Witches and Devils

Cordelia's Vision

I walk into the main hall, the women following behind, once we are there the men come out of Ariel's office, "are you alright? We were worried."

"Perhaps the sudden shock of sunlight after leaving this dungeon," Myrtle never missing a change to take a swing at the warlocks.

"I wasn't prepared for that." Cordelia steps up next to me, standing tall, "for seeing my girls. But I'm okay now. That's what's important. I want to thank you for bringing them back." Cordelia looks over to Michael.

"I wanted to get your attention." Michael reaches out to me as I walk over to the men, he takes my hand and holds it behind his back.

Chablis nods, "I suspect you've got that now."

Cordelia nods, "he certainly does. And now I'd like everyone else's attention. I've been presented something. A vision. I believe I saw the future. A terrifying future. Cataclysm. Fire. Death. I saw a man. But not a man. A white face. Demonic. He was laughing." Cordelia turns to Myrtle, "our academy... sister, I saw it reduced to cinders."

"A warning," John Henry nods.

"Maybe. But something in my blood is telling me that the only hope we have of surviving depends on what I do next." Cordelia slowly walks around the large fire place in the middle of the room, stopping beside it, in front of Michael and I. "In two weeks time, at the rise of the Blood Moon, you will take the test of the Seven Wonders. That is, if you still want to."

Michael lets go of my hand and steps toward Cordelia, "I do."

"Cordelia, this isn't done!" Myrtle protests.

"That is my decision," Cordelia answers calmly, "and nothing in the world will change my mind." Cordelia shifts her attention back to Michael, "no man has ever made the attempt. If you succeed, you will be the next Supreme and it will change everything."

After that the women waste no time in getting back to New Orleans, I imagine to prepare and calm Myrtle more then anything else. Michael wastes no time in wisking me away to a dark, quite corner of the school. Once we are there, he hugs me tightly, "Rose, I did it." He smiles brightly, "I made her believe that I can be the Alpha, the next Supreme. And I couldn't have done it without your help."

I chuckle as Michael hugs me again, picking me up and spinning me around, "I'm very proud of you."

"I'm sorry, but I didn't want the others to see this, I didn't actually think it would work."

"Then why did you risk your life to save Queenie and Madison?"

"Because there was no other way."

I shake my head, "did you really go to the Cortez?"

Michael nods, "yes, and it was everything Cordelia said. You can hear the trapped souls in the walls and in every room."

"And you went to, what I can only assume is hell to get Madison?"

"It wasn't so bad. Or her hell wasn't. Actually, it was a department store."

"How?"

"I've been reading the books you gave me and studying everything you had mentioned about the Seven Wonders."

I shake my head, "I didn't think there was a book about Descensum."

"There was very little on it, but I found it." Michael takes my hands.

"That's amazing and you got Cordelia's attention like you wanted."

Michael shakes his head, "I didn't want to get her attention, I wanted to get yours. I wanted you to see that I'm not just a student of yours. I am learning and growing, with you help of course, but I am becoming a powerful warlock."

I nod, "I know you are, Michael, but why did you want my attention?" I chuckle, "you already had it."

"Not in the way I want."

"What are you talking about?" I tilt my head a bit.

Michael sighs and quickly cups my cheeks, before kissing me. "This is how I wanted your attention."

I take a deep breath, "you should get ready for Ariel's ceremony, he's been planning it since you got to the school. I'm sure there will be a few rehearsals." Michael nods before he leaves me. I stay there for a moment before sneaking away as well.