Bewitch Me [Book 1 & 2, The Witch's Fate]

Chapter Eleven - The Council

Xander

Foxy grasped my left arm when the black hooded ritualists started to dip the shriveled skull in a basinful of fresh blood—particularly that of an animal. The sanctuary is surprisingly much more intimidating—shuddering than I assumed it to be. The only source of light in this temple was from the waxy coloured candles peeking out from the corners of the merciless, menacing looking statues. If there was any magic that would work perfectly here it would be that of thaumaturgy and black magic—perfect for complex conjurations and spirit possessions.

I watched from the corner of my eyes the other guilds fearlessly slaughtering some whining humans that were tied to a wooden stake—which was for a certain sacrifice that certainly doesn't concern me. Though, the blood that was oozing out from the headless bodies around me was starting to irritate me little by little—if not that this was a sacred sacrifice only the Lords know what my instincts would've done next.

A sharp cry brought my attention back to the group of guilds before me. It's very frustrating that the only thing I could make of their identity was the tetraskele shoulder strap across their terribly pale shoulders. I might even be correct with the assumptions of them not having a face and a body at all—and even if they do, they'd look no less than a banshee.

I watched closely as the head female of the ritual guild rounded off the initiations with the flickering of herbal leaves around my head, chanting a slew of jumbled words over and over again while the head male ritualist stamped the emblem of a tetraskele on the bare flesh on my chest. I tried as much as possible to convert the pains building up in my muscles into a pleasurable tingle, but the raging emotions in me only made it worse. Not to mention the loud bloodcurdling screams from the soulless disembodied spirits from the underground deadlocked world. As soon as the disembodied spirits' cries died down, a huge spasm struck my chest violently, nearly sweeping me away from my feet.

It was done.

Soon, the small tingle of pain spread out into a huge ball of energy and power. The ritual had heightened my senses, perceptions, wisdom and supernatural abilities. Leaning against the bloodstained pillar, I closed my eyes briefly to block off the metallic scent of fresh blood and demonic screams. It's surprising how a witch can deal with this kind of thing every single minute. As soon as this whole process is done, I'm heading out for some drink.

Foxy scoffed at my reaction and nudged my right arm with a small teasing wink. Rolling my eyes, I shoved my hands into my pockets and brought out a bag of coins to pay for the initiations. It was at times like this I'm grateful that the use of coins are still intact.

Foxy tried to get an eyeful of the occult spirits but she knew better and turned to me with a simpered smile, "I'm sure your parents would be very proud of what you've become today."

If they were here that is...

I wore a small smile at her several attempts to cheer me up. She has been doing this for quite a long time. Despite the fact that she's working for me, she never cease to make sure that I'm satisfied and get what I want. I wish I could give her something nice in return, but what?

Giving the ritualists a good amount of payment, we all made our way out of the temple and walked back to the mansion. The temple was just some metres away from the main building so it wouldn't be a big deal for our movements. I stole one last glance at the shuddery building we just came out of, watching as some beams of light around the darkened walls occulted its existence.

With a surprised hum, I heeled my attention back to the hallway we've just arrived at. Foxy must have noticed the distant look on my face because her grip tightened on my arm. "Stop worrying about every little thing." She snorted.