Mary-Cade Mandus - Skin Deep

The room was quiet save for the rhythmic creaking of the rocking chair. Beside the bed, three figures kept an anxious vigil. Outside the window, from deep within the forest a howl suddenly rose. Toddy squirmed from Hyacinth’s arms and ran eagerly to the window. The cry proclaimed success, the annihilation of a foe. Filch and Hyacinth exchanged hopeful glances before the triumphant pitch dipped into a long heartrending wail and affirmed their worse fears. Toddy, uncertain of the implication but mindful that it signified something very disturbing had occurred, whimpered and sought again the reassurance of Hyacinth’s lap. Large eyes almost obscured by tears, the woman hugged the child tightly, her grief telegraphed by the vigorous pitching of the rocking chair upon its runners. As the mournful howl lengthened, Filch, seated upon the bed, sobbed and pressed his face into his knees. The tremors caused by his grieving, however, did not disturb the woman at whose feet he sat.

Elena had not awakened since drinking her tainted tea, nor would she, for a Sleeping Beauty slumber had been a parting gift from Amadeus - his one magnanimous deed because she, alone of all his mistresses, had shown him kindness. She had taken him in without question, neither expecting nor demanding anything from him, had provided clothing and food, and had administered to any discomfort or injury he might have suffered with soothing words and gentle touch. When first confronted with such atypical graciousness he had been mistrustful but had gradually come, as far as he was capable, to feel affection for her.

Constrained by unbreakable rules of magic the familiar had been obligated to make sure that Llorona’s curse was brought to fruition and had thus been incapable of saving Mirella. But Elena had not fallen under that proviso [Llorona having deemed that living with the knowledge of her beloved daughter’s cruel demise punishment enough] so, as compensation for her compassion and generosity, and out of a misguided wish to do to do her no harm yet save her heartache and pain, Amadeus had used an adulterated form of troll dust for which there was no restorative, bestowing upon his benefactress perpetual sleep.

Thus unaware as yet of her true state, Elena’s faithful guardians, mourning Mirella’s loss, maintained their watch and awaited Mutch’s arrival.