The Witch's Guide to Dating

Interlude 1

COVE POV

I, Cove, was born and raised in The Rooted coven, just like Ava. I've known Ava for as long as I can remember. We grew up together, trained together, and have always been seen as equals in the eyes of the coven mother, Selena. But now, everything has changed.

It's been announced that Selena will retire in 10 years, and the race for her successor has begun. As one of the strongest and most influential witches in The Rooted, Ava has always been seen as the top contender for the position of heir. But I have other plans.

I am determined to become the next coven mother of The Rooted, and I will do whatever it takes to get there. I won't let Ava, or anyone else, stand in my way. The power struggles and maneuvering have already begun, and the tension between Ava and I is palpable.

This is just the beginning. The competition will only get more intense as the years pass and the race for heir heats up. But I am ready. I was born to lead, and I won't rest until I have achieved my goal.

I have heard whispers that Ava has set her sister, Harper, up with Alexander, a witch from a powerful coven. I can't deny that this could benefit the Rooted, but I also know that the relationship between Ava and Harper is far from good. I can't help but wonder how I can take advantage of this situation.

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The witches of The Rooted are divided into several circles, each with its own unique beliefs and ways of practicing magic. While some witches are content to follow the traditional ways of their ancestors, others seek to push the boundaries and explore new ways of harnessing their powers.

The Hearth Circle is made up of witches who value tradition and prioritize the preservation of the coven's heritage. They believe in sticking to the old ways and keeping the coven's practices and beliefs unchanged. These witches often come from families with long-standing roots in the coven and take pride in their history. They believe that the coven's strength lies in its traditions and that deviating from them would weaken the coven. Members of the Hearth Circle can be found in every level of the coven hierarchy, from apprentices to elders, and are known for their unwavering loyalty to the coven and its values. They see themselves as the guardians of the coven's heritage and take their responsibility seriously. They may not always agree with the decisions of the coven leaders, but they will always support them out of loyalty. Ava belongs to this circle.

On the other hand, the Blaze Circle is comprised of witches who believe in pushing the limits of magic and exploring new, innovative ways of using their powers. These witches are known for their daring and progressive spirit, and they are not afraid to challenge the status quo or experiment with new techniques and spells.

The Shadow Circle is one of the most influential factions within the supernatural community of The Rooted. Comprised of powerful politicians and influential figures, the Shadow Circle is known for its behind-the-scenes maneuvering and control over the politics of The Rooted. This group of witches practices the art of illusion and deception. They believe in using magic to manipulate the minds and thoughts of others, and are known for their secretive and elusive nature. These members are often seen as cunning and secretive, using their resources and connections to advance their own agendas and control the outcome of important decisions within the coven. They have a deep understanding of the inner workings of The Rooted and use this knowledge to manipulate situations to their advantage. Despite their reputation for being cunning and calculating, the members of the Shadow Circle are still respected within the community for their strength and determination. They are not afraid to take bold actions and make unpopular decisions in the name of their coven, and they have a reputation for getting results. However, their methods and motivations are often seen as questionable by the other factions within The Rooted, and their power and influence can often lead to tension and conflict within the coven. Despite this, the Shadow Circle remains one of the most powerful and influential factions within The Rooted, and their actions will continue to shape the future of the coven. Cove belongs to this circle.

The Earthbound Circle values steadiness and the connection to the earth. They believe in living a life rooted in the natural world and utilizing magic to support this connection. The members of the Earthbound Circle are often farmers, herbalists, and healers, using their magic to enhance their work and the land they live on. They are deeply connected to the earth, and believe that magic should be used to sustain and nourish the environment. They have a strong sense of community and often live in close-knit groups, supporting each other and working together to maintain their connection to the earth. The members of this circle often have a simple and quiet lifestyle, and they value harmony and balance above all else. They are strong believers in the power of nature and the importance of preserving it, and they use their magic to protect and preserve the environment. Harper and her parents belong to this circle.

The Blood Circle prioritizes strength and power above all else. They believe that the coven's success is directly tied to the strength and abilities of its individual members. They value blood magic, the practice of using one's own life force as a power source, and believe that this is the key to unlocking true strength and power. Members of the Blood Circle are known for their aggressive and sometimes ruthless tactics, and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Despite this, the Blood Circle has a tight-knit community and a strong sense of loyalty to each other. However, this same loyalty often makes them enemies of other circles within The Rooted, who see their methods as dangerous and excessive. Selena, the current Coven Mother, belongs to this circle.

The Spark Circle values and prioritizes the use of magic for personal advancement and growth. This faction is often made up of young, ambitious witches who have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to push the limits of their power. They are not content with just practicing traditional spells and rituals, but instead strive to innovate and experiment with magic. The Spark Circle is known for its forward-thinking, dynamic and creative approach to the practice of magic. They often clash with the more conservative factions within the Rooted, such as the Hearth Circle, but are respected for their tireless pursuit of new and exciting ways to use magic. The members of the Spark Circle are often risk-takers, but also tend to be confident, independent, and driven individuals. They see themselves as the future of the Rooted and are determined to prove their worth and establish their place among the other factions.

The Mystic Circle within The Rooted is comprised of witches who have a strong connection to the spiritual realm and the unseen forces of magic. They are seen as the most in touch with the ancient roots of magic, and many believe that their connection to the divine gives them a unique insight and understanding of magic that others cannot match. These witches spend much of their time meditating, performing rituals, and communing with the spirit realm in order to deepen their connection to magic. They are known for their ability to cast spells that are infused with a deep spiritual energy, and they are often sought after by other members of The Rooted for guidance and assistance in matters of magic and the spiritual realm. Despite their reputation for being in touch with the divine, many in The Rooted view the Mystic Circle as being somewhat aloof and detached from the everyday affairs of the coven. However, the members of this circle believe that their connection to the spiritual realm is what gives them the strength and wisdom they need to be effective leaders and protectors of magic. As such, they hold themselves apart from the political struggles and power plays that often occur within The Rooted, and instead focus on deepening their connection to the spiritual realm. Michael belongs to this circle.