The Witches Image

Chapter 7

Hesitantly, I knocked on the door, my heart pounding. I hadn't seen him since that night in the infirmary. I had always hoped that he would come and ask for me. I knew it would probably never happen! But the hope was there.

Maybe I just read too much into his little gestures and looks. In the end, I had to admit that there really did seem to be such a thing as love at first sight. But what was the point of having a crush on someone if the other person didn't return the feelings?

"Come in!" his voice from the other side broke through my thoughts. I opened the door. Copia was sitting at his desk, a large pile of papers in front of him. He looked up and smiled when he saw me.

"Good evening, Papa," I said, returning his smile.

"Come in, Sorella," he said, waving to me. "Have a seat."

I closed the door and sat down in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

"Thank you," I said

He adjusted his chair a little and began to organize his papers.

"Sorry for the mess, Sorella!" he laughed. "I sometimes feel like the pile is getting bigger instead of smaller!"I watched him as he tried to sort the papers neatly into a folder. Somehow he seemed nervous.

"You're a very busy man, Papa!" I smiled. He was cute when he was nervous.

He sighed, "Yes, I am. It seems like everyone wants something from me, and preferably before they've even asked me." I laughed. He put the folder back in its place before sitting down and turning to me.

"I'm glad you're feeling better," he said, letting his eyes roam over my face.

"Thanks Papa! " I replied. "It's all been a bit much the last few days.

Copia nodded, his eyes on mine.

"Yes, it has!" his voice was low, full of exhaustion. I avoided his intense gaze.

"Sister Imperator has asked me to speak with you. She said something about possession. That you had to release you body!" He leaned his elbows on the table. "But she couldn't tell me exactly what possessed you! But it's important that we find out."

"Yes," I nodded. "There's more I haven't told Sister Imperator!"

Copia raised his eyebrow: "What exactly? You have to be honest with me, you have nothing to hide." He leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs and looked at me piercingly.

"I have nightmares," I said. I could barely meet his gaze and felt my cheeks burning.

Copia's eyes darkened and his gaze softened.

"When did you start having these nightmares?" he asked with a worried tone in his voice.

"I had these nightmares before the ritual. But they got worse afterwards," I replied. It was easier for me to speak openly with him. That hadn't been the case with Sister Imperator.

Copia swallowed hard.

"And are these nightmares exactly the same or did they change after the ritual?" he asked, leaning forward on his desk.

"I see Lilit," I said without hesitation. My heart pounded against my chest as I waited for his answer.

Copia swallowed hard and shifted uneasily in his chair, clearly surprised. I looked down at my hands and tried to breathe calmly.

"Lilit?" he asked in a slightly trembling voice. "What's she doing in your nightmares?"

I took a deep breath and looked at him, his eyes full of concern. He scrutinized me and I tried to meet his gaze.