Saturday Story 2025 #8 (A Sign of Evil – Part 24)
Part twenty-four of this supernatural/witchcraft/mind control story is now available on my Patreon. Synopsis below:
Lila Walters, a good witch, finds herself entangled in a fight for the minds and souls of those she loves the most.
In today’s installment, Lila surrenders herself to Tabitha’s forces to keep everyone else safe. Her sacrifice will prompt the last battle against the sign of evil.
NOTE: This long-gestating tale will conclude next month.
To read this story before anyone else, head over to my Patreon page and become Spell… B-O-U-N-D, too. The minimum pledge for this type of early access is $5 per month.
An excerpt is available below:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/122878563
(…)
“We fought once already and you lost,” Tabitha smirked, unwilling to compromise. “I don’t need to do it again to know what the outcome would be this time around.”
“Funny, that smells like fear to me, but okay,” Lila declared, taking he bluff to the extreme. “You’ll have no quarrel seeing me destroy every single one of your lieutenants then.”
“You’ll do no such thing… unless you want me to rip apart your precious Penelope. I trust you still care about her, no?”
The mention of her friend took Lila aback, and she asked, her voice tight with restrained fury, “Is she still alive?” Tabitha smirked, clearly enjoying the shift in Lila’s demeanor, and replied, “Yes… for now.”
Lila struggled to keep her emotions in check. The thought of Penelope in Tabitha’s clutches was unbearable. She could feel the familiar surge of her power responding to her anger, but she knew she had to keep it tethered. Losing control now would only play into Tabitha’s hands. She hovered closer to the orb under the watchful gaze of tainted witches and warlocks who were curious to see how this story would end. Her glowing hands crackled with energy.
“You’re a coward, Tabitha,” Lila said, her voice low and even, though it carried a venom that made even Sarah flinch where she was hiding. “Hiding behind others, using innocent lives to shield yourself. That’s not power. That’s desperation.”
Tabitha’s smirk widened, though a flicker of irritation danced in her eyes. “And what are you, then? A hero? A martyr? You’re no better than me, Lila. From what I can see, you’re just as willing to use people for your own ends. At least I’m honest about it.”
Lila’s gaze hardened, her jaw clenched so tightly it ached. “There’s a difference between sacrificing yourself for others and using others to save your own skin. You know it as well as I do.”
“Enough of this dance,” Tabitha snapped, her voice sharp with impatience. “You’ve made your little speech. Shall I dispose of your little friend now?”
“Let me see her,” Lila demanded. “I need to know if you’re telling the truth.”
“Why would I lie about this? Fine… see for yourself!”
Lila gazed deeper into the orb, and suddenly the glowing surface rippled like water. The images coalesced, forming a vision of a cold, stone chamber dimly illuminated by the sickly light of corrupted candles. At its center, on her knees, was Penelope. Her wrists and neck were encircled by iron manacles etched with blackened runes that seemed to drink in the faint light. The floor around her was marred by dark, angular symbols painted in blood— sigils that reeked of corruption. Above her stood Tabitha, tall and commanding, one hand resting casually on Penelope’s bowed head.(…)
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