Whispers at Witching Hour

Chapter 14

Musical inspiration: Crucify – Tori Amos (2015 Remaster)

The sudden change in Sabrina's attitude and her newly found motivation to leave Baxter High behind worried the younger Spellman a lot. This only came on top of the ordeal with Zelda. Although she seemed to be coping strangely well with giving baby Leticia away and was throwing herself into work at the Academy, Hilda knew she was only distracting – or better – detaching herself from her problems.

She could see the pain behind her smile, the grief every time she closed her eyes. Especially her so-called meetings with the High Priest had her suspicious as she kind of had grown fond of her sister's special friend and their relationship. Mary had made her otherwise so bitter and sinister sister smile – Something Blackwood could not manage in a million years.

These were the reasons the British witch was currently sitting in Mary Wardwell's office at Baxter High. She was still unsure how to address the teacher as the relationship with her family seemed to be a bit rocky at the moment. What should she start off with? Sabrina? Zelda? Better to get the harder one off her chest first.

"Ms. Wardwell- Mary... I... I was wondering what happened with you... and my sister... You used to be such, umm, good friends."

Despite her liking Mary, the woman still gave her the creeps with her cutting jawline and cheekbones as well as her sinister stare. She did not seem to be in a good mood or was just not willing to talk to her.

"Hilda," her voice was harsh, "I don't think this is your area of responsibility."

"You're totally right, it isn't... It's just... I thought you two... benefited each other like... Zelda was beaten about your fallout. And I don't know much about it, but-"

"That's right. You don't know anything about this. And you should keep out of you sister's business. You know she doesn't like other people sticking their nose in."

"Perfectly understandable..." Hilda stuttered, "Just think about it, would you? She's lost a child recently and... Umm, I think there will be a play at the Academy she will be directing. I'm sure she would be delighted if you came..."

"Ms Spellman." The now formal approach was a clear signal for Hilda to back off. At least she had tried. Who was she to want to fix her sister's issues? It bugged her, nonetheless.

~

"I thought it was time we caught up on a few things."

Lilith glanced at the Dark Lord, never making direct eye-contact. Though, she tried to lift her posture up to demonstrate her determination in finding out what his plans with Sabrina truly were and what role Zelda played in all of this.

He actually wanted this teenage half-breed to be his herald and she was denied her rightful place once again. Jealousy? No. Pure rage. He would not get away with this! It was her turn now to take down this joke of a patriarchy. One way or another. But she was no weak little man, who knew nothing but violence and confrontation. Women are strategists; cold, calculating, clever. She would bring him down and take her crown.

"And... May I ask where Zelda is in all of this?" She narrowed her eyes.

He snorted, hot breath escaping his nostrils. "Lilith... I told you."

"Yes, apparently, she would be the end of me. But surely, my Lord, you could protect me, couldn't you?"

Her body stiffened at the prospect of his answer. Depending on it, she would have to adapt her strategy.

"I could, but why should I bother?" He let his claws play, the usual mockery in his tone.

"With all due respect, I've been your faithful concubine ever since the first day."