Chapter 6: A Witch's Legacy
The streets of New Orleans were as vibrant as ever, but Adam's mind was elsewhere. He had only scratched the surface of his recruitment efforts, but this next step was going to be a challenge. Davina Claire.
She wasn't just a powerful witch; she was fiercely independent, and Adam knew convincing her to join his cause wouldn't be easy. Still, he had an ace up his sleeve: her best friend, Josh.
Elijah walked beside him, his posture as composed as ever. "Davina is not someone who will trust you easily. She has been betrayed too many times."
Adam nodded. "That's why I'm not showing up empty-handed."
Trailing behind them, Stiles popped a piece of gum into his mouth. "So, what's the plan? Walk up to her, say 'Hey, I can bring your dead best friend back,' and hope she doesn't hex you into next week?"
"Something like that," Adam replied, his smirk betraying a mix of confidence and nerves.
They found Davina in an open courtyard near the French Quarter, sketching runes in a worn leather-bound journal. She looked up as they approached, her expression guarded.
"Elijah." Her voice was sharp, but there was a hint of softness beneath it.
"Davina," Elijah said, bowing his head respectfully. "I would like to introduce you to someone."
Her gaze shifted to Adam, sizing him up. "Who are you?"
Adam stepped forward, his tone calm and measured. "My name's Adam. I'm putting together a team to deal with supernatural threats. And I want you to join us."
Davina's brow furrowed, her skepticism obvious. "Why would I do that? I'm done fighting everyone else's battles."
"Because I can give you something no one else can," Adam said, his voice steady. "I can bring Josh back."
The courtyard fell silent. Davina's fingers tightened around her journal, and for a moment, she seemed to stop breathing.
"Don't joke about that," she whispered, her voice trembling with equal parts hope and fury.
"I'm not joking," Adam said. "I have the power to resurrect people. And I'm offering to bring back Josh—if you'll join us."
Davina led them to a quiet corner of the courtyard, her emotions barely contained. She didn't say a word until they were seated around a small wrought-iron table.
"How?" she finally asked, her voice thick with emotion.
Adam leaned forward, his tone gentle but direct. "It's a long story, but the short version is this: I have a system that allows me to bring people back to life. Josh would come back just as he was, memories and all. The only catch is that you join my team."
Davina stared at him, her mind racing. "You think you can just waltz in here and buy my loyalty with... this?"
"It's not about buying your loyalty," Adam said. "It's about giving you a choice. You're one of the most powerful witches out there, Davina. With you on the team, we could actually make a difference."
Elijah chimed in, his voice calm and reassuring. "You've always fought for what's right, Davina. This is a chance to continue that fight—but on your terms."
Her eyes darted between the two men before settling on Adam. "If you're lying to me..."
"I'm not," Adam said firmly. "And I'll prove it."
The ritual to bring Josh back wasn't complicated, but it required focus. Adam stood in the center of a rune circle, his hands glowing faintly with the energy of the system.
<System Alert: Resurrection of Josh is in progress. Remaining resurrection uses: 4.>
Davina watched with bated breath as the energy coalesced, forming into the familiar shape of her best friend. When the light faded, Josh stood before them, looking confused but very much alive.
"Davina?" he asked, blinking in disbelief.
Tears streamed down her face as she ran to him, pulling him into a tight hug. "Josh! Oh my God, it's really you!"
Josh hugged her back, his expression a mix of shock and joy. "Okay, this is either the best day ever or I've been sucked into some really weird afterlife."
Stiles, watching from the sidelines, smirked. "Oh, you're definitely alive. Welcome to the weirdest team-up ever."
Josh looked over Davina's shoulder at Adam, then at Elijah. "Uh... what's going on?"
Davina pulled back, wiping her tears. "I'll explain everything. But first... thank you," she said, looking at Adam.
Adam nodded. "Does that mean you're in?"
She hesitated, then sighed. "I'm in. But don't think for a second that I trust you completely."
"That's fair," Adam said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Welcome to the team."
As they walked away from the courtyard, Stiles glanced at Josh, who was still trying to process everything.
"So, what's your deal?" Josh asked, falling into step with him.
Stiles grinned. "I'm the guy who keeps everyone sane around here. Well, sort of."
Josh raised an eyebrow. "Sane? You?"
"Okay, maybe not sane," Stiles admitted. "But I'm definitely the funniest one here."
Josh smirked. "We'll see about that."
Adam couldn't help but smile as he listened to their banter. The team was coming together, piece by piece. And with Davina and Josh on board, they were one step closer to their goal.