DISCLAIMER: If you recognize it, I don't own it.

Ofelia was burning alive.

It had begun with what felt like a faint pin prick on the back of her neck, as she was climbing into bed and leaning back onto her pillow. She tried to sit up and reach behind her, intending to scratch it, but something else was seeping through her body that made her limbs and eyelids too heavy to control. The drowsiness overcame her before she could muster up the energy to fight it.

She was woken by a sudden jolt. The sunlight streaming through the window had faded away, she was lying on her back in a pool of sweat and a white-hot fire was spreading through her bones. Her body was pinned to the mattress, as though something was trying to pull her through it to the floor. She tried to scream, but the flames were licking her throat into submission. They seemed to grow stronger with each second, intent on reducing her to ashes from the inside out. The only part of her that could move were the tears that slowly slid down her face.

You're not going to die.

In the corner of her eye, she could see the glass vial lying on her bedside table. Had she taken it out of her dresser before she'd gone to bed? She could hardly remember. It was glowing now, and the tiny sphere of light inside was darting around.

I know how it feels, the spirit whispered. She used it on me. It won't kill you unless you have wicked blood in your veins. Now listen closely: you need to get out of bed. That's where they put the charm. You can get away if you put your mind to it.

The girl shut her eyes and whimpered as she strained to lift her limbs.

I heard your parents call you Ofelia. That's a lovely name. I'd tell you mine if I could remember it. It's been so long since she put me in here. I can remember another girl, though. I think she was my friend. She was very much like you - kind and clever and brave. I think you are, too.

With a shuddering breath that made the pain in her lungs flare up, Ofelia forced all her strength into her fingers. They twitched slightly, and then clenched enough to grab the sheets.

The light in the vial glowed brighter. Yes, that's it! Keep trying! See if you can roll out of bed.

"…Can't…"

You have to try. Your mother and father need you.

Gritting her teeth, Ofelia pushed against the flames until she could feel her hands once again. With one she pushed against the mattress, and with the other she gripped its side and began to pull. Her body began to turn, pausing every few seconds to breathe and regain balance. Soon she could make out the shapes that were her bedroom door, the table by her bedside, the vial and the pair of glasses resting on it.

You're almost there. Careful…

She had maneuvered herself onto her side when the mattress suddenly dropped out from beneath her. Tumbling from her bed, she landed on the floorboards with a thud. At the same moment, the fire abruptly dissipated. Her unbound limbs flailed about, and the scream that had been forced back found its way out of her throat. Untangling herself from her sheets, she sprang to her feet and scrambled to find her glasses.

The spirit's light shimmered. I knew you could do it.

Loud, heavy footsteps echoed below them. "Did you hear that? She's still alive!"

Ofelia grabbed the vial. "What do we do now?" she whispered.

Hide. Quickly!

She bolted towards the closet, closing the door nearly all the way and tucking herself into a corner. Hold your breath, the spirit said as its light faded to a barely visible glow. Not a sound.

The footsteps grew louder and heavier, and then the bedroom door slowly creaked open. Through the space at the bottom of the closet door, Ofelia could make out several cloaked shadows gliding towards her bed.

"Where is she?" one of them said, kicking the sheets.

"Dead, I should think."

"But we heard her screaming."

"Then we heard her scream her last."

There was more shuffling and loud thumps as they did something else to the bed. "What of the woman next door?" one of them said after a few minutes.

"That can wait. We must rejoin our lady."

The window opened and closed, and then there was nothing more to be heard.

Ofelia waited another minute before venturing from the closet. Her bed had been disassembled, its pieces strewn across the room. In the center of where the bedframe had been, a mark in the shape of a triangle had been burned into the floor.

We still aren't safe here, the spirit said. You need to find someone who can help us.

Ixa opened the front door cautiously. "Maria?" she called out, creeping over the threshold with Vicente and Gabriela behind her. "Are you back yet…?"

"Aunt Ixa!" Ofelia stood on the stair landing above the parlor, trembling and sweaty and clutching something in her hand. Shooting down the last flight of steps, she ran past the visitors and into the street. "Come on!"

"Where's your - "

"We need to get to the church!" She ran off down the street without waiting for an answer, and her friends ran after her.

"Joaquin's already up there," Ixa said, trying to keep up with the children. "What's wrong?"

"Mama and Papa. They need my help."