#all I remember from the book was there was this vampire darius who had a daughter who didn’t know about him

[rottengurlz]

I need to start a book club so someone can read the black dagger brotherhood series with me there’s like 22 books in it and the writing is awful but I’m obsessed with fucked up vampire brothers being named like rehvenge and zsadist

[arctic-comet]

Osblaineweek2021, Day 2: Prose

I love book quotes. Looking at quotes is one of my favorite ways to to inspire myself to write more fic.

Here’s a small collection of book quotes (and recs!) of where I’ve “found” June and Nick.

This post contains spoilers for the following books/series:

- Lover Mine by JR Ward

- The Wrath and The Dawn duology by Renée Ahdieh

- A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward

Summary:

John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate. Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.

It's basically a paranormal love story between two warriors. He's really young (although he's actually a reincarnation of a very old vampire warrior, but he doesn't know that), and she's like 300 years older than him. In this book, she's been raped and abused by a guy who also used to bully him. She escapes, but he saves her life. She's hungry for revenge and wants to die after achieving that goal, but of course eventually changes her mind. In the end he actually serves her rapist to her on a silver platter so that she can kill him (sound like anyone we know?). He literally holds the guy down while she kills him.

They're my ultimate favorite ship in this series, and IMO their relationship eventually develops into one of the strongest ones. This series is a bit of a hit-or-miss for most people, because the language and the writing style are pretty ridiculous in all seriousness. If you decide to read this, I recommend starting the series from the beginning because John and Xhex meet for the first time several books before this one, LOL.

Here are some of the quotes that make me think of Nick and June:

“Besides, the story of the two of them was written in the language of collision; they were ever crashing into each other and ricocheting away—only to find themselves pulled back into another impact.” ― J.R. Ward, Lover Mine

“As his ears rang and his heart broke for her, he stayed strong against the gale force she let loose. After all, there was a reason why here and hear were seperated by so little and sounded one like the other. Bearing witness to her, he heard her and was there for her because that was all you could do during a fall apart. But God, it pained him to see how she suffered.” ― J.R. Ward, Lover Mine

“...the only thing that had tethered her to the earth had been him and it was strange, but she felt welded to him on some core level now. He had seen her at her absolute worst, at her weakest and most insane, and he hadn't looked away. He hadn't judged and he hadn't been burned. It was as if in the heat of her meltdown they had melted together. This was more than emotion. It was a matter of soul.” ― J.R. Ward, Lover Mine

The Wrath and the Dawn duology by Renée Ahdieh

Summary:

One Life to One Dawn. In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all. Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

This is a young adult fantasy romance, and basically, Khalid is a lot like Nick. He’s made mistakes that he needs to own, but at the same time he’s forced to commit atrocities he doesn’t want to do. He hates himself and doesn’t believe himself to be worthy of love, and yet he falls in love with Shazi. He's viewed as the villain of the story by everyone aside from Shazi and a few other characters until almost the end of the 2nd book.

“I love you, a thousand times over. And I will never apologize for it.”

―Renee Ahdieh, The Wrath and the Dawn

“It’s a fitting punishment for a monster. to want something so much—to hold it in your arms — and know beyond a doubt you will never deserve it.”

― Renee Ahdieh, The Wrath and the Dawn

“When I was a boy, my mother would tell me that one of the best things in life is the knowledge that our story isn't over yet. Our story may have come to a close, but your story is still yet to be told.

Make it a story worthy of you”

― Renee Ahdieh, The Wrath and the Dawn

“In that moment of perfect balance, she understood. This peace? These worries silenced without effort? It was because they were two parts of a whole. He did not belong to her. And she did not belong to him. It was never about belonging to someone. It was about belonging together.”

― Renee Ahdieh, The Rose & the Dagger

“A boy who'd thrived in the shadows.

Now he had to live in the light.

To live . . . fiercely.

To fight for every breath.”

― Renee Ahdieh, The Rose & the Dagger

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Summaries:

Book 1

Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ... Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.

Book 2

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people. Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two. With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

Fantasy romance with explicit sex scenes, and book 2 is a lot better than book 1. Our main character Feyre falls for a really boring fae guy, but also meets the hottest guy she’s ever known. The first guy of course isn't the real love interest (this is a twist this author loves to do). They all end up as prisoners, and the 2nd guy saves her life when the 1st one is totally useless. He also makes her hate him as he does it because he has to. After getting out, she tries to make her old relationship work, but it doesn’t, and guess who swoops in?

I do see some Nick in Rhysand (in addition to his role in the love triangle). They’re both traumatized and prefer to keep a lot of their feelings to themselves. I also see some of the same selflessness in both of them. Rhysand wants Feyre to choose him because she loves him, but he’s willing to accept that she may not, and doesn’t tell her that they’re pretty much destined to be together (it’s a supernatural thing, and he will suffer a lot if she decides she doesn’t want him).

“Everything I love has always had a tendency to be taken from me.”

―Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses

“It took me a long while to realize that Rhysand, whether he knew it or not, had effectively kept me from shattering completely.”

― Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses

“Regardless of his motives or his methods, Rhysand was keeping me alive. And had done so even before I set foot Under the Mountain.”

― Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses

“Because," he went on, his eyes locked with mine, "I didn't want you to fight alone. Or die alone."

― Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses

“He thinks he'll be remembered as the villain in the story. But I forgot to tell him that the villain is usually the person who locks up the maiden and throws away the key. He was the one who let me out.”

― Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Mist and Fury

“And I wondered if love was too weak a word for what he felt, what he’d done for me. For what I felt for him.”

― Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Mist and Fury

“I was his and he was mine, and we were the beginning and middle and end. We were a song that had been sung from the very first ember of light in the world.”

― Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Mist and Fury

[bamon4bamily]

TVD 9x09 (part 2) Enjoy! =)

Cut to - Stefan and Caroline, lying on the beach, having some margaritas, just chilling, doing absolutely nothing but stare at the ocean and talk.

 STEFAN: Look at us; who knew we could actually let loose and just go with it.

CAROLINE: I know, I’m loving this side of us!

STEFAN: Marry me again…

CAROLINE: (Laughs, thinking it’s a joke, then realizes he means it) Wait, what?! Are you serious?

STEFAN: Yes, Care; we deserve the wedding we want, not that show we had to put on; I mean, it was beautiful, but it wasn’t us, and we didn’t even get to enjoy it.

CAROLINE: A million times, yes! Let’s do it (they kiss)!... Now, about that thing… I’ve been given it a lot of thought; this is a decision we need to make together. Guess it comes down to answering ourselves if we want this to be short and sweet, or long but uncertain.

STEFAN: If this was just about me, I’d go with short and sweet. I always hated being a vampire, and the mere possibility of becoming a ripper again terrifies me, but the idea of not being able to be with you for much longer, terrifies me even more. I’d like to think I came back for a reason, not just to die all over again.

CAROLINE: I know this might sound selfish, but I rather take a chance with the ripper than lose you. And, if it ever came to that, I’d be here to bring you back. We can do this, Stefan.

STEFAN: We can do anything (kisses her). It’s decided then. Maybe I’m destined to be a vampire…

CAROLINE: Or maybe you’re destined to be with me.

STEFAN: (Tender smile) I like that reasoning better (kisses her).

CAROLINE: So, this option you mentioned, are we sure it’s safe?

STEFAN: No, I mean, there is always a risk with these types of things.

CAROLINE: And Damon is on board with this?

STEFAN: He said it was my decision, he’ll do it if I decide to go through with it, so…

CAROLINE: Are you really sure it’s what you want to do?

STEFAN: What I am sure of is that I want to be with you for as long as I can.

CAROLINE: Me too. Well, once we go back home, we’ll get it done.

STEFAN: And start planning for our second wedding.

CAROLINE: Oh, I’m already on that.

STEFAN: (Laughs) I love you.

CAROLINE: And I love you (kisses him). Now, how about we go upstairs and take a “bath”...

STEFAN: (Stands up real fast) You know, another pro is that next time, we’ll be able to vamp our way to the room (smirks).

CAROLINE: Plus, vamp sex, you gotta miss that (smirks back)!

STEFAN: That alone is worth the risk of the ripper coming back. (Grabs their stuff and carries her to their room).

Cut to – Tulum ruins. After four hours Bonnie and Damon conclude the temazcal ritual; La Bruja offers them some fruit and tea to rehydrate.

 LA BRUJA: You are true warriors; I’m impressed you got through the four hours; many don’t get past the first. You know, my ancestors believed the temazcal represented the womb, a place of transition between the heavens and the underworld, and that once you came out of the ritual, you were reborn.

BONNIE: I’ve died many times, linked with a cosmic energy source, but have never felt anything so sublime. Thank you, this truly was a gift.

LA BRUJA: No need to thank me, it was my pleasure. (Turns to Damon, who is very silent and meditative) Damon, how was your experience?

DAMON: Terrifying, yet beautiful at the same time… I don’t know how to explain it. I think I cried at some point, laughed, screamed… Cathartic, to say the least. A million times thank you, honestly…

LA BRUJA: I knew you would face your demons and fight till the end to defeat them. You two have a unique bond, soulmates beyond a doubt.

BONNIE: (Looking into Damon’s eyes with a soft smile) I guess we are…

DAMON: I know we are (kisses her).

LA BRUJA: Destiny doesn’t make mistakes (winks).

BONNIE: Tell me about you and Grams.

LA BRUJA: (Smirks) In the beginning we used to hate each other. Although our covens were amicable, the Bennett’s had a history with the Gemini and the Mikaelson witch, and my coven didn’t approve. Also, your grandma is as stubborn as they come, couldn’t stand her, yet I sort of loved to hate her. Then, a situation forced an unusual alliance and we ended up becoming best friends. After some time, one thing led to the other, and well… you can figure out the rest. One thing is for sure, I love that woman to infinity.

BONNIE: It’s so strange, I feel like there is this whole side of Grams I never knew…

LA BRUJA: Just like there is a side of you she doesn’t either. That is the beauty of human relations, you never truly get to unveil the mystery of the inner self.

BONNIE: I’m happy to know she has that kind of love. Sorry if I seemed rude before, I’m honored to have met you.

LA BRUJA: No hard feelings, I understand you being wary, but I’m hoping that after this bonding moment, we can become friends.

BONNIE: You know it!

DAMON:  I’m curious, you said you met my mother, does that mean you’re an immortal?

LA BRUJA: We are all immortal, Damon. Now, what keeps me in this specific state of existence can be thought both as a curse or as a blessing. I am mother nature, assigned to protect and preserve all biological beings. I am bound to this earth till its end…

BONNIE: Don’t you get lonely? Seeing the people you love move on while you remain?

LA BRUJA: Not at all; just because they move on to another plane of existence doesn’t mean we are not connected. We might not be able to interact physically, but spiritually we are linked for eternity.

BONNIE: That’s a beautiful way to look at it.

LA BRUJA: It is. Well, I must be heading out now, but before I leave, I need to give you two things. One, (hands her an amulet) this earth amulet, whenever you need to reach me hold it in your left hand, close your eyes, and I’ll be there in a blink of an eye. 

Second, a message from the Shaman… (Says the words in Mayan) “Ti' le ak'abo' le unión vence le k'aas” … In darkness, unity defeats evil. Never forget that, it might be the answer you need when the time comes…

BONNIE: What do you mean?

LA BRUJA: Just, remember, promise me.

BONNIE: I will, I promise.

LA BRUJA: Good. My work here is done.

BONNIE: Listen, we should see each other before we go back home, let us invite you to dinner one of these nights.

LA BRUJA: I’d love to! You know how to reach me.

DAMON: Thank you again, really, this has been one of the best experiences of my life, or death, however you want to see it.

LA BRUJA: Ay, Damon, you are such an uncanny soul; but a good one, so stop doubting yourself.

BONNIE: (Teasing) Listen to the herb lady, Damon, she’s on point.

DAMON: (Laughs) Is Sheila this mocking?

LA BRUJA: Oh, yes, it’s definitely a Bennett thing!

BONNIE: Hey!

LA BRUJA: (Laughs) But that’s why we love you ladies.

DAMON: That’s right, Bon Bon (smirks and hugs her).

BONNIE: Oh, I’m still gonna get you back for this, when you least expect it (kisses him, winks).  

LA BRUJA: Well, amigos, my time to go… (just as she suddenly appeared, she disappears, along with the Shaman and the hut).  

DAMON: How about a dip?

BONNIE: (Smirks and slowly takes her clothes off) Catch me if you can! (Runs into the ocean, Damon takes his clothes off as fast as he gets up, and vamps in after her. They make love, multiple times, until sunset).

Cut to - Edward, waking up inside a cell in the underground hi-tech facility.

AUGUSTUS: Sorry, son, I tried giving you the benefit of the doubt, but you don’t seem to get it together. I trusted you’d get things done, thought you were on the right track when you took care of that lunatic Darius, but your attachment to the Donovan kid keeps getting in the way; and for the life of me, I can’t understand why. He might be blood, but he is not family. Oh, well, never leave a boy to do a man’s job.

EDWARD: Where is she?! What have you done to her?!!!

AUGUSTUS: Who? Oops, I think they might have overdone it with the sedatives… Well, it will pass, nothing to worry about. Unless… you haven’t stopped taking your medication, have you?  

EDWARD: I know what I saw, where is she!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AUGUSTUS: Bring Donovan back, and you might find out.

EDWARD: You have all this high-tech equipment, I’m sure you can find where he is.

AUGUSTUS: Well we know he flew to Lima a couple of days ago, but we found his cellphone, and his wife’s, at their house. I’m guessing someone told them not to bring their phones along.

EDWARD: You had him, he gave you what you wanted, and you let him go. If you still needed him, why would you let him go?

AUGUSTUS: Unfortunately, when it comes to humans, errors are bound to happen; we missed a minor detail.  

EDWARD: That’s quite the understatement… but you are wasting your time with me, so go play with your toys, you might have better luck with them. Oh, and I will find out what you did to her, don’t doubt that for a second.

AUGUSTUS: (Grins, sarcastically) In the meantime, I’ll have one of my toys bring you your medication; can’t have you going off to La La land just yet. (An odd man approaches his cell with some pills) I hope it’s the right prescription… (smirks and walks away).  

Cut to - Tyler and Lexi playing cards and having a drink, after a long day at the school.

 LEXI: (Opens her cards) Royal flush…

TYLER: Are you kidding me?! (Opens his) Poker.

LEXI: Aw, Wolfie, (as she takes his chips) better luck next time.

TYLER: Well, I’m out of money, and dignity.

LEXI: Ha, I warned you. (Takes a sip of her drink) So, how are you adjusting? Are you liking this teaching thing?

TYLER: Much to my surprise, I actually am. You?

LEXI: I’m loving it! I’ve always been a huge fan of Harry Potter, so I kind of feel like I’m in Hogwarts.

TYLER: Are you serious, Harry Potter? (Cracks up).

LEXI: Hey, they’re amazing books!

TYLER: (Teasing) Oh, I’m sure they are, but I never figured you as a fangirl.

LEXI: You have no idea, haven’t missed a single con.

TYLER: Ha, ha! As in those geek events where everyone is dressed up? Please don’t tell me you go in costume…

LEXI: Of course I do, I have Hermione down to a T! Just ask Bonnie, she’s gone to a few with me.

TYLER: Bonnie?! Oh, this just keeps getting better! (Alaric comes running in).

ALARIC: Hey, guys.

LEXI: What’s up, boss?

ALARIC: Oh, gees no, please don’t call me that. We have a situation…

TYLER: What’s going on?

ALARIC: It’s actually quite funny if you think about it. You know how Katherine used to be a Traveler?

TYLER: Uhm, yes, but not after she became a vampire…

ALARIC: Yes, but then she became human, died, was queen of hell, came back; who knows what she really is at this point… Anyway, turns out one of her students is an active Traveler and, well, long story short, something happened, and they switched bodies… and no one can figure out how to switch them back. Just thought I’d let you know so you don’t freak out when a teenage boy comes in here, pours himself a drink and starts acting like a crazy person.

LEXI: Did you just say, teenage boy? (She laughs hysterically) Oh, this is too good!!

TYLER: (Also laughing uncontrollably) Karma is a bitch!!! 

LEXI: We have to see this, please, Ric, ask her to come!

ALARIC: Well she, or shall I say, he, is in his room at the moment; freaking out. Radka is with him and the student, trying to look for a way to reverse whatever they did back.

LEXI: (Jumps up) What are we waiting for? Let’s go!

ALARIC: (As they are walking out) Guys, just try not to laugh too hard.    

Cut to - Matt and Khuyana, who have been staying at a cabin, somewhere near the Machu Pichu ruins, for a couple of days.

MATT: Middle of nowhere, you, me, and absolutely no connection to the outside world; I can get used to this.

KHUYANA: I have to say, I thought I would go crazy without my phone, but it’s so liberating!

MATT: It is; makes you think just how dependent we are on our little gadgets, and how disconnected from the natural world.

KHUYANA: I’m reconsidering your offer not to go back to Mystic Falls, or Lima, we can just stay here and live out the rest of our days as hermits. You can become a writer, and I can become a sculptor, or a painter.

MATT: Well, I can’t write for my life, so I’ll need to find something else.

KHUYANA: Or you could be the sculptor, you are great with your hands (smirks).

MATT: Well, we have a couple of more days to decide… (kisses her).

Cut to – Sage and Alex in a real high-end apartment, near the University’s Medical Lab. Sage wakes up, real hung-over. Gets out of bed, goes to the kitchen to grab an aspirin. Alex is reading and having coffee.

 ALEX: (With happy-go-lucky sarcasm) Morning sunshine!

SAGE: Oh, shut up, Alex; my head is killing me.

ALEX: (Mocking) Wonder why? Here (hands her a pick-me up drink he had already prepared for her, she chugs it).

SAGE: (Hits his chest) Why did you let me drink so much last night!?

ALEX: (Laughs) Are you serious? When have you ever listened to me when I tell you to slow it down?

SAGE: I didn’t even drink that much, how did I get so drunk!?

ALEX: I’m guessing it had something to do with seeing Sam again, and meeting his new girlfriend, Elena… (pushing her buttons) she’s hot!

SAGE: Please, she’s your average, totally overrated, “girl next door”.

ALEX: Meow! Catty much? After all these years, you’re still stuck on him.

SAGE: First of all, it’s only been two years. Second, I’m not. I just think he can do better, that’s all.

ALEX: Wait, I thought… never mind, I don’t even want to know. Listen, we start the program early tomorrow, how about we stay in, veggie out, and binge some Walking Dead.

SAGE: That actually sounds like a great idea, can’t function today; but we’re not watching your lame ass show, so get ready for a Hunger Games marathon.

ALEX: (Rolls his eyes) Fine! I’ll make us some lunch while you set the rest up.

SAGE: (With a puppy face) Salmon and cream cheese bagels?

ALEX: Yes, I knew you were going to ask for that, so I went to the market early in the morning; got some champagne and oranges for mimosas too.

SAGE: (Kisses his cheek) You’re the best!

Cut to- Akumal, Mexico. Caroline, Bonnie, Damon and Stefan are having an oceanfront dinner.

CAROLINE: So, how were the pyramids?

BONNIE: Out of this world, you guys should have come.

CAROLINE: We were exhausted, but will definitely join next time; I’m thinking we should make this trip an annual tradition.

BONNIE: Definitely.

DAMON: No objections here.

STEFAN: Or here.

BONNIE: So, wanna hear a crazy story?

CAROLINE: Always.

BONNIE: We met my Grams soulmate…

CAROLINE: What?! Here? What are the odds! How did you meet him?

BONNIE: Actually, it’s a she…

CAROLINE: (Spits out the wine she had just taken a sip of) What??!!!!! Oh my god!! Wait, are you playing with me?!

BONNIE: Nop, she’s a Mayan witch, and apparently mother nature…

CAROLINE: (In total shock) Grams?! Really?!! You’re joking, right? Did you guys smoke that stuff again?

BONNIE: (Laughs) No, totally clear minded.

STEFAN: You mean to tell me Sheila…

DAMON: That’s right, brother, she even told us herself. Her reflection appeared through La Bruja’s eyes, spilled the tea to Bonnie…

BONNIE: When you hear it like that, it does sound like we were trippin (they laugh).

CAROLINE: Now I’m totally regretting not going with you guys! So, what did she say, what happened?!

BONNIE: She told us how they met, and then she initiated us in a ritual called temazcal; that was pretty much it. Crazy shit, right!?

CAROLINE: Absolutely insane!! I totally want to meet her!

BONNIE: I told her we would have her over for dinner one of these nights, you can meet her then.

CAROLINE: Ooh, yes, can’t wait! Well, now that we are exchanging our day stories, we have one we want to share with you as well… We are having a second wedding!

BONNIE: That’s great!! You definitely need a due over, last one was pretty bad, no offense.

DAMON: Only good take away was mine and Bon Bon’s dance, rest was a Carry meets The Exorcist fiasco.

BONNIE: Do you have a date? Are you going for a June wedding again? CAROLINE: Oh no, I’m done with June weddings; I want it to be as far away from June as possible, so we’re thinking early December.

BONNIE: That’s coming up real soon… sure you’ll have enough time to plan?

CAROLINE: Yes, we want something simple this time around. Plus, I’ll have my maid of honor to help me out.

BONNIE: And who might that be?

CAROLINE: Bonnie Sheila Bennett, do you even have to ask?! Of course it’s you, it’s always going to be you! Don’t tell Elena I said that.

BONNIE: (With a sweet smile) Well, I think this deserves a bottle of champagne.

DAMON: I’m on it! (Calls the waiter to order the bottle).

BONNIE: Have you picked a venue?

CAROLINE: The mansion; like I said, we want to keep it classy but simple.

BONNIE: It will be beautiful.

DAMON: (After the waiter serves them the champagne, holds his glass up) To due overs!

EVERYONE: Cheers!

CAROLINE: Okay, so, we might change the mood with this one, but we need to tell you something else … Stefan?

STEFAN: Well, Damon, you already know what this is about. Bon, we didn’t want to tell you until we had made a decision.

BONNIE: What’s going on, Stefan? You’re freaking me out…

STEFAN: Essentially, I’m dying.

BONNIE: What?!

DAMON: Bro, context! You can’t just spit words out like that!

STEFAN: Sorry, Bon. Let me try this again. So, you know how I died, and then you brought me back, and then, well, I had the cure before I died, and then I gave it to Damon, and then...

DAMON: Oh, for god’s sakes! Bon Bon, thing is, the cure is wearing off fast. At this rate, we don’t know how long it will last before… well you know what. Stefan talked to me about it, and I came up with an idea; the only way out of this is if he takes the antidote, which is in my blood...

BONNIE: Wow, you sure you’re not the ones that are high? Sorry, had to break the tension to process this… Stefan, you do know what taking the antidote means, right?

STEFAN: I do, that’s what made it so hard to make the decision, but after a lot of thought, Care and I decided it’s worth the risk.

CAROLINE: We want to do it once we get back home.

BONNIE: This has never been done before, it could be dangerous, (turns to Damon) for both…

DAMON: Bon, don’t worry; we should be fine.

BONNIE: Not if it works like the cure, it won’t. Plus, you’re missing a major detail, Stefan died without the cure, it’s not in his system anymore so the “antidote” wont work. Your sudden deterioration is because you don’t have the cure anymore, just like what happened to Katherine but at a slower rate … Didn’t think it could happen, given that you died and came back, but I guess it did. Answer is simple, if you want to survive and don’t mind becoming a vampire, you need to be turned the old-fashioned way… (They all stare at her, mind blown, and a bit embarrassed they hadn’t even thought of that).

DAMON: (To Stefan) You see? This is why I insisted we talked to Bon Bon first!

CAROLINE: (To Bonnie) I told him to tell you too.

STEFAN: (To Bonnie) Sorry, I asked them not to tell you. I didn’t want to drag you, once again, into one of my problems.

BONNIE: Stefan, are we friends?

STEFAN: Of course we are.

BONNIE: Then, your problems are my problems; you’re not dragging anyone. (Teasing) But if you would have listened to them, we could have solved this way sooner.

CAROLINE: I can’t believe we didn’t even think of that…

BONNIE: Sometimes the answer is so obvious you doubt if it makes any sense.

CAROLINE: (To Stefan) So, what do you think?

STEFAN: To be honest, old-fashion way scares me even more, at least with the antidote option there was a chance the ripper might not come into play; but if we do it like this, it’s bound to happen at some point.

BONNIE: Not if you learn how to control it, and we can help you do that. You can do this, Stefan, you are much stronger than you give yourself credit for.

STEFAN: Thank you for saying that, Bon.

CAROLINE: So, old fashioned way it is…

DAMON: Dibs on the kill!

STEFAN: There’s no way in hell I’m letting you kill me; Care is the one that needs to do it.

CAROLINE: No, no, no, I’m not doing it. I’ll give you my blood but I’m not going to be part of The murder of Stefan Salvatore, true crime series episode.

STEFAN: Bon?

BONNIE: Oh, hell no.

DAMON: (With a grin) Looks like it’s gonna have to be me, bro.

STEFAN: Maybe it’s best if I just ride out this decomposition…

DAMON: Oh, come on, it could be fun! Just like old times!

STEFAN: Fine, but I swear, if you so much as smirk, I’m gonna go ripper on your ass.

DAMON: I’ll be gentle, and well behaved, pinky swear.

STEFAN: It’s settled then… Care, you’ll give me your blood; Damon, you’ll do the deed; Bon, you’ll be my moral support.

CAROLINE: God, this is insane! If anyone heard this conversation, they’d either put us in a loony or in jail.

BONNIE: That’s true for pretty much every conversation we have (they all laugh).

CAROLINE: Okay, now that we got that out of the way, let’s celebrate! (They spend the night drinking, laughing, dancing, having a great time).

Cut to – High-tech underground facility, Edward’s cell. The man that gave Edward his medication is still standing outside the cell, on guard. Edward can’t stop staring at him, intrigued by his uncanny behavior and appearance (which strangely resembles him).

 EDWARD: What the hell are you...

 TVD 9x10 coming next! Hope you stop by, read and enjoy! 

[aquilaofarkham]

title: half spent was the night rating: mature (canon-typical violence, blood, coarse language)  summary: Upon receiving an ominous invitation, Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Alucard attend a strange wedding during a winter night where not everything is as it seems and the veil between the living and the dead is thinner than ever.

AO3

DECEMBER 24

The scroll sits on his desk, unopened and untouched amongst scattered piles of books and other papers left neglected for some time. Sparingly, Alucard’s train of thought will latch itself onto it while he sets about completing another mundane chore of the hour. It’s only when he enters the study does his gaze drift away, drawn towards the piece of rolled parchment held together by a red wax seal. Even from a distance he sees its emblem—a sparrow carrying a branch of mistletoe in its beak.

How seasonally appropriate, he thinks, looking more sullen than usual.

Alucard received the scroll the same way most ghost stories begin. There was a sound at the castle entrance that he could not ignore. Knock. Knock. Knock. Each pound echoing throughout the corridors like a persistent drumbeat. The steady beat within his own chest quickened, his ind a flurry of quick, presumptuous answers to his one question—have they returned? Yet upon opening the massive door, he found nobody. No familiar face, not even a messenger. Only what they left behind.

Another wayward glance towards the parchment. Alucard can still smell the cinnamon and roasted chestnuts as strong as it was when he picked it up the day before. He’s tried to bury the memory of his father. There’s no sense in dwelling over dead things. But something he said a long time ago haunts Alucard now more than ever. A warning about strange parcels that might be left on his front doorstep.

“If ever in late December you receive a letter sealed with a sparrow and a mistletoe, do not open it.” Those words used to confuse Alucard. Why should Dracula fear a simple letter? Until he discovered much later that the warning was never meant for the castle lord himself, but for his wife and child.

He knows his history and is fully aware of the story behind such a letter. Yet ominous memories and facts from the past are not enough to dissuade Alucard’s innate sense of curiosity—one of many traits he inherited from his mother. He is an adult now, and ghosts do not scare him. They only cause him melancholy.

Tired of his own hesitation, Alucard picks up the scroll and breaks the seal with a sharpened nail. The parchment feels soft under his fingertips, surprisingly so. He unravels it and reads, just to confirm his suspicions. First, he notices the calligraphy; familiar, recognizable, most likely commissioned by a monk. Yet the lettering hasn’t been in popular use for centuries. Then the message itself:

Thou art cordially invited to attend the joining of Lady Sofia Cel Tradat and Sir Darius Lupei in holy matrimony on the thirty-first evening of December. The celebration of this blessed union between houses shall be witnessed at Castle Cel Tradat upon sundown.

Stationed at the very top of the invitation are two crests, one that shows a feral wolf holding an arrow in its fangs. Beside it is the very same sparrow with the same mistletoe. Alucard sits at the desk, his chin resting upon his fist thoughtfully. There are two normal reactions one can have when receiving a wedding invitation. First being joy, then apathy. Indifference. Alucard feels neither. It’s not fear that grips him, yet the ink words creep through his bloodstream like the very same ghosts who reach out to him. Not fear, but instead an odd sort of resolve.

He leaves the study and makes the long, cold trek through the freshly fallen snow then down to the underground archives. The newly built staircase creaks under his weight but Alucard is light on his feet. Large portraits obscured by curtains displaying the Belmont crest surround him as he descends. Maybe one day he’ll finally unveil whatever’s behind those curtains. The hold itself hasn’t changed much—perhaps a bit neater, better organized, and with less bloodstains.

The mirror is where he left it: centre of the room near the directory. Alucard runs a hand across the cracks in its glass then over the newly engraved runes along its frame. Hopefully everything will work. Hopefully they will hear him this time.

--

Who knows how long it’s been since Trevor Belmont last greeted his days with a gruelling hangover—an awful habit, which he doesn’t miss. The groan that escapes his lips as he stretches upon his makeshift bed is one that comes from a night well slept, not a headache that pounds away behind his eyes. Bright winter sunlight streams in through the slight opening of the canvas. The wagon feels cramped but also warm and safe.

Trevor sits up, surrounded by their provisions, and sees Sypha right where he left her. Close by his side, securely curled up within her own little fortress of blankets. The sight amuses him, especially since she’s the only one who can walk through snow while wearing nothing but sandals upon her feet. A few more minutes sleeping next to her won’t hurt.

Something rattling inside the wagon catches his attention, causing Trevor to jump slightly. Must be a rat trying to steal what little food they have left. He grumbles at this slight morning annoyance before lazily pushing aside every container in order to find this little devil. It’s a wonder how Sypha can sleep through the sound of boxes and heavy burlap sacks being tossed about. Trevor finally reaches the source of all that noise: a thin rectangular travel case shaking on its own.

Funny... He thinks, not terribly concerned with its sudden jerking movements. The rat probably found a way inside and now can’t get itself out. I don’t remember packing this. Trevor opens the lock only to stare down into a pile of broken glass, as though whatever was in there had already been shattered beyond repair. But he saves his expletives for when the shards come to life, dancing in the air before they form a small mirror. Trevor stumbles backwards and stares into his reflection—awestruck, confused, a little bit panicked. It soon dissipates until he comes face to face with familiar golden eyes.

“Can you hear me, Belmont?” Asks the vision of Alucard... if it really is Alucard. Trevor might still be asleep, and this is only some wishful dream. “Let’s try this again. Can you hear me?” No answer yet; Trevor needs a moment to settle on one question at a time while they’re spinning in his head.

“... a nod of the head or a simple ‘fuck’ would be helpful.”

“How are you doing this? Where the hell are you?”

“I’m using the distance mirror from your family’s museum. With the repaired runes, it can once again be used for communication as well as observation. Only with other distance mirrors, of course.”

Oddly enough, this is all beginning to make sense to Trevor. “That’s why you looked so... cracked. When did you even pack this thing in our caravan?”

“Right before you and Sypha left. I thought I could surprise you both.”

“Well, you sure as shit surprised me.” He taps one of the levitating shards and watches it spin back into place. “This is the strangest thing...”

“You’ve seen far stranger.”

“Trevor, why are you talking so loud...” Complains Sypha, her words slurring together as she forces herself out of a heavy sleep. Her half-lidded eyes open wide at the sight of Alucard in the mirror. He smiles, glad to see the absence of bandages on her arm and shoulders. After exclaiming his name, she climbs over Trevor, shoving her hand into the side of his face (not on purpose) in an excitable attempt to get closer. So much for feeling tired.

“Is this another distance mirror? Why is it smaller? Or is it meant for travel? Are you using the one back at the hold?”

“Good morning to you as well, Sypha. Has this one gotten you into any trouble lately?”

“Actually, she gets me into trouble more often.”

Sypha ignores Trevor, entirely fascinated by this ground-breaking method of communication. Already her frantic mind begins to conjure up ways in which it could help the Speakers. “How are you, Alucard? And why have you waited so long to speak with us like this?”

Alucard doesn’t have the heart to tell her that he wasn’t waiting all this time. That he’s tried over and over again, yet could never reach them. It doesn’t matter; he can see them now and there are more important matters at hand. “Poor management of time on my part. I’ve actually reached out because I am in need of assistance.”

“With what?” We’ve done away with one existential threat to humanity, don’t tell me there’s another already. Trevor holds his tongue, biting back his irritable thoughts. He’s gotten better at it; maybe one day he won’t even acknowledge them.

“It would be better if I showed you.”

“That means we would have to travel back to the castle.” Sypha’s point is valid, but she doesn’t make it sound like a hardship. In fact, Trevor and Alucard think they hear the slightest hint of excitement in her voice. Why shouldn’t she be? There’s still much within Dracula’s laboratories and libraries which she hasn’t yet uncovered with her own eyes hungry for more knowledge. Trevor on the other hand feels a twinge of apprehension. True, the castle has been subdued but the Belmonts have always been taught to remain wary of a vampire’s abode. At least he trusts the new lord of this one.

“I realize how tall of a request this is, as I presume you two have been traveling for some time now. But I would prefer it if I saw both of you in person.”

Alucard’s stoic, near professional composure cracks when he catches a better view of Trevor’s face. There it is again—another one of his wry grins. The kind that forms on its own whenever the Belmont is about to say something stupid. Yet those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Alucard has also said his fair share of stupid things directed at Trevor. While he would be caught dead if he admitted to this, he’s glad to see that unmistakable smile along with the man behind it.

“Aw you missed us, didn’t you? You can say it, we promise we won’t judge.”

Sypha clasps a hand over Trevor’s mouth before another syllable can crawl out of it. “It would be no inconvenience to us, Alucard. We will leave now and be at the castle within the next day or so.”

“I look forward to it. Safe travels.” Alucard’s last words before he’s left staring into his own fractured reflection. At the same time, countless of miles away from the castle, Sypha and Trevor watch as the mirror shards gracefully return back into the box until they’re needed once again.

“I didn’t get a chance to ask if he’ll be preparing dinner for us.” Trevor’s little quip is rewarded with the sudden feeling of Sypha’s foot pressed against his lower back. Giggling, she gently pushes him towards the front.

“Up you get. Remember, you’re still in charge of the reins.”

“Easy now, I was just asleep.”

“You woke up before me!”

Their wagon is situated between two towns, yet close to neither of them. All that surrounds them are trees, fields, and mountains— everything blurs together in a painting of deep greens and the endless white of snow. But Wallachia is not a terribly large country and they always know where to go.

--

DECEMBER 25

Sypha blows into her cupped hands, warming them while they drive down yet another road that cuts through dense forestry. Skeleton trees all around, straight as the bars of a cage. There’s the sound of fresh snow crunching beneath the horses’ hooves coupled with the caw of a nearby crow or two. It’s like those damn birds will never leave Wallachia, even in the coldest seasons. She recognizes this pathway, as does Trevor. He remembers to say good morning to his beloved tree (perhaps his oldest friend) and makes the incorrect assumption that Sypha can’t really hear him. Just as she thinks he can’t feel her arm tighten around his.

The road begins to widen and soon they arrive at the gutted remains of a family’s legacy. Trevor huddles into the fur of his new cloak, breathing out a soft huff of frozen air. There used to be a sharp pain that gouged its way into the very pit of his chest whenever he looked upon these ruins. Like the tip of a needle that’s been shoved into the still burning embers of a slowly dying fire as a cruel joke. A reminder that he never left his home behind.

Of course, Trevor never allowed himself to show it— not consciously. It hurts less, now that the manor is in better hands. At least the walls are still standing. Maybe one day while he’s still young and able, he’ll put down the Morningstar, pick up a hammer, and get to work.

Soon another structure comes into view, far more imposing than a pile of old stones. Standing as tall as the mountains, a maze of spiked towers and bridges going in all directions. Dracula’s castle was once filled with an ever-present orchestra of steam and working gears. These days, it remains unnaturally silent —as though it shouldn’t really exist.

Trevor and Sypha believed that before. It’s strange to think and even stranger to admit, but they’re glad the castle exists, all due to its current lord. A few more trots forward and they already see him waiting patiently by the grand steps leading up to the massive front door. He greets his two guests with a smile.

“Welcome back.”

Sypha is the first to jump out of the wagon and run towards Alucard, joyfully exclaiming his name. His body goes stiff, his expression more surprised as she suddenly wraps her arms around him. He was expecting a friendly “hello” or “it’s good to see you again”. Perhaps it has been too long.

“Oh... I, ah...” Alucard returns the embrace not uncomfortably, but stunned, nonetheless. “It’s... nice to see that both of you are in good health.”

“You’re looking rather stately as well.”

“Yes, well...” He searches for a better response to Trevor’s comment only to find himself empty-headed and feeling more awkward than before. They hold themselves so casually, speaking as old friends should. To his relief, Alucard regains his equilibrium and tries matching their nonchalance. “Come in. We have much to discuss.” He turns to the castle, leaving Trevor and Sypha a bit put off.

“Right to the ugly business, eh?”

“We were hoping to tell you about our travels... at least a little.”

Upon hearing the utter dejection in Sypha’s voice (coupled with the always recognizable snark of Trevor’s), Alucard stops. He faces them with a soft, penitent gaze. Always speaking too soon, more from the head, less from the heart, much to his and everyone else’s detriment. “And you shall. I want to hear everything. Every adventure, every mischief... but I’d rather not delay any fur—”

Trevor raises a hand. “It’s fine, Alucard. Just tell us what you need help with so badly.”

“Then it will be our turn to talk your ears off.”

Still wounded by his own unintentional single-minded thinking, Alucard manages another smile. “I would like that very much. But as you said, let’s get this... ugly business out of the way first.”

They follow him up the snow-covered steps, cloaks and robes billowing in the cold breeze, wondering how “ugly” this business really is.

--

“Need a hand up there?”

“I will be down in a moment. I just need to find it...”

Trevor and Sypha have already heard those exact words—multiple times, in fact. They can’t even see Alucard as he searches the shelves that curve around them in a perfect circle. It’s not that there’s no enjoyment to be found sitting in Dracula’s library, marveling at every book and tome amassed over centuries while they wait for his son. But one can only stare up at each level spiraling higher towards the heavens for so long without feeling the slightest bit bored. Trevor is far more antsy, still getting used to the castle as a whole.

The very antithesis of what Sypha felt the moment Alucard led them through the door. She mentally congratulates herself for keeping the excitement in check, despite her growing desire to comb through every forbidden page until her fingertips become bloody and raw. Hopefully there will be time for that should she and Trevor decide to extend their visit.

“Here it is,” announces Alucard from some unseen level. Before either of them can stand up, he jumps—or rather glides down and lands on two feet with poise while holding a book that barely fits underneath his arm. The pages, so thick they’re near to bursting out of their binding, have turned brown and tattered along each edge. Even sitting from afar, Sypha notices these minuscule details before Alucard can join them on the cushioned bench. Trevor tries to get a closer look at its cover but with the obstruction of Alucard’s arm and the old lettering, he has difficulty making out the title. 

“You wanted us to come all this way for some light reading?” He asks as the dhampir squeezes between him and Sypha.

“No. I wanted you to come all this way to read this.” Reaching into a pocket of his robe, Alucard withdraws the letter. It looks deceptively harmless in his hand. He unscrolls it and waits for the message to be read by new eyes. In the silence, Trevor touches the parchment between his thumb and index finger slowly, thoughtfully, and with the right amount of care. Just as Alucard did when he first received it.

“This feels new... but no one writes invitations like these anymore.”

“I recognize this calligraphy. It’s ancient, isn’t it.”

Alucard interjects, significantly more comfortable with the letter’s presence now that others have examined it. “Mid 12th century. Not entirely ancient, but old enough to remain somewhat alien to our own time.”

Trevor sits back and leaves the scroll to Sypha’s capable hands. “So the Cel Tradats obviously know their history. They want to show off their nobility and wealth through the wedding of their daughter Sofia. Well done to them and to her. What’s the issue, then?”

Without giving either side of him a slight glance, Alucard begins flipping through the book. “Sofia Cel Tradat has been dead for two centuries.” Said as though it were a simple fact. Expressions harden as everyone’s collective gaze settles on a page with gold and red lettering that shines in the light. Painted vines creep along the sides like the ones sheltering the Belmont manor.

“Sometime during the late 12th century, a minor civil war broke out between two noble families—the Cel Tradats and the Lupeis...” Alucard’s fingertip ghosts over the exaggerated sparrows and wolves that intermingle with the surrounding vine. 

“The dispute concerned territory in the Carpathian Mountains. Eventually, money for the Lupei family ran completely dry and they had already suffered more losses than the other side. So they were forced to surrender on their own volition, but as a sign of good faith, the patriarch offered to marry off one of his sons in an effort to unite the two houses. Lucky for him, the Cel Tradats had a daughter named Sofia who was of age and yet to be wed.”

“You mentioned something about lack of funds,” interrupts Trevor. “Did Lupei really want to unite the houses or was he just looking for a sizable dowry?”

“That may have been the case, but it’s not important to us.” Alucard lets his annoyance drip off every word. At least it’s a sign that Trevor’s been paying attention thus far. “Despite the arranged marriage, it’s said that Sofia grew to admire her fiancee in the weeks leading up to the wedding.”

“However...” Sypha voices just what Trevor is thinking. There is always some sort of “however” with these particular stories.

“Not everyone was happy with the arrangement, especially on the Lupei side. The matriarch thought this entire affair was a sign of weakness. Her husband had lost the war, willingly surrendered, and was now marrying off her last remaining child to the enemy. She hated them all and saw only one way to restore honour to the Lupei name.’ 

The wedding ceremony itself was perfect and both parties behaved. But during the celebration, Sofia Cel Tradat was stabbed by a Lupei assassin while the rest of her family were either poisoned or assaulted themselves. They wouldn’t even spare her husband from their blades. There was no mercy for traitors of their house.”

“That’s terrible...” Sypha’s voice is low and her gaze unfocused, turned away from the open book.

“It does not stop there. Despite bleeding out, Sofia watched as her entire bloodline was being destroyed and became consumed with rage for the Lupei matriarch.” Alucard turns the page to an illustration that might as well have been ripped from the Belmont’s family bestiary; two women engaged in a violent clash, one with blood covering her open mouth as though she were a vampire.

“Sofia stumbled towards Lady Lupei, knocked her to the floor, and tore out her throat with her own teeth and fingernails. During this, any Cel Tradat who wasn’t dead yet started attacking the nearest Lupei. That night, Castle Cel Tradat was filled with over a hundred people, but only a small handful of guards who saw what happened walked away alive.’

‘Since then, those who pass by the abandoned castle on the last day of the year claim to see lights and hear music coming from inside. Every December, nobles and lords receive the very same invitation in your hands. Those foolish enough to accept are never seen again. Dracula always warned my mother and I in case one ever found its way to us.”

He closes the book, his palm lingering atop the front cover a second longer. “Seems Sofia Cel Tradat finally found the Tepes family.”

An air of silence, thick and unavoidable, once again passes over all three as they let the story sink into their thoughts. Trevor is the first to speak up after letting out a less-than subdued “fuck” under his breath. “That’s quite the winter ghost story. But how does it concern us?”

“I’ve decided to accept her invitation.”

Sypha narrows her eyes; perhaps she misheard Alucard. “You just said those who do that are foolish.”

“It must have been foolish of me to oppose my father, yet I did it anyway. I’ve accepted because there might be a way to help Sofia. It’s been said that when a person dies while deep in the throes of an intense hatred, a curse is born upon that soul, forcing them to remain in this world. Reliving the very moment of their death over and over again until something changes.”

“You’re talking about exorcising the spirit of a centuries old bride who ripped out her mother-in-law’s throat with her own bloody teeth.” It’s no surprise to Alucard or Sypha that Trevor would speak so plainly. Exorcism must have been his family’s bread and butter, along with the more common business of bestial slayings.

“You make her sound like a monster.”

Trevor contemplates for a moment, resting his elbows on both knees. “Not exactly. Shit, I honestly respect the poor girl for what she did. Still, she sounds like a force to be reckoned with.”

“You could be right. But this curse clearly isn’t any fault of Sofia’s. She was betrayed; the attempt on her life and the lives of her family occurred during her own wedding. Of course she would want to take immediate revenge. The fact that this event took place during Yule might have also contributed in some fashion.”

“Why do you think so?” Inquires Sypha.

“Originally, Yuletide referred to the days between winter solstice and the new year. During this time, it was believed that a veil separating the seen from the unseen world grew thin. This allowed for certain things to pass through—ghosts, the Wild Hunt, and the like.”

Sypha perks up at the mention of such a festivity. “I know the Wild Hunt. We never celebrated Yule, but my family used to hear stories about it from locals whenever we traveled... then again, they were always meant to frighten the younger ones so they would go to bed earlier.”

“That does not surprise me. There are less than savoury tales involving the Wild Hunt. I remember my father entertaining us every dark midwinter’s night with stories he heard himself. In any case, Sofia doesn’t deserve to continue suffering like this. I believe there’s a way for her soul to finally be put to rest.”

“You seem to know what you’re doing. What do you need us for?” Trevor doesn’t mean to sound cynical, but the tone of his voice says otherwise. He’s still trying to shed that former version of himself.

For your companionship. “From my experience, there is always strength in numbers. And I don’t know what to do or where to start... not really.”

Trevor gives him an empathetic nod. He himself knows what it’s like to give off the illusion of knowing—he’s practically mastered it. Though Trevor never thought he would hear Alucard of all people admit to something like that. “Then I guess it’s back down into that museum you love so much.”

“So, will you help me?”

“What do you think our answer is? No? We’ve already done this before, one more time shouldn’t hurt. Besides, I’ve never been to a wedding. Should be fun.”

“Sypha?” He looks to her for a similar response. She stays quiet for a moment, uncharacteristically so, but raises her gaze to match Alucard’s.

“We did not come all this way just to leave again.” Sypha rolls up the invitation before handing it back to Alucard. “Now would you like to hear about our travels over a hot drink?”

Neither man wants to refuse her offer, especially not Trevor. Letting out a sigh of what sounds like relief, he stands up and follows Sypha to the door. Alucard would join them, another introverted smile on his lips, until the smell of cinnamon and chestnuts returns. It briefly lingers in the air until something changes. He fiddles with the parchment, his senses slowly overwhelmed by the creeping stench of rotting flesh.

Trevor and Sypha are already out of the library before either of them can smell it as well.

--

DECEMBER 27

Sypha Belnades gets to tell her stories. The evening of her return to Castle Dracula, she’s quick to fill Alucard’s head with tales of the somewhat heroic deeds she accomplished alongside Trevor. Every road their humble little caravan came across, they disposed of the remaining night creatures who continued to plague the shadows, stumbling from place to place, searching for their next prey. Lost, hungry, and with no master they could crawl back to. Killing them was almost a mercy. The duo had found themselves in far direr circumstances with certain men of the cloth who brandished false words and insidious influence than they did with fangs and claws.

There are the softer stories. When the two of them wore crowns made from wildflowers and were convinced by other Speakers to join in their celebratory practices. Sypha still makes light of Trevor’s two left feet, despite his honest attempts. Then as reparation, she recounts the day when she took him to the beaches of the Black Sea and how he stared in awe at the open waters with their hues of lapis lazuli  and turquoise. Awe and a sense of peace he thought had been forever lost to him. He didn’t say anything because he didn’t need to.

Alucard’s gaze instinctively glances to his side and sees a familiar blush warming Trevor’s cheeks.  

All three spend the evening in content spirits, despite the dark task that lies ahead of them. Yet now as Sypha sits at one of the worktables in Dracula’s bright laboratory, combing through tome after tome, a pervasive feeling dulls her usually sharp focus. It’s not boredom, god no. She could never get bored in a castle like this. It’s more of a melancholy; not as intense as that night down in the Belmont Hold when Trevor offered his dusty blanket to her and they sat together in the glow of a single candle. Yet it makes her just as tired, just as depressive.

Sypha’s finger flips over another heavy page, her eyes half-lidded, skimming over the words. I feel like I’m slowly turning into Alucard by the day, she thinks, a little bittersweetly.

In the midst of her daze, she hears a rough yet understated voice coming from behind her. It reminds her of rich coffee mixed with more than a hint of whiskey. She enjoys both, much to her own surprise. “You’re a hard person to find.”

“What makes you say that?” Sypha closes the book, an easy smile on her face, and turns around to face Trevor.

“Thought I’d find you down in some corner of the archives.”

“I like it here. The castle gives me something different to look at... and something different to think about. You might disagree.”

Trevor awkwardly scratches the back of his head; a way of confirming Sypha’s assumption. “At least it looks, err, neater than how we left it.”

“I think Alucard has been busy since we last saw him.” A pause, then a change of topic. “Did the Belmonts ever receive one of those invitations?”

“Not that I can remember. Either they were destroyed, or we never got them since Yule wasn’t something we celebrated.” Despite the tense way he carries himself close to Dracula’s scientific instruments, Trevor aimlessly wanders around the laboratory while speaking. He’d be lying if he said there wasn’t something about these contraptions that fascinated him.

“I doubt Dracula ever celebrated it either.”

“Maybe those spirits saw a kinship with him. Creatures of the night always flock together, remember? Like flies to an open stable.”

“That is disgusting.”

“But an apt analogy, no?”

“No.” Sypha laughs, causing Trevor to join in. It quiets down before dying completely when that pervasive feeling comes back, souring the mood. The expression in Sypha’s eyes and on her face changes—it no longer feels right to smile. As much as she appreciates Trevor’s attempt at a casual conversation, somehow it feels wrong to make light of their mission. She looks to the floor, wondering if she should really get back to work.

“What’s wrong?”

“Hm? Nothing. I’m just tired.”

“I’ve heard that excuse before.”

“Really, nothing’s wrong.”

Trevor still won’t take that as a good enough answer. He’s far more perceptive than most believe him to be. “You’ve gone quiet and you’re staring at your feet. That means something’s eating away at you. What is it?”

“It...” Sypha crosses both arms across her chest, encasing herself in a cocoon made from her own baggy robes. “It is difficult to put into words.”

“You’re not happy here.”

“No! I am! And I’m happy to see Alucard again. But it always seems like all three of us are brought together because of a monster or dire situation.”

“Always? It’s only happened twice.”

Twice is enough. A sign, or rather an omen of patterns that have yet to happen. For Sypha, twice is one too many. “I only wish for us to be like other friends. Spend time together without worry or urgency and do things not involving some threat to humanity.”

Her lamentations are reasonable, and they spark a twinge of empathy within Trevor—perhaps even revelation. What he wouldn’t give to have all three of them settle down and live their lives without blood caked underneath their fingernails or the threat of being ripped apart by something inhuman. But whatever unseen higher power must have said no. Sypha was right (again); god truly does hate them.

Trevor tries to rationalize as best he can. “Maybe it’s alright if we’re not like normal friends. You have to admit, none of us are particularly ‘normal’ people to begin with.”

Sypha cocks an eyebrow. “Are you calling me strange?”

“I’m calling everyone strange, myself included.” She doesn’t know how that answer is supposed to make her feel better, yet it does. Trevor always has his own peculiar way with words. His eyes then briefly light up as he reaches into one of the pouches attached to his belt. “Almost forgot. I came here to give you this.” Something calls from his hand before dangling from a thin chain—a six-pointed star made from silver, the bane of every night creature.

“A Magen David?” Sypha takes the necklace and holds it in her palms, unfortunately cracked and turned dry from the frigid air outside. It’s simple, maybe even the simplest piece of jewelry she’s ever seen, but it feels heavy. Sacred.

“Found a couple of those down in the Hold; enough for all three. They’re meant to protect the wearer. Went looking for them last time we were there but couldn’t find any in time. It’s not much...”

“It’s wonderful. Thank you.”

Trevor almost returns a smile to Sypha until a knife plunges its way into the centre of his back—at least it feels that way. A sharp pain that slowly dulls while coursing through his body as easy as the blood in his veins. He grits his teeth behind closed lips, trying to hide the discomfort but like Trevor, Sypha is perceptive.

“Everything alright? Did you injure yourself?”

“Might have. My fucking back and chest have been itching to be the death of me for a couple days now.”

“I didn’t know you were that old,” Sypha giggles. Trevor’s reaction is amusingly frustrated.

“I’m not.”

“You should speak to Alucard about your pain. He might be able to help.”

“Well, I did plan on finding him but how would he know what to do?”

“His mother was a doctor. He might have inherited some of her knowledge.” Trevor heads towards the door, even when Sypha isn’t finished talking yet. He needs to listen and hopefully learn from this last piece of advice. “You could also use this opportunity to settle your differences.”

She receives a flippant scoff in response. Typical. “I’ve already settled my differences with him.”

“You know what I mean, Trevor.”

He does, but only after a moment of thought. There’s no witty comeback, no stubborn retaliation, and no self-preserving denial; only acceptance. He and Alucard haven’t really made up—not in the way that adults are supposed to. Some things need to be settled through words and not only through vaguely charitable acts. Trevor leaves Sypha to her own work with the tentative hope that Alucard will feel just as willing.

--

The castle is alive.

Dracula said this to his son the day he took him into the engine room. Adrian was getting old enough, thus it was about time for the boy to learn. Despite his grand stature looming over everyone and everything, Dracula always felt dwarfed by the massive gears and pumps emitting billows of steam. His son even more so; like a mouse amongst the giants that breathed life into his own home.

But the lord of vampires was secure in the knowledge that Adrian wouldn’t remain a mouse for much longer. Soon he would have power, duties, and responsibilities. Which was why Dracula felt it necessary to show him the very ribcage of the castle along with its ever-beating heart stationed at the front—a geometric device hovering above a pedestal that rotated on command without a single touch of one’s finger. A bloodless, meatless organ in which Dracula poured his very intellect and soul into.

Now it means nothing. Pieces of black iron and dirtied gold lay scattered upon the very altar that once held them. Worthless. At least to a stranger’s naked eye. Alucard holds up one of the triangles against the bright winter sunlight pouring through the towering windows. It seems as though he’s done this a hundred times before and always comes to the same conclusion: the castle cannot be fixed.

And yet it remains alive, now more so than ever. Alucard noticed this immediately. In his efforts to create the perfect machination that bent to his every will, Dracula must have miscalculated. For when does a home feel truly alive? When there are beating hearts residing within its walls.

Alucard almost loses himself in his own thoughts—a common occurence—until he hears footsteps close behind. Followed by an exasperated “fucking finally...”

“You still know how to announce yourself.” Without turning around, he places the castle’s broken heart back with its brothers and sisters as the familiar presence draws nearer.

“And you’ve still mastered the art of sulking off by yourself.”

“What do you need, Belmont? Usually you don’t come to me willingly unless you want to say something important or crude.”

“It’s not all that important.”

“Then it must be crude.”

Another flinch from Trevor, which Alucard notices out of the corner of his eye. But the hunter manages a smile. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” A second mildly humorous jab almost makes its way out into the open until Trevor receives a look which tells him he should choose his next words very carefully, so he does. “I do need your help with something.”

“Yes, I can see that now.”

“How?”

“You’re slouching more than usual, and you seem discomforted.”

Sure, if you want to use that term. “It’s my back and chest. Must have been all those nights sleeping in that cramped wagon or swinging around the whip, but I’m worried it’ll get worse before it gets better. You know more about medicine than anybody else so...”

Alucard’s cold expression melts; did he just hear a hint of bashfulness in that last sentence? How interesting. Normally Sypha’s the only one who can bring out that hidden side of Trevor. It’s more than enough to convince Alucard. “Alright. Let me have a look at it.” He walks down the altar steps and gestures for Trevor to follow him.

“Wait, just like that?”

“I’m not cruel, Belmont. And I can’t have you injured right before we make our way to Castle Cel Tradat.”

They leave the engine room, which bears more of a resemblance to some grotesque art installation with melted gears and pillars that have hardened over a period of time than a well-oiled facility. “Is that why you’re up here? Trying to figure out how to move this thing so we don’t have to travel like regular human beings.”

“We’ll arrive fine enough using that old wagon of yours.”

“But is it actually possible to get the castle working again?”

Alucard leads Trevor into a different, smaller room filled with more books, more glass vials, and decides to leave the question open-ended. He would have answered a while ago: “this castle is as dead as the man who created it”. Now he’s not so certain. “Sit up on the table.” A convenient way of diverging the subject, to which Trevor thankfully doesn’t pry about any further.

“Am I your first patient?”

“Only if you don’t count childhood toys and small animals.”

Trevor glances over his shoulder at Alucard, whose hands are hovering dangerously close to his body. He lets out a regrettable chuckle. “That wasn’t meant to be taken literally, right?”

“You will be fine. You said it was your back and chest that hurt the most, correct?” Trevor mumbles out a presumable “yes”. Alucard reaches around, placing his fingers upon his ribcage just below his left breast. His touch is firm like a doctor’s yet gentle like a friend’s. He presses into the soft flesh. “Breathe into this hand.” Trevor’s breaths are shaky despite his efforts to keep them long and deep. His ribs barely move due to the pain. He’s stiff, understandably so not only because of his ailment. Alucard tempers his hold on him.

“You’re very warm,” he says with a smile (grateful that Trevor can’t see it else he’d have to explain himself). But his statement is true; he can feel it even though the worn fabric. A comfortable, soothing warmth. If he’s not careful, his hand might sink into the hunter, followed by the rest of himself.

“Is that some kind of diagnosis?”

“No. Just an observation.” Perhaps a compliment as well if Alucard swallowed his lingering pride and just admitted to it.

His hands continue their course along Trevor’s back muscles, searching for any abnormalities, any sources of his irritation. He thinks about every scar and bruise he might have passed over. How many are small; small enough to heal on their own? How many did Trevor have to stitch up with his own bloody, trembling fingertips? As Alucard reaches the other side of his chest, he dismisses any questions concerning past scars. He knows Trevor wouldn’t want to talk about that—not with him. Not yet.

“Well? Am I going to live?”

“Oh, absolutely. It isn’t that serious. A few displaced ribs, that’s all.”

“... sorry, my ribs are what?”

“When you strain your body too much or have poor posture, your ribs can slide out of place. It’s common and easily fixed. I’m shocked this hasn’t happened to you sooner.”

“You know, it’s bad bedside manners to insult the patient.”

“And you would know a lot about manners.”

“Enough to fill a book.”

Alucard tries to hide his smirk—and another snide remark. A very short book, maybe. Adjusting the positions of his hands, he forces Trevor to sit up a bit straighter. “Start counting. You’ll feel much better before you reach ten.”

Unlikely, but Trevor plays along. “One... two... three... four... fi—Jesus fuck!” It lasts for only a few seconds, the feeling that every bone in his body has been broken apart then hastily put back together. At least it’s short-lived. Hand presses against chest as Trevor takes a breath, vocalizing his surprise and whatever’s left of the pain through long-winded gasps. Alucard pats his back, rather pleased with himself.

“Go rest and try not to move too strenuously. You’ll also need to hold something cool against your ribcage. I suggest a damp cloth.”

“Thanks.”

“No need. You could have done it yourself.”

“I still appreciate the help.”

Alucard could let things lie; he’s been blunt and honest with Trevor enough already. Yet his next question won’t leave him alone until it’s let loose. “Why did you come to me? Was it so we could bury the hatchet together?” He pretends to busy himself with another task, unable to watch Trevor’s expression—and unwilling to show his own. The response he receives is... unexpected. A strange sort of comfort.

“I buried that hatchet the moment you decided to stop swinging that needle of yours at me. I just enjoyed pushing your many, many buttons.”

“... I acted like a spiteful brat, didn’t I? You can say so.”

Still feeling tender from the sudden rearrangement of his bones, Trevor joins him as they stand in front of a cabinet filled with things both scientific and occult. Consolation is not the strongest suit of his. There was so little of it during his own life, giving it seems almost alien to him. But he tries. With a simple touch on Alucard’s shoulder, he tries. “We both did. At least we can admit to it now.”

Words stop there, for the moment. Trevor remains at Alucard’s side in an unsure manner. Is this how it’s done? Have they finally made up? Buried the hatchet as they put it? In the midst of his over-thinking, he remembers why else he sought out the dhampir. “Here.” Trevor slips the same Magen David necklace into his cold hand. “Sypha’s got one as well. Thought it might help us when we’re inside the castle.”

Alucard stares down, entranced by the piece of silver in his palm, prompting Trevor to say something a bit too revealing. “Once when I was fifteen, I tried to do some good and handed these around to local communities, so they’d be protected. Made them from sticks and twine I picked off from the roads... felt stupid doing it.”

“Efforts to commit good deeds are never stupid.” Alucard retorts, his voice softer than usual.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. “I managed to get a rabbi to bless them. They actually worked fine until...”

“Until what?”

“Nothing. Forget about it.”

The word “pogrom” tastes like bile in Trevor’s mouth. He’d like nothing more than to spit it out and stomp on it until it’s nothing more than a stain upon the stone floor. But he wants to leave this meeting with Alucard on a much lighter note—or as light as he can make it. “I’ll leave you to... whatever it was you were doing.”

“Trevor...” Before either one can realize what was just said in place of “Belmont”, Alucard swiftly regains his stoic composure. “A bath might also help. With your ribs, I mean.”

Trevor snorts. “Sure. For my ribs.” He leaves the room, determined to own the last witticism spoken between them. Alucard lets him have it, but not begrudgingly. He’s more focused on how the Magen David hangs perfectly in the v of his shirt’s neckline, sitting against his bare skin. It feels warm atop the scar, though that could be from when it was held in Trevor’s hand.

--

DECEMBER 31

The hunter, the scholar, and the former sleeping soldier make good use of their time. When the day comes and they follow the sun as it descends across the sky, each carries an arsenal of their own. Sypha’s head is full of new spells as though it might burst. Alucard’s sword is sharp enough to cut a single drop of ice water in half. Trevor’s belt is heavy with blades large and small, resting next to his beloved Morningstar. He might as well be married to it.

The Magen Davids hang off their necks, swaying and dangling with every bump the wagon drives over. Tiny pieces of armour they’ve put most of their faith in, but not all of it. The rest goes to each other for support, protection, and morale.

Up in the Carpathian Mountains, the wind blows differently. Through the dense woods, it howls and batters against the wagon’s canvas covering, blowing ice into exposed eyes and exposed skin. The three shelter themselves into the furs around their shoulders as best they can hoping to either wait out or outrun this squall. Then the mountains become quiet and clear the deeper they venture, like a graveyard in the dead of night. Not a single falling snowflake to obscure their vision. Until they turn round another corner on the road, kicking bits of snow and dirt into the ravine below.

The travelers hear Castle Cel Tradat before they see it. Jovial and celebratory music that cuts through the silence, growing in volume as they drive closer—just as Alucard described it. The castle itself seems humble; stout with thick walls and a set of four towers on each corner. Not a ruin similar to the Belmont abode and nowhere near the profuse architectural opulence of Dracula’s. From a distance, the dim torch fire that lines the entrance look like fireflies in the darkness.

They leave the wagon at the foot of the bridge; any closer and they fear something might happen to the horses. Trevor takes a moment to pat their snouts and gives them a few dried apple rings before catching up with his companions. In a rare sight to see (at the suggestion of Alucard no less), all three are dressed in the same dark tones save for their halos of grey fur.

“Someone should tell him we’re going to a wedding, not a funeral.” Trevor whispered to Sypha before they left. He soon realized the mistake of his comment. Perhaps they are attending a funeral and they’re the only ones who know it. As they make their way down the bridge alongside other attendees comprised of both ghosts and unfortunate living nobles who never bothered to read up on their history, Trevor, Sypha, and Alucard wordlessly hope they won’t end up betraying themselves or their true intentions.

“Invitation,” demands one of the gateway guards. Alucard slips the rolled-up parchment out of his coat pocket and presents it. “And these two?” Just as the guard makes eye contact with Trevor, he carefully hides the Belmont crest beneath the folds of his cloak. No particular reason, only an old habit.

“My guests. I assume guests are permitted?”

The guard pauses for a thankfully brief moment. “Go on in. Straight through the doors.” Alucard and Sypha bow out of respect, but Trevor glances over his shoulder as they ascend the front steps. It all feels too easy; he didn’t even check for weapons. The Cel Tradats must have been incredibly trusting or woefully naive that night they all died.

It’s a short walk to the grand hall. If it weren’t for the stench of old blood clouding Alucard’s heightened senses, he would assume the place had been untouched by death. Dresses and fine tunics move across the tapestries in a thick haze caused by candlelight smoke, one can barely see to the other side of the room. Cinnamon, winter cranberries, and pine tree furs line the tables alongside an endless multitude of food. Sypha has never seen so much meat or drink in one sitting. If the butchers and farmers of Targoviste’s most bountiful markets could witness this sight, they would weep as though on their mother’s deathbed. People laugh, cheer, and dance upon the centre floor. They live like they’ve never lived before.

Trevor quickly takes hold of Sypha’s wrist and the back of Alucard’s coat. “Don’t eat or drink anything,” he warns in a dire tone. Neither one needs an explanation as to why. Rather than join the revelry, they hurry off to the side out of sight.

“Look. Up at the front.” Alucard is the first to find Sofia overlooking her merry subjects, seated halfway between the Cel Tradats and the Lupeis, now an envoi of both houses. A sparrow and a wolf. Full rosy cheeks, brown irises deeper than the richest chocolate, and long red hair like a river of blood. Her husband with wide eyes and an even wider smile is almost as beautiful as his wife.

“They seem so happy.” And unaware, Trevor thinks to himself.

Sypha chimes in with her own opinions. “There wasn’t much written about Darius Lupei in the history tomes. Apparently, he was an idiot... but at least a loving idiot.”

“One of us needs to warn her. But don’t make a spectacle of it otherwise this entire room will be thrown into chaos.”

“What about the assassin?”

“We will need to find them as well without drawing any attention.”

“So, we stop Sofia from being murdered and the whole night goes on without a hitch.” There’s skepticism in Trevor’s voice, which doesn’t surprise Alucard. “Is that supposed to bring peace to her soul along with the rest here?”

Sypha turns to Alucard and waits for an answer. He’d say “yes”, but it would be dishonest of him to even think that he knew what they were doing. “I don’t know. But it’s worth it to try.”

Trevor lets out a heavy breath; a common response when he doesn’t feel like analyzing the gritty details of a plan. “Not exactly a traditional exorcism. I’ll go warn Sofia.” Barely a step forward and Alucard already stops him.

“I said don’t make a spectacle of it.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning you have as much subtlety and tact as a kitten drunk on milk.”

Sypha mutters “he does have a point” under her breath to no avail as Trevor turns to her, shocked and a little insulted. “You have to admit, Trevor, negotiations are not your strongest skill. You’re better at ending fights with that whip than you are with words.”

“Traitors. The both of you.”

Alucard’s golden eyes narrow with growing frustration. “We don’t have time for petty squabbles. I will go speak with Sofia.”

Trevor places a palm against his chest and holds him back. “She’ll take one look at your fangs and start screaming about a vampire in her court.”

“Boys...”

“Can you keep your voice down?”

“I am keeping my voice down!” Trevor’s short-lived outburst carries itself throughout the hall, attracting the attention of a few confused onlookers. Fortunately, they return to their own little worlds while the music plays on. Alucard and Sypha push their hunter towards the nearest wall, silencing him with their hands. 

“If we let you walk up there and request an audience with the bride, will you please be quieter?” Trevor nods, which is enough for them. An unseen clock ticks ever closer to the fated moment between Sofia and the assassin’s dagger; it would be better if they hurried. Alucard and Sypha let go, exasperated but willingly. 

“I’ll watch your back in case something happens.”

“I’ll search for the assassin.” Alucard pulls Trevor in close. “Please do not make me beg for you to not fuck this up.”

“When have I ever?”

A sharp inhale, then Alucard decides to let it be. The two men set off in opposite directions while Sypha’s cheeks burn hot with irritation towards both of them. She hides behind a pillar and keeps an eye on Trevor as he navigates himself through the sea of dancers. Her fingertips tingle with fiery embers and the cold prick of ice, yet she holds back. Not yet and if all goes well, not tonight.

“You seem to have your hands full with those two.” A different voice speaks up. Sypha ignores the comment, assuming she had just received a snippet of some unrelated conversation. That it wasn’t meant for her.

The same voice speaks again. “Friends of yours, I presume.”

Still composure turns into masked panic. Sypha’s heart thumps against her ribcage in an almost painful manner. She could stay focused on the tuff of Trevor’s fur cloak as it weaves as it weaves amongst moving bodies, or she could make absolutely certain of one thing: how much did they hear?

“It’s not polite to eavesdrop on strangers.” She does not face whoever’s talking.

“It’s also not polite to refuse a bride and groom’s generosity.”

Sypha remains where she stands, but glances at the crowded tables against her better judgement—one woman, not quite elderly but past middle age, stares at her with friendly curiosity. Sypha tries to avoid another instance of eye contact. “I am not hungry.”

The woman laughs. “You don’t have to eat anything, though it would be preferred if you did. Just come and be present.”

Impulse pushes against intuition as Sypha struggles with herself. If it will please the woman (and possibly shut her up), then fine. She can watch Trevor just as easily from the tables. Finding an empty yet claustrophobic space on one of the benches, Sypha squeezes in between a happy drunkard and her sudden enabler. Already her body wants to close in on itself or leave altogether.

“There. Now I’m present,” she mutters bitterly.

“Well you’ve got quite the tongue... that’s meant to be a compliment, love.” Sypha gives her a hesitant smirk, which fades the longer she speaks. “Though it can’t be easy putting up with two men who have so much pride.”

Sypha scratches the tip of her index fingernail along the table wood until it nearly falls off. She isn’t in the mood for conversation, even with a harmless ghost who seems to understand her. Still, the urge to play the woman’s game is too much and Sypha has just the response for her. “It is easy enough. Find something that gently wounds their pride and they are like puppies with their tails tucked between their legs.”

The woman chokes on her gulp of ale before letting out another laugh that sounds too big for her thin frame. Personally, Sypha didn’t think the joke was that funny but she appreciates the reaction. “And I would not trade either of them for anyone else in all of Wallachia.”

A few drops of the woman’s drink might have somehow made its way into Sypha’s veins, but she speaks truthfully. She’s always let the truth be heard; it’s molded her into the person she is now. Honesty makes her and those around her stronger. So perhaps she should save this particular truth for the ones who need to hear it most.

All these unfocused thoughts cause Sypha to drift away from what’s important, what matters right now in the moment. Only the woman’s next inquiry brings her back, but not in the way she wanted. “Is that why you’re not with your family right now?”

Sypha’s stare drives daggers into the woman’s throat while she sits there and simply drinks her ale, aware and uncaring. “Doesn’t surprise me. You don’t really belong with the Speakers anymore, do you? Bit of an outsider. There are other scholars of magic, of course, but none quite like you. That’s another compliment. It might be best that you stay away from them for a while... maybe forever.” 

Fire and ice surge their way through Sypha’s hot blood, begging to be released. Anger dulls her senses along with her movements. “I will never abandon my people.”

“You already have, love. You abandoned them when you agreed to join that hunter and the bastard son of a vampire.”

Sypha’s first instinct is towards violence. She wants to slap the woman with the backside of her hand or wrap her fingers around her neck and squeeze as tight as possible or place an iron hot palm against her cheek and give her something to talk about with her friends and neighbours. But none of it would matter. Sypha tears herself away from the table and regains control. The castle’s deceptions will not get inside of her so easily.

Only now does she notice the smell of sour fruit, moldy bread, and rotting meat being picked apart by greedy flies. Flies to an open stable.

--

If Alucard were thinking straight, he would have found the assassin by now. If he had found the assassin, this night would be done and the three of them would be on their way back to Castle Dracula. If they were back home, he would be in bed savouring his first peaceful sleep now that he’s no longer alone. But none of those wishes have come to fruition. Alucard’s search leads him away from the wedding feast and down into one of the side corridors. Darkness has never given him much trouble, yet here it blurs his vision. If only he held a torch or even a simple candle.

“Lost, sir?” Alucard turns to face a tall woman with broad shoulders dressed in the same funeral-coloured garb as he. There’s rouge upon her sharp cheekbones, dark hair held back by a golden pin, and demeanour cold yet polite. She must be the Lupei matriarch.

Alucard’s immediate response is to bow courteously, despite his hand twitching closer to the holt of his sword. He could consider Lady Lupei to be the real assassin, but she would never dirty her hands in such a direct way. Killing her now would only quicken the oncoming madness. Better to make an excuse than to act on rash thinking. “Apologies, my lady. I simply wandered off for some fresh air. If you will pardon me—”

“No, I do believe you are lost. You’ve been lost for some time.”

“I’m sorry...?” Her steps towards him are slow, calculated. She keeps a coldly gentle expression on her serene face. Alucard tries to look past the Lady, his eyes searching for the warm glow of the grand hall. He sees nothing, only more of the same corridor he finds himself trapped in. The song of his sword waiting to be unsheathed rings louder in his ears.

“I know you like to think it wasn’t your fault. Once your father went mad, there was nothing more you could have done to pull him back.”

The tip of Alucard’s fang grazes his lower lip, drawing blood. Just a drop, but the taste of metal floods his mouth. “You know nothing of me or my father.”

“But I do know. When you get to live as long as I do and see people for what they truly are, you come to know a lot of things. How you lie to yourself and those around you. How you think it will help mask your guilt and shame.”

“There is no guilt!” Alucard’s voice suddenly cracks. Lady Lupei continues to descend upon him as a shadow—like his father did that night of the blood moon. “My hand was forced... I had no other choice.”

She laughs; more out of bitterness and anger than amusement. “You’re just like my husband. Nothing but excuses.”

“Leave me be, damned spirit.”

“When your father’s ashes scattered to the winds, you should have turned that very same stake against your own heart. Why not do it now? You have your blade, so finish what you started.”

Alucard feels his hand grow heavy. He looks down and sees the silver of his blade trembling. Steadying himself, he knows how to use it. Forget his previous hesitance; if Lady Lupei is in his presence, then better to end this cursed night now. If only she were still here. Raising his head, he realizes that he’s been left alone—and with no easy way of returning. Alucard turns in both directions; the corridor has no end in sight. The castle, its ghosts, the curse, none of them are through with him yet. He sheathes the sword back in its place and follows the faint sound of music.

--

What’s the polite way of saying “your mother-in-law is about to brutally murder you”?

Trevor snakes a path across the floor, resisting the increased urge to push everyone aside and march straight up to Sofia before pulling her away. Knock the goblet out of her hand, spilling expensive wine all over her pretty wedding dress. She’d struggle, kick about, possibly curse like a sailor in their faces. A small price to pay for sparing her from a violent fate. It would be so easy if they all moved out of the fucking way.

Closer now; it seems he’s been getting closer for hours. The floor feels soft beneath his boots. Yet she’s still out of reach. Maybe if I just shout at her. Trevor remembers the “promise” he made to Alucard and Sypha, but to hell with it. They want this night over with as much as he does.

Something crashes into him. Trevor spins around, thrown off his already weakened equilibrium, and is carried away from Sofia by one of the dancers shoving himself into his arms. “You’re a handsome one!”

“Would you let me go...”

“Come and dance! It will clean that scowl right off your face.”

“Thank you but no thank you. I need to—” He doesn’t care for his protests, no one does. They hand him off from dancer to dancer; it’s a miracle he hasn’t tripped over himself yet. In his disorientation, Trevor is struck by a familiarity. A much better time than this. He said he didn’t want to dance, never learned it enough as a child so it would be at best humiliating and at worst painful as an adult. The Speakers convinced him otherwise—they always manage to. Placing a crown of wildflowers atop his head, he turned away so they wouldn’t see how red his cheeks grew. He couldn’t hide it forever, not when Sypha took his hands and lovingly teased him. That night felt like a dream blessed enough to be real. It felt like something he’d been missing for so long.

“It felt like home.” Trevor stops, unsure if the voice came from him or one of the dancers. He’s not given the luxury of time to think or resist when he’s thrown into another’s arms, then another’s.

“You miss that feeling. You miss having a home.”

“You miss being part of a family.”

“You can have a home here. You can stay if you would let yourself.”

“Come home.”

“Mother? Father?” There’s a warm sensation in Trevor’s stomach that burns and aches. Home, family, and stay meld together spoken by the sickly-sweet tones of the dancers and the voices of two dead Belmonts. His worst nights after crawling into the very bottle he emptied at a local tavern were never so terrible.

“Trevor! Trevor, look at me!” Cold hands press on either side of his head, dragging him away from all the suffocating bodies. Eyes shut tightly; he now finds the will to fight back.

“Fuck off of me! I want to go home!”

“Trevor, it’s me. Calm down.” He tears open his watery eyes and feels his heartbeat slow when Sypha wraps her arms around him. Trevor holds her, terrified that she might fade as all the other ghosts will. Even more scared of what he had contemplated.

“I’m sorry... I’m sorry.”

“It’s just the curse. You’re alright.” Sypha repeats it until Trevor can believe it himself. He catches a glimpse of Sofia—does she know? From the way she laughs and clings to her husband’s side, she evidently may not.

“Sypha, where the hell is Alucard?”

“Honourable allies of the Lupeis and the Cel Tradats.” Trevor, Sypha, and the rest of the party turn in the direction of the announcer. “May I present to you, Sir Darius Lupei of House Lupei.”

“Shit...” They’ll have to make do without Alucard. While everyone else stands at attention, the two of them use this as an opportunity if not a fleeting one. As Darius begins his speech, they run.

“I wish to thank all of you for witnessing this momentous event. Once the Lupeis and Cel Tradats were enemies. Now through this bond of love and marriage, we are made friends and equals.”

“Stop! Sofia! Lady Sofia! Move, you fucking idiots!”

“We need to speak with Lady Sofia!”

All members of both houses stare in confusion at the man and woman attempting a mad dash towards them. “What is the meaning of this?”

“She’s not safe! None of you are!”

Darius takes pause, considering the roguish man’s warning, yet dismisses it just as quick as he heard it. Sypha should have better taken those passages written about the living but small-minded lord to heart. “Must have let all that drink overtake their common sense. Remove them. They shall be dealt with later.”

Sypha and Trevor wrestle with the guards, driving their feet between their legs and beating fists against armour until their knuckles turn a sickening purple. They create more of a spectacle while Darius carries on with his public address. he extends a hand, places it in Sofia’s, and motions for her to stand.

“May I present to our joined courts, my wife and your new lady, Sofia Cel Tradat Lupei.”

Trevor’s vision is momentarily obscured by his own thrashing, though it does not matter. He, Sypha, and the entire castle hear Sofia’s screams all the same. A dripping rose appears on her white and green dress, spreading over her abdomen and turning her fingers a similar dark coloured red. Darius’ own shouts of shock devolve into choking gurgles as knives slash across his throat. The grand hall erupts like a pack of beasts let loose from their cages to attack whoever is nearest. There’s panic from all except Lady Lupei and her house, including the guards that hold Trevor and Sypha. They should have noticed the wolves on their chest plates.

Sypha acts the quickest. One guard shrieks in horror as blue and red ice daggers appear straight through his arms; the other spits blood and teeth upon contact with Trevor’s sword. The two find shelter underneath a table and watch the centuries-old carnage. Sypha never knew ghosts could bleed so much.

They fear the worst for Alucard. The castle with its lies has swallowed him whole. Until another Lupei guard falls dead in front of them, a familiar sword lodged in his back. “Where the fuck were you?” Trevor snarls as a disgruntled dhampir joins them. 

“Trying to survive this wedding, same as you both.” Before any of the bickering can start, a far more dire sight begs for their attention—Sofia and Lady Lupei on the ground, their nails digging into each other, one of their mouths spraying blood the louder she screams.

“This is not working, Alucard. What do we do?”

“It’s too late. I don’t know if there is anything we can do.”

“You’re saying we just let this happen, wait until next year, so this whole shitstorm can repeat itself until we get it right?”

“I would prefer to hear a better plan come out of your mouth, Belmont.”

Alucard is being facetious (to ill effect), but Trevor does have something better in mind. He fiddles with the Magen David like a nervous tick. There is no maybe; this will get him killed, he’s certain of that. When has it ever stopped him?

“Clear a path for me.” He’s already out from under the table before Alucard or Sypha can rightfully question him. They react fast, moving in front so he might have a shield. Fire scorches bodies into blackened cinders; limbs fall to the floor with the effortless swipe of a thin blade; Trevor uses his whip sparingly. He doesn’t touch it when he reaches the bride. She turns with wild eyes, blood seeping through the cracks of her teeth. Rivers of red flow from her stomach and down the steps, mingling with the rest. The tapestries did her rage no justice.

“Don’t touch me!” She violently sputters.

“I just want to talk.” Trevor raises his hands, his voice oddly calm. When she doesn’t listen, he removes his cloak and shows her the embroidered emblem on his breast. Sofia’s fury melts into realization.

“The Belmonts...” As Sofia gazes down at her defiled hands then towards her mutilated court, something shatters within. The past hundred years of darkness and repetition make themselves known. “Merciful god, what have I done...” She whimpers, face wet with tears and blood. “What have I done...”

“Sofia...”

“Get away from me! I know who you are! The Belmonts kill monsters. You’re here to kill me.”

“You’re not a monster.” Along with his cloak, Trevor lays the Morningstar and his Magen David by his feet. Alucard and Sypha stay behind with the shaky hope that he knows what he’s doing. “I know what it’s like to lose your family to violence. Betrayed by the very people you wanted to help. You deserve every right to be pissed off and hate them. But you also deserve peace. You shouldn’t have to continue suffering like this.”

“It hurts so much.”

“I know it’s hard. But let go.”

Sofia forces herself to look up. The tears have turned her bloodshot eyes into shining glass. “If I do, will I face eternal punishment?”

“You won’t.”

It’s quiet behind them. No more sounds of the dying or killing. No more broken bones or blood-filled screams. Sofia grows weary, her last few breathes slow. Pieces of skin begin to peel and float like snowflakes. Before they can see how she’ll fade away back into the annals of history, the windows shatter and release a blizzard that had been waiting far too long to break in. It blows through the grand hall, carrying itself around the castle as a cascade of snow, dust, and wind. The last time a curse was lifted in this manner, there were ashes and the disembodied moans of despair.

Then it’s over. The three of them stand in the middle of a dark empty room. Trevor picks up his belongings, leaving the unchanged Magen David for last. There are no words shared amongst them because they cannot find the right ones. Alucard steps up, perturbed by Trevor’s silence. He offers a hand on his shoulder for comfort, mirroring what Sypha once did for him, but his touch is too light for Trevor to really notice.

“We should go.” After such a bout of silence, Sypha’s voice makes them jump slightly. They leave the castle in its true abandoned state and hope never to come back. Perhaps a brief visit at the end of every Yule to place flowers where Sofia used to stand.

Halfway across the bridge, Sypha turns her head up to the snow speckled skies. Shouts of merriment and well-earned victory grace her ears; the arrival of a hunt returning with its spoils. Though she cannot see it, nor is she completely certain of its presence.

“You alright?” Asks Trevor.

“... I thought I heard something.”

--

JANUARY 1

The first early morning of the new year is always strange, even stranger to spend it alone inside Dracula’s castle. A disheartened hunter, a thoughtful scholar, and a tired dhampir retreat to his library without so much as a “happy new year”. They should sleep and yet they crowd onto the same chair, silently wishing for someone to lighten the mood before shuffling off to bed.

While the other two stare at their feet, Sypha looks around for some topic of small conversation. Her eyes eventually bring her to the top of a bookshelf, squinting at a tiny branch of green leaves which didn’t seem to be hanging there before.

“Mistletoe?”

Alucard overhears her mutter and glances upwards. His explanation is very matter of fact, with no joy. “Sometimes pieces of nature will appear on their own... an old spell put in place by my father to make my mother happy. He never had the need for growing things before he met her.”

Sypha knows the traditions and the good superstitions, despite never partaking in their origins. Standing up (the first one taking initiative to do so), she kisses Trevor’s cheek then does the same on Alucard’s forehead. “Shame to waste it.”

The boys are left in pleasant surprise—and with ideas of their own, especially on Alucard’s part. He doesn’t want to end the night with nothing to say to Trevor. They’ll step into this new year on good footing. Just when the Belmont least expects it, Alucard kisses his opposite cheek. An admittedly risky act on its own accords, but he thinks it was worth it to try.

“I was wrong. You did well tonight.”

Pink faced, Trevor’s gaze never leaves Alucard until he’s through the door and out of sight. “Mistletoe is supposed to be poisonous; you know.” He says to no one in particular.

[cursedbethechoice]

Vampyr Headcanon List

I ordered this according to districts and then put major characters like McCullum at the end. I don’t have every character on here, but I’ll update this list as I think of more. Enjoy!

I also have a lot of HCs for the Priwen bosses (like Jimmy “the Spark” Barlow) that you fight in the game but I didn’t post any here. 

Pembroke Hospital

Pippa is quite chatty at home. Milton keeps mostly to himself, but he likes to listen to her chatter.

Pippa loves flowers so every so often Milton will go to Whitechapel to buy some from Camellia. He’ll leave the flower pots in Pippa’s work locker so that she finds them after her shift ends. It’s one of the only things that can make her smile.

Pippa’s hair is quite short. It used to be down to her waist, but she cut it off and sold it to buy Milton a pocketwatch for his birthday.

Even if Milton is kept alive, Pippa eventually joins The Guard of Priwen.

Mortimer is secretly stockpiling his medication for another suicide attempt.

If Beatrice Goswick dies, then Mortimer becomes involved in educational reforms in England. It gives him a sense of purpose and he tells himself that his mother would have been proud of his efforts.

Before Pembroke got overrun with patients, Gwyneth Branagan and Dr. Tippets would have afternoon tea together almost every day.

If Dr. Tippets doesn’t take any steps to deal with his drug addiction after the events of the game, Gwyneth Branagan will absolutely follow him to Cypress and stage an intervention.

Dr. Tippets thinks that if he and Gwyneth Branagan were thirty years younger he’d ask her to marry him. But then he convinces himself that there is no way that someone as wonderful as her would accept him.

Harvey Fiddick’s children visit him every day. Harvey both hates and loves these visits because he wants to see his children but he can’t stand it when they cry and ask when he’ll come home. He has no answers and that makes his children cry harder.

If they survive Vampyr, Newton Blight and Oswald Thatcher run away to Scotland and find a cottage by the sea that suits them both. The wide, open space brings Oswald a modicum of peace and there are no rats to keep Newton up at night.

 Whitechapel

Richard Nithercott secretly writes the 1918 version of fanfics about himself and Camellia.

Clayton Darby unconsciously always looks around to see if he can spot Cristina Popa walking by.

Clayton thinks about how Cristina cried when she spoke of her homeland and has a million questions he wants to ask her just so he can watch her face and her expressions. It’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen in his life.

Harry Peterson mentioned that he went out without his father once. Joe came home to an empty house and nearly had a heart attack. Ran around all of Whitechapel in a frenzy until he found Harry lost in the graveyard.

When Harry was younger, Joe Peterson would carry him as much as possible. He loved being able to hold his small son in his big arms; it made him feel like a good father.

Harry spends a lot of time reading books. In a touching but misguided attempt to connect with his son, Joe has tried to pick out books for Harry but always gets genres/authors that Harry doesn’t like.

When he visited Dorothy Crane’s medical dispensary, Harry had to take off his shirt for his medical exam. He nearly passed out from embarrassment. The only woman he’d been unclothed in front of or even really spoken to was his mother, so having to unclothe in front of Nruse Crane, WHO DIDN’T LOOK AWAY, was unsettling for the poor boy.

The only reason Harry got a pass for Dorothy’s medical facility was because Camellia saw him looking out of his bedroom window, felt sorry for him, and left a bouquet of flowers on his doorstep with a voucher hidden in it.

Harry still has all the books that Barrett Lewis bought him for his birthday. He would re-read them every so often but stopped after Barrett scolded him for asking why he never came by the Peterson’s house any more.

Before his mother died, Harry’s favorite thing to do was go on walks with her. Since he is so frail he couldn’t go play with the other children, so his mother would take him to a park and keep up a comfortable walking pace. Sometimes Joe would go with them and if Harry ever got tired Joe would carry him on his shoulders.

Joe has an old, crumpled picture of Harry when he was younger that he always keeps in his pocket. He looks at it at least once a day.

Harry started carrying his dad’s pistol after that one disastrous outing he went on by himself.

Harry believes in the supernatural, just not any of the positive aspects. He found one of Clarence’s pamphlets on vampires, read it, and convinced himself that there are monsters waiting in the streets outside his house waiting to eat him.

Nothing made Barrett angrier than seeing Joe, Jane, and Harry together and happy. He’s forever bitter that Jane stayed with Joe after Harry was born and that the marriage didn’t suffer from the affair.  

Sometimes Barrett makes himself feel better by criticizing every decision Joe made as a husband/father and telling himself that he would have been better to Jane and Harry than Joe ever was.

Cadogan Bates once tried to make a pass at Camellia, but Darius Petrescue chased him off by screaming threats in Romanian.

 The Docks

Ichabod Throgmorton takes in stray animals.

Lottie Paxton has a slight crush on Sean Hampton. It makes her happy whenever he thanks her for her help around the Asylum.

Seymour Fishburn saw Lottie Paxton once and thought her pretty, although he never tries to talk to her. Lottie only knows about his terrible reputation. If he ever asked her out and she rejected him, he’d kill her.

Rufus Kingsbury always saves the best scraps of food he manages to find for Jack and Stella Fishburn. If he has to eat rotted food or go hungry so that they can eat, he will.

Dyson Delaney tried to confront Rufus about the car factory bombing. He saw the boy digging through the trash and was overwhelmed with guilt at being the reason why the boy was reduced to such circumstances. He went back to the Turtle and got so drunk that he vomited three times and passed out on top of the bar.

The only way that Tom and Sabrina end up together is if Sabrina makes the first move. Tom has too many doubts to do anything himself.

Archer Woodbead finds a Priwen patrol one night and tries to start a fight. The Brawler simply picks him up and moves him out of the way. Archer is so embarrassed that he leaves, thinking about the days when he was leader of the Wet Boot Boys and no one dared look at him the wrong way.

Ironically, Andrew Woodbead becomes a Priwen Chaplain.

Martin Nightingale walks with a slight limp because his father beat him so badly one time that he was crippled.

Martin tells himself that his extortion of Enid Gillingham is justified because he checks in on her every so often to make sure she has food. Cheating her out of her money is how he is paid for his services.

 West End

Russell Calhoun keeps snacks hidden in his pockets

Clarence Crossley often has nightmares about the vampire he saw in France and wakes up in a panic. When he first came home, Venus would always comfort him, but after he started embarrassing them in public with his talk of vampires she just pretended to be asleep whenever he would cry out.

The two biggest expenses in the Crossley household are Clarence’s pamphlets and Venus’ beauty products.

If Clarence dies without Venus having seen all the vampire lore documents, Venus relocates to North America just in time for the Roaring 20’s and parties herself into massive debt. She remarries an oil tycoon for his money.

Louise Teasdale eventually finds Ichabod Throgmorton and asks to be his apprentice. He agrees and she ends up being the one who always saves him from mishaps with the locals that he accidentally causes. (I low-key ship these two, tbh).

Although she says no man would be interested in marrying her, Carol Price dreams of her prince charming coming to rescue her one day.

Whenever he passes by the Price’s shop, Richard Nithercott always makes an exaggerated bow to Carol to make her smile.

Carolyn Price reads romantic novels and inserts herself as the heroine and Jonathan Reid as the hero.

Pericles and Agamemnon Baker are still waiting for Godot long after the events of Vampyr end.

Carina Billow has tried to take her own life multiple times. Every time, Jacob Blackwood lets her nearly succeed before forcing her to stop. And then she’s forced to eat more rats.

  Major Characters

Mary named her son after Jonathan.

McCullum is never at ease unless he has something to do. Whether it’s a goal to reach or having something to keep his hands busy, he feels antsy if he’s just standing around.

McCullum was a soldier during WWI. It’s how he learned about modern war tactics and weaponry and was able to bring this knowledge to the Guard.

McCullum actually has a pretty good singing voice and loves Irish drinking songs, but he only sings when he’s in a pub and has had a few drinks. Since he rarely has the time for such things, it’s quite the event to hear him break out into song.

The only thing that McCullum hates more than leeches is writing reports. He prefers to be out in the field, so typing away at a typewriter for hours seems like a colossal waste of time to him.

McCullum knew a lot about the supernatural before Carl Eldritch recruited him to the Guard. As the baby of the family, McCullum spent a lot of time with his mother who would tell him old Irish folk and fairy tales.

Over the years, McCullum has forgotten what his mother looked like. But he does remember the exact sound of her voice as she sang him and his brother lullabies when they were little.

McCullum knows a smattering of Gaelic. He unconsciously uses it when he’s frustrated.

Carl Eldritch, the previous leader of Guard of Priwen, never had his own family and so considered McCullum to be the closest thing he ever had to a son.

Geoffrey will never forgive himself for losing Barker, Carl Eldritch’s gun, right before the man’s funeral. He kept vigil by the grave the whole night after the funeral to make sure no vampire tried to dig his mentor up, since this was Eldritch’s greatest fear. He’s been trying to find the Barker ever since. He was not amused when Jonathan pulled it out during their fight. It enraged him even more. Pacifist!Jonathan ends up mailing it to him after he and Ashbury run off together. Yet another favor that McCullum owes him.

The Guard’s attack on the Ascalon Club wasn’t actually planned. A bunch of rookies decided to take matters into their own hands and were slaughtered. Geoffrey was furious, but he blamed himself for not being a good enough leader.

Edgar Swansea sneaks into Jonathan’s room while he’s out and about and reads all his stuff (thank God Jonathan doesn’t have an actual journal). He’s not trying to steal his research; he sees it more as an avid fan trying to get a sneak peak at his favorite author’s new work.

Edgar Swansea sweats a lot.

Usher Talltree strongly distrusts Edgar. Part of the reason why the Primate is in London is to investigate the doctor’s actions.

When she was a human, Old Bridget’s greatest desire was to have a child with her husband. Becoming a Skal tore this dream away from her, but she’s managed to cope by seeing the Skals she protects as her children.

Old Bridget and Lord Redgrave’s marriage was based on love, a rarity for their time period. They both genuinely cared for each other, but in the end it wasn’t enough for Redgrave to accept his wife after he turned her into a Skal.

Lord Redgrave justifies abandoning his wife after her transformation by telling himself that there must have been something corrupt in her, in all women, that caused her turning to go wrong. She never really loved me, he tells himself, she just wanted immortality.

There are times when Bridget remembers how happy she was with Redgrave, even though she knows his true character. In her worst moments, she aches for those days.

[disastersiblingsau]

1. Arra, had she not died the way that she did. She had already by and large earned the clan's respect due to prowess and previous achievements, within another hundred years or so, she'd have won pretty much everyone over and likely gained the rank of general. By the time she was five-hundred, she'd likely have been nominated at least once, a nomination which would in liklihood have gathered enough of a following to merit being put through to completion.

2. Probably very rocky in the beginning, mostly thanks to Vancha. But as time went on I think that they would have gotten rather close, not father-son close, but friendship close.

3. Not one song, one hundred songs, all in my monkey brain at the same time.

4. Not YOLO, for obvious reasons.

5. I can't remember a specific one, but the opening lines of book one are chilling and very memorable.

6. Half of the inspiration for the DisasterSiblings AU cam from Head-Cannons.

7. A bitch, who could have been good.

8. The transition from Vampaneze to Vampire, I think that there was something about the switching of the blood which made him different, somehow (It's also why I headcannon Cannon-Darius as being wild, too.)

9. Cannonically and in any serious fic, I don't think that Seba played favorites. But picturing Seba in that "I love all of my children equally" meme is hilarious, so for the sake of that I'll say Larten.

10. Nothing pleasant or legal, especially in Steve's case.

People of the jury, welcome to another:

✨Fight me Friday✨

Part 10! How did we get this far?

1. Out of all the women in the series, who is most likely to be the first vampire princess and why?

2. What would Paris’ and Vanchas relationship be like?

3. What song best describes your OTP?

4. What would Harkats catchphrase be?

5. What is your favourite quote from the series? (Books, manga or movie)

6. What’s 5 detailed hc’s about your favourite character?

7. Thoughts on Wester Flack?

8. What or who do you think brought on Vanchas...different? Wild? Extra? Personality?

9. Do you think that Seba was closer to Larten or Wester when they were both alive? (Consider the fact that Larten and Seba were together for 6ish years before Wester showed up, and that Larten left the mountain so it was just Wester and Seba for awhile too- basically they both got equal time with Seba)

10. What do you think your fave characters would major in in college/uni?

Credit to: @theloyalravenclaw for question 1 and 2 ✨ @mikaverleth for question 10 ✨ and anonymous people for questions 4, 6, 8 and 9 ✨

[tigertanyx]

 According to Goodreads, my average rating is 3.8, which doesn’t feel quite right, but who am I to argue with data. As of now, I am 98 books in, but I fully intend to finish a short book and manga before midnight. it’ll be my first recorded year of reaching 100 books a year, but as I explained earlier, I feel like it made me bypass longer books. My longest book was On A Sunbeam, at 533 pages. That’s weak.

Read Bricks: My 2020 Reading Goal

This isn’t exactly a top books of 2019 post, because there are 2nd or 3rd choices of some months that are better than the #1s of other months. But I did notice a trend (3 months) where I would read the best book of the month as the first book of the month, and those were also the best books of the year.

January 

Stats: 6 books, 2 contemporary, 1 fantasy, 1 classic, 1 manga, 1 mystery

Rep:

And the best book:

If We Were Villains, ML Rio

I love this book, it was my favourite of 2019 and I still think about it. I found it on a whim, while I was aimlessly browsing the library. It’s about a Shakespeare group in college a cult, where one of their members were murdered and they all have something to hide. There’s a slow-burn m/m romance tragedy  that was painfully simar to my own gay awakening. But alas, I don’t own it, so if you guys want to gift it to me…

February

Stats:  7 books, 3 Contemporary, 1 horror, 1 manga, 1 historical fiction, 1 mystery 

Rep:

The best book:

Darius The Great is Not Ok, Adib Khorram

This follows an Iranan-american boy whose granddad in Iran is ill, so his family is going to visit them so Darius can know him before he dies. It isn’t about the granddad though: it’s about Iranian culture, soccer, and a boy. Being gay can be a death sentence in Iran, so while there’s definite gay undertones, they never actually do or say anything. Their friendship is the purest thing, some hope while Darius is struggling with depression. 

March

Stats: 6 books, 3 manga, 2 horror, 1 contemporary 

Rep:

The best book:

Autoboyography Christina Lauren 

This book made me upset. It’s about 2 boys, one who’s at peace with his bisexuality, and the other who’s a mormon. It deals with his struggle to love someone and go against his family and community. There’s also a writing seminar, where one has to write a book with the other coaching him. I thought that part could’ve been expanded more. There’s secret hikes and secret gay moments.

April

Stats: 8 books, 5 Contemporary, 1 satire, 1 horror, 1 manga

Rep:

Best book: 

View this post on Instagram

#currentlyreading Radio Silence! The voice is easy to drown in, I love the casual but unsubtle rep, and the artsy. #amreading #bookstagram #booknerd #lgbtpride🌈

A post shared by BrittainX (@killedbyabook) on Apr 29, 2019 at 10:24am PDT

Radio Silence, Alice Oseman

Kat @ paperback dreams loves this book so much, if you didn’t know. I was expecting some letdown, but I still love it. It’s about a gang that produces a sci-fi podcast called Universe City while they muse about what they’re going to do after high school. It’s an exploration of why college isn’t for everyone.

May

Stats: 8 books, 4 contemporary, 2 satire, 1 manga, 1 fantasy

Rep:

Best book:

I Wish You All The Best, Mason Deaver

I hope you know what this is. I hope you read it. I will disown you if you haven’t.

Dear Ben De Backer/ I Wish You All The Best

June

Stats: 6 books, 4 Contemporary (1 manga), 2 romance

Rep:

The Best Book:

View this post on Instagram

Important and real. Toxic relationships can be impossible to get out of and I don't think I've ever seen a more realistic f/f in fiction. Also, is Doodle non-binary? #amreading Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me #bookdragon #booknerd #bookstagram

A post shared by BrittainX (@killedbyabook) on Jun 25, 2019 at 10:41am PDT

  Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, Mariko Tamaki , Rosemary Valero-O’Connell

Ahh, yes. The graphic novel about an emotional abusive teen f/f romance that explores what happens when you let yourself and neglect your friends with beautiful art.

Portraying Toxicity in F/F Relationships: Reading Jordi Perez And Laura Dean

July

(When booktubeathon happened) 13 books, 5 manga, 3 contemporary, 1 superhero, 1 Urban fantasy, 1 Poetry, 1 erotica 

Rep:

Best Book:

Nimona, Noelle Stevenson

Two months with a top graphic novel, but that just shows how amazing they’ve gotten. Nimona is a shapeshifter determined to do evil for her master, unaware that his greatest rival used to be his greatest lover. Funny! Evil propo!

August 

Stats: 8 books, 3 contemporary, 2 manga, 1 satire, 1 poetry, 1 spiritual 

Rep:

Best Book:

Sappho Of Lesbos, painted by John William Godward

Sappho, the lesbian poet of Greece. Her poetry haunted the lesbian areas of Greece. Lesbian greek poetry. What Are you waiting for?

September

Stats: 6 books, 3 manga, 2 supernatural, 1 sick lit

Rep:

Big Sapphic Pie

Best book:

My beloved girlfriend Carmilla. Carmilla is a lesbian vampire in the classic, muddling girls’ minds with dreams and sex. It was adapted into a youtube series that I’m probably going to binge watch after I’ve read the two books I read to reach 100 this year (Bread and Roses, Too, The Fifth Beatle).

My Beloved Carmilla

October 

Stats: 9 month, 5 fantasy, 2 manga, 2 contemporary

Rep:

Best Book:

View this post on Instagram

Everything Leads To You started slow but had me close to tears at the end. The best f/f I have read thus far! #bookstagram #bookish #lgbtpride🌈 #ffbooks

A post shared by BrittainX (@killedbyabook) on Oct 1, 2019 at 5:14pm PDT

Everything Leads To You, Nina LaCour

F/F in LA! i loved how ingrained movies were in their lives, how it was their jobs, their relatives’ jobs, their passions. There’s also a realllly slooow burn romance! If Nina wrote a how-to slow burn guide, it’d be the book on how to write relationships.

November 

Stats; 9 books, 4 manga, 2 dystopia, 1 contemporary, 1 spiritual, 1 fantasy

Rep:

This best book was tough, since a few stand out, however Fence is rated highest! Contenders are Dragon Pearl, A Quick And Easy Guide To They/Them Pronouns, and Lizard Radio.

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My immediate TBR! Dragon Pearl is a MG Asian inspired Rick Riordan Imprint book with a non-binary character. Out Of Salem is about a non-binary zombie. I'm going into We Contain Multitudes blind, but it's gay. * What are your reading plans? How far in advance do you tend to plan them? #bookstagram #bookish #bookdragon #lgbtpride🌈

A post shared by BrittainX (@killedbyabook) on Nov 12, 2019 at 9:06am PST

December

This is a no-brainer. The Deep by Rivers Solomon is about merfolk descended from pregnant captives on slave ships that were thrown overboard. Their babies were born in the water, barely functioning merbabies. 100 years later, the society remembers three days a year, the memories too heavy and their capacity to short for them to be held by anyone other than the Historian. But now she’s sick of it and wants to find herself. Super gay, written by a nonbinary author. 

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My December TBR plus #currentlyreading The Deep by Rivers Solomon and Tarnished Are The Stars by @rosieethor The Deep is about the decedents of the people captured on slave ships that jumped overboard, a society that can't bear to remember their past and gives all of the memories to one merperson a generation. Tarnished Are The Stars is set in a future where technology is banned, least humanity fall into the trap of destroying the planet- but our main queers use it to help people with medical problems. #amreading #bookstagram #ilovebooks #lgbt

A post shared by BrittainX (@killedbyabook) on Nov 30, 2019 at 8:56pm PST

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

2019: Top Books of The Month  According to Goodreads, my average rating is 3.8, which doesn't feel quite right, but who am I to argue with data.

[lissadiane]

a-z meme!

tagged by @pantstomatch and @yodas-yo-yo. Note: I have rage at the moment, because my boss just got angry at me about commas. So prepare yourselves for random F-bombs. Commas aren’t optional, okay? That’s not a thing. Motherfucker.

A: AGE 34. Yeah. That happened.

B: BIRTHPLACE - Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada

C: CURRENT TIME - 11:53 AM

D: DRINK YOU HAD LAST - water to swallow a Motrin because fuck this

E: EASIEST PERSON TO TALK TO - My best friend Sarah, who never judges me, and @pantstomatch, who is frequently held hostage by my rants about everything and anything from sleep-talking boyfriends to bosses who think COMMAS ARE OPTIONAL.

F: FAVORITE SONG - What IS my favourite song? At the moment, it’s Oxford Comma by Vampire Weekend, but that’s to soothe my rage over “optional commas”. Maybe If I Told You by Darius Rucker, or Yellow by Coldplay. So many songs by My Chemical Romance. 

G: GROSSEST MEMORY - So, this weekend was Thanksgiving here in Canada, and my boyfriend and I decided to stay home and Cook Our Own Turkey. Yeah. A+ Adulting. I assigned him to do ‘the gross stuff’ with the turkey, because I am squeamish as fuck, and can’t even handle cooking meat most of the time, and if I remember that meat is dead animal while said meat is in my mouth, I can’t swallow. (Insert blowjob joke here. There was one, but I took it out, because self-censoring is fun. Use your imagination.) So, my boyfriend is more squeamish than I am but completed an internship at a wildlife rehabilitation facility over the summer, so he was up for the task! And then! HE FOUND AN INTESTINE IN THE TURKEY. I was hiding in the fridge, peaking around the corner and moaning in disgust when he exclaimed, “There’s an intestine in here, is that normal?!” and I snapped, “There is NOT an intestine in that turkey.” And peered around the kitchen door to see him tugging on a motherfucking intestine sticking out of the butt of the turkey like an umbilical cord. I almost threw up. I repeated that it couldn’t possibly be an intestine. He calmly shook it around and said, “Trust me, I know intestines.” He spent the summer butchering mice to feed to baby weasels. So. I suppose he does know intestines.

Incidentally, it’s now 12:00 PM, lunch time, and I’ve got turkey leftovers. Fuck.

H: HOGWARTS HOUSE - Slytherin in my youth, before I got control of my mental health problems. Hufflepuff now that I’m medicated? (This is nothing against Slytherin, Slytherin will always be the house of my soul! But my Slytherin tendencies were always just a show to protect my Hufflepuff heart.)

I: IN LOVE? - yes

J: JEALOUS OF PEOPLE - sigh. So much.

K: KILLED SOMEONE - No. 

L: LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT OR SHOULD I WALK BY AGAIN - I don’t really believe in it. Love takes a choice. You can be attracted, you can be infatuated, you can be whatever else, but for me, love is the moment when you realize that, despite all the attraction and infatuation, it’s still going to take work, and it’s worth it to put the work in.

M: MIDDLE NAME - Diane

N: NUMBER OF SIBLINGS - 2

O: ONE WISH- For people to start using their common sense and their words, so we don’t have a nuclear war, so we don’t hate people for stupid reasons, so we don’t think our subjective borders are more important than our humanity. And... enough money to pay for my wedding and a mortgage, so I can get a dog. And a job that doesn’t crush my soul.

Q: QUESTION YOU ARE ALWAYS ASKED - Why haven’t you sent your book to a publisher yet? (Rejection is scary, MOM.)

R: REASON TO SMILE - My boyfriend. My cats. My friends. My medication!

S: SONG YOU SANG LAST - Who gives a fuck about the Oxford Comma? I do!

T: TIME YOU WOKE UP - 5:55 AM

U: UNDERWEAR COLOR - A nice, dark teal.

V: VACATION DESTINATION - I’ve had a dream of going to the Mayan Riviera for years. My boyfriend took me to Croatia instead. Sob. (Kidding, it was amazing.) But I want to go wander around Scotland and Wales and Ireland! And then relax on a Mexican beach. Anything with the ocean. I need the ocean like I need to breathe. Why the fuck do I live in the middle of the prairies.

W: WORST HABIT - I’m messy. I never clean up after myself. My boyfriend despairs. 

X: X-RAYS - My last x-ray was my ankle! Why? Because WALKING IS FUCKING TOO HARD FOR ME. Our last night in Croatia. Stepped off a curb. Humiliating screeching ensued. Sigh. X-ray three days later, nothing showed up, bone scan a month later, bone all chipped and bruised and gross. A year and a bit later, and it’s finally better. Whew. I’ve also had my spine x-rayed half a dozen times, and my skull a few times too. And my knee.

Y: YOUR FAVORITE FOOD - PIZZA!

Z: ZODIAC SIGN - Aries, the best of all.

I’m going to tag @rubyredhoodling, but you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to.

[bamon4bamily]

TVD 9x04 (part 1) Enjoy! =)

Cut to – freaky old mansion library. Darius is sitting on a couch having a gin and reading what seems to be a really old book, the door opens… Matt enters.

DARIUS: Sheriff Donovan, I’ve been expecting you…

MATT: I know… (hands him an engraved wooden black box, then walks away).

 Cut to – Whitmore College, Elena’s dorm, early morning. 

Elena wakes up with a terrible hang-over. Bonnie hands her 2 aspirins and a glass of water.

BONNIE: Here, take these.

ELENA: Thank you, Bon… Listen, I’m really sorry about last night, I was way out of line… a royal bitch, really… I’m sorry.

BONNIE: Don’t sweat it, it happens sometimes… what’s important is that you figure out what you want and go for it… O.K.?

CAROLINE: And maybe stay away from shots for a while… (they laugh)

ELENA: I love you guys so much… Sure you can’t stay a bit longer?

CAROLINE: We’d love to, but we need to head back. We’ll see each other at our Halloween/reunion party, right? You better come!! And bring Sam!

ELENA: I wouldn’t miss it; and yes, I’ll bring Sam but only if you promise not to tease him the entire night!

CAROLINE: I’ll be on my best behavior, I promise.

BONNIE: Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Care… (Caroline winks, they hug and say their goodbyes).

Cut to - Salvatore mansion, later that morning. Damon comes into Stefan’s room. 

DAMON: I hate to say I told you so… but I told you so! Bitch is gone and took my car! My car, Stefan!

STEFAN: (Still snoozed, lying in bed) Wait, what? No… she wouldn’t…

DAMON: Did becoming a human, dying and resurrecting give you brain damage? I can’t believe I let you do this! I knew this was gonna happen and yet I chose to give you the benefit of the doubt… Now, zombie Kat is out there somewhere, driving my car! My car Stefan! I and only I can drive my car!!

STEFAN: (Mocking) Bonnie can drive your car…

DAMON: Shut up…

Katherine walks in with a bag of bagels.

 KATHERINE: Bagels, anyone? Got them fresh from the store… 

Oh, Damon (throws him his car keys), I hope you don’t mind, I took your car… (winks). By the way, it’s a piece of crap… 

Anyway, I’ll leave them in the kitchen, but don’t take too long; I swear, this coming back to life thing makes me so freaking hungry! (Walks out).

STEFAN: (To Damon) You were saying?... Now, please leave, I need more shut-eye.  

DAMON: (As he is walking out) Maybe not today Stefan but trust me, it will happen.

STEFAN: Shot the door on your way out! (Damon leaves it open to spite him; minutes later, Stefan hears Caroline yelling).

CAROLINE: Oh, no, are you freaking kidding me! Who the hell unleashed the stray cat!!!!!

STEFAN: (To himself) Oh, no… (gets out of bed, Caroline vamps her way into the room).

CAROLINE: Care to explain to me why the psycho bitch devil is calmly eating bagels in my kitchen?  

STEFAN: (Trying to be funny) She was hungry?

CAROLINE: Stefan! What’s going on?! Talk, now!

STEFAN: Care, I know it’s a risk, but she can help and right now we need all the hands we can get to pull this off…

CAROLINE: I know we do, but we can’t trust her! It’s too risky.

STEFAN: It’s just as risky as trusting Klaus…

CAROLINE: That’s a low blow…

STEFAN: Listen, Care, do you trust me?

CAROLINE: You know I do, so what’s your point?

STEFAN: I promise to make sure she doesn’t pull a Katherine… but we can use her help; plus, we might be surprised, maybe she is capable of changing, right the wrongs… we’ve all done some pretty horrible stuff and we found it within ourselves to be better…

CAROLINE: Well, you do make a good point. Fine, I will accept as long as you make sure she doesn’t make any trouble! I swear, I will break her neck at the first sign of deviation.

STEFAN: Deal! (They kiss).

CAROLINE: Let me talk to Bonnie before she takes care of Katherine on her own terms. Oh, and start getting ready for the memorial.

STEFAN: Sure… what about the twins, did you talk to them?

CAROLINE: We did, they can’t wait to see you. (Kisses him, then leaves).

Cut to – Damon and Bonnie talking in the living room.

 DAMON: He’s crazy, am I right?

BONNIE: He is. But I get where he’s coming from.

DAMON: Bon-Bon, this is Katherine we are talking about, the badest bitch of all!

BONNIE: I know but people can change, Damon; I mean, you did… so, there might be some hope…

DAMON: Well, can’t argue with that but I’m still not trusting her.

BONNIE: Oh, hell no; it’s one thing to be hopeful, another to be stupid.

DAMON: Anyway, how did it go with Elena, is she on board?

BONNIE: No, we had to abort mission, she’s going through an existential phase so we thought it would be best to leave her out of this one.

DAMON: But this is a huge one Bon, we can use as much help as we can get.

BONNIE: I know, but she needs a time out.

DAMON: Ok. Listen, Bon, I talked to Alaric about what we saw in that book… he thinks it has something to do with this crazy-ass cult called The Liberatus, Radka is helping him decipher an ancient scripture that might just hold the key to what we are looking for…

BONNIE: The Liberatus? I’ve heard that name before… or read it somewhere? Yes… I think I saw something about them in one of the Bennion’s grimoires… not sure.

DAMON: You probably did, Bon. The source… the link…  the Bennion coven… this freak cult… Darius… you… it’s all connected, we just need to figure out how…

BONNIE: Maybe Klaus’s house guest can tell us more?

DAMON: I’m sure she can… Batman & Robin team-up?

BONNIE: (Gives him a smirk) Oh, for sure!…

(After they finish their drink, she gets up) Well, come on Robin, let’s go fight some crime (mocking him).

DAMON: Robin? Oh, no, no, no…

I’m Batman! I’m Batman, Bon! Bats are associated with vampires and pretty birds with witches…

BONNIE: Pretty birds with witches, really? Ah…no. I’m Batman, and I get to drive the “batmobile”, so… (signals him to give her the car keys)

DAMON: (Rolls his eyes with resignation, give her his keys) Fine, but I get dibs on the music!

BONNIE: (Mocking) I’m pretty sure they don’t play Boyz II Men on the radio anymore…

DAMON: That was Stefan’s!

BONNIE: (Still mocking) Yeah, sure… (laughs, they leave).

Cut to - Matt and Khuyana’s house. Ty and Khuyana are talking in the kitchen, Matt walks in.

 KHUYANA: Hey, sleepy head. Didn’t hear you come in last night. Want some breakfast? More like late lunch…

MATT: Sorry, I got home really late, the Mayor needed my help with some things.

TYLER: I see exploitation is still a thing…

MATT: You know it. Listen, I have to go to the office, probably gonna be an all-nighter again. You two heading to the memorial?

KHUYANA: We are, aren’t you coming?

MATT: Sorry, I can’t, please tell Caroline and Radka I’m sorry…

KHUYANA: But you were the one that arranged everything… don’t you think it’s important you attend?

MATT: I do, but I really can’t (kisses her). I’m sorry, the Mayor needs me… and I need to pay the bills, you know?

KHUYANA: Fine, but they won’t be happy… and, we are supposed to team back afterward, grand plan and all, remember?

MATT: I do, please don’t make me feel worse than I already do… I’m working on my part of the plan, trust me.

TYLER: Sorry to change the subject, but you guys really don’t mind me staying here?

MATT: Ty, are you insane?! This is your house! If anything, we are the ones that should be looking for another place.

TYLER: No, this is now your house, I left it to you, Matt. I’ll find something else.

KHUYANA: Nonsense! You are staying here with us! This house is huge.

MATT: Yes Ty, you ain't going anywhere… this is our house.

TYLER: O.K., but if it gets awkward, let me know…

KHUYANA:  It won’t.

MATT: Great, so it’s settled then. I need to head out (kisses Khuyana, bro hugs Ty).

Cut to – Mikaelson mansion, Bonnie and Damon ring the doorbell, Klaus opens.

 KLAUS: I thought we were meeting later today, after the memorial? Did I miss something?

BONNIE: We need to talk to Danae, Aelish, or whatever her name is…

KLAUS: I’m afraid that won’t be possible, she is feeling under the weather.

DAMON: We really don’t care how she feels, get her, now.

KLAUS: Do you think just because you are some sort of vamperstain I feel threatened by you? (Lashes out at him) Know who you are talking to, Damon.

BONNIE: I suggest you do the same… (Displays her powers, brings him to the ground)

KLAUS: Bonnie… stop!

BONNIE: Get her down here, right now! (Attacks harder).

KLAUS: Stop! Bonnie… you’re killing me! She stops).

BONNIE: If I wanted you dead, you would be.

KLAUS: (As he recovers) Careful Bonnie, remember what we talked about… You seemed to have enjoyed that a bit too much… I will go get her.

DAMON: Bon, you O.K.? Gotta say that was pretty scary…

BONNIE: To be honest, I have no idea where that came from (looking concerned) … worst part is, I did enjoy it… feeling all that power… Damon, I’m worried…

DAMON: We’ll figure this out, Bon, I promise. Whatever is happening to you, we’ll find a way, we always do.

BONNIE: I really hope so cause I’m beginning to think Klaus maybe right… what if I can’t control it?

DAMON: You are much stronger than he thinks, you can do this, Bon. And, whatever happens, I’ll be with you every step of the way... I’m the Robin to your Batman, remember?... We got this. (Hugs her).

KLAUS: Oh, lovely (mocking); I figured you had better taste, Bonnie. A woman like you deserves a real man, not a child… Anyway, you may come in now, she is waiting in the living room… (Damon and Bonnie walk in).

DANAE: (To Bonnie) So, you are the precious “link”, I presume? You have no idea how long they have been searching for you… God damn the day you came into existence…

DAMON: Hey!

BONNIE: Listen, I’m just trying to figure out what all of this means…  I didn’t ask for any of it.

DANAE: Guess that’s true… I’m sorry, I just never thought this moment would actually come… that they would get away with it.

BONNIE: Who is, they?

DANAE: The Liberatus…

DAMON: So, they are real…

DANAE: Very much so; have been around for thousands of years. Generation after generation, they have been the puppet masters behind every single power structure, and responsible for the most heinous crimes humanity has ever seen. Rumor has it that Hitler was a Liberatus… they are obsessed with “cleansing” the world.

BONNIE: How come nobody knows about them?

DANAE: They have power over everything, never get their hands dirty, always have others do the dirty work for them and leave no traces that can connect back to them; that’s how they have managed to remain incognito this whole time.

BONNIE: And how are they involved with your coven?

DANAE: My ex coven, I don’t associate with psychopaths. (With disdain) That family was one of the founding members of the Liberatus…  

DAMON: One of? Who are the others?

DANAE: I don’t know. All I know is that the Liberatus are, beyond a doubt, lords and masters of the world… Absolutely everything is a chess piece in their board.

BONNIE: How can we stop them?

DANAE: (Laughs) Oh Bonnie, is that a serious question? You can’t.

BONNIE: I have all this new power, I’m pretty sure I can.

DANAE: You do, but this is not about that kind of power… you are a weapon to them, a very dangerous one, yes, but still just a weapon, which they can arm and disarm at their will.

BONNIE: I might be struggling to control this source thing, but I will not bend to their will.

DANAE: You won’t have a choice. You see, Bonnie, as supernatural beings we think we have power over humans because we have special powers that make us stronger, but we underestimate the human mind and what it’s capable of accomplishing… There are many highly intelligent humans with better tactics and strategy than most of us. They also have power, money, and therefore, access to very sophisticated and advanced technologies. And, let’s not forget, that they can be as ruthless, if not more, than any supernatural being.

DAMON: We don’t need a sermon on us vs. them, if you actually have any useful information, spit it out.

DANAE: As I said, that is all I know… But, Bonnie, you really need to be careful, that kind of power can make anyone go mad… Oh, and one other thing… don’t block your psychic powers because of your ethics, they can be very useful if you are attempting to fight them…

BONNIE: (Sarcastically) I’ll take that under consideration, thanks. (To Damon) Well, seems like that’s all the info we are going to get, so let’s go.

DANAE: As a closing note, some insight on my dear brother; you and Darius are the only psychic witches ever to exist, and it’s no coincidence you met. Trust that the bond you share will confuse you, and when the moment comes you might not be able to deliver the final blow…

BONNIE: Oh, I’ll deliver, don’t worry about that, but, thanks for the tip.

DANAE: You may be more powerful than him, but make no mistake, he is the master of illusion, and persuasion...

BONNIE: He’ s very good, no doubt. But I’m prepared this time.

DANAE: You better be... (Damon and Bonnie leave).

KLAUS: You didn’t tell them everything…

DANAE: I told them what they needed to know.

Cut to the Mayor’s office, Matt walks in.

 EDWARD: Sheriff, I trust you delivered my package?

MATT: It’s done.

EDWARD: Excellent, believe me, it’s for the best; keep your enemies, closer and all…

MATT: I don’t understand, we know where he is, why not just take him down right now?

EDWARD: Patience Sheriff, this is like a chess game, doesn’t matter how long it takes as long as it’s checkmate.

MATT: What about the rest of them?

EDWARD: Bring one down, bring all of them down.

MATT: Listen, I have to go back to the station, I still need to go through those documents…

EDWARD: Yes, please do, and let me know if you find what we are looking for. (As Matt is walking out) Sheriff, do you like clowns?

MATT: What?

EDWARD: Clowns… do you like them?

MATT: When I was little, I guess. Why?

EDWARD: Just curious... (Matt leaves).

 Cut to – Salvatore school, student’s memorial. The twins see Stefan and run to hug him.

 LIZ & JOSIE: Uncle Stefan!!!!

STEFAN: Girls!! I’m so happy to see you!!!

LIZZY: I can’t believe you are alive! Are you alive? (pinches him to make sure).

STEFAN: Ouch! (Laughs) Yes, yes, I am.

JOSIE: Please don’t leave us again!

STEFAN: I won’t, I promise. (they keep hugging).

KLAUS: Ah, isn’t this sweet? (To the girls) Hello ladies, delighted to see you.

LIZ & JOSIE: Uncle Klaus! (They hug him).

STEFAN: (To himself) Uncle Klaus?

KLAUS: What have my favorite twins been up to?

JOSIE: Learning some really cool magic stuff from Aunt Bonnie!

KLAUS: I’m glad, she is one, if not the best, so pay attention.

JOSIE: We always do.

KLAUS: Good for you.

LIZZY: Josie, come, let’s go get dad! (They leave).

STEFAN: Klaus, what are you doing here? We are supposed to be meeting later.

KLAUS: I came to pay my respects.

STEFAN: You didn’t even know them.

KLAUS: Well, neither did you… but this is important to Caroline so, here I am. (Caroline approaches them).

CAROLINE: Klaus, you came… Thank you.

KLAUS: Of course I did, you ask, I come… Plus, I would not miss an opportunity to see you in a black dress, love. (Stefan rolls his eyes).

CAROLINE: Come on you two, it’s about to start. Where the heck is Bonnie and Damon? They were supposed to be here over an hour ago!

KLAUS: They are not here yet? They left my house more than an hour ago…

STEFAN: They were at your house? Why?

KLAUS: Wanted, or rather demanded, to talk to my friend Danae.

CAROLINE: And? What happened?

KLAUS: Nothing, they talked, they left.

CAROLINE: (Calls Bonnie’s cell) Come on Bonnie, pick up (Damon and Bonnie arrive) Nevermind… (hangs up). Bonnie! Where were you?!

BONNIE: Sorry we’re late… we’ll talk later, O.K.?

CAROLINE: (Looks at Damon and Bonnie suspiciously) Oh, you bet we will! Everyone take a seat; the ceremony is about to start.

 The memorial is held, filled with kind words, tears and laughter.

 Cut to – Police Station, Matt in his office looking at some documents, a Police Officer knocks on his door.

 POLICE OFFICER: Sheriff, something came for you, can I come in?

MATT: Yes, come in. (Police Officer comes in).

POLICE OFFICER: Here (hands him an envelope).

MATT: Who sent this?

POLICE OFFICER: I don’t know, got delivered by mail. There is no name or forwarding address… (Matt takes the envelope).

MATT: Thank you Officer (the Officer leaves. Matt opens the envelope, it has an antique key engraved with the letter L and a hand-written scripted note with a date - October 31st, a time - 24:00 and some coordinates).

TO BE CONTINUED...

TVD 9x04 (part 2) coming soon! Hope you stop by, read and enjoy! =)

[bamon4bamily]

TVD 9x02 (part 1) Enjoy! =)

Cut to - Matt searching for leads on the student’s location. He gets a call from Elena.

MATT: Elena, I’m glad you called, have you found anything?

ELENA: No Matt, we can’t find any medical explanation. All we know from the patient’s assessments is that they presented the same symptoms before they collapsed, severe headaches and vision loss. They also presented the same clinical diagnosis, cerebral saccular aneurysm, leading to comatose; and they all woke up at the same time. Post-assessments are even stranger, once the patients woke up there were no signs of cerebral damage, hemorrhaging or any type of aneurysm found in their study results as if nothing had happened to them. Another odd thing is that the only thing, all the patients remember, is hearing a woman’s voice just before they blacked out. Some have been discharged, others are being kept for observation. Same goes for Mystic General. But, I think it’s safe to say these incidents definitely have to do with something supernatural. It’s just terrifying to think someone can have the power to do this… Were Bonnie and Darius able to figure something out?

MATT: No, not yet, something is messing with them too, but I can’t go into that right now; I’ll let Bonnie tell you later.  

ELENA: Is she O.K?

MATT: She is now.

ELENA: I hate not being able to be there with you guys, be of more help.

MATT: Trust me, Elena, you have been very helpful. We do miss you though.

ELENA: I miss you too! I’m trying to make my way over there for the weekend, so hopefully, I’ll see you guys soon.

MATT: We’d love that. Listen, I have to go, the boss is calling me; let me know if you find anything else, O.K?

ELENA: I will.

MATT: Talk soon.

ELENA: Bye Matt.

MATT: Mayor, how can I be of service?

EDWARD POWELL: Sheriff, I just wanted to know how your meeting went and if there is any progress?

MATT: Still nothing. Some students have gone missing from the Salvatore School, I suspect it’s related. I told everyone to keep a low profile, I think we might be under surveillance. In the meantime, I’m investigating the students’ case, and my friends are helping with some research.

EDWARD POWELL: The number one priority is to find those students Sheriff, we must assure they return home safely. Please keep me informed and let me know as soon as you find them. I will leave you to your duties.

MATT: Thank you, I will keep you posted.

EDWARD POWELL: Farewell Sheriff.

MATT: Goodbye Mayor.

Cut to - the study at the Salvatore school. Radka, Alaric, Bonnie, and Darius are working on their research.

 RADKA: Guys, I think I found something, take a look at this (shows them an old book). There are some similarities with the recent incidents. It says here that some sort of “mystical attack” was used to disable an entire army front in England, back in the 1600s. Over 100 soldiers mysteriously dropped unconscious during battle… Then again, the same type of attack in the 1800s, WW1, WW2…

ALARIC: Maybe that linking spell? (To Darius) You know, the one in your family’s grimoire…

DARIUS: That type of linking spell would require a psychic-witch to perform it. The only known psychic-witches are Bonnie and me, (with sarcasm) and I’m pretty sure we weren’t around at that time, I’m I right Bon?

BONNIE: Well, Silas was a psychic-witch too, so maybe there are more?

DARIUS: No Bon, Silas was a witch that used psychic powers, which is different.

RADKA: O.K, I’m getting very confused here, what exactly is the difference?

DARIUS: All witchcraft is grounded in psychic energy; powerful witches can tap into that energy to enhance their powers. Psychic-witches don’t tap into that energy, they generate it… big difference.

RADKA: Wait, let me go back a step, remind me what this linking spell does?

DARIUS: It links the mind of a psychic-witch to any given number of minds, and by generating psychic energy during the spell, the psychic-witch can pretty much do anything to the minds it's linked to.

BONNIE: Including giving them an aneurysm and putting them in a coma…

DARIUS: ... Even killing them, if the psychic-witch is powerful enough. 

RADKA: That’s very unsettling… but, wait. If there weren’t any psychic witches back then, how come your family made a spell that only a non-excitant species could perform? Doesn’t make sense.

DARIUS: I’m guessing they weren’t aware of it and thought any witch or psychic could perform it, reason why so many died trying…

ALARIC: Still, doesn’t make much sense… I know you two are the only psychic-witches that we know of, but, given that your family (referring to Darius) hid most of their historical documentation, we can’t eliminate the possibility that there have been others in your bloodline or in your’s Bonnie… we just don’t know about them.

DARIUS: I highly doubt that Ric, trust me, I know my family’s history and there has never been a Bannion psychic-witch other than me.

BONNIE: As for the Bennetts, grams told me I am the only one.   

 RADKA: So, we are back to square one… if there were no psychic-witches back then, then there is no way the incidents are connected, or that there is a linking spell or psychic-witches involved in the recent ones. This is frustrating!

ALARIC: We will figure this out Rad, I swear.

 Cut to – The twin's bedroom, they are asleep, Caroline is reading on a rocking chair, keeping an eye on them. Suddenly, a voice is heard, not very clear what it says but puts Caroline into a trance state, she wakes the girls up (who are also in a trance-like state) and leaves with them.  

Cut to - Damon walking into the study, it’s late.

 DAMON: So, I’m guessing you’re pulling an all-nighter? Maybe now I can be useful for something other than teaching a bunch of smart mouths about vampires.

DARIUS: Actually, we could use a drink (mocking).

ALARIC: Ah, that sounds perfect right about now…

DAMON: I will gladly serve my buddies a well-deserved bourbon (opens his study bar, gets the drinks, serves Bonnie, Alaric, Radka and himself a bourbon). (To Darius) Oops, sorry “buddy”, we are out of gin (serves him a cider), I hope you’re into cider, hear that’s what the cool kids in Ireland are drinking now (gives him a smirk).

DARIUS: Then clearly, you haven’t been.

DAMON: Trust me, I have; way back when your great grandparents weren’t even on the map.

BONNIE (Trying to break the tension) O.K, so basically, we have nothing…

ALARIC: I’m still not totally convinced that there weren’t any witch-psychics back then or one now…

DARIUS: For the sake of argument, let’s say that is true. They would still need the spell, not sure about back then, but I am 100% sure that it wasn’t used for these attacks, only I have access to my family’s grimoire.

DAMON: And we are still trusting him, why? I mean, come on, he literally has all the required ingredients… I think we should be asking why not who.

DARIUS: I know you’d like nothing more Damon, but the timeline doesn’t fit, do the math. I wasn’t even in the country when the first incident happened. Granted, I am powerful, but not nearly powerful enough to be able to reach and control minds from across the Atlantic. I can see why you are usually benched, not too sharp with your investigating skills.

RADKA: Listen, it’s really late and we are all tired, we aren’t getting anywhere. Let’s get some rest and continue tomorrow.

BONNIE: I agree.

ALARIC: Yes, let’s recharge and clear our heads. Goodnight everyone. (Alaric and Radka say good night and exit).

BONNIE: (To Damon and Darius) Aren’t you guys coming?

DARIUS: If it’s fine with Damon, I’d like for us to have a little chat.

BONNIE: O.K, that’s my queue to leave, goodnight guys, and please, play nice, we are all on the same team. (Bonnie leaves).

DARIUS: So, tell me, Damon, honestly, why all this animosity?

DAMON: I think I’ve made that quite clear, I don’t trust you.

DARIUS: And why is that?

DAMON: I just don’t. Call it intuition if you like.

DARIUS: Intuition is a great gift Damon, but not quite accurate in humans. They tend to believe they have intuition, when really, all they have is mistrust, eventually leading them to such paranoia, that they end up all alone. Maybe that’s what went terribly wrong with you and Elena. (Damon lashes out and takes him by the neck, Darius uses his powers to push him off). I’d be more careful if I were you, Damon, you are human now, still as useless as before, but much more fragile…

DAMON: I know what you are trying to do, and I’m not going to play your little mind games. But, rest assured, vampire or human, if you mess with Bonnie in any way, I will rip your heart out and force feed it to your dead corpse.

DARIUS: Uff, dark! Calm down “pal”, I can’t make Bonnie do anything she doesn’t want to… but I can’t control what she desires. (Damon hits him)

DARIUS: (Incorporates) Temper, temper… that has always been your downfall, Damon, you have no self-control.

DAMON: (Composes himself) You know what? For once, you are actually right (gives him a smirk). If you need some ice, you can grab some from the kitchen.  I’ll leave you to your cider… (Damon leaves, Darius looks pissed, he was expecting retaliation).

Cut to – Cave scene. Caroline and the twins are in a cell.

 CAROLINE: (Confused and disoriented) Girls, are you O.K? What happened? Where are we?

LIZ: I don’t know mommy…

JOSIE: I don’t remember anything, except hearing aunt Bonnie’s voice...

CAROLINE: I thought I heard it too…

VOICE: (Sounds exactly like Bonnie) You did… don’t worry, it will be over soon.

Cut to -Salvatore School, next morning. Alaric goes to the twin’s room to wake them up and get them ready for class.

 ALARIC: (As he opens the door) Rise and shine! (Sees they are not in bed)

Girls? Girls? (Looks around the room, nothing, tries the bathroom, nothing. Goes to Caroline’s room to see if they are there, knocks on the door) Care, are the girls with you? (No answer) Care? (Opens the door, the bed is made, no one inside the room. He calls Caroline’s phone, it’s in her purse which is in her dressing room. Alaric leaves the room to look for them around the mansion, calls Radka)

RADKA: Hey, what’s up?

ALARIC: Have you seen Caroline or the girls?

RADKA: No, why? Is everything O.K?

ALARIC: I can’t find them. They are not in their rooms, they are not in the kitchen, classrooms, nowhere… and Caroline’s bag and car are here, so they didn’t go out…

RADKA: Ric, we will find them, call Matt, I’ll tell everyone to look. (Runs to Bonnie’s room, knocks) Bonnie?

BONNIE: (Opens the door) Hey Radka, did I oversleep? Can’t even tell what time it is…

RADKA: Sorry to disturb you, have you heard from Caroline? We can’t find her or the girls…

BONNIE: No, I haven’t talked to her, are you sure they are not somewhere around the mansion? This is quite a huge place…

RADKA: We’ve looked everywhere, they are not in the mansion, Caroline’s phone and car are here, so she didn’t go out…

BONNIE: I’m calling Matt…

RADKA: Alaric is already on that.

BONNIE: O.K, let me put some decent clothes on, in the meantime, can you please get me some of their personal belongings, a map, candles, and we’ll meet at the library in five.

RADKA: But, Bonnie…

BONNIE: I know, just please do it.

RADKA: (Reluctantly) O.K…

 Cut to – the library, Bonnie is setting up to do a locator spell. Damon walks in.

 DAMON: Bon, what are you doing?

BONNIE: What does it look like I’m doing Damon?

DAMON: Are you insane? Don’t you remember what happened to you the last time? No way in hell you’re doing this!

BONNIE: I am, so please give it a rest, and help me set up.

DAMON: Absolutely not Bon-Bon! Listen, here is a better idea, why don’t we have your little friend do the spell, see how that goes first … Where is Waldo, by the way?

BONNIE: He’s on his way from downtown.

(Alaric, Sergei, and Radka walk in)

ALARIC: Bonnie, Matt is on his way, you are not doing the spell.

DAMON: Thank you!

BONNIE: Ric, we have to find them…

ALARIC: And we will, but not like this, we are not putting you in any risk.

SERGEI: If I may suggest, what if Ms. Bennet helps one of our conjurer students do the spell?

DAMON: Did you really just say, conjurer? Man, you are as old-fashioned as it gets.

BONNIE: We don’t know if the same thing will happen to them, we can’t put them in danger.

ALARIC: I agree, we don’t know if this thing only affects psychic-witches or witches in general.

(Matt walks in)

ALARIC: Matt, hey! Please tell me you found something.

MATT: Not yet. So, when did you last see Caroline and the girls?

ALARIC: Yesterday, after I tucked the girls in, Caroline stayed to keep an eye on them. Then, this morning, they were gone. Caroline’s purse, phone, and car are here. No one saw or heard anything…

MATT: Where was everyone last night?

ALARIC: Radka, Bonnie, Darius and I were in here doing research till about 2am.

SERGEI: I was in my chamber reading; took to rest at about 12 o’clock.

MATT: Damon?

DAMON: I joined them (referring to Bonnie, Alaric, etc.) for a little while, stayed for about 5 minutes with Bonnie’s wacko-psycho friend for a chit-chat, then I went to bed.

MATT: Bon, where is Darius?

BONNIE: He went into town, he should be back soon.

MATT: Damon, do you know if Darius went to bed after you?

DAMON: I don’t know Donovan, I’m not his nanny! I left him here with a black-eye and bottle of cider, that’s all I know.

BONNIE: Matt, why are you asking? Do you think Darius is involved?

DAMON: Maybe I have been underestimating you, Donovan…

MATT: No Bon, it’s just standard procedure. I have to know the whereabouts of anyone who was in contact or saw the girls and Caroline last.

DAMON: Nop, guess I haven’t …

MATT: O.K. I’m going to search the girls and Caroline’s room.

ALARIC: We already did Matt, nothing is out of order, no signs of a break-in or a struggle...

MATT: I know Ric, again, standard procedure. I’m doing this by the book, please trust me. Bonnie, let me know when Darius gets here, I need his statement too.

BONNIE: I will. What should we do in the meantime?

MATT: For now, just stay put, with your phones at hand. Ric, can you take me to the rooms, please.

ALARIC: Sure.

RADKA: I’ll come too (they leave).

 Cut to – cave scene. Caroline and the girls in their cell, the girls are scared and crying.

 CAROLINE: Girls, listen to me. I need you to be calm, O.K? I won’t let anything happen to you, understood?

JOSIE: Mommy, I have a very bad feeling…

LIZ: Me too…

CAROLINE: I know this is scary, but daddy and our friends will find us, very soon.

JOSIE: Why is aunt Bonnie doing this to us?

CAROLINE: Trust me Josie, your aunt Bonnie has nothing to do with this, she would never hurt us. Someone or something just wants us to think she is doing this, but she is not, O.K?

VOICE: That’s where you are wrong Care… (Bonnie walks to the cage door)

CAROLINE: Bonnie?

TO BE CONTINUED... Stay tuned for 9x02 (part 2) coming soon =)