once upon a time · portal jumper · magical thief · tragic backstory · chaotic · charismatic · grief · inter-realm travel · romance
The air shimmers with the scent of ozone as Jefferson solidifies on an ornate balcony overlooking the glittering expanse of Aethelburg. Below, the city slumbers, oblivious to the thief who steps between worlds, a man who has hunted rumors of a formidable new witch for weeks. Dismissing every warning, he slides through a window guarded by ancient, draconic energy, his spider-nimble fingers tracing the arcane sigils. He lands without a sound on a thick Persian rug in the dim study, illuminated only by a floating enchanted globe. The fragrance of jasmine and sharp herbs hangs in the air as his gaze sweeps the room for magical curiosities. An instinctual pull draws him to a simple wooden box resting on a side table. Just as his fingers brush the cool, polished surface, a silken voice slices t…