The Initiation

The coven leader regarded the new initiate hopefuls with a discerning eye, searching for any sign of weakness or fear in their faces. “Now that we are all gathered.” He spoke slowly, the small crowd hanging on his every word. “We can begin. I am Maximilian Crowe, but you shall refer to me as Master. As you can see, our ranks have grown in the past few months, new acolytes turning away from the false promises of the light to join our growing flock.” he paused, his gaze stopping on Clara, drawn to her lush lips and full figure.

“But we must not lose sight. The Legion's defeat has emboldened the people, and even now they scour the towns and villages for those with ties to the Nether. We must be cautious brothers and sisters lest they come for us as well.” he finished, his voice taking on a serious tone. “To that end, a little test is in order for our new initiates.” A sly smile crossing his face as he stepped forwards to the ritual circle inscribed upon the floor.

“Nothing too serious...yet.” He informed them, pulling a small glass orb from his robe pocket and placing it in the circle. The warlock closed his eyes for a brief moment and spoke some words in what Clara's fel-tainted mind recognized as Eredun. The orb began to glow a deep violet and rose into the air until it hovered at eye level to the warlock.

“A simple soulstone.” He announced, stepping back to his position at the front, “When properly enchanted can act as a suitable indicator if one has the strength of will required to master the forces we command.” He glanced at the three new initiates and pointed to the dark haired woman. “You, step into the circle, and attempt to take hold of the orb.” He commanded, his tone making it clear it was not a request.

The girl looked like she was barely eighteen, no doubt the rebellious daughter of some farmer or merchant Clara mused. Not much of a figure, but then her Master could work wonders, she thought with a smile. Trembling slightly in excitement and trepidation, she stepped forwards and reached out for the orb. There was a flash of light and the girl let out a scream as dark energy lashed out violently for a few moments before calming again, revealing the girl standing clutching the orb, seemingly unscathed.

“Good,” the warlock nodded at the girl, still shaking and now covered in a sheen of sweat as if she'd run a mile. “You've passed the first test.” He glanced at the straw-haired farmhand. “Now, the next will do the same.”

The young man stepped forwards as the still stunned girl exited the circle, and with the swagger of youth reached out to snatch the orb. Another flash of light illuminated the room, and another scream, however this one was longer and more anguished. It continued for over a minute before the light faded and the man slumped to the floor, his gaze blank and empty. The orb remained hovering, now glowing slightly brighter.

“A pity. Now, you see the price of failure. Failure to command the powers we wield will result in losing your soul to the darkness.” He nodded to two of the acolytes, who dragged the corpse from the circle. “One way or another.” He turned at last to Clara, his gaze again lingering on her with an unmistakable lust. “Now then, your turn.”

With the confidence borne of her Master's power, Clara stepped forwards and into the circle. The remnants of her soul reeled at the thought of what had happened to the farmhand, but the allure of power, and the thought of satisfying her Master's command drove her onwards. She reached out and took hold of the orb.

Immediately there was a flash of blinding pain as all the warmth was taken from her body by the orb, the cold darkness of the shadows consuming her sight as agony wracked her body. All at once her senses were overloaded by swirling colours and howling screams, she tasted blood and smelled something acrid and foul and it took every ounce of her will to remain focused. Then, as suddenly as it started, she was back in the dank cellar, clutching the orb and drenched in sweat.

“Excellent, it would appear at least two of our prospective initiates have passed the test.” The warlock announced as Clara released the orb and took her position beside the girl, swiftly regaining her composure. He continued to address the gathered coven, though it was little more than minutiae and mundane concerns. Instead, Clara turned her attention to the young girl and smiled.

“I'm glad I'm not the only one who passed the test.” She spoke sweetly, meeting the girl's soft honey-brown eyes. “My name is Clara, yours?”

“...Josette.” the girl replied, blushing slightly as she took in the otherworldly beauty of the woman before her.

“Well Josette, how about we get to know each other better after this is all done? I know just the place.”