Dark Realms(72)

Vivian tossed her long, red hair over her shoulder and ran her fingers through a couple of snarls. “Just for a few seconds,” she said with a dark smile. “Then I’d turn him into a toad and toss him into the disgusting pond behind our house.”

“Girls!” boomed a stern voice inside both of their heads.

Mother.

“Quit dawdling, girls. It’s time to leave.”

Adrianne and Vivian both squealed with excitement, and then padded down the old wooden staircase in bare feet.

“Quiet now,” reminded mother, who held the front door open for them.

“Sorry,” the girls whispered in unison as they brushed past her and stepped onto the cool wooden porch.

“Freezing,” whispered Vivian, her breath visible in the brisk darkness.

Mother sighed and carefully closed the door behind the girls without making a sound. “Now, follow me quickly,” she said, stepping off the porch and towards the back of the cabin where they were greeted by the crickets chirping away. Shivering, and not just from the brisk weather, she pulled the hood over her dark hair and glanced back towards the cabin one last time. Not seeing anything unusual, she released the breath she’d been holding and guided the girls towards the woods.

“This is so exciting,” gushed Adrianne, following her mother into the forest. “I feel like I’ve been waiting for this dance forever.”

“Forever has finally arrived, darling,” answered mother. “And I promise you, this will be a night you’ll always remember.”

“I’m so cold,” complained Vivian, her teeth chattering. “How far do we have to walk?”

“Actually, we’re almost there,” said mother, leading them towards a windy path that the girls had never seemed to notice before. “The fire will soon warm you.”

It was the end of October and the air was crisp with the promise of an early winter. Adrianne didn’t mind, however, she loved the snow. In fact, last winter she’d learned how to ice skate with her best friend, Rebecca, and they’d had so much fun laughing at each other as they’d slipped and fell on the ice. She wondered if she’d get to share this special occasion with her as well. As far as she knew, Rebecca had never been to the Moonlight Dance, either. “So, is Rebecca coming to this dance?”

Mother shrugged. “I really don’t know. Just… please, remember not to talk about this with anyone at school or mention it to your father. He must never ever find out.”

Yes, they’d heard it a hundred times already.

“But why?” asked Adrianne.

“Because, he just wouldn’t understand,” she replied softly. “You know how he is.”

The girls were silent as they moved deeper into the woods. Soon they were met with the smell of burning cinder and the sounds from a crackling fire.

“Stop,” said mother. She raised her thin, black wand and pointed it towards a large clearing straight ahead.

The girls watched in wonder as mother chanted a few words under her breath and the wand began to sparkle. Seconds later, the woods came to life.

“Oh, I see them,” smiled Vivian, her eyes lighting up.

Where there had been nothing but dark trees and Evergreen bushes only moments before, now stood a roaring fire with several women congregating around it, all of them wearing the same matching black robes.

“Ah, Lisbeth,” said an older woman, stepping towards them with piercing brown eyes and thin lips. “You’ve finally brought the twins, and on this Hallow’s Eve when the moon is full… I don’t think you could have chosen a better night for their induction.”

Mother smiled proudly. “Yes, Meredith. It took some planning and patience, but I truly believe that they are ready for their initiation.”

“Very well then, let’s get everyone’s attention,” said Meredith. She then clapped her hands and the small crowd of women became silent.

“Excuse me,” mother said, motioning towards the older woman. She smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, Meredith, let me just speak to the girls for a moment. Please?”

Meredith nodded. “Of course.”

“Come,” said mother as she took both of their hands and pulled them away from the group. When they were out of earshot range, she turned to them and squeezed their hands tightly. She took a deep breath. “Look, I know that I told you that this was just a dance, however, it is so much more. You see, it is part of a ritual that every woman in our family has participated in, from generation to generation. Now, do not be frightened of the things you might hear or see this night, as I promise you, they won’t hurt you.” She looked at them and smiled proudly. “My lovelies, tonight you will be joining our coven circle and your powers… they will be magnified after this ceremony.”