Running With Devils

Twelve

Her smile softened as she took a breath, it was a somber smile.

"Witches are stronger together. Community is our underlying identity. I'm sure you all heard the news about Callie. As heartbreaking and tragic as it is, her death is exactly why we need to stick together. Now more than ever. So tonight, in Callie's honor, we wanted to have a night of reflection and look within ourselves to find the best women we can possibly be within the craft." She lifted her glass. "To Calliope."

I felt numb. All I could see was her lifeless body and the feel of her cold stiff flesh. I placed my hand over my chest, focusing on my breathing.

Everyone lifted their glass along with her.

"To Calliope."

Silence fell over the room as we all sipped our wine.

"As you can see, I have a few activities to choose from. We have some aura reading with Addie and tarot with Jessie. And, of course, we have our zodiac queen, Gen, with us as well. Use this time to reacquaint yourselves with each other and have fun," she said, her face brightening again.

I remained on the sidelines, watching as ladies got their auras read and their destinies predicted. Gen looked like she was having a blast telling everyone about their star alignment.

"Coralynn," a voice called.

I turned to look at who was trying to gain my attention. I saw Addie, her swollen belly hadn't dropped yet, but it was due to happen any day. She was radiant. People weren't kidding about the pregnancy glow.

I smiled at her.

"Hey," I laughed, approaching her at her little aura reading station. "Look at you. You look so beautiful."

She placed a light hand over her baby bump. "Don't be fooled, this little witch kicks like the devil."

I snorted. "I can't with you."

"What? I miss my smoking body," she winked.

I shook my head, unable to contain my fit of laughter. "You are ridiculous."

"I'm so happy you made it. Gen was teasing the possibility that you'd be here, but I know how difficult being here is. I just want you to know that we love you," she said softly with a gentle smile. "Me and the little ass kicker here."

I choked. "Addie, you're terrible!"

"Want a go?"

She motioned to her table. I pulled away from it a bit. "I— uh..."

"I promise I won't read that deep. Just surface level. And of course, you can always tell me when to stop," she said reassuringly. "It's up to you."

I sighed. It was now or never. I would have to get over this crippling fear at some point. Especially if I wanted to survive.

"You know what. Sure," I said decisively. "I trust you."

She clapped her hands excitedly. "Oh my gosh. Yay! Thank you for trusting me. I promise not to let you down."

We sat down at her table and she held her hands flat against the table, palms facing upwards. I slowly placed mine on top.

Adelaide's eyes fluttered shut, taking in my energy. Her face soon became stern, lips twitching downward before parting.
I almost pulled my hands back, but her hands had tightened hard around my wrists. Her breathing became faster, more shallow.

This was a terrible idea.

"Addie," I warned her shakily. "Addie, that's enough."

"Why is it so dark," she asked, her voice cracking.

I tried to pull my hands away, putting forth more strength, but her fingernails dug into my skin.

"Addie, stop," I said, panic closing up my throat.

"They're— oh, god... they're feeding..."

I ripped my hands away, her nails taking some of my skin with them.

Her eyes snapped open, silver lining her deep green eyes. The room had become dead silent as their eyes fixated on us.

No... no... don't look at me...

Shame and grief had begun to drown me.

"Cory," she whispered. "We can help you."

"What do you mean? I'm fine," I said, swallowing the lie. It clung to the surface of my tongue like peanut butter, thick and heavy.

"You're not," she gasped out a pained laugh. "You're in pain. And— and we want to help you."

The warmth in the room was sucked dry and replaced with the bitter cold of pity.

They couldn't help me. They'd be killed.
My eyes fell on Addelaide's swollen belly. How could I ask for her to put herself in danger— her baby in danger? How could I ask any of these women to do that?

Lydia placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"You're safe with us, Coralynn. You are still part of our sisterhood. Always. Let us help," she said.

I shook my head, tears threatening to spill. "I can't," I said quietly.

The guilt weighed heavily on my shoulders. The truth was that I couldn't even blame this all on the monsters that followed me. I had already been plagued with my own demons.

Their names were grief and fear. And I had let them run rampant inside myself for far too long.

I stood up from the chair, fixing a grateful smile.

"Thank you for inviting me. But, I should go."

Then I left, not bothering to wait for Gen. I needed to be alone.