gabriela had a nose for darkness, being able to sniff it out anytime it was close. the sense never shocked her, living in new orleans always meant there was something lurking, but after having kids she became a bit more sensitive to the feeling. standing by the fire, the demon took a deep breath, rolling her eyes before his voice could hit her ears. a sweet talker, something gabi knew about all to well.
taking a sip of their drink, they shrugged their shoulders before looking to the other. "you don't look like the type to enjoy stargazing. seems to chill for you." turning from the flames, gabriela looked at the other sternly, unsure of what to make of him. he wasn't anything she couldn't handle, having her fair share with dangerous beings. yet, she was nervous about what his intentions were. "plus if i was to go stargazing it would be with my husband."
open starter for ♔ @inaducursehqstarters location ♔ paradigm gardens
tobias parker lounged by the bonfire, the stars shimmering above like celestial secrets waiting to be uncovered. the magic in the air buzzed, intoxicating and invigorating. he noticed a newcomer, a silhouette against the flames, and flashed a charming grin. "welcome to the festivities," he purred, his voice smooth as velvet.
his shadow specter, an ethereal wisp of darkness, hovered at his side, eager to cause a little mischief. "the stars are quite a sight tonight," tobias continued, eyes gleaming with a mix of warmth and mischief. "care to join me for a bit of stargazing?"
josie watched the flames as they danced in the wind, she'd always loved the solstice bonfire. the snacks and traditions of burning wishes or just things you needed to let go of, all of it felt like home. to have lizzie back made it that much better. klaus's voice took her out of her thoughts, ones of all the women in her life both past and present. rolling her eyes, the siphoner gave him a smirk before shrugging. "tonight, i'll just be observing..." ever since the masquerade, josie couldn't help but be on edge. knowing that if anything there wouldn't be just one event ruined by hunters. "i don't trust anything about this event. normally i love it but...something just doesn't feel right."
open starter for ♔ @inaducursehqstarters location ♔ paradigm gardens
klaus mikaelson stood near the bonfire, drink in hand, the flames casting a menacing glow on his face. the air crackled with tension as much as it did with magic. his gaze was sharp, piercing through the merriment around him. a newcomer approached, and klaus's lips twisted into a sardonic smile. "ah, fresh meat," he drawled, his tone dripping with annoyance.
"greeting and salutations" he continued, voice edged with sarcasm. "do try not to get in anyone's way." he took a slow sip of his drink, eyes never leaving the intruder. "it would be such a shame to spoil the evening."
eleanor never actually made it into the ball, her nerves not allowing her to go any further than the steps, but with the events that unfolded she was now thankful. once seeing everyone else run, she decided to follow. there was one place she knew to go, the magic shop that she often visited before her death, a place she hadn't been in years. yet she knew the way and stumbled in, with messy hair and labored breaths. "yeah, i saw that but hunters they attacked the ball and everyone was running and i used to come here all the time so i thought it would be safe." the woman was rambling, a nervous tick some may say, but she had grown to just consider it part of her personality. "i'm sorry, really, i just need a moment."
fear swirled in her mind, wondering if everyone was safe that she cared for. then she began to curse herself for being such a coward and running away. tears filled her eyes and she allowed her shoulders to slouch forward in sadness.
open start ♔ @inaducursehqstarter location ♔ enchanted emporium bonnie's shop during 6/20 plot drop
something was wrong. she could feel it in the very air, an oppressive heaviness that seemed to cling to her skin ┈┈ weaving through the magic that enveloped them all. there had been a time when she longed for simplicity ┈┈ when lifting feathers ┈┈ lighting candles, and coaxing plants to grow were the pinnacles of her magical prowess. she reminisced about her travels, the joy of discovery, and seeing the world alongside the man she loved. but now, especially recently, a restlessness churned within her soul ┈┈ a silent call from the spirits that echoed in her bones. they sought a bennett witch ┈┈ and she felt the pull keenly. was it foolish to want to answer?
with a flick of her wrist ┈┈ one of the tomes flew off the shelf of her quaint shop on to the counter before her, its pages fluttering open under her magical command. her eyes narrowed as the door creaked open ┈┈ an unwelcome intrusion into her sanctuary. "pretty sure that sign says we're closed," she called out, her voice laced with warning. her magic ignited at her fingertips ┈┈ shimmering with a readiness to be unleashed.
she knew something was wrong, from the moment she set foot on the property, her gut was telling her that this wasn't right. so when motives were revealed, the hybrid was ready to fight for her families survival. with claws and fangs at the ready, she made her way through hunters while remaining on the search for her children. her vision was altered, the only focus being each hunters heartbeat the rest blurred. she wasn't herself anymore, something else altogether, something she knew so well and yet tried to hide away. because she wanted to be better, for her children, for the people around her. that's why she joined the faction, to make sure that klaus didn't go too far when given so much power. to make sure that her children could then have some of their own and not worry about supernatural politics.
it was a long shot, she knew that it was going to take a lot of hard work to undo centuries of damage, but she'd try with all her might to make it right. she sensed him, way before he was ever in sight, all she saw was red until she placed a hand on his shoulder. meeting his angry glare, she rolled her eyes and smirked. blood covered her white gown, hair now messy, mask ripped off by some hunter long ago. "yeah we all know how much i enjoy playing by the rules." wiping the sweat off her brow, she gave him a look. "have you seen any of the kids?"
open start ♔ @inaducursehqstarter location ♔ vaso bar and venue during 6/20 plot drop
he despised surprises, especially those he hadn't meticulously orchestrated himself or those that threatened the safety of his loved ones. it was a point of pride that he hadn't threatened or killed anyone in a considerable time. yet ┈┈ as he watched the hunter dispatch vampires with impunity, he felt that familiar ┈┈ bloodthirsty urge surge within him, questioning if he had grown too soft over the years. no, of course he hadn't. but where once his instinct would have been to attack and kill with unrestrained pleasure ┈┈ he knew this time it wasn't an option.
instead ┈┈ he moved like a specter through the chaos, navigating the maelstrom of thrown bodies and pools of crimson staining the floors and linens of tables. his eyes darted through the crowd, desperately searching for his family. their safety was his only priority. a sudden hand on his shoulder made his hybrid senses flare ┈┈ eyes shifting to a dangerous black with golden irises peeking through the inky darkness. he turned, ready to strike.
"you," he growled, his features relaxing slightly as recognition dawned, eyes returning to their normal state before turning and continuing in the direction he was headed. "rule one in survival: don't sneak up on a hybrid, you should be familiar with this should you not?"