Chapter Text
JANUARY 5TH – SALEM – UNKNOWN
The room is chilly, drafts rushing in from the doors opened wide as the guests enter one after the other. The gloomy light diffusing from the few lanterns handing on the ceiling illuminates enough that they can recognize one another. The glow of fangs, the screech of claws on bare stone, the smell of stagnant water, the crackle of a protection spell. A well-known hat, the glint of a star, the clickety-clack of an iron shoe.
There are secrets in Salem. This is not one of them.
Whispers of conversation run around the room, but no one dares to raise their voice. There is danger in standing out. They all remember the last time such an assembly was called upon. The shiest wonder quietly what this is about, the bravest of them all criticize the unnecessary dramatics. The smartest keep their mouth shut and try to fade in the darkness. But when someone steps up into the center of the room, they all fall silent, and they all listen.
A plan, a sacrifice, a vow.
A deadline.
Let the dance begin.
