lock, shock, & barrel

Familiarity sparked in the crowd, Alora’s gaze locking on a face that she couldn’t bury, no matter how much easier life would be if she could forget. She hadn’t seen Phoenix since the night that she and Celestia had made their final switch, slipping from the warmth of his embrace in the small hours to return to a life far from Strife. Her heart lodged uncomfortably in the back of her throat, and she knew that she needed to slip away, but she lingered to watch him and the female at his side. Hand in hand, and she had turned to him to speak, a softness in her smile — and Alora was certain the same softness bled into her voice as she spoke to him. Only once her eyes returned to Phoenix, he hadn’t been paying attention to the girl at his side; they’d been on her instead. “No.” It kick-started her movement, winding her way around those nearest to her, no time for apologies as she was forced to push herself through the crowds. His voice called to her, and it shattered her, but it didn’t feel any worse than the softer voice that called out from behind him, “Phoenix.” A concern in the other girl’s voice that had Alora fearful of becoming tangled up in his life again. Her getaway was halted by a group of girls, hooked arm in arm, giggling and talking loudly, an unbreakable force when approaching from behind. “Can you — excuse… move.” All the utterings in the world didn’t make a difference; she spun on her heel to find another escape route, to find herself in reaching distance of him. Her mouth opened, but words failed to reach the tip of her tongue. Eyes darting over a face that she never should have seen again, a promise she had made to herself and Celestia. “Do I know you?” A weak choice to weasel herself out of the situation, the best she could muster when running hadn’t worked in her favour. 

A voice sweet enough to turn a man from a demonic entity to a fallen angel, pure enough to make the wandering souls crave life again, and Phoenix hoped he was mistaken to apologize for being so upfront until his eyes fell on her features. In that moment, Phoenix couldn't contain the way his body shook under the pressure of seeing her face again--rosy cheeks, lips painted to fit her skin instead of the pale, lifeless body he held in his arms until it went cold. "Why walk in the opposite direction if you didn't know me?" His voice was low, unusually shaky as he lifted an arm to reach out to her; just a touch, he thought, to feel the warmth he so desperately craved. "Why did you run?" Phoenix, who was careful about each play, one step ahead of everyone, was making a move. His thumb brushed against her polished cheeks, stepping close enough to hear her heartbeak and lungs expanding to make it clear to him that she was, whoever she was, alive. "You died." Soulless eyes now carrying the weight of seeing his wife again, the only woman he'd ever love effortlessly. Phoenix took a step back, attempting to collect himself, while he never broke eye contact with the stranger in front of him. "Who the hell are you?" Was this his punishment? The gods decided his reign among the humans was over by making him relive the day he lost everything. "Who the hell are you? How do you look exactly like her?" It was ironic that Phoenix was never in a position to ask questions because he always knew the answer. No soul could help him find the answer to this mystery. His humanity was shut off years ago, but today it was fighting back--taunting him like he did with his helpless victims. "Answer me."

“What?” It perhaps wasn’t the brightest of actions to snap something from a godly being's hands yet the mention of her sister regarding a letter had her snatching the paper in an instant. Her sister’s cruelty had been a daily occurrence yet to see it scrawled so brazenly had dragged the venom deeper; that she would want to be rid of her entirely. “I don’t want her to disappear like she wants me to.” It wasn’t a nicety she should have afforded her, the bitterness was simply a tang on her tongue but it never reached her heart. Her sister would always want what Florie had, from clothing to food and the affection of her father, but she had never expected that she would take the person she planned a life with. “They just can’t get married.” She cast the letter aside, allowing it to blend back with the others, a wish she prayed that he wouldn’t heed. “It’s that simple?” Hesitation grew yet despite it, she took the scroll and swiftly unravelled it. Florie knew the warnings; to avoid a deal at all costs because rarely does a god follow through in the way you expect of them. “I’m not going to be a zombie, right? Or a clown… no never mind, I’m reading, I swear I’m reading.” She brushed aside the disarray of roses and letters from the altar’s stool and the ability to read fled her when it was so difficult to ignore the roaring of her heart. Never mind the urging for her to hurry up, stomach fluttering with the fear he’d retract the offer to help her if she hesitated any longer. “Okay, okay. Why do you have so much small print and why is it so tiny?” The contract inches from her face when she gave in to the race of time and her focus swapped to the scanning of the objects laid out for his affections for a sharp edge. Thoughts that it had been a sign that she shouldn’t make the deal had risen if there was nothing to draw blood when she had grazed her hand over one of the many roses. “It’s just a few months for Luka’s sake.” A whisper while she tore her thumb across the thorn, her heart taking on an aggressive thrum but not enough to derail her, nothing could have stopped her from sealing her thumbprint on the bottom of the parchment. “You’re not going to kill me now, are you? I respect your family but I’m not ready to be a sacrifice to a god, my dad… oh my god, I’ll never get to be buried on the hill, he’ll bury me with loopy Littlewood from next door for being a sacrifice to Hades.” 

“What a shame.” Phoenix could easily read the woman before him; dealing with her would be troublesome because of her response about her sister. It was gagging-worthy listening to the sound of her voice as she wanted nothing more than to stop this wedding. “You think it’s fair?” Phoenix poked at what was already hurting, taking a step closer with a tender smile. “It sounds like your sister has everything you’ve ever wanted. While she asks for you to disappear in an instant and even offers something more valuable than your soul–you look me in the eye and tell me you don’t want her dead? You mortals are all filled with empathy and don’t realize even the ones you call family will stab you in the back.” His fingers reached down to pick the letter up, flicking open a lighter as he carefully burned the corners of the paper and watched as each letter disappeared before his eyes. “Lucky for you, you decided to visit, but unlucky for her because you’re getting what you want.” His eyes followed her carefully, time ticking as his head tilted, lingering for her response to his contract, and those dark eyes fell wicked the moment her blood tainted the paper. “Pleasure doing business with you.” Phoenix snatched the contract from her hands, rolling it back to its original form before handing it to his soul assistant. In minutes, a red string appeared from thin air; Phoenix lifted up his sleeves and, without a single hesitation, knotted the string around her wrist. The sound of her heartbeat excited him; it had been a while since he made a deal, and it gave him an unholy amount of power to control her. “You must keep this bracelet on for the contracted months. If you try to remove it, you will feel your heart being squeezed until you pass out or die. The rules stated that I should be given three days. If I don’t achieve my goal in three days, then you are no longer bonded to me in any way, and with that, the bracelet will disappear. Are we clear?” Phoenix didn’t wait for her to agree, walking past her with hands in his pockets and a sly smile painted on his lips. “Now, come with me. We have much to do.” It was time to collect souls, souls of all kinds, and send them down towards Damned for his father to oversee their fate.

The abrupt quake in the world around her had Florie both jolting and ducking in quick succession, barely viewing the opening of the door when she slammed her head back down onto the marble altar. Stars overtaking her vision, an attempt to peer up at the sudden visitor had made him a blur for at least thirty seconds. “Where did you even come from?” A whine into the dark night that she had been pleading with only moments before and although she had heard the stories of luck at receiving his help, she had expected it to be an instant reply if he’d deemed her worthy of his attention. By the time her vision returned, she was locked on the jewels he had snatched off the altar, the glint that came from them was nothing to her once her eyes snapped to his face. A man birthed to the gods was guaranteed beauty, yet the man in front of her had been beyond the scale of her vocabulary to describe him. “I want it to end more than I’ve ever wanted anything.” Of all the unfair situations that her sister had inflicted on her, marrying a boy that she had loved had been the tipping point. “Preferably no one dies though.” It had been an additional thought, a warning from her father blooming in the back of her mind to never make a deal with a god lightly; there would always be a clause you overlooked. “My soul?” She shot to her feet, an action that brought her within a few inches of him, forced to crane her neck to view him clearly. “Why would you want my soul? What if you don’t like it and it tastes funny, oh… do you eat it, no, do you put it in a jar?” Hundreds more questions flurried forward but she found herself tongue-tied in the panic that seized her chest. Her hands patting herself down in the urge to seek a fairer trade, her fingers trailing over the pendant from her father for a brief moment, it was all she had on her person and yet it wasn’t worth giving up. “Is there nothing else you would take from me instead?” 

Phoenix refused to make negotiations; He found them unreasonable, and if he was being asked to do something out of the kindness of his heart, then he needed something in return. “I came from a long line of horrible people. It’s honestly bothersome to explain, but let’s not get into the family drama.” His timer was ticking, glancing between the two before he realized how staring down at her was causing a cramp in the back of his neck. Phoenix rolled his neck, eyes shutting momentarily in terms of short–she had to be at least the worst type of short to exist. “Why the hell are you so tiny? Did you not have any vitamins growing up? It’s concerning and aggravating.” Phoenix filtered through more letters as she spoke about trade until one caught his attention with a chuckle. “Listen to this,” He interrupted her from going on about her soul. “Son of Hades, almighty spirit, I’m planning to get married to the love of my life. I wish for you to bless us, free us from misfortunate, and even though your father may be Hades–” Confusion fell over his features, eyes widening, and with a snap of his finger, he realized why this story sounded so familiar. “It looks like your sister also wants to get rid of you. What are the odds of that? You’re her misfortune. That’s hilarious.” Phoenix was almost delighted to be the center of attention of two sisters, one after the other, and the destruction on both ends was precisely what he needed. “Don’t be weird. I don’t rip the soul from out your body, I simply attach a red bracelet to you for the months you owe. I’ll explain in more detail after you accept,” He dropped all the letters to search for a contract on hand, patting away at body even in places he wouldn’t put the contract. “I know it’s here somewhere. Aha.” His fingers wrapped around a scroll, a twisted smile forming on his lips before handing her the wrapped scroll. “Read the terms and conditions, then sign by using your blood. Don’t be like the last person who bled to death; I asked for a thumbprint, not a wrist slit.” While he waited for her to respond, Phoenix began to dust his shrine with a low hum, and how dusty his area had gotten was disrespectful. Granted, it was his fault in the first place for refusing to check up weekly, but how can an area get so bad after four months? “Would you mind hurrying up?”

Desperation drew Florie out into the dark of night, abandoning a home that was alight with a surprise engagement, strides taking her on a path that led to the outskirts of Custos. The agony that tugged at her heart had her failing to recognise where her desperation was leading her. All she craved was air at first then it was comfort and when she didn’t happen upon any open airs, she needed resolution and her feet knew exactly where to take her. It wasn’t until she had cut a corner that her mind caught wind of her feet’s intention, eyes latching onto the sole light that was bleeding out onto the cobbled stone. It was not a temple nor was it an altar of official capacity, at least she didn’t believe it was, nevertheless it was a shrine that led her forward. “For the son of Hades.” A whisper as she touched the corner of the marble centrepiece, adorned with offerings of flowers, jewels, gold and flitterings of notes, and an array of food plucked from the dinner tables of desperate families. Instinctively, she began to pat herself down seeking an offering and realising she had left without even a coin. “You don’t happen to take ‘I owe you’s, do you?” A pathetic ask to the open air that surely wouldn’t respond, especially not when the night had already been so ruthlessly cruel. Sighing, she dropped to kneel on the stool in front of the altar that had been cushioned by an array of blankets. “I suppose you don’t stop weddings either.” Her head drooped, her forehead resting on the cool marble and drifting back into a choked whisper. “But on the chance you might. Stop my sister from marrying him, please. I'd do anything if you stopped it."

All the destruction happening around him was bringing him endless joy, not a complaint in the world from him, but his father had nagged him for weeks to check his shrine. A shrine Phoenix had disagreed on because the thought of walking through pitch black in the middle of nowhere for gifts wasn’t worth it. “Do not make me ask you again to check on your shrine.” Hades spoke wrath, and Phoenix knew he had pushed the God too close to the edge. He made his way towards the location, hands in his pockets as his feet dragged underneath him until he reached the unique structure. Phoenix planned to kick the door open, grab the gifts then toss out any requests, except a small voice caught his attention. The praying victim begging for a solution, it activated a half smile as he leaned in to listen carefully to her request. “You’ll do anything?” Phoenix dramatically pushed open the doors, wind becoming a paid actor as his coat danced in the wind. He was ready to conjure up a contract with her poor soul, but a shiny item caught his eye against the marble table. “Ew.” It was almost disrespectful, he couldn’t believe his eyes as he walked around the woman to take hold of the fake jewels. “You don’t deserve good luck for the rest of the year, you cheap bastard. Who brings fake jewels to a shrine?” The disgust in his tone never left not even as he turned to face the woman, darkened features before he officially stood in front of her. “How badly do you want this wedding to end? Are there certain things off limits?” Phoenix set the timer on his watch as he hated his time being wasted. He would find the time to rummage through letters and gifts of fruit which would turn into his lunch. Each letter he read was filled with selfish requests, but none of them were suitable, and tossed over his shoulder they were. “I’ll put an end to the wedding in exchange for your soul. I won’t hold on to it for long, but in the months that I do hold on to it–well, you’ll see a change in your entire demeanor. Deal? If your sister has to suffer, then why shouldn’t you suffer as well?”

The drinks held their effects, the magic within them failing to let her sober even after what would have straightened her on any other day, but as her hands slid up and down her calves for warmth, she found herself swaying. Her head rose at the sweetness that littered his voice, she knew that it was only a matter of time before he turned sour, yet she basked in his attention because, at this moment, she needed it. “I always look stunning.” It was a whisper, her confidence had dwindled yet acceptance of her beauty was ready to pounce on the tip of her tongue. Curiosity seeped in, tilting her head to watch him turn the faucet but all questions had died once she was once more the centre of attention. Minji knew the signs of his assault before his hands were on her, catching a breath in the brief seconds that came between him crossing the room and the chill of his hands caused the hair on her arms to rise. “The only man who never leaves me is you.” She brushed his cheek with her knuckles and the tears swelled in her eyes; gaze darting to the door expectantly. If Theo had been there, what would she have done? She wasn’t certain if she would have fled with him or if she’d have carried on the path Phoenix forged ahead with. Her legs spread without a fight, and surprised cries echoed and mixed with the run of the water. The wet ache that Theo had created between her legs was successfully dealt with, straightening her back and raising a foot to rest in the small of his back, opening herself up to him in every capacity. “Do you want me to be bad for you, daddy?” She brought her mouth to his ear while he made short work of Arthur’s masterful stitching, it should have been a sin to ruin something so beautiful but she failed to give it more than a moment’s notice once he was locked on her chest. Her head tossed back as she arched her back and practically raised from the countertop, dragging herself closer to the edge in search of the high his fingers never failed to give her. The attention to her nipples caused a curl in the pit of her stomach, leading her to clench around his fingers and release a series of moans that she couldn’t control. “Please fuck me.” A desperation that Minji spared for Phoenix, he could have drawn it out of her in a church pew if he looked at her the right way. “Please, Phoenix.”  His name locked in a gasp and a moan all at once, the familiar warmth of his palm on her throat was paired with her hand circling his wrist, while the other sought out the button to his trousers. Her fingers trembled, this was the moment that she failed before, where she’d been rejected and she couldn’t help to hesitate. 

Minji wanted to flee, she was itching for it and yet she was anchored to the bathroom that Theo had ushered her inside. Embarrassment and shock kept her from floundering to find an exit as if the whole ball would smell rejection off of her the moment she stepped outside. There were drinks on the countertop, some partially sipped while others were fully drained, and she toyed with their stems. The high of the drinks had got her into this situation, it could certainly help get her out. She should have been apprehensive, she should have known better but she lacked the care she usually observed and knocked back the fullest glass. If it was spiked, Minji couldn't tell nor did she care, sliding to sit on the countertop and wait. Eyes closed, she tipped her head back and rested on the cool tiles and once the door opened, she remained as she was. It wasn’t until the person acknowledged her, the voice of a man that she would have followed into the deepest depths of the underworld if so much as looked her way. “You ask that as if I'm abandoned often.” Minji’s eyes opened and her chest tightened, almost laughable that despite it all, her heart still was drawn to Phoenix like a moth to a flame.  If anyone was to blame for her abandonment it was him, but this wasn’t the time to dwell on it. “Apparently, I'm too drunk to fuck.” Her laughter was hollow as she made her own conclusions on Theo's reasoning. Her drunken state was not a viable excuse to her, how many men had taken full advantage of her with alcohol in her system and he couldn't give in to her? “I touched his dick and poof…” She waved her hand, her fingers sprawled as she gave a dramatic flick of her wrist. Her attempt at humour was lacking when the situation was a devastating blow to her ego, reeling from what she had asked of him, only to be cast aside. “He abandoned me for some water, or so he said, I'm here, he's not, and neither is that damn water.”

“My pretty Minji rejected for a glass of water. Shame.” Phoenix adjusted his attire while his attention was glued to the mirror, making sure he was at the top of his game tonight for various reasons. However, a devilish thought crossed his mind as the woman he used to get off sat filled with sheer embarrassment. This idea was a special one, but it wouldn’t be right to take advantage of her in this state–He chuckled to himself when moments ago he had snapped the neck of a mourning mother. Phoenix had no morals. “You look stunning tonight, baby girl.” It was like clockwork between them, always starting sweet before destroying her completely. His words echoed in the large interior, walking over to the single porcelain tub, and turning the handle for the water to begin filling. “How could a man leave you?” Phoenix gradually shifted on his heel to sway back toward her, cold hands lifting the hem of her skirt until her thighs were exposed; Why wait for her to ask questions? It took him half a second to rip her undergarments, hand forcefully spreading her legs to grant him access without permission. “You’re such a good girl tonight. Behaving so well.” These words were a distraction to his fingers sliding between her folds, slowly slipping two fingers inside of her while his free hands ripped the expensive fabric to expose her chest. Phoenix attached his mouth to one breast, tongue darting over her nipple before his teeth began to tug at the bud. His fingers dug inside of her, pumping his wrist until he heard those bedraggled noises coming from between her legs–his hand used to rip the fabric wrapped around her neck, squeezing tightly enough for only sweet moans to escape. It was too late to refuse him when he made up his mind on how he’d planned to torture her tonight. Phoenix snapped his fingers inside of her, mouth moving from one breast to another but not before leaving marks of his presence. “My ravishing, undesirable girl.”

“This night feels like a curse.” Orion drawled as he took a step away from Phoenix and began to circle the site that they had been led to, basked in flowers and trinkets. It was a feeble and disgusting memorial, the people of Devotion lived their lives with the direction their heart led them and it was clear they decorated the same way. The marble headstone carved gaudy swirls that bleed themselves into roses and hearts, dusted with a golden hue, never mind the small stuffed bear locked in a golden lantern, as if overseeing the protection of the jewels that circled it. Jewels that he noticed were embedded in every tomb or headstone they’d passed. “Pathetic.” His eyes rolled and he missed the sharp snap of Aera’s head towards him, although when he returned his focus to the task, he couldn’t miss the piercing stare. He also picked up on the distance she placed between herself and Rosie-Lane’s mothers, almost laughable that she had put both him and Phoenix between them. It piqued his interest, a story that his friend had certainly failed to tell him, yet he would likely be given the time to indulge. The interaction with the dead was short; in fact, it was non-existent. “You dragged me out here for this?” Orion’s laughter was hollow, a lacklustre affair after the promise of chaos didn’t settle well, and he kicked himself off the nearest headstone to the burial site the others huddled around. Dropped down towards the lantern that housed the bear despite the call from Rosie-Lane’s mother, he was interested and no amount of aching sobs of a parent would halt him, nor the attempt to tear him away by his collar. “I’ll bring them back,  promise.” The lie was smooth off his tongue, seizing the several jewels that were stored within, unbeknown to him that he had given the princess the cover required to retrieve the necklace. Annoyance led to him ramming an elbow directly to the woman’s nose, knocking her to the dirt of her daughter's grave and returning to his full height. “On second thoughts, I’ll be keeping them.” He didn’t look behind him, not to the weeping woman or the witch that had been trapped in her dire position. It was his return to Phoenix’s side that had him kicking up dirt and slipping his souvenir into his pocket, but not before dropping a few into the other’s pocket. “If I’m right, my dear friend. Tonight is going to be very interesting."

Phoenix clutched his fake pearls as the situation began to unravel around him, but not a single spirit rose from the ground and the only thing on the ground was the mother of the deceased. He wasn’t sure if she was passed out or dead, it was another problem for a different day, but the jewels were desirable enough to seize. “Princess Aera, I suggest that you go ahead.” He’d rather get rid of her before she was caught in a whirlwind of trouble which would lead back to him and he didn’t have the time to deal with Wednesday’s interrogation tactics. Phoenix held back any cruel comments about the snake that grew inches over a second, stepping back to avoid being touched by the witch next. He was glad that Khaede occupied herself with Irelia, but the situation felt strange when he heard Irelia call out Orion’s name. “The damsel in distress calls out for the husband that she hates? I was waiting for you to call out my name. Your loss, I would’ve made a great hero in this story.” Phoenix laughed nonchalantly before the snake hissed loudly, almost instantly covering the laugh with a cough. “Let’s be rational about all of this.” His hand hovered over the space, noticing the time on his watch. He wasted too much time gathering everyone, hoping for the seance to start the night off with a bang and it showed disappointment on all counts. “I’m upset.” Phoenix’s annoyance with the crisis had him wrapping his hands around the mother’s neck, exhaling sharply as he gazed into her tortured soul. “You’re a liability to all that is unfolding here.” It was with the strength of his wrist that he snapped the woman’s neck with ease, dropping her back onto the grace before wiping his fingers. “She was going to jump from Devotion’s tower. The rumors would be an issue and I’ve been dying to kill her.” He giggled at the pun, tossing a skull-engraved coin over the body as it granted her access to wander in Damned to find her daughter. The least he could do after breaking her neck for his enjoyment. “I would love to stay and see what you plan to do with the witch, but I must attend the yearly ball.” Phoenix placed his hand on Orion’s shoulder, two pats to ensure the two would see each other later. The walk back to Strife was chilly, holding his elbows as he snuck past the guards into the dance hall–it was better than he expected as women came dressed to scratch an itch and the men dove right into the task. “Orion would be pleased with the turnout.” It was appropriate for him to clean up after committing a crime, Phoenix made haste toward the nearest restroom before someone delicious pulled him away. Upon entering the bathroom, Phoenix was worried about his appearance and focused solely on how he looked in the mirror until his head turned to catch a familiar scent. “Who abandoned you this time?”

The crackle of gravel under feet was swiftly changing to the crunch of ice-lined grass as Orion followed the lead of Devotion’s doll. If he thought too long about being on her heel he would have been lost to maniacal laughter, the princess seemingly made of candied clouds and the fairies dew, was the one leading both he and Phoenix into a land that was never to be tread by their toes. “Let’s make it quick. I’ve got a ball to host.” Orion extended his hands although they were planted in the pocket of his coat and it ended in a shrug, bristling the snake that had been hanging from his lapel. He treaded forward and up upon grass verges, hearing the gasps of Aera as the mounds he cared little for were recently buried devotees of Devotion. “Khaede.” He called to the witch who was several steps behind, urging her forward to get introductions over swiftly, he didn’t have the minutes to spare tonight of all nights. “This is Phoenix and you’ll tell him everything and do everything he asks.” Her dark gaze was locked on him when he spun to face her, laughter bubbling forth at the tight-lipped response he was receiving. His hand suddenly raised to rub his thumb and forefinger together, a confirmation that she’d receive formal compensation. “Bitch.” He spoke under his breath once he was out of her earshot and within Phoenix’s, clamping a hand on his shoulder and wholly prepared to witness an event that would put his own ball to shame. Fingers tapping to their own tune, eyeing up the rest of their company; not quite those that he expected to indulge in chaos yet he was happy to oblige in reeling them in. “Burn the witch if it’s what you need, it’s no loss to me.”

For years Phoenix read about the ‘off limits’ land where those who have buried and gifted the land with an unexplained warm hue. As the gates opened the minute a royal from Devotion was near, Phoenix held his laughter as his disgust for Aphrodite grew more. He thought about the line in an ancient book, every royal from Devotion would be granted access to the Sacred Acres, and those who trespass would answer to Aphrodite. These words irritated him since the day he heard them, as the son of Hades, it was almost like a slap to the face. Tonight made history as his feet crushed the leaves beneath, Phoenix bathed in the thought that the son of Hades was stepping foot on Sacred lands. “I wouldn’t dare burn a witch, it would bring you years of bad luck and I can’t afford years of a curse.” His laughter was barely audible as his feet followed behind their cover, lowering his head to avoid being caught by those who paid attention to him daily. “I never understood why the weather is warmer here.” The minute he stepped foot onto the ground, every neuron activated almost warning him that this location was not to be tampered with even on Hallow’s Eve. Phoenix ignored the feeling, allowing the mother of the deceased to guide them to the burial site with the witch close by. “Here.” His vision adjusted to the engraving on the marble stone, lips curving downwards as he nodded in approval. “There she lies.” Phoenix signaled toward the witch to begin the spell, gathering everyone around as he emptied his pockets of the needed sacrifices; rat tail, white roses, and fresh goat milk. He shut momentarily while Khaede blessed the land until she grimly demanded his hand, casually lifting his arms for her to wrap her wicked fingers around his wrist. It was an odd sensation running throughout his body as the witch spoke in paint words, “Impere tumis noli lectimus iactos picissimum quo futurissime defectant ludant.” The wind near them began to twirl the white petals before creating a circle around them, each petal landing elegantly on the ground to keep those inside from stepping out. “Call out her name.” Phoenix cocked a brow, voice low as he spoke out the name of who he wished to speak with. “Rosie-lane.” The witch failed to address that not every soul will find a path back to the real world, but those desperate enough will leap at the opportunity to torture the living. His patience was running thin, glancing around for a sign of her deceased presence yet nothing seemed out of the ordinary. “What a waste of time.” He snatched his hand after minutes of no activity, but that action caused the witch to panic as each petal began to wither instantly. There was no longer light, only darkness had entered the realm. “Good luck.” Phoenix shrugged his shoulders as he faced the audience, parting his lips to speak with boredom painted on his features. “I thought this would be more exciting, but I was wrong. Let’s leave.”

“A witch?” Orion found himself hooked with a single word, the dipping into the realms of magic always came with a joyful set of aftershocks. Witches had been forced out of many houses, trickling back into noman’s lands or in this case, defected to Strife. Her name was on the tip of his tongue, making a clicking noise on the roof of his mouth as he toyed with sharing it. “What exactly do you receive from reconnecting this mother and daughter?” Orion perched himself on the edge of the windowsill, crossing his arms and following with his legs. His eyes skipped over his friends towards Irelia instead, unaware of the passing of a gift that occurred seconds prior and behind his back. “Or do you want to use dear little Rosie-lane’s bones to strengthen the goal?” Chaos. It was the only goal that Orion had ever been so intent on, a smile curving on the corners of his mouth at the thought of what they could accomplish on the ground that Aphrodite sunk her blood, sweat and tears into.“I’ve always wanted to step inside the Sacred Acre.” A confirmation of his participation, gaze sweeping over Aera and the innocence that sickeningly ebbed with every graceful movement. She would fall from grace for allowing them to play their games. The notice of his snake-attentive nature to Irelia had Orion hissing his disapproval, driving one of the creatures away from her and towards him, a smooth change of direction that had him reaching downwards to allow it to curve around his wrist and circle up his arm. “They protect my property, it’s unfortunate when your property moves, and breathes.” His eyes rolled at the tongue that flickered into his face, a fluttering of distaste from his own pet, an occurrence that grew once he had married Irelia. He didn’t wish to dwell on it, not when Phoenix was present long enough to pass judgment. “Khaede. The witch lives on the boundary of Strife, she’s amicable as a viper.”

“Which is why I brought us the lovely Princess Aera. No one would ask any questions if she’s the one who granted us access.” The ball began with guests arriving early to set the mood for those who felt the urge to arrive later, Phoenix could hear the clacking of servants rushing to the opposite of Strife as the occupancy grew. “Tick, tock, catch the witch.” His soul dangled effortlessly against his hip as it spoke with urgency, only a friendly reminder for Phoenix that their conversation was a waste of time. “Property is such a strong word for a human being.” He raised a hand suppressing his laughter, but making a scathing remark would have them standing there for hours. There had been a course and place to explain his thinking, but even he didn’t plan this thoroughly. It was time to initiate the last step of the makeshift plan, Phoenix casts his attention over to the women as they spoke about nonsense before carelessly interrupting. “How do you ladies feel about seeing a witch? Right answers only.” There was no reason to receive an answer from them when he already knew that the two beauties, especially Irelia, looked like she was about to crumble after wandering the halls of Strife for months. Phoenix shivered at the thought of never leaving Strife unless accompanied by her husband, “Be a decent husband and have your wife come with us. It’ll be a nice bonding moment for the two of you or one of you may commit murder. Who truly knows?” His hands returned to his pockets, head tilting slightly towards Orion as an indication it was time to move. “Bring the witch to the Sacred Acre.” The group didn’t have time to make rounds to visit the witch personally, Phoenix aware that she may already know that her presence was needed on sacred grounds. His legs began to move towards the doors as servants slowly opened the closer he got to the door, turning on his heel to walk backward as he spoke towards Orion with a displeased expression as he made unwanted eye contact with his pets. “You’re bringing the snakes, aren’t you?” It would take approximately thirty minutes from Strife to reach the grounds before it was completely dark, but the moon would give Phoenix enough light to play with spells.

Orion’s dealing with Irelia had been few and far between yet each time they were in a room together he found his blood pressure rising to exponential levels. Her hand on his a show that they had to play when it came to guests and allowing her the freedom to be in the presence of others would at least silence her temporarily. The moment they entered the room, his eyes snapped towards Aera, a female who had never been of interest to him despite the marriage that tied her to Strife. However, he was curious as to why Phoenix had chosen to have her in his company on today of all days. “Sorry for the lateness, but Irelia tripped out a window.” He didn’t glance towards his wife as he addressed Phoenix, his eyebrows nudged upwards, the only person that he would divulge such information to that wasn’t under his direct control. Irelia’s absence at his side wasn’t missed even though he turned his head to follow the initial interaction with Aera. The typical dance of the females at court, all fluff and ribbons while they spoke in tongues that only another woman could understand, he never trusted women together but there was little he could do given the circumstances. “I thought you’d be preparing for the ball, readying your torture devices for whatever lady dares to enter your carriage this evening.” Orion didn’t speak to Phoenix's comment that they should talk, he took a simple stride to the opposing end of the room, placing enough distance between them and the princesses to conceal conversation. “But I don’t think you’re here about that, it’s Hallows-Eve after all, it’s your favourite time to play. So what's the game this year?"

“I always prepare ahead of time for your balls.” Phoenix emptied his hands from his pockets, carefully monitoring the two women as he quickly caught a glimpse of the fabric. If he were being honest, Phoenix had low hopes for the Princess and her skills to deliver an unknown package. The minute Irelia wrapped her fingers around the gift, he heard the ticking of time as his plan unfolded almost too perfectly. It was satisfying watching until he redirected his attention to Orion. “I require a witch.” Phoenix knew the man well enough that he allowed no time for interruptions, tongue running over his teeth. “I’m planning to reconnect a mother with her child. I need a spell that can make that happen, but my sister refused to share knowledge on the dead and I know you have information on the whereabouts of a witch.” The explanation was too simple, Phoenix was well aware of the questions that would be asked and he abruptly turned his head to make eye contact with Orion. “Let me explain it in more detail. Princess Aera has access to the sacred lands which is why she’s here with me, The mother is of the one named Rosie-lane who was brutally murdered.” His hand hovered over his heart, deep sigh to pay respects to the dead as if he wasn’t the one who lead them through Damned. “May she rest in peace or should I say pieces?” Phoenix cleared his throat before laughter could erupt. “What do you say? Chaos is calling and it's been a while since we were behind it.” His eyes caught the slithering of two snakes, lips curving downwards in disapproval as he returned his attention to one carefully wrapping around the ankles of the woman he delivered substances. “I understand why they follow you everywhere, but why would one be near Irelia?”

Aera gasped at the revelation that Orion did not trust Phoenix, a dramatic hand thrown against her chest, a faux look of shock painted on her features as she leaned forward. “How appalling, you are the most trustworthy man of all the houses, how dare he believe you capable of poisoning his wife?” With that, she was already beginning to unravel the cloth that was bound in her lap, already a step ahead of him because when he had given her permission to check she was tugging free the knot to reveal the box inside. The pills inside were not unlike those that were delivered to her in the morning and at night, she had been expecting something amiss but the round white pills were in no way suspicious. “Is the Prince not capable of caring for her himself? Or do you believe you have a better concoction for a future Queen?” She brought the box upwards, although she hadn’t expected to find anything in their scent, those at home had a light scent of roses only when they were on your tongue. “It seems you are on your best behaviour today.” Aera chuckled lightly, replacing the lid on the box and then beginning to form a much more charming bow on top of the package with the cloth, much more fitting as a gift than the simple knot he’d handed her. She had secured it in her lap as the staff entered the room and she chose that moment to rise, smoothing down the creases in her skirt in anticipation of their arrival. “Witches?” She tipped on her heel to turn back to face him before kicking off to wander towards the wall of portraits, the package held behind her back as she strolled. “My mother used to bring one to the palace when we were ill. I don’t know a lot beyond the moments I met her and for those I was feverish, and that she still practices, but I do know other houses aren’t so kind to them and rid them from their land. Why do you ask?”

"Finally, someone who understands me." Phoenix wiped away fake tears while he listened to her words, sniffling over the pain he endured knowing Orion planned to marry someone else that wasn't him. "You don't know much about Prince Orion, do you? I'll break down to you before we meet him." He adjusted his sitting, unbuttoning a button before he stood up to educate the Princess. "Orion, the love of my life, is an outstanding yet devilish man whom I know doesn't care for anyone. The only reason he married was to have an heir, last child, blah blah. There may be a bastard out there, but that's for another story." He began pacing the room, hands behind his back thinking about good times with his evil companion; a closer look would indicate a smile as he daydreamed. "Irelia is a handful and I've heard stories that he locks her in a room. Let's the servants take care of her and leave for days at a time for business." Phoenix didn't know the exact reason, but he was well aware of their growing feelings for one another. "It's all interesting, I'm not curious enough to evaluate further but I know that she does need those pills. Orion may not show it, but he'll be grateful to you and Devotion even in the worst tone." The plan was unfolding too perfectly, gracefully, and magnificently. He planned to say more until doors opened, announcing the presence of two very important players. Phoenix spun on his heel, bowing slightly at the two royals before scanning Irelia and then Orion with a soft smile. "The tension is high. Did you two fight?" His tone teased, walking over to greet Orion with open arms and lips against Irelia's hand as he returned to his original position. "Orion, you know the Princess. Irelia, you can do the introduction on your own." He gestured to the odd companion, tilting his head to signal that the two should remove themselves and talk privately. "Let's talk."

“If you had no interest in my personal life, you wouldn't know anything about me.” Aera’s words were on the heel of his, darting him a glare; she didn’t like to play games, she didn’t have the time for it. “You may be a lot of things Phoenix but a good liar is not one of them, you take an interest in everything and everyone because it suits you quite well to take advantage, correct?” She flicked her tongue, tutting as she sunk further into the chair, pinning her shoulders back and raising her chin. Half-expecting her old governess to emerge from the shadows to claim her acts and conversation were not becoming of a princess. “Irelia? I can’t say that I’m familiar with her.” Aera didn’t look at him as she was still heavily focused on the wall of portraits, distracted by the events that had led her to territory she should have called home but despised with all her being. “It would be a terrible thing to believe you cared.” She finally focused on him, quickly inspecting his expression before dropping her gaze to the parcel he set between them. Half a mind to deny him his request, forcing him to become one with his humanity and show that he cares for someone other than himself, but the level of the request had her eyeing the cloth package with curiosity. “I heard that you get along well with Prince Orion, after all, he is still considered your brother-in-law, should you not show that you care for his bride?” She leaned forward to run the tied edge of the cloth between her fingers, she didn’t know if she trusted this request from Phoenix, it felt calculated and yet she reached for the parcel and held it in her lap. A gracious smile painted on her lips, although a strong determination to find out the game that was wrapped so elegantly in her hands - she was certain it wasn’t a gift she wanted to give, but she played the part regardless. “If she’s sick, I could have brought her something sufficient from Devotion. Our roses are highly medicinal, I suppose this will do for now. I’ll promise to send her something much more fitting for a future Queen.”

Phoenix found her ability to continue admirable knowing many would have sat silently while he peeled away at their fears. He was upset that she would rather be a decent human than create chaos with him, but not everyone was cut out for his line of work. "Information is everything, you of all people should understand this as a Princess." Lying to her was ineffective even if explained his plan in detail to her, there would be no one who would be willing to stop him. He was the son of Hades a spitting image of the man who would destroy a planet to have one thing: Power. All he desired from her was empathy, Phoenix declared himself a shell when she died except when it came to his sister. Snow was his biggest weakness, filling him with vulnerability even considering the idea that she would get hurt. "Orion doesn't trust anything I give his wife because he suspects that I might poison her. I write him every day, confess my love to him every second that I get, and decide to reject me of all people." Although he was teasing, there were plenty of occasions when Phoenix would speak on how he'd devote his life to Orion. Throwing him finger hearts whenever he had the chance, but it's been a few months since he last visited Strife. "If you want, you may open the cloth and take a look for yourself." He had no reason to hide anything, all herbal medicines looked similar to ones that delivered hallucinating highs. Phoenix prepared to continue buttering the woman until a servant walked through the doors, head faced down as he spoke. "Prince Orion and Princess Irelia will be with you shortly." Finally, Phoenix was growing old just waiting for his man who was clearly not his man. His social battery was slowly being drained by Devotion, his soul begging to be sent back down to hell to stop the warm floral scent radiating off Aera. "Do you know anything about witches?"

“I’m not claiming innocence, I know that I did wrong, but I have lived alone with the knowledge that someone who was sent to kill me still walks free.” Her family had been beloved, it was the reason that their guards often stood down to allow greetings, and every time they walked the streets, she expected the dagger to find her chest. “I cannot help her mother, even if I were to admit the truth, it would do nothing. I know she has searched for that necklace and hopes it would answer her questions, yet she doesn’t know she passes it so frequently and it had never given her peace of mind.” The Jewel of Ardour resided in plain sight, although Aera had wished it would disappear, it remained hidden in the crevice of Aphrodite’s marble palm in the Sacred Acre. To keep the necklace in her possession was too much to bear, even though she was forced to lie to several family members that it was safe and sound, and she simply chose no longer to wear it. “You may not fear death, but you must fear something.” Aera did not bow under his gaze, she refused to allow him to witness the true fear that she felt by his threats. Hale had never crossed paths with Mattias long enough to speak, Aera had made certain of that fact. “You seem to be under the assumption that Mattias and I partake in an activity that would ignite anger in my husband. There would be no reason for Hale to put his hands on him unless you dared to twist the truth.” She turned in her seat, crossing her legs and setting her focus on the wall of portraits behind her, the faces of her in-laws littered amongst them and Hale had hung proudly to the left of Orion’s largest portrait. Mattias’ life was not the one she feared for with Phoenix’s threat, she knew that Hale would rather place her in a state of eternal rest instead. Aera wished to ignore Phoenix, and if she hadn’t known he was a dangerous man she might have attempted to return home, but he made it difficult. “Is it not sweet enough?” Her eyes darted towards the cups and selection of small offerings laid in front of them, not daring to eat or drink without the presence of her guards despite eating several times in this very room. “Perhaps someone favoured you and added a touch of nightshade, it can be rather musky.”

Laughter bounced off the walls, and he leaned back into his seat as his palms settled carefully on his knees as she spoke of nightshade. Phoenix reminisces the times his father would force him to eat small amounts of poisons for his body to grow immune, even to this day he waits for the moment to surprise someone that he has been injecting himself with poison to outplay death. Now the topic of fear was an unusual one, Phoenix mapped out one moment in his mind when fear truly took over and after that he promised to avoid the mass emotions. "Fear?" The image of his lover, face sprayed with blood as she died in his arms while he threatened the gods and shouted to the skies that they would all pay for her death. "I won't lie to you because what is the point? I was once afraid to lose someone very dear to me, but the minute she vanished from this earth then I decided to revoke that useless emotion." He crossed his legs, his head turning to face the decorative scenery of Strife. Something had changed since the last time he visited. The aura of strength was fading for several reasons, but one in particular had been Irelia and that showed weakness. Love was a sign of weakness, Phoenix knew the feeling well enough to understand that his companion was falling in love with his wife. He saw the same weakness in Princess Aera, everywhere he glanced there was someone falling for the trick that Aphrodite had power over, the goddess he wanted to rip to shreds. "I have no interest in your personal life, but I did warn you." Time was ticking, Phoenix needed to conjure up a plan quickly before the end of Hallows-eve and everyone was playing their part too well for him to complain. "The woman who will enter this room is named Irelia, I know you don't know much about her, but she is very sick and I would like to avoid her thinking I care about her well-being." His first plan was set in motion, reaching into his coat to reveal a carefully wrapped cloth that concealed the smell of what was really inside. "I would like you to give it to her. Why? It's a simple gesture for the Queen to be, tell her that a little bird spoke to you about her illness." He set the cloth on the table next to her teacup, fixing his attire before returning to his comfortable state. "It's common courtesy to bring something to a meeting with a powerful couple, don't you agree?" The information he gathered on Aera was plain, the woman was kindhearted from birth, and helping people was always written in her prophecy which Phoenix wanted to take advantage of in these dire moments.