Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The problem with living underground is that you never know when it’s morning. Though, that's the only problem, other than August thinking that I’ve lost my mind.  The look on their face when I told them was something worth framing. It’s a little cold, sure, but there’s always an abundance of oversized candles that seem to radiate warmth that implies they might very well be enchanted. It can also be noisy, for a place that’s full of dead people, but that’s mostly just Raven…well, being Raven and she like to tell me that I’m far noisier than her. I have purposefully ignored the implications of her accusation.

I’m woken by Finn gently brushing my hair from my face. He’s smiling at me from his pillow, his hair messy but somehow still perfect, which seems massively unfair.

“So, today’s the day. Are you scared?”

I yawn, nuzzling against his palm as I stretch out my aching limbs, and I think for a moment. Am I?

Today I’m going to stand in front of Lunaris, in front of people who view me as a hero, in front of my new family, and I’m going to become Lieutenant-General of Eskria. Well…of the Hunters, anyway. We’ve made some changes.

I take a deep breath, because…shit, that’s a lot of responsibility. Between August, Piper, and I, we’ve basically reformed the agency, or at least we’ve started to, with very little support from the faceless ‘higher ups’. “I just want to do a good job, to do right by all the people like me who’ve had their lives messed with.” 

He looks pensive as he moves closer and slings an arm around my shoulder, hugging me tight against his side. He kisses my forehead and I rest my head against his shoulder, the cool iron making me shiver a little. The candles flicker, the room growing warmer, they’re definitely enchanted. “As if anything could come in the way of you three, they’d be fools to try.”

I laugh, because he’s right, we make a pretty scary team. I shift so I can get a better look at him, flattening his bed head and wondering if he ruffles his hair on purpose just before I wake up to make me feel better about my own. “I’m lucky, you know, to have you.” I hum.

He rolls his eyes playfully, trying and failing to seem modest. “I mean…yeah.”

I swat him in the chest and suddenly we’re a tangle of limbs and dark, silky sheets. He lets me win when we fight like this…sometimes, depending on his mood. Not today, though. He sits on me, pinning my wrists to the bed, and very dramatically pretends to bite me. At least he didn’t bring out the accent this time.

I seize the moment and turn my head, finding myself pinned by both his hands and his burning golden gaze. “You win.” I tell him, accepting my defeat.

He smiles, and then he kisses me. It’s good, it always is, and Finn quickly forgets that this started as a game, releasing my wrists and pressing close instead. The weight of him on top of me is a familiar comfort, one that makes me wish I didn’t have responsibilities, that I could just lay here in his – our – bed all day and have this. I press my tongue against one of his fangs, groaning at this pleasant, quick bite of pain and the pleasing noise he makes when he gets a taste.

He pulls away, fangs bared, eyes black. “I’d spend centuries trying to pull a thousand more sounds like that from your lips.” His mouth finds mine once more, and when we kiss we speak in a language all our own; something ancient and crafted from love, just for us to understand. When he runs his over me I feel like I’m being measured, sized up for feasting, and I’m all too willing to bare my throat and let him take what he needs.

That thought sparks something. I stare him down, thinking about the way it feels, the way it makes me wired and alive in a way I never thought possible. “Are you thirsty?” I ask.

His nostrils flare and he press closer, hard against me, the fingers that curl around my wrists flexing. “Is that an offer or a request?”

“Both.”

There’s a quick, quiet growl that rumbles in his throat, and he kisses my neck, right where my pulse hammers wildly in anticipation. He murmurs against my skin, “Where do you want me?”

Finn watches me carefully, waiting for my response. He grins when I bite my lip and I gently nudge him away, he kneels between my legs as I push the sheets away, and he knows exactly what to do. He wets his lips, his eyes bright but at the same time dark, as he leans in and presses close. He looks up at me from beneath long lashes, his nose his when he runs it along my inner thigh, breathing me in. My toes curl when he presses his lips to my skin, and I push my hands into his hair. He takes a hold of my leg, and he bites.

Then there’s that rush, the feel of fangs breaking flesh and the blissful euphoria that follows. He doesn’t take much, just enough for him to be sated and for me to feel like I’m flying. He swipes his tongue over the two tiny punctures so that they heal faster, and then he kisses me, copper-sweet.

“Cherries.”

I laugh, biting my bottom lip, coming back down to earth. He always tells me what I taste like, and it’s different every time. He can’t tell me why.  “I love you.” So, so much, so much that it hurts, sometimes.

His lips curls in a smile. “I love you too.” He kisses me again, and as much as I really, really would love to let those hands keep wandering, I have to leave…

“I’m going to be late…” I protest half-heartedly.

Kiss.

I can’t see his face where it’s buried in my hair, but I hear and feel his grumbled protest. “I know.”

Kiss.

He flops against the mattress with a huff, dragging a palm over his face as he watches me get out of bed, his eyes burning a hole in the back of my head, my skin prickling with awareness. 

I miss him already, which feels stupid because he’s right there, but I do. I’ve turned into someone who craves the cold, who craves the icy press of his hands against my skin. I see it as an equivalent exchange because Finn tells me that he craves me too, that being near me is like standing in the sun. And he hasn’t felt the sun is centuries.

I freshen myself up while Finn drags himself from the mattress and heads for his closet. He stares inside, sucking on his fangs in that way he does when he thinks, or when he’s trying to be smug, or after he feeds. I look over at him as I brush out tangles in my hair, even more so now that I’ve let it grow out, “Everything in there is black anyway…so why is it such a difficult choice?” I’m teasing; I know how important picking one of his many wonderfully indecent shirts is to him.

He runs a hand over the fabric of some of his options, inspecting each one with interest. “Because tonight is special and I want to look good. It’s not every day your girlfriend is sworn in as the first ever Hunter Lieutenant-General.” He turns to face me, grinning slyly.

I button my shirt, and cross my arms, “But you always look good.”

He sighs, and it’s of the theatrical kind. “I know. It’s a curse far crueler than my immortality."

Though my head is relatively clear, I decide to go for a little walk. I’ve been back to the spot of my clash with Harry a few times now, mainly because I hope that I might get to speak to James again, or maybe just have a sign that he’s still here, that he’s okay. A few times I have spoken to the air, hoping that maybe he would hear the news I’ve brought.

I think of him often, and I believe he was there with me that night, a lingering presence that pushed me to win, to not give up.

I still can’t help but wonder what he thinks of Harry now. Was James really there in that cell, talking to him on that day? Or…maybe he’s finally passed over from whatever in-between he was stuck in.

I hope so.

It’s strange how much as changed since then. It’s summer in Lunaris now, but there’s still a chill in the air and the grass is crisp beneath my boots as I walk into the clearing. Maybe it’s just the passing of seasons, but it feels like life is breathing back into this small town. Everything feels…easier.

Harry still resides in the dungeons beneath Lunaris, serving out his sentence in the place he tried to destroy amongst people he tried to ruin. Long gone are the Enforcers who assisted him, regardless of if they claimed to have been coaxed or threatened into helping. There are no excuses for what they did. I’ve yet to visit him again, maybe I never will, but I know August has a few times. They pity him, I think, even after everything. I don’t question them on it.

I take a deep breath, crouching down to press my fingers to the still-scorched earth. Apparently things don’t grow back if they’ve been blasted by August’s magic.

I sigh, “Hey, today’s the day, and frankly I’m a little nervous about it.” I say to the air, feeling a little silly but continuing on. “Terrified actually, I’ve never had this kind of opportunity or responsibility before and I’m not sure if I’m ready for this.” I stand, dusting dirt off my legs. “But everyone believes I can, and I have so many people that I can look to for advice now so that does give me a bit of confidence.” I take another breath. “So wish me luck from wherever you are, and goodbye.”

I decide that this is the last time I’ll come here. It feels freeing.

On my way to visit Ezra, I decide to stop by the Aibek to check in with our favorite creepy duo. Aurora has laid low since Harry’s downfall. She’s probably thoroughly disappointed that I didn’t succumb to his nefarious plan and turn into an unidentifiable monstrosity. Maybe she would have thought it charming or maybe even wanted to date me. I laugh at the thought. That isn’t at all strange or unnerving, not at all.

I walk towards the dais, the air a little warmer here than I remember, the sun shining through the cracked windows and illuminates the lectern, where Armaros now stands, as coy as ever and quite obviously making a point to avoid eye contact in the hope that I’ll not notice him, I assume.

“Hunter Thorne.” He greets, when it’s painfully clear to him that, I have in fact, noticed him.

“Hello, Armaros.”

He takes a deep breath and steps into the aisle, hands clasped politely in front of him. “Can I help you with anything?”

I shrug, not really knowing why I’m here. Well, actually yes, I do, I’m stalling. I casually glance around, “I was just passing by. Is Aurora about?”

His mouth twists, his pale blue eyes darting to the side. Considering his sister is a master at not giving anything away, Armaros has absolutely no subtlety about him. “She...left.”

I furrow my brow, “Left?” I repeat, snapping my head to look at him. “Left where?” My voice seems louder than I intended, or perhaps it’s because this place is always so quiet.

He tilts his head, making eye contact. “Left Lunaris.”

I hum, and I can tell that he isn’t going to elaborate further, never really has. “I see…any particular reason?” I ask, knowing he doesn’t talk unless I push him a bit.

He sighs, gently rolling his eyes, knowing that I’m not satisfied with his answer. He gestures for me to follow him; we sit in the pews, in the first row. Armaros leans back, tipping his head and gazing up at the domed ceiling. “I imagine it was so beautiful here once…” He says quietly, almost lost in the thought of it, and then he sits up, fixing his jacket and frowning, twisting slightly to face me. “I’ve dutifully followed my sister my whole life, you know.” His voice is soft, casual. “We lost our parents to Vampires at fourteen, but even before then Aurora was fascinated by creatures.” He toys with the cuff of his jacket, staring forward at the stained windows. “She would sneak out at night and seek them out in the graveyard behind our estate. I began to lose count of how many times I saved her, always dragging her out of the way of claws or teeth.”

It’s interesting how easily it seems for him to tell me this, and perhaps that’s partially due to Elaine’s influence and his sister being gone. I lean back, tossing an arm over the back of the pew. “They didn’t try to kill you, your parents?” I imagine that since they were killed by Vampires they would’ve turned and young Vampires don’t discriminate when they need to feed.

He shakes his head, looking down at his hands where they rest in his lap. “They didn’t get the chance. Hunters came not long after they rose from their graves. Aurora was there, she saw everything.” His voice grows quieter. “She truly believed that they wouldn’t have harmed her.”

I hum. So that’s where Aurora’s resentment for us comes from. I almost pity her. Almost. “You never seemed to be on board with her beliefs. Why continue to follow her?” I ask.

Armaros laughs, it’s a pleasant sound, and he looks like a different man, lighter, somehow. “I’ve never had anyone else.” He replies simply. “I love my sister, Aria. Despite her eccentricities I never wanted any harm to come to her. I am a patient man, and I would follow her to hell and back if required.”

I raise a brow. “But?”

He laughs again, and I decide that it suits him.  “Ah, yes. But…I’ve always wanted my own life. I have that now with Elaine.” His pale cheeks turn bright pink the second her name leaves his lips. It’s actually very adorable.

“You’re in love with her.” I state, as if it wasn’t obvious.

He nods, his mouth curling into a soft smile. “I’m going to ask her to marry me.” He laughs again softer, “I’m going to ask Satan’s daughter to marry me. I told my sister and she fled town.”

I can’t help but laugh, however I feel impossibly rude the second the noise erupts. I cover my mouth with my hand, but Armaros is laughing too. “You’d think she’d be thrilled to have the Princess of the Hells as her sister-in-law, wouldn’t you?”

He smiles, “You would, yes. But then my sister has always been full of surprises.” He straightens a bit. “She’ll be back, though. We’ve never been apart for more than a day or two at most. I think she’s just…reassessing her life and her choices.”

I grin. “Hopefully.” I pat his shoulder, “Well…I’m happy for you, Armaros. Just please don’t start trying to terrorize our nice, newly peaceful town, okay?”

He blushes again, nodding as if I wasn’t joking. Well…I kind of wasn’t, I guess. “I swear it.” He promises.

We both turn at the sound of the doors creaking open, and there stands Elaine, silhouetted by sunlight. I look at Armaros and the way his face lights up, at the way he quickly stands and brushes non-existent dust from his trousers and tucks his white blonde hair behind his ears.

Elaine gracefully moves across the room and she smiles sweetly. “Aria, it’s lovely to see you.” The demon offers me a curtsey, her brown eyes flickering curiously between Armaros and I. She must sense his mood and places a delicate hand upon his arm, which he immediately covers with his own. “Where is Aurora, Armie?” She asks him.

He blushes. “Ah, well…”

I smile at the two of them, and decide that’s my cue to give them some privacy. The news that Aurora fled will be startling, but I imagine his proposition will be even more so. “I have to go, I still need to prepare for tonight.”

Armaros nods in silent thanks. “I wish you well. Do stop by any time, won’t you?” An olive branch, maybe even the start of a new relationship between us and whatever is left of the Aibek, it makes me wonder what it will become under Armaros’ lead, or if it will become anything at all.

“Goodbye and congratulations!” Elaine beams, “Omen tells me that you’re transforming later. New beginnings and forms are always wonderful.”

I stifle a smile, assuming that both she and Omen still have the wrong idea about what this ceremony entails. I do hope Omen isn’t disappointed when I don’t sprout wings. “Thank you, Elaine. Armaros.”

I feel their eyes on me as I leave. Though for the very first time I feel it isn’t out of scrutiny, but likely for the polite peace they need before excited anxiety blooms between two lovers.

When I step into the street, there is a blur of movement as Omen whips around to face me, his movement so sharp I have to step back and raise my hands warily. I’m not worried that he would hurt me, but still. Not that it takes words or even my senses to see that the Demon Prince is well rattled. There is a sharp pinch to his brow, and wisps of flame trail at his hair. Noticing me starting, though, some of that fades away, and he smiles sheepishly.

“Sorry.”

A respectful distance away, Alkar straightens from where he’s been leaning against a wall. He gingerly pats Omen on the back.

I smile at Omen, waving a hand. “It’s…fine. Are you alright?” Part of me wonders if it’s another earth-shattering problem about to roll into town and I’m definitely not fucking ready for that. It would certainly be poetic to have my promotion crashed right here, right now, but I don’t want to get caught between the next big thing and August’s rage if the ceremony is postponed. They have been so excited for today; in fact, the most excited I’ve seen them.

My unease must have been obvious, because even as Omen opens his mouth to answer, Alkar laughs. “Elaine’s gettin’ married.” He announces.

“What.” 

Omen sighs, “Armaros plans to do that thing mortals do.” He adds.

“Propose.” Alkar supplies crossing his arms, and grinning widely.

“Yes.” Omen nods, tossing a thankful glance at Alkar.

Oh. That.

It occurs to me that maybe Elaine had been speaking to Omen about it before she arrived at the Aibek. Clearly he’s not half as excited about the prospect as either Armaros or his sister. Omen wrings his hands together, and I’m not sure how I feel when I realize he’s more worried than angry. “She’ll say yes. This is a very exciting thing for her I’m sure, to enter a sort of…contract with a human. But humans are not good with promises!” Omen mumbles, then his eyes widen as he realizes his words. “Not to say you’re not, Aria!” He corrects.

Behind him, Alkar rolls his eyes – fondly – and shakes his head. He places a hand on Omen’s shoulder, reassuringly, and I do the same on the other shoulder.

I give Omen a solemn nod because honestly, it’s on Mankind’s honor that I vouch for Armaros at least a little. “Elaine is in good hands, Omen.” Good, careful hands and heart. I haven’t forgotten the sliver of her true power she permitted me to glimpse in the Aibek months ago. But I have a feeling Armaros knows exactly what he’s dealing with. “Armaros is no fool, and would never undervalue an oath, or a pact. In fact, I’m sure he’s well aware of what he’s getting into.” I offer a smile. “Trust me. I’ve interrogated him enough to know. Besides, it would be unlike Elaine to involve herself with someone who is even remotely ignorant, yes?”

Omen sighs, but then he gives me an inquisitive look. “You and Elaine have talked much, then?”

I shrug. “In a sense, she…had thoughts that she shared with me.”

He shifts, crossing his arms, his tail flicking behind him. “Of course. It isn’t her I worry for. She is capable and, as you said, not likely to care about ignorant mortals.”

I nod sagely, though if I must confess; it’s nice to know that after everything Omen seems genuinely concerned for Armaros’ well-being. That he seems genuinely concerned for humans, period. 

Omen huffs another sigh. “I’m sorry. It’s a big shaken.” I shoot my eyebrows up in confusion, and he glances at Alkar uncertainly, who purses his lips in thought.

“Big shocker.”

Omen’s ears twitch, as he laughs nervously. “Yes.” He glances back to me. “But don’t mistake my alarm for unhappiness or disapproving. Maybe this is the best way. Elaine and I shared many things; our histories, our lives, our souls once. But it’s rare for her to engage with mortals as I do.” Omen frowns at me, inclining his head. “But I take it you’ll watch them.”

There must be something I’m missing, as Omen seems to be worried about more than just his sister and Armaros. But I don’t hesitate in my answer. “Yes, of course.” As odd as it may be to say, I’m glad that the Princess of Hells decided to pick a man right under our eyes to involve herself with, and not just in our own defense. We live by our blades, but living is so much more than killing and dying. This peace we’ve forged together, I want to preserve it.

Alkar rolls a shoulder, as he shoots me a mischievous grin. “Aria will be watching all of us. And honestly, I think you’ve got your work cut out for you, Lieutenant-General.”

I scoff, “I’m not Lieutenant-General yet.” I point out.

Alkar waves a hand dismissively.  “That’s beside the point, lass. In a few hours you will be, and I’m glad it’s you. After all, imagine what it would’ve been like if Piper got it instead.” He grimaces. “Eurgh.”

I hum thoughtfully, “Now that’s a thought. Though I’m sure you’re glad that isn’t the case.”

He scratches at his chin. “Eh.” His fluffy tail swishes once. “She’d have done fine. She cares about this town and its stupid problems more than she makes it sound like. And we’d all have been here anyways, eh?” Alkar nudges Omen, and the Demon blinks and shudders as though waking from a dream. There’s a shift in the air around him that I notice, the same sense of movement like when somebody snatches back their hand.

“You were talking with Elaine?” I ask him.

Omen nods, quickly. “I – Yes.” He sighs, and wrings his hands together again. “She wants my thoughts on…things. I need to talk to her as soon as possible. Immediately.” He stares into the distance, and then clasps his hand over Alkar’s, still resting it on his shoulder after all this time, and slips away. “I will see you later, okay?” He looks to Alkar, and sketches a short, but graceful bow, then walks briskly to the nearest alleyway. I shake my head as his presence retreats with supernatural speed.

As soon as Omen is gone and out of sight, Alkar chuckles. “Betcha anything Elaine’s going to rope him into helping her pick color themes for the wedding.”

“Good for her.” And my entire department will have a meeting tomorrow on how to handle this goddamned, beloved, miraculous town chocked full with wonders such as not one but two powerful demons among others things, one of whom is going to get married to a human…one that once helmed a cult against our kind.

Fucking Lunaris.

I can imagine how –not – happy August will be to hear about it, but what can you do. What can a Lieutenant-General do indeed.

I look up to see Alkar watching me. His smirk only widens into a grin, though, and he inclines his head, wolf ears twitching. “Get goin’ before Willenheim tears down half the town looking for you for being ten minutes late.”

I huff a laugh, as I can very easily imagine that scenario. “Oh most certainly.” I wave a hand at him. “See you later, Alkar.”

He offers me a salute. “Aye aye, General.”  Alkar walks backward until he too, disappears the way Omen went giving me one last shit-eating grin and that ever endearing half-assed wave.

Ezra’s shop is busy, as evident from the line of townsfolk impatiently waiting outside. So I decide to sneak through the back door to avoid unavoidable conversations. That, and I get to skip the line to see my friend, so that’s a bonus.

In the kitchen, I find Finn and Alkar…arm wrestling?

I cross my arms and shoot the Lycan a look. “I literally just saw you?”

Alkar quickly turns his head and frowns at me. “And what about it?”

Neither of them has bothered to stop their match. I roll my eyes. “How did you get here so fast?”

He ignores me, concentrating too hard on making sure Finn doesn’t snap his arm off, I assume. I sigh, and pull up a chair, smirking as I watch Alkar’s arm shake, and Finn quirks one of those dark brows at me and winks.

“He always insists I use my prosthetic. Silly of him, don’t you think?” He murmurs, and Alkar growls, his face turning beet red with the effort.

“Shut up, mosquito man. I’d win in a second if you used your normal one.” He counters.

Finn and I share a knowing look seconds before he slams Alkar’s fist into the table, the fine china on it clinking loudly with the force. There might even be a dent in the wood from the impact. Finn smirks at him. “Four nil. Wanna go again?” He wiggles his iron fingers, the magic in them flickering teasingly.

“Hey! What have I told you two about doing that in here?” Just then, Ezra pushes through the curtain, his arms folded across his chest, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen Finn move so fast. Ezra gestures out toward the general direction of the Wolf. “Go ruin the furniture in the tavern!”

Alkar groans, “They won’t let us!”

“Oh, really? I do wonder why…” Ezra pointedly looks at the ridge in his lovely little table, then back between the Lycan and the Vampire. “No. More. Don’t you have some important Vampire business to attend to? And Alkar, well… "Ezra sighs, "I don’t know what you could possibly have to do, actually.”

Alkar huffs and puffs, sliding down in his chair and crossing his arms. I look over at Ezra and see how hard he’s trying to stop himself from smiling as Finn and Alkar begin to bicker. He’s so fond of them, of all of us in this weird group of misfits and weridos, and, shit…he has the patience of a saint. I kick Finn under the table and he immediately shuts up, pouting at me as I address Ezra. “Busy today?” I ask.

He nods, brushing white hair out of his eyes, looking frazzled. “Ridiculously so actually. I say I’m closing an hour early and everyone thinks I’m going to skip town.” He sighs, as the bell to the shop chimes with another customer. “I should probably get back.”

I lean back in my chair. “Do you need any help?”

He quickly shakes his head. “No, you have enough going on today. Go, I’ll be fine.” He then throws Finn and Alkar a very pointed glare, and they both wither under his gaze, immediately shutting up. Then the lavender curtain parts and he’s gone. I turn to look at Alkar and Finn, and laugh at the pitiful sight.

“Don’t you two have somewhere better to be?” I ask them, and they look at each other and shrug at exactly the same time.

Alkar prods at Finn’s chest with his thumb. “Mr. Walking Combustible here can’t go to the Wolf until the sun goes down, can he? So no. Clearly I need better friends. Less flammable ones who don’t ruin my drinking time.”

Finn swats him away and growls, which only seems to egg Alkar on. “I actually do have somewhere I need to be. So, sorry, but I can’t babysit you.” He swats at the wolf’s hand again. “Go and find your Demon and bug him instead.”

Alkar rolls his eyes. “You’re as boring as you are old.” His tail swishes behind him as he makes for the door, sending Finn scrambling into the corner, away from the sunlight that streams through the gap. “Later.”

Finn hisses, flashing fangs at Alkar. “Prat.”

I tilt my head and grin at him. “Do you actually have somewhere to be?” I ask.

He smiles, waiting for the door to close before he comes close and leans over, wrapping his arms around me. He presses a kiss to the top of my head. “Nope. Just going to go home and get ready for your special moment.”

I hum, pleased as I think about how excited I am to see him all dressed up. “And when it’s over?”

His lips find my ear, his breath cool. “Then I’ll finally have you all to myself again.”

After a moment with Finn, I went home to get changed into my new uniform. I’ve never had to wear one before, and I suppose I don’t now, but I want to show people who I am and what I do, to show them that I’m here to protect them and that I am proud to do so. August decided to redesign our sash; it’s now blue to represent stability, trust, wisdom and most importantly, loyalty. So, as I walk through Lunaris bathed in black, gold and sky blue, I feel a sense of renewal; of change and pride.

The sun has started to set now, and there are people setting up outside headquarters for the ceremony. I pass a few as I maneuver around them to the doors and walk inside. Hunters and Enforcers pour out of every room as I head down the corridor towards August’s office, all of them with smiles plastered on their faces. I gently tap on the door and it immediately swings open, Piper is standing there grinning at me, dressed in her new uniform.

“Woah.”

Piper snorts and does a little spin, showing off; Dark purple formal uniform accented with silver epaulettes, jewelry and lining, as well as the new sash hooked at her hip and blue embroidery around the collar and cuffs. I also notice the dagger strapped to her thigh. “You like it?”

I step inside, closing the door behind me. “You look amazing, General.” Then, just past her I see August. “Oh…shit.”

They appear from behind their desk and suddenly I feel under-dressed. August has their long coat draped over their shoulders, golden accents and sapphires dangling from the epaulettes. Their hair braided perfectly over their shoulder. Underneath the impressive coat is their black and gold vest, deep blue shirt underneath that, black trousers, with matching blue and gold thigh-high boots.

“You both look incredible.” I tell them.

August smiles, eyes looking me over. “You too, Lieutenant.” They gesture at the papers that adorn their desk. “Shall we?” They glance over at a clock on the wall, as they take a seat at their desk, Piper and I sit across from them.

“We need to come to an agreement on all of this, and fast. I have an hour until my speech and I’d quite like not to fuck it up.” August presents us the first unsigned page of our changes to the agency.

Piper rests her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands; she squints down at the pages of elegant script. “You know exactly what I don’t agree with. Everything else is fine.”

August and I share a look. They seem upset over knowing what thing Piper disagrees with, and they know that I don’t exactly feel much excitement over it, either. We’ve debated it for a while now, and I know that if either of them starts to debate we’d never make a decision on the matter. I take a deep breath and speak before they get the chance. “We cannot continue to mutate innocents. We need to find a new way to defend Eskria.” August shoots me a glare as I continue. “If I had known what they were going to do to me, I would have refused.” And I’m sure many other Hunters would feel the same, if they knew what was given to us to make us the way we are.

Piper nods in agreement and looks to our Enforcer friend. “August, I appreciate that you think it’s necessary, and I know that doesn’t come from a bad place, but…” She trails off when August shakes their head.

“I don’t have the right.” They sigh, “I could never understand how it feels. Witches are born with their magic; it is not inflicted upon them.” They sit in their chair and run their hand over their face, tapping their finger against their lips, thinking of alternatives, no doubt.

Piper toys with one of her rings, also in thought. “If Harry could find a way to manipulate it, then we can find a way as well.” August and I look at her like she’s lost the plot, she huffs when she notices. “Oh hush, you know what I mean. I’m not talking about making monsters; I’m talking about finding a way to make us strong without making us monsters.”

She says it as if it’s so simple. “How? Wouldn’t they have already done that?” I ask. After all, if there was a way to make Hunters stronger before, wouldn’t they have tried that before resorting to such things like having us ingest a vial full of creature blood?

Piper bursts into a fit of laughter, making me very confused and causing August to finally stop tapping their lip to raise a brow at her. “You really think they’d do some actual work and research when they have what they need already?” Piper asks, tossing some hair over her shoulder. “No way. They get free blood from the monsters they kill, and they get their little army of mini-monsters too.”

August inclines their head. “She’s right. There must be another way.”

“And another thing…wait what?” Piper, clearly ready to violently refute whatever she thought August was going to say, stops her own rebuttal and sits back, slack-jawed. “You agree with me?”

August simply shrugs. “I don’t exactly have any sort of excitement at the idea of all the extra work it would bring us, me specifically, but it would be worth it. Worth making sure that what we do is fair and ethical, or at least as much as it can be under such extreme circumstances.”

I was worried that we wouldn’t come to an agreement about this, but I’m very happy with this alternative suggestion, although it might take a while to actually get Hunters up to strength again, but it would be worth it. “I agree. We are fighting a war and must do whatever we can to ensure our survival, but that doesn’t mean we should sacrifice our humanity to do so.”

With that, August pulls out a clean piece of parchment from their desk drawer. They pick up their quill and begin to write, when they’re finished, the three of us sign it, and a new rule is born; we will do whatever we can to leave behind the barbaric ways of our predecessors. From now on, we will look forward.

“Alright, what else is there to fix?” Piper rubs her hands together, almost greedily, and I’m beginning to think that she’s lying about not liking this ‘diplomatic bullshit.’ She’s good at it too.

August sets the document to the side. “The creatures. Our relationship with them right now is perilous at best. Even the ones that mean no harm don’t like us that much and they’re more than essential to our survival as an agency that actually succeeds.”

Piper crosses her arms, “Can’t blame them really. Harry was out there kidnapping and killing even the good ones.”

August’s gaze shifts over to me, “Aria, what do you think?”

They both are right; having a good relationship with the creatures around us is important, but how could they cooperate with us when for as long as most can remember they have been treated so terribly? There is no question about it when it comes to our relationship with the creatures. “We have to do everything we can to fix the fractures Harry caused. As you said they’re essential.” I pause, considering my next words and toying with a necklace that Finn had given me; an obsidian crescent moon. “Have you ever thought about having creatures work within the agency?”

They both stare at me like I’ve lost my fucking mind, just as I expected them to.

Piper sits up, her brow furrowing. “You’re saying we should shove some Lycans and some Demons in our uniform and off they pop?” She shakes her head, “You’re mental.”

August says nothing and just keeps staring at me, with that look that they do, that is to say the unreadable kind.

I sigh, “I know it sounds ridiculous, but there are creatures out there who want peace just as much as we do. Creatures who have enough power to actually convince others of their kind to either join us or leave us alone.” I explain, watching both of their expressions.

August hums. “A representative, maybe. Not a new branch, just…” They pause, considering, “Creature relations, someone to be our liaison when required.”

Piper looks like her eyes are going to drop out of her skull, she has them so wide. “I cannot believe you’re actually thinking about this.” She doesn’t sound angry, just...tired. I get it.

I reach out to her, placing my hand on her shoulder. “It’s not ideal, I know, but if we can find other ways to lessen the attacks on our kind, then why the hell not? We could just put strict rules in place and ensure that they have too much to lose if they betray us.”

August eyes Piper, who has fallen strangely silent. I think she knows that this will be good for us, despite her personal views on the matter. Then after a few moments of contemplative silence, she nods. “I’ll sign.”

August offers her a small smile and picks up their quill. We all sign once again and August slides the new document with the small pile of others that we have made over the past few months, and they look up to us. “Now we discuss...you. Both of you.” 

Piper and I share a glance, and she sits a little straighter in her chair. I think that sometimes she truly does forget how important August is about to become.

They steeple their fingers on their desk, and August meets our eyes. “Hunters have long been governed by us, the Enforcers. I personally feel like that is unfair, because what the hell do we know about putting our lives on the line, right?”

Piper gives them a look. “You know.” She says, and they look at her, tilting their head in question. “You know August. You’ve gotten your hands dirty more times than any of those other pencil pushers. I’ll never have a better partner.”

August’s expression softens, almost looking like they might cry, or at least think about crying. “I had no idea you felt that way.”

Piper scuffs her boots on the floor, looking anywhere but at August. “Yeah, well…after everything that happened I blocked it out.”

August stares at her. “I’m sorry Piper. About all of it.” They shift in their seat, sitting straighter. “I promise to do better by you, which is why I’m proposing that we create a new hierarchy. Or rearrange our current one, at least. Many Enforcers aren’t fit to dictate what higher ranking Hunters do. They’re more concerned with politics than they are with the safety of our people.”

I hum, it could work, if we do it right. “Take those decisions out of the hands of those who value bureaucracy above all else, and into the hands of the ones who are literally created to know how to save lives?”

August dips their head in agreement. “Within reason, yes. I will need to consider this a little more carefully, it’s complicated, and I’ll value both of your inputs.”

Piper grins at me. “Can’t believe it’s taken the agency this long to realize it.”

August stands, glancing at the clock. “Yes, well…a fresh start. Now, we should go, they’ll be waiting for us.” They readjust their uniform, fiddling with the end of their braid. It doesn’t take much to know they’re nervous.

I go over to them, “August, you have nothing to worry about.”

They sigh, “I just don’t want to let anyone down. Harr – his shadow lingers over me.” They glance out the window, people walking down the street to attend the ceremony.

I hold their shoulders. “No, it doesn’t. None of them know what he did, and they won’t either. As far as they’re concerned, this is the natural progression, and it is.” I lightly swipe at nonexistent dust from their uniform. “Despite all that Harry did it would still be you standing up there if he had stood down gracefully.” I point out, stepping back a little to look at them.

Piper creeps closer and rests her hand on August’s shoulder. “Aria is right. You deserve this and I can’t imagine it being anyone else.”

August inhales, and then exhales sharply. “Let’s go.”

It passes in a blur.

I watch Piper get her title back; the highest-ranking Hunter in Lunaris, after me. She smiles the entire time, staring out into the crowd as they cheer for her. She’s given extra honors for her involvement in the investigation.

None of these people who clap and grin for us know what really happened, but they don’t care. All they care about is that they’re safe.

I step up to the podium and listen to August talk, but it feels like I’m underwater. Like everything is muffled and far away. I’m sure August’s speech is beautiful and elegant and just perfect.

A few weeks ago when I was told that I’d been offered this position, August pulled me aside and asked if I wanted the responsibility, and I asked them, why me? I expected them to shrug and respond with, why not, but they didn’t. They said that Harry targeted me for a reason, for my stats and my kill count, but August began to see from the moment we started working together that Harry had it all wrong. That I’m so much more than the strength I have and the lives I take, and that Harry never accounted for all of the human parts of me; that I’m determined, that I want to fight to survive, even when the odds are stacked against me. That I am human above all else, despite the inhuman blood that runs through my veins.

So, as August pins a badge to my coat and ties my sash around my waist, I remember those words, and I smile and wave at the gathered crowd, swearing to protect them no matter what. I see familiar faces out there; Finn, Ezra Alkar. Raven and Lux. Even Edna had left the Wolf to grimace at me from afar, and not too far from her, I could see Terry, with a huge grin on his face. I’ve made Lunaris my home, somehow, after never really have one before.

As I step down from the podium and into the crowd, I’m immediately flanked by two familiar faces; Raven and Lux. Both girls are practically jumping for joy when they each take one of my hands into their own, and pulls me to the side.

Raven grins widely, “You look phenomenal. I could practically hear Finn purring from a mile off when he first saw you.”

Lux shoots Raven a look. “Raven, please…” But the Vampire just giggles and Lux can’t help but smile at the sound.

Raven nudges me in an affectionate sort of way. “We’re proud of you. Crazy proud.”

Lux nods furiously, clutching Raven’s arm. “We love you.”

I smile at them, they look really cute together. “I love you guys too.”

They both pull me into a crushing embrace, but it’s over quickly when Raven pulls back, her crimson eyes widening comically as she spots something over my shoulder. She quickly takes Lux’s hand and begins to walk backward, dragging her along. “Gotta dash! See you at home!” Lux waves, as she is dragged out of sight.

Just like it always is; a tingle from the tips of my fingers right down to my toes, a coolness that spreads across my skin and leaves the hairs on the back of my neck and arms standing on end. I didn’t take my eyes off of him throughout the ceremony once I spotted him, and he watches me like I was the only person in the square, his burning warming me even at a distance. I feel the cool press of his hands on my arms, his lips against my ear.

“Hello, Lieutenant. That title looks good on you, you know?”

I laugh, turning to face him. The smile on his face is gorgeous and screams trouble. He’s wearing a black shirt with sleeves, surprisingly, with gold accents, but the neckline drops basically to his belt, as he didn’t bother to lace it. He wears a pair of gold and black bangles on his normal arm. “Why thank you. You look far too handsome; it was terribly distracting when I was up there.”

He chuckles, the deep sound more than pleasing. “I told you I wanted to look good for you.” He laces his fingers with my own and we drop our hands to hang between us.  “I’d very much like to steal you away if such a thing is permitted?”

I glance up at him, “Depends on where you’re taking me…”

He leans in. “Somewhere no one will dare disturb us.” He takes my hand and leads me away from the square.

It’s so peaceful out here. Quiet.

I lean back against the solid plane of his chest, his arms around me, sparse leaves rustling quietly above us where we sit beneath one of the towering trees that line the headstones. I love it in the graveyard, strangely enough. It brings back memories of the night that I first spent time alone with Finn. The first careful flirtations, the first lingering glances…even then I think I knew I would love him.

“You’re quiet.” He murmurs.

I shrug, turning to look at him. “I have a lot on my mind.”

He smiles, pressing a kiss to my forehead as I relax in his embrace. “It has been a busy day…week…month.”

I hum in agreement. “I can’t remember the last time I felt this relaxed, actually.” So much has happened, a lot of good things recently, so I’m not complaining, but I’ve had a moment to just take it in and enjoy it. He holds me a little tighter, squishing his face against my cheek for a moment before he shifts so that we face each other. The way I feel when he looks at me is something I could never attempt to try to describe.

“You’ll never truly know just how proud I am of you. I love you.” He smiles, and the whole graveyard seems to glisten around him.

“I love you too.” I smile back, “Thank you for believing in me, for always letting me forge my own path.”

He shakes his head once, some hair falling over his eyes that he corrects. “Your path is yours and yours alone, I’m just along for the ride.” At this moment I realize that there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Not in the Wolf with tankards raised in my name. Not anywhere but here, in his arms.

He reaches for me and I go willingly, tugged against his broad chest once again. I laugh and shiver against him, and he tips his head to run his nose along my jaw, humming quietly. “You’re cold…”

I laugh, “Well, I am snuggled up against a tombstone in a graveyard…at night, with a Vampire.” I shrug. “It’s self-inflicted.” I add.

He smirks, humming thoughtfully. “I can try to warm you up, you know? All you have to do is ask.”

I find my interest considerably piqued. “Is that so?”

Finn’s eyes darken and adjust as he leans in and takes my chin between forefinger and thumb. He trails gentles kisses along my jaw and I brace myself as his hand trails over my arm. He comes to a stop and splays his palm over the place where my heart beats. Fast but steady, just for him. I swear that if his heart could beat that our hearts be in-sync.

I laugh when his lips find the curve of my throat, the sound shaky as it leaves my lips. He pulls back, feigning offense beautifully. “You’ll have to be quiet; we don’t want to wake the neighbors…”

I roll my eyes. “They’re all dead.”

He smiles, his fingers finding their way into my hair. “Oh. You’re right. Are you warmer now?” I melt under his touch, tipping my head skyward as his hand carefully curls around my throat, the gentle pressure feeling like a promise. His lips brush mine, but he doesn’t kiss me, he just smiles.

I am. I’m as warm as I’d be if I were lying in the sun.

He’s watching me with a gaze full of love and admiration and, in this moment, I realize that this is my life now. That this truly is my home. He is my home. My light amongst all the darkness. Then I look up, marveling at how bright the stars are in Lunaris tonight. They seem to shine just for us, flashing like a morse code against a sweeping canopy of pure, perfect obsidian.

I close my eyes. “Warmer than I’ve ever been.”