Curiosity killed the cat, they say. When Rachel, a curious and kind witch, arrives in St. James after her family went through a traumatic experience, she is looking forward to a new start with new friends, sunshine, and happiness. Never could she ha...
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RACHEL - It took me about 5 minutes to realize who Gina Astoria actually was. The moment she appeared, people kept their distance from us and a murmur collected throughout the student body. Shay continued avoiding to look at me and seemed enthralled by her nail polish. Danny, Rory's best friend, joined us but also played with his phone. Only Colin winked at me and seemed in a good mood but even he didn't dare to start a conversation.
While I originally thought it might have been fear, I soon realized it wasn't just fear that fueled their reactions. It was respect. I felt the deep magic emanating from Gina. She was the strongest of them all. She was their leader.
I had the feeling before already but hadn't really explored it. There was a connection between them that was clear. But now, with Gina present, it was obvious. They were a coven. They had actually forged the bond between them with magic.
While there were quite a few witch covens worldwide, some big ones whose name was known among the witch community, others local covens of like-minded witches who wanted to strengthen their community and feel like they belonged somewhere.
At the same time, being a coven leader came with its own fair share of responsibilities and restrictions. Leading a coven was for life. Literally. The only way any member could leave a coven was to kill the coven leader. Then the bond lost all its magic. A coven could bring a lot of power but only if there was trust and commitment. At least that was how they taught witches from the first witch training when we were just little kids.
"So, Rachel, how do you like it so far in St. James?" Gina asked, breaking my streak of thoughts and sat down beside me. She nonchalantly grabbed Rory's plate and with a wave of her hand, the pizza was cut into small little pieces.
"It's...surprising," I replied honestly, trying to avoid words like "crazy" and "strange". Something told me, she would know if I lied. Thinking of the butterflies in my stomach, I realized I didn't even want to lie to her.
But it wasn't the same as with Rory. He had forced the truth from me. Gina...I just didn't want to lie.
"It's strange but...kind of endearing?" I tried elaborating.
"Don't worry, you can say that it's all crazy and insane here and that there is way too much mysterious stuff happening." I turned back to Gina. How did she...? "You are way more obvious than you think you are," she explained and smiled at me. Oh damn. I had thought I had gotten butterflies from Paris but what she did to my stomach was on another level. The butterflies in my stomach felt as if they were on a roller coaster. How could someone's smile look this stunning?
"I am guessing you have had magical training before?" Gina took Rory's water bottle. I nodded.
"When we lived in Boston, yes." I decided it was no use going hungry and started eating some of my pasta. I could only hope my stomach would hold the food down with all the ups and downs my stomach seemed to be going through today.
