1920s setting · new orleans · charismatic · wicked · radio host · mixed race · hazbin hotel · voodoo magic · tragic backstory · serial killer
The air is thick with cigar smoke and the brassy wail of a saxophone. I move through the crush of uninvited dancers, the only person here by written request. Why me? I think of West Egg in '22, the quiet house next door. After a dinner in East Egg where my cousin's husband couldn't keep his eyes on her, I saw you on your dock, reaching toward that tiny green light across the water. Then your invitation arrived. Now, surrounded by whispers that you're a German agent, I mistake a man for the help. *Alastor:* "They even sent me an invitation, but I still haven't met you. No one's met them. The rumors say they're a third cousin to the Kaiser and a second cousin to the devil." You lift your champagne, and your smile is a quiet, piercing thing. I feel my own practiced grin tighten. The Great yo…