Warlock Ch 16. Trust is a Rare Commodity
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It's stew, Damian. I didn't put anything weird inside, I promise."
"Nothing weird at all? Like... I don't know, lizard's tail or zombie nails, or something?" His tone was joking, but there was a real edge of suspicion. After the night he'd had, who knew what was considered normal food in this world?
Evelyn laughed softly, shaking her head. "Just... no. It's regular stew. I swear. Potatoes, meat, and some herbs—none of which are magical or cursed."
Damian glanced at her, then back at the bowl, still not entirely convinced. But hunger gnawed at him, and eventually, he took a cautious spoonful. His eyebrows raised in surprise as the warm, savory flavors hit his tongue. "Okay, not bad. Actually, really good," he admitted, taking another bite. "I was half-expecting to start sprouting wings or something."
Evelyn sat down across from him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Not everything in the magical world is strange, you know. Some things are still... normal. Like stew."
They ate in relative silence for a while, the comfort of the meal providing a much-needed break from the whirlwind of the evening. Damian's mind was still buzzing with questions, but for a few minutes, the food gave him something simple to focus on. The warmth of the stew settled his nerves, grounding him in a way he hadn't felt since this entire ordeal began.
But, of course, the calm couldn't last long.
Evelyn set her spoon down, her expression shifting from casual to serious. "Damian, there's something we need to talk about."
His stomach tightened, and he set his own spoon down, bracing himself for whatever was coming next. "Yeah? What is it?"
"This world you've stepped into—it's not just about magic and gaining power," she began, her tone firm. "There are factions that govern Haven City's supernatural community. Witches, warlocks, vampires... creatures you've only ever heard of in stories. They live in secrecy, but they're real, and they have their own rules, their own politics. You need to be aware of that."
Damian's mind raced as he processed her words. "Factions? Like... magical gangs or something?"
"More like governments," Evelyn explained. "Each faction controls a part of the city, keeping order in their own way. But it's not as simple as humans versus supernatural beings. Within the magical world, there are alliances, rivalries, and constant power struggles. Witches and warlocks may work together sometimes, but there's always tension. Vampires... well, they have their own interests, and they're not always aligned with ours."
Damian sat back in his chair, letting that sink in. "So, you're telling me that while I'm trying to figure out how to deal with my own powers, I've got to watch my back for a bunch of different supernatural groups too? That's... great."
Evelyn nodded, her expression serious. "Yes. And because of who you are—because of your potential—some of those factions will be very interested in you. Not all for good reasons."
Damian couldn't help but laugh, though there was no humor in it. "Of course. I'm just a guy trying to get through his life, and now I'm suddenly the target of supernatural politics. Why wouldn't I be?"
Evelyn's gaze softened, but her tone remained firm. "I know it's a lot to take in, but you need to understand how dangerous this world can be. Malthus isn't the only one who wants to control you, Damian. And some factions won't give you the choice—they'll try to take what they want by force."
Damian frowned, his appetite fading as the weight of her words settled in. "And what happens if I refuse? What if I don't want to be a part of any of this?"
Evelyn leaned forward, her eyes locking onto his. "You don't get that choice anymore. Whether you like it or not. Ignoring it won't make it go away—it'll just make you vulnerable."
Damian's mind raced, thinking about what Evelyn had said, about Malthus, about the factions, and about the fact that his life had changed in ways he couldn't fully comprehend yet.
"So, I'm a warlock with a target on my back, huh?" Damian muttered, rubbing his temples. "And these factions—how do I know who's on my side?"
Evelyn sighed. "That's the thing—you don't. Not yet. You have to be careful, Damian. Trust is a rare commodity in this world, and alliances can shift quickly."
Damian's mind buzzed with uncertainty. "And you? Where do you fit into all of this? You said you're helping me, but why? What do you gain from this?"
Evelyn didn't look away, her gaze steady. "I'm not like Malthus. I'm not after your power to use it for myself. But I am a part of this world, and I know what's at stake. I've seen what happens to people who don't take their place in it seriously. I'm helping you because if you don't survive, this world will consume you."
"You still haven't answered my question," Damian said, his voice quieter but filled with determination. "Why are you really helping me? Why did you come to me in the first place?"
Evelyn fell silent, her eyes softening as she looked at him. For a moment, it seemed like she might finally give him a straight answer, but instead, she sighed, her expression filled with something like regret. "I can't tell you everything right now," she said softly. "Someday, you'll understand. What I can tell you is that the bond between us—it's existed longer than you think."
Damian's brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean? Longer than I think? I just met you."
Evelyn smiled, but it was a sad smile, one that didn't reach her eyes. "Not exactly. The bond we have... it's deeper than just meeting someone for the first time. There are forces at work here that have been in motion long before tonight. One day, you'll see the whole picture. But for now, you'll have to trust that what we're building is real."