The last part

Arina's POV

"Erin, Erin, where are you, my baby?" I called out, my voice echoing through the empty halls.

Tonight was the night.

After so many years of waiting, planning, and pretending, all my hopes would finally be fulfilled. My power, my youth—I would regain it all. I had waited for this moment for what felt like an eternity.

I had been patient, biding my time, carefully plotting to ensure everything would align perfectly. Erin was special, more special than any other child. I had tried so hard to give birth to a child like her, one who possessed the power I needed. And because I had pleased the Demon, he had granted me a rare gift—the ability to bear children, unlike other witches who were cursed with infertility.

This child wasn't just any child. She was the one. The special one I had promised to the Demon. I had sworn to him that I would deliver her, and tonight, that promise would be fulfilled.

"Mom," Erin's voice reached me, small and sweet, pulling me from my thoughts.

I smiled, stepping forward with deliberate calm. The amulet she wore around her neck—the only thing standing between me and ultimate power—had to come off. I had tried before, but something always stopped me. Perhaps it was the last shred of humanity in me, or maybe it was the Demon's test of my resolve.

But tonight, nothing would stop me.

"Honey," I said, forcing warmth into my voice, "can you please help your mom a little?"

She looked up at me with those innocent eyes, and for a fleeting moment, something inside me wavered. I wanted to devour her, to taste her blood and see if it was as sweet as I imagined. But I couldn't—not yet. Not until the ritual was complete.

"What do you want from me?"

Erin's voice cut through the tension, her tone sharp and unyielding.

The defiance in her eyes made my blood boil. This little brat had no idea who she was dealing with. If it weren't for the fact that she was the one, I'd have torn her heart out by now.

But I forced a smile, masking my fury. "Can I help you with your bath, sweetheart?" My voice was sweet, almost sickeningly so, but Erin wasn't fooled.

She frowned at me, her little face twisted in suspicion. "I already took a bath. And I'm not doing it again at night. Dad told me not to," she said, crossing her arms.

I felt a surge of anger rise in me, and for a moment, I wanted to lash out. "Erin!" I yelled, my voice echoing in the room. But she stood her ground, staring me down with those eyes that saw too much. Damn it, she was making me lose control.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. I needed to be patient, to remember the plan. "But Daddy also told you to listen to me, right?" I softened my voice, trying to coax her.

Erin hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. I smiled, feeling a small victory.

"Okay, then let's go," I said, reaching out to take her hand.

But the moment my fingers touched her skin, a searing pain shot through my hand. I yanked it back with a scream.

"Ahh!" I hissed in pain, clutching my burnt hand. The damn amulet—how could I have forgotten?

I followed Erin quietly, my heart racing with anticipation. As she stepped into the bath and removed the amulet, my eyes widened with joy. Finally, the barrier was gone. I couldn't stop myself; I had to touch her, to claim what was rightfully mine.

Erin noticed my sudden movement. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

But I didn't answer. I grabbed her hand tightly and began dragging her out of the bathroom.

"What are you doing? It's hurting me!" Erin cried out, kicking and struggling against my grip. Her defiance only fueled my anger.

In my rage, I dropped my human facade, revealing my true, hideous form. Erin's eyes filled with terror as she saw me for what I truly was. Her fear was delicious, but her resistance was infuriating. She threw everything she could reach at me, knocking over my carefully arranged ritual instruments.

I couldn't take it anymore. I grabbed her by the neck, squeezing hard. "You little bitch," I hissed, my voice dripping with venom. "If your daddy weren't here, I would've killed you long ago. But now, no one is here. No one will save you."

Erin took a chalice and threw it. It hit on my forehead. I gritted my teeth and looked at her. But this time, I didn't see the fear in her eyes. I bound her legs. I was about to cut her neck suddenly someone broke the door.

"Zoe," I didn't expect him.