A Witch's Love

The sun was low. The streets of the town bustled with activity. The scent of woodsmoke mingled with the sweet, spiced aroma of fresh apple pies and cinnamon. A soundscape of joyous revelry and song was already spreading. The harvest festival was only just beginning. Friends and families gathered their food and drink, all heading off to assemble at the town square.

Luna moved among the crowds, hood low over her face. She carried no offerings for the feast. There would be no celebration for her tonight. Her gait was controlled so as to not attract unwanted attention. Yet she could not help a slight quickness hastening her steps. Her anticipation had to be tempered, but it was there none the less. There was someone she longed to see.

She broke from the flow of the crowd, heading westward. Her silver eyes scanned. Cheerful faces were all around. She was mostly focused on the shadows, vigilant for any hidden threats. She skirted along the left side of the road, hugging close enough to the buildings to avoid the people passing by. As she moved onwards she felt a hand grab her arm. Before she could react she was pulled into an alleyway. An incantation was on her lips, but she stopped herself short when she saw the face looking back at her.

“Luna,” Selene said, “You are playing with fire here.”

Luna pushed Selene’s hand off and took a step back. “You were following me?”

“I did not need to follow you to know where you were headed. The sisters are gathered for the festival. Everyone noticed your absence.”

Luna chewed her lip. “They will notice your absence as well, no doubt.”

“If it could be helped I would not have come,” Selene spoke softly, “As your friend, I had no choice but to seek you out, and beseech you to reconsider what you are doing.”

“You know that I cannot. I need to see him.”

“Tonight?” Selene leaned closer to Luna, straining to keep her voice quiet despite her frustration. “Of all the nights you choose the most conspicuous one to go see him?”

“Yes,” Luna whispered, a plea in her eyes. “He is my son, Selene.”

Selene turned away, pacing. She let out an exasperated sigh. Her long, black hair hung over her face as she considered her words.

“I know that I need not remind you, but he was never meant to be. I have kept your secret for all these years. But I have no power to stop you from revealing it yourself through selfish lack of caution.”

Luna leaned against the wall, eyes downcast. “You cannot possibly understand the longing I have. Being apart from my flesh and blood. I need to see the joy in his eyes tonight.”

“Of course I do not understand,” Selene said, stopping and leaning against the wall beside Luna, “I have not mothered a child. None of the sisters have. You are a very notable exception.”

“I am quite an exceptional witch,” Luna chuckled.

Selene rolled her eyes. “If that is how you wish to word it. I only come to offer you my warnings. If you refuse to heed them, then I have done all that is in my power.”

Luna gave Selene a sideways glance. “I do appreciate that. I still need to see him.”

“I know,” Selene said, rising off the wall, “You have always been spirited in that way.”

Luna tentatively offered a smile. Selene returned it. She stepped closer, opening her arms. Luna rose and embraced her in a fierce hug.

“I know we have many sisters,” Luna said, her voice shaky with emotion, “But you are the only one I have ever truly felt is a sister to me. I could not ask for a better friend.”

Selene swallowed hard, holding back a flow of emotions of her own. “Sisters should look out for one another. I am merely doing my part.”

They released each other. A tear escaped onto Luna’s cheek and was swiftly brushed away. “Well, if that is all I really must be going. Better not to delay if the Coven is awaiting my return.”

Selene nodded. “I will cover for you as best I am able. Do not dwell with him long.” She paused and looked deep into Luna’s eyes. “I want to impress on you the notion that Myron may be endangered by your actions. I sympathize with your position. That does not mean that this is what is best for him, or for you. Think on that.”

“Alright,” Luna replied with a wave, “Farewell. Enjoy the festival.”

“Same to you.” Selene waved back, then rushed down the alley into darkness.

Luna adjusted her hood and approached the edge of the street. She looked both ways for any sign of danger, then continued on towards the western side of town. She scolded herself silently for having already been caught unawares. At least she could chock that up to Selene knowing her so well. Additional caution was necessary. She slowed her pace and kept her eyes peeled. The number of people walking by were dwindling as she headed further from the heart of the festivities.

Night was taking the town. The last light of the sun waned and the sky turned black. The stars emerged and sparkled above alongside the moon. It was full, as it always was for the festival. The merry music a quiet echo. If not for the divination Luna had done, she would not have come here. She would often conjure prophecies of Myron. Only when destiny allowed would she risk the chance to see him.

She came to the street she was seeking. It was drenched in shadow, save for the light peeking from a lone cottage. It was where Myron lived with his adoptive family. She had seen that he would be delayed in departing for the festival. An opportune chance. No sign of anyone around. She crossed over to the edge of the cottage window, peering in carefully. He was there, a smile bright on his face. He had her silver eyes.

“Myron, you really shoulda been at the festival already. You’ll be missin’ out on all o’ the fun with your fellas,” a woman said from the kitchen.

“I told you Mama, I’m not leaving without your cobbler,” Myron replied, “My friends won’t forgive me if I come empty-handed.”

Luna’s heart stung at that. She knew that it should be a comfort to hear Myron had a caring mother figure in his life. Didn’t stop her from wishing it was her. Always wishing.

“Terribly sorry it’s takin’ so long, son. The neighbours said they needed a hand, then I’m slavin’ away at their stove half o’ the day,” his mama said, “It’ll be done right quick.”

Myron laughed. “Isn’t that always how it goes? Too busy helping others to get your own things done?”

“If they’re in need,” She laughed back, “You’ll be safe out in the dark alone?”

“I’ll have my lantern. And I’m grown enough to look out for myself. I’ll be careful.”

Luna watched him. He had grown to be 16 years old. His face was still young, but she could see the man he was becoming. She saw her features in him, and his father’s. She had witnessed only brief glances into his life in all those years. A witch was forbidden from bearing children. This was the most she could do. And to be discovered would be the end of both of them. Seeing him now though, healthy and happy, made it worth it.

Just then she thought she caught a hint of movement in her peripheral vision. She tensed, pressing herself against the cottage wall. Her eyes scanned around. The street was still covered in darkness. Seconds ticked by. She dared not move. There was no mistaking it, she could feel a presence. She was not alone.

“There you are, son. Fresh cobbler for you and your friends.”

“Thanks, Mama! I’ll be heading off then!”

Panic hit Luna. There was no time. She whispered into the darkness and magic flowed into her. Her legs pushed against the ground, the force returned launching her into the sky. She hung in the air for a moment, high above the houses. A shadow shifted rapidly below. Her eyes caught it and traced its path. It shot over rooftops. As she began descending, she saw it stop at the rooftop below her. It coalesced into the form of a robed figure. A blast of eldritch energy instantly emerged from it. Luna hastily conjured a barrier, barely managing to defend herself against the attack. She landed on the roof beside the figure.

“Luna, Luna, Luna. You’ve been a naughty little witch haven’t you?” A cackling voice came from the figure. Luna spied her crimson hair under her hood. Merida, another witch of the coven.

“You attacked me unprovoked, Merida. I think you are the one acting unseemly.”

“Oh please. This little witchy bitch thinks she can sneak around and I won’t find her,” Merida said, pulling back her hood and showing a maniacal smile, “The sisters will cheer when I SPLAT your bitch head down for the feast.”

Luna circled around Merida, eyes honed on her. Luna’s hand was obscured behind her body, twisting into an array of signs, silently casting magical wards. Merida’s eyes were unfocused, flicking about rapidly. Her tongue licked over her jagged teeth.

“You would end my life over being late to the festival?” Luna asked.

Merida's eyes focused, staring at Luna. Her head was tilted unnaturally. “Just late? Are you sure you aren’t hiding any…secrets?”

Luna shrugged. “I have no recollection of any secrets.”

“Oh, I’m sure you don’t,” Merida said mockingly, “No boy-shaped ones either. None that could be bled like a stuck pig and chopped up for pretty decorations.”

Luna stopped, gritting her teeth. “You will not touch him.”

“Won’t I? I’d kinda like to. I wonder how juicy his young flesh would taste.” Merida stepped towards Luna, her posture aggressive. She made no effort to hide that she was poised to strike.

“Let me rephrase. I will not allow you to touch him.” Luna’s muscles were primed. The violent intent was thick on Merida. She would make the first move, and Luna was ready.

“Then stop me!” Merida cried out. In that moment she melted into the form of a shadow again. It was moving before Luna could reevaluate the situation. The shadow flitted down to the street below. Luna's lips spoke a spell and her eyes shimmered. The world was silvered, the darkness turned to just another shade. The black shadow stood against it. She followed, using the ledges and handholds of the wall to deftly reach the ground.

The shadow was insanely fast. It glided along the street, unimpeded. The light of a lone lantern glowed beyond. Luna channeled magic into her body again. She pushed hard with her heel, accelerating straight at the light. Her feet barely touched the ground. The shadow was ahead. Even with the power in her legs, she couldn’t close the distance. Another push with all the force she could muster. The surroundings were a blur.

Merida emerged from the shadow right behind Myron. Tendrils of darkness materialized, reaching out for him. She didn’t even process Luna’s shoulder colliding with her, launching them both forwards into the alleyway. They slammed into a wall, tumbling over each other. Pain pulsed through Luna’s whole body. She raised her head, looking at Merida. She was crumpled in the dirt. Luna tentatively tried to rise, an ache protesting against the motion.

Merida’s eyes snapped open. Tendrils lashed out from her, smacking Luna and sending her spiralling. They grasped her wrists, lifting her up and pinning her to the wall.

“You pathetic little shit! Your magic doesn’t compare to mine,” Merida spat, advancing on Luna, “I’ll make you suffer. Then I’ll make your child suffer. Then I’ll rip and flay your corpses as I please.”

“Your words betray your fragile ego, Merida. You pale in comparison to the other sisters and you know it.” Luna looked fiercely at Merida, challenging.

“You’re in my grasp! You dare to question my power when your life is mine to take on a whim?!” The tendrils coiled tighter.

Luna cringed against the pain, but pushed forth a smile despite it. “What better time to put you in your place than when I have nothing to lose?”

“I’ll show you how wrong you are.”

Merida leaned in, baring her teeth. Luna took the chance and bashed her forehead into Merida’s nose. There was a crunch. The tendrils loosened and Luna pulled herself free. She raised her fist, propelling it down with arcane energy to smash into Merida’s face. The power shattered her jaw. She hit the ground in a fraction of a second. She wailed out in agony but Luna cut it short with a boot pressed to her throat.

“Let me tell you how this will go,” Luna growled, lowering herself to show Merida the fury in her eyes, “You will tell the sisters that you lured me out here. You were jealous and wanted to snuff me out. It was petty and you will repent before the Coven. You will never speak of what you saw tonight and will not bring harm to me or my son.”

“Like hell–” The pressure of the boot cut Merida short as she struggled to speak.

“You will. We will make a pact. Otherwise, I’ll end you here and take my chances with the sisters.”

Luna hunched over and cranked Merida’s arm hard, the force threatening to snap the bone. A muffled scream escaped Merida’s throat. She looked at Luna with hatred and malice. Then she nodded.

“Good choice.” Luna took her fingernail and pressed it to her palm. She dug it deeper until it broke skin. The nail dragged, a cut splitting across the hand. She took Merida’s hand and did the same. She pressed the cuts together, the blood mingling. She spoke an incantation, invoking the pact. The boot lifted enough for Merida to do the same. Purple thorns wrapped around their hands, binding them. The thorns crawled and squirmed. They finally settled, hugging tightly to the ring finger on each woman. They glowed with bright purple light before fading and disappearing.

“It’s done?” Merida choked out, getting back on her feet.

“It is,” Luna answered, “Now leave. Return to the sisters.”

Merida paused there a moment, staring at Luna. Then she turned, becoming shadow. She vanished into the night.

Luna sighed. Her whole body hurt. But at least she had dealt with the threat. Half-dazed, she stepped out onto the street. The light shined onto her face. Her heart stopped. A lantern hung from the hand of the boy in front of her. Their silver eyes met for the first time since the day of his birth.

“Oh, hello there,” Myron said, raising the lantern to better see her, “I wasn’t expecting to run into anyone on the way to the festival.”

Her mouth was dry. She opened it to speak. All the hours she’d spent imagining what she would say to him if given the chance. Now she couldn’t think of even one thing to say.

He inspected her with a glance. “You look hurt. Did you have a fall or something? Do you need help?”

“I did,” she managed to say, “But I will be alright.”

“If you’re sure,” he replied, still looking concerned, “I can escort you to the festival if you like. You don’t seem to have a light of your own.”

“No, no need. I can take care of myself” she said hastily, “I do appreciate your concern though.”

“Well okay, if you say so.” He smiled. Then he paused, his gaze lingering on her face. The seconds stretched for what felt like forever. At last he said, “Have we met before?”

Luna’s breath caught in her throat. She shuddered. Every fiber of her longed to reach for him. To hold her son in a hug and squeeze all the years of lost love into him. She wanted to tell him that they had met. That she was the first person he had ever met in this world.

“No. I do not recall ever meeting you,” She said, turning away as tears started streaming from her eyes.

“Hmm. Well, I wish you a merry harvest festival.”

“Same to you.”

Luna walked away. The light of the lantern grew more distant with each step. Finally, she was in darkness again. Alone.

She whispered into the night, “I love you, Myron.”