Coven | Underworld (#1)

Chapter 3: Inception

Chapter 3: Inception

“ The world is not fair, and often fools, cowards,

and liars hide in high places ” — Bryant H. McGill.

It starts out subtle. Some light motions. Evidence from reports planted here and there. Symbolic placements.

Then I start to step up my game. Spreading a rumor mill amongst the coven. Arranging dead stats, detailed enough to show our progressive decline in numbers. Putting in more negative symbolic signs.

It ’ s beautiful. Almost like a waltz — this dance me and my parents have. And just like everything, even beauty must come to an end.

My parents begin to notice the continuous silent messages that I ’ ve left behind. Ignoring things can only go as far, because fear starts to creep in. That ’ s exactly how I want them to feel though.

Some of you might think that I’m being a bit too cruel. But life is cruel, and our reality is a harsh one. Either I force them to change, or face the consequences of our cowardness.

When the crescendo keeps inclining, a climax must be reached.

There is an elder meeting tonight, and my parents can ’ t appear any more worked up. They look as pissed as they are worn out.

The pair are pale and solemn-faced—a standard vampiric look. Mum’s got raven hair, while Dad has a sleek bronze. I share the same similarities as my Mum, only I’m a miniscale version of her.

My father tries to smile when I enter, but he ’ s clearly not in the mood for being friendly.

Mother glares at Father, clearly having just have another row of heated discussion with him. When she has enough of him, she looks away, at the ceiling, at the walls, then at me. Anywhere but him.

She looks like if she has to spare him another glance, she ’ ll physically attack him. Which is not unheard of by me. I know that they can fight as viciously as they love one another. The ups and downs of being elders and a married couple, I guess.

“ Greetings, Mother, Father, ” I start out. “ I hope the two of you are not so busy to spare some time for me? ”

“ Dear child, we —” My father begins, but Mother immediately cuts him out.

“ Not now, Amira. ” Her tone is sharp and final, to the point. “ We ’ re in the middle of something important. Can ’ t you see that we ’ re busy? Go find some other kids to play with, why don ’ t you? ”

“ But Mother, I —”

“This is really not the time for chit chat, Amira. If you can’t tell already, our kind is in the brink of extinction. Me and your father are trying our best to figure out a way to best deal with the situation. And we can’t actually do that if you keep interrupting us, can we?”

I look at Father for support, but he only gives me a sad, apologetic look. Mother can not be crossed when she ’ s angry.

I will be heard. I will not be ignored, I chant.

Not wanting to be disheartened by the quick dismissal, I stand my ground and speak again.

“Oh, I’m sorry for bothering the two of you. I know that you guys are busy doing elder duties and all. Though, perhaps I don’t make my intentions clear enough. Do note me when I say that what I’m about to tell you is a matter of our kind’s survival.” Ha! Take that, Mum.

I will be heard. I will not be ignored. I must stay strong.