Page 78 of The Soulless Witch

“Oh, she probably will,” Regina scoffed, finally taking a sip. “That woman’s most impressive power is her mastery over death, which is why we must destroy her. Nothing is meant to live forever, nothing but the Hallowed Goddess herself. And Celeste is challenging her will with her existence. A blasphemy like that cannot be.”

Paula murmured in agreement, then opened her mouth as if to ask more questions, but Regina rose to her feet. The other woman followed so quickly, she spilled some of her tea over her pencil skirt.

“Thank you for bringing me this information, Paula,” Regina said in a tone that was a clear sign of dismissal. “You may assure our sisters that all is well. More than well. We’ll have another gathering soon, where we shall discuss the next stage of our plan. The stars tell us now is the best time for bold moves, and I will lead us to success with the Hallowed Goddess’ blessing. Witches will rule the world again, mark my words.”

“Yes, Regina,” Paula said dutifully, then glanced at me again. “I’ll see myself out. Thank you for your time.”

Regina sent her off with a parting nod, standing perfectly still until the sound of the woman’s heels disappeared after the closing of the front door. She then turned to look at me. I held my breath, expecting a slap or a biting remark, but she just cupped my cheek with startling gentleness.

“The tea was delicious, child,” she said with a voice that could have been considered warm, if I hadn’t heard her use it to order people to be put to death. Yet she looked…different. Happy. Pleased. Not with me, of course, but a happy Regina was always a good thing.

“Thank you,” I said breathlessly and her smile widened, wrinkles forming around her eyes.

“Mathias,” she spoke softly, and I felt the air behind me stir as soft steps approached us. She looked away from me, craning her neck to meet his eyes. Her other hand slipped to his cheek and she caressed it with the same sweetness, while he gave her a smile that was as genuine as her own.

“My beloved children,” Regina said softly, glancing between the two of us. “I know I have been hard on you both, but it is all because I love you. Because I want you to be strong. Because I want you to be ready. Because when I’m done, I will give you the world to rule. Side by side.” She rose to her feet and kissed each of our cheeks, then walked out of the room.

We stared at the door where she disappeared, silent and resigned.

“She is up to something again,” Mathias murmured, a mysterious smile dancing on his lips. “Something that involves that witch, Celeste. And whatever it is, it won’t end well for the Ancient one.”

“I’m not so sure.” Bitterness slipped into my mouth at the sound of that name, the image of the beautiful red-haired woman I had been compared to my entire life dancing in front of my eyes. “If it was just Celeste, Regina might actually win, but the Ancient one is protected by that strange familiar, the vampire, a bunch of werewolves, and who knows what else.”

Mathias shrugged, but then a chuckle escaped his lips.

“It still doesn’t matter.” He stepped away, turning around to face me and throwing his hands in the air. “Because she doesn’t have the one thing Regina does.Us.”

Shadows gathered around him, so I didn’t bother replying. He had already disappeared into their darkness, leaving no trace behind.

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