Imprinted Hearts

Chapter 19: Crime, Punishment, and Rewards

"Hope Gwen Barnett," Dan said solemnly. "Because of your careless actions, a former member of the Coalition's house was infiltrated by civilians and potential secrets leaked to the public. The previously mentioned former member was shot in the shoulder, and a vampire's soul was stolen under your watch. Instead of calling the Coalition's authorities, you allowed this small group of civilians to undertake the task of attempting to locate and or subdue Sera Linda McMillan. Because of this, Coalition resources have been squandered in aiding the coverup of what could have potentially been a disastrous release of information to the non-magic public. We will relieve you of your field duties until further notice, and assign you to a different task until it is deemed appropriate to return you to the field, or until you retire or are fired from the Coalition. Do you understand?"

"I do," Hope said.

"And you understand it is these circumstances that must occur in order for the civilian witch Alexis Poe to be acquitted of her crimes and returned to a civilian life, unpunished and free to continue to practice magic under the guidance of the Coalition," Dan continued.

"I do," Hope said.

"And do you agree to this, Alexis Poe, to uphold your end of the bargain and practice magic only when permitted, until you are of the age where you can acquire a license to practice without supervision at thirty-five?" Dan asked.

"I do," Alexis agreed.

"Then Hope, if you will hand over your badge," Dan continued.

Hope handed over the badge wordlessly.

"Alexis, hold out your hand," Dan said.

She did so, and he put a band around her wrist that disappeared into her skin.

"This will alert us to you using magic when you aren't with a designated teacher provided by the Coalition. Do you understand?" Dan asked.

"I do," Alexis nodded.

"Then it's decided," Dan said. "And I can stop with this technical speech crap."

"Alexis," Lucien said, nudging her. "What do we say to people that give up their livelihood to help us stay out of jail?"

"Fuck off, Lucien," Alexis replied. "I'm not thanking anyone until Louie is back, safe and sound."

"Alexis Poe?" an officer called, catching their attention.

"Yes?" she answered.

"You and a Lucien Benegarde have been requested," the officer said.

"That's me," Lucien said, exchanging looks with Alexis.

"Follow me," the officer replied, turning on heel and walking back through the doors he came through.

They followed down a corridor and took several turns through the blank, tan halls. When they arrived at a door with a high, blacked-out window on it, they got permission to enter after signing a visitor's form.

"What is this?" Alexis said.

"Go inside," the officer replied, unhelpfully.

Alexis frowned, but went in, and Lucien followed. There, standing with his back to them, was a tall, black-haired man wearing a prison jumpsuit and flip-flops. He was tying his long black hair back when he heard the door open, and turned to see Alexis and Lucien walk in.

"Louie!" Alexis shouted. She wanted to run and hug him, but when she got to him, she froze, taking a step back, and smiled at him. "You're okay!"

"Yeah," Louie said with a bit of relief. "These guys helped me get back to my old self."