Author's notes: still working on the next chapter as I have written 5 chapters before uploading my fanfic :) I wanted to stay true to the series timeline and thinking of ways on how it could have happened with Adalind as part of the gang. thank you for reading so far :)
Chapter 5: Roots of Trust
Sean Renard stormed into Adalind's office without so much as a knock. The fury in his eyes was palpable, a storm brewing within him. Adalind, caught off guard, stood by the open file cabinet, her fingers grazing over a document. The door slammed shut behind him, the click of the lock echoing in the tense silence. The anger etched on his face was unmistakable as he closed the distance between them, his movements sharp and purposeful.
Before Adalind could react, Renard's hand shot out, grabbing her by the throat. The shock left her momentarily defenceless, her eyes wide as she struggled to comprehend the situation.
"How long were you planning to keep this from me, Adalind?" Renard's voice was a low, dangerous growl. "Hank has shaken off the love potion you gave him."
Adalind gasped, the pressure on her throat making it difficult to breathe, let alone speak. Renard's grip tightened as he continued, his fury palpable. Adalind's eyes widened in shock. She could feel his magic bearing down on her, suffocating her own.
"Sean… you're hurting me," Adalind choked out, her voice strained and desperate. The lack of oxygen made it hard to pull on her own magic to defend herself.
Renard's grip loosened slightly, just enough to allow her to speak but still firm enough to keep her in place. "How did this happen?" he demanded.
Adalind coughed, trying to catch her breath. "I don't know," she gasped. "I'm sure Nick figured out what happened to Hank. He must be getting help from someone."
Renard's eyes narrowed, his tone dripping with malice. "And who, pray tell, is he going to for assistance? His aunt is dead."
"I don't know," she pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. "He's… he's smarter than we thought."
Sean's grip tightened again. "Why did you wait so long to sleep with Hank? You could have used that as leverage. WHY!?"
Adalind struggled, her mind racing for an excuse. "I… I couldn't bear the thought of anyone but you touching me," she stammered.
Sean's fury surged, his grip tightening to the point where Adalind's vision started to blur. "You jeopardised my plans and cost me the key because YOU felt it was unbearable?" he spat.
As Adalind's vision blurred, white spots danced before her eyes. Tears streamed down her face as she realised this might be the end. Just as darkness began to close in, Renard released her, pushing her back roughly.
She collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath, her vision slowly clearing. Renard's magic still hung heavily in the air, his malevolent anger pressing down on her. He grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Find a way to make this right, Adalind," he warned, his voice cold and menacing. "Or else."
Adalind could only nod, too shaken to form any words. She stared at Sean, anger and fear mingling in her eyes. This was a side of him she had never seen before, frantic and vicious. As he finally stormed out of the office, she was left to gather herself, the reality of her precarious situation settling in. She had come dangerously close to dying by his hands.
Tears streamed down Adalind's face as she thought about how stupid she was to believe that Sean ever loved her. That moment just then really drove the point home—his 'love' for her was only dependent on her usefulness. Her worth was so little that he could have actually killed her because she didn't succeed in what he ordered. The stark realisation hit her hard, causing a fresh wave of tears to fall. She quickly wiped her face and gathered herself, her resolve hardening. This only bolstered her determination that she made the right choice coming to Nick. She was sure something significant had happened to cause Sean to lash out at her so violently.
Adalind pulled a compact mirror from her purse to inspect her neck. Bruises were already forming, stark and purple against her pale skin. She grabbed a silk scarf tied to the handle of her purse and gingerly wrapped it around her neck, trying to hide the evidence of Sean's rage.
Her hands still shaking, she grabbed her phone and dialled Nick's number. When he answered, his voice was tense with concern.
"Nick, I need to tell you something, and it's urgent," she said, her voice trembling but resolute. "Sean knows about Hank."
There was a pause on the other end before Nick responded, "Come by the spice shop. I'm here with Monroe and Rosalee."
Adalind agreed, hanging up the phone. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves before leaving her office. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she saw the evidence of her tears and the raw emotion still etched on her face. She quickly reached for her makeup bag, dabbing concealer under her eyes and reapplying her foundation with practised precision. Looking weak was something she had never tolerated, a lesson drilled into her since she could remember. Satisfied that she had managed to mask her vulnerability, she took another deep breath.
Adalind drove to the spice shop, her mind racing as she replayed Sean's visit over and over again. The anxiety and fear from that encounter clung to her, but she was determined to inform Nick about the development with Sean. She had gone straight to the shop after work, not wanting to waste any time.
As she walked in, the familiar scent of herbs and spices filled the air, providing a brief moment of solace. She saw Rosalee at the counter, assisting a customer with her usual calm demeanour. When Rosalee noticed her, there was a subtle flicker of recognition in her eyes. She tipped her head discreetly towards the basement, signalling where Nick and Monroe were.
Adalind nodded in acknowledgment and made her way downstairs. The basement was dimly lit, its shelves lined with jars of various ingredients and ancient texts. Monroe was engrossed in translating an old, leather-bound book from German to English for Nick. The room was quiet except for the soft murmur of Monroe's voice.
As soon as they noticed her arrival, they stopped what they were doing, their attention fully on her. Nick, standing with his usual alert posture, immediately scanned her face. He quickly noticed the redness and slight puffiness around her eyes, subtle signs she had tried to conceal with makeup. His sharp, blue-grey eyes reflected concern, a look she had seen before but still found disarming.
"Are you alright?" Nick asked, his voice steady but filled with genuine concern.
Adalind nodded her head, trying to maintain her composure. "I'm fine, Nick. Just very angry, but otherwise fine."
Monroe, who had been holding the old book, set it down carefully on the table. His brow furrowed with worry as he looked at her. "What happened?"
At this point, Rosalee joined them in the basement after helping her last customer. Her presence brought a sense of calm and stability to the room. She glanced at Adalind with a mixture of curiosity and concern, sensing the urgency in her demeanour.
Adalind took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to share. She needed to convey the gravity of the situation without revealing the full extent of Sean's violence towards her. "Sean visited me today, unannounced," she began, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of tension. "He seemed frantic, almost as if he's running out of time."
Monroe exchanged a worried look with Rosalee, and Nick's expression hardened as he listened intently.
"I can only assume his family is pressuring him," Adalind continued, choosing her words carefully. "That's the only thing that really gets to Sean. They're probably starting to make their move, and it's pissing him off because Portland is his territory, and he still hasn't made any progress with you, Nick."
Nick's jaw tightened, his mind racing through the implications of what she was saying. Adalind noticed the flicker of concern in his eyes, a subtle but telling sign of the weight he felt.
"When he found out about Hank, he lashed out," Adalind added, her tone dropping slightly. The memory of Sean's hands around her throat, the suffocating grip, flashed through her mind, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.
Nick was quiet, contemplating her words. Rosalee spoke up, her calm demeanour steadying the group. "If what Adalind thinks is true, we should expect more people to come after you, Nick."
Adalind nodded, her gaze intense and unwavering. "In Sean's current mood, he'll probably go to my mother for advice. She always has a spell or a hex ready for any problem she encounters, so there's no doubt she'll be giving him suggestions. It's highly unlikely she'll do it herself if she can get me to do it for her, so once she comes to me with her plan, I'll let you know."
Nick nodded in agreement. "Be careful, Adalind. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to call me."
Adalind appreciated the gesture and gave him a small, grateful smile. She was starting to feel a glimmer of trust from Nick, and that was something she intended to nurture.
Rosalee then turned to Nick, her voice filled with concern. "How's Wu doing?"
Nick sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he leaned against the table. "He was discharged from the hospital this afternoon. Monroe and I were just discussing how to give him the antidote."
Adalind's eyes widened with concern. "What happened to Wu?"
Nick gave her a brief summary of Wu's condition, explaining how he had ended up in the hospital, including the bizarre symptoms and his collapse. As he spoke, Adalind's expression turned more serious, her mind racing through possible solutions.
"We should give Wu the antidote tonight," Adalind said firmly, her voice filled with urgency. "The curse will only get stronger the longer we delay it."
Nick looked hesitant. "How are we going to do that? We can't just barge into his home and force him to inhale it."
Adalind's mind worked quickly, formulating a plan. "We might not have to barge in. We can be more discreet. If we wait until he's asleep, we can administer the antidote without him even realising it."
Nick frowned, still uncertain. "Breaking into his home, even with good intentions, doesn't sit right with me."
Rosalee, who had been listening thoughtfully, chimed in. "Nick, Adalind is right. If Wu's condition is as severe as you described, waiting isn't an option. We need to act now to save him."
Nick looked between Adalind and Rosalee, weighing their words. He finally nodded, the resolve hardening in his eyes. "Alright. We'll do it tonight. But we need to be careful. I don't want to scare Wu or make things worse."
Adalind nodded in agreement, her expression determined. "I'll help you. The sooner we do this, the better."
As the plan took shape, there was a moment of silence, the gravity of their decision settling over them. Rosalee then broke the tension with a practical suggestion, her voice lightening the mood. "Why don't we order some takeaway? I'm starving."
Nick smiled at the idea, appreciating the brief respite. "Good idea. How about Chinese?"
Adalind looked unsure, not wanting to impose, but Rosalee smiled warmly at her. "Is Chinese okay for you?"
Adalind wasn't expecting the invitation but felt a warmth spread through her at the gesture. "Chinese food sounds great, thank you."
As the takeaway food arrived and they settled into an impromptu dinner, Adalind found herself unexpectedly drawn into the group's conversation. Despite the serious nature of their meeting, the camaraderie and warmth of the trio were contagious. She surprised herself with how easily she joined in, the tension from earlier easing with each passing minute.
As they talked about Wu, somehow the conversation steered towards other powerful magical items. Nick recounted his experience with the coins of Zakynthos and how they had dramatically changed Hank and his captain's behaviour.
Nick leaned back in his chair, the memory vivid in his mind. "You wouldn't believe how those coins affected Hank and Renard. It was like they were completely different people. Hank became... aggressive, almost uncontrollable when we were chasing a suspect. It was scary to see him like that, so out of character."
Adalind nodded, her eyes widening with curiosity. "And Sean? How did it affect him?"
Nick chuckled, though there was no humour in his eyes. "Renard put together a press conference, wearing his full uniform, and gave this grand speech about how he was going to make Portland safe. It was like he was campaigning for something, really over the top."
Monroe, ever the historian, leaned forward, intrigued. "That's the thing about these powerful magical items. They don't just enhance your abilities; they can amplify your deepest desires or fears, often in ways you can't control."
Rosalee added thoughtfully, "It's fascinating but also terrifying. These items can bring out the best or the worst in people. And in the wrong hands, they can cause unimaginable damage."
Adalind, feeling more integrated into the group, offered her own tidbit of knowledge. "Actually, according to Hexenbiest lore, each coin is said to be imbued with a Biest spirit." The group looked at her curiously.
Adalind continues, "You see, Hexenbiests and Zauberbiests are born with a manifestation of our ego in spirit form. This Biest fuels our motivations and desires, pushing us to achieve our deepest ambitions. It's why our kind often appears power-hungry and self-serving; our Biest urges us to go to great lengths to fulfil our desires."
She paused, noting the captivated expressions on their faces, before continuing, "Our Biest is directly linked to our supernatural abilities, acting as a superconductor for magical components found in nature. According to ancient Hexenbiest stories, the coins were believed to be mined from the island of Zakynthos in Greece during the 8th century BC. The coins themselves held mystical properties, and during the 6th century BC, a Zauberbiest named Laphaes went on a quest to amplify his own powers. He stripped the spirits from ten Hexenbiests and imbued them onto the coins, creating powerful talismans."
Adalind looked around the room, ensuring she had their full attention. "Since then, the coins have been coveted by many. While it was believed to only empower our kind, it seems these coins affect Kehrseites as well. Many powerful figures in history are rumoured to have possessed these coins when they gained influence, though it's mostly speculation."
Monroe, eyes wide with amazement, chimed in, "Wow, that's incredible! I mean, I've read bits and pieces about the coins, but I never heard the part about the Biest spirits. It makes sense now, why they had such a profound effect on everyone who came into contact with them. The idea of a spirit being trapped in a coin and amplifying power… it's fascinating."
Nick leaned forward, adding to the conversation, "You know, my Aunt Marie had an old film reel that shows Hitler giving a speech. You can clearly see two of the coins sewn into his collar. I always knew the coins had some kind of effect, but I never realised they had such a deep and twisted history."
Adalind nodded thoughtfully. "That fits with the lore. It's believed that many powerful figures throughout history possessed these coins, which could explain their extraordinary influence. The coins amplify the natural tendencies of the person holding them, pushing them to extreme actions."
Rosalee looked at Nick with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "So these coins could have played a role in shaping some of the darkest events in history. It's a reminder of how dangerous they are and how careful we need to be."
Nick's expression shifted subtly as he realised the sensitive nature of what he had just revealed. Clearing his throat, he quickly added, "Uh, actually, those coins went missing after the case. I have no idea where they are now."
Adalind nodded, seemingly accepting his explanation, but deep down, she knew he probably had a good idea where the coins were. She understood his reasoning—she'd likely do the same if their positions were reversed, knowing what he now knew about the coins. She didn't blame him; she knew he felt a responsibility to keep such powerful objects from falling into the wrong hands. So, she accepted his answer without much probing, choosing to focus on the bigger picture.
Nick made a mental note to find a more secure place to hide the coins. The revelation about their history from Adalind had added a new layer of urgency. He also reminded himself to update his Grimm books with the newfound information about the coins' history.
He wanted to trust Adalind—she had shown genuine effort to make amends—but he couldn't ignore the possibility that her own Biest nature might compel her to go after the coins if she knew where they were. It was a delicate balance, trusting her while keeping critical secrets.
Rosalee, sensing the slight tension, interjected with a warm smile. "It's good to have all this knowledge out in the open. It helps us prepare for what's out there and understand the potential dangers."
Monroe nodded in agreement, "Yeah, knowledge is power. And, dude, we need all the power we can get to stay ahead of whatever's coming our way."
As the conversation shifted back to Wu, Adalind found herself unexpectedly part of the group's dynamic. The ease with which they included her was surprising. Despite everything, she felt a sense of belonging that she had missed for a long time.
As the night grew dark, Nick and Adalind drove through the quiet streets, heading towards Wu's house. The comfortable silence between them was a stark contrast to the tension of their mission. Their dinner had been filled with conversation, easing some of the unease that had settled between them since their last encounter. Monroe had wanted to come along to offer his help, but Nick insisted it would draw too much attention.
When they arrived, Nick could sense movements inside the house. He held out his arm, stopping Adalind. "Wu is still up and about," he warned quietly.
They sneaked their way to a window to get a better look at what was going on inside. The sight that met their eyes was unsettling—Wu was eating his carpet. Adalind gasped softly and turned to Nick, urgency in her eyes. "Nick, we can't wait any longer. Look at him. The curse is getting worse, and we really need to act now."
Nick nodded, taking in the sight of Wu's deteriorating condition. "Yeah, you're right. We can't delay this."
They moved to the front door, and Adalind pulled out a set of small bones, each the size of a finger, strung neatly together. Nick shot her a questioning look, his eyebrows raised in curiosity and confusion.
"Skeleton keys," she said matter-of-factly, giving a slight shrug of her shoulders. The casualness of her response left Nick even more bewildered.
"Skeleton keys?" Nick repeated, the confusion evident in his voice.
"Yes," Adalind replied, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Watch and see."
She woged into her Hexenbiest form, and Nick felt a change in the air around her, a subtle shift that pricked his senses. The bones in her hand made a cracking sound, morphing into a shape resembling a house key, though still clearly made of bone. She inserted it into the keyhole and turned the handle. As the door opened, she woged back into her human form.
"Sorry about that," Adalind said quietly, a hint of apology in her tone. "I know it isn't exactly pleasant to see."
Nick waved it off. "It's fine, Adalind. The first time I saw you woge, I'll admit it scared me. But not now"
Adalind appreciated his words, feeling a sense of acceptance that had been absent for so long. They quietly entered the house, moving swiftly to where Wu was still engaged in his strange behaviour. Adalind could see the warts on Wu's body, a clear sign that the curse was advancing.
As soon as Wu saw Nick, his face twisted in confusion. "Nick? What are you doing here?" he mumbled, his voice thick with bewilderment.
Nick moved quickly, wrestling Wu onto the settee with a firm but gentle hold. "We're here to help you, Wu. Just stay still for a moment, okay?" Nick's tone was calm but urgent, trying to soothe his friend's anxiety.
Adalind, standing by with the Nez-soufflet in hand, stepped forward with determination. She used her powers to shut Wu's mouth, with Wu's lips sealed, she placed the inhaler beneath his nose, forcing him to breathe it in.
Wu struggled briefly, his body convulsing as the antidote began to take effect. Nick held him steady, his grip unwavering. Wu's skin turned an alarming shade of red, his back arching in response to the potion, warts melting back into his skin. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the convulsions ceased, and Wu's skin returned to its normal colour.
Slowly, Wu's eyes fluttered open, still clouded with confusion. He looked down at himself, realising he was in his underwear, and his face flushed with embarrassment. "What... what happened?" he stammered, spitting out pieces of carpet.
Nick gave him a comforting smile, his hold on Wu relaxing. "It's a long story, Wu. But you're going to be okay now. Just take it easy."
As Wu rushed off to get dressed, Nick exchanged a relieved glance with Adalind.
As Nick tried to explain to Wu that he had come by to check on him after his discharge, he noticed the door was unlocked and, worriedly, went inside to check on him. Inside, he found Wu eating carpet. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay after the surgery," Nick explained, trying to ease the situation. "We gave you something to help you spit that out."
Wu, still visibly confused, glanced over at Adalind. "And who are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
Adalind stepped forward, offering a small smile. "Nick was giving me a ride and I came along when he wanted to check on you," she explained gently, trying to simplify their unexpected presence.
Wu looked between them, still puzzled but nodding. "Well, thanks for checking up on me," he said, though his tone suggested he was far from convinced.
Nick reassured him again. "Just take it easy, Wu. You've just had surgery. Rest up, and call me if you need anything," he advised, his tone earnest. Both of them bid Wu goodnight and assured him once more that he can call Nick if anything happens.
As Nick drove Adalind back to the spice shop where she had left her car, the scarf wrapped around her neck loosened, revealing a bruise peeking out. The mottled blue and purple colours caught Nick's attention, and his face darkened with concern.
Adalind noticed his intense gaze and asked, "What's wrong?" She followed his line of sight to her neck and quickly tried to readjust the scarf.
Nick reached out, gently holding her hand to stop her. "Did the captain do that to you?" he asked, his voice low and steady, but with an underlying edge of anger.
Adalind sighed, the concern in Nick's eyes striking her deeply. She didn't put up a fight and let him unravel the scarf. Nick gingerly inspected her bruised neck, his expression filled with concern. His touch was surprisingly gentle, and the way he looked at her made her feel seen in a way she hadn't experienced before.
She gave a soft sigh, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, but I'm fine. Sean was angry about the setback and lashed out. I knew turning my back on him wouldn't come without consequences."
Nick's grip trembled slightly, his anger barely contained. "Renard choked you while still thinking you were loyal to him. What happens when he realises you're not?"
Adalind met his gaze, her resolve firm. "I'll be more prepared next time. I won't let him catch me off guard again. Besides, I've faced worse. It's part of the game we play in our world."
Nick's jaw tightened, his frustration evident. "You shouldn't have to face this alone. If Renard makes another move, you need to let me know. I'll have your back."
Adalind gave him a small, grateful smile, the sincerity in his voice warming something inside her. "Thank you, Nick. I appreciate it."
Adalind gave a soft smile and exited the car. Nick watched as she climbed into her own vehicle, a deep concern settling in his chest about Adalind's safety with their whole plan. He hadn't expected his captain to have such a violent side. Adalind had mentioned that something about his family had him on edge, causing him to lash out. This realisation weighed heavily on Nick's mind as he considered the implications.
As he drove home, Nick found himself increasingly convinced that he could trust Adalind. There was more to her than he had initially thought. Seeing her interact with Monroe and Rosalee with genuineness and ease had softened his view of her considerably. Their initial encounters had been fraught with danger and deception, but he now understood that much of it had been driven by Sean and not Adalind herself.
As he pulled into the driveway of his home, Nick's phone buzzed with a message from Monroe.
"All good with Wu?" it read.
Nick quickly typed back, "Yeah, antidote seems to have worked. Heading in now. Let's catch up tomorrow."
He sat in the car for a moment, staring at the house. Juliette's silhouette passed by a window, and the familiar sight brought a sense of comfort.
Back in her apartment, Adalind meticulously mixed an oatmeal-coloured paste. Crafting magical concoctions, potions, and healing salves was one of her strongest suits, a skill honed through years of dedication. She gently applied the cream to her bruised neck, the cool sensation a stark contrast to the seething anger that simmered beneath her calm exterior.
Sean's face flashed in her memory—his fury and bloodlust unmistakable. She couldn't help but feel her own anger rising. Nick was right to point out that Sean had hurt her while still believing in her loyalty. She knew Sean was self-serving, as Zauberbiests often were, but the depths of his selfishness and arrogance had been laid bare in that moment.
What if she hadn't figured out what Sean and her mother were up to? What if she had gone through with trying to kill Hank to get the key? Nick was far more capable and resourceful than she had anticipated, and now, knowing he had Monroe and Rosalee supporting him, she had no doubt she would have been seriously hurt or worse. She shuddered at the thought of being stripped of her powers by a Grimm's blood—her very spirit destroyed. She knew exactly what would have happened then: Sean and her mother would have discarded her like a used rag, her purpose served and no longer of any value.
As she rubbed the cream into her skin, her thoughts drifted back to Nick. The genuine concern in his eyes when he saw what Sean had done to her had struck a chord. He had been angry on her behalf, a depth of care she couldn't recall experiencing before, at least not with such intensity. She found herself liking the idea of Nick caring for her. Monroe and Rosalee had welcomed her into their circle, showing her a kindness that was foreign to her but deeply appreciated.
Adalind found herself wanting to be part of what Nick had with Monroe and Rosalee—a friendship built on trust, mutual respect, and the assurance that they would always be there for each other. She had experienced enough of being used, of the transactional relationships her kind often fostered. It wasn't the kind of relationship she wanted anymore.
Her Biest had never urged her towards influence and power as her mother's had. Instead, it pushed her to improve her own skills, her magic, her career—everything she had achieved was through her own strengths, and she was proud of that. Everyone had their own deepest desires, and she realised hers lay in becoming stronger than she had been, not in terms of power or influence, but in personal growth and resilience.
Once, when she truly believed Sean loved her, her Biest had urged her to pursue that love. Now, as she sat in the quiet of her apartment, she realised her Biest was guiding her towards something far more meaningful—true connections with people who valued her for who she was, not for what she could do for them, her biest once believed it would come from Sean. She wanted to be part of something real, something that would make her stronger in ways she hadn't yet imagined.