The First Circle

by Paul Perea

  A bump in the road jarred her from her private ruminations as Emilio navigated the city streets toward the train station. Gabriella felt Daniel’s grip loosen until they no longer touched. It was as if he knew what was on her mind and in her heart. The danger, the darkness, and beneath it all, sadness. Her heart was broken. Since the accident, Daniel had become skittish and rarely left his grandmother’s house. Worse, he avoided her and she was at a loss as to what to do. Her only solace was the fact that Raven kept watch over Daniel. There was comfort in that.

  “Thanks for letting me join you,” Gabriella said politely, addressing Emilio and Helena, and ending the awkward silence between her and Daniel.

  “Of course, my dear,” Emilio responded with a wink. “I’m sure my son wishes it was you rather than I who was accompanying him.”

  Daniel looked at Gabriella and the pace of his heart quickened. An image haunted him when he looked at her. The memory of that night, that dog, that beast looking at her as if it knew her. He averted his eyes and did his best to stay the trepidation that crept up his spine and blanketed his skin. But it wasn’t just the horror of the accident, it was something else, too. Against his better judgment, he had fallen in love with Gabriella, and there was nothing he could do about it. Not without giving up the ghost, as he had come close to doing the night of the accident.

  He looked at her again. She was wearing the prettiest dress she owned, the one that he had once told her was his favorite. The cotton dress was simple, delicate and white, with a pattern of small flowers all over it. The dress accentuated her figure, making her appear both innocent and desirable, a dangerous combination.

  Guilt sat like a knot in his stomach. No one, not his grandmother, not even his own father, knew of the obligation that awaited him. Only his mother was privy to the secret, a promise that had been orchestrated by Helena herself. Daniel swallowed hard, then as he had learned to do since he was a child, he pushed away the guilt and focused on what he kept telling himself was the the right thing to do.

  At last they arrived at the train station. The scene was chaotic as Helena talked non-stop, offering advice and fretting about the luggage, money and tickets. Emilio merely grunted as he followed his wife’s orders. And Daniel, Daniel was whipped around in the current like a small child at a party, blindfolded, waving a stick and trying to break open the dangling piñata. Gabriella tried to assist where she could and in the offering found herself the unwitting helper of Helena, the one person she detested more than her father.

  The train was boarding as the group huddled together to say their goodbyes. Helena brushed off the shoulders of Daniel’s jacket and smoothed his shirt as she kissed him, hugged him, and assured him that she would see him soon. She all but ignored Emilio who was busy ensuring all was in order. Finally, Daniel broke free of his parents and requested that he have a moment alone to say goodbye to Gabriella. Surprisingly, they complied without argument.

  Daniel grabbed Gabriella, pulled her out of earshot, and held her as if it would take a thousand men to pry his arms away. He kissed the top of her head and then buried his tear-stained face in her hair. “I have so much I want to say to you. But mostly, I need to say this. I need to tell you that I’m sorry for what I did. I’m sorry, Gabriella.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry, too,” she answered through sobs.

  Daniel pulled away and looked into her eyes. “Sorry? For what? You didn’t do anything. I . . . I forced myself on you. You weren’t ready.”

  “Daniel, I wish I could tell you . . . explain. You wouldn’t believe me anyway.”

  “You can tell me anything,” he said and kissed her cheeks and her lips, and pulled her close, wincing at the pain in his ribs.

  “Ooh, be careful! You’re still not healed,” she said, loosening her grip from around his waist. “I’ll miss you . . . and I’ll write. Will you write to me?”

  “Of course!” Daniel said, and hesitated for a moment, searching his soul for what to say. “Gabriella. I have to tell you that this summer was nothing like I imagined it would be. When I first arrived in Arroyo, I thought it was going to be a long, boring summer. Then I met you, and you changed all that. You were not what I bargained for. You turned out to be the best friend I have ever had.”

  The conductor issued a final boarding call, interrupting their moment and causing Daniel to panic. “I didn’t count on you becoming not only my best friend, but my love as well. You do know I love you, don’t you?”

  Gabriella’s chest heaved. “I love you, too, Daniel, with all my heart.”

  Daniel lifted her chin and kissed her passionately. He didn’t care what was happening around him. The whole world could just go away.

  “Daniel, we have to board!” Emilio yelled out.

  “I promise I will try . . . we will see each other again!” Daniel stammered. “Please don’t cry anymore, Gabriella. You are the brightest, smartest girl I know. But listen to me. Just hear me out for one second, okay? I don’t know why but I have a weird feeling. I’m worried about you. Please watch out for yourself. I mean it.”

  Gabriella nodded as Helena approached and pulled Daniel away for final hugs and kisses.

  “I’ll see you in a couple of weeks, son,” Helena said, as Daniel boarded the train with his father.

  Not a word was shared as Helena and Gabriella walked back to the vehicle, and not much was said on the long ride home until they reached the familiar signpost welcoming them to Arroyo.

  Drive slow, see our village. Drive fast, see our judge.

  Once past the sign, Helena eased the vehicle onto the shoulder and cut the engine.

  “Gabriella,” Helena said, as if the name hurt her throat to speak it aloud. “I think it’s high time you knew what’s going on with Daniel.”

  “What do you mean?” Gabriella asked.

  “Look, I know you two had a nice time together this summer but Daniel has obligations—commitments that he must own and act upon. You see, unfortunately my son is like a lot of men out there. Feckless, weak and selfish. I told him time and time again to end things with you. I told him it wasn’t fair to lead you on when he had made promises to another girl but he wouldn’t listen to me.”

  Helena let the sentence cut through the air like a knife before slipping the blade in further. “Gabriella, Daniel is promised to another. He’s engaged. He’s going to be married.”

  Gabriella turned and looked at Helena, who stared back at her with narrowed eyes and a slight smile on her face.

  “What?”

  The leather seat groaned as Helena shifted to face Gabriella. “Oh my dear, I hope you won’t hold this against me personally. As they say, ‘Don’t kill the messenger’. I’m truly sorry to be the one to deliver this news but after witnessing your long goodbye at the train station—Daniel’s empty promises and proclamation of love, well, I knew this had gone on long enough. He won’t write. He won’t be back. I only wish my son would have had the courage to tell you himself.”

  Helena reached over and lightly pushed back Gabriella’s hair, all the while watching Gabriella’s bottom lip quiver. “You poor thing! I’m so ashamed of my son. Oh, I know it hurts right now, but you’re a pretty girl. There will be other boys. You will meet someone suitable for—”

  “I can’t listen to any more of this!” Gabriella cried and opened the car door. She ran as fast as she could, her path blurred by stinging tears. But she knew her destination. She ran toward the bosque. She ran toward him. She pushed on as tree limbs lashed at her body, whipping her and drawing blood. She ran without a care for the roots that might bring her down. She ran until she reached the sandy shore.

  Crying, she screamed his name. “Salazar! Salazar! I’m here, you bastard! Come and get me! Come to me and do your worst!”

  She wanted a fight. She wanted to hurt someone.

  “Come on! Show yourself and let’s get this over with
!”

  Salazar did not answer. Still, she screamed out, not caring if anyone witnessed her tirade.

  “You wanted me since I was a child. You told me you were my grandfather! Well, here I am, your grandchild. You toyed with my life. You made me fall in love with him! Come to me now, old man. I have a score to settle with you!”

  Her words fell on deaf ears. If Salazar heard or witnessed the outburst, he chose to ignore it. He did not appear nor did he accept her challenge.

  “COWARD!” she screamed, and the word held power. It sent ripples across the water and shook the trees.

  Gabriella sank to her knees, pounded the ground and wept. She had lost her virginity near this very spot. Now Daniel was lost to her, as well. She was lost. Gabriella rolled over onto her back and remained there, staring up at the sky, until the crying had stopped and the tears had dried. Sandy trails on her face were the only evidence as she pushed herself up.

  She stood and took a deep breath as a realization washed over her. Before she lost her nerve, she walked to the edge of the woods, searching frantically for just the right one. There. She found a forked branch and returned to the beach. There was no one around. She was safe to do her work.

  As she drew the symbols in the sand, her mind was focused. Daniel had betrayed her. He had lied. He had hurt her as surely as if he had stuck a knife through her heart. Now he would know her suffering. She looked out at the water. Fluid, dark, enticing. Like the wine his family’s vineyard produced. Yes, that would suffice. His would be a thirst that would drive all those he loved away. His wife. His unborn children.

  Daniel would come to know misery as he watched those he cherished abandon him. Any sons born to him would turn against him. His daughters would despise him. And his wife, his wife would deliver the most crushing blow of all.

  Gabriella paused and looked up. I shouldn’t do this, she thought. But it was too late. She had worked her spell, her curse, and the allure of such an act did not make her feel better. She stood up and tossed the stick into the water.

  What have I done? she wondered as she turned and walked away.

  CHAPTER 35

  It was late afternoon when Gabriella arrived at the mountain but she didn’t enter the house. Instead, she turned and walked toward the edge of the cliff and surveyed the great expanse stretched out before her. A shiver tickled her body and she bristled. The air was becoming cooler and the sun was retreating south, heralding the change of seasons. Gabriella sighed and took a deep breath. The smell of earthy, heady, decay filled her lungs. It was the season, the time for the world to die.

  “Ah, my sweet little bug,” Maria said softly as she joined Gabriella. “It’s been a trying month. You look so tired.”

  Gabriella turned and offered a forced smile but didn’t answer.

  “I know we’ve taxed you. It’s been difficult—the lessons, the practice. I understand what it can do to a person.” Maria stumbled with her words. She surveyed Gabriella’s profile and knew what dwelt in Gabriella’s heart. She knew something else, too.

  “Are you alright, my dear? You haven’t been yourself since Daniel left, and you know how I worry about you.”

  Gabriella smiled and kissed Maria on the cheek. “I know you do and I appreciate it. I really do.”

  Maria smiled but worry danced across her eyes. She was about to speak when Gabriella interrupted.

  “So, tonight is the night. Tonight I finally get to learn how to use my grandmother’s rosary beads.”

  “Yes, and we’d better get started before it gets too late,” Maria said as she took Gabriella by the arm and led her back toward the house.

  “Hello Magdalena. Where’s Mancha?” Gabriella asked.

  “Mancha has gone away to deal with a matter of utmost importance,” Magdalena answered as she continued with her task.

  “What? Where?” Gabriella stuttered.

  Maria grabbed Gabriella by the hands and embraced her. “Oh, don’t worry yourself. You must focus, for tonight we’re going to teach you how to use those pretty beads of yours. You did remember to bring them, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, they’re right here,” Gabriella lifted the rosary beads from around her neck and handed them to Maria, who studied them as if they were a priceless work of art before passing them to Magdalena.

  “Oh my, so much power in such a pretty thing,” Magdalena stated as she held the rosary, “You are a very fortunate girl to have had such a resourceful witch for a great-grandmother.”

  Maria agreed, “Yes, you’re very lucky. But you must take care. They could be trouble in the wrong hands! Why, if Salazar were to—”

  “He would be unstoppable,” Magdalena interrupted. “But don’t worry about that. We will show you what to do so he doesn’t get the chance.”

  “It’s so strange. I wonder why Levinia would use something like this to enchant?” Gabriella wondered aloud.

  “Strange? Why the answer is quite simple,” Magdalena answered. “Safety. Gabriella, witches throughout time have had to hide everything, not just the fact that they’re witches, but also their instruments of practice.

  “We hid our wands in handles of broomsticks; our altar pieces hidden in icons or cooking jars; the texts of our spells shoved in between pages of books or written in code. We had to, or else we risked imprisonment, even execution. It was ingenious of Levinia to enchant something that nobody would ever suspect.

  “This tool will protect you as you pass through the portal and anchor you to this world. You may also use it to transport others with you, and if used correctly, you can send someone away from you. For example, you could send Salazar to another place, but that option is not a good one, as you would then lose the rosary beads . . . they would be transported along with him . . . and he would most certainly use them to his advantage.”

  Observing the confusion on Gabriella’s face, Maria interrupted. “You see, we exist on a certain plane, three-dimensional, with time as an arrow and all sorts of constraints and limits. People are born, they grow up, they grow old and they die. There are other existences. Some may call them heaven and hell. The poet, Dante Alighieri, called them the nine circles of hell.

  “Traveling through these circles is fraught with danger. And returning safely, and alone, is another matter. That’s where the danger lies. You see, when one travels to these realms they risk letting something pass through, something that should not be allowed to enter into our world.

  “Salazar is imprisoned in one of those realms. We call it ‘The First Circle’, for it is a world closest to our own.

  “Mancha explained how long ago he was confined there by an ancient, powerful magic. Over time, he has discovered how to travel through the portal into our world, but only for short durations. He’s trapped and wants out. And he will get out. He has already broken your grandmother’s bonds and is growing ever stronger, as evidenced by his attack on you and that Daniel boy.”

  “So one thing puzzles me,” Gabriella said, and looked at Maria and then at Magdalena. “Why has he gone silent? Why hasn’t he attacked me again? I mean, he could do it at any time, and to be honest, having to be alert all the time is beginning to wear me out.”

  “Come,” Magdalena said as she took Gabriella by the hand and led her out of the house. Maria followed as they walked silently through the forest until they came to a small clearing. Before them, a mist rose from the hot springs, and above, the tops of the pine trees seemed to form a circle of protection around them.

  Gabriella gasped. “Wow, these really exist! Do you bathe in them and become young, just like in my uncle’s stories?”

  Maria smiled. “Yes, that part of your uncle’s story is true; however, we don’t do it often. The allure of such transformation can be addictive.”

  “Take my hand,” Magdalena ordered solemnly. “Close up your mind. Do not let the beast know what we are about to share fo
r we must remain invisible to his eyes.”

  The wind pushed through the trees and caressed their bodies as Magdalena enclosed them in a sphere of protection. “Gabriella, what I’m about to tell you is not easy. The words burn my throat and sicken me.

  “Mancha discovered something, something very grave indeed. She is now transformed, her youth restored and her powers increased ten-fold. Mancha has set off to make a bargain with that devil.”

  “What?” Gabriella couldn’t believe her ears.

  “Mancha has gone to do what she can,” Maria said solemnly. “And we will transform, too, and follow should she need us. We stand waiting for word from Raven. He has accompanied her on her unholy task.”

  Gabriella grew anxious and held tight to Maria’s and Magdalena’s hands. “Please tell me! What’s happened that would make her do something so dangerous?”

  Maria hung her head as Magdalena steeled herself and spoke with measured words. “Gabriella, it’s not what’s happened. Rather, it’s what’s going to happen if we don’t act. Now more than ever you must be protected at all costs.”

  “Why?” Gabriella asked.

  Maria started to weep as Magdalena explained. “There exist spells that are too horrible to believe. Spells rooted in the darkest of magic. Strong, powerful, evil magic. The worst involve the sacrifice of a witch by another witch. And if that witch happens to be with child—”

  “What?” Gabriella asked as the color left her face.

  Magdalena looked at Gabriella and squeezed her hand. “Gabriella, you’re pregnant.”

  PART THREE

  CHRYSALIS

  CHAPTER 36

  Arroyo, New Mexico, 1942

  January. Winter was her favorite season. The frigid air that silenced the earth, the crystalline snow, the bluest of skies and the lingering darkness. The intensity of cold on exposed warm flesh—how her ears and the tip of her nose were burnt by the collision—a reminder of the power and trickery of nature. A magic she could never perform, much less master. Nature would not be outdone by she, a mere girl, a pale sorceress who had failed at protecting herself.