The ones who live hidden in plain sight (A discovery of witches story)

Danger is coming

It was a peaceful evening. Dinner had been simple, but warm, just the way he liked it. Sitting on the carpet, Andrew was playing with Celeste, their one-year-old daughter, while Camille looked on tenderly. Celeste's soft laugh echoed through the room as she clumsily tried to grab his fingers. Her smile was pure, full of an innocence that only toddlers possess.

Camille watched them from the sofa, a book in her lap, trying to work, but her attention was more on them than on the pages in front of her. They formed a picture of family harmony. Celeste, in her pyjamas, her skin still soft and fragrant from the bath, was struggling with her little stuffed toys, while he imitated the cries of animals to make her laugh. Moments like this made Andrew forget everything else.

The tranquillity was suddenly interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. The unexpected ringing shattered the bubble they had built for themselves. Andrew exchanged a surprised look with Camille. Who could it be, at such a late hour?

- I'll go and see, he said, rising slowly to his feet after placing Celeste gently in her arms.

Andrew opened the door to find Diana, one of the members of their congregation, standing on the stoop. He immediately recognised the woman with her blond hair pulled back, her face marked by nervousness. He hadn't seen her for a while, and something about her attitude betrayed urgency.

- Diana?' he asked, opening the door wide. Diana, what's going on? Come in, do you want a glass of water?

Diana took a hesitant step, her gaze darting inside the house. She seemed to be weighing up her every move, as if the slightest word could shatter something fragile.

- Andrew, I'm sorry to come here so late, but I had to speak to you in person,' she began in a tense voice. Camille, who had just approached with Celeste in her arms, stiffened at these words. Diana's tone did not bode well.

Andrew frowned.

- What's going on?

Diana took a deep breath, clearly embarrassed. She hesitated, glancing at Camille before finally deciding to speak.

- I... I've come to warn you. The Congregation is investigating you, Andrew.

The ground seemed to shift beneath Andrew's feet at that moment. He felt his heart miss a beat:

- An investigation? Against me? But why?

Diana took a step forward, her eyes searching his, full of remorse.

- They are... they're accusing you of attempted murder.

The shock was like a slap in the face. Camille let out a muffled cry of surprise, and Celeste, began to whimper softly. Andrew froze. His thoughts whirled in his mind at breakneck speed. Attempted murder? It was absurd. Ridiculous.

- Ridiculous. What? But... He shook his head, unable to understand what he was hearing. 'It's a mistake, I would never... I'd never do anything like that! Who could have made such an accusation?

Camille came closer, her eyes filled with disbelief. It's absurd!

- Sigismund. Herbert D'Aurillac and Timur have signed. Diana lowered her head, clearly uncomfortable.

- How does it work?' asked Camille, rocking Celeste at the same time.

- Three members of different corps need to sign, forming a file with proof. Sigismund says they have proof... that you used your magic to attack someone.

Andrew's breath caught for a moment. He'd never imagined that she could be the weapon used to accuse him of attempted murder.

- It's a totally unfounded accusation,' he said at last, his voice hoarser than he would have liked. 'There's not a shred of truth in it.