The Coven

Chapter 3

Most of the day was spent picking out decorations for the ball and reciting all my lines for the ritual. Finally, in the silence of my room and away from my mother barking orders at everyone, me included. It's time for me to get ready for this ritual, hunker down and become the High Priestess.

I laid out my dress and robes, crossed my arms and took a step back to get a good look. I shook my head, I can’t believe the day is finally here. I’m actually about to put on this tent and walk out into public. I couldn’t help but think about my father who should be here today. How tightly he’d hold me, how bright his smile would be and how proud he’d be. Maybe. I groaned and walked to the bathroom to get the bath started. It'll calm my nerves, especially if I add some lavender. I have no problem fighting until my knuckles are bloody but forget it if I have to put on a dress. I laughed at myself. I climbed into the hot bath, sat back, and closed my eyes. I had just settled into the heat of the water when my bathroom door opens and I move to shield my body away from the intruder. I looked up to see my mom’s red hair whipping around as she closes the door behind her. 

“Jesus Ma, You nearly gave me a heart attack.” I grumbled.

“I’m sorry,” she said sincerely, while she paced nervously in my bathroom. “I just wanted to check on you and make sure you’re doing ok.” I nodded. “You sure? You remember all your lines? Which direction to face? Where to st-” my arm flew out of the tub to stop her pacing.

“Alright, you’re stressing me out, will you please sit down.” I ordered and maneuvered her to sit on the toilet. She sat and took a calming breath, after a few seconds she seemed to relax.

“Guess I’m not getting any privacy, eh?” I asked, she shook her head and I sighed.

“I’m alright, mom. This is it for me,” she looked at me confused and I continued. “I just mean that it’s time for me to stop acting like a child. It’s time for me to take my responsibilities head on.” I meant everything that I was saying but at the same time it was sad that I actually have to let go of the life I know now. “I’m ready to lead my coven.” she nodded and smiled.

“And you’ll be great. I’m proud of you.” I could see that she meant what she said in her eyes, “he’d be proud too, you know?” I smiled hoping that the tears that welled in my eyes didn't spill over. She grabbed my hand and moved to sit on the floor beside me.

“He’d say something like ‘Rivlet, I’m so proud of you and you fight better than me.’” She dropped her voice to sound manly which made both of us laugh.

“You've never seen me fight, Ma.” 

“Yeah well he’d be old now, can’t keep that up forever.” we chuckled as she squeezed my shoulder. 

“I gotta finish setting up downstairs, you gonna be ok?” she asked, I nodded. She was just about out the door when she turned around, “do you want some help getting ready?” my mouth opened and shut again, a little surprised by her question. 

“Yeah,” I said, “that’d be great, thanks mom.” she nodded and left shutting the door behind her. Finally alone. 

I went back to laying my head back with my eyes shut. I allowed my mind to wander and the first thing to come to mind was Dim’s steaming chest from earlier. I found myself biting my lip in arousal. My eyes popped open. Alright, that's enough soaking time to get out. I grabbed my towel and wrapped it around myself. I went into my bedroom and allowed my mom to help me do my hair and slip into my dress. 

“I’ll go start my make-up, I can do that on my own though.” I flashed her a smile and she nodded. “I have some other things to take care of, you have a little over a half an hour so don’t be too long.” she kissed my cheek and headed out the door.

  I headed into the bathroom and started on my makeup. I finished with lining my eyes and winging the edges. Giving myself a sharp cat eye and winking in the mirror. I was just about to head downstairs when I caught my reflection and stopped short in front of my full length mirror. my dress was tight around my figure, with a slit down my thigh. The sleeves hung off my shoulders exposing my collar bones. Wow, I look like a grown woman. I look like a Priestess. I squared my shoulders and raised my chin, I saw my leather jacket in the reflection hanging off the chair behind me. It was designed to look exactly like my fathers and I instantly thought of him. I didn’t know my father long before he passed away, it almost feels like I never met him. I’ve heard many stories of his victories and seen many pictures but there's just a hole in my life where he should be. 

“I hope you’re proud of me, dad.” I whispered, unable to meet my gaze in my reflection.

“I promise, he is.” I jumped ten feet in the air and spun around to find a well dressed Dimitri leaned against the doorframe. 

“Are you trying to f*****g kill me?” I exclaimed as he chuckled and strides over to me. His green eyes seeping into mine. 

“Your father is proud of you and he’s here today. And totally just saw you wig like a little bitch.” I exhaled a laugh and started to feel my body relax. 

“It’s rude to eavesdrop, Dimitri.” he shrugged, “I’m your Guardian, I don’t think he’d mind too much.” I smiled and shook my head. I certainly hope not. the truth is my father loved him. he trained Dim and he fights the same way my father did. I believe my father would be proud of him too. 

“You look great, not like you but great nonetheless.” he struggled as he rocked his weight from one leg to the other. I smiled and was just about to thank him when my door slammed open. Our heads snapped up to see Ria looking around my room urgently, almost like she’s looking for something. My sister, everyone.

“Ri-”

“Shh” she cut me off holding her hand up at me then ran to my closet. She had just shut the door when I heard a knock and Crow had peeked his head in. Not an event unless Ria is hiding from her Guardian. 

“Have you seen Ria?” Crow asked annoyed 

“I think she's downstairs with mom.” I said, trying to hide my amusement. 

“Ya know what? I don't f*****g know! The woman is always cutting off the damn connection..” he trailed off as he closed the door. He poked his head back in.

“Hey little brother, if you see her will you tell me?” Crow asked, I discreetly pressed my foot on Dim’s toe, he winced and shot me a sideways glance. “Sure thing.” He nodded and finally shut the door. 

“Coast is clear.” I called to the closet. A second later my closet door swung open and there stood my older sister beaming. 

“Well, now that that's handled, what the hell did you do to your face?.” she said sweeping her hands together as if washing her hands of him. I raised my eyebrow. she looked at me as if something was on my face.

“What?” my annoyance dripping from my tone. 

"What the f**k did you do to your face? She asked. I narrowed my eyes feeling my nerves begin to tense up again, I don't understand why she has to be so annoying. I don't do make up often, if ever. No point if it's going to smear when I sweat it off in a fight anyway. Dim's hands came up in surrender as he slowly backed away to the door. 

“I’ll let you two do your thing.” Our eyes met, mine pleaded for him not to abandon me with her. Before he disappeared out the door and the teasing ‘ha-ha’ look wasn't even subtle. I narrowed my eyes at the closed door. Traitor. I sighed and faced my sister. 

“Ria, I just finished my makeup.” I almost groaned at her in hope she’d leave me alone. My hopes are shot to s**t and I can either accept my fate or fight her, either way she’s doing my makeup. I may know how to put her on her ass but she will always win when its a fight to put make up on me. 

“Sit.” She barked and I sat on the edge of my bed, huffing at her. I closed my eyes and submitted my face to her artistic hands. She is really good at makeup but every time she starts mine the same thought crosses my mind; please don't make me look like prostitute. I felt a brush grazing my cheek.

“So, do you think you’re ready?” I opened one eye to look up at her, “were you?” every high born goes through this ritual. My mother is the Priestess and head of house Nura, or the element spirit. There are five elements and so five houses. Belus, for water,  Ignatus, for fire, Elos for earth and Aeolus for air. Most of the time if you’re born into that house then you can manipulate that element, however there have been cases where someone born into one house can manipulate a different element or two . Each house has a head, making up the council or high born. My sister is older than me and she was supposed to be next in succession but since I was born on the eclipse I kinda stole her thunder. 

Ria grinned at me, “nah,” she lowered her brush and shrugged, “ I still feel like a kid.”

“oh , very helpful. A weight has been lifted.” sarcasm saturating my tone.

“That's what sisters are for.” she grabbed my chin and the onslaught of cosmetics continued. I sat there enjoying the relaxing feeling of my sister's presence and her soothing bushes. Sitting on the bed with my sister taking care of me allowed me to open up.

“What If I fall on my f*****g face?” she chuckled, “Then I guess I’d laugh and help your clumsy ass up.” I opened my eyes to glare at her, “but you won’t,” she reassured me, “I’ll be there the whole time.” her eyes shot down at her hands and back up to my eyes. I looked down to see that she was holding a necklace out to me. It had the charm of a triquetra, the symbol mom, Ria and I had chosen to represent us. It was always said witches work best in threes, what's better than a mother and her two daughters; is something mom always said.

“I gave one to mom, too. I thought all of us could wear it tonight.” I looked at the charm around her neck and sure enough she was wearing it too. I could feel tears well up in my eyes but I blinked them back. I smiled up at her.

“Thank you, I love it.” she beamed at me. 

“Knew you would, now close your eyes. I’m not done.” I threw my head back and groaned. “Damnit.”