The Salem Witch and the Sorceress of New Orleans

You Have No Idea

SONG: Robin by Taylor Swift

*

The Louisiana sun dipped low, casting its warm amber glow over the edges of the Bayou. Inside Rio and Agatha's home, however, there was little peace to be found. For weeks, the house had been alive with the hum of enchantments and spells, protective and encouraging, scattered baby books, half-finished nursery decorations, and the constant sense of anticipation that loomed over their heads.

Agatha stood in the middle of the nursery - if it could even be called that yet - staring at the mess of magical items and trinkets she had haphazardly gathered. Crescent moons dangled from the ceiling, enchanted mobiles spun lazily in the air, and shelves stacked with spell books for in fact protection lined the walls.

"This place looks like a witch-themed carnival," Agatha muttered, crossing her arms. "It's getting ridiculous."

Rio, sitting comfortably in an oversized chair by the window, just smiled. Her belly, even rounder, larger, swelling, ready to pop at any moment, rested on her lap as she lazily levitated a cup of tea towards her. "You're just mad because those crescent moons remind you of our truce."

Agatha shot her a glance. "No, I'm mad because there are so many of them! It's excessive."

Rio chuckled, gently rubbing her stomach, settling deeper into the chair. "It's perfect. Nicholas is going to love it."

Agatha softened at his name. Nicholas. Still, there was an uneasiness that lingered in the air. She could feel it within her.

"How are you so calm?" she asked, unable to hide the edge in her voice. "We're about to bring a child into this world. Our child! And we are nowhere near ready."

Rio raised an eyebrow. "We're witches, Agatha. We have more magic between us than most covens dream of. We will be fine." she took another sip of her tea, unfazed.

Agatha huffed, pacing across the room. "It's not about the magic. It's about-" she stopped herself. It wasn't that she doubted their power; it was that Nicholas wasn't going to be just any child. He was the culmination of the Eye's magic, a force far greater than either of them fully understood.

Rio must have sensed her unease, because she gently set down her tea and stood, her movements slowly now that she was so close to the end of her pregnancy. "Agatha," she said softly, walking over to her. "We've been through worse. This is just the next step." she placed Agatha's hand on her belly. "He's incredible. You know that."

Agatha's fingers hovered over Rio's skin, feeling the subtle thrum of magic beneath her palm. Nicholas's magic. The Eye's magic. It was there, growing stronger every day, waiting to be unleashed. Agatha swallowed hard. "I don't know if we're ready."

Before Rio could respond, a sharp, unmistakable pain shot through her abdomen, and her hand tightened around Agatha's wrist.

"It's time," Rio said, her voice steady, though her eyes were wide with fear.

Agatha blinked, her heart racing. "What,"she said, "NOW?"

Rio nodded wildly, her grip tightening as another contraction rippled through her. "Now."

Panic flashed in Agatha's chest, but she forced it down. She was Agatha. She had faced down entire covens, stared into the abyss of dark magic, and survived it all. She could do this. She had to do this.

She helped Rio to their bedroom, laying her down on the bed as her own magic flared to life, protective wards springing up around the room. "I am right here." Agatha murmured, kneeling at the bedside. "We've got this."