The Calamity of a Reborn Witch

Special Interlude XII {Part Two}: Bargaining with a Ghost

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Special Interlude XII {Part Two}: Bargaining with a Ghost

Get out! Get out! Get out!!! Each turbulent repetition of Mauras shriek howled against Carinas ears. She curled herself tightly against the wardrobe with hands pressed against her ears, trapped beneath the ghost's unrelenting furry. No, no! This was supposed to be mine! My turn to make them suffer! Why! Why are you here?!

I-I dont know! Carina protested through clenched teeth. One minute I was about to be cut open, and thenI woke up here.

Maura stared down at Carina with cold distrust. Carina looked back, equally terrified and fascinated by the girls transparent figure that seemed to emanate a certain chilling darkness.

I dont care how you got here! That body is mine! Get out!

I knowIm sorryIm not sure how this happenedor how to get myself out, Carina replied. The ghost howls had splintered the comforting numb haze of disbelief. At some point, Carina had decided that all of this must be an elaborate dreamthe minds attempt to escape reality. Not being able to feel any pain had all but solidified this logic.

Whether the ghost was the real Maura or some part of her own subconscious attempting to wake her upCarina wasnt altogether sure she wanted to know the answer.

But if this was real

The illogical bubble of thought quickly shattered as the ghost grabbed Carinas arm, pulled the girl to her feet, and dragged her forcibly towards the open bedroom window.

Were on the second floor, Maura hissed grimly. That should be enough.

Enough? Carina balked as the ghost pushed her firmly towards the window. Wait! Hold on a minute!

No! The sooner youre gone, the sooner I can reclaim my body!

You want me to jump?! The question tumbled out with mixed disbelief and humor.

You need not do it voluntarily, Maura growled. Should I choke you instead? The ghost raised both hands for good measure, and something about those long, black nails made Carina shudder.

No! Just wait a moment, please! Carina glanced from the window ledge beside her to the ghost who blocked any escape. Look, I get that this is all very upsettingbut is pushing this body through a window to kill me the answer?

How else am I supposed to get rid of you? the ghost retorted unsympathetically.

Carina pushed down a laugh of disbelief and contemplated just what sort of life this child had endured to become this ruthless. Maybe we should consider other options? Even if falling did dislodge me from your body, the condition it's in right now, youd be lucky to get away with only a broken limb. And if you land on your headwell, that sort of result wont be doing either of us any favors.

The ghost's beady black eyes trailed down the body Carina presently occupied as a look of grudging acknowledgment settled onto her spectral face.

No, Maura murmured. Perhaps I should think of a better solution. Maybe poison?

Perhaps, but what if the poison ends up killing both of us? Carina replied conversationally. She took advantage of the ghost's distracted state to slide away from the window and further along the wall. Dream or not, the solid feeling of a firm barrier at her back provided a welcome sense of security. Maybe we should think about why Im here? That might help us sort this out.

Mauras perpetual scowl darkened as she stepped soundlessly towards Carina. I thought you didnt know?

How I got here? I dont. I was referring tohow youdied?

Black eyes that had once been blue moved from Carina towards the soiled bed. Died? No, I The specter shook her head. No! Thats impossible. Its far too soonIm only eight years old now!

You were sick, Carina replied soothingly, choosing to ignore the ghosts odd phrasing and focus on keeping Maura calm. I know Ive only been here for a little while, but even I can tell the people in the house didnt take very good care of you.

Why would they? the specter replied bitterly. They all hate me.

Im sorry, Carina murmured back only to receive another sinister scowl. But my point isif you diedcan yourepossess your body?

So thats your angle, Mauras scowl turned into a cold sneer. You think you can pull one over on me, body snatcher?

No! Carina raised her hands and slid further along the wall as the angry ghost loomed closer. Look, I dont know what happened here, okay? But the woman who came in here earlier, Joy. She saidshe said that you were supposed to be dead! She brought in two gravediggers with shovels and everything.

And your point?!

Just thatI dont think reclaiming your body will fix the current situation. Please justthink about it for a moment. If you kick me out and you cant get back inwhat happens to your body, then? What happens to both of us?

Idont know. Maura froze in place. Her small ghostly hands trembled as they moved restlessly towards her throat. But I wasnt supposed to die this way.

Carina allowed herself a moment to breathe as the ghost appeared to calm down.

Or so she thought.

Faster than she could blink, Maura flew at her with a ferocious howl. Cold nails bit into Carinas neck as she was thrown down onto the floor. No! If its now, I should still have a chance. Ive only been dead a few minutes!

Shit! Is this really it? First, Im having my heart cut out. Now Im being strangled by a ghost.

Carinas vision darkened as she struggled to grasp the specters wrist, but despite Mauras firm grip around Carinas neck, the specters limbs appeared to be formed of vapor. Once again, the sickening sensation of cold numbness trickled down through her limbs.

Why fight it? I was dead just a moment ago. Stealing someone elses bodyand their life. I dont want that. But II dont want to die. I dont want to disappear completely!

A strange sensation tickled within Carinas chest as a bright light flickered through Mauras transparent body. A tingle of cold electricity spread through Carinas arms and hands.

What? Maura sputtered as fury turned to confusion. You

Carina blinked as the ghosts wrists solidified beneath her fingers. She latched on and steadily pried the specters grip loose. A trickle of hope slid through Carinas clenched teeth and spilled down into her lungs as her vision cleared and she growled, Imsorry

No! Mauras gaze remained locked on the rays of blue light that seemed to be emanating from beneath Carina. It cant be!

But Im not going to dienot without a fight, Carina finished determinedly. She broke free of Mauras grip and pushed the ghost away. The mystery light brightened, and then a blast of ice-cold wind spun wildly through the room. Beneath its chilling haze, Carina saw Maura slammed up against the bedroom ceiling, where the specter remained pinned in place by what appeared to be a sheet of ice.

What justhappened?

Maura laughed. The bitter, haunting sound filled the room as Carina crouched beside the wall, massaging her throat while keeping a wary eye on the trapped ghost.

Where did all that ice come from?

Maura panted, screamed furiously, then suddenly fell silent. After a few deep breaths, her black eyes returned to Carina. Youre right, the ghost muttered with a dangerous glint, There is a reason youre here.

Thereis?

Youve only been inside my body for a few minutes, and yet youve already unlocked my witch bloods power, Maura continued with pained disbelief.

WaitIm sorry! Carina held up a hand as she leaned forward. Did you saywitch power?

Maura shook violently against her icy constraints and let out a spiteful snort. What else would you call this if not magic.

Butyou cant meanWait, I did that?!

Mauras expression turned murderous.

Carina rubbed her neck nervously, once again noting the odd lack of pain, and decided to move the topic forward. So, youre sayingthat Ino, youare a witch?

Yes, Maura snarled before closing her eyes and letting out a defeated sigh. Unfortunately, I did not unlock my powers until later in life, but even then, they were not enough to save me.

Carina moved her fingers cautiously up her cheek and through her hair towards the knot she had obtained after falling out of bed earlier. Despite the amount of abuse Carina had endured since waking up in this bodyshe couldnt recall feeling even a flicker of pain. Is that because Im dreamingor because Im a witch?

Waitlater in life? Carina echoed with a frown.

I dont know how you came to be here, Maura replied bitterly as her head dipped towards the floor, the dark locks of her hair sliding forward to shroud her face. But I have already died once. Then I returned to the beginning of my wretched lifeand lived as I did beforeup until this point.

Carina scoffed quietly, then flinched as Mauras head snapped up to glare in her direction. Sorry, IWell, Im still not convinced this isnt just some weird dream.

Though that would only be comforting if my earlier abduction and experience as a forced organ donor were also a dream.

So youre saying Carina continued, that you died beforeand now youve died again. And somehow, I wound up in your body?

Maura appeared to restrain her anger for a moment before offering a reluctant nod. YesI dont know why Im already deadthis was supposed to be my second life.

Carina found Mauras story, which the ghost unfolded with punctuated resentment, all rather unbelievable. In fact, if she werent presently inside the unfortunate ghosts body, Carina would have dismissed the ghosts account as the bizarre plot of some absurd graphic novel.

So, after the Queen was murderedyou and the rest of the ladies-in-waiting were framed and then executed. Thats how you died the first time?

Maura gave a single but undeniable nod of confirmation.

And then you

I opened my eyes, and I was a baby again, trapped back in this hell hole, Maura replied with a grimace. I made up my mind to run away this time. Preferably before the incident with Lord Lennoxnot to mention my face being horribly and permanently scarred. The ghost touched the left side of her face absently, But then"

You got sick, Carina whispered sympathetically. That didnt happen inbefore?

Maura shook her head.

That still doesnt explain what Im doing here? Carina mused as she squirmed uncomfortably in the stiff, itchy nightgown. No sooner had her attention shifted than the ice holding Maura in place faded and then completely disappeared. The ghost scowled as she floated down to the floor but thankfully showed no desire to attack Carina again.

Still, not going to lower my guard around her any time soon.

How did you get sick? Carina asked after a moment of contemplation.

Ispoke out of turn, Maura replied resentfully. So Josiah had me locked up in the cellar with the turnips and potatoes.

Whose Josiah?

Youll have to call him Lord Josiah, Maura corrected with a grimace. And Lord Josiah Turnbell is the Master of Turnbell Manor. Hes the peddler nobleman who married my mother, Lady Helena.

Carina nodded and thought back to Joys gossip and the drawings she had discovered earlier.

After three days of sleeping in that cellar, I came down with a fever while performing my chores, Maura continued mournfully. I told Joy I wasnt feeling well. She ran to Mother who had me punished for my laziness.

Carina looked down at the swollen welts in her left hand and clenched her jaw.

The next morning, I was too dizzy to climb the cellar stairs. When Joy finally arrived to yell at me, she realized how sick I really was. They brought me up to my room, butthen they barely remembered to bring me something to eat or drink.

What about medicine or a doctor?

Maura snorted. Lord Josiah doesnt waste good coin on such luxuries for the staff. The ghosts eyes clouded over with resentment as she drew in a slow breath. Im not a servant, butI was never a part of their family either.

They wanted you to die? Carina shook her head incredulously. Running away might have been the right ideabut at eight years old? In a world with magic and witches? Living on the street might be even more dangerous.

Is there anyone who might help you? A distant relative, perhaps? Carina pressed hopefully.

Maura arched a brow as she floated over to the bed and sat down. The motion was oddly natural, and, despite her supernatural form, Carina could easily picture this room as Mauras.

Theres Lady Edith, Maura answered thoughtfully. Shes my mothers aunt. She provides for Mother and the rest of us whenever Josiahs business endeavors are struggling. Lady Edith has even given him a loan once or twicenot that Josiah has ever bothered to repay her.

It sounds like this aunt is loaded. Probably a good place to start.

Would Lady Edith help us? Carina asked hopefully.

Maura frowned and offered a weak shrug. She comes by at least once a month. Mother keeps me locked up during those visits. Either because Im sick orbecause Ive misbehaved. Edith gives Mother a monthly allowance to see to it were all properly dressed, fed, and educated, but

Somehow, I doubt much of that allowance went to you.

So, Lady Edith isnt awareof your current living conditions? Carina asked cautiously.

Even if she were, Lady Edith wouldnt intervene, Maura replied with a sullen tone. No one wants the responsibility of raising a half-blood child. Its much easier to give someone money rather than take responsibility for it yourself.

I see Carina frowned uncertainly. From what Maura had said and the gross mistreatment she had already witnessed from the staff and familyit seemed a bygone conclusion that Maura was a child born from an affair of some kind. Still, if theres no one else

Well, perhaps youll have more luck with her than I did, Maura replied with a sniff.

Carina blinked and glanced up at the ghost uncertainly. Ahwhat do you mean?

I mean that since youve stolen my body, youre responsible for what happens to it now, Maura retorted as she rose from the bed. After all, if you happen to dietheres nothing to stop me from taking it back the moment it becomes available, is there?

I suppose so, Carina answered warily. Sure, that makes sense, butIm going to need your help to survive here.

Maura arched a brow. Help from me? But Im just a ghost, remember?

But youve lived this lifethis timeline, if you will, already, Carina pointed out. How much has changed between them aside from you getting sick and

Dying? Maura finished cynically. Wellnot much, honestly, she mused. Small things here and there, but other than that, its been predictableand not in a good way.

Thats interesting, Carina murmured thoughtfully. Depending on what you remember, we might be able to use those memories to our advantage.

Maura narrowed her eyes as she floated across the carpet towards Carina. How?

Carina shrugged. I cant answer that until I know what sort of future were dealing with. Are there any significant events that I should know about ahead of time? Aside from the Queens murderbut that happens when youre seventeen, right?

Maura nodded, then stared at her in silence for a long, uncomfortable moment before answering. Theres the death of the First Prince.

Carina blinked, then let out a slow breath. Right, if there are kings and queens, then obviously there will be princes. Still, getting involved with royalty is probably what led to Mauras first death.

That certainly seems significant. How did the prince die?

Prince Tristan? In battle.

Carinas eagerness quickly dimmed. Battle? What kind of battle?

A skirmish at the border between Lafeara and Tharyn.

A surprise attack?

No, Maura shook her head. Those pagans raid Lafearas borders pretty regularly.

Carina crossed her arms and sighed. So then, theres not much I can do

But I did hear a rumor in the palace that Prince Tristan was ambushed in those mountains.

Okaydo you know how? Carina replied, not holding her breath.

No, Maura answered, sounding oddly amused. But I do know that the prince wasnt actually dead.

Waitwhat? Carina shook her head as she pushed against the wall and rose unsteadily to her feet. What do you mean?

His death was faked, Maura replied with a shrug. I know because he turned up at the palace shortly before Queen Eleanora was murdered.

Resisting the urge to ask why Maura hadnt led with that bit of information, Carina leaned back against the wall with a sigh. I suppose that might come in handy later. Anything else?

Maura snorted. Knowing the future might be helpful, but training my magic in the meantime would be better for your survival.

Right, Carina looked down at her chest that had stopped glowing like some weird alien movie. Exactly how do I do that?

Maura grimaced and shrugged as she looked away. As I said, I was never quite able to master it.

Carina shook her head. Well then, until I figure out how this magic business works, its probably best not to rely on it too much.

Alright. Maura turned towards the door as if listening to something in the distance. But you should be careful when and how you use it.

I shouldwhy?

The ghost turned back to face Carina with a malicious grin. Because they burn witches in Lafeara.

Carina exhaled as the sound of footsteps on the steps echoed in her direction. Of coursethey do.