wins." She had stayed up, staring at the ceiling, wondering if she could muster the courage to finally tell Sebastian the truth - and what would happen if she did.

When the soft aroma of coffee wafted into the bedroom, she realized it was morning. Her eyes felt heavy, and her body ached with exhaustion, but she forced herself to sit up as Sebastian walked into the room carrying a tray.

"Good morning, beautiful," he greeted, his smile warm as the sunlight streaming through the window. "I figured you could use breakfast in bed."

Y/n blinked at the sight before her - a plate of pancakes topped with fresh berries and whipped cream, alongside a steaming cup of coffee. "Sebastian... you didn't have to do this."

"I wanted to," he said, sitting on the edge of the bed and placing the tray on her lap. "You've been so busy lately, and I know the engagement party tonight is stressing you out. You deserve a little pampering."

The engagement party! Her heart sank as she remembered it. She picked up the fork, her hands trembling slightly. "Thank you. This looks amazing."

He grinned, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "You look amazing, even after a rough night."

Her heart clenched. He noticed everything. The dark circles under her eyes, the tension in her shoulders - he always saw her, even if he didn't really see her.

As they ate, Sebastian's easy chatter filled the air. He told her about a funny story from the set of his new movie, his laughter infectious. But Y/n's mind was elsewhere, torn between the warmth of his presence and the weight of her deception.

"So," he said after a moment, setting down his coffee cup, "about tonight - do you want to go over the guest list together? I know these things can be overwhelming."

Her stomach twisted. The engagement party. A room full of people who thought she was Aurora, who expected her to play a role she wasn't sure she could keep playing. "I... sure. That sounds good," she said, forcing a smile.

Sebastian studied her, his expression softening. "Hey," he said, reaching for her hand. "If it's too much, we can skip it. I don't want you to feel pressured."

She shook her head. "No, it's fine. It's important. For us."

The word felt heavy on her tongue, a reminder of the life she was building with him - a life that wasn't truly hers.

After they finished eating, Sebastian stood and retrieved a small box from the dresser. "Before we go over the guest list, I have something for you."

Y/n tilted her head, curiosity flickering through her turmoil. "What is it?"

He sat beside her again, handing her the box. "Just open it." He smiled, a twinkle in the corner of his eyes.

She carefully unwrapped the gift, her breath catching as she revealed a delicate gold bracelet adorned with tiny charms - a film reel, an Eiffel Tower, a heart. Each one told a story, a memory of their time together.

"Sebastian..." she whispered, her voice breaking.

"You mean so much to me, Aurora. These past few months with you have been the happiest days in my life." he said, fastening the bracelet around her wrist, "I wanted you to have something to remind you of us. Of how much I love you."

Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as she looked at him. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

He wiped her tears away, his touch gentle. "You don't have to cry, Aurora. I just want you to be happy."

Aurora. The name struck her like a blow. She wanted to tell him, to make him understand, but the fear of losing him kept her silent.

"You're too good to me," she murmured, tracing the charms with her fingers.

He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering as if to soothe her unspoken fears. "You're worth it. Always."

Y/n leaned into him, her heart aching with the weight of her lie. He deserved the truth, no matter how much it hurt. And if she truly loved him, she would find the strength to give it to him. Could she really do it? Was she strong enough to tell the truth with the risk of losing him?

—

Y/n stood in front of the full-length mirror in Sebastian's room later that evening, her reflection staring back at her. The elegant dress she had chosen - a champagne gown with intricate beading and a flowing mermaid skirt - fit her perfectly, but it felt like a costume. She adjusted the gold bracelet Sebastian had gifted her earlier, her hands trembling slightly. Her hair was styled into soft waves cascading down her back, and the makeup artist had done an impeccable job of making her look flawless, yet none of it felt right.

Sebastian entered the room, his black suit tailored to perfection, making him look every bit the Hollywood star he was. His crisp black shirt and black tie completed the black of his suit, and his hair was neatly styled. He looked at her and smiled, his eyes warm and full of admiration.

"You look stunning, mi reina," he said, crossing the room to stand behind her. He placed his hands gently on her shoulders, his touch soothing. "Are you ready?"

Y/n met his gaze in the mirror and forced a small smile. "I think so."

Sebastian tilted his head, studying her. "You're nervous."

She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I can't help it. This whole night... it's a lot."

He turned her to face him, his hands sliding down to her waist. "I get it. These events can be overwhelming, but you're not alone. I'll be with you the whole time."

His words were kind, but they didn't ease the weight on her chest. She nodded, trying to steady her breathing. "It's just... what if I say the wrong thing? What if I don't remember something I'm supposed to?"

Sebastian chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Aurora, you've been to a million of these parties. You know these people better than they know themselves. And if you forget something? I'll be right there to back you up."

She swallowed hard, guilt gnawing at her. He thought she was nervous about small talk or keeping up appearances, but her anxiety ran much deeper. She wasn't Aurora, and no matter how hard she tried, she never could be.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. "You'll be amazing, mi reina. Trust me."

As they left the room together, Y/n held onto his arm, trying to draw strength from his presence. But deep down, the pit of unease only grew larger.

---

The grand ballroom at The Manor at Holmby Hills was a vision of opulence. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the space, casting glittering reflections on the polished marble floors. Guests in designer gowns and expertly tailored suits filled the room, sipping champagne and exchanging pleasantries.

Y/n clung to Sebastian's arm as they moved through the crowd. The tension in her chest was palpable, and she couldn't shake the unease that had been building all night. Sebastian glanced at her, offering a warm smile.

"You're doing amazing," he said softly, his hand brushing hers.

"I feel like I'm going to trip over my own dress," she whispered back, her voice tinged with nervousness.

"You won't," he assured her, squeezing her hand gently. "And even if you do, I'll catch you."

Her lips quirked into a small smile, but the anxiety remained.

They were quickly approached by a woman in a sleek black gown, her blonde hair styled in soft waves. She had the kind of polished confidence that screamed old money. "Aurora! You look absolutely stunning, darling," the woman exclaimed, air-kissing both of Y/n's cheeks.

"Thank you, you look beautiful too," Y/n replied, her voice steady but detached.

The woman turned her gaze to Sebastian, her eyes sparkling with familiarity. "Sebastian, you're as dashing as ever. Aurora's lucky to have you."

Sebastian smiled politely. "The luck is all mine."

The woman turned back to Y/n, her expression alight with excitement. "I was just telling Lila earlier how much I loved that campaign you did for the Chanel resort collection. You were breathtaking in those photos, especially the ones on the yacht. Everyone was obsessed with the way you carried that vintage silk scarf look. So chic!"

Y/n's stomach dropped. Chanel? Yacht? She forced a smile, nodding. "Oh, that was... a fun shoot," she said vaguely, hoping it was enough to satisfy the woman's enthusiasm.

"It wasn't just fun.. it was iconic," the woman continued. "You always know how to make everything look effortless. Your posts are always the highlight of my feed."

Y/n's forced smile faltered, and she felt Sebastian's hand brush her arm. "Aurora has a way of making everything look elegant," he said smoothly.

"Yes, she does," the woman agreed. "Oh, and that party in Malibu last fall, what a night! I'm still dying to know what skincare line you were hinting about launching back then. Is that still in the works?"

Y/n's heart skipped a beat. She scrambled for an answer. "Oh, you know... things are still in the planning stages," she said, keeping her tone light.

The woman laughed. "Well, I'm sure it'll be fabulous, like everything you do. Let me know when it's ready, I'll be the first to buy it!"

Sebastian stepped in, guiding the conversation to a close. "We'll keep you posted," he said warmly.

As they moved away, Y/n exhaled shakily. "That was... something."

"You handled it perfectly," Sebastian said, his voice full of encouragement. "I'm proud of you."

She gave him a small smile, but her chest tightened further. Perfectly? Proud? If only you knew.

The evening continued with more guests approaching them.

A man in a velvet tuxedo clapped Sebastian on the shoulder. "Sebastian! And Aurora, you look as radiant as ever," he said, his eyes scanning her designer gown. "You always know how to make an entrance."

Y/n nodded, smiling faintly.

"My wife still talks about that party you hosted in the Hamptons," he continued. "The one where you introduced that celebrity chef.. what was his name again? Anyway, she says it was the best ceviche she's ever had!"

"Oh, yes... that was a memorable evening," Y/n said, her tone airy as if the details were at the forefront of her mind rather than a complete blank.

"I'll bet. And that guest list.. Hollywood royalty everywhere you turned. I don't know how you pull it off, but you always do."

Sebastian's hand found the small of her back, steadying her. "She's remarkable," he said.

The man chuckled. "Well, you've got yourself a gem, Stan. Don't let her go."

Y/n's smile tightened, the weight of the lie pressing harder. She felt like a stranger in a sea of memories that weren't hers, unable to connect to the people or the events they spoke of. Each conversation deepened her discomfort, her impostor syndrome growing unbearable.

Sebastian leaned down to whisper in her ear. "You're doing great, mi reina."

She nodded, but her thoughts betrayed her. Am I? Or am I just fooling everyone?

—-

As the evening progressed, Y/n found herself surrounded by Aurora's cousins - three impeccably dressed women in their late twenties and early thirties. Their laughter was sharp and tinkling, the kind that echoed just a little too loudly in the gilded corners of the ballroom. Sebastian had excused himself to speak with a director he recognized, leaving Y/n to navigate the shallow waters of their conversation.

"Did you see what Amanda was wearing?" one of them, a brunette with a sharp bob, whispered with an exaggerated grimace. "I mean, who still wears floral chiffon in winter? It's like she's begging to be on the worst-dressed list."

The others laughed, their manicured hands covering their mouths as if to soften the cruelty. Y/n managed a small, polite chuckle, but her stomach twisted uncomfortably.

"Oh, and don't even get me started on Veronica," another cousin chimed in, flipping her sleek ponytail. "She's still stuck with that same stylist from three years ago. You'd think someone would intervene by now. Those shoulder pads tonight? Hideous."

"I know, right?" the third cousin added. "It's embarrassing, honestly. Poor Sebastian must be cringing at the sight of her."

They all turned to Y/n, expecting her to join in. "Don't you think, Aurora?" the brunette asked, her voice dripping with playful malice.

Y/n hesitated, glancing down at the crystal flute of champagne in her hand. She knew Aurora's reputation - sharp-tongued and unflinchingly judgmental. If she didn't play along, it would raise suspicion. But as she opened her mouth, a pang of guilt hit her.

"Well... I suppose everyone has their own style," she said carefully, forcing a small smile.

The brunette raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "That's very diplomatic of you. Usually, you're the first to call out someone's bad taste."

The others laughed, but Y/n's face burned. She forced another smile and took a sip of her champagne, hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere.

As they moved on to gossiping about another guest, Y/n found herself laughing along half-heartedly. But with each snide comment, the guilt in her chest grew heavier. She remembered the sting of being mocked when she was in her own body, the way cruel words could linger long after they were spoken. Now, here she was, pretending to be part of a crowd that thrived on tearing others down.

Her laugh faltered, and she glanced across the room, searching for Sebastian. He caught her eye and smiled, lifting his glass in a small toast. Her heart ached. This isn't me. This isn't who I want to be.

—

Later in the evening, Y/n slipped away to the powder room, needing a moment to collect herself. The noise and the weight of the evening were pressing down on her, and she felt like she was drowning.

As she approached the gilded doors, she heard familiar voices just around the corner.

"I'm just saying, I'm not sure Aurora has the... temperament to take over the company," Edith's clipped tone drifted through the hallway.

Y/n froze, her heart pounding.

"She's done well enough with the trading program," Aurora's mother - Emily - replied, her tone hesitant. "But running a hedge fund is an entirely different matter. It requires discipline, focus... and let's be honest, less vanity."

Edith chuckled. "Exactly. Aurora's great at using her looks to sell handbags and skincare, but finance? It's not her world. I just don't think she has it in her."

Emily sighed. "Richard is adamant about giving her a chance. But if she stumbles..."

"She will stumble," Edith interjected, her voice smug. "And when she does, I will step in and save the day. That's what uncle really wants, isn't it, auntie? Someone to keep the family's legacy intact."

Y/n's breath hitched, and she stepped back, her hand gripping the smooth wood paneling of the hallway. Their words cut deeper than she expected, not because they doubted Aurora's abilities, but because she knew they were right - she wasn't Aurora.

She wasn't a socialite, a model, or a hedge fund heir. She was just someone pretending to be all those things, trying to keep up with a life that wasn't hers.

The voices faded as the two women walked further into the powder room. Y/n stood frozen, her mind spinning.

What am I doing here? she thought, a lump forming in her throat. I don't belong in this world. I never did.

Gathering herself, she turned and headed back toward the ballroom. The more time she spent in Aurora's world, the more she realized how out of place she truly was.

—

Dinner was an opulent affair. The long dining table was adorned with cascading floral arrangements, flickering candelabras, and fine china that gleamed under the soft chandelier light. Guests dined on a gourmet menu of truffle-infused risotto, aged steaks, and delicate soufflés, while waiters moved silently around the room refilling wine glasses.

Y/n sat beside Sebastian, who occasionally brushed his hand against hers under the table to reassure her. Yet, no amount of his comforting gestures could quell the rising anxiety in her chest. She couldn't ignore the glances and whispers from the guests, all aimed at her, as if dissecting her every move.

Halfway through the meal, a woman seated across from her leaned forward. She was an older woman with sharp eyes, dressed in a deep emerald gown that sparkled in the candlelight. Y/n vaguely remembered her being introduced as one of Aurora's distant aunts.

"So, Aurora," the woman began, her voice syrupy but pointed, "how soon can we expect the patter of little feet?"

The question was like a bucket of ice water dumped over Y/n's head. She blinked, caught completely off guard. "I.. um..."

Sebastian chuckled beside her, trying to lighten the mood. "Let's take it one step at a time, shall we?" he said, his tone warm. "We've got the wedding to focus on first."

The woman smiled indulgently but didn't let it go. "Oh, but you're not getting any younger, dear," she said, her eyes narrowing on Y/n. "And wouldn't it be lovely to have children early? They'd have your beauty, Aurora, and Sebastian's charm."

The table laughed politely, but Y/n could only manage a weak smile. Her heart was racing. The thought of children - Sebastian's children - made her chest tighten. She imagined little ones with his piercing blue eyes and warm smile. But then came the crushing realization: they would grow up knowing her as Aurora, living a lie she couldn't sustain.

Sebastian glanced at her, sensing her discomfort. "Let's not overwhelm her," he said lightly, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "One thing at a time, right, mi reina?"

Y/n nodded mutely, forcing another smile. But as the conversation moved on, she was lost in her thoughts. The idea of building a life with Sebastian - marriage, children, a future - was both beautiful and terrifying. Could she really continue this charade for the rest of her life? Could she lie to her children about who she truly was?

The thought made her stomach churn.

As the dinner wound down, the clinking of a glass signaled the start of the speeches. Richard, Aurora's father, stood at the head of the table, his imposing figure commanding attention. He raised his glass, and the room fell silent.

"Thank you all for being here tonight," Richard began, his deep voice resonating. "It's not every day we get to celebrate such a joyous occasion - the engagement of my beautiful daughter to such a fine man."

He looked at Y/n, his eyes softening in a way that made her chest ache. "Aurora," he continued, "you've always been the light of this family. Watching you grow from a spirited little girl into the remarkable woman you are today has been one of the greatest joys of my life. And now, seeing you with Sebastian, I know you're in good hands."

The guests murmured their approval, and Y/n's face burned under their gaze. She felt like a fraud, sitting there and accepting a father's love meant for someone else.

"And Sebastian," Richard added, turning to him, "thank you for loving my daughter and for being the man she deserves. I couldn't ask for a better son-in-law."

Sebastian smiled warmly, raising his glass in acknowledgment.

Then it was Sebastian's turn. He stood, his glass in hand, and his gaze fixed on Y/n. "Aurora," he began, his voice steady and filled with emotion, "when I met you, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. But as I got to know you, I realized your beauty wasn't just on the outside. You're strong, compassionate, and someone who makes me want to be better every day."

The room erupted in applause, but Y/n could hardly hear it over the pounding of her heart. His words were genuine, filled with love and admiration - but they weren't meant for her. They were meant for Aurora.

"And," Sebastian added, his smile widening, "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. You're my everything, mi reina."

Y/n's throat tightened as tears pricked her eyes. She felt like she was suffocating under the weight of her guilt.

As the applause died down, all eyes turned to her. It was her turn to speak. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her mind was spinning, her emotions in turmoil. Finally, she shook her head, standing abruptly.

"I.. I'm sorry," she stammered. "I need some air."

The room fell silent as she hurried out of the dining hall, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

Sebastian caught up with her on the balcony on the second floor, where she stood clutching the railing, her breaths shallow.

"Mi reina," he said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

Tears streamed down her face as she turned to him. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I just... I felt so overwhelmed."

He pulled her into his arms, holding her close. "It's okay," he murmured. "I know tonight has been a lot. You don't have to explain."

But she wanted to. She wanted to tell him everything - the truth about who she was, the guilt that was eating away at her. But the words wouldn't come.

Instead, she buried her face in his chest, letting his warmth comfort her as the weight of her lies felt like they were drowning her.

Then she heard the sound of someone clearing their throat and she released herself from Sebastian to find Emily standing there, her sharp eyes assessed her with a mixture of concern and disapproval, the kind she always wore when Aurora didn't meet her impossibly high standards.

"Darling," Emily began, her voice cool and measured as she stepped closer. "I couldn't help but notice how... rattled you seemed tonight. I came to check on you."

"I'm fine, mom," Y/n replied quickly, wiping the tears from her eyes, her voice more curt than she intended. "It's just been a long night."

Emily's perfectly manicured eyebrow arched. "I see," she said, her tone doubtful. "But if you're feeling overwhelmed, perhaps it's a sign you need to reevaluate your commitments. The hedge fund, for instance - it's a monumental responsibility. One that requires an unshakable focus and confidence. I'm only saying this because I care, Aurora. If this is too much for you, it might be better to step back before you do something irreversible."

Y/n's jaw tightened, her heart pounding. The implication was clear: Emily didn't believe in her. She didn't think she was capable of running the hedge fund, a sentiment Y/n had overheard earlier and had been dreading ever since.

Before Y/n could respond, Sebastian stepped forward, his voice firm and protective. "With all due respect, Mrs. Watson, Aurora is more than capable," he said, his eyes blazing with conviction. "She's brilliant, hardworking, and has proven herself to be capable. If anyone can handle this, it's her."

Emily turned her gaze to Sebastian, her expression impassive but her lips thinning slightly. "It's admirable that you believe in her, Sebastian," she said. "But I'm her mother, and I know her better than anyone. Aurora's strength is her charm and ability to network, not sitting behind a desk managing financial portfolios."

Y/n's hands clenched at her sides, anger bubbling inside her. But beneath the anger was an unsettling truth: Emily was right. She wasn't Aurora. She didn't have Aurora's knowledge of this world, her connections, or her polished ease in handling people like her mother.

Taking a deep breath, Y/n forced herself to stay calm. "Thank you for your concern, mom," she said, her voice tight. "But maybe you're right. Maybe I do need to think about it more carefully."

The room fell silent. Sebastian turned to her, his brows furrowed in confusion. "Aurora," he said softly, his voice laced with disbelief. "You can't be serious. You've been working so hard for this.."

Y/n's heart broke at the hurt in his voice, but she held her ground, unable to meet his gaze. "I just need time to think, Sebastian," she said quietly. "That's all."

Emily's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. "I'm glad you're being honest with yourself, darling. That's all I wanted."

She turned and left, her heels clicking against the floor, leaving Y/n and Sebastian in a tense silence.

Sebastian finally spoke, his voice low and filled with confusion. "Mi reina, what's going on? Why would you doubt yourself now?"

Y/n looked at him, her throat tight. She wanted to tell him the truth, to explain everything. But not here, not like this. "I'll explain everything later," she said softly. "Please, just trust me for now."

Sebastian nodded slowly, though the worry in his eyes remained. "Always," he said, pulling her into a gentle embrace.

But as Y/n rested her head against his chest, guilt gnawed at her. She would have to tell him everything. But could she do it?

—

The soft glow of the city lights outside Sebastian's penthouse window bathed the room in a dim, calming light. The night had been long, and the engagement party had left Y/n feeling more distant from herself than ever. The high-society conversations, the polished smiles, the constant reinforcement that she was pretending to be someone she was not - it all seemed like a distant echo now, but it weighed heavily on her heart.

Sebastian, always the picture of kindness and attentiveness, had been perfect all night. He'd held her hand throughout the evening, his touch gentle, reassuring, like he was the anchor she needed in a sea of doubt. But as much as she tried to drown out the inner turmoil that gnawed at her, it kept resurfacing. She wasn't Aurora. She could never be Aurora. She could never fit in the way she seemed to effortlessly do at the engagement party.

As they returned to the penthouse, Sebastian was his usual sweet self, preparing them both a drink, making small talk, and keeping her company, but Y/n felt like she was trapped in someone else's life. It was a facade, a mask she couldn't seem to pull off without suffocating beneath it. She kept her thoughts to herself, forcing a smile as he handed her a glass of wine.

"You look like you could use a drink after all that," Sebastian said, his voice warm and easy.

Y/n smiled softly, taking the glass from him. "Thanks. It was... a lot."

He studied her for a moment, his brow furrowed slightly. "Is everything okay, mi reina? Do you want to talk now?"

She opened her mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come. She couldn't tell him. Not yet. Not when she was still so conflicted. Instead, she just gave a tight smile. "I'm fine. Just tired. We can talk later. I just need some rest."

He nodded, his hand brushing gently across her cheek. His touch was so tender, and it made the guilt in her chest twist even more.

"I'm sorry I've been so busy lately that I can't help much with the wedding preparation," he said quietly. "I know you're doing this for us, for me, but I want you to know that I'm here. Always."

Always. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle in her chest. He truly cared for her, and yet here she was, hiding her true self. She was so afraid of the truth - afraid of the consequences, the pain. But what about his pain? What about what it would do to him if she kept lying?

Sebastian pulled her closer, cupping her face gently, as though sensing her internal struggle. "You don't have to pretend with me, Aurora," he whispered, using the name that she had grown so accustomed to hearing. "I know this is all overwhelming, but you're doing great. I'm so proud of you."

His words - so comforting, so loving - should have made her feel safe. But instead, they only made her feel further from him. Aurora. Every time he said that name, it was like a dagger twisting in her gut.

Before she could stop herself, she was leaning into him, her body drawn to his warmth. She could feel the tension between them, the weight of the night's events hanging in the air. Without thinking, they were kissing, slow and deliberate at first, but quickly escalating as their hunger for each other built.

Sebastian led her to the bedroom, his hands gentle but urgent, and soon they were tangled in the sheets, his lips trailing over her skin as his touch grew more insistent. Yet, with every passing moment, the conflict inside Y/n deepened. She tried to quiet the voice in her head that kept reminding her of the truth - of the lie she was living - but it was impossible.

"Mi reina," he whispered against her skin, his hands roaming her body as though she were the most precious thing in his world. "You're so beautiful. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

Her heart ached at his words. He was so sincere, so genuine, and yet she felt like an imposter. She had no right to be here. She was lying to him, and the weight of it was suffocating her.

His voice broke through her thoughts once again. "Aurora..." he muttered, his breath hot against her ear. "I love you."

Each time he said her name, it was like a knife piercing her heart. Aurora. The name that wasn't hers. The name that was tied to a life she could never truly live.

But when he said it again, this time mixed with "mi reina," something inside Y/n snapped. She could no longer ignore it. The truth was overwhelming, suffocating, and she couldn't take it any longer. As they reached the peak of their intimacy, she felt broken - not from the physical connection, but from the emotional weight that had been slowly crushing her under the pretense of being someone she wasn't.

Sebastian collapsed beside her afterward, pulling her close into his arms as if nothing was wrong. He kissed the top of her head and murmured, "You're incredible. I'm so lucky to have you."

She was silent for a long moment, her body trembling as she rested against him. His warmth surrounded her, and yet she felt so cold. She couldn't keep lying. She couldn't keep pretending that everything was okay when she knew it wasn't.

As they lay together in the stillness of the room, she realized the truth. She was not Aurora. She could never be. And if she truly loved Sebastian, she couldn't keep lying to him anymore.

Tomorrow. She decided she would tell him tomorrow. And whatever happens afterwards, whether or not he would forgive her, whether or not he would even trust her, she would just have to accept. Besides, truth always wins. Just like Nadya said. No matter how much it hurts.

Chapter 28 >

Taglist : @dhoruwolfie @kandis-mom @felicitylemon

#sebastian stan #sebastianstan #sebastian stan fanfic #sebastian stan fanfiction #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan x y/n #sebastian stan x you #sebastian stan fluff #sebastian stan x female reader #bucky barnes

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badwitch-if · 10 months ago

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✨every me & every you✨

Well I know this sounds corny, but whenever I feel the temptation of peer pressure, I turn to God and he helps me through the problem.

CRUEL INTENTIONS (1999) dir. Roger Kumble

#giving Silverlaker vibes #badwitch #badwitch if #interactive fiction #interactive novel #choice of games #Silverlakers #choicescript #witches #hosted games #if wip #if #magic #top tier inspo #cruel intentions #90s vibes

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spacefairynayu · 10 months ago

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"There are some nasty rumors circulating about witches and their daughters, how they sacrifice male children, have orgies with summoned demons, poison their husbands for inheritance, how they're too lazy to work around the house. All sorts of ridiculous bilge. It makes a lot of men reluctant to marry the daughter of a witch."

This comment by Silverlake really puts Kirielle's arranged marriage into perspective. Cikan knows it's ethically dubious to arrange a marriage for her nine year old daughter, but her concern is probably that Kirielle will never find a husband at all if she doesn't arrange one in advance. I can only imagine how difficult it was for Cikan to find someone to marry her, since her mother was very openly a witch. It does make me wonder if she actually loves Andir or if she married him because he was the only man who would.

#mol #mother of learning #cikan kazinski #kirielle kazinski #I honestly get the feeling that Andir is more of a business partner than a husband but I could be wrong

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braininatankwithalaptop · 10 months ago

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I've been thinking about Eldemar in the future, as a more "modern" urban fantasy (assuming a lot of things about their cultural changes and the path technology takes), and I think witches and "witchness" could be really interesting culturally speaking. The origin of witches comes from women who gained magical skill and carved out a place for themselves outside of the traditional power structure that wanted to suppress them. There is obviously still sexism in MoL world during the story, but women have a lot more freedom in gaining magical education and work (maybe this was an intentional legal change by the government to take power away from witches?). But even during this witches still exist. Besides just their spellcasting culture and traditions, they seem to define themselves in their cultural "opposition" and defiance of the church and king. I very easily imagine a more modern generation of mages, or even witches who have adapted, using the title of "witch" the same way we see anarchists or hippies. During a time of great internal political turmoil, where many citizens are questioning the government and it's legitimacy, people may look to where witches originated and how they work to defy, subvert, or influence the Kingdom's government. Maybe mages burn their badges to oppose a draft being instated, forgoing the title "mage" for "witch." Or maybe if mage licenses are being revoked/denied for political reasons people take up the title of witch to declare they have no intention in not using magic. I keep imagining all the ways there could be political revolutions or cultural shifts or new societal dynamics, and all the ways it would piss witches like Silverlake off.

#mother of learning #mol #silverlake #Now i'm just imagining a 20th century sitcom #except it's urban fantasy and the eldemar brady bunch just have the addams family next door #except they're treated more like draft dodgers than rich aristocrats #and Silverlake is watching her tv fuming

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gaslightgatekeepgirlbosscombat · 1 year ago

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Group F, Round 3, Poll 3:

Propaganda under the cut

Silverlake

1. She’s a witch 2. She betrayed her companions to an evil primordial 3. Did it all just for infinite youth (she already had infinite life)

Artist: veltale

Megaera

Gaslights Zagreus, her sisters, and Hades when she doesn't want to be found out, doesn't tell Zagreus everything about his mother, makes a living torturing residents of the Underworld

#round 2 #group f #silverlake #mother of learning #silverlake mol #Hades #Hades game #Megaera #Supergiant Games

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justapillowpetpanda · 9 months ago

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Britt's Pride Month Picks 2024: Earplugs, Skincare & More!

Eargasm Celebrates Pride with Outright International

Eargasm, the cutting-edge hearing protection trailblazer, celebrates Pride Month with Pride Edition High Fidelity Earplugs. Eargasm is proud to support the global LGBTIQ community by donating 15% of all proceeds during June from their Pride Edition Earplugs to Outright International.

"We are incredibly excited to support Outright International with our Pride Edition earplugs," says Eargasm CEO, Ryan Parry. "These earplugs represent our commitment to high-quality hearing protection and our support for the LGBTIQ community. Eargasm dampens the noise but we strive to elevate voices, making sure the LGBTQ community is heard loud and clear." Outright International is dedicated to working with partners worldwide to strengthen the capacity of the LGBTIQ human rights movement, document and amplify human rights violations against LGBTIQ people, and advocate for inclusion and equality. Eargasm aims to contribute to the ongoing fight for better LGBTIQ lives globally by partnering with Outright International. The Pride Edition Earplugs are one of Eargasm’s best-selling High Fidelity Earplugs featuring a vibrant rainbow design. These earplugs allow users to enjoy their favorite activities without compromising their hearing health. Key features include: - Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 16dB - Expected Noise Reduction: 21dB - High Fidelity sound, keeping noise to a minimum while maintaining clarity in speech and music - Two shell sizes are included in every order to ensure a perfect fit for every ear - Discreet design that is almost invisible to others - Easy insertion and removal with convenient pull tabs - Hypoallergenic soft silicone for comfortable wear over many hours - Lightweight aluminum waterproof case for easy transport - Trusted by major music festivals Outright International's mission to ensure equal rights for LGBTIQ people aligns with Eargasm's values of inclusivity and equality. The organization works tirelessly to advocate for the rights of LGBTIQ individuals, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Peace Out's Pride Acne Healing Dots

https://www.instagram.com/p/C72kf1rykZP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== The original acne formula from Peace Out is now available in a Progress Pride flag colorway and shaped like the iconic Peace Out emoji. From now until July 7th, $5 from each limited-edition Pride Acne Dot sold on peaceoutskincare.com will be donated to The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people. Together with customer donations, Peace Out has committed to an overall minimum contribution of $25,000.

Legendary Comics Celebrates Pride 2024

Legendary Comics is proud to present two spellbinding new graphic novels from exciting LGBTQ+ authors just in time to compliment your Pride activities this June: The Witches of Silverlake: Volume One - Available Now and The Science of Ghosts-launching on June 18th.

Authored by Simon Curtis, The Witches of Silverlake follows Elliot's bewitching journey as the new kid at Saint John the Baptist Academy as he and his newfound coven of queer witches accidentally unleash a bloodthirsty demon that terrorizes their school. Illustrated by Stephanie Son, the graphic novel explores the dangers of magic beyond crystals and candles.

In The Science of Ghosts, written by Lilah Sturges, trans forensic parapsychologist Jo Ravenna investigates a series of murders intertwined with ghostly echoes, uncovering unsettling truths with serious consequences for her and her friends’ lives. Illustrated by El Garing, this captivating horror story delves into life post-transition amidst a haunting present. Both novels promise enchanting narratives and stunning visuals, offering readers a spellbinding experience. Read the full article

#comicbooks #eargasm #lgbtq #lgbtqia #pride #pride2024 #pridemonth #products #selfcare #SkinCare

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lagroupie · 1 year ago

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Interview: Frankie and the Witch Fingers, "Data Doom"

Frankie and the Witch Fingers after their set on the mountain at Palp Festival, through my Nikon.

A few weeks ago, the amazing Frankie and the Witch Fingers were back in Switzerland for a beautiful set at Palp Festival. They played in the middle of the afternoon, but still managed to drive the crowd wild! Their schedule was tight, but the band still agreed to do a little written interview on their way to the next shows.

Four years after our first interview at Le Romandie in Lausanne, I briefly catch up with the band and ask them about their new album "Data Doom". I also ask them about their potential character class in a video game.

Many thanks to Frankie and the Witch Fingers and Palp Fest for making this happen!

Could I get a full update about your lives? Are you guys still based in L.A.?

Pickle: Yeah! We’re still based out of LA for now. Me, Dylan, and Josh live up in the East Hollywood area - basically, like the Silverlake/Highland Park neighborhoods if you’re familiar with LA. Nick is down south in Palos Verdes, but we all meet up in the middle at our practice space which is in the industrial warehouse district south of Downtown. It’s like our clubhouse. Our home base where we hatch all our evil plans.

Dylan, in our first interview I remember you were making bagels as a side job. Is that still the case?

Dylan: I’m not making bagels anymore, but Belle’s is still the best place in LA to get one! These days we’re on the road or in the studio most of the year, but I’ll always be a bagel boy at heart.

Josh was also recording for others. Is that still the case?

Josh: Not so much recording for others, this band keeps us really busy, but I recorded a solo synth album during the pandemic. And I'm currently mixing the newest album by Monsterwatch!

Frankie and the Witch Fingers playing Palp festival. Because moshing on the hill was dangerous, the crowd was a bit further down.

Your upcoming album, "Data Doom", comes out on Sept. 1st. I looked at the tracklist in your interview on Spin magazine, and the main theme seems to be technology. Was it intentional or did it come naturally?

Dylan: Technology and how it’s been affecting humanity both negatively and positively is something I’ve been interested in and thinking about quite a lot. I think a lot of people are thinking about it. Especially in these super bizarre times we’re in. Over consumption, misinformation, addiction to screens, blah blah blah. I guess because of that, when it came to write lyrics and sort of craft the ideas behind the music, that was the subject matter that flowed the most freely. Everyone in the band seemed to agree that the conceptual ideas that were forming also fit the music that we were writing together, so it kind of continued to fuel the creative fire. I think there’s hope hidden in there too. So maybe the AI overlords won’t destroy us all, if we can get our shit together.

One of the singles "Futurephobic", is out. The music video is by Slim Reaper from Media Pollution. Could you tell me more about them, how you did you meet? Was the evil Ronald McDonald his idea?

Dylan: We’ve known Taylor (Slim Reaper) for years now, he’s been making amazing live visuals for us and a bunch of bands we love, so he’s part of the extended family. We knew we wanted to work with him, and we were stoked when he brought his production company Media Pollution into the mix. We did a call with them and talked about a bunch of ideas and imagery we had been into. They ran with it and came up with this freaky 80’s horror piece. We couldn’t be happier with the video. Our talented friends showed up last minute to fill the acting roles and to help out. It’s honestly my favorite video we’ve made to date, it was a super fun shoot.

youtube

Finally, let's say each one of you is a character in a video game. In your party, who is the warrior, the thief, the mage and the bard? (ndlr: Nick answers the question)

Warrior — Pickle. I mean, just look at her. She's a force to be reckoned with.

Thief — Nick. He's a mischievous little rascal, always up to no good, for better or for worse.

Mage — Josh. He is the brain and the brawn.

Bard — Dylan. He is the well-spoken poet of the group, who always has something wise to express.

#frankie and the witch fingers #data doom #interview #Youtube

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badwitch-if · 11 months ago

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OG DEMO + AU DEMO

**a note about the demo that won the vote**

Magic is all too real and witches reign supreme.

This is a story of excess & indulgence. Luxury & depravity. Lust & love. Horror & debauchery.

But mostly it's a story of rediscovering your inner witch.

Bad Witch is set in a matriarchal, gothic universe eerily similar to our own, where magic runs the world. And at its core, it is a love letter to the incredibly strong and vibrant friendships that we forge in our youth, and how they ultimately shape the people we become.

Witxhes dominate the upper echelons of society, and magic has seeped into every facet of day-to-day life, for witches and humans alike. Humans were relegated to a lower class of living and as witches tend to be quite opulent & over indulgent [and more often than not revelling in their own personal vices], the bougie Season of the Witch began. Witching Society flourished and quickly overtook over the world, trickling down to influence even those without magic.

SO WILL YOU BE A BAD WITCH, OR A GOOD WITCH?

You were born to one of the most ancient and thus, important witching families; the only child of a famous mother and an even more infamous grandmother. Your ancestors were among the very first witches to lead the revolution, desperate to create a world where their children would never again die by human hands.

Your childhood was rather lonely and spent under the tutelage of the worlds best witches and academics, whilst your mother did her best to ignore your existence whenever it didn’t directly benefit her. And so years later you would often joke that your life really began once you were accepted into Ariadne Academy, the premiere school for exceptionally gifted Witxhes.

You were placed in a coven with eight of your peers; girls and boys who would quickly become your family, until it was almost like you couldn’t remember a time before them. They shared your all-consuming hunger for magic and knowledge and experiences, traits that made your coven [nicknamed the Silverlakers] an unstoppable force within the Demonhall arena. Everything was going so perfectly until it suddenly burned down around you, leaving your coven a husk of its former self.

Aaand this is currently where the stories splinter off.

OG DEMO — In the OG demo, your coven is still somewhat intact. MC’s feelings towards them may or may not have changed, but on the whole, the Silverlakers are still functioning as the overachieving badasses they were at the academy. They’re still your best friends, your soulmates, your lovers. You love them and they most definitely love you — it’s just one big lovefest.

As a master alchemist you tediously work through trials of your newest potion while still coasting off the success of your last serum, the wildly popular Moon Juice. The story focuses on the unnaturally strong bond that exists between the remaining Silverlakers, and the powerful magic you’ve wrought because of that. The incredibly deep but complicated friendships that you built are maintained to this day, and still just as co-dependent... or have they been making you feel stifled or claustrophobic?

You can choose how your relationship with Ash progressed post-breakup. Was it messy and dramatic, or did you keep going back to them, again and again? Have you and Ori been just the bestest friends all this time, or have things gotten a bit awkward?

AU DEMO — In the AU demo, your coven was broken following the loss of one of your own. You all went your own ways and everything that you shared was left by the wayside. You’ve spent the better part of a decade running away from your Silver Lake family, the only real home you ever knew. But now, against all of your better judgements, your returning to York. Only for a few days, of course. A couple weeks, tops.

You haven’t returned since you absconded after graduation, when you used a somewhat controversial but entirely contrived excuse for your disappearance. And as if The Fates themselves had seen to it, you once again find yourself thrown together with the other witches formerly known as Silverlakers. Their reactions to your return are not at all what you had expected, and you’re left second-guessing what actually happened all those years ago.

No matter how deep of a rift was left between your coven, Ori was the one who really refused to give up on you. In their very unique way, they practically strong-armed you into maintaining some kind of contact. Of all your former covenmates, you are hands down closest to Ori. Your breakup with Ash, no matter how it was done, was shocking and cut deep. You can choose whether to stand by your past actions or try to make amends with your first love.

Both the OG & AU stories will feature opportunities to reconnect with: the former childhood friend turned academy rival; as well as the young professor from your university years. And despite their shorter and more mysterious descriptions, they are both main RO’s, along with Ash & Ori.

Will you try to repair the broken connections plaguing your coven, or forge a brand new path? Will you decide to confront the nightmares of your past face on in the Demonhall arena, or continue to ignore the literal demons that chase you?

TW/CW: violent & horrific imagery; explicit language; explicit sex scenes (with options to fade to black); misandry (within context of the story); mentions of blood/gore; child abuse (past tense against MC); very questionable magic usage; frequent scenes where NPCs are intoxicated, under the spell of drugs or magic, as well as just as many options for MC to imbibe; elder abuse; voluntary magical torture

~ Fully customisable character — you can currently play as a woman, man, or non-binary person; straight, gay, or bisexual. Customise your character's personality, style and how they reacted in major moments of their life leading up to present events,

~ Choose how to react to your current coven dynamics — fight to save your soulmates & strengthen your long-established bonds, or play around on greener pastures with other witches

~Experience the Witch's Journey through the Major Arcana – but will your MC make it to the final tarot reading?

~ Meet your familiar and decide which form it takes, with your familiar's animal impacting the story

~ Set up a cozy, witchy corner to call your own! A few options include a reclaimed lighthouse, luxurious penthouse in the sky, and a secluded cabin in the woods

~ Continue to cross sexual conquests off your list of Lovers to Bed, or get serious and pursue a more serious connection. There are currently 4.5 love interests [all gender variable] as well as an optional poly route. I'm also considering bringing back a character who was cut from the OG story... TBD!

~ Decide what happened to MC's relationship with Ash, in the years since graduation. Have they drifted apart while leading separate lives, or have they been on-and-off for the better part of a decade?

~ Get answers & closure by chasing down ghosts from your past. Give yourself over to the demons in your past, or fight to find a balance between your life and the monsters at the gate.

~ Explore the ever-changing hellscapes of Demonhall and confront your demons, or keep those traumatic memories in the past where they belong

~ But above all else, choose which path your character takes going forward. Chase your dreams and loves, or turn your back, light it up & watch the world burn around you.

During your time at Ariadne Academy, rumours swirled nonstop about your coven.

You got along too well.

You loved each other too hard.

Some people said you were a bunch of weirdos, while others whispered [a little too loudly] that all of your parents had conspired together, bribing the Witches Council to put you all together in one coven. But back then you couldn't give a shit about anyone or anything outside your Silver Lake home.

You found your first love within your coven, as well as seven other soulmates. And for a long time, that was all you needed.

☆ Elijah Akos {m}

☆ Suki Aoki {f}

♡ Aisling Casablanca {f} // Asher Casablanca {m}

♡ Oriana Helyr {f} // Orion Helyr {m}

☆ Belladonna Humphrey {f}

☆ Endora Stills {f}

☆ Hazel Trout {f} — Deceased

☆ Bren Wylder {nb}

The grandiose and horrifying Demonhall is a favourite pastime for Witches young and old. Two opposing covens enter the arena (or as it's lovingly called by fans, the Demon Dome) and are sealed inside. Usually a timer is set for 6 hours, but some exhibition games run a 'last Witch standing' simulator, that can go on for days.

At the core of every Demonhall arena lies it's true power, a demonstone. The crystalized heart of a demon powers and creates unique and dangerous environments for covens to progress through. Whether it's a futuristic, neon playground; the dilapidated ruins of Titans; or a much too lifelike version of the floor is lava, each unique setting has been randomly and lovingly crafted by the demonstone.

Just as each demon is unique and come with their specific set of baggage challenges, so do their corresponding arenas. Some are more manipulative in luring you into their traps, while others don't waste time in throwing everything they've got at you.

The object of the game, quite simply, is to challenge & toss opposing witches out of the match, using whatever spells & curses, or hexes & charms you keep in your arsenal. All while avoiding the real terror of the Demonhall, the demon itself.

For over a decade, your life revolved around Demonhall. You were the Lead for your coven, meaning you often bore the brunt of whatever the demonstone was hurtling at you. Your Silver Lake coven dominated the amateur Demonhall circuit for the better part of a decade. You and your covemates were elevated to a level of celebrity that few others at Ariadne Academy could relate to, as you were splashed across dozens of magazine covers before you were 18.

You planned your life around your obsession and love of the game, and as your graduation approached, you fielded dozens of offers to play for top-tier professional teams. But then... the unexpected happened during a match and you lost a member of your coven.

☆The First Love☆ ...& Ash's playlist

Aisling Casablanca {f} // Asher Casablanca {m}, 31

Ash was your first love. You dated for several years during your time at Ariadne Academy. You grew up together in your Silver Lake cottage and soon after you met, you found it hard to deny your teenage crush.

You bonded over a mutual (rather mad) obsession with Demonhall, and it didn't take long for that bond to translate onto the arena. The Silver Lake Demonhall coven dominated the competition, thanks in large part to the connection you shared with Ash.

You made plans together to follow your passions after graduation, and even courted the interest of several top-tier professional clubs. They wanted you both, and were willing to restructure their teams around you & Ash.

But life happened, and you surprised everyone when you suddenly broke things off with Ash and the Demonhall teams. Instead you followed a secondary love and traveled across the world in pursuit of cryptozoological mysteries.

In the decade that you've been working out in the field, Ash has been named Demonhall MVP for three years in a row. Their legions of adoring fans have only multiplied. Is there room for you in their life nowadays, or is it truly too late?

☆The Best Friend☆ ...& Ori's playlist

Oriana Helyr {f} // Orion Helyr {m}, 30

Ori has been your longest and closest friend. No matter what your relationship was like with the rest of the coven, you could always count on Ori having your back. And sometimes being a shoulder to cry on, during the rockier parts of your relationship with Ash. In a way, it's always felt like the three of you had your own kind of connection, but at times, that could put Ori in the middle of your shit with Ash.

Ori is a highly sought after Master Architect, one of only two in the country. They’re instrumental to the buildings integrity and the future success of it’s residences. Ori often spends weeks onsite, crafting intricate enchantments around the bones of the structure, ensuring not only structural safety but doing everything in their power to position them for prosperity.

There's never been any fronts or facades with Ori, just transparent (sometimes brutal) honesty. You've never had to pretend around them and you might even be your truest self when you're with them. And then the two of you would stay up all night, talking and watching movies, and polishing off copious amounts of alcohol. In fact, many of those nights ended up serving as inspiration for your new experimental potion, a cure-all hangover draught.

In the years since the academy, Ori has tracked you down across the globe too many times to count. It always seemed like they had some magical way of knowing when your life was going to shit and they'd spontaneously turn up with boxes of wine & chocolate, immediately taking over your kitchen to cook up something utterly delicious

☆The Lifelong Rival☆ ...& Poe's playlist

Viridian ‘Poe’ Black {f/m}, 31

Poe was one of your very first friends, long before the academy. Your mothers ran in the same high society circles and so you were often left to your own devices. For Poe that usually meant running off into the woods to scout for berries and beasts, or tirelessly watching or reading up on anything to do with Demonhall. And in fact decades later, you've still never met anyone as obsessed with the game as them. Even as a kid, Poe was haughty and overtly snobby; they always knew exactly what and who they liked, and rarely strayed outside the lines.

But for some reason or another, you were someone they happily tolerated and actually seemed to like. Much to their delight their Demonhall fanaticism eventually infected you as well, and you spent countless hours debating the various forms, methods, and positions of the beautiful but deadly game. The two of you would often daydream about your future life at Ariadne Academy, and their eyes lit up with unabashed glee when they spoke of how together, you would bring about a new era of Demonhall. But then came the week before coven placements. And even after all of their extensive testing, you & Poe weren't placed together.

After that Poe very rarely spoke to you and altogether stopped responding to your many messages over the years, and just like that, the delicate friendship you once shared was snuffed out. And while they'd always been sarcastic and biting, that had rarely been directed towards you. Until you were put in competition, both academically and in the Demonhall arena, and then you were introduced to an entirely different side of Poe. The one that knew your weaknesses and just when to exploit them, who seemed to take a particular happiness from your defeat.

☆The One That Got Away☆

Julia St. James {f} // Julian St. James {m}

Jules is the youngest of nine children and grew up in Bilbao, Spain. They were generally spoiled as a child, doted on by all of their siblings, aunts and uncles. They could never want for tutors or toys or courtiers, but it was all rather tiresome.

They would later travel the continent as a young apprentice of a new philosophy, but they were never alone; always in the company of their cousins, Vix and Maz. Jules developed a deep appreciation for the fine arts and very delicious things during this time away from home.

Jules has now perfected the balancing act, living in both worlds. They work tirelessly as a professor of Theological Witchcraft but lately they've been feeling the pull to leave the classroom and get back out into the world.

☆ ... ☆

#if #interactive fiction #hosted games #choicescript #interactive novel #witches #choice of games #magic #wip #if wip #badwitch #badwitch if #if: wip #if: fyi

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inthefightgarden · 10 months ago

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ohhhh i love that! and it feels true to me too. denial is very much her vibe.

the tags bring up something kinda interesting to me though. i definitely agree that zorian would've probably faired better in a less isolated / fundamentalist community (and maybe even learned he was an empath if there were some mages around when he was passing out in church n shit (although honestly that wouldn't necessarily have been to his benefit when it got to the time loop, given how "turn it off" focused most empath training is)).

but thinking about all that makes me wonder why cikan and andir actually stayed in cirin in the first place. like i know they had a pretty bootstraps-y backstory, but with how much cikan hated the way she was percieved there it's interesting that they didn't ever try for a fresh start. i mean a big city might not have been affordable at first, but there are other smallish communities where they probably could've set up, and when their business (did we ever find out what it actually does?) was making them pretty well off they probably could've moved further away and had a slightly more hands off approach.

maybe it was just logistics, but cikan seems to have a very strong "prove them wrong" mentality, and i like to think it was intentional that she stayed, even if not fully concious.

i think all her trauma is probably why she's so hard on them in other areas too (like with clothes for zorian, or drawing for kiri). she feels like every little thing has to prove that they are respectable and beyond reproach or it will all come crashing down.

also, this is somewhat unrelated, but i wonder how kirielle will feel about her witch heritage when she grows up. i feel like she's the child that will be most affected by having missed out and will probably try to learn as much as she can about witch magic and culture, and even maybe try to find a witch mentor. although hopefully not silverlake...

so umm i just finished mother of learning in like 5 days, and my brain is now full of wriggling squiggling worms. i'm also just starting a re-read with the audiobook and it is already giving me even more questions and ideas! so here i am to share my wormy burden ^_^

anyway, here's something chapter 1 started me thinking about...

do you think zorian's mother knows about their bloodline? (also her name is cikan. i had to look it up, so saying it here incase anyone else needed reminding)

we know that cikan really hated being associated with zorian's grandmother, but she was still immersed in witch culture at least somewhat in her home life. we don't really know how old she was when she first started to reject those practices, so it's hard to judge how much she would have learned before she went out of her way to avoid it, and we also just don't have enough context about the witches' traditions for raising their kids to make guesses about her knowlege level.

we do see later on in the series (what comes to mind is the confrontation in koth) that cikan doesn't have much knowlege about magic as zorian knows it (eg. what you can expect from certain spells used for travel), but given that the witches are an separate spellcasting tradition from the ikosians that doesn't necessarily tell us loads about what she might have picked up from her mother.

also, knowing you have a bloodline is pretty important information to have, so even with the antagonism you'd think zorian's grandmother would've at least made sure cikan knew about that... if SHE knew, anyway, cause that's also not something we can really take for granted is it? there are a few ways i can picture it being

option 1. most of what we see in the series is not typical from an empathy bloodline. archmage zorian is an outlier and should not be counted. and even daimen, the more "normal" natural mind mage is still a whole magical prodigy, which isn't exactly baseline for most people with empathy either. so yeah... zorian's grandmother may not have known that she had a empathy in her family in the first place.

option 2. we do hear (i don't remember when or who from. maybe one of the teachers? was it ilsa? idk) that empathy is a pretty common form of natural magical ability, and it's kind of a mild plot twist that it's a bloodline thing if i remember correctly. so even if zorian's grandmother knew about an empath in her family history she might not have known that meant it could pass down.

option 3. part of the reason in world that empathy isn't usually thought of as a bloodline thing (again, if i'm remembering right) is because it's so comparatively common, so it's entirely possible that empathy bloodlines (and possibly to a lesser extent bloodlines in general) are just quite common for witches to the extent that it's not really something that needs to be said explicitly, or at least wouldn't have been if cikan hadn't done so much to assimilate with the dominant culture and distance herself from witch tradition and knowlege

BUT, those options are thinking about the reasons cikan might NOT know about their bloodline... so again, does she know? even if she doesn't think of it as a bloodline she might be aware that her family has a history of empathy. so now for some thoughts on what the situation might be if she IS aware of the family history.

(note. i'm pretty damn sure cikan herself isn't an empath. zorian would be able to tell if she was "open", and she just doesn't have that understanding of how other people feel. but if you think otherwise, or just want to think about a "what if", i'd love to hear about it ^-^)

(oh and same goes for kiri and fortov)

cikan might know that there's a family history, but not really know what that means in practise. as i mentioned earlier she doesn't seem very knowlegable on magic, so she might not have any clue about the signs and how it typically presents.

she also might be in denial about the possibility that her kids inherited something like that from her, given what we've seen of how she thinks about her heritage. or she might have focused any concern about the possibility onto kirielle, who seems to be where much of her trauma goes, and not considered that the boys might get it. especially considering the witches' beliefs about sex and magical lineage.

but she also might know or suspect that zorian and/or daimen is an empath. which if nothing else is certainly the option with the most potential drama.

personally, i doubt she knows that daimen is an empath. he put a lot of work into hiding it, and i feel like it would probably affect how he sees him. given how much baggage she has about her witch heritage i just can't see that knowlege not somewhat tainting her golden boy, you know? like i know she's fine with him being a mage and really proud of his prodigy status, but i just can't envision her seeing empathy the same way, and i think it would come through in a slightly colder attitude to daimen. especially given the cultural stigma against mind magic when she's worked so hard to become socially acceptable.

but i'm just not sure whether she knows about zorian or not! on the one hand i could totally see her just being oblivious, in denial, not having the right context, whatever, but I can also kind of see the way she treats him (specifically in relation to him socialising and stuff), through the lense of knowing he's an empath.

like he straight up told her as a child that crowds caused him physical pain. he had tp stop going to church because it made him actually pass out! that is some pretty intense stuff to just ignore... we're never told that he saw a doctor or anything about this via his parents (as far as i remember, please let me know if i'm missimg something!) so did she have some idea about what was going on or was it just plain neglect?

and if she did have some understanding of the situation, how did that affect her behaviour? did she think if she ignored it he'd just adjust and never find out? did she just not want it to be associated with her family history if/when he did find out? did she think that if she forced him into triggering situations he'd eventually realise? or that he'd learn to control it subconciously? or did it just not matter how he felt as long as he was still functional when it came to his political use? did she hide it more out of personal shame, or a legitimate conviction that she was protecting him like with kiri?

like i said, i'm not sure what my headcannon is, but the topic fascinates me. as you can probably tell from how long and rambly this got. sorry ^_^'

but yeah, i'd love to hear what other people think!

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