𝔒𝔯𝔦𝔤𝔦𝔫𝔞𝔩 𝔖𝔦𝔫｜ᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴀᴍᴘɪʀᴇ ᴅɪᴀʀɪᴇꜱ

010

"Wisdom brings strength, and knowledge gives power"
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

And like that, centuries passed with Henrik growing stronger and learning under Dahlia's tutelage. Over time, he discovered she wasn't so bad once you got past her coldness. She was a woman scarred by betrayal, pain, loneliness, and self-loathing no one could imagine. Henrik knew because he could sense it. He could smell her emotions—they were potent and clung to her like a second skin.

Despite Dahlia's harsh demeanor, Henrik's abilities blossomed under her guidance. He became proficient in magic, mastering spells and incantations that were beyond ordinary witches. Her strictness drove him to perfection, but it also instilled a deep understanding of her own suffering. Dahlia's pain was palpable; it seeped into the air around her, a constant reminder of her tragic past.

Dahlia remained obsessed with finding Freya. The thought of her slipping away, of escaping the iron grip that Dahlia believed she had on her, gnawed at her relentlessly.

In the years following Freya's escape, Dahlia cast countless tracking spells, each more powerful than the last. She poured over ancient texts, seeking out the most potent magic that would bring her errant niece back to her. She was determined, and her anger festered, growing with each failed attempt.

One evening, Dahlia and Henrik were in her study, a room filled with relics and grimoires, the air thick with the scent of old parchment and potent herbs. Henrik watched as Dahlia, eyes blazing with fury and desperation, prepared yet another tracking spell. " Phasmatos Tribum Nas Ex Veras, Sequita Saguines, Ementas Asten Mihan Ega Petous"He had seen this scene play out too many times, each failure driving Dahlia further into madness.

"Why can't I find her?" she screamed, the force of her anger causing the room to tremble. Shelves rattled, and books toppled to the floor. Henrik braced himself as the shaking intensified, fearing the house would collapse around them.

"Dahlia, please, calm down!" he shouted over the din, but she was beyond reason. The ground quaked beneath their feet, and cracks began to spiderweb across the walls.

Desperate to reach her, Henrik grabbed her hands, holding them tightly. "Dahlia!" he called out, his voice firm and soothing. "Look at me."

Her wild eyes lock onto his, and he hums a soft, familiar tune. It was a tune created for her sister to calm their nerves, one Henrik had heard many times, a melody that had always brought her comfort.

The notes wove through the air, a gentle, calming presence amidst the chaos.

Dahlia's breathing slowed, and the tremors lessened. The house gradually stilled as the melody worked its magic, pulling Dahlia back from the brink. Her eyes softened, and their fury ebbed away, replaced by a weary sadness.

Henrik continued to hum, guiding her to a chair. She sank into it, exhausted. He knelt beside her, still holding her hands. " she doesn't want to be found, Dahlia; leave her be. You have me," Henrik said.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

With Freya's absence, Henrik and Dahlia's relationship deepened significantly. Dahlia set aside her usual snide remarks about siphoners and began to teach Henrik advanced magic from her grimoires, which she had previously kept out of his reach.

Henrik eagerly absorbed the knowledge, grateful for Dahlia's guidance and the opportunity to delve into powerful magic previously beyond his grasp.

"I have a request, Aunt Dahlia," Henrik spoke earnestly as they sat down for dinner.

Dahlia's sharp gaze fixed on him. "Ask," she replied in a curt tone.

"I would like to go to New Orleans, and I want you to come with me," Henrik continued, his tone hinting at trepidation. "I've heard about the unique magic practiced there, rooted in ancestral traditions, and I want to learn from it."

Dahlia studied him for a moment before speaking. "Is it because your father is there?" she asked, her curiosity evident.

"That is part of it," Henrik admitted. "But I also have a larger goal. I've seen visions of a powerful faction of witches emerging in New Orleans. Having our people there will be strategically important for our future."

Dahlia considered his words carefully, weighing the potential benefits against the risks. After a moment of silence, she nodded slowly. "Very well, Henrik. We will go to New Orleans together. But remember, we go with purpose, not sentiment."

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

Henrik had instructed Lila to purchase land and establish a business in the French Quarter of New Orleans, preparing for their arrival. After Dahlia agreed to accompany him, they moved to the new property Henrik had acquired.

"This is where we will stay, Aunt Dahlia," Henrik proudly announced as they entered the house. I've secured the land and spelled the house to prevent unwanted pests."

Dahlia merely hmmed in response, her attention already turning towards setting up her space within the new environment. Henrik respected her need for privacy and let her settle in while he attended to final preparations.

Before the move, Henrik had instructed Maya to send a group of persecuted witches loyal to them to integrate into the French Quarter community and marry into prominent bloodlines. They had executed their tasks diligently, passing on copies of grimoires to Maya, who then delivered them to Henrik. As Henrik absorbed the knowledge from these grimoires, Dahlia, intrigued, questioned him.

"How did you acquire these grimoires?" Dahlia asked, examining the powerful spells within. "Who did you eliminate to obtain these? No witch would willingly hand over such knowledge."

Henrik met Dahlia's gaze calmly. "There was no need for violence, Aunt Dahlia," he replied smoothly.

Henrik's voice resonated with confidence as he revealed his plan. "Before I arrived here, I had Maya, one of my hybrids, send a group of witches she rescued loyal to her to integrate into the French Quarter. They've done their job well, and now I'm here with the grimoires of the French Quarter witches," he stated with a self-assured smirk.

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle, then continued in a persuasive tone, "Right now, I'm focused on learning their magic and honing my skills. Would you like to join me?"

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃