"I Consecrate my Soul to Thee" Witch/Demon AU

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a very specific reason why Essek was here at this moment.

All around him was gathered components, and within his hand he held chalk with which he was drawing the familiar pentagram that would assist in his mission. For his entire life, he had been gatekept, he came from a long line of witches, all of them female; the power passed down through matriarchal laws and blood-- from woman to woman.

However he was the black sheep, the one who had been given far more power than was comfortable for the bloodline in which it had been strictly locked up. Because of this, no female line could inherit and even right now etched into his chest was a binding spell that was unbreakable though oh, how he had tried. It had been placed there by he who he had been given in marriage to; locked until at which point a female was conceived which would then continue the line downward.

There was nothing more vengeful than a cat who had been caged, and right now Essek Thelyss was out for blood and perhaps even a healthy dose of revenge. There was that intrinsic longing for freedom to do what he wanted, not wanting to be bound by tradition to a familial coven who cared more about the line than him. He wanted to put a stop to it, perhaps even get this angry scar of a sigil on his chest removed, wanting night upon night of assault to end.

He did not care what he summoned, the only thing he wanted was for whatever power he could bid to rise to invoke retribution, to free him. Logically he knew that he would be entrusting his fate into the devil he did not know-- but at this point in time, that seemed far preferrable.

And that was how he had roped Alex into this. Someone who was well versed in the rituals if not well practiced; he could not do this alone because there was so much that could go wrong. Best to have two hands in it, even though he knew that it was not Alex's job to intervene but rather to 'watch' but he was desperate, and Alex knew how much he hated Adeen.

Desperate times called for desperate measures, and it was then that Essek finished the circle and then set his chalk down gently. ]

The circle is complete, the components are gathered.. it is time.

Comments

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was uncertain if he could properly convey the way that he was consistently undone by Bren, by the way that his lover had taken him by surprise and now he was tied up in him thoroughly and completely. The moment that Bren poised at his entrance and slipped in, the Demon would feel Essek melt like butter around him to accept him-- a powerfully slow and slick slide until he was resting against that 'still open womb'. And then Essek let out a half-purr and half moan.

Heavy lidded eyes that did not steer away from Bren's.

He wanted to nip against Bren's lips and so he did, a plea coming from his mouth. ] Fuck me... hard, I need to feel your weight for days.

--

[ A moth to the flame, that was Henry, and so he found himself follow that beckoning though he was careful to keep counter watch on the oven. ]

Well, I have seen the trouble that seems to follow you so maybe following you is a good idea. [ Trouble followed Alex, not necessarily that Alex caused it. ]

But I think you could surprise me
[ arms wrapped around Alex's shoulders ] When I get a phone... eventually]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren groaned as he sank into that perfectly yielding body, the way that the drow's body welcomed him inside, as if they were made for each other, a perfect joining of two hearts who had been searching for one another for lifetimes. His hips were pressed flush to the other man's ass, relishing in the feeling of being fully enveloped by that tight passage, his prick buried as deeply as it could be.

He met those lips, an answering bite, catching that plus lower lip between his teeth, worrying it until it was flushed and reddened before soothing his tongue along it.]

As you wish, anything you wish...

[Bren would give Essek exactly what he asked for, a slow, painstakingly, achingly slow drawing back before he thrust forward, hard, pinning Essek to the wall with each crash against him, deep, filling him fully again and again and again.]

--

[Henry coming back closer to him softened Alex's expression into a smile, a heat turning whiskey-dark eyes molten as he watched the other man.]

Right yeah, we've established you're a stalker. I forgot.

[Alex teased. He settled his hands at Henry's hips, slipping slowly beneath the hemline of his shirt so he could brush fingertips against warm skin. He looked at the demon's handsome face, the strong, sharp lines of his jaw, of cheekbones that were so perfect they could certainly draw blood without much effort. Very pretty thing, the man he'd given his soul and then his heart to.]

Mm... we're totally getting you one asap.

[So the texting could begin.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Bren would feel like all of Essek was melting around him, the arms around shoulders and the thighs encasing hips. There was also the way that the walls clenched around Bren's very generous prick, and the Demon was most assuredly going to make the other man's shealth conform and only fit to him.

Forehead to forehead as Bren pumped into him; his mouth parted slightly so that they were sharing gasping breaths. With each thrust, his back pressed against the wall and accepting Bren into himself. Those sweet low moans that were soft and like a caress that was very near physical.

---

Well, I am a stalker but only for you-- because you were always the only one worth trailing. [ There was a considering look as he remembered some people from the far past. ] Well it's been so long that I hardly count Christopher Marlowe and Oscar Wilde.

[ But those two were absolutely out of his mind as he watched Alex slowly infiltrate his space (in the best way possible) and then the handsy started. Of course he was going to check in on Alex because he needed to-- he leaned in to rest his forehead against the other man's. ]

You are feeling better?

[ Please tell him, because after cheese toast there may very well be fucking involved. Especially when Alex was acting like a slithering snake around his form, in the most metaphysical way possible. ]

[internationalrelations]

[They were both made for each other. Bren was just enough of a hopeless romantic to have those sorts of thoughts, to believe them somewhere deep in his heart. They moved with one another, a tangle of limbs and need. Moans and breaths that echoed around the tiled walls of the shower.

Bren murmured encouragements and praise, promises that this was real and true between them, that he would do anything for Essek, to keep him safe, to make him happy.]

Oh my treasure... I am close... I am going to fill you, mark you as mine again.

--

...am I seriously going to have to be jealous of the Dorian Gray guy?

[Alex grumbled, mostly teasing. Mostly. Maybe there would be a tiny little flicker of jealousy when he saw certain novels and plays. It was fine.

He stilled as Henry leaned against him and decided to go and continue being sweet, looking after him. Looking out for him. Alex smiled, warm and beamingly affectionate before he tilted his chin up to brush his lips against the demon's, even as his hands slipped slowly around and up against the small of his back.]

Much, yeah. 'm home. I'm with you. I'm good.

[zauberdecke]

[ It would not take much for Essek to come again, and Bren's cock pistoning into him and right against his womb caused a delicious tremble to go through him, his head fell back but only so that he could speak. The words were hissed out, but they were clear and likely Bren would recognize the language. ] Usstan ssinssrigg dos

[ It was the possessive word for love, but it was love professed. It was deep and passionate, it was dark and all consumming. Nothing tender or gentle, it was made of blood offerings and it was for Bren.

Trembling and then he came, hard and fast against Bren-- his walls clenching hot and unceasing while rivulets of thick come pearled against Bren's abdomen to mingle with the dew of shower water. ]

--

My love, he is a literal corpse now.

[ Henry said as he pressed a soft kiss to Alex's temples as they stood their twined up in each other, but there was another shadow to it as well. ] Also I love you, whereas I was only fascinated by the Dorian Gray guy. So I think you have the leg up on that.

[ Alex had indelibly marked his territory and Henry would never forget him, would never forget that his love had always been for this bright and incandescent man. ] Good, I will never take advantage of you unless I have consent.

[internationalrelations]

[Those words alone could have torn Bren's orgasm from him, but between those words and the feeling of that tight, constricting passage spasming around his prick, the way Essek clung to him a she came, the feeling of plunging inside him deep as he could go, hard, thrusting to fill him entirely... no, no holding out was even remotely possible.

Bren came with an almost startled cry, as if the pleasure was strong enough that it physically shocked him. His hips rutted and jerked fitfully against Essek's ass as he spilled himself, painting the inside of his lover with his seed.]

My love...

[He stepped closer to keep him pinned and propped against the wall.]

--

...probably a hot corpse though.

[Alex muttered, but the laughter slipped into his voice betraying the fact that he was being deliberately bratty now. He shut his eyes at the kiss to his temple, trying to keep his heart from fluttering its way out of his chest at being called. My love. At hearing Henry say he loved him.

His fingertips pressed into Henry's back, nails scraping just lightly.]

Baby, you have so much consent. You want me to sign something? [Nothing sexier than contracts.]

[zauberdecke]

[ They were sharing a seesaw of breathing, as Bren breathed out, he breathed in and vice versa. HIs own body felt like the most absolute of jelly and he was not even sure his legs would be able to work with how thoroughly he was fucked but he did ungrasp those hips with his thighs and then stood though definitely propped up by Bren.

He nuzzled his way to just underneath that chin and then rested his head there and perhaps he turned but only so that Bren could once again wrap arms around his torso, could press it against his navel where the now 'two' shining motes lingered. ] What shall we name our little one?

--

There has been no hot corpse in the history of the world, I doubt that despite Demon Lord Bowie's fondness-- he would consent to re-animate him as a hot corpse. [ A smile as Alex tucked into him and then he said almost teasingly in response. ] Do you need a contract, because I can pull up one. That is the one thing about Demons and Devils, is that we are consumate lawyers.

[ Give him five seconds, why don't you? Just threaten him with a good time. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren did indeed wrap his arms properly around Essek, holding him close while the water rained down around them. His fingertips moved in soft circles against his back, all soothing and tender in the moment while they both came down from the intensity of their respective releases.]

Ah... I have never named anything besides a cat before.

[Their little one. Give him a bit and he'd realize it was going to be their little two.]

--

Hmm. Good.

[No hot corpse writers. That was fine by Alex. He nuzzled at Henry's cheek, teeth scraping along his jaw.]

Wow, baby... talk legal to me. [A slightly sharper nip before he soothed over that spot with his lips.]

Nerd.

[zauberdecke]

Neither have I....

[ Essek said with a soft husky chuckle as he sank into the embrace that was Bren, and found himself absolutely content; he realized that he didn't need anything other than this. Oh, and freedome. He absolutely needed freedom, but they were going to obtain that together.

Another kiss stolen, his tongue sliding against that lower lip-- as a way to indulge himself though it was a beautiful sort of indulging that would benefit Bren. Though that was broken up by the sound of banging on the door and then that caused Essek to pull back and then he very audibly cursed. ]

--

Henry had to shift to take the toasted bread out of the oven, though he could do that easily; one arm around the other man's waist, and one hand reaching over to open up the oven and take the pan out WITH NO OVEN MITT WHATSOEVER> Then he very carefully placed it on the stove burner to cool and then backed Alex away. ]

You are in luck, I am known for my romantic ways. And I did just make you cheese toast-- and you are not allowed any type of sex until you eat something.

[ Hard rules needed to be established here. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Freedom was non-negotiable. Bren would not allow Essek to be kept any longer in this cage. He would not let Adeen touch him again, would not let Essek's mother try to control her son as nothing more than a pawn for the advancement of his Den.

But once freedom and revenge were taken care of, this was what Bren wanted to. He wanted a life with this man, wanted to lavish him in the affection that he deserved, to see him happy and fulfilled. He kissed him back with undisguised eagerness, but still there was something leisurely about it, no hurry to the way they were wrapped up in one another.

Until the pounding on the door. Bren went still as well, frowning, eyes flaring white as he looked beyond his senses to see who was at the door.]

--

[Alex let Henry take out the food from the oven -- with a brief moment where he started to caution him about where the potholders were before, right, yes, demon -- without getting in the way. He did let himself be backed away, winding his arms right back around Henry.]

...are you threatening me to eat with the promise of sex?

[Super effective, Henry. Well played.] Joke's on you. It smells delicious.

[zauberdecke]

[ It was Adeen, he had just returned from his evening out doing gods knew what, not that Essek wanted to know anything about his evenings-- he rather thought it probably had everything to do with extra-curricular sexual activities that had nothing to do with Essek (thankfully).

Essek however knew the sound of that banging and then he slowly slid out of the shower to take one of the robes and tie it around his waist, placing his hand on his stomach. ] He is probably here about sex, but I am going to nip that right in the bud. [ Then a much louder voice. ] I am in the shower, you can wait while I dry off.

--

[ If they were having people over, perhaps Henry should not do things like that.. for obvious reasons to which that people would get highly suspicious of Henry's near immunity to fire. But for right now it was not too pressing. ] Yes I am, as a matter of fact-- I am going to withhold all acts of intimacy until you have eaten your cheese toast.

[ He was moving to get Alex something to drink, preferably something water-based and hydrating to further flush out the drugs. He found a water bottle in the fridge and then placed in on the counter beside the stove. ]

There.. this should do.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren couldn't quite swallow back a low growl that the presence of Adeen, even beyond the closed doors. He stepped out of the shower after Essek, looking at him for a long moment. He paused long enough to press a kiss to Essek's cheek.]

I am here if you need me.

[With that, a silent swirl of magic, and where Bren was standing was the small fluffy orange cat, giving a quiet mew and winding himself around Essek's legs.]

--

I really am okay, you know.

[Alex's voice was quiet, full of something that sounded, well, just touched that Henry was so intent on taking care of him. Of making sure that he was really okay after what had, if he was being honest, been a rather upsetting and frightening thing.

Or could have been, if Henry hadn't been there to find him.]

Promise.

[zauberdecke]

[ Once Essek was completed dried off and robed, he leaned down to pick up the orange cat and settle him in his arms. This was a protective gesture, as if he trusted Bren to keep Adeen away, even in cat form. Then he used mage hand to open the door and stepped through.

Within the circle of his arms was Caleb, and he would use this to his advantage. When he crossed through, he saw Adeen standing there in his bedroom and he frowned a bit derisively. ]

Do you not have better things to do other than harass me this late in night?

[ a scoff from Adeen as he saw the cat held in Essek's arms. ] "I thought it would be about time to claim my husband rights."

[ Essek dropped the bomb without remorse. ] No, need-- I am pregnant, you can leave me alone.

"I would ask if its mine, but you are such a cold fish that it likely is.

---

I care about you so it is important that I can ascertain that, sweetheart.

[ He settled his arms around those shoulders as he pressed a kiss against Alex's ] It will never be just sexual with us, I want to make sure that you are alright. [ those blue eyes shone with such light, concern and care-- love. ]

No one hurts those I love, and it is my intent to care for you so I suppose that you have no choice.

[internationalrelations]

[In his arms, Bren, currently kitty-Caleb was nuzzling under Essek's chin and purring as if he was the happiest creature in the world just because the drow was holding him. When Adeen spoke though, his ears went flat and he bared his teeth in a deliberate hiss.

Cold fish. Say that again, Adeen. Caleb would make sure that there was no chance Adeen would ever father any offspring. On the spot real time neutering courtesy of Dr. Bren. But for now he just stayed in Essek's arms glowering in all his feline might at the genuinely awful man.]

--

[Alex didn't really know what to make of that sort of love and care being directed at him so openly, so freely. So earnestly. There was no doubt in his heart that Henry meant every word, down to the syllable.]

No choice, huh? Guess so... but I'm pretty fucking pleased about that.

[He leaned into Henry, shutting his eyes and just soaking up the feeling of being held for a moment.]

All right. Snack time. And then dessert.

[zauberdecke]

"I hate that cat, you should get rid of it." [ Adeen muttered as he was the recipient of a valid and highly legitimate hiss-fest. ] "I can buy you something far more preferable."

[ That only caused Essek's arms to tighten around Caleb-kitty, and he allowed himself a sneer-- with the cold from his voice being ultimately felt. Oh no, that was untenable and Essek would tell him exactly how much. ] Oh, I promise you-- Caleb has far prettier manners than you ever will. Also, no-- I want him and no other cat will do; he is correct in finding you despicable. It is a sentiment shared by myself.

[ Adeen's eyes flashed and he stepped forward a few paces but then remembered that Essek was pregnant. ] "If I catch him outside of your rooms, I will drown him"

And if I catch you inside my rooms again while I am pregnant, I will stab you so we will be even. [ Came Essek's crisp reply ]

--

[ Something strong pulsed through Henry at the vulnerability; he loved arguing with this man but also there was something that required protecting about him too-- his fragile mortality, the way that it covered him. But there was idealism too-- he would've made a crusader or a knight on a journey, that fire that burned through him. He wanted to encourage those dreams all the while blanketing him in a protective cloak. ] Dessert will be all you can eat.

[ A mischievious glimmer. ] But the cheese toast is pretty good, I remember the days when we used tongs for it, and then the toast would fall into the fire if you were not careful, modern convenience is pretty handy.

[ And because he had to warm him. ] the cheese may be a little hot so don't take too big of a bite until you are sure, I am not responsible for burned mouth roofs.

[internationalrelations]

[Another hiss at Adeen like Caleb knew what he was saying. Because he did. And he was really behaving very well not scratching Adeen's eyes out right now. He deserved praise and treats for such good behavior.

A softer, trill of a meow and he headbutted his way right under Essek's chin, going back to purring for him.

Adeen could go get fucked. Essek had after all set the boundary that would buy them time to plot escape and revenge and freedom. The breathing room that their unborn child would afford them, a blessing even before they came into the world.]

--

[The vulnerable side of Alex was not one that he showed many people. Nora had seen small glimpses of it now and again, but other than that? Nope. Alex Claremont-Diaz presented himself as supremely confident and decisive, as if he didn't have the capacity for self-doubt -- which was bullshit, of course. He was a human disaster making life up as he went along, always battling the feeling of being a contradictory mess of too much and somehow still not good enough.

He lifted his head from where he'd been tucked with a quick snort of a laugh.]

Fair enough. I'll blow on it.

[And he would indeed dig into the provided cheese toast, albeit with a cautious first nibble to make sure he wouldn't scorch his mouth.]

You're gonna have some too, right?

[zauberdecke]

What a good boy.. [ Essek crooned as he pressed his lips against the soft fur just between Caleb's ears, then he looked up at Adeen and his own gaze was insolent and narrowed. ] I think that it is time that you left, and you are not permitted in my room to at which point the child is born.

[ the child, not his-- ]

"I will tell your mother of the joyous occasion in the morning." [ And then Adeen was gone with a slam of the door, at which point Essek very carefully placed Caleb on the bed though with a stroke against the spine for good measure. ] What an unmitigated bastard.

--

Of course, this is my fatal weakness.. cheese toast. [ Henry said as he bit right into it, and it all but melted. The salt of the butter seemed to pair perfectly with the cheese and it melted. the edges carmelizing and crisp while the center was ooey and gooey. A perfect pairing indeed. ]

There is a great deal of cheese toast in hell.. [ Henry confided conspirationally ]

[internationalrelations]

[More purring, Caleb-kitty eating it up entirely, especially since it seemed to annoy Adeen.

And then Essek's hubsand was gone and Bren took a moment to stretch, very feline and languid, lifting up with an arch along the stroke of that hand. Yes, good, as much of that as Essek would like to do.

Now that they were alone though, Bren shifted back to his usual form, humanoid but with the horns and tail that marked him as a demon of the infernal depths. A gesture of his hand at the door and the latch was thrown just in case Adeen decided to try his luck in coming back. Nope, none of that.]

He is a waste of air that could be breathed by other people.

--

I'm learning a lot about demons.

[Alex teased, in between bites. Look, this was delicious, and he was hungrier than he'd expected to be. He munched quite happily, watching Henry with a smile tugging at his lips even as he was chewing.]

Thanks. For cooking. For getting me home... for rescuing me in the first place.

[And it had been a rescue.]

[zauberdecke]

He is, but hopefully not for long. [ Essek said as he sat down on the edge of the bed and softly reached for Bren's hand though there was a hint of shyness there. For all that he had been hard and cold, that seemed to melt away and left Bren with an Essek who was vulnerable and soft.

It was because he had just discovered emotions, especially after their interlude in the shower. ] I will ward the door but I will buy some items to masquerade my powers as I do not want him to know that I have them back--

[ Essek had not been joking that Adeen had not been welcome, they both knew that. ] He thinks I have given him what he wants so...

--

I would do this for you gladly because you are my Pactkeeper. [ Henry said as they munched in a way most companionable. He had one arm around Henry's waist, and the the other holding the cheese toast. There was a domesticity here that he liked quite a bit, it felt warm and inviting. It felt like home.

Perhaps Alex was his home. Now wasn't that a beautiful thought. ]

You know, we shall have to figure out a way for you to take me to work.. undetected.

[ The Talamascans were quite clever, all things told. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren reached out to meet Essek's hands, to tangle their fingers together properly. He lifted their joined hands to his lips where he could press a soft kiss to the back of Essek's knuckles.]

Let him think it, ja? It will keep him busy basking in his unearned smugness.

[The child Essk was carrying would never have any connection to Adeen. It was theirs, Bren's and Essek's, entirely and only.]

--

[Alex liked it too, how domestic and easy it was to be with him. How warm and comfortable. It did feel like home, more than it ever had when it was only Alex living here on his own.]

Undetected is going to be tough. That's... literally all we do is detect. Any ideas?

[Because my boyfriend is meeting me for lunch would only get them so much time for Henry to be around.]

[zauberdecke]

[ It was such a wondering thing that the statement caused him to press his palm against his own abdomen, to feel anything. Unfortunately at this point he did not physically sense anything but he could feel something and it wasn't just their lovemaking in the shower. He kept his hand there for a few moments and then looked up at Bren. ] I am glad that this is yours.. it would be untenable otherwise.

--

Mmmmmmm.. well I had pondered masquerading as a nerd however I think that there is at least someone in the Talamasca that has demon-sense. [ He finished his toast and then he uncorked the water, so that he could take a drink and then he passed it to Alex-- hydrate yourself, you cutie, he thought as he looked at Alex's profile.

The mother of his child. Oh yes, he was feeling rather prideful himself. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren couldn't help himself, setting his hand atop Essek's where it rested on his stomach. There was something melting and achingly affectionate in blue eyes as he looked at the drow, at the mother of his child, his pactkeeper.]

I am honored that it is mine. [And then, his voice dropping to a murmur, he leaned close.] Here... can you feel it?

[A gentle pulse of his own magic, sent to wash over Essek, and that little pearl clearly liked it, a soft and fluttering answer of a magic that was equal parts Bren's and Essek's, silently singing in greeting.] She likes it.

[...he got girl vibes, okay?]

--

Nerd wouldn't involve much pretending for you.

[Just saying. He took the offered water, a long sip before he set it down. Hands free, he turned to face Henry, considering.]

You've got a point though. Anyone looking for something demonic might clock you. Unless you were really good at shielding.

[A thoughtful tilt of his head as he let his eyes roam over Henry's face.]

...there might be an artifact that could help. [The wheels in his head were turning. He was, after all, oblivious to Henry preening about having knocked him up, oblivious to the whole knocked up thing entirely. He'd probably find out eventually?? Maybe??]

[zauberdecke]

[ It was only natural to settle back into the circle of Bren's arms as he pressed his palm there, there was a fizzy feeling inside almost as if he was drinking some sort of carbonated beverage-- and then a push of magical energy, small and dainty but with a little bit of insistance. A soft almost pleased gasp escaped from Essek's lips as he felt it and then he said almost wonderingly. ] She seems as if she will be very talented with magic, I can feel it.

[ Oh this was theirs.. She was theirs and he let out a choked sound, perhaps that was the emotions speaking. ] We have to protect her future, Bren.. we have to make it so that she does not grow up here.. in this world.

[ They had to make a better one for her.. they had to ]

--

[ Henry considered it as he watched Alex drink, a nod of approval and then he thought about it. ] Do they have relics of shielding in the Talamasca Safehouse? [ Was he thinking of perhaps planning a heist? Oh no of course not-- not him with his beautifully blue innocent eyes.

Please tell him all you know, and Henry may tell Alex that he was successfully knocked up through demonic origins. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren smiled, hiding the expression in a gentle nuzzle against Essek's neck. His hand lingered there, resting against his abdomen, thrilling at the feeling of having Essek in his arms, and feeling the small fluttery magic of their unborn child.]

She is your daughter. There is no doubt she will take to the arcane like a fish to water.

[Ah but those words, he nodded.]

She will not. She will grow up somewhere far from here. Somewhere where she will know only freedom and love, where she will be able to live the life she wishes.

--

We do, yeah. There's one in particular that could work, I think. It's a medallion, from the twelfth century...

[Alex was totally planning a heist, if it meant that it would keep Henry safe from prying eyes.]

They can't find out about you. They'd try to lock you up and study you.

[Or worse they'd find Henry a threat to be neutralized, and Alex couldn't bear thinking about that option at all.]

[zauberdecke]

[ For their child, Essek desperately wanted her to know freedom and not having to worry about if she is consecuted or not. Honestly, that was one of those things that should never be forced upon a child, although Essek looked up at Bren then and his brows furrowed a little bit as he considered his next words carefully. ]

You know magic too.. do you not?

[ He knew that Bren had alluded to as such but he did not know the full story of Bren's mortal life except that it was something that he did not like to speak of. ] I think it is a combination of both of our bloods that will run through her.

--

[ Oh, how to breach this subject. It was the sort of subject that could go so many different ways and so he decided to say this conversationally. ] I always thought that it was rather interesting that you are the blood of witches, in the Talamasca. Did they seek you out? [ He rather had a feeling that they did.

To study him as well, perhaps working there was their version of locking Alex up and studying him. ]

Have you had any magic evidence itself?