The Witches Image

Chapter 4

I spent the whole day reading the dark script. I went through all the steps of the ritual. And even though I knew what to expect, I couldn't stop the excitement from growing inside me.

Madison had tried to persuade me to eat, but I could barely get anything down. Just thinking about tonight made me feel sick again. Lost in thought, I kept scratching the wound on my shoulder that wouldn't stop itching. As if it wanted to make sure I didn't forget it existed. Even the music couldn't distract me. On the contrary, Copia's voice made me even more nervous.

He would perform the ritual, and I couldn't avoid him. After the incident outside Sister Imperator's office, I had tried to avoid him all week. But as soon as I closed my eyes in the evening, I saw his face. His white eyes that cast a spell over me.

I still wondered what had happened that day. The way he had touched me, his sudden closeness. The way he looked at me. How had it come to this? And why hadn't I been able to keep my mouth shut? 'That feels good', why did my brain always have to have such lapses? I buried my face in my hands at the thought. Lucifer, I was such an idiot...an embarrassing idiot.

I was brought out of my thoughts by a soft knock on my door. I glanced at my alarm clock. It was just before 11 pm.

"Yes!" I got up from my bed and turned off the system.

Madison opened the door. She was already wearing her habit and had hidden her blonde hair under her black veil.

"It's time!" she said, looking at me with concern. "You look tired."

"Yes! I've been trying to study all day...now I feel like I've been run over!" I replied, taking the white dress off the hanger. I'd have to wear it to the ritual. It was more like a loose-fitting nightgown with long sleeves, knee-length.

"You've got this!" She gave me a little smile and nodded encouragingly.

I followed her. Out of the room, down the hall to the chapel. We stopped in front of an old wooden door with iron rivets. I smelled herbs and oils. Madison knocked, and Sister Imperator opened the door.

"Come in!" She stepped aside to reveal a tub. Three sisters in habits stood next to it. I recognized them; I had seen them at meals. They nodded and smiled. Madison took the nightgown and put it on a chair.

"Sister Lia," Sister Imperator said, placing an arm on my shoulder. I swallowed against the lump in my throat. "It's time now. Please undress to receive your ablution."

I nodded, feeling a bit nervous, and glanced at Madison. She nodded back. I got out of my clothes and handed them to Madison, who took them. I was completely exposed, so I made sure to cover the wound with my hair. I didn't want to have to answer any awkward questions. Sister Imperator looked me over from head to toe, which made my face flush. I was tempted to cover myself with my hands. But she smiled at me and nodded towards the tub. One of the three sisters helped me in and I closed my eyes as I felt the hot, fragrant water cover my nakedness. They began to wash my back, arms and face with a sponge. They murmured prayers as they did so. They were addressing them to Lilith.

After what seemed like an interminable wait, Sister Emperor's voice rang out: "It's time! Come out and meet your destiny, my child!"

I let out a sigh as I stepped out of the warm water and into the cold. Madison helped me dry off with a towel. I would have loved to get back into my warm clothes. The ritual required me to wear only this nightgown. I was supposed to give in completely to the dark lord. All I had to do was wear a thin layer of fabric between us. After a short time, my feet felt like ice, and the cold made its way up my body, causing me to shiver.

"My child, please proceed to receive the unholy mass." Sister Imperator nodded to Madison, Who helped me out of the room with a gentle nudge.

"Are you okay?" she asked as soon as we were alone in the candlelit hallway.