Whispers at Witching Hour

Chapter 72

Musical inspiration: Change – Lana Del Rey

Mambo Marie had left the Desecrated Church to take a stroll around the Academy grounds. Just to calm her mind after a demanding day. She noticed the lights were still on in the Headmistress' office and soon she sensed the mysterious sweet and dark presence linger around.

Her brief encounter with Lilith had told her enough to know she was dangerous if treated unwisely. Especially regarding Zelda, she had to walk on eggshells if she wanted to succeed, and keep track of how much she could bend the boundaries. Though, she was not sure if she could resist the temptation Zelda Spellman posed.

Her ways lead her into the Academy. Out of curiosity? Perhaps. Strange vibes radiated from the office, both of lust and darkness. She walked the corridors pondering her visions as well as her plans, not only regarding Zelda. They were in this war together now, whether they wanted it or not.

Then the bittersweet vibrations disappeared, but something had changed about the remaining source of energy. At loss, deserted was what she picked up. Surely, taking a look would not hurt anybody, so she went to the Directrix' office and knocked.

Without waiting for an answer, she stepped in and found the witch she was looking for sitting in front of the fireplace, smoking resigned.

"Zelda?", she made her presence known.

"Mambo Marie!", she straightened her position trying to look her usual confident self, forcing a smile, "Come on in! How can I help you?"

Marie strode to Zelda, her dress flowing gracefully with every step, a soft expression on her face as she looked the other witch directly in the eyes.

"You don't need to put on an act with me, ma chérie. I feel something is not good, n'est-ce pas?"

Something about her tone warmed Zelda from the inside, so... gentle. That was the one word she could describe Mambo Marie's entire appearance with. She had been there ever since she had arrived at the Academy. She had not failed her once and had stood by her side in more than one way.

"One can't fool you, can they?", she chuckled while her forced smile faded, hiding behind a new drink.

"It's a curse and a blessing...", Marie said smiling and sitting down in the other chair.

"So, tell me what is the matter, ma chère."

She made herself comfortable in the chair, radiating nothing but warmth and affection with her encouraging smile. Zelda felt so safe around her as if the voodoo priestess was protecting her with her mere existence. Almost a contrast to Lilith, where everything was fragile and vague all the time. She loved her, she had been there for her, but lately... Things were not how they had been before. That was likely the reason Zelda decided to confide in Mambo Marie.

"There's a friend of mine who promised me she'd be there for me, but yet here I am on my own."

"You're not alone now, Zelda", Marie smiled softly, "And Lilith is not just a friend, est-ce que? You carry her mark."

"Yes, I forgot you know everything about me already", Zelda mused sarcastically, a bit unsettled by how much Marie knew about her.

"My family doesn't know, it's been... Rough recently. She's pregnant and she broke my trust. On multiple occasions if I may add."

Marie sensed there was more to it but decided not to push further. She remembered what she had come upon when she had removed the bullet from Zelda's body. The wounds not only on her body but also her entire being.

"But you still love her, I can tell", she pointed out.

"I do."

Zelda took a few sips from her drink, staying silent as Marie watched her, figuring out how she could get through to her. She sincerely wanted to help her, partly for selfish reasons but also because she liked the witch.

"You have scars, Zelda. Deep ones."

Zelda's eyes shot up at her, almost frightened. She knew what Marie was referring to and she hated the fact Marie knew about the most devastating event of her life. But when she searched Marie's face puzzled, she did not encounter any pity or disgust – just pure empathy like open arms.

"You know, I can help you", Marie proposed, not fazed by Zelda's ambivalent feelings.

The witch scoffed, diverting her gaze. "I can't think of any way you could do that."

"Oh, no, no, ma chérie. I have my trucs et astuces", Marie assured, putting her head to one side.

"And what would that be? Can you make me forget it ever happened?", Zelda asked unbelieving.

"Mh...", she moved her head from side to side and looked up, "Not quite. But I might be able to help your body forget what has been done to it."

Zelda mulled over Marie's offer, thinking about how things had changed for Lilith and her, especially in the bedroom. She had always been the rough type, but at least for herself, that was not an option anymore as her body would not allow it. Every form of intimate touch was a challenge; though she had gotten better at handling it, sometimes it caught her off guard.

"I'm interested", she stated firmly, "How does it work?"

"A ritual, or better: Several rituals, depending on how long it takes for your body to heal."

"Then I would like to take that offer. We could start tomorrow at night when no one's around. I don't suppose I'll be spending the night with Lilith anytime soon given she's always away."

Saying it out loud brought the frustration of being left alone by the person she needed with her back up, clouding her mind. Lilith had left her this way; sure, she had had "no choice" and yet Mambo Marie was here with her. Actually about to help her, not only talk about how things would change. Was she doing Lilith wrong? She could not tell with her alcohol- and emotion-drenched mind.

"We can do that", Marie affirmed, the corners of her mouth quirking up, pleased with her doing.

And as time passed, Zelda found more and more interest in Marie's lips, eye flitting between them and her face while they were now talking about lighter topics again. She felt so dreamy, like when Marie had introduced herself to her, mesmerised by the beautiful voodoo priestess.

She wanted her to stay, she wanted to spend more time enveloped in the sweet warmth, the mysterious sphere of protection that would not never leave her on her own. Zelda lost her focus more and more, being drawn to those full lips, shimmering in the golden light.

Her body unconsciously obeyed this sentiment and leaned in. It only took some more magnificent words from Marie, some more tender looks, some more caressing her soul until Zelda gave in and pulled Marie into a slow but certain kiss.