Whispers at Witching Hour

Chapter 42

Musical inspiration: Lavender Moon – Haroula Rose

This couldn't be real—Mary had vowed she would help get Zelda back. It was all wrong.

You promised me it would all be okay!

Mary let out a long breath, not sure why this had happened. Normally, her people skills could get her on anybody's good side.

"Lilith, I'm sorry it went like this, but let's not give up hope yet, hm?"

But it's over!

Hilda interrupted their internal argument as she emerged from the hallway and sent Lilith a pitiful look. Even after everything, she still couldn't help but like her. Something told her that her feelings for her big sister were real.

"Mar-Lilith, hun. Sorry, but I overheard a bit of your conversation. Not on purpose..." She came to a halt behind Lilith, squeezing her shoulder gently.

Lilith hung her head but appreciated the gesture. Hilda had this soothing nature that could wipe away any negativity with a single touch.

"Hilda, I never wanted-"

"I know, sweetheart," Hilda bent over to pull Lilith into her arms. "See, I can't tell you much, but I need you to know exactly that it's not about you, okay? Zelda... Just give her some time."

Hilda wished she could, or better yet, Zelda would put Lilith out of her misery and tell her what was really going on. But this wasn't her decision to make.

So, something is wrong.

~

Lilith almost fell from all senses when Zelda entered the ballroom. Even with her mask hiding that beautiful face of hers, she looked stunning. She took her in, tears welling up in her eyes as recent events decided to pay her a visit at the most inappropriate moment. The rejection she had received was long forgotten. If it hadn't been for, she would've come way too close to losing her witch by the hand of Lucifer today.

Zelda's eyes flashed, urging her to turn away promptly in a last and maybe useless attempt to hide her troubles. Lilith was more than relieved when Zelda positioned herself right next to her. With distance – which was totally acceptable due to their current difficulties – but within her reach. This way, she could at least protect her if anything went wrong.

And then it did. Lilith immediately reacted and detained Lucifer using every silent spell she knew, and with the help of Mary, for that matter. Her newly acquired knowledge came in handy. Zelda turned to look at her, fear evident in her eyes. Fear for her?

Eventually, they managed to trap Lucifer in Nicholas' body, just as she was about to run out of power. She told them what they had to do, her head spinning after that feat of strength, and she tumbled slightly once she was done talking.

Gladly, Zelda rushed to her side to support her. Feeling her love's arms wrapped around her again was everything to her.

"Lilith, what was that about? You could've gotten yourself killed!" she scolded her.

Holding Lucifer in place had exhausted her, so the demon failed at stopping the defensive words rolling down her tongue. "And what do you care?"

Zelda shied away at her remark, shame flickering on her face.

"Ma- Lilith... Don't say that."

"I'd do anything to keep you safe, Zelda. You know that."

"You did that for me?" But-"

Zelda was unable to finish her sentence as the demon swiftly pulled her close with one hand on her cheek and one around her waist, claiming her mouth in a heated kiss. She responded eagerly, capturing the other's lips, but a suffocating feeling crept up on her at the firmness of Lilith's grip. Zelda tried to focus on Lilith's tongue caressing hers, stroking all the right spots, but her body disobeyed her.

Their heads turned from one side to another, and Lilith's fingers threaded in her hair. Then she noticed the wetness of Zelda's face, her muscles in a grimace, and how forced her kiss was as her lips. Lilith pulled away immediately, only to encounter Zelda's face covered in smeared mascara, tears flowing freely down her cheeks in an endless stream.

"Zelda? What is it? Did I hurt you?" she panicked, still holding onto Zelda's arms.

Covering her mouth with her hand, Zelda was unable to stop the tears. She stared at Lilith, her mind empty and overcrowded at the same time.

Shit, shit, shit. What's happening? What did I do? I must get away.

"No, Lilith! Hilda told you stay!" Mary shouted, leaving Lilith no room to question her instruction.

She softened all her features, so Zelda could see she wasn't a threat, and took her in her arms in the most careful, gentle way. Although she didn't know what exactly was up with her, she could see what it was doing to her.

Zelda didn't move on her own but allowed Lilith to pull her in. Her head came to rest on her shoulder, her hand still on her mouth, and she stared at the space behind Lilith, who was rubbing soothing circles on her back.

____

edited 10/05/23