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October 1815

Zelda danced in the middle of the dark clearing deep in the Black Forest, almost naked. She enjoyed the air in her hair and the sound of the river was her music.

Oh, how she loved to dance, and she hated that there weren't many places in the small town of Greendale where she could enjoy the music and dance until she couldn't feel her legs anymore. But even if there was such a place, it wouldn't suit Zelda, who loved all kinds of music and could dance like no one else. She would probably be laughed at if she ever tried to dance like the Africans or the Japanese. But she couldn't help it.

Zelda saw the world beyond Greendale and beyond America. She saw many cultures and learned thousands of dances. She could play any musical instrument and sing in every language. Which, of course, she wasn’t allowed to do, or she would be accused of witchcraft and hanged.

Zelda hummed one of her favourite Greek tunes and danced with her eyes closed, imagining the great columns of the Acropolis. She didn't notice Faustus leaning against a nearby tree, watching her with a gentle smile on his face.

When Zelda danced a few steps in his direction, he quickly approached her from behind and placed his hands on her hips. Zelda didn't need to open her eyes to know it was him. He was the only one who could pass unnoticed behind Vinegar Tom.

Faustus joined Zelda in the dance and began to hum the tune with her. Zelda fell silent as she enjoyed his murmur in her ear.

Eventually Faustus turned her over and she opened her eyes.

They looked gently into each other's eyes and finally Zelda whispered, "I thought you were busy tonight."

Faustus smiled at her, "Plans have changed. And I knew I would find you here."

Zelda smiled, "How so?"

Faustus chuckled, "You weren't at home, or the academy, or the church..."

Zelda laughed, "So you
didn't
know, you were just guessing."

Faustus cupped her cheek, "The point is, I found you."

Zelda shook her head, "And what if I wanted to be left alone?"

Faustus leaned closer and his lips brushed hers, "Tell me to go and I'll go."

Zelda didn't answer him, instead leaning in for a kiss. She expected to grow tired of being with him after so many years, but that feeling never came. In fact, she felt she hadn't had enough of him since he became a candidate for the next High Priest position. Speaking of which...

Zelda broke the kiss, "Have you decided how to kill my father?"

Faustus smiled at her, "Do you want me to kill him?"

Zelda slapped his chest playfully, "Of course not! He's my father!"

Faustus chuckled, "Then I won't kill him."

Zelda looked at him sceptically, "You will, if you want to be the High Priest of the Church of Night."

Faustus smiled wickedly, "Let's just say... I found a way to get rid of him without killing him."

Zelda was intrigued, "Oh, do tell! That would set a fine precedent."

Faustus raised an eyebrow in surprise, "You expect me to share my secrets with the daughter of my enemy?"

Zelda laughed, "So I'm your enemy now?"

Faustus laughed too, "I said enemy's
daughter
! You, my dear, are absolutely exquisite..."

Faustus leaned in for another kiss, but Zelda stopped him, "Why should I kiss you if you won't tell me?"

Faustus smiled wickedly at her, "Because I didn't come here to talk."

Zelda decided to drop the subject and ask him later. After all, Faustus was always more agreeable after sex. And if she was honest with herself, she herself felt too aroused to continue their conversation anyway.

In one swift movement, Zelda pushed Faustus to the ground and he landed on the cold grass beneath him. Without breaking eye contact, Zelda slipped out of her nightgown and enjoyed Faustus' lustful gaze on her.

Slowly, Zelda knelt on the ground and pulled Faustus up by his shirt. Faustus obeyed her every move and as soon as he was close enough, he began to kiss her neck.

Zelda let out a soft moan, encouraging him as she ran her fingers through his hair. The warmth of his breath sent shivers down her spine and she pressed closer. Faustus' hands ran down her back, tracing the contours of her body as he knew her every curve by heart.

She gently pushed him back, her hands firmly on his shoulders, and straddled his lap. Their lips met in a passionate kiss. Zelda's fingers deftly unbuttoned Faustus' shirt, pushing it off his shoulders, exposing his bare chest to the cool night air.

Faustus pulled back slightly, his eyes dark with desire, and traced a line with his lips from her collarbone down to her breasts, leaving a trail of kisses. Zelda arched her back, her breath quickening as the intensity between them grew.

With a sudden surge of hunger, Faustus turned Zelda onto her back, his body hovering over hers. He paused for a moment, looking into her eyes, slowly tormenting them both. She urged him to hurry, a smile playing on her lips, and he lowered himself, their bodies merging in a heated embrace.

The cold night was filled with the sounds of their shared passion as they lost themselves in each other under the starry sky.

~~~

Zelda entered the mortuary quietly, expecting one of her parents to meet her angrily on the veranda, but no one was there. She saw lights in the kitchen and heard her parents shouting at each other.

Praising Satan, Zelda hurried into the house and quietly opened the door, hoping to sneak back into her room unnoticed. As she opened the door, she saw Edward sitting by the kitchen door. His expression was sad and Zelda felt a pang of guilt for not being there for him.

Zelda jumped when she heard her mother's loud scream.

"You never would have become High Priest if it wasn't for me, you ungrateful bastard!"

Zelda sat quietly beside Edward, creating an invisibility barrier around them in case either of their parents stormed out. There was no need for a silence spell as their screams were too loud anyway.

Zelda put her hand on Edward's, "What is this all about?"

Edward sighed sadly, "Me. Mother found out that Dad had sent me to an orgy and she was furious. She said it wasn't appropriate for the future High Priest to be doing such things."

Zelda chuckled, "She's right, you know?"

Edward looked at his sister in surprise, "You go to orgies all the time! Since when are you against it?"

Zelda smiled, "I'm allowed to, because I don't aspire to the position of High Priest. Orgies are... a delicate matter. Touch the wrong witch in the wrong way and she or her husband won't give you their vote. That's why Faustus doesn't do it anymore."

Edward narrowed his eyes at his sister, "I thought it was because you asked him."

Zelda chuckled, "I wouldn't ask him to do that! I'm not some desperate, jealous, prudish witch. I simply pointed out the complications of such activities and he agreed. Once he's High Priest, he can go to as many orgies as he likes."

Edward shook his head, "Once? Do you not at all believe that
I
can become the next High Priest?"

Zelda sighed theatrically, "Not if you listen to our father! He's barely holding on to the title himself."

Edward looked into his sister's eyes, "I would listen to you if you were on my side. And shouldn't you be on my side, sister?"

Zelda leaned closer to him, her face stern, "Tell me. Honestly. If you were to become High Priest, who would you go to for advice - Father, Mother or me?"

Edward thought for a moment and whispered back, "Probably all of you. And then choose the best."

Zelda smiled sadly at him, "Exactly. And I do not like being second or third choice. With Faustus... I'm his only choice. He will listen to me alone."

Edward grinned, "You're not even his wife."

Zelda chuckled, "Exactly! And he already listens to me! Besides, when he becomes High Priest, he won't need our father's permission to marry me."

Edward looked sad, "Are you sure? What if he dumps you the moment he gets the title?"

Zelda smiled knowingly at Edward and said, "Then he won't be High Priest for long..."

At that moment, the kitchen door slammed shut and their father stormed out of the room and out of the house without even taking his coat. Zelda and Edward held their breath.

Evanora also left the room, opened the front door and yelled at her departing husband, "And don't you dare show your face here again!"

With that, she closed the door and went upstairs, angry. Edward and Zelda exchanged worried looks.

Zelda whispered, "That sounded serious. At least more serious than usual."

Edward lowered his head, "It's my fault. They never used to fight like this until I became a candidate for the High Priest..."

Zelda put her arm around her brother, "Don't be silly. Couples fight. And their quarrels became serious when Father was appointed High Priest. Have you ever listened to their arguments? They are not about you at all."

Edward shook his head, "That one was about me."

Zelda rolled her eyes at her brother's stupidity, "No, you were the cause, not the reason. Ever since Father became High Priest, he has begun to exclude Mum from his decisions. And it hurts her deeply."

Edward laid his head on Zelda's shoulder, "What do you think will happen next? Divorce?"

Zelda chuckled, "Never. They both are too proud and too dependent on each other. But life in this house will become unbearable, I'm sure."

Edward asked cautiously, "Are you going to leave me again?"

Zelda leaned away from him and looked into his eyes, her face clearly confused.

Edward sighed heavily and explained, "You left me the last time things got this bad. Do you remember? When Father lost the competition and was passed over? They blamed each other for that failure and you left to travel the world to escape their misery?"

Zelda sighed and looked down, "It's not that simple. I was very young and I felt suffocated. I had to get out."

Edward touched her hand, "And do you feel suffocated now?"

Zelda smiled at her brother, "No. In fact, I feel quite happy..."

Edward grinned, "Things are going so well with Faustus?"

Zelda slapped his arm lightly, "None of your business, you pest!"

Edward chuckled, "I mean, you hardly ever sleep at home since Faustus inherited the manor all to himself..."

Zelda stood up and said her last words for the night, "Where I sleep is none of your business. Night, Eddy."

Edward chuckled as he watched his sister go upstairs. He wondered if she was going to their mother to comfort her. The two had once been so close, but now Edward could never tell. Yesterday they acted like best friends. Tomorrow they probably won't say a word to each other. His father had always put it down to 'petty women's quarrels', so Edward decided to do the same and just go to sleep.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

May 1818

Faustus leaned back in the high-backed leather chair, the flickering candlelight casting an eerie glow on his sharp features. Around the mahogany table sat his most trusted associates.

"The time has come to take the final steps in our plan," Faustus began, his voice low and measured. "Francis' influence is waning, but we must ensure his complete fall."

One of the warlocks nodded with a sinister smile and slid a stack of documents across the table to Faustus, "I have prepared the correspondence linking Francis to the mortals. They are impeccable forgeries, indistinguishable from the real thing. Letters discussing secret support, financial backing - everything needed to paint him as a mortals’ sympathiser".

An old witch interjected, her eyes gleaming with malice, "I have been spreading rumours among the coven. The whispers are getting louder... It won't be long before these rumours reach the higher echelons."

Faustus allowed himself a small smile, "Excellent. Elias, your task is vital. We need hard evidence, something irrefutable that the Antipope can't ignore. Have you succeeded in arranging the meeting?"

A young blond warlock leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper, "Indeed. This evening Francis will meet Brother Thomas who will take him to the mortal brothel. He won't need much convincing, I'm sure. My men will be there to document everything."

"Perfect," Faustus said, twisting his fingers. "Considering what mortals have put us through in recent years, the Antipope won't be happy."

The group sat in silence for a moment, the gravity of their conspiracy settling over them.

Faustus broke the silence, his tone colder. "Remember, this must appear genuine. Any slip, any hint of our involvement, and the whole plan collapses."

As they dispersed, Faustus remained seated, lost in thought. The candlelight danced across his face, accentuating the determination in his eyes. The antipope would not forgive Francis, that was certain. Yet Francis' alleged crimes were not serious enough to warrant his execution.

Faustus smiled to himself, proud of his genius. If he could get rid of the High Priest without killing him, his future position would be much safer.

Later that night, Faustus stood in the shadows of the old library, his heart pounding with anticipation. He watched as Francis, looking tired and distracted, entered the room. Moments later, Brother Thomas appeared, carrying a pile of books. They exchanged polite nods and in a moment Brother Thomas was leading Francis away, straight to his demise.

Everything was going perfectly.

By the next morning, the church was abuzz with whispers. The evidence was damning - enough to cast an even darker shadow over Francis’ reputation.

The Church leaders called an emergency meeting. As Faustus took his seat among the assembled officials, he sensed the tension in the room. Murmurs of discontent and betrayal filled the air.

Faustus wore a mask of concern, but inside he revelled in the unfolding chaos. As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the tide was turning against Francis. The investigation had officially begun, and Faustus knew it was only a matter of time before Francis was removed from his position.

~~~

Zelda stood by the high arched window of her chambers, the early morning light casting a soft glow on her face. She watched the mortuary customers below, her mind replaying the events of the past few months. A small smile played on her lips as she thought about how everything was falling into place.

The sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention. Her mother entered, her expression worried and accusing, "Zelda, did you know about this? The allegations against your father?"

Zelda turned to face her, trying to hide the triumph in her eyes, "You must be mistaken, Mother. What could Father possibly have done to warrant an investigation?"

Evanora looked at her daughter sceptically, "Same old. Interfering in mortal affairs. Sympathising with them. Now tell me the truth. Did you have something to do with this?"

Zelda sighed and ignored her mother's question, "Well, he's been doing it for years, so he was bound to get caught."

Dropping the pretence, Evanora stepped forward and grabbed Zelda's hand as she hurriedly whispered, "Do you realise that this kind of accusation could get your father killed?"

Zelda forcibly released her hand from her mother's grasp, "No one has ever been killed for such nonsense! Our numbers are small enough as it is."

Evanora looked at her daughter angrily, "You think this is a game? The Antipope himself is involved in this!"

Zelda held back a smile as she replied to her mother, "Then it is the will of our Dark Lord."

Evanora sighed and shook her head, "Oh, you stupid girl... You think you'll gain anything by getting rid of your father?"

Zelda turned and took a few steps away from her, "I had nothing to do with this, Mother. I'm as shocked as you are, but I have faith in our Dark Lord and his representatives on Earth."

Evanora got angry, "Your father is one of those representatives!"

Zelda didn't answer and there was an uncomfortable silence in the room.

A few minutes later, Evanora sighed heavily and took a step closer to her daughter, "I know you want to marry him, darling. I see the way you look at each other. But you are both so young! Are you willing to sacrifice your family's honour to be with a warlock who will never be able to truly appreciate you?"

Zelda turned angrily and looked into her mother's eyes, "You talk as if my father appreciates you, Mother! Mind you, he wouldn't be in this mess if he listened to you. He is digging his own grave, despite your best efforts to stop him."

Evanora took her daughter's attack with dignity and raised her head, "Exactly! I know what I'm talking about, and I don't wish you the same fate!"

Zelda moved closer to her mother and whispered, "Faustus listens to me. He listens to every word I say."

Evanora looked at Zelda with pain in her eyes, "So did your father until he became High Priest. I forged his reputation, I fought for him, I killed for him. And he disregarded me the moment he ascended."

Zelda whispered almost inaudibly, "Faustus wouldn't dare."

Evanora put a comforting hand on Zelda's shoulder, "You don't know that. He's a warlock. Evil and power hungry as they all are."

Zelda broke free of her mother's grip and pulled out a cigarette.

Long minutes passed before Evanora finally broke the silence with a worried whisper, "I just want to look after you, love. I care for you."

Zelda didn't respond, so Evanora simply placed a soft kiss on the top of her daughter's head and left the room.

Left alone with her thoughts, Zelda thought back to the time when she and Faustus had taken in a little girl during their travels around the world. The image of Matilda haunted Zelda in her sleep. At the time, she blamed Faustus for failing to protect her little girl. But that was nearly two centuries ago. They've changed. Both of them.

Zelda put out her cigarette. Times had changed. And although mortals and witches could never get along, witch trials were now a thing of the past. The world was much safer for witches now.

Zelda walked over to her table and opened her jewellery box. She took the portrait of Matilda, the same one Faustus had drawn all those years ago, and held it to her heart.

No child could ever replace Matilda, but Zelda still longed to be a mother. And she saw what a wonderful father Faustus had been to her little girl. Zelda could marry any warlock she set her eyes on, but Faustus was the only one she trusted and cared for.

Still, her mother's words echoed in the back of her mind. Could Faustus really disregard her once he becomes High Priest? Is she making a terrible mistake by supporting him instead of her brother?

Zelda shook her head to dispel these thoughts. If there was one thing she knew for sure about her mother, it was that the woman had always been cunning and manipulative. She may genuinely care about Zelda's future, but that's not why she planted those doubts in Zelda's head.

Zelda put Matilda's portrait away. No, her mother wanted Edward to succeed, and she knew that Faustus didn't stand a chance without Zelda's absolute support.

Just as Zelda was thinking of him again, an owl tapped on her window. It was Faustus' familiar.

Zelda smiled and took the note hanging from the owl's neck. She opened it with a gentle smile on her lips, "Meet me at my place in an hour."

Zelda chuckled. The meeting must have gone well, otherwise Faustus would have spent the day brooding with his friends. Instead he wanted to celebrate and Zelda went to her dresser.

As she chose her outfit, Zelda thought about the gift Faustus might give her tonight. He showered her with gifts every chance he got. And since he had given her her own room at Blackwood Manor, his gifts had only increased in size.

Before his father's death, Faustus had confined himself to jewellery and other small items, but now Zelda was the proud owner of a huge harp, a piano and several cellos, as well as a couple of horses and even a few statues.

Zelda smiled as she remembered playing her new harp while Faustus sat beside her, watching her dreamily.

Zelda stood in front of her mirror, wanting to look perfect for their rendezvous. She chose a dress of the finest pale blue silk. The fabric flowed like liquid and fell to the floor in soft, graceful folds.

The gown had a delicate empire waist just below her bust, accentuated by a narrow satin band in a slightly darker shade. The décolleté was modest yet alluring, a soft scoop framed by intricate lace that hinted at the soft curve of her collarbones. The short, puffed sleeves were decorated with tiny embroidered flowers.

She reached for her gloves and pulled on the soft white silk that clung to her arms up to her elbows. Then she draped a sheer, gauzy shawl over her shoulders, its delicate embroidery shimmering in the candlelight. The shawl added a touch of warmth against the chilly evening air and an extra layer of elegance to her ensemble. For a second, Zelda thought her outfit might be too fancy, but she pushed the thought aside. She had never had the chance to wear this dress to any of the Coven's events, so she might as well do it now. It's not like she'll stay dressed for long once Faustus sees her.

Satisfied with her reflection, Zelda slipped into her matching satin slippers. With one last look in the mirror, Zelda took a deep breath.

Gathering her shawl around her, Zelda made her way downstairs. Her mother watched her from the kitchen, but said nothing. Raising her head proudly, Zelda left the house before her father caught up with her, or he would surely stop her from leaving.

The evening air was cool and fragrant with the scent of blooming flowers as she approached Blackwood Manor. Immediately she saw him standing at the window, his eyes gleaming at the sight of her. It wasn't like him to be so obviously waiting for her. He usually acted as if he wasn't expecting her at all, even if he was counting the minutes until they met again.

Faustus opened the door for her and took her hands in his, "Welcome, darling. I have something special for you."

She squeezed his hands gently, her smile deepening, "That sounds intriguing."

As Faustus basked in their shared moment, Zelda's mind drifted back to her plan. It had been rather easy to plant the idea in Faustus' mind. He believed it was his plan, his ambition driving her actions, but it was much harder to keep track of all his actions. Zelda loved being in control, and not knowing exactly how her planted idea was being executed drove her crazy. But she had to play her part from the shadows if she didn't want Faustus to resent her as much as her father resented her mother.

The grand drawing room of Blackwood Manor was lit by the soft glow of numerous candelabras, their flickering flames casting a warm glow over the room's opulent furnishings. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air, mingled with the faint aroma of polished wood and burning wax. Zelda sat by the grand piano, her fingers idly tracing the intricate carvings on its lid as she waited for Faustus.

The large French windows were open, allowing a gentle evening breeze to rustle the heavy curtains. As the door to the drawing room creaked open, Zelda looked up to see Faustus entering, a broad smile on his face. In his hands he carried a large, elaborately wrapped box.

"Zelda," Faustus said warmly as he crossed the room to her. "I have brought you a gift. Something to mark the time until we are finally married."

Curiosity piqued, Zelda stood, her silk gown rustling softly as she moved, "Faustus, we're not even officially engaged yet."

Faustus smiled at her, "Still, it's only a matter of time before you become the next Lady Blackwood."

With a flourish, Faustus placed the box on a nearby table and began to unwrap it, the paper falling away to reveal an exquisite clock. The timepiece was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, its gold case decorated with delicate engravings and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The face of the clock was adorned with intricate hands and Roman numerals, and above it, a small gilded bird stood ready to chime the hours.

Zelda smiled as she traced the surface of the clock with her fingers, "Faustus, it's beautiful! It must have cost a fortune."

Faustus smiled, his expression softening. "No price is too high for you, my dear. This clock is to count the minutes until you can finally leave your dreadful home."

Zelda raised an eyebrow, "I happen to like my home very much, thank you."

Faustus chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her, "But here we'll have all the rooms to ourselves... No more hiding or sneaking around, no more silencing spells..."

As Faustus kissed her neck, Zelda chuckled, "Who knew you had such a soft, romantic side?"

Faustus chuckled and took her hands in his, "I just happen to be in a particularly good mood tonight."

Zelda wanted to ask him more, but decided to wait.

Faustus murmured in her ear, "I want to invite the Antipope himself to bless our marriage."

Zelda closed her eyes, "What an honour that would be... But you are getting ahead of yourself."

Faustus drew her closer and whispered, "You have already said yes. You can't take it back. Just because our engagement isn't public doesn't make it any less real."

They stood together, gazing at the beautiful clock. In that moment, surrounded by the elegance of Blackwood Manor and the promise of their future, Zelda had a strong feeling that nothing could stop their union. Whether tomorrow, a week from now, or three hundred years from now, they would eventually be bound together in unholy matrimony.

~~~

Back at the Spellmans' mortuary, the air was thick with tension and the acrid smell of spilt booze. Francis Spellman, once the dignified High Priest, was now a shadow of his former self. He stormed around the room, smashing bottles of expensive liquor given to him by his once dear friends who had now turned against him. His face was flushed with anger and despair, his movements erratic and uncontrolled.

"How could this happen?" Francis bellowed, his voice hoarse from shouting. "Everything I've built, everything I've worked for - gone! All because of a few mistakes, a few miscalculations!"

In the corner of the room, Evanora stood silently, her arms crossed over her chest. Her eyes, sharp and unforgiving, watched her husband with clear disgust and judgement. She had warned him time and again of the dangers of his reckless decisions, his over-reliance on certain dubious allies. But he had ignored her, convinced of his own invincibility.

"You brought this upon yourself, Francis," Evanora said coldly, her voice cutting through his tirade like a knife. "Your arrogance, your stupidity - no wonder you're losing your title and your position. You have no one to blame but yourself."

Francis turned to face her, his eyes wild and desperate, "You are wrong, Evanora! Wrong! I have been betrayed! They set me up!"

Evanora's expression remained steely, unyielding. "And now what, Francis? What are you going to do now, with your precious reputation in tatters? Will you continue to drown yourself in this filth?" She swept her hand across the broken bottles and liquor stained floor.

For a moment, Francis's anger seemed to evaporate, replaced by a crushing weight of despair. He sank to his knees in the rubble, his head in his hands.

"I don't know," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I don't know what to do."

Evanora took a step forward, her demeanour softening slightly, though there was still a gleam of contempt in her eyes, "You must face the consequences of your actions, Francis. You need to find a way to atone for your mistakes, not wallow in self-pity."

Francis was on the verge of tears, and it was then that Evanora realised he was beyond saving. Whatever warm feelings she had once had for him were long gone, and without his power she couldn't bring herself to care in the slightest about his despair.

With a heavy sigh, Evanora left the room without saying another word to Francis. He was finished. She needed to focus her energy on the one who mattered most - her dear Edward.

As Evanora went upstairs, she considered Edward's recent actions. If she was going to make him High Priest, she had to get her boy away from his father's influence. Especially now, when Francis would no doubt be looking for a drinking companion.

As Evanora passed Zelda's room, she noticed that her daughter was still absent. It suddenly struck her that she and her daughter were now on different sides, and it broke her heart. For a moment she considered trying to turn Zelda against Faustus, but she had tried that many times before. Besides, Zelda has grown up to be as cunning as her mother, if not more so. It was possible that Zelda could trick her to gain an advantage. No, it was too risky. Evanora could only rely on herself.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

October 1818

The sun rose slowly over Blackwood Manor, casting long shadows over the manicured lawns and grand facade of the estate. Inside, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. Francis Spellman had been sent to Rome, his departure a quiet, sombre affair that left a void in the Spellman household. Now the competition for the title of High Priest was coming to an end, with Faustus and Edward vying for the prestigious position.

Faustus stood in his study, staring out of the window at the tranquil gardens below. His mind was a whirl of strategies and calculations.

The door creaked open, and Zelda stepped in, "Faustus, are you ready?"

Faustus turned to her, his expression softening, "I am, Zelda. I have to be."

Zelda moved closer and put a hand on his arm, "You have nothing to worry about. Just... be careful. Edward will not play fair. And neither should you."

Faustus nodded slowly, "I know, dear. But I already have the support of most of the coven. It should go well."

Zelda placed a soft kiss on his lips, “I have no doubts.”

~~~

Later that morning, the great council chamber was filled with the region's most influential warlocks. At the head of the room sat the three members of the Council, their faces grave and expectant.

Faustus entered the chamber with a confident stride, his eyes scanning the room until they settled on Edward, who stood near the front, flanked by his supporters. Edward stood tall and imposing, with a stern face that betrayed nothing of his inner thoughts. He caught Faustus' eye and smiled mockingly.

The head of the council, Bishop Adrian, rose to address the assembly, "Gentlemen, we are gathered here to decide who shall succeed Francis Spellman as High Priest. Both Faustus and Edward have demonstrated their dedication and ability, but only one can hold the title."

Bishop Adrian gestured to Faustus, "Faustus, you will make your case first."

Faustus stepped forward, his voice steady and clear, "Most dishonourable members of the Council, I stand before you not only with a desire to serve, but with a vision for the future of our Church. Under my leadership, I believe our community will grow and strengthen. I believe that witches and warlocks of the Church of Night shall be ruled with an iron fist, and nothing less than perfection in that matter will suffice."

He detailed his plans with precision, emphasising his commitment to the values of the Church and his willingness to lead with integrity. As he spoke, he noticed nods of agreement from several members of the Council.

When he had finished, it was Edward's turn. Edward stepped forward, his demeanour calm and commanding, "Most dishonourable members of the Council, I too seek the title of High Priest, but my vision is one of forward thinking and improvement on the traditions. Our traditions have guided us for generations, but they are not suited to the modern world. Of course, we must proceed with caution, honouring our past as we move forward. But change is inevitable, and I believe we can forge the Church stronger than ever before."

Edward continued, and his speech was eloquent, but some of the older Council members winced. Faustus smiled to himself and thought of thanking Zelda later. She had spent many hours persuading him to avoid the words 'change' or 'reform'. The older warlocks feared any change and would surely prefer the old ways they had established over centuries.

After Edward finished his speech, both candidates were dismissed so that the Council could make their final decision.

~~~

The tension outside the council chamber was palpable. Faustus paced in a small antechamber, his mind racing with possibilities. Zelda stood nearby, her eyes never leaving him. She could sense his anxiety, the weight of the moment on his shoulders.

"Faustus," Zelda said quietly, moving closer to him. "You must remain calm. You've done well. Your vision is compelling and your dedication undeniable. The Council will see that."

Faustus paused, looking at her with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty, "I hope you're right, Zelda. But Edward has made a strong case. Our Church needs reformation, you know that."

Zelda reached out and took his hands in hers. "Of course it does, Faustus. But if the Council were prepared to accept that, they wouldn't have dismissed my father."

Faustus nodded, her words calming some of the turmoil inside him, "You are right, dear. I couldn't have come this far if victory wasn't within my grasp. They must choose me."

She smiled, "My mother has managed to cover up Edward's past mistakes, but it won't be enough. You are the future High Priest. I'm sure of it."

Zelda leaned forward and whispered in Faustus' ear, "Or I will go and murder every one of those wretched fools."

~~~

Meanwhile, in another antechamber, Evanora was scolding her son, her face stern, her eyes piercing as she studied him.

"Edward," Evanora said, her voice intense. "You know what is at stake here. Our family's honour and legacy depend on you securing this position. Why did you include this foolish idea of yours in your speech? Today was not the day to discuss whether or not we should fraternise with mortals!"

Edward met her gaze, a slight frown creasing his forehead, "I didn't say fraternise. I said work together to build a better world. I'm not an idiot!"

Evanora shook her head, "That is not what the Council members heard, believe me. Your father was sent away for sympathising with mortals, or have you forgotten?"

Edward grew angry, "No! Don't compare my ideas with Father's! He always saw mortals as disgusting pests to be used and discarded! I see more in them. I believe we can work together, like we do in the mortuary! We can build mutually beneficial relationships..."

Evanora sighed in frustration, "Now was not the time to talk about this matter!"

Edward crossed his arms, "I don't want to behave like Blackwood. He sounded like the biggest old-fashioned misogynist! I don't see how Zelda could support him!"

Evanora's expression hardened, "Because he said what they wanted to hear. Blackwood is only a little older than you, of course he wants change and innovation too. All young witches and wizards do! But he was clever enough to conceal his true intentions! He knew what he had to say to get that title."

Edward looked away, "Nothing is decided yet, Mother. I believe they will choose me."

Evanora's eyes softened slightly as she stepped closer to her son, "Edward... they would be foolish not to choose you. You are most deserving of the position. But I'm afraid your fate will be decided in a room full of fools."

Evanora hugged her son, though she was growing worried. She had a strong feeling that Faustus might have won this round. And she was rarely wrong when it came to her intuition.

~~~

As the time for the Council's decision drew near, Zelda and Evanora met in the hall. Zelda took a deep breath, looked at her mother for a moment and felt a pang of guilt.

Evanora felt Zelda's unease and whispered, "It's too late to back out now, Zelda. You've made your choice. Stand by it."

Slowly Zelda reached for her mother's hand, "I never meant for us to be enemies..."

Evanora scoffed, "Enemies? Oh, please, Zelda, don't be so dramatic. You are just a prodigal daughter. And as soon as you realise that I'm your true family, you'll return to our nest. You always do."

Zelda let go of her mother's hand and answered, "Not if I build my own nest."

Evanora chuckled, "There is still nothing warmer than a mother's embrace. And you will realise it very soon if your Blackwood ascends."

Zelda started to walk away, but Evanora stopped her by placing a hand on Zelda's shoulder, "You may marry him, Zelda. Satan knows no one can stop you. But you will be his trophy wife. An adjunct to his position, nothing more."

Zelda turned, "You know nothing about me and him, Mother. And what makes you think I would mind being a trophy wife? Even if he excluded me from his decisions, I would have a huge estate, wealth, servants and, most importantly, children. I'll find something to keep me busy."

Evanora sighed and shook her head, "You have no idea how lonely you would feel in that big empty house. We are witches. Do you really think your father and I couldn't get our hands on a castle if we wanted to? We live in the mortuary because it is a sacred place and our house is perfect for us. Just us. No hundreds of servants and slaves. Trust me. You will miss your home."

Zelda stepped away, "Perhaps. But I'm willing to risk it all."

Evanora watched her daughter walk away and shook her head. She didn't want her girl to be tricked into a marriage she would regret later. But there was nothing she could do. Zelda was an adult witch now and she had every right to live her life as she wished.

~~~

The Council members deliberated for what seemed like an eternity. Both Edward and Faustus could feel the weight of the moment upon them. Finally, they were called back to the council chamber.

Bishop Adrian rose from his seat as all eyes turned to him expectantly.

"Brothers of the Infernal Council," Bishop Adrian's voice rang out, resonating with a commanding presence that demanded attention. "We are here to choose the next High Priest of the Church of Night. Both Brother Spellman and Brother Blackwood have endured, they have sacrificed and they have triumphed, proving themselves worthy of consideration for the exalted title of the Satanic High Priest."

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink into the room before continuing, "In the Trial of the Abyss, both Edward and Faustus descended into the depths of Hell, facing their deepest fears and the relentless demons that dwell within. Both candidates not only survived, but returned stronger, their wills unbroken."

"The Trial of the Flesh," Bishop Adrian continued, his gaze sweeping over the assembled Council members. "In this trial they endured excruciating pain, their bodies subjected to the most cruel tortures devised by our dark arts. It is a testament to their physical resilience and unwavering devotion to our cause. Neither Edward nor Faustus faltered, proving that their bodies are as formidable as their minds."

"And finally, the Trial of the Shadows," he intoned, his voice dropping to a reverent whisper. "This trial requires them to navigate the labyrinthine passages of the Beast Purgatory, guided only by the whispers of the damned. It is a test of intuition and the ability to commune with the dark forces that govern our existence. Both have emerged from the shadows, having forged links with entities that would drive lesser beings to madness."

Bishop Adrian's eyes fixed on Edward and Faustus, "We have both listened to the plans of our candidates to make the right decision. And the decision has been made."

The Bishop placed his hands on the box in front of him, "You have all voted, and now it's time to announce your choice."

Edward and Faustus stood tall, their eyes reflecting the darkness they had embraced, ready to accept their fate.

Finally, Bishop Adrian said aloud, "The new High Priest of the Church of Night is... Brother Faustus Blackwood."

A wave of relief and triumph washed over Faustus as he beamed with pride and joy. Edward's face darkened, his eyes narrowing in barely concealed anger.

As the members of the Council offered their congratulations, Faustus knew that the real work was just beginning. The title of High Priest was not just an honour, but a responsibility. He would have to prove himself worthy, not only to the Council, but to the whole coven.

Edward turned to Faustus, his expression a mask of courtesy, "Congratulations... Father Blackwood."

Faustus met his gaze, "Thank you, Brother. I hope we can work together as before. You are one of the most valuable members of our Congregation."

Edward's smile was tight and insincere, "Of course."

As Edward walked away, Faustus hurried to shake hands with the members of the Council.

~~~

Zelda couldn't keep her hands off her future husband. His rise through the ranks made him even more desirable in her eyes. In the back of her mind, one particular thought nagged at her, though she kept distracting herself with kisses and bites on Faustus' naked chest.

It was common, even expected, for the adult witches of the coven to feel desire for their new high priest. Some even described it as a magical, irresistible attraction to the new ruler of the coven. And Zelda witnessed it with her own eyes when her father was appointed High Priest. The witches of the coven acted as if they were bewitched by Francis, throwing themselves at him at every opportunity. And men being men, her father used the pretext of the old traditions to sleep with as many of them as he could.

Zelda sat up and looked at Faustus as he lay beneath her, clutching her thighs. She slapped his face. And did it again a second later. Not that Faustus minded, judging by the satisfied grin on his face.

Zelda gripped his shoulders so tightly she drew blood with her nails as she rode him, enjoying the blissful expression on her partner's face.

She knew that since Faustus was much younger than her father, there would be even more witches and warlocks seeking his attention. And she also knew that Faustus would take advantage of it.

A tingle of jealousy ran through her body, even though she wasn't the jealous type. Satan knew she had had her fair share of lovers. But this wasn't just about sex. It was about power. She didn't want anyone but herself to whisper the idea in his ear. That was the power Zelda desperately wanted only for herself.

Faustus sat up and turned Zelda around, gripping her hair tightly. For a second, Zelda lost her train of thought. It wasn't hard, since she was trying not to have any thoughts at all and to drown in pleasure.

Quickly, her worries returned. She remembered her mother's words and wondered if they were true. Zelda was glad Faustus couldn't see her face in their current position. She was making the sounds he wanted to hear, but her mind was troubled and he would surely be able to see it on her face.

At that moment, Zelda thought about what would happen next. The unlikely scenario was that Faustus would dare not to marry her as he had promised, or that he would postpone their marriage indefinitely. For that there was an easy way out - Zelda would just kill him in his sleep. Being simply the High Priest's sister is not ideal, but it would have to do.

The other scenario is that Faustus would marry her, as he promised. But then what? Was her mother right, that Zelda would be nothing more than an enchanted doll on a shelf to brag about? Would he distance himself from her advice? Her father did that to her mother, so Faustus could do the same. Should she just kill him in this scenario too?

Zelda moaned again, hoping that Faustus would mistake her moan of frustration for a moan of pleasure. No. Simply killing Faustus wasn't an option in either of these cases. It's too easy, too primitive. It would end the game and Zelda wanted their game to go on.

If he won't marry her, she'll just marry someone else. Someone Faustus despises the most. Too bad Faustus’ father was already dead, he would have been a perfect candidate for such a sweet revenge. Zelda thought to herself that she would even be willing to risk the Caligary spell just to spite Faustus.

Zelda was distracted from her thoughts as Faustus pulled her up and bit her neck. His movements became more erratic and Zelda pretended to have an orgasm to please him. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy their intimacy, after all she had initiated it. But since her mind wasn't at peace, she couldn't fully relax. Yet Faustus didn't need to know that.

Faustus held her body tightly against his and groaned as Zelda felt his body tighten. It was usually her favourite part to feel him become undone inside of her, but not tonight. What had started as an annoying thought at the back of her mind had now completely consumed her and she couldn't let go.

Faustus fell beside her, panting heavily as she chuckled and rose to pour herself more wine.

Faustus looked at her with admiration, but Zelda didn't see it. She didn't need to see it, she was far too familiar with his bedroom eyes. She knew exactly how Faustus was looking at her right now, and for the first time she didn’T feel flattered.

Zelda stood there, slowly sipping her wine and considering her next move. It was too early to worry about marriage. Surely Faustus would bring up the subject himself soon enough. But how soon was soon enough? Should she say something or hint at it? She didn't want to give him the wrong impression or seem desperate. But the horny witches will be lining up for him as soon as she leaves this room. Or rather - as soon as
she
left
his
room.

For a moment, Zelda wondered what was going on in his head, but quickly remembered that his head was probably completely empty now.

Zelda let her head fall back. Oh, how she wished her head was empty too. Zelda heard Faustus' breath change and turned around. Of course, he was already asleep. Though Zelda couldn't blame him, he had barely slept the last few weeks. Now he could finally rest.

Careful not to disturb him, Zelda lay down beside him and covered them both with a silk sheet. With a simple flick of her wrist, the candles went out and Zelda tried her best to fall asleep as well.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

October 1819

Back in January, Zelda's worries vanished when Faustus broached the subject of marriage the day after his official appointment as High Priest. The ceremony of his anointing was magnificent, and Faustus didn't forget to put the Spellman family in the front row of the church. Partly because it was a great sign of respect. Partly because he enjoyed seeing the Spellmans on their knees before him.

As the banquet in Blackwood's honour began, Faustus didn't hesitate to draw Zelda into a dance. As he held her close, he whispered in her ear that he wanted to marry her by the end of the year. Zelda chuckled and suggested that Faustus now had a fair number of witches to choose from, and Faustus kissed her deeply in front of everyone. Something he'd never allowed himself to do before. Especially with her family in the room.

And just as Zelda predicted, many witches and warlocks sought Faustus' attention that night, and he even danced with some of them. Zelda, on the other hand, did not have a very nice evening, being called a slut by almost everyone in the room. Some didn't even whisper it, but confronted her directly. Of course, Zelda knew that this was to be expected. Being the High Priest's favourite would undoubtedly make people spit poison out of jealousy. Still, it wasn't pleasant to ignore all the snide comments. However, all the nasty comments stopped when Faustus announced first thing in the morning that they were engaged.

Over the next few months, Zelda prepared for their wedding, while Faustus adjusted to his new position and fooled around as much as he could while he was still a free man. He tried to be discreet, but Zelda knew. She always knew. She even expected it, considering these were Faustus' last days as an unmarried man. That didn't mean she understood him. It wasn't as if either of them had taken a vow not to take other partners to bed, so Zelda couldn't understand what it was that made Faustus fuck around like a rabbit. Perhaps the reason wasn't their marriage at all, but his new title.

When October finally arrived, everything was ready. The church had been decorated, the guest lists filled out, the Antipope invited, and the wedding dress fitted to perfection. Not that Zelda had anyone to thank but herself. Her mother did little to help, claiming that with Francis now in Rome, the responsibilities of the Mortuary took up all her time, while Edward even tried to sabotage Zelda's plans on several occasions.

Zelda was brushing her hair as she looked in the mirror. She was wearing a magnificent black bridal gown. The dress was an exquisite masterpiece of Gothic fashion, made of luxurious black silk and adorned with intricate lace patterns that swirled like dark, enchanted vines across the fabric. The bodice was fitted to accentuate her slender waist, and the sleeves were long and elegantly tapered, ending in delicate points that rested on her hands.

Her skirt billowed dramatically, a cascade of rich black layers that swept the floor with every step she took. The hem of the dress was trimmed with onyx beads and delicate lace, adding an extra touch of opulence. A black lace veil, as delicate as a spider's web, draped over her face, partially obscuring her features and giving her an ethereal, almost ghostly appearance.

Zelda's red hair was styled in elaborate curls, adorned with deep black roses and a glittering obsidian tiara that sat regally on her head. Her face was equally striking, with kohl-lined eyes and lips painted a deep blood red.

As Zelda adjusted her veil, the door to her room creaked open and her mother entered. The woman was a stark contrast to her daughter, dressed in a sombre but elegant dark grey gown. The candlelight flickered, accentuating the tension in her mother's face.

"Zelda," her mother began, her voice soft. "You look... splendid, my dear."

Zelda turned to her mother, her expression guarded, "Thank you, Mother. But if you're here to try and change my mind again, I don't want to hear it. Tonight is not the time."

Her mother stepped closer, her hands reaching out to take Zelda's in a gentle but firm grip, "I know Zelda. But as your mother, I must speak my mind. Blackwood... there's something... disturbing about him. As if he's cursed."

Zelda scoffed and turned back to the mirror, "Those are just old rumours spread by his enemies, Mother. I have examined him myself. He is not cursed."

Evanora took a step forward, "Dear, there are curses older than any books. It can't be a coincidence..."

Zelda cut her off, "But it is. And even if the curse you speak of is real, we still have two hundred years to figure out how to get rid of it."

Evanora sighed, "Are you willing to risk your daughters' lives on that?"

Zelda hesitated and locked eyes with her mothers in the mirror.

There was a heavy silence in the room and finally Zelda whispered, "It won't come to that, Mother. Faustus would have to get through me to get to our daughters, and I assure you I'm stronger than he is."

Evanora rolled her eyes, "As much as I would like to believe that, you are not stronger than the High Priest."

Zelda shook her head, "I know his weaknesses. He may have more powers than I do, but I'm as cunning as he is. And once we're married, he won't be able to hide a single thought from me. I won't let anything happen to my children. Even if it means getting rid of their father."

Her mother sighed heavily, "All right, Zelda. If that is your final decision, then I will do my best to accept it. BUt he better behave!"

Zelda chuckled, "I will tell him, but he is a stubborn man. Don't be too hard on him."

Evanora crossed her arms, "It's a mother's job to be hard on her children. Biological or in-laws."

With a last, lingering look, her mother stepped back, allowing Zelda to turn around in her large gown. The room fell silent again, the only sound being the faint rustle of Zelda's black silk gown as she steeled herself for the ceremony ahead.

With concern in her eyes, Zelda whispered, "How do I look?"

Evanora was taken aback by such a question. It had been centuries since she had seen her daughter so self-conscious. For a moment, she couldn't believe that Zelda was concerned about her appearance.

Smiling softly, Evanora stepped forward and whispered back, "You are the most beautiful bride in the world, my love. Faustus is very lucky to have you. You look like a true queen. The high priestess. And a goddess of the night."

Zelda leaned into her mother's embrace and the two stood in silence for a long time.

~~~

Meanwhile, downstairs, Francis Spellman was pacing in front of his son, who had just finished his third cup of whisky.

Finally Francis stopped and turned to Edward, "Why are you allowed to drink and I'm not? It's absurd!"

As Francis reached for the bottle, Edward grabbed his hand, "Because I'm not the one who's about to walk his daughter down the aisle. You need to stay sober or you'll step on Zelda's dress or something."

Francis pulled his hand back, "I could do that sober. On purpose."

Edward grinned and poured himself more whisky, "You'd just embarrass yourself in front of the Antipope."

Francis fell back in his chair with a heavy sigh, "The Antipope! It should be a great honour for the Antipope to bless my daughter's marriage, but instead it's a humiliation. How can I give Zelda's hand in marriage to that arrogant asshole? First he steals my title, now he steals my daughter. I should have killed him when I had the chance."

Edward looked down as he whispered, "At least you have the favour of the Antipope. It could have been much worse for you. You could have been exiled or even excommunicated."

Francis waved his hand, "The Antipope rarely gives me his attention. I am of the lowest rank among his courtiers. I'm a servant, that's what I am. It's humiliating."

Edward said nothing. He knew exactly what humiliation felt like. In his dreams, he'd surpassed his mentor and taken the title he'd worked so hard for. And if he had succeeded, he would never have given his permission for this wedding. Now he had nothing. No title, no power... no sister.

Francis muttered, "Maybe it's not too late to cast a spell on Zelda. It would be nice to hear her say no at the altar. Then Blackwood would know what humiliation feels like."

Both father and son sat silent. Both felt powerless and broken. Both thought about how to stop this wedding. But they'd been thinking about it for months, and their attempts had been fruitless.

Francis threatened to disown Zelda, but she called his bluff. He would never oppose a marriage sanctioned by the Antipope himself.

Edward considered a duel with Faustus, but was severely beaten and killed by Zelda when he appeared at the Blackwoods' manor and struck Faustus with a glove. He dug himself out of Cain's Pit hours later, his mother scolding him for being so stupid.

There was no point in fighting now, but neither Edward nor Francis were the type to give up easily.

Edward had chuckled darkly as he confessed, "You know Father... I actually considered paying one of the witches to interrupt the wedding by announcing that she was carrying Faustus' child... Then I remembered that Faustus hasn't turned 333 yet, so he can't have children for another couple of years. Pity".

Francis shook his head, "I'm not sure that would have stopped the wedding. Postponed it at best."

As father and son sat in silence once more, an evil thought struck Francis.

With a smile on his lips, Francis stood up and placed his hands on Edward's shoulders, "Oh, you are a genius, my boy!!! A genius!!!"

With that, Francis hurried downstairs and Edward followed him, confused.

Francis immediately began to prepare a ritual, while Edward watched his father, expecting some sort of explanation.

Like a mad doctor, Francis muttered, "Children, Edward! It's all about children! Blackwood may try to have as many children as he can, but the stronger a warlock is, the less likely he is to have a child. He needs an equally strong witch to carry his children. I was lucky enough to get your mother to marry me..."

Edward couldn't understand his father's thoughts as Francis continued to giggle and mutter, "Never mind. He wants to marry my daughter? He can have her. But they won't have any children, I can see to that."

Edward finally interrupted his father, "Dad! Please explain! I don't understand what this is for."

As Edward gestured to the candles and drawings on the floor, Francis stood up and looked at him with angry eyes, "She's still a Spellman. She's mine! And it is my right to offer her fertility to our Dark Lord."

Edward gasped as he took a step back, "What?"

Francis laughed darkly, "Let them marry. I will even smile as I give her hand to the bastard. But there will be no children of this marriage. And our bloodline will remain pure of Blackwood's poison."

Edward shook his head, "No, Father. Stop it. Don't do this. Blackwood can have children with anyone. All the High Priest's children are equally legitimate if accepted by him. You will only hurt Zelda."

Francis banged on a nearby table, 'And she deserves it! She betrayed her own family! She deserves to suffer!"

Edward tried to stop his father, "She's still your daughter! My sister! You can't do this to her!"

Francis ignored him as he finished his preparations, then laughed to himself, "The bastard won't even know he's marrying a barren witch."

Edward tried again, "What if he kills her when he finds out?"

Francis punched the wall in anger, "Then so be it! She chose him over us! Let her taste the pain!"

Whether it was the amount of whisky he had drunk or simply his hurt feelings, Edward eventually gave up. His father was right. Zelda had betrayed them. She has chosen a Blackwood over her own family. Besides, he doesn't want any Blackwood nieces and nephews, who would undoubtedly threaten the position of his own children. Should Edward's son one day wish to become the next High Priest, he would have to compete with Faustus and Zelda's son. And would probably lose.

Edward convinced himself it was for the best. For the future of their family. So he stepped aside and watched his father perform the ritual.

Francis moved with deliberate precision, gathering the necessary ingredients and arranging them on the basement floor now decorated with ancient symbols. Candles flickered ominously as the air grew heavy with the scent of burning incense and the murmur of whispered incantations.

As Francis began to chant, his voice deep and resonant, Edward felt a pang of guilt twist in his gut. He thought of Zelda, blissfully unaware of the treacherous ceremony taking place beneath her as she prepared for her wedding.

Francis' chanting grew louder and more fervent as he called upon the Dark Lord to accept the sacrifice. He raised a ceremonial dagger and slit his palm, letting the blood drip onto the altar.

Edward watched, his heart pounding, as the ritual reached its climax. The room seemed to shake, the air crackling with an eerie energy.

Quietly, Edward whispered, "Is it done? Has he accepted your sacrifice?"

Francis stood in silence for a few minutes and then whispered, "I don't know... The Dark Lord didn't seem to give any answer at all."

Edward sighed, "He's thinking about it. That's a good sign."

Francis nodded slowly, "Yes. It is."

~~~

Hell was buzzing as usual when Lucifer's sinister laugh echoed through the pit. Demons paused in their work and damned souls shivered in their torment, all momentarily interrupted by the chilling sound. In the vast courtroom, Lucifer sat on his infernal throne, his eyes gleaming with malevolent glee.

Lilith slipped silently into the courtroom, her curiosity piqued by her master's rare display of amusement. Draped in shadow and moving with the grace of a predator, she approached the throne, her eyes never leaving Lucifer's jubilant form.

"My Lord," Lilith purred, her voice a silken whisper, "what has brought you such joy? The Hell has not heard your laughter in ages."

Lucifer's eyes flickered to hers, his smile widening, "Lilith... I have just received a most intriguing offering." He gestured to a scrying mirror that floated beside his throne, its surface swirling with dark, foreboding images.

Lilith stepped closer and peered into the mirror. She saw the ritual being performed by Francis, his incantations summoning the Dark Lord. She saw Edward watching as his father sealed Zelda's fate. And finally, she saw Zelda herself, blissfully unaware of the dark machinations unfolding around her.

"A gift of fertility," Lucifer continued, his voice dripping with satisfaction. “Francis' desperate to secure his own future."

Lilith raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a sly smile, "Stupid witches are always so amusing, thinking they can bargain with us as if they understand the workings of immortals."

Lucifer agreed, his eyes narrowing with pleasure, "Indeed. But this particular act is especially delightful. Father and son working together on something so sinister... Witchkind is truly one of my finest creations."

Lilith nodded, her mind already weaving possibilities from this new twist, "However, my Lord... The witches were not created to fight each other, but to balance the mortals. Such pettiness is of no use to you, is it?"

Lucifer sighed, "Indeed it isn't. In the world where witches are hunted, their numbers are already small. It's hard enough to create witch souls as it is, and most of them go straight back to hell without even being born. I had plans for my dear Zelda... I expected her to increase the number of witches."

Lilith grinned, "Then it is not an offering, but a plea. If you take her fertility, you must get something in return."

Lucifer's grin widened, "Exactly. And what can I get in return..."

Lucifer's mind raced back to his grand plan to create the Unholy Trinity through one of his warlocks or witches and a mortal. A plan he had attempted many times, but failed each time. For a half-blood to be born, he needed a midwife powerful and clever enough to make it happen. But there were none among his followers. Midwifery was in such a desperate state that both mortal and witch newborns were dying like flies. And Zelda was one of the few witches who could carry a child to term. He knew that.

Lucifer thought of all the things Francis and Edward could do for him, but nothing equaled the sacrifice. Zelda was more important than these petty warlocks.

Lilith interrupted his thoughts, "What have you decided, my Lord?"

Lucifer waved his hand dismissively, "Go to them. Tell them I do not accept their gift. Zelda's fertility is not theirs to offer. She is far more valuable to me intact. But let them know they have my attention. I will be watching them."

Lilith nodded, her eyes gleaming with understanding, "As you wish, my Lord."

With a graceful bow, she turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Lucifer alone with his dark thoughts. He contemplated the possibilities that lay before him, his mind working tirelessly to weave the next strand of his intricate web.

~~~

Meanwhile, back in the mortal realm, Francis and Edward waited anxiously for a sign. They had no idea of the cosmic chess game in which they had unwittingly become pawns, nor did they realise the profound implications of their attempt to barter with the Dark Lord himself.

As Lilith made her way to the mortal plane, her form shifted to blend seamlessly with the shadows. Arriving at the spot where Francis and Edward were performing the ritual, she emerged from the shadows, her presence instantly felt by both men. They looked up, startled, as she stepped into the dim light.

"Spellmans..." she began, her voice silky and commanding, "you foolish boys. I bring a message from the Dark Lord. He does not accept your gift. Your pathetic attempt to disguise your plea as a sacrifice has failed. Zelda's fertility is not yours to offer."

As Francis and Edward exchanged worried glances, Lilith's voice grew louder, "You tried to trick the Dark Lord into doing your bidding! And your deed will not be forgotten. You have gained his attention. Be ready, for he will call upon you to do as he says. So never forget that you are but slaves to our Great Master. He decides and you obey. And don't you ever forget that."

With that, Lilith disappeared back into the shadows, leaving the two men to ponder their fate and the evil deeds the Dark Lord will make them do.

~~~

In a secluded chamber of his grand mansion, Faustus paced restlessly. The dark, opulent surroundings seemed to close in on him as the weight of the impending ceremony weighed heavily on his mind. His elegant charcoal suit was meticulously tailored and fit him like a second skin, but it did little to ease the turmoil within.

He kept glancing at the ornate clock on the wall, its hands moving agonisingly slowly. Faustus' usually calm demeanour was broken, his movements jerky and his thoughts disordered.

Once he had shared those moments of fear and excitement with Edward. The boy hadn't just been his protégé, he'd been his friend. But now their bond was shattered.

Faustus ran a hand through his dark hair, his mind racing. Now, as he stood on the brink of this pivotal moment in his life, his friend's absence was a stark, painful reminder of the breach that had occurred.

He paused at a large window and stared out into the night. The moonlight bathed the landscape in a cold, ethereal glow, reflecting the chill in his heart. He had no family. No friends.

A soft knock on the door jolted him from his reverie. He turned, half hoping it would be Edward coming to make amends. But the door remained closed, and the knock was not repeated. He sighed, the hope fading as quickly as it had come.

Faustus resumed his pacing around the room, his mind a tumult of emotions. He knew he should be happy, for in a few hours Zelda would become his family and he would no longer be alone.

As he looked at the garden before him, he was painfully reminded of his deceased sisters. He looked further into the cemetery as his eyes found their gravestones. His gaze lingered on the last one... Cecile. She was the only one whose body he had not found. For decades he had hoped she had simply run away, but he searched in vain.

Faustus protested when his father put up a gravestone for Cecile. There was no one left to protest when Faustus killed his father and buried him face down, so that his soul would have no peace.

Faustus walked over to the bookshelf and pulled out an old book of his where he used to draw in his youth. He quickly found the paintings of his sisters and it almost brought him to tears to see their faces again. Then he saw a picture he had almost forgotten... that of his mother.

There was a large portrait of her hanging in the hall, but this one... was warm and real. It wasn't the great Lady Blackwood. It was just a mother. His mother.

Faustus thought about summoning her spirit, just to see her again. Enough time had passed to make that possible. Maybe, with Zelda's help, he'd be able to talk to his mother and sisters again.

Faustus couldn't tell how much time he had spent deep in thought when the clock finally struck midnight.

As the final moments ticked away, Faustus steeled himself, pushing aside the pain. Tonight was the night to celebrate.

Just as Faustus was about to leave the room, a raven flew through the window and caught his attention. Faustus turned to see a piece of paper tied to the raven's foot.

Faustus opened the message and smiled as he recognised Edward's handwriting, "My dear friend..."

Faustus' smile faded as he read the rest of the message, "It pains me to break this news, but I could not prevent my father from making a sacrifice to our Dark Lord. As the head of our family, my father has just sacrificed Zelda's fertility and she is now barren and will never be able to conceive a child. She doesn't know yet because I'm afraid to tell her such terrible news. And even though I never approved of you marrying my sister, I never wished for this to happen. Forgive me. Edward."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

January 1819

Faustus stood alone in his dimly lit chamber, the weight of the world bearing down on him. The message from Edward still echoed in his mind, each word a hammer blow to his heart. He'd read it over and over, hoping it would somehow change, but the cold, hard reality remained the same: Zelda could not have children.

The knowledge was a cruel dagger that twisted in his gut. He loved Zelda deeply, with a passion that defied reason and logic. She was everything to him, the one soul who truly understood him. Yet the legacy of his family hung over him like a ghost, demanding to be carried on. As the last of his name, the pressure to produce an heir was immense, a duty he could never ignore.

Faustus paced the room, his thoughts a chaotic storm. The candles flickered, casting erratic shadows that seemed to mock his indecision. The grandeur of the room now felt like a prison, the walls closing in with each passing second.

He paused at the window, gazing out into the night. How could he reconcile his desire to have Zelda as his wife with the crushing responsibility of his lineage? The thought of losing her was unbearable, but the idea of a future without an heir seemed equally impossible. He clenched his fists, the turmoil within him threatening to overwhelm his reason.

In the distance he could hear the faint strains of music, a reminder that the wedding hour was approaching. The guests were gathering, the church buzzing with anticipation. They were all waiting for them to declare their union before the world, the Antipope and the Dark Lord himself. But how could he make such a vow, knowing what he now knew?

A soft knock at the door brought him out of his reverie. One of his servants entered, bowing respectfully, "Lord Blackwood, it is almost time. The guests are assembled and His Unholy Eminence awaits your presence."

Faustus nodded absently, his mind still miles away, "Thank you. I will need a moment."

The servant bowed again and left, leaving Faustus to his thoughts. He walked over to the small desk in the corner of the room and picked up Edward's message again. The words blurred before his eyes, the weight of their meaning almost too much to bear.

He thought of Zelda, her bright smile, her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled when they spoke of their future. A future that now seemed uncertain. How could he face her now?

Faustus shook his head. If he married her knowing she could not have children, he would be laughed at. He might even anger the Dark Lord himself. Witches and warlocks couldn't love. Love was for mortals. And marriage was always seen as a calculated arrangement to have legitimate children. Even though, as High Priest, all his children could be considered legitimate, he still needed a good enough reason to marry Zelda. He couldn't just say he married her because of his feelings. She has no wealth or titles. Her being a powerful witch and therefore a suitable mother for his children was the official reason for marrying her, and now it was gone.

Faustus needed guidance, someone whose advice he implicitly trusted - the Antipope. He knew that the Antipope was already at the altar, waiting to perform the ceremony. Determined, Faustus put on his cloak and left the room.

~~~

The church was buzzing with anticipation, the guests murmuring amongst themselves. As Faustus approached the altar, the sight of the Antipope in his royal robes, ready to officiate, unsettled him.

He approached the Antipope, who looked up as Faustus approached, "Your Unholy Eminence, I must speak with you."

The Antipope nodded and stepped aside into a more private corner of the great hall, "What is it, son?"

Faustus took a deep breath, steadying himself, "I have just received disturbing news. Edward has written to me that Francis Spellman has sacrificed his daughter's fertility to our Dark Lord. Zelda can no longer bear children. Without the ability to produce an heir, I find myself questioning the very foundation of our union. I seek your counsel. What shall I do?"

The Antipope's eyes narrowed in thought, his expression grave, "This is troubling news indeed. The continuation of your line is of the utmost importance. Zelda's value, while significant in many ways, was largely tied to her ability to bear children and strengthen your line."

Faustus felt the weight of the words press down on him, "So what shall I do, Your Eminence? Shall I go ahead with the wedding? To call it off so abruptly..."

The Antipope's gaze was steady and unyielding, "Under these circumstances, the marriage should not take place. Without the promise of children, the main reason for your union is nullified."

Faustus nodded slowly, the decision weighing heavily on him, "I understand..."

The Antipope placed a hand on Faustus' shoulder, "Do what must be done, Faustus. Your family's future depends on it. I was looking forward to seeing the Blackwoods and Spellmans finally unite, but with what Francis has just done... I promise you, I will make him regret sabotaging your union, my son."

Faustus bowed, his heart a tumult of emotion, and then the Antipope added, "Do not worry. I will announce that the wedding will not take place, and I will simply hold a liturgy tonight. You go and deal with the Spellmans."

Faustus nodded slowly and thanked the Antipope. It was a painful decision, but necessary for the sake of his future.

~~~

Zelda stood frozen in the basement, her mind reeling from the words her father had just spoken. She stared at Francis, unable to comprehend the enormity of his betrayal. The air in the room felt heavy, suffocating, as if the walls themselves were closing in on her.

"Father," Zelda whispered, her voice barely audible, "how could you? How could you do this?"

Francis' face remained impassive, a cruel smile playing on his lips, "It was necessary, Zelda. This marriage with Faustus is a disgrace. I couldn't let it happen."

Zelda felt a surge of anger and despair, "A disgrace? He is a high priest! There is no greater honour than to marry a High Priest, and you know it! He is my future!"

Francis shrugged, his manner cold and unfeeling, "Not anymore. And your wishes are irrelevant, Zelda. You conspired with him to bring about my downfall. You betrayed me, your brother, your entire family, and you expect me to humbly accept that and walk you down the aisle?"

Zelda scoffed weakly, "I didn't want you here in the first place. It was the Antipope who brought you. The Antipope you have now displeased greatly, I believe."

Francis laughed viciously, "Don't be silly. The Antipope doesn't care about you or your silly romance."

Zelda crossed her arms as she shook her head, fighting back tears, "No, he doesn't. But you made him fly all the way here for nothing. He will have your head."

Francis chuckled again, "I doubt it."

Finally, Evanora found her voice and whispered in horror, "You are a monster... Had I known you could do this to your own child, I would have slit your throat myself years ago."

Francis' expression hardened, his eyes narrowed, "You weak emotional witches... No wonder the warlocks rule our world. Your feelings make you weak. Fortunately, they are unimportant. The only thing that matters is my will. She deliberately went against it, and now she is paying the price."

Zelda turned away, her heart aching with a pain she had never known. Evanora stepped closer and pulled her into a tight embrace. Neither of them had it in them to fight Francis right now as the horror and betrayal of his actions set in.

Finally Evanora clenched her fists, barely containing herself, and turned to her husband, "You have gone too far, Francis. This is beyond unforgivable."

Zelda felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. If he was telling the truth, there was nothing she could do to undo the damage. And judging by what was left of Francis' ritual, he had succeeded. Zelda could feel the dark presence of Lilith lingering in the room. Francis' sacrifice had obviously been accepted or the Dark Lord wouldn't have sent Lilith here.

Zelda couldn't hear her mother shouting at Francis as she walked up the stairs to the basement. She held on to the bannisters. It was difficult to move in her wedding dress in such a confined space, but it didn't matter anymore. She might as well tear the dress to shreds.

As Zelda reached the top of the stairs and entered the kitchen, everything seemed foggy and unclear. She grabbed the kitchen table to keep from falling.

Moments later she heard Edward's voice beside her. She couldn't understand what he was saying and she didn't even try. Her ears were ringing and she was struggling not to lose consciousness. Then she noticed ink on Edward's fingers and realised that Faustus already knows.

Zelda looked at Edward's guilty face. He knew. He helped. He might even have been in the room when her father took her future. And now he has written to Faustus to stop the wedding.

Zelda couldn't tell where she had found the strength as her hand struck Edward hard across the face, causing him to stumble back. His cheek was bleeding from the cut the ring on her finger had made on his face.

Before Edward could react, Zelda grabbed the kitchen knife and slit his throat. As she looked at the blood on the knife and her hand, anger consumed her and she left the kitchen just in time to catch her father.

With agony in her eyes, Zelda stabbed her father in the stomach. And again. And again.

She had killed Edward many times, but it was the first time she dared to kill her own father. And it was satisfying.

Zelda looked at her mother and for a moment considered killing her as well. After all, she had failed to protect her. Perhaps she had even been part of this plan, distracting Zelda while the terrible ritual took place.

Zelda remembered all the times her mother had tried to separate her from Faustus, and Zelda had had enough. In a few short steps, Zelda was in front of her mother, knife in hand. But Evanora caught her arm. As Zelda struggled with her mother, she could see Evanora saying something, but Zelda couldn't hear it. The only thing Zelda could hear was the blood pounding in her ears.

She couldn't tell who had torn her away from her mother as the room suddenly filled with warlocks, among whom Zelda recognised Faustus' friends.

Moments later, her surroundings changed and she found herself back in the Blackwood mansion.

She dropped the knife and fell to her knees, finally letting out her tears. Faustus didn't dare touch her or say a word. He hated to see her in such pain, but there was nothing he could do.

As Zelda cried, Faustus paced frantically, trying to think of something to calm her. Finally he made up his mind and sat down on the floor beside her, putting a hand on Zelda's shoulder.

Faustus began to whisper, then cleared his throat and spoke louder, "We can still get married. It is not ideal, but I will keep my promise. I'll marry you and as for the children... I can still have them. And you will be their mother in every way that matters."

Zelda looked at him as if she only now recognised him. In the midst of her grief, she had forgotten all about her wedding. When her dream of becoming a mother was shattered, nothing else mattered.

As she looked down at her black wedding dress and bloodied hands, Zelda realised that she had just killed her brother and father. But it didn't matter. Her mother had probably already buried them in Cain's Pit to be resurrected.

With a heavy sigh, Zelda calmed herself and looked at Faustus' worried face, "I don't want to marry you. Not like this."

Faustus looked guilty as he said, "I made a promise. Nothing has changed."

But Zelda could see right through him. His guilt was obvious to her, so she whispered, "You've already done that, haven't you? You called off our wedding before you got to me, didn't you?"

Faustus tried to deny it, but there was no point. Zelda knew him too well, and the stress of the situation sharpened her senses in a strange way. Suddenly, she saw everything around her differently, more clearly. She was surrounded by traitors and there was no one on her side.
 
Zelda wiped away her tears, "You really think you are so important that I would cry for you? My own father betrayed me. And my brother helped him. The last thing in the world I want right now is to marry a selfish, arrogant, lying piece of shit like you!"

Zelda jerked away from him and pulled herself to her feet. Without another look at Faustus, she went upstairs to her room. It didn't matter that they weren't getting married. This room in Blackwood Manor was hers and hers alone. It had been for years. And she had no intention of returning to the mortuary.

~~~

Meanwhile, back in Hell, Lucifer laughed out loud as the demons hid in the corners. Lilith giggled at her master's side as well, but more for his amusement than her own. As much as she enjoyed watching others suffer, she preferred to see men suffer, not women and witches.

As Zelda stabbed her brother and father, a smile appeared on Lilith's face. It was quite satisfying to see a woman in a wedding dress take her revenge and cover herself in blood.

But now the show was over and all that was left was a crying Zelda and it wasn't fun anymore.

Lilith slid her hand around her master's neck as she whispered, "Shall I punish the Spellmans for their lie?"

Lucifer waved his deformed hand at her, "Don't. It was rather amusing. Let them sort it out themselves."

Lilith narrowed her eyes as she continued, "What about the Blackwoods' wedding?"

Lucifer groaned in frustration, "I don't care! It will be years before they can conceive a child. Until then, they can do as they please."

Lucifer chuckled darkly as he rose to his hooves, "But I do appreciate the entertainment. Let the souls of the Spellmans return to life. And get lost. I've had enough of you for today."

Lilith moved away with a low bow. It was so typical of her master to suddenly turn cold towards her. She knew that he always returned to being appreciative.

As Lilith left the throne room, she thought to herself that she wouldn't wish it on her worst enemy to fall in love with Satan himself. But she was too deep. Too attached. Too addicted to him. Another thought crossed her mind that one day she might be free of him and rule Hell herself. But that thought was quickly drowned out by the image of being crowned Queen of Hell by Lucifer himself. No, she could not betray him. Not after all those millennia of service and devotion.

As Lilith passed the mirror, she turned and looked at her decaying body. She suddenly remembered the days when she was young and naive. She had even tried to escape from Hell and had succeeded. Lucifer never even tried to stop her from leaving. He knew she would always return. And so she did. Of her own free will, she returned to him again and again as he demanded more and more submission in return for his forgiveness.

Lilith had long since accepted her fate. She no longer thought of escaping, for she always returned to him. She couldn't live without him. She couldn't breathe without him. And even when a rebellious thought crossed her mind, she pushed it away. She could only wait and serve. And hope that one day Lucifer would crown her his queen. One day.

Lilith found the souls of Francis and Edward floating as black clouds in Hell. With a wave of her hand, Lilith released them back into the world. Her thoughts returned to Zelda. What a cruel joke her family had played on her. Lilith stroked her raven, wanting to send it into the world and free Zelda from her suffering. But she could not. There was no place for kindness in Hell. That was the first rule Lucifer had taught her. And she never forgot it.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

April 1819It's been three months since the day they were supposed to marry, and Zelda has finally decided to visit her family. Until now, she has rarely left her room at Blackwood Manor, refusing to see anyone but Faustus.First she grieved for the loss of her ability to have children, but then the humiliation of a cancelled wedding set in, and she couldn't bring herself to see anyone else. She knew the lesser witches in the coven were enjoying her situation. She knew that Edward was outside the Blackwoods' door every morning, hoping to see her. She knew that the Antipope had forbidden her father to set foot in Greendale again. Had Francis not been the head of the Spellmans, he would have been excommunicated or even imprisoned, but unfortunately the heads of ancient witch families were immune to many punishments.Faustus himself had hard choices to make. When the wedding was cancelled, the witches once again flocked to him, hoping to become the next Lady Blackwood. He was expected to take a wife, and much as he hoped Zelda would be his chosen one, he still needed heirs.He vacillated between suggesting they marry anyway and constantly avoiding her, and Zelda knew it. She couldn't decide what to do herself, and Faustus was too indecisive to make the decision for both of them. Sometimes she wondered if that was her fault, for she had always made decisions for him - directly or discreetly. But now she had neither the strength nor the will to decide their future.Worse, she couldn't even tell if she was actually barren now. Since witches could only gain the ability to become pregnant when they turn 333 years old, and she was only 320, she would have to wait another 13 years before she could find out. All her prayers to the Dark Lord went unanswered, neither confirming nor denying whether Francis' deeds had been successful.It was months of agony before the truth was revealed. One night, Faustus returned home and slammed the door so hard it almost broke. Zelda sat in the living room, gazing absently into the fireplace. But she couldn't ignore Faustus's fury, which erupted in magical waves, smashing glasses and furniture.Unable to control himself, Faustus picked up a nearby standing chair and threw it through the window. Zelda watched him expectantly, and finally he turned to her.Faustus pointed his finger at her and almost shouted, "Your brother is a worthless piece of fucking shit! I will have him thrown into the dungeon! I will excommunicate him! No, execute him for his treason!"Zelda didn't know what to say as she felt the same way. Faustus ran his hands through his hair as he sighed deeply to calm himself. He didn't succeed as another window shattered behind him.Finally, Blackwood said with anger in his voice, "He lied, Zelda. He fucking lied. He ruined our wedding and now he dares to beg for mercy! For forgiveness!"With a heavy sigh, Faustus finally explained, "Edward confessed to me just now. The Dark Lord did not accept their sacrifice. You are not barren. They have fucking lied!"For a second, the world spun around and Zelda wondered if she was asleep and her dream had been wishful thinking. But Faustus repeated his words and threw another chair across the room.Slowly, Zelda rose and whispered, "I wish to speak to him."At that moment, she couldn't understand what was going on. She hated her brother for helping their father in this terrible business. For not stopping him. But she couldn't even imagine that Edward would lie about such a thing.Faustus waved his hand, "Do what you must. I'll go to Dorian’s. Don't wait for me."As Faustus left, Zelda slowly got to her feet and put on her cloak. She felt as if everything around her was in a fog. When she opened the front door, she expected to find her brother, but he was nowhere to be seen. So she walked forward and teleported straight to the Mortuary.The house was quiet. As Zelda entered, the only light came from the living room. Slowly, Zelda walked over and found her mother gazing sadly at the fireplace, deep in thought.Zelda made her presence known as she sat down in the armchair opposite her mother. They looked at each other for some time, neither breaking the heavy silence.Zelda whispered, "Did you know? Did you know what they were going to do and did you know they lied when their plan failed?"A confusion appeared on Evanora's face as she whispered back, "They lied?"Zelda repeated her question, "Did you know?"With a trembling voice, Evanora replied, "No. I would never have let them do such a thing if I had known. I didn't even suspect they were capable of such evil. But how did you know they were lying? Who told you?"Zelda studied her mother's face, "Faustus told me. He said Edward confessed to him, but I want to hear it from Edward himself."Evanora seemed relieved to hear that, "Oh, praise Satan if it's true. I knew Edi wouldn't hurt you like that."Zelda's face flashed with anger, "Praise Satan indeed. It was he who prevented this cruelty. Edward was very willing to help our father."The realisation flashed across Evanora's face and her relief turned to sadness again, "No, I know. He did wrong. And I punished him severely for it."Zelda scoffed and looked away, not believing her mother could punish her precious little boy.With pleading eyes, Evanora hurried to explain, "It's true! I turned our basement into my personal witch cell and kept Edward there for weeks. He has been mentally and physically tortured by demons and ghosts on a daily basis since his resurrection. Only recently have I have only let him out of the cell for a few hours a day to try and seek forgiveness from you and Faustus. He seems to be genuinely sorry."Zelda shook her head, "Then why did it take him so long to confess?"Evanora looked down, "I don't know... but you can ask him yourself. He's downstairs."Zelda nodded thoughtfully and left the living room. However, she heard her mother fall to her knees as she whispered praises to the Dark Lord.~~~It was indeed a witch cell. Zelda could feel the dark spirits roaming the secluded basement of her home. Even better, the cellar was used to prepare the corpses for the funerals. A perfect place to summon as many souls as possible into the confined space.Edward sat on the cold floor in the far corner. Zelda could see the spirits tormenting him as he held onto his head and tried to push them away. He was now a shadow of the man who had recently been a candidate for High Priest.But Zelda was in too much pain to care about his misery. Still, she was surprised that her mother would go to such lengths to punish her golden boy.Zelda took a few steps forward and Edward finally noticed her. With tears in his eyes, he trembled and begged for forgiveness. It was then that Zelda realised that he didn't understand that she was really there. He thinks she is just another vision that has come to torment him.Slowly, Zelda walked over to her little brother and with a wave of her hand, pushed the dark spirits away.Edward looked at her in horror as Zelda inspected his face. His blonde hair was now a tangled, greasy mess that fell limply over his face. His once bright blue eyes were now hollow and sunken, reflecting only a deep, unending fear.Edward's face was haggard and pale. Dark circles, almost like bruises, framed his eyes. His lips were now chapped and dry, drawn into a grimace of pain. His arms and legs were covered in bruises and scars.Suddenly Zelda felt the urge to joke as she smiled softly at him, "Never get on mum's bad side, remember?"Tears streamed down Edward's face and Zelda couldn't feel her anger at him anymore. He was still her stupid little brother, always eager to please their father. Just like she was.Zelda whispered with heavy sadness, "Why didn't you tell me you were lying before? I've been in agony for months..."Edward's voice cracked, "I wanted to. I really did. I didn't want to lie in the first place, but you know how convincing father can be. I did as I was told and regretted it immediately. But I was too ashamed to confess... I know it's stupid..."Zelda interrupted, "Incredibly stupid. And evil, I must say. And I never thought you were evil. I didn't raise you that way. Mum didn't raise you like that."Edward cried as he tried to move closer to his sister, "I'm sorry, Zee. I am so sorry. I wish I could go back in time and kill myself before I did this to you. Please... forgive me..."Zelda looked sadly at her brother and whispered, "I don't know if I can. You have no idea what you have put me through."Edward looked down and Zelda stood up and paced the room. Could she forgive him for such a betrayal? Perhaps if Francis had succeeded, there would be no talk of forgiveness. But thanks to the Dark Lord's mercy, Zelda was unharmed, and the only consequence of her brother's folly was her ruined wedding. Edward was lucky, and for that he should be forever grateful to Lucifer.Zelda stopped and looked at the broken shell of her brother. He seemed truly sorry. That was good. She could use that to her advantage.Zelda went over to Edward and knelt beside him, "Very well, Edi. If you want my forgiveness, you will have to earn it. And I can't tell you how long it will take."Edward looked at her with a glimmer of hope in his eyes as Zelda continued, "I cannot go through another wedding. The first was humiliating enough. But Faustus and I will get married one day and you will be the one to walk me down the aisle. And you will do so happily and with a bright, genuine smile. Am I clear?"Edward nodded frantically and Zelda sighed, "Secondly, you must make things right with Faustus. I don't care what it takes, I want you to become his most loyal follower. His servant if need be. No more dreams of taking the High Priesthood of the Church of Night. No more competition, no more petty rivalries. You will fully accept him as your leader. And you will earn his forgiveness as well.Edward seemed hesitant for a moment, but then nodded and whispered, "Fine. I’ll do it."Zelda stood up, "And finally, you will swear on your life to always protect me and to do me no harm. I didn't think such oaths were necessary within a family, but apparently they are."Edward looked defeated, "I'm sorry Zelda... Of course... I swear on my life to never harm you in any way and to always protect you."Zelda shook her head, "No. Not like that. I want a blood oath. With a real sacrifice. But that can wait until Mum lets you out and you clean up. You stink like a pig."As Zelda left, she turned and added, "Mind you, these are not my only demands, just the first ones. It will take a lot more than that for me to forgive you."Edward looked terrible, but Zelda could see a glimmer of hope in his eyes. She prayed she had made the right choice.~~~As Zelda left the mortuary, she realised that she wasn't as angry as she had expected. The relief of not actually being infertile outweighed the bitterness of her family's betrayal.For the past months, all her thoughts had been about children. And above all Matilda. Zelda wasn't the girl's birth mother, but she loved her as her own. Surely Zelda could love Faustus' children from other witches as well. And she hated that it made any difference who gave birth to her children, because she would still be their mother. No, what worried her the most was the possible mothers of those children. It was one thing to adopt an orphan, quite another to adopt a baby whose mother was still alive. Especially if that mother was a witch.Zelda thought of all the women in the coven who would be happy to give Faustus his heirs. And every one of them would do their best to get rid of Zelda.As Zelda walked to Blackwood Manor, she noticed the light in Faustus' bedroom windows. She remembered him telling her not to wait for him, but apparently he was already home. She wondered if he was alone or had brought a witch or warlock with him upstairs.Without giving it too much thought, Zelda went upstairs and listened to the sounds behind Faustus' bedroom door. Nothing.She slowly opened the door to find Faustus passed out in the armchair, dishevelled and drunk. Shaking her head in disapproval, Zelda motioned for the candles to be extinguished and quietly closed the door. Their conversation could wait until morning. She was in no mood to talk either way.As Zelda settled into her own bed, she wondered if Faustus was still willing to marry her. And was she willing to marry him now, knowing that he would call off their wedding because she couldn’t bear children?Although Faustus kept saying that they could still marry, Zelda felt his hesitation. And she knew he feared she would insist on going through with the wedding. She noticed his relief when she didn't want to talk about it. What if her mother was right? What if there really was no point in getting married?Hundreds of thoughts went through Zelda's mind before she finally fell asleep. And when she did, she dreamed of a little black-haired girl who looked exactly like Faustus' sisters when they were little. The girl laughed and spun around, and for the first time in those long months, Zelda was able to sleep peacefully.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

June 1821

The morning sun filtered through the heavy curtains of the bedroom, casting a soft glow across the room. Zelda awoke to find the bed empty, the sheets cool beside her. Faustus had already left to the Academy, his side of the bed neatly made. Zelda sighed and stretched lazily before rising to face the day.

Descending the grand staircase, Zelda entered the dining room where a servant quickly approached to serve her breakfast. The servants of Blackwood Manor were mostly mortals, either hypnotised or raised in a way that ensured their silence about the witchcraft that pervaded their daily lives. They moved efficiently, silently placing a plate of fresh fruit, bread and a steaming cup of herbal tea in front of her.

Zelda thanked the servant with a nod, her mind wandering as she ate. The manor, with its vast halls and endless rooms, often felt too crowded for her tastes. She considered the idea of letting some of the servants go, reducing the number of people on the estate.

"Perhaps it's time for a change," she mused aloud, considering the implications of reducing the household staff. The manor would feel less stifling, and those who were let go would be put under a spell to forget their time at Blackwood Manor.

Besides, Zelda hated having to be careful when using magic. Back at the Mortuary, they were all free to cast spells without fear of being caught. In fact, the few witches in Faustus' service should be enough to run the whole estate if they were taught the right spells.

Zelda made a note to write down the spells she and her mother used constantly in the Mortuary to keep things running. As it was considered a woman's job, there were hardly any books or scripts on such simple but necessary things. But Zelda was working to change that - step by step.

After breakfast, Zelda made her way to the library, determined to continue her search for clues about the Blackwood curse. As she walked through the dimly lit hallways, she passed by a door that caught her attention. It was a nursery, largely untouched for centuries, waiting for another baby to be brought into the family.

Zelda pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was a strange blend of innocence and dark tradition. A large, ornate crib stood in the centre, its black wood polished to a shine. The walls were hung with dark tapestries depicting scenes from ancient rituals and the history of the Blackwood family. Shelves lined with old toys and trinkets hinted at the lives of young Blackwood children.

Zelda walked over to the crib, running her fingers along the intricate carvings. She imagined her own future children sleeping there, their lives intertwined with the legacy of the Blackwoods. The thought filled her with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. But there was also sadness. At that moment, Zelda remembered her own childhood and the traditions of the Spellmans. For a second, the thought crossed her mind that she wished she could pass her own name on to her children, but she quickly pushed it aside. That was not how things worked in their world. She was already doing more than most women and witches were allowed to do. Besides, Blackwood was a wonderful family name that her children would be proud to carry.

Zelda turned to look at the tapestries, each telling a story of power, sacrifice and dark magic. If the curse was real, would her children be able to escape the shadows of their lineage, or would they be its victims as well? Zelda's heart ached with the weight of these thoughts. She knew she wanted a family with Faustus, but the future seemed so uncertain.

Zelda took a deep breath and resolved to create a different kind of future for her children, one where they could embrace their heritage without being consumed by it. She would ensure that if the Blackwood's curse really existed, she would find a way to break it.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Zelda left the nursery and headed for the library. She was determined to find some information about the curse. The house seemed to sense her intent, and as she approached the shelves, the books shifted subtly, continuing to hide the ones she sought.

The morning passed in a blur of dust and pages. Zelda climbed ladders, scanned spines and opened countless volumes, only to find more dead ends. The library seemed to mock her efforts, the wards of the house resisting her at every turn.

Determined not to let the house win, she took a short break to clear her mind and returned with renewed vigour. She tried various strategies, including using small spells to uncover hidden compartments or cause the wards to reveal themselves, but the House's resistance remained steadfast.

Zelda's frustration grew with each passing hour, for this was not the first day she had spent trying to find what she was looking for.

Despite the resistance, Zelda pressed on. She pulled out a particularly old and heavy tome, blowing the dust off the cover. The title, "Ancient Pacts and Family Secrets", seemed promising. She opened it, only to find its contents irrelevant to her quest. She slammed it shut in frustration, the sound echoing through the empty library.

"Why won't you let me find the truth?" she muttered, feeling a headache from the strain of her search.

Hours later, as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the manor, Zelda's frustration reached its peak. The elusive answers she sought seemed to be just out of reach, and she left.

She considered talking to Faustus about it, but decided against it. He was always very sensitive when it came to the Blackwood's curse believing it to be just a myth. In part, Zelda could understand him. If the curse was real, he had killed his father without trying to save him first. Moreover it meant that Faustus would go mad as well and he refused to believe this was possible. And Zelda was in no mood for another fight.

The sound of the front door opening and closing signalled Faustus's return from the Academy. Zelda quickly gathered her notes and made her way to the dining room, where Faustus was already seated, looking weary but content.

Faustus looked up as she entered, a warm smile spreading across his face, "Dearest, how was your day?"

Zelda sighed, approaching him and placing her hands on his neck as she leaned in for a kiss, "Frustrating. I spent the whole day in the library, but I didn't find anything interesting that I hadn't read before".

Faustus reached out and took her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze, "Then I could order some new books from the Vatican Library."

Zelda sat down at the table beside him, "I was thinking... Maybe I could teach a few more classes at the Academy instead."

Faustus kissed the top of her hand, his eyes filled with tenderness, "My dear, you already teach herbology, dancing and the choir. It is enough."

Zelda sighed, "And yet I only spend two or three days a week at the Academy! I still have plenty of time."

Faustus smiled, his eyes warm, "You work too hard, my love. Enjoy the rest while it lasts. Besides, I don't have any more subjects to give you, unless you want me to fire one of the witches."

Zelda asked quietly, "What about Professor Herdman? Didn't he die last week?"

Faustus waved his hand, "I've taken care of that. I'll take over his classes myself this semester and we'll figure something out for next year."

Zelda placed her hand on his and looked softly and innocently into his eyes, "Perhaps I could help? I'm quite familiar with the subject."

Faustus chuckled and shook his head, "Don't be silly, darling. Brother Herdman taught history. No witch has ever taught it at the Academy. It's too difficult. And too important, for that matter."

Zelda ignored his remarks and continued to persuade him, "I was the best student in my time at the Academy. Brother Herdman himself always spoke highly of my abilities..."

Faustus interrupted, "But it is not a subject that has ever been taught by a witch. Not in our academy or anywhere else."

Zelda raised her eyebrow at his condescending tone, so Faustus continued, “We are already a more progressive church than our European colleagues! They rarely allow witches to teach at all, while we have five female professors. That's more than anywhere else!"

Zelda looked down at her plate and considered how to proceed. She didn't get rid of Herdman just to be passed over. She deserved a more challenging position and she would get it.

Deciding to play it safe, Zelda made a sad face and whispered, "I'm just trying to help. You have so much on your plate already, I really wish I could help you more. Especially with all this free time on my hands."

Faustus' demeanour softened and he took her hand to his lips again, "You are a marvel, my dear. I'm lucky to have you by my side, but I'm sure I can squeeze a few more lessons into my schedule."

Zelda looked at him pleadingly as Faustus continued to kiss her hand, "I'm sorry, dear. I really didn't think it would be a big deal for a witch to teach history for just one semester... Just so you could focus on more important things."

Zelda saw Faustus considering her offer. He closed his eyes, his lips still on her hand, and Zelda knew she was about to get what she wanted.

Slowly, Zelda stood and moved closer to Faustus. She cupped his face as she sat on his lap. She began to kiss his face and Faustus closed his eyes in pleasure.

Moving closer, Zelda whispered in his ear, "You work so hard... Always busy... Always tired... Let me take care of you..."

Zelda kissed his neck as Faustus' hands wandered over her body, pulling her closer. Finally Faustus pulled Zelda into a passionate kiss as she pulled up her skirt and straddled him. It wasn't long before she unbuckled his trousers and lowered herself onto him.

Zelda held Faustus by the throat, almost strangling him. She relished the power she had over him. The mighty High Priest was a mere toy in her arms. He didn't even know all the ways she was pulling his strings. He was not stupid at all, he knew that she used sex to get what she wanted. He was even arrogant enough to think he was allowing her to do that. But Zelda knew that she held the real power. There was no way Faustus could have guessed that she was behind Herdman's sudden death, or that she was paying Dorian to get the dirt on all the warlocks in town.

Faustus thought he was the man of the house. The powerful and feared head of the coven and the stern and clever headmaster whose devoted and beloved witch couldn't get enough of him. He thought that when Zelda was riding him and moaning in his ear, he was in charge. He gave her the pleasure she so desperately wanted. Meanwhile, Zelda didn't think about Faustus at all, using his body for her own pleasure. She already knew she had won. She knew that once Faustus was spent, he would moan into her neck, kiss her breasts and agree to let her teach history. Only for one semester, of course. But one semester was all Zelda needed to prove herself worthy of the position.

A few minutes later, Zelda had her own orgasm, and soon Faustus followed. And just as Zelda had expected, Faustus kissed her neck, enjoying his sweet release. It wasn't long before he agreed to let her help him and take over Herdman's classes. As Zelda kissed Faustus deeply, she savoured her triumph.

Finally, Zelda stood up and pulled away from her lover. She walked back to her seat and poured herself more wine.

As they finished their meal, Zelda's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, "By the way, I've planned something special for your upcoming 333rd birthday."

Faustus raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "Oh? And what might that be?"

Zelda leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "It's a surprise, but let's just say it involves a grand celebration with all our closest friends and some very special guests. I've been working on some magical enhancements to make it truly unforgettable."

Faustus chuckled, "In that case... I can't wait to see what you have planned."

Zelda grinned, her excitement contagious, "You deserve the best, darling. You are the best High Priest this Church has had in centuries. We should be able to celebrate it properly. For the whole coven to see how lucky they are to have you."

Faustus chuckled, "You mean for the whole coven to see that you are in charge of the Blackwood Manor?"

Zelda smiled mischievously at him, "How perceptive you are..."

Faustus smiled proudly at guessing Zelda's true intentions. Zelda smiled at being able to predict Faustus' every move and word. Too bad Faustus was playing checkers while Zelda was playing chess.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

October 1824

The moon shone brightly over the Academy of Unseen Arts, casting a glow over the beautifully decorated gardens. Elegantly dressed guests mingled and chatted, their laughter and conversation creating a joyous atmosphere. Amidst the sea of smiling faces, Zelda and Faustus danced to the gentle tune of the violin.

As they passed the dancing bride and groom, Zelda whispered to Faustus, "I can't believe Jonathan is getting married. I thought of all the warlocks in our coven, he would be the last to find a wife."

Faustus squeezed her hand gently, "I am more surprised that Eloise has agreed to marry him. She could do better."

When the dance was over, Jonathan and his bride approached them excitedly, "Father Blackwood! Sister Zelda! We wanted to thank you for the wonderful wedding gift!"

Zelda leaned slightly into Faustus, "No need to thank us, we are happy to be a part of your special day. And I must say, you look incredibly happy,

Mr and Mrs Scratch

!"

The bride chuckled softly, "Oh, it will take some time to get used to being called Mrs Scratch. But we are very happy, it's true."

As the newlyweds kissed, Faustus looked at Zelda. Neither of them had been fond of weddings since their own had been so cruelly stopped, but time seemed to have healed that wound. Zelda seemed happy and relaxed, and Faustus couldn't be happier to see her like that.

As the couple made their excuses and moved on to other guests, Faustus led Zelda to a quiet corner of the garden, away from the crowd, to enjoy a moment of solitude.

"Jonathan's wedding was beautiful! And Eloise was absolutely stunning in her dress," Zelda said, leaning into Faustus' side.

Faustus nodded, smiling softly, "True, but your dress was much better. You were the most beautiful bride, despite what happened."

Zelda looked up at him as her expression grew sad and she whispered, "Can we please not talk about this?"

Faustus turned to her, his eyes searching hers, "Zelda, we've built a life together over these years. We are a family in every way but on paper. Don't you think it's time we made it official?"

Zelda looked away, "Faustus..."

Faustus took her hands in his, "It doesn't have to be a big wedding. We could keep it small and simple."

Zelda shook her head, "You are a High Priest. You cannot have a small, simple wedding. It's against protocol."

Faustus scoffed, "I don't care about protocol. When our wedding was ruined, I feared we would grow apart, but we didn't."

Zelda whispered barely audibly, "And I thought you wouldn't need me once you had the power you wanted."

It was then that they realised they shared each other's fears, but neither dared to break the heavy silence.

Finally, Faustus nodded, a serious yet tender look on his face, "And yet, despite all we've been through, we're still together. I see no point in avoiding the inevitable. Let us marry."

Zelda's eyes softened, a smile tugging at her lips as she raised her eyebrow, "Inevitable?"

Faustus took both her hands in his, "I'm well aware that I probably wouldn't have become High Priest without you. Over the past few years you have helped me with my church and academy duties. You didn't have to, but you did. So I want you to be my wife. Any witch can give me children, but only you can lighten my burden."

Zelda smiled and pondered his words. Despite her mother's warnings, he still held her in high esteem. Despite her family's betrayal, he still trusted her and wanted her by his side. Despite the humiliation of a cancelled wedding, he still wanted to marry her. If it were anyone else, she would have suspected foul play, but she had known Faustus for centuries. And though he was often a liar and a cheat, he had never betrayed her in the things that really mattered. She knew him well. Perhaps better than he knew himself.

With a gentle smile on her lips, Zelda leaned forward and whispered, "Then let us be married."

~~~

Faustus sat behind the large oak desk in his headmaster's office. He had summoned Evanora and Edward to discuss an important matter, which they would no doubt protest.

When Faustus finally heard the knock at his door, he looked up and motioned for the Spellmans to enter the office. Mother and son took their seats opposite Faustus, who leaned forward, his expression serious but not unkind.

"Thank you both for coming," Faustus began, his voice calm but firm. "We have something important to discuss."

Evanora and Edward exchanged worried glances. Edward cleared his throat, "What is it, Father Blackwood?"

Faustus took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully, "As you both know, the events surrounding my marriage to Zelda five years ago were... turbulent, to say the least. It was a difficult time for all of us, but especially for Zelda and me. We've since rebuilt our lives and our relationship, and now we want to move forward with our wedding."

Evanora nodded, her eyes softening, "We understand, of course. And I assure you that my son and I support your decision wholeheartedly. You can count on our support, and we stand ready to help in any way we can."

Faustus met her gaze, his expression unwavering. He hadn't expected Evanora to be so supportive and wondered if this was a trick. But then again, Faustus hadn't spoken to Zelda's mother for a long time. Apart from Evanora once asking for a satanic confession to apologise for her family's actions, the two have mostly avoided each other.

Clearing his throat, Faustus continued, "Given the circumstances, I think it's only fitting that you both take responsibility for organising our wedding this time. Everything from the financing to the wardrobe should fall on your shoulders."

Edward looked surprised but quickly composed himself, "You want us to take care of everything?"

"Yes," Faustus replied. "Everything. I want this wedding to be perfect for Zelda, and I believe you two are capable of making that happen. Neither I nor Zelda have time for this. And since Francis will not be present, Edward, you will walk Zelda down the aisle."

Edward nodded slowly in agreement, "Of course, Faustus. I will do whatever it takes to make this wedding as beautiful and perfect as it can be for both of you."

Evanora leaned forward, a determined look in her eyes, "We will be happy to help, Faustus. I want to make it right for you and Zelda. I will see to every detail."

Faustus' expression softened a bit, "Thank you. I hope you understand how important it is that everything goes smoothly this time."

Edward looked down in shame, "I haven't been a good brother. And I've been an even worse friend. But I wish to redeem myself."

Evanora stood slowly and put her hand on Edward's shoulder, "We will make this wedding everything you and Zelda deserve. You have my word."

Faustus smiled, though he didn't quite believe them, "Thank you both. I trust you will make this day truly special for Zelda and me. You may go now."

With that, the meeting was over. Evanora and Edward left the Headmaster's office, already discussing plans and ideas for the upcoming wedding. Faustus watched them go with a feeling of unease. It was a risk to trust the Spellmans. But it was a risk he was willing to take.

~~~

It was late when Faustus returned home, but Zelda still wasn't asleep. He found her reading a book in his bed and smiled to himself. He liked how natural it felt for them to live together. At first, he had worried that they would get bored of each other and fight more often, but he was wrong. If anything, Zelda seemed to be more lenient with him, more forgiving than she used to be.

As Faustus undressed, he remembered that Zelda had never come to his bed before unless she was expecting some action. Now she was content to simply sleep by his side and this thought warmed his heart.

Zelda smiled softly at him and closed the book as Faustus climbed into bed. He planted a kiss on her shoulder and Zelda set her book aside.

As Faustus continued to kiss Zelda's neck, she asked him, "How did it go with my mother?"

Faustus chuckled and said, "I think she's starting to warm up to me. But it's too early to let my guard down. She could still stab me in the back. Literally."

Zelda laughed softly, "She wouldn't dare! Not after what happened. Why do you think she's warming up to you?"

Faustus sighed, "She hasn't been hostile, but more importantly, she hasn't objected in the slightest to organising our wedding. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad sign."

Zelda was silent for a minute before she said, "It seems to be a coin toss..."

Faustus looked at her in surprise, "So you don't know if we can trust her either?"

Zelda chuckled darkly, "I wish I could. But you never know these days..."

Faustus tried to distract Zelda with a kiss, but she had already lost her mood. The subject of her mother was always particularly painful to her. She loved her mother dearly, and they were much more alike than either of them cared to admit, but lately they'd been on opposite sides and it was hard to forget. Zelda didn't blame her mother for pushing Edward to become a High Priest. She would have done the same for her own son. But after Faustus' triumph, Zelda truly hoped that she and Evanora could reconcile. But they never did. In large part because of Zelda's stubbornness.

Faustus sensed Zelda's change in mood and cupped her face, "Dearest... There is nothing your mother or Edward can do to hurt us. Not anymore."

Zelda didn't believe him, so she looked away, but Faustus insisted, "I know I have failed to protect you, but I am much stronger now. I'm the High Priest of the Church of Night. I'm the head of the most powerful coven on this continent. And I have cast spells to protect you and our home that are so strong that not even blood magic can harm us. We are safe."

Zelda looked into his eyes to make sure he really believed what he was saying. With a heavy heart, Zelda sighed, "I hope you are right."

~~~

Back at the Spellmans' Mortuary, Evanora was busy writing a letter to the Antipope, begging him to come and bless her daughter's marriage. She knew, however, that a letter wouldn't be enough and she would have to pull some strings to make it happen.

Edward entered the living room with a worried face, "They're out of black rabbits, Mother! Shall I keep looking or shall we just paint a rabbit black?"

Evanora gasped at his suggestion, "Paint it black?! Are you out of your mind?!"

Edward shrugged, "What do you expect me to do? It's October! The rabbits have already started to change colour. There won't be any black ones left in December!"

Evanora sighed and shook her head, "That's why weddings shouldn't be held in winter..."

Edward sat across from his mother, "Plenty of witch weddings take place in winter. The nights are longer, the dark spirits are wilder. We just need to sort out this rabbit thing."

Evanora sighed again, "You're a warlock, aren't you? Just cast a spell on the damn rabbit."

Edward rolled his eyes, "That's what I meant by 'painting it black'!"

Now Evanora was irritated, "Can you not bother me with your illiteracy? I'm writing to Antipope."

Edward was surprised, "You really think he might come?"

Evanora replied quietly, "He is expected to attend the High Priest's wedding."

Edward sighed, "And he did. He won't come a second time."

Evanora gave him a disapproving look, "And whose fault is that?"

Edward immediately became defensive, "And I regret it deeply! It was a mistake! I was drunk and I wasn't thinking clearly!"

Evanora muttered to herself, "Obviously."

Edward stood up, "I never wished Zelda any harm! She's my sister! One drunken moment of confusion shouldn't define my whole life."

Evanora stopped writing and leaned back in her chair, looking directly into Edward's eyes, "And what if you succeeded? What if the Dark Lord accepted your offer?"

Edward clenched his fists, "It was not my offer. It was Father's. And regardless, I would never have forgiven myself."

Evanora watched intently as Edward paced the room, talking mostly to himself, "And I can make it right. I will make it right. She wants to marry Faustus? I will love him as my own brother. She wants me to defend her with my life? I'll die for her! She wants me to be a nurse for her children? I'll gladly oblige!"

Evanora laughed and Edward turned to her, "Don't laugh at me! Zelda blames you as much for what happened as she blames me! How are
you
going to get her forgiveness?"

Evanora waved her hand, "Oh Edward, please! I've done nothing wrong and Zelda knows it."

Edward crossed his arms, "She is still angry with you."

Evanora smiled gently at him, "It is expected of children to be angry with their parents. You will get it when you have children of your own."

Edward pointed to the letters drying in front of his mother, "So you're telling me that this has nothing to do with you trying to earn her forgiveness? Since when have you supported this marriage? Why this sudden change of heart?"

Evanora sighed, "Believe it or not, I have changed my mind. I want Zelda to have the best of the best and I can't think of a better prospect for her than a High Priest who cares for her."

Edward leaned back in his chair, "Surely there must be someone better out there."

Evanora looked a little sad at his words, "That is what my own mother said when I agreed to marry your father. And she was right, of course, but there was no stopping me. And so I now believe there is no stopping Zelda. Now that she has set her sights on this marriage, it will happen regardless of my wishes. All I can do now is make sure she gets the wedding she deserves."

Mother and son sat in silence for some time, each thinking of their own concerns.

Finally Evanora broke the silence, "I've done some calculations, and even with all the savings and spells we have, we don't have enough money to cover the expenses."

Edward raised an expectant eyebrow and Evanora smiled gently at her son, "You're going to have to rob a bank, love."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

January 1825

Faustus stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of his suit for what seemed like the hundredth time. The moonlight filtered through the windows of his room, casting a soft glow over him. In a few hours, he would finally marry Zelda. It had taken them a long time to get to this point, but at least he could be sure he'd made the right choice.

A knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts. "Come in," he called and turned to see Edward entering the room.

Edward, smartly dressed in his own suit, offered a reassuring smile. "How are you?"

Faustus managed a small smile in return, "Hopefully nothing will interrupt us this time."

Edward stepped closer and adjusted Faustus's tie with a skilled hand, "Don't worry. I have taken care of everything. All you have to do is look nice and say I did it."

Faustus chuckled, "It still feels almost surreal. Can you imagine me not being a bachelor?"

Edward patted him on the shoulder, "You've had your fun, haven't you? Besides, you can't do any better than my sister."

Faustus smiled gently, "That's true. She is exceptional."

Edward laughed and poured more wine for Faustus.

Faustus looked at Edward, gratitude shining in his eyes, and whispered barely audibly, "Thank you, Edward."

Edward looked at him in confusion, so Faustus cleared his throat and explained, "I know things haven't been easy between us, but your support means a lot to me."

Edward smiled warmly, "No need for that, Faustus. We've all made mistakes, but the important thing is that we're about to become a family. So let us leave the past in the past."

Faustus turned back to the mirror, his nerves eased slightly by Edward's words, "You're right. We have a future to build now."

Edward handed Faustus a small box, "Here, this is for you. I thought it might help calm your nerves."

Faustus opened the box to find a Cuban cigar and chuckled, "This is something Zelda would appreciate."

Edward smiled mischievously, "That's why she got ten of them and you only got one. Just so you know, I'll always love her ten times more than I could ever love you."

Faustus laughed as he lit his gift, "I wouldn’t accept it any other way."

After the first puff, Faustus coughed heavily and Edward laughed, "Strong, isn't it? Don't smoke it all at once or you'll see dancing gnomes instead of your guests."

Faustus chuckled and tried the cigar again, "I can handle it."

Edward shrugged, "Do as you like. But I'm dragging your ass to the altar no matter what."

Faustus put out the cigar and felt a sense of calm settle over him, "I appreciate that. Though it won't come to that. Zelda and I have waited long enough for this night."

Edward placed a hand on Faustus' shoulder, "Then let us get on with it. The guests are waiting for you."

~~~

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Spellmans' mortuary, Zelda walked around the living room. The dress she had chosen for the occasion was a masterpiece of dark elegance, perfect for the unique ceremony they had planned. It wasn't the same as the one she had originally planned to wear, but Faustus had seen her in it before, and Zelda was not above superstition. Besides, their wedding was now much smaller than they had planned before.

Five years ago, everyone was invited to witness the marriage of the new High Priest of the Church of Night. But instead of a wedding, the guests were treated to a dramatic performance they would gossip about for years to come. This time, both Zelda and Faustus wanted to keep quiet. If Zelda was honest with herself, she wanted to get this wedding over with as quickly as possible. Her distaste for weddings might have lessened, but it still hurt. It hurt to remember how blissfully naive and happy she had been that day and how it had all vanished in an instant.

Unlike the last time, her mother and brother were the picture of a devoted, supportive family. Zelda hated that it had taken her ruined wedding to make them so. Annoyed by her mother's constant words of encouragement that she had needed the first time around, but definitely didn’t need now, Zelda sent Evanora ahead to the church while she waited for Edward.

The house was empty. And Zelda felt more alone than ever. Zelda laughed at the cruelty of her own mind as she walked around the room. Everywhere she looked, she was reminded of her father. Not the evil man he had become, but the one he had been when she was a child.

How wonderful fathers are to their daughters when those daughters are little girls. And how cruel they become when those little girls grow up. Zelda tried to remember the moment her father's love disappeared, but she couldn't. It had happened so unexpectedly... almost naturally. All she could remember was that one day she was her father's little girl, and then suddenly she was just another simple-minded, weak witch to him. And then she became a traitorous whore whom he despised.

Zelda felt tears coming to her eyes, so she looked up and tried to stop herself from crying. It didn't help. Powerless against her own emotions, Zelda fell into the chair and let herself cry.

Edward finally entered the room and was surprised to see his sister in tears.

Cautiously approaching her, Edward looked around for their mother, but since she wasn't there, he sat down next to Zelda and put his arm around her, "Zee... What's wrong? Do you want me to call off the wedding? Because we could if you changed your mind."

Zelda smiled through her tears, "Do you think I would call off the wedding now? Or are you
hoping
I will?"

Edward raised his hands in defence, "No! I have made my peace with you and Faustus! You want to marry him - I'll walk you down the aisle. You want to pack a bag and leave - I'll be your chauffeur. Whatever you say goes, sis."

Zelda chuckled, "You really have changed in the last few years..."

Edward smiled softly at her, "I was blinded by my desire to make our father proud. Now I know better. So what will it be?"

Zelda's smile faded at the mention of their father and she whispered, "I know it's absurd, but... I always imagined that Father would be there for me. I mean, when I dreamed about my wedding as a kid..."

Edward looked down and whispered, "He has changed a lot since we were children. But we still have each other. And Mum."

Zelda smiled weakly as she wiped away her tears, "You're right."

She stood and with a wave of her hand conjured a mirror in front of her. As she adjusted her eyeliner, Edward walked over and admired her dress.

Zelda's wedding gown was made of rich, black velvet with intricate lace detailing. The bodice was fitted and structured, with delicate silver embroidery forming arcane symbols and patterns that shimmered in the dim light. The neckline was slightly plunging, adding a touch of daring sophistication, while the long, flowing sleeves ended in points over her hands, reminiscent of ancient Gothic designs.

The skirt was a cascade of layered tulle and satin, creating an ethereal effect as it flowed gracefully to the floor. Hidden in the folds of the fabric were subtle hints of deep red and midnight blue, adding depth and mystery to the dress. Tiny crystals and obsidian beads were sewn into the fabric, catching the light and sparkling like stars against the night sky.

Zelda's veil was equally enchanting, a fine black lace that draped over her face and fell to her waist, edged with more of the intricate silver embroidery. Her red hair was styled in loose waves, adorned with a crown of black roses and twisted silver vines.

Edward whispered in awe, "Your dress is so beautiful! You look ravishing!"

Zelda chuckled, "Not as beautiful as I looked in my first dress."

Edward shook his head, "Nonsense! If anything, I like this dress even more."

The siblings stood in silence for a few minutes before Edward stepped forward and hugged his sister from behind.

Zelda leaned into his embrace, giggling at her brother's sudden show of affection.

Edward whispered barely audibly, "I love you so much, Zee..."

Zelda whispered back with a gentle smile on her lips, "I love you too, Edi."

They stood there for a while. They hadn't had many of these sweet sibling moments in years. Maybe even decades. In that moment, Edward wasn't a grown-up, powerful warlock, but a little boy admiring his big sister. And it felt right.

The clock struck midnight and Edward let go of Zelda, took a step back and offered her his hand. With a small nod, Zelda took his and they left the Spellmans' Mortuary hand in hand.

~~~

Evanora paced anxiously outside the desecrated church. Zelda was late, and Evanora worried that she shouldn't have left her daughter alone. After all, weddings tend to make even the strong witches like Zelda nervous. It is a big commitment and not to be taken lightly.

Finally, Edward and Zelda appeared in front of their mother and Evanora sighed in relief, "Praise Satan, you are here! Zelda, you look perfect!"

Zelda smiled, a hint of nervous excitement in her eyes, "Thank you, Mother. Why are you here? You should be seated by now."

Evanora nodded, "I just wanted to wish you luck."

Evanora pulled Zelda into a tight embrace. Hesitantly, Zelda responded and put her arms around her mother.

A minute passed and Evanora whispered in Zelda's ear, "Don't look at the guests or at Faustus as you walk. You'll only be distracted. Concentrate on the statue of Lucifer behind the altar. And count your steps. That will help."

Zelda pulled away from her mother and smiled gently at her as she mumbled "Thank you".

Hesitantly, Evanora stepped back and entered the church as Edward adjusted his suit. Now was the time they all have been preparing for months.

~~~

The Church of Night was once again transformed into a wedding setting, with flowers miraculously in full bloom despite the cold winter, and decorations that reflected the effort that had gone into the preparations. The guests were already seated, although there weren't as many as last time.

As Faustus took his place at the altar and bowed to the Antipope, who seemed angry. From what Faustus had heard, Evanora had almost directly threatened him with the nastiest of curses to persuade him to come. Others told him she had simply blackmailed him.

Faustus spoke quietly, "Your Unholy Eminence... You have no idea how much it means to us that you have blessed us with your presence."

Antipope gave him an annoyed look, "I didn't have much choice, considering I was coughing up blood for weeks before I agreed to come."

Faustus looked down, avoiding Antipope's questioning gaze. It seemed that Evanora had indeed cursed the father of fathers to bring him here. Faustus could only hope that her methods wouldn't backfire on him. Though, knowing Evanora, if they did, that too was part of her plan.

Then the music began and everyone turned to see Zelda appear, radiant and beautiful, walking down the aisle on Edward's arm. The sight of her took Faustus' breath away, and he knew at that moment that everything was as it should be.

Out of the corner of her eye, Zelda noticed that none of the guests were smiling. Of course, unlike human weddings, witches and warlocks weren't expected to be overly cheerful during the ceremony, but Zelda felt judged. Remembering her mother's words, she looked at the statue of Lucifer behind the altar and began to count her steps. It didn't matter what the coven thought, she was marrying of her own free will and that was all that mattered. That's more than most women and witches in her world could get.

Meanwhile, Faustus couldn't take his eyes off his beautiful bride. She looked like something out of a dream. His eyes lingered on Zelda's form and he couldn't help but smile as she approached.

When Zelda reached him and let go of Edward's hand, Faustus rushed to take her hand in his, his eyes filled with unimaginable admiration. He wanted to kiss her on the spot, and it took every ounce of willpower he had to remain decent.

The church fell silent as the Antipope, resplendent in golden, ornate robes, cleared his throat and began his speech. The words flowed with solemn gravity, but neither Zelda nor Faustus really listened. They stood facing the altar, their eyes seemingly fixed on the Antipope, but their minds were on each other.

Zelda felt Faustus' thumb stroke lightly over her skin, the touch sending a shiver down her spine. She knew he could feel the same intense magic that she felt. As Faustus' thumb traced soft circles across her skin, Zelda realised with a thrill that they were both thinking the same thing. This touch, this moment, was the culmination of everything they had fought for and everything they had become.

The Antipope's voice carried on, speaking of ancient rites and sacred vows, but Zelda's mind was filled with the warmth and power of Faustus' touch. She could feel his strength, his unwavering determination and his love, all conveyed through this simple contact. She glanced at him and caught the flicker of a smile dancing at the corner of his lips.

Faustus' eyes never left the altar, but his thoughts were far from the ceremonial words being spoken. He was focused on Zelda, on the feel of her hand in his, on the shared magic that flowed between them. He could feel her magical aura mingling with his own, creating a bond between them. Every touch, every subtle movement spoke volumes of their connection.

As the Antipope reached the climax of his speech, calling for the exchange of vows, Faustus and Zelda turned to face each other. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in the sacred circle of their union. Faustus took both of Zelda's hands in his, his eyes locked on hers with an intensity that made her heart race.

"Zelda," he began, his voice steady and full of emotion, "today I vow to stand by your side, to support and cherish you, and to respect the magic that binds us together."

Zelda's voice was steady as she spoke her vows, "Faustus, today I pledge you my unwavering loyalty. I promise to stand by you, to support you, and to respect the magic that binds us. I am willing to take your name and to be your wife."

As they exchanged their vows, Zelda felt the magic intensify, a shimmering aura enveloping them both. The rings, forged from dark metals and inscribed with ancient runes, seemed to hum with the power of their commitment. Faustus slipped the ring onto Zelda's finger, his touch gentle but firm, and Zelda did the same for him.

The Antipope's voice rang out, filled with the weight of tradition and ritual, "By the power vested in me by our Dark Lord, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal your union with a kiss."

Faustus leaned forward and captured Zelda's lips in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. The guests stood and applauded in the traditional manner.

As they pulled away, Faustus whispered against her lips, "I can't wait to be alone with you."

Zelda chuckled softly, "All this just to get under my skirt?"

Faustus replied with a gentle laugh as he led his now wife away from the altar. He locked eyes with Edward, who was also smiling, and it warmed Faustus' heart that his friend approved of their marriage.

He then glanced at Evanora who was also smiling, but she had that dangerous look in her eyes that said, "Don't you dare hurt my little girl or I will haunt you for the rest of your days".

As they walked past their guests, Faustus noticed a few witches in the back who were clearly upset about this marriage, but he also saw some of his students who seemed very happy for him.

Zelda, on the other hand, wasn't looking at her guests at all, but at the shadows dancing on the church walls. It wasn't unusual for dark spirits to attend a witch's wedding, but Zelda could tell it was more than that. Was it a demon? A ghoul? A ghost?

As the couple approached the door, Zelda could swear she saw the green, rotting face of a woman in the shadows, and Zelda felt something very familiar inside her.

On a wild guess, Zelda whispered barely audibly, "Praise Lilith".

Then Zelda saw the face in the shadows again, and this time the woman was smiling knowingly.

Zelda thought back to the night before, when she had expected the Dark Lord to visit her, but no one came. But she had had a vivid erotic dream that night with a woman she believed to be Lilith. Maybe it wasn't a dream after all?

Zelda blushed. She could never have imagined that Lilith herself would give Zelda her attention. And it was an even greater honour that Lilith had attended her wedding. It seemed that Zelda's marriage to Faustus had the approval of the most powerful beings in hell. And Zelda couldn't be more proud of the match she had made.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

March 1825

The first few months of Zelda and Faustus' marriage were marked by an idyllic honeymoon, a brief respite from the burdens of their respective duties. They travelled to a secluded house by the sea, a place where they had often enjoyed each other's company away from prying eyes when they were younger. The crashing waves and salty air provided a serene backdrop to their newfound marital bliss, allowing them to enjoy each other's company.

The house itself was a sanctuary of peace and beauty, perched on a Californian cliff overlooking the vast expanse of the ocean. The stone walls were decorated with ivy and the large windows offered breathtaking views of the sea, with the gentle sound of the waves providing a soothing soundtrack to their days.

Every morning they awoke to the gentle melody of the ocean, the fresh sea breeze filling their room. They often spent their mornings walking along the sandy beaches, reminiscing about the days when they were free to travel the world. The salty air and the feeling of sand under their feet brought a sense of freedom and joy they hadn't felt in years.

As the day turned to evening, they returned to their small hut for an intimate dinner. Fresh seafood, caught daily by local fishermen, was a staple of their meals, accompanied by fruit and vegetables from nearby farms.

After dinner, they retired to the living room and sat by the fire, Faustus stroking Zelda gently as she sang. Oh, how he loved listening to her enchanting voice. He felt bewitched and he loved that feeling.

And when the moon was brightest, they always went out. There was nothing more pleasant than the cool breeze from the sea as they strolled along the beaches and quiet forest paths.

However, all good things come to an end. As their honeymoon drew to a close, Zelda and Faustus felt a renewed sense of purpose and unity. Neither could imagine a life without power and duty, and in the final days of their honeymoon, both Zelda and Faustus were anxious to return home as soon as possible.

~~~

They soon returned to Greendale. In their absence, Edward had done a good job of maintaining order in the coven, but Faustus was still uneasy about leaving his duties for any longer.

Upon their return to Blackwood Manor, Faustus immersed himself in his work, while Zelda enjoyed her stay at home for another two weeks. After their wedding, Zelda was granted access to previously restricted parts of the estate. Although Faustus had assured her years ago that he had included her in all the spells around the house, there were spells in the manor that were older than Faustus himself. The house had a life of its own, and it was only when Zelda became a Blackwood that she was able to uncover all its secrets.

With her new status as Lady Blackwood, the doors that once resisted her now opened at her touch, revealing secrets and hidden passages that had been locked away for generations. There weren't many, but they were precious.

One morning, while investigating a previously inaccessible part of the manor, Zelda discovered a hidden door behind an old tapestry. The door led to a narrow flight of stairs that wound down into the depths of the manor. She descended cautiously, the air growing cooler and more humid with each step.

At the bottom of the stairs, she found herself in a small, dimly lit library. The room was filled with ancient tomes and manuscripts, the shelves covered in a thick layer of dust. As Zelda looked at the books, she realised that this wasn't a library in the usual sense. There were a few books down there, but most of them were diaries. Almost every book she opened contained only handwriting and as far as she could tell, she had stumbled upon the diaries of the Blackwoods who had lived here before her.

But with each new manuscript she opened, her suspicions were confirmed. She had read many books and diaries in the Blackwoods' library, but they were all written by men of the estate. The library Zelda had just discovered contained only the writings of the witches.

Zelda sat down in the only chair in the room and whispered a spell to get rid of all the dust. She was excited to read everything she could find. But the longer she read, the sadder she became. She knew about the misogynistic traits of men and warlocks, so it wasn't surprising that witches before her had hidden their work. But what she read was truly horrifying. There were confessions of rape, beatings, Caligary spells and other atrocities Zelda had never imagined in her wildest dreams. Wives, sisters, daughters, granddaughters... they all suffered at the hands of their husbands, brothers and fathers.

After everything Zelda had seen in her life, she thought she couldn't be surprised by the cruelty of men, but she was wrong. Even more horrifyingly, she couldn't blame this cruelty on some curse that made these men so violent. It was rooted deep within them, and it didn't matter if they had Blackwood blood in their veins or not.

Determined to find more, Zelda began searching the library for hidden compartments. Eventually, she discovered a set of papers that had been hidden by the last Lady Blackwood before her. These documents were hidden in a secret drawer behind a heavy, ornate bookcase. Among them were letters and notes written by Pricsilla Blackwood, who had died a century ago.

As Zelda read through these papers, she realised that Faustus' last stepmother had probably been the last person to visit this room. She had written about Faustus' father and how she was sure he had killed his own daughters.

The clock struck twelve and Zelda realised that she had spent the whole day in this hidden room, forgetting to eat or drink. Zelda left the papers behind as she hurried back, knowing that Faustus must have been looking for her for hours.

~~~

When Zelda emerged from behind the ornament, she could barely see in the darkness. Her candle was the only source of light. She hurried into the living room, where she found Faustus casting a tracking spell to find her.

As soon as she entered, Faustus' face changed from worried to angry, "Where have you been?! I looked everywhere for you! Everywhere!"

Unsure if she should tell him what she had found, Zelda defended herself, "I was here all the time. If you had checked the stations, you would have seen that I never left."

Faustus paced angrily, "I did check the stations! I know they said you never left, but there is always a chance that those wards have been broken! And I checked all the rooms protected from the tracking spells. You weren't in any of them."

Zelda sat in the chair and sighed in exhaustion, "Then you don't know every hidden room in your own house, Faustus."

He sat across from her and asked wearily, "So you found the witches’ library, didn't you?"

Zelda held his gaze, "Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't. I'm not telling you."

Faustus chuckled wearily, "You don't have to. Beatrice told me."

Zelda raised an eyebrow, "Your sister?"

Faustus sighed, "Yes. We were very close as children. Actually... not just as children. She and I have always shared a special kind of... trust. She told me there was a hidden room in this house that only witches could enter."

Zelda shook her head, "She shouldn't have. Telling you defeats the whole purpose of having that room in the first place."

Faustus chuckled again, "I agree. That is why she told me on two conditions. First, I swore that under no circumstances could I tell another man or warlock of its existence."

Zelda rolled her eyes, "Oh, so you gave her your word..."

Faustus smiled, "No, I have made an unbreakable vow. I would die if I tried to break it."

Zelda looked at him with renewed interest. She had never expected Faustus to make such a vow. It was extremely rare and dangerous to do such a thing.

Faustus continued, "Secondly, I have made an amulet with my own blood. Whoever wears it cannot be touched or harmed by me or my direct descendants."

Zelda was surprised to hear this, "This is quite powerful magic. How old were you?"

Faustus thought for a minute before answering, "I suppose I was about seventy. But I didn't make the amulet all by myself. My mother and sisters helped me."

Zelda noticed how sad Faustus looked every time he mentioned his family. Then she had an idea.

Zelda stood up and walked over to her husband, giving him a warm smile.

As she sat on his lap, she stroked his cheek, "What do you say we try a séance? Enough time has passed since..."

Zelda didn't finish her sentence, but she didn't have to. A hopeful and grateful expression on Faustus' face told her he understood.

Planting a soft kiss on Zelda's lips, Faustus whispered, "What have I done that Satan has blessed me with such a wonderful wife as you?"

Zelda laughed softly, "Oh dear, you will have to earn my help."

Giving her a knowing smile and kissing her once again, Faustus rose, holding Zelda in his arms and walked with her to their bed. He was more than eager to show her how much he appreciated having her by his side.

~~~

The next morning, the newlyweds enjoyed a lazy Saturday. Faustus knew he had to prepare for his next liturgy, but he didn't care. He sent his familiar to Edward while Zelda went to her newly discovered secret room to get notes on Faustus' mother.

Edward agreed that since Cassandra Blackwood had died over four hundred years ago, they might be able to contact her spirit. It wouldn't be easy, but it was possible. Of course, it would have been much easier to contact the soul of a mortal. Unlike witches, whose spirits were instantly drawn to Hell by the power of the Dark Lord, mortal souls usually ended up in Purgatory or simply wandered the earth as ghosts.

Faustus had brought down the trunk containing his mother's dress, while Edward prepared the ritual at Cassandra's tomb. While Faustus and Edward waited for Zelda, Faustus paced nervously.

Edward finally broke the heavy silence, "You seem worried."

Faustus sighed, "I am."

He hesitated for a few minutes, wondering if he could share his thoughts with Edward, then continued, "I promised my mother on her deathbed that I would look after my sisters. And I failed miserably..."

Edward looked down and whispered, "I'm sure she doesn't blame you for what happened..."

Faustus looked at Edward in surprise, and the young wizard felt ashamed that he couldn't find better words to support his friend. Finally, Zelda appeared in the graveyard with a few books in her hands, ending their conversation.

As Zelda added a few more touches to the altar, she remembered how one night, after hours of reading, she fell into a restless sleep and was visited in her dreams by the ghosts of this woman. Cassandra Blackwood appeared to her, and Zelda couldn't decide whether her presence was comforting or haunting. All she knew was that Faustus' mother was in pain, and now Zelda was determined to help her. But she told Faustus nothing of this, not knowing if it was just a dream or a message from Hell.

With everything in place for the séance, Faustus, Zelda and Edward held hands and recited the incantations.

The air around them grew colder as they sang, the candles flickering. Zelda focused on Cassandra's dress, laid out on the altar, and the connection she felt to the long-dead witch.

As they finished the incantation, a thick mist began to form within the circle. Shadows flickered and merged, slowly taking shape. The outline of a woman emerged, her form ethereal and shimmering in the dim light.

"Cassandra Blackwood," Zelda called softly, her voice calm. "Answer our plea. Come to us. Reveal yourself."

The ghostly figure continued to solidify, revealing the stern but sad face of Cassandra. Her eyes, though filled with a haunting sadness, held a flicker of recognition as they rested on Faustus.

Cassandra tried to speak, but no sound came. Faustus saw his mother's lips move, forming words he could not hear. Frustration and grief surged through him. He reached out desperately, his voice finally breaking the silence, "Mother, please forgive me."

Cassandra's expression softened, and though Faustus couldn't hear her reply, her eyes conveyed a mixture of love and forgiveness. She reached out as if to touch him, but her hand passed through his. Tears welled in Faustus' eyes as he watched her mouth the words he longed to hear.

Edward looked away. He had known Faustus for centuries and had never seen his friend cry. He didn't want Faustus to hold what he saw today against him, so Edward looked away.

Zelda, on the other hand, watched the woman intently. Her black hair, her pale skin, the shape of her face - all of it suddenly reminded Zelda of the little girl she had seen several times in her dreams. Perhaps Cassandra was the girl in her dreams. Or perhaps Zelda was seeing her own daughter, the one she might have in the future, who looked so much like her paternal grandmother.

Cassandra's form began to fade, her image dissolving into the mist. Faustus knelt by the altar, his heart heavy but comforted by the brief connection. As Edward stepped away, Zelda moved closer and placed her hand on Faustus' shoulder, offering silent support.

Edward silently waved goodbye to his sister, leaving the couple alone. Zelda nodded at her brother, acknowledging his gesture.

Faustus, still shaken from the séance, turned to Zeld, "I can't believe I was able to see her again. She was so close and yet so far away."

Zelda put her arms around him, pulling him into a comforting embrace, "Witches never die, dear. She will always be close to you, even if you can't see her."

Faustus buried his face in Zelda's shoulder, drawing strength from her presence, "I'm just glad she didn't seem angry with me."

Zelda stroked his hair gently, her touch soothing, "Why should she be? You will always be her precious son. And mother's love never fades."

Faustus held on to Zelda, feeling the warmth of her body against his. Her steady heartbeat provided a rhythm that soothed his frayed nerves. The graveyard around them seemed to fade into the background as they sat beside Cassandr’s grave, locked in an embrace that said more than words ever could.

As they slowly made their way back to the manor, Faustus' mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The sight of his mother's ghost had stirred memories and feelings he had long since buried. But with Zelda by his side, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was no longer alone in the world.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

June 1828

Zelda sat behind the large oak desk in the Headmaster's office at the Academy of Unseen Arts, savouring the sense of power that came with the position. The room, filled with ancient tomes and artefacts, had an air of authority that she found invigorating. Shelves lined with dusty grimoires, ancient scrolls, and mystical objects exuded a sense of history and wisdom. The heavy drapes, embroidered with arcane symbols, framed tall windows that overlooked the sprawling grounds of the Academy, casting the room in a dim, enchanting light.

With Faustus away in Europe, she had taken over his duties, running the Academy and the Coven with a deft hand. She relished the opportunity to demonstrate her leadership and vision. Every decision, every directive she issued, reaffirmed her control and the respect she commanded from those around her.

A copy of the local newspaper lay open on the desk, its headlines dominated by the heated presidential election between Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams. The world's political climate was turbulent, and the echoes of mortal concerns had reached even the hallowed halls of the Academy. The prospect of Jackson's presidency, known for his aggressive stance on witch-hunters, sent ripples of anxiety through their secret community.

As she reviewed reports on the Academy's students and the upcoming election of the next Top Boy, the door creaked open. Edward strolled in, his typical teasing grin lighting up his face as he saw his sister settled into her new role. His presence was always a mixture of comfort and irritation for Zelda, as he had a knack for disrupting her focus.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the new Headmistress of the Academy," Edward said, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Enjoying your newfound power, I see."

Zelda looked up, her expression slightly annoyed at the sight of her brother, "Someone has to keep things running smoothly while Faustus is away," she replied with a touch of pride. "And I must admit, I find the work quite fulfilling."

Edward approached the desk, still grinning. "I can see that. And I must say, it suits you."

Zelda's eyes narrowed, "What do you want?"

Edward raised his hands in the air, "Ow! Can't a brother just complement his sister?"

Zelda leaned back in her chair, her eyes still piercing through Edward's nonchalance. "Drop the act, Edi. What do you want?"

Edward sat in front of her and smiled his best smile, "I was just hoping you would approve of a little... school trip."

Zelda chuckled amusedly, the sound echoing off the stone walls. "Are you serious? Now? When the Antipope has summoned the high priests of the world to discuss the growing danger of the witch hunters, you want to take the children on a trip?"

Zelda sighed, glancing at the newspaper, "Edward, you know how risky it is. Jackson's rise means more witch-hunters. If anyone suspects who you are..."

Edward leaned forward, his expression serious, "No, Zelda. We don't live in the Dark Ages anymore! Witch trials are a thing of the past, and any witch hunter would be ridiculed for believing we exist. Our students have a right to participate in the destiny of their own country!"

Zelda shook her head, "I said no, Edward. And my decision is final. They may not be burning witches at the stake, but their efforts to root us out are relentless. Any exposure could be dangerous."

Edward sighed in defeat and stood up, deciding to leave. His shoulders slumped slightly, but his resolve remained. At the door, he turned, a spark of determination in his eyes. "What about the Church of Shadows? Can we at least take a trip to Riverdale?"

Zelda sighed in frustration and looked at her brother in annoyance, "Fine. But I'm not organising anything, it's all up to you."

Edward's face brightened slightly, "Thank you."

With Edward gone, Zelda opened the newspaper again. She had a bad feeling in her stomach, but she couldn't say why. The thought of the witches and warlocks venturing out into the mortal world at such a tumultuous time gnawed at her. She shook off the uneasy feeling and returned to her work, focusing on the affairs of the Academy. She had to ensure everything was in perfect order, ready for Faustus's return.

~~~

Later that evening, Zelda walked through the dimly lit corridors of the Academy towards the Great Hall. The hall was alive with the hum of conversation and the flicker of candlelight. The golden glow from the chandeliers reflected off the polished floors and the ancient stone walls, casting elongated shadows that danced in the corners. The smell of burning wax mingled with the faint scent of aged parchment and herbal concoctions brewing in the nearby classrooms.

Caught up in her thoughts, Zelda was going over the day's events and planning the tasks ahead. The responsibilities of running the Academy and maintaining the stability of the Coven weighed heavily on her shoulders. She didn’t notice the figure approaching her until she was almost upon it. Zelda wasn't expecting to be confronted by Shirley Jackson so suddenly.

The annoying witch smiled at Zelda and said in a honeyed voice, "Good evening, Lady Blackwood! How are you feeling today? Any news from Father Blackwood? You know the coven misses him dearly, as undoubtedly you are."

Shirley's voice was saccharine sweet, but the underlying malice was unmistakable. Her words dripped with insincerity, and her eyes gleamed with the delight of stirring trouble. A murmur spread through the crowd as some students stopped in their tracks to observe the interaction between the two witches. Everyone in the Academy knew Shirley had her eyes on Faustus for a long time and had been spreading the most nasty rumours about Zelda for decades. However, in the last years she had changed her tune and, instead of Faustus, pursued Edward restlessly.

Zelda smiled politely, masking her irritation. “It's been just a couple of weeks, Sister Jackson. Father Blackwood needs time to deal with matters that are much more important than any of us could understand.”

Shirley, catching the pointed remark, forced a smile. "Of course, Lady Blackwood. Still, some in the coven find it... unusual, controversial even, that His Excellency left you in charge."

The crowd’s interest heightened, and whispers grew louder. Shirley’s words were calculated, aimed at undermining Zelda’s authority. Zelda forced herself to stay calm, her eyes narrowing slightly as she fixed Shirley with a steely gaze. “Well, Sister Jackson, some might even say my husband's decision was unorthodox. However, orthodoxy is the exact opposite of Our Dark Lord's will. You mustn't discuss Father Blackwood's decision since you are no more than his disciple.”

Zelda made a step forward, her presence commanding and intimidating. She leaned closer to Shirley, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “You must humbly accept my husband's decision… and obey me.”

Shirley's face paled, her confident façade crumbling under Zelda’s piercing stare. The profound fear in her eyes gave Zelda a grim sense of satisfaction. Shirley composed herself quickly, looking down to avoid Zelda's gaze. She whispered, “Of course, Lady Blackwood. I never meant to doubt the High Priest…”

Zelda had already turned around to leave, dismissing Shirley, but then Shirley quickly blurted, “May I please accompany Brother Spellman on his trip to Riverdale? For more protection for our students.”

Zelda turned around with an amused smile on her lips. Not only had Shirley the audacity to doubt Zelda's authority, now she wanted permission to accompany Edward. And Zelda knew exactly why Shirley asked for that. Most witches in their coven were trying to seduce her brother and hopefully marry him, but Shirley was the most annoying of them all.

With a deep sigh, Zelda slightly shook her head, “No, Shirley. Edward will be accompanied by Brother Scratch. That should be more than enough to protect our students from any sudden danger.”

Shirley was about to say something, but she caught Zelda's warning look just in time. Apparently, it wasn't a good idea to first confront the Headmistress, and then ask for a favour. Putting on her sweetest smile, Shirley curtsied and excused herself.

As Shirley walked away, the murmurs among the students grew louder. Zelda could feel their eyes on her, their curiosity and speculation buzzing like an annoying swarm of bees. She knew that in no time, there would be another bunch of rumours swirling around the Academy. But for now, she was content with the knowledge that she had once again put Shirley in her place.

Zelda took a deep breath and resumed her walk towards the Great Hall, her mind already shifting back to the tasks at hand. She had more pressing matters to attend to than petty squabbles, and she would not allow anyone, not even the likes of Shirley Jackson, to undermine her authority.

~~~

Hours later, Zelda was returning from patrolling the school grounds when it was already dark outside. The cool night air brushed against her skin, bringing with it the scent of blooming nightshade and the distant croak of frogs from the nearby pond. The lanterns lining the pathways cast long shadows, creating an eerie, yet familiar atmosphere. Her walk back to the Headmaster's quarters was quiet, the halls cloaked in night calm with all students already in their beds. The only sounds were the soft rustling of her robes and the occasional creak of the ancient floorboards.

Upon reaching the Headmaster's bedroom, which she had taken over during Faustus's absence, Zelda closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment. The room was filled with the scent of sandalwood and old books. Dark wood panelling, heavy velvet drapes, and shelves filled with ancient tomes and artefacts dominated the room. It was grand, befitting Faustus's taste for the dramatic and opulent. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of witch trials and ancient rituals, and a large, ornate chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystals casting shimmering reflections around the room.

In contrast, Faustus's bedroom at the Blackwood manor was intimate yet equally ostentatious, with luxurious furnishings, ornate mirrors, and portraits of ancestors. It was designed to impress and intimidate. The four-poster bed, with its heavy velvet curtains, and the dark, polished wood of the furniture gave it a regal air.

However, Zelda's own preferences were different. Her bedroom at the Blackwood manor was a sanctuary of calm, with soft, muted colours, elegant but understated furniture, fresh flowers, and a cosy armchair by the window. She preferred the tranquillity and simplicity, a stark contrast to Faustus's taste for grandeur.

Determined not to let her mind wander further, Zelda moved to the writing desk. She lit a candle, the flame flickering and casting a warm glow on her face, and began to write a letter to the warlock left in charge of the Church of Shadows. She barely knew him, and from their short acquaintance she already despised the man. The High Priest of the Church of Shadows was much more progressive in his views, but he was away, together with Faustus and others. And the man he left in charge despised women and women in power especially.

However, Zelda wasn't writing to him to ask for a favour. She was informing him about her brother coming to his school soon. That was all. And a quick and simple letter was enough. Her quill scratched across the parchment, the ink forming precise, elegant letters. As she sealed the letter with wax and her personal seal, a soft knock on the door interrupted her. "Enter," Zelda called out.

A young acolyte stepped in, her eyes wide with a mix of reverence and fear. "Lady Blackwood, the preparations for the Samhain festivities are underway as you instructed. Is there anything else you require?"

Zelda replied tiredly, "No, that would be all, Constance."

The young witch nodded and left. Zelda smiled to herself. She liked this young woman. She was quite obedient and smart - a perfect acolyte. Constance's diligence and eagerness to please reminded Zelda of herself at that age, driven by a fierce determination to prove her worth.

Zelda finished her letter and bound it to a raven, sending it to Riverdale. After that, she walked over to a large, ornate mirror on the wall. The mirror was framed with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and ancient runes, a relic from a bygone era. She placed her hands on its frame and whispered an incantation, trying to reach Faustus. The surface of the mirror shimmered, but no image appeared. She tried again, frustration mounting, but it was in vain. The mirror remained stubbornly opaque.

With a sigh, Zelda stepped back. She couldn't reach Faustus for days now, but considering the last time they had spoken he mentioned a grand party he was about to attend, Zelda could easily guess what exactly he was doing in the Vatican. It wasn't surprising that when the most powerful warlocks in the world get summoned in one place, the situation would undoubtedly escalate, resulting either in a massive fight or in an orgy.

Zelda sighed in frustration. She wondered shortly how men were ruling the world when they could barely control their temper. However, she was too tired to think about that any more, and she soon fell asleep. Her dreams were filled with visions of the future, of power and conflict, and the ever-present struggle to maintain control in a world that seemed determined to challenge her at every turn.

~~~

While Greendale was slowly falling asleep, the witches and warlocks in Rome were already waking up after a long and quite passionate night. The grand villa where Faustus had been staying was filled with the remnants of the previous night's revelry—empty wine glasses, discarded robes, and the lingering scent of incense and sweat.

Faustus frowned as the sun's rays pierced through the heavy drapes, waking him up. His head hurt, a dull throb reminding him of the excessive indulgence. When he looked around, he found himself embraced by two naked bodies—a young warlock and a blond witch his age. He didn't remember the witch's name, but he knew the young warlock who was softly sleeping on his chest. His name was Edmund, and he was an acolyte from Paris. And last night he showed him exactly what it means to spend a night with a man born in the city of love.

Faustus slowly stroked Edmund's hair, his fingers running through the soft curls, and tried to remember how many days had passed since he entered this house of passion. He couldn't tell. The days had blended together in a haze of sensual pleasure and political manoeuvring.

Slowly untangling himself from the naked bodies, Faustus looked around and smiled as he saw more of his friends sleeping in the very same state as he just was. The room was a tableau of debauchery, with limbs intertwined and soft snores filling the air. Taking a mental note on who was entangled with whom, he quietly left the room and headed to the bathroom.

As Faustus washed his face, he tried to remember last night. Although pleasure was the main reason he was there, he also needed information. He needed to know what and who other priests preferred in bed if he intended to stay in the game of power for a long time. The reflections in the water showed fleeting images of the night before—whispered secrets, hushed laughter, and the raw passion that bound them all.

With a sigh of disappointment, Faustus realised that he was too consumed by Edmund's exceptional talents to notice enough. The young warlock had been a distraction, albeit a delightful one.

When Faustus dressed and found a mirror, he suddenly realised that Zelda must have been trying to reach him in the past days. And once again he tried to remember how many days had passed. His absence had stretched longer than intended, and he knew Zelda's patience would be wearing thin.

With a quick spell, Faustus returned to his Vatican quarters. He wasn't worried that Zelda might interrogate him. He would simply tell her the truth she undoubtedly already suspects. Besides, she knows how this works. The balance of power and pleasure was a delicate one, and Zelda was well aware of the sacrifices required to maintain it.

Making sure he looked presentable, Faustus whispered an incantation, and a second later he saw his bedroom in the Academy through the mirror. He smiled softly as he saw his wife already sleeping soundly and broke the spell. There was no need to wake her up, and he still looked somewhat dishevelled. He may not be afraid of Zelda, but it didn't mean he wanted to see her disappointed look when she saw him.

He then noticed that the plant he was gifted by the Antipope had bloomed, and he excitedly walked to it. The father of fathers told him a week ago when he gave him this present that the number of flowers that will bloom shall represent the number of years Faustus still had to wait until the Dark Lord blessed him with a child.

With a big smile on his face, Faustus gently touched the single flower that had bloomed. Could it be? Was he about to become a father so soon? The prospect filled him with a mix of joy and anticipation. Many warlocks had to wait decades and sometimes centuries to be blessed like that, and here he was, in his 300s and soon to be a father.

For a moment Faustus wanted to wake Zelda up and tell her the wonderful news, but then decided against it. The timing had to be perfect. Quickly grabbing his coat, Faustus left his room and went for a walk in a now buzzing city of Rome. The streets were alive with the hustle and bustle of morning activity, and he couldn't get his smile off, as he couldn't believe his luck.

Getting a cup of coffee and sitting in a small, quaint coffee shop, he considered when he should take the next ship home. He couldn't simply teleport such a large distance across the whole Atlantic Ocean. But he could perhaps send his baggage with a ship and teleport from one Church of Night to another until he reached Greendale. However, that would barely save him any time.

As Faustus was consumed by his thoughts, a young man sat across from him with a wide smile on his face. The familiarity of the face brought a grin to Faustus's lips.

"Edmund, what a pleasant surprise."

Edmund leaned back in his chair, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "The pleasure is all mine, Faustus. I saw you from across the street and couldn't resist joining you."

Faustus took a sip of his coffee, "That's nice to know you didn't get tired of my company."

Edmund smirked flirtatiously, “How could I… Among all those men and women in the room, you were the most delicious of them all.”

Faustus chuckled, “Then you have good taste, my friend. Too bad we have to part rather soon. I'm going back to Greendale in a couple of days.”

Edmund smiled, "Why shall we part? Perhaps I could be of assistance."

Faustus raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the suggestion, "And what makes you think I need a companion?"

Edmund leaned forward, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper, "I think we both know the journey would be much more enjoyable with some company."

Faustus felt a thrill at the flirtatious undertone in Edmund's voice, "You're quite the charmer, Edmund. But I do have a wife at home and a whole coven full of witches who need their desires to be… fulfilled."

Edmund chuckled, “In that case, you definitely need a talented friend to help you with these… duties.”

Faustus looked away thinking about Edmund’s offer. He preferred his affairs to stay on the surface level. If he took Edmund with him it meant he was taking a lover, and that was a kind of relationship he didn't want.

However, before Faustus could refuse him, Edmund lit a cigar and said, “I heard you have a position open in the Academy of Unseen Arts. History, I believe.”

Faustus nodded and Edmund smiled, “I excelled in the subject during my time at school. If you give me a chance I would be more than happy to prove my worth.”

Faustus hesitated but then remembered how Antipope mentioned that he does not approve of a woman teaching the subject. It wasn't a direct order so Faustus could let Zelda keep her job but he couldn't find a reason why he should.

Faustus finished his coffee and finally said, “Fine. I was looking for a history professor and you seem to be a good candidate. But do not expect me to take care of you and your needs. If you want to come to Greendale, you are welcome, just behave properly in public.”

Edmund's eyes sparkled, "Oh, your Excellency, I will not disappoint you. Nobody, and especially your wife, won't suspect a thing."

Faustus chuckled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Edmund, "Very well.”

Edmund's grin widened as he leaned forward, "And believe me - I desire nothing more than to serve you.”

Faustus stood up, even though he felt deeply flattered by the young warlock's attention, "The day after tomorrow. Meet me at the port, and we'll set sail together."

As Faustus left the coffee shop, he couldn't help but feel excited about the journey ahead. With Edmund by his side, the trip to Greendale promised to be anything but dull.

When Faustus returned to his rooms, his mind turned back to Zelda. She won't be happy if he takes away her position as the history teacher, but hopefully the news of their soon-to-be-born child will distract her.

Faustus took another look at the plant with two gentle flowers on it. Yes, it was time. With a child in the house, there was no way Faustus could let Zelda keep working at the Academy. The thought of their future child brought a sense of purpose and urgency to his actions. As he prepared for the journey back to Greendale, his mind was filled with plans and possibilities. Little did he know, the changes he envisioned would set off a chain of events that would test thim in a way he had never imagined.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

December 1829

Another witch has died in childbirth. The third one this month alone. Another funeral.Zelda has spent the last few weeks on her knees, begging the Dark Lord to have mercy and let her and her future children live.It wasn't unusual for women to die in childbirth, but it was always a sad occasion. Zelda was too young to understand the dangers of pregnancy when her mother carried Edward. She was however old enough when her mother became pregnant again when Zelda was sixteen. At this young age, she had already seen death.Zelda remembered the first time she had attended a birth. It was her dear, beloved Aunt Amelia, who had given birth to a beautiful baby girl who died just hours later, following her mother into the grave. Zelda couldn't sleep for months after what she had seen that day. Amelia's screams were deafening and there was blood everywhere as her body tore itself apart.That is why when Zelda found out her mother was pregnant again, she didn't hesitate to put some moon tea in her cup. The Spellman family already had a son and an heir, and Edward was enough. She couldn't risk losing her mother. So Zelda never regretted what she had done.But now it was Zelda herself who was in danger. Now it was she who was expected to bear a child and risk her life to preserve the line of witches in this cruel world.Zelda turned her prayers to Lilith, hoping that the Mother of Demons would hear the prayers of the mother-to-be and have mercy on her. She wanted all the help she could get. She had already found a midwife and set up her bedroom with all sorts of protective spells, but she knew there was no way to ensure her safety or that of her future child.Zelda didn't notice the tears streaming down her cheeks. She wanted children more than anything. But she did not want to leave them motherless. And she certainly didn't want to have to bury a child if it died in childbirth.Zelda heard the door open behind her. She knew it was Faustus. She had been avoiding him for some time. She gathered herself quickly, determined not to show her despair. She didn't want him to see her frightened.Faustus walked over to her, put his hand on her shoulder and said quietly, "Zelda, there you are. I've been looking for you. Is something troubling you?"Zelda took a deep breath, trying to find the right words, "I'm praying to our Dark Lord to bless me with a child. As I always do."Faustus walked over and stood in front of her, slowly kneeling down to look into her eyes, "I know you're frightened, Zelda, you can't hide that from me. Tell me, how can I ease your worries?"Zelda was getting annoyed, still avoiding his gaze, "You are not that powerful, Faustus. There's nothing you can do when nature takes its course."Faustus shook his head, "You are mistaken. I am our Dark Lord’s representative on earth. He answers my prayers. Always."Faustus slowly lifted Zelda's chin and made her look into his eyes, "It is the Dark Lord’s will that we have a child, so we will be blessed soon enough. I’m sure of it. You have nothing to worry about."Zelda sighed and pulled away from Faustus' hand, "Leave me. You do not understand. I know the Dark Lord will send us a child. What I don’t know is whether I will live to see it grow.”Faustus shook his head, “There is no need for such thoughts…”Zelda stood up abruptly and snapped at him, "Of course there is! It is just not something you need to worry about! Get out of here! Go find yourself a whore to spend the day with. I do not wish to see you before the evening celebrations."Faustus got up with anger in his eyes that he wasn’t able to mask. He had tried to keep his infidelities a secret, but he should have known that his wife would eventually find out. Witches and warlocks were not expected to be monogamous. And yet, Zelda and Faustus had a sort of agreement between them to at least be honest with each other about those they took to bed. Unfortunately, secrecy was what made Faustus' blood boil, and so he broke their agreement many times, especially when they had a fight.After a moment of consideration Faustus decided to try and turn the situation around, so he stepped forward and tried to pin Zelda to a wall, so that he could have her right then and there. However before he could even touch her, she stumbled backwards, trying to avoid his touch and fell to the ground. Now worried, Faustus quickly knelt beside her to help her up and was surprised to see tears in her eyes.Trying to pull her into an embrace, Faustus whispered softly, “Zelda…”But she pushed him away before letting him finish, “Get out. Now.”Faustus hesitated, but Zelda made it clear that he was not welcome. He considered what he could say to change her mind, but couldn't find the right words. Zelda's angry look made Faustus uncomfortable, and with a small nod he walked out.At the door, Faustus turned and looked at Zelda again, wondering what had happened to make her act so strangely. Sure, she had been angry with him for a month, ever since he took away her history lessons, but they had always found a way to resolve their problems. But this time it was different. It was different.~~~Evanora took it upon herself to organise Blackwoods' New Year celebrations. She was happy to take on the task to be closer to her daughter.Blackwood Manor was abuzz with activity as the preparations got underway. Evanora's attention to detail was impeccable. She coordinated with the servants to ensure that every aspect of the celebration would be perfect. The great hall was to be draped in dark, elegant fabrics and lit by hundreds of candles. An elaborate feast was being prepared, with Evanora approving each dish individually and preparing some herself.Evanora did her best, though she knew nothing was enough to distract her daughter from her worries. They didn't talk about it, but Evanora knew exactly how Zelda felt. The thought of bringing a child into the world had also filled her with dread when she married Francis centuries ago. But now Evanora couldn't be happier to have her children in her life. All she could do for her daughter was to be there for her.The night of the celebration arrived and the manor was transformed into a place of dark enchantment. Guests arrived dressed in their finest, the air buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The great hall was filled with music, laughter and the glow of candlelight.Faustus stood at Zelda's side, his hand proudly on her waist as his wife greeted the guests. He watched with admiration as she mingled with their guests, her grace and poise evident to all. And he especially enjoyed the envious looks he received from many of the witches and wizards in the room.Zelda looked truly divine in her long dark blue velvet gown. The gown had been meticulously tailored to fit her figure perfectly and exuded an air of elegance and sophistication befitting the status of Lady Blackwood. The rich material, deep and sumptuous, contrasted beautifully with her pale complexion, making her appear almost ethereal in the soft candlelight of the Great Hall.The dress had a high, structured neckline with delicate black lace adding a touch of gothic charm. The bodice was fitted and intricately embroidered with silver thread, depicting ancient symbols and floral patterns that caught the light with every movement. The sleeves were long and fitted, ending in subtle flares at the wrists, revealing the intricate lace cuffs.The skirt of the dress was a masterpiece in itself. It flowed gracefully from her waist, creating a silhouette that was both regal and timeless. The velvet fabric draped elegantly, gathering slightly around her feet as she moved. The hem was embellished with more silver embroidery, mirroring the designs on the bodice, and small dark jewels were discreetly stitched into the fabric, adding a subtle sparkle to her every step.To complement her gown, Zelda wore a black choker with a single sapphire pendant that matched the deep blue of her dress. Her red hair was styled in loose waves and adorned with several silver hairpins in the shape of crescent moons and stars, giving her an almost celestial appearance. Vinegar Tom also wore a sapphire collar to match his mistress. The only familiar in the room, he proudly followed Zelda wherever she went.Finally the clock struck twelve times and the guests raised their glasses, the room echoing with cheers and applause. Zelda was surprised when Faustus leaned over and planted a kiss on her cheek. It was as if the conversation they had earlier in the church had never happened. As if the months she spent punishing him for dismissing her at the Academy didn’t happen at all.Zelda did her best to conceal her anger. She didn’t want any of their guests to suspect that there might be anything but harmony in the Blackwoods’ household.The party went on late into the night, a perfect blend of elegance and magic. As Zelda looked around at the faces of her coven members, she found herself thinking that she despised most of them. The feeling was mutual, of course. For a moment, Zelda wished this grand celebration had never happened. She would rather just have her family there. All this grandeur was often appealing, but it lacked the warmth Zelda so craved at the moment.One glass of champagne after another finally had the desired effect, and Zelda was finally able to enjoy the party. She decided to put aside her quarrel with her husband just for tonight and find him for a quick kiss. Or perhaps more than just a kiss.Zelda left her guests in search of Faustus and found him outside smoking cigars with his friends. As Zelda approached them slowly with a gentle smile on her lips, they didn't see her coming. As a result, she unexpectedly witnessed her husband intimately touching another man.Zelda stopped and her smile dropped, as she watched a young warlock shamelessly flirt with her husband, and it made her blood boil. Not only had he been spending more time with his friends than with her lately, but Faustus had apparently been intimate with some of them. Though he swore on his soul he wasn't. Zelda cursed herself that she has forgotten that Faustus has no soul.Zelda watched intently as the young Edmund teased and played with her husband. Now Zelda knew the real reason Faustus had brought this new "apprentice" with him when he returned from his trip to Rome.Zelda had her suspicions when Faustus gave her history lessons to his new friend, but there was no proof. Faustus was playing with her, making her doubt herself. Now she could see with her own eyes why Edmund was so often in her husband's company.Then she heard something that took her by surprise. Laughing, Faustus admitted to his friends that Edmund would be taking over the rest of Zelda's classes permanently.Zelda stood in shock as she heard her husband and his friends laughing. She had been planning to get rid of them for some time, as they were a terrible influence on Faustus, but she had always put it off. And now she regretted it.At that moment, Edmund turned slightly to see Zelda, but said nothing. He gave her a malicious smile as he let Faustus continue his inspired speech about how his wife's only job from now on would be to bear children and take care of them.Zelda had heard enough and left without making her presence known.~~~After the guests had left and the manor had settled down, Zelda and Faustus sat together in their private chambers.Faustus looked at Zelda, his eyes filled with warmth, "Tonight was incredible, darling. Your mother has surpassed herself."Zelda's expression remained stern, "So have you, dearest."Faustus took her hand, his expression becoming serious, "About what you mentioned earlier - about having children. Don't worry, we'll make sure you're safe."Zelda pulled her hand away, "Oh, I'm not worried about that anymore. We are not going to have children in the near future, so you might as well go and hang out with your friends, because you are not getting anything from me tonight. Or any night for that matter."Faustus' smile faltered, "Zelda, what do you mean? I thought we agreed..."Zelda stood up, her voice cold and measured, "We agreed on nothing. You decided that my place was to bear children and be nothing but a housewife. You spoke of it so proudly, as if I were just a trophy in your possession."Faustus looked confused, "When did I say that?"Zelda crossed her arms, "Outside, when you were bragging to your friends and grabbing Edmund's ass."Faustus looked surprised, "I didn't mean it like that. I was just...""You were just what, Faustus? Showing off to your friends? Humiliating me in front of them?" Zelda's voice rose, filled with a mixture of hurt and anger. "I know you didn't! You've already reduced my hours at the Academy, and I know you are planning to get rid of me altogether."Faustus dropped his pretence that he didn't know what she was talking about, "Don't you think our children come before your desire to play a teacher? You are my wife first and foremost!"Zelda's eyes blazed with anger, "Playing a teacher? Is that how you view my work? My contributions to the Academy? Do you have any idea how demeaning that is? I have worked tirelessly to earn my place there, and you think you can just take it away?"Faustus' face hardened, "I think you forget yourself. A woman's duty is to her husband and family. The Academy is a distraction from what really matters."Zelda's hands clenched into fists at her sides, "Distraction? Teaching is not a distraction! It's a part of who I am. You have no right to take that away from me."Faustus stepped closer, his voice deep and dangerous, "You are my wife, Zelda. And as your husband, I'm supposed to decide what's best for our family. What's best for you."Zelda didn't back down, her voice trembling with anger, "So my wishes and desires do not matter just because I'm just a woman? Is that how you see me? Just a vessel for your children?"Faustus' expression twisted with frustration, "That is not what I meant and you know it! This is about our future, our heritage. The Academy can find another teacher, but our children need their mother."Zelda shook her head as she took a step back, "I will not be reduced to a mere breeder, confined to this house while you live your life to the full, without restriction.”Faustus tried to reach for her again, but Zelda turned away, "No, Faustus. Until you understand that I am more than just your wife, that I have dreams and ambitions of my own, there will be no children. I will not bring a child into a world where its mother is oppressed and silenced."Faustus remained silent, his fists clenched. Hurriedly, Zelda left the room, leaving Faustus to contemplate the gravity of his actions and words. Faustus himself, however, saw nothing wrong with what he'd said. Deciding that his wife was simply overreacting because she was drunk, Faustus fell back into his chair with a frustrated sigh. It wasn't the best start to a year he had such high hopes for.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

March 1830

For months, the atmosphere at Blackwood Manor had been tense. Zelda and Faustus barely spoke, and Faustus' patience was wearing thin. The once vibrant halls of the manor now echoed with an uneasy silence, broken only by the occasional clash of angry words or the sound of slamming doors.

Zelda had voluntarily given up her lessons at the Academy before Faustus could take them away from her. She knew it was a preemptive move, a way to maintain some semblance of control in an increasingly uncontrollable situation. She was not going to give Faustus the satisfaction of stripping her of her professorship.

In truth, Faustus hadn't planned to take away Zelda's teaching so soon, but his wife was getting on his last nerves and he wanted to show off. He failed when Zelda herself announced her retirement. He didn't even get a chance to confront her afterwards, as he returned to an empty house that day. Not only did Zelda move back into the Spellmans' Mortuary, she also dismissed all the servants at Blackwood Manor. She generously wiped the memories of the female help, gave them a substantial sum of money and sent them away from Greendale for good. All the male servants Faustus has found slaughtered in his now blood-soaked bedroom.

And yet Zelda felt that she was losing this war and that all her actions were, at best, inconsequential. An upset stomach, a receding hairline, impotence - Zelda's every curse felt like a desperate attempt, and it only made her angrier. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't hurt Faustus as much as she wanted to.

Over time, Zelda realised how dangerous it was to be a woman without any real power. She thought she was in control and equal to her husband. But she was wrong. Her powers were weaker than those of a High Priest who had the powers of an entire coven behind him. Zelda's support consisted only of her mother and brother.

The realisation of her own weakness was a bitter pill to swallow, one that kept Zelda awake at night. She spent her time plotting ways to regain her position, to overthrow or even kill Faustus. But what angered and, truthfully, frightened her most was that Faustus didn't fight back. He didn't need to, because she was no threat to him. While she spent every minute of every day dreaming of his demise and doing everything she could to undermine his position, Faustus himself seemed indifferent, as if Zelda were no more than a fly trying to annoy a dog.

Zelda's attempts to curse and murder Edmund had also failed miserably. It seemed that as long as Edmund had the High Priest's protection, there was little a witch, even one as powerful as Zelda, could do. The combined evil of Faustus and his inner circle, a group Zelda referred to as the Judas Society, shielded Edmund from her wrath. Worse still, Faustus liked the name she had given them so much that he now proudly proclaimed himself the head of the Judas Society, further infuriating Zelda.

Faustus, however, tried to make peace with his wife in his own misguided way. He sent Zelda expensive gifts, furs and jewellery, and paid her desperate compliments every time he saw her. But all his gifts were destroyed, and all his words of affection were met with curses.

Things deteriorated to the point that Evanora herself was forced to intervene. Realising the desperation of her daughter, she joined forces with her children to cast spells against the Judas Society. It took more effort than any of them had expected at first, but eventually, under Evanora's guidance, the spells began to work. Faustus fell ill, his once robust health rapidly deteriorating. Some of his closest allies even died in mysterious circumstances. Sadly, Edmund remained unscathed, clinging to Faustus like a leech.

Although Evanora was glad to have Zelda back in the nest, she couldn't bear to see her daughter in such pain. Zelda hadn't smiled since the New Year's celebrations, and she cried herself to sleep every night. Evanora vowed to make Faustus pay for every tear her daughter shed, whatever the cost. But she knew something Zelda had yet to fully understand - revenge is best served cold.

~~~

Confined to his bed, Faustus stared up at the ceiling of his great chamber. The room, filled with the scent of decay and medicinal herbs, had become his prison. His body, once strong, now failed him at every turn. Every attempt to stand was met with waves of dizziness, every breath a reminder of his failing strength.

He didn't need to guess who was behind this nasty sudden illness. Unfortunately, the warlocks he had sent to the Mortuary had been met with an impenetrable fortnight, so there was no way to confront the wayward witches who had turned against their High Priest.

Lying in his bed, Faustus thought back to the early days of his marriage to Zelda. Or the time before. She had been a formidable partner, a woman whose strength and intellect matched his own. He respected her. He loved her. But now their relationship had soured beyond recognition. What he had hoped would be just another marital dispute had become something much darker and more destructive.

Faustus tried to understand what had gone wrong. He had thought that Zelda would surely have forgiven him by now, and that his gifts and compliments would heal the rift between them. But he was wrong. It was not the kind of fight that would end with them both out of air in his bed. Now Faustus had no choice but to accept that he had stepped on something Zelda held dear. Nothing short of giving in and inviting Zelda back to the Academy to teach her students whatever she wanted for as many hours as she wanted would satisfy his wife. But that would mean Faustus' defeat, and he would rather burn than show any weakness.

The spells cast by Zelda and her family had taken their toll not only on his body, but also on his mind. The impotence, the hair loss, the constant pain were all minor inconveniences, but now they had upped their game and Faustus was ready to do the same. A cold, seething rage filled him and he decided to take more drastic measures. He was a man of pride and power, and the thought of being undermined by his own wife and her family was too much.

Lying in his bed, Faustus considered his next move. He couldn't let this defeat stand, but he couldn't afford to lose Zelda completely either. She was more than just his wife; she was a key part of his power and his plans. He had to find a way to regain control, to heal his body and his relationship with Zelda.

But for now, all he could do was wait and gather his strength. The war between them was far from over, and Faustus knew he had to be ready for whatever came next.

~~~

As the days passed, Faustus, through sheer willpower and dark magic, managed to break the terrible curse the Spellman family had placed on him. He regained his strength and returned to the Academy, but his mind was consumed with anger and frustration. The actions of Zelda and her family gnawed at him, fueling a burning rage that demanded an outlet. He needed to vent his rage before he could resume his duties, and there was no better recipient than his dear brother-in-law.

Determined to reassert his authority, Faustus summoned Edward with a terse and commanding message. Edward had no choice but to comply, knowing that a confrontation was inevitable.

As Edward walked through the halls of the Academy, he could feel the oppressive atmosphere that seemed to have settled everywhere. Students and staff alike were on edge, aware of the brewing conflict. Edward made his way to Faustus' office, steeling himself for what was to come.

Entering the Headmaster's office, Edward found Faustus standing behind his desk, his eyes burning with rage.

"Sit down," Faustus ordered, his voice cold and unyielding.

Edward took his seat, his face a mask of defiance.

Faustus wasted no time in getting to the point, his tone dripping with menace, "You have been a thorn in my side for far too long. If Zelda does not return to me and submit to my will, I will have you and your mother excommunicated from the coven. You will be cast out and stripped of your powers."

Edward's face paled at the threat, but he held his ground, "You wouldn't dare."

Faustus' eyes flashed with a dangerous light, his anger palpable, "Do not underestimate me!"

Faustus slapped the table with such force that the sound echoed through the room, "I have the power and every reason to make it happen!"

Edward didn't even flinch at Faustus' violent gesture and simply raised his eyebrow, "Is this how you plan to get your wife back? By threatening her family?"

Faustus leaned over the desk, his eyes blazing with fury, "
I
am her family! And I've given her enough time, but I'm running out of patience. Tell her to come back, or I swear you all will regret her defiance dearly!"

Edward stared at Faustus, his heart pounding. He could see the determination in Faustus' eyes and yet he couldn't tell if Faustus was bluffing or not.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Edward spoke in a measured voice, "I am not my sister's keeper. It is up to her whether she sees you or not."

Faustus' expression hardened, his frustration evident. He straightened, trying to regain his composure, "Just deliver my words to her. Nothing more is required of you. If she has a drop of sense left, she will come to me willingly."

Edward's jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed, "Do you really believe that Zelda will submit to you under these conditions? You are delusional if you think fear will bring her back."

Faustus' sat back in his chair and said in annoyance, "She swore to be by my side. All I ask is for her to keep her promise.”

Edward's anger only grew, "Zelda is not a possession of yours to be owned."

Faustus' eyes blazed with fury, "Don’t. This matter is between husband and wife. Stay out of it."

Edward's heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to control himself, "Harm her and I will make you regret you were ever born."

Faustus' expression darkened, a dangerous glint in his eyes, "I would like to see you try."

Without any response Edward turned and left the office, seething with anger. The confrontation had only strengthened Edward's will to protect his sister at all costs.

~~~

Zelda didn’t know how many days she had to decide whether she’ll see Faustus or not. And if she was honest with herself, she didn’t know what to do. Part of her wanted to reconcile with him, while the other part wanted to tear him limb for limb.

Finally deciding to confront Faustus face to face, she went to the Blackwood Manor late in the evening. She found her husband in his study, surrounded by ancient texts and spellbooks. He looked up as she entered, a mixture of surprise and caution on his face. Apparently he wasn’t expecting her to come after all.

"I was told you had something to say to me," Zelda said firmly.

Faustus sighed and closed the book he was reading, "I'm glad you've come to your senses. Let's talk."

Zelda took a deep breath and calmed herself, "Enough of this nonsense. Let's get down to the point, Faustus. You've known me for centuries. We have been together for centuries. It can't be such a surprise to you that I refuse to be reduced to a simple housewife. Why do you fight me on this?"

Faustus leaned back in his chair, his expression hardening, "My legacy is more important than your wishes. I'm not prepared to compromise on that."

Zelda felt a pang of frustration, "This is not about compromising
our
legacy, Faustus. It's about respect. You cannot make decisions about our family without my involvement."

Faustus' eyes flashed with irritation, "I don't need your permission or approval. You are my wife. You swore to obey me. So do it."

Zelda's voice quivered with a mixture of anger and sadness, "What of your vows? You promised to care for me, to protect me! I want to be a mother, but not like this. I will not give up what I've worked tirelessly for."

Faustus stared at her, his stubbornness fighting with the love he felt for her. Seeing her again reminded him of how deeply he cared for her. Finally he spoke, his voice lower and more controlled, "What do you suggest, Zelda?"

Zelda saw a glimmer of hope, "Don't take the Academy away from me. Let's put an end to these needless disputes. Give me back my classes and I'll forget we ever argued about it in the first place."

Faustus frowned, clearly struggling with the idea, "And how will you look after our children if you spend so much time with our students?"

Zelda took a step closer, "Do you really think I would jeopardise the welfare of our children?"

Faustus was silent for a moment, then shook his head, "I don't know anymore."

There was an uneasy silence in the room for a while. Neither of them knew how to proceed.

Finally, Zelda whispered with a deep sadness in her voice, "After all these years, haven't I earned the right to be treated better than this, Faustus?"

Faustus leaned back in his chair, his frustration obvious, "Not in the last three months."

Unable to think clearly, Zelda raised her voice, "You left me no choice!"

Faustus stood up and also raised his voice, "You had no choice to make!"

Both of them stood before each other, their anger ready to burst forth in magical waves. But neither of them wanted it to. Shaking her head in clear disappointment, Zelda turned and headed for the door.

Just as she opened the door, Faustus called her name, "Zelda!"

Composing herself, she slowly turned and looked into her husband's eyes.

With a stern expression on his face, Faustus said with a dangerous warning in his voice, "My patience is wearing thin. I was promised a son this year, and I will have what's due me. Don't wait too long to come to my bed, or I'll come to yours. And believe me, you wouldn't want that."

Zelda's blood ran cold. It was not the first time Faustus had threatened her while they quarrelled, but it was the first time she had believed him. She could always call his bluff, and never before had he dared to force himself on her. But this time she was truly frightened.

With a deep fear of her husband, Zelda slowly turned and left the room. Things were spinning out of control and her mind raced through all the possible outcomes.

~~~

As the door closed behind Zelda, Faustus stood frozen, his own words echoing in his ears. The moment they left his mouth, he felt a pang of regret. He knew he had crossed a line that should never have been approached, let alone crossed.

He sank back into his chair and buried his face in his hands. The anger that had driven him to make such a vile threat began to dissipate, replaced by a gnawing guilt. He had allowed his rage to control him and spoken words he knew were unforgivable. His heart ached at the realisation of the fear he had seen in Zelda's eyes - a fear he had never wanted to see, not from her.

His mind spun as he replayed their conversation in his mind. He loved her, deeply and truly, but the pressures of his position, the expectations of his peers and friends and his own stubborn pride had brought him to this breaking point. Faustus leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. The weight of his role as High Priest, the constant need to assert his authority and maintain control, had taken its toll.

His father's voice echoed in his mind, urging him to be ruthless, to show no weakness. It was a voice that had shaped much of his life, instilling in him the belief that power and dominance were the only paths to respect. Then he remembered Edmund whispering in his ear that witches were only good for one thing and were otherwise useless. Of course, he knew that Edmund had his own motives, but Faustus believed himself immune to such obvious manipulation. But perhaps those words had affected him more than he cared to admit. The pressure to be a 'man', to dominate and control, was ever present.

He had allowed himself to be swept up in the poisonous expectations of those around him, and he did not know how to fix his marriage. The realisation hit him like a blow to the chest, leaving him breathless and disoriented. How had he allowed things to deteriorate to this point? He felt a wave of self-loathing wash over him, mixed with a deep, unrelenting sadness.

His mind flashed back to his beloved Judas Society. These warlocks admired him for his power. They had seen Zelda's influence as a threat, something to be crushed. And Faustus, seeking their approval and fearing their judgement, had played right into their hands. The thought sickened him now, the admiration of those men hollow and meaningless in the face of what he had lost.

Finally, Faustus felt the crushing weight of his actions, the irreversible damage he had done. The guilt was almost suffocating, wrapping itself around him like a shroud. He had betrayed the trust of the only person in this world he cared about. The thought of her tears, her fear, was unbearable.

Faustus rose and walked to the window, gazing out at the darkened landscape. The moonlight cast long shadows, reflecting the darkness that had settled in his heart. He knew he had to make amends, but how? Zelda was proud and strong; she wouldn't forgive. He had to find a way to show her that he was ready to change, to make sacrifices for her.

He paced the room, his mind a tempestuous storm. Every step felt like a struggle against the weight of his own guilt. He thought of the early days of their marriage, of the love and respect they both felt for each other. Could they ever return to that? Or had his cruelty destroyed any chance of redemption?

Suddenly Faustus remembered his childhood dreams of a happy family. He despised his father for making him, his mother and his sisters suffer and live in a cruel, merciless household. And now he was becoming his father. He was becoming what he feared most.

Horrified by this realisation, Faustus decided to find a way to heal the rift between him and Zelda. She could have her professorship back, he didn't care.

Faustus moved to his desk and took out a sheet of parchment. With a determined hand, he began to write a decree. It was an official document, reinstating Zelda's position at the Academy and granting her full authority to teach whatever subjects she wished. He outlined that she could choose her own classes, set her own schedule, and have the freedom to teach as she saw fit.

As he wrote, Faustus felt a sense of purpose return. This was the first step in repairing their broken relationship. It was a gesture of goodwill, a recognition of her worth and autonomy. He could only hope that she would accept it after what he had said to her.

When he was finished, Faustus sealed the document with the Academy's crest. He would deliver it to Zelda personally in the morning. He hoped it would be enough to begin the healing process, to show her that he was willing to change to save their marriage.

With the decree in hand, Faustus finally felt a semblance of peace. It wasn't a solution to all their problems, but it was a start. He placed the document on his desk, ready for the morning, and allowed himself to hope that this gesture would be enough to begin to earn Zelda's forgiveness.

~~~

Meanwhile, at the Spellmans' Mortuary, Zelda didn't even think about sleeping as she packed her bags. Her mind was racing with thoughts when she was interrupted by a soft knock on her door.

"Edward," Zelda called out, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Her brother entered quietly, his expression worried, "How did it go?"

Zelda took a deep breath, deciding whether or not to confide in him.

Edward looked at her expectantly, and finally Zelda broke the silence, "Not well, I'm afraid. He... he threatened me."

Edward clenched his fists, "I'm going to kill that bastard."

Zelda caught Edward's arm, "Calm down. He has not laid a hand on me. And he won't if you help me."

Zelda felt uneasy. Faustus had never hurt her before, but he was quite capable of it. Edward's reaction was reasonable but she had a plan of her own.

Zelda felt a wave of relief when Edward did not storm out and simply said, "You're damn right he won't. Do you want me to hold him down while you slit his throat?"

Zelda shook her head, "No. We will do it my way. I know there is an amulet Faustus made for his sister centuries ago."

Edward frowned, "What amulet?"

Zelda continued, "He told me about the amulet himself years ago. He gave it to Beatrice, but later I found Beatrice's diaries and she wrote that she gave the amulet to her sister Cecile. She was worried that their father might harm them, so she wanted to protect Cecile as she was the youngest."

Edward listened intently, "But she’s dead now. Her body was never found…"

Zelda nodded, "Yes, but I believe she might still be alive."

Zelda pulled out a small notebook and showed it to Edward, "I found mentions of this amulet in the diaries of all of Faustus' sisters, but look..."

Zelda quickly opened the diary and showed it to Edward, "Cecile wrote that she feared the amulet wouldn't save her because all her sisters had died of 'unfortunate accidents' or 'natural causes'. And she knew her father was behind it, but Faustus didn't believe her at the time. Well, Faustus did eventually murder his father, but that was after Cecile's disappearance".

Edward frowned as he followed his sister's thoughts and finally whispered, "You truly believe she could still be alive?"

Zelda nodded slowly, "I do. I couldn't tell Faustus because it took him so long to accept her death. It would have been cruel to give him false hope in case I was wrong."

Edward crossed his arms, "So what exactly is your plan?"

Zelda leafed through the journal in her hands, "I will find her. And when I do, she will give me the amulet."

Edward sighed, "Zelda... the whole coven has been searching for Cecile for decades. The most powerful warlocks and witches on the continent couldn't find it, but you think you can?"

Zelda smiled knowingly, "Yes. Because I won't be using magic to find her. I will visit the places in the world she always wanted to visit. I knew her well, and maybe she's hiding in some remote village in the middle of Tibet. And I do have connections…"

Edward laughed, "So your plan is to visit every town and village in the world and look under every rock? That is ridiculous!"

Zelda smiled, "Not at all. It may take me a few centuries, but I do enjoy a good adventure."

Edward looked at his sister as if she had gone mad, "You can't be serious, Zee."

Zelda put her hands on Edward's shoulders, "But I am, brother. And with your help, I can hide from the world."

Suddenly it hit Edward, his eyes widened and he whispered, "This isn't about Cecile, is it? You're not hoping to find her, you're just running away from Blackwood."

Zelda hesitated before answering, "No, I do hope to find Cecile. If she's alive, I'm sure she's either in Japan or New Zealand. She always wanted to live on an Asian island. She was fascinated by the... It doesn't matter. The point is, there are only so many places she could be, and if I can't find her... There's no point in me going back to Greendale."

Edward shook his head, "It's still absurd. You are running..."

Zelda interrupted him angrily, "Fine! Yes! Yes, I am! But I would rather run to someone than away from my own husband!"

Edward was astonished to see how desperate his sister really was. She was trying her best to hide her true feelings, but he could see it clearly now - she was terrified.

Suddenly, Edward pulled Zelda into an embrace and whispered into her ear, "You don't have to run. Please. Let me take care of this and Blackwood will never bother you again."

Zelda wrapped her arms around her brother, but then slowly pushed him away to look into his eyes, "I know. I know you want to protect me. But believe me, what I do now will hurt him more than anything you could ever do."

By the look on Edward's face, Zelda could see that he wasn't convinced, so with a gentle, knowing smile on her lips, Zelda took Edward's hands in hers and placed them on her stomach.

Edward's eyes widened, "You are...? But when...?"

Zelda nodded slowly, her smile brightening, "I found out just before the New Year celebrations. I wanted to tell Faustus, but things escalated rather quickly."

Edward pulled Zelda into another hug and laughed, "Oh, Zee! I'm so happy for you! But you can't leave now! You can’t!"

Zelda closed her eyes, enjoying Edward's warm embrace, and whispered, "You know that I have to.”

Edward took a step back, now full of determination, "No. Stay here. No one is to enter the mortuary grounds. Not even Faustus and his friends."

Zelda looked at Edward with deep sadness in her eyes, "This is not a life I want for myself or for my child. I cannot imagine living in a cage forever. You know I can't stay."

Edward was about to say something else when Evanora opened the door. She was already wearing her travelling suit and had a bag beside her.

Leaning against the door frame, Evanora smiled softly at her daughter, "So where shall we go first, love?"

Zelda looked at her mother in surprise, "Mother, what are you..."

Evanora cut her off, stepping forward with a determined look on her face, "You will not leave this house pregnant and on your own. I let you travel the world without me once and I haven't heard from you in years. You will not leave this house without me this time."

Edward looked between his sister and his mother, his resolve wavering, "How long did you know, Mum?"

Evanora shrugged, "From the start. I know a pregnant woman when I see one. I'm surprised you didn't notice, Edi. Your sister's mood has been changing a hundred times a day for months now."

Edward looked slightly embarrassed, "I thought it was because of her fight with Faustus..."

Evanora rolled her eyes, "Of course you did. I, on the other hand, have had my bag prepared since February. I knew it would come to this eventually."

Zelda protested, "No, you didn't! You couldn't! I myself wasn't planning on leaving until just now."

Evanora smiled knowingly at her daughter, "But you've thought about it many times, haven't you?"

Zelda wanted to protest again, but Evanora waved her hand, "I raised you, girl. I know every plan of revenge that has crossed your mind. And there is no sweeter revenge than to separate a father from the child he so desires."

Edward looked slightly frightened, "That is truly evil, Mum..."

Evanora smiled proudly, "Oh, it's just the beginning... Anyway, there's no time to waste."

Edward held Zelda's hand, "Wait! I have to come with you!"

Before Zelda could reply, Evanora answered for her, "No. You will stay here and keep an eye on Faustus. If we are to escape him, we must know where he is at all times."

Edward complained, "That's not fair! I can't leave you alone!
You
can't leave
me
alone!"

Zelda sighed and freed herself from her brother's grip, "Oh, don't be such a baby, Edi. You'll be fine."

Edward hesitated for a moment. The thought of his mother and sister disappearing from his life made him sad and hopeless. Especially since Zelda was pregnant, which meant he was about to become an uncle. But he had to admit that their plan wasn't as bad as it sounded at first. Even if he succeeded in killing Faustus, he would be executed or on the run, leaving Zelda and Evanora unprotected in this cruel world of men.

Edward wanted to argue further, even though he knew in his heart there was no changing their  mind. His mother and Zelda will leave Greendale with or without his help.

Sighing heavily, Edward nodded slowly, "Very well. I will help you with the spells. But you must promise me that you will return. And you will let me know that you are well each month!"

Zelda gave her brother an appreciative smile, "We will be in touch I’m not sure about every month but we’ll do our best. And as soon as I find a way to protect myself and my child from him… We will be back."

Edward asked quietly, "What do you need me to do?"

Zelda opened Cecile's journal again, "I have a list. Cecile has spent years researching and observing her father to hide from him. I need your help with this particular spell..."

The Spellman family had spent hours preparing Zelda for her departure. And at dawn, Zelda and Evanora vanished into thin air. Edward promised that he would remain a thorn in the High Priest's side, ensuring that Faustus' focus remained divided. And perhaps, in time, Zelda would be able to return to a world where she could raise her child in peace, without fear of her husband's wrath.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

September 1830

Zelda and Evanora arrived in Japan under the cover of night. The ancient city of Kyoto, with its temples and shrines, provided the perfect setting for their refuge. The separation of witches and warlocks in this part of the world meant that they could move with a semblance of normalcy, free from immediate threat.

As they stepped off the boat, Zelda felt a sense of relief wash over her. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of cherry blossoms. Evanora placed a reassuring hand on her daughter's shoulder, "We'll be safe here, dear."

Zelda nodded, her hand instinctively resting on her growing belly, "I hope so, Mother. I want my child to be born in peace."

They made their way through the bustling streets of Kyoto, the sounds and sights a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind. The ancient architecture and serene landscapes provided a sense of calm that Zelda desperately needed.

After some wandering around Kyoto, Zelda has finally reunited with the old friends she met on her journey across the world with Faustus two centuries ago. Much has changed since then. The young girls she met as children were now powerful witches who have carved out a safe haven from the chaos of their male counterparts.

One evening, as they gathered around a low wooden table, Akiko, an older witch with whom Zelda had been closest during her time in Japan, took her aside.

Stepping away from the chatter, Akiko leaned over to Zelda and whispered, "Are you planning on going back?"

Zelda avoided her gaze, "Oh, I don't know yet. Let's talk about something else. Anything but Greendale."

But Akiko was never the one to drop a subject she was interested in.

Akiko reached forward and took Zelda's hands in hers, "You are among friends here. Whatever you need, we will provide. Your child will be born in safety. But what then? Do you consider going back to Faustus?"

Zelda sighed, giving in to Akiko's pressure, "I don't know. Truly. I have thought about it every day since I left Greendale, but I can’t keep up with my changing mood. My child... whether boy or girl... would need a father. And I know Faustus could be a wonderful dad to him or her."

Akiko shook her head, "I did not ask about your child. What is it
you
want?"

Zelda didn't answer, so Akiko continued carefully, "I met you and Faustus a long time ago. Even back then you were more than lovers to my great sadness. You were friends. Companions. Practically a family in every sense that mattered. And I know you ran away from each other countless times, hurt each other a hundred times more, but for some reason you always ended up together again. So tell me now - was it love that brought you together each time, or was it an addiction that is slowly killing you and will eventually lead you to the grave before your time?"

Zelda dropped her head onto her hands as she muttered, "Oh, I wish I knew! How I wish I knew the answer to that damned question!"

Akiko waited patiently, not daring to break Zelda’s concentration and finally Zelda gathered her thoughts and sat up, "Don't get me wrong, he's a horrible man! Evil and cruel! But he was never horrible to me, even though I sometimes accused him of being so. He was always there for me when I needed him. He never hurt me or caused me any pain. And don't look at me like that, you know what I mean. The pain I did not ask for or enjoy. And he always trusted me with his deepest thoughts... his deepest fears. As I trusted him."

Despite the chatter in the room, the silence that now hung between Zelda and her friend was heavy. Akiko didn't say a word, knowing that Zelda needed time.

Finally, Zelda whispered barely audibly, "I still trust him..."

Akiko said carefully, "He threatened you..."

Zelda sighed and shook her head, "I know. But it's not like I haven't told him I'll cut his cock off more times than I can count."

Akiko chuckled, "You still can if you ever come back."

Zelda laughed too, but there was still sadness in her eyes, "I know! But I never did! And I never would, even if it feels like I would at the moment. And he is the same way..."

Akiko put her hand on Zelda's shoulder, "There are many others in this world who would be happy to be with you, to raise a child with you. You deserve someone who would treat you like a queen. Someone who would worship you like a goddess you are."

Zelda chuckled darkly, "How sweet of you, Akiko, but I've already tried that."

When Akiko raised a questioning eyebrow, Zelda continued, "I have had many lovers over the years... men and women, some incubus without sex parts at all... That was a strange one but it was still nice. But none could understand me as well as Faustus. And I believe the same is true of him."

Akiko didn't know what to say, so the silence returned between them.

A few minutes passed and Zelda confessed something to Akiko that she had not spoken of for decades, "We had a daughter once... Long ago, when we were young. We found her orphaned in the Hungarian forest and raised her together".

If Akiko was surprised, she didn't show it. But it didn't matter, because Zelda looked into the distance as if she saw a ghost from the past, "She was perfect… My precious girl… And the time I had her in my life was the happiest I've ever been."

Akiko placed a reassuring hand on Zelda's shoulder but said nothing, not wanting to break Zelda's faint smile.

Taking a deep breath, Zelda continued, "She was killed by mortals at the age of just thirteen. And I blamed Faustus for that almost as much as I blamed myself."

Zelda took a long pause before she added, "I tried to find others who would understand... And I did. I had many friends and lovers who also knew loss. But in the end... Faustus was the only one who knew who Matilda was. The only one beside me who remembered her… her smile and her laughter."

Akiko asked softly, "And your mother?"

Zelda shook her head, "I couldn't bear to talk about my little girl... It was too painful. It still is. So I turned to Faustus again. I didn't have to tell him about her. He knew. He remembered. And he couldn't bear to talk about her either. But every now and then... we would meet a child who looked like our girl or saw a toy that reminded us..."

Zelda stopped and closed her eyes, trying to regain control of herself. She didn't want to cry.

With a deep, calming breath, Zela added quietly, placing a hand on her growing belly, "And he was a good father. Our child would be lucky to have him around."

Akiko put her hand on Zelda's and asked softly, "Then why did you leave?"

Zelda shook her head, "I don't even remember. Ever since I got pregnant, I can't make sense of my feelings or even my thoughts at times. It was something about classes at the Academy, his infidelities, and how loudly he chewed his food. Well, and of course there was this last threat of his that made me spin. "

Aiko said, "Well, he never apologised..."

Zelda sighed, "Not for his last threat, he didn't. He did however apologise for taking away my lessons and for the stupid things he said to his friends. Satan, he even suggested that I return to the academy when our child is sixteen, but that wasn't good enough for me."

Akiko frowned, "Wait. I thought he didn't know about your pregnancy when you left."

Zelda shook her head, "He didn't. But he was so sure that I would get pregnant this year that he took it for a given."

Akiko sighed, "If you don't mind me saying so, you and Faustus have a complicated fucked-up relationship. Don't you long for something... simpler?"

Zelda chuckled darkly, "Sadly, after so many years, I can say with absolute certainty - ‘simple’ does not satisfy me in the slightest. Nor does it suit me, if I'm being completely honest with myself."

Akiko chuckled, "It seems Faustus isn't the only one with a penchant for drama.”

The two witches laughed heartily as Evanora sat down beside Zelda and put her hand around her daughter, "It's good to see you smiling! Shall we stay in Japan a little longer?"

Zelda smiled at her mother and nodded, "Yes. I'm not sure I can travel too much in my condition. We will continue our search for Cecile after the baby is born."

Akiko smiled knowingly, "Speaking of your search... I have a letter for you."

Zelda took the letter from Akiko's hands and hurriedly opened it as Akiko explained, "Forgive me for not telling you sooner, but I needed my friend's permission first."

Zelda read the letter with trembling hands and finally looked at her mother, "Cecile... She lived here, in Kyoto, about fifty years ago. Only for a few years, but still.... That means she is alive!"

Evanora covered her mouth in shock. She had assumed that Zelda's desire to find Faustus' long lost sister was just an excuse to occupy her mind and distract herself from her burden, but it seems that Zelda’s hunch was right all along.

Akiko continued, "It's been a while and my friend doesn't know where Cecile is now... But it's a start."

Zelda pulled Akiko into a tight hug, "Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!"

Akiko chuckled, "You're welcome. But your idea to stay here for a while is good. You're ten months into your pregnancy, it wouldn't be wise to travel in such a state."

Evanora put her hand on Zelda's shoulder, "Akiko is right. Why don't we stay here and spread the word that you're looking for Cecile. Even if Faustus finds out you're here, there's not much he can do to find you here."

The calm and support that surrounded Zelda at that moment gave her a rare moment of peace. Zelda felt a new sense of hope and joy. She put a hand to her stomach and felt her child kick, "Then let us stay."

---

Back in Greendale, Faustus was in turmoil and the Academy was in disarray, with students running around unsupervised and harrowing everyone they could get their hands on. The older coven members started to worry about the future under such conditions, and the Judas Society crumbled without leadership. Faustus' once firm grip on power slipped, and the only warlock capable of taking over the rails, Edward Spellman, barricaded himself in his mortuary and refused to interfere.

The rest of the Academy's professors were too weak to be respected or listened to by the band of wayward students who were destroying the Academy. Many coven members were running between Faustus and Edward asking for help, only to be met by a wall of silence on both sides.

Edmund, sensing the power vacuum, tried to take over, but he was not seen as part of the Church of Night, only as Faustus' sidepiece. Even the veneer of respect that the members of the coven had shown him was now gone when Edmund was not constantly at Faustus' side and clearly lost his favour.

Faustus himself was a shadow of his former self. Half a year ago, as planned, he appeared at Spellman's door with the olive branch, the decree he had written the night before, but his words were met with silence.

Deciding to give his wife a few days to calm down after their heated argument, Faustus threw himself into work. A few hours later, he received a letter of resignation from Edward.

Sensing that things have got worse than he expected, Faustus responds to Edward's letter with an offer of a pay rise and the decree for Zelda to be received.

Faustus has spent the first few days patiently waiting for Zelda's response, ignoring Edmund who has done his best to distract Faustus from his troubling thoughts. Much to Edmund's dismay, Faustus seemed to have completely forgotten his dear friend. Even the few glances Edmund managed to catch from his lover seemed cold as ice.

Faustus' nagging feeling that something had gone terribly wrong wouldn't go away, so he went back to the mortuary, hoping for some good news. Any news.

This time Edward strolled into his front yard and met Faustus face to face.

Their conversation was brief, but enough to turn Faustus' world upside down. Angrily, Edward confessed that Zelda had left Greendale under many spells to hide her from any possible location spells. More importantly, Faustus found out that she had also appeared to be pregnant when she left.

Faustus was so astonished by the news that he didn't even react to Edward's satisfied smug look as they parted without saying another word to each other.

At first in denial, Faustus became convinced that Zelda would return. He tried his best to concentrate on his duties, but his mind kept wandering. His beloved, dear wife was indeed with child. Just as he had hoped she would be this year. But how far along was she? Faustus thought back and realised that the last time they had shared a bed, or rather his office chair, must have been sometime in December of last year.

Faustus closed his eyes and revelled in the pleasant memory. It didn't help that he had to spend so much time in the office where his child had probably been conceived. He remembered Zelda's passion and his animal lust as she tamed him and tied him to his chair.

With a mischievous smile, Faustus remembered that in their passion they'd forgotten to lock the door and Edward had regretted not knocking when he'd stumbled upon them in action. Faustus thought to himself that this had been a nice punishment, as Edward had become too relaxed in recent years. Faustus was sure that the image of his sister on top of her husband would haunt Edwards for weeks. Not that it hadn't happened before, but it was always a pleasure to see the ever reserved and collected Edward Spellman look down and blush with either anger or embarrassment every time he saw Faustus or his sister.

As the reality of Zelda running off with his child set in, anger began to consume Faustus, though he didn't want it to. He lashed out at everyone around him, especially Edmund, whose presence now irritated him to no end. The deaths of his friends and the Spellman family's nasty spells, some of which still had effect on him, only fuelled his anger. In his rage, Faustus began throwing chairs across his manor when he returned to his still empty home. But as the magic of his rage filled the air, it seemed to reinforce the curses the Spellmans had placed on him, and when Faustus calmed down, he discovered that his hair had begun to fall out again. And he loved his hair. So more furniture was thrown around the Blackwood manor.

Desperate to regain control, Faustus tried to negotiate with Zelda, writing letters to her and asking Edward to deliver them. Unfortunately, Edward refused. Not only because he did not know and could not find out where Zelda and his mother were, but also because it was part of the agreement he had with his sister. He would not try to reach them, and in return Zelda would send tokens of assurance that all was well.

However, Faustus' desperation grew, and he soon realised that the letters he was writing to Zelda were more for himself than for her. His letters became a kind of diary, helping Faustus to stay sane. In them, along with all the promises and apologies he made to his wife, he also marvelled at the child they were about to have. His mood swung from anger to sadness, but the thought of a little girl in his arms always warmed Faustus' heart.

To his own surprise, Faustus realised that the child would be a girl, even though he desperately wanted a son. But in his heart he knew it would be a perfect little witch, who would be the best big sister to the boys they would have later.

With most of the staff gone and the Academy in chaos, Faustus eventually fell into a deep depression. He spent nights alone, tormented by memories of Zelda and the life they had once planned together. His dreams were haunted by the fear that he had lost her forever. He began sleeping in her bedroom instead of his, just to get some sort of comfort. And one night, when he couldn't sleep, Faustus went through Zelda's things. It was unlikely that she would have been so careless as to leave any clues as to her whereabouts, but he had to check.

He came across a wooden toy, carefully wrapped in a piece of cloth. He recognised the small wooden wolf. He had carved it himself for Matilda centuries ago. A wolf was the shape of the girl's mother's familiar, and it was the wolf-familiar that saved Matilda from certain death when the villagers dragged her mother to be burned at the stake. Faustus remembered that it was a present for Matilda on her fifth birthday. He told her that day that the spirits of nature protected little girls like her from harm.

Faustus held the little wooden toy to his chest as he remembered the pain of losing his precious daughter. She was too young to die. They should never have left the forest that became their home.

The next morning, Faustus returned to the Academy, though he wasn't sure why he kept going back. He didn't care about the misdeeds of the students, ignored anyone who tried to speak to him and, as usual, locked himself in his office to think about the ways to reach Zelda, find her or simply deliver her a message.

Faustus' relationship with Edmund had deteriorated beyond repair. Edmund's constant presence now grated on Faustus' nerves. He saw Edmund for what he really was - a parasite feeding off his power and influence. And just like that, Edmund left Greendale for good, confirming Faustus' suspicions that his 'friend' sought nothing but power and influence. Which wasn't a bad thing, but Faustus had already married a power-hungry witch, and there was only room for one at his side.

As Faustus sat alone in his office, the weight of his actions and the consequences of his decisions weighed heavily on his shoulders. The Academy was crumbling, his once-loyal followers had either fled or turned against him, and the woman he had loved and cherished had left, taking with her the child he so desperately wanted to hold.

As he pondered his next move, an unsolicited but insistent thought entered his mind. There was a way, an artefact that could help him find Zelda, or rather his daughter, no matter how well she was hidden from him. An ancient relic he had read about long ago in one of the many forbidden texts he had studied in his youth.

Pandora's Key.

The legend spoke of a key forged from the very chains that once bound Pandora's Box, a key with the power to unlock not just doors, but hidden truths, deep buried secrets and long lost paths. It was said to reveal the whereabouts of anyone, no matter how well concealed, and create a bond between the wielder and the one they sought. But it came at a price - each use released something dark and malevolent into the world, something that could not be easily contained.

Faustus leaned back in his chair, the weight of decision upon him. He knew the risks, knew that seeking Pandora's Key could unleash horrors he could not control. But he was a desperate man, and desperation made one willing to take unimaginable risks. There was always a chance, given the bond that already existed between him and his unborn daughter, that he could twist the artefact in a way that would lessen the price to be paid. And of course there was the question of the whereabouts of Pandora's Key, if it existed at all and was not just a myth.

The mission would have been impossible for anyone seeking such a powerful artefact, but he was not just anyone. He was the High Priest of the Church of Night, and he would not be deterred.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Beneath the dark halls of the Vatican, Faustus Blackwood moved swiftly through the maze of dim corridors as his footsteps echoed softly. The risks were immense - if the Antipope discovered his plan, the consequences would be dire. But Faustus no longer cared. His wife had fled, carrying their unborn child to Satan-knows-where, and he was determined to find them.

Ahead an old  warlock emerged from the shadows, his eyes betraying his unease - Faustus had seen to that.

"Blackwood,"he began, his voice low and strained, "this is madness. If the Antipope..."

"The Antipope won't know," Faustus cut him off sharply, his gaze icy. "Unless you want him to. But I doubt you will, considering what's at stake for you."

The older warlock hesitated, his fingers twitching at his sides. Then, with a resigned sigh, he reached into his robes and pulled out a small box, its surface etched with cryptic symbols.

"This Key is locked up for a reason, Blackwood," he said, his voice wavering as he held the box close to him.

"And I don't take it lightly," Faustus replied, his tone even.

The warlock’s hands trembled as he handed over the box, his reluctance clear. Faustus felt the weight of the key as he took it, a pulse of dark energy pulsing through his fingertips.

"You have three days," the warlock warned, his voice barely above a whisper. "Return it by then, or there will be no hiding this from the Antipope."

Faustus nodded briefly, his eyes hard. "Three days should be enough."

The old warlocked quietly added, "I don't know what price you'll have to pay. Pandora's Key has a life of its own, so you'll have to bargain with the entity trapped within it. Many have tried and many have failed, so be wary."

Faustus grinned at an old warlock, "Fortunately, I am an expert in both dark entities and negotiations."

With that, Faustus turned on his heel and disappeared back into the darkness, leaving the old warlock to stew in fear and regret. He hated Blackwood, but he feared exposure even more. Damn Faustus and his prying mind.

~~~

Back in his study, Faustus locked the door and threw open the windows, letting the cold Roman air flood the room. Faustus placed the ancient box on his desk and stared at it. The ritual to use Pandora's Key was complex, but he needed it only to find a lost relative. To open the portal, he would have to leave behind a part of his essence - a fragment of his soul, as mortals would say.

And it would probably be only part of the whole price to be paid. It was said that the Key of Pandora could open any door, any lock, any secret but at a price too great to pay.

Faustus considered his options. He could use the Key properly and step directly into the room where his unborn, or perhaps already born, daughter would be. But the thought of leaving part of his essence behind meant that he would be much weaker than he was now.

However Faustus was not one to give up power easily. For months, he had painstakingly adapted the rituals boundPandora's Key, trying to find his daughter without losing much. Unsure if his changes would work, he knew he had to try.

Sitting down, Faustus began the preparations, drawing symbols and lighting candles. The room filled with the scent of burning herbs, but as the energy thickened, fatigue began to overtake him.

Faustus glanced at his watch. It was three in the morning. Three and thirty-three minutes, to be exact. The Devil’s Signature. Exhaustion hit him hard as he hadn’t slept in days. Reluctantly, he rested his head on his arms.

He didn't notice the candle next to him flicker and go out. Nor did he see the faint glow emanating from Pandora's Key, pulsing softly in the darkness. As Faustus fell into a deep, heavy sleep, a wisp of black smoke curled from the Key, twisting and forming into a thin, ghostly arm. It reached out, brushing against his forehead, and slipped into his mind.

~~~

The heavy silence pressed on Faustus like a shroud, as if something ancient and malevolent lurked just out of sight. The darkness around him slowly took form, revealing a desolate landscape under an eerie, otherworldly glow. Faustus stood on cracked, barren ground, beneath a sky of swirling storm clouds streaked with crimson and violet. A lone figure, shrouded in a glowing aura, stood on a distant hill.

As he approached, the figure's features sharpened. She was impossibly tall, at least four heads taller than him, with long black hair and piercing blue eyes that cut through him like a blade. The ancient sorrow in her gaze sent a chill through Faustus, leaving him deeply unsettled. Something about this woman made her seem very familiar to Faustus.

Taking in her appearance, Faustus noticed her robe - a silver chiton reminiscent of those worn in ancient Greece. The garment was cinched at the waist with a belt that resembled a coiled snake. The chiton was fastened at the shoulders and at her feet lay an empty chest.

"Pandora... created by gods and cursed by mortals," Faustus whispered, the words slipping from his lips like a half-forgotten incantation. He had read this quote so many times that it was burned into his memory.

The woman's eyes darkened with rage as she approached, her presence heavy and suffocating. Faustus felt a shiver run down his spine.

"Gods and mortals?" she hissed in Greek, her voice laced with venom. "I was born of a woman, just like you. And mortals? Nosy flies! They have no power over me!”

Pandora locked eyes with Faustus, her gaze piercing as if she could see right through him. Then she looked him up and down, her expression filled with disappointment. Shaking her head, she continued, "I know they twisted my story to suit their fears. But I expected more from you... blood of my blood."

A shiver ran down Faustus' spine as the unsettling familiarity of the woman's features clashed with the dark, menacing power she radiated - a power that felt disturbingly similar to his own.

"I am not of your blood, witch. And I will not fall for your tricks," he answered in Greek as well, but was immediately ashamed that his voice was shaking despite his efforts to remain composed.

Pandora tilted her head, her eyes never leaving his. "Oh, is it so? If you were not of my blood, I wouldn’t even bother suggesting you a deal. Consider yourself fortunate—I am feeling merciful. So, let us make a bargain. Release me, and I will lead you to the one you seek."

Faustus hesitated, unnerved by the intensity in Pandora's gaze, but steeled himself and replied, "Release you? You unleashed the terrors upon this world. Whether you did it out of curiosity or by accident doesn't matter."

Pandora's piercing laugh filled the air, and then she smiled maliciously at Faustus, "Yes, I did indeed do that. Though I knew exactly what I was doing when I unleashed all that pain and suffering upon all mortals and their descendants. It was no accident..."

Faustus could see a storm brewing behind Pandora's eyes, "Every horror I have unleashed was well deserved. Humankind had to pay the price."

Faustus looked boldly into Pandora's eyes as he said, "And the witchkind suffered with them! You freed all the evils of our world!"

Pandora put her foot on the empty chest beside her, her voice swelling with pride and anger. "Mankind was evil long before I was even born - I created this chest to make the world a better place. Without the evils I unleashed, humans would never have learned to fear the consequences of their actions."

Faustus remained silent. Pandora's eyes locked with his, reading his thoughts as if they were written on his face, "You understand, don't you?"

Faustus shook his head, trying to be a better man even though he could see the appeal of wiping out humanity, "All this suffering and pain... is wrong."

Pandora's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Is it? Would you not have done the same if you could? All the suffering I unleashed on the mortals was only a fraction of what they deserved."

Faustus looked away, trying to hide his thoughts from her. But Pandora stepped closer and placed a hand on Faustus' shoulder. Leaning forward, she whispered, "I sacrificed my own life for this. And I died in peace, knowing that I had made a better world. A world where no wrongdoing goes unpunished. Now all I seek is the rest that was denied me."

Faustus paused, uncertainty gnawing at him, "You claim to be my ancestor, but I have no reason to believe a word you say."

Pandora stepped back, her voice firm, "Do not mistake my restraint for weakness. I am your path to your family, as you are mine to freedom."

Pandora turned and walked away from Faustus. Suddenly, the barren landscape began to change. The cracked earth beneath her feet gave way to smooth sand. The dark, stormy clouds parted and the harsh winds died down, replaced by a gentle sea breeze carrying the salty scent of the sea.

Faustus thought this place seemed familiar.

Pandora sat down on a rock, enjoying the view of the sea. As Faustus approached, he asked her cautiously, “Where are we?”

Pandora smiled to herself, "Argolis... my island... my home. I was born. I lived here for hundreds of years. And I died here too…"

Faustus looked thoughtfully out over the sea as he tried to remember which part of the Aegean Argolis was in. Barely audible, Faustus asked, "Did you become a demon when you died?"

Pandora shook her head, "No. Demons are forged in the depths of Tartar. And my soul was trapped in the Key instead. For thousands of years."

Faustus' curiosity grew as he sat down on the sand, hoping to find out more, "What happened?"

Pandora chuckled darkly, "What always happens. Men."

Faustus raised an eyebrow but said nothing, so Pandora continued, "I was betrayed by the sorcerers who helped me create the Chest. My husband Epimetheus and his brother..."

Faustus finished for her as his knowledge of Greek mythology took over, "...Prometheus".

Pandora nodded, "We summoned the evil spirits from the Depths of Tartar and bound them to the Chest. But to release those spirits, one of us had to open the chest. And I happened to draw the unlucky straw..."

Faustus listened intently, as Pandora continued with a sad smile on her face, "I was not afraid to die. In fact I was looking forward to walking the Asphodel Meadows of the Underworld. But Epimetheus didn’t want to let me go, so he bound me to the Key that opened the chest.”

Faustus felt a pang of sympathy as he listened, but his mind remained sharp, dissecting every word she said. "So you were trapped," he murmured, "neither alive nor truly dead."

Faustus observed Pandora intently, noticing the weight of her own thoughts clouding her expression. It was a burden he knew all too well.

After a moment, Pandora's gaze sharpened with curiosity as she turned the focus on him. "Tell me, why did your wife run away from you?"

Faustus narrowed his eyes at her, "I thought you could see everything within my mind?"

Pandora chuckled, "No, I cannot. To sift through all your thoughts and memories would take an eternity, and even I don't have that kind of time. But I've seen glimpses..."

She turned to him, her eyes softening as she whispered, "...and I'm sorry for your losses."

Faustus stiffened at her words. He remained silent, letting the waves crash against the shore as they both sat in silent contemplation.

The silence between them grew heavier as Faustus once again wrestled with the doubts and questions that nagged at the edges of his mind. Could he trust Pandora, a being so ancient and powerful? Was she perhaps weaving a web of deceit with threads of truth? Who could say for certain what happened thousands of years ago? If it happened at all...

Finally Faustus broke the silence as he remembered history lessons, "Your daughter had three children of her own. Now thousands of years later there must be many descendants of yours walking the Earth. Your great-grandchildren."

Pandora chuckled, "I can only feel the real world when someone wields the Key. And each time I hope to feel more of my descendants out there. But there are few left... Fewer still who bear my mark..."

Pandora pulled aside the silver fabric of her chiton to reveal a witch's mark on her skin - a delicate shape, deceptively simple. It was a butterfly, or perhaps a moth, its wings unfurling as if in flight.

Faustus stared in disbelief as he recognised the shape. His own witchmark, though smaller and far less defined, bore a striking resemblance. For years he had thought it was the face of an owl - an idea planted by Zelda during a drunken conversation. But now, seeing the original, he realised he was wrong.

"Is that a butterfly?" Faustus asked, stunned. "This is..."

He couldn’t find the right word, but he certainly could not have imagined that the mark on his hip was that of a butterfly. He made a note to keep it a secret. If Zelda ever found out, or even worse Edward, he wouldn't hear the end of it.

Faustus looked up at Pandora and met her gaze. Everything about her felt right. Almost as if she were his mother, to whom Pandora did indeed bear a striking resemblance. Despite his doubts, the urgency of finding Zelda and his unborn child outweighed his suspicions. Taking a deep breath, he made his decision.

Faustus met her gaze, unwavering. "I give you my word - I will set you free."

For a moment, the tension between them hung thick in the air. Then Pandora nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips, "So be it, Faustus. I will take you to your wife and child.”

~~~

Meanwhile in Kyoto Zelda stood in the garden, shivering slightly as the cold December air bit at her exposed skin. She had slipped out of the house unnoticed, desperate for a moment alone. Suddenly the silence was broken by the soft crunch of footsteps on the frozen ground. Zelda stiffened, but didn't turn. She already knew who it was.

Akiko appeared beside her, her breath misting in the cold air as she spoke, "It's too cold out here for you, Zelda. You should come inside."

Zelda kept her eyes on the barren trees. "I needed some air," she replied, her voice tinged with weariness.

Akiko was silent for a moment, studying her friend's profile. She could see the strain on Zelda's face, the worry in her eyes that she tried so hard to hide. "You're hiding from your mother," Akiko observed quietly.

Zelda let out a bitter laugh, her breath visible in the cold. "You know me too well." She paused before adding, "She means well, but sometimes she’s just so… suffocating. I can't be around her. Not now."

Akiko nodded in understanding and took a step closer. "And what do you disagree about now?"

Zelda's hands clenched at her sides as she whispered, "You wouldn't understand."

"Try me," Akiko urged gently, her tone full of warmth and patience.

Zelda closed her eyes and swallowed the lump in her throat. "I miss him, Akiko," she finally confessed, her voice shaking. "I miss Faustus. And I hate myself for it."

Akiko remained silent and let Zelda continue.

"I left him because I had to, because he betrayed my trust… He hurt me. But now... now that I'm about to give birth to our daughter, I… wish he were here. I wish he could hold my hand and welcome our baby into the world together with me.. I wish..." Zelda's voice trailed off and she shook her head. "I wish to see him one more time before…”

Akiko frowned and Zelda turned around to avoid her gaze and confessed her greatest fear, “I think I'll die in childbirth. Then I would die without ever saying goodbye to him."

Akiko's heart ached for her friend. "Zelda, we could reach out to him. Maybe..."

"No," Zelda interrupted, her voice firm but tinged with desperation. "My mother would never allow it. She thinks I'm too emotional right now to make such decisions. She says it's the pregnancy, that I'm not thinking clearly."

The two women stood in silence, the cold air swirling around them. Then suddenly Zelda gasped, her hand flying to her stomach as her unborn daughter delivered a sharp kick to her ribs.

Akiko chuckled softly, her concern giving way to a gentle smile. "The baby is restless," she observed.

Zelda smiled weakly, still rubbing where the kick had landed, "Yes, she is a fighter. I just wish she wouldn't fight me!"

Akiko chuckled and took Zelda's arm, helping her to her feet. "Come, let's get you back inside. You need to rest. Your girl will be here soon and then you won't get a full night's sleep for years."

As they slowly made their way back to the house, Zelda couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. She knew death was near, and she felt the crushing weight of unfinished affairs and words left unsaid.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

December 1830

As the Winter Solstice was celebrated, Zelda stood at the edge of the clearing and watched the Japanese witches perform their serene rituals. The quiet, contemplative atmosphere contrasted sharply with the lively Yule celebrations she knew from Greendale.

Sensing her discomfort, Akiko approached her. "You miss home, don't you?"

Zelda's gaze lingered on the flickering candles, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. "I reached out to him, you know," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Akiko's eyes widened slightly. "To Faustus?"

Zelda nodded, swallowing hard. "I wrote him a letter saying that I wanted to put aside our quarrel and reconcile. If only for the sake of our daughter. If only for a short time..."

As Zelda put her hand on her stomach and looked down with a sad smile. "She needs both of us..."

Akiko sighed heavily in disapproval. "You still believe you will die in childbirth?"

Zelda nodded, avoiding Akiko's gaze, and continued. "I also sent a letter to Edward, hoping he'd help. And he told me that Faustus never received a word from me. In fact, Faustus hasn't been seen for months - he claims to be on 'important business' in the Vatican, but Edward doesn't buy it. He thinks there's something more going on."

Akiko frowned, her concern evident, but she quickly regained her composure and placed a reassuring hand on Zelda's shoulder. "Even if by some miracle Faustus manages to find out where you are, he still wouldn't be able to enter our temple. No man can."

Zelda's voice wavered. "Yes. I know that. That's why I thought of going to the city and lifting the wards... So he could find me."

Akiko gently squeezed Zelda's shoulder. "Zelda, after everything you've done to escape him, that would be unwise... I'm afraid your fears might affect your judgement and you might regret your decisions later."

They stood in silence for a while, but Akiko could see that her words had not lifted Zelda's doubts, so she continued. "He is a danger to you and your child. Whatever twisted feelings you have for him should be put aside for the safety of your girl."

Zelda turned and Akiko could see the deep sadness in her friend's eyes. "Even after all this, I still want him by my side. I know you think me foolish for being so sure that I will not survive this birth... but I feel it in my bones. I feel death standing behind me, reaching out to grab me to the other side. And no amount of protection spells could save me from the will of nature."

Akiko studied Zelda's face for a moment, then asked quietly. "And if this is to happen, you wish to leave your child in Faustus' care?"

Zelda hesitated and looked away. "I do. My mother would be the obvious choice, of course, and I trust her completely... but whether I live or die, Faustus has every right to know his daughter."

Akiko nodded thoughtfully, barely hearing Zelda's next words. "He has already lost a daughter once. I do not want to put him through that pain again."

Akiko sighed heavily. "And you are so sure that he is no danger to her that you are willing to bet her very life on it?"

Zelda didn't answer. Despite her best efforts, she was no closer to solving the mystery of Blackwood's Curse than she had been before her marriage. But it would be two centuries before the curse could take its toll on Faustus, so she had time. Unless she died.

Suddenly, she realises that she is the only one who believes in the existence of the Blackwoods' Curse. Even Faustus himself thinks it is a myth, claiming that his father was mad and cruel all his life, not just after he turned 500.

Desperate, Zelda tried to find her mother in the crowd. She had to tell her everything she knew before it was too late. She despised herself for being so careless and not preparing for this in time.

Unfortunately, it was already too late. Within seconds, Zelda felt a sudden, sharp pain in her stomach. Her breath caught in her throat as another wave of pain followed, this time stronger, more urgent.

Zelda's mind raced through many thoughts and feelings at once. This was not how it was supposed to happen. First, her water would break and the pain would increase over hours. What was happening to her now was not normal. It was too sudden. And from what little she knew of midwifery, she could tell it was a bad sign.

~~~

Faustus arrived in Kyoto under cover of darkness, driven by Pandora's guidance and the gnawing urgency within him. But much to his irritation, the once silent and mysterious Pandora had become an endless stream of chatter, as if trying to make up for centuries of silence.

"Look at that," Pandora mused as they made their way through a narrow alley. "This city reminds me a little of Argolis. Isn't it strange? Two places so far apart, yet the streets bear a certain... resemblance!"

Faustus clenched his jaw and tried to concentrate. "Pandora, we're here to find my wife. Could you please focus?"

She paid no attention to him. "You know, I thought I'd seen the world, but apparently our maps back then didn't even cover a fraction of it!"

Faustus sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Do you ever get tired of talking?"

Pandora chuckled. "Why should I? I've got a lovely voice, haven't I? Oh, what's that man selling?"

Faustus glanced at the vendor she was now fixated on - a lone man peddling food to the late-night drunks wandering the streets. "It's dango," he said absently. "Grilled rice dumplings."

Pandora's eyes lit up with curiosity, and if she hadn't been tied to the Key in Faustus' pocket, she would probably have stayed to watch the trader at work. Instead, she was drawn back to Faustus and immediately turned her attention to a cat lounging by the side of the road. "I used to have a cat just like that!"

Faustus growled. "For Satan's sake, will you stop talking?!"

Pandora scoffed. "You don't tell me what to do!
I
tell
you
what to do! And who is this Satan you keep mentioning?"

Faustus muttered, not wanting to get into a theological debate. "Our Dark Lord. You'd probably call him Hades."

Pandora's interest was further piqued. "Hades? Don't tell me you worship Hades! I suppose he's better than Zeus, I'll give you that, but he's for the mortal souls. As my kin you should be worshipping Hecate!"

Faustus sighed deeply. "Times have changed. But please, when I send you to Hell, do find Hecate and tell her to rise again." Pandora didn't like his mocking voice, but before she could respond, Faustus stumbled into an invisible barrier and almost lost his balance. Pandora's focus immediately shifted to the new obstacle.

"Your wife is near," Pandora murmured, her voice a whisper in the wind. "I can feel her presence... but you won’t be able to get to her."

Faustus reached out with his magic, testing the barrier, but to no avail. The protection was too strong, woven with ancient spells that even he could not break.

Pandora drifted to his side, her eyes narrowing. "This is sacred ground," she said quietly. "Only witches may enter. No man can pass."

Faustus clenched his fists in frustration. He looked to Pandora in silent question, but she only scoffed. "I cannot enter! You know I cannot stray further than a few steps from the Key. Or have you thought I was walking so close to you because I enjoyed your company?"

Faustus cursed under his breath, his mind racing for a solution. Desperation clawed at him, as he considered all the spells he knew, all the power he had to force his way through. But he knew it would be futile. The protection around the temple was too great.

Pandora watched him struggle, her expression unreadable. Then, as if sensing the depth of his despair, she spoke again, her voice softer than before. "What about your sister?," she said. "She could enter, could she not?"

Faustus stared at her in shock. "What sister?"

Pandora rolled her eyes. "You have but one from what I can tell."

Faustus shook his head and dismissed her. "I had four. But all my sisters are long gone.”

Pandora looked at him intently. "All but one.”

Faustus felt the ground shift beneath him. There was a moment of silence as Pandora closed her eyes, and then she looked back at him. "Yes, the girl is definitely your sister.”

Faustus felt a surge of hope mixed with disbelief. Could it be Cecile? It seemed impossible. But the confidence in Pandora's voice was undeniable. Or was it perhaps a half-sister he never knew about?

Faustus considered his options. He could stay and try to break the barrier which would most likely prove fruitless or he can follow Pandora and try and find this sister she was talking about. Which seemed insane.

With a heavy sigh Faustus murmured. "Then lead me to my sister." He did however not put his hopes up.

Pandora nodded, her form flickering faintly as she gestured for him to follow. "Very well, Faustus. Something tells me it will be quite a reunion."

Faustus' mind raced as he still tried to comprehend this revelation. Could Cecile be alive? He had never found her body. It seemed like a cruel twist of fate. Could Cecile still be out there? Had he given up too soon?

~~~

Another contraction hit, stronger than before, and Zelda cried out, clutching her mother’s arm with a desperate strength. "I can’t do this… I’m so scared…"

Evanora’s eyes softened, and she leaned in close, her voice firm but gentle. "You can, Zelda. I’m here with you. And your daughter is fine. She’ll come into this world very soon."

Another wave of pain tore through her, and in her agony Zelda cried out. "Faustus... I need Faustus... Where is he? Why isn't this bastard here?!"

Evanora's heart ached at the raw desperation in her daughter's voice. She brushed a damp strand of hair from Zelda's forehead, trying to calm her. "Zelda, listen to me," she said softly, but with an edge of steel. "Faustus isn't here, but you don't need him. You can do it, my love."

Zelda shook her head weakly, her voice trembling. "I want him here... I need him…"

As the pain surged through her once more, Zelda let out a long, anguished cry.

Evanora tightened her grip on her daughter's hand, her own heart breaking with each cry. "Now breathe with me. We'll get through this. Just breathe."

~~~

Faustus followed Pandora to the edge of the forest, where she stood for a few minutes with her eyes closed. When she finally opened them, she pointed south. "About fifty thousand stadia that way! But you could end up in the middle of the sea."

Faustus took out his map and compass and laid them on the ground. With a simple spell he lit the crystal in his hand and looked intently at the map, muttering to himself. "So about six thousand miles south... is indeed only water."

Pandora tried to read the map as well. "No, it's more this way."

Faustus growled in frustration. "So pretty much somewhere in New Zealand."

Pandora smiled. "You know where to go! Let's hurry! Your baby is on the way!"

Faustus looked surprised to hear her last sentence and a wave of emotion washed over him. He stood up. "Even if I could jump such a long distance at once, there are over five hundred islands to where you pointed. Even if we had all the time in the world, it would take us weeks to find the right one."

Pandora's gaze lingered on Faustus, her expression unreadable as she fought an inner battle. The urge to dismiss him, to turn away and let him suffer, was strong. After all, she owed him nothing. She had spent millennia locked away, betrayed by those she had once trusted. Kindness was not in her nature, nor was compassion. Yet as she watched Faustus sit on the cold ground, drained and desperate, something stirred within her - a faint echo of emotions she had long thought buried.

She remembered the countless years of imprisonment, the isolation, the bitterness that had festered in her heart. But she also remembered a time before all this, a time when she too had loved and lost, when she had been a mother, full of hope and fear for her child. Perhaps it was that memory, distant and faded, that tugged at her now. Faustus' despair mirrored her own in ways she hadn't expected.

Pandora's eyes softened, if only for a moment, as she considered her options. She was under no obligation to help him, but she couldn't shake the pull she felt - an instinct, perhaps, to offer her descendant a chance at redemption where she herself had been denied one.

Pandora watched Faustus intently, and the realisation struck her. There was no man of power before her, but just a foolish boy, desperate and lost.

Pandora's gaze sharpened as she looked down at Faustus. Her voice was firm as she commanded. "Break the Key. And take out the obsidian that you brought with you."

Faustus blinked in confusion and hesitated. "Why? The obsidian I have with me has no power, it's a mere token of apology for my wife."

Pandora sighed. "Fine. If you must know… I have no desire to dwell in the underworld, so I was never going to go there."

Faustus stiffened at her words and looked away. "I knew that. I was going to banish you there by force once the Key was broken."

Pandora laughed softly, a sound both bitter and amused. "Oh, you really are my kin, Faustus. I’m impressed you thought yourself strong enough to do that. But seeing how desperate you are… I’m willing to forfeit our mutual backstabbing and help you out."

She came closer, her ethereal form almost tangible as she studied him. " I have no place in this world or in Hell. Not anymore. But I can still find some joy in my existence."

Faustus watched her carefully, his mind racing to catch up with her intentions. "And what would be the price of your help?"

Pandora's smile softened. "I will enter the obsidian pendant you brought with you of my own free will," she explained, her tone almost gentle. "I will imbue it with all my power, turning it into a powerful artefact. All I ask in return is that this pendant be worn openly, not hidden. Through this pendant, I will see the world. And in doing so, I will find the peace I have sought for so long. On my own terms."

Faustus hesitated, the obsidian pendant now heavy in his hand. He could feel the weight of her proposal and the risks it carried with it. Pandora could betray him at any moment. But he also felt the sincerity in her words, the genuine desire to be free - not to wreak havoc, but simply to exist.

He took a deep breath and nodded. The time was running out. "Very well, Pandora. I accept your terms. Put on the pendant and I will see that it is worn so that you can see the world."

Pandora's smile widened as she stepped closer, her form beginning to shimmer with an ethereal light. "Keep your word, boy. Or I will haunt your dreams forever."

Faustus stared at her, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air. Then, with a decisive nod, he summoned all the strength that he had left and shattered the Pandora’s Key in his hand, the pieces crumbling to dust.

Pandora was finally free and Faustus could see relief and happiness on her face. She stood there as if enjoying the breeze of air. But they had little time left. Faustus pulled the obsidian pendant from his pocket, its surface smooth and dark.

Pandora extended her hand, and as Faustus held out the pendant, her ghostly form began to dissolve into a stream of black fog that flowed into the obsidian. The pendant pulsed with energy as it absorbed Pandora's essence, growing warm in Faustus' hand. Eventually the fog faded, leaving the pendant as it had been before, but now pulsating with a new, powerful energy.

Faustus clasped the obsidian pendant around his neck, feeling a surge of power he had never felt before. His exhaustion vanished, replaced by an exhilarating strength that made him feel invincible. He felt at that moment that he could now jump to New Zealand and back five times without breaking a sweat.

As he revelled in the power, Pandora's voice echoed in his mind, rich with amusement. "Stop enjoying yourself! It is still my power not yours! I’m simply lending it to you! So go now, find your sister!"

Faustus focused again, the pendant pulsing against his chest. He took a deep breath and concentrated on the weak connection he felt between Pandora and his sister.

"She's out there," Pandora urged, her tone both impatient and guiding. "Open your mind."

The power of the pendant surged through him and in an instant he felt himself being pulled across vast distances, the world shifting around him.

Opening his eyes, he found himself standing on the rugged shores, the salty sea air filling his lungs. The landscape was wild and untamed, but there he had finally sensed it in full - the presence of his sister.

~~~

Zelda lay on the futon, pale and drenched in sweat, her breath coming in ragged gasps as each contraction tore through her. Akiko knelt beside her, worry etched on her face, while Evanora held Zelda's hand and whispered words of comfort. But as the hours dragged on, the tension in the room became unbearable.

Zelda's strength waned, while her mother tried to stay strong. "You can do it, Zelda. I know you can!"

Akiko leaned closer to Evanora, her voice urgent. "We're running out of time. We have to decide - Zelda or the child?"

Evanora's heart pounded as she looked at her daughter. Zelda moaned weakly, clutching her mother's hand. "The child… Save the child…"

Tears welled in Evanora's eyes as she stroked Zelda's hair. "You'll be fine, both of you."

Akiko pressed. "Evanora, we must decide now or lose them both."

But Evanora shook her head, despair in her voice. "No... Just a little longer. She can do this. Please, just a little longer."

~~~

Faustus moved swiftly through the dense forest, the obsidian pendant around his neck pulsating with a dark energy that guided his every step. The terrain was rough, but Faustus was relentless.

The pendant drew him to a small clearing where he spotted a lone figure standing by a cluster of palm trees. The young woman before him was striking, with dark, curly hair cascading down her back, her skin a deep, rich brown. She wore the traditional dress of the Māori people, a cloak draped over her shoulders and intricate designs painted on her face. But there was something in her eyes - something familiar that made Faustus' heart skip a beat.

The young woman's eyes widened when she saw him, and Faustus hesitated just a moment before speaking her name. "Cecile?"

She froze, her expression a mixture of shock and recognition. Faustus could see the truth in her gaze, even if her appearance contradicted everything he remembered. His mind raced and he muttered a spell under his breath, his fingers tracing a quick sigil in the air. The illusion shattered like glass and Cecile stood before him exactly as he remembered her.

The woman's eyes changed from brown back to blue, her skin became paler and her hair changed its structure. Cecile looked at her brother in disbelief and confusion as she took in his sight. "Faustus... it can't be..."

Faustus, still catching his breath from the journey, couldn't help but smile. "You look ridiculous in that outfit, Cecile."

Cecile blinked, then held her head up. "And you look just as you did the last time I saw you... a pompous fool!"

Faustus took a few steps forward. "I've been looking for you! Everywhere!"

Cecile's eyes blazed with anger. "And I did not want to be found! How on earth did you manage that?"

Faustus regained his composure quickly, the urgency returning to his voice. "It does not matter. Suffice it to say - I found you because I need you. I need you now more than ever!"

A part of Faustus believed that this was all a dream and that he would wake up at any moment. But Cecile did not disappear, so he continued to plead. "You remember Zelda? Of course you remember her, she was a dear friend of yours... But now she is also my wife and your sister-in-law. And she is in labour and I cannot get to her! Please let me take you to Kyoto so you can be with her instead of me!"

Cecile struggled to keep up and asked. "What is she doing in Kyoto? Is she alone? Did you screw up and she left you? Wait! I'm going to be an aunt?"

Faustus continued to plead as he reached her. "I'll answer all your questions, but please come with me!"

Cecile took a step back. "I can't! It's not my place!"

Faustus was taken aback. "Not your place? WDon’t be ridiculous! Just... please! Let us put all this aside. Father's long gone, he won't hurt you."

Cecile looked at her brother intently and whispered. "He may be gone... but the Dark Lord isn't."

Faustus was now only a few steps away from his sister. Despite the paint on her face and her clothes, he noticed that she had changed little over the years.

Faustus whispered again. "Please..."

Cecile held his gaze as she whispered back. "I have renounced Satan. He is no longer my master. And you know he does not take kindly to a wayward witch..."

Faustus took a step back as horror spread across his face. "What have you done... You have signed your name to the Book of the Beast. Renouncing it means..."

Cecile finished for him. "...death and eternal torture. I know that. That is why I cannot go back. Just talking to you now puts me in great danger."

Faustus closed his eyes for a moment. She was right. He was a High Priest and through him the Dark Lord would know where to find her. And he would make her suffer.

Faustus turned away so that the Dark Lord could not accidentally see Cecile with his eyes, but he continued to speak anyway. "Japan is not under the rule of Lucifer. You will be safe there. Please come. I beg you."

Cecile watched her brother's sulky posture and looked around with a heavy sigh. They were alone. She took a step forward and reluctantly placed her hand on Faustus' back. She had made her decision and she did not regret it for a second. But she still missed her brother.

With a heavy sigh, Cecile finally said. "Fine. I'll go. But I will be gone by midnight tomorrow."

Faustus turned abruptly and pulled her into a hug. He could hardly believe she was alive, but she was there. It was more than he could have ever hoped for.

Cecile giggled as she gently pushed him away. "Oh, stop it! I'm not doing this for you! I'm just curious to see my niece or nephew."

Faustus and Cecile smiled at each other and then Cecile's eyes dropped to the obsidian pendant around his neck. Faustus said hurriedly. "I'll explain later. Just take my hand."

With a small nod, Cecile braced herself and took her brother's hand. Moments later, they were back in Kyoto.

~~~

Evanora's voice trembled as she spoke, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. "You can have another child, Zelda," she urged, her tone both pleading and determined. "But I cannot have another you! I wish we could save both of you, but since we can't..."

Evanora's eyes flashed with fierce determination as she turned to Akiko. "Akiko! Do not listen to her. You know what’s right. Save Zelda. Not the child."

Zelda, drenched in sweat and pain, shook her head weakly, her eyes filled with tears. "No... please, Mother... the baby..."

But Evanora's resolve was unyielding. "Zelda, I cannot lose you," she said, her voice breaking. "You are my daughter, my heart..."

Akiko, torn between her loyalty to Evanora and Zelda's cries, hesitated, her hands trembling over the birthing instruments. The tension in the room was suffocating, the air thick with the weight of an impossible choice.

Zelda's grip on her mother's hand tightened as another contraction tore through her body, her scream filling the room. "Save my baby," she begged.

Evanora's face crumpled with grief, but she held her ground. "No, Zelda. I will not lose you."

She looked at Akiko, her eyes steely. "Do what must be done."

Akiko closed her eyes, her heart heavy as she nodded. "I'm sorry, Zelda," she whispered and moved to follow Evanora's command, her hands shaking with the weight of what she was about to do.

With a deep, shuddering breath, Akiko steeled herself and moved with precision. The room was thick with tension and the sound of Zelda's heavy breathing. Evanora held her daughter's hand tightly, whispering reassurances that sounded like lies even to her own ears.

As Akiko worked quickly, the room seemed to close around them, the walls pressing in with the weight of her decision. Time stretched unbearably, every second a lifetime of torment.

Finally, there was a piercing cry - not from the child, but from Zelda, a final cry of pain and despair. Akiko gently lifted the tiny, lifeless body from Zelda's form, her hands trembling as she looked down at the child, the room echoing with the silence that followed.

"The child is lost," Akiko whispered, her voice choked with emotion. She held the tiny form away from Zelda, her heart breaking for the young mother who had lost her child before she could even hold her. The baby's silence was a cruel contrast to the chaos that had surrounded its birth.

Zelda's eyes fluttered open, exhaustion overwhelming her. She tried to focus on the figure Akiko was holding, but her vision was blurred with tears. "No... no..."

Evanora pulled her daughter close, cradling her as if to protect her from the truth. "It's over, Zelda," she murmured, her own tears finally falling. "You're safe. You're alive."

But even as she spoke the words, they felt hollow. The room was filled with the silent, terrible reality of what had just happened, a loss that would haunt them all.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

December 1830

Cecile looked around, taking in the clearing where they stood, where Faustus had placed a sigil to teleport to.

Faustus gently took his sister's hand and led her into the forest. "Their temple has to be there somewhere. Pandora said Zelda's labour had already begun, so I can only hope we're not too late. Tell her I'm here and I’m sorry… for everything."

Faustus stood abruptly and turned to his sister, still avoiding her gaze as he whispered the next words. "Tell her I was a fool and she means the world to me. Nothing matters to me but our family, and I am willing to prove it to her in any way she wishes."

Cecile watched her brother curiously but said nothing. A few moments later, Faustus found the strength to look Cecile in the eye and show her his true sorrow. "Tell her she can have whatever she wants. There is no wish of hers that I would refuse to fulfil."

Cecile scoffed. "So you did fuck up, didn't you?"

Faustus sighed heavily. "Of course I did... I always do."

Cecile was touched to see the genuine remorse that seemed to consume her brother, and with a gentle smile, she reassured him. "And Zelda always forgives you. Just promise me you will do better."

Faustus smiled gently. "I promise you I will."

As Cecile turned to enter the temple grounds, Faustus jumped at Pandora's sudden cry in his head. "I must see the child! I must!"

Without hesitation, Faustus tore the pendant from his neck. As much as he was grateful to Pandora, her voice was beginning to irritate him immensely.

"Cecile," Faustus called, as he threw the pendant to her. "Take this. Pandora can help you find them quickly."

Cecile nodded, clutching the pendant to her chest. Faustus watched her disappear into the shadows, his heart pounding. There was nothing he could do now but wait and hope.

~~~

Inside the temple, Cecile moved quickly, her senses heightened by Pandora's presence. She heard an unfamiliar voice in her head. "At last! A woman's power! They say all sorcerers' powers are the same, but that's a lie. Look at you! You figured out how my connection to my kin works much faster than your brother did!"

Cecile muttered, "So what he said is true, then? You are some kind of ancestor of mine?"

Pandora chuckled inside Cecile's head. "Some kind? There is no other word to describe me, dear."

Cecile sighed. "Forgive me for being sceptical, but until today I thought you were just a myth."

Pandora's voice rang in Cecile's head. "We all become myths at some point, don't we?"

Cecile frowned as she felt her connection to her niece weaken and picked up her pace. Pandora's voice sounded worried now. "This isn't right. Hurry up! The girl is dying!"

Cecile ran as fast as she could. Through Pandora, she could feel that something was definitely wrong.

~~~

Everyone in the room was distraught. Zelda sobbed uncontrollably into her mother's shoulder, her body shaking with grief. Evanora held her daughter tightly, her own tears falling as she tried to comfort her, though words no longer mattered.

Akiko stood by the small table where the baby’s body lay, her hands shaking as she worked the ancient runes, desperately trying to breathe life into the tiny, still form. The runes glowed faintly, responding to her whispered incantations, but their magic was weak—not enough to reverse the cruel fate that had befallen the child. Akiko could feel the faint, fragile thread of the child's soul still attached to the body, but it was slipping away and she was powerless to hold it.

The door to the chamber suddenly swung open, slamming against the wall with a force that startled everyone. Cecile stepped inside, her eyes wide as she took in the scene. For a moment, she just stood there, absorbing the tragedy that filled the room.

Zelda raised her head, her tear-streaked face filled with confusion and disbelief as she looked at Cecile. "Cecile...?" she whispered, her voice breaking. "Is that you?"

Pandora's voice rang loudly in Cecile's head again. "Put me on the child! I can help! I can call her back!"

Cecile hesitated for only a moment, her hand shaking as she held the obsidian pendant. The weight of the situation pressed down on her like a physical force, and for a brief second, doubt flickered in her mind. But as she looked at the tiny, still form of the baby lying on the table, her resolve hardened. She had to try, whatever the cost.

Taking a deep breath, Cecile stepped forward and gently placed the pendant on the baby's chest. Her heart ached as she realised the little girl was not breathing.

~~~

It was dark. Almost as dark as Pandora's own mind. But this darkness was not gnawing or pressing, for it was only the mind of a baby witch. Her darkness was pure.

Pandora looked around. There were no memories she could call upon, for the child had never opened her eyes.

The only thing she could find in the child’s mind was the murmur of a woman's voice. The girl's mother, Pandora guessed. And since there were at least those memories in this darkness, however faint, the child was not yet lost.

No longer bound to the cursed Key, Pandora felt the full extent of her powers surge through her once more. No longer constrained, she was free to act, and with a single thought, she summoned her ancient magic, and the darkness around her shifted and bent to her will. The oppressive void gave way to a familiar landscape, transformed into the serene and beautiful place she had once called home. Hills, sea, and sky emerged from the shadows, bathed in a gentle light as Pandora recalled her little paradise, a reflection of Argolis.

The child's cries echoed through the air and drew Pandora's attention. As she turned, her breath caught in her throat—there on the ground lay the tiny, fragile form of the baby, so hauntingly similar to her own daughter in those first moments of life. The sight stirred something deep within her, a mixture of longing and heartbreak, as memories of her own daughter flooded back with an intensity she had not felt in centuries.

Pandora approached the baby with deliberate slowness, each step filled with a gentleness she hadn't practiced in ages, careful not to frighten the tiny, fragile being. As she came closer, the baby's cries faded and then stopped altogether, as if the little girl sensed something familiar in Pandora's presence. Their eyes met, and in that instant, Pandora felt something—some forgotten feeling stirred within her.

Pandora's heart tightened at the sight of the tiny infant, so delicate she could easily cradle it in the palms of her hands. She paused, her fingers trembling slightly, unsure if her touch would be too rough for such a fragile life. The thought of lifting the baby filled her with dread, as if the very act might break the little girl.

Instead, she knelt beside the baby and gently placed her hand on her chest, feeling the faint pulse of life beneath her fingertips. Leaning in close, Pandora whispered, "You're safe now, little one. Oh, how beautiful you are... I had a daughter who looked just like you once, though it was so long ago..."

The little girl seemed to be mesmerised by the stranger's voice. Pandora's heart ached with an emotion she hadn't felt in so long—tenderness, a deep, protective instinct she thought she had lost in her endless imprisonment.

With a gentle smile, Pandora continued, "I do not know your mother, little one, but I know your father. For he is my blood as much as you are."

Pandora's smile brightened, "I can see that a great future awaits you. I know it. I know you will shape the world to your liking."

The child fussed, and Pandora chuckled. "I know, dear. It's terrible to be so small and helpless, but you will grow. And so will your strength."

Pandora looked at the child more closely and traced the baby's cheek with her thumb. "Your skin is much paler than mine, but I can see you have my hair. Only a few strands now, but don’t worry, they will grow."

The baby seemed to watch Pandora in return, and Pandora chuckled again. "And I see you are a curious one... just like me. Although that might not be the best thing, so keep your curiosity in check if you don't want to end up like me."

Pandora smiled as she felt the girl's life no longer fading. "And you have your father's eyes, I see. My eyes. Although... I think I see a bit of green in them... Could be from your mother. I didn't get a good look at her. Or could be from that treacherous husband of mine."

The little girl couldn't possibly understand Pandora's words, but she seemed to trust the strange giant woman who was talking to her. Pandora continued, "Now, little one, listen to my voice and come back to life. Your parents are waiting for you."

With that, Pandora began to mumble incantations that sounded very much like a lullaby she used to sing to her own daughter. In fact, it was the exact same lullaby.

With each word, Pandora gave up a piece of herself, pouring her strength into the fragile form beneath her hand, willing the child to survive, to thrive. The baby's breathing steadied, its tiny chest rising and warmth growing under Pandora's touch.

A few butterflies, not of Pandora's making, appeared in the air, and Pandora smiled, sensing that these little creatures were born of the child's magic. As she continued to sing, the world around her blossomed.

Mere moments later, Pandora felt the child's body in the real world come back to life as the child in front of her fell into a peaceful sleep. But Pandora couldn’t bring herself to take her hand away. So she stayed with the child, finally feeling peace herself after millennia of suffering in silence.

~~~

The atmosphere in the room was tense. Time seemed to stretch on, each second dragging endlessly, as all eyes were fixed on the tiny, lifeless body on the table. Then, as if the world itself had taken a deep breath, the baby gasped. The sound was faint at first but quickly grew stronger, filling the room with a cry that demanded attention.

A collective sigh of relief rippled through the room. Cecile, unaware of the tears on her face, gently lifted the baby from the table and cradled her close. The warmth of the tiny body made her smile.

"Hello, baby girl," Cecile whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm your Auntie Cee."

The baby's cries faded as Cecile held her, her little hand instinctively clinging to Cecile's fingers. After a moment, Evanora's cheerful voice interrupted, teasing the young woman. "Oh, for Satan’s sake, don't be so greedy, Miss Blackwood! Let the mother hold her child!"

With a beaming smile, Cecile stepped forward and placed the baby in Zelda’s arms. "There she is," Cecile said softly. "Strong and healthy as ever."

Zelda, overwhelmed with relief and joy, held her daughter tightly, tears streaming down her face. The baby's cries fell silent as she nestled against Zelda’s chest, finding comfort in her mother’s embrace.

Zelda had a thousand questions, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from her daughter. Cautiously, Akiko approached Cecile and whispered, "What magic did you use? What is inside that stone? A demon?"

Cecile shook her head. "No... just a distant relative of mine."

Evanora leaned over her granddaughter and smiled warmly, stroking Zelda’s hair. "What are you going to name her?"

Everyone looked at Zelda as she whispered, still unable to take her eyes off her newborn. "Penelope... after my grandmother."

Evanora’s smile brightened at the mention of her own mother’s name. She was slightly surprised that Zelda remembered her at all. Evanora couldn’t possibly know that it was her mother who had saved Zelda from certain death centuries ago.

But Zelda remembered. Though she had been no more than four years old, she remembered her beloved grandmother protecting her from those terrible mortals who had slaughtered so many of her coven in England. Zelda remembered that it was Penelope Spellman who gave up her life so Zelda could live. And she would honour that sacrifice as best she could.

Evanora reached out and touched the baby's tiny hand, her heart swelling with pride and hope.

Akiko, who had been watching the scene in silence, finally spoke, her voice soft but filled with warmth. "Penelope is a strong name, a name with history. She’ll be well protected."

Zelda nodded, her eyes still on her daughter’s face. "She will be. I know she will."

Cecile stepped back, wanting to give Zelda space, but Zelda noticed her movement and finally looked up. “Where are you going? I have no idea how you found me or where you’ve been, but you can’t leave now. I have so many questions!”

Cecile chuckled. "I’m sure you do. And I will answer them all, I promise, but there is a very worried new father waiting outside for the news. I promised to let him know as soon as I could."

Zelda looked surprised. "He’s here?"

Cecile smiled gently. "He is. And he wanted me to tell you how sorry he is, that he was a fool and all that, but I won’t. He’ll have to tell you himself."

Zelda looked at her daughter, then back at Cecile, her emotions a mixture of relief, fear and hope. "I’m not sure I’m ready to see him," she admitted.

Cecile squeezed her shoulder. "Then he’ll wait. I’ll just tell him that you and Penelope are fine, and I’ll be right back."

As Cecile turned to leave, Zelda called softly, "Cecile? Do come back. Please."

Cecile paused and smiled again. "I will, Zelda. I promise."

~~~

Cecile stepped out of the temple, her eyes searching for Faustus in the dim light of the forest. She found him pacing restlessly near the barrier, his face tight with worry. As soon as he saw her, he rushed forward, his voice anxious.

"How are they...?"

Cecile placed a calming hand on his arm. "You have a daughter, Faustus. She's beautiful, healthy, strong... and alive, thanks to Pandora."

Faustus exhaled, relief washing over his face, though the mention of Pandora made him pause. "Pandora? What did she do?"

Cecile nodded. "I'm not sure, but when I arrived, your girl was on the verge of death. I placed the pendant you gave me on her chest, and the rest was Pandora's doing. All I know is that a few minutes later, your daughter started to breathe again."

Faustus closed his eyes, his shoulders sagging with worry. "Do you think it's possible... that she merely possessed her body?"

Cecile smiled gently at him and shook her head. "No, Faustus. Pandora was still within the obsidian when I left. Besides, unlike you, I can actually see auras, and your daughter has her own pure aura of a newborn child."

Faustus sighed in relief. "In that case... I'm in eternal debt to Pandora for saving my girl… Did Zelda give her a name?"

"Penelope," Cecile said softly, a small smile on her lips. "After her grandmother."

Faustus chuckled lightly, though it was tinged with sorrow. "Penelope... fitting. I should have known. Zelda told me about her a few times. Although Pandora is also a fitting name..."

Cecile rolled her eyes at him. "Don’t. I warn you, Faustus, don’t mess with a new mother and her newborn kitten. If she wants to name the girl Penelope, you say, ‘What a wonderful name.’ And if she says the girl's name is Dazy Pumpkin, you say, ‘I love it, darling!’"

He looked up at the temple, the barrier still preventing him from entering. "I can’t see them, can I? I can’t even hold her."

Cecile sighed, her tone gentle but firm. "No, Faustus. Zelda needs rest. She’s been through a lot, and so has the baby. They both need time to recover."

Faustus clenched his fists, torn between his desire to see his wife and daughter and the reality that he couldn't. "But... can you bring her out here? Just for a moment, Cecile. I need to see her."

Cecile shook her head, her voice firm. "Not tonight. You’ll see her tomorrow. Zelda won’t be coming out either; she’s too exhausted. You’ll have to wait until morning."

Frustration flickered in Faustus’ eyes, but he nodded, accepting her words. "And you? Will you stay?"

Cecile smiled. "Yes, I’ll stay. I won’t leave without saying goodbye, I promise. But for now, go find yourself an inn in Kyoto. Get some rest, Faustus. You’ll need your strength."

Reluctantly, Faustus nodded, the weight of the night still heavy on his shoulders. "Very well... tomorrow, then."

Cecile watched as he turned and began walking back towards the city. She knew he was hurting, but there was nothing more to be done tonight. As she turned back to the temple, she whispered, "Tomorrow will be soon enough."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

October 2022

“She seems to be awfully small, doesn’t she?”

Edward chuckled. “Well, she is a newborn. She’s supposed to be.”

Penelope shook her head. “No, I definitely remember the others weren’t that small. Or that squishy. She looks a bit like… ein Erdhörnchen*.” (*german for gopher)

Faustus gasped at his daughter’s comment. “Penelope Pandora! Do not compare your little sister to a rodent!”

Penelope simply waved her hand, her gaze still fixed on her new sister. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I’m sure she’ll grow into those cheeks. But tell me... Is the name Hildegard really appropriate? Doesn’t it mean ‘annoying’ in German?”

Zelda chuckled from her bed. “It does not.”

William moved closer, trying to pull his older sister away from the newborn. “You find all of us annoying, Penny. And not just us, but pretty much everyone.”

Penelope rolled her eyes. “I can’t help it if you all are, in fact, very much annoying. Although this little one annoys me the least so far.”

Faustus smiled at his daughter’s words and leaned over to whisper into his wife’s ear. “Simply because this little one can’t walk yet.”

At this point, the Blackwoods’ eldest seemed to have lost interest in everyone in the room. She looked around and took stock.

Her parents were on the bed, with her mother still looking very exhausted after the long labour. Her grandmother, Evanora, was sitting by her daughter’s bedside, and a thought crossed Penelope’s mind that her father, even in a moment like this, was using his wife as a shield to hide from his mother-in-law. Although, at this point, it might as well have been a habit. Penelope could never understand why her father always acted so strangely and cautiously around her grandmother.

Little Daphne had fallen asleep on her mother’s lap, making four in this corner of the room.

Penelope glanced at the crib once more, but this time to count her uncle and Luke, who was sitting comfortably on Edward’s shoulder, gazing out of the window. He, too, had already lost interest in his baby sister.

Six. Plus William, that made seven. Dorcas, Agatha, and Prudence were on patrol, so they were accounted for. Unlike Selena.

A flash of anger crossed Penelope’s mind. Always Selena. Always causing trouble, even when their mother was recovering from labour.

Fortunately, one of the things Penelope Pandora excelled at was hiding her thoughts and emotions. She could hide her mind from pretty much everyone, except her father, who had taught her how to master this particular skill in the first place. Occasionally, her mother could read her like a book, but only on a good day—a good day for Zelda, that is.

Unfortunately, today was not one of those days, and Zelda was too tired to care. Or to notice Selena’s absence.

Penelope’s gaze met her father’s, and she could tell by his look that he had the same thought.

All Faustus needed to do was give a slight nod, and Penelope Pandora was already on her way to hunt down her mischievous little sister.

This small interaction, however subtle, did not escape Zelda’s notice, and she turned to look questioningly at her husband. All Faustus did was smile and whisper for her not to worry. Zelda had her doubts about trusting Faustus, even after all these years. However, she never needed to doubt Penelope. Her daughter had her complete trust, so there was no need for concern indeed. With that thought, Zelda finally slipped into a sweet slumber.

~~~

Penelope walked through the halls of the Academy of Unseen Arts like a hunting dog searching for its prey, until she encountered Frank, who seemed to be hoping he would encounter her.

Penelope almost groaned in frustration when Frank put his hand on her waist. Fortunately, he knew better and immediately withdrew, raising his hands in a defensive gesture. “Fine. You’re not in the mood. I get it.”

Penelope shook her head as she continued walking. “Just don’t annoy me and help me find Selena.”

Frank chuckled. “I believe she may have gone to that cursed mirror.”

Fury sparked in Penelope’s eyes for just a second. “Oh, what a genius idea, Franky! Perhaps we should check it out first? Oh no! Wait! I just remembered!”

Penelope stepped closer to her friend, her voice a low growl. “I just remembered I’m not a complete fucking idiot. You are.”

Frank sighed and smiled, trying to ease the tension. “Come on, Penny. We can always—”

He couldn’t finish his sentence because Penelope’s palm met his face in a loud, painful slap. “What was that for?!”

Penelope took a step back, still fuming. “You are not my family. Don’t you dare call me Penny ever again.”

Frank smiled at her smugly. “I don’t remember you complaining yesterday when I fuck—”

Once again, he couldn’t finish his sentence, as Penelope now punched him in the gut.

“Boy, you really are trying to get on my last nerve today!” While Frank was coughing, Penelope tried to regain her composure. Where could Selena be?

The girl couldn’t have left the Academy grounds unnoticed, could she? No. Impossible. While Selena could hide from her big sister within the Academy, Penelope’s wards outside were too strong for anyone to slip by unnoticed. No, Selena was definitely somewhere close.

Penelope started to get frustrated. While she had placed special spells on the Mirror room and the Mirror itself, the task had exhausted her to the point where she didn’t care to put any tracking spells on Selena. Even though she had planned to, Penelope simply hadn’t had the chance to do so.

Frank straightened himself up. “Fine. If I help you find Selena, would you stop punching me?”

Penelope chuckled darkly. “I thought you liked being punched. You didn’t complain last night.”

Frank rolled his eyes. “Touché. But I do prefer other… activities more.”

Penelope narrowed her gaze at him. “And you know where she is?”

Frank smiled knowingly. “I might. Let’s say… I have a very special talent that could help me track… Little Miss Blackwood. The same way I track you, in fact.”

Penelope considered his words. She didn’t like the way he placed “Little Miss Blackwood” in between sentences. He surely meant Selena, but he said it in a way that could be interpreted as if he was addressing Penelope with that insulting adjective.

Penelope clenched her fists. Frank was playing games with her, as usual, but he had chosen the wrong day to do so.

Finally deciding that Frank deserved one last punch, she moved to stomp on his foot, but Frank was quicker.

“Oh, I would never call
you
“Little Miss”. I still value my life, and you’re reading too much into this.”

Frank smiled, and Penelope breathed heavily. He was lying through his teeth. She knew him too well. But for some reason, his lies angered her more than anyone else’s.

Penelope turned away from him. She was a witch in a coven full of liars. Lying was first nature to her, but for some reason, not with him.

With a heavy sigh, Penelope finally broke the silence. “Just… let’s find her. Before this stupid girl tears the very membrane of the universe to pieces. She can go and cry about me to Mother, but she will not be the reason my parents don’t get the rest they deserve.”

~~~

As they walked Penelope observed her friend from behind. He was tall with a lean, athletic build, exuding a sense of quiet strength. His medium-length, tousled brown hair frames a face that’s both rugged and refined, with a strong jawline and high cheekbones that give him a noble yet approachable appearance. His piercing blue eyes, often alight with a mischievous glint, seem to see more than he lets on, giving him an air of mystery.

On most of the days Penelope hated him deeply. But now and then she would admit to herself that Frank was who she needed and that was the reason she was so drawn to him. Especially in the moments of her vulnerability. To her Frank was someone who could be both a rogue and a gentleman. And she hated how perfectly he knew which Frank she needed at any moment of time.

Penelope quickened her pace to walk beside him, her gaze still studying him. “Stop smirking,” she said, her voice sharp but quiet.

“I’m not smirking,” Frank replied, though the mischievous glint in his eyes betrayed him.

“Don’t lie to me,” Penelope muttered. “You always wear that look when you think you have me figured out.”

Frank glanced at her, the corner of his mouth twitching into the faintest of smiles. “Maybe I do.”

Penelope narrowed her eyes. “You don’t.”

Frank chuckled softly. “You say that now, but you always come back to me, don’t you?”

Penelope’s jaw tightened as she looked ahead. “Only because you’re useful.”

“Is that so?” he said, his tone light but edged with challenge. “And here I thought it was my charm.”

Penelope shot him a side glance. “It’s not. Trust me.”

Frank grinned. “Whatever you need to tell yourself, Penny.”

Her hand instinctively twitched, ready to strike again. “Don’t call me that.”

Frank raised his hands in surrender, the smile never leaving his face. “Fine, fine. No need for violence. Not today, at least.”

As they walked in silence, Penelope's mind drifted back to a time when she was much younger—more vulnerable. Decades ago, she had been hopelessly in love with a woman named Gelda. Gelda had been everything Penelope admired: powerful, intelligent, and beautiful in a way that left Penelope breathless. For a while, it had felt like a dream—until Gelda had shattered that dream by leaving her for someone else.

The pain had been unbearable. Penelope could still remember the hollow ache in her chest, the nights spent fighting tears and convincing herself she didn’t care. But she had cared. Too much. The heartbreak had nearly destroyed her, and in the aftermath, she had sworn never to feel that deeply again.

"Love is for mortals," she had told herself. "And I am anything but mortal."

It had been Frank who had found her in the midst of that despair. At first, she’d hated him for seeing her so broken, but somehow, he’d managed to get past her defences. Not with charm or affection, but with the kind of blunt honesty she hadn’t been ready for but had needed. He never pitied her, and for that, she had been grateful.

In the years that followed, Frank had become the friend she didn’t want but desperately needed. He had been there when she needed to be distracted, when the weight of her emotions threatened to suffocate her. He’d never asked for more than she was willing to give, and that had been comforting in its own way. She could rely on him without worrying about being hurt again.

But no matter how much she appreciated his presence, a part of her always resented it. Frank was the reminder of the vulnerability she swore she’d never allow again, and yet, he was the one person she couldn’t shut out.

Now, as they walked side by side, that old familiar frustration resurfaced. He knew her too well, and that was dangerous. Penelope closed her eyes for a brief moment, letting the memories fade into the background. Her fingers instinctively reached for the obsidian pendant around her neck, the cool stone grounding her. She had always relied on the quiet voice from within the pendant to guide her, to give her the clarity she needed in the moments of uncertainty.

Where was that voice now? The one that had whispered solutions to her when she had needed them most. But now, as she searched for her sister, the silence from the pendant was deafening. Penelope’s frustration grew.

With a sigh, she dropped the pendant back against her chest and opened her eyes. Frank glanced at her, but she ignored the questioning look in his eyes. She couldn’t afford to depend on anyone else—not even the ancient power within the obsidian.

~~~

Frank watched Penelope out of the corner of his eye, his usual smirk fading into something softer. She moved with such purpose, her dark hair flowing behind her like a shadow, her face set in determination. Even in her frustration, she was striking—fierce and unyielding. He couldn’t help but admire her, even when she was angry, maybe especially when she was angry.

She was a storm, unpredictable and powerful, and Frank had long since resigned himself to the fact that he was drawn to her, no matter how much she pushed him away.

As she closed her eyes and touched the obsidian pendant around her neck, Frank’s gaze softened. He knew about the voice inside it, the way Penelope leaned on it when things got tough. It was the one thing she trusted more than anything, and yet, he could see the frustration etched across her features when it offered her nothing.

He wished she’d let him in the way she trusted that pendant. Frank wasn’t naive enough to believe she would, though. Penelope had been hurt too deeply, too many times. He wasn’t the kind of man to mend broken hearts, but he’d be damned if he didn’t at least try to not break hers once again.

Watching her now, the way she gritted her teeth and steeled herself, Frank felt that familiar tug at his chest. He would never say it out loud—Penelope would likely punch him again if he did—but he loved her in his own way. Not with the softness or sentimentality that most people equated with love, but with a quiet, unwavering loyalty. He would follow her anywhere, do anything she asked, because somehow, over the years, Penelope Blackwood had become his partner in crime.

Even if she didn’t know it.

He let his gaze linger on her for a moment longer, a slight smile tugging at his lips. No matter how distant she tried to be, no matter how many walls she built, Frank knew her better than anyone. He could see the cracks in her armour, the vulnerability she tried so hard to hide.

And he loved her for it. And he didn't care that witches and warlocks can't love.

Frank stepped closer, eyes fixed on her. “Why are you so worked up, Pen? It's just Selena. She always causes trouble.”

Penelope shot him a sharp glance, her voice tense. “Because I’m tired of fixing her messes.”

Frank rolled his eyes. “She's somewhere here. What harm can she cause within the Academy walls?”

Penelope sighed heavily. “Last time I told myself those words, Selena broke our reality, created multiple parallel timelines and almost managed to kill me!”

Frank’s smirk faded as he studied her face. “You’re not just frustrated because of Selena, are you?”

Penelope’s gaze hardened. “What are you talking about?”

Frank raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t meet another version of yourself when the timelines fractured, did you? That’s what’s really bothering you.”

Her expression darkened, her lips tightening into a thin line. “That’s ridiculous.”

Frank pressed on, undeterred. “You realise that you did exist in that other reality, don’t you? You were just... killed.”

Penelope snapped, her voice sharp. “Shut up, Frank. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

But Frank didn’t back down. “But didn’t you tell me that you were born in that other reality again? Why don’t you just go to the Mirror and take a look?”

Penelope clenched her fists, her anger simmering beneath the surface. “This stupid Mirror is what got us into that mess in the first place.”

“You’re resisting because it scares you,” Frank said, stepping closer, his voice gentler now. “But what if you went to the Mirror and saw it for yourself? You’d get to see... your baby self. Isn’t that worth something?”

Penelope’s breath hitched for a moment, her resolve wavering as she looked at him. The thought of seeing that version of herself—of facing what had been taken from her—was terrifying. And yet, she couldn’t deny the pull.

Penelope’s eyes flickered with indecision, but slowly, she let out a long breath. “Fine,” she muttered. “But if this turns out to be a waste of time, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Frank smiled softly, his tone playful but knowing. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

With a final glance in his direction, Penelope turned on her heel, her footsteps heavy with reluctance as she made her way toward the cursed Mirror. Frank watched her go, his expression unreadable, but there was a hint of something deeper in his eyes. He knew what this meant for her—and he hoped it would bring her the closure she needed.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

January 1831

Faustus walked through the narrow streets of Kyoto on the cold morning of 1 January 1831. The city was calm, its usual rhythm undisturbed by the date that meant so much in the West. In Japan, there were no New Year celebrations on this day—no festivals or revelry. The Japanese followed the lunar calendar, and their New Year’s Day was still weeks away. To them, it was just another day, and for Faustus, that quiet suited him perfectly.

The frosted rooftops of the city glistened under the early morning light, casting long shadows on the stone pathways. Kyoto remained isolated, untouched by the rapid industrialisation sweeping across Europe and beyond. Here, the world still moved slowly. Faustus found it strangely comforting, a world frozen in time, even as his own life continued to unravel.

He pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders. Just a few days ago, he had left France, where the monarchy struggled to maintain its hold, considering bringing his family back to the United States. For now, it seemed a safer place for witches.

Although the streets of Kyoto were calm, Faustus doubted Zelda would want to stay here indefinitely. She must know this wasn’t safe for them either. Whispers of foreign ships had reached the shores, rumours of Western powers eager to pry open Japan’s doors.

Faustus walked in silence. It had been so long since he had seen Zelda. The thought of her, of the distance he had put between them, made his chest tighten with guilt. His mind was consumed by thoughts of what he had lost, of how much he had missed. Their newborn daughter was a reminder of that—a life he had been absent from.

As Zelda rested after the long, exhausting labour, Faustus remained just outside the temple, pacing in the dim light of the forest. His mind raced, considering all the ways he had failed her. He had spent so much time chasing power and secrets, only to lose sight of what mattered most—his family.

With Penelope now born and healthy, Faustus knew that the path to Zelda’s forgiveness would not be an easy one. It couldn’t be earned with just a few words of apology; he would have to show her, through his actions, that he was willing to be better—to be the man and father their daughter deserved. Forcing a confrontation now would do no good. Instead, he would start small, rebuilding their connection, one moment at a time.

Through the fog, he finally saw her silhouette. His eyes fell on Zelda, who still looked exhausted. Only then did he notice their newborn cradled in her arms.

Before Faustus could take a step closer, a shadow loomed in his peripheral vision—Evanora. Faustus said nothing, his jaw clenched tight. Of course, she was there. She wouldn’t let them meet alone; he should have guessed that.

But before Zelda approached, Faustus whispered, “I know words aren’t enough. But I’m staying, for as long as it takes.”

Faustus stood there, motionless, the weight of everything pressing down on him. He knew a storm was coming—a storm he had caused himself.

As the stillness settled, Zelda came closer to the barrier where Faustus stood. For a moment, she seemed confused, as if searching for words. Her exhaustion from labour was evident, weighing heavily on her, but then she felt the soft warmth of Penelope in her arms.

Zelda’s fingers brushed over Penelope’s cheek, but the joy was fleeting, quickly replaced by the familiar ache that had settled in her chest since the moment she saw Faustus waiting for them. Despite everything—despite the anger and the betrayal—there was a part of her, deep down, that longed to see him. She hated herself for it, but she couldn’t deny the pull. He was the father of her child, and whatever they had lost, Penelope deserved to know him.

Her heart clenched, torn between her anger and the joy of seeing him again. With slow, deliberate steps, Zelda approached the barrier, her eyes fixed on the shimmering divide between them. As she neared, she saw him—Faustus, standing just beyond, his posture tense and his face filled with regret. He didn’t move, as if afraid to come any closer.

Zelda stopped just short of the barrier, holding Penelope tightly to her chest. The weight of the moment pressed down on her, and for a long time, neither of them spoke.

“Faustus,” she finally whispered, her voice barely audible.

Faustus met her gaze, his eyes full of sorrow. “I'm sorry. I was a fool,” he replied softly. “And I will spend the rest of my life making up for it, if you’ll let me.”

Zelda looked down at Penelope, then back at Faustus. Her heart was torn, the pain of his absence still raw, but the sight of him—standing there, vulnerable and pleading—stirred something deep within her.

“Do you want to see her?” Zelda asked, her voice faltering.

Faustus’s breath caught, and he nodded slowly, his eyes softening. “More than anything.”

Zelda hesitated for a moment before stepping closer, just close enough for him to see Penelope clearly. The tiny infant stirred in her arms, unaware of the storm swirling around her parents.

Faustus’s eyes filled with emotion as he looked at his daughter for the first time, his voice breaking. “She’s... so tiny.”

Zelda swallowed hard, her emotions conflicting. “She is. Like a mouse.”

Faustus gasped. “Don't compare her to a rodent!”

Zelda chuckled weakly. “I can because I just birthed her! I wish she were a rodent… the labour was more painful than I expected.”

Faustus smiled gently. “I'm sorry to hear that. But I believe it was worth it. She's beautiful.”

Zelda smiled. “She really is.”

Faustus nodded, his voice barely a whisper. “I missed you.” They stood there in silence, separated by the barrier, but for the first time in what felt like forever, there was a fragile thread connecting them—a thread they both knew would take time to strengthen, but for now, it was enough.

As Faustus stood before Zelda, he was overwhelmed, but not by Penelope in her arms—by Zelda herself. He hadn’t expected this, hadn’t realised how deeply he missed her until now. It was as if the months of separation had only sharpened his longing, his love for her consuming every thought. He should have been focused on Penelope, their newborn little girl, but it was Zelda who held his attention, his heart. He longed to cross the barrier and hold her, to bridge the distance that went beyond just magic.

“I missed you,” he whispered, his voice raw. But it wasn’t enough. It never would be. Zelda offered him Penelope, but he barely noticed. She was all he could see, all he wanted, and that shocked him more than anything.

Zelda extended Penelope toward him, her eyes cautious but steady. Faustus reached out, his hands trembling as he took their daughter from her arms. Penelope’s warmth filled his chest, but it didn’t fill the hollow ache that gnawed at him. He glanced down at the tiny, perfect face, but his gaze kept drifting back to Zelda.

He had never imagined that seeing her again would affect him this deeply. She was the one who consumed him, the one who made his chest tighten with longing. Penelope was a miracle, yes, but it was Zelda who tore at his heart.

“Thank you,” he managed to whisper, his voice cracking as he held their daughter. But the words felt incomplete. He wasn’t just thanking her for Penelope. He was thanking her for still being here, for not turning away entirely.

Zelda watched him, silent, the distance between them more than just the magic that shimmered in the air. Zelda watched him hold their daughter, her expression unreadable. Faustus searched for something—anything—in her eyes, but the barrier between them was more than just physical. She had let him hold Penelope, but that was all. The space between them, the emotional distance, remained painfully clear.

As Faustus held Penelope, his eyes caught the obsidian necklace around her tiny neck. A faint smile touched his lips. Gently, he placed his hand on the cool stone. "Thank you, Pandora," he whispered in his mind, but there was no response—only silence.

Without a word, Zelda stepped closer, her movements careful and deliberate. She reached out and gently took Penelope from his arms, her touch lingering only for a moment before she held the baby close to her chest. Faustus’s hands fell to his sides, empty, as he watched her cradle their child.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something—anything—but no words came. What could he say that wouldn’t sound hollow? Zelda turned away, her footsteps soft and slow. She didn’t look back. She didn’t say a word. The silence echoed as she walked back toward the temple, taking Penelope with her, leaving Faustus standing alone by the barrier, the weight of his mistakes heavier than ever.

~~~

Faustus didn’t need to be told that the Spellmans’ fury was near. He felt it long before he saw her. The cold, biting air of Kyoto seemed to grow even sharper as Evanora approached.

He turned just in time to see her coming toward him, her face set in cold fury. She didn’t speak a word before her hand connected with the side of his face, the slap echoing through the narrow streets. The force knocked him off balance, but he didn’t defend himself. He wouldn’t.

“How dare you!” Evanora hissed, her voice low and trembling with rage. “How dare you come back after what you’ve done! The pain you caused!”

Faustus remained silent, his jaw clenched tight as she struck him again, her fury unrelenting.

“You worthless bastard!” she spat, her fists balled at her sides.

She drew back to hit him again, this time with a clenched fist or perhaps a curse ready on her lips. Faustus stood still, unwilling to defend himself or even raise his hands to block her blows. This was his penance.

Evanora’s fists stilled, but her fury remained palpable in the frigid air. She stepped back, breathing heavily, her hands trembling. Her eyes burned with a mixture of rage and hurt.

“No petty excuses?” she seethed, her voice low and dangerous. “No lies to cover up your shallowness?”

Faustus finally lifted his gaze to meet hers, his voice quiet, broken. “There are no excuses for what I’ve done.”

Evanora’s lip curled in disdain, but her hands slowly lowered to her sides. “You’re right about that,” she whispered harshly.

At that moment, two figures approached from the shadows, followed closely by William Spellman, his expression unreadable as he silently observed the scene. Oktavia, William’s wife, walked with steady grace, her dark cloak billowing behind her. Beside her, Cassandra, Francis Spellman’s sister, moved with quick, nervous energy, her gaze flickering from Faustus to Evanora, as if expecting chaos at any moment.

Evanora was preparing to strike Faustus again, her fury undiminished, when Oktavia’s voice cut through the tension. “That’s enough.”

Evanora paused, her hand mid-swing, as Oktavia stepped forward, placing herself between Evanora and Faustus. Cassandra hovered nearby, her anxiety palpable. She reached out to rest a trembling hand on Evanora’s arm. “You’ve made your point,” Cassandra said quietly, though her voice wavered. “We all have enough enemies outside this family—we don’t need to destroy each other.”

William stayed back, watching silently, unwilling to intervene, but his presence added weight to the situation.

Evanora hesitated, her chest rising and falling with the force of her anger, but after a long moment, she stepped back, lowering her hand. Oktavia’s steady gaze remained locked on hers, silently urging restraint.

With the tension still hanging thick in the air, Faustus caught William’s eye, a silent understanding passing between them. Neither of them was welcome in the temple—not now, perhaps not ever. Oktavia and Cassandra remained with Evanora, their presence keeping things from spiralling further.

Faustus gave one last glance toward the temple, the barrier shimmering faintly in the distance, and then turned to follow William. They walked in silence through the streets, the weight of the day pressing heavily on both of them.

William, always a man of few words, didn’t offer comfort or explanation. He didn’t need to. They both knew where they stood.

~~~

Inside the temple, Zelda held Penelope close, the newborn’s tiny presence momentarily softening the tension in the room. Oktavia approached, her expression gentle as she took in the sight of her niece. Her fingers grazed the baby’s cheek, and a soft smile touched her lips, though it didn’t reach her eyes.

“She’s beautiful,” Oktavia murmured, her voice filled with a tenderness that masked a deeper longing. She and William had been trying for a child, hoping to bring a new little witch or warlock into the world. But for now, that dream remained just out of reach. Penelope, with her delicate features and small, steady breaths, was a bittersweet reminder of the future Oktavia and William wished for—a future that, for now, existed only in quiet prayers.

Cassandra, meanwhile, could find no peace in the moment. Her pacing echoed through the dimly lit chamber, her eyes darting toward every shadow, every dark corner, as if expecting danger to leap out at any moment. “This place isn’t safe,” she muttered, her voice trembling as though the words themselves were a threat. “The witch hunters—they’re getting closer, smarter. They’ll find us. They always do.”

Zelda frowned, her brows knitting together as she glanced at her. “Cassandra, the temple is protected. We’ve taken every precaution.”

But Cassandra shook her head sharply, her movements frantic, like a bird trapped inside a cage. “Precautions won’t stop them forever. You think these walls can hold them back? You’re wrong! The hunters... they won’t stop until we’re all dead. You can’t trust the quiet. It’s just a trap, Zelda. A trap!”

Her voice had risen, carrying the edge of desperation, her gaze wild. She couldn’t let herself believe they were safe—no place was safe. Her fear filled the room like a chill, slipping beneath the protective warmth of the temple’s ancient walls.

Oktavia stepped closer to her sister-in-law, placing a calming hand on Cassandra’s arm, her touch firm yet gentle. “Cassandra, you’ve been living in this fear for too long. You need to breathe. Zelda and Penelope are safe here. You can’t let the hunters take away your mind as well.”

But Cassandra’s eyes remained wide, her breath shallow, her voice barely more than a whisper. “You don’t understand,” she murmured, her words trembling in the cold air. “They’re coming. They’ll come for all of us. And when they do, no barrier or spell will save us.”

Zelda watched Cassandra, her mind heavy with the weight of her words. She wanted to believe the temple would protect them, that the barriers they had set would be enough. But the uncertainty lingered like a shadow, the world outside their sanctuary growing more dangerous with each passing day. Cassandra’s fear gnawed at her, and though Zelda tried to dismiss it, she couldn’t entirely shake the uneasy feeling creeping into her thoughts.

Her gaze drifted down to Penelope, so small and innocent in her arms. Everything she had fought for, everything she had endured, was for this tiny life. And no matter the danger, she would do whatever it took to keep her daughter safe.

Penelope shifted slightly, her little hand curling around Zelda’s finger.

~~~

As the tension in the temple settled, Oktavia followed Evanora outside, the cold air sharp against her face. She cast a glance back toward the temple doors, then turned to Evanora. “Cassandra’s not well,” Oktavia began quietly. “She’s consumed by fear—sees danger in every shadow. It’s breaking her.”

Evanora’s expression remained stern. “She’s not wrong,” she replied. “The hunters are out there, and they’ll come for us. They always do.”

Oktavia’s frustration broke through. “But living like this—there's no way to survive. We need to believe there’s safety here, at least for a while.”

Evanora shook her head. “Hope makes us weak. Cassandra knows the danger. Better to be ready than to be caught off guard.”

Oktavia’s shoulders sagged, her voice softening. “I just wish there was another way.”

Evanora’s expression softened slightly. “So do I, Oktavia. But we prepare for the worst—because it’s the only way to survive it.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

October 1831

Zelda cradled Penelope in her arms, her movements slow and careful as she guided the infant to nurse. The early morning light filtered through the small window of the temple, casting a soft glow across the room. Penelope’s tiny hands clutched at Zelda’s blouse.

Zelda watched her daughter with a mixture of exhaustion and wonder, the weariness from the recent days still heavy in her bones. Yet in this moment, with little Penny nestled against her, the world outside the temple seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of this new life in her arms. New mother gently brushed a dark curl from daughter’s forehead, her heart swelling as she took in every tiny detail.

Penelope’s eyes fluttered open for a moment, their deep blue colour mirrored her father’s. Zelda’s heart clenched, but she pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the quiet bond they shared.

Zelda knew the risks, the pain that Faustus had caused, but she couldn’t ignore the small part of her heart that still yearned for the family they could be. It was that part of her that held onto hope—a fragile hope that perhaps they could mend what had been broken.

Zelda took a deep breath, her decision settling in her heart. She would give Faustus another chance—not for herself, but for Penelope, who deserved to know her father beyond the shadows of his mistakes.

But as soon as she voiced her thoughts to her mother, the quiet of the temple shattered.

“You can’t be serious!” Evanora snapped, her voice cutting through the space like a blade. She stood across from Zelda, her arms crossed, her face set in a hard, disbelieving expression. “After everything he’s done?”

Zelda’s jaw tightened, but she held her ground, cradling Penelope closer. “I’m not saying I forgive him. Not yet. But he’s trying, Mother. He wants to make things right.”

Evanora’s eyes flashed with anger. “Words, Zelda. They’re just words. How many times has he promised you something, only to forget when it mattered most?”

Zelda met her mother’s gaze, her voice firm. “He’s here now. He’s not running or hiding. He makes an effort. I owe it to Penelope to see if he can be the father she needs.”

Evanora shook her head, her expression softening slightly, but the anger didn’t fade entirely. “You think he’ll change? That he’ll suddenly become the man you always hoped he’d be? Have you forgotten your father, Zelda?”

Zelda’s shoulders tensed, but she refused to look away. “I have not. But they are not the same.”

Evanora’s mouth pressed into a thin line, her frustration barely contained. “And what about your future, Zelda? What about the pain he’s already caused you? You’re willing to go through that again?”

Zelda’s grip on Penelope tightened, but she forced herself to remain calm. “I’m not asking for your blessing, Mother. I’m telling you my decision. And I’m asking you to trust me—to trust that I know what I’m doing.”

For a moment, they stood there in silence, the air between them charged with the unspoken weight. Evanora’s face softened, her anger giving way to something deeper—worry, fear. But she said nothing more, turning away from Zelda with a frustrated sigh.

As the silence settled once more, Zelda looked down at Penelope, her resolve hardening even as doubt crept into the edges of her mind. She knew the risks. She knew how much was at stake. But for her daughter’s sake, she was willing to take that chance. Zelda knew within her heart that together with Faustus, they were a force to recon with. If Faustus ever stops being a complete fool.

~~~

Evanora stormed into the room where Oktavia and Cassandra worked over a small altar, their hands moving in unison as they traced runes into the air. A faint glow emanated from the markings, casting shifting shadows across the walls. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and the sharp tang of burning sage.

Oktavia looked up, startled by the sudden intrusion. “Evanora, what—?”

“Zelda’s lost her mind,” Evanora snapped, cutting her off. She paced across the room, her anger palpable. “She’s actually considering letting that bastard back into her life!”

Oktavia’s hands stilled over the altar, her expression hardening. “I was worried about this. She’s not thinking straight—she’s too emotional after the birth. It’s clouding her judgement.”

Cassandra, hunched over a small vial of dark liquid, frowned deeply but didn’t look away from her work. “Maybe. Or maybe she just sees something in Faustus that we don’t.”

Evanora shot Cassandra a sharp look. “You’re defending him now?”

Cassandra shook her head, but her gaze remained focused on the intricate sigils she was inscribing. “I’m not defending him. But I understand why she might want to give him a chance. It’s not just about Faustus. It’s about Penelope, too. She deserves to know her father, even if he is a bastard. After all - most warlocks are. Most men are…”

Oktavia’s expression soured as she added another ingredient to the mixture, they were cooking . “You’re too soft, Cassandra. Faustus doesn’t deserve another chance. We should focus on protecting Zelda and Penelope—not on indulging his pathetic attempts at redemption.”

Cassandra’s hands paused, and she finally turned to look at Oktavia, her expression unreadable. “I don’t trust him either, but Zelda has the right to make her own choices. We can’t make that decision for her.”

Evanora’s face twisted with frustration. “Zelda is vulnerable right now. She’s not thinking clearly. That’s why we have to do what’s best for her, whether she sees it or not. Faustus needs to understand that he isn’t welcome.”

Oktavia nodded, her resolve solidifying. “If he’s going to stay, he’ll need to face the consequences of his past actions. We can make sure he knows what it means to be held accountable.”

Cassandra’s gaze flicked between the two of them, her expression wary, as she looked around at the ingredients for the curse they were preparing .“What if we punish him too harshly?”

Evanora’s jaw tightened, but she said nothing more. Instead, she turned her attention to the sigils on the altar, her determination mingling with the anger still simmering in her chest.

Cassandra slipped away from the room, not willing to participate any longer, while Oktavia and Evanora continued their work over the altar. The air buzzed with evil energy, and their whispered incantations carried a bitter edge.

~~~

Cassandra’s steps were quick but careful as she moved down the temple corridor toward Zelda’s quarters. She found Zelda seated by the window, cradling Penelope in her arms, the soft morning light casting a gentle glow across her face. Cassandra hesitated at the doorway, but Zelda looked up and gave a small nod, inviting her in.

“I thought you might need some company, ”Cassandra said softly as she closed the door behind her, stepping closer. “It’s... a lot to deal with.”

Zelda offered a weary smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I appreciate that, Cassandra. It feels like nobody listens to me…”

Cassandra chuckled wearily. “I know the feeling… noone in our family takes my worries about witch hunters seriously.”

Zelda didn't answer, as she looked out of the window thinking of rhe  dangers that await her and her daughter outside this temple.

Cassandra took a seat beside her, her gaze lingering on Penelope for a moment before meeting Zelda’s eyes. “Oktavia and Evanora think you’re making a mistake. That you’re too emotional to see things clearly.”

Zelda let out a small, humourless laugh. “Of course they do. They’ve made it clear they don’t trust me to make my own choices.”

Cassandra’s expression softened. “They’re scared, Zelda. Scared of what Faustus might do again, scared of losing you... and of what the world might bring down on us.”

Zelda’s face hardened slightly. “And you, Cassandra? Do you think I’m wrong to give him a chance?”

Cassandra hesitated, her fingers playing with a loose thread on her sleeve. “I think... I think you’re the only one who can decide that. I don’t trust him even though he is my cousin. I don’t trust anyone… but I understand why you want to give him a chance. He’s Penelope’s father, and maybe... maybe he deserves this chance to prove he can change.”

Zelda’s grip tightened around Penelope, her voice barely a whisper. “I don’t even know if I believe that he can. But if there’s even a chance that he could be the father she needs... I have to try. For her.”

Cassandra nodded slowly, her voice gentle. “Whatever you decide, I’ll stand by you, Zelda. However Oktavia and Evanora—” she hesitated, glancing back toward the direction she had come from, “they’re not giving him the same chance.”

Zelda’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Before Cassandra could answer, a faint crackle of energy thrummed through the air, coming from the room where Oktavia and Evanora continued their work. The spell they were crafting took shape, dark tendrils of magic weaving through the air, seeking out Faustus wherever he was.

Cassandra’s lips pressed into a thin line. “They’re sending a curse his way.”

Zelda chuckled, “If only a simple curse could harm him. He’s still the High Priest of the Church of Night—”

Cassandra put a hand on Zelda's arm and chuckled too. "I think we witches still have a few tricks up our sleeves against warlocks."

Zelda stared at Cassandra, but slowly she nodded. "Thank you, Cassandra. For understanding."

Cassandra gave a small, sad smile. Then she looked down at the sleeping infant, and the obsidian necklace around the girl's neck caught her eye. As she slowly moved to touch it, she felt as if the necklace was calling to her. And when her fingertips finally touched the cold obsidian, Cassandra heard a loud voice in her head. "It must be hard when no one believes you."

Cassandra pulled away abruptly, and Zelda looked at her in confusion. It took Cassandra a moment to realise that Zelda didn't hear the voice. "Who's there? Locked in the necklace?"

Zelda looked even more confused. "Noone I checked a hundred times. The necklace lost its magic when it saved Penny's life."

Cassandra shook her head, her voice urgent. "No! It didn't!"

Zelda sighed, tired and dismissive. “I've checked it countless times, Cassandra. It's just a necklace now.”

Cassandra's heart raced, the echo of the voice still ringing in her head. “You're wrong. There's something in it, something powerful.”

Zelda cradled Penelope, her tone firm. “You're imagining things. Get some rest.”

Cassandra stared at her, frustration burning in her chest. “One day you all believe me but it will be too late,” she muttered before turning away.

But Zelda didn't respond, leaving Cassandra alone with the disturbing truth.

~~~

Faustus sat on a stone bench outside the inn, the morning air biting against his skin. He stared into the distance, lost in his thoughts, when William joined him, his boots crunching on the frost-covered ground.

William glanced at him. “You look like hell.”

Faustus let out a dry laugh. “Fitting, isn’t it?”

William’s gaze drifted to the distant temple. “You messed up. But wallowing won’t help. If you want Zelda to see you’ve changed, you’ll have to prove it.”

Faustus turned to him, a hint of hope in his eyes. “Do you think I can?”

William’s expression softened. “Maybe. But if you hurt her again, you’re done.”

Faustus nodded, staring down at his hands. “I don’t want to fail them again. Neither Zelda, nor my little girl.”

William clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Then don’t waste time. Make every moment count.”

Faustus managed a faint, grateful smile. “I will.”

They sat in silence as the winter sun began to break through the fog, sharing a moment of understanding. At that moment, they were both surprised to see Zelda approaching. She was alone.

Faustus stood up, his face drawn, but his eyes softened as they landed on Zelda who was however without Penelope this time.

For a moment, neither spoke. The silence between them felt like a fragile thread, stretched too thin. Finally, it was Faustus who broke it.

“I’m grateful you came,” he said quietly, his voice rough with emotion. “I wasn’t sure you’d want to see me again.”

Zelda met his gaze steadily. “I didn’t do it for you, Faustus. I did it for our girl.”

He nodded, accepting her words. “I understand. I know I’ve given you every reason to shut me out, but... I want to be better. For Penelope, and maybe one day, for you.”

Zelda’s expression remained guarded, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—something that spoke of hope, buried deep beneath the pain. “You’ve hurt me more than you know. And I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget that.”

Faustus swallowed hard, his voice breaking slightly. “I know. I don’t expect you to forgive me. But if there’s any chance... any chance at all that I can be part of your life, I’ll take it.”

Zelda looked away, considering her choice one last time, and finally broke the heavy silence. “I don't trust you, Faustus. I never will. But... I'm willing to see if you can prove yourself. For her sake.”

Faustus’s relief was palpable, his shoulders sagging as if a weight had lifted. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. “Thank you for giving me that chance.”

Zelda hesitated but stepped closer to her husband. They were closer now than they’d been in months, the distance between them still filled with tension but softened by a flicker of shared hope.

Faustus reached out as if to touch her hand, his gaze never leaving hers. “I missed you every second you were away, Zelda,” he admitted, his voice raw with longing.

Zelda’s expression softened for a moment, then turned serious again. “Just don’t make me regret this, Faustus. Don’t waste what’s left.”

He nodded, swallowing the knot in his throat. “I won’t.”

Zelda gave a small, hesitant nod, then turned away, disappearing back into the shadows of the temple. Faustus remained by the barrier, the cold air biting at his skin, but for the first time, hope warmed him from within.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

October 2022

Penelope stood motionless in front of the mirror, her fists clenched at her sides as she watched the alternate version of her afterbirth unfold before her. Frank, leaning against the wall nearby, looked at her, trying to size up the storm brewing behind her eyes.

“Well, at least they all seem very happy. It's all good, isn't it?” he offered with a half-smile that quickly faded as Penelope's eyes darkened.

“No,” she said sharply, her voice filled with frustration. “Nothing is good, Frank. I'm a hundred and ninety years old. That's almost two centuries they'll never get back. That's two centuries less that this alternate me will get to spend with her parents.”

Frank blinked, momentarily thrown off by her words. “So... you're upset because this other version of you won't get something you did?”

Penelope's jaw tightened as she gestured toward the mirror. “They should be mourning, not rejoicing!”

Frank stepped forward, his usual playful demeanour subdued. “She's there, though, Penny. You and your siblings - you exist there now against all odds. That must mean something.”

Penelope shook her head, her voice filled with bitterness. “We weren't supposed to. This cruel twist of fate... And this version of me... she gets so little compared to me...”

Frank watched her for a moment in silence, his expression softening. “You are angry. But there are millions and billions of parallel worlds. In some we exist, in others we don't.”

Penelope's gaze lingered on the mirror for a long moment, the images of her alternate self and her parents slowly fading. She whispered, barely audible. “But I know this world. I died there. Twice, apparently.”

The reflection returned, but the anger in her eyes remained, intertwined with the pain of everything she felt. “I guess I'll have to stop throwing my siblings into Cain's Pit. It was no fun at all.”

~~~

Penelope sat beneath the oak tree, her fingers tracing the pendant at her neck. She didn’t cry, but her eyes misted—something she rarely allowed to happen. The images from the Mirror still weighed heavily on her mind.

Faustus approached quietly and sat down beside her. He didn’t say a word at first, just waited. But after a moment, he spoke.

“When you were born, I wasn’t there,” Faustus said, his voice low. “I was chasing something I thought was important. Power... and

the admiration of the worms

.”

Penelope turned to him, frowning. “Worms?”

Faustus let out a soft chuckle. “That’s what your mother called them—my so-called friends. I was off, obsessed with impressing them, trying to gain power and approval from people who didn’t matter. Your mom saw it clearly. I didn’t.”

Penelope stayed quiet, listening as Faustus continued.

“"We argued about it. She was right, of course. And in the end I missed your birth, missed being there for her, because I was too busy chasing the wrong things. I had to beg for her forgiveness.”

“And she forgave you?” Penelope asked, her voice softer now.

“She did,” Faustus said, looking at the ground. “Not easily, and not right away, but she forgave me. For you. Because you deserved a family that wasn’t broken by my mistakes.”

Penelope glanced down at the pendant, her voice quiet. “Why tell me this?”

Faustus exhaled softly, his gaze warm as he looked at her. “Because I cannot imagine a life without you, Pumpkin. I know things weren’t perfect, and I’m sorry for our alternate selves... that they won’t get as much time together as we did. But every minute I’ve had with you is special. More than I could ever put into words.”

Penelope’s fingers idly brushed the pendant, her heart softening at her father’s words. She wasn’t one to let sentiment get the better of her, but something about this moment made her pause.

“How did you know?” Penelope murmured, still staring down.

Faustus smiled and leaned in a little closer. “Every day with you has been a gift - one I didn't deserve, but one I will always cherish. I know what weighs on your heart because it's a weight I carry in mine as well.”

Penelope turned to him, her usual coolness cracking just slightly, a tiny smile tugging at her lips. “You’re really going all out with the sappy dad talk tonight, aren’t you?”

Faustus laughed softly. “Well, I don’t get the chance to say it often, do I? Figured I’d better make it count.”

She rolled her eyes but leaned against him slightly, her head resting against his shoulder for a brief moment. “It counts.”

And in that quiet, under the dark sky, the weight of what she had seen in the Mirror felt a little lighter. Whatever alternate realities existed, this moment, this life—they were hers, and that was enough.

As Penelope leaned back against her father, she glanced toward the house. Through the soft glow of the window, she saw Zelda, standing quietly, cradling the newborn in her arms.

Penelope nudged Faustus, nodding toward the scene. They both watched silently as Zelda, unaware of their gaze, tenderly admired her daughter. She gently touched the baby’s cheek, her expression soft, a side she rarely showed.

Neither Faustus nor Penelope spoke, the sight enough to fill the moment with unspoken understanding. Zelda, always so strong, let herself be vulnerable in the privacy of that moment, lost in her own world of quiet love.

They watched for a little while longer, before looking away from the window, leaving Zelda to her hidden moment of tenderness.

Just as Faustus and Penelope shared the quiet moment, the peace was abruptly shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps. Penelope turned, immediately recognizing the familiar figure rushing toward them.

Selena appeared out of the woods, her expression a mix of panic and defiance. “I didn’t do anything wrong!” she blurted, hands raised in a defensive gesture.

Penelope sighed, already bracing herself for whatever chaos Selena had caused this time. “What now?”

“I swear, it wasn’t me!” Selena insisted, eyes wide. “It’s Ambrose. He went back in time... to save his parents!”

Faustus’s eyes narrowed. “He what?”

Selena’s voice quivered as she explained, “He thought he could fix everything. You know, stop the worst parts from happening. But something went wrong... He got lost.”

The weight of her words hung in the air. Penelope and Faustus exchanged a tense glance, the peaceful moment now a distant memory.

Faustus stood, his expression grim. “We’ll need to bring him back.”

~~~

April 1868

The air in the room was thick with tension. Oktavia lay on the bed, her breaths ragged, gripping the sheets tightly as another contraction hit. Sweat beaded on her forehead, her body trembling with the effort.

Zelda knelt beside her, calm and focused, acting as the midwife. “You’re doing well, Oktavia. Just keep breathing,” she instructed, her voice steady despite the intensity of the moment.

Across the room, William and Faustus stood near the doorway, watching with a deep concern and worry. They stayed back, knowing Zelda had it under control, but Faustus’ eyes flicked nervously to his daughter.

Penelope leaned against the wall, arms crossed, her expression a blend of curiosity and mild discomfort. “Is it always this... loud?” she muttered under her breath, glancing at her father.

Faustus chuckled softly, his voice low. “When it comes to childbirth, yes.”

Penelope shot him a sideways glance but remained silent, her eyes drifting back to the scene unfolding before her.

Evanora stood at Oktavia’s side, offering quiet words of encouragement. Her hands gently massaged Oktavia’s shoulders, trying to ease the pain. “You’re almost there, dear,” Evanora said softly, though she exchanged a worried glance with Zelda.

Meanwhile, William paced frantically in the corner, his hair already a mess from pulling at it in anxious bursts. “Isn’t there anything more you can do?” he asked, his voice thick with worry. “She’s in so much pain!”

Zelda, ever calm, shot him a firm look. “She’s doing just fine, William. This is normal.”

William wasn’t reassured, continuing to mutter nervously and tug at his hair as he paced back and forth.

Another contraction hit, and Oktavia let out a sharp cry, her grip on the sheets tightening. Penelope flinched slightly at the sound, glancing at Faustus, who gave her a knowing nod, as if to say this was all part of the process.

“You’re almost there,” Zelda said, her voice firm but encouraging. “One more push.”

Oktavia, exhausted but determined, gave one final push, and a newborn’s cry filled the room. The tension broke, replaced by a collective sigh of relief. Zelda carefully lifted the baby, a smile softening her features. “It’s a boy.”

William, his hands still tangled in his hair, rushed to Oktavia’s side, his eyes wide with awe. “A boy...” he whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

Oktavia collapsed back onto the bed, smiling weakly as she reached out for her long awaited son. Evanora helped cradle the newborn, her own relief visible.

Penelope, though trying to maintain her usual aloofness, couldn’t help but be drawn in by the scene. She stepped closer, peeking over Zelda’s shoulder at the tiny infant. “So that’s Ambrose, huh?” she said softly, her tone a little more curious than before.

Zelda smiled at her daughter, handing the baby to Oktavia. “That’s him.”

Faustus moved closer, placing a hand on Penelope’s shoulder. “Quite the moment, isn’t it?” he murmured.

Penelope shrugged, though a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “I guess.”

As the room quieted, with Oktavia and baby Ambrose resting peacefully, Zelda stepped back, her face still tight with lingering tension. Faustus noticed the strain in her expression and quietly moved closer, his voice low so only she could hear. “It’s over, Zelda. You did well.”

But Zelda shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “I thought... I thought either Oktavia or the baby wouldn’t make it.”

Faustus frowned, sensing more behind her words. “Why would you think that?”

Zelda glanced at Oktavia and Ambrose before turning away. Her hands trembled slightly as she clasped them together. “I’m not a good midwife, Faustus. Every second child I help deliver... dies.” Her voice cracked, the weight of her confession hanging in the air. “I thought I’d lose them too.”

Faustus gently took her hand, his voice soft. “Zelda, you're not cursed. You have helped bring many children into this world. Some will die, but that is part of life.”

She let out a shaky breath, the old guilt resurfacing. “I only got into midwifery when Penny was born. Before that, I didn’t care much about babies. My mother always looked after Edward when he was little... I never had to. But after Penny...” Zelda trailed off, her eyes dark with doubt. “I feel like I’m always on the verge of losing another child.”

Faustus squeezed her hand, his voice steady. “You’re not losing anyone, Zelda. Not today, not tomorrow. Look at them—Oktavia and Ambrose are safe because of you.”

She glanced at the new mother and child, relief mixing with the fear she hadn’t quite let go of. “But what if next time...?”

Faustus gently turned her toward him, his touch soft but firm. “There’s no curse. You did what you had to, and you saved them. Don’t let the past haunt you.”

For a long moment, Zelda searched his eyes, finding the reassurance she so desperately needed. Her voice softened, the vulnerability clear. “I just don’t want to lose anyone else.”

“You won’t,” Faustus said, brushing his hand against her cheek. “You won’t.”

As Faustus gently reassured Zelda, the quiet moment was interrupted by the sound of Penelope’s soft footsteps approaching. She stood at the edge of the room, arms loosely crossed, her face thoughtful but tinged with distaste.

“I don’t know how you do it, Mum,” Penelope said quietly, shaking her head. “I could never. The whole thing... it’s just...” She hesitated, searching for the right words. “A mess.”

Zelda looked at her daughter, sensing the mix of unease and conviction in her voice. “Midwifery isn’t for everyone, Penelope.”

Penelope nodded, her gaze drifting to Oktavia and the newborn. “It’s not just the midwifery part,” she added, her voice a bit firmer. “I don’t think I could ever go through that... have children, I mean. It’s... a lot.”

Faustus glanced at Zelda, the corners of his mouth lifting in a quiet smile. “You might feel differently one day.”

Penelope met his eyes, her expression steady but soft. “I don’t think so. It’s not for me.”

Zelda’s smile was subtle, understanding. “That’s perfectly fine, Penelope. You know yourself.”

Penelope lingered for a moment, her gaze still fixed on the scene, before stepping back. “Yeah... I’m sure.”

As Penelope quietly slipped out of the room, Faustus glanced back at Zelda, the calm of the moment fading slightly. He hesitated for a beat before speaking, his tone light but carrying an underlying weight. “So, when are we having another one?”

Zelda’s gaze shifted sharply to him, her expression immediately tensing. “Faustus, now’s not the time.”

Faustus raised an eyebrow, trying to keep his tone casual. “It’s been 38 years, Zelda. Penny’s all grown up. Don’t you think...?”

Zelda’s lips pressed into a thin line, and she turned away, busying herself with cleaning up the room. “We’ve talked about this.”

“I know we’ve talked about it,” Faustus replied, his voice softer but firm. “But it’s been a long time. I thought maybe—”

Zelda cut him off, her voice low and clipped. “You thought wrong.”

Faustus took a slow breath, trying to steady his frustration. “It’s been almost forty years, Zelda. Don’t you think it’s time to move past all of it?”

Zelda’s shoulders tensed, her hands tightening on the cloth she was holding. She spoke quietly but with an edge. “You don’t just ‘move past’ what happened, Faustus. It’s not that simple.”

He stepped closer, his voice almost pleading now. “I know I hurt you. I know I failed you. But it’s been decades. I’ve changed. I’m still here, trying.”

Zelda finally turned to face him, her eyes dark with a mixture of emotions—anger, hurt, and something unspoken. “And I’m still here too, aren’t I? I haven’t left, Faustus. But that doesn’t mean everything is fixed.”

Faustus’s face softened, his hand reaching out but stopping short. “I just... I miss you, Zelda. I miss us.”

Zelda’s jaw tightened. “It’s not that simple,” she repeated, her voice quieter but still sharp. She turned away again, signalling the conversation was over.

Faustus sighed, the tension thick between them. He watched her for a moment longer before stepping back, his heart heavy. The years hadn’t erased the distance between them, and he knew, deep down, that they still had a long way to go.

Zelda kept her back to him, her mind swirling. She was afraid—not just of Faustus, but of the thought of giving birth again. The fear had settled deep within her, a fear she hadn’t shared with anyone. And she wouldn’t let Faustus know. Not now. Perhaps not ever.

~~~

Cassandra stood outside the house, her eyes scanning the darkened treeline, her body tense as though expecting an attack at any moment. The night air was still, almost unnervingly so, and every rustle of leaves sent a fresh wave of anxiety through her. She hadn’t slept properly in days, always keeping watch, always alert.

Everyone inside thought she was being paranoid—absurd, even. After all, there were fewer and fewer witch hunters every decade. The danger had supposedly diminished, but Cassandra didn’t believe it for a second. If anything, the quiet made her more certain that something was coming. Witch hunters didn’t simply disappear. They were always lurking, always waiting.

She paced slowly along the edge of the clearing, her fingers tracing the small protection charm she kept around her neck. They thought she was foolish, but she didn’t care. She could feel it—something was wrong. A chill ran down her spine, her senses prickling as if danger was just beyond her reach.

Her breath hitched as she spotted movement in the shadows. Cassandra’s hand instinctively went to the dagger at her waist, her heart racing. She strained her eyes, watching intently. It was nothing—a fox darting through the underbrush. But her nerves didn’t settle.

“They think I’m paranoid,” she muttered to herself, tightening her grip on the dagger. “But they’re wrong. They all are wrong.”

The world outside the house seemed far too quiet. It was the kind of stillness that often preceded a storm, and Cassandra wasn’t about to let her family be caught off guard. She would protect them, even if they didn’t believe her. Even if they thought she was losing her mind.

Glancing back at the house, she could see the faint glow of candlelight through the windows. Inside, they were safe for now, but Cassandra knew it wouldn’t last. The hunters would come, and when they did, she would be ready. She had to be.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

October 1870

Ambrose stepped cautiously through the Mirror, his heart heavy with both anticipation and dread. The warmth of the room hit him first as the soft glow of candlelight illuminated the space. It felt eerily peaceful, but Ambrose knew what was coming.

He looked around the room and saw his parents, seated by the hearth, as Oktavia gently rocked baby Ambrose in her arms. She looked younger than he remembered, her features strikingly similar to his own—same sharp jawline, same eyes, but her skin was a shade darker.

Then his eyes fell on William—his father. Ambrose barely remembered him, his face was always just a blurr in his memories. Yet, as he stood before him now, Ambrose was startled by how familiar his father’s features were. William had the same golden curls as Evanora, and the sharp green eyes that his aunt Zelda had. His face also had the same strong lines as the William Ambose knew, his cousin, making the resemblance almost haunting.

William was strong and protective, just as Ambrose imagined. He sat across from Oktavia, sharpening his sword, his face calm, but his eyes held a watchful sharpness.

William’s gaze lifted, locking onto Ambrose with a wary suspicion. His hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of his sword. “Who are you?” William’s voice was steady, but his wariness was unmistakable.

Ambrose hesitated. “I... I’m here to help.”

Oktavia stood, pulling baby Ambrose closer to her chest. “Help?” she repeated, her eyes narrowing in uncertainty. “We don’t need any help from strangers.”

“There are witch hunters coming,” Ambrose said, his heart racing. “Soon. You’re in danger.”

William stood, his posture shifting into one of quiet readiness. “Witch hunters?” His eyes didn’t leave Ambrose, sizing him up. “That’s absurd. They are almost extinct. Why should we trust you? You appear out of nowhere — what’s your real reason for being here?”

Ambrose’s throat tightened. His father didn’t recognize him—how could he? Ambrose was just a few years old at the moment.

With a deep sigh Ambrose broke the silence. “Because... I care about what happens to you,” he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion.

Oktavia glanced at William, uncertainty clouding her face. “What if he’s telling the truth?” she asked, her voice low.

William’s fingers flexed around the sword. “And if he’s not? There hasn’t been a witch hunter attack in decades.”

Before Ambrose could respond, the air shifted—cold and ominous. The witch hunters were close.

The door burst open with a crash, and chaos followed. William’s sword was in his hand instantly, moving to protect Oktavia and baby Ambrose. But the hunters were ready, their weapons designed to cut through magical defences. Ambrose fought desperately, trying to protect his parents, but their numbers and their strength overwhelmed him.

In the chaos, a woman who looked much like William appeared beside him. She quickly cast a spell to send baby Ambrose away who was put into a crib by his mother and kissed on the forehead one last time.

But it wasn’t enough to save anyone else.

Ambrose watched, horror pooling in his stomach, as William stepped forward, determined to shield his wife and sister. He raised his sword to strike back, his eyes blazing with fury. But in an instant, a brutal blow cut through his defences. William staggered, his sword slipping from his hand, clattering to the ground. His proud, strong form crumpled, his eyes wide with shock as he fell.

“Father!” Ambrose’s voice cracked, but he could do nothing, his own magic weakening against the hunters’ relentless assault.

Beside William, Cassandra let out a furious cry, her face twisting with pain. She launched spell after spell, each one fiercer than the last. But the hunters closed in, undeterred. Ambrose’s gaze met Cassandra’s for one brief, agonising moment, and he saw the same fear and resilience in her eyes that he felt in his own heart. Then a blade caught her, cutting her down before she could utter another word.

Oktavia’s scream of rage and heartbreak pierced the chaos. Her own power surged, wild and raw, casting fierce light across the room as she fought with everything she had left. But there were too many witch hunters in their cabin. A fatal blow landed across her chest, her strength faltering as she collapsed beside William and Cassandra.

Oktavia, with her final breath, met Ambrose’s gaze. Her face softened in a fleeting, sorrowful smile, as if to say she understood who he really was without needing words. And then, she slumped against her husband, their hands nearly touching.

Ambrose’s heart shattered. He wanted to scream, to fight, but he was paralyzed, bound by the brutal finality of the scene before him. His family was gone—William, Oktavia, Cassandra—all lost in the same devastating moment.

Before he could react, Faustus and Penelope yanked him back through the Mirror, wrenching him from the horror. As he escaped, Ambrose's heart broke for the family he couldn't save.

~~~

October 2020

Ambrose stumbled from the Mirror, grief etched into his face. Penelope stood nearby, unsure of how to respond, squirming awkwardly before muttering, “Good. You’re back… in one piece.”

Ambrose gave a faint nod, but the emptiness in his eyes was unmistakable. Just then, William, his cousin, stepped forward. Unlike Penelope, William didn’t hesitate. He wrapped an arm around Ambrose’s shoulder, offering the kind of wordless support only a true friend could. “You don’t have to carry it alone,” he said quietly. “We’re all here, Ambrose. And we’re not going anywhere.”

Ambrose took a shuddering breath, grateful for William’s steady presence. The weight of his cousin’s arm was a comfort, a lifeline in the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to consume him. But it wasn’t nearly enough to stop the storm raging within. His mind clung to the memories of what he had just witnessed—his father’s final moments, his mother’s last gaze, Cassandra’s silent sacrifice. The ache seemed to sink deeper, an anchor pulling him further into despair.

Then came Evanora. Her face softened the moment she saw him. She moved toward him, her steps gentle but certain, as if sensing exactly what he needed. Without a word, she pulled him into her arms, and he surrendered to the familiar warmth of her embrace. Evanora had been his constant, the only mother he had known. She had raised him, guided him, been the rock that kept him grounded.

Ambrose buried his face in her shoulder, feeling her hand come to rest gently on his head, her fingers threading softly through his hair as she held him close. She didn’t offer any words of comfort or try to tell him that everything would be alright. Instead, she simply held him, her presence solid and unwavering, letting him find solace in the silence.

“I’m here, Ambrose,” she whispered after a long moment, her voice a soft murmur against the quiet grief that filled the room. “I always will be.”

~~~

William left Ambrose in the quiet embrace of Evanora and made his way through the halls of the Academy of Unseen Arts to find his mother. His footsteps echoed softly, the weight of what he had just witnessed heavy on his mind. Zelda would want to know, but he could already feel the tension building in his chest, dreading how she would react.

He found her in her bedroom, trying to get baby Hilda to sleep. Zelda looked up as he entered, her gaze sharpening as she took in her son's expression.

“William,” she began, immediately sensing something was wrong. “What is it?”

William took a breath, steadying himself. “It’s Ambrose. He went back through the Mirror… to the past.”

Zelda narrowed her eyes at him. “Why? What was he thinking?”

“To try to save them,” William replied, his voice quiet but filled with empathy. “He wanted to save his parents and… Aunt Cassandra.”

A shadow crossed Zelda’s face. She looked away, her jaw clenched, the loss of her family members still raw even after all these years. “And?”

William shook his head. “He saw them all being murdered.”

Zelda closed her eyes as she remembered finding Ambrose's family in a pool of blood. She took a steadying breath, one hand gripping the edge of the crib. “Why didn’t anyone stop him?”

William stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t think any of us could have stopped him.” He paused, his voice softening. “I’m afraid Selena is a bad influence on him.”

Zelda’s gaze softened at his words, the anger melting into a sorrowful understanding. She nodded, her hand coming to rest over his.

Zelda took a shaky breath, looking down. “You know, William, I… I should have listened to Cassandra. She warned us about the witch hunters, always said they’d find us, but none of us believed her. We thought she was crazy. And now…”

Her voice trailed off, her eyes unfocused as if caught in a memory. “I regret it every day. They died because I didn’t believe her. None of us did.” She swallowed, her voice quiet and filled with remorse. “Your Aunt Cassandra deserved better than that from me.”

William listened intently, not saying a word. Zelda looked away in sorrow. “And when it came time to raise Ambrose, I couldn’t… I couldn’t do it. I wanted to be there for him, but Penelope was acting out so much at the time. I thought it was because of me—that I was a bad mother. I was so sure of it that I thought Ambrose would be better off without me.”

Zelda has finally looked up at her son, her eyes misty but strong. “I thought I was doing the right thing, letting him grow up with someone else. But… I was wrong, William. Ambrose deserved better than that. I let my own doubts keep me away from him.”

She paused, holding his hand tightly. “He’s family, and he needs us—even more now.”

William gave his mother’s hand a reassuring squeeze, sensing the weight of her guilt and regrets. Zelda’s gaze drifted, her expression softening as she recalled memories of Ambrose’s parents. “Oktavia and William,” she murmured, a hint of fondness and sadness in her voice. “They were both so full of life. Oktavia was fierce, loyal, and stubborn beyond belief. And William… my cousin was always the thoughtful one, always keeping everyone grounded.” She paused, smiling faintly. “He had this gentle strength about him. Just like you…”

William listened intently, curiosity piqued; he’d heard only fragments of his mother’s past, and now, these glimpses felt more precious than ever.

“They were my closest family,” Zelda continued, her voice quieter. “They believed in something better for all of us. And Cassandra… she was the glue, the one who saw everything coming, even if no one else did.” Her expression tightened. “She was often misunderstood, even by us. I should have trusted her judgement more. I thought I was protecting the family by not encouraging her fears. But I see now that I was the one who let her down.”

She took a deep breath, her voice thick with emotion. “When they died, a part of me shut down. Losing them… it was like losing a piece of myself, and I didn’t know how to face it. Raising Ambrose would’ve meant confronting all that pain every day.”

William nodded, understanding dawning on him as he watched his mother struggle with her memories. “He doesn’t blame you for that,” William said gently. “And he knows he’s part of this family, Mum. Even with everything he’s been through, he’s still connected to them because of you.”

Zelda nodded slowly, absorbing William’s words, her gaze unfocused as memories of Ambrose’s parents flickered through her mind. “Yes… and I see so much of them in him,” she murmured. “Oktavia’s resilience, William’s kindness. Sometimes, it’s overwhelming—seeing them reflected back at me, but with his own strength and spirit.”

She looked down, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on the edge of her desk. “I suppose that’s part of why I kept my distance. I told myself I was protecting him by letting my mom raise him, but I was just hiding.”

Zelda’s voice trembled slightly, and she quickly steadied herself. “But he’s here now,” she repeated softly. “He deserves a family who shows up for him.”

William gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his eyes full of encouragement. “You can still be that for him, Mum. I know he’d want you to be.”

Zelda’s gaze met William’s, a flicker of determination breaking through her lingering sorrow. “Then I’ll tell him whatever he wants to know about his parents.”

A faint smile softened her expression, and William returned it with one of his own. “It’s never too late to be there for him. And I think he’ll be glad to know he has you in his corner.”

The two of them sat in a rare moment of quiet understanding, the bonds of their family—past and present—strengthening around them in the silence.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

October 2020

William held up the pumpkin shirt, waving it in front of Penny as if it were a prized relic. "Oh, come on, Penny," he teased, eyes glinting with mischief. "Don’t pretend you're not proud of this masterpiece. Admit it—you knew you looked adorable in it."

Penny groaned, folding her arms as she leaned against the wall, trying to look unfazed. "Adorable? That’s the best you’ve got? I wore it because it was cosy. I don’t care what you think."

William’s smirk widened as he took a few steps back, surveying her with exaggerated admiration. "Oh, right, totally. It was just ‘cosy.’ That’s why you wore this ‘gift from Daddy’ every single autumn for twelve years straight. I swear, you once told the neighbour’s kid he’d be cursed for even looking at your shirt."

Penny snorted, fighting a smile as she lunged to grab the shirt from his grip. But William, in true older-brother fashion, lifted it high above her reach, taunting her with it. "Hey, maybe he deserved it!" she protested, still jumping futilely. "Besides, at least I wasn’t running around the yard in that ridiculous werewolf costume you loved so much. Acting like some B-movie horror star, howling at the moon like a maniac."

"Ridiculous? Excuse me," William scoffed, feigning offence. "I put serious effort into that werewolf persona. At least I was trying to be scary. Meanwhile, you were declaring the living room your 'Halloween Throne Room’ every year. I’m pretty sure you even had a speech prepared."

Penny narrowed her eyes, switching tactics as she tried to swipe the shirt from his hands again. “Give it back, William.”

He relented, a grin still tugging at his lips as he finally handed it over. "You know, I’d offer to frame it for you, but that might be a bit much, even for the Pumpkin Queen herself."

Penny rolled her eyes but hugged the shirt close, a mix of annoyance and nostalgia crossing her face. “You are going to pay for that dearly next Halloween. Just wait.”

William raised an eyebrow, his tone turning mock-serious as he placed a hand over his heart. “Bring it on, Pumpkin Queen. Just don’t expect anyone to actually bow this time.”

Penny just shot him a glare, though even she couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. They both knew it was all part of their unspoken tradition, the annual sparring over costumes, memories, and who’d reign supreme next Halloween.

October 1900

Zelda pushed open the door to Faustus’s bedroom quietly, the soft glow of the single candle casting long shadows across the room. Faustus was seated at the edge of the bed, his head in his hands, deep in thought. He looked up, surprised, as she entered. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, crossing her arms as she regarded him silently.

"Zelda," he murmured, standing, his expression a mix of hope and trepidation.

She took a steadying breath, her gaze fixed on him. "It’s been years, Faustus. And I’ve told myself so many times that I could never forgive you… but here I am." Her voice softened, though a trace of caution remained. "I needed time to understand if I was making peace or letting go. And, somewhere in between, I realised I was only hurting myself by holding onto the past."

He took a careful step toward her, as if afraid any sudden movement might break the fragile moment. "I know that I don’t deserve your forgiveness, Zelda. But whatever I can do to make things right… just tell me."

She didn’t move, only studying him. "You’ve hurt me, Faustus," she whispered. "And it took me a long time to let myself even stand in the same room with you without feeling that old anger. But now… I don’t want to feel it anymore."

Faustus’s gaze softened, a flicker of relief crossing his face. "Thank you, Zelda," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "For giving me the chance. For even standing here tonight."

Slowly, Zelda stepped toward him, the weight of years of pain and separation lingering in the air between them. She reached out, resting a tentative hand on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his presence, something she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in so long.

Faustus let out a shaky breath, placing his hand gently over hers, his touch careful, reverent. "I’ll spend every day proving I’m worthy of this second chance," he promised, his voice thick with sincerity.

He took her hand gently, guiding her closer, their faces mere inches apart as they shared a quiet moment of reconnection, the tension and hurt slowly giving way to something they had both thought lost. In the dim candlelight, the years of pain and betrayal seemed to slip away, leaving only the two of them in a fragile, hard-won peace.

For the first time in years, Zelda allowed herself to lean into his embrace, resting her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her, grounding her in the warmth of a love they were both ready to rebuild.

Faustus held her close, his heart pounding as if it were the first time. He tightened his embrace, cautious yet fervent, as though afraid she might slip away again. The silence between them was filled with unspoken words, apologies, and forgiveness that didn’t need to be spoken aloud.

"I was so lost without you," he murmured into her hair, his voice catching. "Every day felt like a shadow of what could have been."

Zelda pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, her own gaze a blend of lingering doubt and fragile hope. "You hurt me, Faustus," she admitted, her voice steady but laced with a sorrow that ran deep. "But maybe... maybe we both needed this time apart to understand what we had. What we lost."

He nodded, regret evident in his eyes. "I know. And I know I can’t change what happened. But I can make sure you never feel that hurt again."

Their fingers intertwined, a tentative gesture that symbolised a willingness to try again. Faustus raised her hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles, as if sealing his vow to her. His touch was gentle, reverent, as though she were a precious fragment of a life he had once shattered and was now trying to piece back together.

Zelda took a steadying breath, allowing herself to savour this moment. "I want to believe in us, Faustus," she whispered. "But trust… it doesn’t come easy. Not anymore."

"I’ll earn it back, however long it takes," he promised, his voice steady, filled with a quiet determination. "Whatever you need, however you need it… I’m here."

They stood in the stillness, words fading into the night, as the familiar ache of the past loosened its grip, leaving space for the tender beginnings of trust to emerge. Zelda closed her eyes, resting her forehead against his, letting herself be vulnerable, allowing herself the possibility of something new.

A hesitant smile played at her lips as she looked up at him. "Then let’s start with tonight. With us."

Faustus's smile mirrored hers, soft and full of promise. And in that quiet moment, they both understood that love, even after breaking, could be rebuilt—not by forgetting the cracks, but by honouring them.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

January 2020

The grand Blackwood Manor glowed in the quiet, sacred hush of Yule. Outside, snow blanketed the grounds in a pristine, moonlit silence, while inside, the manor buzzed with the warm energy of family and ancient magic. The aroma of pine, cinnamon, and cloves wafted through the hallways, mingling with the smoke of incense and the faint crackle of magic.

In the great hall, a massive fireplace dominated one wall, its flames enchanted to flicker between rich blues, purples, and greens, casting an ethereal glow over the room. Enchanted candles floated above, gently illuminating every corner, while intricate garlands of holly, mistletoe, and charmed orange slices hung along the walls, draped like protective warding spells. The atmosphere was one of warmth and wonder, perfectly suited to the gathering of this family.

At the long, dark oak table sat Zelda and Faustus, the proud matriarch and patriarch of this boisterous clan. Zelda looked regal in a deep emerald gown adorned with silver runes that glimmered subtly under the candlelight, her red hair braided with dark ivy. Her gaze, usually fierce and no-nonsense, softened as she looked around at her children. Beside her, Faustus leaned close, his hand resting on hers. Though stern and often commanding, he had a rare, gentle smile on his face tonight. He brushed his fingers over Zelda’s hand and whispered something that made her laugh—a bright, clear sound that was almost a spell in itself, warming the entire room.

Across from them, Penelope Pandora and William were in the middle of one of their usual debates. Penelope was explaining the importance of enchanting a sprig of holly for protection, leaning forward intently, her fingers drumming on the table in a familiar rhythm. “It’s tradition, Willy,” she insisted, her voice laced with exasperation.

William, ever the playful contrarian, scoffed and twirled a sprig of holly between her fingers. “Maybe for you, Penny. I can think of a hundred better charms,” he said, smirking as he leaned back, relaxed as ever. He tossed a piece of holly at Luce, who sat across from them, watching the exchange with barely concealed admiration.

Luce ducked just in time as William threw another piece of holly at him, and shot him a challenging grin in response. The three of them fell into their familiar banter, and Zelda and Faustus exchanged a knowing smile between the two of them.

In a quieter corner of the room, Prudence, Agatha, and Dorcas knelt on the floor, their heads bent in concentration over a chalk-drawn circle. Agatha, her expression intense and almost reverent, was leading the séance, her voice low as she called upon the spirit of her mother, Cecile. Dorcas, ever devoted, held Agatha’s hand tightly, lending her strength to the ritual, while Prudence reached out with her other hand, eyes closed in deep focus. The three girls whispered incantations, their voices barely more than a murmur, creating a palpable ripple in the air as they sought to make contact with Cecile’s spirit.

A sudden laugh from across the room broke their concentration, and Agatha shot a glare toward the noise. “Quiet!” she hissed, as Prudence struggled to stifle a smile, her gaze drifting to Daphne who was excitedly running around and causing trouble.

Near the fireplace, Selena was sitting on a thick, plush rug with baby Hilda, who was gurgling and laughing as she reached up toward a shimmering enchanted ribbon Selena dangled in front of her. The ribbon sparkled with soft blues and silvers, enchanted to shimmer with a gentle, calming light. Every few seconds, baby Hilda would reach out, managing to grab hold of the ribbon for just a moment before it floated out of her reach again. Selena giggled, clearly proud of her role as the “big sister” tonight, and glanced back toward her parents to make sure they saw her work.

Zelda noticed and offered a soft, approving nod, and Selena beamed, turning back to Hilda with renewed energy, happily babbling nonsense words to her baby sister. The sight brought a deep warmth to Zelda’s heart; she walked over and reached down, lifted baby Hilda into her arms, and pressed a soft kiss to her chubby cheek, making the little one squeal with delight. Faustus leaned over as well to tickle the baby’s belly, and Hilda’s laugh grew, an infectious sound that had several of her older siblings turning to smile at her.

Meanwhile, Luce was darting around the room, now engaged in an enthusiastic game of tag with his sister Daphne. Daphne darted around the table, her red hair streaming behind her and her dress—a rich green with little silver charms sewn into the hem—swishing around her knees as she tried to stay just out of Luca’s reach. She’d glance back every few seconds, laughing, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

“Luca, you’re never going to catch me!” she taunted, her voice ringing out in joyous defiance.

“Oh, yes I will!” he shouted back, nearly tripping over one of Prudence’s candles but managing to catch his balance at the last second, earning an exasperated sigh from his sister.

Zelda and Faustus watched the younger ones, both amusement and pride lighting their faces. Zelda looked back at Faustus, a glint of humor and warmth in her gaze as she said, “Our little devils have kept us on our toes this year.”

“They certainly have,” Faustus replied, squeezing her hand. He looked around at their bustling family, his usual formality softening as he added, “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Just then, the enchanted doors to the kitchen opened, and platters of food floated out, settling on the table in a magnificent spread. There were roasted meats with crispy, golden skins; platters of charmed pastries that shimmered as if dusted with stardust; deep, earthen bowls of seasoned vegetables; and an array of warm, spiced ciders that glowed with an amber light. Faustus raised his hand, signaling everyone to gather around, and the children quickly took their places, even Agatha, Prudence, and Dorcas, who broke their circle with a reluctant nod.

Zelda stood and lifted a goblet, leading them all in an incantation of gratitude and blessing. Her voice, clear and strong, filled the room as she called upon the spirits of Yule, invoking health, protection, and prosperity for the family in the year to come. Each family member repeated her words, their voices joining in harmony, creating a magical resonance that filled the manor and spilled out into the night like a beacon of light.

As they feasted, the evening filled with laughter, stories of the year past, and playful exchanges. Penelope Pandora, and William engaged in friendly competition, debating who had achieved the most impressive feats of magic. Prudence, Agatha, and Dorcas shared their hopes for the year ahead, discussing spells they’d like to master and perhaps even boasting of the spirits they’d managed to contact. Meanwhile, Luca and Daphne, their game temporarily halted, entertained Selena and baby Hilda, showing them simple illusions with flickers of light and shadow.

The Blackwoods, a family as fierce as they were loving, as magical as they were mischievous, celebrated Yule with a warmth and enchantment that only grew stronger with every passing year. As the night deepened and the flames in the hearth glowed brighter, Zelda and Faustus shared a quiet, knowing look—a look that spoke of gratitude for their chaotic, extraordinary family, and of a love that had only deepened with time.

This Yule, like all the Yules before, was a reminder that the Blackwoods were bound by more than magic. They were bound by love, laughter, and the timeless traditions that made their family—and their magic—truly unbreakable.