Lucien had driven himself insane as he paced the corridor, with Charlotte’s notebook clenched in his hand. Finding his sister’s killer consumed his thoughts. Theories of what she found and died for came in chaotic pieces that he couldn’t put together. It started with the vampire killings. From there, she must’ve uncovered more. Something she didn’t keep in her notebook, or something she just never had the time to write.
Like clockwork, his mother arrived home promptly before supper. The moment she walked through the door, Lucien all but thrust the notebook into her hands. Mom didn’t even have the chance to remove her flats and overcoat.
“It’s Charlotte’s,” Lucien said, words jumbling together at rapid speed. “Read it. She was investigating vampire murders.”
“What?” She frowned, flipping through the pages. Her confusion morphed into shock, gasping at the gristly drawings she’d depicted of the burned vampire corpses. “Goodness gracious. What was that child doing, looking into vampire matters? Where did you find this?”
“Her room,” Lucien admitted. “I think she found something important. Something that made someone murder her.”
“I’ll take this down to the Supernatural Council tomorrow, okay?”
Lucien nodded. “Yeah, okay.”
That was the last place he wanted to hand that notebook over to. At least he’d read it before showing his mother. Part of him wanted to beg her to keep it, but that required confessing the little investigation he’d struck up with Castor, and he didn’t want to start an argument over that.
“So, has the Council told you anything about her case? Have they found any suspects yet?” Lucien pestered his mom with questions, following her into the kitchen.
“No, nothing so far.” Mom sighed. “Oh, and Lucien, we need to discuss your position within the Supernatural Council. You can’t just do paperwork forever. You need to decide on what branch you’ll work in.”
Always like his mother to think about her precious work. Perhaps it helped distract her, but the Supernatural Council was the last thing he wanted to think about.
“Yeah, I’ll think about it,” Lucien fibbed. “I was about to head over to the emporium. Do you need anything while I’m out?”
Mom frowned, worry lines creased her forehead. She didn’t want him getting into trouble. “No, I’m alright, but you should be careful out there.”
“I will.” Lucien donned his coat and boots before heading out into the brisk, fall evening. He couldn’t stop thinking about that notebook as he crossed the sidewalk.
Murky fog shrouded the town in a veil. Festive lights flickered from houses, yet nobody celebrated a once boisterous time of year. Charlotte’s death hung over them as a direful warning. Anyone could be next. But Lucien had a sneaking suspicion that her killer would be back for his blood.
It happened right outside their home. Her killer knew where they lived, and with no witnesses around, it would be the perfect time to strike. His heartbeat hammered in his chest as he kept a close eye out on his surroundings. He slipped his hands into his pockets, ensuring he had both his wand and gun. Part of him wished her attacker would dare show their face again, but the scaredy-cat shivering inside his soul pleaded to the Gods above that nobody tried to curse him to death.
Just as Lucien rounded the corner, a shrill shriek penetrated his ears. Memories flashed through his mind of the night he found Charlotte dead as he froze. Fear strangled his lungs. He gasped for air, struggling to push himself onward, but he wouldn’t run away like a coward.
Lucien rounded the corner with cautious steps, halting at the street sign when he spotted folks gathered around outside Blissful Bites. Angry shouts reached his ears as he rushed over to the commotion, hoping to break it apart.
“Fucking blood-sucker,” Mr. Abernathy seethed, pointing his wand directly at Sebastian’s head. “Go crawl back in your tomb.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the audience of older women, all keeping their wands close as if they anticipated to hex the poor guy. It took Lucien a moment to push through to him.
“What is going on here?” Lucien demanded as he cleared his voice, hoping to mimic the same authoritarian tone as his mother.
“This vampire is trespassing,” Mrs. Pepperheart said, pointing an accusatory wand his way.
“I was just thinking of our safety.” Mr. Abernathy straightened his posture, trying too hard to impress those around him. “This violent vampire could attack anyone. Claims to be visiting a friend.”
Before Sebastian could defend himself, Lucien said, “Yes, that’s right. Sebastian is my friend, and he came to see me. Sorry, I’m late.”
Sebastian nodded. “No need for apologies. Thank you.”
“If anyone has issues with him, then you may take it up with the Supernatural Council,” Lucien said, sending a murderous glare to each of them, silently praying it sent the frightful message he intended. He didn’t wait around long enough for them to respond.
Lucien seized Sebastian’s wrist, yanking the vampire away from the crowd and down the pavement. Ripples of adrenaline coursed through his body. He couldn’t believe he’d just done that. If he’d left Sebastian alone with them, there was no telling how badly things could’ve gone. Especially with a bunch of furious wizards ready to hex him.
“I think we’re in the clear now,” Sebastian said.
With a sigh, Lucien released his arm. “Are you insane? Why are you in a neighborhood full of wizards? You’re lucky they didn’t hex you! Or worse.”
“Someone tried to kill me last night.”
“Oh, shit. Like, a vampire hunter?” Lucien asked. “Are you okay?”
“They used a death curse on me.” Sebastian crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything that sinister inside my body before.”
“Wait, they actually cursed you?” Lucien halted in his tracks. “They stole some of your life force.”
Sebastian nodded. “Quite a lot, actually. That’s why I need to speak with Castor.”
“His family’s shop is just up ahead,” Lucien replied. “I actually needed to tell him something too.”
“Thank you for helping me back there. Castor was right about you wizards, you’re all judgemental pricks.” Sebastian bared his fangs, scowling. “They’re fortunate that my powers are drained, otherwise, I would’ve taught them a lesson.”
“I can’t wait to hear the rumors they come up with about me now.” Lucien laughed. “They already frown upon my friendship with Castor, but when word gets out about my new vampire buddy? Gods, Mom will murder me.” His smile withered like a rose kissed by winter.
“Sorry for causing you trouble.” Sebastian bowed his head.
“No, you’re fine. I don’t mind,” Lucien assured him. “I find it rather amusing when they gossip about me.”
They finally reached the emporium, but when Lucien entered the store, Sebastian remained at the doorstep. An ungodly expression washed over his face.
“You coming?” Lucien asked, holding the door wide open.
“I can’t. The protection charm’s too strong.” Sebastian wavered where he stood. “Ever since I arrived in your town, my powers have been restrained. Your people keep their places guarded very well from those like me.”
It hadn’t even occurred to Lucien how he couldn’t pass through anywhere protected by magic. Their protection charms were meant to ward off evil. Vampires fell beneath that umbrella of unearthly creatures, but where else could they go?
“Lucien?” Castor emerged from behind the counter. “You good?”
“Sebastian’s with me,” Lucien explained, gesturing behind him. “He can’t enter.”
“Oh, shit. I forgot, my bad.” Castor rubbed the back of his neck.
“Can you take them down?” Lucien asked. “He already bumped into some of our friendly neighbors who wanted to hunt him down. I’m worried about leaving him alone out there.”
“My mom put these protection charms up. I have no idea how she does it either,” Castor confessed.
“Huh? Really? You’ve never cast your own protection spells?”
Castor shrugged. “Never needed to. Mom always does it. And I’m not very good at it. Maybe we could just go to the park or somewhere else without charms?”
Lucien retrieved his wand, hesitating. “Your mom won’t kill me if I dispel your emporium, will she? I promise to fix the protection charms after Sebastian leaves.”
“You can do that to someone who isn’t family?” Castor asked.
“Of course. I can do it with anyone.” Lucien pulled his wand out, embers of silver twinkled off the tip.
With a few soft-spoken words, magical energy shifted amongst the emporium. Mrs. Vale’s protection charms were strong and put up a helluva fight before shattering. That sense of security vanished, leaving them open for anything to enter. Lucien stepped back outside, holding the door open.
“You can come in now, Sebastian. I dispeled her protection charms,” Lucien said.
Sebastian took cautious steps forward, hovering at the threshold before entering the shop. He gazed around at the wizardry apparel and charms. “Thanks for having me.”
“What the hell happened? It must be damn important for you to come over here,” Castor said.
Sebastian nodded. “Someone’s put a hit out on me. Not long after you guys left, someone attacked me with a death curse.”
“Holy hell. Are you alright?” Castor reached out, gently touching his arm. “Do you need any healing potions? We have all kinds here.”
“I appreciate the offer, but your potions have no effect on me. I’m here to warn you both,” Sebastian explained. “I believe it was Charlotte’s killer who came after me, and if they’re targeting me, you’ll probably be next.”
“Well, fuck.” Castor propped himself up on the counter, groaning.
“Do you remember anything else about the person?” Lucien asked. “Did they say anything to you? Did you hear their curse?”
“No, I only realized what happened when it was too late.”
Lucien pondered a moment before an idea hit him. “Castor, you sell portable mirrors here, right?”
“Yeah, why?” Castor asked.
“Bring me one. With your permission, I’d like to take a glance into your memory of last night,” Lucien said. “I can go as far as forty eight hours back.”
Sebastian tilted his head, confusion washing over his face. “How would you do that? Are you going to pry into my mind?”
“Just from that night. It’ll replay what happened,” Lucien explained. “If you’re not comfortable, I won’t do it.”
“You can,” Sebastian cautioned.
Castor handed him the mirror. “What’s this supposed to do?”
Lucien placed the small, black mirror on the counter face up. From his overcoat, he produced a small packet of salt and sprinkled it over the glass.
“I need a little bit of your blood, Sebastian.”
Sebastian’s brow raised as he held out his pale arm for him. With Castor’s switchblade, he carefully pierced the vampire’s skin, yet he made no indication of it hurting him. A light stream of crimson trickled onto the counter, where Lucien then traced half a pentagram. He used the switchblade on his finger next, dribbling just enough to finish the shape.
“I promise I won’t hurt you, but it might feel sickening when I do this. I need you to hold my hand, and if it gets unbearable, squeeze as hard as you can. I’ve never done this with a vampire before, but it hurts like hell for wizards.”
“I trust you, Lucien. Don’t worry, I rarely experience pain like you weak wizards.” Sebastian teased with a smirk.
“Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn ya.”
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