The Trojan Horse

The noise of cracking branches announced her presence among the shadows of Greendale woods. Soon, she was in the dark side of the forest, her human breath at least back to normal, after leaving the Spellman's house like a demon chased by a thousand hell dogs.

She spent the best part of the path controlling her nerves, as reality came crashing down, forcing her to face her options. Each step along the woods increased the ache in her cold heart, making her regret her role in the mission that forced her to put aside her feelings for Zelda.

In a poor attempt to gain time, Lilith ignored her need for weeks, pretending everything was under control. What she couldn't ignore was the pain in her chest, the pressuring desire to give up at least for once and chaise her own destiny. She was in love for the first time in her life and blessed be Satan, she was loved in return.

Now, she would have to do something about it.

When this journey started, the scenario was very clear, her orders were to bond Sabrina's soul to the rules of the underworld and as payback, Lilith would have a throne. But even when things were going like planned, she wasn't sure if the rewards would ever come.

Her Lord was not trustfull, that was part of his nature, his only real interest was power. They had an agreement, her strength would be at his disposal and in exchange, she would achieve prestige among the dark souls. She had been loyal, the general of his army, the hand of faith bringing dark shadows over the ones who challenged him… She was his favorite one, but not once she forgot who she was dealing with.

Lilith dreamed that maybe one day, she could be the one to wear the crown, in a underworld that would follow her rules. As the mother of demons she was respected, worshiped and obeyed, but the love that would eventually come from the most faithful prayers were based on fear and that was not enough anymore. She was a soldier who have been in battlefront so many times, but battles were all the same and in the end, she was tired and lonely.

Lilith was strong, very much so, but still, not powerful enough to face Lucifer in a dispute. Sabrina, on the other hand, could be a real challenge in due time and, of course, with proper allies. She was strong enough to face a fight for hell throne and win, turning the universe balance upside down.

For thousands years Lilith had kept witches like her under control, submitted to the Lord's will, but none of them ever matched Sabrina's strength. The young witch was the first real menace in centuries. How the great Lord could defeat her, if for a irony of destiny, some of the strongest decided they want a queen and not a king?

Now Lilith eyes were opened and she could understand Lúcifer's fears. At least, the ancient prophecy could come true and her mission was nothing more than an attempt to keep The Lord untouchable and Sabrina under control.

Now, Lilith had another and more urgent concern, to keep Zelda safe by her side, while an audacious plan was set in place.

Still lost in thoughts, she found herself in the bottom of the sacred tree, gathering her powers to call for the Lord's presence. In a blink of an eye the air around her changed, announcing his presence.

"Lilith, you call me."

"My Lord, permission to speak."

"Problems in your mission?"

"No problem, everything is going the way it should. The girl is following the right path."

"And you will make sure she never leaves it."

"She won't, Sabrina will become the stronger witch of all time, as you wish."

"If everything is fine, why do you waste my time, demoness?"

Lilith gathered the courage to keep up with her idea, even knowing her actions could bring destruction upon herself. "I called you to ask for a change in bargain."

His tone of voice became deep, almost menacing. "Don't be insolent. You want more? I offered you the power of second in command and a throne, there's nothing beyond it."

"My Lord, I want to change the terms of our deal." She took a step closer, but kept her head bowed. "I will be happy keeping my current position, I will also keep my promise to watch for Sabrina."

The beast's face showed no surprise, frozen. "What else do you want Lilith?"

"I will keep an eye on Sabrina, I will train her, teach her and offer her my knowledge of the dark arts." Her voice became stronger, "I don't want anything else, Sabrina shall have all the prizes. For my part of the bargain, I want to be free to make choices regarding Zelda Spellman."

The creature laughed, a deep guttural sound that resonated through the trees. "Oh Lilith, that's pathetic… Your attachment to the older Spellman was not unnoticed, but I never thought you would be so stupid. Are you turning down the powers over hell, for a witch?"

She didn't even flinch when she answered."I want freedom and that's a different kind of power, we both know it. I will give you Sabrina, stronger than any witch that ever wandered around this world. She will be the queen by your side. In exchange of it, I want to be free to make my choices. I can stay exactly where I am. I will still be your commander, leading the army of doon, if you desire, until Sabrina is finally ready."

The Lord of darkness was silent for so long, she feared her efforts would be wasted. A second later she felt relief, as his words sealed their agreement.

"If is that what you want, you shall have it. You teach the young witch and the Spellman matriarch is yours. No one will interfere." He approached her, his hot breath touching her face. "But be warned Lilith, I'm watching you and if you try to turn the girl against me, or if you try to use her for defeat me, I will feast in your lover's flesh."

A moment later she found herself alone again, only the creatures of night witnessing her laughs. She had not a victory yet, but when battle finally comes, she will be prepared and Sabrina shall be by her side.

…

Zelda crossed the almost empty halls of the academy later than expected. The poor night of sleep would probably bring her a headache later, but she was not a witch to skip responsibilities. After Mary left, she went to bed troubled, her heart heavy beyond the perspective of been rejected. She was not young, so her life was full of heartbreaks, but never before she felt so hurt. Mary was different, they have bounded for Satan's sake, something Zelda never thought would happened in this life. What the hell was she doing ignoring it? That would only bring suffering for both of them.

Now she was feeling empty and drained, and her only desire was to cry herself to sleep until next week.

It was almost nine before she opened her office's door, so absorbed in her thoughts, she barely missed the elegant bouquet of black roses placed over her desk.

Her heart raced as she mumbled. "Flowers? For me?" Retrieving the card from it's safe place between the flowers, she read the message.

My darling Zelda,

I have no words to apologize for my behavior. Please, give me a chance to explain in person. Dinner at 20, My place.

I Will be waiting,

Yours,

M. W.

TBC