The Dark Witch, page 7
part #3 of Crimson Black Series
Where am I?
I heard the ocean clearer than before, and I noticed a wide balcony. The walls ended at an opening where I viewed the clear blue sky. I stepped closer to the rails and watched the ocean, plunging down towards the rocks below. When I peered closer along the sidewalls outside, I realized someone had built a room within a mountainous cliff-side. The surfaces were mostly rocks, and the waves crashed up, splashing sprinkles of water on my face. It felt refreshing against my skin and the gust of the surf looked so real, as if this wasn’t a dream.
I spun back around to the sound of flailing wings. However, the chamber was empty as my legs guided me back inside. The strange noise echoed above, yet I didn’t find a single bird while examining the dome ceiling. “Show yourself!” I commanded. “You brought me here… What do you want?” My voice reverberated, bouncing off the walls.
Suddenly, I heard heels in the shadowy corridor across the far side of the room. My eyes soon grew accustomed to a dark figure, strolling towards the chamber. Her body took shape, stepping out of the dark in a lengthy, low-cut, black dress. The swing of her hips added confidence to her strides. The look in her deep hazel eyes appeared relaxed as if I wasn’t a trespasser in her home. It almost looked like she knew who I was the way her facial expression exhibited no signs I was unwelcome. Although, as I continued to watch her approach me, she seemed familiar. The woman in the hospital had the same seductive features and alluring dark hair with the same long silky waves.
Her beauty was beyond compare, yet the dark aura that surrounded her gave me goosebumps. The black heels she wore made her taller when she stopped a foot away from me. Her presence dominated my mind, looking down at me. No words came out from my quivering lips as I stared, transfixed by her glaring eyes. She didn’t say a word either as her hand reached for my face and caressed it. The mere soft touch created a swell of sadness in my chest until a single tear fell from my eye. She caught the drop with her finger and wiped it away.
A strange feeling washed over me when I sensed another presence nearby. There was a bitter scent of cinder floating into the chamber. I glanced back at the dark corridor and saw something else waiting in the shadows. Its red eyes peered out; and I listened to its heavy breathing in the darkness. The sound of it was like a beast I had never encountered before, yet it didn’t frighten me. I watched its figure take shape into a wolf-like creature, large and muscular as it strolled out of the darkness. The snout and head were big enough to chomp my head off in one bite. Its legs long enough to catch me in a second if I tried to run. Even its paws were as large as my head. I only imagined the size of its claws and how it could shred through flesh like butter if anyone would dare to provoke it. The creature kept its eyes on me as it followed the wall and circled the room.
The woman’s hands guided my face to meet hers once again. Her eyes appeared sadder than before as her velvet lips kissed my forehead. She showed affection by holding me in her slender arms in a warm embrace. Although, I did not understand why. I didn’t recognize the woman nor the castle-like room. However, it didn’t bother me at all to stand with her. It was familiar as if she were family, and it reminded me of the same warmth my grandmother would give when she’d comforted me in long hugs.
“It’s okay child,” the woman finally spoke. “You are safe here with me. My daughter is unaware of your presence.” Her squeeze became firm. “I only wanted to see you. Just for a little while.” She struggled to let go of me as if she wanted to keep holding me and her hand grazed over my chest where the wound was. “Soon…”
I didn’t understand what she meant by that final word before the owl hooted on the balcony rail. My eyes found the creature, and the woman nudged me forward. Its eyes stared at me as I stepped closer to it.
Suddenly, the wings flapped, and it lifted off into a swirling ball of light until it flashed; and what was once a bird, turned into an old short woman with stubby fat legs. She hobbled on a cane with her hair white as snow, curled in a nappy mess. She had one eyelid that appeared sealed shut while the other was wide open enough to glow the same blue as her owl form. Her face was difficult to glance at with the black moles on her nose and chin. Her cheeks were lumpy like craters, with blemishes. The clothes she wore was a raggedy old red dress with a belt around her bulging belly. Even her upper body appeared misshaped with one breast bigger than the other. She glared passed me, meant for the woman in black, who continued to stand there, watching us.
The old woman banged her cane twice on the floor and that action made the youthful woman snap her finger towards the hound, which was still circling around the chamber. She turned away and slinked back to the dark hallway, the protective hound followed close behind. Then they both faded in the distance before disappearing from my sight completely.
“We are finally alone, youngling of the tempest.” She spoke once we were alone, my attention immediately drawn her deep crackling voice.
“A strong wind rages in your heart… It grows wild like a whirlwind of all the emotions you have neglected and feared. Because of your blindness, the darkness has cursed you.” The old hag points at my chest.
“You know something about this…”
“Ooh, my dear!” Her tone was cold as ice, and her eye emotionless. “I’ve seen all, and I know all. That mark is your end and there is no escape now.”
“Tell me what’s going on!” My voice carried anger and fear as I tried to remain composed. “No one can give me a straight answer.”
“My dear, you must find the answers on your own. I’ve seen the longing in your soul. All this time you’ve felt out of place as if your identity is not your own. You walk among men, yet your mind wanders elsewhere, searching for the truth to your existence, am I right…?”
I remained silent.
“Do you wish to seek the memories lost in time?”
“What memories…? What are you talking about…?”
“The images in your dreams, my dear. Those feelings of sorrow and hate, they have a story to tell about you. Regardless of how you feel, there’s an answer for all. When you connect to who you are there’s always a clear answer.... However, there’s a journey you have to make. I’m only here to teach what I know and guide you, if this is the path you seek.” She walked towards me, gazing into my confused eyes. “I’ll only forewarn you this once. If this is what you want, there is no turning back.”
The mark throbbed. “I believe it’s already too late,” I answered, not heeding her words. “If this is a curse no one can undo... Well—what’s the point of having a normal life? If that’s the case, then all that’s left now is the truth. I at least deserve to know what’s happening. Since you’re my guide—let us begin.”
The old woman laughed hysterically at my response, her voice reverberated loudly around us. “Very well, my dear,” she answered, her belly jiggling from chuckling too hard. “I can see why you’re desired by that scornful creature.”
“Who?” I cocked my head, puzzled by what she just said.
“The woman who gave you this mark,” She answered while laying her hand over my wound. “I’ll tell you this—she is relentless beyond what you could ever imagine in a woman cursed by the darkness. You both are the same. She too had a heart purer than the moon and sun. Betrayal created a wound too deep to heal. Love turned to bitterness and hate. That’s when it changes who you are. She lost every fiber of herself to the black abyss, and if you’re not careful, it will take its hold on you too.”
“Well… I’ll just have to be mindful then,” I answered, still not understanding what it all meant. They talked about the darkness as if it were an entity or a virus. It was difficult to even fathom her words and this serene setting was something I could only imagine in a dream. “Can you answer me one question?”
“What may it be, young one?” the old hag walked back over to the balcony.
“Where are we...?”
“My dear,” she said while turning to glance at me one more time. “This is the kingdom of the Harpys.”
In her final words, her body twirled into a ball of light and transformed back into the owl once again. Right after her change, my vision brightened to where there was only white light around me. The warmth of it was invigorating to my body and in the blink of an eye, I was back in the cabin, gazing at the ceiling.
The sunlight gleamed in through the window, showing it was already morning. Phyla was sleeping on her side and Maddox was on his back next to me, snoring. Suddenly, the door opened; and I saw legs step inside.
Pharah peered down over me with her usual welcoming smile. “I can’t believe you three slept out here all night.”
Phyla groaned and woke up. “Ugh, Pharah… Keep your voice down.”
Maddox awoke as well and forced himself to sit up. “Dang—it’s morning already?
“You three must have really hit it hard last night,” Pharah stated. “I had to convince your family you were fine with my pot-head of a sister. Maddox, we have to get going, Phyla… Jake called earlier. He’s wondering when you’re coming home. Wren is crying a lot without you.”
“Shit!” Phyla grunted again, jumping to her feet. “My little pup.” She looked at me. “Sorry girl, I gotta get going.”
“It’s cool,” I stood up with everyone else. “When can I meet the new tiny version of you?”
“Real soon, girl. I’ll text you.” She gave me one last hug before racing out of the cabin.
Pharah’s phone beeped, and she looked at the screen. “Just a second.” She walked outside, making a call. “Hey, Stella—what’s going on? … Ah, I see… I’ll be home shortly. Okay-okay — just keep them fed until Maddox and I get back… Thank you.”
I witnessed Pharah’s face flush after hanging up the phone. “Who was that?”
“Um… Stella is a new addition to all the foster kids I look after. She has been helpful with the others,” she answered. “Unfortunately, she’s almost eighteen. She’ll be going off on her own real soon since her birthday is this week.”
“You sound sad about it,” I noticed the subtle shift in tone when she mentioned it. “Isn’t that a good thing? That girl can make a new life for herself.”
“You’re right,” Pharah agreed. “I’ve enjoyed her company too much I guess. She’s a feisty young lady, but I know she cares a lot, and she’s always sincere, helping me with the others. Unlike Maddox, who gets everyone riled up.”
“Hey,” Maddox raised his voice. “Those kids deserve to have fun. Not everyone can be like Stella; strict and bossy.” He hugged me. “I gotta go too. The wild calls and I gotta go do wolf-like stuff and be crazy and shit.”
“Yeah, you go do that,” I answered. “I’ll be here for a while if you guys wanna visit…”
“We will,” Pharah answered, embracing me. “Take care of yourself. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will.” She kissed me on the cheek and her and Maddox left together.
Only I stayed behind on the stoop of the cabin, gazing out on the field. The mist rose from the grass and covered the lawn with a cool sensation. It gave a sense of freshness only the countryside could give, unlike the city. Home was the place to be, while this forsaken curse spread its roots throughout my soul. If the old hag was telling the truth, my journey now begins and there’s no turning back.
The darkness awaits…
CHAPTER 7
A Witch’s Familiar
FROM THE DARKNESS TO THE MORNING LIGHT, the front lawn was like another mysterious world to my wandering thoughts. The bushes and a line of trees along the driveway had bloomed lilacs and raspberries for the summer. I recalled the times of my early childhood, eating them after long afternoons in the back forest, pretending to be a woodland warrior, living off the land.
While daydreaming about my past, I drifted along the border, plucking the berries, one by one. Each one I devoured, reminiscent of my youth. They were ripe with juices that covered my fingers and lips, much sweeter than store bought fruit. Everything that grew on this entire property always had a serene bloom, becoming larger than normal, and had a healthier life span. However, the berries were not enough to suffice the hunger churning in my stomach as loud as the birds chirping in the trees. It was breakfast time, and I needed to head inside. As I walked back towards the house, I wandered passed the shack and glanced at it once more, remembering the vivid dream of the owl and the grand hall, and the Witch who revealed it as the kingdom of the Harpys.
Harpys…
“Aren’t they a part of many stories in Greek mythology? Women who are part birds. However, the woman I met didn’t look hideous like on the internet.” I spoke so the nature around could heed my worry. “Hm…”
When I made it up the front porch and to the door, someone had left it unlocked. The sturdy wooden door was wedged too tight in between the frame so it took the full pressure of my side to thrust it open enough to slip by. The first thing I noticed while stepping inside was a gentle smoke of bacon and a hint of coffee from the maker brewing. It was a welcoming aroma after a long evening out. As I slammed the door shut once again and pushed it into the doorframe that scraped from the metal latches clanging together.
After making certain the door was sealed and locked, I made my way down the short flight of stairs into the dimmed hallway. The trail of delicious aromas led me into the kitchen where my grandmother and mother were sitting at the old farm table, sipping from mugs steaming with the brewed coffee. I walked passed the round counter. They glanced at each other and then at me as I walked by. “Good morning!” I went into the kitchen.
“Good morning, Kris.” my mother addressed me first and then my grandmother. “How did you sleep?” Her eyebrow lifted. “You and your friends slept out in the shack all night. Did Phyla and everyone leave already?”
“Yes,” I answered while sitting in a vacant chair across from them. “They rushed out this morning, back to their lives.”
“Oh… That’s too bad,” my grandmother replied. “I thawed out the extra packs of bacon from the icebox, expecting them to at least stay for breakfast.”
“Sorry, grandma,” I apologized, knowing it had to get cooked or it would spoil. “Phyla had to rush home to her daughter. Did you both know she had a baby last year?”
“No, we didn’t,” my mother answered. “That’s wonderful—I’m sure she’s happy taking on the challenge of motherhood. I assume Pharah and Maddox left as well?”
“Yeah,” I explained. “She’s been busy, fostering a lot of kids. I’m not surprised though—she has a kind heart, unlike some.”
“I assumed you three behaved last night,” my mother abruptly changed the subject, her brow furrowed.
“Yes—yes,” I answered. “Nothing illegal.”
“I see you still have your sense of humor,” my grandmother spoke.
“We camped out and talked. That’s pretty much it.”
“Even so, I hope you had a good night,” my grandmother added. “You were looking too depressed at the dinner table.”
“Oh, we had fun,” I avoided going into detail. “But anyway, mom—are you and dad heading back to Newark today?”
“Yes, sweetie… I have work tomorrow and your father has his business to get back too. He already canceled on two student drivers this week, so we could get you settled.”
“Oh—ok,” I responded in disappointment, thinking they would not leave so soon. “I might ride down in a few days. Maybe check-out the neighborhood.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie… We only leased a one-bedroom apartment.” She had a look of concern and guilt written on her face. “Are you sure you’re gonna be okay here?”
“It’s fine,” I reassured her. “I missed the old family home, anyway. Besides, the city is way too loud right now. The peace and quiet will help me get used to the change.”
“You should give Charlotte a call,” my grandmother interrupted, changing the topic. “She’s looking for someone to watch her boys for some weekend evenings.”
“Stephen and Eddie?” I asked. “Oh-man, I haven’t seen them since they were yea-high.” I lowered the palm of my hand about two feet above the floor. “They gotta be grown by now.”
“Charlotte trusts you with them. She’ll be happy to know you’re back.”
“They don’t know, right…?”
“No… I think it will do you good babysitting a couple of rambunctious boys.” My mother suggested. “Just until you are rested to hold out another retail job. Mother and I figured since you loved it so much, it would be for the best.”
The room fell silent as they waited for me to answer. “Ok, ok—I’ll call Charlotte after I get settled. The babysitting thing, I’ll only do it until I’m used to all the medication and therapy. Afterward, it’s back to looking for a real job and enrolling into a school somewhere in one of the state colleges around here.”
“One step at a time, ok,” my mother reacted with concern. “We’ll figure that out later, when you’re better. Afterward, we can look at colleges and see about getting your credits transferred.”
“I’m pretty sure most won’t transfer,” I sighed in discontent. “What a waste!”
“It’s okay, sweetie,” my mother reassured me. “We just have to wait and see.”
“Yes, mom,” I tried to fake a smile. “I’ll try not to think about it.”
“Good girl,” my grandmother smiled.
I stood up and went over to the coffeemaker on the counter. I grabbed a mug and poured a cup full; black with only raw sugar, just how I like it. I stirred and sipped with my butt leaning against the counter. Eyes closed, I exhaled in bliss as the warm bitter liquid slid down my throat and warmed my insides. The pit-patter of footsteps made me alert again as a tiny black-furred pooch trotted in from the hallway. When I gazed closer, it had a long-stretched body like a hotdog. I set my coffee mug down and squatted to get a closer look.
“Who are you?” It wagged it’s whole behind and darted between my legs, sniffing and licking me. I tried petting her as she twisted and turned, obviously liking the attention. “Oh, my word, you are so adorable!” I realized it was a girl since she lacked certain appendages and I glanced up at my mom who seemed quite pleased. “Is this your new dog?”
