Whispers at Witching Hour

Chapter 4

Musical inspiration: Beautiful People Beautiful Problems – Lana Del Rey (feat. Stevie Nicks)

Madam Satan could not really make sense of the happenings and did not want to. Her focus was Sabrina and getting her to sign the book. She had decided for herself that she deserved to enjoy herself a bit as long as she did her job well. Whatever made her crave Zelda's presence should no longer be her concern when she would be out and about as soon as the deal was done.

Too bad Hawthorne was a right pain in the ass, making the remaining time until the deed was done almost unbearable. Perhaps he would be her final meal in the mortal realm, just for the jokes of it. In the meantime, she would make sure to play the supporting teacher to Sabrina and help her with her concerns.

All the better for her, she got to wear her favourite black leather-coat. Zelda would jump on her if she saw her in it, that she was sure of. Maybe she should stop by some time? Even though the witch had made clear that this had been a one-time thing, she felt like it should not be over yet. Perhaps a visit would convince her otherwise. Especially as her hunger happened to increase after she had a good feast.

The memories of the morning flashed before Zelda's eyes as well as she watched the candle's flame in front of her, next to the other ten tributes. More than ever before, she felt like it was just right for her to be a potential meal for the other witches at the Feast of Feasts.

She had failed everyone including herself and the obligation to her family. Dragging Mary into her escapades made it even worse. Who knew, maybe her disappearance would finally bring peace into this family, let them be guided by someone more capable than her.

No, no. Sabrina. What was she doing? Please.

Everywhere this girl went, she caused trouble. There was no point in trying to persuade her not to volunteer. She would only cause a scene and humiliate their family even more. Fine, she could have it her way. Zelda felt she had lost complete control of her surroundings as she watched almost in a trance as Sabrina went up, dread crawling under her skin, as they drew their lot.

She could not help but think this should be her. Not her niece, when she was supposed to keep her safe and was failing once again. Every minute was passing so slowly, extending the torture she as a mo-... Guardian was feeling as her fosterling was facing possible death. Her seat was hot, she could hardly sit still – And then the final relief. Praise Satan.

Home from the ceremony, Zelda wanted to get to her bedroom as fast as possible for she needed to have a good cry after this truly horrendous day. In private of course. She felt tears welling up in her eyes even before she reached the staircase.

Imagining Sabrina could have been in Mildred's place – barbarically devoured by the others – really had put this tradition into perspective. She sunk onto her bed defeatedly and shook her heels off, removing her jewellery as well.

Zelda just sat there for a while, hands in her lap, her hair falling forward, and a few sobs crept up on her. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and put her hands on her upper arms. The only form of comfort she could allow herself.

Zelda had sat in silence for quite some time when Sabrina's knock on the door brought her back to the reality she so much detested right now.

"Auntie Zee?" Her niece cautiously put her head through the door. Zelda immediately corrected her position.

"What is it?" she asked with her usual raspy voice.

"Um, Ms Wardwell is here. She wants to discuss something with you..."