Prickly prickly

“Morning Xaxi.”

You grumbled, as you got comfortable on your mauve, patterned couch.  “...mmrning Karma.”

Your gaze became heavy, as you looked at the date. It was Sunday morning, 11:37 AM. Today’s forecast was sunny, albeit cloudy – but your temperament said otherwise. After all, Sunday was a warning sign, an auspice to the dreaded whirlwind that was Monday.

But maybe not all hope was lost. You could save the date with a little optimism, by “visiting your mother” your notifications said. You pursed your lips, uncomfortable at its humanly response. It was better to ask the human in the room.

“Karma McShawarma.” You began to laugh. “I need your advice.”

“Oh yeah?” His back was towards you, heating up your leftovers in the microwave. Normally, he would be more hands-on with your meals, but I suppose even he was tired from the long week. 

“I’m all ears. Let’s see what Mr. Karma McShawarma can do.”

You scoffed, ducking your head in embarrassment. With what little energy you had, you placed your knees on the couch, your arms pressed against the back cushions. 

“What do you think about us driving to my mom?” 

Karma tensed, his burly arms clutching the ends of the kitchen island. “Depends. You’d think she’d approve of me?”

“With the way you spoil me?” You let out another scoff, plopping off the couch. “Damn right she’d approve.”

Karma reciprocated a chuckle, his arms stretched out wide as you went in for a hug. His body was warm, ticklish, and pleasant. Just as easily, you snuggled into his chest, while he planted a kiss on your forehead. “I just…It’s been a while, you know?”

His hands drew painfully slow circles along your back, as if deep in thought. You paused yourself, letting the silence flow. 

Silence, as you’ve come to learn, was both an intentional and an instinctual part of Karma’s identity. Whilst previous partners weaponized their silence, Karma’s was…neutral, and even amicable at times. Often, many would comment that he was cheating on you, or that he was unsatisfied in the relationship. But when you shared your concerns, Karma simply shook his head.

“My silence is not my way of hurting you, (Y/N).”

“My silence is my way of reaching you.”

You’ve…never heard such a thing in your life.

But…it was…

Something new. A good kind of new.

“Xax…” Karma was stroking your hair, trying not to laugh. “You’re falling asleep.”

“Oh.” You haphazardly broke the hug; his chest was way too good of a pillow. “Sorry.”

“No worries. But remember…” He murmured, kissing both of your palms. “It’s completely up to you.”

You nodded, eternally grateful of how patient and caring he was. Just by the affection, you had almost forgotten the question that escaped your lips.

“Babes…sorry for the sudden change of topic.” Your eyes focused on the microwave. “But what was your mom like?”

“My mom?” He laughed nervously.

Don’t let them know. 

“I told you, my parents died in a gas explosion.” He paused, as if testing the words out. It’s been a while since he lied to you. “You know, poor plumbing practices.”

“But…” You sighed. “I’m sure that even in your teens you would’ve known them, right?”

“Unless you’re…hiding something from me?” 

This was it; he knew that this was your breaking point. Any further deflections would cause you to investigate - which would inevitably put you in danger.

“....Well…” He went on.

Suddenly, the microwave let out its piercing sound, indicating that the food was done and ready to go. Maybe, just maybe, you casually forget about that one little topic about –

“Perfect!” You beamed. “We can talk about it over breakfast!”

Taking out the plates, Karma internally groaned.

Today was indeed the day. 

══════════════════

ℑronically, today’s breakfast was a chicken and falafel shawarma with tabbouleh and pita bread on the side. For the past two to three weeks, your boyfriend has spent time and energy learning this new recipe, despite failed attempts — including almost setting your kitchen on fire. Though the situation was resolved, Karma was a bit taken aback, while you were laughing your ass off, much to his dismay. But after knowing that you had a shitty day at work, Karma was happy to let you off the hook.

“God, I need you to stop cooking for me.”

“Why should I?” He smirked. “You know I love cooking only the best for you.”

“Exactly.” You wagged your spoon, before placing a chunk of falafel shawarma in your mouth. “You’re spoiling me. Again.”

“Look, I don’t really do the nine-to-five thing like you do.” He got up from his seat, thirsty for a little lemonade. “So I don’t mind cooking for you again…” He said, placing a carton of cranberry juice next to you. “As long as it means you’re happy and you’re healthy.”

You groaned. You had little to no argument there. All you had (before this cheeky bastard) was either a fast food chain, a delivery service, or a cup of noodles: all of which were staple foods that were tied to corporate survival. Those days were rough, but…you did get the money for overtime. You think.

“Xax.” He called. You snapped out of your trance.  “Whatchu thinking about?”

Crap.

You bit your lip; you weren’t sure how to spill the news – because he specifically told you to stay on top of the issue. You were now a month in, and you still didn’t get your overtime pay. 

And he even told you that he’d ask you that Monday! 

Which is this Monday! Shit!

“Uh. Nothing much.” You quickly got your bearings, attempting to double down on a new topic. “But tell me…” You started. “Tell me about your mom.”

Karma stopped eating, putting his elbows on the table. This time, the silence had an edge to it. You could feel that the aggression was greatly subdued, but it held certainty. Certainty that you would indeed get what you want. 

For a price.

“...Ok.” He continued chewing, getting comfortable. “In that case, where shall I begin?”

“Anywhere.” You said, keeping your voice low. “I don’t mind.”

“Alright.”

═════════════════

“My mom was more than a plumber. She was the breadwinner of the house.” He scraped his plate, searching for invisible crumbs. “She had me after my dad and I married, and I was their first kid out of many.” He smiled a bit. “Let’s say they had a… lot of love to give.”

“Hm.” Your face remained as neutral as possible. “How many siblings do you have, Karma?”

“Have?” He chuckled. “Nononono – I had six. But none of them contacted me after the gas explosion. Because they probably thought that they’d be…uh, next? I’m not entirely sure.”

“What do you mean?” “It wasn’t only my father and mother in the car.” He lowered his head. “My sister was in there. She was just getting picked up from primary school.”

“Oh my…oh my god.”

“My mother was warned multiple times by my dad: Do not go to work.” You could hear the anger bubbling in his voice. “My grandfather, on the other hand, let my mother do what she wanted, simply because she reminded him of his dead wife.” He shrugged, laughing bitterly. “But that didn’t stop him from fucking us up, though.”

“Uh…” You stammered, voice quiet. “Karma…”

“Anyhow my mother continued to go back to work, and for the first time – she finally understood what my dad meant. The situation finally “blew up” in her face, and she was sent to the CEO, and he brought in some specific rules regarding her resignation.” 

This time you raised your voice. “Karma-”

He gripped the spoon tightly, his smile stretched unnaturally on his face. His words were becoming rambles. “And when she showed my grandfather and my father the resignation, it was too late.” His laugh was boisterous. “Way too late. And guess what?” His smile grew wider. “Everything on the damn resignation was eventually put into effect. And guess what? They burned, they fucking burned, thanks to her selfish–”

“KARMA!”

His face drooped into a frown, staring at you. “Mm?”

“I’ve heard everything I needed to know.”

“But you’re the one that asked for it.”

“And I’m the one who’s gonna stop it.” Firm, yet upset. That’s what your voice was. “Look. I know you’re upset. But you need to calm down.” You sternly advised. “And the last thing I want is for you to turn that anger towards me.”

His face twisted into a mix of remorse and restricted anger. “...I…I’m sorry.”

Unsure of what to say, you headed to your bedroom, trying to process what just occurred. 

And meanwhile, Karma glanced at his phone. Angrily. Solemnly. 

“....”

“Odio que me hagas daño, mamá.”

“Odio...que todavía te quiera.

══════════════════

ℌours beyond hours passed – and still, Karma hadn’t come back home. It was routine for you and him to be asleep by 10, or later, if you wanted to cuddle. But your phone shimmered with the same top message: I’ll be home soon. 

Meanwhile, you decided to send a message to your mom. You’d doubt she’ll ever see it, but…it was worth texting anyways. In the meantime, you went on a call with your Dad to keep yourself occupied, in hopes of distracting yourself from this morning’s events.

But it wasn’t enough.

12:08 PM ___ [ Karma ]

Hey Xaxi, I apologize for what happened today. You were right, I did slightly placed my anger at you, and…I’m sorry. It was an accident. That’s why I  kept avoiding it every time I said it. I wasn’t ready. And I should’ve said that I wasn’t, instead of what  happened this morning. I’ll be sure to make it up to you.

12:11 PM ___ [ You ]

Karma, know that it wasn’t entirely your fault. The reason I even brought it up the second time was because I didn’t want you to ask about my over- time pay. I also shouldn’t have been stupid and  kept asking you about it. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry  that I basically cause this to even happen in the first place. So, yeah. Feel free to come back. So that way, we can feel shitty together? Lolololol

2:15 PM ___ [ Karma ]

Hey Xaxi, no worries. We both misunderstood each other. But, I’m going to need some time  then I should to...feel a bit better.  Okay?

2:16 PM ___ [ You ]

Yeah! No worries!

5:56 PM ___ [ You ]

Babes. Where are you?

6:34 PM ___ [ Karma ]

Sorry Xaxi. I'm... I'm going to need a bit more time.

 6:34 PM ___ [ You ]

Ok…

9:34 PM ___ [ You ]

Karma?

typing…

And as if he heard you typing, you heard a shut. And a lock. Of your door.

Immediately, you sprang up, beginning to squeeze oh so tight, as if he were to pull away at any second.

“Karma!”

His warm smile returned, lifting you up and planting a kiss on your tear-stained kisses. “Sorry (Y/N), something came up.”

“It’s fine, just let’s go to sleep!” You bonked his head. “Ok?”

“Yeah, I’m with you.” He bonked in return, nuzzling and snuggling your throat. “And I’m going to make sure you get one hell of a sleep.”

“Karma please!” 

Your laugh echoed across the walls, all while he tickled you and nommed your throat a little more, excited to hear more. As he undressed, he slipped you his phone, preparing to head to the shower to have a good night's rest.

Raising an eyebrow, you reluctantly turned it on. What’s so interesting on this phone now? You thought, considering his phone was covered in Wingdings and boring wallpapers.

“Oh wow!” You exclaimed, dropping the phone back on the bed. “What’s with this all of a sudden?”

“Well…I was looking for those while I was out. As an apology gift to you.” He grinned awkwardly, his upper body on full display. 

“I may not be 100% there yet, but I wanted to make…” Your boyfriend stammered. “To make progress.”

Your face began to beam, honestly surprised. “Well, Karma. Feel free to introduce them.”

“Alrighty. But just know I can’t tell you everything, ok?”

“Like I said, Karma McShawarma – no worries.”

This time, he began to burst into laughter, his fangs much more prominent.

And over time, with a few jokes here and there, you began to laugh with him too.

══════════════════

𝔜ou were asleep. Fast asleep.

And there he was, staring at you. Piercing his eyes at you. At your throat, at your blood. At your chest. At your hands. At your very soul.

God, I love it when they sleep.  When they’re desperate. When they’re mad. When they hide things from me. When they tame me.

He looked at his phone, scrolling through your bank account. 

They don’t even know that I monitor their phone calls. Their messages. The hidden cameras. The house cameras. Their parents. And their overtime pay.

Karma bit his lip, trying not to laugh.

Fuck, this is priceless. I need to stop. I need to stop messing with their life. But it’s so fun!

A gentle kiss. A scarred hand. A warm, t̸̠̀̃̋ĩ̸̘̪ģ̵̣͖̞̾̉̆͝ͅh̴̞̉́͊͋t̸͈̩̫̟̆̅̍̓ͅ hug.

ʸᴼᵤ ᶠᴱₗᵀ ᴬ ᴳₑᴺₜᴸₑ ₖᴵₛˢ. ₐ ₛᶜₐᴿᵣᴱᴰ ₕᴬₙᴰ. ₐ ᵂᴬᵣᴹ ᴴᵤᴳ.

ꐟꅂ꒦ ꌺꁄ꒒ꇞ ꅔ ꁅꁄꍈꇞ꒒ꁄ ꈵꀧꉖꉖ. ꋫ ꉖꄡꅔꎡꎡꁄꁕ ꀟꅔꍈꁕ. ꋫ ꋃꅔꎡꉈ ꀟ꒦ꁅ.

🙱⑥❶ 🙘🙚③⓿ 🙦 🙙🙚⑤⓿③🙚 ②⓪⑩⑩🗊 🖛 ⑩🙥🙦⑨⑨🙚🙧 🙛🙦⑤🙧🗊 🖛 ❸🙦⑨④ 🙛❶🙙🗊

You smiled in your sleep.

Good luck running away from me, (Y/N). Because I promise you No one No fae  And nothing in this fucking world Will EVER separate me from y o u.

═════════ ◈ ═════════

Karma's wallpapers:

Karmella Sangre (left)

Emiliano and Karma Sangre (middle)

Khazamina and Karma Sangre (right)

Related stories:

Answer ask incorrectly - Meeting Karma's family

The Power of Silence - Diary Entry by Merrigen Dulsa

Opening Karma's phone - Khazamina

Silence, in this household, is a power. A power that is used sparingly, yet effectively. It teaches those who abide by it, and punishes those against it. Many vampires fall short on this lesson, and the few who master it - knows its benevolence. Sir Thaddeus knows this well, and has taught the boys to use it - but it is hardly reciprocated.

After all, they are kids! They are young. They seek connection, not isolation. All children require love and care, and when given, it is returned tenfold. Thus children are not merely legacy, but rather the prosperity of the household.

But what happens when a child dies?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Because there is nothing to replace them with.

Except silence.

And this silence, is morbid. A hundredfold.

The Matriarch, along with the Patriarch juro uxoris - is dead. Her eyes say it all. Those children lost their mother from the moment his skin went pale. Compared to the girl, she is far less than what Master Emiliano was. He was the man who would polish her shoes, comb her hair, cup her face, kiss her tears. She is not motherhood, as she did not give up her liberty. But she was a wife, astonishingly so. That much I can tell you.

Sir Thaddeus, on the other hand, was tumultuous in nature, controversial by fault, and potent by thought. He single-handedly fought for his wife's birthright, although dishonorably; but he won it nonetheless. Now his pride and joy is his Matriarch, her children second, and his children third - preposterous! But his shameless favoritism was not out of indulgence, but out of mercy. And by all means, he did everything and anything to spare the girl out of Sangre crime.

By silent agreement, Young Master Karma complied, and the others followed.

But debts come for their due. And it is the fault of both the Matriarch and Sir Thaddeus, that an innocent life was lost.

No, not Master Emiliano.

But Kh███████.

Serves them right. Their destruction was overlooked, and now it has been repaid, with silence as its messenger. Sir Thaddeus knew what silence was, and avoided it. The Matriarch knew what punishment was, and avoided it. And now everyone who abided by their rule, including the children - will have to pay for it.

And ironically, the instrument to this destruction, is none other than the son of silence himself:

Karma Ysabelo Sangre.

~ Merrigen Dulsa, Honorary Head Maid of the Sangre Family

Cropped photo of the remaining Sangre Ysabelo Household. Kallisto Sangre (left), Karma Sangre (middle), Thaddeus Quarentino Sangre (right).

Name: Edyta (no last name mentioned)

Nationality: Polish

Died: 23

Height: 5'5

Description

Death Witches come from all kinds of nature from the forest the death god resides in. From the plants to the animals, they may even emerge from the water. Edyta is one such witch.

Often called "the witch of the depths" by those who do know the existence of the coven, she is a witch that gladly uses the various waters of Marshes and lakes to cast her magic and spells, often hiding in them and striking when least expected, changing her form to suit the situation. She is often tasked with taking the living souls for this very reason. That is, to basically end the soul of the living as per contract with a client who would give their soul in return. Many had claimed they feel like they are being watched from the waters, some even fearing to get into water sources as they claim they see her waiting for them inside. The coven says she's not a threat to its members, just as long as she keeps those sharp teeth at bay for her fellow witches, she may do whatever she wants if it services the god...

Edyta had a very harsh life. Growing up, she had a very skewed idea of what love really is, considering how the adults around her were always in harmful relationships. She had thought that if she pours all of her love into her partner, she'd find her own 'happiness' in this world. So, she poured all of her love into the wrong person, even making deals with entities she should not have made for that person. But when she had found out that her love she had so tirelessly worked on was only seen as an 'asset', she despaired, and was drowned in the lake by the very hands she had once kissed with affection.

When she awoke, all that was left was this hunger she could not sate, no matter how much she searched and ate, consumed and ravaged... it never stopped. This was simply her curse, she thought, as she allowed herself to sink down into the depths and let it change her.

As a person, Edyta is surprisingly calm, eccentric and friendly to those in the coven, but unreadable and polite to those outside of it. She has a lot of patience for people, to the point that it's scary how she holds her composure even when yelled at. But there's a big difference between if she dislikes you and if she really likes you and hope you aren't the former.

Her sense of how to process emotions was twisted more when she was brought back, and as her body changed, she became more emotional with her actions. If she likes you, she might consume your soul. But if she really likes you...pray that doesn't happen.

Be wary of the depths when alone, for you may never know who may be watching.

Most likely to: Bring her partner back to life.

Least likely to: Leave wandering souls alone.

Happy Belated Christmas and New Year's! Thank you all for just...being with me. I know it's really frustrating to wait for updates, but I'm thankful that you guys are still along for the ride.

I honestly started this project days before Christmas, but I didn't have the energy until now.

Anyhow!