A Hymn of Snakes

ONE

They say you can see the sins of a witch in their eyes, I never noticed mine had begun to change until I was in too deep. My eyes were pure of blue, stricken like a scar. I didn't like to look at my own reflection after it started. It only reminded me of who I used to be- and that terrifies me.

The church bells sounded as my body jolted from my sleep, sweat dripping down the edge of my face as my teeth clattered. The Sunday mass bells always woke me up as my eyes scanned down the edge of the room I stayed in. The convent was always so lively during the Holy day.

I pulled my hands down my face as I held myself together, a knock fixated my eyes to the door as I rose to my feet and slowly made my way to the morning. "Breakfast is served." Sister Maria told me with a smile brought up to meet her eyes, if they were all in the dining hall then I missed morning mass. I wouldn't mind it, since I never did enjoy sitting down and listening to the same old gossip.

The Judas Witch, the sisters called me. Judas was a traitor for Jesus and now as a witch I am a traitor to God. Hilarious.

Sister Maria left my side and to my vices as I changed. Turning to the mirror, I harshly swallowed down my fear. I looked different than before, if my father saw me now he'd probably have a heart attack. My long black hair was cut short to my chin, dark blue streaks decorated the frame around my face. I had on the makeup from last night so eyeshadow and mascara cursed my eyes. My skin never looked paler.

I was a ghost of who I used to be.

Cordelia Greerson, the Keeper and the girl too afraid to blink the wrong way. My father denounced me as his child after I ran away, then they proclaimed me dead. Now I am Delia. No name and no place that I can call home.

I really shitty situation if you ask me.

Marching my way down to the dining hall, I listened to the sound of the nuns talking. It had been a year since I came here. My original flight was to Scotland, but I thought that was too easy so I kept moving. Now I was stuck at a convent in Italy, they allow me to keep sanctuary here as long as I mind my business. That's not hard, it's harder to ignore the shadows that try to speak to me. They laugh and they cry. The ghosts of the darkest fragments tell me their stories but it never felt right. I knew most of them lied, they just used me to their vices.

"Good morning Delia." Sister Agnes told me, I nodded in agreement as I looked around the room. Flashes of my memory came to me as it reminded me of eating with the Vampires. Only three of them who had survived from the summer long event. It only made my heart burn even more.

It's hard to keep in contact when you're a fugitive and announced dead. So there is very little that I know about what has happened to Holstien, Alex... and Natalia.

A shiver followed my spine as I grabbed a bowl and shuffled my feet on the ground. Father Carlo pulled a chair for me next to him. The old man slowly ate as he smiled at me, he healed my aching heart. "We will be having confession soon, will you join us this time?" He asked me just like he asked me every time.  I opened my mouth to speak but he beat me too the punch. "God listens to all who seeks his forgiveness." He simply replied back to me. I had no disrespect for their believes, they knew who I was. They've witnessed my power- but I don't believe in God. If I did, then I would be forced to believe that he doesn't give a damn about me.

I looked up and saw a nun eyeing me, hatred broiled under my skin. Funny considering how peaceful they usually were. "Don't have anything else to look at?" I started, her face turning red as she quickly turned away from me.

"You're hands have touched the Devil." She whispered, my eyes shooting to her as the entire table quieted. Then she began to pray, "Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil-." I turned my head and went back to eating. Father Carlo offered the Sister to take a walk and she accepted it. "The Judas Witch does not deserve the hand of God. She's a traitor to us all." She said but then there was a metallic sound that tied in with her voice, causing my skin to burn.