Witch Hunt

"About my dad... he's suspicious of newcomers and so I need you to be prepared to face him. We need to figure out your situation and hopefully, my parents can help. Maybe we can get you in control of your abilities using the practices you missed as a child. I don't know if there are others here in town that could show you or that you should even trust yourself with. My dad doesn't like connecting with other witches." He looks apprehensive about the upcoming meeting with his father.

My worry from before comes back somewhat. His dad can't possibly be that bad. What does he have to fear when it comes to someone like me? And did he say, witches? Is that what we are? I give Damien an encouraging look, "It's okay. I can handle a little inquisition." He laughs only for a moment replaced by a look of anxiety between his brow.

"Okay if you say so. You can leave whenever you want," he replies walking up the porch and grabbing the handle to the door.

I anxiously peak over his back to get my first glimpse inside as we walk.

It's dim but cozy in the entryway. Old yellow lamps cast a warm glow across the wood floor and faded white wallpaper. Damien tells me to wait here while he goes finds his parents.

I look to my left and glance through the entryway where the door has been left slightly ajar. I see a small room with a single desk covered in crafting materials. Vases made of glass and clay cover the floor along the walls. Each is individual in color and they have symbols around the bases. I ponder what the designs could mean or if it's just for aesthetics. With the day I'm having I highly doubt it. Hanging within the window that faces the front yard are several different wind chimes. They magically shimmer in the sunlight filtering through the curtains of the window. Posted along the walls are charcoal sketches. I stare at one, in particular, it contains rough lines and jagged sweeps of charcoal contouring the face of a girl... she is very familiar but I can't put a name to the face.

I'm pulled away by the sound of light footsteps in the living area to my right. Hiding slightly behind the arch into the living room is a beautiful little girl with long black hair. She wears a white nightgown. There is a maturity to her body but her demeanor is that of a child. This must be the sister.

"Hi, I'm Zella, Damien's friend." I introduce myself in a gentle tone as if the girl was a kitten I didn't want to startle into running away. She eyes me warily.

"We don't get many visitors," is all the girl replies.

I can't believe this girl is fourteen. She seems so young and... scared.

"Well, I'm here today to meet with you and your parents. I'm just like you and I need your help." I try to keep soothing tones in my voice. I want this girl to not look so flighty in my presence.

"Damien told me you were sick and that's why you weren't at school today. Are you sure you should be out of bed? Maybe I could help you with something... um, I'm sorry I don't even know your name."

The girl is confused by my words but seems to relax a little by my concern for her.

"My name's Bellatrix but you can call me Bella. I'm not sick by the way, Father just doesn't want me going out yet. It's not safe." Bella's confidence towards me seems to strengthen with each word. I'm glad I could get her to be more comfortable. I want her to feel safe. What has gotten her so scared? She is only a few years younger than me but is so sheltered. As if she's experiencing a war going on outside and you have to fear for your life every time you leave your home. Has her father really gotten her so worked up about the dangers of the outside world? Damien himself was so angry about my potential exposure this morning in the classroom. What sort of world are these people living in?

My thoughts are interrupted by the distant sounds of arguing. I can hear Damien and I'm guessing his father based on the muffled gruff voice resounding through the wall. I look back to Bella and she's no longer standing in the living room. She moved so fast and silently I didn't even notice her.

I hear large footsteps stomp down the hall in a rush. The sound is very close when I see the silhouette of a large daunting man step into the corridor Damien left through.

Fear bubbles up as he rushes towards me. Damien is quick to get in front of his father halting him in his path. Relief floods me as Damien's back stands in front of me like a shield.

"You can't just interrogate and throw out every person in need of help. All we do is live in constant fear of this war and you won't do anything to aid our people. We should help her and anyone like her. The more people we assist and protect the less they can use against us! Why don't you see that?" Damien's voice is thick with desperation.

It rattles me to see the two men going head to head. I can see where Damien gets his looks. The build and brawn of his father is more lumberjack than athlete compared to Damien. His father even towers a few inches above him. But under the rough exterior, there's the same structure in his face. With a strong jaw, long Grecian nose, and full lips. The only difference is in his eyes which are dark and cold.

"You have no idea what that entails boy. The only thing I'm concerned about is the safety of this family. I will not take in every stray you find in the streets!" Damien's father's voice booms throughout the room. It's roughness reverberating through my body.

I gather a bit of courage and try to calm the situation between the father and son.

"Excuse me but I don't mean to be any trouble to your family uh... sir. Damien was just trying to help so please don't take it out on him."

Damien's father looks at me as if he is trying to make me out.

"Even if you're as oblivious to what you are as Damien seems to believe. There are too many questions to be answered and I am not willing to risk my family opening that can of worms. You need to leave and stay away. If I were you I would forget all about what you've learned today and go on living an ordinary life. That way you might live long enough to have one."

I'm startled by my reaction to the implications of his words. Some part of me becomes animated by the supposed danger in this world of magic. It's like what I've been hoping for... I...wait, wouldn't I want to live a normal life? Calm, quiet, without much trouble. A deeper darker longing within me wants to explore this unknown society. Even with the danger, it's an exciting prospect.

It's a total contrast to the life I live now in this sleepy town. There is no spark and connection like I've experienced around Damien and the little glimpse of this world. I would hate to not know more. To have to go back to my former existence. I've been counting down to the day I'd be able to leave and explore something better for myself. Maybe this could be the key to finding out what happened to my parents...

A woman joins the room, she's slim with soft features, her eyes a striking gray like Damien's, her hairs in a loose bun full of auburn locks, stray curls frame her face. She carries an elegance that reminds me of a queen on her throne. She gives me a long look that's hard to decipher. She exudes a sort of control over herself that I envy.

"Cyrus, please, maybe it's time we step in. Damien has a point. Nothing seems to be getting better no matter how much we ignore it. I believe we need to help this girl."

Cyrus stands firm in his resolve. "I've lost enough I just want to live with my family in safety which means staying under the radar. I do not care to do anything else."

"This!" Damien waves his arms to his surroundings, "Is not living. Come on Zella," he grabs my hand opening the front door, pulling me along with him.

I stumble over the porch, hearing Cyrus shout at Damien, who ignores it. Damien grabs my bike and walks across the asphalt. I follow along silently allowing him to cool off. I contemplate his situation based on the interaction with his parents. How long have they lived in fear of this enemy unknown to me? What have they lost? My heart clenches to imagine little Bella and Damien running for their lives with their parents. Forced from their homes to be pushed to unknown places, is that why they moved here?

"Damien? What are you and your family running from?" he stops and turns giving a long sigh. I hold his gaze seeing the pain in his eyes. He looks down, "It's a long and complicated story... but, you should know what you are a part of now."