Daughter of a Witch

Twilight Intruders

The crisp, cool evening air wrapped around Westview as twilight deepened and stars began to blink into the darkening sky. Y/n dragged her suitcase up the porch steps, feeling an odd combination of exhaustion and relief. After weeks of grueling classes and sleepless nights at college, being home was like stepping into a warm embrace.

The familiar scent of lavender and sage greeted her as she opened the door, the gentle hum of Agatha's wards brushing against her magic like a reassuring whisper.

"Finally!" Agatha appeared in the entryway, her face lighting up as she pulled Y/n into a tight hug. "I was starting to think you got lost."

"I missed you too, Mama," Y/n teased, sinking into her mother's embrace.

"You better have missed me and your other mother," Rio called from the kitchen, the sound of pots clanging punctuating her words. "Because we missed you plenty."

Y/n smiled, kicking off her shoes and dropping her bag near the door. She went to the kitchen, where Rio stirred something that smelled incredible.

"You know, you're supposed to relax when you're home," Rio said, turning to flash her daughter a warm smile.

"I am relaxing," Y/n said, stealing a quick taste from the spoon Rio offered. "Mmm. Definitely missed your soup."

"Good answer," Rio said, winking before returning to the stove.

Agatha was already on the couch in the living room, legs tucked under her as she sipped tea. She patted the cushion next to her, beckoning Y/n over.

"Come on, tell me everything," Agatha said as Y/n plopped beside her. "Classes? Roommates? College boys or girls?"

"Don't get her started," Rio said from the kitchen.

Y/n laughed, a genuine sound that chased away some of the weariness clinging to her. "It's been... a lot. But I'm surviving."

Agatha's sharp eyes studied her daughter. "You look a little drained, sweetheart. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," Y/n said quickly, brushing it off. "Just tired."

But as the evening wore on, that uneasy feeling Y/n had been carrying for weeks crept back in. It started as a faint prickling sensation along her skin, like static in the air. She tried to shake it off, focusing on the comforting chatter of her mothers, but the feeling only grew stronger.

After dinner, she excused herself, claiming she wanted an early night. Agatha and Rio exchanged glances as she disappeared up the stairs, sensing something was off.

In her room, Y/n tossed her suitcase aside and flopped onto her bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. She tried to focus on the familiar comfort of her room-the soft glow of her fairy lights, the stack of books on her nightstand-but the unease lingered, clawing at the edges of her mind.

Her dreams that night were dark and restless, filled with strange shadows and whispers. She woke with a start, her heart pounding as her eyes darted around the room.

And then she saw it.

In the corner, a shadow pooled unnaturally, darker than the rest of the room. It writhed and shifted, growing taller and more solid until it became humanoid. Glowing red eyes stared back at her, piercing and predatory.

Y/n froze, her magic flaring instinctively, but she was too drained to do more than form a faint shield around herself. The creature hissed, its jagged fingers stretching toward her.

Before it could reach her, a crackling barrier of violet light exploded around her bed, forcing the creature back with a guttural screech. Agatha stormed into the room, her magic swirling around her like a thunderstorm.

"How dare you enter my home," she growled, her voice low and dangerous.

The creature turned its glowing eyes to Agatha, hissing intensifying as it lunged at her. Agatha raised her hands, summoning a blast of magic that sent it sprawling back against the wall.

Rio appeared moments later, her own magic flaring in vibrant green as she assessed the situation.

"Agatha, take Y/n and get out of here," Rio ordered, her voice steady despite the chaos.

"Rio, I can-"

"Go!" Rio barked, her magic already crackling in her hands.

Agatha didn't argue. She scooped Y/n into her arms, the girl too weak to protest. Y/n's head lolled against her mother's shoulder as Agatha carried her down the stairs and into the living room.

"Shh, sweet girl, I've got you," Agatha murmured, laying Y/n on the couch and wrapping her in a soft blanket. She stroked Y/n's hair gently, her free hand weaving spells to fortify the house's wards.

Back upstairs, Rio faced the creature head-on. It moved inhumanly, its limbs elongating unnaturally as it lashed out. Rio dodged its attacks, her years of battle experience guiding her movements as she countered with bursts of magic.

"You picked the wrong family to mess with," she said through gritted teeth, her green energy coiling around her like a shield.

The creature hissed, its form shifting as it tried to evade her attacks. It was fast, but Rio was relentless, her determination unshakable. She chanted an incantation under her breath, her voice steady even as sweat beaded on her forehead.

With a final surge of power, she unleashed a binding spell, wrapping the creature in chains of glowing green energy.

"You don't belong here," Rio said, her voice echoing with authority. "Return to the void."

The creature writhed and screeched as it was dragged into a swirling portal. The room fell silent as the portal closed, leaving only the faint hum of Rio's magic behind.

Downstairs, Agatha held Y/n close, her heart racing from the encounter. When Rio finally joined them, she looked drained but victorious.

"It's gone," Rio said, sinking onto the couch beside them.

Agatha reached out, taking her wife's hand and squeezing it. "Thank you."

Rio leaned her head against Agatha's shoulder, her free arm wrapping around both of them. She softly kissed Y/n's temple, her voice a gentle murmur. "Are you okay, cariño?"

Y/n stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "You... you saved me."

"Of course we did," Agatha said, brushing a strand of hair from Y/n's face. "Always."

Rio nodded, her expression fierce but loving. "No one messes with our family."

Y/n managed a small smile before drifting back to sleep, the exhaustion finally overtaking her.

The three of them stayed like that for the rest of the night, curled up together on the couch. The chaos of the evening faded into the quiet comfort of their bond, and their love was stronger than ever.