Blood Magic's Bond

Ch 11: The Preparations

Once Astasha knew how the power of ‘the sacrifice’ (as the demon called it) worked, it had given her detailed instructions as to how to actually perform the ritual. After that, she left the Prince's chambers as quickly as possible, wishing nothing more than to cleanse herself of their lascivious encounter.

Returning swiftly to her room, she immediately bathed, her cheeks burning red as she washed away the traces of her former arousal. She didn't know if she would ever be able to forgive herself for what she had done, what she was about to do, but she would deal with those consequences later. For now, she needed to focus on the more pressing issue at hand… preparing for the ritual without getting caught.

Once washed and dressed, Astasha slipped out of the castle to the woods, taking with her all the supplies she would need. Her little clearing would be the perfect location; hidden, and known only to her. No one would accidentally stumble upon what was happening without knowing where to look.

She set about preparing the circle, burying herbs and stones at the five points, and placing a protection spell around the perimeter to hide the magic that would take place. She was meticulous in her work, leaving nothing unchecked or less than perfect. Everything had to be exact or all would be lost.

Finally, she was ready for the finishing touches.

Having memorized the incantation she needed, Astasha pulled her athame from its place on her sash, and knelt in the center of the circle. Uttering the words now burned in her memory, her hands trembled only for a moment, as she brought the ceremonial knife to her palm, slicing open her flesh. Her breath caught from the pain but she forced herself to continue.

Her blood dripped into a small bowl in front of her, which she then dipped the knife into before using it to etch symbols and runes into the ground. There was a strange feeling flowing through her, pulsating from her core to the wound on her hand. She felt dizzy, her energy draining quickly.

It was the blood magic, the power pulling directly from her instead of some other source, and she finally understood the full extent of the risk she was taking. To use a part of herself in the magic meant that if she wasn’t careful, it truly could drain her of her very life source.

Once finished with the inscription, she sat back and watched as the sigils carved with her blood glowed for a moment, burning hot and fast, before dissipating into the earth.

In a few short hours, she would be back under the cover of darkness, attempting the most difficult thing she had ever done in her life. Her mind drifted briefly to what exactly it was she would have to do, and what could happen if she failed.

No. She shook the thoughts from her head.

Failure wasn’t an option, only success, and the price she would pay, well, it would be worth it in the end.

After binding the wound on her hand with herbs to help it heal faster, she headed back to the palace. All she had to do now was charge her energy and wait for the sun to set. Running through the plan over and over in her mind, she tried to find solutions to any potential problems that might occur. There were so many of them, so many ways this could all go horribly wrong. But nothing was going to deter her now.

As she entered the Magic Wing, a voice pulled her from her thoughts.

“Just taking a stroll to recharge after your shocking encounter?” Of all the people in the castle, Cordelia was the last Astasha wanted to run into. But she made sure to clear her energy before turning to face the blonde.

"I was actually just getting some air and a taste of nature before retiring for the evening. If you'll excuse me," she said as she began to walk away.

“What happened to your hand?” There was something in the Water Witch’s voice that made Astasha uncomfortable, and she clamored to find an explanation that wouldn’t raise more questions.

"It's nothing, a mild burn. I was too shaky trying to draw energy from the fire."

An odd look slid across Cordelia's face. "Ironic, a Fire Witch burned by her own flames." Astasha’s jaw clenched. "Best be careful, wouldn’t want to get burned twice."

She smirked and strode off, leaving Astasha fuming and worried.

Rushing back to her room, she locked herself in.

Something didn’t feel right.

Fears and doubts slowly crept into her mind as she paced the floor.

Would she be caught before even attempting to free Calder? Was Cordelia spying on her? Perhaps Errant already knew what she was planning and was simply waiting for her to make her move. Or worse, were they coming to take her away now?

What had just earlier seemed like a short amount of time before darkness came, now felt like an eternity. But as she sat herself in front of the fire, drawing its energy, preparing for the worst, no one came, no knock at the door, no yelling of soldiers, and she forced the fears to the back of her mind.

The sun was beginning to set, and there was no room for worries or doubts anymore.

Astasha's pulse quickened.

It was almost time.

She took extra care as she prepared to leave, double and triple checking that she had everything she needed, and had done everything required. It seemed silly, but she even took care in choosing the right dress; a flowing red gown that slipped easily on and off.

At last, the moon in the sky, she reached her mind out to the hall. All was quiet and empty.

This was her moment.

Slipping out of her room, she rushed down the corridor and towards the Royal quarters. She was pleasantly surprised that she didn't run into anyone of consequence, only having to duck out of sight once for a pair of servants.

When she reached the Prince's hall, she once again put the guards into a deep, standing slumber, coaxed the flames of her barrier apart, and slipped into the room.

"I was beginning to think you were going to go back on our deal." The demon was waiting for her, sitting in a chair, its hands behind its head.

"I'm sure you would like that if I had." She retorted.

"I'd much prefer my freedom, but watching you lose your dear Prince would be a close second."

As repugnant as the demon was, and as much as she loathed what she was about to do, she focused on the memory of Calder's eyes looking back at her, forcing herself to swallow her repulsion and carry on.

“Well then, let’s get both of us what we want and be done with it.” She snapped. “Stand up. I need to cloak your energy so we don’t draw attention from the other sorcerers."

"What? I don't get to f**k you senseless in the luxury of his highness's bed?" It sneered at her without moving.

"Continue to speak to me like that and you'll be doing nothing other than dying a slow and painful death." Gods how she wished that was what was about to happen. Someday. She thought to herself before continuing. "I have a place prepared in the woods, secluded, private, and not easy to accidentally come across."

"And how do I know it's not a trap?"

"I made a demon's pact, remember? Trust me or don't, I could give a damn less, but I have every intention of doing everything in my power to see this through. Now stand up and shut the hell up while I cloak you."

It watched her for a moment, as if weighing her honesty, before finally standing and approaching her. “I must say, I do enjoy it when you get feisty like that.” She refused to acknowledge the remark as she raised her hands and began muttering the incantation.

Finally, it was done, and she took a deep breath as she lowered her arms.

This was it, there was no going back.

She looked up at the cold, dead eyes watching her and set her resolve. “Let's get this over with."