Page 1 of The Other Side

IRIS-MARIE

“ W ell, well, well…look what we have here.” I froze at the sudden sound of the man’s voice. The sun had set, fully dissolving behind the thick, brewing clouds, soaking the small bayou town in damp shadows. “If it isn’t the local witch .” The man’s snarky voice crept up my spine as I stood in the middle of the empty street. I turned, looking cautiously over my shoulder at the gangly man eyeing me. He smoked a cigarette as a second joined him, drinking from a dark glass bottle. “What do you think, Louis? Should we have her read our palms?” The first man inhaled as the end of his cigarette burned bright in the night.

Keep your wits about you, Iris. If you stay calm, they may just let you go.

“It’s rather late, and I’d much prefer to call it a night. Besides, palm reading isn’t really my expertise,” I replied calmly, unsure of how safe I was out here alone with the two men. For reasons unknown to me, I had always been looked down upon in this rank town. The folks here seemed to despise me for working in what they called nature’s ‘dark arts’. It was ironic, though—they always secretly sought me out, begging to know their future, demanding love spells and special teas. I was ridiculed, spat on, and cursed during the day while being paid for my discretion and services at night. I was their mistress, the one they sought out for their dark and mystical fixes. But like any mistress, I wanted out. I wanted to be seen and heard and respected like all the others. They always denied me the privilege.

The second man, Louis, pointed to me, burping as he grinned.

“Nonsense. It won’t take long.” Louis stepped closer, past the first man, extending his free arm out to me, palm face up. “Go on, witch ,” he hissed, leaning so close, I nearly choked on his alcohol-tainted breath. “Tell me my future.” His hand, still firmly clasping the glass bottle, tapped my chin. “That’s what you do now, isn’t it?” Louis grinned, causing me to shiver as thunder gently rolled in the distance. “You take our money and fork out a cheery tale of how we’re going to get rich or make it big out here in the bayou? You put on a show and tell us exactly what we want to hear.”

“Leave her be, Louis,” the first man exhaled as smoke clouded his face. “None of it’s real. She has no magic and we all know it. The only reason anyone seeks her out is ‘cause they’re too scared to admit the truth, so they pay her to lift their spirits, knowing it’ll never come true, living in her falsehoods.”

I growled faintly at the insult as I flared my nostrils and tilted my head up at the first man, wishing to prove him wrong. “What’s wrong? Too scared to see what fate has in store for someone like you?” I asked cooly.

I’ll show you power.

“Feisty little witch, isn’t she, Ray?” Louis chuckled. He shoved his hand closer, taking another sip. “Go on. Tell me: what do you see?”

Huffing with frustration, I reluctantly grabbed his palm, leaning in closer as I eyed the lines across his rough skin, the tip of my index finger tracing the indentions as I peered deeper into his sick soul.

“Quite the touch you got here,” Louis grumbled, playing with my locs as I tried to ignore him, my brows furrowed as I stared deeper into the abyss to read his current fate.

“Your hands tell me you are a hard worker, spending hours in the sun and heat—”

“No shit,” he chuckled, adjusting his footing. “I want to hear about my future . I already know my life now. What I want to know is what fate has in store for me—what do I have to look forward to?” I squinted, my head tilting as I explained to him what future I witnessed as it flashed over my eyes like a silent film.

“You have a woman who is bound to you—not the one who wears your ring, but one connected by the birth of a child.” Ray busted out laughing, choking lightly on the smoke of his cigarette.

“She's talking about your mistress, Louis!”

“Shut up, Ray!” Louis snarled, turning back to me. “I said, tell me my future .” My eyes lifted to his as I grinned.

“Oh, I see your future. You are going to take a hunting trip with a friend, trample through the rain, and just when you think you’ve won, you’re going to meet the eyes of fire as a beast of hell consumes you, dragging your soul into darkness to burn for all eternity.” Louis’ eyes widened as he ripped his palm from my hands, stepping back in horror. I laughed, lightning striking through the night sky above and echoing alongside me.

Foolish man.

“You’re right, Ray. She’s a fake. S-she’s just making shit up to scare me. She has no real magic. Hell, I don't even like hunting!” His eyes returned to his palm as he stared at it, the expression on his face telling me, despite his words, deep down, he feared what I had said.

“You can insult me, but do not insult my abilities. I saw your fate, Louis. The beast will come for you.” I tossed the locs back over my shoulder.

“Enough of your tricks.” Ray flicked his cigarette and began to step in my direction, disgruntled and aggravated. “If you’re so powerful, then tell me: what does my future hold?” He shoved his palm in my face as I tried to look away, frustrated and disgusted by the thick scent of his cigarette. “Well? Go on.” He gripped the back of my head, pushing his hand in my face. “If you’re so gifted and what you say is true, then you won’t mind reading my palm.” My body tried to resist him, pushing back as his nails dug into my neck, forcing my face inches from his open hand. “Tell me!” My eyes shot to his as thunder grew, inching closer.

Just do as he says and then walk away.

“Fine,” I hissed, reluctantly taking his palm into my hands. I leaned in close, shoving his grip from my neck as my fingers repeated the motions and traced his life lines, studying their vividly encrypted tales.

“You’re right, Louis,” Ray laughed. “She does have a fine touch. One I wouldn’t mind feeling more of.” The two men laughed, my stomach tightening at their sick humor. I transcribed his fate, feeling satisfied by what it foretold. His eyes returned to me as I looked up at him, dropping his hand. “What’s wrong? Your ‘connection’ not working?” Ray teased as the two men laughed again.

Such ignorant fools.

“I see your fate clear as day, Ray.” He coughed, smiling as he cocked his head.

“Oh? Well tell me, witch: what future do I have to look forward to, huh? Riches? Glory—” He ran his hand across my cheek, sucking his teeth. “The warm touch of a woman such as yourself to tuck me in after a hard day’s work?” I raised a brow, the edges of my lips curling as I glared up at him, satisfied by the vision.

“More like the hungry embrace of a beast.” His own smile dropped, taken aback by my statement. “It seems you are the friend Louis here will be hunting with. And the only embrace fate has in store for you is the cold touch of death .” The emotion that flickered across his face told me exactly how he felt, and I couldn’t help but poke at his fading ego. “I’d watch your back if I were you. The beast is waiting, and he seems mighty hungry.” I bit my teeth together, releasing a soft cackle before turning to walk away.

“D-did you just threaten me?” Ray growled, grabbing my arm to stop me from leaving. “Why you sharp tongued—”

“Get your hand off me!” I yanked away from him as I tried to walk away, but he once again stopped me. “I said, let go!” As my voice shot out, faint maroon sparks ruptured from my skin, burning his palms. He retreated, mouth wide in shock.

“She is a witch!” Louis shouted, pointing as Ray eyed me, a dark shadow cast across his face. Fear tugged at my soul as I slowly backed away, the impending storm breaking through the dark clouds as soft rain drizzled in the night. Ray’s spirits lifted as his smile returned, branching higher. It wasn’t the expression of a man happy to hear his fate. No, it was the smile of a man preparing to pursue his prey.

“Looks like it’s time to take that hunting trip, Louis.” His low, calm words were eerie and unsettling, telling me I was in danger. I turned and began to sprint down the street in the direction of home deep in the nearby swamp as he ruptured into laughter. “Just where do you think you’re going?” The sound of their hurried footsteps told me they were shadowing me, following me as I picked up my pace, hoping to escape them.

The men shouted and taunted as they continued to follow me, the three of us leaving the small town behind as we ventured into the dark, menacing outskirts near the swamp. My brain scrambled to find a way out as my bare feet stomped through the mud, rain soaking my body as I ran deeper into the swamp.

If I cut through the wetland, I might be able to lose them in the trees. Oh, damn you, Iris-Marie. Damn you to hell! You should’ve just kept your mouth shut and walked away.

My feet quickly changed directions as I began to sprint through the woods, dodging striking branches and shallow puddles, the light of the moon nearly gone thanks to the angry storm. I waved my hand, magic drifting from it as I commanded the nearby fireflies. They obeyed, zooming through the night, allowing me enough light to see my way as they guided me deeper.

After a few minutes, I had finally reached the bank of a small body of water, slowing my pace as I eventually stopped and tried to control my breathing. The fireflies danced around me as I stumbled closer to the edge of the water, laughing with exhaustion and false hope. The fireflies began to soothe me as I eased.

“I think I lost them—” I fell back into the mud, my face throbbing as the storm swirled above, my eyes seeing a distorted view of the world, a blurry silhouette fading into view. My brows furrowed as my sight tried to focus, only to see Ray standing there, huffing, his fist extended from hitting me.

“Did you really think you could outrun us?” Groaning, I turned, attempting to crawl away as he grabbed the back of my locs causing me to scream.

“Let go of me!” He ignored my cries and dragged me from the water, my legs kicking as my body slid through the mud and back in the direction of the woods. I reached back, clawing his arm with my nails as I yelled.

“I said, let go of me !” Maroon sparks ruptured from my fingertips as he shouted in pain, releasing my hair. My body fell roughly into the mud as I desperately crawled towards the edge of the swamp, the cold, dirty water splashing across my tender face as I attempted to escape.

“There’s nowhere to hide out here, witch!” Ray spat as I looked over my shoulder at him. Lightning cracked above and ignited the swamp. Ray was huffing, Louis standing behind him, the two soaking wet and eyeing me like some prize they were owed. This picture of them here, hunting me, was all too familiar. Their palms told me this story—my story. They were the hunters, and I, the prey.

Ray neared me, crouching as lightning struck again to reveal his crooked, sinister smile.

“See? You were wrong.” He gripped my face as rain slithered down my now-swollen, aching cheek. His nearly black eyes stared into mine, filled with nothing but ill intent and dark shadows. “There’s no beast here.”

“You’re the beast,” I strained through clenched teeth as he squeezed my face tighter, purposely pressing against my wound.

“You’re nothing but a swindler—a low life trickster. You may have your weak magic, but you have no real power.” The man’s temper only grew as I tried to wriggle free. With his free hand, he tore my shirt, nearly exposing my chest as I fought back. “I’ll show you power,” he growled, pushing me back into the mud, slamming his fists into my face again and again.

Ray squeezed his jaw at my insult, my small laugh causing him to punch me once again. I nearly choked on my own blood, tasting it as it stained my teeth. I released a laugh, refusing to give him the satisfaction of being afraid. If I was to die, I would die laughing in the face of the one who killed me.

“Shut up!” he shouted. “Stop it! Stop laughing!” I ran my tongue along my teeth, grinning up at him.

“Make me,” I whispered, coughing into a cackle as blood filled my mouth.

The clouds began to swirl and thicken, as if growing angry at what was happening. The thunder grew louder, nearly shaking the ground as the wind picked up and lightning struck. It was as if the gods had been awoken against their will.

“Ray,” Louis hesitated, glancing around as if worried about the weather and being seen. “I don’t think we should be here.” He swallowed hard, his face tainted with fear. “Something doesn’t feel right.”

“Shut up, Louis!” Ray’s hands squeezed my throat as his irises burned into mine, trying to silence me. “We’ve already dragged this witch way out here. Might as well get some use out of her.”

My face burned as my laughter constricted and my vision began to blur. My nails clawed at his hands, my magic failing to make a difference as my strength began to leave me, weakening what power I possessed. Ray eased, smiling as I gasped for air. He looked pleased with himself, almost as if sensing my dwindling resistance.

“That’s right,” he whispered. “There’s no use fighting it. Your predictions were wrong, witch. I’m not the one dying today. You are. And nothing can stop me—”

A growling hiss vibrated the water, creating minor waves that gently washed against my head. The menacing, animalistic sound caused Ray’s eyes to widen as he looked past me and into the swamp. “Shit,” he breathed. His grip immediately loosened as fear washed over him, the color in his face draining. My strength quickly returned to me as I gasped for air. I bit down hard, taking the opportunity to wrap my hands around his, focusing all my strength. A surge pulsated through my body and ruptured from my palms like fire, burning his flesh. Ray screamed, yanking his hands back, glaring at his seared palms while I gasped for air.

The corner of my bloodied mouth curled upwards as I laughed, coughing and inhaling the cold night air. Lightning struck above us, quickly followed by another threatening wave of thunder. The growling morphed into a harrowing hiss, one I recognized immediately. My body froze, both in an attempt to save myself and in the understanding that the visions of the men’s fates were beginning to unfold before me.

“I-it’s a-a-a gator,” Louis fearfully stuttered. Ray stood, clasping his hands to his injured chest as he stumbled back, staring at the source of the menacing warning.

“Come on! Let’s get out of here!” Louis motioned for Ray as he stumbled, trampling through the mud and joining his doomed friend. The two men stood paralyzed in terror, glancing between me and the giant alligator. I released an unnatural laugh, watching as the enormous, scaled beast slithered onto the bank, aiming slowly in their direction, completely ignoring me.

“Behold,” I croaked, “your beast!”I eyed the creature closely as I noticed its eyes— a foggy yet vibrant blue, resembling fire. They weren't natural at all, instead reminding me of a darkness you would feel in your saddest of days, a decrepit emptiness of sorrow and hatred. Hell.

My body ached as I groaned, rolling to my feet as the alligator positioned itself between us, standing nearly as high as my waist, hissing at the men.

I stood there, soaking wet and covered in mud, as I watched the fearsome beast attack with no hesitation. It lunged, charging at Ray with its jaw wide. Its teeth gripped the man’s leg, clamping down as his bones snapped, causing me to flinch at the echoing of it. Blood poured from the alligator’s mouth as Ray screamed in horror, falling limp to the ground as the beast swung its head back and forth, slowly moving back into the water. Ray desperately clawed at the mud, digging his burned fingers deep as his nails tore from his flesh. He pleaded for his friend. Louis, paralyzed, had to shake his fear aside before jumping, grabbing Ray’s bloodied and burned hands as he tried to pull him free, despite the creature’s teeth buried deep in Ray’s leg. Blood poured from Ray’s limb as Louis desperately tried to hold on to his friend, miserably failing as Ray’s hands slipped through his. He fell onto his backside, watching in absolute horror as the beast dipped back beneath the water, dragging Ray down with him. The dirty swamp water bubbled as they disappeared, and the world fell eerily silent.

I stared in disbelief, realizing this was the same silent show I had witnessed. Their fates, doomed…but it wasn’t over.

“Louis!” Ray screamed as he looked at me, tears and terror burning in his eyes as his body began to reach the water. “Help me!” The corner of my lips curled upwards as I silently watched, shaking my head. Louis groaned, frantically crawling to his friend’s aide, but it was too late. Ray had disappeared into the rippled darkness below.

“Ray?” Louis stood, wiping his eyes as he cautiously stepped toward the water’s edge. “Ray? Ray!” Stray bubbles rose to the surface as he stared in shock. “Oh, fu—” His hands ran through his hair as he turned to face me, frantic and fuming. “You.” He pointed. “This is your fault!” He swung his arm as his open palm met my face, the strength of his backhand knocking me to my knees. Panting, he yanked his belt from his pants, his breath fogging around his face as he wiped the rain from his eyes, slowly stalking towards me. “You filthy little witch. I’m going to—”

His croaky voice was cut short as I watched the same beast from before lunged from the depths of the swamp, its mouth wide. Its enormous jaws clamped around the man’s torso, chomping with little effort as his screams morphed into the sound of breaking bones, snapping beneath the alligator’s teeth. The creature wasted no time before it consumed him entirely, leaving nothing but puddles of his blood. It slowly turned to face me then, with a gurgled, menacing growl. Lightning cracked again, quickly followed by booming thunder as the massive alligator stalked in my direction, his eyes locked onto me. Trying to back away, I tripped, falling onto my backside as my hands sank into the mud. I tried to cautiously crawl backwards, but it only drew closer. The alligator hissed gently, those cloudy blue eyes nearly glowing in the night as it shadowed over me.

“P-please,” I begged as my back met the base of a tree. “Please, I-I mean you no harm.” The alligator began to open its mouth as I raised my arm, weakened sparks flickering from my palm in defense. I closed my eyes as I prepared for my death—but nothing happened.

What?

My breathing and rapid heartbeat filled my ears, nearly drowning out the sound of the storm as I slowly lifted one of my eyelids, taken aback at what I saw. The alligator had stopped, inches away from me, its body towering over mine while it simply stared down at me, the color of its eyes swirling as if blue fire dancing behind them. Within the blink of an eye, the fire began to seep from its body and drip down at my feet. A strange sensation overcame me as the flames surrounded me. My limbs fell numb, my arm dropping to my side as a sleepy blanket draped over my nerves. Clouds fogged my irises as a gentle, enticing hum slowly filled the night air. My consciousness drifted away into a dark abyss as it clung to the strange sounds, following it deeper into the unknown while a voice whispered inside my mind.

Come to me, Iris-Marie. Come to the other side.