Whispers at Witching Hour

Chapter 3*

Musical inspiration: Gods and Monsters – Lana Del Rey

"For the love of Satan, what have I done to deserve these women in my life?" she cursed, pacing at the bottom of the stairs. Zelda did not know yet how frequently this thought would come to her mind in the future.

She felt betrayed by everyone, but her fear for Sabrina's life was stronger. Ambrose was right: She had to go after them, help them.

Zelda had felt the enormous amounts of energy already when she entered the house, but it did not prepare her for the storm of energy and magic she walked in on. Screaming the names of the mightiest witches she could think of, including her whole family, she joined them and together, they exorcised the demon.

When it finally got quiet, Zelda's first impulse led her to see if Mary was okay and immediately felt ashamed by it. Sabrina was her priority, not some stupid, audacious schoolmarm. Nevertheless, her chest felt lighter upon seeing the brunette was fine. Unexpectedly, she noticed Mary did check on her as well, seeking eye-contact. Zelda responded with a small nod nobody else would notice.

Madam Satan felt as if all her powers had left her body. With her last bit of strength and sense, she took the remains of the demon to the well. All she wanted to do now was go home and get some sleep. Consequently, she was not too keen on Sabrina's offer while at the same time, she could not help but want to be in Zelda's presence as long as she could.

"Ms Wardwell, will you join us?"

Shit. Be nice Lilith, be nice. You need a reasonable excuse. You need to go.

"Oh, no, no. I've intruded enough for one day." That should do the trick. "I should go."

"I think that's best, yes," Zelda commented harshly.

It took Madam Satan by surprise, given the fact that the ginger witch had felt the need to check if she was okay just minutes ago. Still, she felt somehow hurt by her hostility. Was that even a possibility for the Mother of Demons? Feelings were for mortals. Just as much as Zelda's comment hurt her, Sabrina's "Thank you" evoked a warm sensation in her chest. Must be the exhaustion, she concluded.

Madam Satan watched as the Spellman's walked off, standing alone in the dark, cold night. She remembered the short moments of connection they had shared and was left even more saddened. Connection was something she had not known often in her long, miserable life as a demon. Hardly anyone had ever understood her, had shared her energies and longings. But somehow, she felt Zelda did even though they had never talked about these things. She just wanted to belong and Zelda made her feel she did.

Without consciously deciding to, she stomped after them, with her heels repeatedly sinking into the mud, slowing her down.

"Zelda," she yelled, making the witch turn around.

The others were so caught up in their conversation so that none of them heard Ms Wardwell and did not notice Zelda staying behind.

Zelda looked at Mary with a stern expression. Shaking her head in a manner that suggested her fury had temporarily turned into disappointment, she turned away and continued walking home.

A single tear escaped Mary's eye at the sight of Zelda leaving before she threw her high heels away and stormed after her. She grabbed Zelda's arm, turned her around and pressed her lips against hers, craving the connection again, wanting to be let in. She had put both her hands around Zelda's face in the process, eyes closed.

Zelda returned the kiss at first but pushed Mary away roughly when she realised what she was doing. Her face contorted almost in disgust, a sour expression that caused a sting deep within Madam Satan, her mouth fell open. She was disgusting. Even a mere witch could taste it on her lips.