Chapter 1
Thank you @ladycheesington for the perfect banner <3
Vampire Levi x fem!reader
Victorian era like world, vampires, secrets, romance, falling in love, vampire lore, sexual tension, possessive Levi, protective Levi.
Story: Romance blooms quickly for you when you move to the big city. The mysterious Lord Ackerman sweeps you off your feet, but the two of you hold back your romantic and sexual desires due to unspoken fears. Something is off about the city once night falls and the secrets it holds are the reason why you both hold back. When Levi reveals he is a vampire, the two of you embark on a passionate loving romance and he opens a whole new and hidden world to you. As the two of you find bliss in each other, the vampire Queen of the city is not happy. Determined to keep her favourite pet as hers, she tries everything to get rid of you and tighten her loosening hold on Levi. The two of you must face many odds together and must make some big choices in order to remain together or lose each other in a tear and blood-filled mess.
This chapter: First meeting with Levi, the mystery of the city and what you do. Another meeting with Levi, rising romantic tension and a possible love rival.
Part 2
The flame crackled as it danced atop the candle. Hot wax trickled down the white candle and gathered on the brass holder. A loose strand of hair had escaped the hold you had placed it in. The hair lightly caressed and tickled your neck. The tip of your pen scribbled away on your paper as you focused on the open books before you. Time was ticking and the point where you needed to return home due to safety was almost long gone.
You grew up in a nice town, but city life was calling. As an educated woman, finding your way and getting a job where you could flourish was hard. Countless men turned you away or asked you to work for them only if you did something dirty. Mr Callahan was the only person who had offered you a job and meant it. However, you had your reservations.
Mr Callahan had warmly welcomed you about two weeks ago into his records and bookshop. All you did was ensure records were correct and up to date and conduct research for people who requested it. Everything was nice and you jumped right into the position, but there were a few strange things. You were warned about staying too late after work. You accepted it at first, but as the days went on it seemed that Mr. Callahan was giving you work to get you to stay longer. The time deadline was being tested.
Everything went strange when a man entered the shop three days ago. The man was in all black and wore dark glasses. His skin was white, his hair was white as snow and lightly tussled back and reached the lower part of his neck, it was slightly long and would feel perfect as you run your fingers through. When you moved past this man as you worked he just stared at you as if you were some sort of rare creature. They both went to a private viewing room for work which resulted in you staying around a lot more.
With an aching neck, you raised your head and looked over to the old clock to see it was six in the evening. The sun would be slowly setting soon due to winter getting closer. Your spine and neck cracked slowly when you turned and cast your eyes out the window to see the lamplighters doing their rounds.
You placed your pen in it’s inkwell and rose from your seat. The wooden floor creaked under your small heels as you made your way across the office to check on Mr. Callahan. You tapped your knuckles against his private office but heard no answer. No answer came, so you opened the door and peered inside to see that the place was empty. Mr. Callahan has cleared his desk for the night and left you all alone in his shop.
You were so irritated but also concerned. You raced around the building and made sure you were packed up and ready to leave. You flicked your cape around you and dragged on your gloves to fight the cold night air. Anxiety nipped away at your heart as words of warnings about the night fluttered through your head. You needed to get home as fast as possible.
The door softly slammed behind you. You twisted the key in the lock and released a sigh. The air was just cold enough for you to see your breath. It was strange for the city to be so empty, but it seemed that most people had hurried home about an hour ago. You turned on your heels and began walking as fast as you could down the road.
Your heart raced in your chest as people started to shift out of side roads. Rumours were floating around the city about monsters coming out at night. Werewolves, ghosts and even vampires were said to be around, but you tried to keep your head down and ignore the silly stories. You just got home after work, locked the door and read a book before bed.
“Hey, pretty thing!” A whistle broke the silence causing everyone to look over at you. “Slow down and come play!”
You yanked your hood up on your cape and began to almost run through the street. Home was calling you and you needed to get far away from the people who walked the streets at night. Even the police seemed to abandon this city when the sunset. The sun had almost gone, you had just a bit of a pink and orange glow to light your way.
“Come back!”
You turned on your heels and went to cut down an alleyway but a cold shiver consumed you. A woman had her back pressed against the wall as she panted and moaned in pleasure. A man slowly lifted his head from her neck to show puncture marks from two teeth. Blood oozed from her wound and trickled down to her breasts. The alleyway was too dark for you to see the biter, but the blood on their teeth glistened. Their eyes locked onto you and glimmered as they took you in.
Run.
Your brain spoke but your body remained unmoved.
Run.
The woman was released and the dark figure moved closer, their smart shoes tapping on the cobblestone path.
RUN!
Your body rebooted and strength returned to you. You turned on your heels, sprinted across the road, and past the men who catcalled you. Your lungs burned as your corset squeezed them. Running with a corset was torturous on your body, but the fear of the unknown consequences of being caught by the beast in the alleyway drove you.
Small stones crunched under your small heels as you reached the small park. A fog had rolled in from the river causing visibility to be difficult. You slowed down as you tried to catch your breath. The oil lamps had been lit in the park, but it was dangerous to be in the light. You were like a rabbit being hunted and the lights were making it easier to be caught.
You just needed to cross through the park and down a road to get to your home. You reminded yourself of your route to try and calm your heart, but it was beginning to become too much. A sob had caught in your throat. This city was supposed to be your future and now you were learning the true horrors of it. You wanted your parents. You wanted to be home. You wanted to be sharing a cup of tea with your mother while wrapped up in a blanket.
A scream caught in your throat when a gloved hand covered your mouth. Your life began to flash before your eyes as you were dragged from the path and into the darkness of the park. Your back collided with a large. Your eyes struggled to adjust to the darkness, so you could not see the man keeping you in place.
Though your body was consumed with fear, something about this mysterious man aroused something within you. Even though he had grabbed you so suddenly, his touch was gentle. His natural scent mixed with a light dash of cologne was enchanting to the senses. The warmth from his body was comforting and your once-racing heart was beginning to slow.
A deep voice danced from the man’s lips as he whispered to you. “Those men followed you. They’re dangerous.”
“Th-thank you.”
He caressed your cheek as he took you in. You were so beautiful to him. “Forgive me for scaring you in that alleyway, but I was with my blood donor.”
You gulped hard. “Blood boner?”
“Your eyes did not deceive you. I was drinking her blood.”
“Vampires are real-.”
He covered your mouth and hushed you. “Not too loud. They are close.” He glanced at the path before looking back at you. “Are you new to this city? Weren’t you warned about the night?”
You nodded and waited for him to move his hand before you whispered. “My boss Mr. Callahan did warn me, but it seems these past few days he has been purposely making me stay longer.”
“What changed?”
You nibbled your lip. “A man with long hair like the colour of snow came in. He wore all back with white skin.”
“Tch, that fucker.” He groaned. “Forgive my sharp tongue.” He pressed his body against you as the men walked past talking about you. He watched them closely, made sure they gave up their hunt and turned around and returned to the street you came from. “I’m assuming you are going through the park.”
“Yes.”
He moved back from you. “You are safe to continue on your journey home. Try not to go out this late again for your own sake. You may not meet someone as nice as me again.”
You bowed your head to him. “Thank you so much for your help. I am sorry for inconveniencing you.”
He blushed a little. “Tch, there is no need for this. I wanted to help you. Go home now. I will watch from a distance to ensure your safety.”
“Thank you.” You hurried away. “Goodnight!”
He waved to you. “Night.” He waited for you to be further away before walking into the light on the lamps. Levi released a long sigh before raising his gloved hand and inhaling the scent you had left behind. “So cute and sweet.”
It was strange for Levi to become attracted and attached to someone. He knew very well he wasn’t going to part from you so soon. He wanted to see you again. Levi was very aware of Mr. Callahan’s place and was going to make sure to visit. Levi ran a trading company and owned a lot of businesses. Levi was a high-ranking pure-blooded vampire, so he held a lot of power in this city. Paperwork, records and books there at Mr. Callahan’s would help him out, but the main reason for going would be seeing you again.
Levi released a long sigh and felt shit that you had seen him in such a primal state as he fed from his donor, but he needed blood after beating a few rogue and dangerous vampire groups. Levi had gotten a few scrapes and needed to heal up, thankfully he had a donor close by. All his donors had been fully checked because Levi valued cleanliness. He was going to make sure that when he officially met you, he was going to be dressed in his best clothes and he would hide his vampiric ways from you for just a short time.
He knew he should leave you alone and be on his way, but he couldn’t help himself. Levi stuck to the shadows as he followed you through the park and reached your sweet home. He hummed in thought as he leaned against a wall while you unlocked your front door. It was clear you were still nervous and on edge, but there was something else to you. There was a hint of wanting, of need, of arousal. Levi was rather moved by your desire for him, but you were holding back.
He stared at the top window as a light came on, he was glad you had gas lighting in your home to keep the rooms lit. His heart raced like never before when he watched you in front of your bedroom window. He felt like a pervert as he kept watching you remove your dress to reveal your underdress and corset. A growl rumbled from him when you released your hair and let it down.
Levi pulled away from the wall as he felt dirty for watching you. He was determined to keep you in his life.
Mr Callahan stared hard as you moved around the shop. He released a long sigh before approaching you with a gentle smile. Yesterday he left work early and made sure you had things to do that would cause you to stay behind. The white-haired lord from the other day wanted to have you alone, but it appeared that did not happen. So, Mr Callahan needed to arrange something again.
He called your name and gave you a reassuring smile. “Are you all right? I believe you stayed late last night.”
You paused a bit and felt yourself flush at the mysterious man last night. “I did. I left just before the sunset and managed to get home.”
“Did you meet anyone?”
You hugged your books. “I met a nice gentleman who helped me home. Was I supposed to meet someone else?”
He perked up. “Did he have white hair?”
You shook your head. “No. The gentleman I met was not like the white-haired man who was here before.”
“Well, I am glad you were safe.”
You bowed to him. “Thank you, sir.”
Both of you turned to the front door as the bell dinged. A heat rushed through your body as you felt a strong attraction to the guest. Mr Callahan felt a shiver consumed him as he gazed at a very important man in the city enter his shop for the first time.
He wasn’t too tall, but a nice average height. He was dressed in all black with a top hat on his head. Small black sunglasses rested on his nose to hide some of his silver-blue eyes. His raven hair framed his pale face. His lips were slightly pink and kissable. The smart shoes he wore shined from the perfect polish on them. Leather gloves gripped his hands and made them look perfect. He held the top of his cane and tapped the bottom against the floor.
Mr Callahan hurried over to Levi. “Welcome, Lord Ackerman.”
Levi hummed at the old man. He dragged his eyes away and stared at you. He moved past Mr. Callahan and approached you. He reached up and tipped his hat to you. “Good afternoon, miss.”
You blushed as you gazed at the handsome man before you. There was something so compelling and alluring about him. You chewed the inside of your lip a little as you battled your emotions. “Good afternoon.”
He removed his top hat. “I am in need of some papers and books. Would you assist me?”
“I uh…” You gulped hard. “I can do that. I must inform you though that I am fairly new.”
He smiled and showed off two slightly pointed and sharp teeth. “I have full faith in you.”
“Thank you.” You turned. “Come with me then to a private room and we’ll talk.
“Wonderful.” He walked with you to a private room. He reached over and opened the door for you allowing him to lean in close and deeply inhale your scent. “I appreciate the help.”
You walked in first and set your things down. “I am happy to help you, Lord Ackerman.” You pulled a chair out for him. “Please, take a seat and relax. Would you like a cup of tea?”
He nodded. “I am fine for now, but thank you for offering.” He referred to the seat next to him. “Please, join me so we may talk.”
You took the seat right next to Levi as it was the one he was referring to. A blush made your cheeks hot and the warmth of the man next to you was intoxicating. “So, what is it that you would like to research?”
“I am interested in a few things.” He placed his hand in his blazer’s breast pocket, retrieved a piece of paper and presented it to you. “I have compiled a little list.”
You opened up the paper and scanned the page. “I can do that.”
It was hard not to be entranced by you and how you looked, talked and spoke. Levi was enamoured by you and the divinity of your beauty, scent, voice and intellect. Every moment you worked together was a blessing and pleasurable. As the books piled around the two of you, you both worked hard and gained the information Levi wanted. Often Levi found himself gazing at you as if you were this work of art that was produced by some goddess and was only for his eyes.
It was hard to focus with Levi so close to you. His scent was enrapturing. There was this supernatural pull between the two of you as if a divine line was linking the two of you. Forever tethered together through your hearts and fate. When you caught slight glimpses of his dazzling eyes your heart soared in your chest. Though his smiles and light chuckles were rare, they were all the more a blessing to the eyes and ears. Levi was a mystery you wanted to solve and he also thought the same about you.
You released a small yawn. “Forgive me. That was rude.”
Levi gently caressed your cheek with the back of his hand and fingers. “There is no need for such words. I have stolen much of your precious time today.”
You smiled and leaned into his touch as your body and mind craved more contact. “It has been rather enjoyable though. I am sorry for taking much longer to help you with your research. Mr Callahan would have been faster.”
He retracted his touch. “If I desired my arse to be kissed, I would have gone to him. I needed fresh eyes and a delicate precise touch. That is why I sought you out.”
“You’re too kind.”
“Most people would disagree with you on that.” He slowly ran his finger under your eye. “You should get yourself something to eat and drink.”
You nodded. “I will. Would you care for anything?”
“A tea. I will add something to it.”
You frowned a little before watching him pull out a flask. “Alcohol?”
He shook his head. “No, it is a medicine.”
You gasped as your heart went out to Levi. “Are you unwell?” You leaned closer and placed the back of your hand against his forehead. “You are slightly cold to the touch.”
Levi closed his eyes as he enjoyed your touch. “I am always cold. I have low blood pressure.” He opened his eyes and smiled at you. “This medicine helps with it. I am well, do not worry.”
You lowered your hand. “If you insist.” You held your breath as you shift to your feet. Bodies close to each other. You got a closer inspection of Levi. A warmth spread over your cheeks as you locked eyes with Levi as he gazed over the top of his glasses at you. “I will get you that drink then.”
Levi tore his eyes away from you. “I am grateful.”
Nerves bubbled in him as he remembered your gaze. He was always so cautious with looking someone in the eyes without his glasses to create a barrier. The eyes of a vampire when looked deeply into captured most people in a deep trance. Most were willing to do anything for that vampire. He dragged his sunglasses off and placed them on the table. It was clear that you were not strongly moved by his vampiric gaze as your affection for him appeared before you locked eyes.
The light tap of the tea tray broke Levi’s thoughts. He gazed up at you and smiled sweetly. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He unbuttoned his coat and peeled it off his body to reveal the form-hugging suit under. He retrieved his flask and poured the blood into his tea. “Are you enjoying the city life?”
The intensity of his gaze made your body burn with desire. Words failed you for a brief moment. It wasn’t Levi’s eyes that had you hypnotised, but it was everything about him. “I am. Though, I must say it is rather scary at night.”
“It can be.” His actions were graceful when he collected his teacup and sipped from it. “I could provide protection if you allow it.”
“Provide protection?”
The seat creaked as he shifted closer to you. His alluring heat and scent mixed and made your body vibrate. His kissable lips parted ever so slightly. “The police here are not adequate at night. I would be happy to provide my assistance.”
You hummed a little laugh. “Are you proposing something?”
“I just wish to return the kindness you have shown me today.”
You retracted from Levi and faintly smiled as your heart stung. “There is no need. I’m just doing my job.” You signed off on the last of the papers and pushed them over to Levi. “Here is everything for you.”
Levi frowned as you rose to your feet. “Are you leaving me?”
“Of course, you have no need for me.”
A loud scrape filled the room as Levi’s chair dragged across the wooden floor. He stood before you hurt by your sudden declaration that you were leaving. “Have I offended you?”
You shifted to the door but Levi blocked your escape. “You have not, but there is nothing much left I can do here for you. Do contact me if you desire more tea though.”
Levi knew there wasn’t much he could do, so he moved away from the door and accepted his loss. There was something deep within him that wanted to possess you and have you as his, but you wanted to leave and he knew very well he shouldn’t force you to stay. He bowed his head as his mind raced at all the things he could say or do.
He clenched his fist tightly as he fought his emotions. “I will call upon you if I need you. I will miss your company.”
You bowed your head. “How kind, Lord Ackerman.”
“Levi, please.”
You gripped the handle tightly. “I will see you soon, Levi.” You left the office and felt the reassuring and comforting aura leave you. A long sigh escaped you once you were outside the private room. You made your way through the hall and back out the front. “Would you like a drink, Mr Callahan?”
Mr. Callahan gave you a weak smile. “I am all right, my dear.” His brow creased as he studied you. “You seem troubled.”
“I have a lot on my mind.”
He placed his hand on your upper back as guilt consumed him. Although he had spoken to another Lord with white hair who craved you, the guilt of it all was suffocating him. He was conflicted because he wanted to protect you but he feared what would happen if he did not comply with this man. If he didn’t do as the man commanded, then he would go to the vampire Queen of the city. The Queen was someone to be truly frightened of.
Mr. Callahan smiled at you to give you a little comfort. “You know the young handsome gentleman with white hair?”
You chuckled. “You seem to bring him up often.”
“Well, that’s because he was rather taken by you.”
Your heart swelled. “Is that so?”
“Yes.” He moved closer to you. “It must be lonely in this city. You only have me as a friend. I am not telling you to court him, but perhaps you could meet him and spark up a friendship?”
You contemplated it for a moment and weighed up your situation and decided that it wouldn’t be so bad to get to know the white-haired man. “Very well. I will meet with him.”
“Wonderful. I will inform Lord Lucius Demont that you wish to meet.”
Lord Lucius Demont had a rather fitting name for who he was. Lucius meant light and Demont meant one who was filled with desires. He was a man of action and took what he wanted when he could. He was graced with good looks from what you could remember. Icy blue eyes with delicate long lashes would entrance anyone who would look into them. A strong jawline was complimented by his plump lips and pale skin. He was rather tall with broad shoulders and covered in muscle. His hands were large but in the good way that people wanted gripping them with prominent veins. His white hair wasn’t short nor was it long, but it was in the middle. His hair was styled messy that went down his neck and reached the base.
It didn’t take too long before the man himself entered the shop. He had such a commanding presence within the room. Black sunglasses rested on his nose to hide his icy eyes. He scanned the room and landed on you. He closed the door and moved over to you. Each step he took towards you made both your hearts race. He placed a large gloved hand against his pec and bowed slightly to you.
Levi had instantly sensed there was a rival pure-blooded vampire near. He moved to the door and spied on what was happening. Levi felt anger bubble away inside him as he watched Lucius introduce himself to you. It was well-known how smooth Lucius was with women and he had many running around him little a gaggle of geese. However, it was becoming clear that Lucius wanted you more than just another follower. He was a dangerous man to be around because of how close he was to the deadly vampire Queen.
You fiddled with your dress for a moment as you felt nervous. With Levi, you were comfortable and happy around him with some naughty desires but with the man before there was something not fully right, as if your gut was telling you to be careful. You wanted the floor below you to swallow you up so you could hide. You were tired and confused and you just wanted to disappear.
Lucius smiled a little. “Forgive Mr Callahan, I believe he has been rather pressuring towards you due to my mentioning that I was rather taken by you.”
You hummed a moment in thought. “I was put at risk one night due to working late. I understand that you both wanted to arrange something, but I do request that if you have desires towards me you talk to me instead of arranging things behind my back.”
“Allow me to say sorry by taking you to dinner.”
The thought tossed around in your head for a while before you made a choice. Loneliness had made its home in your heart and there was this longing within you to be wanted by someone and it seemed that someone was before you. “I suppose I could go, but I would much prefer a lunch as the night here concerns me.”
Lucius took your hand in his and placed a delicate kiss against your fingers. “I shall take you on that lunch date tomorrow.”
“I am off work that day. So, I shall meet you at the park near here.”
He raised his head. “Of course. How about at twelve?”
You bowed your head. “Yes.” You looked over at Mr Callahan. “May I leave early?”
Mr Callahan smiled softly. “Yes. You have been overworked. Go home early and I will see you in a few days.”
You retrieved your outdoor cloak and made your way over to Levi’s private room, which he hastily retreated into. The door creaked as you pushed it open. A divine scent filtered out of the room and wrapped around you. No matter how much you fought it, it was hard to deny the fact that you were attracted to everything that was Levi.
Levi was standing to the side so he was close when you walked in. He softly said your name causing you to look up at him. “I heard you coming. Is everything okay?”
You hummed at him. “I am going home. I just wanted to let you know as I have been with you all day and I did say I would come running to help you.”
“Well, I am finished for the day. So, I would like to walk you home.” He moved closer to you. “Only if you allow it.” The cloak slipped off your arm as Levi removed it. “If you told me to leave you alone, I would.”
You lowered your head. “That is the issue though, Lord Ackerman.”
Levi was speechless when you looked up and returned his gaze. His vampiric powers gave him the ability to move people and yet in this moment, he was moved by you. “Issue?”
You nodded. “I am unable to tell you to leave me because I don’t want you to. I desire your presence and yet I barely know you. I feel as if something is binding us together.” You placed your gentle hand on his chest. “Like there is a string binding us.” You retreated from Levi. “Forgive me. I am assuming so much.” You dragged your hood up to hide a little. “You may escort me if you wish.”
Compelled by your words and the feelings within him he could not stand by and let you walk away. Levi firmly wrapped his hand around your upper arm and squeezed. With a gentle tug, he returned you to him. “Wait a moment and I will go with you.”
You moved over to the table and looked over the papers and books on it. “Were you able to get what you needed?”
“For now, but I will return often as my view is rather nice.”
“View?” The realisation hit you causing your heart to race. “Oh, thank you.”
He pulled on his outdoor attire and turned to you. “I wish to use this room tomorrow. Would it be all right to leave everything as is?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.” He raised his arm slightly as an invitation for you to take it. “Shall we?”
You wrapped your arms around Levi’s presented one and allowed him to escort you. A sweet smile spread across your lips as Levi moved with you through the building. Luckily for you both your guest and boss were nowhere to be seen, so you both could leave the building without anyone pestering you. It was a comfortable quiet between the two of you as you walked together with the sun setting behind you. This time you had plenty of time before the nightlife came.
It was clear to Levi how desperate people were to get out into the streets tonight. He could sense the tension in the air. Something was up with this city, it was as if people’s hunger and arousal had been intensified. Levi needed to get you home as soon as he could to ensure you were safe. The two of you had only met on two occasions, one of those you weren’t aware of, and spent all day today together and yet there was something so comfortable and right about you walking together and him protecting you.
It occurred to Levi that he knew where you lived, but he wasn’t supposed to. So, leading you to the park was the right thing to do but would also be suspicious. “Please, lead the way to your home.”
You glanced up at Levi. “Through this park and a bit further and we will reach my home.”
“I will protect you.”
You hummed a sweet laugh that was music to Levi’s ears. “I have full faith in you.” A thought plagued your mind as you made your way to your home. “Lord Ackerman?”
“Levi, please.”
You gasped as you felt slightly embarrassed at the thought of being so informal with a customer, but it was his request and you wanted to get closer to him. “Well, Levi…”
“Yes?”
You pondered upon your thoughts. “Why are you showing me such kindness? Is this unique to me or is this the same kindness you show others?”
Levi came to a stop outside your home. “It is unique to you. I have not cared for nor taken a fascination with a person before.” He caressed your cheek with his hand. “There is just something out you I find so compelling.” He retreated from you as a familiar voice in his head warned him about getting so close to a human. “Rest well and I will see you soon at the shop.”
A strong blush burned your cheeks when Levi’s lips lightly pressed with the back of your hand. “You too, Levi. Rest well.” You reached over and lightly touched under his eyes. “You seem tired and troubled.”
He backed up from you and knew he needed to draw a line between the two of you. He was torn. He wanted you so badly, but being together would put you in great danger. The Queen has an obsessive and watchful eye on Levi. For your safety, it was best that this relationship remained a business one even if you both felt something much stronger.
Levi tipped his hat. “Goodnight.”
You clutched your chest and shyly waved as Levi parted from you. “Goodnight.” You too had similar feelings to Levi. This city was dangerous and you were only new here. There was a worry in your gut that being involved with Levi or Lucius would mean harm would come to you. Being involved with either would mean crossing into the world of night, and from what you had seen so far the nightlife was the dark face of the city. No matter how much you told yourself to stay away, your heart just kept longing for Levi.
177 notes
·
View notes
The Sin Sharpener
Originally posted on: 05/27/2022
Something happens the first time you look over a stretch of space otherwise unseen by human eyes. Suddenly, you feel very, very small in the infinity of it. And yet, your mistakes weigh the same.
Every good ship has a Sin Sharpener. It's vital for those who carry regrets.
Shae was the best Sin Sharpener that The Opal had ever known. She'd known the ship longer than anyone, even the Captain. The ship made that clear, too - frequently, its labyrinthine passages lead her where she was needed much faster than it would allow anyone else through. Some days I wondered if she ever grew to detest The Opal for always leading her back to the room where so many bore themselves open to her. Where she felt their pain.
Then again, whenever I made my way to her room, she was ready for me. Every single time.
Shae turned my sins into a knife. It's a beautiful thing, all one length of metal, a knurled handle thinning to a red blade bent just slightly toward my fingers when I hold it.
The sharpness against my knuckle acts a bitter reminder of just how close I am to falling back in.
The knife is the perfect shape to strip wires and core my favorite fruit. I can hear the sound of it against the lip of a glass bottle, the caps seal breaking at the knife's compulsion, the fizz as whatever tonic inside is released.
I've never used it to open a bottle. Never.
Shae weaved Jio's sins into a pair of brass bracelets resembling fingers which squeezed their wrists whenever the memories got too familiar. "They help me to remember the blood flowing through my veins," Jio said to me once, running a thumb over one of the bracelet's edges. "Like wind through a drafty window. Gotta close it up and keep it closed. Or it just keeps on whistling."
Kamea missed the chance to say his words, so Shae blew for him a pen made from glass. He's always writing. Somehow, I don't think I've ever seen his pen run out of ink.
I only asked him once. He said he wrote the things he should have said. The things that cost him in the end.
I once drug a wide-eyed lackey to Shae after it was found she hadn't slept in four nights. Just stared out at the stars until the rest of the ship woke up. She could barely speak by the time I got to her, and collapsed into Shae's room as soon as we got there, desperately asleep. Shae moved with a practiced, careful grace. She stood over the poor girl and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. Then, to me, "How long had she been awake?" I hadn't told her I was coming or why. I stuttered. "F-... Four nights. Possibly more, we're not sure." She just nodded.
I looked over Shae's crimson robe, splayed out over the floor around where she knelt. I examined her well-worn hand as she ran it down the lackey's shoulder. In an impressive feat of strength, Shae lifted her to a couch in one corner of the room. I didn't have many opportunities to see this room since Shae and I first met. It was decorated gently in some places and harshly in others - accurate to the work she did here. Her tools, all strange needles of glass, wood and wax and jars of unknowable herbs, hung from the walls. They glowed. My eyes were pulled to the ones she used to draw forth my sin and to smith it into a knife. Her anvil and hammer were half-covered with a silk sheet in the other corner. Their eyes stared back as my gaze lingered for only a moment. I gave Shae a nod and left.
It took more than a day for the lackey to return. When he did, he'd cut his hair short, and his uniform was adorned with a new name: Koa. His face wore something new, too - a comfort and surety of self he'd lacked since joining the crew.
"What'd Shae make you?" I asked him.
"It wasn't my sin that forced me awake," he said, "so there was nothing to sharpen. Shae just gave me the permission I needed to be more... me." There was something more behind his eyes, something between mischievous love and a shyness more befitting how I'd known him before. At first, every time Shae would come up in conversation he'd flush red. Then, they started eating meals together. Slept in the same berth. Walking together. I'm not sure I'd seen Shae smile before meeting him. The change in her was good. In both of them.
The Opal, crew and ship, said goodbye to Shae and Koa a little over a year later. The Captain married them on the observation deck, where so many of us had seen our first stretch of unmapped space and found our need for the best Sin Sharpener we'd ever known. The greatest gift Shae ever gave me was a lesson: The worst regret you can hold is allowing anyone to force you to hide your truth.
Every ship needs a Sin Sharpener. It is vital for those who carry regrets. Thanks to her, and to Koa, that is a regret I will never carry.
2 notes
·
View notes
CHAPTER 17
JACK’S POV:
“Merry christmas!” Race shouts. The boys cheer, their faces bright. The building is freezing, but none of us feel it. The presents sit under the tree, hastily wrapped in newspaper and butcher paper. The tree is one we picked up off the street, but it’s perfect. It’s decorated with ornaments made out of buttons and bottle caps. The tree is lit by some candles nearby, the scent of the wax flowing through the air along with the pine.
The boys are clustered around the room. Some are chatting, some are playing cards. Katharine and Alex are sitting together talking about the last suffrage meeting they went to. The two of them talk non-stop now. It’s nice to see them getting along so well.
What's left of the food sits on the table. Davey brought some of his mom’s meatloaf, Katharine brought some of the fancy food from her house, Alex came with a batch of cookies, and the rest of us managed to scrounge up some sodas and snacks. It’s not the nicest feast, but it’s pretty damn good for a bunch of newsies.
“Hey, Les! Come over here! We need ya to place the star on top of the tree!” Finch shouts. Les runs over, a big smile on his face. Finch hands him the star, which is actually just a rusty piece of metal. He hoists Les onto his shoulders and holds him up as he places the star on the tree. “Looks perfect!” Alex shouts out.
“Presents time!” Specs yells. Everybody hurries to gather around the tree. “Les, you go first. You’re the youngest.” Albert hands him a small box and Les opens it. “My very own newsboy hat!” He proudly puts it on and it falls over his eyes. “Ah, you’ll grow into it.” Jojo says, slapping him gently on the back.
Little by little, gifts are exchanged. Crutchie gives everyone a pair of gloves that Alex helped him sew. They’re a little lumpy and a little threadbare, but they’re the best pair of gloves I have ever owned. Spot got Race a nice silver kazoo and Race got Spot a pair of brass knuckles. All of us pitched in to get Davey a brand new book from the book store. He started reading it immediately.
I got a new set of paint brushes, with real wooden handles. It’s perfect timing too, my old brushes were pretty much destroyed. Katharine receives one of those new fountain pens. It even has a silver tip. I saw some of the shops selling them on 11th.
Everyone is playing with their new gifts, exchanging thank yous and hugs. The energy in this room is tangible. Everyone’s hearts are glowing. “Hey Alex. Come up to the roof with me, I have something to give you.” I whisper. Alex and I grab our coats and climb up the fire escape, leaving the noise of the party below.
The night air is cold and our breath freezes into white clouds. I can hear cars and people moving below, the street lights tiny below us, like a reflection of the stars above us. The moon is almost full and it looks down on us. We sit on the edge of the roof, feet dangling over. It would be scary if we didn’t know that we had someone there to catch us if we fell.
“I know you don’t celebrate christmas, but I got you something anyway.” I reach into my pocket and pull out a small cardboard box. I hand it to her and she slowly opens it, tucking the box into the lid. Her mouth goes wide as she pulls out the necklace. “It’s the soda cap from our first date. I wanted to save it for something special.”
“Jack…” her voice is soft. She puts it on, gently holding the cap. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She wraps me in a hug, giving me a long kiss.
“We should probably go back inside before they wonder where we went.” Alex says. I nod. We climb down together, coming back in through the window. It looks like no one noticed we were gone. They’re all still clustered around the tree.
“Oh! Look!” Jojo crows, pointing to the space above the window. I look up and see a thing of mistletoe hanging from the frame. “That wasn’t there before.” Alex mumbles. “Your welcome.” Katharine winks, crossing her arms. “C’mon, you hafta kiss! It’s the rules!” Mike shouts. I roll my eyes but I turn towards Alex.
She stands on her tip toes and we kiss. Everyone cheers and wolf whistles. I pull away and grab Alex’s hand, leading her over to the group. We join them around the tree. Alex leans her head on my shoulder and I wrap my arm around her.
I feel safe here, surrounded by my family. It’s odd and mismatched, but it’s the only family I could ever want. We’re definitely not perfect, we argue and fight. But in the end we always make up and get along. We know that we would fight for each other, that when one of us needs help we’ll be there. And that’s the only thing that really defines family.
2 notes
·
View notes