Seraphinite Games

Christmas Day - Book 4: Chapter 7 Snippets - Hawk Quill (Patreon)

Published:

2025-12-25 14:00:09

Imported:

2025-12

Tags:

Book Four Christmas Sneak Peek the wayhaven chronicles

Content

I hope you enjoy this peek at Chapter Seven! I've been so unbelievably excited to finally get to share this with you all!

I also hope it makes sense, lol! I tried to format it in some kind of way that was easiest to read, but it was difficult to work out how best to manage that with the different scenes and things!

I did leave in the coding for the characters names, pronouns, etc as I didn't have time to change them out, unfortunately, but I hope those are pretty self-explanatory! If not, just leave a comment, and I'll explain those if needed! :)

Thank you all for your incredible and generous support throughout the years! I mean that with all my heart. Knowing you are as excited for the continuation of Wayhaven is what keeps me going!

I truly hope you enjoy this peek at what's to come, and it excites you for the whole of Book Four! Merry Christmas <3

_ _ _

Next Morning. At the Warehouse

---

The night was rough. Magic poured through me while I tried to sleep, sparking in my chest and mind with the same ferocity of the flashing storm outside.

Thankfully, the excruciatingly long hours seem to have been enough to settle the magic once again. So although I didn't get much sleep, I can hopefully be near the vampires without singing them.

IF ROMANCE = ADAM/AVA or LOVE TRIANGLE ADAM/AVA

My mind flashes with the pained look on ${adam}'s face after the outburst of magic last night.

If ${a_she} even wants to be near me again…

The memory is already burned into my mind, but I do my best to stop it etching in my already bruised heart too.

I slap my lips together, my throat parched from the difficult night, and speed up my steps to the kitchen.

IF ROMANCE = MASON/MORGAN

My mind flashes with the pained look on ${mason}'s face after the outburst of magic last night.

If ${m_she} even wants to be near me again…

The memory is already burned into my mind, but I do my best to stop it etching in my already bruised heart too.

I slap my lips together, my throat parched from the difficult night, and speed up my steps to the kitchen.

IF ROMANCE = FARAH/FELIX

My mind flashes with the pained look on ${felix}'s face after the outburst of magic last night.

If ${f_she} even wants to be near me again…

The memory is already burned into my mind, but I do my best to stop it etching in my already bruised heart too.

I slap my lips together, my throat parched from the difficult night, and speed up my steps to the kitchen.

IF ROMANCE = NATE/NAT or LOVE TRIANGLE NATE/NAT

My mind flashes with the pained look on ${nate}'s face after the outburst of magic last night.

If ${n_she} even wants to be near me again…

The memory is already burned into my mind, but I do my best to stop it etching in my already bruised heart too.

I slap my lips together, my throat parched from the difficult night, and speed up my steps to the kitchen.

IF ROMANCE = LI-SAR

It hadn't helped every time I did manage to drift off into sleep, my brain would decide to pick Li-Sar as the topic of my dreams.

Trying to shake off the difficult night, I slap my lips together, my throat parched from al the tossing and turning. I speed up my steps to the kitchen to rid the lingering thought.

ELSE

It hadn't helped my mind had been going over and over everything I'd read in Li-Sar's file—as though some new piece of information might have suddenly popped into existence.

Nothing new popped up then or now, so I slap my lips together, my throat parched from the difficult night, and speed up my steps to the kitchen to rid the lingering thought.

The Warehouse is quiet as I walk through it, heading into the empty foyer to the sound of nothingness. It's only when I reach the kitchen that I finally hear signs of life.

(Next scene is randomised on who you get that isn’t your love interest)

IF NATE/NAT FRIEND SCENE

The soft sound of classical music drifts out from under the door.

I push it open to find $!{nate} standing at the oven, stirring something in a pan that I guess is blood by the iron-like smell that permeates the room.

$!{n_she} looks over ${n_his} shoulder at me as I enter and smiles. "Good morning."

"Morning," I reply, rolling out my shoulders as I walk inside.

$!{n_his} lips purse. "You don't look like you slept at all."

I shake my head.

"How about I make you a drink?" $!{n_she} leaves ${n_his} pan on a low heat and walks to the table, pulling out a chair for me. "Take a seat and relax."

I take ${n_him} up on ${n_his} offer and plop into the chair. $!{nate} returns to the kitchen area, fussing about the cupboards and finding what ${n_she} needs.

IF BEST FRIEND = NATE/NAT

IF FAVOURED DRINK = TEA

I let my eyes drift shut for a moment before a steaming mug of tea slides under my nose. It's exactly how I like it.

IF FAVOURED DRINK = COFFEE

I let my eyes drift shut for a moment before a steaming mug of coffee slides under my nose. It's exactly how I like it.

IF FAVOURED DRINK = WATER

I let my eyes drift shut for a moment before a refreshing glass of water slides under my nose. It's exactly what I need.

IF BEST FRIEND NOT NATE/NAT

$!{n_she} pauses and frowns at me. "It just occurs to me that I don't know what you normally have."

IF FAVOURED DRINK = TEA

I smile. "Tea, please."

$!{n_she} nods, setting to work on my mug of tea, which ${n_she} slides onto the table in front of me before taking a chair nearby, swirling a spoon in ${n_his} own mug.

IF FAVOURED DRINK = COFFEE

I smile. "Coffee, please."

$!{n_she} nods, setting to work on my mug of coffee, which ${n_she} slides onto the table in front of me before taking a chair nearby, swirling a spoon in ${n_his} own mug.

IF FAVOURED DRINK = WATER

I smile. "Just a water, please."

$!{n_she} nods, opening the fridge to grab a bottle and pour the water into a glass. $!{n_she} slides it onto the table in front of me before taking a chair nearby, swirling a spoon in ${n_his} mug.

"There you go," ${n_she} says with another encouraging smile. $!{n_she} takes a chair near me, swirling a spoon in ${n_his} own mug.

"Thank you," I murmur in return, leaning forwards to take a gulp of the drink. It's an instant relief to my sore throat, and I release a sigh as life comes gradually back to my tender and fatigued body.

IF ROMANCE = ADAM/AVA

"$!{adam} told me about the outburst of your magic," ${n_she} admits finally, ${n_his} gaze focused on ${n_his} mug to avoid the look of surprise I throw ${n_him}. "I'm guessing that's why you didn't sleep well?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #1)

IF ROMANCE = MASON/MORGAN

"$!{mason} told me about the outburst of your magic," ${n_she} admits finally, ${n_his} gaze focused on ${n_his} mug to avoid the look of surprise I throw ${n_him}. "I'm guessing that's why you didn't sleep well?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #1)

IF ROMANCE = FARAH/FELIX

"$!{felix} told me about the outburst of your magic," ${n_she} admits finally, ${n_his} gaze focused on ${n_his} mug to avoid the look of surprise I throw ${n_him}. "I'm guessing that's why you didn't sleep well?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #1)

ELSE

"Did you take a look over Li-Sar's file?" ${n_she} asks. I can only reply with a slow nod. "Is that what kept you up all night?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #2)

CHOICESET #1

CHOICES:

#Attempt smile. "It'll be all right."

I lift my lips into a smile—or at least the imitation of one. "It'll be all right."

"Are you trying to convince me or you?" ${n_she} asks.

I let out a breath and grip my drink tighter.

$!{nate} puts ${n_his} own mug down on the table, reaching out to rest a hand over mine and squeeze it gently. "It really will be all right, $!{callme}. Maybe we don't know what's going on right now, but look." $!{n_she} nods down at our hands, my powers still contained. "You're doing better with containing your magic than you think."

$!{n_his} encouragement settles through me and has my smile growing a little more genuine. "Thanks."

#Flop forward onto table. "Pretty much, yeah."

I flop forward onto the table, resting my forehead on my crossed arms as I mumble, "Pretty much, yeah."

"It wasn't your fault $!{callme}," ${nate} says softly, reaching out to rest a hand on my arm.

I pull my head up to meet ${n_his} gaze. "Everyone keeps telling me that, but it's losing its effectiveness after I keep hurting people."

$!{n_she} sighs. "You're doing the best that you can. And look." $!{n_she} nods down at where ${n_she}'s still offering a touch of comfort. "You are doing well."

I try to take ${n_his} encouragement to heart.

I nod. "Thanks, $!{nate}."

#Frown. "Is this what it's like to have power? Always so…dangerous?"

My brows squeeze together as I clasp my hands around my drink. "Is this what it's like to have power?" I ask, flicking my gaze up from my hands to meet ${nate}'s eyes. "Always so…dangerous?"

"You're not dangerous, $!{callme}," ${nate} replies with concern dragging down ${n_his} features.

"I think the fact I keep hurting people says otherwise."

$!{n_she} reaches out and rests a hand on my forearm, squeezing it gently. "You're inexperienced. That's all. We've had decades or centuries to master our abilities." $!{n_she} nods to where ${n_she}'s offering the comforting touch. "You've only had a short while, and you're already managing amazingly."

"It doesn't always feel like it…." I sigh. "But thanks, $!{nate}."

IF ROMANCE = ADAM/AVA #Stutter a breath. "Is…is ${a_she} all right?"

My breath catches at the mention of what happened. "Is…is ${a_she} all right?"

"It's $!{adam}. Of course, ${a_she}'s all right," ${nate} reassures me with a slight chuckle, but it doesn't ease the strain knotting through me.

"How is the injury I…," my throat tightens, "I caused."

$!{n_she} sighs and reaches forward to rest a hand on my forearm. "The wound is taking some time to heal, like last time. But it's definitely not as bad as before." $!{n_she} squeezes my arm. "Perhaps you're getting a handle on the outbursts."

I grasp my drink. "Not well enough."

"I don't know," ${n_she} comments and nods down at the comforting touch ${n_she}'s giving. "You've already contained your powers again. I'd say you're doing better than you think."

A breath seeps out of me as I nod slowly. "Thanks, $!{nate}."

IF ROMANCE = MASON/MORGAN #Stutter a breath. "Is…is ${m_she} all right?"

My breath catches at the mention of what happened. "Is…is ${m_she} all right?"

"It's difficult to tell with $!{mason} sometimes. But, yes, ${m_she}'s going to be fine," ${nate} reassures me with a smile, but it doesn't ease the strain knotting through me.

"How is the injury I…," my throat tightens, "I caused."

I grasp my drink. "Not well enough."

"I don't know," ${n_she} comments and nods down at the comforting touch ${n_she}'s giving. "You've already contained your powers again. I'd say you're doing better than you think."

A breath seeps out of me as I nod slowly. "Thanks, $!{nate}."

IF ROMANCE = FARAH/FELIX #Stutter a breath. "Is…is ${f_she} all right?"

My breath catches at the mention of what happened. "Is…is ${f_she} all right?"

"$!{felix} is better at dealing with things like this than any of the rest of us. $!{f_she}'s fine," ${nate} reassures me with a smile, but it doesn't ease the strain knotting through me.

"How is the injury I…," my throat tightens, "I caused."

I grasp my drink. "Not well enough."

"I don't know," ${n_she} comments and nods down at the comforting touch ${n_she}'s giving. "You've already contained your powers again. I'd say you're doing better than you think."

A breath seeps out of me as I nod slowly. "Thanks, $!{nate}."

#Sigh. "The magic didn't subside until it was too late to sleep."

I groan out a breath and rub at my eyes. "The magic didn't subside until it was too late to sleep."

"Which is why you're up at this hour," ${nate} replies with a slow nod of understanding. "Perhaps you should head back to bed though. At least try to get some rest." $!{n_she} reaches out and rests a hand on my forearm in concern.

I shrug. "I'm awake now. Might as well get on with the day."

$!{n_she} draws in a slow breath. "Pushing yourself past your limits will only aggravate your powers."

"But the faster we find a way to solve all of this, the faster I can go back to living again," I state.

$!{n_she} looks over me before nodding.

CHOICESET #2

CHOICES:

#Sigh. "Partly. But it was mostly my power kicking off again."

I ease out a breath. "Partly." I grasp at my drink, frowning down at my hands. "But it was mostly my magic kicking off again. It decided to have a random surge and keep me up most of the night."

"I'm so sorry," ${nate} replies, reaching out to rest a hand on my forearm.

"The faster we find a solution to all of this, the closer I am to getting a decent night's sleep," I mutter, rubbing at my face with my free hand.

"Perhaps it's not as hopeless as you think." $!{n_she} nods down to where ${n_she}'s offering a touch of comfort. "You've obviously already contained it enough that I can touch you."

I nod but purse my lips. "But I can still feel it. Waiting to explode from me at any point."

#Chuckle. "It made for…interesting reading."

I let out a small laugh as I lean back. "It certainly made for…interesting reading."

"I can imagine," ${n_she} replies, ${n_his} brows jumping up. "Anything useful in it?"

I shake my head. "Not really. A possible flaw that we could work on using, but even that is tenuous."

$!{n_she} angles forward and rests a hand on my forearm in comfort. "We'll figure this out. And perhaps sooner than you think." $!{n_she} nods down to where ${n_she}'s offering a touch of comfort. "You're containing your powers well."

"…Let's hope it lasts."

#Frown. "I was hoping it would have been more useful."

My brows drop down. "I was really hoping the information would have been more useful."

"If there'd been anything truly useful in it, I expect the Agency would have told us about it already," ${nate} replies.

I nod. "I suppose. It's difficult to even know where to start with taking down someone like Li-Sar."

$!{nate} reaches out and rests a hand on my forearm. "We'll figure this out together. And look." $!{n_she} smiles down at where ${n_she}'s offering the comforting touch. "You're already getting a hold on your powers."

"I'm not so sure that isn't just luck…," I murmur in reply.

#Be unable to stop smile. "$!{ls_she}'s more compelling than I thought…."

The mention of Li-Sar brings ${ls_his} annoyingly smug but heart-stopping face into my mind. I can't contain the smile it causes.

"$!{ls_she}'s…a lot more compelling that I thought," I mutter in reply as I stare off into the distance, as though able to see ${ls_him} if I stare hard enough.

"'Compelling'?" ${nate} exclaims.

The shock in ${n_his} voice snaps me back to reality, and I hunch forward while clearing my throat. "Complicated. I meant complicated. Which makes it complicated to know how to, you know, defeat ${ls_him}."

There's a beat of silence that encases the room. I grasp my drink tighter and stare at it as I feel ${nate}'s concerned gaze fall over me.

IF POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE

I can understand ${n_his} reaction. Speaking like that about our enemy isn't exactly expected. And it's not like I'd meant to!

IF NO POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE

I can understand ${n_his} reaction—even I hadn't expected that to come out of my mouth!

The kitchen door suddenly whips open, interrupting our conversation. $!{nate} draws back from me to smile at the rest of Unit Bravo as they pile into the room.

(LEADS TO UNIT BRAVO ARRIVAL SCENE)

IF ADAM/AVA FRIEND SCENE

The soft sound of cutlery clanking together drifts out from under the door.

I push it open to find $!{adam} moving about the kitchen before walking to sit at the kitchen table with a glass in hand. I could guess its contents by the iron-like smell that wafts across the room, even if I couldn't see the thick red liquid through the glass.

$!{a_his} brows jump up on seeing me in the doorway. "$!{callme}. What are you doing up at this hour?"

"I didn't sleep well," I admit, plodding towards the counters as I begin to make myself a drink. "My magic kept surging."

IF LI-SAR ROMANCE POSSIBLE

"Is that the only reason for your lack of slumber?" ${a_she} asks, stroking with stem of ${a_his} glass.

IF POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE

I almost drop the mug in my hand, fumbling to catch it before it smashes onto the floor. "What?"

Does ${a_she} know? It's not like I kept meaning to dream of Li-Sar! It's not my fault— My panicked thoughts come to a stop when ${adam} speaks again.

"Did you not read Li-Sar's file? I imagine its lack of contents was concerning enough to keep you up," ${a_she} states through a heavy breath. "It certainly was for me."

"Oh," I let out, sagging in relief. "Right. Yeah. That. That's…definitely why I couldn't sleep."

$!{adam} slides ${a_his} gaze to me, and I quickly return to making my drink and ignoring the inspecting stare.

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #2)

IF NO POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE

I look at ${a_him} with a frown. "What do you mean?"

"Did you not read Li-Sar's file I gave you? I imagine its lack of contents was concerning enough to keep you up," ${a_she} states through a heavy breath. "It certainly was for me."

"That didn't exactly help. That's true," I mumble, returning to making my drink as I sigh as thickly as ${a_she} had.

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #2)

IF LI-SAR ROMANCE NOT POSSIBLE

IF ROMANCE = NATE/NAT

"Yes. $!{nate} informed me what happened," ${a_she} says, meeting my eyes when my worried gaze whips to meet ${a_hers}.

I return to trying to make my drink, frowning deep as I try to work. "How is ${n_she}?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #1)

IF ROMANCE = MASON/MORGAN

"Yes. $!{mason} informed me what happened," ${a_she} says, meeting my eyes when my worried gaze whips to meet ${a_hers}.

I return to trying to make my drink, frowning deep as I try to work. "How is ${m_she}?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #1)

IF ROMANCE = FARAH/FELIX

"Yes. $!{felix} informed me what happened," ${a_she} says, meeting my eyes when my worried gaze whips to meet ${a_hers}.

I return to trying to make my drink, frowning deep as I try to work. "How is ${f_she}?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #1)

CHOICESET #1

"Already healing," ${a_she} replies to my utter relief. "It certainly was not as cutting a wound as last time."

'As last time…'. The words tear into me, making me grasp the counter as the aching guilt gnaws deep into me.

I'm so consumed in it that I don't realise ${adam} has walked to my side until ${a_she} talks again.

"What is wrong?" Concern grips at ${a_his} every word.

CHOICES:

#Attempt smile. "Nothing. It's fine…."

I press as much of a smile as I can muster onto my lips. But it's obviously not very convincing by the way ${adam}'s worried frown deepens.

"It's nothing," I mutter, fiddling with the handle of the mug. "It's fine…." I finish making my drink and wander to the kitchen table, falling heavily into the seat.

$!{adam} joins me a moment later, letting out a deep breath. "Lying does not help the situation."

"Giving into hopelessness isn't going to help either," I reply.

"No," ${a_she} says, nodding at me. "But that is why you have us. To help keep you from falling into it."

My smile warms. "Thank you."

#Clench fists. "What's wrong? I keep hurting the people closest to me!"

"What's wrong?" I scoff, gripping tight to the handle of the mug. "I keep hurting the people I care about! That's what's wrong!"

$!{adam} doesn't flinch at my outburst.

I sag and rub at my face. "Sorry."

"Do not be. Your frustrations are warranted," ${a_she} replies.

I finish making my drink and force myself to the table, where I plop down heavily in the chair. "But I shouldn't be taking those frustrations out on you."

"If it helps you in any way bear what has been forced upon you, then I am willing to take the brunt of your emotions," ${a_she} replies, taking the seat opposite.

I nod as my shoulders droop. "Thank you, ${adam}."

#Chuckle. "Kind of feels like everything's wrong at the moment."

I release a strained laugh as I shake my head. "It kind of feels like everything is wrong at the moment, doesn't it?"

"How so?"

I continue making my drink before dragging myself over to the table and plopping into the chair. "I can't control my powers, so I end up hurting the people I care about. Li-Sar seems to always be constantly two steps ahead of us. It looks like my powers will—"

$!{adam} grasps a hand to my shoulder before taking the seat near me. "These things are not all on you."

"It feels like they are."

"They are not," ${a_she} insists before sighing. "You are part of our team, our…family. We all bear the burden of what is happening. And we will solve this together."

A little bubble of optimism lifts inside my chest. "Thanks, $!{adam}."

#Sigh. "I wonder if I'll get hold of these powers before something more serious happens."

I let out a long breath, staring down at the mug in my hands. "I'm just wondering if I'll manage to get a handle on these powers before…." My throat squeezes. "Before something more serious happens."

"We will not let that happen," ${adam} insists.

I meet ${a_his} gaze as fear makes my eyes shine. "How could you stop it?"

$!{a_she} tenses in place, the only movement being the slight worried crease to ${a_his} features.

I glance away with a nod, continuing to make my drink before lumbering towards the table and plopping heavily into the seat.

It's only a moment before ${adam} takes the seat close to me and settles a hand on my shoulder. "It's true that I do not know how, but we will [i]not[/i] let that happen, $!{callme}," ${a_she} vows again.

My shoulders droop beneath ${a_his} gesture of comfort. "Thank you, $!{adam}."

#Shake head. "I just need to focus on solving this."

I shake my head of the hopeless thoughts that want to consume it. "I just need to focus on solving this. On finding some way to stop Li-Sar and get rid of these powers trying to kill me."

"It is what we're all working on," ${adam} assures me.

"I just wish we could find some way to start," I admit, letting out a breath as I finish making my drink. I plod to the table and plop down into the seat heavily. "It feels like we're always on the back foot.

$!{adam} joins me not long after, taking the seat close by. "We will find a way."

"How do you know?" I ask, frowning at ${a_him}.

"Because we must," ${a_she} replies, nodding at me before resting a hand on my shoulder. "We can only go forward, $!{callme}."

I process ${a_his} words, letting them ease away some of my doubts, and nod at ${a_him}. "Right."

CHOICESET #2

$!{adam} stands and moves to my side, a questioning frown creasing ${a_his} usually stoic features. "Your magic connects you to ${ls_him}. Do you believe that could be of any help?"

CHOICES:

#Shrug. "If I thought so, I would use it. But…I'm not sure."

I lift my shoulders as I go about making my drink. "If I thought it could, I would use it to our advantage."

"But you do not think it would work?" ${a_she} asks as we make our way to the table and sit at it together.

"I'm…not sure," I admit, leaning forwards as I grasp at my mug. "I know ${ls_she} can use our connection, but I don't seem to be able to make it work from my side."

$!{adam} sighs and leans back. "That is a shame."

"Well, I'm kind of glad I don't have to peek into ${ls_his} head, so I'm not as disappointed," I admit with a gentle laugh.

ADDITIONAL IF POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE

I say the words even as I feel a sense of disappoint tug within me. Would it be the worst thing to know what ${ls_she}'s thinking? What ${ls_she} thinks about me?

"$!{callme}?" ${adam}'s voice snaps me back.

IF POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE #Fluster, "What? No. I'm not…We're not connected in any way!"

"What? No!" I scoff out a flustered breath as I set about making my drink, my hands fumbling with the simple task. "I'm not…I mean, me and Li-Sar, we're not connected in any way. No way at all."

"You are connected through magic and blood," ${a_she} reminds me with a brow arched.

"Well, yes. But that's it!" I insist, catching the odd gaze ${a_she} throws me before I scurry away to sit at the table.

$!{adam} joins me a little while later, taking the seat close by. "I apologise if the question made you uncomfortable, $!{callme}."

I wave away ${a_his} concern. "No, it's good. I'm fine."

#Pause movements. "Do you really think that could work?"

I pause my task and look at ${adam} with my brows raised. "Do you really think that could work?"

"If you can use the connection to get a sense of where Li-Sar might be or what ${ls_she} is thinking, it could be of help," ${a_she} explains.

I return to making my drink as I let out a breath. "A good idea, for sure. I just don't think it's one we can use."

We both walk to the table and take a seat near each other.

"Li-Sar can definitely use the connection from ${ls_his} end." I frown. "But I've never felt anything from ${ls_him}, or able to sense ${ls_him}, from my side of the connection. I'm sorry."

$!{a_she} shakes ${a_his} head and holds up a hand. "It was merely a thought. I did not expect anything from you."

#Chuckle. "Sorry. But connecting in any way to Li-Sar is not on the cards."

"Sorry, but no," I reply, letting out a laugh at the idea. "Connecting in any way to that villain is seriously not on the cards."

IF POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE

The words sound weak, even to my ear, my resolve faltering at the end as I realise…I suppose I wouldn't mind creating a connection with Li-Sar.

I frown, focusing on finishing making my drink and scurrying away to sit at the table before ${adam} senses the thought from me.

"I can understand your hesitancy in this matter," ${a_she} says with a nod.

I shrug. "I suppose at least if we know ${ls_his} focus, it makes it easier to plan." A scoffed breath shoots from me. "At least, theoretically. Always feels like we're steps behind ${ls_him}, doesn't it?"

$!{a_she} rolls ${a_his} shoulders back. "We will not stay that way."

"Let's hope not," I murmur in reply.

IF NO POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE

I focus on finishing my drink before moving to the table and plopping heavily down onto the seat. $!{adam} follows, taking the seat near me.

"I can understand your hesitancy in this matter," ${a_she} says with a nod.

$!{a_she} rolls ${a_his} shoulders back. "We will not stay that way."

"Let's hope not," I murmur in reply.

The kitchen door suddenly whips open, interrupting our conversation. $!{adam} and I turn to watch as the rest of Unit Bravo pile into the room.

(LEADS TO UNIT BRAVO ARRIVAL SCENE)

IF FARAH/FELIX FRIEND SCENE

The soft sound of humming that verges on the edge of singing drifts out from under the door.

I push it open to find $!{felix} resting against the counters as the microwave whirrs with a mug inside of it.

"Good morning," ${f_she} chimes when ${f_she} sees me. $!{f_his} smile soon falls to concern. "Oof. Or maybe not. Did you get [i]any[/i] sleep?"

I purse my lips and bob up a shoulder. "I think I got at least a whole five minutes at one point."

"It looks like it," ${f_she} states, to which I throw ${f_him} a withered stare. $!{f_she} approaches me and slings an arm around my shoulders. "I'm just worried about you."

After noting that my hope that the vampires can be around me without issue holds true, I give a nod. "If you're that worried, would you mind getting me a drink while I pass out on the chair?"

$!{f_she} holds up a finger. "That I can do."

$!{felix} moves back to the counters and begins flinging open cupboards, while I plod my way to the table and plop heavily down on one of the chairs.

IF BEST FRIEND = FARAH/FELIX

IF FAVOURED DRINK = TEA

It's only a moment later before a perfectly made cup of tea is slid under my nose.

"Thank you," I murmur, bringing the mug closer to take a sip and enjoy the way the heat and smoothness of the drink brings my body back to life.

IF FAVOURED DRINK = COFFEE

It's only a moment later before a perfectly made mug of coffee is slid under my nose.

"Thank you," I murmur, bringing the mug closer to take a sip and enjoy the way the heat and bitterness of the drink brings my body back to life.

IF FAVOURED DRINK = WATER

It's only a moment later before a mug is slid under my nose containing a pool of clear water.

"Thank you," I murmur, bringing the mug closer to take a sip and enjoy the way the freshness of the drink brings my body back to life.

IF BEST FRIEND NOT FARAH/FELIX

A moment later, ${felix} glances over ${f_his} shoulder at me with a frown. "Uh…what exactly do you normally drink?"

IF FAVOURED DRINK = COFFEE

I nod my head at the grocery cabinet. "Coffee, please."

"Got it," ${f_she} replies, shuffling about in order to make a cup.

Eventually, a mug of coffee is placed beneath my nose, and I bring it closer to enjoy the hot bitterness of it as it revives my tired body.

IF FAVOURED DRINK = TEA

I nod my head at the grocery cabinet. "Tea, please."

"Got it," ${f_she} replies, shuffling about in order to make it.

Eventually, a mug of tea is placed beneath my nose, and I bring it closer to enjoy the hot smoothness of it as it revives my tired body.

IF FAVOURED DRINK = WATER

I nod my head at the grocery cabinet. "Just water, thanks."

"Got it," ${f_she} replies, shuffling about in order to get it.

Eventually, a mug of water is placed beneath my nose, and I bring it closer to enjoy the refreshing chill of it as it revives my tired body.

$!{felix} sits on the chair near me after retrieving ${f_his} own mug, though ${f_hers} contains a much darker, viscous liquid.

IF LI-SAR ROMANCE IS POSSIBLE

"Li-Sar keep you up all night, did ${ls_she}?" ${f_she} asks as ${f_she} leans ${f_his} elbows on the table.

IF POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE

I almost choke on my drink. "What? What are you—What is that supposed to mean?"

$!{f_she} eyes me for a long moment. "Didn't $!{adam} give you Li-Sar's file to look over? I assumed reading about that creep is enough to give anyone nightmares."

"Ah. Right." I clear my throat and stare down into my drink.

$!{f_she} sighs. "It was probably too much to make you read about ${ls_him} when ${ls_she} already infects the rest of your life, huh?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #2)

IF NO POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE

I lift a brow. "What do you mean?"

"$!{adam} gave you Li-Sar's file to look over, right?" $!{f_she} shudders visibly. "Reading about that creep is enough to give anyone nightmares.

A snort of breath escapes me. "That's true.”

$!{f_she} sighs. "It was probably too much to make you read about ${ls_him} when ${ls_she} already infects the rest of your life, huh?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #2)

IF LI-SAR ROMANCE NOT POSSIBLE

IF ROMANCE = ADAM/AVA

"I heard what happened last night. With ${adam}," ${felix} begins.

I wince, grasping hard at the mug. "You did?"

"The wound isn't so bad, if you're worried," ${f_she} continues, leaning on the table closer to me. "Which, by the look on your face, you obviously are."

A frown pulls at my features. "I didn't mean—"

"$!{a_she} knows that. We all know that." $!{f_she} reaches out to rest a hand on my arm. "But I'm guessing that's why you didn't get any sleep?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #1)

IF ROMANCE = MASON/MORGAN

"I heard what happened last night. With ${mason}," ${felix} begins.

I wince, grasping hard at the mug. "You did?"

"The wound isn't so bad, if you're worried," ${f_she} continues, leaning on the table closer to me. "Which, by the look on your face, you obviously are."

A frown pulls at my features. "I didn't mean—"

"$!{m_she} knows that. We all know that." $!{f_she} reaches out to rest a hand on my arm. "But I'm guessing that's why you didn't get any sleep?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #1)

IF ROMANCE = NATE/NAT

"I heard what happened last night. With ${nate}," ${felix} begins.

I wince, grasping hard at the mug. "You did?"

"The wound isn't so bad, if you're worried," ${f_she} continues, leaning on the table closer to me. "Which, by the look on your face, you obviously are."

A frown pulls at my features. "I didn't mean—"

"$!{n_she} knows that. We all know that." $!{f_she} reaches out to rest a hand on my arm. "But I'm guessing that's why you didn't get any sleep?"

(LEADS TO CHOICESET #1)

CHOICESET #2

CHOICES:

#Frown. "If I'm going to be an agent, I need to get used to it."

I drop my gaze and frown. "If I'm going to be an agent, then this is just the kind of thing I need to get used to."

"I suppose that's true," ${f_she} replies, leaning back in ${f_his} chair while sipping from ${f_his} mug. "A lot of the missions aren't just a simple in-and-out-and-it's-over kind of thing."

"Yeah, I'm definitely getting that."

$!{f_she} chews at ${f_his} lip. "But they don't usually get so personal. All you've had are missions that have been personal since you met us."

I nod. "Which is why I need to get used to it."

$!{f_she} leans forward again with a smile. "Doesn't mean you have to do it alone though."

#Half smile. "Nobody made me read it. That was my choice."

I lift my lips into a half-smile. "Nobody made me read the file. It was my choice to read it." I shrug a shoulder. "Which was probably a bad thing to do just before trying to sleep."

"Did it actually help any, at least?" ${f_she} asks.

I shake my head and sip at my drink. "Not really. There was one thing noted, but it's not going to be enough to bring Li-Sar down completely.

$!{felix} huffs out a breath and rocks back in ${f_his} chair. "I suppose that makes sense. You'd have figured the Agency would have told us if there'd been anything useful."

"It makes you wonder if we'll ever find anything that can help against ${ls_him}," I muse aloud.

$!{felix} leans forward with a smile. "We will. We need to so we can help you. Which means we definitely will find something."

I smile in return. "Thanks, $!{felix}."

#See Li-Sar's face in your mind. "$!{ls_she}…interests me."

At the mention of ${ls_him}, Li-Sar's image drifts into my mind, like smoke from a fire.

"I wouldn't say nightmares. $!{ls_she}…interests me," I murmur out, not thinking on my words as I get lost in thought.

"$!{ls_she} what now?" $!{felix} blurts out.

The image is torn away at the confused—and slightly concerned—tone to ${f_his} voice.

I blink and clear my throat, dropping my gaze to my drink as I hunch forwards. "I mean…${ls_she}'s a mystery—"

"A violent one."

I grasp my mug harder. "Supernaturals are still kind of new to me. Sometimes I get caught up in the, uh, magic of it all."

$!{f_she} stares at me. "…Uh-huh."

#Rub at temples. "It was…a lot after everything else."

I press my fingers to my temples and rub soothing circles. "It was…a lot to take in after everything else that's happened."

"I can imagine," ${felix} replies through a sigh. "It seriously sucks that this all falls on you, $!{callme}."

"It does. But it also keeps Li-Sar's focus in one place. That helps give us some time to figure things out," I reply.

$!{f_she} smiles.

"What?"

$!{f_she} shrugs and rocks back in ${f_his} chair. "You sounded very much like an Agency agent then."

CHOICESET #1

CHOICES:

IF ROMANCE WITH A/N/M. "I'll be all right now I know he/she’s okay."

I nod as I try to push a smile onto my tired features. "I'll be all right now. Especially knowing A/N/M is okay."

$!{f_she} leans forward with a frown. "It's not just about making sure he/she is okay. We need to know you are too, $!{callme}."

"It's hard to figure out how to be all right at the moment. There's…." My gaze dips to my drink as I grasp the mug tighter. "There's just so much going on."

"Which is why you need to rely on us," ${f_she} says. "I know we can't take your powers away, or stop Li-Sar creeping on you, but we can at least be here as a sounding board when you need it. You've got to let yourself release those stresses."

My smile turns more genuine. "There's a lot of stresses."

"Well, luckily for you, I can take a boatload," ${f_she} replies with a grin, rocking back in ${f_his} chair. "So lay them on me whenever you need to."

A small laugh lightens the weight on my shoulders. "Thank you, $!{felix}."

#Sigh. "How could I when I'd just hurt someone I care about?"

"How could I sleep after I'd just hurt someone I care about?" I ask, shaking my head as a breath expels from me. I grasp my mug tighter. "These powers—"

"We'll figure them out," ${felix} insists.

I frown. "How? We barely know anything about Li-Sar, even less about this magic ${ls_she}'s infected me with."

"We've known less about other things and still won." $!{f_she} leans forward with a smile. "We'll figure this out too."

"How can you be sure?"

"Because we have to. To cure you." $!{f_she} nods, a rare seriousness overcoming ${f_him}. "That gives us some major motivation."

I let out another sigh, though this time a little of my tension is relieved with it. "Thank you, $!{felix}."

#Rub at temples. "The constantly surging magic didn't help either."

"That definitely didn't help." I press my fingers to my temples and rub circles at them. "But the constantly surging magic didn't exactly make it easy to get sleep either."

$!{f_she} sighs. "I thought for sure after that blast of magic you had that it'd stay calm for a bit."

"That's what I was hoping too," I mutter, dropping my hands to my mug and grasping it.

"Do you think you'll find a way to control it?" ${f_she} asks.

I frown. "I have to."

"And we'll help," ${f_she} promises, leaning forward with a smile. "Whatever it takes, $!{callme}, we'll do it."

A small, if weak, smile find my lips. "Thanks, $!{felix}."

#Nod and hunch forwards. "Exactly. I'm constantly worried my magic will explode again."

I nod, hunching forwards onto the table as I grasp my mug tighter. "Exactly. How can I sleep when I'm constantly worried my magic might explode again?"

$!{f_she} sighs. "You can't just not sleep."

"If it keeps people safe, then perhaps I shouldn't." I flick my gaze up with a frown. "What if my magic bursts and destroys the Warehouse? Hurts all of you again?"

"You can't be thinking that way, $!{callme}." $!{f_she} leans closer. "For a start, you really will never sleep again. And I bet exhaustion isn't going to help you get control over your powers."

I scoff. "You think I could get any control over it?"

"I know you can," ${f_she} states with a smile. "If you couldn't, then I wouldn't be able to sit close to you this morning after your outburst last night, right?"

Letting ${f_his} encouragement sink into me, I let out a calming breath and nod at ${f_him}. "Thank you, $!{felix}."

The kitchen door suddenly whips open, interrupting our conversation. $!{felix} and I turn to watch as the rest of Unit Bravo pile into the room.

(LEADS TO UNIT BRAVO ARRIVAL SCENE)

IF GET MASON/MORGAN FRIEND SCENE

The sound of muttering drifts out from under the door.

I push it open to find $!{mason} wandering about, pulling open doors and cursing low to ${m_him}self. A packet of blood is resting on the counter nearby.

$!{m_she} turns to me as soon as I enter. "You don't know where $!{nate} put the mugs, do you? I swear they were in this cupboard."

I nod, walking forward and opening the upper cabinet to reveal a neat line of mugs. "$!{n_she} reorganised it all last week."

$!{m_his} expression falls. "You've got to be fucking joking. How the hell does ${n_she} have time to reorganise a kitchen between all these patrols? I barely get a chance to grab a snack."

"I know the feeling," I mutter as I pass ${m_him} a mug before pulling one down for myself too. I then set about making a drink.

"It looks like it," ${mason} notes as ${m_she} rips off the top of the packet and decants the blood into the mug. "It doesn't look like you've slept for a week."

"Feels like it too," I reply.

IF LI-SAR ROMANCE IS POSSIBLE

$!{m_she} balances a hip against the counter and inspects me. "$!{adam} said ${a_she} gave you the file on Li-Sar last night. I bet that read like a horror novel."

IF POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE

The dreams I'd had last night of Li-Sar want to drift back into my mind like smoke, so I shake them away.

"$!{ls_she}, uh…certainly kept me awake," I mutter as I fumble over making my drink.

IF NO POINTS IN LI-SAR ROMANCE

"At least there would have been some substance to it if it did," I remark, letting out a heavy sigh. "Instead there was next to nothing."

"I suppose that's even worse then. Some new information would have been useful about now," ${m_she} replies, sipping from ${m_his} mug, licking away the dark red remnants from ${m_his} top lip.

I nod.

IF LI-SAR ROMANCE NOT POSSIBLE

IF ROMANCE = ADAM/AVA

$!{m_she} balances a hip against the counter and inspects me. "I heard what happened with ${adam} last night."

My hands freeze in place. "Is…${a_she} okay?"

"$!{a_she}'s fine. Or ${a_she} will be." $!{m_she} sips from ${m_his} mug, licking away the dark red remnants from ${m_his} top lip. "The wound is already healing."

Relief sinks over me, and I force myself back to the task of making my drink—now in desperate need of it as my dry throat parches further.

IF ROMANCE = NATE/NAT

$!{m_she} balances a hip against the counter and inspects me. "I heard what happened with ${nate} last night."

My hands freeze in place. "Is…${n_she} okay?"

"$!{n_she}'s fine. Or ${n_she} will be." $!{m_she} sips from ${m_his} mug, licking away the dark red remnants from ${m_his} top lip. "The wound is already healing."

Relief sinks over me, and I force myself back to the task of making my drink—now in desperate need of it as my dry throat parches further.

IF ROMANCE = FARAH/FELIX

$!{m_she} balances a hip against the counter and inspects me. "I heard what happened with ${felix} last night."

My hands freeze in place. "Is…${f_she} okay?"

"$!{f_she}'s fine. Or ${f_she} will be." $!{m_she} sips from ${m_his} mug, licking away the dark red remnants from ${m_his} top lip. "The wound is already healing."

Relief sinks over me, and I force myself back to the task of making my drink—now in desperate need of it as my dry throat parches further.

After I finish making my drink, I take a sip of it, enjoying how it refreshes my body a little, reviving it from its tired state.

My gaze slides to ${mason}'s as ${m_she} watches me closely. "What is it?"

IF LI-SAR ROMANCE IS POSSIBLE

"Li-Sar won't get to you here. You know that, right?" $!{mason} states almost as a promise.

CHOICES:

#Sigh. "Maybe not here. But ${ls_she} can anywhere else."

I release a breath, placing my mug down on the counter. "$!{ls_she} hasn't found me here yet, thankfully. But that doesn't stop the fact ${ls_she} seems to be able to find me anywhere else."

"I wish we could help more with that part," ${m_she} says and sounds genuine in the statement.

"I'm not sure that would be a good idea either. Li-Sar is just a human-shaped ball of solar magic energy." I nod at ${m_him}. "I wouldn't want any of you to get hurt."

IF BEST FRIEND = MASON/MORGAN

$!{m_she} shrugs. "It's our job." $!{m_she} meets my gaze with a frown. "And you're family. It's worth the risk."

I manage a smile. "Thanks, $!{mason}."

IF BEST FRIEND NOT MASON/MORGAN

$!{m_she} shrugs. "It's our job." $!{m_she} meets my gaze with a frown. "And you're part of the team. It's worth the risk."

I manage a smile. "Thanks, $!{mason}."

#Almost splutter out, "I wouldn't mind ${ls_him} finding me anywhere."

I shrug and open my mouth to say, 'I wouldn't mind if ${ls_she} could find me anywhere.'

The words stick in my throat as I realise just what it is I'd been about to admit.

What is wrong with me? I press a hand to the counter to keep me balanced as my world seems to spin. I'd not really been hoping a villainous, over-powered supernatural can find me just because ${ls_she}'s hot, right?

I do my best to convince myself it's only about the fact Li-Sar is knee-weakeningly gorgeous…even as something tugs deep within me. It's an odd sensation—like a stirring connection that wraps around my heart.

IF BEST FRIEND = MASON/MORGAN

"$!{callme}?" $!{mason} asks, resting a hand on my shoulder to bring me back from my thoughts. "Are you all right?"

IF BEST FRIEND NOT MASON/MORGAN

"$!{callme}?" $!{mason} asks, resting a hand on my shoulder to bring me back from my thoughts. $!{m_she} withdraws ${m_his} hand as soon as it works. "Are you all right?"

I clear my throat and press a tense smile onto my lips. "I'm fine. I'm good."

$!{mason}'s dipped frown would imply ${m_she} doesn't believe me.

#Chuckle tensely. "Do you know some super protective ward to stop ${ls_him}?"

I release a laugh, trying to lighten the moment, but it comes out strained and tight. "Do you know of some super-duper protective ward to put over this place to stop ${ls_him}?"

"No," ${mason} replies before smirking. "But I have a hell of a right hook when needed."

My laugh turns more genuine. "I believe that."

IF BEST FRIEND = MASON/MORGAN

$!{m_she} reaches out, patting my shoulder before resting ${m_his} hand there. "We'll use whatever we have to keep you safe."

I let out a sigh. "Which is what has me worried."

IF BEST FRIEND NOT MASON/MORGAN

$!{m_she} reaches out, patting my shoulder before quickly whipping ${m_his} hand back and curling it at ${m_his} side. "We'll use whatever we have to keep you safe."

I let out a sigh. "Which is what has me worried."

#Smile. "I know. But just knowing ${ls_she}'s out there somewhere is worrying."

IF BEST FRIEND = MASON/MORGAN

"I know," I reply with a smile, reaching out and resting a hand on ${m_his} arm. "But just knowing Li-Sar is out there, somewhere, waiting to strike…." My breath shortens. "That's what has me worried."

IF BEST FRIEND NOT MASON/MORGAN

"I know," I reply with a smile, reaching out and resting a hand on ${m_his} arm. I pull it back quickly when ${m_she} tenses at the touch. "But just knowing Li-Sar is out there, somewhere, just waiting to strike." My breath shortens. "That's what has me worried."

"Understandable," ${m_she} replies with a nod. "Especially considering the asshole just created a whole stormy dome to keep you from running from ${ls_him}."

I scoff. "Exactly. It doesn't really help with making me feel at ease enough to sleep."

"We'll figure this out, $!{callme}," ${m_she} promises with a frown. "We won't let ${ls_him} take you."

I don't mention that I'm more concerned about them than me, and instead offer a smile. "Thank you, $!{mason}."

IF LI-SAR ROMANCE NOT POSSIBLE

"If you're worried about hurting us with your powers, don't be. We've taken worse," ${mason} assures me.

CHOICES:

#Smile. "I appreciate the sentiment…but I'm still going to worry."

I smile through a sigh. "I appreciate the sentiment. I really do. But…I'm still going to worry, okay?"

"I guess I can't tell you not to," ${m_she} replies with a shrug. "I'd worry too in your place."

I frown. "Really? I didn't take you as someone who worried."

"I'm better at hiding it than the others," ${m_she} replies with a smirk. It falls as ${m_his} expression turns serious. "I am worried about you, $!{callme}. We all are."

My shoulders drop from their tensed position at ${m_his} concern. "Thanks, $!{mason}."

#Frown. "Doesn't matter if you've taken worse. I don't want to hurt any of you."

My brows crush together as I shake my head. "It doesn't matter if you've taken worse. You shouldn't have to take any more…especially because of me."

"You can't help it, $!{callme}," ${m_she} states, nodding at my hands. "This magic was forced on you. Everything that comes after is Li-Sar's fault because of it."

"It's difficult to believe that," I mutter, staring down into my drink.

IF BEST FRIEND = MASON/MORGAN

$!{mason} rests a hand on my shoulder to draw my focus back, leaving it there as I look at ${m_him}. "Just don't give up. We'll figure this out. We'll solve it."

I hold ${m_his} gaze before sighing with a nod. "Thanks, $!{mason}."

IF BEST FRIEND NOT MASON/MORGAN

$!{mason} rests a hand on my shoulder for a quick moment to draw my focus back. "Just don't give up. We'll figure this out. We'll solve it."

I hold ${m_his} gaze before sighing with a nod. "Thanks, $!{mason}."

#Chuckle tensely. "Solar magic is your weakness. I'm not sure it can get much worse."

A laugh struggles out of me as I shake my head. "Solar magic is your weakness. I'm not sure it can get much worse than this."

"Ugh. Don't say shit like that," ${m_she} groans out while rocking back on ${m_his} heels. "Every time someone says that, it definitely does get worse."

My brows shift up. "I didn't take you as superstitious."

"It's not superstition. It's just fact."

I make a zipping motion across my lips. "All right. I won't say it."

$!{m_she} sighs and nods at me. "No matter how bad it gets, we're with you."

I manage a smile. "Thanks, ${mason}."

#Nod. "I know you can handle it. But I still want to find control."

"I know you can all handle it," I say with a certain nod. "But that doesn't mean you should have to. I need to find some way to control this magic."

"You will," ${m_she} assures me, sounding more confident than I feel.

I grasp my mug tighter. "I'm not so sure…."

"You should be. You had an outburst last night, but you've already contained it enough that I can stand near you," ${m_she} states, gesturing at the small gap between us. "That's already something."

I nod. "Maybe you're right."

The kitchen door suddenly whips open, interrupting our conversation. I move to the table and take a seat, ${mason} remaining by the counters, as the rest of Unit Bravo pile into the room.

(LEADS TO UNIT BRAVO ARRIVAL SCENE)

UNIT BRAVO ARRIVAL SCENE

IF GOT FARAH/FELIX FRIEND SCENE

The group trudge inside, their postures looking as tired as mine.

"Good morning," ${nate} says on seeing us, regaining some energy as ${n_she} smiles. $!{n_she} then holds something up in ${n_his} hand. "This is for you."

"Mail?" I ask with a frown. "Someone addressed something to me here?"

$!{mason} makes ${m_his} way to the counters, resting a hip against one and folding ${m_his} arms. "No. The post guy asked us to hand it over 'cause he knew you were staying with us."

An uneasy wince catches ${nate}. "Which I'm certain breaks some kind of law."

$!{nate} sets the piece of mail down in front of me, taking a seat at the table. The cream envelope is gilded around the edges in foiled gold that swirls all the way around the border.

$!{felix} leans over to get a closer look, eyes widening. "Ohh! It's fancy."

(LEADS TO INVITE SCENE)

IF GOT OTHER FRIEND SCENE

$!{felix} bounces inside, looking like a ball of energy compared to the other two who trudge in after ${f_him}.

"Good morning, $!{callme}," ${f_she} chimes with a smile, holding up ${f_his} hand to reveal the envelope ${f_she}'s holding. "You have mail."

I blink and raise a brow. "Someone addressed mail to me here?"

"Well, not exactly." $!{f_she} falls into a seat at the table. "We bumped into the post guy while on patrol, and I told him you were staying with us. So he handed it over for us to deliver."

"Which I'm sure breaks some kind of law…," ${nate} notes.

$!{felix} slides the mail across the table and falls into a seat near me. The cream envelope is gilded around the edges in foiled gold that swirls all the way around the border.

"Fancy, isn't it?" ${felix} comments with a grin, resting ${f_his} chin in ${f_his} palm.

(LEADS TO INVITE SCENE)

INVITE SCENE

I take it and pull open the back, retrieving the card from inside. Cursive writing swirls across it, asking for my attendance to a ball, stating the date and time of the event.

"An invitation?" ${adam} notes. "The last event you were invited to did not end well."

I shudder at the thought of the auction just a few weeks ago.

"Well, this one is likely to be a lot less eventful," I explain. "It's hosted by the mayor. It's something he does every year. He thinks it promotes community spirit."

${mason} scoffs and rolls ${m_his} eyes. "Another town event? Don't you people have anything better to do with your time?"

IF STOIC OR SERIOUS

"It's a small town in the middle of nowhere with temperamental internet. People need to find other ways to entertain themselves," I reply with a shrug.

ELSE

"It's a small town in the middle of nowhere with temperamental internet. So no, we really don't have much else to do," I reply with a chuckle.

"What is the ball actually for?" $!{nate} asks.

"It's supposed to celebrate people in the community who have contributed to the town in some way," I explain.

"Like you?" ${felix} asks.

IF GOOD MAYOR RELATIONSHIP

I shrug a shoulder. "A lot of what I do now isn't known by the town. I'm not sure the mayor would want to bring it all to light."

IF BAD MAYOR RELATIONSHIP

I scoff out a laugh and shake my head. "I wouldn't even make the list. Mayor Friedman gets to decide who receives the honour, and I don't think I'll ever be in his good books enough for that."

I glance over the invite and read it a little closer. "This year's title is 'Gems of the Community'. It's a gem and crystal theme."

$!{nate} nods. "Clever."

$!{mason} shakes ${m_his} head. "Glad it's you having to suffer through that."

IF GOT FARAH/FELIX FRIEND SCENE

"Your relief is premature," ${adam} states, revealing a small stack of gilded envelopes from the inner pocket of ${a_his} jacket. "We all received invites too. The Agency wishes for us to attend to…ensure the event is not eventful."

IF GOT OTHER FRIEND SCENE

"Don't worry," ${felix} suddenly comments, revealing a small pile of gilded envelopes. "We got invited too!"

$!{adam} nods at the invites. "The Agency wishes for us to attend to…ensure the event is not eventful."

$!{mason} sags as a groan escapes ${m_him} in much the same way as air being deflated from a balloon.

I tap the card on the table as my thoughts overcome me. Worried thoughts. [i]It's bad enough that I'm a magnet for supernaturals on my usual days, but now with Li-Sar…[/i].

CHOICES:

#Shake head. "Maybe I shouldn't go. It might just be asking for trouble."

I shake my head as the concerned thoughts root themselves in place.

"Maybe I shouldn't go," I state suddenly. "Attending something like this seems like it's just asking for trouble."

"You can't live your life shut away just because of things that [i]might[/i] happen, $!{callme}," ${nate} says.

A frown catches me. "But it's little more than 'might' that something bad will happen."

"$!{nate} is correct," ${adam} adds. "Human life is too short to put on hold for things that might come to pass."

I'm surprised at ${a_his} encouragement, expecting ${a_him} to take my point of view.

"It is also required as you ar part of our team, and our team is needed to attend to keep watch," ${a_she} finishes, sounding much more like ${adam} again.

#Push thoughts away. "I'm excited. It'll be nice to have a distraction."

"I have to say, I'm excited about this," I admit as I ignore the pestering pessimistic thoughts in my head. "It'll be nice to have a distraction from everything."

"You mean like a distraction from the big swirling magical dome keeping us all trapped?" ${felix} asks.

IF OPTIMISTIC OR EASYGOING

I chuckle. "Yeah, like that."

ELSE

I purse my lips. "Yeah, like that."

"We will be working while we are there," ${adam} reminds everyone.

"No reason not to enjoy ourselves even though we have to go. It will be nice to have something else to focus on for a couple of hours," ${nate} adds while smiling at me.

The dour thoughts don't stop from clouding my mind for long.

#Chuckle. "Maybe we'll actually get an evening for some fun."

I release a soft laugh as I look over the invite. "Maybe it'll be a chance to actually have an evening of fun."

"Something we are all in desperate need of," ${nate} notes, forcing ${n_his} fingers through ${n_his} hair as ${n_she} sighs.

"I wouldn't call a stuffy ball 'fun'," ${mason} mutters.

$!{nate} looks over at ${m_him} with a brow raised. "Have you ever been to one?"

"How would I know if I had?" ${m_she} snaps back.

"Then try to enjoy the chance to make a new memory," ${nate} replies with a soft smile.

"It will not all be for fun. We are attending mostly to keep watch over the proceedings," ${adam} reminds everyone.

During their banter, my thoughts swirl back into stormy clouds of concern.

#Glance over the team. "Are you really all going?"

I look over each of the vampires. "Are you really all going too?"

$!{nate} smiles brightly, reaching for ${n_his} invitation. "Definitely. Even if the Agency weren't sending us, I think we're all in desperate need of some distraction."

"There are other ways to do that," ${mason} notes with a growing smirk.

$!{nate}'s shoulders droop. "This is an excuse to dress up, not—"

"Dress completely down?" ${felix} cuts in, drawing a low chuckle from ${mason}.

As they continue to banter, my thoughts swirl back into stormy clouds of concern.

#Purse lips. "I want to support the town, but…this doesn't seem a good idea."

I press my lips together, tapping my invite on the tabletop. "I want to show my support of the town, but…maybe this isn't the best idea."

"Why not?" ${adam} asks.

"It seems like the perfect opportunity for something to go horribly, horribly wrong," I state.

$!{nate} shakes ${n_his} head. "It's also a great opportunity for things to go very, very right."

"Maybe…."

"We are also going ensure that something does not go wrong for everyone else. That is our job," ${adam} reminds me.

"It's far too easy to be overcome by what 'might' happen, $!{callme}. Don't forget to live life," ${nate} comments softly.

But even ${n_his} encouraging words can't stop more worries seeping into me.

"What are we going to do if my powers get out of control while I'm there?" I ask, holding up my palms. The magic remains contained, but it stings and fizzes in my veins, desperate to find an escape. I drop them back into my lap. "I could end up hurting everyone."

IF ROMANCE = NATE/NAT

$!{nate} moves to my side, sliding an arm about my shoulders as ${n_she} looks down at me in my seated position.

My breath stutters. After what happened last night, I wasn't sure ${n_she}'d ever want to be near me again, let alone touch me.

"We'll deal with whatever happens, $!{callme}," ${n_she} says, crouching down before me and resting ${n_his} hands on my thighs to help keep balance. "But I would very much like your first dance if you do decide to go."

My heart fills with such happiness that it batters away any lingering doubts. *goto chap7_ballawhile

IF ROMANCE = ADAM/AVA

"You will not," ${adam} states with such intimate confidence that it sends a shiver through me. "If you do not trust yourself, then know I trust you enough for the both of us."

I flick my gaze up to meet ${a_hers} and get lost in the cool, calming green of them immediately. "You're more confident in me than I am."

"And I shall continue to be so until you see the strength in yourself that I do," ${a_she} replies.

After last night, I thought a hundred walls would go back up between us…but ${a_she} looks at me as though there is nothing but unspoken confessions left.

I clear my throat and force my gaze away. "Okay. I'll go."

IF ROMANCE = MASON/MORGAN

"You could end up just having a good time and forgetting about all the shit going on," ${mason} states, moving towards me.

I look up at ${m_him} from my seated position. "I might—"

$!{m_she} covers my lips with ${m_his} thumb, holding my chin to keep my gaze steady on ${m_hers}. "If you don't want to go, don't. But if you decide to go, then it's the only reason I'll go."

After what happened last night, I was sure a rift would be cut between us, so this sudden statement makes my heart thunder in my chest.

I smile beneath ${m_his} thumb.

IF ROMANCE = FARAH/FELIX

"Who cares about everyone else?" ${felix} asks with a dismissive wave of ${f_his} hand. $!{f_she} moves in closer to me with a grin. "I just care about you and me being at a ball."

My breath stutters at the wonderful glimmer in ${f_his} eyes that seems saved only for me.

After last night, I was afraid ${f_she} wouldn't want to be near me again, let alone spend time with me. So ${f_his} words wash away any fears and doubt in favour of hope and happiness.

"I mean, we should care about everyone else and the possibility of me hurting—"

"Nuh-uh," ${f_she} cuts in with a shake of ${f_his} head. $!{f_she} reaches out and takes my hand. I tense on instinct, but the magic stays contained within me. "Just think about you for a change, ${fbabe}."

I break into a soft laugh I can't stop.

IF ROMANCE = LOVE TRIANGLE

$!{nate} moves to my side, sliding an arm about my shoulders as ${n_she} looks down at me in my seated position.

"We will deal with whatever happens, $!{callme}," ${n_she} says with a smile that washes away my worries. "But I would very much like your first dance if you decide to go."

I can't stop it.

I try with every effort I have remaining.

But as hard as I try, my focus slides to ${adam}.

$!{a_she} barely moves or breathes, whipping ${a_his} gaze away when mine finds ${a_hers}.

IF NO ROMANCE

"We will all be there," ${nate} says.

"Unfortunately," ${mason} adds with a gruff breath.

$!{nate} sighs but tries to ignore the comment. "If something happens, we will deal with it. But don't stop yourself making wonderful memories because of the fear of what might be."

"The fear is quite overwhelming," I admit.

"Which is exactly why you need to go," ${felix} adds. "It's moments like these that chase the fear away."

I look between them before nodding. "All right. Then I'll try."