As the crisp, cool dew greets the sun, and transforms into a warm spring afternoon the pupils are noticeably restless. Even Ethel Hallow appears unmotivated, and inattentive in potion's lab. Hecate Hardbroom looks up from her attendance sheet from behind her desk. She surveys the scene before her. Only Mildred Hubble diligently works at her station. HB clears her throat.
"Shall we discuss the elephant in the room before each and every one of you end up with unsatisfactory marks?"
Ethel meets her glance, "Isn't it obvious? We've all got cabin fever. None of us have left the grounds for months. We all understand the seriousness of the rules surrounding safety, but certainly there has to be an end in sight."
The rest of the fifth year pupils sit at the edge of their seat anticipating the tongue lashing that Ethel is about to receive.
"What would you suggest, Miss Hallow?"
"We are running outrageously low on a plethora of ingredients. We could certainly go as a group to collect them under your supervision."
Hecate notes the hour on the timepiece that dangles from her neck.
"It would be far more efficient if everyone searches for ingredients separately. For safety we will not embrace efficiency in this task. We will prioritize the top three ingredients, and we will locate them together as one group. Is that clear?"
Hardly an hour later they traipse back into the courtyard drenched from a brief, yet heavy downpour. The girls stop outside the door as Hecate accounts for each one of them. The pod of fifth year pupils laughs, and giggles as they spray off their muddy boots. They independently return to the inside of the academy to remove their wet articles of clothing. Mildred Hubble hesitates for a moment as she approaches the door.
"I was surprised that you wanted to join us."
Mildred's eyes meet HB's glance before they quickly shift to the ground, "He was watching us." As the words fall from her lips she expects Miss Hardbroom to offer her assurances that her mind is merely playing tricks on her.
"I would like to assuage your fears, but the truth of the matter is that I too was keenly aware of the presence of darkness lingering in the shadows."
"I just want all of this to go away. I want it to be over."
"In the time you've known me have you ever witnessed me go back on my word?"
"No. It is one of your most maddening, and admirable qualities," Mildred admits.
"Leave it to me Miss Hubble."
"Hastily, Miss Hardbroom. I don't know how much longer I can survive this imprisonment."
As it does at the conclusion of every day the sun retires beneath the horizon, and darkness casts an ugly shadow upon the face of Cackles Academy. As Ada tours the halls to ensure her prized pupils are secured she stops outside Maud's door. She gently knocks. The fifth year pupil is secured beneath her linens reading quietly. Ada materializes at the foot of her bed.
"Something amiss, Miss Cackle?"
"How is Mildred fairing?"
"I grow more concerned with each passing day. The wall around her is so thick I can hardly see her anymore. I fear that the madness must stop soon, or she may never return from the depths."
"This type of upheaval can be particularly plaguing to friendships. How are you holding up, Miss Spellbody?"
"Things aren't the same anymore. The light airiness of childhood seems out of reach. Darkness has eclipsed our lives, and no one has taken a stand. It makes me question the values that we stand on when not one witch from the academy of witching excellence dares to go up against such a vile creature. It seems as if evil has already triumphed."
"I did not know you had such a strong opinion on the matter."
"My friend went into the woods, and she never really came back. Physically she has returned, but part of her is missing. She's never even fully explained what happened to me. I am her best friend."
"I will take your suggestions under advisement."
Ada disappears from the room. The words of her pupil weigh heavily on her as she slowly paces her way back to her office. She finds Hecate waiting outside her door.
"I fear I've gotten a vote of no confidence from Miss Spellbody."
"Ada the time has come to chart a new course."
"Hecate I must handle this situation of my own accord. It is imperative that you tend to our girls."
"Ada," Hecate's face twists in confusion.
"A pillar must remain should another fall."
"Please listen to reason," Hecate implores.
In the stillness of her room Mildred's heart races as she draws a symbol. Miss Hardbroom appears before Mildred has the chance to utter her name. The pupil's eyes widen as she stares at the deputy headmistress.
"What does this mean?"
HB takes a look at the sketch, and with the flick of her wrist the page lands into Mildred's cauldron. The page is engulfed in flames in a second. Mildred rises from her stool, and faces HB. Hecate gently places her hands on Mildred's shoulders.
"You mustn't bring all of the things that your mind sees into fruition Mildred."
"Have I done something wrong?"
"Assure me that you will not mindlessly draw what your mind's eye sees. Please."
"What did I draw?"
"It was a symbol."
"What kind of symbol?"
"A symbol we no longer use. Some symbols are little more than a description when they are put to paper. An owl may be a sign for wisdom. That is not always true. What you drew is the type of symbol that is equivalent to a portal."
"For darkness?"
Hecate simply nods.
Mildred stares up at HB with pleading eyes. The pain etched across her face is evident as she lowers herself onto her bed. Her skin is paler than it has ever been before.
"Make it stop. Why can't you make it stop? Why won't you make it stop?"
"You know it is out of my hands."
Mildred snarls, "Then I will do it. I don't care if it is a violation of the code! What is the point of being a witch if all it does is bring misery and pain?" Her nostrils flare.
"That is how evil prevails," Hecate attempts to reason.
Mildred shakes her head, "It already has."
The deputy headmistress's heart breaks into a million pieces.
