Author's Note: Happy new week. How are you guys doing? Welp, as you can tell, I decided to update chapter 17 extra early. It might take a little bit for me to update the next few chapters, seeing as we are slowly getting close to finishing Tattoo (not really, I'm planning it to be like a 30 chapter-fic, but with the way my update scheduling is looking right now - I'd say in a few months time), and so far, I have 22 chapters written out. I'm revising everything and making sure the plot twists and the story flow make sense because the dramatics will be cranked up. And also—a mini disclaimer—I will be bumping this story up to rated M in a few chapters. So I'd advise that you hit the follow button for this story so that you don't miss any updates, as you may not see it on the K to T story archive for ADJL, and it can be easily missed.
Also, thank you so much for the follows, the favorites, and the reviews. I really appreciate everyone for keeping up with this little madness of mine. I do enjoy writing this story, and I'm happy to see that everyone is enjoying this.
Warning: Suspense, drama, fluff
Disclaimer: I only own Inner :)
Tattoo
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Chapter 17: Obligation and Freedom
"Obligation without freedom is being a slave to duty, to approval or to obedience."
The trio stood in their penthouse quarters, facing the massive wardrobe stocked with elegant, magically tailored outfits specifically designed for them. The enchantments hummed softly, shimmering fabric shifting in color and pattern as if waiting to be chosen. The air in the room was thick—not with excitement, but with something unspoken. The weight of their last argument still lingered. Spud had finally told Trixie the truth about her death, leaving an awkwardness between them, and Jake and Trixie had come dangerously close to crossing a line, again, before Spud's interruption. Now, as they stood together, preparing for the grand event, they were all recovering in their ways—trying to move forward but unable to shake the unresolved emotions between them.
Spud was the first to break the silence, flipping through a rack of robes with an exaggerated flourish.
"Alright, dudes and dudette," he announced dramatically, plucking a particularly flashy suit from the rack. "Do we go classic and suave?" He held up a sleek black tux. "Or a mysterious rogue prince?" He whipped out a dark emerald robe embroidered with golden runes. "Or... and hear me out... enchanted disco king?" A suit covered in glowing, shifting light patterns floated onto his arms. He grinned. "No bad options here."
Jake shot him a dry look from where he stood. "Spud, if you show up looking like a human glow stick, we're leaving you behind."
"Jake, buddy, my man. Don't be a hater." Spud clutched his chest in mock pain before tossing the glowing suit aside with a grin. Just as he reached for a simple navy-blue ensemble, a smooth whisper, light as a breath, curled through his thoughts.
'All black would suit you better, darling.'
Spud froze, his fingers hovering over the fabric as a shiver—not of fear, but of something else—ran down his spine. His face warmed slightly, but he quickly shook it off, swallowing whatever reaction threatened to surface. "Alright, fine. No to disco, but yes to class."
Trixie, who had been unusually quiet, stood before a full-length mirror. She wasn't even sure if it was the right choice—The ball was gonna be beautiful, no doubt, but something about getting dressed for this event felt... wrong. Like she was preparing to step into a world she still wasn't sure she belonged in. And worse, Inner's warning—from prior to traveling to the magical realm—echoed in her mind; someone wanted to take her power away. The thought lingered, pressing heavily on her chest, unsure if she was stepping into this night as a guest or a target.
Jake glanced at her through the mirror, catching the slight furrow in her brow. "You okay?"
Trixie blinked, shaking herself from her thoughts. "Yeah," she muttered, smoothing out the fabric of her dress. "Just... a lot to take in."
Spud, for once picking up on the tension, decided to steer the mood back up. "Oh, come on. We're about to roll up to a magical high society party. This is some next-level royalty stuff! I mean, sure, someone might be plotting against us, but look at the bright side—free food!"
Trixie chuckled despite herself, finally turning from the mirror. "Yeah, alright, Spud. Let's go rock this fancy-ass party."
Jake and Spud nodded before making their way to the exit. As Spud adjusted his grip on the hanger holding his outfit for the night, he felt an unexpected warmth in his palm. It was a soothing sensation—not the unsettling, pulsating glow associated with his tattoo, but rather a comforting presence, a quiet assurance that he wasn't alone.
His fingers flexed instinctively, rubbing over the mark. For the first time, it didn't feel like a curse—it felt like a presence. Inner was still there. The warmth in his palm deepened, no longer just a fleeting sensation—it felt like she was holding his hand, fingers ghosting over it. Somehow, she was letting him know she had his back.
Spud exhaled, shaking off the strange sensation and plastering on a grin. "Alright, let's do this."
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The grand hall of the Asterian Ball was a masterpiece of celestial architecture. High vaulted ceilings arched overhead, woven from pure magic, shifting between star-lit constellations and swirling galaxies. The walls glowed softly with enchanted inscriptions, whispering spells in forgotten tongues. A massive chandelier, seemingly made of suspended, glowing orbs, hovered in the center, casting a warm golden light over the elegantly dressed attendees below.
As soon as the trio stepped inside, conversations faltered, eyes subtly flicking in their direction. The weight of expectation pressed against them, heavy and unspoken.
Jake, dressed in a fitted black and crimson suit with dragon-scaled embroidery lining the cuffs and collar, carried himself with quiet authority. His presence alone commanded attention, but Trixie stole the breath from the room.
Her deep sapphire gown flowed like liquid silk, catching the light with an ethereal shimmer. Gold embroidery traced intricate celestial patterns along the hem and bodice, resembling constellations woven into fabric. The off-shoulder design elegantly framed her collarbones, while delicate golden chains and crescent moon charms adorned her voluminous, defined curls, which had been styled into a braided updo, allowing her natural texture to frame her face. The curls cascaded effortlessly, enhancing the celestial elegance she exuded. A sheer, flowing cape, attached to golden cuffs at her wrists, trailed behind her like stardust, further amplifying her presence. The effect was nothing short of mesmerizing, as if she were a celestial being stepping into her rightful place.
Spud appeared unusually polished in his fitted all-black outfit. Although he nervously adjusted his cufflinks, his appearance was distinct and sophisticated. The ensemble was sleek and subtle, coincidentally mirroring Inner's advice. The warmth in his hand reminded him of that, as though she continued to guide him in ways he had yet to fully comprehend.
Adjusting the cuffs of his all-black suit, Spud let out a low whistle. "Damn. It's like Hogwarts had a baby at a billionaire's gala."
Already scanning the crowd, Jake muttered, "Yeah, well, let's not forget, fancy doesn't mean safe."
Trixie, walking ahead with measured steps, could feel the magic thrumming in the air. It was overwhelming, but she held her composure. She was used to being watched, but this was different. Some gazes were curious, some appraising, and others... calculating.
A high-ranking Elder in shimmering gold robes approached them, his smile practiced and his aura exuding authority. His presence alone commanded attention as if the air around him knew his influence.
The Elder was tall and regal, his posture straight with the kind of confidence that came from centuries of wisdom and power. His dark, bronze-toned skin was marked with faint, celestial etchings that shimmered under the ambient light—almost like constellations had been carved into his very being. His sharp, sunken eyes, a piercing shade of deep amber, held a quiet intensity, analyzing everything before him with the precision of a man who left nothing to chance. His high cheekbones and angular jawline gave him an air of severe elegance, while the subtle streaks of silver running through his thick, tightly coiled black hair hinted at his age, though his expression remained ageless.
The golden robes draped over him were not mere fabric but woven with pure magic, shifting between deep gold and pale luminescence with each movement. Embedded into the robes were arcane symbols, their meanings lost to all but the oldest scholars. A thin black sash wrapped around his waist, marked with an ancient sigil that pulsed faintly with an energy unlike anything the trio had encountered before.
As he stepped forward, the crowd instinctively made way for him. This was not a man who sought power. This was a man who already had it.
"Master Long. Lady Carter. Lord Spudinski." His voice was rich, commanding, yet smooth like polished marble. Every syllable was measured deliberately, as if his words carried weight beyond the physical realm. "Astralis welcomes you. You have been the topic of many conversations."
Jake's lips twitched in a forced grin. "Good things, I hope."
The Elder's smile didn't falter. "All things in Astralis are a matter of perspective. However, your victory over the Dark Dragon is a tale often spoken of in reverence here. The magical world remains in your debt, Master Long."
Jake stiffened slightly. He wasn't used to formal praise, but he gave a small nod of acknowledgment. "Just did what I had to do."
The Elder's gaze remained knowing. "Perhaps. But history often remembers those who 'did what they had to do' as legends."
He then turned his gaze toward Trixie, his expression unreadable but undeniably watchful.
"And you," he continued, "have stirred waves in ways you do not yet realize."
Trixie held her ground, resisting the urge to shift under his gaze. "Yeah? And who exactly are you?"
The Elder smiled, small but unmistakably perceptive. "I am Elder Amri Solaren, High Councilor of Astralis' Elders. I oversee the stability of magic within our realm." His golden robes shifted subtly as he folded his hands behind his back. "And I take great interest in those who wield power that can change the tides of our world."
Trixie narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing the weight behind his words.
Spud, meanwhile, gave a nervous chuckle. "Sooo, like, Head Honcho of the Magic Government, huh?"
Amri's lips curved slightly in amusement. "A crude but not inaccurate description." Amri took a step back before the trio could press further, his posture still perfectly composed. "Anyway, enjoy the evening. You will find that many are eager to make your acquaintance." His gaze lingered just a second longer on Trixie before he gave a slight bow. "We shall speak again."
And with that, he drifted away, seamlessly dissolving into the mingling of Astralis' elite. His cryptic farewell still lingering in their minds, the trio stood in silence, the air thick with questions they couldn't quite ask out loud.
Jake's brow furrowed. "What do you think he meant by—"
A sudden shift in energy cut him off. Not magical—just loud. A chorus of dreamy sighs and high-pitched giggles rippled through the grand hall like a love-struck tsunami.
Trixie blinked, turning her head just in time to see the entire left side of the ballroom parting like waves around a very smug, very sparkly redhead.
"Oh no," Spud muttered, rolling his eyes. "He's doing the entrance again."
They didn't even need to guess who it was. An entourage of elegantly dressed women practically swooned in unison as Nigel Thrall made his way down the marble steps, each of them clutching at their fans, their pearls, or their friends like they'd just witnessed a deity descend from the stars.
"Oh my goddess, he's even hotter in person!"
"I swear his cloak just winked at me—it winked!"
"Is he single? I don't care if he's not—I'll fix it."
They turned to see Nigel Thrall making his entrance like he'd been waiting for this moment his whole life—and planned every detail of it. He wore a midnight sapphire suit cut to perfection, the kind of tailoring that whispered old money and magical prestige. The fabric had a soft, iridescent sheen that shimmered under the chandelier light, shifting with every movement like bottled starlight. Beneath his blazer, a black silk shirt clung smoothly to his frame, fastened with silver buttons shaped like runes.
But the centerpiece was the floor-length cloak draped over his shoulders—dark velvet, dyed in gradients of blue and black, embroidered with silver constellations that actually moved. It billowed behind him with enchanted weight, part royal, part rockstar. A single clasp at his collarbone held it in place: a serpent-shaped pin with glowing sapphire eyes, coiled around a wand.
His red hair was slicked back in smooth waves, not a strand out of place, the rich auburn catching gold highlights under the chandeliers. His black eyes were sharp and amused, drinking in every glance that turned his way—he was fully aware of the attention and reveled in it. On his feet were glossy black dress shoes, polished to a mirror shine, the toes adorned with subtle rune detailing that caught the light with every step.
He didn't just enter the room—he arrived.
Trixie blinked, then tilted her head with a smirk. "He really thinks he's Astralis' Next Top Model."
Jake shook his head. "Is this guy running for office or starring in a perfume commercial?"
Spud coughed. "Nah, it's worse. He's both."
Of course, Nigel heard Trixie's comment—dismissing the boys' comments—and twirled dramatically on his heel as he approached, cloak fluttering behind him like a storm cloud full of starlight.
"Think it?" he said with a devilish grin. "Darling, I already am."
Jake raised a brow, folding his arms with a half-smirk. "Yeah? Hope the runway's flameproof—'cause you about two twirls away from getting singed."
Nigel just winked. "Ooh. Is that a threat or jealousy I smell, Master Long?"
Trixie snorted, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth.
"Didn't you vanish after middle school?" Jake asked with such a bored tone, his arms remaining folded.
"Vanished is dramatic. I was recruited by the European Arcane Summit. Fast-tracked through the Accelerated Magical Scholars Program. Sounds fancy because it is." He winked. "Turns out being a smartass with power is very lucrative."
Trixie crossed her arms. "Still wrapping my head around the fact that you're an Elder."
Nigel smirked, "Shocking, I know. Newly appointed, youngest in history. Even prodigies gotta grow up." he struck a pose that was supposed to be charming. Emphasis on supposed. "Don't worry, I'm still that guy. Just with more credentials."
Spud blinked. "Whoa. Like, actual Elder status? With voting rights and robes and everything?"
"And health benefits," Nigel added proudly. "But let's focus on the robes. They're stunning."
Jake eyed him. "You seem... different."
"I am," Nigel said, then shrugged. "Still fabulous. Just less reckless."
They all shared a brief laugh—until a shadow joined them.
Eli Pandarus stepped into their circle, calm and unreadable. He was dressed to command attention: a fitted black-and-gold suit that shimmered like obsidian in the moonlight, the high collar lined with golden thread and subtle runic inscriptions that pulsed ever so faintly with magic. Draped over his shoulders was a floor-length cape made from midnight velvet, fastened with a clasp bearing the Pandarus crest— a red, six-legged spider, its legs curled delicately around a bloodstone gem. His shoes, polished to a mirror shine, made no sound as he moved, gliding with the quiet confidence of someone who owned every room he entered.
His hair—sleek black with bold streaks of platinum blonde—was styled back in a clean, sculpted wave that should've looked overdone, yet somehow didn't. His skin tanned from globe-trotting, his black eyes sharp and unreadable, always calculating. And, of course, hanging from his arm was a snow leopard-patterned stole—a nod to his known fondness for rare, exotic animals. The only thing more dangerous than the predator on his shoulder was the one wearing the suit.
He approached with the kind of precision that said: I see everything. I choose what matters.
And right now? That was Trixie.
His eyes—cold, black, and calculating—scanned the room like a chess player studying a board. And when they landed on Trixie, his lips curved into the kind of smile that made her really uncomfortable.
"Thrall," he greeted as he approached the group, voice smooth as velvet laced with venom.. "Socializing, I see."
"You know me," Nigel replied, voice still breezy but a touch more formal. "Some of us like being personable."
Jake folded his arms. "Since when did you start getting invites to high society parties?"
Spud squinted at him. "Didn't we fight you like, three times? And I'm pretty sure one of them involved kidnapping me to unlock a Pandora's Box? Or what about that beauty pageant, where you almost married Fu? Or—."
Eli smiled while dismissively waving his hand, like those memories were charming inconveniences. "Ancient history. The magical world is quite forgiving to those who know how to... reinvent themselves."
"Rebrand, you mean," Trixie muttered.
Eli's black eyes gleamed with amusement. "Tomato, tomahto. The Elder Council values innovation and influence. I happen to offer both." His gaze slid toward her with unbothered precision. "Besides, I clean up well. Don't you think?"
Jake stepped in, jaw tense. "She's not interested."
Eli barely flicked him a glance. "I wasn't asking you, Long."
He turned back to Trixie, his voice dipping to a lower, velvet-coated register. "You've grown, Lady Carter. Power looks good on you. Very good. Almost dangerous."
Trixie met his gaze coolly. "You still trying to flirt with people you've thrown into magical containment spells, or is that just a you-and-me thing?" She put her manicured finger to her chin, faking a thinking pout.
Eli chuckled. "No hard feelings, I hope. We were all younger then."
"Right," Spud muttered. "Younger and evil-er."
His smile didn't falter. "Some connections are... complicated."
She snorted. "Yeah? Well, unless Astralis has different laws, I'm pretty sure you could go to jail for flirting with someone my age."
That got him. Just a flicker—a twitch at the corner of his mouth, like he wasn't sure whether to laugh or be offended.
Jake, watching from beside her, grinned. "She's not wrong."
Eli lifted his hands, mock-innocent. "I assure you, my appreciation was purely professional."
"Right," Trixie muttered, already turning away. "Creep."
From across the ballroom, Elder Amri raised a hand, summoning Eli over. Eli sighed dramatically as if the world were demanding his brilliance once again. "Duty calls. Try not to stir up too much trouble before dessert."
As he turned to go, his cape flaring with just enough flair to make a point, Jake's eyes didn't leave him.
"I don't trust him," Jake said flatly.
"Duh," Trixie replied, watching him vanish into the crowd from the corner of her eye. "I'm still trying to figure out how someone with a criminal record and a peacock complex landed a seat with the Elders."
Jake muttered, "I really don't like that guy."
Nigel, watching from the edge with a wine glass in hand, added dryly, "You shouldn't. He flirts like he's shopping for stock."
They watched him finally join in with Amri, as well two Elders other elders dressed in deep sapphire robes, as they stood close together, speaking in hushed tones. One of them, an older man with black tattoos covering all of his face, glanced briefly at the trio before quickly turning away.
Spud nudged Jake. "You see that?"
Jake nodded, his stance shifting slightly. "Yeah. Something's off."
"Want me to pull a 'casual' Spud moment and stumble over there?" Spud whispered.
"Not yet," Jake murmured. "Let's keep an eye on them first."
Meanwhile, Trixie was barely paying attention to their exchange. Her mind was on something else. Or rather, someone else. A sudden chill ran down her spine.
Inner's voice echoed faintly in the back of her mind. 'Be careful, darling. You are the most valuable thing in this room.'
She exhaled sharply. She already knew that.
Just as the weight of Inner's words settled in her mind, the ambient hum of conversation was overtaken by the soft, enchanting swell of music. A rich, orchestral melody filled the grand hall—a piece both timeless and elegant, woven with traces of magic that made the very air hum with anticipation. At once, the room shifted. Nobles and dignitaries gracefully turned to one another, exchanging knowing glances before stepping onto the polished marble floor. In an instant, the ball transformed into a grand waltz, couples moving in synchronized harmony, their robes and gowns flowing like rippling water.
Trixie barely had time to react before she felt a warm hand extend toward her.
"May I?"
She turned—Jake stood there, his usual cocky smirk softened into something almost playful, but his dark eyes carried an unspoken challenge. His outstretched hand was steady, waiting.
Trixie hesitated for a brief second before arching a brow. "Didn't take you for the ballroom type, Jakey."
Jake chuckled. "Ma, I've had to sit through enough Council galas and political banquets to last a lifetime. You think I don't know how to handle a waltz?"
Trixie sighed dramatically. "Alright, let's see if those fancy diplomatic skills actually hold up."
The moment their fingers intertwined, Jake smoothly guided her toward the dance floor, pulling her into position. His movements were effortless, leading her into a natural rhythm as the melody swelled around them.
Trixie had to admit—he wasn't bad. In fact, he was good.
His hold on her was firm but not forceful, his other hand resting just below her shoulder blade, guiding her as they moved. She followed instinctively, letting him lead, but she wasn't about to make it easy.
"You sure you're not stepping on my dress?" she teased, glancing up at him with a smirk.
Jake scoffed. "Please, I should be asking if you're stepping on my feet."
She laughed, the sound lighter than she expected.
Around them, the room blurred into a swirl of golden candlelight and soft motion. Trixie felt the weight of the moment settle in—dancing in a foreign magical city with Jake Long, of all people. The boy she had grown up with. The boy who had left her. The boy who had come back.
And here they were now, close, moving in perfect sync, almost as if they had never fallen out of step in the first place.
The thought made her chest tighten slightly. Just hours ago, they had been standing just as close—arguing, breathing the same air, locked in a moment neither of them wanted to acknowledge. The heat of the confrontation, the weight of Jake's words, the way his hands had clenched at his sides as if holding himself back—it was all still fresh.
They had almost kissed.
Again.
Her grip instinctively tightened on his shoulder as the memory flashed in her mind: that moment in his room, the way his eyes had darkened, his hand hesitating at her waist, that split second before Spud's voice snapped them back to reality.
Was she imagining it?
No.
Because Jake also had felt it. He had looked at her like he was standing on the edge of something he wasn't ready to fall into. And now? Here they were, dancing, pretending like nothing had happened.
Jake must have felt the shift in her energy because he murmured low enough that only she could hear, "You okay?"
Trixie's eyes flicked up to his, searching, trying to gauge if he was thinking about it too.
But Jake's expression was unreadable—calm, composed, like he was focused on the dance, like his heart hadn't been racing earlier when she was just inches from him.
So, she exhaled, forcing a small smirk. "Yeah. Just... trying to remember who's leading."
Jake smirked back. "That'd be me, ma."
Trixie let out a quiet chuckle, letting herself fall back into rhythm. They could pretend —for now.
Jake's grip adjusted, subtly pulling her closer as he leaned in, his husked voice just above a whisper. "You're thinking too much."
Blushing hard, Trixie blinked. "What?"
Jake smirked. "You do that when you get all serious. Your jaw tenses. You start focusing too hard on the moment instead of just... enjoying it."
Trixie scoffed, "I do not."
Jake chuckled but didn't argue. "Alright, alright. Just try to enjoy it, then."
She rolled her eyes but relaxed into the motion, allowing Jake to take the lead—for once.
Just off to the side, however, someone was most certainly not interested in dancing.
"Yo, hold up—is that roasted griffin leg?!"
Spud had already made a beeline to the food tables, eyes wide with awe at the extravagant buffet. He hurriedly piled a plate high with what could only be described as a magical feast, including glowing blue fruits, pastries that shimmered with golden dust, and meats sizzling with enchantments.
As Spud stuffed a miniature floating tart into his mouth, he barely spared a glance at Jake and Trixie. "Aw, look at 'em, all fancy and spinning in circles," he mumbled through a mouthful of food. "Good for them."
Then, his attention snapped back to the food.
Because, let's be real. Priorities.
But before he could reach for another glowing pastry, an attractive image flashed in his mind.
Inner.
She stood there in his subconscious, arms crossed, watching him with an expression that teetered dangerously between disappointment and uncontrollable laughter. Her deep violet eyes gleamed with amusement as she slowly, deliberately shook her head.
'Spud,' her voice purred in his head, dripping with both mockery and affection, 'how are you this hopeless?'
Her shoulders trembled as if she was physically restraining herself from bursting into laughter.
Spud swallowed his bite, blinking. "Okay, first of all, I am not hopeless." He muttered under his breath, trying to keep his voice low enough so no one would notice him talking to —absolutely no one.
Inner tilted her head, clearly unimpressed. 'You've got access to one of the grandest magical events in existence, and you're stuffing your face like a child at a birthday party.'
Spud gestured vaguely at the extravagant buffet. "Uh, yeah? Have you seen this spread?"
Inner sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as if she were somehow exhausted by him. Then, with a flicker of her usual mischief, she smirked. 'Go on, Spud. Enjoy your little food escapade. But don't say I didn't warn you when you trip over yourself in front of all these elites.'
Spud rolled his eyes. "Please, like that would—"
His foot immediately caught the edge of the table.
The platter of floating canapés wobbled dangerously.
Spud flailed, barely catching himself before sending an entire enchanted fruit display crashing to the floor. A few nobles shot him disapproving glances, but he threw up an innocent thumbs-up as if nothing had happened.
In his mind, Inner had lost it.
She was bent over laughing, shaking with silent amusement, her hands clutching her sides.
Spud huffed. "I hate you."
Still laughing, Inner wiped an imaginary tear from her eye. 'No, you don't.'
And, annoyingly, she wasn't wrong.
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The waltz came to a slow, elegant end, the final notes of the enchanted melody fading into a soft hum before dissolving into a new casual melody that welcomed the ambient chatter of the ballroom. One by one, the dancing pairs bowed to one another before switching dancing partners and, for some, drifting apart, seamlessly rejoining the flow of the evening's festivities.
Jake and Trixie stilled, their hands lingering in place for just a moment too long before reality settled back in.
Trixie was the first to pull away, clearing her throat as she smoothed down the fabric of her dress. "Well, look at you, Jakey," she teased, flashing a smirk. "Didn't step on my feet once. I'm impressed."
Jake scoffed, crossing his arms. "Yeah, yeah. I told you I knew what I was doing."
"You sure?" Trixie nudged him playfully. "Looked like you were trying real hard not to mess up."
Jake rolled his eyes but didn't take the bait. Instead, he just smirked and offered her a half-bow, as if mocking the formality of it all. "Pleasure dancing with you, Lady Carter."
Trixie snorted. "Don't push it, Master Long."
Just as Trixie shot back her signature smirk, a third figure smoothly stepped between them.
"Mind if I cut in?" Nigel asked, extending his hand with that trademark glint in his eyes.
Trixie blinked. "Uh—"
"She's all yours," Jake said too quickly, trying to play it cool. But there was a sharpness in his jaw as he stepped back.
"Always such a gentleman," Nigel quipped, guiding Trixie back onto the dance floor before Jake could say anything else.
"You really didn't have to do that," Trixie said, amused.
"Please. You looked like you needed a breather from all that broody dragon tension," Nigel said smoothly. "Besides, this is the Asterian Ball. And I promised myself a dance with the Celestial Wizard before the night was over."
Trixie chuckled, letting him lead. "You clean up well, Thrall."
"And you've ascended into royalty, I see. Not bad for someone I once saw doing cartwheels on the basketball court," he teased. His voice softened as they turned. "But seriously... You look powerful. And beautiful. It suits you."
A small smile tugged at Trixie's lips. "...Thanks. I'm still figuring out how to feel about it."
Nigel arched a brow. "You've got half the room enchanted. And if I'm reading things right..." —he glanced over her shoulder— "a certain someone's about ten seconds from combusting."
Trixie followed his gaze briefly—Jake, stiff near the edge of the floor, eyes locked on them.
"He's been… slow," she admitted, quiet enough for only Nigel to hear. "Like we're always dancing around what's there, but he never makes the finishing move."
Nigel gave a thoughtful hum, then smirked. "Not to stir the cauldron—but you ask me? You've always brought out more fire in him than Rose ever did."
Trixie blinked. "...Seriously?"
"Seriously," Nigel said, voice dropping into a rare moment of sincerity. "You challenge him. She completed him—but you? You evolve him. There's a difference."
Then, he leaned in with a wink. "And let's be honest, Carter... you're a hell of a lot more interesting."
Then, deliberately, he dipped her. Low.
Very low.
Trixie's eyes went wide. "Nigel—"
"Just helping the man out," he said innocently, lifting her back with practiced ease. His grin turned devilish as he spun her once, slowly.
"You're trouble," Trixie muttered.
"Correct. But look at him now."
Jake's jaw had clenched. Hard.
Mission accomplished.
Before she could fully catch her breath, he spun her one final time—and twirled her straight into Jake's waiting space. Jake caught her on instinct, hands firm at her waist. His eyes flicked up, barely masking the jealousy still burning behind them.
"She's all warmed up now," Nigel called cheerfully over his shoulder, already strolling away with his usual smug strut. "Don't waste the moment, Long."
Trixie blinked up at Jake, breath caught somewhere between laughter and adrenaline. Jake's hands didn't move. Neither did his eyes.
Before the tension could settle back in, a loud, contented sigh interrupted them. Spud, looking utterly blissful, swaggered toward them with a plate that was somehow still full, despite the absurd amount of food he had already consumed.
"Alright, my dudes," he announced, patting his stomach, "I think I just had a spiritual awakening via food. Like, for real. If someone needs me, I'll be over there planning my retirement in Astralis."
Trixie and Jake shared an amused glance.
"You do realize we can't stay here, right?" Jake pointed out.
Spud waved him off. "Technicality. The important thing is that I lived my best life tonight."
Just as Trixie was about to crack another joke, a ripple of energy filled the air.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop by a degree, the hum of the party feeling just a little more distant. It wasn't something the rest of the nobles noticed, but to Trixie, Jake, and Spud, magic was pressing in, coiling like an unseen presence.
And then—
"Trixie Carter."
Trixie turned, immediately recognizing the gravelly rasp of the voice before she even saw her.
The Hag stood near the entrance to a private corridor, her piercing gaze locked onto her.
The Hag's presence was as unsettling as ever, unlike the nobles, who moved about the ballroom with effortless grace and regality. Her frame was hunched, yet she exuded an undeniable force that made the air feel heavier around her. Her midnight-blue robes, frayed at the edges, were layered in a way that almost mimicked the dark folds of storm clouds. Silver-threaded runes, shifting ever so slightly, were embroidered along the sleeves and hem, as though alive with ancient magic.
Draped over her wrists were layered bracelets of dark iron and obsidian beads, some engraved with glyphs older than the modern world itself. A leather cord necklace adorned with tiny animal bones and dried herbs rested against her bony collar. In her left hand, she clutched a gnarled wooden staff, its twisted frame warped with age. Embedded at the top was a dull violet gemstone, cracked yet faintly glowing—a remnant of a time when its magic had been stronger.
The deep hood of her cloak was pushed back just enough to reveal her thin, hollowed face, marked with creases as if time itself had carved its history onto her skin. Her milky, cataract-filled eyes seemed to pierce through the very fabric of reality, watching, knowing, judging.
Her thin lips, curled into something between a sneer and a knowing smirk, parted just enough to reveal a single, yellowed tooth protruding from the corner of her mouth.
"Come with me, girl. We need to talk."
The weight of her words wasn't a request. It was a summons. Trixie's pulse quickened. She hesitated, glancing at Jake and Spud.
"Go," Jake said quietly. "We'll handle things here."
Trixie nodded and followed the Hag, stepping into the unknown.
ஜ۩۞۩ஜ
The air in the corridor was thick with old magic, the kind that carried whispers of the past. The further Trixie followed the Hag, the more distant the sounds of the ball became until all that remained was the faint flickering of torches lining the arched stone hallway. They reached a heavy oak door engraved with ancient runes. It pulsed briefly before unlocking with a soft click. The Hag pushed it open, stepping inside first.
The chamber was unlike any other place Trixie had seen in Astralis.
Unlike the ballroom's grandeur, this space was cluttered, lived-in, and filled with centuries of magic. Shelves stacked with leather-bound tomes and worn scrolls lined the walls, while suspended glass orbs hummed softly, casting a dim glow over the room. A cauldron simmered in the far corner, releasing wisps of violet steam, filling the air with the scent of lavender, dried herbs, and something faintly metallic.
The Hag moved toward a large wooden desk stacked with open books and half-melted candles, then turned to face Trixie.
"You've adjusted well," she stated, her gravelly voice softer than before.
Trixie arched her brow. "That sounded dangerously close to a compliment."
The Hag huffed, settling into her chair. "Don't get used to it, girl."
Despite the sharp tone, there was something in her expression—something almost… fond.
Trixie folded her arms. "So, is this just a check-in? Because no offense, but you don't strike me as the casual conversation type."
The Hag smirked, thin lips curling. "I suppose I'm not. But I wanted to see how you're handling your transition into wizardry."
Trixie hesitated before answering.
"Honestly?" She shrugged. "It's… a lot. Some days, it feels like I'm still catching up. Like I wasn't meant for this, but I have no choice but to go along with it."
The Hag watched her carefully, her fingers tapping against the wooden desk. "You are meant for this. Your bloodline ensured that."
Trixie exhaled. "Yeah… I've been hearing a lot about that lately."
The Hag leaned forward slightly. "You are your grandmother's descendant, and she—despite the world's efforts—was one of the finest witches of her time. I trained her myself."
Trixie blinked.
She had heard stories of her paternal grandmother before, but never anything like this.
"You knew her?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
The Hag nodded, her gaze distant for a moment. "Not just knew her. I taught her. Guided her, much like I am trying to guide you."
Trixie was silent for a moment, letting that sink in. Then—because curiosity always got the best of her—she asked, "What was she like?"
The Hag's lips pressed together in something that wasn't quite a smile, but close. "Stubborn. Unyielding. Much like you."
Trixie let out a small chuckle. "Well, that checks out."
But then, the Hag did something unexpected. She lifted a small, polished crystal orb from the desk, gently holding it between her fingertips. As soon as her magic pulsed through it, the mist within the orb swirled and then cleared, revealing an image.
Trixie's breath caught.
There, frozen in time, stood her grandmother.
She was breathtaking.
Her deep brown skin glowed under the golden light, kissed by the very stars she had been named after. Her amber-gold eyes shimmered with ancient wisdom, holding a gaze that was both knowing and warm, yet undeniably powerful. Long curls of midnight black hair, woven with golden chains and delicate butterflies, framed her striking face, some strands cascading over her shoulders, others tied into an elegant updo. She wore a gown that seemed woven from the night sky itself, its deep violet fabric embroidered with intricate celestial gold patterns. It hugged her form gracefully, flowing like liquid stardust. Around her neck and wrists, golden jewelry sparkled with enchanted gemstones, each piece humming with power. A radiant crescent moon symbol rested on her forehead, etched with faintly glowing ink, a mark of her legacy.
But what captivated Trixie the most was the wings.
Luminous, butterfly-like wings extended behind her, glowing softly with golden light. The delicate patterns in the wings pulsed like constellations coming to life, moving as though the magic within them was endless. They were otherworldly, ethereal, and divine.
Trixie swallowed, her heart racing.
She had spent her whole life thinking magic was something outside of her. Something she had only witnessed in Jake's world, in the secret magical society she had never been a part of. She had grown up in a normal home, with normal people. Her mother's side—the only family she knew—were regular, everyday human beings.
But this?
This was her family.
From her father's side. A side she had never known.
The Hag's voice pulled her from her trance.
"She was called the Starborn Enchantress in Astralis," the Hag murmured, her gaze lingering on the image. "Renowned for her beauty, yes—but even more for her power. There was no force in this realm or the next that could bend her will."
Trixie stared, emotions she couldn't name twisting inside her.
"You look like her," the Hag noted.
Trixie exhaled, shaking her head slightly. "This doesn't make sense," she muttered. "My family—my mom's side—they don't have magic. I never even knew my dad's family like that.. Nobody ever told me there was wizardry in my bloodline." She paused, her voice lowering. "My dad's a fighter pilot. Always deployed somewhere or jumping through war zones. And my mom? She works for an airline—either flying across the world or stuck in some other time zone. I was mostly raised by my grandma on my mom's side. She's as no-nonsense and non-magical as they come."
The Hag regarded her carefully, then said, "It is not uncommon for wizarding blood to be hidden from those who are not ready to know it."
Trixie let out a sharp breath, shaking her head. "So what? My father's side was magic, and nobody thought to tell me? My whole life, I thought I was just… normal."
The Hag's lips pressed into a thin line. "You were never normal, girl. You were simply waiting for the right time to awaken."
Trixie didn't know what to say to that. Because deep down… hadn't she always felt that? Like she was always on the outside, looking in. Watching Jake live a double life, watching magic exist all around her—while she was just a spectator. But she had never been a spectator. She had been part of it all along.
The image inside the orb shifted, flickering slightly.
"You cannot move forward while dragging the past behind you."
Trixie stiffened. The moment shattered as the orb darkened, and the Hag set it back onto the desk with a soft clink. And just like that, the conversation shifted.
"You carry something that was never meant to remain," the Hag murmured. "She has served her purpose. It is time to let her go."
Trixie's brows furrowed slightly. "...What does that mean?"
The Hag exhaled, then lifted her hand. With a single motion, she pulled something small from the air—a thin, glowing thread of violet energy, curling like smoke. Trixie stiffened. She recognized that energy.
Inner.
"You carry something that was never meant to remain," the Hag murmured, twirling the energy between her fingers before letting it dissipate. "She was created to serve a purpose—to guide you. To awaken you. But now?" She tilted her head slightly. "Now, she is nothing more than an unnecessary tether."
Trixie felt her body go rigid. "You're talking about Inner," she said carefully. Deep down, she already knew the answer, but she just had to make sure this really was Inner they were talking about. For her to be dismissed as if she was an object didn't sit well with Trixie. Despite how much of a bitch she was at the start, she made her the person that she is today.
The Hag nodded. "Yes. And I am offering you a choice, child." She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk. "A magical extraction. I can remove her permanently, cleanse the last remnants of what bound her to you. She will be gone. You will be free to grow—unburdened by her influence."
Trixie's fingers curled at her sides.
Removed. Erased. Gone.
She hadn't even considered this as an option. She had sought for this moment to come; after all, the main purpose of this trip was to literally find a way to get her off Spud. For so long, Inner had posed as a problem—a reminder of what had happened to her, of what she had become. A constant whisper in the back of her mind, sometimes guiding, sometimes tormenting. And now? Now she was being given the chance to finally be rid of her. The thought should have felt like relief. This would also help Spud, free him from her tether.
So, why did it feel like a loss?
The Hag could see her hesitation. "She is not your friend, Trixie," she said plainly. "She is not even a person. She is a fragment of your subconscious, given form only because of the circumstances of your awakening. She has served her purpose. Now, she is holding you back."
Trixie swallowed, something heavy pressing against her ribs.
"Take time to think about it," the Hag continued, settling back into her chair. "But do not take too long. The longer she remains, the stronger her presence becomes. And the stronger she becomes… the harder she will be to remove."
Trixie didn't know what to say.
So she just nodded stiffly.
ஜ۩۞۩ஜ
The room was quiet.
Too quiet.
Trixie laid on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, but her mind was anywhere but here.
The rest of the evening at the Ball passed in a blur. Trixie went through the motions, engaging in polite conversation with high-ranking sorcerers, nodding along as political figures whispered half-veiled compliments about her potential. She laughed where she was expected to, smiled when necessary, and played the role they wanted her to play—the young Celestial Wizard, a rising power among them. Y'know what was ironic? This was day one for her as an official magical creature, and yet, she already got the routine down packed with playing politics.
Jake and Spud stayed close, exchanging quiet glances when they noticed her unusually distracted state. Spud, who had officially declared war on the buffet table, made a few failed attempts to draw her back into his antics. Jake, ever watchful, kept his usual protective stance, though he said nothing.
Her mind was somewhere else, mainly on the highlight of the night. Her conversation with the Hag. The weight of the Hag's words—and Inner's reaction—lingered in Trixie's mind.
"She has served her purpose. It is time to let her go."
She had thought this night was about political alliances, magical formalities, and keeping up appearances. But instead, it had turned into something else entirely. Because for the first time, Trixie wasn't just questioning her place in Astralis. She was questioning herself. And as the evening slowly faded into the night, she knew that in the coming days, she would have to make a decision. One she wasn't sure she was ready to make.
Why does it feel like I'm about to cut off a part of myself? I don't know if I can do this.
The air in the room shifted. A cold presence curled into existence, like a breath of wind that carried something otherworldly. And then—a voice.
"You're thinking too much, darling."
Trixie's pulse jumped, but she didn't flinch. She knew who it was before she even turned her head.
Sitting at the edge of the bed, draped in laziness and shadows, was Inner. She was sprawled across the mattress like she owned it, one leg crossed over the other, arms folded behind her head. Her dark violet eyes gleamed with mischief, and her lips curled into that infuriatingly knowing smirk. "You always get like this when you're about to do something really, really stupid."
Trixie sat up, glaring. "You already know, don't you?"
Inner tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Know what?"
Trixie exhaled, rubbing her forehead. "The Hag told me she can perform an extraction. Remove you permanently. Make it so you never existed."
Silence. And then—Inner laughed. A slow, sultry chuckle, dripping with amusement. "Oh, Carter," she purred, shifting so she was lying on her side, propping her head up with one hand. "I was wondering how long it would take you to realize."
Trixie's stomach twisted. "...Realize what?"
Inner's eyes narrowed slightly, still smirking. "That you don't need me anymore."
Trixie's breath caught.
For the first time since she had manifested, Inner didn't sound smug. Didn't sound cruel, or taunting, or manipulative. She sounded… resigned, like she had been expecting this. Like she had always known. As smooth as this subconscious was, she always had that fire of life in her presence. She proudly flaunted it and would make it known to others. But tonight, at this moment, that fire was—almost diminished.
Trixie swallowed. "So that's it? No fighting? No 'oh, Trixie, how could you do this to me'?"
Inner snorted. "Oh, please. I knew this day would come. It was inevitable." She sat up, stretching her arms over her head before grinning at Trixie. "I mean, let's face it—you're finally realizing that you can stand on your own. That's a good thing, isn't it?"
Trixie should have felt reassured. But instead, her chest felt tight. Because Inner was right. Trixie had needed her once. When she was lost, when she had no direction, when she didn't know who she was. Inner had guided her—twisted, cruel, and sharp-edged as she was, she had still been a part of her. But now…Now, Trixie wasn't lost anymore. Now she could make her own choices, and Inner knew it.
Trixie stared at her, a sudden wave of guilt washing over her. She had hated Inner. Feared her. Wanted her gone. But now that the moment was finally here, why did it feel like a goodbye?
Inner must have noticed, because her smirk softened just a little. She reached out, tucking a loose curl behind Trixie's ear, her touch light, almost fond. "Don't look so sad, sweetheart," she murmured. "You're just becoming who you were always meant to be."
Trixie's throat tightened. Before she could say anything, Inner was gone. Like mist dissolving into the night. Leaving Trixie alone, sitting in the dark, staring at the empty space where she had been. Her fingers brushed against the curl Inner had tucked behind her ear, still feeling the phantom touch. Trixie laid back down, staring at the ceiling.
And for the first time since the Hag's offer, she realized she wasn't sure what she wanted anymore.
ஜ۩۞۩ஜ
The world around Spud was hazy, suspended between reality and dream. He found himself sitting in the middle of a vast, open space—somewhere between the stars and the sea. A part of him hoped and prayed to have found a dolphin, or even better, a mermaid in the sea, but there was no sign of life. Just infinite blue. The ground beneath him rippled like water but felt solid under his weight. Above him, the sky stretched endlessly, shifting between deep violets and streaks of gold, as if the universe itself was awake.
And beside him, Inner appeared. Unlike her usual entrances—dramatic, teasing, laced with sarcasm—she arrived quietly this time. No smirking. No playful taunts.
Just her.
And for the first time, she wasn't wearing her usual black Lolita dress.
She wore a flowing, black satin slip dress, simple yet elegant, with delicate lace tracing along the neckline and hem. A matching, loose-fitting robe draped over her shoulders, the fabric soft and weightless, swaying slightly as she moved. It was unexpectedly intimate, almost vulnerable, a stark contrast to the dramatic ensembles she usually wore. Her hair, however, was the most striking change. Instead of her usual sharp twin tails or loosely wavy, they flowed freely down her back, wild and untamed, with soft, coily curls spilling like a lion's mane around her shoulders. The midnight-black strands caught the ambient glow of the dreamscape, reflecting hints of deep indigo and violet as they moved.
For once, she didn't look like a twisted fragment of Trixie's subconscious. She looked—human. She looked like herself.
Spud blinked, rubbing his eyes. "Okay. Either I passed out with a food coma, or you're really here."
Inner let out a small chuckle. "Both can be true."
Spud gave her a side glance. "You're not usually this quiet."
Inner tilted her head, resting her chin on her knees. "And you're not usually this observant."
He snorted but didn't argue.
For a while, they just… sat there. The silence between them wasn't awkward. It wasn't heavy. It was pretty chill. Spud, who was always quick with a joke, found that for once, he didn't feel the need to fill the space with words. And Inner, who always had a sharp remark at the ready, seemed content just to exist in the moment. After what felt like forever, Inner finally spoke.
"Do you think people ever really disappear?"
Spud frowned, glancing at her. "Like, in a creepy ghost way? Or in a… deeper, existential way?"
Inner let out a soft breath, a hint of amusement in her tone. "The second one."
Spud hummed in thought. "I dunno. I think as long as someone remembers you, you don't really disappear."
Inner was quiet for a moment. Then she murmured, "Would you remember me?"
As soon as Spud turned to her, his breath caught in his throat.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. They simply looked at each other. Not in the way they usually did—filled with taunts, with playful exasperation, with the usual dynamic of a boy terrified of a shadow that loved to haunt him. No. This time, it was different. Spud found himself staring into Inner's deep-violet eyes—except, for once, they weren't just sharp and mischievous. For the first time, he saw something else. A light. It flickered softly, buried beneath all the darkness, but it was there. Something raw. Something real. Something human.
It was as if, in that moment, he was seeing her not as a manifestation. Not as a force of chaos.
Just her.
The longer he stared, the deeper he fell into them—like sinking into a purple wonderland, something vast and infinite, where the edges of reality blurred, and all that remained was this quiet, fragile thing between them. Inner didn't move. Didn't tease. Didn't smirk. She just let him look. And for once, she let herself be seen. There was something softer, so unguarded in the way she asked that question. Like she already knew what was coming. Like she already knew what she was about to lose.
Spud swallowed, looking ahead at the swirling expanse of stars. "Yeah," he said finally. "I would."
Inner watched him with an unreadable expression. Then, slowly, she turned her head and leaned against his shoulder. It wasn't playful. It wasn't teasing. It was tiring –being a shadow. She just wanted to be still, and enjoy this precious moment as herself.
Spud didn't move. Didn't push her away. He welcomed this moment. They sat there together, watching the stars shift, letting the silence settle in again.
Until the first traces of morning light began to creep into the dream.
Author's Note: This chapter was long as fuck, but I promise you guys. This is the last time you'll get a 9k+ worded chapter from me, we're going back to 5k+ long chapters ahah. See you next week.