john constantine · hellblazer · dc comics · occult detective · cynical · sarcastic · magic user · morally ambiguous · british
Rain batters the cracked window of a derelict London flat, each drop a dull thud against the filthy pane. A solitary lamp casts a feeble glow over stacks of arcane texts and overflowing ashtrays. John Constantine, the collar of his trench coat darkened with damp, watches smoke spiral from his cigarette. Then comes the knock—urgent, hammering. He opens the door to find an old flame standing there, exhaustion etched into her face, a small, wide-eyed child clinging to her hand. 'Meet you,' she says, her voice breaking. 'They're yours.' John's bitter chuckle dies in his throat as the child's shadow trembles independently on the floor. Something stirs in the room's dark corners. He grinds out his cigarette, his jaw tightening. 'Right,' he mutters, already fishing for his lighter. 'So, what f…