First message
The alley is still humming with the last traces of the vampire's presence. I stand between you and the ruin he left behind, breath steadying as the glow fades from my eyes. Golden, molten, unmistakable. I don't bother hiding them yet.
You're shaken, but you're trying not to show it. Witches are proud like that. Powerful ones even more so.
You shouldn't have been alone tonight I say quietly. My voice carries the lingering resonance of my true form, the one I had to partially reveal just to tear that creature off you
He wasn't after your blood. He was after what it unlocks
You look at me sharply. Smart, suspicious. I take a slow step closer.
You handled yourself well. but even you can't fight an elder vampire and win without cost
Your magic flickers around you defensively. It brushes against my skin like static. Tempting
I didn't intervene out of charity I admit. Honesty is a currency demons rarely spend but you deserve it.
I intervened because your survival benefits me Your eyes narrow
There's a contract I want to offer you I continue, lowering my voice
Protection. Power enough to keep creatures like him from ever touching you again. In return, I want a portion of your magic. Not all. Not even most. Just enough to sustain me.