🇸🇭🇪-🇩🇪🇻🇮🇱

annika mardov.

[annikamardov]

belenvillas‌:

“Okay…okay…” So the book is hot. Amazing. Creepy, but no less amazing. The book doesn’t feel hot in her own hands, and Belén can’t even say that it feels warm in the slightest bit. Tightening her grip on it, if only to prove a point, she starts positing her theory to Annika, “it doesn’t feel hot to me, if I leave it near the fan then it even feels cool in my hand but you’re the second person it’s almost burned.” The words are on the tip of her tongue but she’s not sure about how to voice any of the things on her mind. Still, the young woman has to try. “It sounds crazy, even to me, but I’m starting to think that I’m bound to this book or something, you know? Genevieve knew what she was sending to who, and like everything else, it’s fucking weird.”

Belén laughs a little, it’s more humorless than anything and she’s exasperated but all of this is beyond reason. The events of the night have brought answers for her but have also multiplied her questions. 

“I think that’s the point.” Annika says slowly, thinking back to her book. Her first thought was to toss the thing and she did. An hour later, it was laying at doorstep. The only problem with that was she had thrown it away inside and there was no way she had taken it back out. It almost felt like the book was mocking her, until she opened it and took a look for herself. The connection was instant, almost like her agreeing to open the book had created a tie between her and the object. “Maybe it was something to do with your--I don’t know, specialty?” She didn’t realize how crazy she sounded until she said it.

“Mine is nothing like yours either.” She said shaking her head. Her book was considerably darker in nature and harbored an insane amount of dark energy at the touch of it. “Have you actually read anything inside it?”

[annikamardov]

lucrezia-venus‌:

The older woman raises a brow, surprised the money was returned but leaving no pause before she slipped the olive branch back into her pocket. She was as abrasive as Lucrezia had expected.  She followed the brunette to the corner, smirking instead of responding.  “ I could ahve been a ‘real client’ if you’d taken the money.  Strangely prideful reaction for a girl of your profession,” she shrugged. 

“Do you feel successful, Annika?” Luce leaned against the wall, arm crossed, cocktail in hand.  “Because I believe you’re intelligent enough not to be satisfied by whatever paltry tips you’re racking in with the half-assed performance you’re giving on that stage.”

“I make good money and I don’t get treated like complete shit here, I’d say yeah.” She shrugs, continuing to eye the woman. “But, I’m guessing that isn’t the answer you wanted.” Luce was onto something, the way she started at Annika made her feel uneasy, like she was sizing her up. “I’m not the type of girl who goes to college and creates a solid life for herself. Do I feel successful?” Annika beckons, asking the question in return. “No--But, this is sustainable.” And it was the truth, unfortunately. She had lived her life like this for so long. What other options could there be?

“I get it, though. You make good money with what you do.” Annika says, some bite in her voice. She wasn’t against what Luce did for a living, it was a dream to her. “But, what’s the point of this conversation? Are you trying to proposition me or something?”

[annikamardov]

necromaancing‌:

The urge to be snarky in response was overwhelming, followed by an almost equally strong desire to be flirtatious with the other girl. Carter swallowed it down of course, staying silent until they were in the private room, dark velvet curtains drawn shut with a hasty snap. Clubs had always felt so surreal to her, even when she was stone cold sober, there was something magical and intoxicating about them, it drew you in and infected you with its madness. 

Dark eyes peered callously at the other, guarding her true emotions carefully with a semi-bored expression. Annika’s question bit into her at that moment, as she settled into the velvety loveseat across from the other witch, the dim lighting barely illuminating the space between them, the club music still ringing in their ears. Jesus Christ, she mused silently to herself, her relationship with Annika’s attitude was one of love and hate. What was she here for? She leaned forward, a curtain of black hair pooling around her shoulders and catching the low light as she placed her elbows on her knees, chin resting in hand, eyes rolling to the heavens. “My intentions are good, I promise.” She tilted her head, a cold smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. “Fucked up? Fucked up how? You don’t- Think it's cool?” Maybe it was a mistake to beat around the bush, to engage in small talk with Annika. Maybe she shouldn’t be here, in this seductive place, after all. 

“Cool?” Annika asks, surprisingly amused. Cool was such a far stretch from how things felt. It wasn’t the Annika was hesitant about all of it anymore, she had actually embraced it quite a bit. She’d been working on small things, nothing to dangerous or risky, she wasn’t that stupid. Some harmless hexes on a couple of the assholes who were regulars at bar, reading and studying up on curses and all the other confusing things written in her book. “I mean, it’s freaky. I wouldn’t really considering it cool. It’s not like I have any actual powers or anything. Just some dumb book.” And maybe Annika was putting on a bit of a front, but that was a regular thing around Carter.

Annika sighs, pushing herself from the wall and over to were Carter was seated. She curled her legs up by her side and relaxed near the girl. “Why are you here, really?” Annika asks, her voice softer now. She figures a nicer approach at the situation would help them both out--as much as she still hated Carter, she could really be mad at her. 

[annikamardov]

jupitersari‌:

   She was quiet, lost in thought, and realizing this might be the first real disagreement she’d had with Annika yet. Sure, they’d only been friends for a few months now, but Ari felt closer to her than most other friends she’d made in the past; all fleeting, and superficial. Part of Ari felt disappointed that Anni couldn’t agree, that she wouldn’t go along with what Ari thought was best, what was right. Of course, she’d never speak up about it, or argue. No, that wasn’t in her nature. 

  “You are right,” She smiled sweetly instead with a nod, despite not even agreeing with her own words. Ariadne had always been a bit more of a people pleaser than she should. “I guess I am just waiting to see how it all plays out.”

Annika sighs heavily, throwing herself against the pile of blankets on her bed. She adjusts herself so her chin is resting in her palm and she’s laying stomach down on the bed. “Anyways--enough of that.” She says, waving her hand dismissively. She needed a break from all of this, all the witch talk, the who or who not to follow. Frankly, Annika was fine on her own. “How’s Peter?” Annika asks with a subtle smirk, drawing out his name a little longer than necessary.

In all honestly, Annika harbored a bit of jealous toward Ariadne. Nothing hostile, but she admired the life that Ari lived. She was well off, raised right, and had a partner who cared for her. Whether Ariadne was happy with that life or not, Annika would trade for it in a heartbeat. She figures that maybe she’s trying to fill what she hopes for by holding onto the fake relationships with her clients. She knows it’s all too good to be true. Besides, Annika will never be the girl you keep tied down. 

[annikamardov]

lucrezia-venus‌:

“Keeping tabs insinuates an obsession I don’t really possess. Not for you.  But to say I was interested…..”  Luce smiled, offering the girl the money as a peace offering. She knew Annika’s type inside and out. Sugared words and flattery would gain her no favors with the dark haired dancer.  So she spoke her words with a smile instead of a sneer, allowing the conversation to be as friendly as Annika would let it. “There’s enough there for a private show. Indulge me.”

She led the way without waiting for confirmation. It was strange to tower over another woman but Lucrezia supposed Annika’s charm lay in how petite she was- small but fierce.  It was something to be worked with, a uniqueness that would not be difficult to market.  When they were alone, she spoke again.  “I have a proposition I think you may like to consider. And no, not of that nature.” Both girls knew the private rooms were watched - it was a luke warm security measure. “Dance if you’d like to be inconspicuous- I wanted the privacy to chat.”

Lucrezia was good about remaining in the shadows, staying unnoticed. She did it almost every time she visited the club--sometimes you wouldn’t even realize she was around. “Obviously.” Annika laughed, taking the money for show and follow Lucrezia toward a far off corner. It was empty enough that they could talk without being interrupted, but there was also enough people around that it didn’t seem odd that they were around either. She slides the money back to Lucrezia once they’re seated, not wanting to take her money for several reasons. “It’s fine. Just let me know what you want to talk about.”

Annika sits down slowly, leg crossed over the other. She didn’t need to dance for her, they wouldn’t say anything. Most of the workers knew Luce, so there were no questions to be asked. “I gotta get back to work with the real clients, so try to make it quick.” She wasn’t trying to be rude, but it was the truth.

[annikamardov]

jupitersari‌:

   “i keep forgetting you are familiar with her,” ari replied thoughtfully, finding it odd still how woven into their lives genevieve seemed to be already. for most of their friendship, ari acted as annika’s sounding board, listening dutifully and giving her replies as needed, though she sometimes wondered if her wealth of wisdom was lost on annika, stubborn as ever. “i do believe, though i do not understand… but it has to be true. we have seen the evidence, no?” ari sat up on the bed, magazine forgotten about. annika did propose a very good question, though… why them? where did they all fit in? “maybe it is not like a puzzle. we do not all play a specific part. could it be randomly chosen? is there science to it, at all? this is why i say we need to listen to ms. ceoi.” really, what other choice did they have?

She hadn’t told Ariadne much about her book, the dreams she had been having (although they felt more like visions), and the overall uneasy vibe that had settled within her since leaving the party. Something in her had shifted, she’d dived full force into her grimoire, studying hexes and different ancient lore that had been jotted down in her book. It made her curious of the past owner, of whether or not that was who she had been dreaming about. Maybe this was all random, but there had to be something about them. Something that made them special. Or worse--dangerous.

“I love you, Ari. I really do--but you can’t put blind faith into someone you don’t know.” She tried to gently remind her. Ariadne wasn’t niave, Annika knew that. But, she didn’t know Genevieve like Annika did--or well, had. Still, it didn’t matter to her. “I’d rather do my own thing anyways.”

[annikamardov]

belenvillas‌:

“I wouldn’t be surprised; you think you know someone and then suddenly they’re asking a group of girls to meet for some mystery dinner y todo eso.” It’s laughable…almost. In any other circumstance, Belén is sure she could be dismissive of the mysticism ( try to ignore the instances of magic that have followed her throughout life ) but those candles, the gush of heat and everything else that had happened…there is no way that this is some made up tale. 

Belén cocks her head to the side at Annika’s words, they had been different in this sense, with Belén going above and beyond to make sure that her teachers could do nothing but like her. Still, she understands ( now more so than ever ), “they should be thankful that you kept them on their toes,” she starts to say, when an idea pops into her head and the conversation moves in a tangent. 

“Mm! Wait, wait wait…let me go get the book she sent me in the mail.” Her body hadn’t even sunk into the couch when she was on her feet again, Feet are padding across the hardwood floor in a rush as Belén grabs the grimoire from the kitchen table and rushes back to the couch. She’s sitting in front of Annika again, hands outstretched eyebrows raised. “Okay, I’m not like, trying to use you as a guinea pig or anything like that but…one of the interns at the museum grabbed it by accident, and she said it nearly burned her hand. It doesn’t feel hot to me, but —”

She doesn’t finish her sentence, simply glances between Annika and the leather-bound book. 

Annika seemed hesitant at first, to touch the book. When she’d touched her own, she hadn’t stopped having dreams since. They could be considered nightmares, but Annika didn’t see them that way. It felt more like visions, glimpses into a different life. Also, the book was just creepy. The amount of dark stuff written in that book, Annika doesn’t think she could ever share that with anyone but herself. Hexes, curses, spells about binding and taking someone’s soul. It was a lot of scary stuff that Annika had never dealt with before. Hesitantly, she decides to reach her hand out.

Almost immediately, she retracts her hand. “Shit.” She curses, nursing her hand against her chest. It wasn’t scolding hot, but it was enough to startle a person, leave her fingers tingly. “What the hell?”

[annikamardov]

aidaxaman‌:

“I’m fine with whatever. Only with you though,” Aida says throwing a smile Annika’s way. And that was the truth, too, because Aida didn’t have many friends she felt comfortable to go out with but Annika was someone she trusted enough to not let a drunk Aida make a fool of herself. Well, not too much of a fool, at least. “Drinks are welcomed. I’m not that much of a drinker but I need something after everything that’s happened.”

Aida hums, using her fingers to fluff up her hair just a bit and then letting it drop down her shoulders. She smiles softly at Annika. “Thanks. Will you do my makeup?”

Annika loved to drink. She was always the first one to suggest a night out, no matter the person she was with. She enjoyed living her life the way she did, having fun at any cost, trying to find the fun in things. “That’s what I like to hear.” Annika replies, a subtle smirk gracing her features. Even a small glass of wine was a good way to relax and unwind after the past few days they’ve had. “Tell me about it, though.” Annika rolls her eyes, not even wanting to begin to think about what had happened to them.

“What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t?” She asks with a laugh, quickly finding Aida’s stash of cosmetics. It didn’t take her long to finish up both of their looks, complete with a few last minute touch-ups.

When the arrive at the nightclub, it’s no more packed the usual. Despite her place of work, she didn’t mind the clubs at all. Though, she made a point to avoid being a customer at her own. “I still can’t believe all this crap.” Annika scoffs, taking a sip from her drink--something fruit and strong, sure to get her drunk.

[annikamardov]

anais-moon‌:

And holy fuck, where did she pop out from? She recognises them both, naturally, despite all her efforts plugging away trying to forget the night prior. Frankly, it’s a waste of her time and some good - or well, so-so - alcohol. “Wha - going in?” And no, that was definitely not part of her plan, but now they’re walking and well, Anais isn’t exactly at the steering wheel when it comes to her motor function right now. She stumbles into the gate rather gracefully, the resounding clang loud on otherwise, almost eerily silent night. 

“Uh, minding my own fucking business.” It’s a little arsey, sure, but Anais does not want to be anywhere near the cemetery right now, no thank you. She speaks through grit teeth and in doing so, looks a little feral. “If you guys want to have at it and do the whole pointy-hat, turning bones into potion thing, be my guest - but count me out, ta.” 

“Point-hat? With this outfit? Please.” Annika replied with an eye roll. The whole witch thing was just an annoying label that she was stuck with now, unfortunately. All of them were. But, the thing about the three of them--they were drawn to each other. Annika could feel it. It was faint, like a pull, nothing so strong she couldn’t ignore. But still, she could feel it whenever she was around the two of them. “I’m not digging up any type of grave for bones. The fuck do I look like?” Annika asks with a laugh, arms crossed over her chest. “You’re scared to go in? You think you’re going to bring a ghost home with you or something?” Annika had never been freaked out by graveyards, ghosts, or anything of the sort. She was more terrified of the dirt and getting her outfit dirty, which for Annika, was understandable. 

She hadn’t really acknowledge Carter until now, but she couldn’t seem to avoid her, as hard as she tried. She sighed and looked over at the other girl. “You coming with?” Annika asks, almost testing her. They were standing at the gate, lingering by the entrance, all clearly reluctant for a moment. She doesn’t mind going in, even for fun. If these three truly were connected, they wouldn’t let fear separate them. “Shit, I’ll just go in by myself.”

@necromaancing​

[annikamardov]

VLADIMIR ONYX, annika’s familiar.

Vlad appeared in Annika’s life shortly after she received the book. It seemed odd to see a small piglet roaming around the streets of Salem, but it wasn’t odd for someone to own such a pet either. She looked, examined--no clear indication that has was a pet or owned by anyone. He came by every night following his first appearance. Annika has adopted him at this point. As much as she hates to admit it, she loves the guy. She doesn’t know how important he’ll be in her life, but she does know he has a connection all of this and that she feels oddly protective over him.

Name: Vladimir Onyx, Vlad for short.

Annika loved the name Vladimir, but she added on the Onyx because of his strikingly dark coat. It fits him perfectly.

Appearance: Black coat, no marking.

Annika will sometimes dress him up in outfits, mostly because she finds it cute. Although, all she can find are cute frilly skirts and attire that Vlad has clearly not taken a liking to. So, most of the time, she doesn’t bother him with clothes (only when she’s bored). His black coat will sometimes help him hide in plain sight and Annika will often have to call out for him to get him to show.

Personality: Pensive and brooding.

Annika didn’t think pigs could scowl until she met Vlad. He almost never looks happy, but she knows he appreciate the care she provides for him. Annika often finds herself talking to Vlad, waiting for some kind of cue that maybe he understands, but his facial expression never falters. But, despite his stoic personality, he’s always at Annika’s side when she’s alone. He sleeps beside her at night and follows her around the house as he pleases. Annika finds it quite endearing.

Connection: Annika hates most common house pets.

She assumes that this can’t belong to the old witch who owner her grimoire, it just isn’t possible. But, it makes sense that her familiar would be something out of the ordinary. She’s never enjoyed normal pets, finding them more as pests than anything. Maybe she’ll understand their connection eventually, but for now--she knows that they came together for a reason, she needed to figure out why.

[annikamardov]

lucrezia-venus‌:

WHERE: velvet sensations, strip club  WHEN:  the night after the dinner party WHO: closed for @annikamardov​

Flinging the doors of Velvet open as a customer always brought a particular sense of satisfaction that Lucrezia couldn’t quite describe. There was power in handing money she’d once found so valuable to the bouncer, the cost easily spare change to her today. Staring at her old stage and winking at customer’s who’d thought their cheap antics were worthy of touching her.  On the other side of this glass she felt supreme. 

Tonight, she was here with a purpose, dodging old customers with a a controlled smile, moving towards her mark instead.  Annika was center stage, claiming her moment as a gaggle of voyeurs salivated. She watched with them, admiring the same although her intentions were far from equal to the men beside her.  Still, her arm raised, waving the dancer her way.  Between her fingers she sandwiched a generous cluster of bills.   Catching the brunette’s eye, she winked, coaxing her nearer with a curled finger.  

Luce. That was what everyone called her and it was the only name Annika associated her with. Beside spotting her at the dinner party (while pointedly avoiding her), she had spotted her around the club on multiple occasions. She’d heard rumors--Luce was popular around Salem, at least within these walls. It was easy to coax the secrets out of the men who entered her, begging for some connection. She’d kept close tabs. Annika knew that Luce was good at her job. Her time at the nightclub was before Annika, so she never experienced or witnessed the pull she had on the men who frequented the establishment.

She tilts her head slightly, interested, as she sees the cash curled around her fingers. Annika wasn’t going to question it. She quickly excused herself before sauntering her way toward the woman, curious of why she seemed so interested. “Keeping close tabs on me after the party, I assume?” Annika asks teasingly.

[annikamardov]

jupitersari‌:

   You’d think that based on how Ari was raised, she’d been more shy about seeing her friend naked and in such a vulnerable, sexual light; doing things on command, flirting and being cute for her cam shows, but Ari didn’t mind it at all. In fact, it all fascinated her; sexuality as a whole, harnessing the power of your body like that. Sometimes, she even envied her. “Which one?” Ari smirked from her spot lounging on the bed, flipping through a magazine. “Mara or Ms. Ceoi?” The sad part, either could be considered eager to take advantage of power. 

“Ms. Ceoi--she’s the one who pulled us into this shit storm.” Annika responds. Her annoyance is bleeding through and she cuts her show short, turning of the camera and taking down her setup. She didn’t want to work with a bad attitude, it wasn’t a good idea. “That lady was never good news, even when I knew her before.” She couldn’t put a finger on it back then, but it all made sense now. “Do you even believe any of it? The magic, the book? Maybe I’m just having a harder time understanding where I’m supposed to fit into all of this.” Annika says, venting like she always did. She runs a hand through her hair, messing up what she had worked on and hour before.

[annikamardov]

necromaancing‌:

“Wow Annika, sassy as ever,” Carter said in mild amusement, of course the other had found her first, and of course she was angry. She had never stepped foot in a strip club before, let alone the one her somewhat ex worked at. But times were changing right? They were now living in a new world- and likely they were on the precipices of a new life. They made the rules now, and Carter had come to make a truce, it was only right now that they were likely going to be in each other’s lives for a long time now. “Relax hot stuff, I come in peace, in fact.” 

The taller girl took a step forward, her bright onyx eyes flashing in the club lights as she gazed at the other, soaking her up, and noting her skimpy outfit. She almost laughed at the absurdity of it all, last summer she would’ve had a heart attack over it, but now she somehow found it sexy. The loud music of the club made it impossible to think straight, “I’m here for a truce, let’s go somewhere quieter?” She was curious to if the other would cuss her out or agree, and she let her eyes slide up to glance at the champagne rooms, where the strippers took their clients to give private lap dances, and then back down to Annika, raising a perfectly arched brow in question. 

Annika dialed back her anger, always on the offense against Carter. She took a deep breath and waited, watching as Carter examined her. “Fine.” She sighs, taking Carter by the wrist to pull her off to one of the private rooms, reserved for paying clients. “I should charge you, but I’m not going to act like that much of a bitch.” When inside, Annika snapped the curtain closed and switched the light on the outside, signalling that the room was occupied. Annika settles herself a safe distance from Carter, leaning against the velvet covered walls. She didn’t trust herself around Carter. The distance was necessary for Annika.

“If this is about the dinner party, I don’t have any ideas either. All I know is--I got a book, then that invitation, and my life has been fucked up since.” Her grimoire, something she had turned into a bedtime story for herself when she was trying to fall asleep at night, was kept close to her at home. “Why are you really here, Carter?”

[annikamardov]

aidaxaman‌:

Once she spots what Annika is holding Aida can’t help but grin widely. Trust her to be prepared in any situation, Aida thinks. “Oh, those are so gorgeous. You expect me to rock either of these?” Her tone is incredulous as she looks at the dress and the two-piece outfit Annika sets on the couch, bending down slightly to let her fingers trail over the material. She hesitates for a second before pointing to the red outfit. “I think I’ll go with that one. I love the pattern and plus, I’ve spent hours at the gym, might as well show these abs off,” she jokes, running her hands over her toned stomach jokingly.

“A lap dance?” Her eyes widen just a fraction as she picks up her outfit, walking towards the bedroom to change. “Hey, if it’s you doing it, I won’t complain,” Aida tells her with a wink. She shrugs out of her casual wear quickly, changing into the small red top and skirt and looking herself over in the mirror. “Come look. I think I like it. Should I leave my hair down?”

“Good choice.” Annika smiles, tossing the orange dress to the side and handing over the two-piece. She’s barely worn it, but it’s easily one of her favorite pieces she owns. “It’s not like I don’t have a few years of practice.” Annika adds, snorting softly when she laughs. She had worked at the nightclub for almost four years, picking up on more than a few tricks. “We could just get a few drinks, though. I definitely need it.” After the dinner party, no doubt.

“Leave it down.” Annika replies, taking a couple steps behind Aida, playing with her hair carefully. “It looks cute.”

[annikamardov]

anais-moon‌:

So yeah, Anais may have taken the invitation of free champagne a little too literally. She’s guaranteed a raging hangover in the morning, but here’s the thing: a) She’ll drink it away with hair of the dog and b) It helps with not thinking about whatever the fuck happened in there. So she’s swaying a little when Annika re-introduces herself, but she’s got enough sense of her faculties to click and nod. “Right, yeah. Orgy girl. Did you get any more takers?” 

“Orgy girl.” Annika repeats, finding the combination of words amusing. “That’s a first.” She’s been called quite an array of things, but that was a new one. She steps closer, hoping that Anais doesn’t decide to stumble and fall over. “Also, no. It wasn’t really the first thing on mind after being told that I’m a witch--or whatever.” The words hadn’t settled in yet, they didn’t seem real. “You plan on going in?” Annika asked curiously, eyeing the graveyard across the street.

[annikamardov]

belenvillas‌:

Okay, Belén has questions, and plenty of ‘em. The entire dinner party was a recipe for…well she’s not sure what, but it wasn’t a recipe for anything mundane. The ‘Last Supper’ is titled as such for a reason, you know? And this little dinner party of theirs had all the ingredients. Ominous invitation? check. One sole benefactor to unite them all? check. And magic of all things? Take that check and multiply it by fifteen. 

She doesn’t know what to make it, and its comforting to know that Annika doesn’t either; confusion loves company after all. The young woman had been pacing back and forth in the living room until Annika had arrived, stopping in front of a candle every so often before she continued to pace again. It’s easy for her to get in her head and stay there for an undisclosed period of time, so Annika’s words are a welcome disruption to the once quiet living room. “You’re not, trust me. And, no, I can’t believe this shit. Well, not all of it, I really wanna believe the candle stuff.” 

Belén throws herself down on the opposite end of the couch, eyebrows raised high, “And I really wanna know how she got all of our addresses; a ton of girls aren’t gonna join any weird witch cult if you’ve been stalking them…you think she’s been watching you since high school or something? Because that’s weird.” 

“She never really seemed to worried about any of her students, but maybe that was a front--” Annika stops, thinking for a moment, “I don’t think she liked me very much, anyways. I always gave my teachers a lot of trouble.” She wasn’t a problem child or a shit starter, but she hated the idea of those adults thinking they had some kind of power over them. She never did well with authority, growing up without a parental figure present in her life. 

“You can easily find an address, that stuff isn’t private--as much as it should be.” Still, it was creepy. “But like, the books? Those can’t be fake. There’s so much shit in them, that just--she’s gotta be super fucked in the head if they are.”

[annikamardov]

anais-moon‌:

WHEN: the evening after the dinner party

WHERE: the corner of howard street, by the cemetery

WHO: open to all

If someone had told Anais that the night’s antics would culminate with fifteen girls screaming in a dark room, well  — she would’ve credited herself. As it stands, it seems Salem has another scammer in its midst. From one con artist to another, Anais appreciates the production value but for the most part, she’s underwhelmed. Because, really now  — witches, in Salem? Groundbreaking. 

It’s the other part that lingers. She’s a master of trickery, even when it comes to herself; she knows how to manage the murmurs with alcohol and pills, but last night’s voice was strident and undeniable despite all the champagne she’d consumed. It’s got her thinking about the book on her bedside table, about strange occurrences from her past glimmering back into focus. It’s got her thinking when she’d rather not be thinking at all.

That part comes easily. She finds a bar that’s empty, given she gets there just after 2pm. From then she drinks herself steadily into a stupor, until the world is soft and muffled and the room spins. She stumbles back out onto the street around 7pm and braces herself against a nearby lamppost. It’s sunset, and in the fading light she stills, staring at the cemetery across the road.

Annika couldn’t find it in her to return to her apartment alone, too afraid that she was being followed. There was a sense of unnerve that followed her out of that dinner party and it hadn’t left since. Just when she finally finds the courage to head that way, she stumbles upon a girl--one she had met at the party. It couldn’t be coincidence, none of what had happened lately was. She looked slightly tipsy, like the party had gotten to her just as much. She hadn’t bothered to ask her about the book she had received or what she truly thought of all this, maybe now was a good time for it. “Hey,” She calls out gently, so not to startle the other, “It’s Annika. From the party.” Like she didn’t already know that. “Got something on your mind?” She asks curiously, “Or are you just the type to stare at graveyards all night?”