Amanda M. Lee [Lee - Bad to the Crone

Prologue

Twenty-five years ago

T he woman cut through the night, determined, silent.

Her feet made no sound on the pavement even though she wore hard-soled shoes that shouldve clicked against the cement. Shed cast a spell to muffle the sound because she was on a timetable and it was simply easier to use the magic she had at her command than to risk the wrong person seeing her.

The little girl at her side emitted the occasional sniffle but was otherwise silent. Because of the darkness, it was hard to make out anything about the duo. The only hint came from beneath the childs inky hoodie when a trace of blond hair peeked out.

The woman with the child was careful when they came to a stop in front of a fire station. Light illuminated the windows, but no silhouettes floated past to suggest someone was inside. The woman knew the skeleton night crew was present shed checked to make sure before collecting the girl but she didnt call to them and request help. This wasnt that sort of visit.

Hey. She forced a tight-lipped smile onto her face as she knelt before the child. Im sorry about this ... all of this. She felt strained as she debated what to say. Shed practiced this speech in the mirror several times the last few days. The words never got easier, and they never felt right.

What am I doing here? the girl asked, confused. She stared at the building for a long time. I dont know where I am.

The woman sighed, misery and worry colliding. I know. I dont want to leave you here, but I dont have a choice.

The childs lower lip trembled. Youre going to leave me here? Her eyes turned furtive as she darted around, a wave of terror so strong it caused the nearby trees to ripple and bend as they gave way to the power washing over her. I dont want to stay here!

I know you dont. The woman adjusted her position to ease the wear on her knees, hunkering low to stare directly into the girls eyes. You dont want to stay and I dont want to leave you. But I honestly dont have a choice.

Youre not safe with me right now, she continued, choosing her words carefully. I have to run, and where Im going, well, you cant come with me.

Tears flowed freely now as the girl fought to maintain some semblance of calm ... and failed. But you cant! She gripped the front of the womans dark cloak. You cant leave me here. I dont want to stay. I ... please! She was taught never to beg and yet thats what she did now. Dont leave me. I dont want to be alone!

Though she had voluntarily taken on the job of leaving the child behind out of a sense of practicality, the woman choked back a sob as emotion got the better of her. This was the hardest thing shed ever done. That didnt mean it wasnt necessary.

Youll never truly be alone. She pressed a finger to the girls forehead and immediately the child stopped whimpering, instead swaying as her eyes went glassy. Were here, she whispered, pressing a hand to the girls heart. Well also be here. She kissed her forehead. Hold onto this. She slipped a silver necklace into her pocket and made sure it wasnt poking out in case someone decided to lift the trinket in the melee of the girls discovery. You will see at least one of us again.

Whatever happens, you must know that it wasnt our choice to leave you, she continued. Youre the future, our only hope. We wanted to keep you. You have no idea how much. Your safety is more important than what we want, though.

She cast a terrified look over her shoulder at an unexpected noise and peered into the darkness. She sensed malevolence closing in and knew she must be quick.

You need to go to the building and knock, she instructed, turning grim. Tell them that you dont know how you got here, or where youre supposed to be. Theyll look for relatives, your next of kin, but weve protected you with an incantation. No one will be able to claim you unless their hearts are pure and they can protect you. That second part is the most important, although you might not always see it that way.

If we can, well come for you, she said, sobs clogging her throat as she fought to maintain her demeanor. I dont think thats going to be possible for a very long time. Even then ... well ... you might never see us again, our magic will sustain you until its time. You will feel us even if you dont know us.

She ran her finger down the girls cheek as she fought the overwhelming urge to cry. Youre stronger than you realize. Im only sorry that we wont have a chance to teach you our ways. Youll have to figure out this world on your own.

Its not an easy world, or even a good one at times, she said, the hair on the back of her neck standing on end as she registered a dark presence closing in. Its what you have to overcome. I have faith that you will, that youll figure everything out in due course. Until then ... you will live in the darkness because thats the greatest gift I can give you.

She pressed her lips to the childs forehead. Someday you will remember. Another kiss. May we meet again.

With those words she shoved the girl toward the door. Knock on the door. Go inside. Leave this behind you. Her tone, suddenly cold and devoid of warmth, didnt allow for argument.

The child was confused but had no choice but to obey. The memory spell had done its job. She didnt remember the past four years of her life. The woman in front of her was a stranger.

I ... knock on the door, she murmured, staring at the fire station. Ask for help.

Yes. The woman was back on her feet and glaring at a shadow detaching from the tree line across the street. You must go now. Were already out of time.

As the child obeyed, the woman walked away from the past. There was no changing things now. Theyd waited too long. All they could hope for was that the child would do what she was born to do.

It would take time, but as long as she was alive there was hope.

How long that hope could sustain them was anybodys guess.

She pushed worry out of her mind and focused on the coming battle. She would have to fight until the child made it out of the danger zone, away from the creatures that stalked the night, to relative safety. Then she would have to fight for an opening to flee. There was no assurance that either would happen. If she didnt fight, though, it was guaranteed she would fail.

So, with only one option in front of her, she did what was necessary. She fought ... and for one day, she won.

The battle was over, but the war had just begun.