Alicarde followed Malefica into her home, a luxurious house nestled in a posh neighborhood. It was the type of residence one wouldn't expect from a university professor, more suited to a socialite or a figure of immense wealth.
Its grandiose architecture and lavish decor hinted at something far more old and arcane beneath the surface, reflective of Malefica's true nature as a witch. The door clicked softly shut behind them, sealing them off from the outside world and its many troubles.
The entrance hall was grand, with high ceilings and a collection of artifacts and decor that spanned multiple eras and cultures. Alicarde's gaze roamed over the intricate details, from old statues to odd trinkets, each seeming to whisper secrets of the past.
The faintest trace of magic hung in the air, almost undetectable yet present. It was a modern house if one ignored the antiques, a curious blend of elegance from eras long gone and the conveniences of modern life.
Alicarde was still cautious, holding Anne in his arms. Her faint breaths assured him of her safety, though she hadn't woken up, making him suspect she was a heavy sleeper. They walked down a hallway lined with tall, arched windows that gave a splendid view of the outside. The ambiance was serene, natural, and oddly relaxed.
Malefica led him into a large living room with a grand fireplace, though it was unlit. Shelves lined the walls, filled with mundane books and research papers typical of a professor's home. Yet, hidden among them were ancient parchments and tomes that likely contained powerful magic. A few comfortable chairs surrounded a low table, adding to the room's sense of modern comfort.
Alicarde remained on edge, his sword within reach as he took a seat, placing Anne on a large sofa.
Malefica settled into an armchair opposite him, her movements graceful and composed. She met his gaze with cold focus, her expression unreadable.
"You have questions," she began, her voice steady. "I will answer what I can."
Alicarde leaned forward, his eyes never leaving hers.
"You say you're not involved with the Strigoi, but how can I trust you? You've admitted to using magic to track me. For all I know, you could be manipulating me."
Malefica sighed softly. "I understand your skepticism, Alicarde. In your position, I would feel the same. But we share a common enemy. The Strigoi are a threat to everything I have protected for centuries. They are your enemies too, are they not? The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
"Protected?" Alicarde scoffed. "Lily and Anne were certainly protected. Trying to claim Carrisa coming here was the reason for this bloodbath is a stretch."
Her eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and sadness. "I told you, my powers are not what they once were. I am bereft of the strength I once commanded. The most I can manage are a three spells a day, and even those drain me. While I could take on one powerhouse, I can't fight many weaker ones."
Her eyes brimmed with indignation. "If I had even a tenth of my original power, we wouldn't be having this conversation."
Alicarde frowned, the skepticism still evident in his voice. "Then why me? Why go to such lengths to involve me in this fight?"
"Because," she replied, her tone softening, "you are unique, Alicarde. You are a former human who has crossed into the realm of the undying. You have a perspective that neither fully human nor fully supernatural beings possess. And you care about this city, its people. I saw it in your eyes when you saved the little girl and Miss Amicus."
She adjusted her glasses. "This is also your fault. I can see that you are trying to play the victim by blaming me. My powerlessness doesn't mean you can push all the blame on me. This is the responsibility of that Evernight girl, she involved this whole city in her conflict."
Glaring daggers at him, she continued, "If you had even the slightest ounce of kindness in you, it would be wise for you to clean up after your callous lady."
Alicarde's grip on his sword tightened. "If you are trying to guilt-trip me, then guess what? It's not working."
He lowered his gaze to the table between them. Her words stung, and thinking that he was partly to blame made his heart sink.
"However, I can't stand those monsters, so... I may be open to the idea of helping you... as long as it keeps my friends safe."
Malefica leaned forward, her gaze intense. "Very well, that was what I was hoping to hear. I want you to keep in mind, this arrangement is only between us. I cannot trust the Evernight girl."
He looked away, the weight of his failures pressing down on him. "What's your plan, then? What do you expect me to do?"
"I need you to be my sword, Alicarde," Malefica said, her voice cold.
"I can provide you with knowledge, guidance, and what little power I have left. Together, we can stand against the Strigoi and protect this city. In the future, should there be any more supernatural threats, you would aid me in protecting the city, even if they do not involve the Evernight girl."
Alicarde met her gaze again, his mind a whirlwind of doubt and mistrust. "I don't know if I can trust you, Malefica. But right now, it seems I don't have much of a choice, do I?"
"You don't. You are free to do as you please," Malefica continued.
"Trust is earned," she replied. "And I will earn yours with time. For now, we can seal the deal with a pact stating our terms."
As they sat in the dimly lit living room, the sheer magnitude of the task at hand weighed on his heart. Alicarde knew that this alliance was fragile and fraught with danger, but it was a step towards understanding and perhaps even redemption.
More importantly, revenge. He felt sour, and he wanted payback. The road ahead would be difficult. As for the pact, he still needed to ruminate on the matter.
Malefica leaned back in her chair, her eyes never leaving his. "Well then, shall we sign a pact? You've been awfully quiet."
Alicarde wasn't open to the idea. The task was enormous, yes, and a pact would guarantee securing loyalty on both sides. If he wasn't careful, he could sign himself into a contract he couldn't keep.
Alicarde drew a deep breath, his gaze traveling over Malefica's alluring body, soliciting a deep frown from her.
"We'll have to hold off on the pact or anything else. I need to think about it," he said, turning to Anne on the sofa.
"For now, she comes first. What are we going to do about Anne?"
Malefica turned to the unconscious Anne, placing her hand on her chin.
"Very well then. I suppose we should return Miss Amicus to where she belongs. It's almost midnight. The festivities should still be ongoing, so if we return her, we can have her transferred to a medic in the name of being one of the many drunk students."
Alicarde frowned but didn't oppose the idea. He didn't want Anne getting more involved in this mess any longer than she had to.
"Sure. How do you suppose we explain the blood on her body? And there's also the fact that she was sober when she was taken. Anne doesn't even drink, like at all."
Malefica smiled coldly. "We don't explain anything. We were never there. As for the blood and anything else, I think I can manage one more spell today."
She walked up to Anne, waving her hand over the unconscious girl. She cast a spell, and a soft light suffused her body, restoring her clothes to their original state. The blood disappeared, leaving her as pristine as she had been before the incident.
Alicarde turned to Malefica. "So now what? Are we just going to return her to campus, hoping someone finds her?"
Malefica maintained her imperious expression.
"I placed a spell on her that should keep her asleep until morning."
Alicarde watched as she left the room, walking deeper into her residence. She returned a minute later with a bottle of obviously expensive alcohol. She opened the bottle, dripping some of its contents on the sleeping Anne. Then she carefully lifted her up and let a bit of the liquid enter her mouth. Tilting her head to the side, she ensured Anne spit it out before it reached her throat.
Alicarde silently observed. He understood what was happening. When Anne woke, her breath would stink of alcohol, and she'd reek of it. Anyone who found her would assume she had passed out drunk.
With that done, Alicarde carried Anne back to Malefica's car. They drove past the campus gates without incident, the security guards not even bothering to check. Malefica's car was obviously well-known.
When they reached a less-crowded area of campus, Malefica pulled out an enchanted artifact that dispelled any lingering students. She parked the car, and Alicarde placed Anne on a bench near the campus center.
"That artifact," Malefica explained, "is mostly for you. You're covered in dried blood, and your stench would raise too many questions."
"Nice too know i stink so much" Alicarde couldn't miss an opportunity to be snarky but nevertheless.
Alicarde nodded, appreciating the gesture as they watched from the car. A few minutes later, the assistant class rep, Mark Green, found Anne. He quickly called for help. Alicarde sighed in relief.
"Take me to my car," he muttered.
When they reached his car, he opened the door and stepped out of Malefica's vehicle without so much as a farewell. He didn't bother looking back at the witch. He sat in his own car, grateful to see the blinking lights of messages from Carrisa and Amena, on the screen of the car's dashboard. At least something was still normal.
Exhausted, he drove home, the weight of the night's events pressing down on him like a boulder. Defeated, but not broken. Not just yet.