Green flames erupt in the alley, lining the walls and closing off both sides.
Jackson stalks closer to the man pinned by his magic, hands behind his back, his pace leisurely. Donnie watches in terror as Jackson gets closer step, by step, by step. Each footfall echoing endlessly in the alley, the flames parting for their king. “Now,” when Jackson speaks his words seem calm, yet are laced with power, triggering a quaking fear in the depth of Donnie’s soul. He loosens his tie, craning his neck upwards to lock his expression of solemn rage with the terror filling Donnie’s. “When the police arrive you will go with them. Peacefully. You will answer all of their questions and you will pay for your crimes. Sure, they may simply exile you from Solomon, along with whatever riffraff you were scurrying back to, if you’re lucky. But let me make some things clear, so do I have your attention?”
Jackson brandishes a sinister grin, his fangs extending into full display.
Donnie is helpless to do anything but nod, quick and sporadic.
“Marvelous. If you somehow escape the police, either alone or with any other damned soul you associate with, these are instructions you will follow, or else.” Shadows tighten around Donnie, spurring a muffled yelp. “You will never mention the djinn you came across or his magic again. You will never return to the city again. In fact, you will erase all memory of his appearance, his voice, his existence from your unworthy mind. Because if I ever, EVER!” Jackson’s voice booms, the shadows growing, quivering in anticipation, “Find out that you or anyone you associate with has comeanywhere near my friend, you’ll beg for hell to be the price you pay. Are we quite clear?”
Donnie nods, hoping his cooperation is clear, tears rolling down his cheeks. “Good. That’s what I thought.”
That should be the end of it. Jackson made his point, the police should be arriving soon to apprehend the man trapped by his magic. His fingers flex, shadows creeping closer to Donnie’s body, green flames scorching the alley further with each passing moment.
The heat stings Donnie’s flesh, his cries for mercy stifled by shadows around his mouth and throat. The man squirms in the shadow’s hold.
How easy would it be for you to handle this yourself?
Shadowy serpents climb up Jackson’s body, shadows collecting in his palm.
To make a statement.
He raises a hand as though reaching for Donnie’s neck, inky black dripping off curled fingers. Scarlet begins to seep into his vision.
To ensure no one takes them from you again.
What’s one more person if it means he can keep them-
The shadows dissipate and flames die out at the sound of sirens catching Jackson’s ear. “Ah, perfect timing!” He turns his head downwards to lock eyes with the man quivering on the ground, “Your chariot awaits.” He puts his hands in his pockets and hangs up the call. Casually strolling away, he hides the shaking of his hands from the world. Police pass by him, racing towards Donnie. His description a perfect match for the security footage, his eyes blackened as tears continue to race down his face. Jackson gestures with a nod of his head, “All yours, officers. Happy to help.”
Several officers salute Jackson as he passes them, no one stops him for questions.
No one dared.
There’s still an aura drifting off Jackson that deterred any questions from officers at the scene. “Any questions can be sent to my family’s office. We’ll be sure to get back to you swiftly.”
Jackson gets into his car and slowly pulls away from the spot blocking thealley, weaving through police cruisers. He has calmed down significantly, his mana receding from the shadows of the city. The last thing he finds in his shadows is the image of Eddie leading Hakeem into the apartment building, holding him close.
He’s safe, they both are.
Jackson has to remind himself on the drive back that Hakeem is safe. Eddie had found him in time and taken him home. The man responsible is in custody, albeit traumatized. Still, he needs to get home and see for himself regardless, to see them both safe.
* * *
Jackson steps into the apartment, careful not to slam the door at risk of shaking up Hakeem further. He spots Hakeem on the couch, wrapped up in blankets and a cup of hot tea in hand. Eddie is sitting a seat away, giving him space but within arms reach. Hakeem and Eddie turn to face Jackson at the door, eyes wide with fear and rage in anticipation.
“It’s just me. I came home as soon as I could after I heard.” Jackson places his hands up, showing he means no harm. “And I have good news, they caught the guy.”
Hakeem’s face is wide with shock as Eddie jumps up from the couch. “They did? That fast?”
Jackson can’t hide his smug expression, gesturing to himself. “With a little help from yours truly. I put Hakeem’s lessons to use and my shadows did the rest.”
Hakeem puts the cup down on the coffee table, easing himself out of the nest of blankets. Eddie and Jackson turn towards him, concern flooding their faces, as he walks timidly over to the door. He’s shaking slightly, hands clasped over his chest, eyes glossy as he slowly makes his way to Jackson. Hakeem’s voice trembles as he speaks, “Is it true? You found him? And your magic listened to you?”
Jackson cups Hakeem’s face in his hand, a gentle touch he doesn’t think about when he does it. Hakeem holds onto his wrist, telling him with hiseyes not to pull away. “Yeah, bud, I did. Your lessons really paid off. My shadows scoured the whole city to find the bastard, I was in control the entire time. The police have him and he will be dealt with. You have my word as heir to the Nocturne family. More importantly, as your friend.”
Hakeem’s knees give out, he falls into Jackson and wraps his arms tightly around Jackson’s slender frame. Overwhelmed by emotion, he finds himself once more crying in Jackson’s embrace. Not tears of joy this time, but tears of sorrow, fear and relief. “Thank you, both of you. You both kept me safe, I owe you everything.” He hiccups through tears, breathing uneven as Jackson holds him tighter.
Jackson wouldn’t dare let go.
