doctors in gaza are putting aside their own well being to ensure that the wounded get medical attention and stay alive somehow. they have seen some of the worst injuries ever. they're performing surgeries without anaesthesia and holding the hands of their patients, trying to console them and distract them from the pain.
there has been no aid in gaza since may and medical supplies are running low. there are so many wounded and so little resources to take care of them. despite all these hurdles, healthcare workers in gaza are doing a great job and helping as many people as possible.
we need to protect doctors in gaza. they're being deliberately targeted and their lives are at risk. dr. shahd works in a hospital in gaza. she is fundraising to ensure that she can buy necessities and evacuate once it is possible. please help her keep herself and her family safe.
Anyway, for the last two days entire towns in southern Lebanon have been erased and 87 martyrs in Lebanon since yesterday. 40 airstrikes just this morning. In Gaza people are desperate for food. In northern Gaza more men and boys have been kidnapped and tortured by the occupation, people are forced to sleep in the cold streets, and extermination is on the horizon. The occupation has besieged northern Gaza for 32 consecutive days and israeli soldiers have executed doctors and blown up the children’s ward in hospitals. All across Gaza the bodies of martyrs continues to rise and suffering is indescribable. The occupation has invaded Jenin and its refugee camps, in the West Bank, for over two days murdering and kidnapping people, and demolishing homes, businesses and streets.
Donate to Noor immediately and help feed her family. Every $ makes a difference.
Harry Styles AU x Female Original Character (Vera)
summary: in which Harry's secrets pull Vera into an unexpected mysterious world
series warning: supernatural themes
status: completed
Main Masterlist | Read on Wattpad (@/duhstylesfr)
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NUMINOUS: Having a quality of mystery, awe, or spiritual significance that elicits feelings of reverence, wonder, or a sense of the sacred; often associated with experiences or entities that evoke a profound sense of the divine or transcendent
Harry Styles AU x Female Original Character (Vera)
summary: in which Harry's secrets pull Vera into an unexpected mysterious world
series warning: supernatural themes
status: completed
Main Masterlist | Read on Wattpad (@/duhstylesfr)
・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・
NUMINOUS: Having a quality of mystery, awe, or spiritual significance that elicits feelings of reverence, wonder, or a sense of the sacred; often associated with experiences or entities that evoke a profound sense of the divine or transcendent
summary: in which Harry's secrets pull Vera into an unexpected mysterious world | 1.2k words
a/n: HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVE!!
warnings: supernatural themes
Masterlist | NUMINOUS Masterlist
Read on Wattpad (@/duhstylesfr)
one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten | eleven | twelve | thirteen
・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・
The mornings, Vera and Harry would share quiet breakfasts, often accompanied by Shadow, who would curl up in Vera's lap, purring contentedly.
Harry had a way of looking at her that made her heart flutter—a softness in his piercing green eyes that made her feel cherished and safe. As they cooked together in the kitchen, he would lean in close, whispering little jokes that made her laugh, his breath tickling her ear.
"I can't let you burn the pancake again," he teased one evening, gabbing the spatula to flip it once the batter was cooked, as Vera feigned a gasp of offense.
"Oh, please! It was one time!" she laughed, shaking her head. "And it was a very small fire."
"Very small," he echoed, smirking. "But it did add a certain... flavor to the pancake."
Their playful banter was punctuated by moments of tender silence. They would often find themselves wrapped up in each other's arms, lost in the comfort of simply being together.
After breakfast, Harry pulled out a small collection of jars filled with vibrant herbs and colorful powders. "You want to see how I make my healing potions?" he asked, a glint of excitement in his eyes.
Vera leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "Absolutely! I've always wanted to know how that works."
Harry began sorting through the jars, explaining each ingredient with careful precision. "This one here," he said, holding up a delicate green herb, "is chamomile. It's great for calming the mind. And this"—he pointed to a bright yellow powder—"is turmeric. It helps with inflammation."
Vera listened intently, her heart swelling with admiration.
He continued to explain, eyes sparkling."It's also about intention. You have to focus on what you want to achieve while you're mixing."
"Intention?" she echoed, her brow furrowing in thought. "That's so interesting."
Harry nodded, a hint of seriousness creeping into his expression. "Yeah. That's why the tea I made for you is special. It's a blend designed specifically for sleep and peace. I wanted you to feel safe and relaxed, especially after everything."
Touched, Vera met his gaze, warmth radiating between them. "I really appreciate it, Harry. You've made such a difference in my life."
With a gentle smile, he continued, "And those plants I gave you? They're meant to protect your aura and home. They create a shield, especially when I can't be there."
Vera felt a flutter of affection. "You're like my own personal guardian," she teased lightly. "A witchy superhero."
Harry laughed, the sound warm and rich. "If only it were that glamorous."
﹌﹌
One evening, as they sat on the couch sharing a blanket, Harry gently brushed a stray hair from Vera's face. "You know, I never thought I could feel this way about someone," he admitted, his voice low and sincere.
Vera's heart swelled at his words. "Neither did I," she replied softly, leaning in closer.
Harry's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining naturally. The warmth radiated between them, and without thinking, she leaned in, her lips brushing softly against his. The kiss deepened, a sweet melding of affection and promise.
Shadow jumps onto the couch pulling them apart, comfortably curled into Vera's lap. The cat purred contentedly, his little body vibrating with happiness as Vera absentmindedly scratched behind his ears.
"Look at this," Harry said, a mock pout forming on his lips as he crossed his arms. "I think Shadow likes you more than he likes me."
Vera laughed, glancing down at the feline, who seemed utterly oblivious to the playful accusation. "Oh he definitely does! I'm only here for him to be honest."
"What?!" Harry exclaimed, feigning shock. "Of course, I should have known." He pointed dramatically at her, as if he were announcing a great injustice.
"He's softer, sorry." She shot back, giggling at his antics.
Shadow lifted his head, glancing between them, clearly unfazed by the banter. Harry leaned closer, adopting a conspiratorial tone. "You know, I think he's plotting something. A secret alliance, perhaps. Shadow and Vera, the Dynamic Duo against Harry the poor lonely bystander."
Vera chuckled, rubbing Shadow's chin. "What can I say? He's just too charming to resist."
Harry crossed his arms again, this time a playful scowl on his face. "I'm telling you, I deserve more credit here. I'm the one who brought him into your life. And now he's stealing my spotlight!"
"Oh, come on," Vera teased, leaning over to ruffle Harry's hair playfully. "You can't deny Shadow just... well, he adds a little extra charm."
"Extra charm?" Harry raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You're saying I'm not charming enough? Is that it?"
Vera shook her head, laughing. "Not at all! But you've got some competition now, my friend."
"Friend?" Harry's eyes widened, feigning shock. "What's a man to do to change his status?"
"Maybe just ask?" She bit her lip, teasingly raising an eyebrow.
Harry took a dramatic step back, clutching his heart as if wounded. "Vera, will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?" His voice dropped to a mockingly serious tone, and he put on an exaggeratedly sincere expression.
Vera's laughter filled the room, her cheeks warming at his earnestness. "You're such a dork!" she exclaimed, shaking her head. But deep down, her heart fluttered at the sincerity behind his words.
He leaned in closer, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Is that a yes, or do I need to prepare a grand romantic gesture? Perhaps a serenade?"
"Please, no serenades," she replied, waving her hand dismissively, though she couldn't help the smile spreading across her face. "I might just run away."
"Okay, fair enough," Harry said, chuckling softly. "But seriously, what do you think? I'd really like to be more than just friends."
Vera felt a rush of warmth at his words, a wave of affection sweeping over her. She looked into his eyes, finding a mixture of hope and vulnerability. "I think I'd like that, Harry. I really would."
A grin broke out on his face, bright and infectious. "So it's official then? You're mine?"
"For now," she teased, biting back a smile. "But just so you know, Shadow might be a little jealous."
Harry laughed, glancing down at the cat, who was still curled comfortably in Vera's lap. "Shadow will just have to accept that he has to share you now. I'm sure he'll come around."
As their laughter faded into a comfortable silence, Harry shifted closer, his shoulder brushing against hers. Vera felt an electric spark at the contact, the world around them fading away. It was as if everything had fallen into place.
They both leaned back into the couch, a sense of peace enveloping them as Shadow purred softly in her lap. In that moment, everything felt right.
summary: in which Harry's secrets pull Vera into an unexpected mysterious world | 1.2k words
a/n: HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVE!!
warnings: supernatural themes
Masterlist | NUMINOUS Masterlist
Read on Wattpad (@/duhstylesfr)
one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten | eleven | twelve | thirteen
・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・
The mornings, Vera and Harry would share quiet breakfasts, often accompanied by Shadow, who would curl up in Vera's lap, purring contentedly.
Harry had a way of looking at her that made her heart flutter—a softness in his piercing green eyes that made her feel cherished and safe. As they cooked together in the kitchen, he would lean in close, whispering little jokes that made her laugh, his breath tickling her ear.
"I can't let you burn the pancake again," he teased one evening, gabbing the spatula to flip it once the batter was cooked, as Vera feigned a gasp of offense.
"Oh, please! It was one time!" she laughed, shaking her head. "And it was a very small fire."
"Very small," he echoed, smirking. "But it did add a certain... flavor to the pancake."
Their playful banter was punctuated by moments of tender silence. They would often find themselves wrapped up in each other's arms, lost in the comfort of simply being together.
After breakfast, Harry pulled out a small collection of jars filled with vibrant herbs and colorful powders. "You want to see how I make my healing potions?" he asked, a glint of excitement in his eyes.
Vera leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "Absolutely! I've always wanted to know how that works."
Harry began sorting through the jars, explaining each ingredient with careful precision. "This one here," he said, holding up a delicate green herb, "is chamomile. It's great for calming the mind. And this"—he pointed to a bright yellow powder—"is turmeric. It helps with inflammation."
Vera listened intently, her heart swelling with admiration.
He continued to explain, eyes sparkling."It's also about intention. You have to focus on what you want to achieve while you're mixing."
"Intention?" she echoed, her brow furrowing in thought. "That's so interesting."
Harry nodded, a hint of seriousness creeping into his expression. "Yeah. That's why the tea I made for you is special. It's a blend designed specifically for sleep and peace. I wanted you to feel safe and relaxed, especially after everything."
Touched, Vera met his gaze, warmth radiating between them. "I really appreciate it, Harry. You've made such a difference in my life."
With a gentle smile, he continued, "And those plants I gave you? They're meant to protect your aura and home. They create a shield, especially when I can't be there."
Vera felt a flutter of affection. "You're like my own personal guardian," she teased lightly. "A witchy superhero."
Harry laughed, the sound warm and rich. "If only it were that glamorous."
﹌﹌
One evening, as they sat on the couch sharing a blanket, Harry gently brushed a stray hair from Vera's face. "You know, I never thought I could feel this way about someone," he admitted, his voice low and sincere.
Vera's heart swelled at his words. "Neither did I," she replied softly, leaning in closer.
Harry's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining naturally. The warmth radiated between them, and without thinking, she leaned in, her lips brushing softly against his. The kiss deepened, a sweet melding of affection and promise.
Shadow jumps onto the couch pulling them apart, comfortably curled into Vera's lap. The cat purred contentedly, his little body vibrating with happiness as Vera absentmindedly scratched behind his ears.
"Look at this," Harry said, a mock pout forming on his lips as he crossed his arms. "I think Shadow likes you more than he likes me."
Vera laughed, glancing down at the feline, who seemed utterly oblivious to the playful accusation. "Oh he definitely does! I'm only here for him to be honest."
"What?!" Harry exclaimed, feigning shock. "Of course, I should have known." He pointed dramatically at her, as if he were announcing a great injustice.
"He's softer, sorry." She shot back, giggling at his antics.
Shadow lifted his head, glancing between them, clearly unfazed by the banter. Harry leaned closer, adopting a conspiratorial tone. "You know, I think he's plotting something. A secret alliance, perhaps. Shadow and Vera, the Dynamic Duo against Harry the poor lonely bystander."
Vera chuckled, rubbing Shadow's chin. "What can I say? He's just too charming to resist."
Harry crossed his arms again, this time a playful scowl on his face. "I'm telling you, I deserve more credit here. I'm the one who brought him into your life. And now he's stealing my spotlight!"
"Oh, come on," Vera teased, leaning over to ruffle Harry's hair playfully. "You can't deny Shadow just... well, he adds a little extra charm."
"Extra charm?" Harry raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You're saying I'm not charming enough? Is that it?"
Vera shook her head, laughing. "Not at all! But you've got some competition now, my friend."
"Friend?" Harry's eyes widened, feigning shock. "What's a man to do to change his status?"
"Maybe just ask?" She bit her lip, teasingly raising an eyebrow.
Harry took a dramatic step back, clutching his heart as if wounded. "Vera, will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?" His voice dropped to a mockingly serious tone, and he put on an exaggeratedly sincere expression.
Vera's laughter filled the room, her cheeks warming at his earnestness. "You're such a dork!" she exclaimed, shaking her head. But deep down, her heart fluttered at the sincerity behind his words.
He leaned in closer, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Is that a yes, or do I need to prepare a grand romantic gesture? Perhaps a serenade?"
"Please, no serenades," she replied, waving her hand dismissively, though she couldn't help the smile spreading across her face. "I might just run away."
"Okay, fair enough," Harry said, chuckling softly. "But seriously, what do you think? I'd really like to be more than just friends."
Vera felt a rush of warmth at his words, a wave of affection sweeping over her. She looked into his eyes, finding a mixture of hope and vulnerability. "I think I'd like that, Harry. I really would."
A grin broke out on his face, bright and infectious. "So it's official then? You're mine?"
"For now," she teased, biting back a smile. "But just so you know, Shadow might be a little jealous."
Harry laughed, glancing down at the cat, who was still curled comfortably in Vera's lap. "Shadow will just have to accept that he has to share you now. I'm sure he'll come around."
As their laughter faded into a comfortable silence, Harry shifted closer, his shoulder brushing against hers. Vera felt an electric spark at the contact, the world around them fading away. It was as if everything had fallen into place.
They both leaned back into the couch, a sense of peace enveloping them as Shadow purred softly in her lap. In that moment, everything felt right.
summary: in which Harry's secrets pull Vera into an unexpected mysterious world | 1.5k words
a/n: one part left :)
warnings: supernatural themes
Masterlist | NUMINOUS Masterlist
Read on Wattpad (@/duhstylesfr)
one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten | eleven | twelve | thirteen
・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・
As the days passed, the bond between Vera and Harry deepened, the connection between them blossoming like the vibrant plants that filled his home. Each moment spent together felt charged with unspoken understanding, a comfort that grew more profound with every shared laugh and gentle touch.
Harry's presence became a soothing balm against the chaos of her thoughts, and she couldn't deny the thrill that coursed through her when he brushed his fingers against hers or offered a gentle smile.
One evening, as they sat together in his cozy living room, their plate of lasagna long emptied, Harry shifted closer, the flickering candlelight illuminating the contours of his face. "Vera," he began, his voice low and serious, "I've been thinking. With that demon still out there, I want you to stay here—at least until I can deal with it."
Vera's heart raced at the invitation, a mixture of fear and comfort washing over her. "You mean... stay here? With you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded, the earnestness in his eyes grounding her. "I know you've been staying here already, but I want to make it official. I'd feel better knowing you're safe. This demon is after you, and I can't rest easy if you're not with me."
She chewed on her bottom lip, contemplating the gravity of his words. It was strange to think of living in his home, surrounded by the aroma of herbs and the soft hum of magic. But the reality of the situation was undeniable.
"What else can I do?" she finally admitted, her voice steadier than she felt. "I mean, a supernatural creature is after me, and another supernatural being is trying to protect me. I'd be foolish not to take the offer."
A small smile broke across Harry's face, and for a fleeting moment, the tension between them seemed to dissipate. "It's settled then," he said, relief washing over him. "I'll make sure you're safe."
As she nodded in agreement, a surge of affection welled up within her. There was something undeniably reassuring about Harry's steadfastness, the way he made her feel protected even in the midst of chaos. "Thank you, Harry," she said softly, her gaze lingering on his. "It means a lot."
He reached out, his fingers brushing against her hand in a gesture that felt intimate and profound. "You don't have to thank me for looking out for you. That's what I want to do."
Vera felt a warmth bloom in her chest at his words. She could sense the bond between them strengthening, each shared moment weaving them closer together. "I really appreciate it," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I feel safer with you."
"Good," he replied, his tone softening. "Because I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe."
With that, an unspoken promise hung between them, sealing their fates together in a way neither of them could fully understand yet. As they sat in comfortable silence, Vera realized that she didn't just feel safe; she felt at home.
﹌﹌
The faint sound of rain pattered against the windows, adding a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Vera curled her legs beneath her, stealing a glance at Harry, who was absorbed in flipping through a worn book on herbal remedies.
"Do you think you'll ever take a break from all this?" she asked, her voice breaking the soft silence. "I mean, all the demon hunting and potion brewing?"
He looked up, his green eyes meeting hers with a hint of surprise. "I don't know. It's part of who I am. But..." He hesitated, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Maybe I could find a balance."
Vera smiled, her heart warming at the vulnerability he was showing. "I hope you do. You deserve some time for yourself, too."
Harry leaned back, studying her as if she were a puzzle he was trying to solve. "You know, you've brought a lot of light into my life. I didn't realize how heavy it had become until you showed up."
Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she felt a flutter in her chest. "I feel the same way," she admitted softly. "You've changed my world, Harry."
He leaned in closer, the air between them thickening with anticipation. "Vera," he said softly, "I—"
Before he could finish, she found herself inching toward him, a magnetic pull drawing them together. In that suspended moment, time seemed to stretch, their eyes locking in a shared understanding that went beyond words.
Then, as if pulled by an unseen force, their lips met.
It was soft at first, tentative, as if they were both testing the waters of this new territory. But as the kiss deepened, warmth flooded through Vera, igniting a spark that sent her heart racing. She melted into the moment, feeling safe and cherished as Harry's hand cradled her cheek, the world outside fading away.
When they finally pulled apart, breathless, a soft smile spread across Harry's face. "Wow," he murmured, his voice low and tinged with wonder.
Her heart still racing. A mix of emotions swirled within her—happiness, relief, and an undeniable connection that felt right.
Harry brushed his thumb lightly across her cheek.
﹌﹌
They both stood in the kitchen, preparing dinner together. Harry chopped vegetables with deft movements, while Vera stirred the simmering pot on the stove. Their playful banter filled the space, laughter bubbling over like the boiling water.
"Careful with that knife, or you'll end up in my soup," Vera joked, her eyes sparkling as she teased him.
Harry smirked, glancing up with a mock-serious expression. "I'd like to see you try to eat me. I'm far too tough."
Vera found herself stealing glances at Harry as he concentrated on the task at hand. His brow furrowed slightly, and a lock of hair fell over his forehead. She couldn't help but admire how natural he was in this space, how effortlessly he made her feel at home.
As the dish cooked, Harry stepped behind Vera, wrapping his arms around her waist. The warmth of his body against her back sent delightful shivers down her spine. "Let's head into town in the morning and restock on the groceries and check on the bookstore," he murmured, resting his chin on her shoulder.
She agreed, leaning back into him, feeling the solid comfort of his presence.
And they did just that the next day. As they strolled through the town, the crisp October air was filled with the scent of fallen leaves and the distant sound of laughter from children playing. The streets were adorned with pumpkins and autumn decorations, casting a cozy, festive atmosphere that made Vera's heart swell with warmth.
"Look at that one!" Vera pointed excitedly to a large pumpkin perched on a porch, its face carved into a cheerful grin. "I think we should get one for your place."
Harry chuckled, his thumb gently brushing against her hand. "You want to add to my collection of strange plants and herbs? I think a pumpkin might fit right in."
Vera laughed, the sound light and carefree. "It can be our Halloween decoration. Plus, we can make pie!"
They wandered into the local market, their hands still intertwined, and began selecting fresh produce. Harry expertly guided Vera through the aisles, picking out the ripest fruits and vegetables, his enthusiasm contagious.
As they moved to the bakery section, the warm aroma of freshly baked bread enveloped them. Vera inhaled deeply, her eyes lighting up. "We have to get some of that sourdough. It smells amazing!"
With their arms full of groceries, they finally made their way to the checkout. Vera caught Harry stealing glances at her as they waited in line, his expression soft and contemplative.
"What?" she asked, a playful smile on her lips.
"Just thinking how nice it is to have someone to do this with," he replied, a hint of shyness creeping into his voice.
After making sure Nancy, Mr. Thompson's granddaughter, who offered to take over Vera's shift when she explained she was sick and wouldn't be able to make it for the next couple days, was adjusting just fine, they headed back.
With the sun beginning to dip low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape, they walked hand in hand toward Harry's home. The comforting routine of cooking and being together awaited them with a rhythm that felt increasingly natural.
Vera couldn't shake the feeling that this was where she was meant to be. With Harry by her side, everything felt right; it was as if the universe had conspired to bring them together.
Reading about Israeli snipers targeting children in the head and chest and I have to clarify that at this stage, you simply cannot say that Israel is "arbitrarily" killing children in Gaza. I think this wording misses a huge point: Israel is deliberately killing children in Gaza, precisely because of the belief that these children are an inherent threat to Israel should they be allowed to grow up.
summary: in which Harry's secrets pull Vera into an unexpected mysterious world | 1.9k words
a/n: no words rest in peace liam… idk how to explain how i feel, im so shocked :( pls take care of yourselves, im always here if you need someone to talk to
warnings: supernatural themes
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Vera blinked awake, her eyelids heavy as if weighed down by lead. The unfamiliar surroundings sent a jolt of fear through her. She sat up quickly, heart racing, taking in her new environment—a cozy room filled with books, herbs hanging from the planters attached to the ceiling, and warm, golden light streaming in through a window.
She felt disoriented, unsure if the events of last night had truly happened or if they were just a nightmare.
But then she felt it: a comforting weight against her side. Shadow, his gray fur soft and warm, was curled up beside her, purring softly. The gentle rhythm of his breathing calmed her, grounding her in the moment.
"Hey, buddy," she whispered, reaching down to scratch behind his ears. He blinked sleepily up at her, and the familiarity of his presence made her heart flutter with relief.
Just then, the door creaked open, and Harry stepped in, his expression shifting from surprise to palpable relief upon seeing her awake. "You're up!" he exclaimed, stepping closer, a hint of anxiety still lingering in his eyes.
"What happened?" Vera croaked, her voice hoarse from sleep. "Where am I?"
Before she could voice any more questions, Harry moved with purpose, retrieving a small cup from the table. "You need to drink this," he said, urgency threading through his tone.
Vera frowned, instinctively recoiling. "What is it?"
"Just trust me," he insisted, his gaze firm yet tender. "It's important for your recovery."
She hesitated but noticed the concern etched on his face, the way he hovered as if ready to catch her if she fell. "Okay... but what's in it?"
Harry knelt beside her, his expression softening as he handed her the cup. "It's a medicine I made. It'll help with any lingering effects."
Taking a deep breath, she brought the cup to her lips and took a tentative sip. The taste hit her like a shockwave—bitter and earthy, like swallowing raw roots and herbs. She grimaced, forcing it down despite her body's immediate protest.
"Ugh! That's awful!" she exclaimed, her face contorting in distaste.
"I know it's not great, but it's effective," Harry said, a small smile breaking through the worry. He brushed a stray hair from her face, his touch gentle but electric. "How do you feel?"
Vera's confusion deepened as she registered the intimacy of his gesture, warmth spreading through her despite the bitterness lingering in her mouth. "I... I don't know," she stammered, the remnants of fear mingling with something else—something that felt unsettling yet comforting.
"Just take a moment," he said softly, his eyes searching hers. "You've been through a lot. You need to rest."
The way he cared for her stirred something in Vera, and she nodded, trying to shake off the remnants of panic. "I remember... the wind, the pain, and then I saw you... I thought I was dreaming."
"You weren't," he replied, his tone serious. "You were in danger, and I had to bring you here. I'm just glad you're okay." He shifted slightly closer, his body radiating warmth as he made sure she was comfortable.
"Why do you care so much?" Vera blurted out, the question tumbling from her lips before she could stop it. "I mean, we barely know each other."
Harry paused, the weight of her question hanging in the air. His expression flickered—an internal battle playing out behind his eyes. "Sometimes, people connect in unexpected ways," he finally said, his voice low and sincere. "You matter to me, Vera."
The sincerity in his words sent her heart racing. "But why?" she pressed, needing clarity amid the confusion. "What's going on? Why were you outside last night?"
"I was worried about you," he admitted, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I didn't want to leave you alone."
The depth of his concern settled like a warm blanket around her, wrapping her in comfort despite her swirling thoughts. "I don't understand..." she whispered, her mind racing.
Harry's gaze softened, but there was a hint of exasperation in his eyes as he watched Vera's brow furrow in confusion. "You shouldn't have been outside so late, especially alone," he said, his tone gentle yet firm. "It's dangerous, especially around this time of year."
Vera felt a rush of defiance. "I thought I saw you standing there! I was just trying to find out why."
His expression grew serious. He leaned in closer, lowering his voice as if the very walls might hear. "There was a demon nearby—one trying to get to you."
Her breath caught in her throat. "A demon? Why would it want to hurt me?"
Harry ran a hand over his face, frustration mingling with concern. "Demons often target people close to those they want to harm. They thrive on fear and chaos, and Halloween is a time when the veil between worlds is thinnest. Some humans unknowingly summon them during this season, and it makes my job... complicated."
Vera's heart raced at the gravity of his words. "So, you were out there to protect me?"
"Yes, but it's more than that. I had to ensure you were safe, especially since you have no idea what you're dealing with." He paused, his gaze intense. "I've spent years ridding this town of those beings, sending them back to their hellish realms. But when they're summoned, it becomes a race against time."
A chill coursed through her. "What happens if you don't get to them in time?"
"They can hurt you—hurt anyone they target. They feed on fear and chaos, and they'll go to any lengths to get what they want." Harry's expression softened again, and he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I couldn't let that happen to you."
Vera swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling over her like a heavy blanket. "I didn't know," she admitted quietly, feeling a wave of guilt wash over her. "I thought I was just being silly, looking outside. I didn't mean to put myself in danger."
His eyes searched hers, a mixture of concern and understanding. "You're not foolish for being curious. But you need to be more careful. There are things in this world that can hurt you, things you can't see." He paused, taking a breath, as if gathering his thoughts. "I want to keep you safe, Vera. You mean a lot to me."
The sincerity in his voice warmed her from the inside out, igniting a spark of courage amid her lingering fears. "What can I do to help? How do I avoid this... chaos you're talking about?"
Harry smiled softly, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "Just stay close to me. I'll teach you how to protect yourself, what signs to look for. And I'll always be around to handle the darker things that lurk outside."
Vera nodded, feeling a sense of purpose swell within her. "Okay. I trust you."
"Good," he said, a hint of relief washing over his features. "Now let's get you something to eat. You need your strength."
As he moved to the kitchen, Vera's heart thrummed with a mix of anxiety and determination. She might not fully understand the world Harry inhabited, but with him by her side, she felt a little less alone in it.
﹌﹌
Vera's brow furrowed, staring at the steaming soup set in front of her. Mind racing with questions. "So... you're like a demon hunter or an exorcist?" She blinked, trying to wrap her head around the reality unfolding before her.
Harry chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Not quite. I'm a witch."
"A witch?" The word felt foreign on her tongue, heavy with implications she couldn't quite grasp. "You mean, like casting spells and all that?"
"Exactly." He met her gaze, a glimmer of something—maybe pride—dancing in his eyes. "I usually stick to potions, herbs, and healing. That's my focus. But when there's a significant surge of paranormal activity, especially around Halloween, it's all hands on deck. The other witches and I work together to rid the town of the darker forces at play."
Vera felt her heart race, caught between fascination and confusion. "So, you're saying that when people accidentally summon these demons, you're the one who comes to clean up the mess?"
"Pretty much," he replied, leaning back slightly, as if settling into the reality of his life. "It's not just about casting spells or brewing potions. It's about protecting people—like you—from being harmed or corrupted."
"Corrupted?" she echoed, her stomach twisting at the word. "What does that mean?"
"It means that demons can possess people or twist their intentions. They thrive on fear, anger, and confusion. Once they latch on, they can turn someone into a vessel for their malevolent purposes." His expression turned serious, his gaze piercing through her. "That's why it's vital to stay aware, to know what's happening around you. You can't let your guard down."
She nodded slowly, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. "It feels like a lot to process, Harry. One moment, I'm just running a bookstore, and the next, I'm caught up in this... supernatural world."
Vera sat up a little straighter, her mind racing. She was still trying to process everything Harry had just revealed. "So, you really are a witch," she mused aloud, her voice barely above a whisper. The idea felt surreal yet oddly familiar, tugging at the corners of her memory.
As she closed her eyes, she could almost hear her grandmother's voice, warm and inviting, weaving tales of good witches who lived in the woods and helped lost travelers. "I remember my grandmother telling me stories about witches," Vera said, a hint of nostalgia creeping into her tone. "She always said there were good ones who used their magic to help people."
Harry watched her, an intrigued smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Those stories aren't just fairy tales, you know. There's truth in them. Many witches use their abilities to protect and heal. It's all about intention."
Vera felt a warmth spread through her chest at the thought. "That's exactly how she described them. I used to think they were just stories, but..." She paused, hummed softly, the tune reminding her of the lullabies her grandmother used to sing, filled with magic and light.
"It's funny how life turns out," Vera said, a thoughtful expression crossing her face as she spooned a warm bite of the forgotten soup. The savory aroma enveloped her, momentarily distracting her from the whirlwind of thoughts. "As a kid, I wanted to be a witch myself, casting spells to help people and make the world better."
Harry chuckled softly, a warm light dancing in his eyes. "And now you're standing at the threshold of that world. It's like fate has a sense of humor."
As they continued their meal, the quiet clinking of spoons accompanied their conversation, the weight of the unknown ahead of them.
He loves her 😭😭😭 oh it was so cool to see him use his powers and I think you described it so well! I’m loving this series!
hehe thank u !! i’ve never written anything like this so it was weird trying to make it realistic-ish but i’m glad u enjoyed it :) next part is out thursday (3 more chapters left i believe)
Israel isn't killing all these people because it was attacked, Israel is killing all these people because it was given an excuse. Israel has always wanted to grab more land and eliminate the populations who oppose it. It's using the political moment that October 7 gave it to roll out agendas it has wanted to roll out for generations. Israel has been squeezing and squeezing and squeezing its targets for generation after generation waiting for them to push back sufficiently to hand them an excuse.
