Darker London-Uncover what is underneath...

Every time that Renee stepped into The Cauldron, her intentions seemed stronger. She supposed that was a good sign, some indication that she was at least approaching that state that she wished to reach. Part of her was even beginning to feel as though she were above Marcel now.

( Sex ritual )

"Mother?" Renee called down as she descended the stairs.

"Oui?" Emilie's voice returned from the lounge room. She was lying on the couch watching some dreadfully vacuous reality show. No doubt she was critically eyeing all the scantily-clad female bodies for so much as an extra milligram of fat.

"I've invited a few guests over for... well, in lieu of a wake."

( The wake )

This would not do. In spite of the power she had touched, the things she had done, the love she had shared with a very special girl... all it took was a few moments in Deirdre's presence for her world to come crashing down. Well, no more. She would have the power to fill this void in her heart. To touch divinity... this was her right. Every time she performed a ritual, the hunger only seemed to grow. The Wiccan rites, even the lycanthropy... they weren't enough. There had to be something more. She would fill her heart or destroy it.

It was these thoughts that brought her back to The Cauldron this Tuesday evening. She had just received her latest pay from the bookshop, and she was in no mood to hang on to the money.

"Well, if it isn't my fav'rite little customer."

"I'll bet you say that to all the witches," Renee responded, her attention only half directed to Marcel as she gazed about the shop, waiting for something to catch her eye.

Marcel waited a few moments before asking, "Looking for anythin'... specific?"

Renee met Marcel's gaze evenly. "I need something with more power than what you have been giving me. This isn't enough. I want to scour human frailty from my breast with power enough to alleviate all pain."

Marcel's eyes were deadly serious as he considered Renee's words. This girl was strong. With proper nurturing, she would be very useful. "You want to change your feelin's, make 'em somethin' they ain't? Tread carefully, girl. I don't know what's in your head, but this is a lot bigger than playing at werewolves."

"That's what I asked for, Marcel."

So, she was using his name now. She was growing bold. "Alright," he said after a few moments, disappearing into the back room. Not willing to be left in the dark, Renee stepped around the counter to peer in past the curtain.

He returned moments later with a large volume, striding past her to lay it on the counter. "Not something you'll find anywhere else," he grinned proudly. "A lost volume of Aleister Crowley's. Handwritten. The Book of Chaos. Normally I'd suggest alchemy to someone with your particular... desires," Marcel continued as Renee lovingly inspected the book, "but I think we've already established that your strength lies along a darker path."

"So be it," Renee murmured, looking up at him. "But how do you know I can afford this?"

"We'll come to that," he smiled. "Is there anything else you want?"

"I need to replace some tools that... well, you know things went badly."

Marcel nodded and let her go about collecting the items she wanted.

* * *


When she was finished, the book was accompanied by a new wand and silver pentacle, along with an ornate chalice and a long, heavy sword.

"So how were you expecting me to pay for this?" Renee enquired.

"Owe it to me," Marcel responded graciously. "There are some things I need to prepare... you can repay me in full next time you're here."

Renee looked at him dubiously, but Marcel just chuckled. "Trust me, little witch. You can afford it."

Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Renee shrugged, thanked the man, and left the store with her latest purchases held closely to her.