Several years ago:

Oliver was beside himself. In just a few hours, he and Addie would be wed and then they could start their lives together. It seemed surreal. He'd had doubts it could come to pass. There'd be so much negativity surrounding his and Addie's relationship and upcoming wedding.

Oliver paced nervously around the garden outside of Esper Hall. He paused, looking up towards window that faced where Addie was preparing for the wedding ceremony. His heart leapt at the very thought of seeing his beautiful bride dressed in her wedding dress.

Footsteps approached Oliver. He didn't turn immediately to see who was coming. He had a sneaking suspect that it was Lenora.

"Are you doing all right?" Oliver turned his head. It wasn't Lenora but Jane who'd come to check on his welfare.

"I'm nervous," Oliver admitted with a laugh. "But also anxious to see my bride." Jane smiled, touching Oliver's arm. He'd always liked Jane better than her older sister. She had empathy and wasn't as prone to theatrics.

"Addie is anxious to see you as well," Jane told him.

"I had my doubts that this would come to pass. Forces that were against us, trying to drag us down and keep us apart."

Jane nodded. She knew. She'd heard and witnessed those negative forces. Mostly they emitted from her older sister. Lenora wasn't one to release her obsessions so readily.

"Lenora is unwell in her mind," Jane murmured. "She doesn't handle negativity well."

"I can't believe how narrow minded she is." Jane saw the angry that flashed across Oliver's handsome face. She didn't blame him for being upset with Lenora. She was unflappable in her obsession towards Oliver. It was madness.

"On behalf of my sister," Jane said softly. "I humbly beg your forgiveness."

"Don't make excuses for her, Jane." Oliver's facial features were as hard as stone. "Lenora should apologize herself."

"Agreed." Jane paused, looking troubled. "However we both know that'll never happen."

***

The ceremony had went well. Oliver had been shocked by Lenora's silence during the ceremony. And although Lenora had remained silent, he'd felt her fiery gaze upon him the entire time.

Now, as Addie was seated beside Oliver, he held her hand as they feasted upon the massive spread of delicious food that they caterers had prepared.

Addie was smiling and laughing and Oliver couldn't take his eyes off of her. She was a vision in white, looking as angelic as an actual angel. Oliver raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers.

"You, my love have to be the most stunning bride there ever was." Addie blushed but chucked at Oliver's declaration.

"I highly doubt that, Mr. Esper."

"You doubt my words?" Oliver feigned surprise. Addie squeezed his hand.

"Perhaps." Oliver just smiled. He was still struggling with the fact that this had actually taken place. He glanced around, his gaze alighting on..Lenora. She glowered at him. It reminded Oliver of Medusa. Lenora probably wished she turn Addie to stone with a single glance.

Oliver quickly turned away, catching Addie's hand and tugging her upright. He was eager to share a dance with his new bride, especially since he knew it would only piss off Lenora all the more.

Oliver led Addie to the dance floor as the orchestra that his grandmother had hired, struck up a lovely chord. Oliver twirled Addie as she laughed, looking the most vivacious he'd ever witnessed of her.

Oliver caught sight of his grandmother. She was beaming as she tapped her foot in time with the music. At least someone was pleased with their union.

As soon as the orchestra finished playing, Oliver's grandmother stood up and hurried over, taking his and Addie's hands, still beaming broadly.

"Attention, attention, everyone!" The light hearted chatter in the room stopped and everyone turned their attention to the front of the room.

"First I want to add my sincere congratulations to the happy couple on this joyous day!" The majority of the guests applauded, Lenora, naturally was not among them.

"Secondly, I want to let you all know that as of this day forward, Oliver and Addie will be the proud owners of Esper Hall!"

Several cheers erupted as the news was announced. With the exception of Lenora, most of the Esper family was pleased to learn about this news. Oliver was well liked among everyone and they were happy he would be the one to take possession of the old family estate.

Lenora abruptly stood, rushing from the room, anger pumping through her veins. She couldn't believe that her grandmother was making such a fuss and in front of the entire family! It sickened her!

Lenora hurried out of Esper Hall. She decided she wasn't to sit there any longer and listen that old bitch carry on about her precious Oliver! As Lenora climbed into her car, she just looked up.

There, standing on the steps leading into the house, was her grandmother. She had a triumph, smug look on her face. That was when Lenora knew: she'd make that old woman pay for treating her so poorly.

***

A few months later:

Oliver paced nervously around in the hallway leading to his and Addie's bedroom. The doctor was in with her. She'd been ill for weeks now and nothing that the doctor did had been helpful.

Oliver's breath caught in his throat. He leaned against the wall away the tears began to fall from his eyes. He had a horrible feeling that Addie wasn't going to make it through this shit. He was going to..lose her.

Oliver sobbed as he braced himself on the wall. He couldn't. He just couldn't. Life wouldn't be worth living if he didn't have his beloved Addie beside him. Oliver heard someone approaching him. He felt a hand on his shoulder.

"I simply cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling, my dearest Oliver." Oliver recoiled from Lenora's touch. This was her doing! She'd cursed Addie all because of her stupid insecurities and jealousy.

"You witch!" Oliver shouted, his face turning crimson with rage. "You've done this! You cursed my beloved!"

"Oliver, you're drowning in your own troubles. Let me soothe you." Lenora stretched out a hand towards him but Oliver slapped it away angrily, storming off.

"I can save her." Oliver froze. Was that possible? Could Lenora truly save his Addie? He whirled to face her, his eyes full of unasked questions. Lenora smiled, beckoning Oliver closer.

"Could you?"

"Yes."

"At what cost?"

"None."

"Lies!" Oliver snapped. "You don't get something like that for nothing."

"There might be..complications," Lenora admitted.

"What sort of "complications"?" Oliver wanted to know. He knew this was dangerous territory. Practicing black magic wasn't something to take lightly.

"She might not be the same person she was before," Lenora explained. "However, she'll be alive and well. That's what you want, isn't it?"

"You know damn well what I want, you old witch." Oliver closed his eyes, wrestling with his conscience. Was it really worth it, if Addie wasn't who he'd first loved?

"Do we have a deal?"

"Not yet," Oliver said. "I know you all too well. You'll want something out of this."

"You're right." Lenora grinned wickedly. She was the human form of a demon.

"Name it."

"I want Esper Hall. You and your child bride are to move out as soon as she's well enough to."

"Grandmother won't agree to that," Oliver protested.

"Oh I have a feeling she'll have a change of heart." Oliver gave Lenora a sharp look. His insides quivered. He knew he was probably a fool for agreeing to such madness.

But he didn't care. All he cared about was that Addie was alive and with him, until she died of a natural death. Oliver reached out his hand and shook Lenora's.

"We have a deal." Lenora smiled smugly. Soon all of her problems would be solved. She'd get everything she ever desired. And more.

***

The doctor had just left, telling Oliver he was afraid there was nothing more he could do for Addie. She didn't have long to live.

Oliver thanked him and had Micah see the doctor out as he slipped into the bedroom, where Addie lay on the bed, looking more ill than before. She had a nasty, hacking cough that hadn't left her for weeks. Her pretty face was so pale, it was nearly translucent.

Addie smiled as Oliver approached the bed and sat down beside her, taking her hand. His eyes were filled with tears. He was ashamed of himself for consorting with the devil. He had no other choice. He needed Addie.

"Don't cry, my love," Addie murmured softly as she caressed Oliver's cheek. "Soon my suffering shall be over and I'll be whole and complete. Then one day, we shall reunite and I look forward to that day with joy."

Tears spilled down Oliver's cheeks, his head bent as he leaned over, kissing Addie. She smiled.

"You've made my life so much richer, Oliver Esper. I've loved you from the beginning and I'll never stop. Please remember that."

"Yes, of course, my love. I'll never forget that. Or you." Addie closed her eyes, as her breathing became more shallow and difficult. Within minutes, she was...gone.

Oliver put his face on her chest and sobbed. He knew she'd return to him soon. He just wasn't sure in what sort of person she'd be.

***

Lenora holed up in her secret room, surrounded by her ingredients and scrying bowl, along with the book of spells. She smirked as mixed everything together. She was practically giddy with joy.

Soon Addie would be out of the way, along with that stuffy old biddy and then, Lenora would have not only Esper Hall but Oliver as well. She closed her eyes and began the chant. She repeated the words over and over, until the black mist appeared floating around in front of her.

"What is it that you seek, mistress?" The voice was eerily soft. Lenora nearly cackled with laughter.

"Go forth, my dark spirit and possess Addie Esper."

The black mist floating away as Lenora peered into the scrying bowl, watching as it entered the room, spotted Addie's lifeless form and slipped inside her.

Chapter 9

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