Running, she couldn't stop running. Melody could hear something crashing after her. Tree branches whipped past her face, biting at her bare skin. She knew she was bleeding but she didn’t care. She needed to find Copper and they needed to leave. They should have never come here. She should have never come back. Whatever was chasing her was getting closer. She could hear ragged, uneven breathing behind her.
Where was Copper? He couldn’t have gone far. He never wandered too far. He had become something of a velcro dog since coming back here. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think he didn’t like it here either.
Melody ducked under a branch and kept running. It took everything to not look behind her but she knew if she did she would fall. Melody heard growling in the trees to her right. A rusty tan ball of fur burst out towards behind her. “COPPER NO!” She turned to look for him and started to fall…..
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Melody woke up in her bed with a pounding headache, confused, not remembering going to bed. In fact, the last thing she remembered was….”Copper!” She sat up with a start.
She heard a familiar clicking in the hallway as four paws came bounding down the hallway and soon a nose with a worried hundred pound dog attached was leaping onto her bed and sniffing at her face. Melody fell back into the pillows trying to fight off the ball of fur. “I’m alright boy, confused but alright.”
“Maybe, I can allay some of that confusion.” Argyle socks said coming into view. Melody eyed him with suspicion and backed further into her pillows, pulling Copper with her. Max sighed, “I deserve that. But before you go running for the hills, at least have some breakfast?” He held up the tray in his hands.
Melody had to admit it did smell good but she still didn’t trust him. Hell, she barely trusted herself right now. After what happened last night she didn’t know what to believe. These things weren’t supposed to happen outside of the fantasy books she always used to sneak behind her mothers back. She looked at Max, “It’s safe to eat right? You’re not trying to get rid of me because now I know some sort of secret you had going on with my parents?” It sounded stupid even to her.
Max just sighed and handed her the tray, “Melody I assure you it isn’t poisoned, just eat the food.”
Copper took her momentary distraction to wriggle away and go to the edge of the bed near Max. He flopped over and showed his belly, pawing at Max in the process. Melody couldn’t help but laugh and took that as a sign that eating the food was safe. If Copper trusted him then she may as well put aside her misgivings to at least eat something. As she took a bite of the eggs, her eyes widened and she started shoveling food into her mouth. It was absolutely delicious, and as it turned out, she was starving.
Max chuckled as he gave Copper some petting. “That’s much better. Now about your confusion. To explain...yes as a general rule your initial reaction to not trust me may be a safe one but you’ve known me for years. You know that your parents trusted me implicitly and were considering making me a partner, especially considering you did not want to take over.”
Melody considered all that Max was saying and admitted to herself that he was correct. She remembered that her parents had hired him around the time she left for college. While initially his only duties were that of office manager, he became integral to the business. On the very few instances she had come home to visit, her parents constantly told her how amazing Max was and how he couldn’t have come at a better time. Since he had shown up, business was booming; he had streamlined most of their processes, and they were on track to become one of the biggest names in home renovation in the area.
“Then your parents’ accident happened and you came back.” Melody looked at Max again. “I knew it was likely you would discover what was in the basement. In fact, when you left yesterday I knew you would. I’ve been dreading it actually. Trying to figure out a way to get to the house to erase it without you knowing.” He looked at her and realized he was just adding to her confusion.
Max sighed, “Let me start at the beginning, when you were in high school your parents realized you had a serious problem. A problem that you very very much tried to hide from everyone. You even succeeded after the first few instances once you were old enough. Thankfully for everyone, your father remembered stories his mother had told him about his family's lineage. Salem, deals with the devil, persecution, the whole lot. None of it initially true of course, except in persecuting the innocent, the town evoked the devil’s sympathy for their victims. It's one thing when witches actually strike a deal with the devil. It’s another when an entire town wipes out entire lines including innocent children and people are using it to settle grudges and jealousy. A once in a lifetime deal was granted to one final victim in a neighboring town also overwhelmed with ‘witch fever’. No strings attached, anything she wanted. What impressed the devil so much however, was she did not want the deal for herself, but for her young child who was also caught up in the accusation. The child was spirited away, under cover of darkness, and granted power to protect themselves as they grew older. I was charged with raising the child, and protecting the family line. The magic was diluted throughout the years, and lost to ‘family legend’. But when you started having your recurring nightmare it seemed that power had returned. Your parents, worried because you would not speak of the nightmare and because it was becoming increasingly violent, summoned me just before you left for college. I confirmed it was no ordinary nightmare and have been keeping careful watch ever since.”
Melody paused in her eating, mouth hanging open, and egg hanging off her fork. Copper took her distraction as an invitation to steal some food for himself. Her shock at his boldness was enough to shake her out of her motionless state. “No….just no. None of this is real. None of this is happening. This doesn’t happen.” She was convinced that somehow, despite his charming exterior, Max had fooled her parents and was unstable. Melody was still thinking this as she watched his blue eyes flash to completely black.
“I can assure you, it most assuredly did and is happening. Unfortunately someone or something is looking for you. What I haven’t been able to find out is why.”
Copper let out an almost frustrated huff as he realized he was out of eggs and Max motioned him over for another scratch.
Melody continued her protestations, “I went away to college, I moved away, and during all of that time you stayed here. If you’re supposed to be ‘protecting me’ or figuring this shit out then why stay here?”
“Because as far as I can tell whatever is happening revolves around this town. Tell me Melody, did you have nightmares when you were at school? Or when you weren’t living here?”
“I mean, maybe? I must have? I had to, I’m sure of it.” But to be honest, if she really thought about it Melody didn’t remember having the recurring nightmare that haunted her when she wasn’t here. It was only when she was home from school, or the few occasions she was visiting Mom and Dad that she could remember having the dream. And, if she was really honest with herself, she felt that because it hadn’t been happening as frequently, it had become more frantic.
“Your father remembered the stories. Whispers about his family line. He wanted a way to figure out what the nightmares meant, a way to protect you. I’m in service to your family line until it ends. And someone is looking to make that happen. Now I am quite enjoying my time here on Earth. I’ve quite enjoyed my service to your family. I’d like to stay here if I could.”
Melody couldn’t believe what she was hearing, “The devil doesn’t make deals of goodwill.”
“You’re right. He doesn’t. But through their trials and slaughter of innocents, the townspeople had long ago fulfilled any payment necessary for such a bargain. On an even darker note, your family matriarch sealed her deal in blood.”
“So you’re saying…”
“In a rare act, the devil sought out an innocent to make a deal because the price had already been paid. That all of the townsfolk who sentenced innocents to slaughter inadvertently sold their souls to the devil in doing so, due to your ancestor’s bargain. Whatever may be said, he is fair to those deserving. A punisher of sinners, murderers, liars, and cheats true. Fallen angel, yes. But fair. Lucifer was impressed when the woman did not try to save herself or take revenge upon those hunting her, but rather for the safety of her child. There are not many who would do such a thing. Absolute power corrupts absolutely and all that,” Max chuckled darkly. “And even so she still chose to sell her own soul, to further ensure the safety of her line, and the damnation of those who hunted them.”
“I don’t have magic.” Melody said blankly.
“Oh but you do or at least currently your blood does. Not to mention you’ve charmed this one quite handedly.” Max said, giving Copper a pat.
“Well yea, he’s my dog.”
“Yes, a hound dog.”
“Yea?”
“A hound.”
“Mhm..Got him in a rescue right after college graduation. They said he had just shown up. He wasn’t a fan of most others but seemed to warm up to me. That’s not magic! I was just patient and understanding. He was in a new environment and scared. He just needed some time to decompress.”
“Lucifer save me, you are dense. Melody you tamed a damned hell hound. Have you not noticed these last, what, six years that your dog has not aged a day?”
Melody stared at Copper. Sure he didn’t look any older than when she had adopted him, but he had only been a young dog then. Not a puppy surely but not old. But he should be showing signs of slowing down at his age and here he was, looking exactly like he did six years ago. “I don’t believe you. I can’t believe you. If what you are saying is real then all of this is.”
Max absentmindedly scratched Copper’s favorite spot. “Ostende te.” Copper’s eyes flashed red.
“I..I think I need a minute.” Melody’s head was spinning. She leaned back and shrunk into the pillows. Copper wiggled towards her and worriedly started sniffing her face again. The last thing she saw as her vision went fuzzy was red eyes.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
When she came to, it was much later in the day. There were deep shadows in the room and her door was pulled mostly closed. She was alone in the room but could hear the TV downstairs. It was a very strange juxtaposition of things going on in her head. She couldn’t bring herself to want to believe everything Max had told her and yet he had shown her proof, and there was the pentagram in the basement. But, here she was waking up unharmed in her bed, hearing what sounded like a house remodeling show, Fixer Upper maybe, playing on the downstairs television.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Melody slowly rolled herself out of bed. Assessing for any sort of issues after falling in the basement, and passing out again in bed. Her tongue felt heavy in her mouth and all her teeth were covered in a thick film.
“A shower and brushing my teeth are definitely in order before I deal with anything.” Speaking to no one in particular, she walked into the bathroom. “Time to see just how hot this old water heater can go.”
As steam started to fill the room she wandered between the two rooms, gathering towels and sweatpants. Stripping out of yesterday's clothes, she let out a thankful sigh as the water started to burn her skin. Melody began to hum absentmindedly as she washed her hair. Once she was done, she brushed her teeth and wrapped her hair in a towel, throwing on the sweats and oversized t-shirt she had grabbed.
Having showered she felt much more like herself, more sane. The events of last night and this morning felt less concrete. Her grasp on reality and her sanity had returned.
Melody made her way down the stairs and into the living room where the TV was on. She was greeted with the sight of Max and Copper sitting on the couch. “Fixer Upper, I was right.”
“Ah, Melody! I was just trying to get some inspiration for the Simm’s estate. What do you think of the paneling they are using there?” Max asked, motioning towards the TV with the remote. Copper was looking at her, thumping his tail against the couch loudly, but not moving otherwise.
“I think it could fit. If it were painted to match, or at least to compliment. It should work nicely for either a bathroom or down the main hallway.”
“My thoughts exactly! I will call the office and tell them to get this ordered. It was one of the few things not finalized in that packet you gave me to complete yesterday. Depending on how much she can find we may be able to reuse it in more than one space. Excuse me while I go call him.” Max stood and walked out of the living room and into the kitchen. Melody could hear him on the phone talking to who she assumed might be Annie, the only other office worker they had.
“Ok taken care of. Annie said she will get that ordered and have it sent directly to the site. She also said the crew called and we should be cleared and on time for Thursday.” Max said, walking out of the kitchen holding a plate. Melody saw what looked to be a roast beef sandwich and her mouth began to water. Her stomach growled, betraying just how hungry she was. “Seems like my return is well timed,” Max said, handing her the plate. “Sit, eat. I assure you like this morning it is not poisoned.” Melody’s stomach growled again so she sat on the couch next to Copper and ravenously dug into the sandwich, barely coming up for breath.
Once she was done she absentmindedly began to scratch Copper behind the ear, the thumping getting steadily louder as she did this. Max leaned lazily against the door frame, eyeing her suspiciously.
“I’m not going to run away Max. You can move into the room.”
“I’m not sure if I’m worried about you running away, or throwing the plate at me. At this rate you are likely to do either Miss Melody. And as I don’t want to clean broken ceramic, I would much rather stay here. Although eating the sandwich is a good sign.”
Melody chuckled, “Fair. You can stay at the door. Now can we please discuss this or are you going to continue to emulate the perfect office manager in hopes that I forget everything that happened in the past twenty-four hours?” She had to hand it to him. If this continued, she may almost be able to pretend that things were normal and that it had never happened. As long as she didn’t go into the basement that is.
Max ran his hand through his hair and gave her a hard stare. “Let me answer your question with a question. Did you have a dream this morning after being startled by our furry companion there?” He motioned to Copper, who cocked an ear back at him in return.
Melody tilted her head to the side while she thought about it. She remembered last night, the basement, falling, and the recurring nightmare only to wake up in her own bed. Then the conversation with Max, hearing things that until today she would have thought impossible, things that she would believe she should be committed for thinking possible. Copper’s eyes flashing and getting dizzy; then going under again. But she could not recall having a second nightmare. “I…I don’t think I did.” Melody couldn’t recall the last time she had had any kind of sleep in this house, hell in this town, without some kind of snippet of that nightmare playing in her head at some point. If there was no rest for the wicked, then she should be burning. “Hell, maybe I am a witch if I’m thinking that way.”
“Good, I warded the house. That means that whoever, or whatever is looking for you can’t reach you through the wards. I had suspected as much considering Spencer recommended doing it but…”
“Wait what?! Uncle Spencer?”
“Well yes. Who else would I mean? He’s known of the “condition” from the beginning. Honestly Melody. What normal parents, what normal uncle just allows a teenage girl to up and move to California as soon as high school is over? Your uncle had been researching as soon as your father remembered the stories. He is the one that came across the wards right before you moved out there. Placed them all over his house. The only reason he isn’t currently on his way here is because I swore I would place wards in the house, specifically your bedroom. I’ve been trying to assess which room you were going to take since you got here. I knew you wouldn’t take your room, but I wasn’t sure if you would take your parents’ or another room. Then I couldn’t find an opportunity to get into the house. I tried on one of the few nights you went out with Alexis but you always came home far too quickly. And Copper,” he pointed at the dog, “was of no help. But I knew if nothing else he wouldn’t let anyone in.” Copper let out a low huff, almost in resentful agreement.
Melody’s head was spinning. She had thought she had hidden everything so well. Even then her parent’s, her uncle, had been trying to protect her. They had given up time with her, her uncle had sacrificed his space for her. She hadn’t even thought she needed protecting. She just thought she was some screwed up teenagee who hadn’t outgrown her nightmares. Meanwhile the adults in her life were apparently scrambling to keep her none the wiser. “They should have told me. All this time and I didn’t know. If they knew they should have told me. I thought I hid everything so well. I didn’t want them to worry and instead everyone went behind my back to coddle me. I wasn’t a child. I was moving across the country to go to college for fuck’s sake.”
“And how would you have reacted? At 18, hearing all the adults in your family telling you that magic and demons were real? With no proof? They wanted to send you off to college, across the country as you so eloquently pointed out and hopefully have it handled by the time you were done. But it wasn’t, and they didn’t. And even I was no help in that matter and now here we are.” Max looked at her, bitterness and regret etched into every line in his face. His eyes constantly flashing black and then back again to an icy blue. “I wasn’t here when they had their accident. If I had been they would still be here. They had dug somewhere someone didn’t like, of that I am sure. I will get to the bottom of it. And I will continue to protect you. I made a vow.”
“RING. RING.” Melody half jumped as her cellphone started blaring. Spencer Grimes flashed across the screen. For half a second she debated not answering but knew he’d be on a plane in a heartbeat if she did that. He was almost as overprotective as her parents, maybe more so since he watched her come home drunk more times then she’d like to admit. She answered the phone.
“Hey Uncle Spencer. What’s going on?” Trying to keep her voice even, not wanting to let on to what was going on until she had more information. Also not wanting to question her uncle with Max standing right there. She wanted time to process, and privacy to ask what she wanted without him putting in his two cents.
“Not much kid. How about you? How are things? How’s the house coming?”
“Oh you know, same old same old. Just still trying to get the house in order. I’ve made it through almost everything except the basement. I think that is my next project.”
“OK kid. Well you know I don’t like the thought of you in that house all alone. I wish you would have let me come with you. And if you need any help I will be there, just call.”
“Yes Uncle Spencer, of course. You know I will. And I’m not alone, I have Copper. Alexis and Max have been helping. So I have all the help I could want right now. Otherwise we would all be getting in each other’s way. And you know if you were here you’d just play with Copper the entire time.”
“Hey, the dog is cute. When you said you wanted a dog I did not think you’d bring home something quite so adorable. I can not say no to that face. But alright Mel, if you’re sure you are fine I won’t keep pushing the issue. Call if you need me. And do tell Max I said hello won’t you?” With that her uncle hung up the phone, leaving Melody staring at it in shock.
“It’s almost like he knew you were here.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised. Spencer has always been very intuitive since he was a young boy. I almost thought that if the magic in your bloodline were to reawaken it would be with him but as we know it wasn’t.” Max shrugged. “Now as I was explaining earlier today, the matriarch of your family made a deal with the devil.”
Melody interrupted him, “Yea, you said that the townspeople unknowingly sold their souls to the devil? How does that even happen?” She pulled Copper closer. “Don’t they need to make a deal or something?”
“Ah yes, true normally one would make a deal. Seal it with a contract, sign things in blood, crossroads demons lately have really gotten into sealing things with a kiss, but I digress. It has to do with the time, and what was happening at the time. The madness that was going on in Salem and the surrounding towns. The hysteria and witch hunts had neighbors and families turning on each other. Whether for personal gain, revenge, or vendettas, people would turn on eachother and accuse them of witchcraft. They tainted their souls. Those who testified against them further rent their souls to pieces, accusing them of terrible things. There was no hope for them, they were bound for purgatory or below. Your ancestor stood to be accused, she knew this. The papers just had to be drawn up. The least she could do was smuggle her child out of town under cover of darkness. The question though was how? And how to ensure that it happened safely? She didn’t have any family to bring him to. In fact it was her own family who was contemplating accusing her of witchcraft. A cousin who was jealous of her standing in the town despite being a widow. She was crying and trying to sneak out into the very woods behind this house when I first came to her one night.”
“This house didn’t exist.”
“No, but how old do you think those woods are exactly? Now stop interrupting. I laid out the devil’s terms. It was a one time deal and she did not need to sell her soul. The devil felt he would have enough souls coming in from the trials that he would have an influx for quite some time. But she looked at me and asked how much stronger the deal would be if she sold her soul. She wanted to protect not just her child but her entire line and send the whole town to damnation. The devil of course took the deal, this way he still got the influx and could curse the town. I was essentially given babysitting duty here to watch your family. Which until your father and uncle wasn’t difficult. Single child every generation, never any issues, maybe the occasional witch hunter but no one ever got close. Then your grandmother had two children. That’s why I thought Spencer would be the one to reignite the magic in your bloodline. Instead, he turned out to be crucial to getting you out of town just as you were beginning to show signs of potentially being in danger.” Max stopped talking and looked at her expectantly.
Melody took a deep breath. She looked around the living room. The TV had moved to another episode of Fixer Upper at some point without her noticing. Late afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows, creating long shadows across the room. Dust lazily danced in the beams.
“This is a lot to take in. For anyone, you know that right? Even with the “proof” that you’ve shown me. Even with having nightmares for years. It’s a lot.” Melody looked at her phone. Three in the afternoon, a few hours of daylight left. “Look, feel free to stay but I need to get out of here for a bit. I’m feeling claustrophobic. I can’t stay here. I’ll be back. Lock up if you leave.”
Melody crossed the living room and walked into the kitchen to the back door. She pulled her sneakers on and walked out, taking off across the back yard.
“Melody, wait!”
She started running, heading for the woods. She could hear the door close at what she assumed was Max coming outside after her. Copper started to whine and then bark behind her but there were no sounds of paws hitting the ground behind her. “Max must be holding him,” she thought, as she hit the first set of trees.