𝔄𝔭𝔥𝔯𝔬𝔡𝔦𝔰𝔦𝔞𝔠

Get Me Bodied by Beyoncé (2007)

"That sucks for them," Floribeth whistled through her teeth, "I mean, imagine having so many beautiful places to go on vacation to and you just get yourself ixnayed from all of them. Could not be me. Would never be me."

Rather strong? "Doubt it. I never went to the gym or anything when I was human and I always tried to skip p.e. whenever it rolled around way back when - didn't quite work out but I still tried it. So I dunno. Probably not."

She's not that strong. Physically, at least. Mentally, however...

"I mean, he has now, but that was way after the fact. I don't blame him. He lost the love of his life, and his friends, and his chosen family. And even, if you look at it from a certain vantage point, himself. He ran with the wolves and now he's their very opposite."

That, and it can't be easy having Klaus Mikaelson as a sire.

Not any easier than it is having Derek Machado as one.

"Mhm, I do believe you wouldn't do what they did." Quiet laughter tinged with disbelief escaped her lips at being called pretty. What a flirt Venera was. Floribeth figured that Venera likely didn't mean a whit of it. Didn't mean it wasn't nice to hear, though. "That entirely depends on whether or not you believe vampires have souls, but that's perhaps a back and forth for another time."

Slowly, Floribeth nodded her head. "If I may be so bold as to ask: what are your intentions? Beautifying the world? Making women believe in themselves, getting in touch with the natural feminine?"

Medina had told her more than that, of course, but just like Venera tested her, Floribeth had some tests of her own to run.

“I do not wish to get soaked. Well… not by the rain, at least.”

“Why not make today the day? I do not like them. Not at all. I do not particularly care for how powerful they believe themselves to be because, honestly, people are only ever as powerful as others allow them to become.” Her tone remained calm, almost conversational, which somehow made the things she was suggesting sound even more unsettling. “They are rather easy to take action against if one possesses the ability to see the bigger picture.” A faint tilt of her head followed. “I once voiced this idea before, dagger them all and place them somewhere no one could ever realistically reach. Now, you might ask, ‘what about the almighty hybrid?’ A small smile touched her lips. “Well, Medina’s beloved sire already provided the answer to that one. A different creature requires a different dagger. As for their witch sister, one could simply follow the route that Malachai Parker once did. The entire Sleeping Beauty concept.” She waved a hand lazily. “And the precious little daughter? Red oak ash, paired with an equally special dagger.” Her gaze drifted briefly elsewhere.

“Besides, resurrection does not need to apply solely to beings of flesh. The same principles could be applied to plants, trees… whatever one desires, assuming the mind behind it is creative enough.” The frightening thing was how rationally she said all of it.

“Of course,” Venera continued, “I only ever entertained these ideas because of the deeply rooted fear and grief I observed within your dear sister from another mister and mistress.” A soft sigh escaped her. “It pained me knowing she spent years running from boogeymen who barely even acknowledged her existence. It pained me even more realizing how many vampires live that way.” Her eyes narrowed faintly. “I find it utterly absurd.”

Another pause followed before she continued.

“And then there was the entire spectacle in New Orleans, indirectly caused by one of their own family members.” She shook her head slightly. “It makes me wonder why nobody ever truly possesses the resolve to do what is necessary. If I can think of these things, surely others can as well.” Her tone softened again afterward.

“Though I cannot fight the battles of others. And so long as the Mikaelsons do not directly threaten me or my sisters, I have little interest in involving myself. Regardless, when it comes to the Trinity… I did always find the concept of Tristan drowning over and over again rather disturbing. Why go through all of that effort? And more curiously…” Her eyes flickered back toward Floribeth. “Why did the Mikaelsons not carry that same wrath when members of their own family died?” A sharp little smile appeared then.

“They certainly did not display that level of devastation when two of their brothers met their end. Of course, always and forever never truly seemed to apply to all of them equally. We both know that.” Then came a softer chuckle.

“At least within my coven, even when you are not bound by blood, you are still family.” There was something oddly sincere in her tone then. “And rest assured, if one of my sisters were to fall at someone else’s hands, we would move the universe itself to avenge her... I find that rather ironic somehow.”

Then, finally, her expression lightened again.

“Still,” she mused, “it is good to know the entire closer to the source equals greater strength theory is little more than myth.” A faint smile returned. “Though perhaps it truly is simply an age thing. Or luck. Or perhaps merely something I am not meant to fully understand.”

“I am quite certain vampires possess souls,” she replied softly. “If they lacked souls entirely, they would not cross over anywhere after death. They would simply vanish.” A slight tilt of her head followed. “But we both know that is not the case. Everyone possesses a soul. A human turned vampire still carries one.” Her gaze drifted briefly elsewhere, thoughtful. “Souls that dream of promised lands. Of an afterlife that may finally grant peace…” A faint pause lingered. “Assuming, of course, that one is worthy of crossing over at all.” Then came Floribeth’s question regarding her intentions.

Venera smiled faintly at that.

“Beautifying the world?” A soft laugh escaped her. “Honestly, that would be a rather hopeless cause.” Though despite the humor, what followed sounded startlingly sincere. “My intentions are to protect those left to fend for themselves. To offer shelter to those who need it. To provide guidance, sisterhood, safety, love.” She spoke calmly, confidently. “To ensure that every girl has a seat at the grand table. To make certain our voices are heard. I am deeply passionate about my craft, and I wish to share it with others. To help them see the beauty already living within them.” Her eyes softened slightly. “To protect witchkind from those who seek to suppress or destroy it. Together, we are infinitely stronger. Even when society seems desperate to pit women against one another, I refuse to indulge in it.” Her tone sharpened faintly there. “My sisters come first. We are one another’s strength, not competition. Some would call it a glorified sorority mentality,” she admitted with amusement. “But that is not truly what this is.” Her fingers brushed lightly against Floribeth’s hand as they walked. “I simply wish to spread the word and vision of Aphrodite. And my coven is not composed solely of witches. Humans without power, women abandoned by circumstance, those simply lost in life… they find homes within my temple as well.” Her gaze slid briefly toward Floribeth again.

“I am not the crazed cult leader some people insist upon imagining.” A soft chuckle followed. “I am merely passionate. Devoted.” A pause. “And devotion is not a sin. If anything, it is something admirable. Most people spend their lives wandering without guidance.” And strangely enough, for a moment, there was something almost innocent in the way she said it.

Then Floribeth teased her again about finding willing company.

“Oh, I can find many people.” Her eyes gleamed knowingly. “The true question is whether I consider them worthy of my time. But since your desires are now my command, I will happily show you the temple.” A faint smile curved her lips. “Though I cannot promise Adriana will be equally delighted by your presence. She has… rather strong opinions regarding vampires.” Her tone remained light, though not dismissive. “Which, truthfully, I cannot entirely blame her for. She lost her sister to one.” Another slight shrug. “So perhaps she is a touch biased. Fortunately for you, she is merely second in command. I am still the first lady here.”

As she spoke, Venera carefully took Floribeth’s hand again. The gesture itself remained gentle, elegant even, but there was something deeply unsettling beneath it, as though the act carried meaning beyond simple contact.

“Taking immortals into the temple is considered taboo,” she admitted quietly. “Yet I believe allies found in unusual places are often the most valuable.” Her thumb brushed lightly across Floribeth’s hand. “Besides… witches are the reason vampires exist in the first place. So I fail to see the issue. Vampires cannot normally enter the temple due to the barrier spell surrounding it. Only those granted permission by a member of the Inner Circle may cross the threshold without consequence.”

"I've done a little exploring," she admits coyly, ignoring the fact that it had mostly been making out with her best friend of the time, plus spontaneous drunk kisses with other girls here and there. Never anything serious enough to become destructive. "But no sparks yet. Guess I'll have to keep exploring."

In response to Venera's sympathy (and being so sincerely called stunning by the most gorgeous woman she's ever seen), Lilli can only shrug, suddenly a bit awkward despite her prior flirtation, a mix of flattered and self-conscious. Drawing on her cigarette for something to do, the ember glows softly, emphasizing the blush of her cheeks. "It didn't start that way, you know? Like, he was great, at first. It just always goes bad at some point."

█████ and Lucus always say it's not her, and Hugo's just a kid who's experienced too little of the normal world and too much of the weirder kind, but he just as resolutely thinks it couldn't possibly be her fault, either. Lilli would like to believe them, except why does it keep happening? But it's so much easier to simply not think about that in Venera's presence, to believe her when she says she deserves better.

And then Venera takes her hand like it's the most natural thing in the world, taking her breath away, and Lilli practically floats along with her, would be happy to go anywhere in the world with Venera's hand in hers. For a moment she wants to say my friends look out for me, but more than that she doesn't want to disagree with Venera and ruin this blissful moment, risk pushing her away. Besides, it's not exactly like she's wrong, either. Outside of Lilli's few friends there's no one else who cares. Even for all that Viviane, the one who raised her, has said she does, Lilli's always known it's not true.

“Exploring is never a bad thing,” Venera purred softly, the corner of her lips curving upward. “Honestly, I’m very much the type to encourage it.” Her gaze lingered on Lilli for a moment too long to be entirely innocent.

“Most people rush through life believing they need to belong to someone immediately. Devote themselves completely before they even understand what devotion truly asks of them.” she continued smoothly. “The sacrifices. The vulnerability. The hunger that comes with loving another person deeply.” A quiet hum escaped her as she glanced ahead toward the dark street before returning her attention to Lilli once more.

“It’s a pity, really. Though your ex-boyfriend sounds like an even greater one.”

There was amusement in her tone then, low and velvety.

“But I suppose that is often the problem with men.” she added lightly. “I have yet to meet one who didn’t eventually disappoint me in one way or another.” Venera’s fingers remained loosely intertwined with Lilli’s as they walked, warm and unhurried, as though she were in no rush for the night to end. “Love should not feel tragic,” she murmured after a moment, her voice lowering slightly. “It should feel like magic.”

“Though perhaps magic is meant to be complicated too.” A faint smile touched her lips. “A deeper understanding between two people. The sort where hearts begin to move in rhythm with one another without even trying.” She tilted her head slightly then, dark eyes flickering toward Lilli again.

“That is far more romantic to me than marriage or rings or whatever modern standards insist love is supposed to look like.” A softer laugh followed. “People are so obsessed with permanence that they forget to actually enjoy one another.”

Then her gaze dipped briefly, deliberately, before returning to Lilli’s face.

“Life is far too short not to savor its pleasures,” Venera said gently. “And sometimes that includes allowing yourself to experience many different kinds of love… many different kinds of people.” Venera took that as her cue to guide Lilli toward her car. Of course she did. The more time she could spend with her, the better. After all, the more she learned about her latest potential recruit, the easier it would become to slowly bend her toward her will. Not that Venera intended to rush things. No, she had always preferred patience when it came to delicate matters. Her car awaited them at the curb, an Audi, sleek beneath the glow of the streetlights.

“You’ll have to forgive the lack of culture,” Venera mused with a soft sigh. “My Cadillac broke down a few nights ago. Tragic, honestly. She was one of those beautiful classics.” A faint smile touched her lips as she unlocked the car.

“I suppose all good things eventually come to an end.” Ever the gentlewoman, she stepped forward to open the passenger door for Lilli first, her movements smooth and effortless.

“Are you hungry, perhaps?” she asked as she leaned lightly against the doorframe. “After a shift like that, I imagine you must be starving.”

Her voice lowered slightly, warm and coaxing.

“Unfortunately, at this hour, most decent restaurants are already closed.” A thoughtful hum followed before she continued, “Though we could always make a stop at a drive-thru somewhere. Or…”

Her eyes flickered toward Lilli with quiet amusement.

“You could come by my place for a little while.” The suggestion was offered casually, but there was something undeniably tempting in the way she said it.

“There’s still steak in my fridge. A very good one, actually, my mother’s recipe.” she added smoothly. “Though I would completely understand if you were hesitant. You hardly know me yet, after all.” Then, after giving Lilli a final lingering look, Venera finally moved around to the driver’s side and opened her own door.

“Whatever you desire, my dearest,” she purred softly.

He gave a soft and warm chuckle to try and ease the tension. Then nodded as she spoke of Aphrodite. Not a goddess he'd had the chance to dance with directly. Though he'd helped plenty of her followers with dedications and rituals of the pleasures side of things. It wasn't always like that for her followers and he'd learned a thing or two from her worshippers and herself. It was always an honor to meet more of those who worshipped and followed such a goddess of variety and diversity. One that most underestimated as nothing more than a goddess of love and desire. No, she was so much more than that and he know it.

"You have quite the sharpness to you," he told her as she continued to study him and try and pick him apart, "I'm not sure if Aphrodite picks favorites but I would venture to guess you're one of them." There she went praising him without really thinking about it. Raw power and raging inferno.

He knew the name would likely give it away if she didn't already figure it out anyway. She didn't seem one to look past him but through him into the demon that lurked beneath his skin. "You are right yet again," he hummed and gave another bow, "But before you cast me out completely I am not the kind you think. I don't plan on tricking you or converting you or anything you might assume. I'm a demon. Not just an ordinary one. The name alone should help piece some things together. I have no intention of causing you or your temple harm I promise you that. In reality I find your goddess and I can be quite...similar. Not that that's the intention here. You're just looking for me to get my brother off your back."

“A stage name?” Venera echoed, intrigue flickering across her features. “So you are an artist, then. How fascinating.” Her gaze lingered on him thoughtfully before she tilted her head ever so slightly.

“But why such a name?” she asked softly. “Asmodeus… a powerful king of demons, recognized primarily within Judeo-Christian mythology.” There was almost amusement in the way she spoke of it, though her voice carried the ease of someone well versed in old texts and forbidden lore alike.

“In the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit, he is known as the demon of lust who plagued Sarah by killing her husbands upon their wedding nights, until he was ultimately banished by the archangel Raphael.” Her eyes narrowed just slightly, studying him.

“And as Ashmedai, king of demons, he appears within the Talmud and the legends of King Solomon himself… credited even with aiding in the construction of the First Temple.” A faint smile tugged at her lips then. “Now, I assume you are not that Asmodeus… are you?” As she spoke, the back of her palm brushed gently against his cheek, her touch deceptively soft.

“I highly doubt someone with a face as angelic as yours could truly be such a creature,” she murmured. “Although… appearances can be deceiving, of course.” A soft hum escaped her before she continued. “Still, you strike me as nothing like your wicked brother.” A quiet giggle slipped past her lips, light and melodic. Yet there was calculation behind her eyes all the same.

“Though I must admit, I wonder what led you to choose such a name. What shaped you into this…” Her gaze slowly traveled over him again. “And what shaped him.” Her expression darkened slightly at the mention of Aros. “He is a vampire, yes… but a strange one. He carries an aura similar to that of an Original, yet he is not quite one.” She paused thoughtfully. “He is something else entirely. Something I have not yet managed to unravel.” Venera could not help but let out a soft chuckle as her finger tilted gently beneath his chin.

“You should not flatter me so carelessly,” she mused. “Nor should you suggest Aphrodite plays favorites. She does not.” There was something almost reverent in her tone now, devotion woven carefully through every word.

“She loves all of her children equally. All those born beneath her grace are beautiful in their own way.” Her lips curved faintly. “Beauty exists in every shape, every form, every imperfection. That is the nature of her divinity.” Her thumb brushed lightly once more before she finally withdrew her hand from his face. “Still…” she hummed softly, “I shall gladly accept the compliment, dearest boy.” She took a slow step back, elegant as ever, her movements almost theatrical without trying to be.

“Let us simply say I am deeply devoted to my craft.” There was pride in her voice now, subtle but unmistakable. “I happen to be the leader of my coven. More specifically, the head of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia branch.” She tilted her head slightly. “You would be utterly bewildered if you knew how large our humble little coven has become over the centuries.” A quiet laugh escaped her before she dismissed the topic with a wave of her hand.

“But enough about me for now.” Her gaze settled onto him again, slower this time, more curious than confrontational. “I would much rather hear about you.” She circled him ever so slightly once more, studying him as though attempting to piece together an impossible puzzle.

“A demon… and a vampire.” Her brows lifted faintly. “Now that is a story.” A thoughtful hum followed. “How exactly does something like that come to be?”

1st house the air changes when they arrive, turning thick with an effortless sort of magic. they don't have to try to be noticed; beauty simply clings to them like a second skin. there is a natural softness to their edges that makes the world feel a little less harsh just by looking at them. their journey is about realizing that their charm isn’t a mask to please others, but a genuine expression of their own inner peace. when they move, it’s like watching a living poem in motion.

2nd house they understand that pleasure is a birthright, not a reward for hard work. their world is built on textures, scents, and the quiet weight of things that last. to them, self-worth is the foundation of everything; when they feel good in their own skin, the world opens its pockets to them. they have a rare talent for finding the hidden gold in the mundane. they are here to prove that living well is the ultimate form of art.

3rd house their mind is a collection of love letters to the world. they have a way of speaking that feels like a secret being shared, turning every casual conversation into something honeyed and meaningful. they find the aesthetic in the way a sentence is structured or the rhythm of a morning commute. their magic lies in their ability to bridge gaps with a well-timed word, making everyone they meet feel like they’ve finally been understood.

4th house they are the velvet lining of the family soul. while others chase external highlights, they are busy curating a sanctuary where the heart can finally rest. for them, love is the smell of a childhood kitchen or the safety of a locked door at night. they carry a quiet, maternal warmth that heals those who enter their private space. once they find their internal anchor, they become the person everyone else comes to when they need to remember what "home" feels like.

5th house they treat every heartbeat like a lyric and every day like an opening night. for them, romance isn't a phase; it's the very air they breathe. they possess a playful, radiant magnetism that draws people toward their creative fire. their challenge is to stay in love with the process of creation even when the applause is quiet. when they are truly aligned, their laughter is enough to remind everyone around them that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured.

6th house there is a quiet dignity in how they tend to the details of existence. they find the sacred in the steam of a morning coffee or the precision of a well-organized desk. to them, love is an act of devotion expressed through being reliable and helpful. they have a knack for making the "boring" parts of life look beautiful. their power is in their hands; they heal simply by bringing order and grace to the chaos of the everyday.

7th house they are the masters of the bridge between "me" and "you." balance isn't a goal for them it’s an instinct. they move through the world looking for the harmony in the noise, often acting as the glue that holds everyone together. they see the potential in others before those people see it in themselves. their real growth happens when they stop trying to "fix" the scales for everyone else and realize they are a masterpiece all on their own.

8th house they find the sacred in the things most people are afraid to touch. their love is obsidian dark, deep, and incredibly powerful. they aren't interested in small talk or shallow attractions; they want to know what makes a soul ache. there is a magnetic, almost haunting quality to their presence that demands total honesty. they are the ones who turn pain into something breathtakingly beautiful, proving that true intimacy only happens when the walls are completely torn down.

9th house their spirit is a map drawn in shades of sunset. they fall in love with foreign rhythms, distant horizons, and big ideas. for them, a partner must be a fellow traveler of the mind. they find beauty in the search for truth, believing that the world is too large to stay in one place or one mindset. they teach us that love is the greatest adventure we can take, and that there is always something more beautiful waiting just around the corner.

10th house they command respect through a quiet, undeniable elegance that can't be bought. their public image is a carefully tended garden, reflecting their deep need for social harmony and success. they are often the "face" of their profession, bringing a touch of class to everything they touch. their lesson is to ensure that their public grace isn't a cage. when they lead with a kind heart rather than just a polished image, the whole world stops to listen.

11th house they are the thread that weaves the collective into a tapestry. their love is broad and inclusive, reaching out to the misfits, the visionaries, and the dreamers. they find their greatest joy in the pulse of a crowd or the shared goals of a community. to them, friendship is the highest form of romance. they are here to remind us that we are stronger together and that a more beautiful future is something we have to build side-by-side.