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“…I guess?” Kaleb shrugged. He debated with himself for a moment in his head, trying to find the best option. Trusting Faina and joining her in her mission was a risky move, but so far, it seemed like no one else was smart enough to actually succeed in escaping. And those who had, ultimately failed as well. 

“Alright. If you agree we’re in this together, we’re equal, and neither of us get left behind, I’m in.” If this turned out to be the wrong decision, he would deal with it then, but right now he saw no harm in getting in yet another shot of freedom. “Now, tell me more about my part in this.”

A smile was painted in her face, a perfect one, almost a fake one. She even clapped her hands quickly in a childish yet joyful behavior because of the little victory she achieved!

“I don’t care what they are, they rely on demons to use their powers for them, and I can do it all myself.” He mumbled. “Technicalities don’t matter. At the end of the day, they are just stupid mortals, and I come from an ancient line of powerful witches and warlocks. From Halloweentown, and when our kind rightfully ruled the mortal realm.” He gestured between the two of them when he referred to ‘our kind’, since the girl was also of supernatural origins. 

“Whatever.” He rolled his eyes, furrowing his brows. “Well, yeah. All of us are innocent without a real crime. That’s kinda the idea. Those who haven’t committed crimes, or at least, not serious ones are over there, and the ones who have are here.” What didn’t she get about that? “Returning home, here? Why would we spend all this time bringing down the barrier and escaping, only to come right back?” Faina was getting on his last nerve, and Kaleb was having enough. “Enough with the games. Tell me what you want from me, and what you want to do together, or get out.”

All that magic talk was something the bird really wanted to avoid and ignore it was proving to be quite hard, even catching herself in some thoughts like ‘when he will finish it?’ or ‘did he finished this babbling about magic and I didn’t noticed it?’ she wasn’t capable to avoid some parts. Her form was indeed calmer, but a little sad by her slouched shoulders.

“Magician? I’m a warlock, birdie, not one of those Facilier kids and their voodoo crap.” He instantly corrected. How dare she bring a being as strong, powerful, and ancient as him down to the same level as measly parlor tricks. 

“Unless you can give me some sort of plan or idea on what you want from me, I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t have time for your weird riddles.” Kaleb shook his head. “I know your dad is some kind of Phoenix and he’s made of lava or something, but other that I know nothing about him so no, I don’t know what you mean.”

It’s the second time he was able to startle her, something that mustn’t happen once happened twice. This gonna be a wild ride, the blood that flushed to her forehead painting the pale skin into red was giving tips how herd he hit the red button. “I thought they are some kind of witch doctors.” She managed to say in calm tone, but the rest of her sentences came with a little sour taste:

“Yeah, you have no idea Faina,” she mumbled. “Hope is the last thing left in Pamdora’s box for a reason. It’s pointless and because it’s still trapped in there, it never works.”

“Oh, you caught the show just now, huh? Hope you enjoyed yourself.” He grumbled, though he grew confused at her response. She really thought he won? Kaleb wouldn’t correct her, because it helped his bruised pride when he thought nothing would tonight. 

“Umm, what do you mean? You want me… Do you want me to join your gang?” He asked. “I already got one, but…” He hesitated. Kaleb was never one to let an opportunity pass him by if it meant a better position for himself. “What’s in it for me?”

Easy to impress, too naive to survive! Such big ego, what a fine toy. How funny would be to play with his ego? The bird didn’t asked herself about it, this kind of game wasn’t her field, physical pain was undoubtedly her preference when it comes to a little violence.

“Beat it!” Kaleb initially snapped to the girl at the door. Normally, a woman’s voice was always welcome and he would let them in without hesitation, but tonight was different. He was beaten down, humiliated, and not in the mood for any visitors. His father would not be pleased when he heard the news, and he wouldn’t want to face any more disappointment and mockery than necessary. 

Though, at the threats of burning his door down, he begrudgingly pulled himself to his feet. He would just need to tell this person to leave face to face, he supposed. “What do you want?” Kaleb frowned. 

She almost hit the door again a mere second after that response, but she didn’t, a little startled to think quickly or even to properly react. Well, at least the bird won’t have to burn anything. How lucky he was! Unluckily for the bird who was quite interested in testing her fire on that wood and inhale the precious smell it would burst from every crack. Well, maybe another day.

“Trust me, seeing my father isn’t a good thing,” she muttered. “And I don’t enjoy staying here, I despise getting hopes up only to get them crushed.” And it wasn’t so much her, but Hadie. She couldn’t handle his face when his hopes depleted. “My dad runs a prison of the dead, and because of that fact alone, Uncle Zeus thought throwing all us blue haired spawn of Persephone in here was more than justified, no matter how many hours ago we were born.”