Her Awakening

Part 1 ◦ The struggle was real. She was coming up on her 21st birthday, and she knew it was going to be nothing but disaster. This was her last chance to be accepted by her coven. If her powers didn’t quicken by midnight, she would be ousted and shunned. All coven members gained their powers at 18 with the unlucky few quickening at 20, but never had a members powers been so slow to awaken. Panic struck her as she thought about how her life would be as an outcast, alone and on her own, unable to ask for help without a home. She was powerless, and therefore mateless. No male would want her. She was as good as human. She looked out her window, and the reflection, looking back at her, told her all she needed to know. Mousy brown hair, unremarkable gray eyes stared out of a plain, freckled face. She was built like a broomstick, all flat plains, and tall limbs. She had never been popular, never one of the sexy girls who would drive the boys wild. Always the wallflower, she was good when they needed a tutor or someone to write a report for them but always forgotten about after. She has managed to graduate from her school and then from university with high honors, but even that was worthless when you had no magic to your name. ◦ The clock ticked down to the inevitable hour of the end of her life as she knew it. She had decided to pack a few of her most precious possessions into her small knapsack. She didn’t need much for her exile, but there were a few things she was not interested in leaving behind. A small photo book and picture of her bother, a favorite stuffed animal, and a few articles of clothing were all she would need to get through this ordeal. She placed her bag by the door and walked down the stairs of the manor house to the kitchen. This had always been her favorite room in the whole of the house. Warm pine cabinets, and the fire in the hearth made the large room feel cozy. The antique braided rugs and old rocking chairs passed down through the years brought a sense of history to the lavish modern appliances. Cookie, the house chef, always had some sweet pastries or cookies setting on the counter and was never put off by her lack of magic or her plain looks. ◦ When compared to her mother and sisters, it was hard to believe that she was even related to them. They looked like sirens of the sea with their voluptuous curves, striking auburn hair and perching emerald eyes. They were statuesque, tall goddesses who possessed the ability to enchant any who looked at them. There was no comparing them. She was a shadow and a burden to them, something acquired but quickly forgotten about. Which was why she stood in shock at the kitchen door, before her on the island was a cake of grand pre portions, layer upon layer of frosted beauty so decadent she secretly pinched herself to be sure she wasn’t dreaming. The sharp sting on her wrist assured her that, indeed, she was awake. ◦ “There you are!” A voice floated from behind the monstrosity of sugar and glitter. Her mother appeared around the island, as always she was styled perfectly, with her chic business suit tailored perfectly to her. “It’s your special day, and you’ve been hiding from us in your room.” Her eyes searched her daughters for a minute and then looked away, unsatisfied with what she read. ◦ “Oh. That.” Her tone turned sullen. “I understand your concern, but I need you to know that you will be well taken care of if the worst comes to pass. Please go get ready for dinner, our guests will arrive soon.” And with a soft brush of her hand on Oriana's shoulder, she seemed to float from the room. With a sign, she returned to her room to change and face her heartbreak head on.