born with a broken heart @hollowthorne - Tumblr Blog

iii. my beautiful caged bird. ft. @hollowthorne

The fire danced in the grand hearth, its flickering light casting restless shadows across the room. Vlad stood in the periphery, where the darkness was deepest, his figure as still as a statue carved from midnight. His gaze lingered on Camilla, her slender form framed by the wide arched window. The moonlight poured over her like liquid silver, caressing her in ways he ached but dared not to. His hands, clasped behind his back, tightened, as though restraining himself from the impulse to reach for her.

“You stand there every night,” he said finally, his voice low and smooth, carrying the weight of centuries. “Always gazing toward the horizon, as if it holds some great salvation. Do you imagine it might grant you freedom, Camilla? Or perhaps you think the stars will guide you to some place beyond my reach?” His tone was measured, almost detached, but beneath it simmered something unspoken, something raw.

He stepped closer, his movements fluid and precise, the faint whisper of his shoes against the marble the only sound. “You despise these walls, this life I’ve given you. I see it in the way your hands grip the sill as though you might break free through sheer will. And yet, here you are. Night after night, rooted to this place as much as I am. Do you not see it? You belong to the darkness now, as much as it belongs to you.” His crimson eyes traced her outline, the moonlight sharpening every line and curve. His fingers flexed at his side, the yearning to touch her almost unbearable.

But he would not. Instead, he let his gaze drift to the floor, his voice softening. “Hate me if it soothes you. Blame me if it eases the weight of what you are. But the truth remains: there is no salvation in the horizon, no peace beyond these walls. You will find nothing there but what you already know. We have known this truth for many moons.”

hollowthorne

She was sure she'd shaken the feeling of being trapped over the years. Was there any point to it anymore? Long gone were the times where she was at the mercy of man. In this new age, she didn't need a husband nor a guardian. She could be her own woman...yet, she still belonged to him. As long as her feet walked this earth, she would be his bride, lost but always found by him. No, she was no longer at the mercy of man but her husband was no man.

Camilla sensed him before he spoke and while it should fill her with unease, his voice had always soothed her. "I'm not foolish enough to dream of what is not possible. We are both aware that I am bound to you in this eternity." She often wondered if he felt enough for her that he might even pity her. Though she doubted if he could feel anything more then thirst anymore.

Though she did not move, her gaze shifted towards the sound of his steps. She released her grip of the window sill to clasp them together. "Should I be grateful that you turned me into a monster? Furthermore, I am a monster bound to her master. Tell me, dear husband, would you be any different than I if our roles were reversed?" She turned to him now. The crimson of his eyes glowed in the moonlight as she gazed at him she could forgive herself for still finding him alluring. "I'm well aware that I am of the dark now. Consumed by it to the point that I will never enjoy the light again."

Camilla remained still as she gazed at him. She could stay like this forever, still and quiet, gazing at her husband as the years passed by. Perhaps that would be the way to finally accept her curse. Did she hate him? She couldn't really say. The feeling was as foreign to her as the taste of fruit. "Nothing could soothe me." She stated as a few more moments. "I know what I am. I know who I am. That does not make it any easier to bear. How...Tell me, how do you bear this? You have lived longer than I. How do you stop the passing of time from stealing your sanity?"

#.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝... { thread ₊ ⊹˚ camilla - vladimir } 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘

missyorkswhore

Pedro is a slut

#.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝... sweetest heart { miguel } 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘

plummoons

Nick had learned to be observant through his profession. The slightest inch of movement or change in expression gave tell to all he needed to know. It was a vital skill that had kept him alive. If he was to keep the upper hand institutions he needed to know his acquaintances before they ever had the chance to know him. The energy was now something he could also detect. Air often felt cooler whenever he was near. Dare he say he was now the specter bringing chills that could frighten even the bravest of men. His expression was stoic as he watched the other man move. At his full height, he didn't reach Nick's level. Then again, not many did. It was easy to be an intimidating force when you had your very own scary dog privileges. There was no detection of threat, his radar was never wrong so Nick allowed himself to relax. only a little built.

He would be hard-pressed to deny the small, sudden flip he felt in his gut at the smile given to him. Those muscles in his face had never been used. It was a foreign sensation. There was nothing much in his life to smile over. He couldn't offer his own back so Nick uncrossed his arms instead, letting them fall to his side clumsily. "Hm, so overstepping is somethin' you do often then. Your observations must be quite interesting. Not insulted. Takes much more than that to offend me." Nick simply wondered if it was that obvious he was no longer human. his hands were the dead give away but with them covered there were no other tell signs. "Well, now you might've insulted me. I quite like them." he gruffed, quickly busing himself with the produce next to him. "And what is it that you consider to not be a shite fruit?"

hollowthorne

Cassius was forced to learn to be aware of his surroundings from a very young age. Most of the witches in his coven were upset that he'd been born male, but some of them were murderous about it. His mother protected him as best as she could but Cass had to learn quickly how to defend himself. It's why he'd learned defensive magic first and had to learn a bit of divination magic to help sense anything coming. He'd proven to be rather terrible at it and couldn't even use Tarot cards probably but he knew enough to sense when things weren't 'normal'. But hiding his own power had made it easier to. hide the threat he actually was especially to the man in front of him.

He made sure his eyes swept over the form of the man in front of him as quickly as they could without being noticed. This man was skittish at best but Cassius was interested and he wouldn't be ruining any chance of getting to know the man better if he could help it. Cass chuckled softly and shrugged a bit. "I suppose you could say that, yeah. I'm just a curious creature by nature...and a funny one. You're a right old statue, aren't ya?" He finished rearranging his items inside his basket and regarded the man in front of him. "Really now. You set off by fruit? They're shite, mate. I ain't agree with ya just because you're spooky." He simply reached over and handed him a pack of blackberries. "Literally anything is better but try these. They suit you."

#.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝... { thread ₊ ⊹˚ cassius nicholas } 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘

wldflcwr

ii. come into my garden.

Seraphina stood at the edge of the field, the hem of her dark, silken dress brushing the tops of the wildflowers as a cool breeze stirred them around her ankles. Night had fallen, and the air carried a faint sweetness from the bloom of wild violets and night-blooming jasmine that clung to her. She raised a slender hand, fingers trailing over the petals of a nearby flower, almost as if she were coaxing it to bloom further under the pale light of the crescent moon.

A faint glow emanated from her skin, a soft radiance that was neither quite light nor shadow, something caught in-between. She’d always been something between two worlds, someone who couldn’t quite fit neatly into the lines drawn by fate. The delicate lines of her face were shadowed, lips painted a dark, ripe berry hue, giving her an otherworldly allure that seemed both inviting and dangerous.

Her gaze drifted up, violet eyes flashing with a hint of defiance, almost daring anyone to cross into her domain. But tonight felt different. There was an unusual chill in the air, a murmur of something approaching.

"Are you lost?" she asked softly, though her voice carried like the whisper of wind through branches, soft but inescapable. Her eyes lingered on the shadows, her presence an invitation as much as a warning.

hollowthorne

Camilla often enjoyed a moonlit stroll. The sun, while it didn't harm her like it did most children of the night, irritated her. She couldn't find her place in the light of day anymore. She'd been far too accustomed to the soft shadows and calm light of the night. Even before she had been re-made, she'd enjoyed the quiet of the stars far more than bright blue skies. She breathed deeply as she walked along the makeshift trail. The truth was she didn't even need oxygen anymore. She had to re-learn how to do so naturally to avoid alerting the humans she didn't want to alarm.

Her slender arms wrapped around each other in a mock gesture of protection from the chill. She was always cold now and nothing but blood would warm her. She'd become so accustomed to appearing human that even here in the dark with only her footsteps for company she continued the habit.

She felt the presence before it spoke. She'd walked this earth for many years and she'd met many strange creatures along the way. She'd decided long ago that if she was cursed to live forever than she would uncover every single secret the human species and other creatures that lived on the plant had to hide.

She came to a halt at the sight of another. Intrigued not only by the site of their meeting but by the way her voice carried. The night breeze went through her as she assessed her situation. "I am not." She said after a moment with a curt nod. "Are you?"

#.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝₊ ⊹˚ ... { thread -. camilla - seraphina .- } 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘

hollowthorne

There was nothing quite like the crunching of leaves in the fall. When Miguel decided to move and restart their lives with his daughter, he knew he wanted it to be somewhere that experienced Fall. The sunny beaches had never called to him before and they didn't seem fit to his life now. His daughter seemed to be thriving in this town even it was very different form their native New York. He could agree that there was a sense of comfort in a small town that wasn't loud and bustling but there were nights he couldn't sleep because it was far too quiet. He often sat on his porch and listened to the crickets and little creatures of the night and wondered where he fit in anymore.

There were odd things about the town that he very decidedly didn't look into. He remained skeptical for the most part. He couldn't quite shake a lifetime of beliefs yet. But even so he knew his daughter needed him to figure this out so he was walking home with a bag full of books on the supernatural that he planned to read at the local coffee shop. He had the day off and time to kill so might as well observe the town's residents that were often at the very popular shop. He quickly scanned the area to find a corner seat which was thankfully empty. He placed his bag on the table when he noticed someone standing close by. Perhaps he'd stolen someone's table? He quickly turned with an apologetic smile. "Excuse me, were you sitting here?"

withinshad0w

Night had melted into morning, carrying with it the soft symphony of chirping birds and the steady hum of autumn filling the brisk air. Augustus strolled alone through the quiet town, hands tucked into the pockets of his dark blue wool coat, gaze distant, following no particular path.

The town, dressed in early signs of the upcoming holiday season, felt surreal to him, almost dreamlike. Decorative snow globes hung from each streetlamp, shimmering faintly in the morning light, as if marking his way through a world he could only observe from a distance. He’d thought the coffee shop might bring him some peace, a quiet corner to sketch out ideas for a new painting he’d been struggling to complete.

As his name was called from the counter, he rose, nodding briefly in thanks as he took his coffee in his hand. When he returned to his table, though, he paused, heart skipping a few beats...a familiar face sat there, waiting. Miguel. The man he’d been quietly avoiding, his calls left unanswered, not out of anger but out of a strange, aching reluctance to let anyone near the depths he carried.

He managed a faint smile, “Hey... stranger,” he murmured, voice soft as he slipped back into the seat opposite Miguel. The words felt tentative, yet warm, as though speaking into the fragile thread that still held them together. "You look good.."

hollowthorne

In the midst of the changing course of his life, he'd managed to make new acquaintances in the new town. Miguel wasn't the most social person but he wasn't terrible at it. He did lack the need for meaningful connections and had never made one outside of his immediate family and his daughter. He sought out physical touch, like most humans, and while it was very easy for him to find it didn't mean he needed it often. He preferred to not have a constant revolving door of people in his life. He could recall only handful of times he'd even given these nightly adventures his name. He was particularly careful about bringing people around his daughter. He was a dragon guarding his treasure with his little girl and he would be dead before he brought any sort of danger around her.

Then there was Augustus. They had met by chance and while Miguel had been immediately intrigued by the man even if he seemed rather awkward. He had to admit that he was attracted to the man and for once, he'd like to get to know him. However, he was the wall of his own home and therefore, he wasn't exactly ready to let him in further than someone he'd like to see from time to time. It felt like Augustus felt the same since he wasn't exactly searching for him in return. It was all new and fragile and Miguel was willing to safely follow the thread before he thought about tugging it close. "There you are." Miguel offered a soft smile as he took his seat. Something about the other man inspired him to be gentle. "Thank you. I'd say you look good yourself. Here for the good coffee?"

#.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝₊ ⊹˚ ... { thread -. miguel - augustus .- } 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘

.: BIO

#.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝... to my dear { camilla } 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘

plummoons

It wasn't often that Nick found himself finding a familiar face. The only time he had dared to make a connection was with his captain. The man had become a father figure of sorts to Nick. He wasn't actively looking for someone to fill the gaping hole his father had left. If anything, he held an aversion to male authority figures but Edwards had taken Nick under his wing. He spent years trying to get his hard exterior to crack and managed to sneak in past the man's heavily guarded walls. His departure left that gap wide open again. Edwards called every now and then but Nick never responded. How could he? The emotions he felt over his retirement were a jumbled mess he couldn't quite pinpoint yet. They were stored away in another box within his mind labeled 'do not open' and laid to rot there like every other unfaced trauma. It was easier to lose his only positive connection than admit failure.

The face before him was one he had seen before. If Nick thought more highly of himself, he would think this young man was following him. The thought annoyed him. He had enough gawking eyes taking an interest in him that Nick would never reciprocate. Nick knew the man had run into the mystical places the town had to offer. Every now and then, Nick would step foot into that world. It was once a place he didn't belong to. That wasn't the case anymore. He had never been great at being human. now he wasn't one at all. His features remained stoic, lips in a firm line as he handed the book back to the other. He took note of the accent and filed that information away. Scottish. It seemed they had two things in common now. "Why wouldn't I be in a mundane place like this?" because you're no longer mundane. "Is there a magical grocery store I should be shopping at instead of this one?" he tilted his head. "If they don't offer special creature discounts on persimmons best not tell about it anyway."

hollowthorne

There was very little that stuck in his mind. He never saw it useful to remember things that weren't of any use. Cassius had enough thoughts racing through his head at any moment and he really didn't need to add anymore. Yet there was a much needed skill to his survival that involved memorizing faces of people who could possibly hunt him down or cause him problems. He knew that he was in a rather dangerous career, after all, and there would be a day when scorned victims would come after him. It hadn't happened yet and he'd insured he was a hard man to track. It was that reason that he felt a little uneasy bumping into someone he was sure was far from human and even more so, because he'd seen him more than once in his travels.

Cassius' eyes narrowed a bit trying to pinpoint where all the darkness was coming from. He could practically see the tendrils rising from him like dark hands reaching for the light. There was a hunger in him that reminded him of wolves in the winter looking for a soft creature to satisfy them. He pulled back, stood, and make sure to use his own height to his advantage. Cassius was a tall man and far from slim and lanky but this man was what his mother would lovingly call a big bastard. "Don't get your knickers in a twist. Just making observations." Cass kept his tone neutral though his accent was far from. So he offered a smile in attempt to disarm. "I ken when I overstep in my comments. Didn't mean ta insult ya. Persimmons are shite fruit anyway so I wouldn't care much about any discounts."

#.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝₊ ⊹˚ ... { thread -. cassius - nicholas .- } 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘

withinshad0w

Lucian stood by the window, watching the world outside as raindrops tapped steadily against the glass, their soft rhythm filling the silence. It had been a while since he had been on this side of town, he wasn't quite sure what had drawn him here this night. Like a moth drawn to flame, he stood there, waiting.

Flickering city lights cast long shadows across his figure, highlighting the sharp angles of his face and the intense gaze that seemed to pierce through the night itself.He turned slightly, a hint of a smirk playing at his lips, eyes reflecting a strange blend of amusement and curiosity. The faint scent of aged whiskey hung in the air, his glass resting on the table nearby, untouched for the moment. Lucian’s gaze drifted to the door, as if sensing the presence of someone nearby.

"Ah," he murmured, voice low and smooth, “so you finally decided to show up.” His tone was laced with a tease, but there was something more—an invitation. A slight til of his head, gesturing for the newcomer to enter, a glint in his eyes like the beginning of a dare.

“Well now, don’t be shy ” he continued, folding his hands behind his back. “After all, you came this far. I’d hate for you to turn back before right before things start getting interesting.”

hollowthorne

It had been a couple of centuries now since the days blended into one. There was little excitement left to her in a world that kept turning without her permission. Camilla had lost the zest for life and there were nights when she thought back to her human life and wondered if she'd ever had any to begin with. Not that it mattered anymore. Nights and days came and went in a long wheel of monotony that often left her wishing she could stake her own heart. All thoughts that were met with an eyeroll and a comment on Camilla's dramatics by her husband. Vladimir Dracul had little time for his wife and even less patience for her feelings. Her presence as queen was demanded when it was needed to save face but aside from those few events, she was left on her own. She often looked for ways to entertain herself. She was at least grateful that Vlad didn't expect loyalty in their marriage.

She let the sound of her heels follow her as she stepped into the room. Silence was often her friend but she was looking for a different kind of company tonight. "That is no way to speak to a lady." Her tone was monotone but assertive enough that Lucian would know she wouldn't tolerate disrespect. Especially not from him. She stepped further into the room as she wrapped herself in her dark shawl. "I am in no mood for your games, Lucian. You called me. What is it you need?"

#.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝... { thread -₊ ⊹˚ camilla - lucian- } 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘

#.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝... { thread -₊ ⊹˚ open starter.- } 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘

plummoons

Nick would never get used to public outings. For someone who lived in the shadows for so long normalcy was something he still struggled with. Life before turning sixteen was a blur - for better or worse. He often chose to believe the former. It was easier to forget the life he had buried. This new one he was trying was harder to adjust to. Fableton had its fair share of otherworldly beings but Nick still struggled to believe he belonged among them. That was evident in his wearing gloves in 60-degree weather and a black surgical mask. For someone who didn't want attention he still unwillingly drew it. He needed only a few groceries and then he would be on his way. That's what he kept telling himself. Just down the corner, to the left where the spices were and he'd be able to check out and leave. He was following that exact route when he collided with someone. A major embarrassment on his part since Nick was anything but clumsy. Surely, it was the other party's fault. He collected himself and haphazardly helped the other person get their own belongings. As he did so he felt their eyes burn into him which caused Nick to look at them. "Is there a problem?" he asked, voice deep and gruff.

hollowthorne

Cassius barely ventured out too far. He enjoyed staying to his bookshop for the most part. Socializing had never really been his thing anyway. But he needed to do a little research and the library had some good finds at times. There was little the humans had to offer him these days but they still surprised him from time to time. They tended to ignore what they didn't want to face which meant the books he needed were often easy to find. They didn't want to think that their were creatures that were far more powerful than they were. He could understand he supposed but it also didn't stop a select few of them from asking him deadly favors. They definitely were interesting little creatures.

He decided to get some groceries on the way home. He'd eaten through his snacks and making food with magic was annoying at best. He was caught up on the list in his phone and balancing books that he wasn't paying attention to where he was going. Clumsy was basically his middle name so no surprise he ended up dropping everything and annoying someone as he bumped into them. He was about to speak up when he finally looked at him. He could see the dark radiating off of him which told him that the man was not human. He also realized as he helped him pick up his books that he knew him. They ran the same circles afterall. He knew about Nick and he knew that he was something to be feared but to Cass, he was just so cool. Cass offered a crooked smile as he stood back up. "Nah. I just didn't expect to see ya in a mundane grocery store."