Legacy 207: The Perks of Being a Warlock

Part 2

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As the evening fell over Seattle, Grace enjoyed a sushi dinner in one of the hottest restaurants in the city. She had forgotten all about her encounter with the demons and Izzy this morning and had turned her attention back to what was important, herself. She smiled at the handsome blond man sitting at a table across from her, who was obviously bored with his date. He made eye contact and smiled back at her, but was soon distracted by his date. Grace doubted whether or not she should make a move. She had been with plenty of men after losing Luke, but none had even come close to him in comparison. She still resented her sister and the rest of her family for taking him away from her, but she knew she couldn't spend her entire life only seeking revenge. That would be a waste of the wonderful opportunity she had been granted as a powerful and eternally youthful warlock. The world was hers for the taking.

Grace finished her dinner and headed to the bar for another drink. She sat down and was soon joined by someone. She turned, expecting to see the blond man from earlier, but instead it was another attractive man with piercing blue eyes and brown hair, dressed in a black suit.

"Can I get you a drink?" The blue-eyed man asked.

"Of course." Grace replied with a smile. "I'll have another chardonnay."

"So what is someone like you doing in a restaurant like this all alone?" The man asked as he signaled the bartender for drinks.

"Is that the best pickup line you've got?" Grace replied. "I guess you don't need to be good and conversation with beautiful eyes like that."

"Okay, I'll admit, that's a much better line." The man noted. "I'm Asher."

"I'm Grace." Grace replied. "And to answer your question, I like to dine alone. That doesn't mean I have the intention of leaving alone, though."

"The blond guy?" Asher remarked. "Please, he's not worth your time. Look at his hand, there is a clear tan line on his ring finger."

"So I'm getting that the boring girl sitting across from him is not his wife." Grace said. "Figures."

"You could do a lot better." Asher replied.

"And you're better?" Grace asked.

"I'd like to think I am." Asher said. "At the very least, I think I understand you better than anyone else in this restaurant."

"And why is that?" Grace asked.

"Can't you tell?" Asher replied. "Take a closer look and listen to your intuition."

Grace accepted her glass of chardonnay from the bartender and took a sip as she took a closer look at this mysterious Asher. He was attractive, one could drown in those blue eyes, and his suit was expensive and brand new. Somehow, she got the sense that it was not something he usually wore. At first glance, he seemed like any other businessman or finance guy in the restaurant, but there was something more, something mysterious. She looked deep into his eyes and recognized power, the same power that she possessed.

"You're a warlock." Grace noted.

"I am." Asher replied. "I could tell you were the same as me from the moment I walked in. You have a certain confidence I like."

"I'm flattered, but I doubt you coming here is a mere coincidence." Grace said. "What do you want?"

"Alright, I'll be honest." Asher admitted. "I'm looking for someone. I went to the last place he was spotted and used a spell to track the magic that was used there. I was expecting to find a witch, but somehow, it let me to you."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Grace lied.

"I think you do." Asher replied. "I'm curious. How does a warlock like yourself get caught between an innocent and a bunch of power brokers?"

"Wrong place, wrong time." Grace said. "I think the bigger question is how a warlock like you finds himself working for a demon like Wulfric?"

"I need him for something." Asher said. "Once I bring him the innocent and the powers of the witch protecting him, I'm in."

"What makes you think there is a witch?" Grace asked.

"My spell revealed two traces of magic." Asher explained. "I lost track of the first one, probably due to a cloaking spell, and the second led me to you."

"So what's going to happen now?" Grace asked.

"Well, I was hoping that you could point me toward the witch." Asher said. "We warlocks have so few allies in the world, we should at least support each other."

"Even if I wanted to help you, I don't know where the witch went." Grace said.

"That's too bad." Asher replied.

"I've heard stories about Wulfric." Grace said. "You shouldn't trust him, you know. He'll betray you once he gets what he wants. Like you said, demons don't exactly like warlocks."

"I know." Asher admitted. "A warlock can only truly ever depend on another warlock. That's what my family taught me before they were vanquished."

"Sorry to hear that." Grace replied. "What happened?"

"What always happens, witches." Asher said bitterly. "But I intend to restore my family name. Soon the Underworld will respect warlocks again."

"I must admit, I'm rather new to the warlock game." Grace said. "Why are we so hated anyways?"

"I've been asking myself the same thing for years." Asher admitted. "I've only ever heard rumors. All that matters is that they don't respect us, so we have to make them."

"And working for Wulfric will help you achieve that?" Grace asked.

"It's a step in the right direction." Asher noted. "I need more power. Wulfric symbolizes that kind of power in the Underworld. Help me and we can find answers together."

"What makes you think I need those answers?" Grace asked.

"Honestly, you seem lost." Asher said. "I see it in your eyes. You're alone, wondering what you're supposed to do. I was the same before I discovered my family legacy."

"I'm not lost." Grace snapped at him. "You don't know anything about me."

"Maybe not." Asher replied with a shrug. "But I know about loneliness. I'll find the witch on my own, like I've always done."

"You'll get yourself killed." Grace said.

"Perhaps, but at then I least I tried." Asher replied. "I'm done standing on the sidelines instead of finding something meaningful. Enjoy your evening, Grace."

Asher finished his drink and left, leaving Grace alone with her thoughts. There was something about the other warlock that intrigued her. Perhaps it was because he reminded her of Luke. She wasn't going to go down that road again though. She wished she had never went down that alley and gotten involved in the first place. Both Izzy and Asher wanted something from her, while all she wanted was to be free and left… alone. Strange, was that was she really wanted?

Asher was right about one thing, deep down Grace was lonely. She had lost the love of her life and her family in one fell swoop. If anyone could understand that, it was another warlock. She was a warlock now after all, perhaps it was time to find out what that truly meant. She grabbed her purse and left the restaurant, ignoring the married blond guy as he tried to offer her a drink.

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After a quick wardrobe change, Grace left her hotel in black leather pants and a red top, while her wavy brown hair was tied in a ponytail. In this outfit, she was ready for anything, including a fight. All paths lead back to Wulfric, so it was time to visit his club and find whatever she was hoping to find. The only problem was that she wasn't invited, meaning the club was hidden. Luckily, she knew where to find a lead, so she blinked to a demonic bar in the Underworld. As she entered, she saw it was filled with demons that all gave her dirty looks for being a warlock. She scanned the bar and found her target, a red eyed demon with scaly green skin. She sat down next to him.

"Hello Krimm." Grace said.

"Do I know you?" The demon asked as he glanced in her direction.

"Not yet, but I hear you're the demon to go to for information." Grace replied. "I'm Grace."

"I'm no snitch." Krimm said. "And I don't do business with warlocks."

"I heard you were a coward." Grace replied. "Looks like you have a spine after all. Maybe I should rip it out to check."

The demon quickly turned to her and she saw fear in his eyes, though he tried to hide it. He was a coward after all, meaning that she could get him to spill his guts sooner or later.

"It's not smart to threaten a demon in a place like this." Krimm nervously said. "People don't like your kind around here."

"I don't think they're very fond of reptile demons either." Grace noted as she summoned a flame in her hand. "Do you honestly think any of these lowlifes would risk their lives for you?"

As if on cue, several demons moved away from their table when they saw the flames in Grace's hand, proving her point perfectly. The reptile looked around for support or a quick exit strategy, but found nothing of the sort. He sighed reluctantly and gave in.

"Fine, what do you want?" Krimm asked.

"I need an invitation to Wulfric's club." Grace said.

"What? Are you insane?" Krimm hissed. "Wulfric is not a demon either of us wants to mess with. Why would you want to get inside his club?"

"I already messed with him by accident." Grace admitted. "I need to get into his club to figure out a solution, one way or the other."

"And what will be in it for me?" Krimm asked.

"Your life for starters." Grace said threatening as she increased the flames in her hand. "But I'll sweeten the deal, get me into the club and I'll get you some power spheres. You can stop being a bottom feeding lizard."

"I'm tired of people walking over me, you included." Krimm said in consideration. "Alright, but Wulfric can never find out."

"Trust me, he won't." Grace replied with a smile as her flames disappeared.

Krimm scribbled something down a coaster and handed it to her. "Meet me here in one hour." He said. "I know where to get an invitation."

"You'd better not be screwing me over." Grace warned.

"Of course not, we're business partners now." Krimm quickly said. "One hour, don't be late."

Krimm scurried off, leaving Grace alone at the table. Looking around the dirty bar, she much preferred the fancy restaurants and bars she had grown accustomed to, but this would do for an hour or so. She wasn't quite sure what she would do when she got to Wulfric's club, but something told her it was where she needed to be. Izzy was determined to vanquish Wulfric, while Asher was scheming against him in his own way. For some reason, Grace felt a connection to both of these people. They were all searching for something, so perhaps their paths led to the same destination, the same answers. Wulfric was standing in the way. Besides, if he had learned about her involvement with the businessman, he was a threat that needed to be eliminated regardless.

Xxx

In his nightclub, Wulfric was sitting on his balcony overlooking the dancefloor. The club had filled up since opening and many demons were dancing and enjoying themselves. Meanwhile, all kinds of power trades were being conducted in the booths surrounding the dancefloor. It was always good to mix business with pleasure, at least for Wulfric. He often got the better deal when his guests were distracted by his drinks and dancers.

"Busy night." A familiar voice said.

Wulfric turned and saw a stunning figure with red hair walking toward him, dressed in a seductive little black dress. She sat down at his booth and he poured her a drink. Her name was Lena, a half-Manticore that worked as a demonic mercenary ever since losing her pack. Seeing her skills as something valuable, Wulfric had offered her employment, which had eventually turned into a professional relationship with benefits.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Lena." Wulfric said.

"You know me, I'm always eager for a hunt." Lena replied. "Who is the target?"

"I'm not sure yet." Wulfric admitted. "Two of my demons disappeared while collecting a debt."

"Witches?" Lena asked.

"Most likely." Wulfric said. "A warlock came to see me, begging for a job. I tasked him with bringing in the ones involved."

"A warlock?" Lena asked with a frown. "You'd trust a warlock for that?"

"Of course not." Wulfric replied. "I just need him in my sight before he becomes a problem. He comes from a powerful lineage."

"So you called me in to clean up your mess just in case." Lena noted. "That seems a little under my level, or was all of this just an excuse to see me again?"

"I don't need an excuse for that." Wulfric said.

Lena smiled as she slid closer in the booth, letting her hand rest on his leg as she leaned in to kiss him. Wulfric returned the kiss for a moment, after which she licked his neck while her hand slid further up his thigh. Lena was seductive and a beast in the sheets, though his interest in her was just physical. Lena was a Manticore, meaning she could never truly be tamed. The only reason she was working for him was because her pack was vanquished. She was desperately looking for a purpose in life. Wulfric would use that as long as she proved useful to him. All that truly mattered to him was his business, which he would protect at all costs.

Xxx

An hour after her first meeting with Krimm, Grace arrived at the spot she was supposed to meet him, an abandoned alley in Seattle. When she arrived, there was no trace of the demon, so she instantly assumed that he had betrayed her. However, a trashcan close to her suddenly started trembling and transformed back into the reptile demon. She should have known a weak demon like Krimm had the ability to blend in with his surroundings.

"Did you get the invitation?" Grace asked.

"Of course." Krimm replied. "Do you not trust me?"

"What do you think?" Grace asked with a frown. "I don't trust anyone."

"Smart choice." Krimm said. "Backstabbing is common practice in the Underworld. Friends are rare to find."

"We're not friends, Krimm, just temporary business partners." Grace replied annoyed. "Let's just get this over with."

"Alright, I've got an invitation right here." Krimm said as he held up a black card.

"How does it work?" Grace asked as she accepted it.

"It needs a drop of your blood." Krimm replied. "That way, you are registered as a visitor. Wulfric wants to know who is in his club at all times."

"That's unfortunate." Grace noted.

Grace grabbed Krimm by the arm and revealed an athame she kept in her boot. Before the demon could object, she cut his hand to get his green blood and sprinkled it on the card. The card absorbed the blood and a smooth black door magically appeared on the wall in front of them.

"Why the hell did you do that?" Krimm cried out.

"Wulfric can't know I'm in his club." Grace replied. "You'll draw less attention. You'll just be another demon hoping to buy some new powers."

"You could have asked." Krimm countered in a whiny voice.

"I knew you'd say no." Grace replied as she cleaned her athame and put it away. "Speaking of new powers, I could really use apportation or something so I don't have to carry around this damn athame all the time."

"I'm sure you can buy it." Krimm said.

"I'm not interested in doing honest business with Wulfric." Grace replied. "Remember to keep a low profile. Should things go wrong, I'll create a distraction so you can get your powers and get out."

"I'm still not sure about this." Krimm said.

"It's too late to back down now." Grace noted. "Let's go."

The reptile demon nodded reluctantly and opened the magical door. As they stepped through, they were transported to a luxurious club lobby, after which their exit faded away. A hostess in a skimpy red dress came walking op to them with a big smile. Krimm was instantly captivated by her, so an annoyed Grace elbowed him in the ribs to keep him focused.

"On behalf of Wulfric, welcome to his club." The hostess said. "Remember that all forms of violence are forbidden in the club. All purchases and transactions must be approved by one of our brokers and will include a fee for our services."

"So Wulfric always profits." Grace noted.

"Of course." The hostess replied very matter-of-factly. "Enjoy your stay."

The hostess returned to her table as Grace and Krimm entered the club. As she looked around, Grace had to admit that Wulfric had style. His club was exactly the kind of place that Grace would enjoy herself on a night out. She could blend in here easily, which could not be said for Krimm.

"We need to split up." Grace said. "Remember to stay alert."

"Be careful." Krimm warned her.

Grace rolled her eyes as she distanced herself from the demon. As she reached the dancefloor, she looked up to see Wulfric sitting on a balcony. He was a tall and attractive man with blond hair, accompanied by a red-haired woman. When their eyes turned toward her, Grace quickly looked away and started dancing to blend in with the crowd. She flirtingly danced with a couple of demons while taking in her surroundings, but froze when she saw a familiar face. Izzy was crossing the dancefloor, determinedly heading toward Wulfric's balcony. Not wanted to girl to get hurt or ruins her plans, Grace chased after her.

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