.

“No, it’s not that…” He said, frowning as he slipped his phone back into his pocket and huffed, “I just feel bad. That’s a lot of money and you’re giving me another living thing to look after. I feel like I should pay for some of it.” Nolan said with a huff, “What if I kill him on accident and you wasted, what? Two hundred bucks? That would be awful.” Not that Nolan was that incompetent…but he did like chocolate. And what if the dog got into the chocolate? Putting things away was something that he was going to have to get used to…

Another sigh fell from him, shaking his head head. The amount of times he’s heard that phrase ‘it’s not yours to catch’ was far more than he ever wished. Nolan knew that it wasn’t but that didn’t mean that he didn’t want to catch them. He knew what it was like to feel alone. No one should have to feel that way. Especially not Isra. Not after what she had endured… which, honestly, he didn’t know the whole extent of it…

Nolan’s gaze fell upon Strider and he shrugged, “That’s fine. Dogs should sleep where they want.” That’s what he always thought anyway. His hands rubbed together a bit nervously and awkward before the crossed over to stand beside Isra. God, he hated confrontation. He hated it so much. But he had to do something, “Isra…I…I don’t know if you think I’m mad or something but…I’m not. I’m fine.” He paused, “We’re fine.” Nolan searched her facial expression for a moment, “Right?”

.

Isra shrugged, turning to watch the dog as he wandered around. “You’ll pay for his food once he runs out of what I’ve got coming to you,” she pointed out. “He’s a big dog, not a piece of glass. Strider is sturdy, and he won’t let you forget to feet him, if that’s your concern,” Isra added. I’ve got his vet information in the bag, though. Might want to give it a few days before you change your mind. I love Clementine.” It was relatively well known at this point that Isra was generally unashamed of being a dog mom.

She wanted Nolan to have that same happiness that she did. 

Isra watched as Nolan approached, noting the way he rubbed his hands. The seraph couldn’t help but wonder if this was it. If even Strider wasn’t enough to convince him that she was sorry. Her stoma. h dropped as she waited, green eyes wide, for him to tell her to get out. 

She bit her lip and nodded, relief making her weak for a moment. “We’re good,” Isra promised softly. For the first time since that awful weekend, she wanted to cry tears of relief. “And we should have some playdates. Clementine liked having a buddy around, I think.”

​⋅𖥔⋅ ━━✶━━ ⋅𖥔⋅

“Careful there, canım,” Kaan warned as he wrapped his arms even tighter around her. Holding her close to chest, he tilted her chin lightly up ever so slightly so that he could seal the gap between them with a kiss once more. “I’d have you forever if I could,” He told her breathlessly. His words were all, but a low murmur with the weight of their situation suddenly weighing heavily upon his chest.

“Not like this, but brighter,” He explained as his fingers mindlessly combed through her hair, brushing it back out of her face as his gaze fell from the shinning stars up above to the awe-inspiring woman laying in his arms. “Do you know the stories behind the constellations?” He asked curiously, weaving his hand through hers as he lifted her fingers up to the sky as he traced out one of the constellations. “Like the Pleiades or Andromeda? Or would you rather tempt our fate to see if those horoscopes of ours are compatible?” He offered up, choosing to distract her rather than him to bring himself to ask what that distant look in her gaze meant, having a sinking feeling that her mind was drifting off towards the future they’d never have or the lack of time that was drawing all too impendingly near. 

.

Isra kissed him back like it was the last time. At this point, she always did. Once they broke the kiss, she settled against his chest, snuggling close to him. The seraph let out a little sigh as his fingers combed through her hair, letting the sensation soothe her some. “No,” she admitted, wishing not for the first time that she had spent more time on school growing up. “It wasn’t anything I was taught about,” Isra admitted instead. “Tell me about the stars, please,” Isra asked. 

Their horoscopes didn’t matter. Knowing they were incompatible wouldn’t make losing him any easier, and knowing that they were well suited to each other would simply be too much to bear. 

“What is your favorite constellation?”

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Well I’m here and my witches are alive.” Logan remarked with a shrug, right now those were about the only two positives she has. “How about you? How are you handling everything that went down on Valentine’s Day?” She asked, running a hand through her hair as she pushed it away from her face. “Was anyone you know caught inside? Well besides the seraphs since you know you work with them.”

.

“That’s something,” Isra murmured, lifting a glass of whisky to her lips. “I’m..here,” she answered simply. With an ache in her chest, still ready to cry at the drop of a goddamn hat. “Yeah,” the seraph whispered before throwing back the rest of her drink and signaling for another. “You?” she asked, not wanting to give much more detail than that. At least not with the current amount of whisky in her system. 

.

Valerie hardly ever had a night off and when she did she normally spent it at home making dinner for herself and watching true crime documentaries. But the wolf had been attempting to change that this evening. So here she was, not really feeling very confident but still making an effort. She sipped on her drink coughing a little as it bit at her throat. She flushed as she looked beside her embarrassed. “Mmm, it’s um…its a little bit heavy on the bitters. But I wouldn’t want to offend the bartender.” She explained with a shrug of her shoulders. @darkesthourstarters​

.

Isra took a sip of her own drink and nodded. The pours in her own drink were heavy handed but unbalanced to her palate. Still, the burn soothed an ache so the seraph didn’t mind. “Catch the bartender’s attention and tell them you forgot to ask for syrup from the maraschino cherries. They might pour some in your glass. That’ll help dilute it some,” Isra suggested before taking another drink. “And it keeps things neutral. They didn’t make a mistake, you had a slip of the mind..it all evens out.” 

.

There was a part of Hollis that didn’t think Isra would actually answer the door. And if she didn’t, fine. But that meant he would probably have to call Athena over to pick the lock and he really didn’t feel like committing a crime today. Or any day, honestly. But luckily, he heard the sound of moving around in her apartment and soon enough, the door was opening. And he was being greeted by a less than happy Isra and her adorable pup, Clementine.

His blue eyes shifted as he looked Isra over, making sure she was, at least, physically okay before he shrugged, “I don’t mind.” He smiled, “I’m used to it.” He said with a flick of brows. Hollis didn’t joke much about ‘being a dog’ but every blue moon he could find the humor in it and if it would help lighten the mood, he would do anything for that. The male held up the bottle of whiskey with a nod, “Only the finest for us.” He said with a nod as he entered her home.

Leaning up against her wall, he took off his shoes (something he did no matter what or who’s house he was in) and wandered over towards her her living room to place the bottle of whiskey down on the table. Taking in a deep breath, he moved back towards Isra and placed his hands on her upper arms, meeting her gaze, “I’m not going to ask if you’re alright.” He said, knowing she probably wasn’t, “What can I do for you?”

.

Isra nodded, waiting for him to make his way inside before shutting the door behind him. Clemintine followed Isra into the kitchen as she got a couple of classes for them and set them on the table as well. She could only meet Hollis’ gaze for a few moments before her head tilted down.Tears welled up in her eyes as he spoke, and she shook her head. 

“Please don’t say ‘I told you so,” Isra asked quietly. “I know he did things that were wrong, but I love him.”

Not loved, because her heart couldn’t live in the past tense. Because Kaan could walk through her front door, or more aptly, appear on her balcony with his easy smile and eyes that have known too much sadness, and she would run into his arms. He was different with her, he was kind and loving and generous, and that didn’t absolve him of the violence he committed, but that had to mean something too. Didn’t it?

Isra couldn’t handle the scrutiny of Hollis’ gaze, so she stepped away to pour out whisky for them both. “Any requests for movies?” she rasped out, not quite able to manage to speak properly while she tried to pull herself together.

.

His gaze shifted back and forth between Isra and the dog, several times, before his gaze finally settled upon the seraph, “You got me a dog?” He asked, his brow quirking, “That is…an insane gift, Durel.” Nolan couldn’t help but laugh a bit as he continued to pet and scritch at the pup, “I mean…it’s the best gift but it’s still insane.” Nolan added in with a grin. Seeing the bag in her hand, the stood back up and he listened as she spoke.

His eyes widened in surprise when he realized just how much she put into this, “Durel, c'mon. You didn’t have to do any of this.” Truly, she didn’t. Nolan wasn’t mad at her or anything. He just…didn’t want to deal with the fallout of everything that happened. And avoiding it was just easier, “Come in, come in.” He said, stepping aside so she and Strider could enter. The dog took quickly to sniffing him before he started to pad around his apartment, sniffing everything else. Nolan had so many figurines, mini’s and collectables the dog would be sniffing for hours.

“Let me give you some money for this.” He said as he reached into his back pocket to pull out his cellphone, “What do you use? Zelle? Venmo? PayPal? CashApp? You tell me and that money will be there lickity split.” He said with a nod. Her generosity was overwhelming at this moment and he just wanted to pay her back for some of it. “Listen…Isra, I’m…I’m really sorry I haven’t…reached out or…anything. That was…is shitty of me. You don’t deserve that shit.” He shook his head, “Are you…alright?”

.

Isra shrugged, bitting the inside of her cheek as Nolan took in his new dog. Her heart sank as she realized how stupid a gift it was. Hell, Nolan might not have even meant it when he said he wanted a dog. “I mean..I know it’s not conventional, and it’s a lot so if you’re not up for it, I get it. Or if you just want to see how he does for a bit, we can do visits and a sleepover just to see if you’re a good fit for each other. I guess..that would’ve been a better way to go about it,” she finished, her shoulders slumping a little at the realization. And even if he was at a place to be taking in a new dog, that didn’t mean that Hayden would like the idea. 

Still, she followed the dog inside, glad to see that at least he didn’t mind the way things were shaking out. Strider had been pretty chill, even when sharing a home with her and Clementine, so it wasn’t too surprising to see him amble around. “I don’t..use any of those,” Isra let him know, turning to face the other seraph. “Between fighting and bartending, it’s pretty much all cash, and this is a gift, remember? I mean I know I’m pretty shitty, all things considered but I’m not so far gone I’d take back someone’s present.” Did Nolan really think that poorly of her?

In fairness..she did love the man who stabbed him, so the answers was probably. 

At his apology, Isra had to swallow the lump in her throat and shrugged. “Not yours to catch Diaz, remember?” she told him gruffly, moving to set the bag of goodies on his coffee table. “All things considered, I wasn’t expecting anyone to reach out. It’s for the best, anyway.” The familiar burn of tears had her reaching up and rubbing her eyes until they were gone. I’m not going to lose my shit, she thought, refusing to give in. Isra swallowed again, hard, and started pulling items out of the bag, laying them out for Nolan to see. “He picked out this hedgehog when I first picked him up and took him to the pet store, and liked to keep it close at night. I should probably apologize, but Clementine sleeps on my bed, so that’s where he crashed last night, too.”

🚑

He was glad that most people were honest with him. He used to bake cookies with his mom when he was younger but she did all the mixing and stuff. He just mostly sat there and licked the spoons. The memories of those times were rare to come by as he doesn’t like to remember his mother much but he still liked to remember the good things. “Maybe I did put too much salt and not enough sugar?” he shrugged, he wasn’t exactly sure if he read things properly. “You sure it won’t be too much? I thought I could get it down but seems like I’m going to need a bit more help then I thought.”

.

Isra shrugged. Baking was more temperamental than cooking, if she were honest. “Yeah. I should probably be more helpful than a rock, anyway,” she pointed out as she moved to stand, surveying everything he had out. “Let’s get rid of the old batter and start by getting the dry ingredients together.” At least throwing together a new batter wouldn’t take too long. She reached, putting her hair up so it would be out of the way before cracking a half-smile. “If we make a habit of this, we ought to get matching aprons.” Maybe it was too far-fetched, but Isra knew deep down that she’d gotten far to used to being around people. If Brycen would let her impose a few more times, it would go a long way to soothing her broken heart. 

☿️

Lys wasn’t sure if they were okay, at this point that was a loaded question. Nevertheless he nodded slowly, “Me? Yeah I’m… fine.” It was all he could do not to let this whole experience trigger something in him. But, as much as they hated it, right now they had a responsibility to their pack to keep their head cool and their shit together. Now was the time to remember they were second in command and could not afford to be a loose cannon under pressure. “The wolves can’t find Cynric or Chloe and–” The thinness of his voice betrays him as he remembers all too many times he’s worried about losing Eliot, “I can’t find El…” Heartbreak is clear in their tone as they fear for the worst.

.

Isra nodded, understanding that ‘fine’ under the circumstances was most likely physically unharmed. She nodded, worry bubbling in her chest for both of the wolves he listed. At least Cynric could take care of himself in a fight, that was something. The seraph hoped her friend was holding up okay. The seraph swore when Lys said they couldn’t find Eliot. “I haven’t heard anything, one way or another,” she let them know quietly. “We can look, if you’d like?” It wasn’t a hollow offer - Isra would help Lys turn over every rock around the godforsaken castle, but at the same time..if there was no word at this point, there was a good chance that Eliot was still in the castle.

Special Delivery for: @isradurel​

At this point in time, Hollis was about one bad holiday away from banning all holidays in his life. Lately, there never seemed to be anything good that came from them. Well, sure, okay. He got with Athena at Halloween but that was also when a crazed witch attacked them. That certainly wasn’t great. And that was also the holiday that really seemed to stem to so many problems amongst so many people.

And now, there was Valentine’s Day which was going to have so much fallout that it made Hollis want to take a vacation. On top of two of his pack members having to fight for their lives and having to turn to do, there aftermath of what happened for everyone else that wasn’t in there. Having to pick up the pieces of those that had to endure it was going to difficult as well.

He knew there was one person he absolutely had to see. Isra had been there for him more times than he could count and he would always do the same for her. He bought a bottle of whiskey and a nice, warm, fuzzy blanket before he headed over to her apartment. Knocking a few times on the door, Hollis rocked back on his heels for a brief moment before listened at the door, “Isra?” He called out, “You in there?”

.

Isra had hunkered down in her apartment. She left only to take Clementine on walks, and her primary interaction with others was getting a treat from the food carts. She might not want to talk to anyone, see anyone, but Clementine deserved the occaisional hotdog.

The seraph was heartless, sure. She didn’t quite remember what it felt like to be warm. And yet, even she wasn’t so frigid. 

Fortunately, Clementine seemed to understand that Isra needed the companionship more now than ever, and obliged in being her furry shadow. The seraph was loathe to leave the safety of her apartment for the uncertainty of the outside world. Instead, she texted a few of the seraphs to let them know that she needed time and did the same with her bartending job, and just..waited. Waited for the grief and heartbreak to turn to numbness, waited for the day she made it from sunrise to sunset without tears. It would be a long wait, but at least she had her dog. 

Perhaps it shouldn’t have been a surprise when a knock sounded on her door - she couldn’t remember the last time she saw her every day phone. Nope..now it was just the burner she used to keep in touch with fight organizers. The seraph sighed and pressed a kiss to Clementine’s furry head. The hope that whoever it was would leave dissipated when she heard Hollis’ voice. Of course he’d come to see her..slender shoulders slumped as she shook her head. He’d been right about staying away from Kaan, though not for the reasons he’d predicted. Still, the seraph shuffled to the door, her not so little shadow on her heels. Opening the door, her eyes darted up to Hollis’ face for just a moment, not really meeting his eyes before she stepped aside to let him in. 

“I have more lint rollers,” she informed her friend, her voice dull. “Clem and I were gonna watch a movie. Whisky?”

Things were pretty weird around the agency right now. Hayden stepped down. Isra was seeing (dating?) a criminal. Two of the seraphs were locked in a Hunger Games castle, fighting for the lives. It was really just…an unfortunate time. It was no surprise that Nolan didn’t like uncomfortable vibes so he just tried to stay away. He went in when he had to but it wasn’t for long, if he could get away with it. It was just stressful to the be there.

Nolan had been playing the new Elden Ring game when he heard a knock at his door. His brown eyes turned towards the door, recognizing the voice as Isra. Pausing the game, his hands rubbed together nervously for a moment. Fuck, he hated confrontation. He was sure she knew about his run in with her…man and that was something he was avoiding. And just in general, it was a weird situation…

However, his worry for his friend and her general wellbeing trumped everything. Throwing the controller on the couch beside him, he stood up and wandered towards the door. Nolan opened it up, “Isra, listen–” He began, but his eyes immediately caught sight of the biggest dog, “You got another dog?!” He asked with a smile, kneeling down to pet the big guy, “What’s his name?! Is Clementine that lonely? I can’t believe that.”

.

Nolan cut himself off, undoubtably saving them from hashing out everything that had happened - everything that she didn’t want to think about. “Not really?” she answered quietly, her green eyes somewhat dull as they focused on him. “I just..I wanted to say I’m sorry, and I guess I kinda figured you couldn’t hate me if I got you a dog,” Isra explained. Grief made her voice dull when otherwise she would be beaming in excitement, but making amends was about all she could manage. “His name is Strider, and he’s up to date on everything health-wise. We just finished at the groomer’s..best paw forward and all that,” the seraph continued, worry creeping into her expression. A creature as a gift was usually pretty hit or miss. but Nolan had talked about getting a dog after meeting Clementine. And he’d always seemed to like her dog.

“He played well with Clemmy, though. And I have all this for you, too,” Isra said, gesturing to the giant tote on her shoulder. It had toys, bowls, treats, and a few other odds and ends that a dog owner needed. “Ruairi introduced me to a good pet store, and someone from there should be by in the afternoon to deliver a few bags of food, a couple of nice dog beds, and a kennel. I know it’s kind of a lot to spring on you last minute, but I saw this guy, and the name, and the little info card said that his top hobby is taking naps and movie marathons, so he’s not a super active pup which means he’ll fit in pretty well with a seraph’s lifestyle. Honestly, I think you’ll love him if you give him a chance.” For his part in all this, Strider ambled forward to sniff at the older seraph, his tail wagging cheerfully behind him.

@darkesthourstarters

Brycen wasn’t much of a baker, or really a cook for that matter. He had tried so many times to cook things and always either burnt it or set something on fire. The wolf usually left that to his husband, or to Eliot. It was hard enough to try and bake things but he attempted to bake cookies but he was a little worried they weren’t that good. Picking one up he tasted it, “Okay tell me these aren’t as bad as I think they are or that I’m just terrible when it comes to baking? 

.

Isra blink, needing a moment to process what Brycen was saying. To be fair, she really hadn’t been watching what he’d been doing very closely. The seraph reached for a cookie and broke it in half. It was pleasantly warm, and the texture was nice between her fingers. Out of caution, she licked the peice of cookie, and for what felt like the first time in quite a while, a small smile lifted her lips. “It’s not that you’re terrible at baking. It tastes like you added too much salt..you might have mixed up the the measurements. Or the measuring spoons. Toss it out and start again. I’ll be helpful this time. If your oven is still warm put the butter on it, the heat will help it soften.”

It would be fair to say that Isra was in shambles after everything that had happened over the Valentine’s Day weekend. She hadn’t really left her apartment since returning home, nor had she sought out anyone. There was one apology Isra felt up to making, and even then, it was only because she had the ultimate peace offering. All the other seraphs could hate her, Leyla probably hated her, but Nolan would likely forgive her. If only for her wingman, who came in the form of a large black dog who the shelter suspected was one year old, and named Strider.

Based on name alone, Isra was confident that he was perfect for Nolan, which is how the dog found himself at her side after a nice grooming session. The seraph had a large bag containing all manner of things a new dog owner would need, and she had ordered a bed and crate to be delivered to Nolan’s house later that afternoon. When faced with Nolan’s door, she took a deep breath and knocked. “Nolan?” she called out. “I know I’m the last person you want to see in the world but I’m really sorry, and I have a really good reason as to why you should at least open the door.” 

When: Chaos Times

Where: Outside the Castle

Closed Starter: @isradurel

In the chaos of searching for everyone Lys has found a concerning amount of friends missing. Leyla, Cynric, Chloe, Eliot… fucking Eliot. For fuck’s sake how many times did he have to fight to keep his loved ones safe? When would it end? It just seemed like the odds were constantly stacking up against them and they’re freaking out. When they spot Isra in the crowd they rush over to her, “Isra, oh my god, thank god you’re okay. I’ve been so worried. Have you found everyone?” They asked in the hopes that maybe she’d at least found Leyla. “Leyla? Have you seen her?”

.

Isra was pacing. There was nothing else that could be done, not when it wasn’t as though she could break in. The longer she waited with no word from Kaan, the stronger her fear that he was in there was. She hadn’t really realized what was going on until Lys was right in front of her. “Lys, are you okay?” The question was out before she could process what they were saying. “I haven’t gotten confirmation about Leyla. I know Jace is in there, though. He’ll keep her safe if she is too,” the seraph explained in a rush. “Margot is the other seraph in there, but those are the only confirmations I’ve had. Do you know of anyone else missing?”

​⋅𖥔⋅ ━━✶━━ ⋅𖥔⋅

“Hey,” Kaan whispered quietly into Isra’s ear, pressing a soft kiss against her cheek as he watched her forehead tense up as she glanced about, seemingly deep in concentration. “Sadece bana odaklan, tamam mı?” Just focus on me, okay? He whispered softly into her ear in an attempt to reassure her. He knew there wasn’t exactly anything he could say to put her mind more at ease. He knew she was taking a risk being out in public with him. He knew she’d likely get in trouble with the seraphs or worse, if one of her own was to catch the two of them together and he knew that his time was running out. That they likely didn’t even have tomorrow, let alone the next day. But, he knew none of that could make things better, so instead he just wrapped his arms tightly around her, pressed a soft kiss against the top of her forehead and told her the only thing he felt like he could given their doomed situation. “Just stay with me? For a little while? lütfen hayatım?”

“Me either, but to see the stars it is,” He promised her. Weaving his fingers through hers as he lead her up to the top of the observatory. “I can tell you all about the constellations, if you’d like? Astrology though has always been a bit lost of me, I’m afraid,” He admitted, as a soft smile finding its way to his lips as he laid down across the ground, tucking a pillow underneath his head as he motioned for her to come and cuddle up beside him on the stop on the ground. “No. This is perfect. Trust me.”

.

The sound of his voice in her ear was one that would never fail to make her relax. Kaan’s lips smoothed the wrinkle in her forehead while she wrapped her arms around him. The seraph held him close for a moment, wishing that she never had to let him go. “For as long as you’ll have me,” Isra promised. And longer, remained unsaid. It hurt too much to say out loud. It felt so good just holding hands. She was grateful his back was to her, it gave the woman time to bury the hurt that was building in her chest. 

“I’d like that,” she murmured, smiling softly as he got comfortable. Hearing that he wanted to watch the stars with her for a while was a balm to the soul, and Isra eagerly moved to join him on the ground. Stretching out beside him, the seraph didn’t resist the impulse to shift so that she was very nearly draped over him with her head on his chest. She gave a small squeeze before shifting again and settling against him with her cheek against his side. “Are they bright like this, if you go out of the city?” she asked, drinking in the twinkling stars above them. Isra knew of fancy tents you could rent, with all desired amenities but a clear class celling so you could see the stars, or even the northern lights. She wanted to experience that with Kaan. Rather than say something, she reached so that her fingers could curl into the fabric of his shirt. 

.

Ruairi smiled softly, his gaze shifting back towards the TV then back to his friend, “Here.” He tossed her the remote, “Give it a whirl.” Ruairi was curious in watching something else. He had rotated through a few movies already. Mostly because he didn’t want to listen to music and at least watching something made the time go by. The sooner the event was over, the better. At least then he could go back home and continue to heal.

Ruairi frowned a bit, “Complicated?” He asked, his head tilting a bit, “Is everyt'ing okay?” He asked, genuinely. Isra had done a lot for him over these past few weeks. Ruairi wanted to repay her. And if listening was something he could do for her, he would happily. “Oh, Clementine.” Ruairi practically coo’d, “I can’t wait to see her again. She’s so sweet. I bet she looks so good in t'at.” He grinned, “Maybe t'is week we can go for a walk. Would t'at be okay?”

.

The seraph caught the remote with ease, grinning as she started to press the buttons, hoping to find a streaming service with that documentary for them. Isra bit her lip at his question, still debating on whether or not to come clean. Ruairi had his own heartache and he didn’t really need hers on top of it. “Of course! She adores you. We’ll have to go out for food or something. Or we could bring food back to my place and watch some movies. She loves a good cuddle.” And luckily, Ruairi wouldn’t mind a dog sprawled across their laps.

Isra tapped on the remote impatiently to find them something to watch and sighed. Perhaps he would offer insight. Ruairi had loved and been loved before, so maybe if nothing else, he’d understand the mess of emotions she wanted to bury deep in her chest. “It’s..complicated. I met someone I really like, and he’s...honestly, he’s not a good idea but i just..I can’t help it.” Isra shifted, drawing her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them so she could perch her chin on her knees. “I feel like I matter when he touches me in a way I don’t think anyone has made me feel before,” the seraph admitted quietly. “It was there when we first met.”

@isradurel​

⋅𖥔⋅ ━━✶━━ ⋅𖥔⋅

“Whoa, Isra, hey!” Leyla’s eyes lit up as she almost stumbled into that of her sister at the open bar.  “And you’re in black at Single’s Weekend too?” She couldn’t help, but muse. “So, have someone you’re still trying to figure shit out with but who refused to wear yellow like me or is this more of a seraph on or off duty who came for the free food and drinks type of situation?” She asked curiously as she moved to flag down the bartender for the two of them.

.

“Hey,” Isra murmured as she reached to steady Leyla. “Naturally,” the seraph answered, her eyebrows raising at Leyla’s next statement. “Jace didn’t want to wear yellow with you? I’m pretty sure violence isn’t your thing but it’s definitely mine. I can’t make any promises because he’s been at this longer than me but I can certainly try to knock some sense into him for you.” The offer was more of a reflex than anything, and inwardly she cringed at how hypocritical she was being. Sure, it sucked that Jace didn’t want to match colors with Leyla but at least he wasn’t ready to drop everything and run away with the vampire who was out to kill her. 

Isra was worried. There was no other way to describe the slight pucker between her brows, even as she settled Kaan’s arm around her shoulders. Would one of the other seraphs see her with Kaan and try to use her to get to him? Would the inevitable end he’d hinted at come to fruition? The seraph slipped an arm around his waist and gave a little squeeze. Did she look weak, walking pressed into his side? Probably. Isra would only care if he pushed her away.

It would break whatever shards of her heart were still rattling around in her otherwise vacant chest.

“I don’t know much about horoscopes,” the seraph admitted softly. “Or constellations, but I’d like to see the stars.” She was being quiet, not because she was ashamed, but because there would only be so much time left for them. Whatever time they had together was theirs and Isra wasn’t keen on sharing any of it with someone else. It was greed, plain and simple. The seraph swallowed down the grief that was already starting to creep in at the edges of her mind, and the hope that maybe Kaan would change his mind and fight against whatever he’d done. “We don’t have to stay for long, though. It'll probably be boring,” she promised. After 500 years, surely fake stars couldn’t possibly measure up to the real thing.