20

Forrest

Exiling Athena from Coven Falls proved to be harder than we predicted. The former witch vehemently clung to the familiar surroundings she had called home for so long. With an entire coven firmly united against her, she had no choice but to leave.

However, her departure was met with relief and sorrow, as the bonds of sisterhood were shattered in the process.

As Athena's silhouette faded into the mist-shrouded trees beyond the borders of Cider Falls, an eerie silence fell over the coven.

Sienna was the first to break the silence. "It is done," she declared. "In a momentous first, we have finally unlocked our full powers. We are now capable of incredible feats, but let us proceed with caution as we unlock the extent of our abilities, dear sisters."

A chorus of murmured blessings floated through the air, but the words felt empty.

"What will happen to the men in Cider Falls?" One of Sienna's sisters asked.

"They are still under the spell, a spell that could easily be cast by a witch with full powers," I informed them.

"You see, there was no reason for Athena to surrender her powers," Sienna explained to her sisters. "It was as if she wanted to instill fear in us, to keep us weak. I don't think I'll ever understand her true motives."

"Your coven can break the spell you have on the mortal men or keep things the way they've always been," I continued. "It's up to you."

Sienna's sisters huddled close, their voices low and frantic. In their small town, they had always held power over mortal men, their magic weaving through the streets like a delicate mist.

I could see the weight of responsibility pressing down on Sienna's shoulders as she exchanged glances with her sisters, their expressions mirroring her tense emotions. The air around them seemed to crackle with anticipation as if the very fabric of the world was holding its breath with them.

"Should we fear mortal men?" Clover asked me next.

"A coven of witches should not fear mortal men," I told her, "for you are far more powerful than them."

"Are there more of you?" One of Sienna's sisters asked. "Men with powers?"

"Wizards?" I nodded. "Yes."

A collective gasp broke the silence.

"Wizards probably have even bigger egos than mortal men," another sister huffed.

"You'd be surprised," I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Some of us are quite humble."

Sienna shot me a skeptical glance, her eyes narrowing. "Humble? You?" she scoffed, but I caught the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

I shrugged, feigning innocence. "I have my moments."

Another sister, her raven hair glinting in the moonlight, leaned forward. "Tell us more about these wizards. Are they all like you?"

I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "We're as diverse as any group. Some use their powers for good, others not so much." I paused, memories of past conflicts flooding my mind. "But we're not your enemies."

Their expressions were unreadable as they silently communicated. I could sense the hesitation lingering in their minds, unsure if they should truly accept a wizard into their coven. Despite the sacrifice, I knew it would take more to earn their trust.

"Thank you," Clover said, "for helping us."

I nodded, not knowing what to say.

Each sister stepped forward, introducing themselves and offering me their gratitude. Their names floated through the air, and I struggled to catch them all, wishing they had worn name tags for my forgetful mind's sake.

"We welcome you into our coven with open arms."

"Thank you," I said, my heart overflowing with gratitude for their acceptance.

"I know this is a lot to take in, sisters," Sienna said. " Go home, get some sleep. We will meet again soon."

We all longed for a place to rest our weary heads after the evening's chaotic events.

When Sienna and I arrived back at my cabin, my hand traced the delicate line of her jaw. I tilted her face towards mine, getting lost in the reflection of starlight glinting in her eyes. "Thank you for trusting me," I told her.

"I should be the one thanking you." Her arms enveloped me in a warm embrace, gratefulness pouring from her very being. The sincerity of her hug spoke volumes, conveying more than words ever could.

"Stay with me tonight," I whispered into her neck.

"Okay," she said.