High Witch Box Set

by Mona Hanna

  He plunged the blade into her back.

  ***

  “ARIEL! NO!” Brayden screamed. He fell to his knees, wailing.

  Ariel collapsed in a heap on the ground. The knife stuck out of her, sticky red blood oozing from the wound.

  Hallie felt an intense wave of nausea run through her. She started shaking but only had moments to finish this. She had to act fast. She had to finish the plan.

  The weights were nearly at the bottom.

  “Release him!” Hallie screamed, hurtling towards Nicholas and grabbing his shirt. “Free him! You promised!”

  “Why is there a storm—what are you doing?”

  “Free him, or so help me, I’ll rip out your insides and feed them to you. Free him!”

  Nicholas looked so pale and shaky that Hallie didn’t know if he was still sane, but he hurried to the device and withdrew a large metal key from his pocket. The spikes were only a few inches from Sean, spinning, screaming, and he was crying out in terror. Nicholas put the key in a hole in the center of the clock and turned it three times. The disc still moved forward, and Hallie was petrified it wouldn’t stop. But the winding gradually slowed down, the screeching grew quieter, and finally the machine halted.

  Hallie let out a huge breath and looked to the sky, calling the weather to be at its most fierce, and then she hurried towards Ariel. There was no time to lose.

  The storm screamed around them, the thunder rumbling so loudly it was almost deafening. Lightning streaked across the sky, and the wind whipped over everything and made it hard to stay still, let alone focus. Hallie prayed Nicholas would be distracted enough for the final part of their plan.

  She knelt beside Ariel, Brayden already with her, having pulled the blade out of her back. Hallie took Ariel’s hand. “Ariel! Are you still alive? If you are squeeze my hand!”

  Ariel lay still, but there was a very slight pressure in Hallie’s hand.

  She sighed with relief, then squeezed back. “The healing spell. Now. With all your might, Ariel.”

  Hallie stayed still, waiting for Ariel to act. Ariel had to have the strength to do this—even the smallest amount of power. Ariel’s breathing was shaky and ragged, her eyes shut, and her skin deathly pale. She lay there, barely holding on to life, and then she managed to open her eyes and look at Hallie. Hallie gazed at her, desperately hoping, and Ariel finally clenched her teeth and cast the spell.

  Hallie could tell Ariel was trying but it wasn’t enough. The healing spell needed twice the strength. The power of two High Witches. It was a long shot. Maybe it wouldn’t work. It was beyond Ariel’s control. But Ariel believed in good, that if you sacrificed yourself for others, you would be rewarded, and she’d told Hallie the spell would work. Hallie watched Ariel desperately, and finally, a faint glow appeared above her stomach.

  Erica joined her mother in casting the healing spell.

  Hallie released the final part of the storm. Rain poured down, drenching everything, making it nearly impossible to see. Brayden gazed at his wife in horror, but the glow at her stomach grew brighter and brighter. The magic of the two High Witches worked together, Ariel’s weaker because she was hurt but Erica’s at full strength. The glow wavered, flickering, but then the brightest, strongest light Hallie had ever seen shone from Ariel’s belly. Hallie and Brayden had to look away. The light was fiery and blinding.

  Color began to return to Ariel’s skin. Her chest rose and fell with her strengthened breathing. Her blue eyes became brighter and focused. She looked at Hallie, relief in her eyes, as the glow finally faded away. She looked at Brayden, and he began to weep, leaned down, and hugged her. Hallie cried too. Oh, how she cried.

  Then she noticed Nicholas was watching them.

  He was glaring at them, his fists clenched. He reached for the key in the clock.

  Hallie narrowed her eyes. “Oh, no you don’t,” she seethed. The storm hadn’t distracted him long enough, but she had an answer for that.

  She held out one arm and pointed at him.

  His eyes widened in shock.

  She wiggled her fingers.

  Lighting struck him full in the chest.

  Chapter 20

  Eventually everyone returned to Hallie’s home. Brayden and Hallie cut Sean down from the machine, which did indeed take them a very long time. There was no way they could have done it before the time on the clock had run out. Sean could barely walk, so Hallie held him up and transported him home while Ariel took Brayden. Sean immediately went to bed, unable to speak from shock, and Ariel went to rest in Hallie’s spare bedroom. A healer from the town was brought to the house to check on Ariel and Sean. He said Sean was not physically wounded, apart from red marks on his skin where the ropes had bound him, but needed to rest from the trauma. And Ariel was almost perfect.

  Beneath the dried blood on her back, there wasn’t even a wound—her skin wasn’t even broken. The healing spell had reversed the injury completely. Ariel was shaken up, but she said she just felt tired, not hurt.

  Brayden lay next to her in bed and gazed at her, his heart still aching from what happened. He couldn’t believe what she’d done. Couldn’t believe the risk she’d taken. “You could have died, Ariel,” Brayden whispered, holding her before they went to sleep. “What if you hadn’t lived? What if I’d lost you?”

  Ariel smiled at him a little, touching his face. She kissed him gently on the lips, settled back, and touched her stomach. “I had to believe in the visions,” she said softly. “I trusted my vision of me with Erica when she’s older, but I also felt Hallie’s vision was correct. She saw me being stabbed, so I knew it was going to happen. But I believed I would live. It was a risk, but what else could I do? I couldn’t leave Sean to be killed, and we had so little time. I didn’t think we could get him out of the machine quickly enough, like Nicholas said—after all, it took you and Hallie ages to cut him down. And if I’d just killed Nicholas, then Sean would have died horrifically. It was so panicked, so rushed. Maybe I could have threatened Nicholas and forced him to free Sean, but I don’t think the threat of pain would have done it. He had us trapped, so I let the visions guide me. I knew what had to happen. I just had to believe it would all work out.”

  Brayden looked at her fondly, unable to believe how strong she was. He lay his head down and cuddled her, just wanting to hold her.

  She laughed softly.

  “What?” he asked, wondering what brought her amusement.

  She giggled again. “I told you binding our baby’s powers was a bad idea. I should have listened to my gut. I knew it was a bad idea. Erica was never going to hurt me, or anyone. She can cast whatever spell she wants.”

  Brayden chuckled. “Yes, yes she can. What a story we have to tell her. The day she saved your life, before she was even born. I can’t imagine how amazing she’ll be. I love you both so much.”

  They drifted off to sleep, the bloodshed and hatred and violence of the day fading from Brayden’s mind. He loved Ariel with his whole heart. He adored Hallie for working with his wife, for destroying Nicholas, for being so strong. Hallie was like Ariel’s sister. He imagined their bond would last forever.

  ***

  Hallie woke up, blinking her eyes, her mind cloudy and vague. She turned and looked out the window and saw it was evening. She must have slept all day. She looked over and saw Sean fast asleep, still and silent, and her heart broke all over again and what he’d been through. Her love. He hadn’t said anything when they’d arrived home, but she knew he must be traumatized. She’d do anything to make him feel better. Anything in the world.

  Hallie didn’t want to wake him, so she quietly got out of bed and walked into the front room. There was no sign of Ariel and Brayden—Hallie assumed they were still sleeping—and she was pleased they were getting some rest. She sat on the settee and thought about all that had happened. She could hardly believe it.

  She didn’t know how she would ever thank Ariel for what she had done for Sean. Hallie couldn’t think of
anything to repay her. Ariel had risked her life to save Hallie’s love. Her belief that she would survive aside, it was still a huge risk, still a huge danger. She might not have lived. Sean would have been saved, but Ariel might not have lived. But she did it anyway. The woman was astonishing.

  Hallie wanted to do something for her, anything, and sat there thinking. What could she give Ariel? What did she want that she didn’t have? Hallie didn’t think there was much she could do. She truly loved Ariel, just like family, and would go to the end of the world for her. If only there was something she could give her.

  Then it hit her.

  The journal.

  ***

  Ariel stood in a wide space filled with white light. She couldn’t see the ground beneath her because a glow covered her feet. She looked around her, not seeing anyone but feeling a warm presence surrounding her. She felt the presence grow nearer, filling her heart with love and joy and the feeling that she was watched over and protected.

  Then a soft voice sounded out, firm but gentle, calling her name. “Ariel. Ariel listen to me.”

  She looked around, but no one was there. “Who are you?”

  “I am the One,” the voice called. “Listen to what I have to say.”

  Ariel remained still, feeling completely at peace. She waited calmly.

  “I am very proud of you, my child. You have sacrificed yourself not once but twice to save those you love. You are worried about your child—worried because she is a High Witch—and you don’t know how she can exist when there are already three of you. You worry for her and for the other High Witches, as you fear one of you may die when Erica is born.

  “But don’t worry, Ariel. Your vision was true—the one where you saw Erica with you as a girl. She will be fine, as will all the High Witches.

  “It is true that there are only ever three. But you passed the test, Ariel, enabling there to be four. You passing the test broke the rule—your child being a High Witch is not an abnormality, not going against the order of things, but instead a reward to you for giving up your life for Brayden. Your gift is a child of power and beauty, and she will join you, Hallie, and the other young girl who is a High Witch.

  “All along you have thought Erica was not meant to be, or that one of the High Witches will perish upon her birth, but this will not be so. There will be four, as there was always meant to be. Erica was meant to be. Your sacrifice was seen in advance, Ariel, and I rejoiced in the love in your heart. Be at peace, my child.”

  Ariel felt such joy fill her heart she could barely contain it. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?” she asked the unseen being.

  “I have told you when it was right. To teach you to believe things will be alright, even if you can’t see how. Be at peace, my child.”

  And then the presence left, and Ariel was alone. But she knew she would never truly be alone again.

  ***

  Ariel awoke in the late evening, her magnificent dream lingering in her mind and heart. She felt so much better; she wasn’t even tired anymore. She kissed Brayden on his cheek repeatedly until he woke up.

  He smiled at her and kissed her back. “Hello,” he said, still grinning. “I like it when you wake me that way. How are you feeling?”

  “Really good,” Ariel said. “Really strong. I don’t feel weak at all anymore. Oh, Brayden, I had the most wonderful dream. I can’t wait to tell you, but I want to tell all of us together. Let’s get up. I’m starving, and I’m dying to talk to Hallie. I haven’t really spoken to her since we got back.”

  She got out of bed, and Brayden followed. They got cleaned up and headed into the front room. Sean was sitting on one of the armchairs with Hallie in his lap, kissing her deeply. Ariel smiled and looked away, glad he seemed to be feeling better. She noticed Hallie and Sean had put out an assortment of food on the table and thought that was so sweet of them. She and Brayden stood for quite a long time, smiling at each other, waiting for the other two to finish. Brayden started to laugh, and Hallie broke the embrace.

  “Oh! I didn’t realize… I didn’t know that you two had woken up.”

  “That’s alright,” Brayden said. “Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  Hallie blushed and moved to get out of Sean’s lap. He kissed her once more, not letting go of her, and she giggled and they both stood. They all sat at the table, Sean across from Ariel, and Hallie across from Brayden.

  Ariel took a deep breath, preparing to tell them about her dream. “I want to tell all of you something,” she said. “It was something I saw in my sleep. It was an… experience. It was wonderful. It was about all of us, all the High Witches, including Erica.”

  Ariel smiled at Hallie fondly, and then told everyone what she saw. She was a little nervous—would they understand? Would they believe her? When she finished, everyone was silent. Ariel held her breath, waiting to hear what they thought. No one spoke for a little while.

  Then Hallie brought her hand to her face and wiped away a few tears. “That’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard,” she said softly. “We’re going to be alright, Ariel. We’re all going to be alright.”

  Hallie burst into tears, and Ariel felt her own eyes become moist. She looked down, overcome with emotion. Sean stood up and put an arm around Hallie, and Ariel looked over at Brayden.

  He was gazing at her with such love in his eyes, it took her breath away. She smiled, feeling she was about to cry, and Brayden leaned close to her and kissed her on the cheek. He held her face in his hands, gently kissing her lips, her cheek, her eyelids. He rested his forehead against hers. Ariel sighed happily. “I love you so much,” Brayden whispered. “You’re the most amazing woman in the world. I love you and Erica with all of my heart.”

  “I love you too,” Ariel whispered back.

  Eventually she leaned back, and Sean sat back at the table. Everyone began to eat from the plates of cold meat, different cheeses, and bread. There was a jug of cider and some fruit for dessert. Ariel was ravenous and ate quickly, feeling like she hadn’t eaten in days. Everyone ate quietly, the silence pleasant and relaxing. Ariel felt so much better. So happy, so contented. She looked at Hallie next to her, and the girl smiled, looking so lovely and sweet. Ariel smiled back, then saw Sean looking at her. He had a serious look on his face, and Ariel stopped eating, knowing he wanted to speak.

  Sean took a deep breath. “Thank you for saving me.” He looked at her with intense pain in his eyes. “I can’t thank you enough. I was barely sane when we came back here, so I’m sorry I didn’t say anything earlier. But you’re amazing, and I’ll do anything to show you how grateful I am. I’m so glad we met you, and I’m so glad Hallie has you as her friend. Glad we both have you as a friend.”

  Ariel looked down, embarrassed. “Take care of her, Sean,” she said, gazing at him and wanting him to understand. “The only thing I ask of you is to be there for Hallie. I know you two love each other, and that’s the most powerful thing there is. Don’t ever be apart.”

  Sean looked at Hallie, leaned over, and kissed her. “You don’t have to worry about that.”

  Hallie blushed, and Ariel’s heart filled up. She looked down again, hoping Hallie and Sean would always be together. It broke her heart that she would have to leave them soon, but she had a feeling she would see them again before too long.

  Chapter 21

  “I don’t want to go,” Ariel said, sitting next to Hallie on the settee a week later. Brayden and Sean were sitting in the armchairs. Ariel and Brayden had spent the week with Hallie and Sean, just relaxing and getting to know each other better, but it was time for them to go back home. Ariel was homesick but also sad at the thought of leaving Hallie. “I don’t want to leave you,” Ariel said. “I’ll miss you so much. You’re the only one who understands what it’s like, being the way we are. I wish you lived closer, Hallie.”

  Hallie frowned at her, looking so upset. “I don’t want you to go either. But I want to visit you. Can I visit you when your baby’s born? I
want to meet your little girl.”

  “Of course!” Ariel said. “You’ll be her aunt, you know. I want you to be in her life. I want all the High Witches to be together.” Ariel gave Hallie a big hug, then sat back.

  Hallie looked at her closely and took a deep breath. “There’s something I want to give you. Just wait here a moment.”

  Ariel watched as Hallie went to her bedroom and came back holding a black leather book.

  Hallie sat back down and handed it to Ariel. “This is a journal Nicholas had with him a lot,” she began, her voice filled with nerves. “On… on the day we stopped Nicholas, I went back to his house when everyone was asleep and found it in his bedroom. I suspected the journal had information about us, as Nicholas always had it with him. I looked through it briefly—I didn’t read anything specific—but I think it belonged to Julius. I saw your name in it. I thought it could help you learn the truth about what happened when you were a child.”

  Ariel gasped a little, putting her hand to her chest. “Oh, Hallie,” she whispered. “Oh…” She turned the soft, worn book over in her hands, then opened it. The pages were yellowed with age and filled with dark ink in a harsh scrawl. Ariel flicked through it, seeing dates at the beginning going back dozens of years. This really did belong to Julius. He had been looking for High Witches, recording stories and leads about them in the book. Ariel looked at the pages towards the back and saw her name. And Hallie’s.

  In the same part of the book.

  Julius had found them both at the same time.

  He had picked Ariel.

  The realization hit her hard. She might have been spared the test! She didn’t wish it on Hallie, but, oh, she might have been spared! She would never forget what she’d been through. Her nightmares would be forever filled with the pain she’d suffered, feeling herself dying, knowing her life was ending. What she went through the day she saved Sean was horrific and terrifying, but she’d had hope in her heart that she would live. When she went through the test, she had no way of knowing she’d survive. And Julius’ machine had caused her unimaginable pain, pain which she would haunt her forever. She would never forget it. She never would.