The Love of a Thornbush

Drunken Obsession - Chapter Eight

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"M-Miss?" I looked up from my book to see a diminutive little creature wrapped in a pillowcase standing at knee height. It, i say 'it' because I couldn't tell the gender of this elf, had wide blue eyes and flappy pink ears. It was quite cute, actually.

It cleared it's throat before beginning to speak in a squeaky, high pitched voice.

"Tandy has been told that Miss Bellatrix is looking for you" my heart dropped, stopped and fluttered at the same time. She was looking for me? Tandy stared up at me with waiting, wide eyes that seemed to be constantly watery.

Closing my book, setting it on the side and standing up, I'd done this before. Well, not with an elf, I'd disaperated with my mother when I was young but never with an elf. Was it different? I didn't know.

Tandy held out her- his- their hand. I'd given up guessing at this point. I hesitated a moment before I took it, feeling their loose leathery skin. They avoided my eyes, as taught by generations of fear-induced loyalty.

"Will take a mere second, miss" the elf mumbled. A small hand with long, thin fingers wrapped around my wrist and I felt it pull me forward. There was the feeling of being crushed, my lungs torn up and I could almost taste blood in my mouth as I was enveloped by a bright light. I grasped onto the elf's hand tighter, I didn't want to find out what would happen if I let go.

My head was still spinning for a few seconds after we landed on solid ground, my stomach did a flip and I swallowed the taste of bile. I took a breath of dusty, lightly perfumed air. The elf had snatched it's hand from mine the second we landed, as if touching me was burning it.

Bellatrix, wand in hand, sat slumped in an armchair by the fire. The logs crackled, flames casting a shadow over her dark features. Brown eyes, overcast with unspeakable emotion.

"Leave us"

Her quiet, dampened voice introduced me to the depressive match of her manic side. I noticed an empty wine bottle slung at her feet. My first thought was for her feet, what if it smashed? Bellatrix gave a half-hearted chuckle at my concern.

"Your worry amuses me, darling, but I'm perfectly fine" the older woman held up her empty hand and crooked a single finger in a beckoning motion "come here and sit with me, birdy"

The single chair was occupied, so as I stepped closer I questioned mentally where to sit knowing she was listening as always. In response, she pointed a steady finger at her feet.

"Here" I lowered onto trembling knees, reminiscent of a whore about to suck her imaginary cock. Something was definitely wrong, she hadn't even cracked a smile at that thought of mine. I was allowed to make myself comfortable at her feet as I stared up for her next command.

Bellatrix, the light from the fire dancing across her face, watched me in confliction. I had no idea what was going on. The older woman forced a smile. "You don't have to worry about me, little angel"

Her words slurred, making it clear she was drunk. Her eyes were hooded and glazed over. This was uncharted territory for me. I'd never seen her like this. Bellatrix's grip on her wand slackened, and it fell to the floor with a clatter. My eyes couldn't help but follow it, and a thought crossed my mind. Probably the most sane thought I'd had for the last month.

Take it.

I didn't realise until the dark presence throbbed in my head, potent and powerful, that the witch listened and watched for my next move. The presence hummed angrily and in a mere second I was grasped by the throat and pulled halfway up her body to eye level.

Her brown eyes wide, nostrils flared, sharp nails like claws in my skin. Bellatrix gritted her sadistic teeth and bared them in a snarl. I found traces of both anger and betrayal in her features.

"What will you do? Kill me, girl? Try it and fucking see" the older witch seethed, fear flooded me even more as she gripped harder and I felt blood rise to the surface of where her nails embedded in my skin. Gasping for air, I tried to pry her hand off but she was stronger.

"What next, hm? Will you slit my throat while I sleep? No? SPEAK UP!"

"NO!" As soon as I yelled out, I was thrown backward onto the carpet. Bellatrix stayed where she was and watched as I laboured for breath below her.

The witch laughed, more genuine than before. I saw her eyes glint with sadistic glee as she watched me scuttle away across the floor.

My back hit the wall, and before I realised it she was on her feet and approaching me at a prowl. Her shining boots, gliding across the carpet like a lioness stalking her prey. Dark eyes filled with the most primal, evil version of kindness imaginable.

Bellatrix was closer now, holding out a hand to invite me to her. She played a blank expression, but frustration danced in her eyes "Apologise, baby. Remember your manners"

I swallowed a whimper as she placed a pristinely polished boot onto my hand, pressing down with increasing pressure until I was nearly crying at her feet. Bellatrix placed a doting smile as I pleaded.

"I'm sorry! Please, please-"

Bellatrix tilted her head, feigning innocence.

"Sorry for what, princess? Be a big girl, use your words"

My voice trembled.

"I won't do it again, I won't disobey- just-! please it hurts!"

With that, she lifted the pressure and took a step back from me. Her smile, seemingly sweet, hid evil intentions. Bellatrix made me stand up.

My hand ached, I hoped it wasn't broken. I could already see the bruising on my skin from the toe of her boot.

The older woman opened her arms, welcomingly. "Come here then, baby. You were such a good girl admitting you were bad"

I was stiff in her arms, like a corpse.  Bellatrix stroked my cheek with reverence. She didn't look at me like a lover, she looked at me like a child with a doll. Like I was a shiny, plastic object for her to mold into whatever personality she desired.

The older woman smiled obsessively.

"That's my little angel" her mouth moved next to my ear, breath hindering on a gust "mummy loves you when you're good for her"

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A.n experimented with something new, thanks for reading! :)