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peonierose · 1 year

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Wake up Little Susie

Chapter 1

Nightbound AU vs. Hänsel & Gretel

Book: Nightbound AU

Type: Series

Characters involved: Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC), Gretel van Andresen (F!OC), Nik Ryder (M!MC), Katherine (F!MC), Garrus (M!MC)

Words: 2,500+

Rating: General, a few curse words

Summary: Hänsel and Gretel two amazing supernatural hunters are working on a new case that leads them to New Orleans and to old friends. So let the good times roll.

A/N: I’m posting this for @nbappreciationweek

Side note: This story has been a year in the making and I hope you’ll give it a chance. A massive thank you to these wonderful people for being super excited for this story and helping me with it. @annieruok94 ❤️@ofmischiefandmedicine 💖 @doriopenheart 🧡 @ladylamrian 💜 @inlocusmads 💚

2nd Side note: I’ve put out an intro you can catch up here. If you want to listen to the playlist I’ve created for this chapter you can do that here.

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I stride into Hänsel’s room not caring if he is awake or not. This can’t wait any longer.

The room is pitch black. You can’t even make out the sleeping figure, who slumbers peacefully, tangled in his sheets, and snores softly.

I take a moment to look at him. He looks so peaceful, like he has no care in the world. Well it’s about to get interesting.

I touch his shoulder gently, and start to shake him awake. He stirs and throws out every curse word he knows.

“What in three hells, Gretel?“ His voice is still rough from sleep. He puts his pillow over his head, to avoid the light that spills through the room from outside the hall.

“Wake up sleeping beauty,“ I smile sweetly, because I know he hates it when I wake him up.

He groans and sits up in bed. Thank god the sheets cover the important bits, while the pillow gets pushed to the side.

“I wasn’t sleeping a hundred years. And where’s the fire? Why do I have to be awake?“ He asks sleepily. He still sounds groggy.

I shake my head at him.

“There’s no fire, Mr. grouchy pants. But we do have a case. Get dressed,“ I tell him, while I pull the curtains apart to let in some sunshine. He blinks against the harsh light and covers his face with his arm.

“Seriously? What case? We just came back from a hunt, Gretel. And don’t call me grouchy pants.“

I turn my head in his direction and smile. He crosses his arms over his chest.

“No rest for the wicked.“ I chirp.

He rolls his eyes.

“It’s creepy for you to be so chipper in the morning. Again. What case?“

He holds my gaze for a few seconds longer while he looks for any type of reaction. His dark blond hair disshelved and his hazel eyes sleepy but alert.

Not willing to disclose any details yet,

I walk to his closet and pick a pair of dark jeans and a flannel shirt and throw it at him. The clothes hit him in the face.

“I told you to get dressed. We’re wasting sunlight.“

I leave his room and hear him curse. I grin. My job here is done.

__________________________________

Hänsel walks into the kitchen. His jaw set, his shoulders pulled back. He gets himself some coffee and leans on the kitchen island and crosses his ankles. He appears relaxed and comfortable, but I know he’s anything but.

He takes a slow sip and looks at me directly. His face unreadable. Even though we’re twins (though I’m the older one), even I can’t decipher what’s going through his head right now.

“You woke me up. We all know how much I love that,“ he says sarcastically.

“Without even telling me what the hell is going on!“

I firmly bite my bottom lip.

“You won’t like it.“ I admit.

Hänsel only raises an eyebrow.

“Go on, sis.“

He empathizes that by pointing to his black coffee mug with the words “Hell raiser“ in my direction.

I walk to my room and hand him several pages I printed out. Dozens of faces stare back at me.

Disappearances of at least 20 people. From all sorts of backgrounds and of all ethnicities. Caucasian, African-American, Asian. You name it.

Women and men. Tall and short. Long and short hair. There seems to be no connection between them.

Hänsel sets down his coffee mug, to take a closer look at the missing file reports. He sets the papers down and gives me a pointed look.

“You’re right I don’t like it. This is turning into a weird obsession Gretel. You’ve got to stop this. I mean it.“

He takes his mug and is about to walk away.

“Weird obsession?“ My voice is steely.

He stops mid-walk and turns around.

“I’m saying this as your twin brother who loves you. Those people“ he points at the papers in my hands.

“It’s the local polices job to find them and bring them back safe and sound. Not ours. We only deal with the supernatural stuff. You know? What goes bump in the night,“ he finishes.

I gulp.

“So you’re saying you won’t come with me?“ I ask defiantly.

“And where is that exactly?“ He asks calmly.

I wet my lips and look away not able to meet his eyes.

“New Orleans,“ I say and he nods.

“Now we’re getting closer. This is why you want to investigate? So you can see your former flame again?“ He wiggles his eyebrows.

I narrow my eyes.

“Oh Nik you’re so dreamy. We should like hunt monsters together…blah…blah…“ he says in high-pitched voice to mimic me.

I take a pillow from the couch and throw it at him. It hits him in the chest and he doubles over from laughing.

“I don’t talk like that!“ I cross my arms over my chest.

“Nik and I are just friends. We always have been,“ I say.

“He’s not even my type,“ I add and Hänsel shudders.

“I don’t even want to know what your type is. There are certain things a brother does not need to know about his sister,“ he cringes.

I sigh.

“That’s not the reason I want to go to New Orleans. I want to find out what happened to these people. Or do you mean to tell me you don’t care what happens to their fate?“ I say sternly.

He stops laughing and turns serious. His hazel eyes glinting.

“Of course I care. But there’s no indication that there is a supernatural element involved,“ he states.

“When you looked at the faces did you take a closer look? There’s no connection. They’re being picked at random. But there’s got to be something that connects all of them. I say we fly down to New Orleans and find out what that is,“ I say.

That gets his attention. His eyes turn cold and he presses his lips into a firm line.

“Could be human trafficking. Or sex trade. They’re all kinds of sickos out there. Supernaturals aren’t that different from humans,“ he shrugs.

“You’re turning away from the truth Hänsel. These people are being picked up and no one bats an eye,“ I implore.

He sighs deeply.

“If you’re implying that this is the work of the witch, then I have to disappoint you. She’s dead Gretel. We made damn sure of that.“

Clearly, he‘s not willing to even entertain the idea.

“Did we though? We were kids back then,“ I say and tug nervously at my long blonde braid.

“Even though we were kids I’m pretty sure if you separate every part of a persons body, shove it into an oven and it burns? Yeah. That’s as dead as can be,“ he says matter-of-fact.

I shake my head I’ve heard enough.

“Fine. Then stay here sleep, drink and do nothing. While people are taken from their beds, or picked off the streets. I mean who cares right?“

I point a finger at myself.

“I’ll go investigate. Because I don’t want them to go through the same hell that we did. You might’ve moved on, and you’re trying to forget…“ My voice almost hitches on the last words. “I can’t.“

His voice breaks the silence.

“It’s funny, really. That you think I’ve moved on. Or that I can forget what that witch almost did to us. She lures kids to her knowing exactly which buttons to push,“ he stops and then continues.

“Did you know I still have nightmares every night?“ He confesses. I look up at him, surprise clearly written all over my face, my lips slightly parted.

“No. Why did you never say anything, Hänsel?“

My voice is barely above a whisper.

“Honestly? I don’t know. I always felt like it’s a weakness. Admitting that you have nightmares. All the things we’ve seen, hunted and killed. It’s ironic, really. The one thing that has me woken up sweaty almost every single night is that damn gingerbread house. It wasn’t bad enough I developed diabetes. No. Seeing her turn from someone nice into someone evil in a heartbeat? Yeah, I’ll never forget that face. I’m glad we escaped that hellhole. But the memories still linger on.“

He rubs his eyes tiredly.

I close the distance and envelop him in a hug. It’s like a weight has been lifted. His shoulders sag and he almost crushes me when he returns the hug. We stand in our little kitchen, hugging each other like our lives depend on it.

Each other is all we have left.

What else have I not seen? Hänsel still has nightmares. I did not see his pain. I bury my face in his flannel shirt. Not able to stop some tears that escape my eyes. Soaking into his shirt. I wipe them away with the pad of my thumb.

After a couple of minutes we break apart.

“Want to tell me what Ryder said?“ Hänsel asks.

“We didn’t talk that much. I only wanted to let him know about the disappearances. He was genuinely surprised. I could tell by his voice that I caught him off-guard. He promised to get some info and let me know.“

I gnaw on my lips thoughtfully.

“How is that possible?“ He sounds suspicious.

“Well, he said people disappear all the time. Since these are people from the streets or homeless shelters we’re talking about…“ I shrug and continue.

“The police doesn’t think it’s worth the while to investigate. According to Nik they’ll look into it, but he’s not very hopeful that they’ll do a thorough enough job.“

He ponders over that for a minute.

“So what? You think the witch somehow made it out alive? Even though we dismembered and burned her? Even a necromancer can’t bring her back. You’d need a body for that. There were only ashes left,“ he says matter of fact.

I hate it when he takes that tone. The It’s-a-fact-and-you-know-it tone.

I turn my head to the side.

“There is actually a necromancer in New Orleans that we can ask for help,“ I look at Hänsel expectantly.

He shakes his head.

“You’ve got be kidding. You’ve thought of everything haven’t you?“ He smiles widely.

“If it turns out as a dead end? We’ll go home,“ I say adamantly.

“But if she’s alive and breathing? I want to stop her once and for all.“

I roll my shoulders.

Itching to go out there and just let out the anger I’ve been feeling lately. Or even better, take out my crossbow and shoot at some targets. I could use the practice.

“Slow down Van Helsing. What else is on your mind?“ He asks.

Of course he picked up on that.

“Ever since we escaped, I’ve devoured every lore and legend there is. Anything I can get my hands on. To find out what happened. What her ultimate goal was. Ever since I caught sight of this case, I needed to get more info. To find out anything I can. Because the more we know the better we’re prepared,“ I shiver because I feel cold all of a sudden. I put my arms around myself to warm my body up.

“And your conclusion?“ He prods.

I leave the kitchen to get my laptop. I put it onto the kitchen island and when it’s fired up I click on the files I’ve saved.

Everything is alphabetically organized so that I can easily find everything.

“I’ve printed out a map and circled all the places people were taken. The places seem completely random, except…“ I explain and show him a map of New Orleans on the screen.

“If you take a closer look you will see that this line right here?“ I point to it and continue “Is a ley line that stretches from New York up until New Orleans,“ I say.

His eyebrows knit together in confusion.

“Meaning?“

“It means that whatever they’re planning needs a lot of juice. The ley lines would offer that. According to legends, it amplifies the magical powers that you already have and makes any spell or ritual more potent. It also means they have a very short amount of time to make it work. The ley lines won’t let you use their power for long and keeping that line open is straining to say the least,“ I finish.

“Meaning you’d probably need a lot of magical users for that,“ he says.

“Exactly,“ I nod.

“What else have you got on those ley lines?“ He looks intently at the screen, the light from the laptop reflects on his face and gives him a blue hue.

I scroll though the files I’ve compiled.

“That’s pretty much it. There is not much known about it. Most of it are legends, and you know how that works. Opinions are divided on what to believe.“

I lean forward to turn the laptop off and close it.

“It’s like the blue-line case,“ Hänsel mumbles

I stare at my brother. Who seems deep in thought. He tries to piece our last case back together.

“There are similarities, but I don’t think it’s the same,“ I say and shake my head.

“If what you say is true. Who or what would need this much power? And where would they even find people powerful enough for it?“ he asks.

I shrug.

“That I don’t know.“

I walk back and forth, my thoughts running wild.

“There’s something off about the way these people are taken. I can feel it Hänsel. And I know you do too. This whole thing just reeks of black magic. Someone on an ego power trip,“ I pin him down with an intense gaze.

“It’s not just the ley lines that worry me. Halloween is close by. The veil to the other side gets thinner by the day. Nothing good can come from that. We have less than a month to find these people before it’s too late.“

He stops me from wearing a path into the carpet and takes my cold hands in his warm ones.

“If it will put your mind at ease. We’ll look into it,“ he says.

“But I can’t make a promise to be nice to Ryder,“ he says heat rises in his high cheekbones.

“Why? He’s never done anything to you, has he?“

Racking my brain and not able to come up with a single thing he could’ve said or done.

“He called me and I quote “a mediocre hunter who only gets in his way.“

He looks incredulously at me.

I cover my mouth with my hand to stifle a laugh that’s trying to bubble to the surface. But a small sound still escapes past my fingers.

“Are you laughing? At me? Your own twin brother?“ His face twists into a grimace.

I take my hand away and burst out laughing.

“You should’ve seen your face. It was hilarious…Mediocre. I’ve got to steal that one,“ I put my hand on my stomach. It hurts from all the laugther. It almost makes me double-over.

He puts his hands on his hips and try to look intimidating, but fail miserably.

I pat his arm gently.

“Don’t be a drama queen little brother. I’ll save you from the bad hunter pinky promise.“

He scoffs and shakes off my arm.

“Whatever.“

I shake my head, still laughing.

He goes to his room to pack. I’ve already packed my suitcase. All we need to do is catch our flight.

And I can already tell it’s going to be a long trip.

#Wake up Little Susie #Nightbound AU #Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC)#Gretel van Andresen (F!OC)#Nik Ryder #Katherine #Garrus

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masked-alien-lesbian · 2 years

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What if Katherine could have been our bodyguard in NB?

#Vera would still be my LI #But I would have chosen Katherine over Nik #NB #nightbound #choices #pixelberry #playchoices #Katherine #nik ryder

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storyofmychoices · 1 year

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SpreadJoy #688: spreading positivity with quotes and @playchoices characters.

Quote in edit by selfcarexpress

For @nbappreciationweek

#katherine nightbound #katherine choices #choices #nightbound #choices game #playchoices #spreadjoy #choices spreadjoy #selfcarexpress

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liviusofpella · 2 years

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the urge to give katherine "pierce" as a last name in my nb series is too strong besties, i don't know if i'll be strong enought to resist it

#nightbound #choices nightbound #katherine nightbound

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ladylamrian · 1 month

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✨️ Kit meets Rook ✨️

Female Main Character: Alexis Clarissa Fontaine (Nightbound) & Astrid (Blades of Light and Shadow)

Characters: Nik Ryder, Mal Volari, Tyril Starfury, Imtura, Nia Ellarious, Vera Reimonenq, Katherine, Cal Lowell, Threep, ...

Pairings: F!MC×NikRyder & F!MC×MalVolari

Summary: Astrid accidentally opened the wrong portal.

Word Count: 3.2K words

Rating: Teen (Magic, Adventure, Friendship, Fluff)

Warnings: none, just a small fighting scene

-> My complete Masterlist here <-

Taglist: @infactnoimmasitinthemiddle ; @peonierose ; @secretaryunpaid ; @jdstar88 ; @blackcatkita ; @lilyoffandoms ; @liviusofpella ; @mxdanni ; @mariemarieohcontrary ; @tessa-liam ; @choicesficwriterscreations ; @hopelessromantic1352 ; @rosepetals1 ; @stars-are-within-me ; @dutifullynuttywitch ; @thosehallowedhalls ; @artbyalz ; @choicesficwriterscreations

Some parts grammar checked by @lilyoffandoms

Comments via Reblog wholeheartly welcome

Author's note: The tiny story takes place after Nightbound and Blades of Light & Shadow Book 1. Special thanks to @chanceisagoodboy for the inspiration and idea ✨️

New Orleans always looked beautiful at night. Shops, restaurants, bars and dance pools were gleaming with bright colors and lights. But in the middle of an abandoned alley, near the street, where no one else was there, something mysterious happened. Air was filled with magic. The weather changed within seconds. The clear night sky turned into a thundery scene as rain fell down the earth and thunderbolts flashed above. But there was something else, something strange and unusual. A mysterious vortex appeared which tossed six strange figures outside. And then... it closed. The six beings remained.

"Ouch, what an uncomfortable landing!!", a lady in a gown commented as she was lying with her companions on the ground. She focused her lavender-colored eyes on her surroundings and wondered where they got.

"Well done, kit. Now care to explain where you transported us, because this doesn't look like Whitetower.", a young man with brown, shoulder-length locks and a light beard spoke. He discovered his two daggers, Stabby & Stabby Junior lying in front of him as he crashed on the ground, so he quickly picked his loyal weapons up and stashed them back inside.

"A powerful and wise never like me doesn't deserve to be lying on the dirty floor and get treated like this.", Threep, the bat-winged cat hissed. As the cat saw how everyone finally stood up from the ground, he fluttered its wings and landed on Astrid's shoulder. His cat eyes fixed on her, waiting for an answer.

"I'm so sorry for the hard landing, Threep. I didn't know it would be like this."

"Hmmph."

"Threep, will you please forgive your Astrid?"

"I suppose a snack wouldn't hurt to make it up for you, dear realmwalker.", he meowed and played around with her blonde braids like a playful kitten which made her giggle.

"Sure, Threep. But first, we have to figure out where we landed. This world looks so weird.", Astrid's blue eyes scanned the surroundings in the dark with the help of her night-vision ability.

All around them were humans. No elf and no orc. They were all dressed in a diffrent style which neither Astrid nor her friends understood. Not only this, strange machinery drove by in which humans were sitting, but there were no horses that pulled them. They moved on their own. Colorful lights are everywhere on the street. Was it magic?

"What strange world is that? Where did you bring us, Astrid?", Tyril asked.

"I don't know, but looks all so new and interesting which got me curious... Let's explore and begin a new adventure!!", she announced with confidence.

"Astrid, I don't know. It could be dangerous. We don't know anything."

"Come on, priestess. Be a little more active and open to the world. We pirates explore new places and find treasures.", Imtura agreed with Astrid.

"Imtura's right! Who knows what shiny treasures and gold we'll find."

"Can't you just NOT think about gold for once, treasure hunter. I have to agree with Nia. It could be dangerous. We don't know anything."

"Three against two, elf boy."

"Excuse me, I would like to be included with my opinion top. I'm with Nia and Tyril, because I want to go home. My warm food is waiting for me.", the nesper licked his palm with attitude.

"So it's three against three. We have a tie. This means we'll explore a little and then we'll go back home. Do you all agree with me?"

"Yes Astrid, that's fair! I just hope you know how to open the right portal which leads us back home.", Nia Ellarious, the priestess agreed, along with everyone else.

"Honestly, I'm still learning my powers. I seriously didn't thought this would happen, but I promise that I'll do better. We'll find a way to get back home!!", Astrid, the realwalker assured her friends.

The group of friends walked through the bustling streets of the unknown place and every time surprised as they made a new discovery. There were small, shining figures in green and red which signaled the humans when to cross the streets and when to stop. These secured the safety of both, the walking humans and the ones who were sitting in these strange, horse-less machineries. Was this magic?

"Hey, why are some humans looking at us like this and then laughing? Are they making fun of us? Maybe because we're dressed differently or...?", Nia asked with concern.

"Yeah, it's like they never saw an orc!"

"Or a noble elf like me. I feel that we're being watched and I do not like this, my dear friends. I told you before too, that it could be dangerous here.", Tyril agreed with Imtura.

Not far from them, a group of youngsters were enjoying themselves. One even held a small, metallic device that flashed like lightning. Out of curiosity, Mal moved closer to the group to take a closer while remaining hidden in the shadows. It turned out that the group of young people now could see a picture of them in that pose when that mysterious device flashed at them. It's like watching a portrait of them that just got painted by the flashing light.

"How can they still be here standing in front of me and also being captured in that small device at the same time?", Mal thought and immediately left, because he didn't want to accidentally get captured in an item.

He quickly joined his friends in a more quiet place, but was shocked as he saw them facing a very familiar figure.

"Well, well, well, who do we have here? How interesting! Humans, along with an elf and an orc. These two might fit well into my collection", the mysterious woman in black smirked. Behind her were standing tough, muscular men who looked dangerous.

"Uhh, who are you? What collection?"

"Oh, dear. You don't know me? Everyone knows who I am. Would your elf friend and orc friend be interested in joining my secret fighting ring under Club Persephone? Elf versus Orc. That would create a huge audience and a lot of money.", she answered Astrid's questions while pressing her face with her gloved hand as she moved closer towards her.

"Hey!!! Let Astrid go!!!", Mal shouted at the woman. He grabbed Astrid's arm and pulled her protectively closer to him till their bodies pressed each other.

"Mal, I'm fine. Don't worry, I can handle it.", she showed strength, but also gratitude towards her caring lover. They glanced at each other with full affection and love until their attention turned towards their friends and the mysterious woman.

"Oh, so you're a couple? You two remind me of that annoying hunter and his fairy girlfriend. You disgust me."

"Leave us alone, thief master.", Mal warned her which made her even more angry while the friends were surprised.

"Mal, you know that woman?", Imtura asked.

"Thief master??? You dared to call me, a thief?!! I am the Lady Smoke!!! The most powerful woman and most dangerous murder mob boss of New Orleans??!", she unleashed her anger, and finally removed her glove, revealing her palm which showed black, poisonous veins. The whole crew was shocked at the discovery. While the lady in black moved her hand towards Astrid and Mal, her muscular men grabbed the rest of them.

"Let go!!! Don't hurt my friends.", Nia shouted.

"I'll show you the strength of an orc, you rats.", the orc hissed.

"Threep, is that woman corrupted or why does she have these black veins?", Tyril asked while fighting one of the goons.

"No, it's something else.", he meowed as he tried to free Nia, the priestess. The nesper began attacking the enemies with his sharp claws.

The whole situation turned into a fighting scene. Mal tried to protect Astrid, and she tried to protect him, as they switched back and forth. Trying to protect each other.

"Astrid, I'll handle.", he grabbed his two daggers and got into a fighting position.

"Mal, I can do it. Let me use my powers."

"But..."

"Ssshhhh, I'll be safe. Don't worry, love."

"But I'll..."

BANG

Before Mal could say more, a bright light appeared out of nowhere which illuminated their whole surroundings. It took everyone a little time to adjust. They shielded their eyes from the light which was so bright. When the light faded, they slowly opened their eyes. There was a mysterious young man in a leather coat facing them, holding a crossbow in his hands. It was the holy light arrow he just shot, which caused the bright light. The arrow landed on the ground near Lady Smoke and her goons as a warning and not to injure them.

"Let them go, Smoke!", he warned her.

"And if I don't?"

"Don't make a fuzz of this, Tonya. Just let them go and everyone will be happy."

"Mind your own business, nighthunter."

"Heyyy!!! Nobody speaks to my partner like this!!", a silvery-black-haired woman appeared next to the mysterious man.

Nik smirked as she called him her partner and wrapped his free arm around her waist.

"My rook."

"Oh, so the couple is here together now. Solo suited you better, Nik Ryder", Tonya mocked.

"Shut up, Smoke!! And let these innocent people go."

While Tonya was focused on Nik and his girlfriend, Astrid used her skills to free her friends. Time for the Seduction Skill!! She swayed her hips and leaned closer towards a man who held one of her friends captured. Mal was surprised at her sudden move.

"Hello, strong man.", she winked at one of them.

"Me?"

"Yes, you. You're very strong and look at your muscles.", she traced a finger on the stranger's arm who suddenly felt attracted to her. The rest of them wanted that too now.

Mal definitely didn't like it even though, she used her seduction skills several times and it helped. But this time was different. They were nasty men who could hurt her and were now hungrily staring at her. Mal had to do something.

"Hey Astrid, you haven't seen my muscles yet. Let me use them to smash those bastards.", Mal got jealous. Astrid's eyes were still on the men.

"Oh yes, Mal is right. You guys have muscles, but use them for what??!! To serve an unthankful woman. I definitely would value your hard work and loyalty. All of you.", the braided blonde played with her lashes which made the men loosen their grips.

And with that, Tyril, Imtura, Threep and Nia managed to free themselves and began fighting. Even Astrid now used her combat skill and threw a few punches at the men, while Tyril, Imtura and Mal used their weapons. Threep supported the priestess to defend everyone.

"How dare you treat a legendary and wise nesper like that??", he hissed and used his cat claws to hurt the enemies.

"Watch out!!!", the silvery-haired girl shouted and blasted a flame of light towards a goon who was about to hit Astrid from behind. The bad guy couldn't harm her now, fell backward, and then fainted.

"Thanks!!", Astrid shouted towards her and continued her battle.

Tonya Reimonenq noticed that her men couldn't win, especially against a strong orc like Imtura. So she demanded her men to retreat, getting back to her Club.

"I'll be back. You haven't heard the last from me, Ryder.", she swore revenge, quickly stepped inside her limousine and commanded her driver to escape.

"Phewww, she and her men are gone.", Nia got relieved when Lady Smoke and her goons were finally gone.

"I knew it!! An unknown world could be dangerous."

"I know, Tyril. You were right, but I'm glad we got rid of them. And these two helped us.", Astrid turned her attention towards the couple in front of them. The two stepped closer to the group.

"Damn, didn't know you guys would handle it on your own. I'm impressed. At least some people don't need to be protected which makes my work easier. And you did a great job too, rook.", Nik praised everyone.

"Awwww, thanks.", she got delighted, stood on her toes and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Then she stepped closer to the group to introduce herself and Nik. They shook each other's hands.

"Nice to meet you, Alex. I'm Astrid. These are my friends, Imtura, Nia, Tyril, Mal and Threep."

"Awwww, Threep is soooo cute!!!! Eeeeeeekkk...", she admired the little, winged cat and wanted to cuddle it.

"Pardon me, but I need my personal space. No cuddles when I'm hungry, milady."

"You can talk??!!"

"Of course. I'm a very wise nesper who has to confess my hunger and speaks wise words."

"Awwww, poor kitty. You must be so hungry. Let's get you some food, huh? Garrus's bar isn't far away, he'll serve you food and I'll feed you as much as you want.", Alex picked Threep up from the ground and held it like a baby in her arms, gazing sweetfully at him.

This time the nesper didn't complain because he was ready to get treated like he always wanted to.

"What's a bar?", one of the friends asked.

"Uhhh, it's where you drink? You guys never went to a bar? My friend, Garrus serves non-alcoholic drinks too if you want.", Nik informed.

"Ooooh, so it's a tavern. Then let's go!! I could use some refreshment.", Mal immediately agreed.

"Threep, meet Tinkerbell. Tinkerbell, meet Threep.", Alex tried to introduce Threep and her pet with each other.

"Is that a kricken? But what is it doing here?", Nia asked and petted the pet.

"A kricken? It's a perrikin."

"Oh, I see. In our realm it's called a kricken."

"Oh, so you're from another realm?", Alex asked with curiousity.

Nik, Alex and Astrid's crew were now sitting in Garrus's bar, called The Graveyard Shift along with some more friends. Each of them was getting along with another very well and was having a great time.

"So you're a nighthunter who hunts evil creatures and beings at night?", Mal was talking with Nik.

"Not only do I hunt. I make sure that both sides of the world, the World of Day and World of Night are save and secure against the evil. So yes, I'm a professional nighthunter. And you are...?"

"A thief. A professional thief.", Mal grinned, raising his arm to show Nik what he was holding.

"Hey, is that... My wallet?!! How the hell did you...??"

"Don't forget to look after yourself too while protecting the world, nighthunter.", Mal mischievously smiled and returned Nik's belongings back to him.

"Hmm... I like you already, thief. You're not bad actually. I'm impressed by your skills... And I like your shiny daggers."

"Thanks, Nik. My daggers are my tiny babies. But you're very skilled too."

Not far away, Katherine and Imtura were laughing together.

"Woah, really?!!! Could you teach me how to throw axes? It could come in handy for me while hunting."

"Now that's what I call a strong woman!! You may not be an orc or strong like me, but you have the spirit. I'll definitely teach you that, Katherine."

"Thanks, new bestie.", Katherine high-fived with Imtura.

Nia Ellarious and Vera Reimonenq enjoyed each other's presence while having conversations and drinking warm lemon tea together. Both admired each other's outfits and figured that they had a few things in common.

"So that dangerous woman we met before was your mother?"

"Yes, but I'm not like her. Don't worry."

"Oh, I'm not afraid of you. I can sense that you're a sweet and pure person. Besides, I also had the similar experience. I looked up to the Light court, but they were not like I expected them to be. I may belong to them as a priestess, but I can still be different and choose the path I want to. The path of harmony.", she explained to Vera and both sweetly smiled at each other with affection.

"Wait, you're her child?? That means she can't be the person I thought she was. She looks exactly like the thiefmaster.", Mal passed by as he overheard Nia and Vera after finishing his conversation with Nik.

"The thiefmaster?", Nia asked him.

"Oh, never mind. Forget it, priestess.", Mal tried to avoid the topic and decided to look for Astrid.

"Is that a fae??", Tyril got shocked as he saw Garrus passing by with a tray of drinks. The fae was too busy with work and serving customers to notice Tyril, the elf. Then Cal answered him.

"Yes, that's Garrus. He's a fae. And the silvery-haired girl you met earlier, she's a half-fae. Are you a fae too?"

"A half-fae, how rare and astonishing!! And no, I'm no fae. I may have pointy ears too, but they are longer. I'm an elf. Tyril, House of Starfury."

"Oh, a noble?"

"It's complicated. My sister takes care of House Starfury now. I don't feel like I belong with the rest of the noble elves."

"Hey, I know what you mean. I also feel like I don't belong to my pack anymore. I'm a werewolf, but I'm not like them. An outsider. I'm different, but I feel proud of it. By the way, my name is Cal. Cal Lowell.", he extended his hand forward and Tyril accepted to shake it.

"A pleasure to meet you, Cal."

Later, Mal finally found Astrid in the corner of the room who was talking with the silvery-black haired woman from before.

"Hey, kit."

"Hey, rook."

Nik and Mal greeted their own girlfriends at the same time when they appeared. Both were surprised. They stared at each other open-mouthed for a while before turning their attention back to their partners. Alex and Astrid began to giggle.

"So Nik calls you rook, Alex?"

"Yup, and you're Mal's kit. Am I right, Astrid? Guess our boys have a few things in common just like the two of us.", she continued laughing with Astrid at the boys.

"Oh Alex, as much as I enjoyed tonight with you and your friends, it's getting late. We must return, but I will never forget tonight. You're my new friend in this weird, but modern world."

"I will miss you too, Astrid. I hope you will visit us again. Threep is so adorable. And next time when you come, you should definitely teach me your seduction skill."

"Oh nooo!!! For god's sake, please don't!!! Enough people are hitting on her already, I don't want her to get started too or get in trouble.", Nik begged the girls who giggled again.

"Awww, Nik. You're my everything. But I could use the seduction skill to convince you whenever we both disagree with each other."

"Oh, so that's your evil plan? How cruel of you, my rook?", he raised his eyebrow, then chuckled.

Then Astrid spoke, promising to teach Alex the seduction skill if she would teach her some magic. Afterall the flame of light which the nighthunter's girlfriend used against Lady Smoke's goons was impressive and could be useful. Maybe Alex could also convince her friendly stepmother, Lady Thalissa to teach both of them. For example, how to open the correct portal.

And with that, it was time for Imtura, Nia, Tyril, Mal, Threep and Astrid to go back to their realm. Back home. This time Astrid opened the right portal. And if not, then they would have landed on their next adventure.

#choices #choices fanfiction #playchoices #choices fanfic #crossover #nightbound #blades of light and shadow #fantasy #magic #nik ryder #mal volari #cal lowell #tyril starfury #imtura tal kaelen #katherine nightbound #vera reimonenq #nia ellarious #cfwc #cfwc fics of the week

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korgbelmont · 1 year

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Edits of Katherine with different hair colours. Made for @nbappreciationweek.

Taggin @kinda-iconic & @bloodboundismylife

#playchoices #nightbound #nightbound appreciation week #nightbound katherine #katherine nightbound #korg edits

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nightboundfanfiction · 18 days

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#katherine nightbound #katherine ortega #nightbound #playchoices #polls

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garrusknight · 11 months

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Happy Pride Month!

#pride month #choices pride month #my edits #choices pride #playchoices #nightbound #cal lowell #nik ryder #katherine nightbound #vera reimonenq #kristin jones #octavia nightbound #ivy nightbound #garrus nightbound #krom nightbound #luc nightbound

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choicesficwriterscreations · 1 year

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By @ladylamrian

#choices fanfic #nightbound #F!MC x ???#F!MC x Katherine #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #playchoices fanfic

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peonierose · 1 year

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Strange Encounters

Chapter 2

Nightbound AU vs. Hänsel & Gretel

Book: Nightbound

Characters involved: Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC), Gretel van Andresen (F!OC), Grey (M!OC), Nik Ryder (M!MC), Katherine (F!MC)

Words: 3,000+

Type: Series

Rating: Teen / A few curse words

Summary: Hänsel and Gretel arrive in New Orleans and meet some old friends. Will they be able to help them with the case?

A/N: Side note: This story has been a year in the making and I hope you’ll give it a chance. A massive thank you to these wonderful people for being super excited for this story and helping me with it. @annieruok94 ❤️ @doriopenheart 🧡

Side note: In case you missed Chapter 1

If you’d like to listen to the songs that inspired for this chapter here’s a list

Strange encounters

We flew in from the Black Forest in Germany and landed in New Orleans after a ten-hour flight. We had to make a stop in London, then continued to New Orleans.

Which my dearest brother complained all the way.

”Do you think we’re close?“ Hänsel asked.

I roll my eyes at my brother.

”You can be in a stake-out for hours? But can’t be on a ten-hour flight?“ I ask him while I try to eat some of the food on the plane.

He just shrugs and puts his headphones on.

We’re currently at The Graveyard Shift right in the heart of the French Quarter. Owned by none other than Garrus. A Fae who’s no longer living among his kind.

Garrus was the heir of a Fae viscount before the Fae cast him out. He remains exiled until this day. He was banished for running cons and swindling magic off the upper crust

Garrus is an incredible guy. He greeted us at the door with hugs and even gave Hänsel a kiss.

Hänsel was weirded out, to say the least, but he got over it.

The bar is dimly lit. We’re both sitting on wooden chairs at a table in the far back enjoying our drinks.

I lean back in my chair while flipping through a magazine I bought at the airport. As we’re waiting for Nik and Katherine to arrive. Nighthunters.

Nighthunters are as the name is already giving away hunters. They hunt all supernaturals. Just like Hänsel and I. Though we don’t call ourselves Nighthunters. We’re simply known as Hänsel & Gretel.

“I missed New Orleans,“ I say while I devour a beignet. Sighing in pure contentment. Oh my god. I could eat beignets every single day. Sugary goodness.

Hänsel scoffs and squats away at a mosquito.

“Yeah. The mosquitos. The heat. Real great,“ he says.

I take an apple I bought from a vendor earlier and hand it to Hänsel.

“Don’t be a downer. Here have an apple,“ I say.

He looks at the apple suspiciously.

”It’s not the snow white effect. Just take the apple,“ I say and offer it to him.

“Thank you loveliest sister of mine,“ he says through a bite.

I sigh.

“Shut up and eat,“ I flip to another page without looking up.

“Geez. You compliment a woman and she almost beats you over the head with it. Women are mysterious,“ he’s finished the apple. All that’s left is the core.

I give him a stare and smile softly.

“That’s because you haven’t figured us out yet dearest brother of mine,“ I wink and he rolls his eyes at me.

“Whatever,“ he replies and I chuckle in response.

I’m going through the magazine. An article about a DIY foaming face mask catches my attention while I’m listening with one ear to Hänsel’s ramblings.

I notice Hänsel stopped talking and walked over to the bar to talk to a woman who was sipping on her mimosa and I roll my eyes at him.

The chair that’s been occupied by Hänsel mere seconds ago is now seating a different person.

Nik Ryder himself. His blond hair was held back by gel and his blue eyes sparkling like the deep blue sea stare back at me.

He smirks and I put the magazine down on the wooden table.

“Funny meeting you here,“ he says and leans back in his chair, his legs stretched out and his leather jacket billowing behind him as if a soft breeze swirled it back.

I laugh.

“In New Orleans? What are the off chances of that? Hmm,“ I keep smiling.

He laughs.

“Bitch,“ he says.

“Jerk,“ I reply in turn and we both share a laugh.

He clasps my hand as a way of greeting me.

“It’s good to see you again,“ he smiles warmly.

“Likewise. I wish it was under different circumstances though,“ I say.

Meaning the missing person case that’s brought both me and Hänsel to New Orleans.

His smile dims.

“You and me both. As to the case, I don’t have much to tell you. Actually, make that nothing at all. I did grill the police but they don’t have anything. Or they don’t want to tell me. Which is worrisome,“ he says.

“I was afraid you’d say that,“ my shoulders sag. I was hoping he could dig up something.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t deliver better news,“ Nik smiles sadly at me.

He said just that when he was joined by a beautiful-looking woman.

Dressed from head to toe in black leather. Her dark wavy hair adorned her soft face. Her slightly darker skin tone is flawless. Her amber brown eyes glow as if from deep within.

She smiles at us and takes a sip of my drink.

“Good seeing you in one piece Gret,“ she says and her whiskey brown eyes sparkle.

I grin.

“You too Katie,“ I say because I can’t resist riling her up a bit.

She sighs and looks at Nik.

“See what you did? Now everyone calls me Katie. No one’s going to take me seriously with that name,“ she takes another sip.

I smile at her and say.

“We love you that’s why we call you Katie,“ I say.

She groans.

“Small children are called Katie. I’m a grown-ass woman,“ she says matter-of-factly.

Hänsel leans over her shoulder.

“A good-looking one at that,“ he says and she swats him away like a fly.

“And you just got more annoying,“ she says chuckling.

Hänsel gasps in shock.

“Pie-boy is getting roasted. I knew something was missing,“ Nik says grinning.

Hänsel cracks his knuckles.

“Bite me blondie,“ Hänsel says.

Niks grin widens and he just smiles at my brother.

“I’m afraid you’re not my type,“ he winks.

Katie looks between the guys and says.

“If you could stop your little pissing match. Maybe we could turn to more important matters?“ she says and pulls out a dark purple leather-bound notebook.

She’s jotting something down and I furrow my brow at her.

Nik notices my gaze and explains.

“Her way of keeping track of things,“ he says and I nod.

Katie looks up.

“This way I have everything I need. I don’t think I’m of much help regarding your case, but I can keep my ears to the ground. If I hear anything I’ll let you know,“ she says and closes her notebook, and puts it back in her bag. One I haven’t noticed before.

I sigh deeply.

“Why has the police not opened up an investigation? I mean it’s not just one person. We’re talking about at least a dozen people here. Don’t they think that’s suspicious?“ I ask around the table.

Both Nik and Katie share a long look. Silently communicating.

“What was that look?“ I point with my index finger between them.

Nik rubs his neck as if he’s embarrassed for some reason. A tinge of pink showed in his high-cheek bones.

“The police have a tight budget. When they learned about the disappearances they saw it was mostly homeless people. They didn’t think it was worth investigating. Spending money they don’t have on a case that’s probably going to lead nowhere? Yeah, not happening,“ he says with a frustrated gaze.

I’m about to get up when I feel Katherine’s hand on my own.

“I know how you feel. Trust me. We don’t like it any more than you do. However, just because the police can’t help, doesn’t mean we can’t. We can combine our strengths to solve this case,“ she says.

That’s when I remember Vera Reimonenq. Our mutual friend who has the Reimonenq touch. By touching someone with her bare hands, the basic outcome is death. She hasn’t learned to control her powers as her mother has. That’s also the reason why she wears gloves. At all times. You will never catch her without them.

Though Vera might have some ideas. She knows New Orleans better than anyone. Her family dates back generations. Vera’s great-great-grandfather, Derek Reimonenq murdered a coven of witches and their families, the witches in turn cursed the Reimonenqs. The curse prevents anyone in Vera’s family to touch anyone with their bare hands. Otherwise, the person they touch will die.

Vera’s mother who is also known as Lady Smoke is running the underworld. She’s got to know something.

That’s why I ask Nik and Katie.

“What about Vera?“

Nik already shakes his head.

“Vera and her mother are on some sort of trip. Looking for an artifact. No idea what though. They didn’t exactly provide us with any details,“ he says and shrugs.

I humm.

Katie looks intently at the door and whispers.

“There might be someone we could ask,“ she says.

“Who?“ I ask curiously.

Katie bites down on her lower lip.

“He’s known as The Shadow,“ she whispers.

Nik is shaking his head wildly at Katie.

“Are you crazy? He’s dangerous. It’s better to not get him involved,“ his lips pressed into a firm line.

Katie raises an eyebrow.

“What are our options?“ she asks and when Nik doesn’t reply she continues “Just because you butted heads a few times doesn’t mean he won’t be able to help us out,“ she says finishing off my drink.

“It’s still a no,“ Nik says.

Hänsel and I look between them.

“Sorry to interrupt your little love fest squabble but who are we talking about?“ I ask.

Katie turns to me with a serious look in her chestnut brown eyes.

“As I said. He’s called The Shadow…“ she doesn’t get to finish her sentence when someone loudly clears their throat.

We all look up and see Garrus. Who is pointing towards the back room of the bar with his head, indicating we should go to the back of the bar.

We all stand up and silently follow Garrus to the back of the bar.

When we’re safely inside Garrus loses the door and takes a look at each of us.

“You should be careful when you talk about him. He’s the most cunning supernatural I’ve ever met,“ he says.

Katie holds up her hands and stares at Garrus.

“Wait a minute. You guys met? When? And how come you didn’t say anything?“

Garrus sighs from deep within.

“Well, I swore an oath to not talk about it. This is as far as I can go,“ he admits. Fae love a good deal. Always making up their own little loopholes, that’s why you’ve got to be very careful when you make a deal with the Fae.

I hold up a hand.

“Well, Hänsel and I still don’t know who that is,“ I say more confused than ever.

Garrus’s ice-blue gaze holds my own hazel one.

“That’s because there’s not much to be known about him. He’s called The Shadow and he’s hard to find. But trust me when I say if he wants to find you? He will,“ he says.

Why does that excite me for some reason? Get your head out of the gutter Gretel. We’re here to solve a case and not get wild in the sheets with some Fae guy.

“Then let’s go find him. Hänsel you coming?“ I ask my brother.

Hänsel looks over at me and slowly retreats back to the door.

“Yeah. No. I know that look. I’m not helping you streak through the dark looking for trouble. That sounds like way too much work for my taste. And I’d rather spend some time with those nymph twins I saw earlier. I think I’m going to choose option number two and have some fun,“ he says.

“Seriously Hänsel? Can you for once in your life focus and think with your head and not with your dick?“

Everyone’s laughs turn into coughs when Hänsel gives them a look.

“You haven’t changed a bit pie-boy,“ Nik shakes with laughter.

Hänsel just looks at him.

“A) That’s really rude. B) That’s not true and C) Stop calling me pie boy,“ he says.

While Hänsel mutters to himself and walks out of the bar.

I sigh.

“I’m sorry about my brother. He’s usually not like that,“ I say to everyone else.

Nik turns serious.

“About The Shadow. He’s dangerous…“

I snort.

“As opposed to what? All the other supernaturals that are roaming the night?“

“He’s Fae. That of itself is dangerous,“ he quickly looks at Garrus.

“No offense man,“ he seems apologetic.

“It’s all good,“ Garrus replies.

“Does anyone else want to tag along?“ I ask around.

Katie and Nik both look at me and I know they won’t be able to help. I sigh.

“I wish I could but Nikki and I have a little project we’re working on. So we’ll be out of town for a few days,“ she says and Nik nods in agreement, but turns back and gives me a key.

“It’s the key to my place. You and Hänsel can crash there if you want,“ with those words he’s gone before I can even mutter a thank you. I smile to myself.

Now it’s just me and Garrus.

When the silence stretches on for too long I can see him giving me a long look before he wriggles his finger and tells me to follow him inside the bar.

I sit down on one of the bar stools and he begins wiping down the counter.

“Alright my little butterfly. What do you want to know?“ he asks and puts some dirty dishes into the sink.

“What do you know about that Fae?“ I ask leaning my elbows on the counter of the bar. I’m not sugarcoating things. Getting straight to business.

He dries a plate with a dish towel that was draped over his shoulder.

I lean closer to him to catch everything he has to say.

“I know his name is Grey. He and his little group of misfits collect from the highest bidder.“

I lean back and think about that for a few seconds.

“Doing what? Collecting artifacts? Sounds like the job of a bounty hunter to me,“ I look at him closely, but his face doesn’t reveal anything.

Garrus smiles at me.

“They collect anything and anyone. Making deals left and right. Anyone who’ll hire them, they’ll accept. The last thing I heard was they collected a rare gem. Made by Fae hands. I don’t know all the details. All I know is it’s pretty rare and priceless. Be careful when you go looking for him. You shouldn’t underestimate him,“ there’s a warning laced in his tone.

“I’ve dealt with worse,“ I say.

Garrus looks left and right. As if scared he would be overheard.

“That might be true rose petal. But you have never met a guy like him,“ he says done with cleaning and drying dishes.

I furrow my brow.

“Why is everyone so scared of him?“ I ask in wonderment.

“Because he moves like a shadow. You never see him coming. Others said that his beauty is out of this world. Making you do anything for him,“ he says pointedly.

“That sounds more like someone’s got a crush on him and hasn’t gotten laid in a while,“ I say.

He breaks out into laughter. After he recovered he hands me a shot glass. Shimmering with a blue opal-like liquid. It almost looks as if the liquid is swirling inside the shot glass.

“A little something on the house…“ he says.

I knock it back and smile at him while I leave the bar.

I’m almost out the door when his voice stops me.

“One other thing. Be careful little tulip,“ are his departing words.

I nod and then I’m out in the middle of the busy street. Right in the middle of the French Quarter.

The sun is slowly sinking and making way for the night. I’ve never liked the night. Daylight is my preferred time of day thank you very much.

The longer I walk the later it gets.

I’m walking through the French Quarter. Past busy bars that are open and bursting with partygoers.

All I encounter are drunken people and others looking for a hookup.

The deeper I move into the quieter parts of the city the less noise I hear. It’s as if all the noise from before got sucked out. The pale moonlight illuminated my way ahead. The soft taps of hooves moving past me on the cobblestones make me look to my right.

A white, open carriage is passing me by. An elderly couple is sitting and chatting animatedly inside.

The man manning the carriage taps his top hat slightly and smiles warmly at me as he moves past me. I smile and wave back at him.

A sudden gust of wind is blowing, making me shiver in my green leather coat. I walk by a dark alley, feeling as if my eyes are watching my every move.

Before I can even get my dagger out an arm jots out and grips me only to pin me against the brick wall in a nearby alley. The air leaves my body from the hard throw at the wall.

I look up and see a tall, hooded figure standing in front of me. Almost being one with the shadows.

“Why do you keep asking questions about me?“ he asks in a deep voice.

When I don’t answer he leans in closer.

”Stop following me!“ He says.

I try to break free of his grip. But it’s as if I was being held by steel. I can’t move an inch.

“I’m not following you. I’m looking for someone. You happened to be here,“ I retort.

He loses his grip and I can breathe a little easier again.

“Maybe the person you’re looking for doesn’t want to be found. Ever thought of that?“ he asks.

I’m trying to catch a glimpse of his face but he moves so fast through the shadows making it impossible to see anything.

“How do you know who I’m looking for? News flash you can’t order me around. So get out of my way,“ I say through gritted teeth.

He chuckles darkly. A chuckle that sends goosebumps all across my body.

“So we’re doing this the hard way. I really thought we could’ve avoided that,“ he says almost ruefully.

I try and slightly pull away his hood and see his pointy ears.His hair is as pale as moonlight.

He hisses under his breath and the next thing I know a purple haze is covering my eyes.

Then my whole world turns black and I’m out like a light.

#Strange Encounters #Chapter 2 #Nightbound AU vs. Hänsel & Gretel #Gretel van Andresen (F!OC)#Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC)#Grey #Nik Ryder #Garrus #Katherine #Nightbound #cfws

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