Page 25 of Wicked Witch

“You’ve got this. Deep breath and push,” Annalee, my midwife says.

Looking at the fireplace, I focus on the handcrafted mantel, then I push with all my might and wait to hear a little cry.

“You did it, dear, you have a perfect little boy.”

Taking a deep breath, I rest as Annalee wraps my son in a cloth and carries him out to Marcus and his father.

They cheer and I smile. There is so much love in this home. I hope it never ends.

“Marcus,we must leave. Morfran is coming, and you heard what Melisande said. Think of our children!” I argued over the dinner table.

“I know, but this is our home. Where our son is buried. I can’t leave, Corrine. You guys go. Take the children to New Amsterdam, and I will await your return.”

The candles all around the table flicker and I sigh. There is a storm brewing.

“You want me to leave you here? Are you really so stubborn that you can’t see how dangerous it is to stay?”

Marcus sulks for a moment, then looks at our children. They are resting in the other room.

I think about the sacrifices that our Head Priestess has made. How selfless she is, but I am not that brave.

“I am not scared of Morfran. I will help the coven fight.”

“Please, Marcus, don’t be foolish.”

Sighing, he stares at me. My eyes water and I think I really may lose him.

“You’re right, my love. We will leave at dusk.”

“Marcus,”I scream, holding onto my daughter with all that I can. There is smoke everywhere. People are crying.

“Mommy,” Mira shouts, pointing toward a man, laying on the ground, lifeless.

“No, Marcus,” I wail, dropping to my knees. Mira takes her sister as I place my hand against his cheek.

“Corrine, we must leave,” my friend Beth shouts, grabbing my hand and trying to pull me from the ground.

She’s holding my youngest in her arms. They are scared, crying.

I look at Beth. She’s always been like an auntie to them. Being barren she hasn’t had any children of her own.

“Take them. Take them to New Amsterdam. Find the rest of the coven. Protect them.”

“No, Mommy,” Mira cries, lunging herself into my arms. I hold her tight, then push her into Beth.

“Please, Beth.”

Nodding she grabs Mira’s hands and runs toward the road. There is a carriage waiting.

Standing, I look toward the sky and with my last bit of magic and strength, I place a protection spell on my family.

Falling to my knees, I cradle Marcus as my heart slowly dies.

Morfran walks around the town like he’s the one true sorcerer. He’s shouting about how he curses this town and Melisande’s lovers.

Walking past me and Marcus he laughs and mumbles, “True love doesn’t exist. I curse you and your line to never find a soulmate.”

As the vision fades,I can’t stop the tears. Opening my eyes the spirit remains. She looks weak, and I can tell sharing the memories of her past drained her energy.

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