Smoke and Mirrors (Alastor X Reader)

Chapter Six

(Content Advisory/Warning ⚠️: violence, gore, and mentions of aquaphobia.)

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"Bayard," you hummed. Lounging on your daybed and taking in the hellish view from your balcony. The birdlike shadow fluttering it's inky black wings as it manifested into view, hooking it's talons onto the edge of the furniture beside you.

"Come here, love."

Extending out your index, Bayard flew the short distance over to your hand. Perching himself onto your finger as you brought your hand closer to you. The shadow let out a small noise, and nuzzled your forehead affectionately before you pulled away.

"Do you think I've gone daft?" You asked the raven. It cocked it's head to the side as it looked at you. Pondering your question.

"For devoting all my time to this human." You explained. Giving a mere wave of your other hand, granting your void-like companion the ability to speak.

"You certainly developed a sweet spot." Bayard rasped. "Time is one thing. It's special attention that you've been so generous with."

"I can't seem to help that I've grown rather fond of him." You sighed with a chuckle. "With those freckles on his cheeks, and deep amber eyes like that a sunset..."

"He seems to have taken a liking to you, as well."

Your eyes rolled gently. "Yes, I'm sure he's simply mystified."

Rising up from your reclined position, Bayard flew away from your hand and over to the rail on the balcony as you approached it. Thadius manifesting as well, stretching out for a moment before scaling the railing and walking up to you. Smiling down at the feline shadow, you pet his head for a moment.

"Cut yourself slack, madam." Bayard offered. "Surely he sees something more than the benefits you provide him."

You nodded. Taking a deep breath in before looking down at Thadius again; scratching underneath his chin and granting him the same linguistic abilities as the other shadow.

"Have you anything to say on the matter?" You asked.

"He'd have to be a fool to not appreciate you, madam." Thadius purred. "He seems not to be like other mortals."

"I wish I could be as optimistic as you both." You sighed. "I'd like to believe there are few who aren't completely driven to dalliance. Ones that care more about the soul, and care enough to treat one properly..."

"How many other sinners have treated you with such openness and kindness?" Thadius reminded you. "He has been nothing shy of a gentleman and a good friend."

"Just a friend...?" You murmured. Both shadows looking back at each other, exchanging a look before redirecting their focus back onto you.

"Madam, would it be safe to assume you are developing a sort of romantic attachment to this man?"

"Clearly."

"You know how dangerous it is to get attached to these humans," Bayard warned.

"Never trust the living!" Thadius added.

"Well the dead and damned were never too good to me, either." You huffed. "For hells sake! He asked my permission to hold my hand. He could have made a much more brash of a move; and, could have without my consent or preemptive knowledge. But he was respectful enough to ask for such a little thing... He's sweet, and for a murderer he's still somehow so innocent and precious."