Chapter 25                                                            Part I

Bette’s body lay motionless in the center of the room as Tina knelt next to her.  She stroked her face as the other women began the familiar chanting once again. They all stood next to one another just outside of the circle of stones. Each broom touched the other creating a human fence. Alice checked the temperature of the potion. She silently cursed herself that the magical liquid did not work right away even though she knew it had nothing to do with her handiwork. She wondered how far they would have to go this night; how far she would have to go.

“I love you baby, fight Bette, fight to come back to me.” Tina whispered into Bette’s ear before taking another cup of potion from Alice. Helena handed Tina the vile of Aiden’s blood.  Carefully Tina removed the top and let three drops of the red liquid fall into the gold cup.  As soon as the blood hit the potion, the contents sizzled emitting a grey cloud that seemed to keep its form instead of dissipating.  It hovered over them as Tina propped Bette’s body up so she could drink the magical beverage.  Kit looked on in amazement as the smoky form seemed to hiss and circle around the coven. 

The women ignored it, continuing to concentrate on their task. The chanting got louder as Bette’s body began to jerk slightly, her face grew more pale by the minute.  “More, Alice.”  Tina yelled to her friend over the loud melodic chanting of the witches.  Alice ran over to the cauldron and filled the cup again.  Helena had not left her spot and held onto the vile with both hands. The precious liquid was the only thing that could lead Bette’s sout back, it could also bring unspeakable horror to the women.

Tina forced more liquid into Bette’s mouth. Her eyes remained closed as she started to struggle against Tina.  It broke her heart to force her to drink but it was the only way.  Bette’s body began to convulse more violently as her limbs came off the floor.  The ghostly smoke over them grew larger and seemed to take an almost human shape. Bette tried to open her eyes as the women continued their chant uninterrupted by the scene unfolding in front of them. It was imperative that they remain unbroken.  Any weakness in their formation and untold evil could be let loose among them.  Tina got up as Bette’s eyes shot open. She grimaced in pain.