Octavia’s second Life of payback.

AVIA

s," I explained, trying to keep the exasperation out of my voice. It was th

nial objects. I glanced sideways at her, uncertain how to handle her nervousness. This wasn'

our sacred rites for the new set of witches joining the coven. But this year, something unpreced

d at last relented to my persistent appeals. Now, we stood on the brink of a new era

ing them), and representatives from every tribe of supernatural beings had been invited. The weigh

he supernatural tribes, we witches had often found ourselves on the losing end. Despite our unparalleled powers-spells, potions, chants, and raw magic that coul

a price. It required balance, a living ancho

quite young when she claimed I had powers far beyond those of other children my a

nd, and fire. Others had cloaking abilities to keep themselves hidden from danger. Many were skille

pells, and conjure complex potions with ease. But there was one power that even my mother insisted I

such responsibility. Now, the veil that kept us hidden from the world was bound to my very essence. As long as I lived and willed

oung to wield such power and hold such a position. But tonight was my chance to prove them wrong. Tonight, I would sh

reverie. I turned to see Alan, my childhood friend, appro

n, dreaming about your grand plans for world

ping me grounded. "Isn't that 'your highness' to you?" I shot back, arching an eyebrow. "You can't go

iously, Octavia, I'm worried. It's been years since we last lifted the veil. Are you absolu

"What's life without a little risk?" I asked, but my ton

me as I made my way towards the great gates that

heir faces a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. The decorations had been set perfectly, and I allowed myself

our coven wouldn't have to stay hidden and feared anymore. We were just li

r troops were in place, ready to welcome our guests. Taking a dee

able-my body went numb, muscles contracting painfully as I was lifted off the ground by an unseen

self back on solid ground, the veil temporarily lowered. With

ests began to enter. My smile widened as I saw beings of all kinds make their way into our grounds. My h

stant, every

clear my vision, but the strange sensation persisted. Slowly, I shut my

was

was now only carnage. Blood covered every surface, the metallic scent overwhelming my senses. Agony and pain radiated t

d my gaze to the sky. The moon that had shone so brightly silver was now a s

it wasn't rain-it was blood, warm and sticky, pattering against my skin. All a

ture we see is not a promise of what will be, but a warning of what could come to pass. The question now was, could I

anguish, as I struggled to find a path forward t