Lightning tore across the sky like claws ripping through fabric, illuminating the Salvatore Boarding House in stark bursts.
The thunder that followed wasn't just heard but felt - a physical pressure that rattled windows and made the floorboards groan in protest.
The storm had appeared from nowhere, clouds boiling into existence as if summoned, winds howling with an sentient like fury.
Dean knelt beside Lucien's motionless form, blood soaking through his jeans where it pooled beneath his brother's pale body. "Come on, Lu," he muttered, pressing another cloth against wounds that wouldn't stop bleeding. "Don't you dare check out on us."
Sam paced frantically, phone clutched in his hand. "No signal. The storm's knocked everything out."
John Winchester, miraculously restored to health, sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his hands in disbelief.
The transformation was astonishing - skin smoothed, color returned, strength flowing back into limbs that had been withered just minutes before.
But his eyes remained fixed on Lucien, "My son," he whispered, voice breaking. "What have you done to yourself?"
Trevor Belmont stood at the window, watching the storm with growing unease. "This isn't normal weather," he observed quietly. "The pattern is all wrong. It's centered directly over us."
The house shuddered as another tremor passed beneath it, picture frames tilting, books tumbling from shelves. The tremor wasn't like a normal earthquake - it felt deliberate, almost like a manifestation of distress.
'Not to mention there being an intruder who's most likely coming up right now.' Trevor thought grim, while the Winchesters themselves were too focused on Lucien to even care.
"We need to get him to a hospital," Dean said, desperation edging his voice.
"No hospital can help him now, just like with John earlier." Trevor replied grimly. "This is life force depletion. Medical science has no answer for it."
John tried to stand, his legs still unsteady beneath him. "There has to be something-"
The front door burst open with such force that it splintered against the wall. Cold wind howled through the house, extinguishing candles and sending papers swirling into the air.
Footsteps echoed through the foyer, deliberate and unhurried despite the chaos.
Katherine Pierce appeared in the doorway, silhouetted by lightning. Her expression shifted from triumph to alarm as she took in the scene - particularly Lucien's bloodied form on the floor.
"Well," she said, a forced smile on her face, her voice carrying easily over the storm, "isn't this a touching family moment."
Dean was on his feet instantly, gun raised. "You. That bitch from the fair."
Katherine's eyes never left Lucien's prone form, something like genuine concern flashing across her features.
Her hand clenched around something hidden in her palm. "Put that away before you hurt yourself," she said dismissively to Dean. "I'm not here for you."
Sam moved to block her view of Lucien. "How did you find us?"
"Please." Katherine rolled her eyes. "I've been tracking you since my little carnival encounter with Lulu. You people are not exactly subtle, leaving a trail of monster corpses across three states."
Trevor's hand tightened around the Morningstar at his hip, the weapon's chain links clinking softly. "Katherine Pierce," he said, recognition in his voice. "Your reputation precedes you."
Katherine's smile was all teeth. "As does yours, last of the Belmonts." Her gaze returned to Lucien, and her casual demeanor slipped momentarily. "He's dying."
"Get out," Dean growled, gun still trained on her.
Katherine ignored him, stepping into the room. "Life force depletion," she observed clinically. "Impressive. Most humans would be dead already."
John moved protectively toward Lucien. "What do you want?"
Before Katherine could answer, a particularly violent tremor shook the house, plaster dust raining from the ceiling. The storm outside intensified, lightning striking so rapidly it created continuous illumination.
Katherine's expression changed, her head tilting as if listening to something no one else could hear. A shiver ran through her body, and she hugged herself briefly, a look of almost ecstatic realization crossing her face.
"He needs blood," she said suddenly, urgency replacing her usual normal demeanor. "Now."
"We're not letting you anywhere near him," Dean spat.
Katherine's eyes flashed with genuine anger. "He has minutes, maybe seconds left. My blood won't heal him, but it will stabilize him long enough for a real solution."
Sam looked between Katherine and Lucien's increasingly pale form. "Why would you help him?"
"Because I didn't track you across three states just to watch him die!" Katherine snapped, "Now move, or lose him forever."
John, who had been monitoring Lucien's pulse, looked up with grim resignation. "Do it."
"Dad!" Dean protested.
"Now, Dean," John ordered, the command in his voice brooking no argument.
Katherine was beside Lucien in an instant, kneeling gracefully despite her heels. She bit into her own wrist without ceremony, blood welling immediately from the wound. With surprising gentleness, she cradled Lucien's head, bringing her bleeding wrist to his lips.
"Drink, little one," she murmured, her voice soft.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, instinctively, Lucien's throat worked as the blood trickled into his mouth. Katherine's free hand stroked his hair gently as she helped him drink.
A small, satisfied sigh escaped her lips, her eyes briefly fluttering closed in pleasure. The Winchesters exchanged disgusted glances, recognizing the disgusting reaction for what it was.
"That's enough," Dean said sharply as color began returning to Lucien's cheeks.
Katherine withdrew her wrist reluctantly, a small smile playing at her lips as she wiped blood from her skin. "That's just temporary," she explained, composure returning. "The real problem remains."
"He gave his life energy. That's not something vampire blood can just restore."
She finally opened her hand, a smile slipping onto her face, revealing a small vial filled with liquid gold that seemed to glow from within. "This, however, can."
Trevor's posture changed immediately, recognition flashing across his face. "Is that-"
"Very good, hunter," Katherine smiled, holding the vial up to catch the lightning flashes. "Not many would recognize divine essence."
"What is it?" Sam asked, eyes fixed on the glowing liquid.
"Essence from Idunn's apples," Trevor explained, voice hushed with awe. "Norse mythology -the golden apples that keep the gods young and vital. One of my ancestors had a deal with Asgard, in exchange for a very long life."
Katherine nodded. "Harvested at considerable personal risk, I might add."
Trevor moved forward suddenly, hand outstretched. Katherine's fingers closed around the vial instantly, her expression hardening.
"No, no, cowboy," she warned. "Unless you think you can hit me before I crush this?"
Trevor froze, the partially uncoiled Morningstar hanging at his side.
"Even if you somehow took it from me," Katherine continued, "none of you knows how to properly administer it. Too little does nothing; too much..." she shrugged dramatically, "has its own complications."
Outside, the storm had grown stronger.
Lightning struck so close that the windows rattled in their frames. The floor trembled beneath them, books tumbling from shelves, pictures crashing to the floor.
Katherine's eyes widened slightly, her head tilting again as if listening to an unheard voice. This time her shiver was visible as she hugged herself, momentarily lost in something that looked disturbingly like pleasure.
"So deliciously powerful," she whispered, almost to herself.
Dean's face contorted with disgust. "You're sick."
Katherine's attention snapped back to the room. "I'm willing to save him," she said, all business now. "For a price, naturally."
"What do you want?" John asked, voice tight with desperation.
"A blood contract," Katherine replied. "Binding at the soul level."
Trevor's expression darkened. "You can't be serious."
"What's a blood contract?" Sam asked.
"Ancient magic," Trevor explained reluctantly. "Unbreakable without mutual consent. Breaking it forcibly means death - not just physical death, but soul death. Completely gone from this reality."
Katherine smiled, pleased by his knowledge. "Exactly."
"And what would this contract entail?" John asked, eyes flicking between Katherine and his dying son.
"Simple terms," Katherine said smoothly. "I am allowed to provide protection for Lucien against Dracula and other supernatural threats that target him specifically whenever I wish, it being my choice whether to do so or not. In exchange, I'm granted regular visits with Lucien - - say, one evening per month, privately."
"Not happening," Dean immediately interjected.
Katherine opened her hand slightly, letting the vial catch the light. "Perhaps I should take my offer elsewhere, then. And come back at a later date. After all, Lulu now has my blood in his system, if he dies now, he'll become a vampire anyway."
"Him being stuck at his current age is kind of an annoyance, but I can deal with it for a little while till I can find something that can age him to an adult - I'm sure something like that exists. It honestly may be fun in a way, he is quite cute like this" She stated as she licked her lips.
"You fucking-" Dean began.
He was interrupted as another tremor shook the house, more violent than before. Plaster cracked along the ceiling, a fine dust raining down on them.
John moved closer to Lucien, checking his pulse again. "What else?"
"Dad-" Dean began.
"Shut up Dean!" John ordered as he turned his gaze back to Katherine, looking at her with a demand to continue.
"We share relevant information about threats to Lucien's safety. None of you attempt to harm me unless I directly threaten Lucien's life. And..." she paused for effect, "Lucien and I exchange a small amount of blood quarterly to maintain our... protective connection."
"Absolutely not," Dean growled.
"Dean," Sam warned, eyes on Lucien's increasingly labored breathing.
"She invaded his dreams!" Dean shouted. "She assaulted him while he was unconscious in a hospital bed!"
Katherine rolled her eyes. "Ancient history. Dreams are... different. More fluid in their boundaries." She shrugged unapologetically. "The contract will explicitly forbid sexual contact in the physical world. That should satisfy your... concerns."
"You expect us to trust you anywhere near him after what you did?" John asked, barely containing his rage.
Katherine glanced pointedly at Lucien's fading form. "Trust has nothing to do with it. Necessity does. He's dying while you debate my character."
Trevor stepped forward. "We could add specific magical consequences for any violation of the contact clauses, in this world or in a dream - pain, immobilization, whatever would make you feel secure."
"Fine," Katherine said with exaggerated patience. "Add whatever safeguards make you feel better. But the clock is ticking, and these negotiations are becoming tedious."
Sam moved closer to his father. "Dad, we need to consider this. Lucien's running out of time."
John's expression was tortured, torn. "We add a clause forbidding inappropriate contact of any kind."
"Define 'inappropriate,'" Katherine countered immediately.
"Anything we explicitely refuse," John clarified through gritted teeth.
"Fine, but without contradicting already established allowance of other aspects of the contract" Her expression shifted to business-like again. "Especially I want no interference during the private sessions - this is absolutely non-negotiable, so long as I don't contradict the established clauses. Trust is built in privacy, not with watchdogs hovering."
Her tone turned silky. "And I will need to feed directly from him - the blood will create a bond that strengthens protection. Plus, I want physical affection rights - hugs, kisses to the cheek or head. Nothing inappropriate, of course."
"No way in hell are you feeding on him!" Dean exploded.
Katherine glanced pointedly at Lucien's still form, then at the vial. "Time is running out. Each minute we debate, he slips further away."
John suggested alternatives. "Blood bags. You take his blood through medical equipment."
Katherine scoffed. "That defeats the purpose. The bond requires direct contact." Then, seeing their continued resistance: "Fine. Let's negotiate. How many direct feedings per month seems 'reasonable' to you?"
"None," Dean stated flatly.
"Weekly," Katherine countered.
"Blood bags only," John insisted.
"Twice monthly then, directly," Katherine offered.
"Once a month, supervised," Sam suggested.
Katherine's patience was clearly wearing thin. "Once a month, private. Final offer."
Outside, the storm had reached apocalyptic proportions.
The entire house shook continuously now, windows threatening to shatter with each lightning strike.
John looked at Lucien, then at his other sons, then finally at Katherine. "Once a month. Private. But if he's harmed in any way-"
"He won't be," Katherine interrupted smoothly. "I protect what's mine."
The possessive statement made Dean's hands clench into fists, but he remained silent.
Trevor produced a piece of ancient parchment made from the skin of a Griffin from his coat. "We'll need to formalize the terms."
Katherine nodded. "A proper blood contract. All parties must contribute willingly."
"Lucien can't consent," Sam pointed out. "He's unconscious."
"If his soul trusts someone enough - John, in this case I believe is best - John will be able to consent for him," Trevor explained, his expression grim. "But only if Lucien's soul truly trusts him."
John's face paled slightly. "And if it doesn't?"
"Then no contract," Katherine said simply. "And no essence for Lucien."
The room fell silent save for the storm outside and Lucien's increasingly labored breathing.
"Let's do this," John finally said.
Trevor spread the parchment on a nearby table, producing a silver knife with ancient runes etched into the blade. "Each party must state their agreed terms aloud, then seal them with blood freely given."
Katherine went first, slicing her palm without hesitation. "I, Katherine Pierce, agree to provide protection for Lucien Winchester against Dracula and other supernatural threats that target him specifically whenever I choose to.
I agree to share relevant information about threats to his safety. I agree to abstain from any sexual contact with him till this contract is finished or terminated. If I do near doing so, on accident or purposeful, I will experience immense pain, being forced to stop."
"I will be granted regular private visits with Lucien - one evening per month. I will be permitted to feed from him directly once monthly during these sessions. I may offer physical affection in the form of hugs and non-sexual kisses. None of the Winchesters or their allies will attempt to harm me unless I directly threaten theirs or Lucien's life otherwise experience immense pain and be forced to stop."
Her blood dripped onto the parchment, spreading across the surface in patterns that resembled writing, though in no human language.
John stepped forward next, taking the knife. "I, John Winchester, representing myself and my son Lucien Winchester, accept these terms." He cut his palm, blood joining Katherine's on the parchment. "In exchange for Katherine's protection and the immediate administration of the healing essence she possesses."
Sam and Dean followed, each adding their blood to the contract with visible reluctance.
The blood pooled on the parchment, remaining inert for several heartbeats. The tension in the room was palpable as they waited to see if Lucien's soul would accept John's representation.
Finally, the blood began to glow with a soft blue light, spreading across the parchment in intricate, arcane patterns. The contract was accepted.
Katherine smiled with satisfaction. "Lay him flat," she instructed, uncorking the vial. "And step back."
"Why?" Dean demanded suspiciously.
"The essence is powerful," Katherine explained. "Too much raw life force would tear a human apart from the inside. I need to filter it through myself, taking in the excess. Can't feed it normally since he's a kid, and we agreed for immediate administration."
Trevor frowned. "I've never heard of that requirement."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Katherine said with exaggerated politeness. "Have you administered Idunn's essence before? No? I thought not."
Trevor couldn't definitively refute her claim, his uncertainty visible.
John gently laid Lucien on the floor, arranging his limbs carefully. He hesitated before stepping back, whispering something in Lucien's ear.
Katherine knelt beside Lucien, uncorking the vial fully. The golden essence glowed more brightly when exposed to air, casting Katherine's face in an ethereal light. She raised the vial to her lips, taking the golden liquid into her mouth without swallowing.
The Winchesters watched with helpless disgust as Katherine leaned down, pressing her lips to Lucien's in what was unmistakably a kiss rather than simple administration of medicine.
Her hand cradled his face possessively, thumb stroking his cheek as she transferred the essence.
A golden glow spread from the point of contact, flowing through Lucien's body like liquid light beneath his skin.
Color returned to his face, the wounds on his body closing, the blood on the floor seeming to evaporate.
Outside, the storm began to subside, the thunder receding, the tremors calming.
Katherine lingered in the kiss, her hand caressing Lucien's face.
Just as Dean was about to intervene, Lucien's eyes fluttered open - directly into Katherine's gaze, her lips still pressed against his.
Confusion and alarm flashed across his face as he realized what was happening. Katherine finally pulled back, satisfaction evident in her expression.
The last drops of golden essence gleamed on her lips as she smiled down at him.
"Welcome back, little god," she whispered.
----------------------
(Author note: Now, you're probably all wondering, why in the fuck, I wrote Katherine's plan actually working.
Cause, it's logical it would in this case, especially since Lucien is the one in danger instead of John.
The Winchesters are CURSED. It's a fact. Things won't go lucky for them, without there being something worse on the horizon, unless, they are powerful enough that they won't get into such bad situations.
Well, there is silver lining now, Katherine is going to help against Dracula.
Lucien is going to now need to deal with Katherine, so that's gonna be interesting.
Well, I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)