Conviction: Cinderella's Secret Witch Diaries, #5

By Ron Vitale

A troubled heart and dark magic. A family that is on the verge of breaking apart…

 

Join Cinderella as she faces her greatest challenge in facing the future and how one choice will mean for her and everyone she loves.

 

Set in 1815, Cinderella refuses to help in defeating Napoleon and his army. Broken in spirit and exhausted from her journeys, she heads home, unwilling to let go of the dark magic that she covets. Despite Jeremiah leaving their marriage because of her unwillingness to give up the dark magic, Cinderella walls herself off from her pain and retreats back to America.

 

But before Cinderella can shut herself off from the world, she is visited by a stranger who offers to guide her through her depression and dark time. With a spark of hope within her grasp, Cinderella embraces the chance to go back in time and set right the past.

 

Once Cinderella changes the past, the ripples of her decision affect not just those she loves, but the wider world. As Jeremiah takes refuge with a coven of witches in Mont-Saint-Michel, he comes face to face with the real-world consequences of Cinderella's choice to reforge the past.

 

Caught between the past and a devastatingly bleak future, Cinderella and Jeremiah must join forces to face their destiny, no matter the cost. With so little time left before all is lost, can Cinderella face her own inner darkness and find a path forward to overcome the darkness that eats away at her? 

 

Conviction is the page-turning fifth novel in the Cinderella's Secret Witch Diaries, a series of fantasy adventures. If you like strong-willed heroines, magic twists, and a more realistic look at Cinderella's struggles after marrying the prince, then you'll love Ron Vitale's engaging sequel to the classic fairy tale.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ron Vitale
• Release date: Jun 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201299408

Ron Vitale

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ron Vitale was influenced by the likes of J. R. R. Tolkien, Stephenie Meyer and French culture, but has never forgotten his roots, and is a lover of classic literature. During his early 20s, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and French and then went on to obtain his Master of Arts in English, at Villanova University writing his thesis on a Jungian interpretation of the works of Margaret Atwood and Alice Walker. After graduation, Ron entered the world of medical publishing, utilizing his editing and technological skills. In October 2007, Ron published his science fiction short story collection The Jovian Gate Chronicles that answers the question: What happens when humans cross paths with intelligent aliens who claim to be prophets from God? In the fall of 2008, he released his fantasy novel Dorothea's Song, a tale of a young high school student who copes with his parents' divorcing by dreaming up the story of Dorothea, an elf who lives in the magical forest. Through 2008 to 2014 he wrote the Cinderella's Secret Witch Diaries series that definitely answers the question: What really happened to Cinderella after she married the prince? And in 2015, Ron wrote Awakenings and Betrayals, the first two books in the Witch's Coven series that tells the story of the witch Sabrina who lives in the magical world of the realms where illusions, magic and an ancient evil reign. Currently, he is keeping himself busy, penning articles on social media and writing, and on learning how to be a good father to his kids all while working on his next novel.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Cinderella opened her eyes, and a rush of power surged through her.

Aren’t you going to go back to him? Jeremiah turned to look over his shoulder. He’s waiting for you.

I have nothing to say to him. What’s done is done. Cinderella headed off in the opposite direction and then paused. A cool breeze blew over her and off in the distance, two birds chased each other high in the sky. They flew higher in an elaborate pattern, and she took it as a sign. I’m tired and am headed home.

But what about— Jeremiah gesticulated with his hands, but she cut him off.

I don’t care anymore. I’m done. I’ve had enough of the fighting and the chasing and of Napoleon. All he wants is to rule over others. I’ll have none of it.

Okay, I get that, but aren’t you going to come with me to help find Phoebe? Jeremiah took a step toward her and reached out his hand.

She needs to be far away from here. The further she is, the better. Cinderella turned her back on Jeremiah and hugged herself tightly. It’s better that way.

Jeremiah took another step toward her and this time, he gently touched her elbow. She flinched but didn’t pull away. It doesn’t have to be this way.

You don’t understand. She closed her eyes and wished him away. If she had that type of power, he would be gone from here and she would be alone as she deserved.

What? Because you’re a witch and I can’t use magic like you? Jeremiah moved his hand away and let some of his anger boil over. You’re not the only one who has struggled in their life. I may understand you more than you know.

His words washed over her, and she had had enough. She turned on him and pointed at him. I’m not giving the magic up. I was too long without it, and now that I have it back, I’m never going to let go of my powers ever again.

Even if your magic is dark and can hurt people? Jeremiah asked.

Just leave me alone. I don’t want to talk about this any longer. She let her arm drop by her side.

You’re supposed to live happily ever after. Don’t you want that? Jeremiah half-joked with her and again offered her his hand. Come with me and we’ll head off together. We can leave this all behind and start again.

I thought you wanted to be on your own? Cinderella questioned him and waited. The wind had picked up. Over the hill behind them, she sensed Napoleon. He would gather his troops and continue his conquest of France and then of Europe.

Jeremiah turned back to look at the hill behind them. You know something, don’t you?

It’s all for naught. All the Emperor does. He’ll fight and struggle for power, but he only has one hundred days, and then his time is over. Other forces are gathering that will destroy him. He thinks that he’s invincible, but he’s not. She shivered and wiped her nose. None of us are.

So this is where we go our separate ways, then? Jeremiah pulled his hand back and sighed. He struggled with what else to say and thought it best to speak from the heart. I love you and I always will. No matter what comes between us, I promised to love you until the end of my days. For better or for worse, I will be here for you, but not this way.

Taken aback by his sudden change, she asked, What do you mean?

I will not stand by and watch you be eaten from the inside by dark magic. It will corrupt your soul and everything around you. I don’t want to live a life like that. Jeremiah raised his head up high and looked her right in the eyes. I’d rather break my promise with you than to be part of living a life in darkness.

Good, then maybe it’s best that we go our separate ways here. Cinderella took a deep breath and tried hard to stifle the anger inside. It’s probably for the best since I didn’t think you really meant that you’d stay with me for better or for worse.

I know you too well. Jeremiah softened his tone and let his shoulders droop. You’re afraid of being abandoned again, as you were when you were a child. Your father left you and then your mother. Anytime you get into a tough situation, you put your walls up and that’s that. He bit his tongue and changed what he wanted to say. I can’t stay with you if you choose to use dark magic. I’ve seen what it does to people and I love you too much to see that—

I get it. Goodbye already. Cinderella raised her arm and sliced a doorway open into the dreamline. She only needed to take a few steps forward and she would be gone from here. All would vanish and fade and she would bring herself to be anywhere. Just a few steps, but she hesitated.

I do love you. Jeremiah’s voice broke, and he did not try to hide it. If in the future, you decide to let the dark magic go, come find me, I will be yours again.

Sure. Cinderella took two steps forward and turned back. I won’t be coming back. I’ve made my decision and know what I’m doing.

She walked into the magical dreamline and Jeremiah held his arm out to her and shouted, Wait.

But she had already disappeared, and the portal had shut. Whether she had heard him or not, he would never know.

Jeremiah started to turn back to head back toward Napoleon, but changed his mind. An idea came to him, something he had put off long enough. Unbidden and true, the idea grew within him, and the absurdity of it all embraced him and made him a fool.

For a long time, he had followed what others wanted of him, but starting now, things would be different. He would go where he wanted and do what he wanted to do. And with that, he headed west. With each step, he came closer to his destination and as he walked, he smiled and could not stop.

Cinderella stepped out of the dreamline and held up her left hand. Dark purple tendrils of energy coursed through her veins. The dark magic swirled around her fingertips, pulsed as if alive, and then faded.

Taking a deep breath, she lifted her head high and looked toward the rising sun. Tall trees lined both sides of a trail and blocked a direct view of the sun, but she could feel its warmth rising in the east. She stood on a dirt path that led toward a large log cabin.

Two chickens rushed onto the dirt trail to greet her and clucked as they came toward her, expecting that she had some food.

George and Jorge, leave her alone. A young girl rushed up from behind, carrying a large pail filled with chicken feed.

Startled by the two chickens, Cinderella backed away and said, Martha, is that you?

Yes, it is. Good morning! To distract the chickens, Martha scattered some feed away from Cinderella’s feet.

On seeing the feed, George and Jorge rushed over and started pecking at the ground.

You’ve gone so much since the last time I saw you. I bet your sisters have grown a lot as well.

They have. Now we’re all old enough to help our mom around the house. She threw some more feed at the chickens to keep them busy and asked, Where’s Jeremiah and Phoebe?

Ignoring her question, Cinderella pointed down the trail and asked, Can you bring me to your mom? I’d like to talk with her.

Looking wise beyond her years, Martha stopped feeding the chickens and asked, Do you have news about my dad?

Cinderella glanced away and started walking on the trail toward the cabin. It’s good to see you again, but I really need to talk to your mom first.

Martha frowned and looked down at the ground. I’ll bring you to her. She headed toward the cabin and at the end of the trail, they entered into a large clearing. Off to their right, a large red barn marked the edge of the clearing. I know that you bring bad news. She fought back tears and kept walking. I just wish that I was wrong.

Cinderella reached out to Martha and put her arm around her and gave her a quick hug.

Up ahead, Mrs. Radley came out of the barn with her two twins. The girls had also both sprouted up like beanstalks and chased each other in some sort of game of tag. Not stopping their game, they headed off past their sister and Cinderella, ignoring them as they ran as fast as they could.

On seeing Cinderella, Mrs. Radley rushed up to Martha and said, Go back to the house and see if your sister Ruth is up yet. I let her sleep in this morning and if she’s awake, she’ll come looking for me. Martha resisted and glanced over at Cinderella, but her mother softened her tone, and hugged her. Go, please.

Cinderella folded her hands before her and lowered her head. She could not meet Martha’s gaze as she headed off back to the house.

Martha’s shoulders slumped down, and she dropped her pail of chicken feed and then ran toward the house as fast as she could.

Ginny, I’m sorry to disturb you so early in the morning, but I wanted to tell you in person. Cinderella reached out and took Ginny’s hands in her own. Charley has died.

Ginny pulled away and her lip trembled as she spun around and kicked the dirt. She pounded her chest with her fists and glanced up at the sky. Stifling a cry, she leaned forward and took in a deep breath and as she exhaled, she sobbed.

Cinderella went to comfort her, but Ginny pushed her away.

I told him not to go. I knew something bad was going to happen, but he didn’t listen. Ginny glanced up and asked, What happened?

I don’t know the full story. Cinderella kept her voice low and fought back a wave of sorrow. Phoebe told me that he didn’t make it. I wish I knew more, but—

Where is his body? Ginny put her hands on her knees and glanced over to Cinderella.

I don’t know. Flustered and not sure what else to say, Cinderella glanced away in shame.

With all your magic and powers that you have, you can’t even tell me where my husband’s body is? Ginny straightened up and wiped the tears from her eyes.

I’m sorry. At a loss for words, Cinderella stood next to Ginny and then lowered her head to the ground. I know you never trusted me because of my magic and you thought it sinful for me to use my powers. I just wish I could have been with him so that I could have tried to save him.

Ginny pointed back at the house. Your words mean nothing. I have four girls to raise on my own and they just lost their father. Looking up at the sky, Ginny shook her head. Why didn’t he listen to me and stay?

I can help you and the girls. Whatever you need, I can help. Cinderella came closer to Ginny, but she pushed her away again.

I will not take any help from you and your devil’s magic. Charley’s death came from all this and I want nothing from you. Ginny looked Cinderella up and down and pointed at her. "I see the darkness within you. I won’t have any of that in my family. It’s already bad enough that we’ve lost Charley. I’m not risking more tragedy to come into my home.

Cinderella steeled herself against Ginny’s words. I understand. I’m so sorry for your loss and offer you my deepest condolences. She turned to go, but hesitated. You’re right. He should have never left you. Goodbye.

Ginny wiped her nose and crossed her arms. She turned away and had nothing else to say.

Cinderella raised her right hand, opened a doorway into the dreamline and then stepped into the unknown. With nowhere to go, no energy to fight, she closed her eyes and let the sorrow of her friend’s passing wash over her as she faded into the darkness between the worlds.

Seconds later, Cinderella exited the dreamline and stood alone before her home. She held her hand up high and clenched her fist by holding the dark magic within her. As soon as the rush of power left her, a wave of sadness crashed over her. She braced herself against a tree and let the tears fall.

Jeremiah was still in France and she had sent Phoebe far into the future. She truly was alone.

Her grief overcame her and for a long time, she allowed herself to cry. The loss of her family, of Charley, and of her future happiness all came together to crest within her like a tsunami of grief. She had no one in her life now. The days would pass unmarked with birthdays or celebrations.

Gone were the days of Phoebe’s first step, then her first words, and of the life that she had before.

Now her sacrifice had taken over the goodness she had left in her life and a pang of regret washed over her.

Hello.

Startled, Cinderella pulled herself upright and turned toward the stranger. Who are you?

Tall, with fair skin, long red hair, and dark freckles on her cheeks, the girl replied, My name is Aoife.

Cinderella wiped her tears away and stood up straight. She glanced around the clearing for other people and asked, What are you doing here?

Aoife smiled and came a bit closer. Older than Phoebe, but not by much. She pointed back the way she had come. I could lie to you and say that I’m taking a trek through the wilderness and that I stumbled upon your home and thought I’d come say hi.

Still hesitant and unsure of the young girl, Cinderella raised her hand and let the dark magic flow within her. The darkness engulfed her, and she let the power embolden her. And if you didn’t lie to me, what would the truth be?

Unphased by Cinderella’s use of magic, Aoife shrugged and replied, I was taking a walk in the woods and I heard someone crying, so I thought I’d see if they were okay.

And you found me, right? Cinderella came closer to Aoife and pointed her index finger at her. The magic swirled around her arm and wrapped itself around her hand like a snake. Tendrils of dark purple energy laced with black lightning could be seen around her left hand.

Still not afraid of Cinderella, Aoife turned away and headed toward the cabin. That’s right. And I think the neighborly thing for you to do is to offer me some hot tea, and if you have any, some biscuits.

What if I’m not in the mood for any company and I just want to be left alone? An undercurrent of danger hung in her words, but Aoife appeared oblivious to the threat.

But what fun would be in that? Aoife waved Cinderella along and hurried over to the front door. Then I’d be bored walking through the forest alone and you’d be stuck here crying. Maybe we need each other’s company?

Maybe I want to be sad and don’t want a young girl telling me what I should and shouldn’t do. Having had enough, Cinderella released a spell and a dark curtain fell from the sky and blocked Aoife from the front door. "I think you should go on your way so that I can spend the rest of my day on my own. I’m not in any mood to have company today.

Of course, I could do that and let you wallow in your sadness, or we could get some tea together and spend a little bit of time talking. I won’t take much of your busy schedule, and you might even enjoy it. Aoife spun around on the balls of her feet and flashed a big smile at Cinderella. On seeing that Cinderella did not seem amused, she tried one last time. Come on, one cup of tea isn’t going to ruin your day.

Cinderella held back a moment and weighed her options.

You can blast me to Kingdom Come if you’d like, but then you’d miss out on my bubbling personality. Aoife put her hands under chin and blinked rapidly to flash her long eyelashes at Cinderella.

Who are you? Cinderella lowered her hand and let the dark magic flow back into a dormant state. The black barrier that blocked Aoife from the house vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

Can we talk over tea? Aoife asked. I don’t think I’m asking for much. I’d just like to sit down, have some tea, and we can talk. And after the end of that, if you’d rather that I be on my way, then I’ll head off and I won’t bother you again. What do you think?

I think that I’m either hallucinating you or I better get you some tea. Cinderella hurried up and led the way toward the front door of her home.

Aoife turned her head to the west and said, Looks like a storm is brewing. And from the chill in the air, it’s going to be a good one. We better hurry up and get inside. She glanced up, and as if on cue, snow fell from the sky. I love a good snowstorm. Don’t you?

Cinderella ignored her and opened the door and headed into her house. A pungent smell filled the air, and she quickly went over to the nearest window to open it. Get the other two over there. I haven’t been home in a long while and we need to air the house out.

But it’s snowing and you’ll let the cold in. Aoife followed Cinderella inside and then crinkled up her nose. Oh, I see what you mean. It reeks in here. She headed across the living area and opened the nearest window.

The cold air came inside and Cinderella kept the front door open to get a good cross breeze to help air out the house. We only need to keep the windows open for a few minutes. While I start a fire and get the kettle going, go open the rest of the windows.

Aoife did as asked and then stood in the middle of the room, shivering. We’re definitely going to need that tea to warm us up. Would you like for me to do anything else?

Taking pity on her, Cinderella pointed at a rocking chair in the far corner of the living area. Go get that blanket on that chair, wrap yourself in it, and then come sit down next to me. Not wanting to waste any time, she placed some wood into the stove, along with some dried twigs, and then used magic to light the fire.

In seconds, the wood caught fire, and Cinderella rubbed her hands together to keep warm. Come here by the fire and get warm. I’ll be right back. I need to go to the well and get some water.

Aoife pointed at a bucket next to the stove. I took the liberty to restock your water before you got here. Before Cinderella could interrupt her, she grinned and added, I figured that I’d save us some time. Don’t worry, I didn’t mess with any of your things. I only got some water.

Cinderella put her hands on her hips and frowned. Okay, enough. Who the hell are you?

Still smiling, Aoife reached her hand out to Cinderella and replied, My name is Aoife. I’m your granddaughter and I’m pleased to meet you.

More in shock than she had expected, Cinderella took Aoife’s hand and shook it. I think I’ll need to sit down and have some tea, too.

Aoife clapped her hands together and sat down on the nearest chair with the bulky blanket wrapped around her. Good. Let’s get started then.

Chapter 2

Jeremiah tightened the strap from his backpack and stopped a moment. A cold breeze blew against him, but he did not turn away.

Mont-Saint-Michel stood before him at low tide. If he hurried, he would be able to reach the gate in time.

The sun would rise in minutes, but he knew that its warmth would not do much to heat the day.

Pulling his hat down to protect his ears from the wind, Jeremiah leaned forward and headed toward the abbey’s front gate.

The tidal island was surrounded by water on three sides at low tide, with a path open through the water. He did not have much time left before the high tide came back, but he had planned his arrival well.

The high stone walls of the church on the top of the island’s hill rose up high in the sky. Perched high up on the church’s spire, a statue of a golden angel stood guard with his wings unfurled and a sword in his hand to protect against any invaders.

Once Jeremiah arrived at the gates, he banged against them and waited. Shivering from the cold, he shifted his weight from one leg to the next to try to keep warm.

After a few minutes of waiting, Jeremiah banged again and called out, Bonjour!

This time, a woman responded to him in French.

She came forward to the gate and again rattled off a string of words that he didn’t understand.

Je ne comprend pas le français. Jeremiah put his hands up to show that he carried no weapons and added, "Parlez-vous