And it was just as the Cut Wife of the West Wood had said. The Baroness was indeed with child by sunrise. However, both spirits from the dark and the light made haste towards the unborn child.

Both wanted to claim her for their own side because she held a special kind power within her. But neither side truly anticipated just how powerful the child was to be. Neither were able to penetrate the Baroness and get to her. So, for the time being, they stayed at bay.

Within the year, Marianna had given birth to a beautiful baby girl.

"What shall we call her, my dear?" the Baron asked his wife.

"God has answered our prayers, and for that we will call her Ora."

"Ora Nightingale," he said proudly. "Welcome home, my child."

However, as fate would have it, magic truly did come with a price- as the witch had warned. The child, unfortunately, was born blind. But only during the day it seemed. What the couple did not know was that their daughter was only able to see once the sun would seep below the horizon.

Nevertheless, they loved her with all their hearts. During the day they would teach her lessons in history, mathematics, literature, and - her favorite- music. With much joy, the child would dance and twirl about the rooms, singing and humming.

It was night in which little Ora would see the world for what it was. She beheld the sights under the bright moons and all its glowing stars. Sadly, it was a world Ora experienced alone- for everyone else on the estate was always fast asleep at this time.

As Ora grew older, she began spending more of her time out in the gardens at night. It was there she felt most at home. Amongst the flowers, trees, and other birds. Each night she sang with the nightingales.

Furry creatures from all over the land were captivated by her voice and came to hear her sing. Ora's song was so beautiful that it could be heard from beyond the mortal realm. Why, some say, that it could even be heard from within the Underworld. Where some of the darkest creatures roam.

. . .

One cold distorted night in the ever freezing hell that was the afterlife, a demon named Athos lied awake in his bedchambers. Being a man of high status in his realm, Athos was exhausted. He had grown weary of the ongoing tasks of accounting for all the souls which fell into his hands. After so long of the same work the man was restless and down right bored.

"Luther!" Athos called out.

A strapping man entered his chambers.

"Yes, Sire?"

"Any news on Geoffrey and the troops?"

"There is no recent news, sire. Last we've heard they are still in place up in the mortal realm."

Athos scoffed, "My my, those humans certainly love their wars. What are my numbers?"

"Last I checked, over a thousand have perished. And of that over eight hundred are yours," Luther explained.

This news brought a grizzly smile to Athos' lips.

"If only I could get a message to my beloved, perfect brother- Stefan. It appears that his precious little humans are no better than the wretched and heartless that are down here. Their souls will soon be mine," he chuckled.

"Yes, Sire." Luther was wise to agree. "Oh, my Lord- before I forget, Lavinia has been causing trouble again."

Athos huffed. "That's the fifth time this month she's been acting out. What the bloody hell does she want?"

"If I may answer honestly, Sire. I believe it's your attention she is after."

He rolled his eyes in anger.

"I swear when I find her I'm going to-"

Just as Athos was about to get up he stopped.

"Sire?"

"Shh!" He hushed. "Do you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"That voice," Athos said in wonder.

He got up from the bed.

"That voice...It's the most beautiful thing I have ever heard."

(If you like the story so far please feel free to comment or ask questions!)