What if #8
Luz strolled leisurely through the treelined path that led to Blight manor. The sun had just began sinking below the horizon and the air carried an icy chill. With each breath, Luz could see a little puff of steam coming from her mouth. She was slightly regretting the fact that she didn't have her coat with her, not having anticipated the drop in temperature when she began her trek.
A sudden breeze came through the trees and Luz had to brace herself until it passed. For a moment it felt like her body was being wrapped in a freezing cold veil and she clenched her teeth to keep them from chattering. She rubbed her exposed forearms and pressed onward, picking up the pace so she could escape the cold sooner.
The trees grew denser as she continued down the path, cutting off the already dwindling light of day. It didn't do much to deter Luz. Even though it was hard to see, she knew the way by heart. Not even the super creepy atmosphere could bother her with that sort of confidence spurring her onwards.
As she continued her way through the trees, Luz noticed that things were much quieter than usual. Apart from the breeze rustling the leaves, she hadn't heard anything in a while. No birds up in the branches, no little critters scurrying around, not even pesky little bug demons buzzing about, seeking a bite of her flesh. That one she didn't mind at all, but still… it made things eerier to her.
Somewhere out in the trees, a twig snapped. Luz turned her head in the direction of the sound, slightly startled by it and startled worse by what she saw. There was something moving in the distance. Several somethings in fact. Whatever they were, they were bipedal and moving in a swaying shamble that seemed unsettlingly familiar to Luz.
There was another noise coming from them, only just then reaching Luz's ears. A soft groaning which made her blood run cold. She thought something was very familiar about that noise, and while she was willing to believe she could be wrong, she was more interested in playing it safe. And since she didn't have any better ideas of where to go, she just kept heading for Blight Manor, at a full-on run.
Fortunately for Luz, she was almost at her destination when she had found trouble. The bad news was she knew they were following her and after daring to peek over her shoulder, she also learned they were much closer than she had thought. With a surge of adrenaline pushing her, she crossed the remaining distance to the front gates and burst through them.
Luz was halfway to the front door when she realized she hadn't locked the gate behind her. She turned to rush back, but her followers had just gotten to the gates. There wouldn't be enough time for her to go back and secure it before they got through. Her best bet was to get inside the manor.
Running as fast as her legs would carry her, Luz bolted to the front doors. Just as she was about to reach them, they opened and someone stepped out. It was Odalia Blight, and the woman did not look pleased. She was scowling fiercely, clenching her fists. If not for the fact there was a much scarier threat behind her, Luz would have stopped in her tracks at the sight of the angry witch.
"And just what do you think you are doing? No one gave you permission to come through that gate!" Odalia barked. "Get off of my property this instant!"
Her words went ignored, only serving to fuel her ire. Luz ran past her, seeking refuge behind her. Odalia paid the girl no mind, her focus was on the shambling mass that had breached the front gates. A vein throbbed on her forehead and she swung her arm out to point at the foremost form in the crowd.
"Excuse you! I am telling you that you are not welcome here! This is private property and I will have no solicitors! If you do not turn around and leave, I will call security!"
The group of intruders slowed to a stop. They all began to look at one another, groaning quietly, almost as if discussing the matter. Then they all turned and shambled back out through the gates, in an almost orderly fashion. Luz stared, mouth agape in awe at the sight. She stepped out from behind Odalia, her fears having given way to curiosity and confusion. Odalia turned to address her, arching an eyebrow, and placing one hand on her hip.
"As for you, what in the world are you doing?" She questioned, sounding more curious than annoyed.
"Um… I was hiding?"
"From them?" Odalia followed up, an amused smile gracing her features. "Are you actually afraid of zombies?"
Luz nodded, a small blush coming to her face. She wasn't exactly sure why, but the woman's question made her feel like she had asked something embarrassing. And the way Odalia giggled in response only further confirmed that for Luz.
"Oh, you are just precious! There's nothing for you to worry about, dear. Zombies are bothersome, but hardly a threat."
"That's not what humans have thought about them since… well, ever." Luz replied with a sheepish smile. "I guess that seems kinda silly to you, huh?"
Odalia giggled again and reached out with both hands to smush Luz's cheeks. "Yes, but that's one of the reasons you are so adorable!" She gushed, her expression then growing slightly concerned. "Oh my Titan, your skin is so cold! We need to get you inside and let you warm up!"
She coaxed Luz to head inside, looking over her shoulder as they went. Her eyes narrowed venomously as she saw that the throng of zombies was still loitering outside the front gates. If she were to venture a guess, they were going to remain there until either someone left the manor or came home so they could pester them about joining their horde.
Once inside of the manor, Odalia escorted Luz into the parlor. It was a spacious room, with a large bay window that gave a view of the vast back yard. Pieces of lavish, antique furniture sat facing the window and there was a gramophone standing in the corner beside a tall shelf with numerous vinyl records. A large fireplace was across from the entrance to the room, a sofa positioned facing it a short distance away. Odalia brought Luz over to sit and then spun a circle, conjuring a purple flame on the hearth.
"There, that should help. But I'll have the kitchen staff put on some tea and prepare snacks for you too. Is there anything you'd like to eat, dear?"
"Uhm… something sweet."
"Of course. There should be some leftover abyssal forest cake from our dessert course last night. I think that would go nicely with your tea. Would you like that?"
Luz nodded eagerly. "Mm-hmm. Could it be a big slice though? One big enough for me and Amity to share?"
Odalia's expression became apologetic. "Oh, I haven't told you yet, have I? I'm sorry, Luz, dear. But Mittens is out right now with the twins. They are having a sibling day, but they should be home soon."
"How soon?"
"I honestly cannot say. By dinner at the latest." Odalia answered, checking the clock on the wall. "Which will be a little over an hour from now."
She touched the pendant around her neck and summoned a spirit. After instructing it to go to the kitchen, Odalia turned her attention back to Luz, noting the girl's dispirited mood. To Odalia, the way Luz was pouting over Amity's absence was both saddening and endearing. A soft smile came to her face as she reached out to ruffle Luz's short locks.
"There's no need to be sulking, dear. You'll get to spend time with Mittens. Until then, how about you and I continue our stories together? I just need to step into the other room for a quick business call first."
The idea got Luz to perk back up right away and she eagerly nodded in response. Odalia chuckled warmly and gave Luz's hair one more tussle before stepping away. She went down to her husband's workshop, finding him almost elbow-deep in an abomination he was enhancing. As she stepped into the room, she cleared her throat to get his attention, and got no response. Her next attempt fared no better and her brow furrowed out of annoyance.
Her irritation only grew when Alador finally set aside what he was doing and turned to face her. He let out a startled cry, in turn giving her a start. Alador sucked in a deep breath and exhaled it out in a gasp, one hand placed onto his chest as he tried to calm himself. He then looked to his wife, a piteous look in his eyes.
"Please don't sneak up on my like that!" He implored.
"I'll have you know I was not doing any such thing, Alador!" Odalia curtly replied, placing her hands onto her hips. "I was trying to get your attention, but you were, as always, absorbed in your work!"
Alador blushed, his entire face going red. "I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to ignore you… um, what did you need, my jewel?"
"Firstly, there is a group of zombies loitering outside of our property. I'm sending security out there to handle them. And then, take a break and go up to the parlor. Our darling baby girl's girlfriend is up there right now and you will be going to keep her company while I attend to some business."
"Yes, dear. I'll be just a minu…"
"Now, Alador! And fetch a blanket for her, the poor girl's skin was frigid when she got here!"
Odalia watched her husband as he rushed out of the room and then followed him out. She kept an eye on him until they had to part ways, heading for her office. Alador did as requested and retrieved a fresh blanket, then making his way to the parlor as his wife ascended to the second floor.
When he stepped into the parlor, he found Luz lounging on the sofa. She was looking at the fire, the flames having gone from purple to orange. Alador also noted that Luz was upside down, her upper body dangling over the edge of the cushions while her legs were over the back of the sofa. He approached her, looking down at her with a curious expression.
"How can that possibly be comfortable?" He queried. "Do humans enjoy being upside down?"
"Not really. It's just kinda fun to watch the fire like this." Luz replied, swinging her legs down so she could sit upright. "S'up Ala-daddy?"
"We've been over this. I would prefer for you not to call me that."
"Sorry. You'd prefer Papa-B?"
"No, I wouldn't."
"Okay, how about…."
"How about you simply call me Mr. Blight?" Alador suggested. "Like a respectful young witchling would."
"Because that sounds like a supervillain name." Luz replied simply. "And besides, I'm not a witchling, remember?"
Alador let out a sigh and dropped the subject. He handed the blanket to Luz and then went to seat himself in an armchair closer to the window. Luz saw him bring out his Penstagram and begin scrolling through it, becoming engrossed within seconds. She took that as a hint that he didn't want to talk and went back to watching the fire crackle on the hearth.
After minutes of boring and uncomfortable silence, the door opened and the abomination butler stepped into the room. It was wheeling a serving cart with a pot of tea and two tea cups, along with a dish covered in an ornate glass display dome. Within the dome was a decadent looking slice of cake, dark as the night with a ruby red goreberry filling and whipped cream icing. Normally Luz couldn't enjoy whipped cream, but she had learned a fun fact about dairy products in the demon realm. Since most of them came from spider-demons, lactose wasn't a factor.
Luz scooted to the edge of her seat, smiling excitedly for the sweet treat about to be delivered to her. The abomination butler rolled the cart over to them, first pouring them each a cup of hot tea. It then took the lid off the sugar bowl and picked up the tongs, turning to Luz in silent question.
"Three please!" She chirped, watching as the golem slowly picked up three sugar cubes to deposit into her cup, adding a bit of cream and then holding it out for her. "Thanks!"
She sipped from her cup, sighing as the hot liquid warmed her up. After another sip she went to take her cake and enjoy a nice, large, first bite. To her surprise and disappointment however, the cake was gone. It had been snagged by Alador, who had already begun eating it… with his hands.
Rather than address the matter, Luz opted to just let Alador enjoy the cake. It wasn't as though saying anything could change things anyhow. Sure, it was disappointing, but it was already too late and it wasn't as though he had known it was meant for her. She would just wait until Odalia returned and ask if she could have something else.
With nothing else to enjoy, Luz just continued to drink her tea and watch the fire. The abomination butler refilled her cup, adding three cubes of sugar like it did for the first one. Luz drank that one more slowly, beginning to grow bored as the minutes passed. She played with her cup, swirling the little remaining liquid inside to try and occupy herself.
The little amount of tea left in Luz's cup went cold and she lost interest in finishing it, setting her cup down on the table. She sat back and let out a bored sigh, starting to fidget with her hands. Alador was still engrossed in whatever he had been looking at on Penstagram, so she left him alone. He always got irritable when someone disturbed him when he was in the middle of reading or watching something.
After a few more minutes of uncomfortable silence, Luz saw Alador get up from his seat. There was a spark of inspiration in his eyes and he suddenly began heading for the door. Luz kept silent, she wasn't sure if she should have felt relieved or disappointed that he was in such a hurry to leave.
Just as he got to the doorway, Alador almost bumped into his wife. No sooner had the two locked eyes than Odalia scowled disapprovingly at her husband. Her discerning eyes swiftly pieced together the recent happenings in the parlor with a deductive skill that could rival a certain fictional detective from the human realm. Odalia then grabbed Alador's coat collar, rubbing her thumb over it and finding a barely visible stain.
"You really shouldn't wipe your mouth with your clothing, hon." She said, casting a cool gaze his way. "It's such an uncouth habit. But do you know what really bothers me? This is clearly from the cake I had brought up here… for our guest."
"Oh, that was for…"
"For Luz, yes." Odalia cut in firmly, releasing her hold on his collar. "And now, you will replace it, right?"
Alador nodded. "Yes, right away. I'll send out an abomination to…"
"No. You will go yourself to buy one, from the top-end bakery that I like. You know the one, near the hookworm station?"
"Of course. That's the one that makes the apple blood tartlets you get every weekend. But doesn't it close soon?" Alador asked hesitantly.
"Yes, which is why you had better hurry along." Odalia firmly informed him, then gesturing to Luz. "You wouldn't want to disappoint her even more after you stole her snack, would you?"
"I… I didn't mean to…"
"You never do, Alador, dear. But still, you need to make things right. Now come with me, we need to talk." Odalia instructed, pointing out the door and watching as Alador walked by. Then she turned to Luz, smiling warmly at her. "I'm sorry he was so inconsiderate. You'll have your snack soon enough."
"It's okay, really." Luz said. "Mr. Blight didn't do it on purpose. He doesn't need to go through the trouble."
"Nonsense, it won't be any trouble at all." Odalia told her. "Now you sit tight, I'll be back in just one more minute."
She left, bringing Alador down to the front hall. Once by the doors, she stopped and gave Alador the iciest glare possible. He flinched a little, getting the impression that there was something else he had done wrong.
"Alador… were you giving her grief about her cute little nicknames again?" Odalia asked sternly. "I just don't understand why you need to be so uptight about this. Just let that precious child give you one. I simply adore mine!"
"I… it makes me feel uncomfortable, that's all." Alador admitted with a sigh. "Should I really be so familiar with someone so much younger than me? And who associates with the emperor's most wanted?"
Odalia wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Don't mention that vile witch. It sickens me that she is the one caring for Luz. I'd take her away if I could, and give her a proper home to stay in until she can return to her mother in the human realm." She said, sighing heavily. "But since she doesn't want to leave Edalyn's decrepit little shack, I can only do what I can to provide for her when she visits us here. Like treating her to sweets. Provided someone else doesn't eat them first…"
"R-right… my mistake." Alador replied nervously. "I'll be heading out then."
"You best. Oh, and don't mind the mess on your way out. The abomitons dealt with those ill-mannered trespassers. I have the usual people coming by to clean things up."
"Was it necessary to go to that sort of extreme?" Alador inquired, pausing at the door.
"They frightened her, hon. You should have seen how panicked the poor dear was, running from them as they rudely let themselves through the gates." Odalia stated simply. "If they had left, then that would have been the end of it, but they lurked around instead. So I had the matter handled."
The calm way she was speaking sent a shiver down Alador's spine. Odalia was always intimidating, even going back to their school days. Unsure of how to reply, Alador simply stepped out the front doors, giving her a quick wave farewell. When he shut them again, he let out a relieved breath.
As he descended the steps, Alador could see his creations busy at work. They were stuffing sacks full of… remains and dragging them off. He could pick up the smell of rotting flesh and was grateful that his work building abominations had strengthened his constitution over the years. Although given the size of the mess, it was still a little hard for him to stomach.
From one of the windows in the manor, Odalia watched her husband leave as well as the abomitons work. The sight of the mess made her scowl. Things hadn't gone as smoothly as she would have liked. There were going to be stains out front that would need cleaning to avoid suspicion. But at least it would be easier to cover up than the preceding incident with that low-life Grimm-Hammer from the Night Market. That had required some bribery.
Odalia waited until Alador was out of her field of vision before departing the window. She took a slow, deep breath and began heading back to the parlor to join Luz. The thought of getting to spend some time with Luz helped improve her mood again. And with Alador out and the kids still not due to return home for a little while yet, she could enjoy that quality time to the fullest.
Her return to the parlor was met with an enthusiastic greeting from Luz. Odalia went to join her, bringing out the crystal ball so they could watch their stories together. Luz scootched as close to Odalia as she could, getting a gentle embrace with one arm from the witch. Then Odalia activated the ball, resuming their current show from where they had left off.
To Odalia's surprise, Luz nodded off before they were even halfway through the first episode of their show. The feel of the girl's head resting on her side and the gentle sound of her snoring tore Odalia's attention away from the ball. She smiled, softly and adoringly at Luz. With a twirl of her finger, she lifted Luz just enough so she could get out and set her down gently on the sofa. Odalia then covered Luz with the blanket and tucked her in snugly.
She then moved over to her favorite armchair by the gramophone. After taking a moment to select something to play, she sat down. Keeping the volume low, she played the vinyl and then dimmed the lights. The gentle music filled the dim room, Odalia relaxing in her seat while she watched Luz's sleeping form.
Minutes passed and Odalia never took her eyes off Luz for even a second. She gazed at the human girl fondly, as if she were her own daughter. Perhaps even more than that. Odalia couldn't express with words how much she cared for Luz, but she could and certainly would do anything she had to do to protect her. The Blights had enough money and resources after all. Plenty of good connections too. And Odalia would make sure no one would get away with trying to harm Luz. No matter who it was… not even the emperor himself.
What if Odalia was fond of Luz?