The spellbook was specific: one hundred candles to draw and light the circle, less one for each sorceress. Fewer, and the plague would continue. Once fully lit, the circle could not be crossed. Back to back, the three worked quickly, coaxing flame from dry wick. The twins moved clockwise, junior apprentice Bella counterclockwise.
Finishing, Bella turned to see the twins step outside and place candles ninety eight and ninety nine, closing the circle. She ran to the center, her mouth a dark circle of shock, limbs beginning to grow numb.
Outside, the twins smirked, small sorrow in their eyes.
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2020)
Carrot Ranch Prompt (05/21/2020): In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about 100 candles. What do they light, and why? Think about contrast or symbolism. Are the candles large, small, or stars in the night? Go where the prompt
Valley of the Trolls 
Pingback: 100 Candles « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
I can see the correlations and this is why I believe fiction leads us to truth. Dark, but stellar writing, Liz.
LikeLike
Very dark … I like it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😎😆🥀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, dark, despite all the candles. Those smirks and small sorrowed eyes… yikes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, how sad!! But still a very good story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bella – maybe Ella in another life? Not good. Not good at all.
But your story is. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ella…UN-enchanted? Hmmm… 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, my. How rude!
LikeLiked by 1 person
At the very least!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was trying to come up with an adequate adjective. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hard when there are layers & layers of perfidy…hey heh heh!
LikeLiked by 1 person