powerless

A shiver ran down his spine before he could suppress it, making his reach for the accessories more reflexive than he meant. He'd survived cave chill and mountain frost, but Northnot's cold knew how to linger in all the wrong ways. "Oh, you didn't have to... uh, thank you." He ducked under the scarf and hat almost in one motion, tugging the edges down over his ears. The gloves warmed his frozen fingers instantly, slowing him as he finished pulling on the second. He traced the knit pattern with his eyes, wiggled his fingers once, then closed his fist and nodded. His expression brightened, the corners of his mouth lifting. "These are great. And... yes, a tea would be perfect after this. But I won't get a cellular phone. I'll start checking the newspaper in the morning."

"I absolutely had to. I didn't want you to be shivering the whole time or get grumpy," she explained, smiling as he put the items on. She was glad she had decided to bring them after debating for a bit, but clearly they were needed. "You can keep them. Maybe you'll actually remember to use them until it warms up," she suggested, turning to walk through the entrance of the farmer's market. "I think you'll break one day. Maybe not anytime soon, but give it a few centuries for technology to take over and you might not have a choice any more."

Lily’s laugh came out soft, but it had that relieved, watery edge like Natalie had just loosened a knot she’d been carrying in her ribs for years. “Please,” she said, rolling her eyes as she leaned her head lightly against Natalie’s shoulder for a second. “The world is not ready. You’d have people falling in love in grocery store aisles and writing poetry on receipts.” She pulled back just enough to look at her, still smiling, but gentler now. More honest. “But… yeah.” Lily swallowed, her thumb still tracing over Natalie’s knuckles like it was grounding her. “You’re right. I think I did stop fighting it. I think I finally let myself want more than just… getting through the day.” Her gaze flicked down, then back up, a little shy despite herself. “And it’s scary, because now I have something to lose. But it’s also…” she exhaled, eyes bright. “It’s the first time it’s felt worth it.” Then Lily’s mouth quirked again, because she couldn’t stay too tender for too long without getting embarrassed. “So yes, you should write the book. But I’m gonna need you to title it something dramatic, like… How to Be an Ancient Vampire and Still Have Better Emotional Intelligence Than Everyone You Know.”

"Okay I don't know about all that, but I suppose love can find you anywhere at any time." It sure had felt like it came out of nowhere for her. At the same time, it was like it had always been there between her and Erik, waiting for them to be in the right place for it all to happen. "That's really brave of you. You let them in and you're letting yourself trust and love them," she reminded her friend. She wanted Lily to realize just how strong this was of her, even if it may not look like the idea of strong or brave she was used to. Sometimes bravery was quiet. "I don't know if I qualify as ancient yet... more like neurotic."

NORTHKNOT WAS QUIETER AT THIS HOUR. not empty , but softened . streetlights hummed low , casting long shadows . malakai stood near the main fountain in the town square , hands tucked into the pockets of a loose jacket that he didn’t technically need anymore . the air moved through him instead of against him , but he stayed anyway . he watched the reflection of the lights ripple across the surface as they distorted and reformed . ❝ . . . funny thing about water , ❞ he said aloud , voice carrying just enough to s u g g e s t he knew someone else was nearby . ❝ it never holds a shape . doesn’t matter how steady the source is . it shifts the second something touches it . ❞ a faint smirk tugged at his mouth , but it didn’t quite stick . ❝ guess that’s northknot for you . people come here thinking they’ll settle . . . ❞ he paused . ❝ but settling and staying aren’t the same thing . ❞ he tilted his head slightly , finally glancing toward the sound of approaching footsteps , or maybe just a p r e s e n c e he could feel . ❝ so, ❞ he asked , easy but observant , ❝ have you tried to put down roots . . . ?? or have you tried just p a s s i n g through ?? ❞ malakai wondered .

"You're always thinking deeply about something," Natalie commented instead of answering, wrapping her arms around herself. "Ever since I moved here I haven't left. I made this my home, but in a way I was mostly hiding. I was hiding from my past and hiding from having to be a vampire out in the world and hiding instead of doing so openly. But I managed to eke out a life for myself here. I wouldn't consider myself passing through in any way."

The pier was humming like it knew a secret. Koralis leaned over the railing, wind threading through her hair, the night wrapped around her shoulders like it had personally chosen her. The ocean below was restless, not angry, not calm, just thinking too loudly. She liked it best that way. Honest. She felt it before she saw them. The person on her right. Breathing a little uneven. Staring a little too long at the water. Without looking over, she said, “If you’re debating something dramatic, at least wait until the tide shifts. It makes everything feel more cinematic.” Now she glanced sideways, eyes bright and far too knowing for someone who claimed to be minding her business. “You’ve got that look. The ‘I came here to clear my head but accidentally found my feelings instead’ look.” A pause. A small, crooked smile. “Happens to the best of us.” A gull cried somewhere overhead. The waves smacked the pier like applause that didn’t quite mean it. She straightened, brushing salt from her palms. “So. Are we staring at the water in solidarity, or are you going to tell me why it’s staring back at you like that?”

The other had a rather poetic way of seeing things. She wasn't sure if the look the other saw was interpreted right, but she had come to think. That she could admit. "More so trying to clear my head of too many thoughts before I go crazy," was the best way she could describe it. "Trying to plan a wedding, run a business, and just worry about everyone else when I don't need to. It's enjoyable things to worry about but I feel like my head is going to explode all these thoughts if I don't take a minute to relax."

The coffee was bad. Sabine knew it before she even tasted it. The little diner on the edge of Main had never pretended otherwise. It stayed open late, it was quiet, and it didn’t ask questions. That was enough. She sat at the counter instead of a booth, coat folded neatly over the back of the stool, sleeves rolled just enough to show the edge of a silver ring she never removes. A case file lay open beside her plate, pages clipped, annotated, precise. No wasted ink. She didn’t look up when someone took the seat beside her. She registered them anyway. Weight shift. Breathing pattern. The faint smell of rain on fabric. “You’re either here because you need something,” she said calmly, turning a page, “or because you think I do.” Now she glanced over. Dark eyes. Assessing, not hostile. Just thorough. “If it’s the first one, start talking. If it’s the second, you’re about twelve hours late.” She closed the file with a soft tap. No smile. Not cold. Just steady. “Get on with it. Let’s not waste each other’s time.”

"Actually there is something I need," Natalie said, shrugging off her coat and tucking it behind her. "Can I get some cheese fries and a chocolate milkshake?" She directed her order at the waitress behind the counter with a smile before turning back to the detective. "I thought maybe you could use some company. I'll even share my fries." She rested her chin on her hand, eyes glancing over the paperwork the other seemed to be going over. "Hard case?"

open starter

The warmth from the crowds of people and all the dancing made Natalie overheated. She stepped outside for a cool breath, her rosy cheeks instantly cooling in the winter wind. "Oh yes! It's one of my favorite events of the year. But it gets very warm with everyone together in one place and dancing. I was feeling kind of lightheaded."

She felt a tinge of approval and pride when Azlee called her that. It was affirming in a way to hear that from someone she also saw as a fighter. Natalie couldn't help but laugh at her next words though. "I think I can be a bit scarier than the Blackthornes when it comes to planning things. My staff knows to fear me when it is time for changing things around." She could be demanding and controlling, but it was never out of malice at least. "I'm glad to hear that. I want all of you to know I respect you as a family and I want to be a part of it all, the good and the bad."

Azlee let out a low, amused hum, tipping her head as she regarded Natalie with something equal parts affection and mischief. “Scarier than the Blackthornes?” she echoed. “Careful—you keep saying things like that and they’ll start mistaking you for one of us even before the name’s official.” But her smile softened, the teasing fading into something steadier, anchored. “You don’t have to earn our respect, Natalie,” she said, voice dipping to that rare, quiet register she saved for truth. “You already bleed for the people you love. You stand your ground. You protect what matters. That’s the heart of this family—long before immortality, long before power.” She stepped closer, just enough that her presence was unmistakably warm, undeniably real. “You want the good and the bad?” Azlee continued, a wry, almost tender curve to her mouth. “Then you’re braver than half of us. And whether you realize it or not, you’ve already carved your place into this family. Wedding or not, name or not.” A beat passed—soft, but full. “You’re one of us, Natalie. That’s not something you have to fight for anymore.”

"Oh don't worry. It only lasts as long as I have a project. After that, I'm a little frightened bunny again that trips over her own feet." Outside of that, she was well aware she would never reach the level of striking fear into hearts the way the Blackthorne name could at times. Azlee's words were a balm to her worries. She had always felt like she didn't fit in anywhere. She wasn't like a normal vampire, she wasn't human any more, and she was a pacifist surrounded by creatures that had often been at war with each other for centuries. But knowing she was already considered part of this family helped. Erik had always been her place where she did belong and now that extended to all of them. The younger vampire wrapped the older in a hug, squeezing tightly. "Thank you."

Bliss lingered near the edge of the ballroom, champagne flute warm between her palms, the music humming through the floor like a second heartbeat. Gold light caught the faint shimmer in her skin; snow clung to the hems of gowns and coats like the night itself had followed everyone inside. She turned as someone stopped beside her—close enough that their presence shifted the air, the rhythm. “Hey,” she said softly, eyes lifting, smile small but sincere. “Is it just me, or does this place always feel like it’s holding its breath right before midnight?”

Natalie had paused to brush snowflakes from her hair and shoulders. It wasn't much but the snow falling had added a sense of magic to the air. It was that sort of magic she was wanting next year at her own wedding. She looked up with a smile of her own. "I suppose that is a good way to describe it. I always just call it a touch of magic, like something hovering just beneath the surface waiting to break free."

She had expected to find Campbell up at the front of the gallery as usual, but she wasn't there. Natalie glanced around, looking in a few of the rooms and not finding her. She had nearly given up when her vampire hearing picked up on subtle sounds in the back. Heading in that direction she finally found her. "Oh, sorry to disturb you. I didn't realizing you were painting."

Was this the right place? She wasn't so sure. "Sorry. I was looking for my friend Charlotte. I know her set is around here somewhere, but I'm a little lost. This place is always so busy," Natalie explained, jumping out of the way of people passing by carrying equipment.

"I mean, it's not like you'll be doing it all alone. And I've done some catering through the restaurant before, so my staff knows about the serving aspects. You'd just be in charge of making the food," she pointed out, doing her best to convince him. "Yes, it is on a larger scale than what you are used to, but if we use my staff and hire on any extras, it's not like you'll be doing it alone. You'll have sous chefs to boss around. And you won't be offended at me hyper-organizing every tiny aspect."

She giggled at his response, kissing him back happily, almost melting into his arms. "You've been good at it since the day I met you," she declared. He had been able to bring a sense of calm to her when he was around back then. It just continued over all these years. "Husband or just partner... None of the labels matter. It only matters that we are together."

"You somehow find even my worst moments adorable," she pointed out. Even when she was in the middle of chaos and felt like she was drowning, she would see him looking at her with so much love. "Just one of many reasons." Natalie tapped her pen on her list of bridal party candidates. "Your sisters obviously. And Audrey of course. All the Blackthornes standing up there together. I was thinking Alec too since I was going to ask Felicity to be my flower girl. It only felt right since she's my goddaughter. And I thought the twins could each carry a ring up the aisle. And for officiate, I think Celestia. She's one of your oldest friends, she made my daylight ring... It just makes sense to me."

Aalis adjusted the cuff of her black gown as the music swelled through the hall, eyes catching on a familiar flash of red across the room. Of course. She approached Natalie with a soft, knowing smirk, glass of champagne in hand. “Tell me you survived another year without tripping over your own elegance,” she murmured, glancing pointedly at the dance floor before her gaze softened. “Happy New Year, Natalie. If you disappear halfway through the night, I’ll assume you’ve been kidnapped by Erik—or the dessert table. Either way, I won’t blame you.” @forevernataliedawson

"Well I managed not to fall yet, but the night is still young. I had to be willing to create a distraction for the bride and groom earlier just in case they needed attention shifted for some reason," she explained with a smile towards Aalis. "Those are fairly good assumptions to make as to where I will be. That or playing with one of the many children that is somehow still awake right now." Animals and children always seemed to flock to her, but she never minded. "You look lovely."

Edrian didn't have a habit of visiting farmer's markets, but he had curiously found himself missing his friend. One written invitation and a week later, he stood just outside the event entrance. Early-winter chill stung the tip of his nose—it was the kind of bite that made his next breath deeper than the last. A small cloud billowed from his mouth. His eyes followed it as it diffused above him, pulling his gaze away from his habitual scanning of the passersby. He finished his exhale with a smaller huff, as if wringing the last bit of air from his lungs.

"Well the amazing thing about these devices you refuse to get, but they tell you the weather, sometimes a week ahead of time," Natalie said playfully, holding up her phone before dropping it into her purse. He may not have known, but she had looked it up and dressed accordingly: a good coat, gloves, hat, and scarf. And just in case he hadn't, she pulled out a knit hat, scarf, and gloves for him. "Here. I thought you might need them. And I brought reusable bags for whatever we pick out," she added. The vampire was always well prepared after all. "Maybe afterwards we can go find a warm drink."

Jasper’s face brightened, genuine this time, like someone had just handed her a lifeline disguised as paperback. “Assistant to the Villain,” she repeated, nodding. “Okay, sold. Funny and emotionally survivable? That’s elite curation.” She shifted the takeout bag, smile turning playful. “If I end up laughing in public instead of spiraling, I’ll consider this a win—and possibly a sign I should trust bookstore regulars more often.” A beat, then softer, sincere. “Thanks. I’m Jasper, by the way.”

"There is also a dragon, an ogre that bakes, and a slow burn that is actually slow." All of which made the book even better in her personal opinion, especially since they name the dragon Fluffy. "There were plenty of times I was laughing out loud, so I'm sure you will too. And the great thing is there are two more books out already, so you can run through more than one if you really enjoy it, which I always like in a book," she added. She often preferred series, especially in fantasy, but a good one-off romance too. "Oh I'm Natalie. It's nice to meet you!"

Isa’s eyes lit up like she’d just been handed a holy text. “Nat… stop. That’s not a lot of work, that’s a vision.” She flipped a page, then pushed the magazines aside like they’d already lost. “Ethereal goddess meets regal queen in winter? Snow? A cape? You’re basically asking me to design living mythology.” She leaned in, already mentally sketching. “Flowing, but structured. Something that moves like fog and holds like power. Clean lines, no fuss, all drama. You walk in and the room goes silent because everyone knows they’re witnessing magic.” A smirk. “Fantasy novel entrance, but make it couture.” Then softer, sincere. “And don’t worry about the work. This is the kind of thing I want to do—for you. If you’re going to have a wedding, you have to look legendary doing it.”

She couldn't even get a word in before Isa was already working, on a roll clearly. Just a few simple words and the other seemed to already understand what Natalie was searching for. "Are you sure? I know you will make amazing work no matter what it is, but I don't want to be a bridezilla towards you or give you some big giant project that may take up all your time." Natalie knew how particular she could be and she didn't want to subject her friend to that when she was doing something so nice for her. "If you're sure though, I couldn't think of anyone better who could understand the vision."