#summary number 63

[maplesyrupsainz]

˖⁺｡˚⋆˙ur hot call me | GR63˖⁺｡˚⋆˙

pairing: george russell x florist y/n reader (she/her)

genre: social media au

warnings: none jus fluff :)

summary: in which a mysterious boy leaves a note for you to call him in your workplace, so you do

a/n: got a super vague request for george content so hope i did him justice!!! i luv george sorry if it's soo short

request!!!!: hello hello, i would like to request a george smau? i know we love him and carmen but... i'm in my george feels tonight so... i don't think i have an actual request i just want more george...

fc: various brunette girls from pinterest

my masterlist

instagram ->

yourusername

liked by yourbff, user1, and 1,183 others

yourusername this is me trying not to exclusively post 🌻🌹🌷🪻!!

view all 89 comments

yourbff i miss u!

yourusername i miss u too come visit the shop this week! 💐

georgerussell63

liked by alex_albon, landonorris, and 333,728 others

georgerussell63 🌊🌺👯‍♂️🍷

view all 4,283 comments

charles_leclerc thanks again for the flowers george

alex_albon ?? he got me flowers too

landonorris the boy is mineee

georgerussell63 can everyone relax

user1 my favs fr

user2 who r the flowers for george russell 63⁉️

user3 me

charles_leclerc me

user4 😭

messages ->

instagram ->

yourusername posted a story

liked by yourbff, georgerussell63, and 102 others

yourbff where are you

yourusername on a date 🤫

yourusername with flower shop boy

yourbff tell me everything

georgerussell63 posted a story

liked by charles_leclerc, landonorris, and 137,183 others

charles_leclerc the mystery woman

landonorris interesting

messages ->

twitter ->

instagram ->

yourusername

liked by georgerussell63, yourbff, and 1,728 others

yourusername 🐱💐🌼❤️

view all 101 comments

georgerussell63 nice caption

yourusername i copied (u)😊

yourbff the note lol

yourusername 🤫

user8 wait

twitter ->

messages ->

instagram ->

yourusername

liked by yourbff, user8, and 3,283 others

yourusername some of my favourite bouquets from this week 🌷

view all 1,019 comments

yourbff the last one is insane & my favourite ever

yourusername this is exactly how i feel about u

user10 this is george's new gf's account??

comment deleted by yourusername

user11 she doesnt seem like george's usual type

comment deleted by yourusername

user12 this is george's gf?? why is she a flop lowkey

comment deleted by yourusername

comments are now restricted on this post

twitter ->

instagram ->

georgerussell63

liked by lewishamilton, alex_albon, and 402,837 others

georgerussell63 pic haul

view all 6,273 comments

user17 no girl this time

user18 she cant handle it i think

yourbff make dinner for me next time too im left out

georgerussell63 are you sure you want that

user19 who is this girl ?? what is going on 😭

user20 how many gfs george got 💀

charles_leclerc everyone is obsessed with your personal life george

georgerussell63 i know, how boring

user21 yikes

messages ->

instagram ->

yourusername

liked by georgerussell63, yourbff, and 63,273 others

yourusername it's u & me thts my whole world <3

tagged: georgerussell63

view all 11,183 comments

georgerussell63 oh my god

yourusername hello bf 👋

georgerussell63 hello my perfect perfect gf

user22 OMG

user23 omg

user24 we knew it

yourbff & i rmmbr the day he gave u his number on a lil note

yourusername come a long way

georgerussell63 it was love at first sight

charles_leclerc we lost a real one today

alex_albon fly high 🕊️

georgerussell63 so dramatic for what?

user25 new favourite wag

liked by yourusername

THE END 🤍

[rbrooksdesign]

"DMT-EDMT Series for December Geometry #30"

From another perspective...

Yesterday's post (#29)

The Butterfly Fractal 1 (BF1) is a fractal resulting from the simple doubling of quantity "1" -- 1 -- 1x2=2 -- 1x2x2=4. -- 1x2x2x2=8,...16--32--64...

When you lay it out into its "Butterfly-like" array, you can see that every "1" becomes a new source for the self-similar, re-iterative redundancy of the same "fractal" pattern within.

The BF1 pattern is repeated on both sides (of the "wings.”)

Today...

The central BF1 -- 1--2-- 4--8--16--32--64 in YELLOW is the key.

Yesterday (MULTI-COLOR butterfly) we showed it formed the two sides (wings) of the butterfly-like pattern.

It, in turn, informs the Mersenne Prime Square (MPS) -- (BLUE BF1 Columns) -- as the 127 BF1 Columns would actually form a true square if they were scaled down to equal the width.

Now, on the right, we have a "summary" of all that is going on in the figures on the left. It reveals 8 of the 10 ID parameters that ALL "containers" follow.

p=Prime, but it may be easier to think of it as the exponential power that 2 is raised to. (Reason: for some "containers" p is not prime, yet their pattern follows as though it was.) See below.

This "summary" pattern is EXACTLY the same for ALL SET 1 and SET 2 "containers" -- including the Mp-PN. This is a TRUE Mp-PN SET 1 "container."

Personally, the jump from the BF1 butterfly image to either of the MPS images is harder to keep straight until one remembers that the MPS presents the same information in 3 overlapping layers:

1. MPS = z² =127² = 16129

2. PN = xz = 64•127 = 8128, and, OC = yz = 63•127 = 8001, and, PN+OC = 8128+8001 = 16129

3. PNS = x² = 64² = 4096, and, OCS = y² = 63² = 3969, and, CR (Complement Rectangle) = xy = 64•63 = 4032, thus PNS + OCS + 2(CR) = 4096+3969+2(4032) = 16129=MPS.

Perfect Number Square (PNS) + CR = PN, and, ODD Complement Square (OCS) + CR = OC.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Math: Euclid-Euler Theorem = 2ᵖ⁻¹ (2ᵖ -1) = Perfect Number (PN) where 2ᵖ⁻¹ = x = 2⁶ = 64, and, 2ᵖ -1 = z = 127 = Mersenne Prime (Mp), as xz=PN.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

more...

[my-own-walker]

Reptilia

summary: it’s your first time at the cortez. it’s devil’s night. james has plans for you. you have plans too.

warnings: sm*t, choking, murder, drowning, drugging, knives, etc

+++

He seemed impressed by the way you came in. Your poise as you made your way into the Hotel Cortez almost made the room stop. A glimmer in your eyes told him that there was something special about you. It was Devil's Night, and your curiosity had been piqued. You'd heard stories of the ghosts in the building celebrating in lavish ways on October 30th.

Your friends viewed you as mad. It was amusing to them that you believed in spirits and all things supernatural in the way you did. It wasn't just an interest, it was an obsession. A way of life.

James Patrick March watched from the balcony that overlooked the lobby. Watched as your hips swayed as you walked. Watched as a smirk stayed on your lips as you checked in. Watched as you entered the elevator with your overnight bag.

He found you as you walked through the halls to your suite. Room 63. Slinked quietly behind you until he saw an opportune moment to approach you without startling you. A soft touch glanced at your upper arm just as you stuck the key into your suite door's lock. You spun to face the dark-haired man standing before you.

'I don't mean to startle you, miss,' he spoke in a thick trans-Atlantic accent.

'Oh, not at all. I'm fine, I was ju-'

'My, you are one pretty bird,' he said in a sing-songy tone. You couldn't even respond. A hot flush rushed to your cheeks as you smiled and cast your eyes to the ground. 'Now, now, you mustn't hide that lovely face of yours.' He lifted your chin up. As your eyes met his, a funny feeling coursed through your middle. Recognition.

'Well, thank you, Mister...' you replied.

'March. James Patrick March. But you, my dear, can call me James,' he smiled.

'Y/N,' you whispered.

'Y/N,' he repeated. The word danced out of his mouth in the most delicious way, swirling around your head like a thick smoky haze. 'I have a proposition for you, Y/N.'

'You do?' you laughed.

'Come to my gathering tonight. It's in suite number 78. Knock twice and only twice,' he instructed.

'Uh, alright,' you spoke, your tone reflecting tone of someone taken aback by his forthrightness. 'I will be there, Mr. March.'

'Again dearest, it's James to you,' he declared, already walking away.

'Okay James,' you called after him, turning back to the task of getting into your room.

+

You spent the afternoon preparing yourself for the party. James was a classy man. He was a true 1930s time capsule. He spoke like a rich man and dressed like one as well. You picked out a black dress and a simple string of pearls. Something fit for a rich person’s soirée.

As soon as night fell, you were at the door marked '78' knocking twice, as James instructed.

'Ah, there she is!' James announced as he opened the door. 'Our guest of honor.' You stepped into the entryway and were met with a stale floral aroma and the most gorgeous room you'd ever seen. Candelabras burned all throughout the space, flickering, creating the perfect ambiance.

You smiled sheepishly as James led you into the dining room and presented you to the room full of people. Men dressed as serial killers sat around the table, smiling expectantly at you. Jeffery Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, Richard Ramirez. All horror freaks, just like you.

'Hiya,' you grinned, shifting your weight uncomfortably on your feet.

'This is Y/N,' James said, adding a flourish with his hand.

'Tell us a story, I know you're not boring,' a man dressed as Richard Ramirez quipped. 'If I have to hear about Gacy's woodworking hobby one more time I will simply scream.'

'Oh, um, well, I'm not sure what to tell,' you murmured. A table of people wanting to hear something about you. Talk about pressure.

'Dear, have a seat,' James assured you, placing his hand on the small of your back as he guided you to the nearest open chair. You sat gently and smoothed the front of your dress, looking around the table anxiously.

'Well, c'mon. Tell us somethin'!' the Ramirez lookalike pressed.

'I was afraid that you would not insist,' James smirked. 'I must hear something simply juicy about you, nightingale.' He put a hand on top of mine.

'You're in a strange part of our town, tell us something strange,' Ramirez continued.

'Okay,' you replied, steeling yourself. 'What if I told you I faked my death to come here today?'

'I'd say you're lying,' the Dahmer character spoke.

'No, sir, I did. In fact, the plot was so elaborate, I may have to disappear forever.'

'Do tell us more,' James hummed, standing and walking over to a bar cart in the corner of the room. He began pouring drinks for all of the members of the party.

'I'm more cunning than you'd think, people. I wasn't allowed to leave home. I drove my own car into the river and sold my father's gold watch to pay for my train ticket. I needed to escape, and I did. Now I am patiently waiting for the catastrophe of my situation to seem beautiful again,' you explained.

'You drove your car into a river. Real interesting,' the Ramirez character snarked, yawning.

'You sound so sleepy, just take this,' James said, handing him green-hued liquid in a crystal glass.

'Whatever, take my story as you will,' you sighed. 'Just know that there's more to me than meets the eye.' James slid a glass to you and winked.

'Drink up, dear,' he smiled. 'Everyone, drink! Let us celebrate Devil's Night.' The individuals at the table raised their glasses and sipped. You joined, but smelling the sweet licorice smell of absinthe, you thought better than to actually drink.

After some polite conversation and more drinks, the room grew in energy. About an hour went by. The people at the table became restless. Their drinks were finally beginning to take effect.

'My pretty bird,' James purred in your ear. 'Can I show you to my bedroom?'

'Absolutely,' you replied. The moment you were waiting for. He took you by the hand and guided you through the suite and into a lavish bedroom. You ignored the hoots and hollers of the other guests as you walked. Crude.

As soon as the door shut, James had you pinned against a wall, one hand around your neck, another behind your head so you wouldn’t hit it. His lips made contact with yours passionately. There was a hunger there.

‘I know there’s a darkness within you,’ James breathed, separating from your mouth for just a second before continuing to kiss you. ‘Please don't slow me down if I'm going too fast. I so desperately need you.’

You leaned into his desperation and began to fumble with the buttons on the front of his shirt. You unclipped his suspenders and threw them across the room. His shirt fell open with the release of the last button. You smoothed your hands over his strong chest. All the while, James had already unzipped your dress all too easily. It pooled heavily at your feet.

He picked you up and tossed you onto the soft bed. The silky duvet cover felt like diamonds on your bare skin. James stood at the edge of the bed removing his trousers. He slicked his hair back with one hand before returning his attention to you.

His tongue trailed from your left hip bone all the way up to your neck as he crawled onto the bed. You shivered and moaned quietly. He kissed hard and fast all over your body, making sure to leave a mark or two here and there to prove he had been there.

Your back arched as you anticipated his entrance. He thrust into you with power and let out a deep groan.

‘James,’ you cried, waves of pleasure washing over you as he fucked you brutishly. The gentle touches of earlier were replaced by animalistic passion. He placed his hands over your throat and began to choke you, just a bit. Your eyes lit up. There was nothing you loved more than that.

He slid in and out of your wet pussy mercilessly, making you continuously cry out in pleasure. It was not long before you both came with thunderous moans and screams.

James crashed down onto the bed beside you and reached over to his bedside table, lighting a cigarette before returning.

‘That was wonderful,’ he cooed.

‘It was,’ you agreed. ‘We should go again.’

‘Ah, my dear, but I have guests to attend to.’

‘I see. I really should get going, then,’ you decided, sitting up to find your dress. You couldn’t shake the pit that formed in your stomach the minute you walked in. Him not wanting more was giving you an out.

'The night's not over,’ he protested.

‘You're not trying hard enough,’ you smirked. ‘If you want me here, you really gotta try to keep me.’

‘Oh, I can think of an arrangement,’ he said, a sick tone coloring his words. You grabbed your dress from the floor and slipped it on, half zipping it before giving up. ‘Here, love, let me help you.’

You stepped over to James who was now standing beside the bed. He took the zipper in his fingers and tugged it up gently. Before you could move, though, his hand was over your mouth. His other arm was wrapped around your body, a knife hovering over your stomach.

‘The wait is over, dearest. I'm now taking over,’ he growled. ‘It’s time for the main event.’

Quick on your feet, you slipped down and out of his grip and scrambled to your feet in the corner of the room.

‘Fuck you, March, I knew this would happen,’ you spat. A look of utter confusion crossed his face. ‘I know who you are, James Patrick March. I’ve heard the stories. You’re dead.’

‘I’m sure I don’t understand,’ he started.

‘I’m sure you don’t. You’re not laughing now, huh?’ you challenged. ‘I didn’t drink that stupid shit. I know you lure people here to kill them on Devil’s Night. Innocent looking girls, like me.’

‘You’re a smart one, I see,’ he replied calmly.

‘Let me leave, and we won’t have any problems here,’ you demanded.

‘Now, bird, I see something in you, though. A tactfulness. A darkness. Something that would serve us well over on my side of the mortal plane,’ he spoke. ‘You belong with us.’

‘I risked it all to come here so I could kill you, however you kill a ghost,’ you stammered. You hadn’t entirely thought out your plan. ‘You’re evil.’

'I thought I told you, this world is not for you,’ he replied coldly, creeping toward you, knife still in hand. ‘There’s a reason you threw your old life away to be here. You want to join me.’

‘No,’ you mustered entirely flustered by his words and your lack of a solid plan. He lunged at you quickly and you dodged him, ducking to the side and rushing over to his bedside table. Once again, he made a move to grab you, but you ran, out of the room and into the suite.

The people in the dining room had migrated. They all stared at you as you made your escape, but you didn’t care.

James needed to get some semblance of decent before he came running after you, so it bought you time to figure out the way out. In a crucial mistake, though, the door you chose was not the exit. It was the door to the bathroom.

You slammed it shut behind you and barricaded yourself in by sticking a broom handle under the doorknob. You hopped into the bathtub and laid quietly, hoping no one saw you come in.

Almost seconds later, loud bangs started raining down on the wood door. The broom couldn’t withstand the blows and broke in two under the pressure. The door swung open and light streamed into the space.

‘Where the hell are you?’ he yelled.

'You sound so angry. Just calm down, you found me,’ you resigned, sitting up.

‘It’s time for you to join me, beautiful,’ he smirked darkly. He turned the bathtub tap on and held you down. You didn’t even struggle. Your fate was sealed, and you were to live out the rest of your days with him, just as the legend said.

And to him, you couldn’t drown fast enough.

+++

I love JPM stories inspired by songs I like. It really fills me with so much joy. I wanted to fit so much into this so sorry if it feels rushed!!

[magz]

Palestine summary for March 16 to March 28, 2024. (From "Lets Talk Palestine" broadcast channel). Quote.

March 16, 2024.

Day 162

• 1st aid shipment departing Cyprus arrived in Gaza yesterday carrying 200 tons of food, marking 1st Gaza sea shipment since 2005 + planned 2nd ship coordinated by US, UAE, Spain & Japan; but unclear on distribution of aid across Gaza

• Massacre in central Gaza as Israel destroys home, killing 36 Palestinians, incl. kids & pregnant women

🔻 Senior Hamas & Houthi officials hold rare meeting to discuss coordinated action against an Israeli Rafah ground invasion

• Israeli settlers attack homes in Nablus (West Bank), throwing stones & shooting the air + 20 Palestinians abducted in West Bank, incl. some released in Nov. hostage exchange deal

•⁠ ⁠Palestinian Authority (PA) president Abbas accuses Hamas of causing “return of Israeli occupation of Gaza”, essentially blaming Hamas for the ongoing genocide. Was prompted by Hamas criticism of ‘unilateral’ appointment of new PM of the PA (see our last broadcast)

• 63 Palestinians killed, 112 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

March 17, 2024.

Day 163

🇺🇸⁠ NBC: Biden frustrated over drop in poll numbers in swing states Michigan & Georgia due to his handling of Gaza genocide. Shouting and swearing in a White House meeting, saying he’s doing what is right

•⁠ 19 aid trucks arrive in north Gaza — first convoys to reach the north without incident in 4 months. But aid remains scarce as Israel keeps blocking entry of aid as trucks pile outside Rafah crossing + rate of malnutrition among children under 2 in north doubles in past month

•⁠ 14th Palestinian dies since Oct 7 in Israeli prison following multiple allegations of extreme abusive conditions for Palestinian hostages

🇪🇺⁠ ⁠EU President condemns an Israeli Rafah invasion, joining countless nations to do so like the US & Arab countries

•⁠ Israeli forces abduct 25 Palestinians, incl. a woman with cancer from Gaza & a child in overnight raids in West Bank

•⁠ ⁠92 Palestinians killed, 130 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

(No specific summary for March 18)

March 19, 2024.

Day 165

🇨🇦⁠ Canada to halt all further arms exports to Israel in support of ceasefire and 2-state “solution”, recognizing ICJ ruling. This came after a non-binding parliamentary resolution which called for ending arms sales. But resolution’s language was watered down during amendment, denoting Hamas as a “terror organization” + removing call to sanction Israeli officials

• 93 Palestinians killed, 142 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

• Israel escalates attacks across Gaza with 1 attack on Rafah killing 14 Palestinians + ongoing raid of al-Shifa hospital killed & injured dozens

• Israel issued 100,000 new gun licenses to Israeli’s since Oct 7 out of the 299,354 applications

• Israel massacred aid distribution committee at Kuwaiti roundabout (north Gaza), killing at least 23 people

•⁠ ⁠Israeli settlers, w/ ongoing genocide as a distraction, accelerated building of 18 new illegal roads + 15 outposts (unauthorized settlement illegal under Israeli law) in West Bank since Oct

March 20, 2024.

Day 166

•⁠ 104 Palestinians killed, 162 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

🇺🇸 Reuters:⁠ US Congress & White House reach deal on funding bill that includes blocking UNRWA donations until March 2025, based on Israel’s unverified allegations

🏥 IOF siege on al-Shifa hospital enters 3rd day, as forces surround the complex trapping hundreds inside & block rescue efforts

•⁠ 8 Israeli attacks kill 100+ aid workers in 1 week + IOF massacred 23 aid seekers in north Gaza

🚢 Israel Hayom: Israel plans to buy port in Cyprus amid fears of Haifa port closure from Hezbollah strikes, hindering military & commercial imports

⚓️ ⁠Israel’s Eilat port will fire half its employees due to Red Sea blockade

•⁠ Israeli High Court approves demolition of a Palestinian’s home for carrying out a non-lethal resistance operation in West Bank; marking first authorized home demolition by court for an operation without fatalities — an escalation in Israeli repression

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia pledges $40m to UNRWA

March 21, 2024.

Day 167

• As Arabs celebrate Mother's Day today, we remember that on average 37 mothers are exterminated everyday in Gaza, meanwhile mothers from Gaza make up 28 of the 67 female detainees in Israeli prisons

• 65 Palestinians killed, 92 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

🏥 Israel continues 4th day siege on al-Shifa Hospital, killing 140+ Palestinians & abducted 600 people, incl. medical staff. 13 patients killed as Israel cut off electricity, depriving oxygen, medicine & food

• 18-year-old Ubai Abu Maria abducted by Israeli forces in West Bank for 7th time, impeding treatment for bullet wound requiring surgery

•⁠ Poll finds 71% of Palestinians in Gaza & West Bank support Hamas's Oct 7 resistance operation; compared to poll 3 months ago, support among West Bank residents dropped by 11% but amongst Gazans rose by 14%

• Israel ordered 25 patients receiving care in West Bank to return to Gaza. They're among the 400 patients from Gaza who were left stranded in West Bank after Oct 7

March 22, 2024.

🚨Russia & China veto US UN Security Council ceasefire resolution

The resolution showed a shift: US had vetoed every ceasefire proposal, most recently Algeria’s as the US opposed language of “immediate” ceasefire, preferring “humanitarian pause”. But now the US draft states “the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire”.

The problem? It’d last only 6 weeks, is conditional on release of Israeli hostages, and condemns both Hamas’ op & the Houthi naval blockade. The wording of “determines the imperative” is also weak, implying the importance of a ceasefire, not demanding one.

The result? It wouldn’t obligate Israel to end the genocide + let it continue on the pretext that there’s no “acceptable” hostage deal.

It was vetoed by ���🇺 & 🇨🇳 who said it’d let Israel continue attacks & invade Rafah. Algeria also voted against it.

10 states are planning alternative resolution calling for Ramadan ceasefire, including but not conditioned on release of Israeli hostages. US likely to veto.

Day 168 - IMPORTANT

•⁠ Gaza death toll surpasses 32,000 not including the thousands buried under rubble

‼️ Israel seized 1,977 acres of West Bank land for settlements, the largest land theft since 1993

🇺🇸 Congress passes bill that bans funding to UNRWA until 2025; expected for Senate to pass before midnight deadline

🏥 Israel’s siege on Shifa Hospital enters 5th day as they bomb & demolish buildings with bulldozers; abducting 240+ patients & 10 medical staff from radiology unit. IOF forces ordered trapped patients to surrender despite continuous heavy gunfire

•⁠ 50 Palestinians abducted incl. 4 kids during 60+ Israeli military raids across West Bank in 2 days. Marking March 20 “one of the deadliest nights recorded to date” in 2024 in West Bank w/ 7+ Palestinians killed. Israeli settlers also took over 20+ Palestinian residential structures

•⁠ UN aid mission to north Gaza for 7,500 people was denied by Israel

🇫🇮 Finland to resume UNRWA funding

March 24, 2024.

Day 170

🚨 Israeli forces lay siege to 3 hospitals, surrounding al-Amal Hospital forcing Palestinians to strip naked & leave; currently carpet bombing near Nasser Hospital & sniping anyone moving, while continuing aggressive 7-day seige on al-Shifa

• 84 Palestinians killed, 106 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

• Israel denied thousands of Christians from West Bank entry to Jerusalem on Psalm Sunday, heightening military checkpoints. Israel’s apartheid system discriminates Palestinians’ freedom of movement, requiring permits for West Bank residents to enter, which is rarely granted. More info on Israeli apartheid: https://rb.gy/vjocrd + checkpoints: https://rb.gy/rabxt6;

• Israel to deny all UNRWA aid convoys to north Gaza, despite 70% of population subject to “catastrophic starvation”

• BDS launches boycott of tech company Intel due to its $25bn investment in new factory in Israel, the “largest investment ever”; on top of Intel’s $50bn+ investments in Israel in past 50 years

March 25, 2024.

UNSC CEASEFIRE MOTION PASSES

For the 1st time the Security Council managed to pass a ceasefire resolution. The US abstained while all 14 others voted yes

The US planned to veto if it didn’t mention the hostages so it “demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire, and also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”

But it doesn’t condition the ceasefire on a hostage swap the way done by the US draft that got vetoed by 🇷🇺 & 🇨🇳

It doesn’t condemn Hamas explicitly as the US wanted but it “deplores” all attacks against civilians & “all acts of terrorism” noting that it’s illegal to take hostages under int��l law. So it’s indirect condemnation

It expresses deep concern “about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip,” calling for more efforts for more aid & to protect civilians. This is weak language

Better than nothing but not enough as people are slaughtered & raped.

Day 171 — Attacks on 3 hospitals

🚨 Israel escalates attacks on “safe zone” Rafah killing 30+, including women and children amid threats of looming ground invasion

• 107 Palestinians killed, 176 injured in past 24 hours

🏥 22,000 displaced Palestinians face worsening conditions in the European Hospital, one of the last functioning in Gaza, overcrowded with patients awaiting critical care

🏥 Israeli forces lay siege to further hospitals in Khan Younis forcing critically ill patients to evacuate the premises surrounded by complete destruction

🏥 Israeli forces open fire on medical staff forced to evacuate al-Amal Hospital amid continuous attacks on the premise leaving patients in critical condition, deprived of medical supervision

• Netanyahu cancels Israeli delegation trip to US over its abstention in today’s UNSC vote, calling it a departure from their long-standing support of Israel. Biden called the move “disappointing”

• Israeli assaults targeting homes in central Gaza kill 18

(No march 26 summary)

March 27, 2024

Day 172

🚨 Gaza Gov’t Media Office demands end to aerial aid drops after one today killed 6 & caused 12 to drown in north Gaza

• 81 Palestinians killed, 93 injured in the last 24 hours

🇯🇴 100+ protesters arrested & teargassed outside Jordan’s Israeli embassy amid demands to end Jordan’s military & economic ties with Israel

🇧🇪 Brussels City Council passes motion to ban council purchases of products from Israeli settlements in the West Bank on the basis of international law violations

• Israel bombs residential building in Rafah, killing 15+ displaced Palestinians incl. 4 kids. Analysts say the Rafah bombings mark the start of a “silent” invasion

🏥 Ongoing Israeli attacks on Shifa Hospital kill 30+ people incl. a family living in a residential building near the besieged complex

• IOF abducts 30 Palestinians in overnight raids in West Bank cities

🇱🇧 Israeli airstrike in eastern Lebanon kills 2 people, an escalation as the bombing was far from south Lebanon, the usual battleground

March 28, 2024.

Day 173

🇮🇪 Ireland to follow Nicaragua and join South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel

•⁠ ⁠Israeli attacks on residential homes in Rafah kill 25 displaced Palestinians, incl. multiple children

•⁠ ⁠76 Palestinians killed, 102 injured in the last 24 hours

•⁠ ⁠IOF kills 4 in central Gaza, forcefully burying them by bulldozers

🇺🇸 ⁠US state department report claims Israel is complying with international law, as US reviewed Israeli usage of US weapons in order to validate future arms exports

🇱🇧 Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon residencies kill 12 in past 24 hours with many still trapped under the rubble

•⁠ ⁠Two aid seekers remain in critical condition as Israeli snipers target the Kuwait Roundabout aid distribution point

🇺🇸 Poll: 55% of Americans disapprove of Israel’s actions in Gaza — a 10% increase from November’s poll

•⁠ ⁠Israeli drone attack kills 8 in West Bank; IOF abducts 20 Palestinians in overnight raids

[corazondebeskar-reads]

march fic madness rec list

TYSM to @the-blind-assassin-12 for this absolutely awesome idea of reccing 63 fics over 31 days as a "march madness" for fic engagement!

based on these challenge guidelines, I'll update this list with my recs as the month goes on.

dividers by @saradika-graphics

key:

💀 dead dove | 🏴 dark | ⛓ bdsm | 💕 fluff

note: these are in order that I read and reblogged; the number is not a ranking of any other sort

"a kindness you can't afford" by @joelscruff 🏴 (dark!Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: there are no limits to how or when joel plays with his special girl.

2. "sweet days of summer" by @ozarkthedog (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: you and joel sneak away for a quick fuck during a family outing.

3. the gift of your grave by @gasolinerainbowpuddles (Dave York x Frankie Morales)

summary: Max has elbowed his way into a prestigious, high paying corporate career, and he enjoys the luxuries it offers – primarily, doing what he wants, getting what he wants, and never wavering from making himself the top priority. Enter Frankie, the contracted corporate pilot who’s on the upswing after a long line of struggles and mistakes. When his recovery is compromised, will Max give in to the desire to put someone else first? Will Frankie allow himself to believe he’s worthy of being put first?

4. "between two lungs" by @ozarkthedog (Joel Miller x f!reader x Tess Servopolous)

summary: you join Joel and Tess mid fuck.

5. "Swelter" by @notjustjavierpena (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: You have a crush on Sarah’s father. It is summer, it is hot, and you just want a cold drink.

6. "you wanted this" series (ongoing) by @alwaysmicado (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: Joel and you have a fun dynamic going. You provoke him, he punishes you - you both get off. When you meet him after you’ve fucked someone else, he decides to show you who you belong to. It’s all fun and games, right?

7. "smother" series (ongoing) by @beardedjoel 🏴⛓(dark!Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: can you hold a man as both your savior to be worshipped and the monster that he is?

8. the dress series (complete) by @janaispunk ⛓ (Dave York x f!reader)

summary: You’re having an affair with Dave York. When he takes you on a week-long vacation, you realize that you have deeper feelings for him than you should.

9. "Enjoy the Silence" by @strang3lov3 (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: You trespass into Joel’s house in search of some peace and quiet so you can get yourself off. Joel catches you in his bed in a compromising position.

10. "glory o" by @milla-frenchy (Javi P. x f!reader x Steve Murphy)

summary: you work in a brothel, and two guys want to try something new

11. "fine art" by @lincolndjarin 🏴(dark!Javi G. x f!reader)

summary : you were an up and coming actress, javi is your biggest fan, he’d do anything to have meet you.

12. "the end of the world" by @studioghibelli (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: you had a strict relationship with joel that stuck to the rules. fuck, leave, repeat. it was only a matter of time until feelings were dragged into the mix. when joel leaves at the first sign of love, you’re left wondering what you had done wrong. 

13. "run rabbit" by @mermaidgirl30 🏴⛓(Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: At the beginning of every month, you meet Joel to play a little game of hide and seek at the abandoned mansion near Jackson. It’s not just any game of hide and seek though. It’s dark and it’s twisted. If he catches you, he gets to do whatever he wants with you.

14. "All The Fear and The Fire of The End of The World" by @criticallyacclaimedstranger (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: Joel has told Ellie about what happened in Salt Lake City, and she is livid with him. Seeking comfort with you, Joel however finds you in the grips of a nasty flu, and has to put his own needs aside to nurse you.

15. "men like me" series (ongoing?) by @lokischocolatefountain 🏴⛓ (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: Joel’s warnings about what men like him would do to girls like you only makes you want him more

16. "seasons of you (year 1 - spring)" by @kedsandtubesocks (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: it’s your very first spring living in the valley & you’re very sure Joel Miller already wants you leave

17. dress up joel series (ongoing) by @covetyou (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: when a mysterious stranger breaks into your house, and keeps breaking into your house, he gives you the fright, and the ride, of your life. Welcome to your seasonal encounters with one Mr. Joel Miller.

18. "savior" by @ozarkthedog (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: joel saves you from a crooked qz guard and you want to thank him properly aka joel fucks you in an alley.

19. "sweet release" by @cavillscurls ⛓ (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: the aftermath of finishing without joel’s permission.

20. "over the edge" by @ilovepedro ⛓ (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: Joel agonizingly taunts you before pushing you over the edge.

21. "confines" by @gutsby 🏴⛓ (dark!Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: dark!Joel explaining to you how reader-proofed the bunker, because you're his now and he's never ever letting you go.

22. "sir" by @honeyedmiller (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: ceo!joel miller x f!reader drabble

23. "touch" by @morallyinept (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: Inspired by that GIF. You know the one. Yeah. Nuff’ said.

[writingsoftarnishedsilver]

The Estate | Sebastian Sallow x OC #63

Summary: Sebastian and Evangeline infiltrate the Muldoon family manor, and confront them about their manipulation of Evangeline's life. What they learn shocks them both.

Words: ~17,800 (holy shit this is a long chapter sorry)

Tags: Pureblood Politics, Mutual Pining, Friends to Lovers, Drama, Idiots in Love

Timeline: Mid September

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

Read on AO3

The Ministry of Magic was quiet at this hour, its vast atrium bathed in the dim glow of enchanted lamps. The faint echo of their footsteps bounced off the polished marble floors as Evangeline and Sebastian made their way toward the lifts. Evangeline’s heart thudded against her ribs, her mind racing as she tried not to think about the possibility that they were too late.

Please still be here, she thought, clutching the strap of her bag tightly. The Records Department would already be winding down for the day. If they missed Genevieve now, the chance to find the Muldoons might slip through their fingers, and the thought of waiting even one more day was unbearable.

Beside her, Sebastian walked with his usual composed stride, his wand held loosely in one hand. “You alright?” he asked, his voice breaking through her spiraling thoughts.

She glanced at him, her expression tight. “I’m fine,” she replied shortly, her nerves betraying her. “I just… we can’t miss her, Sebastian. If she’s already gone—”

“We won’t,” he interrupted, his voice steady. “And if we do, we’ll find another way. Relax, Evie. We’ve got this.”

His confidence grounded her, if only slightly, as they stepped into the lift. The ride felt interminable, each ding of the glowing numbers above the door ratcheting up Evangeline's tension. She fidgeted with the strap of her bag, her thoughts bouncing between the instructions she hoped to get from Genevieve and the potential disaster that awaited them at the Muldoon estate.

When the lift doors finally slid open, Evangeline was the first to step out, her sharp gaze sweeping the hallway ahead. The Records Department was tucked at the end of the corridor, its wide double doors propped open, and she could see faint movement inside.

“Come on,” she said, quickening her pace.

Sebastian followed close behind, his presence a steadying force as they entered the department. The room was dimly lit, most of the desks already cleared for the day, and only a handful of witches and wizards remained, finishing their tasks in silence.

Her eyes scanned the space until they landed on a familiar figure near the back: Genevieve Thorn, her sharp profile illuminated by the glow of a magical lamp. She was meticulously packing a briefcase, her movements efficient and precise as always. Relief flooded Evangeline, and she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

“There,” she whispered, nodding toward Genevieve.

“Just in time,” Sebastian murmured, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

Evangeline didn’t wait for him to catch up. She strode across the room, her boots clicking against the floor, her pulse quickening as she approached Genevieve.

“Genevieve? Genevieve Thorn?” she called, her voice firm but not loud enough to disturb the others.

The woman looked up sharply, her gray eyes narrowing in confusion as they landed on Evangeline. “...Miss Sterling?” she said, her tone clipped and cautious. “What are you doing here?”

Evangeline stopped at the edge of the desk, gripping the strap of her bag to steady herself. “I need your help,” she said, her voice resolute. “It’s about the Muldoons.”

Genevieve’s expression flickered, her sharp features tightening with something that might have been apprehension. “The Muldoons?” she repeated slowly, her gaze darting to Sebastian and back.

“Yes,” Evangeline said, leaning slightly forward. “I need to know how to get to their estate.”

Genevieve’s lips pressed into a thin line, and she straightened her posture, her hands hovering protectively over the briefcase. “...That’s not information I can just hand out, Miss Sterling. The Muldoons are a private family, and they don’t take kindly to uninvited guests.”

Evangeline’s chest tightened, but she didn’t back down. “But I am a Muldoon. And this isn’t just about curiosity,” she said, her voice steady but urgent. “Someone has been sending me threats—letters—and I need to put a stop to them. Please, Genevieve. You’re the only one who can help me.”

Genevieve’s sharp gaze flicked to Sebastian again, her wariness deepening. “And... who is this?”

“Sebastian Sallow,” he said smoothly, stepping forward with an easy confidence that belied the tension in the room. "From the Auror Division."

"And your relation to Miss Sterling is…?"

Sebastian’s smirk widened slightly, his dark eyes glinting with mischief as he leaned casually on the desk. “I’m her boyfriend,” he said smoothly, his tone light but carrying an edge of confidence. “And backup, of course. Can’t let her storm off into danger alone, can I?”

Genevieve’s gaze flicked back to Evangeline, her expression unreadable. “What exactly do you plan to do if the Muldoons are behind these threats you speak of?”

“I’ll do whatever it takes,” Evangeline responded simply. “So tell me where to find them. I wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t important.”

For a moment, Genevieve said nothing, her gaze flicking between the two of them. Then she sighed, her stern demeanor softening slightly. “The Muldoons are not a family you approach lightly, Miss Sterling. Even as one of their own, you’ll be met with suspicion at best, hostility at worst.”

“I don’t care how hostile they are,” Evangeline said firmly. “If they’re responsible for the threats, I need to confront them. And if they aren’t, then I need to know that too. Sitting around doing nothing isn’t an option.”

Genevieve sighed deeply, rubbing her temple as though Evangeline had given her a headache. “I must be mad to even consider this,” she muttered before opening her briefcase and pulling out a worn leather-bound notebook.

She flipped through the pages, muttering to herself as she skimmed the notes. Finally, she stopped on a page filled with hastily scrawled diagrams and coordinates. “The estate is in Ireland,” she began, her voice brisk. “Hidden deep within the Wicklow Mountains. It’s protected by layers of enchantments designed to keep out unwanted visitors—Muggles, wizards, it doesn’t matter. The wards are indiscriminate.”

Sebastian leaned forward, his expression calm but resolute. “Just give us the coordinates,” he said evenly. “Whatever wards they’ve got, we’ll deal with them.”

Genevieve studied them both for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, with a resigned sigh, she grabbed a blank piece of parchment and began jotting down the coordinates, her quill scratching against the page.

"But just so we’re clear, if anyone asks, this conversation never happened. I’ve broken approximately fifty protocols doing this for you, Miss Sterling," She fixed Evangeline with a pointed glance. "Don’t make me regret this.”

Evangeline nodded, tucking the parchment carefully into her bag. “Understood. I’ll make sure no one finds out. Thank you again.”

Genevieve sighed, her sharp gray eyes softening slightly. “Just… be careful. Now go, before I change my mind and hex you both out of here.”

Quickly thanking Genevieve once more, Evangeline turned toward the door, Sebastian falling into step beside her. The tension between them was palpable as they made their way back through the Ministry’s dim corridors. When they reached the atrium, Sebastian reached out, catching her hand in his.

As they walked, Evangeline studied the hastily scrawled coordinates. The jagged script mapped out a location deep in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland, but the details raised a troubling question.

“How are we supposed to get there?” she murmured, mostly to herself. “We can’t Apparate to a place we’ve never been, and I doubt the Floo Network connects to a hidden estate.”

Sebastian, holding her hand, glanced over her shoulder at the parchment. “I’ve got an idea,” he said casually, though there was a spark of mischief in his tone.

She folded the parchment carefully and slipped it into her bag, crossing her arms as she gave him a pointed look. “Alright, Sallow. Let’s hear it.”

“We Apparate as close as we can to the general area,” he explained. “And then we travel the rest of the way on broomstick."

Evangeline frowned, the tension in her chest not entirely easing. "Where can we possibly apparate to that's anywhere close by? And what if we accidentally fly straight into one of their wards?"

Sebastian tilted his head, his grin softening into something more reassuring. “Evie, it’s not like we’re flying blind. We have the coordinates. We'll land far enough away to avoid any wards."

Evangeline sighed. “You still haven’t answered my other question though,” she pressed. “We need a specific location to Apparate to, one we can clearly visualize. Ireland isn’t exactly around the corner, and you know how dangerous it is to travel over that kind of distance.”

Sebastian smirked, clearly unfazed by her skepticism. "Details, details. We'll sort that out after." He tugged on her hand, leading her toward a corridor branching off from the main room.

“Where are we going?” she asked, trying to keep the exasperation out of her voice as she hurried to keep up with his long strides.

“To the Auror Division,” he replied nonchalantly.

Evangeline’s eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"Where else are we going to procure broomsticks at this time of night?" Sebastian countered as they rounded a corner.

Evangeline groaned, the corners of her mouth twitching despite herself. “Sebastian, I don’t think ‘procure’ is the right word for what you’re doing.”

He threw her a devilish grin over his shoulder. "Evie, I work there. They’re my broomsticks. Well, technically, they’re the Ministry’s broomsticks, but let’s not get hung up on details.”

Her lips twitched despite herself. “You mean to tell me that you’re allowed to requisition Ministry equipment for personal use?”

Sebastian shrugged, his grin widening. “Not exactly. But considering this is an off-the-books mission to uncover death threats sent to a young woman—who also happens to be the woman I’m madly in love with—I think we can make an exception.”

Evangeline stumbled slightly, her face heating at the casual way he’d said it. “Sebastian,” she hissed, glancing around to make sure no one had overheard. “You can’t just—”

“ I meant what I said,” he interrupted, coming to a stop in front of a heavy wooden door marked Auror Division—Authorized Personnel Only.

Before she could respond, he'd unlocked the door, ushering her inside. Desks were still scattered with case files and enchanted quills, but the space was empty at this hour.

Sebastian strode confidently toward a set of storage lockers along the far wall, pulling a key from his pocket and unlocking one of the compartments.

Evangeline crossed her arms, watching as he retrieved two sleek broomsticks, their polished handles glinting faintly in the low light. He tossed one over his shoulder and carried the other in his free hand as he returned to her side.

“Ta-da,” he said, presenting the broomsticks with a flourish. “Top-of-the-line Ministry brooms. Fast, durable, and enchantment-resistant. Perfect for a little adventure in the Irish countryside.”

She raised an eyebrow. “And if someone notices they’re missing?”

“They won’t. Besides, it’s for a good cause. And I’ll bring them back in one piece.... probably," he teased, handing her one of the broomsticks. “Now, are you ready to go storm the Muldoon estate?”

Evangeline took the broom, her fingers tightening around the smooth handle as she met his gaze. Despite the absurdity of the situation, she felt a flicker of confidence, bolstered by his unwavering determination.

“Let’s do it,” she said, her voice firm.

Sebastian’s grin softened into something warmer as he reached for her free hand, giving it a brief squeeze. “That’s my girl.”

Her heart skipped at the words, but she didn’t let herself dwell on them. Together, they turned and left the Auror Division, their footsteps echoing in the quiet corridors as they made their way back toward the atrium. The anticipation of what lay ahead buzzed in the air between them, both exhilarating and daunting.

The only question left was where they'd apparate to. Evangeline sighed, mulling it over. She opened her mouth to ask Sebastian for his thoughts, but the words caught in her throat.

An idea, unbidden but suddenly clear, swept over her. She could visualize a place—a place she knew in detail, down to the creaking floorboards and the ivy crawling up its crumbling walls.

St. Brigid’s House.

The memory of the weather-worn orphanage on the Irish coast surfaced, vivid and bittersweet. She could still see its stone facade, battered by the salt-laden wind, the overgrown garden that no one had tended in years, and the narrow gravel path leading to the wooden front door. It had been her home before Hogwarts, a secluded corner of the world, tucked away where few cared to look.

“I know where we can go,” she said softly, her voice cutting through the cool night air. "Where we can apparate."

Sebastian stopped, turning to her with a raised eyebrow. “Oh? Where?”

“St. Brigid’s House,” she replied, her tone steady but tinged with a quiet weight. “The orphanage where I grew up. I know it well enough to get us there safely.”

Sebastian’s brow furrowed, his teasing smirk slipping into a more serious expression. “Are you sure? We can't afford to be seen by any muggles."

Evangeline nodded, her grip on the strap of her bag tightening slightly. “There’s an old mill house on the property, just beyond the orphanage grounds. It’s been abandoned for decades—no one will see us there., especially not with the cover of night on our side.”

Sebastian held her gaze for a moment longer before nodding, his expression softening. “Alright. If you’re sure, let’s do it.”

Drawing her wand, Evangeline tightened her grip on his hand. “Hold on."

Closing her eyes, she focused on the image of the mill house—the jagged stone walls overrun with moss, the uneven ground littered with wildflowers, and the faint smell of damp earth and salt.

With a sharp twist, the air around them compressed, the pull of apparition wrenching them from the Ministry and into the ether. The sensation was familiar yet unsettling, a rush of wind and pressure that seemed to stretch eternity into seconds.

When the world righted itself, they landed with a soft pop on uneven ground. Evangeline opened her eyes, and they stood inside the weathered structure, its stone walls half-collapsed and overrun with ivy. Moonlight spilled through the missing roof, illuminating the interior in a faint, silvery glow.

Sebastian released her hand, his gaze sweeping the area with quiet curiosity. “I see what you mean about it being abandoned,” he said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

Evangeline barely registered Sebastian’s words as her gaze shifted, drawn toward the orphanage in the distance.

St. Brigid’s House stood quiet and imposing under the moonlight, its weathered stone walls illuminated by the faint glow of lights from within the windows. Her breath hitched at the sight, a strange, bittersweet ache blooming in her chest.

She hadn’t thought of this place for a long time—at least, not like this, not with the weight of all the memories pressing down on her. She could still hear the creak of the floorboards, the way the wind howled through the cracks in the old wooden door, the faint laughter of children echoing in the halls. And yet, despite the faint glow from its windows, it still felt as lonely as ever.

Sebastian, noticing her silence, followed her gaze. His brow furrowed as he studied the building, its silhouette stark against the darkened sky.

He stepped closer, slipping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her gently against him. She stiffened slightly at first, caught off guard, but then relaxed into his warmth, her head resting lightly against his chest.

"It must be strange... being back here," He murmured against her hair.

Evangeline nodded faintly. "It feels… frozen in time. Like nothing’s changed, but everything’s different.”

Sebastian tightened his arm around her, his voice quiet but steady. "I... can’t imagine what it must have been like growing up here."

She let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Lonely. That’s the best word for it. The other kids came and went, but I… I stayed. For years. Always hoping, always waiting, but no one ever came for me."

Her voice wavered, the ache in her chest blooming sharper as she spoke the words aloud. "I hated it here, Sebastian. I hated how small and forgotten it made me feel. But it was all I had. For a long time, it was the only place I belonged."

Sebastian glanced back at the orphanage, its quiet, stoic presence casting a shadow that seemed to stretch far beyond its walls, his brow furrowing. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

"As long as I'm around, you'll never be alone again, Evangeline."

She closed her eyes, the warmth of his words wrapping around her like a blanket, the tension in her chest easing just enough to allow her to breathe deeply again. She straightened her shoulders.

"Come on," she murmured against his chest. "The Muldoon estate isn’t going to find itself."

Sebastian broke their embrace gently, his hand sliding down her arm as he stepped back, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment. “Alright, Sterling,” he said softly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Lead the way.”

They mounted their brooms, the soft rustle of leaves and the faint roar of distant waves filling the silence around them. With a shared glance, they kicked off, rising smoothly into the night sky. The wind whipped around them as they soared higher, the vast expanse of stars stretching endlessly above.

It was exhilarating, but Evangeline’s stomach churned as a realization hit her like a Bludger. She cursed softly under her breath, gripping the broomstick tighter.

“What is it?” Sebastian called over the rush of the wind, his broom gliding effortlessly beside hers.

Evangeline winced. “I didn’t think about how we’re supposed to navigate to the coordinates,” she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. “I don’t have a map, and I didn’t plan for—”

“Relax,” Sebastian interrupted, his tone calm and reassuring. “We’ve got the stars.”

She blinked at him. “...The stars?”

He nodded, already pulling the parchment with the coordinates from her bag. “It’s simple. We use the constellations to match the location. I’ll guide us.”

Evangeline stared at him, her brow furrowing in surprise. “Since when do you know how to navigate by the stars? You dropped Astronomy after fifth year.”

Sebastian grinned. “Auror training. They make sure you’re prepared for… well, pretty much anything. Including chasing dark wizards across remote wilderness.”

Evangeline watched as he glanced between the parchment and the sky, his brow furrowed in concentration. The moonlight cast soft shadows across his face, highlighting the sharp curve of his jaw and the determined set of his mouth.

Evangeline’s chest tightened unexpectedly. She knew she should be focused—on the Muldoons, the coordinates, the looming danger—but her thoughts kept slipping. There was something about the way Sebastian carried himself, so steady and sure, his every movement purposeful. He was so good to her, always in her corner, and he looked so effortlessly captivating just being himself—it left her breathless.

Without thinking, she reached out, her fingers brushing his face. He turned toward her, startled, and before he could say anything, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

Sebastian froze for a moment, the wind tugging at his hair as he stared at her in stunned silence. Then, a slow, crooked grin spread across his face.

“Well, that’s one way to motivate a navigator,” he teased, his tone light but carrying a warmth that made her chest flutter.

Evangeline let out a soft laugh, her cheeks warming as she pulled back slightly. “You’ve earned it,” she replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite the way her heart raced. “After all, I need you to get us there in one piece.”

Sebastian’s grin widened, his dark eyes glinting with playful affection. “With rewards like that, I’ll make sure we don’t even hit a stray gust of wind.”

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. “Just focus on the stars, Sallow.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he turned his attention back to the parchment and the glittering constellations above. His brow furrowed slightly as he matched the coordinates to their celestial markers.

Evangeline adjusted her grip on the broomstick and focused on the horizon. “What’s the verdict? Do you have us pointed in the right direction?”

Sebastian glanced at her, his smirk returning. “Always. Follow me.”

He angled his broom and surged ahead, the starlit sky stretching before them. Evangeline followed, the cool wind cutting through her hair as they flew in tandem.

They flew in companionable silence, the rhythmic rush of air and the occasional call of a distant owl the only sounds to break the quiet. It was peaceful in a way Evangeline hadn’t anticipated, the tension ebbing slightly as they soared through the night.

As time passed, she noticed a subtle shift in the landscape. The rolling fields grew steeper, their shadows deepening as jagged cliffs and dense woods replaced the open expanses. Mountains began to rise in the distance, their silhouettes stark against the starry backdrop.

Her grip on the broom tightened slightly, anticipation coiling in her chest. They were getting close—she could feel it.

Sebastian glanced back at her briefly, his silhouette outlined by the faint glow of moonlight. He gestured downward, and she nodded, adjusting her angle as he began to lead them into a gradual descent.

The air grew cooler as they approached the ground, the scent of damp earth and pine filling her senses. Sebastian guided them with precision, weaving through the thickening trees and avoiding rocky outcroppings with ease. He landed smoothly in a small clearing tucked between towering evergreens, the soft crunch of grass beneath his feet the only sound to mark their arrival.

Evangeline followed. She dismounted and steadied her broom, her eyes flicking to Sebastian as he folded the parchment and tucked it into his pocket

"So," he began, leaning his broomstick up against a tree. "Anymore of those rewards? I did get us here safe and sound."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. “You really don’t miss an opportunity, do you?”

Sebastian leaned casually against his broomstick, his grin widening. “Life’s too short to pass them up.”

She rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her chest betrayed her attempt to act unimpressed. “Let’s make sure we’re in one piece after this before you start demanding any more rewards.”

Sebastian chuckled, pushing off the broomstick and stepping closer. “Fair enough. But I’m keeping a tally.”

“Of course you are,” Evangeline replied dryly, though the affection in her tone softened the words.

She turned her attention to the clearing, her gaze sweeping over the darkened woods surrounding them. The faint hum of magic in the air was unmistakable now, a subtle vibration that prickled at her senses. They were close. She pulled her wand from its holster as her focus sharpened.

Sebastian shifted his stance and drew his wand as well. His earlier playfulness slipped into something more serious as he scanned the area. “Feel that?” he asked quietly.

Evangeline nodded, her voice low. “We’re near their wards."

“Any chance we can just knock politely and hope they’re in a good mood?”

Evangeline gave him a sidelong glance. “I wouldn’t count on it.”

He sighed, his wand steady in his hand. “Well there's only one way to find out. Let’s see if the Muldoons are feeling hospitable tonight.”

Evangeline stepped forward, her wand at the ready, the faint hum of magic growing stronger with each step. The air around them seemed to thicken, charged with an almost tangible energy. It wasn’t oppressive, but it was undeniably there—a constant buzz that made the hairs on her arms stand on end.

Sebastian followed close behind, his footsteps light but deliberate, his eyes scanning their surroundings. The trees around them grew denser, their twisted branches forming a canopy that blocked out much of the starlight. Shadows danced in the faint moonlight that filtered through, casting strange shapes on the ground.

Evangeline’s pace slowed as the magic in the air became sharper, more defined. She could feel it now, like invisible threads pulling at her senses. She held up a hand, signaling for Sebastian to stop.

“There,” she whispered, pointing ahead.

Before them, a faint shimmer rippled through the air like heatwaves on a summer’s day. The ward was nearly invisible, blending seamlessly into the night, but up close, the distortion of light was unmistakable.

Sebastian tilted his head, his brow furrowing as he studied the shimmering boundary. “Subtle,” he murmured. “I wouldn’t have noticed it if you hadn’t pointed it out.”

Evangeline took a cautious step closer, her wand moving in slow, deliberate arcs as she studied the enchantments. The air grew cooler, the magic almost whispering at the edges of her consciousness. The ward was layered—she could feel the complexity of the spells interwoven, each one enhancing the next.

“What do you think?” Sebastian asked, his voice low.

Evangeline frowned, focusing on the faint shimmer. “This outer ward is reactive. It seems to... adapt based on whoever approaches it—probably tailored to the person’s intent or identity.”

Sebastian stepped closer, his wand at his side, though his posture remained tense. “So what does that mean for us? Can you get through?”

Evangeline chewed the inside of her cheek, her mind racing. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “But if it’s tied to identity… maybe having Muldoon blood will let me pass without triggering anything.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical but curious. “And me?"

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Evangeline replied, turning her attention back to the ward. She hesitated, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. If she guessed wrong, the ward could do anything from alerting the Muldoons to locking them out—or worse.

A thought struck her, and she glanced back at Sebastian. “Maybe if we’re in contact, the ward will recognize us both as safe. It’s a long shot, but it’s worth trying.”

Sebastian’s lips quirked in a faint grin. “So you’re saying you want to hold my hand?”

Evangeline rolled her eyes, but without hesitation, Sebastian reached out, his larger hand enveloping hers in a firm yet reassuring grip.

“...Ready?” he asked.

She nodded, and with a deep breath, Evangeline stepped forward, her wand steady as she moved closer to the shimmering boundary. The hum of magic grew louder, a low vibration that thrummed in her ears. She half-expected the ward to reject her the moment she approached, but instead, it shifted. The ripple of light stilled, the tension in the air loosening slightly.

Encouraged, she tightened her grip on Sebastian’s hand and took another step. The ward seemed to part for her, the shimmering light thinning and folding back like a curtain drawn aside. Her heart leapt in relief, but she didn’t know if Sebastian would pass through as easily.

She tugged him gently forward, holding her breath as he crossed the threshold with her. For a moment, the ward resisted, the shimmering barrier rippling around his figure. But then it stilled, the magic softening and retreating as if recognizing their shared intent.

Sebastian exhaled, his eyes widening slightly as he looked back at the now-quiet ward behind them. “Well, that was... smoother than I expected.”

Evangeline’s shoulders sagged in relief, though she quickly straightened, her focus returning to the task at hand. “Let’s not get too comfortable. There’s no telling what else they’ve set up between here and the estate.”

As they pressed forward, the magic in the air shifted again, and a thick fog began to roll in around them. At first, it was subtle—a faint mist curling at their feet—but within moments, it grew dense and impenetrable, swallowing the trees and the path ahead. The faint glow of the stars overhead vanished, leaving them in a dark and oppressive void.

Evangeline slowed, her free hand gripping her wand tightly as she peered into the fog. “This isn’t natural,” she murmured, her voice barely carrying in the eerie stillness.

Sebastian’s hand tightened around hers, his own wand held ready in his other hand. “Another ward,” he said grimly, his voice low. “Probably designed to disorient. Keep intruders wandering in circles until they give up or…” His words trailed off, leaving the unspoken possibilities hanging in the air.

“Or worse,” Evangeline finished quietly.

Sebastian raised his wand, the tip flaring to life with a soft glow. “Lumos.”

The light flickered weakly, sputtered, and then died, swallowed whole by the fog. He frowned, trying again with the same result.

“Of course,” he muttered under his breath.

Evangeline bit her lip, her pulse quickening as she scanned their surroundings. The fog was thick, almost tactile, curling around them in silent, shifting waves. She reached out experimentally with her wand, muttering a diagnostic spell, but the magic fizzled out before it could take shape.

She frowned. "It's... it’s like the ward was designed to counter traditional spellcasting."

Sebastian’s thumb brushed against the back of her hand, a small, grounding gesture. “Well, you’re the expert here, Miss Cursebreaker,” he said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. “What do you think? Is there something you can do—any magic stronger than what the ward can suppress?”

She frowned, her mind darting between possibilities. “Stronger… That’s the issue. Anything traditional or conventional won’t work.”

“Then why not use something unconventional?” Sebastian suggested casually.

Evangeline blinked. “What do you mean?”

He tilted his head, the furrow of his eyebrows visible even in the gloom. “You know what I mean. Ancient magic. Hell, you’ve flattened entire camps of poachers with it. Why not a little fog?”

Evangeline hesitated, the weight of his suggestion settling over her. “I... maybe you're right."

Closing her eyes, Evangeline focused inward, seeking the familiar spark of ancient magic buried deep within her. It stirred in response, a warm, humming pulse that spread through her veins like liquid light. She exhaled slowly, raising her hand and willing the magic to rise.

The air around her shimmered faintly, a soft glow emanating from her skin. The fog reacted immediately, pulling back in swirling tendrils as if repelled by the energy. Encouraged, Evangeline pushed harder, channeling the magic outward in a slow, deliberate wave.

The fog dissipated further, peeling away in curling wisps until the path ahead became clear. Tall trees framed the trail, their gnarled branches twisting skyward, and in the distance, a faint glow marked the edges of another barrier.

She opened her eyes. The oppressive silence had lifted, replaced by the rustle of leaves in a gentle breeze. The clarity felt like a breath of fresh air.

Sebastian let out a low whistle, his gaze sweeping over the now-visible path. “You’ve outdone yourself, Evie."

Evangeline turned to him, her breath still evening out. “I wouldn’t have thought of it if you hadn’t said something. You’re brilliant, you know that?”

Sebastian’s grin widened. “I’ll add it to my list,” he added, leaning in slightly, “Since I believe this earns me another reward.”

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, but she couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at her lips. “You’re really not going to let that go, are you?”

“Not a chance,” he replied smoothly, his tone light but his expression warm. “A man’s got to take credit where it’s due.”

She shook her head, the warmth in her chest spreading. "Fine. You're right, you deserve it. Now come on, I think there's only one ward left to go."

They pressed forward, and the next barrier came into clear view. Unlike the shimmering fog, this ward was visible—an intricate lattice of golden threads woven tightly together; it stretched high above them, reaching into the treetops and forming a dome-like barrier.

Sebastian slowed to a stop beside her, his gaze fixed on the glowing threads. “This one looks... less welcoming,” he muttered, his grip tightening slightly on his wand.

Evangeline nodded, studying the barrier intently. The magic here was different—sharper, more deliberate. It didn’t hum like the fog had; it thrummed, the vibrations deep and commanding.

Her wand moved in slow, precise motions as she examined the magic. "It’s not reactive like the first one,” she said, tilting her head. “This feels like a test. A puzzle.”

Sebastian watched her work, his expression thoughtful. “Alright, so what do we do? Pick the right thread to pull? Cut the wrong one and we get blown to bits?”

Evangeline nodded, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Something like that,” she murmured, her wand tracing slow arcs through the air as she examined the glowing lattice. “But it’s not about pulling the threads. We need to find the weak point—a flaw in the weave. All wards have one. You just have to know where to look.”

Sebastian tilted his head, watching her with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. “So, this is what they’re teaching you at the Ministry, huh? Spending your days unraveling magical traps?”

She shot him a quick look, one corner of her mouth twitching upward despite the tension. “If only it were that exciting. Half the time, it’s combing through records and old manuscripts, trying to figure out why some ancient wizard decided to curse their favorite cauldron.”

"Almost as exciting as all the case reports I get to read in the Auror Division," he quipped, his smirk widening.

Evangeline smirked, her gaze flicking toward Sebastian. “One day, they’ll let us do the fun stuff. Until then, we’ll just have to make our own adventures.” She paused, raising an eyebrow at him. “Aren’t you glad I let you come along for this one?”

Sebastian chuckled, leaning casually on his wand. “Oh, absolutely. Nothing like a midnight stroll through cursed woods with you to keep things interesting.”

She chuckled, her focus shifting back to the golden lattice as she studied its intricate weave. Her wand moved in slow, deliberate arcs, tracing the faint pulses of magic that radiated from the barrier. The threads thrummed softly, their vibrations resonating in her chest as she walked.

“It’s woven so tightly,” she murmured after a moment, half to herself. “The threads are layered, overlapping..."

Sebastian stepped closer, his brow furrowed. “Can you still break through it?”

Evangeline nodded, her lips pressing into a determined line. “I just need to find the right angle..."

She continued her circuit around the barrier, her wand tip glowing faintly as she used a diagnostic spell. The golden threads rippled in response, their light dimming briefly before returning to their steady glow. Sebastian followed silently, his eyes scanning the forest around them as she worked.

After a few minutes, Evangeline stopped, her gaze locking onto a section of the lattice where the threads seemed to shimmer unevenly. She tilted her head, her wand moving in small, precise circles as she examined the anomaly.

“Here,” she said, tilting her head to give Sebastian a better view. “Do you see how the light flickers slightly, like it’s out of sync with the rest of the ward?”

Sebastian squinted, leaning closer, but the golden threads looked as impenetrable as ever to him. “Honestly? No. It all looks the same to me.”

She huffed a laugh, shaking her head. “It’s subtle—really subtle. The imbalance is almost imperceptible, but it’s there. The magic here isn’t flowing as smoothly as it should. That’s the weak point.”

Sebastian straightened, his expression a mix of admiration and disbelief. “I’d never have spotted that in a million years. Good thing I’m not a cursebreaker.”

Evangeline rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched into a small smile. “You could do anything you want, Sebastian. You’d just need to practice—like I’ve been doing for months.”

He gave her a lopsided grin. “That’s sweet of you to say, Evie, but I think I’ll leave the ancient magical puzzles to you. I’ll stick with chasing down dark wizards.”

“Suit yourself,” she teased, her tone light despite the tension in the air. Turning her attention back to the lattice, she studied it for another moment before speaking again. “I think we need to apply force—immense force—right here at this spot. The ward’s designed to absorb energy across its entire structure, but if we focus everything on the weak point, it’ll collapse.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “When you say ‘immense force,’ are we talking spellwork or…?”

Evangeline gave him a pointed look. “We’re not battering it with a stick, if that’s what you’re asking.”

He chuckled softly, leaning back against his wand. “Just checking.”

She hummed, her tone shifting to something more serious. "I think you need to cast something like Bombarda or Expulso at it."

"...Me?"

Evangeline nodded, tilting her head toward the weak point in the ward. “Yes, you. You’ve always been better at explosive charms and curses than I am; they pack twice the punch mine do.”

He opened his mouth to respond, but Evangeline held up a hand, a sly smirk tugging at her lips. “Before you even think about arguing, let me make one thing clear—I’d still wipe the floor with you in a duel.”

Sebastian’s jaw dropped slightly, and he looked at her, mock-offended. “Evie—”

“But,” she continued, her tone matter-of-fact, “I know your strengths, and raw destructive power is one of them.”

Sebastian tilted his head, considering her words, and his grin softened into something warmer. “You know, I think that’s the nicest backhanded compliment I’ve ever received.”

Evangeline rolled her eyes, though her smile lingered. “Call it what you want, but we only have one shot to get this right. If you don’t focus everything on that weak point, the ward will absorb it, and we’ll have announced our arrival to everyone on the estate."

Sebastian’s gaze flicked to the lattice, his playful demeanor giving way to a more serious expression. He nodded, rolling his shoulders as he adjusted his grip on his wand. “Alright. Expulso it is. But you'll need to show me exactly where it needs to land, Evie. I can't see the weak spot myself."

Evangeline nodded, stepping forward and raising her wand. She murmured a quick incantation, and a faint, glowing circle appeared around the weak point. The golden threads shimmered faintly as the marker charm took hold, clearly outlining the precise spot.

“There,” she said, stepping back and lowering her wand. “You can’t miss it now. Just focus everything you’ve got right in the center of that circle.”

Sebastian studied the glowing marker, his brow furrowing in concentration. “Got it,” he said, adjusting his stance as he raised his wand. He glanced over at her. “Alright. Ready?”

“Ready,” she replied, her voice steady.

Sebastian nodded, his dark eyes narrowing on the glowing marker.

“Expulso!”

The spell erupted from his wand, a brilliant streak of blue light tearing through the air and colliding with the ward. The impact was instantaneous—light flared, brighter than the sun, as the lattice trembled and groaned under the force. For a moment, it seemed to hold, the lattice rippling and distorting like a stretched web.

Then, with a deafening crack, the barrier shattered. The golden threads disintegrated in a cascade of sparks, the magical energy dissipating into the air. The ground beneath their feet trembled slightly, and a gust of warm air rushed past them, ruffling their hair.

Evangeline stepped forward cautiously, her heart pounding in her chest as she surveyed the path ahead. The ward was gone, leaving nothing but faint wisps of residual magic hanging in the air.

Sebastian let out a slow breath, lowering his wand. He turned to her, his smirk returning in full force. “And that, dear Evangeline, is how it’s done.”

She huffed a laugh, shaking her head as the tension eased from her shoulders. “Not bad. Not bad at all.”

“Not bad?” he repeated, feigning offense. “I just dismantled an ancient ward with a single spell, and all I get is ‘not bad’?”

Evangeline shrugged, though the warmth in her smile betrayed her amusement. “Alright, fine. You did great. Now let’s see what other surprises the Muldoons have waiting for us.”

Sebastian fell into step beside Evangeline as they continued forward.

“Alright, but I think it’s only fair to add another reward to my tally after that,” Sebastian pressed, his tone light and teasing,

Evangeline glanced at him, one eyebrow raised. “Oh, do you now?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, his grin wide. “At this rate, you’ll owe me your first born child, Evie.”

Evangeline’s steps faltered at Sebastian’s quip, her breath hitching in her chest. It was a joke—of course it was—but it wasn’t really. Not when he’d been making comments like that more and more lately. In fact, Sebastian spoke about their future together as if it were an inevitability, a thought that made Evangeline weak in the knees.

Her mind betrayed her then, conjuring an image she hadn’t let herself truly consider before: a child with Sebastian’s mischievous grin, his unruly dark hair, and her hazel eyes. The thought hit her like a bolt of lightning, equal parts warmth and panic flooding her chest.

Her cheeks flushed hot, and she quickly forced herself to shake it off. Not the time, Evie. Focus.

Sebastian must have noticed her hesitation because he slowed, glancing at her with a curious tilt of his head. “What’s that look for? Did I say something scandalous?”

Evangeline cleared her throat, her voice coming out sharper than she intended. “You’re always saying something scandalous. Now, come on—we’ve got an estate to infiltrate, remember?”

Sebastian chuckled, falling back into step beside her. “Fine, fine. But I’m adding that reaction to my tally, too.”

Evangeline didn’t respond, her mind still racing. She gripped her wand tighter, forcing herself to focus on the darkened path ahead. There was no room for distractions now. They were stepping into the unknown, and the stakes were too high to let her thoughts wander. For now, she had to face the Muldoons—and whatever else lay ahead—with her head held high and her heart steady.

As they walked, the trees around them finally began to thin, their gnarled branches giving way to an open expanse of land. In the distance, a dark silhouette rose against the starry sky.

The Muldoon Manor.

The structure loomed, its tall, angular silhouette both imposing and elegant. The stone walls were dark, ivy creeping up the sides and clinging to the windows like skeletal fingers. A wrought-iron gate marked the entrance to the grounds, flanked by stone pillars etched with runes that glowed faintly in the darkness.

For the first time that night, a flicker of fear, real fear, wound its way into Evangeline’s chest.

Her steps slowed, uncertainty creeping into her mind. Anne’s voice echoed in her ears, the warnings she’d given before they left Feldcroft—No reckless heroics, Evie. Just come back. Both of you. Ominis’s sharp tone followed, laden with frustration and concern: If you don’t come back in one piece—

She clenched her jaw, trying to push the voices away. But the truth was undeniable: she had no idea what waited beyond that gate. The Muldoons were infamous for their secrecy, their power, their ruthlessness. Every step closer felt like venturing further into a trap she wasn’t sure she could escape.

Am I in over my head? The thought came unbidden, a small crack in her resolve. Her grip on her wand tightened. She couldn’t afford hesitation, not now. She’d come this far, and she had to see this through. The threats, the letters—she needed to put an end to it.

Evangeline’s gaze shifted to Sebastian as they neared the wrought-iron gates.

The playful glint in his eyes from earlier was gone, replaced with a sharp, lethal focus that made her chest tighten—and not entirely from fear. The Sebastian beside her now wasn’t the one who had just been teasing her about rewards and keeping tally; this was the Auror-in-training, every inch the professional. And damn if that wasn’t distracting.

Evangeline forced herself to focus, tamping down the unbidden rush of admiration that threatened to overtake her. This wasn’t the time to marvel at the way he moved with such confidence, the quiet authority in his voice, or the way he looked so effortlessly composed even under pressure. They had a mission to complete, and her attraction to him could wait.

In the past, they’d gotten into trouble together more times than Evangeline could count—reckless, impulsive, and daring. She’d taken down Ranrok and his rebellion, wielded ancient magic against impossible odds. But back then, they’d been kids. They’d acted on instinct, driven by desperation and adrenaline.

Now? Now, things were different. In the months since they’d left Hogwarts, Sebastian had been training, honing his skills, becoming someone who could handle situations like this with precision and expertise.

Her pride in him swelled, mingling with the faint ache of her own inadequacy. This wasn’t her world anymore—not like it was his. She’d trained for a different kind of challenge, studied curses and wards, ancient magic and artifacts. But tactical strategy? Conflict resolution? That was Sebastian’s domain.

And it wasn’t just impressive—it was infuriatingly attractive. She bit the inside of her cheek, forcing herself to breathe evenly. Focus. You can melt over him later.

She slowed to a stop just a few paces from the gate and reached out, her fingers brushing his arm. She cleared her throat. “Um. Sebastian?”

He turned to her, his gaze sharp but not unkind. “What is it?”

She met his gaze. “You’re the one with the training now. Tell me how we’re going to do this.”

For a moment, surprise flickered across his face, but it was quickly replaced by something softer. His features relaxed just enough to remind her that he was still Sebastian—her Sebastian—beneath the sharp edges of his Auror focus.

“They don’t know we’re here yet,” he said quietly, his tone calm but firm. “If they did, someone—or something—would’ve come for us already. Those wards weren’t just for show. They clearly don’t want visitors, which means we have to assume hostility until proven otherwise.”

Evangeline nodded, her grip tightening on her wand. “So what’s the plan?”

Sebastian’s eyes flicked back to the gate and then to the surrounding grounds, calculating. “We sneak our way to the front door,” he said decisively. “If we can get inside without alerting anyone, we’ll have the advantage. They won’t be expecting us, and that element of surprise might give us the edge we need.”

Evangeline glanced toward the manor, its dark silhouette looming like a sleeping giant. “And once we’re inside?”

Sebastian’s lips pressed into a thin line, his expression unreadable. “We take it one step at a time. Find whoever’s in charge—or whoever’s been sending those letters—and handle it.”

The simplicity of his words belied the weight of the task ahead, but Evangeline trusted him.

“Alright,” she said, her voice steady despite the nerves twisting in her chest. “Lead the way.”

Sebastian nodded once, his confidence reassuring. He moved to the gate, his movements quiet and deliberate, and gestured for her to follow. With a quick spell, he unlocked the wrought-iron gates, the faint click almost imperceptible in the still night.

They slipped onto the estate grounds, the cool grass damp beneath their feet. The air felt heavier here, charged with the residual magic of the wards they’d dismantled. Evangeline stayed close to Sebastian, her wand at the ready, her senses heightened as they moved through the shadows.

Sebastian came to a stop near the base of the manor’s stone steps, his hand raised to signal her to pause.

“The door might be warded too,” he said. “Let me check it first. If it’s clear, we’ll go in.”

Evangeline nodded, watching as he approached the heavy wooden door with practiced precision. His wand moved in slow, deliberate arcs, his focus unshakable. She felt a swell of pride as she watched him work, the boy she’d grown up with transformed into someone so capable, so sure of himself.

After a few tense moments, Sebastian straightened, stepping back from the door. “It’s clear,” he said softly. “No traps, no alarms. Let’s move.”

The door creaked faintly as Sebastian pushed it open, revealing the interior of the Muldoon manor. Evangeline stepped inside behind Sebastian, her wand gripped tightly in her hand, her heart pounding in her chest. But as her eyes adjusted to the light, what she saw stopped her in her tracks.

The entryway was breathtaking. High vaulted ceilings loomed above them, adorned with intricate carvings of stars and constellations that shimmered faintly in the low light of enchanted chandeliers. The walls were lined with rich mahogany paneling, accented by tapestries depicting scenes of lush Irish landscapes and ancient magical rituals. Plush rugs covered the polished stone floors, and the faint scent of cedar and firewood hung in the air.

It was opulent, yes, but not in the cold, uninviting way she had expected. There was a warmth to it—a sense of history and care, as though the house was not merely a monument to the Muldoons’ wealth and power, but a home.

Evangeline blinked, momentarily disarmed. This wasn’t what she’d imagined at all.

The faint sound of conversation drifted toward them, soft and indistinct, but unmistakably human. Evangeline stiffened, her senses sharpening as she exchanged a glance with Sebastian.

“That way,” he mouthed, nodding toward an arched doorway on their left.

Evangeline nodded as they moved silently across the entryway. The closer they got, the clearer the voices became—a low hum of casual conversation, punctuated by the occasional laugh.

She frowned, her mind racing. This wasn’t the tense, guarded atmosphere she’d expected. Whoever was in the sitting room wasn’t alarmed. They weren’t preparing for an intrusion or bracing for conflict. They were… relaxed. At ease.

Sebastian stopped just short of the doorway, his back pressed against the wall as he angled his head slightly to listen. Evangeline followed suit, her heart thundering in her chest as she strained to make out the words.

“…absolutely not going to happen,” a woman’s voice said, firm but laced with humor. “Do you have any idea how much trouble we’d be in?”

A man chuckled in response, his tone light. “You’re too cautious. Nobody would ever find out you stole a single chocolate.”

Evangeline glanced at Sebastian, her confusion mirrored in his expression. These weren’t the voices of people plotting sinister deeds or issuing threats. They sounded… normal.

Sebastian tilted his head toward the doorway, signaling for her to follow his lead. Together, they edged closer, the soft glow of firelight spilling into the hallway as they approached.

When they reached the threshold, Sebastian paused, his wand at the ready. He glanced at Evangeline, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp. She nodded, taking a steadying breath.

And then, in one fluid motion, Sebastian stepped into the doorway, his presence commanding as he leveled his wand at the room’s occupants. “Nobody move!” he barked, his voice cutting through the low murmur of conversation like a knife.

Evangeline followed, her wand raised, her gaze sweeping the room.

A man seated in an elaborate armchair near the fire slowly lowered the glass of amber liquid he’d been holding, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. Two other men, one perched on the arm of a sofa and the other standing by the mantel, looked equally startled, their expressions shifting from confusion to wariness. Two women, who Evangeline assumed to be their wives, were seated nearby, exchanging wide-eyed glances, one of them clutching at her pearl necklace as if it could protect her. A third woman, her hair streaked with gray but her features no less striking, rose slowly from her seat, her gaze darting between Sebastian and Evangeline.

The two house-elves in the corner, both clad in pristine white linens embroidered with the Muldoon crest, let out startled squeaks, one dropping the tray of teacups it was holding. The delicate porcelain shattered against the polished floor, the sound unnervingly loud in the heavy silence that followed.

Evangeline’s wand remained steady, though her heart was pounding in her chest. Her gaze swept over the room, cataloging every face, every movement—and then she froze. Her breath caught as her eyes locked onto the man in the chair.

It was his jawline that struck her first, so similar to the one she saw in her own reflection. His cheekbones, the slope of his nose—they were eerily familiar. Her gaze flicked to the men near the hearth, and the similarities were undeniable. The same hazel undertones in their eyes. The dark hair. Even the subtle curve of their brows mirrored her own.

The realization hit her like a physical blow. They look like me.

“Who in Merlin’s name—” the man in the chair began, his voice deep and commanding, but he trailed off abruptly as his sharp gaze landed on Evangeline.

His expression shifted, the wariness melting into something else entirely: recognition. One of the men standing by the hearth—the one with a slight scar cutting through his left eyebrow—took a step forward, his eyes wide as he stared at her.

“You’re….” he murmured, almost to himself. “You’re Rowena’s daughter.”

The room seemed to hold its breath. The older woman gasped softly, one hand flying to her mouth. The others exchanged looks of shock and confusion, their collective attention snapping back to Evangeline.

The man in the chair rose slowly, his movements deliberate as he set his glass aside. He studied her intently, gaze raking over her features as though searching for confirmation of what he already knew.

“You look just like her,” he said finally, his voice quieter now, filled with something between wonder and regret. “There’s no mistaking it."

Sebastian, still holding his wand at the ready, shot Evangeline a sidelong glance. “Evie?”

She didn’t answer, too stunned to speak as her mind reeled. The faces around her blurred together, each one a strange reflection of her own features, a living puzzle piece that she hadn’t realized was missing.

The heavy silence lingered for a moment, the room tense with disbelief and recognition. Finally, the man from the chair straightened fully, his presence commanding as his gaze remained locked on Evangeline.

“My name is Percival Muldoon,” he said carefully, as though every word carried immense weight. “Your mother, Rowena, was my older sister. I’m your uncle.”

The words hit her like a tidal wave. Uncle. Family.

The man by the hearth—with the slight scar cutting through his brow—stepped forward cautiously, his expression a mixture of curiosity and sympathy. “Cassian Muldoon,” he offered, inclining his head slightly. “I’m the eldest. Rowena was my baby sister.”

“And I’m Benedict,second oldest,” the third man interjected, his tone warm but tentative. He gestured to one of the younger women. “This is Astrid, my wife.”

The oldest woman stood then, her Scandinavian accent unmistakable as she spoke. “I am Freya, Cassian's wife,” she said softly, her striking features kind but guarded. She gestured to the other woman, who had remained seated. “This is Anja, Percival's wife.”

Evangeline’s gaze darted between the faces, the names. The voices. Each one landed like a piece of a puzzle she hadn’t realized she was holding. She swallowed hard, her voice finally finding its way out.

"I—I'm Evangeline."

Cassian who stepped forward slightly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. To what do we owe the pleasure, Evangeline?”

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze flicking toward Sebastian. He reached out and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Drawing a deep breath, Evangeline stepped closer to him, her wand still held firmly aloft.

“I’m here,” she started, her voice firm despite the tension in her chest, “to discuss your meddling in my life—and to put an end to it.”

The room erupted into murmurs, the family exchanging confused glances. Astrid looked taken aback, her brow furrowing. “Meddling?” she repeated, glancing at her husband. “What is she talking about, Benedict?”

Freya and Anja exchanged puzzled looks, while Benedict’s expression darkened slightly, his mouth pressing into a thin line. “Evangeline,” he began, his voice careful, “I assure you, we’ve done no such thing.”

Evangeline’s eyes narrowed, her grip on Sebastian’s hand tightening. “Don’t lie to me,” she said coldly. “I’ve been receiving threatening letters signed with the Muldoon name. Don’t tell me you’ve had nothing to do with it.”

Percival’s brows furrowed deeply, genuine confusion flickering across his face. “Threatening letters?” he echoed, his tone sharp with disbelief. “They're certainly not from us.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Cassian said firmly, his voice tinged with indignation. “Why would we send threats to our own niece? We’ve only just met you!”

Sebastian’s gaze swept over the family, his wand still loosely at his side. “It’s easy for you to say that,” he said evenly, though his voice held a sharp edge. “But you have to understand how this looks. A family of your power, your reputation—how can we be sure you’re telling the truth?”

The room tensed again, the Muldoons bristling slightly at Sebastian’s words, but it was Benedict who stepped forward, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. “Let’s not escalate this,” he said, his voice calm. “Evangeline,” he said, turning to her, “can you show us these letters?”

Evangeline’s jaw tightened, her instincts warring with the sincerity in their voices. After a beat, she nodded slowly. Releasing Sebastian’s hand, she reached into her bag and pulled out the envelope containing both letters, her fingers tightening around them as she extended them toward Percival.

The youngest brother accepted them carefully, his expression darkening as he glanced down at the parchment.

Evangeline’s eyes tracked his every movement, searching for any sign of deceit—a twitch of the jaw, a shift in his tone. But his expression remained drawn and serious as he began to leaf through the envelope.

“Let’s see what we’re dealing with,” Percival muttered, stepping closer to the hearth where the light was better. Cassian and Benedict joined him, their expressions grim as they peered over his shoulder.

As Percival reached to pull the first letter from the envelope with his bare hand, something in Evangeline’s chest tightened. The memory of the ink flashed through her mind, sharp and visceral.

“Stop!” she snapped, her voice cutting through the quiet room.

Percival froze, his brow furrowing as he glanced at her. “What?”

“Don’t touch it with your hands,” she said quickly, stepping closer. “The ink is toxic... you should use your wand.”

“Poisoned?” Percival echoed, his voice sharp with disbelief. He turned the envelope slightly, examining it with renewed caution. “You’re sure?”

“Yes, I found out the hard way." She paused, swallowing hard. "Though... I suppose if you’d sent those letters, you’d know that already.”

Sebastian nodded, his hand finding hers again. “She’s not exaggerating,” he added, his voice hard. “The ink is potent."

Percival’s gaze flicked between them, his jaw tightening. He drew his wand and gently levitated the letter out of the envelope, suspending it in the air as he inspected it.

“This…” Percival said slowly, his voice edged with anger as he studied the words. “This isn’t from us. Not in tone, not in intent. And if someone went to the trouble of using poisoned ink—” He broke off, his gaze hardening as he turned to Cassian and Benedict. “We have an enemy.”

Cassian’s mouth pressed into a thin line as he examined the letter over Percival’s shoulder. “It doesn’t make sense,” he muttered. “Who would go to such lengths to threaten our niece in our name? And why?”

Sebastian and Evangeline exchanged a glance, the unspoken question hanging heavily between them: Do we believe them?

The lack of knowledge about the toxic ink certainly seemed genuine, a strong point in their favor. But as Evangeline’s mind churned with doubt, she caught the subtle tightening of Sebastian’s jaw. He wasn’t convinced—not yet.

Sebastian took a small step forward, his wand still loosely at his side. “If these letters weren’t sent by you, prove it,” he said sharply. “I want to see your stationery—the paper, the ink, the seals you use. Bring everything.”

Benedict frowned at the demand, his gaze flicking to Percival, who gave a small nod of assent. Benedict turned to one of the house-elves hovering nervously near the corner of the room.

“Lysie,” he said firmly, gesturing toward the door. “Fetch the stationery from the office. All of it—every parchment, quill, and bottle of ink. And be quick.”

The house-elf bobbed her head in a rapid bow, her voice squeaking out, “Yes, Master Benedict,” before she disappeared with a faint pop.

The room fell into a tense silence as they waited. Evangeline could feel the weight of every pair of eyes on her, but it was Sebastian’s steady presence at her side that kept her grounded. He gave her hand another reassuring squeeze.

“I understand your skepticism,” Percival said after a moment, his tone calmer now, though it carried an edge of frustration. “But you must realize how absurd this accusation seems from our perspective. Why would we send threats to our own niece? It’s completely illogical.”

"Illogical?" Evangeline scoffed, her voice sharp as she stepped forward, the tension in her chest building. "Surely you can understand my perspective?"

The Muldoons exchanged uneasy glances, but none of them interrupted as she continued.

"I grew up in a Muggle orphanage," she said, her tone steady but laced with frustration. "No one ever told me where I came from, who I was. Then, at fifteen, my magic shows up—late, unexpected, and with ancient abilities no less. I defeat Ranrok, and only then does my notorious pure-blood family suddenly appear in the picture. Why? Because the Ministry just so happened to find out I was connected to you? Because I was proving to be more than just an orphan with a late magical start?"

Freya opened her mouth, but Evangeline cut her off. “The Ministry swears me to secrecy about my connection to the Muldoon name, but somehow, somehow, during the social season, it comes out. I don't get any direct communication from my so-called family, and yet I’m suddenly labeled the most eligible debutante of the year, paraded around by the press like some rare, exotic bird, with article after article speculating about what you expect of me. What alliances I’m supposed to forge.”

Her voice cracked slightly, but she pressed on, her frustration spilling over. "So yes, it seems reasonable to me that this is all a game for your reputation. You’re a powerful pure-blood family—this is what you do. Is it not?"

The room fell silent for a moment, her words hanging heavy in the air.

Percival exhaled slowly, his expression grave as he stepped forward. “Evangeline,” he began, his voice quieter now, “I... see how it looks to you, and I won’t deny that we could’ve handled this better. But I need you to understand—we didn’t reveal your name to anyone. We wanted it to stay secret, to protect you. That was the whole point.”

Cassian nodded, his face serious as he added, “We knew about you, yes, but we didn’t reach out because we wanted the choice to be yours. Whether you wanted to meet us, whether you wanted anything to do with the Muldoons—that was always your decision.”

“But you must understand,” Benedict interjected, his voice gentler now, “our world and yours… they’ve been so far apart. Yes, we’ve lived here, in Ireland, but we never interfered in British society—not intentionally. We had no idea about this... social season nonsense.”

“What do you mean, ‘no idea’?” Sebastian asked sharply, his brow furrowing.

Freya stepped forward, her Scandinavian accent lilting as she spoke. “The Muldoons have always been part of Oslo’s social season. That’s where the family historically determines alliances, where eligible bachelors and debutantes meet. It’s been that way for centuries.”

Evangeline’s mouth parted slightly, her train of thought derailed by their explanation. The Muldoons truly didn’t seem connected to British wizarding society at all. It made sense the more she thought about it. They sent their children to Durmstrang, not Hogwarts—a choice that already set them apart from most other prominent families in the Isles. She couldn’t recall any of the Sacred Twenty-Four ever boasting of forming alliances with the Muldoons. In fact, no alliances at all came to mind. The Muldoons clearly kept themselves separate.

The more she turned their words over in her mind, the more their explanation began to hold water. Even Ominis had said as much when he’d spoken of how the Muldoons had no interest in pure-blood politics.

Now that she was standing in their home, speaking to them directly, it was as if puzzle pieces she hadn’t even realized were scattered began clicking into place. It wasn’t the Muldoons pulling the strings of her social season. It had never been. The machinations that had thrust her into the spotlight, branding her the “most eligible debutante” and slandering Sebastian, weren’t born of Muldoon design. They were someone else’s scheme entirely.

Percival’s expression softened. “If someone used our name to manipulate you, Evangeline, then that is a betrayal not just to you, but to us. And I promise you, we will find out who’s behind it.”

Evangeline glanced at Sebastian, whose gaze was fixed on the Muldoons with unwavering scrutiny. “What do you think?” she murmured.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened slightly, his lips parting as if he were about to respond, when the sound of a soft pop interrupted him. The house-elf reappeared, arms laden with an assortment of parchment, ink bottles, and wax seals stacked precariously high. Despite the load, her movements were swift and practiced as she approached Benedict.

“Master Benedict,” the house-elf squeaked, bowing low as she placed the items on the nearby table. “Everything from the office, sir, just as you asked.”

“Thank you, Lysie,” Benedict said with a small nod. The house-elf bowed again before stepping back, her wide eyes flicking nervously between the humans.

Sebastian exchanged a quick glance with Evangeline before stepping forward. He eyed the items on the table, his sharp gaze flicking between the parchment and ink bottles. “Alright,” he said, his tone brisk. “Let’s see if anything here matches.”

Evangeline joined him, her wand still in hand as she leaned over the assortment of items. Her heart was pounding, a mixture of anticipation and nerves as she began to examine the materials.

The parchment was thick and high-quality, its texture smooth under her fingertips. She turned over one sheet, noting the faint watermark of the Muldoon family crest embedded in the fibers. The ink bottles were ornate, labeled in what appeared to be Norwegian, and the wax seals bore intricate designs that matched the crest as well.

Sebastian picked up a sheet of parchment, holding it up to the light as he scrutinized it. “This... doesn’t match the letters,” he muttered, his tone thoughtful. “The texture is different. The grain is finer on the letters you received.”

Evangeline nodded, picking up one of the ink bottles and uncorking it carefully. She dipped her wand tip into the ink, swirling it gently before pulling it back. The liquid shimmered faintly, its color rich and vibrant. “The ink doesn’t match either,” she said.

Cassian, who had unfolded the second letter from the set Evangeline had brought, skimmed the text, his expression darkening.

“This letter,” he said slowly, his voice heavy with thought. “It mentions a ‘Gaunt boy and his companion.’” He looked up, his gaze settling on Evangeline. “The name Gaunt sounds vaguely familiar, but I can’t place it. Who is this boy they speak of?”

Sebastian cleared his throat, his tone cold when he spoke. “Ominis Gaunt. He’s a very close friend of ours and an honorable man. His family, however, is a different story.”

Cassian’s brow arched. “Go on.”

Evangeline sighed. “Ominis comes from the Gaunt family—an old pure-blood line infamous for their obsession with blood purity and their connection to Salazar Slytherin. His father, Lord Noctivus Gaunt, is... well, he’s as vile as they come.”

“And what does this Noctivus Gaunt have to do with you?” Cassian asked, his tone edged with curiosity but laced with caution.

Evangeline hesitated before answering, her voice steady but tinged with frustration. “Ominis has been courting Anne Sallow—Sebastian’s sister. Noctivus disapproves of the match, of course, because Anne isn’t from a "sacred" pure-blood family.”

Cassian’s lips pressed into a thin line, his expression unreadable as he absorbed the information.

Sebastian crossed his arms, his voice sharper now. “Noctivus didn’t just disapprove. He actively interfered. Used every dirty trick in the book to try to end the courtship.”

Evangeline nodded, her gaze fixed on the letter in Cassian’s hands. “It reached a breaking point,” she admitted. “And... I used the Muldoon name to force Noctivus’s hand.”

That caught the attention of everyone in the room. Percival’s eyes narrowed slightly, and Benedict tilted his head, his expression intrigued. Freya and Anja exchanged quick glances but said nothing.

“You used our name?” Percival asked, his voice calm but carrying an edge of incredulity.

Evangeline met his gaze directly, her tone firm. “I didn’t have a choice. I... I confronted Noctivus as if I had your full backing. I told him the Muldoons would view his interference as a blemish on the Gaunt family’s honor, and that there would be consequences if he didn’t leave Anne and Ominis alone.”

Cassian leaned back slightly, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “And did it work?”

“It did,” Evangeline replied, though her voice was quieter now. “Noctivus backed down. He stopped meddling, and Ominis was free to continue his courtship with Anne. But clearly... not anymore.”

Percival studied her for a long moment, his gaze calculating. Finally, he sighed and shook his head. “You took a gamble, and a bold one at that. I can’t say I approve of you using our name without permission, but... your intentions were admirable.”

Sebastian’s frown deepened. “All social season, the Prophet has been driving q specific... narrative. Articles about Evangeline being the ‘most eligible debutante,’ about the Muldoon family’s lofty expectations for her. They’ve painted me as… unsuitable.” His voice grew tight, the frustration clear in every syllable. “And now, knowing it wasn’t you—knowing the real Muldoons had nothing to do with it—then who started it?”

Benedict hummed in agreement, though his expression remained serious. “We need to consider who would benefit from this, benefit from trying to make it look as though we’ve betrayed you.”

"It's someone who doesn't want us to be together," Evangeline reasoned quietly, "Or equally, someone who doesn't want Anne and Ominis together."

Cassian’s nodded. “Indeed. And clearly we’ve been made scapegoats,” he said grimly. “If someone leaked your connection to us and then manufactured our supposed disapproval, they’ve crafted a perfect storm.”

Percival rubbed his chin, his gaze sharp as it flicked between Evangeline and Sebastian. “But Benedict is right... who would gain from this? What’s their endgame?”

“Control,” Freya interjected. “If someone manipulated Evangeline's name into British high society, they’re using her to push their own agenda... whatever it is.”

“And if you refused to play along?” Anja added quietly, her piercing gaze landing on Evangeline. “Then they isolate you and force you into submission.”

Sebastian’s hands curled into fists, his jaw clenching. “That explains the letters.”

Evangeline exhaled slowly, her gaze dropping to the parchment on the table. “But how did they know I was a Muldoon in the first place?” she murmured. “The Ministry made me swear to keep it a secret.”

Percival straightened, his expression darkening. "And all these threats you've received... they've never come directly from a person?"

Evangeline opened her mouth to confirm, but a memory flickered through her mind like a flash of lightning—the so-called "Muldoon representative" who had cornered her.

“There was… one person. At the charity auction. They claimed to be a representative of the Muldoon family.”

The room went still, all eyes snapping to her.

“They didn’t threaten me outright,"" Evangeline continued. "They just... approached me. Said I wasn’t meeting the family’s ‘expectations.’ That I was tarnishing the Muldoon name by associating with certain people.” Her gaze flicked to Sebastian, her heart sinking as his expression hardened. “And when I asked for their name, they refused to give one.”

Percival’s face darkened, his lips pressing into a thin line. “No one here sent anyone to a charity auction. I can promise you that.”

Cassian leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable. “They refused to give a name,” he said slowly. “But did they give you anything else? A hint, a detail—anything we can use to track them down?”

Evangeline shook her head, her frustration palpable. “No, nothing. They were careful—calculated. I can’t think of anything specific that would help identify them.”

The tension in the room was thick, the Muldoons exchanging uneasy glances as they tried to make sense of the situation. Then Freya cleared her throat, her brow furrowed in thought.

“What about the poison?” she asked, her voice calm but cutting through the haze of uncertainty. “If the ink is toxic, it might be traceable. The ingredients, the method—it could lead us to the source.”

Sebastian’s eyes lit up with sudden realization, and he turned to Evangeline. “She's right. Poison like that doesn’t just come out of nowhere. Someone with access to it could be traced.”

Evangeline opened her mouth to agree, but the words caught in her throat as a chilling realization began to form. Her breath hitched, and her mind raced, connecting dots she hadn’t thought to examine before.

The ink. The poison. The manipulation. Someone invested in Ominis and Anne’s relationship. Someone who hated that she was a Muldoon. Someone who had poisoned her in the past.

Her blood ran cold.

“Noctivus,” she whispered, the name barely audible but heavy with dread.

Sebastian’s brow furrowed. “What?”

“It makes sense now,” she said, her voice gaining strength as the pieces clicked into place. “It’s Noctivus Gaunt. It has to be. He’s the only one who fits. He knows I’m a Muldoon. He knows about Anne and Ominis. And he’s already poisoned me before."

Sebastian nodded slowly, his expression darkening. “That's why he was forcing the ultimatum. If he can’t get what he wants—Anne and Ominis breaking up—then he’ll make sure you don’t get what you want, either..."

"Exactly," Evangeline nodded. "Us."

Percival’s expression hardened, his sharp features etched with a grim understanding. “And if you had secured what he considered an 'advantageous match,' Evangeline,” he said, his voice cool but edged with steel, “then his son would be further protected by association with you. That would cement Ominis’s position and safeguard the Gaunt family’s dwindling influence.”

Cassian let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair with an incredulous expression. “He’s playing a long game, isn’t he? Trying to manipulate every possible outcome to his favor. And using our name to do it.”

The realization settled heavily over the room, an almost palpable weight hanging in the air as the truth began to crystallize. Noctivus Gaunt—his schemes, his poison, his obsessive desire for control—it all fit too perfectly. Silence followed as everyone processed the implications, the crackling of the hearth the only sound cutting through the tension.

Evangeline’s mind raced, questions piling on top of one another with dizzying speed. This revelation answered so much, yet it left so much unresolved. Noctivus’s motives were clear now, but how were they supposed to face him? How could they force his hand to stop? The idea of confronting Noctivus again made her stomach churn.

And yet her thoughts spiraled further. The Muldoons had explained their detachment from British society and its pureblood politics, but they still participated in the Oslo social season. That meant matchmaking and alliances still mattered to them, didn’t it? Would they approve of Sebastian if their traditions aligned with those of other pureblood families? And even if they didn’t care about blood purity to the same extent, why were they being so kind to her—a half-blood—thus far?

The questions twisted her thoughts into a tangled knot, leaving her too distracted to notice the faint sound of approaching footsteps.

The door to the sitting room creaked open, and a young woman stepped inside. She was strikingly beautiful, with long, sleek dark hair that shimmered in the firelight and hazel eyes that mirrored Evangeline’s own. Her gown was an elegant emerald green, its delicate embroidery catching the light as she moved.

She stopped short, her gaze sweeping over the room with a mix of confusion and curiosity. “What on earth is going on in here?”

Pervical straightened, his expression softening as he gestured toward the newcomer. “Annalise,” he said warmly, “come in.”

Annalise. Of course. This had to be Evangeline's cousin—Percival Muldoon’s only daughter. The realization hit her like a lightning bolt, the pieces clicking into place.

Annalise’s gaze landed on Evangeline, her head tilting slightly as a smile flickered across her lips. “Oh, so you must be her,” she said, her voice carrying an almost playful lilt. “The long-lost cousin everyone’s been whispering about for months.”

Evangeline blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “I... suppose I am."

Annalise stepped further into the room, her hands clasped loosely in front of her. “You look just like Aunt Rowena,” she said matter-of-factly, though her gaze lingered on Evangeline with an intensity that felt almost probing. “Well, except for the height,” she added with a small, teasing smile. "Rowena was quite tall."

Evangeline forced a small smile of her own, her tone cautious but not unfriendly. “Yes well... it's nice to meet you... cousin."

Annalise’s smile widened slightly at Evangeline’s words, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in her hazel eyes. “Cousin,” she echoed, almost tasting the word. “I suppose that’s what we are. It’s strange, isn’t it? Meeting family you didn’t even know existed.”

Percival cleared his throat, his tone gentle but firm. “Annalise, we were in the middle of a discussion—”

“Oh, I can see that,” Annalise interrupted lightly, her gaze sweeping over the table laden with parchment and ink bottles before settling on Sebastian. Her eyes narrowed just slightly, her curiosity piqued. “And... you are?"

Sebastian met Annalise’s gaze evenly, his shoulders straightening. “Sebastian Sallow,” he said, his voice steady but with an edge of wariness.

Annalise raised an eyebrow, her expression intrigued. “Ah, Sebastian,” she repeated, her tone lilting with curiosity. “I've heard of you... Something about forbidden romance and dramatic headlines.” Her smile turned slightly mischievous, her gaze flicking back to Evangeline. “You do know how to make an entrance, don’t you?”

“Annalise,” Anja interrupted gently but firmly, stepping forward to place a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “This is a serious matter, not one for idle gossip.”

“It’s not gossip if it’s about our family,” Annalise countered smoothly, slipping out from under her mother’s hand with practiced ease. “And isn’t this a family matter? It’s not every day your long-lost cousin appears out of nowhere.”

“This discussion doesn’t concern you,” Percival said, his voice sharpening slightly. “Let us handle it.”

Annalise crossed her arms, her expression obstinate as she leaned against the edge of a chair. “It concerns me if it concerns the Muldoon name,” she retorted. “Isn’t that what you’re always saying? That family comes first?”

Evangeline couldn’t help the flicker of recognition that tugged at her chest. Seeing her own stubbornness reflected so clearly in Annalise was disarming. It was like looking into a mirror of her younger self, bold and brash, unwilling to back down. Her lips twitched into a faint, involuntary smile.

Sebastian caught her reaction out of the corner of his eye and smirked faintly himself. “...Must run in the family,” he muttered just loud enough for Evangeline to hear.

Evangeline shot him a sideways look but couldn’t suppress her amusement. “Clearly,” she replied under her breath.

Annalise seemed to sense the quiet exchange, her hazel eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded them. “So, are you going to fill me in, or should I start guessing?” she asked, her tone breezy but underpinned with curiosity.

“Annalise,” Anja said again, her voice carrying a note of warning.

“It’s fine,” Evangeline interjected, surprising even herself. All eyes turned to her as she stepped forward, her gaze settling on her cousin. “If she’s anything like me—” her lips quirked slightly “—she’s not going to leave until she knows what’s going on.”

Annalise’s smile brightened, her arms uncrossing as she straightened. “Finally, someone who gets it.”

Sebastian let out a low chuckle, though he quickly masked it with a cough when Percival shot him a sharp look.

Annalise’s gaze darted between them, her curiosity intensifying. “So, what is it? A secret inheritance? A duel over family honor? Or did someone insult the Muldoon crest?” She winked.

Evangeline shook her head, “It’s a bit more complicated than that.”

“Well,” Annalise said, settling into a nearby chair with a dramatic flourish, “I’m all ears.”

Cassian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before addressing Annalise. “To put it simply, dear niece, someone has been using the Muldoon name to manipulate Evangeline’s life. They’ve sent threatening letters, poisoned her, and orchestrated a campaign in British high society all to isolate her and sabotage her relationships.”

Annalise’s playful demeanor vanished, replaced with a sharp seriousness. “Using our name? Poisoning her?” Her gaze snapped to Evangeline, her tone incredulous. “You’re serious?”

“Deadly serious,” Sebastian said flatly, his arms crossed as he leaned slightly toward Evangeline, ever the protector.

Annalise’s hazel eyes flicked to the table laden with evidence—the letters, the parchment, the ink bottles. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she exhaled sharply. “So who's the suspect?"

Cassian raised an eyebrow. “The culprit is likely Lord Noctivus Gaunt. It appears his vendetta against Evangeline and her friends has spiraled into something quite insidious.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of the revelations settling over them once more. Evangeline’s mind churned, the questions that had been swirling earlier rushing back in full force. Her gaze drifted between Cassian, Percival, and Annalise, her chest tightening with a mix of frustration and curiosity.

Before she could stop herself, the words tumbled out. "Before we continue... I can't keep ignoring the graphorn in the room."

The room stilled, every eye turning to Evangeline as her words hung in the air, bold and unflinching. For a moment, no one spoke.

“What do you mean?” Percival asked carefully.

Evangeline squared her shoulders, the tension in her chest spilling over into her voice. “I mean we can’t keep skirting around the truth about my parents. About why I grew up in a Muggle orphanage.”

Cassian’s brows knitted together, his expression darkening. “Evangeline—”

“No,” she interrupted, her voice steady but edged with emotion. “I’ve gone my whole life with more questions than answers. And now I’m here, standing in the middle of this beautiful house, hearing all about how you wanted to protect me, to give me a choice. But that doesn’t quite align with why my mother was disowned. Or why my parents died in that fire.”

Percival’s jaw tightened, and he exhaled slowly, as though steadying himself. “It's not as simple as you think.”

Evangeline’s hazel eyes flared with frustration. “Then explain it to me. Because even if you're not behind all of this, all I see are people who abandoned me until it was convenient to acknowledge I existed.”

Annalise shifted uncomfortably but didn’t interject, her gaze darting between Evangeline and her father. There was a flicker of something in her expression—sympathy, maybe—but she held her tongue.

Percival’s jaw tightened, his gaze sharp but not unkind as it fixed on hers. “We didn’t abandon you,” he claimed, his tone quieter now, weighted with something deeper. “We didn’t even know you existed until after you defeated Ranrok.”

Evangeline scoffed. "And yet you didn't reach out to me. You knew for years and never sent word."

Cassian’s voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of frustration. “Yes, we knew about you, but we were trying to respect your independence. We couldn’t just appear out of nowhere and demand a place in your life. You’d have every right to resent us—and we anticipated you might.”

Evangeline’s gaze flickered between the brothers, her frustration warring with the weight of their explanation. “So you thought leaving me in the dark was better? That it was some sort of kindness?”

Percival’s jaw tightened, his features etched with regret. “We made mistakes,” he admitted, his voice heavy. “Mistakes that came from fear and uncertainty, not malice.”

Benedict interjected, his tone softening further. “We didn’t know how you’d feel about us. Especially knowing what our parents did.”

Cassian exchanged a brief glance with Percival and Benedict, an unspoken agreement passing between them before he continued. “Our parents were… relentless when it came to protecting the family’s reputation. When Rowena married your father... they erased her from the family."

“We never forgave our parents for it,” Benedict cut in. “Not for disowning her, not for what happened to Rowena and your father. It... created a rift that never healed.”

Evangeline swallowed hard, the lump in her throat making it difficult to speak. “And... you expect me to believe you’re different?”

Annalise cleared her throat, her voice unexpectedly soft but no less firm. “Maybe she needs to see the bedroom.”

The suggestion hung in the air, puzzling both Evangeline and Sebastian. Evangeline frowned, glancing between the Muldoons as an almost palpable tension passed between them.

Cassian and Percival exchanged a glance, something unspoken passing between them before Cassian gave a faint nod. “It might help,” he admitted quietly.

“What bedroom?” Evangeline asked, her tone sharper than she intended, the frustration from their earlier conversation still simmering beneath the surface.

Anja stepped forward, her movements slow and deliberate, as if she were approaching a frightened animal. Evangeline instinctively stiffened, her wand hand twitching slightly, but Anja raised her hands in a placating gesture. “It's alright, dear,” she said softly. “Just... come with me.”

Evangeline hesitated, her gaze flicking to Sebastian. His hand found hers, his fingers curling around hers in silent support. “We go together,” he said firmly, his voice brooking no argument.

Anja nodded, her expression unruffled by his protectiveness. “Of course.”

With Sebastian’s steady presence at her side, Evangeline followed Anja out of the sitting room. The rest of the family trailed behind them, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpets as they ascended the grand staircase to the third floor.

The hallways grew narrower and quieter the higher they climbed, the decor becoming less ostentatious and more personal. Family portraits lined the walls, each frame intricately carved and lovingly maintained. Evangeline caught glimpses of the faces—stern patriarchs, elegant matriarchs, and the occasional mischievous child immortalized in oil paint.

At the end of the hallway, Anja paused in front of a simple wooden door. She glanced back at the group, her expression unreadable, before pushing it open with a quiet creak.

Evangeline stepped inside cautiously, her heart pounding as her eyes adjusted to the dim light. The bedroom was modest compared to the rest of the manor, but there was an undeniable warmth to it. The walls were painted a soft shade of lavender, and the furniture, though simple, was clearly crafted with care. A well-worn rocking chair sat in one corner, draped with a faded quilt. On the dresser were framed photographs, their glass surfaces slightly smudged from years of handling.

Her breath hitched as she approached the dresser, her eyes locking onto one of the photographs. A young woman with dark hair and warm eyes stood arm in arm with a man—Evangeline recognized him to be her father—his casual suit contrasting with Rowena's elegant robes. Evangeline reached out, her fingers hovering over the frame as though afraid to touch it.

“That’s Rowena and Arthur,” Benedict said quietly from behind her. “Your parents.”

Evangeline’s throat tightened, her vision blurring slightly as she looked at the other photographs—Rowena as a child, Rowena in her Durmstrang uniform, Rowena laughing beside a younger Cassian and Percival. Each image painted a picture of a life that had been carefully preserved, even as it had been erased from the rest of the Muldoon legacy.

Cassian stepped into the room, leaning back against the wall. “When our parents first disowned Rowena... they wanted to remove all traces of her from the house. Her belongings, her photographs, everything.”

Benedict nodded, his gaze drifting to the rocking chair. “So we hid everything we could—her childhood belongings, her pictures, even her favorite books. When our parents passed, we restored the room exactly as it was.”

Evangeline turned to face them, her emotions a whirlwind of anger, grief, and something she couldn’t quite name. “You kept this… all this time?”

"Of course we did,” Percival said firmly. “She was our sister, we loved her. We still do."

Evangeline stood frozen, her emotions a maelstrom of grief, confusion, and disbelief as her gaze swept over the room.

Meanwhile, Annalise stepped forward hesitantly, her movements cautious yet deliberate. Sebastian stiffened at the approach, his hand tightening protectively around Evangeline’s. His sharp gaze darted to Annalise, silently warning her to keep her distance.

But something inside Evangeline wavered as she took in her cousin's features—the high cheekbones, the curve of her jaw, the way her frame mirrored Evangeline’s own. The resemblance was undeniable. She wasn’t just looking at a cousin; she was looking at proof of a connection she had spent her entire life missing.

Her grip on Sebastian’s hand slackened and Annalise closed the distance between them, her arms wrapping around Evangeline in a tentative but genuine hug. Evangeline stood stiffly for a moment, unsure how to react, but then something within her gave way. She closed her eyes, her arms slowly lifting to return the embrace. The contact felt strange, yet comforting—a connection she hadn’t realized she’d been yearning for.

“You’re really my cousin,” Evangeline murmured, her voice soft and almost disbelieving.

Annalise pulled back slightly, just enough to meet Evangeline’s gaze. “I am,” she said simply, a small, wry smile tugging at her lips. “And I know what you’ve probably heard about us. All the rumors, the dark magic, the blood rituals, our obsession with secrecy…”

Evangeline’s breath hitched slightly, her hazel eyes narrowing as the familiar tales of Muldoon mystique swirled in her mind. Annalise’s smile softened, her tone light but carrying a weight that stilled the room. “I’ll admit, there’s truth in some of it,” she said, her voice calm, though there was a flicker of unease in her eyes. “But it’s not what the rumors would have you believe. The Muldoons have alwasy been... keepers of knowledge. Some of it ancient. Some of it... strange. It’s what we’ve done for generations—preserving magical history.”

Evangeline swallowed hard, blinking back tears. “Then why all the secrecy?”

Annalise sighed, glancing briefly at her father as she let go of Evangeline.

“Knowledge,” Percival began, “is power. And not everyone can be trusted with power.”

Evangeline’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she remained silent, waiting for him to elaborate.

“The work our family does—the knowledge we’ve preserved—goes beyond anything you might find in Hogwarts or Durmstrang or the Ministry archives,” Percival continued. “We’ve spent generations safeguarding magical texts, ancient spells, rituals, and artifacts. Much of it is harmless when studied responsibly, but in the wrong hands...”

“And you think keeping it hidden is the best solution?” Evangeline asked, her voice laced with doubt. “If it’s so dangerous, wouldn’t it be better to destroy it?”

Percival’s expression hardened, his jaw tightening briefly before he spoke. “Destroying knowledge doesn’t eliminate the dangers—it only ensures that when it resurfaces, as it always does, it’s in the hands of someone who isn’t prepared for it.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Evangeline’s jaw tightened, her mind racing. It was almost too much to take in: the idea that the family she had imagined as shadowy manipulators might instead see themselves as protectors. It made sense, and yet it felt too convenient, too easy. And still, something in the way they spoke made it difficult to dismiss outright.

“So... you’re saying all the rumors—the blood rituals, the dark magic—it’s all just... misunderstanding? Legends taken out of context?” She asked, glancing between them.

Percival let out a small, dry laugh. “Not all of it,” he admitted, his expression faintly amused. “The truth is, some of those stories are rooted in fact. Our ancestors were... let’s just say dedicated to preserving their power and influence. But that’s not who we are anymore. Our family isn’t clinging to outdated traditions or purity-obsessed ideologies. We focus on what really matters—protecting what we’ve preserved and using it to understand magical history."

Evangeline’s arms tightened across her chest. “So what about me?” she asked quietly, her voice carrying the weight of long-buried insecurities. “I’m not a pure-blood."

“You’re Rowena’s daughter," Percival said firmly. "That’s all that matters. You’re family, Evangeline.”

Evangeline glanced back at Sebastian, who was standing silently behind her, his arms crossed. His expression was an unreadable mix of skepticism and protectiveness, his sharp eyes scanning each of the Muldoons like he was still weighing every word.

Turning back to the family, she took a deep breath, her voice carefully measured as she asked, “And what about who I court? Who I... choose to marry?”

The question hung heavily in the air, and for a moment, the Muldoons exchanged glances, as if silently deciding who would answer.

It was Cassian who finally broke the silence, his tone calm but firm. “Of course, we want the best for our children—our nieces, nephews, cousins. We want them to be with someone smart, driven, and successful. Someone who will treat them with respect and love.”

Evangeline’s jaw tightened, her brow furrowing as she braced herself for what came next.

“But whether that person is a pure-blood, half-blood, or Muggle-born?” Cassian continued, his voice softening. “We don’t care. Blood status isn’t what defines someone’s worth, at least not to us.”

Percival nodded in agreement, stepping forward slightly. “And if you and Mr. Sallow—” he gestured toward Sebastian with a faint smile “—are happy together, then we’re happy for you.”

Evangeline swallowed hard, her throat tight as their words settled over her. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly, though doubt still lingered in the back of her mind. She glanced back at Sebastian again, finding his gaze fixed on hers. His expression was softer now, the faintest flicker of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. I’m here, his eyes seemed to say. And whatever you decide, I’m with you.

Evangeline exhaled slowly and met Percival’s gaze, her voice quiet but steady. “If that’s true… if you really mean that, then I’d... like to try. To trust you.”

A ripple of relief passed through the room. Percival’s features softened, his stern expression giving way to a small, genuine smile. Cassian and Benedict exchanged a pleased glance while their wives all seemed to relax for the first time since the encounter began.

Annalise grinned, stepping forward and giving Evangeline’s arm a playful squeeze. “Good. Because you’re stuck with us now, cousin.”

Sebastian, who had been quietly observing, gave a faint smirk at Annalise’s remark but quickly sobered. “That’s all well and good,” he said, his tone measured, “but... we have bigger problems right now.”

All eyes turned to him, and he glanced at Evangeline for confirmation before continuing. “Noctivus. If we’re certain he’s the one behind all this, we need to stop him before he does any more damage.”

“Agreed,” Percival said firmly, his expression darkening.

“But how do you propose we corner someone like him?" Evangeline wondered. "He’s dangerous and calculating—I faced him once, and I'd rather not do it again... at least, not alone.”

Sebastian’s gaze hardened, his protective instincts immediately on edge. “You won’t be alone,” he said firmly. “We’ll handle him together.”

Cassian tilted his head, his expression contemplative. “Lord Gaunt may be calculating, but every strategist has a blind spot.”

“And his,” Benedict added slowly, “seems to be his son.”

The room fell into a thoughtful silence as the weight of her words settled. Percival rubbed his chin, his brow furrowed. “His son... Yes, that could work. If we involve him, we might have the leverage we need."

Sebastian hesitated, his jaw tightening as he glanced toward Evangeline. She was watching him, her hazel eyes filled with a quiet resolve that steadied something in him. Her trust in the Muldoons was tentative, but it was there, and that was enough for him—for now.

“Alright,” he agreed, his tone measured but firm. "I'll write to them. But they’re not going to go through what Evangeline and I did to get here. If we’re inviting them, clear instructions on how to access the manor without triggering every ward you’ve got.”

Cassian smiled at Sebastian’s insistence. “Of course. Annalise, fetch Mr. Sallow a quill and parchment. But speaking of the wards,” he said, his tone carrying both curiosity and a touch of amusement, “I’d like to hear how you managed to bypass them in the first place."

Evangeline hesitated, her hand brushing against Sebastian’s arm as she glanced toward him for support. His expression hardened slightly, his protectiveness rising again. "Why?"

Cassian raised his hands in a placating gesture. “Relax, Mr. Sallow. The wards are there to protect the manor, the library, and everything contained within. They’re designed to prevent any unwelcome guests from breaching our defenses without permission. The fact that you both managed to get through is… noteworthy.”

“They’re not harmful,” Benedict clarified, his voice steady and calm. “Just designed to prevent access. Prolonged exposure to the second ward obliviates trespassers and relocates them to a safe area outside the boundaries of the estate. It’s safe and effective, and those who encounter them never even realize they’ve been turned away.”

Evangeline exchanged a quick glance with Sebastian. “It... really wasn’t as complicated as you think,” she began carefully. “The first ward required me to be a Muldoon, so that was simple enough. Holding Sebastian’s hand gave him access as well.”

“The second ward,” Evangeline continued, “obviously it blocked traditional magic, but it didn’t account for ancient magic. It was easy enough for me to clear the fog once we figured that out."

Annalise’s brows rose in intrigue as she returned with a parchment and inkwell in hand, but she said nothing, letting the conversation flow.

"As for the third," Evangeline’s lips quirked in a faint smile. “I’ve seen similar enchantments before. Just needed to find a weak spot in the lattice.”

The room went still for a moment as the weight of her explanation settled. The three brothers exchanged a look, and Percival’s lips curved into a knowing smile.

“Cursebreaker?” Cassian asked finally.

Evangeline tilted her head, her lips twitching with faint amusement. “In training,” she admitted. “But yes.”

Benedict let out a low chuckle, his expression one of approval. “That certainly explains it."

Sebastian took the parchment and quill from Annalise, nodding his thanks before turning his attention back to the Muldoons. “Alright,” he said. “Since neither of them are Muldoon cursebreakers, what’s the easiest way for Anne and Ominis to get here?”

Cassian gave him a small, approving smile. “Simple enough,” he said. “They can use the Floo Network. We have a hearth connected to it.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "You go through all that trouble with the wards but you're connected to the Floo?"

Cassian let out a low chuckle, the sound joined by Percival and Benedict.

“Yes, Mr. Sallow,” Cassian said, his voice tinged with amusement. “We’re connected to the Floo, we are civilized. But we change the hearth name regularly."

“And we don’t make a habit of giving the name out freely,” Benedict added, his expression turning serious. “It’s a well-guarded secret. One slip could compromise the entire estate.”

Sebastian considered this for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as he weighed their words. “Alright,” he said finally, his voice even. “What’s the name now?”

Percival glanced at Cassian, who gave a brief nod. “For the time being, it’s ‘Wisteria Hall,’” Percival said.

Sebastian nodded, jotting down the name on the parchment. “Good. I’ll make sure Ominis and Anne know exactly what to do. Anything else they need to be aware of?”

Cassian shook his head. “The Floo will bring them directly to the main receiving hall. We’ll be here to greet them and guide them the rest of the way.”

Satisfied, Sebastian finished writing the letter and folded it neatly. “I’ll send this off now,” he said, his tone brisk as he stepped toward the nearest window.

Evangeline watched Sebastian cross the room, his movements purposeful as he folded the letter. The flickering firelight caught his silhouette, highlighting the tension in his posture as he prepared to send the message that could change everything. A quiet sense of gratitude bloomed in her chest, swelling with every passing moment.

This entire encounter had gone so differently than she had expected.

She had entered the Muldoon manor braced for conflict, her mind filled with visions of cold, calculating relatives who would judge her unworthy of their name. She had imagined herself walking into a lion’s den—facing accusations, condescension, or, worse, hostility. Instead, she had found warmth. Acceptance. A family that wasn’t perfect but was trying to be better.

They had kept her mother’s memory alive, protecting her belongings, her photographs, her stories. They had stood against their own parents’ cruelty and chosen to honor Rowena in their own way. That wasn’t what Evangeline had expected. Not at all.

And now there was hope.

Hope that the Muldoons might be the family she had always dreamed of—the kind who valued her for who she was, not for her blood or her magic. Hope that they would not only accept but support her and Sebastian’s relationship. And for the first time, Evangeline dared to believe that her and Sebastian’s love wouldn’t be overshadowed by societal expectations. That they could finally shed the weight of judgment and whispers, the disapproving headlines in the Daily Prophet, and the endless speculation about her future.

And then there was the matter of Noctivus. A problem that had unknowingly loomed over them for far too long. If the Muldoons were as resourceful as they seemed—if they truly could help her and her friends confront him—then this nightmare might finally end.

Her gaze drifted to Cassian, Benedict, Percival, who were quietly discussing strategy with their wives near the door, their tones low but determined. Annalise had perched herseelf in the rocking chair, swinging her legs idly as she listened, her bright eyes darting between her family members. They all looked so... normal. Ordinary, even.

They weren’t monsters. They weren’t untouchable elites who saw her as a tool or an outsider. They were just... people. People who had made mistakes, certainly, but people who wanted to make things right.

Her chest tightened as the realization washed over her. For the first time in her life, she didn’t feel like an orphan. She felt like she belonged.

Sebastian turned back toward her, the letter now secured on the leg of a snowy white owl as it took off into the night. Sebastian's sharp dark eyes softened as they met hers, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. It wasn’t just reassurance in his gaze—it was trust. And love.

Evangeline smiled back, the weight in her chest easing as the warmth of his presence steadied her. Together, they would face whatever came next. Together, they would protect their friends, each other, and the life they were building.

And for the first time in a long while, together didn’t feel like such an impossible dream. It felt like a promise.

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

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Gryffindor Divider Credit Support Divider Credit

[hankcon-bingo]

Interest Check Summary

Hello, Hemlock here!

Once more, thank you to everyone interested in signing up for Hankcon Bingo! I appreciate the time in filling and sharing the Interest Check form. 💙💙💙

The total interest checks received were 27! 🥳 (One shy away from 28, an important number in DBH 😉)

In summary, here is a short breakdown:

💙 A Hankcon Bingo event running from October to the end of December (with January as a catch up month.)

💙 Mini prompt fests outside the main Bingo with generic or themed prompts. No sign-up required.

💙 3x3 (Nine square) bingo cards with the option to request second cards for extra inspiration and badges.

💙 An A03 collection and hashtags on Tumblr and Twitter will be highlighted to make works easier to find and share.

Please let me know your thoughts or any feedback you have. I am hoping to post a concrete schedule in the coming week for a Hankcon Bingo as well as prompt surveys for both this and prompt fests that could take place this year. 💙

Please find enclosed below the percentage breakdown for each question, followed by summaries on how this can work towards the Hankcon Bingo event.

Q1. Are you interested in participating in the bingo?

66.7% - Yes

25.9% - Yes, I just don’t know if I’ll be able to sign-up.

7.4% - I want to do a fest indeed!

0% - No, but I’m interested in the content.

Q2. What size bingo card would you prefer?

63% - 3x3 (Nine squares per card)

33.3% - 5x5 (Twenty-five squares per card)

3.7% - N/A - I want to do a fest!

Q3. When would you like the event to start?

81.5% - October

55.6% - November

51.9% - December

40.7% - September

29.6% - Sometime early in 2025 (Either February or March)

18.5% - August

Q4. How long would you like the event to run?

59.3% - 3 months

40.7% - 6 months

Q5. Where do you prefer to post Hankcon content?

92.6% - A03

63% - Tumblr

33.3% - Twitter

Based on this feedback, there is a preference for:

💙 A Hankcon Bingo event over a prompt fest 💙

As expected, the thirst for a Hankcon Bingo is still strong! Consider a 2024 Hankcon Bingo event officially set in stone!

There was a smaller mixed response between those wanting to take part but being unsure if they will sign-up, and wanting to do a fest instead.

With this in mind and further clarification from the OG Mod, I have been considering running mini prompt fests outside of the main Hankcon bingo. They would be something fun to do, and be an alternative option for those who are unsure or unable to commit to a full event (but bingo participants are more than welcome to do both, of course.)

These would be week long fests at different times of the year, a prompt a day, that can be generic or themed. Themed examples:

💙 Seasonal like Summer, Fall, Halloween, Winter, Valentines, etc.

💙 DBH anniversaries like the official game release, THE HUG, Connor or Hank’s birthday, etc.

💙 Tropes like AU, hurt/comfort, canon divergence, etc.

No sign-up would be required to take part in prompt fests, just create something if one or more prompts speak to you, and enjoy. ☺️

Depending on the bingo start date, we could try a small fest beforehand. Would that be something that you all would be interested in?

💙 3x3 (Nine square) square bingo cards 💙

There was a majority preference for 3x3 square bingo cards. As clarified in later section, smaller cards might work better if the event runs for 3 months as opposed to 6 months.

Participants will be more than welcome to request second cards if they finish the first cards, and are hungry to create more Hankcon content! There are extra badges for second bingo card achievements too!

💙 October starting period 💙

The majority of responses preferred an October start date for a Hankcon Bingo event. This actually works out in getting everything ready as well as for those of you (myself included!) creating for the DBHRBB which should have wrapped up posting by the time the bingo begins.

💙 3 month event 💙

A bingo running for three months was preferred, meaning that with an October starting month, the event should run from October until the end of December.

January could be a grace month for last minute posts, etc, as December can be a busy month for a lot of people with holidays and the sort.

💙 Posting on A03 💙

A03 is the preferred place to post Hankcon content with decent numbers for Tumblr and Twitter.

There will be a Hankcon Bingo collection available on A03 if you would like to add your works (art very much welcome!)

Anything posted to Tumblr will be reblogged, and hashtags will be shared nearer the time to make finding content easier on both Tumblr or Twitter.

I understand this is a lot to take in, so I appreciate your patience for reading this far. 😅

Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to any feedback or comments everyone has on the direction of thr Hankcon Bingo this year. 💙

[flowerygrdn]

HURT MY FEELINGS || l. fantilli

pairing: luca fantilli x reader

summary: just a short smau cause I literally have no other ideas here....

warnings: suggestivness....?

a/n: here is my once a decade post luvs 😇

fc: tate mcrae

youruser

liked by rutgermcgroarty, luca.fantilli, and 1,000,000 others

youruser want you so bad, baby hurt my feelings #thinklater #63

view all comments

yourbsf HAWT

user1 umich hockey?! 63?! Oh????

↳ ynfan yn and luca?....interesting

adamfantilli 👀

↳ youruser not too much....

user3 babes gettin' bold

↳ youruser 😋

umichhockey queen #goblue

user4 she wears your number but I got what you like.....HELLO?!

luca.fantilli oh?

↳ youruser oh

luca.fantilli

liked by youruser, yourbsf and others

luca.fantilli i should've known better.... #thinklater

view all comments

rutgermcgroarty r u kidding around?!

↳ luca.fantilli 🤫

seamuscasey26 down bad

↳ adamfantilli real bad

↳ luca.fantilli f u

youruser who's that hot chick 😱

↳ luca.fantilli some random

ynfan she's drop dead gorgeous

liked by luca.fantilli

user1 ain't no way

user3 they're so together

user2 TEAAAA

youruser

liked by ynfan, luca.fantilli, and 1,500,900 others

youruser nvm y'all, i got his number 😉

view all comments

yourbsf mama ý papa 👨‍👩‍👧

↳ youruser our child 🤲

rutgermcgroarty down bad

↳ adamfantilli real bad

↳ youruser real bad

↳ luca.fantilli i hate this

seamuscasey26 @lucafantilli basically eating your jaw 💀

↳ lhughs_06 @youruser blink twice if you need help

↳ luca.fantilli she's my girlfriend jackasses

ynfan OMFG I CALLED IT

user1 wishing i was luca rn

↳ user2 don't we all

user4 oh....

luca.fantilli i love you baby ❤️

↳ youruser i love you, lu 🫶🏼

---

[georgegraphys]

Warning : Unprofessional unverified talks as I am not Mercedes nor have 10 masters degrees. Fragile snowflakes that got their heart shattered by opinion differences are not welcomed. An opinionated talk.

I'm just gonna back track on what happens here. What started this all sudden China PR campaign of this douyin acc thing and my whole summary of thoughts. If you're new here and you haven't had the time to scroll through my PR talks regarding this whole 2024 George PR cooking class. Let me summarize you here (this lacks the recent targa florio updates, mercedes vision one eleven, etc. i haven't updated it further)

Again, I'd like to say. I am not a Mercedes Benz PR team member. I am not a professional. I am just someone who worked in a similar field who analyzes, plans, and strategizes PR agendas like this. Of course the very first time I posted about this whole theory it's just a goofy hypothetical tweet of "what IFs"

This was just minutes after George opened his douyin acc btw. Something just struck me like "Huh? Why bother opening an account for a race that lasts 2-3 days?". As someone who worked in PR myself, these things are not a good move. Like why the hell open a douyin account? If I were Mercedes, I'd open a tiktok account for George that could be used beyond China GP. That was my mindset back then until I watched the video again and I realized George saying things like his F1 journey throughout the season. And that's the part where it struck me.

Now why does it intrigue me? Douyin is a platform that is only available in China (or probably in Macau/HK/Taiwan too, idk sorry) and to sign up for Douyin you need a Chinese phone number or ID card verification. It makes me think that maybe Mercedes pulled some strings? To be able to get George in Douyin? But until then my thoughts are just goofy ahh what if lol. Then suddenly Douyin Sports starts posting about George on their account and George makes a specific video greeting for Douyin Sports. Now this kind of confirms my idea? Because douyin sports rarely post international athletes unless you are on the calibre of probably Marc Marquez or Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, other than that they just posted about the chinese athletes. Afterwards, there was the Mercedes Benz official account commenting here and there and I just went "maybe this isn't a joke"

For now, it seems that the douyin account is also posting personal things about George like his post with Carmen, his family and friends and more. Well surprising considering I thought they're going to be full racing and business because at first i thought that douyin acc pr move was solely for the company because they were promoting lots of 63 series that George will probably lead the promotions later. I didn't expect them to actually build something that is also personal to George? Like his brand image? As they also involve posts about his beloved ones and not pure business. Also Mercedes even invited a LOCAL press to directly interview George one-on-one??? I'm surprised by that. But this is honestly good for George!

I know i've seemingly been all positive about this but just to let you know, I had doubts lol. Like I thought this wasn't gonna last this long. I thought it was just to keep the China GP hype for 2 weeks and it's all gone and dusted. But it didn't. Turns out they even have these 3 days posting patterns which not only intrigues me but also intrigues the chinese audience. It brought them to pay attention to George and question things like "oh he is still posting??" "who posts for him??" "he's using douyin actively??". I honestly expect lower than this and thought that the account would be another vessel to promote Mercedes cars to the chinese audience but wow... also building his individual brand images? I did not expect that.

I might have been able to guess the purpose of the douyin account making but I could never know what they were cooking. It baffles me. You might not understand but in that one single douyin account, there's a social media team or at least one person handling it and a PR planning over it. The posts were planned, it has posting patterns and it shows that it was scheduled, the subtitles, the songs (even though it's shitty), and the editing. The editing specifically appeals to the chinese audience. And I cannot wrap my mind on the reason why. These have lots of efforts poured into it and the supportive Mercedes Benz account? Unusual. Because they usually gave 0 fucks in other platforms. You need to acknowledge that this is

a) A whole ass PR planning with the approval of the company because it represents George and even also builds his individual brand value and image to the chinese audience/target market

b) No doubt Mercedes pulled some string to get his account to douyin and have the app promote his account

c) This stretched out longer than i would ever expect. My expectations weren't low but it's realistic. This thing is a bucket full of effort and planning inside for it to stretch until this long.

Now this part gets a bit sensitive. So again WARNING that this is highly SPECULATIVE and we're PREDICTING not saying that this is true. "But ari you're so jobless for all of this guessing. No one does this except the obsessed ones" This is what I and some people who worked in the PR sectors do. We look at a company's PR planning and make a guess out of it. Why? To counter their PR strategy of course. For the sake of competitions. And it's a REAL PAID JOB. But anyways

My guess is that maybe in the future George will be used as some sort of representative or ambassador for the chinese market? As for now, Mercedes Benz's objective and target market is the Chinese market. Their collaboration with Denza and BAIC, Beijing Benz subsidiary making China specialized vehicles, joint cooperation with chinese universities like Tsinghua and more.

Not to mention that this whole Mercedes in China field trip is not just any other field trip. It is state backed. Germany and China seem to be building this whole bestie relationship when it comes to automotive, technology, engineering, etc. Judging by how it's state backed and which means things won't get "nahhh okay byeeee" just anytime, that means this would then be a long term thing?

I'm just connecting two points here. A) Mercedes strong ambitions on the venture in China (Not every automotive manufacturer is aboard on this idea btw. Stellantis doesn't) B) George's sudden PR campaign in China. I look at those two and suddenly 🧐🧐, maybe it might be related??? I understand that Mercedes could use chinese ambassadors to promote Mercedes in China. Of course they're more popular and relevant in China than George since he isn't Chinese. But to promote China and Beijing Benz outside, they need a guy too yk? And that guy MAY be George Russell with all this PR cooking up behind him.

Again this is just a silly goofy guess based on EVIDENCES and PROOFS shown. As much as I love to waffle, I don't lie about these things unlike Toto. But also, don't trust me on it and take my words seriously?? Because I ain't Mercedes 😁😁 🤷‍♀️

Lastly, George's linguistic journey is basic at its finest. ciao, bonjour, JEL-AND-WAGEN, adios, hola, konnichiwa. For him to suddenly be SITTING DOWN reading a written script of his introduction in Chinese??? To be seriously sat and memorizing "da jia hao, wo shi qiao zhi la sai er-" means something 😭😭😭 don't tell me someone did not write that down for him and tell him to memorize that like an asian parent would sign their kid to a mandarin course.

[cdyssey]

Abbott Elementary S1-S2 Bracket

Hi all!

Welcome to the Abbott Elementary S1 and S2 Tumblr Bracket, where we’ll vote on episodes to see what the Tumblr's current favorite episode is. The thirty-five episodes are seeded based on iMDb ratings, and voting rounds will last an entire week. Since Round 1 has the most episodes of all, we’ll split that one into two weeks, so there aren’t 17 polls going on at once, lmao.

On this doc, you’ll find all the information you need to know about the rounds, as well as all the imDB scores, summaries, and original air dates of episodes! Meanwhile, this post will be continually updated with links to all the polls once they go live!

Hope you guys have fun!! Voting will officially start on 4/21/23!

- Maggie

Final Update (6/13/23): All poll data is now available! A winner has been declared.

Round 1, Pt. I:

Duration: 4/21/23 - 4/28/23

Since there is an uneven number of episodes, the highest rated episode and our #1 seed “Teacher Conference” is going to have a bye-week, which just means it’ll sit out on Round 1 until we can get the remaining choices to an even number!

"Art Teacher" (#35) vs. "Festival" (#2) → "Festival" (82%) [167 votes]

"Juice" (#34) vs. "Candy Zombies" (#3) → "Candy Zombies" (75.7%) [144 votes]

"Pilot" (#33) vs. "Work Family" (#4) → "Work Family" (74%) [123 votes]

"New Tech" (#32) vs. "Zoo Balloon" (#5) → "Zoo Balloon" (71.6%) [141 votes]

“Story Samurai” (#31) vs. “Mom” (#6) → "Mom" (81.3%) [134 votes]

“Light Bulb” (#30) vs. “Educator of the Year” (#7) → "Educator of the Year" (50.9%) [108 votes]

“Student Transfer” (#29) vs. “Valentine’s Day” (#8) → "Valentine's Day" (62.7%) [118 votes]

Round 1, Pt. 2:

Duration: 4/28/23 - 5/5/23

“Gifted Program” (#28) vs. “Holiday Hookah” (#9) → "Holiday Hookah" (83.2%) [137 votes]

“Mural Arts” (#27) vs. “Sick Day” (#10) → "Sick Day" (58.7%) [109 votes]

“Fight” (#26) vs. “Development Day” (#11) → "Development Day" (62.9%) [116 votes]

“Wishlist” (#25) vs. “Teacher Appreciation” (#12) → "Teacher Appreciation" (70.3%) [91 votes]

“Step Class” (#24) vs. “Fundraiser” (#13) → "Step Class" (62.4%) [117 votes]

“Ava vs. Superintendent” (#23) vs. “Read-a-Thon” (#14) → "Read-a-Thon" (70.9%) [103 votes]

“Principal’s Office” (#22) vs. “Desking” (#15) → "Desking" (62.8%) [121 votes]

“Attack Ad” (#21) vs. “Franklin Institute” (#16) → "Franklin Institute" (85.8%) [106 votes]

“Egg Drop�� (#20) vs. “Wrong Delivery” (#17) → "Egg Drop" (68.4%) [98 votes]

“Fire” (#19) vs. “Open House” (#18) → "Fire" (71.3%) [101 votes]

Round 2:

Duration: 5/7/23 - 5/14/23

"Festival" (#2) vs. "Candy Zombies" (#3) → “Candy Zombies” (62.2%) [74 votes]

"Work Family" (#4) vs. "Zoo Balloon" (#5) → “Zoo Balloon” (58.3%) [60 votes]

"Mom" (#6) vs. "Educator of the Year" (#7) → “Mom” (69.5%) [59 votes]

"Valentine's Day" (#8) vs. "Holiday Hookah" (#9) → “Holiday Hookah” (77.8%) [63 votes]

"Sick Day" (#10) vs. "Development Day" (#11) → “Development Day” (54.3%) [70 votes]

"Teacher Appreciation" (#12) vs. "Step Class" (#24) → “Step Class” (55.6%) [63 votes]

"Read-a-Thon" (#14) vs. "Desking" (#15) → Read-a-Thon” (50.8%) [118 votes]

"Franklin Institute" (#16) vs. "Egg Drop" (#20) → “Franklin Institute” (74.3%) [74 votes]

"Teacher Conference" (#1) vs. "Fire" (#19) → “Teacher Conference” (82.9%) [35 votes]

Round 3:

A disclaimer about one of the Round 3 options: So Maggie effed up, lmao. When you have an odd number of choices for a bracket, you're supposed to give the highest ranking seeds a bye-round, which I did for the highest ranking seed! 😭 However, you're also supposed to take out as many as you need to get the first round to the closest power of two, which I didn't realize. Since Abbott has 35 episodes, for instance, the closest power of 2 would be 32, which means that three episodes needed to have a bye-week for the tournament to shake out perfectly. This means for this round, one of the polls unfortunately has a three episode option. However, after that, we'll be back on track for a smooth finish! Sorry for the mess-up!!

Duration: 5/21/23 - 5/28/23

"Candy Zombies" (#3) vs. "Zoo Balloon" (#5) → “Candy Zombies” (59.5%) [185 votes]

“Mom” (#6) vs. “Holiday Hookah” (#9) → “Holiday Hookah” (63%) [138 votes]

“Development Day” (#11) vs. “Step Class” (#24) → “Step Class” (59.4%) [69 votes]

“Read-a-Thon” (#14) vs. “Franklin Institute” (#16) vs. “Teacher Conference” (#1) → “Teacher Conference” (55.1%) [107 votes]

Round 4 [Penultimate Round]:

Duration: 5/29/23 - 6/5/23

“Candy Zombies” (#3) vs. “Holiday Hookah” (#9) → "Holiday Hookah" (#9) (65.3%) [49 votes] “Step Class” (#24) vs. “Teacher Conference” (#1) → “Teacher Conference” (67.6%) [71 votes]

Round 5 [Final Round]:

Duration: 6/5/23 - 6/12/23

“Holiday Hookah” (#9) vs. “Teacher Conference” (#1) → "Teacher Conference" (71.3%) [178 votes]

Cumulative Poll Votes:

3,447

Ultimate Winner:

"Teacher Conference"

[cindylouwho-2]

ETSY FIRST QUARTER 2024 EARNINGS REPORT - No Idea When Sales Will Improve, But Lots of Change Coming

(Above: Slide 18 from Etsy's Investor Presentation, © Etsy. The top 6 categories were down across the board)

As Etsy predicted last quarterly report, gross marketplace sales were down in the first quarter of 2024, but contrary to predictions last quarter, the top brass now do not expect anything to improve in the second quarter. They didn't even try to sugar coat it much.

However, this turned out to be an interesting call anyway. Given that they had bad news and little new to announce, they actually had to divulge more details on how the site actually works, and the search plans for the near future. I strongly suggest that every Etsy seller familiarize themselves with what is coming down the pipe.

First, here are the official sources:

the press release

transcript of the conference call

slides from the conference call

video of the call (click on “Webcast”)

my summaries of the first quarter 2023, and the fourth quarter 2023 for comparison

Then, the basic numbers (covering January to March 2024, compared to the same period in 2023):

Sales on Etsy were $2.6 billion, down 5.3% year over year

Total sales for all 3 marketplaces (Etsy, Reverb, and Depop) were $3.0 billion, down 3.7%. [Elo7 was officially sold in mid August; its numbers were included in the comparison totals from 2023]

Etsy’s revenue (including all 3 sites) was $646 million, up 0.8%

Seller service revenue was up 3.2% to $179 million, while marketplace revenue was down 0.1% to $467 million

Net income was $63 million, down 15.5%

Active buyers on Etsy alone stand at 91.6 million

Active sellers on Etsy alone are at 7 million, up over 1 million from the first quarter 2023 but no change from the 4th quarter. [Note that “active” means one charge or transaction in the past 12 months; many “active” shops currently have nothing for sale.]

Etsy sales where the buyer and/or the seller was not in the United States were 48%, although across all three sites it is only 45%

As usual, I am mostly reporting on what Etsy said, but my own comments will be in square brackets, as well as in the analysis section at the end of this post.

Gift Mode and Gifting Initiatives Aren't Going Away

Etsy's front office seems happy with Gift Mode so far, and note that gift buying on the site in general is already increasing. "We're pleased to report that Etsy's total site-wide gifting GMS in the first quarter grew in the low-single-digits year-over-year," which was better than other gift sites they were tracking.

Gift Mode was also a huge success at getting attention, with over 4 times the news coverage of any previous Etsy public relations campaign. CEO Josh Silverman said they were happy with the Super Bowl ad, and would consider doing one in the future if the company had another big thing to announce.

And finally, we heard the real reason that Gift Mode sucked when it was released: the team that came up with it in the summer of 2023 intended it to be released in 2025, but Silverman insisted that they do it for 2024. He admits it needs a lot more work. [So a lousy product that doesn't do anything it is advertised to do was launched a year early because the CEO was out of other ideas and needed something fast. No doubt that is why a lot of the ads and emails are leaning into the personas instead of the main function of choosing a gift for a particular person and occasion.]

Etsy Search and Discovery

They've been talking about this for a while, but this time the comments were far more explicit: Etsy search has too much "clutter". The whole quote is important:

"All too often, when you visit Etsy, your search is cluttered, showing you too many items that feel very similar...failing to highlight the incredible diversity that is a towering strength for Etsy. In addition, you might not be clear as to why each of these items belong on Etsy. For example, which are handmade by the seller themselves, which are designed by the seller, but produced in close collaboration with the production partner and/or which are personalized and customized by the seller. While there's demand on Etsy for each of these categories of items, it depends a great deal on the buyer's shopping mission." [my emphasis]

Slides 8 through 10 discuss how Etsy plans on solving this problem.

The first point - removing non-handmade items - is covered below.

As has been mentioned in previous calls, Etsy wants to change its search to show more "quality" products. This means adding factors "such as the quality of the listing and photography, shipping price and reliability and customer reviews into our organic search algorithms." [This is likely the reason Etsy recently updated the search legal policy page, mentioning these sorts of factors in their recommendation algorithms. Yes, as I have been telling people for a while now, image quality is becoming part of Etsy SEO and its other algorithms. Looking at the listings which have "Etsy's Picks" badges is a good way to spot what Etsy currently thinks is "quality", but that could easily change at any time. Note also that he said "organic search algorithms" - apparently they are not planning on doing this with Etsy Ads just yet, meaning shops who lose visibility through organic search may have to pay for ads to make up the difference.]

Their definition of quality excludes "sellers that have higher levels of refund or consistently ship late" - they want the customer to be happy with the whole buying experience, not just the product. So above-average rates of returns and late shipping are also likely to factor into Etsy's many algorithms, if they don't already. [Shipping late is a policy violation, and those are search factors under the Customer & Marketplace Experience Score. All of this is Etsy SEO now. We already knew they hated refunds/cancellations because some sellers have received payment reserves for having too many - as few as 1 or 2 in some cases - in a short period of time.] Silverman did agree with a comment that returns/refunds lead to lower Etsy revenue as well.

They also seem to be working on some new way to categorize or filter items, as hinted above with the comments on production partners. "Better organizing our diverse listings into cleaner aisles will declutter our site." This could be referring to the previous attempts t auto-filter large generic searches into narrower categories; see examples in my third quarter 2023 summary. It might also connect to 2 other quotes worth reading:

"[T]he first page of search results might be 30 things that look very, very similar... If these 30 things are virtually identical, can't you just tell me, which one is the best or what are the three, and what are the trade-offs between them? And that's harder for us where we don't map to a catalog. But I think with the latest machine learning and GenAI techniques, it's easier and easier for us to start to understand what the stuff is, what's very substantially similar and really try to give you fewer choices of just the best."...

"Gen AI is actually going to be, I think, more and more helpful at understanding how much value did this particular seller truly add to the product. And we're looking to prioritize items that are really original where the seller really added value and then be able to explain to the buyer exactly where the seller did add value. Did the seller make it themselves, did they design it and produce it with a production partner, did they personalize it, I think that buyers are interested in knowing that." [my emphasis]

So the search plan is to show fewer items that look similar to each other, while adding more diverse items to the first page, all while boosting listings where the seller "added value". That sounds difficult to accomplish. Think of some searches where it is clear that many of the shops are using the very similar supplies, using the same fonts etc. In his ideal version of Etsy search, are most of those items going to disappear from the early pages in favour of things that look different and/or more complicated to make?

[There were 2 separate mentions of the differences between handmade vs. designed vs. personalized, including in the prepared remarks. Are they actually going to do something to make this more evident to shoppers, and if yes, how? If a shop sells POD and has their production partner linked, Etsy could display that more prominently on the listing, and even use that fact as a search filter. However, many owner-designed products don't have integrated production partners, and Etsy has done almost nothing to enforce disclosure there. We know from experience that AI will do a poor job of figuring this out, but Silverman doesn't seem to have noticed that yet. I am intrigued, but not hopeful.]

"Keep Commerce Human" and Handmade Policy "Violations"

They continue to tout increased removal of items and shops under the handmade policy, and mentioned the AliExpress bot again. If the image exists on AliExpress, "our default now is we take that down". Silverman mentioned that sellers can appeal the takedown, but failed to mention that the process takes weeks or even months, and the shop loses a ton of sales and their listing quality score in the meantime.

Handmade removals more than doubled in the first quarter compared to the year before. Etsy has lost a bit of money due to more aggressive removal of listings and shops as handmade violations; they estimate sales are 0.5% lower than they would have been if nothing was removed. Since the push started, they claim millions of listings and tens of thousands of active sellers have been taken down.

The annual transparency report should have more details; it will be out next week. [I will write my review of it the week after, when I return from a short vacation.]

The Economy

In case you haven't heard, some people feel they have a shortage of discretionary income these days. Silverman claims that Amazon and Walmart are only growing because they sell "everyday essentials". [Remember when Etsy said they were a site for everyday essentials too? The early pandemic was a wild time, and Etsy might be better positioned today if they hadn't assumed the ecommerce boost would continue forever.]

One of the analysts expressly asked if Etsy could still see itself as "a growth company" when they weren't showing any growth, and if they were planning on making really aggressive moves to restart growth this year. Silverman insisted they were all about big moves, citing Gift Mode as an example.

[Perhaps in frustration, this is where Silverman slipped up and swore, saying the corporation does "a sh**-ton of measurement" on the value of its projects, which for me was truly the highlight of the call. I like it when the talking heads show they are human.]

CFO Rachel Glaser pointed out that Etsy is still growing in the higher income brackets, and that when economic conditions improve for lower income households, Etsy will be in great shape.

Miscellaneous

In shipping updates, Silverman reported that:

"Our fulfillment team recently launched a new machine learning model, which reduced our estimate of USPS transit times by greater than one day, resulting in a nearly tripling of the percentage of eligible orders for which Etsy is now able to show an estimated delivery date of seven days or less."

[This would explain why so many shops are reporting items due to arrive before they ship, or have the wrong processing times on them. Any time Etsy applies machine learning to anything, there are widespread errors. They do seem to have fixed the processing time issue, however. Expect Etsy to continue to push for shorter processing times all year, and to have issues with USPS estimates.]

We finally got updated information on buyer app use: 45% of active buyers use the app. That does not necessarily mean that 45% of purchases come from the app, just that those customers use the app at least once in a while. Oddly enough, this was the first quarterly report in years that did not mention sales from mobile. Last quarter, 68% of sales across all of Etsy's sites came from mobile. If those stats are identical on Etsy - that's a big "if" - and if the 45% app use number was actual sales (not just occasional use) that would mean that 45% of Etsy sales would come from the app, 32% from desktop, and 23% from mobile browser. They will be pushing the app much more again this year, "since purchasing days per app user are 75% higher than our non-app users."

the $15 sign up fee for new shops reduced both new sellers and fraud attempts. Silverman referred to "low-effort sellers" and stated "if you're not prepared to invest $15 to get your shop going on Etsy, you may not have the skill or the will to really succeed." [This is such a huge change from the years of him bragging that anyone can start a shop for 20 cents that I wonder how he doesn't get whiplash from these reversals.]

we got a little more info on the planned loyalty program, but not a lot. It won't even be out in beta until the second half of the year, and "the focus is going to be on occasional shoppers...and [how to] turn those people into more loyal buyers."

Reverb and Depop both had good quarters, in part due to their "appeal to value-oriented shoppers".

My Commentary

The biggest takeaway is that algorithms will be changing, and that could hurt a lot of sellers who are currently doing well. They've been saying this for a while now, but recent policy updates and more details on their vision makes this feel much closer.

If they are truly going to narrow down searches to the best of the similar, a lot of items will be shown a lot less than they are now. The difference in "quality" between one listing and the next could be very minor, so setting the goal of narrowing the choices down to just a few means some top sellers could be impacted.

If you want your Etsy shop to keep being shown to visitors, work on:

eliminating late shipments. Extend your processing times and extend individual orders as required. Make it easier for your customers to understand they need to provide information for custom items. [This is tough to balance, because longer processing times and cancelling orders when you don't have the information from the buyer yet are both things that also hurt your visibility. It's just another way in which Etsy is sabotaging sellers of truly custom made items on the site.]

reducing returns and cancellations as much as possible. Examine the reasons people cancel or return orders in your shops, and look for common complaints/reasons you could potentially decrease though information in descriptions and images, FAQs, automated notes to buyers, and Message snippets. [I once stopped selling a product because too many people couldn't figure out how to use it properly. I thought I was explaining it well, but obviously I was not. There is no shame in failing, as long as we recognize the fact.]

improving image quality. This includes making sure your photos are at least 2000 px in the shortest direction, and are clear, uncluttered, properly white balanced and attractive in composition.

making your unique contributions evident in the photos and description. If you "add value" to the product, let everyone know that.

when considering new lines, doing your best not to look like everyone else. Aim to sell that original version that Etsy wants to display as evidence of Etsy's diversity.

remembering that shipping price is a search factor. It may eventually be necessary to bury some or all of the shipping fee in the product price, or to discontinue low-margin and expensive-to-ship products, if they are going to be narrowing down to only a few "quality" products for each query.

I'll have more to say on the handmade violations initiatives after I read the transparency report next week. My current feeling is that the seller community needs to be more publicly vocal about how Etsy's refusal to "keep commerce human" by hiring more support and more handmade screeners is harming truly handmade artisans. Removing items that are also showing up on Aliexpress or Shein as the default action, then forcing small business owners to wait weeks or even months for a resolution, is the antithesis of "human". Oh, and instead of picking on handmade items, try turning AI on the boxes of commercial snacks and foods that continue to violate Etsy policies and cheapen the site.

Some people seem really worked up about the loyalty program plans, but since we know virtually nothing about it yet, I will reserve judgement. A properly-planned loyalty program should produce enough extra revenue to cover the costs, just as Etsy aims for with its periodic "save $10 on all orders over $40" offers.

Finally, last financial call they said they expected to see things picking up in quarter 2, now they say that is not expected until the second half of the year. What happened? Is it truly economic pressure, or did they have to abandon their plan to make more money by forcing shops into tiered subscriptions, at least temporarily? Silverman did stress that they think the gifting initiatives will pay off more as the year goes on, but the tone of this call was so different from the previous one that I can't help but feel that they had other plans just a few months ago.

My prediction from last quarter - that 2024 will be a rough year for many sellers - still stands.

[ladyluscinia]

I really cannot make it clear enough that the only people who think Izzy Hands has a massively outsized following in the OFMD fandom are people who aren't paying attention and probably get annoyed by every positive mention of Izzy Hands.

Those of us who do post about him / read fics about him / enthusiastically ship him / whatever are far more likely to quip about how there are whole dozens of us in our corner because that's a hell of lot closer to the reality. But if plain statistics on fics or repeatedly pointing out that tumblr notes are the same people hitting that same reasonable average of double digit reblogs... Idk. Maybe a more descriptive exercise would make this clear?

I'm sorting AO3 by most kudos, looking at OFMD fics with Izzy's character tag (aka the one place he really outstrips the other side characters in numbers). A few observations:

Izzy's name appears in a fic summary for the first time on Fic 6, with "...and Izzy getting disrespected several times." Not much of a mention.

First Izzy/OC ship is Fic 7 (Hell or High Water - a title I recognize but have never read)

First Izzy/Other Character is Fic 17, with Izzy/Lucius, which also appears to be the first Izzy focused fic

Fic 22 is the first appearance of BlackHands as part of a SteddyHands fic

46 Fics in we get the first one Not Technically Ship Tagged with BlackBonnet (a Lucius/Izzy with a "background blackbonnet" tag), and at Fic 63 we get the first Actually Not Ship Tagged with BlackBonnet (a Stizzy fic about bonding over hating Calico Jack).

I think Fic 215 is the first mention of Sam Bellamy? I'm trying to find something specific and it's taking a while...

Oh wait there it is! 216 Fics by Kudos into the "Israel Hands" character tag (out of 7785 total) we have the first BlackHands fic that doesn't have Stede involved. Prior to this there were a lot of BlackBonnet fics, and notable numbers of SteddyHands and Izzy/Lucius. Hell we even hit Izzy/Frenchie and Izzy/Captain Flint before getting to this point.

I'm just really trying to illustrate here that for all the snide accusations and defensive worrying I see about all the sinister Izzy fans trying to make the whole show and fandom about him, "Izzy" content (which this ought to demonstrate is hardly all about Izzy) is just not that overwhelming. Izzy content that excludes or ignores the Revenge crew even less so. Like, run this exercise with any side character and you'll get pretty similar results - seeing as the dominance of BlackBonnet above all else is still ridiculous by fandom standards - but that's kinda the point.

Izzy is a popular side character, which is a thing that tends to happen when side characters get speaking time, characterization, camera focus, exploration of their current and potential relationships (conflict counts), etc. You know, things that Izzy gets a bunch of as an antagonist? Izzy having more content than Oluwande is not really more weird than Oluwande having more content than Buttons or Wee John? I'm not going to pretend that fandom spaces don't drop the ball on content for characters of color pretty often, but the tagged content breakdown in this fandom is not far off from what you would expect by character descriptions alone.

Like the list goes Cool Protagonist / Love Interest -> POV Protagonist -> Live-In Primary Antagonist -> Side Fun Guy with a Death Cliffhanger / Fanfic Gap Ending -> Side Pirate Assassin with a Subplot -> Assassin's Side Love Interest... I mean, maybe Lucius is a bit higher than Jim even for what "Lucius in the walls" fics can account for, or Lucius / Izzy have a bit bigger of a lead than they would without white identifying bias, but that's like? Unprovable speculation at best???

Not remotely comparable to, like, "Star Wars Sequel Trilogy" where Kylo Ren is 46.3% of fics while the two non-white protagonists are only in 35.7% (Poe) or 29% (Finn). Like Poe is technically behind Hux's 35.9%, which is absurd for a secondary antagonist no matter how fun I found his blatant evil. It's like if Chauncey Badminton was neck and neck with Jim or even Edward. That is a content percentage you should question, and the numbers might be worse in "Star Wars - All Media Types" (though Kylo does at least lose to Obi Wan).

[creativename87]

orv ask game!!!

0 - What got you into reading orv? it could be the story of how you found out about it, or the reasons why you decided to read it, or both!

2 - do you remember the point in the story where you realized that it was something special? ( if you even consider it special)

3 - What's your favorite part about the orv community and why?

4 - picking a favorite arc can be hard! Pick a few favorites if you can't decide on just one and tell me why, I'm curious :)

9 - ok favorite piece of literary object (ex. symbolism, foreshadowing, metaphors, etc. etc.) that appears

5 - we've all thought about it at one point in time or another, if you were a constellation what would your name be?

1 - be honest. would you survive the first scenario? If so, would you be able to survive the apocalypse in general? give a brief (it can be long! but the apocalypse is a lot to cover, so feel free to shorten it, it might help a bit) but efficient summary of why/why not.

whatever number we're on right now - okay a little basic BUT: favorite relationship/character/character arc/whatever else you adore and wish to talk about and why you love it

18 - something you love that the fandom overlooks a lot and/or something important that you think the fandom got wrong

63 - what's your favorite quote? if you can't pick just one then pick a couple, or give me only a few of your favorites, but don't forget to tell me why they mean so much to you!

[blacksailskmeme]

There is a gloryhole in the brothel, frequented by all of our favorites. Captain Flint is on the other side, working off some stress by being Nassau's best throat goat

This is PROMPT #63

AO3 Collection (if you like this prompt, please submit a fill of at least 500 words ANONYMOUSLY to this collection with the prompt number in the summary/description. If you need help submitting or tagging, please reach out to event host @jaynovz)

[magz]

(Alternatively: march 11 to 17, 2024 week summary for palestine on instagram)

March 15 to March 19, 2024 Palestine Summary. From "Let's Talk Palestine" (instagram broadcast channel). Quote,

March 15, 2024.

Day 161

• UNICEF: 1 in 3 children (31%) under the age of 2 in northern Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition, an escalation from 15.6% in January

• 149 Palestinians killed, 300 injured in Gaza in the past 24 hours

• Netanyahu dismisses Hamas’s ceasefire proposal, despite US stating that it is “within the bounds” of what was discussed + announces war cabinet approved plans for Rafah ground invasion. Israel continues to send mixed signals as they are also set to send delegates for truce talks in Qatar

⚖️ ICJ to begin hearings in early April on Nicaragua’s case against Germany for complicity in genocide in Gaza, per Nicaragua’s request for emergency rulings

🇦🇺 Australia to resume UNRWA funding of $6 million, following internal determination that “UNRWA is not a terrorist organization” despite Israel’s accusations

🔻 Hamas claims 4 Israeli soldiers killed in central Gaza + ground fighting continues in Khan Younis (south Gaza) & targeting of an Israeli armored troop carrier and tank

March 16, 2024.

🗞️ The Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister and his cabinet resigned on Feb 26, while PA President Abbas will stay; a move towards a post-genocide plan to create a ‘unity’ PA gov’t across West Bank & Gaza.

Set up in the 90s, the PA operates as a subcontractor of Israel’s occupation, lessening its financial and political burdens. Today, PA is controlled by Abbas’s US-backed Fatah party, after Gaza split from its control under Hamas in 2007.

Since Oct, US has pushed for Gaza’s return to the governance of a reformed PA, but without elections, as Fatah would likely lose. Rather Abbas claims he’ll appoint a “technocratic government of officials & experts”. He chose a new PM 2 days ago.

But the rhetoric of “Palestinian unity” covers up the plan’s dismissal of popular demands for representative leadership. Palestinians doubt the reforms, overwhelmingly demanding the PA’s dissolution, Abbas’ resignation & PLO elections.

👩‍🏫 Confused about the PA? Read our post: tinyurl.com/4yhr7k67

Day 162

• 1st aid shipment departing Cyprus arrived in Gaza yesterday carrying 200 tons of food, marking 1st Gaza sea shipment since 2005 + planned 2nd ship coordinated by US, UAE, Spain & Japan; but unclear on distribution of aid across Gaza

• Massacre in central Gaza as Israel destroys home, killing 36 Palestinians, incl. kids & pregnant women

🔻 Senior Hamas & Houthi officials hold rare meeting to discuss coordinated action against an Israeli Rafah ground invasion

• Israeli settlers attack homes in Nablus (West Bank), throwing stones & shooting the air + 20 Palestinians abducted in West Bank, incl. some released in Nov. hostage exchange deal

•⁠ ⁠Palestinian Authority (PA) president Abbas accuses Hamas of causing “return of Israeli occupation of Gaza”, essentially blaming Hamas for the ongoing genocide. Was prompted by Hamas criticism of ‘unilateral’ appointment of new PM of the PA (see our last broadcast)

• 63 Palestinians killed, 112 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

March 17, 2024:

Day 163

🇺🇸⁠ NBC: Biden frustrated over drop in poll numbers in swing states Michigan & Georgia due to his handling of Gaza genocide. Shouting and swearing in a White House meeting, saying he’s doing what is right

•⁠ 19 aid trucks arrive in north Gaza — first convoys to reach the north without incident in 4 months. But aid remains scarce as Israel keeps blocking entry of aid as trucks pile outside Rafah crossing + rate of malnutrition among children under 2 in north doubles in past month

•⁠ 14th Palestinian dies since Oct 7 in Israeli prison following multiple allegations of extreme abusive conditions for Palestinian hostages

🇪🇺⁠ ⁠EU President condemns an Israeli Rafah invasion, joining countless nations to do so like the US & Arab countries

•⁠ Israeli forces abduct 25 Palestinians, incl. a woman with cancer from Gaza & a child in overnight raids in West Bank

•⁠ ⁠92 Palestinians killed, 130 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

March 18, 2024

Day 164

🚨⁠ Israeli forces raid al-Shifa Hospital, where 30,000 Palestinians are sheltering, shooting snipers at those fleeing despite ordering an evacuation. Al-Shifa has regained minimal functionality since Nov seige, but now unable to treat the injured due to siege. 200+ civilians abducted, incl. Al Jazeera journalist Ismail al-Ghoul & his crew — stripped, blindfolded & taken to unknown location, reporting abuse & beatings

•⁠ 81 Palestinians killed, 116 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

•⁠ Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC): Famine imminent, expected in north Gaza by May as 70% of its population subject to “catastrophic” starvation; while famine in Khan Yunis, Rafah & Deir Balah by July

•⁠ ⁠Israel recaptures Rawda Abu Ajmiyeh, previously released in Nov hostage exchange deal; 13 Palestinians recaptured, a clear violation of the deal

•⁠ West Bank: 300 homes demolished + 1,640 Palestinians displaced since Oct 7

🇪🇺 EU announces plans to sanction Israeli settlers

👆 Graphic from IPC report on the levels of starvation and food insecurity in Gaza. On the left: current levels of food insecurity in Gaza; on the right: projected food insecurity levels by July

March 19, 2024

📣 We’ve just launched a dedicated page to fundraising for Gazans via our linktr.ee/fundsforgaza initiative. We’ve already facilitated tens of thousands of dollars in donations in the past weeks to families in Gaza.

The people we’re helping fundraise for are not numbers. This is a matter of life or death for people with dreams, passions, and stories like you.

Follow the new page @ fundsforgaza (instagram) to get updates on the fundraisers, share content with others to help fundraisers, and support people in Gaza ❤️🇵🇸

Https://instagram.com/fundsforgaza

[roadtogracelandx45]

Baby, I Do| Austin Butler!Elvis

*This is a rewrite, I think that Sylvie forgave him to easily in the first verison of it. I like this one better. masterlist will come soon.*

masterlist

@thatbanditqueen

Baby, I Do 

Summary: Elvis has had enough of Sylvie being away, and he goes to New York before the night shows he was booked to do to get her back. And he is willing to do everything he can to get her back. Including offering the one thing they both always wanted. Marriage and a family. 

Volume 2 

Inspired by Prompt 63

“Well, you are coming home with me whether you like it or not.” + “Like what see?”

 Austin Butler!Elvis/ Sylvie  

Kind of what if. Instead of the colonel going to get Sylvie it’s Elvis 

*** 

1956

New York City 

4 months after Roberta successfully kicked Sylvie out of Graceland 

** 

Elvis could never understand why Sylvie wanted to be in a big, loud, smoke-filled city like New York. Memphis, he could understand because that was home, but New York, never. 

Maybe it was because she could blend into the crowds and be a 22-year-old woman. Not just the only female member of the Memphis Mafia, not Elvis’s girl Friday. Not the Dream Maker. She was just Sylvie here and it was something she had needed. 

She had tried to voice her opinion and needed time off but Elvis and the boys tended to forget that Sylvie had to press the off button for a while and just be her. She couldn’t just take the pills or get injections and bounce back to it. 

And the fight with Roberta and him siding with her over Sylvie was the straw that broke the camel's back and in the middle of the night, she had snuck out of Graceland and came up to New York and had stayed out of contact with them. 

It had gotten so bad with the phone calls and letters, that she took the phone off of the hook and marked the letters return to sender. The first letters she had sent back had broken his heart and he knew it was his fault. He could never have just one girl, he had to have multiples and he thought that the love that they shared was strong enough. 

But he had broken it again and that love they had was shattered again.  He shattered Sylvie “My boy, why, why are we here?” Colonel asked, he had come up with him to New York for the show. 

“Sylvie is here and I need to see her.”  The older man groaned and shifted his cane to where it was sitting in the crock of his elbow. 

“You don’t need her, you have Roberta.” He liked the idea of Roberta better, she didn’t push against what he wanted. Sylvie on the other hand fought tooth and nail for not only things that Elvis needed and in turn what she needed.  The singer turned to him and glared at him, “I am seeing her.” There was such a finality in his voice that it almost scared him. Whatever Sylvia held over him was something fierce and having another woman in his life was never going to cut it. 

Sighing the Colonel opened the front door to the studio where Frank Sinatra and several others were recording, they had been informed by the doorman at Sylvie’s building, that she had been picked up early that morning by Frank’s driver and his daughter Nancy to be taken to the studio.  And Elvis insisted on stopping there before going any further into the city. 

“You know she is betraying you by being here right?” He asked, “This, this Frank has said things.” 

“He is also Sylvie’s favorite singer.” The singer added as the girl sitting by the desk pressed a few buttons on the phone. 

 “Besides you.” A voice came from the back hallway, Angie, Frank’s assistant had come out of the studio that had tracks playing and Sylvie’s voice was mixing in with Frank’s.  “She made that clear that you were her number one and she wasn’t going to take any negative comments about you. If you come with me Mr. Presley, I will show you to the studio. Colonel Parker, Frank asked for you to stay out here.’ 

“I am his manager.’  

“That doesn’t matter,  he is insisting and mostly on Ms. Adams’ part. And what Frank wants, he gets.” She motioned the security guard to come over just in case he put up an argument like Sylvie had warned them, 'You have done enough damage to her, the only reason, why he is welcoming Mr. Presley in, is because of Ms. Adams and her feelings for him.’ 

“What? What feelings?” 

“If you have to ask that, then you don’t know your client or Ms. Adams well at all.” 

“Stay out here. This shouldn’t take long.” Elvis patted the man’s shoulder before taking steps to follow Angie toward the hallway.  “Don’t bring that girl back Elvis. She isn’t good for you. And isn’t good for your career.’ 

Angie, along with Nancy spent several days with Sylvie and Natalie Wood and heard all about Sylvie’s feelings for Elvis and the lingering feeling that she felt that he had for her, bit her tongue from mouthing off.  

Plus the stories about Roberta.  They reflected badly on both Parker and Elvis.  

Still biting her tongue, Angie led Elvis back to the studio. He spotted his girl right away, she was sitting perched on the rolling chair by the soundboard, laughing at something the producer had said to her. “Sylvie.” Her name escaped him before he could stop himself. She turned quickly and her smile faded.  “Elvis. What are you doing here?” 

“We need to talk.” Releasing a sigh, the girl stood up from the chair. 

“Give me a minute?” She directed back at the booth where Frank was at. 

“Take your time.”  Normally Frank wouldn’t get involved in this kind of stuff, but his daughter Nancy had formed a friendship with Sylvia and heard stories and seen pictures of the two together.  The girl needed Elvis and in turn, he needed her, they just needed to sit down and admit it all. 

**

“Where’s the Pequin?’ She asked once they were in the room across the hall. “In the waiting room.”  

“And Roberta?”  

“At Graceland.”  Sylvie was glad her back was turned, so he couldn’t see the eye roll or the hurt. This was all just a repetitive cycle,  him bringing girls around and her dealing with it.  ‘And my sister and Davey?” “With Mama.”  “Once I get settled here, I will come down and get them. They aren’t yours or Gladys’s responsibility.” 

“You aren’t taking the kids. Graceland is their home. It is your home.” 

“No, it’s not. You bringing Roberta home and letting her overtake me changed that.” 

“Sylvie.” Elvis started as he crossed the room to go to her side, “I wasn’t thinking.” 

“Yeah, you were. Just not with the brain that God gave ya.’  She took another step away from him putting the table between them, she was the one that put a stop to what they had going on when Roberta tried to mother Andie and David. 

She was the one responsible for them, not Roberta, Andie was her sister and David was her son. And on top of that, he had chosen Roberta over Sylvie. After he had promised her the world and just dropped everything to be with another girl.  

“I miss you Syl.” He admitted causing her head to fly up and her eyes to go to him. 

“What?”

 “I miss you.”  This time he was able to come to her and stand in front of her, his hands stealing her hips and pulling her closer to him. 

For the first time since she had seen him, she was getting a good look at him, there were dark rings underneath his eyes, and the normal spark that they held was missing. His lace shirt was hanging loosely off of his slumped shoulders.   

“I need you with me, baby. I am not complete without you.”  

An unladylike snort escaped Sylvie, “You say that about every single time but you still do it! Why should I keep coming back?” “Because I love you god damn it.” Sylvie took a stumbling step back. Elvis never swore like that around her. “That life we were living, you, me, Andie, and Davey. With Mama and Daddy. Is the life I want.”

She put her hands on his chest and pushed him back slightly, “Then prove it. Words isn’t going to cut it this time.”