The birth of the new Elise

I pondered for a moment, trying my hardest to think of ways to save Elise without having to steal her life myself... to no avail...

I could run far away and restore her, but it'd mean her abandoning everything she knew and loved. Not to mention how she'd react learning that I had been wearing her for days and even slept with her boyfriend. She'd be absolutely disgusted... My mother would also most certainly not be pleased should I do this, and I greatly feared the repercussions such a rebellious act would have on me, Claire, and Elise's friends and family. I didn't know what my mother had in store for her, but I had to keep Elise's life. I didn't want my mother to ruin her...

I can't let her have Elise... She doesn't deserve that...

I grit my teeth and clenched my fists so hard in frustration that my nails were piercing through my skin. My mother meanwhile was observing me with a satisfied smirk on her borrowed face, unfazed.

She truly played me like a fool... She had it planned from the start...

"I... I'll keep her skin... I'll be Elise..." I finally said in a dejected tone, tightly gripping the collar of my blouse with my dainty fingers.

My mother let out a soft sigh, but without her smirk leaving her face. "Ah, how I'll miss her, she truly was my favourite... But I am a doting parent who loves to spoil my children, so I'll let you keep her, no matter how much I would have wanted her for myself~"

She was clearly lying. It was the best outcome she wanted out of this offer, I knew it. I didn't reply and just looked away. Melissa seemed worried about me, from the way she was staring at me.

"You have no idea how pleased I am to know that you'll be staying near me, my child." My mother said as she came closer and lifted up my chin. "Now that you are properly part of the family, you'll be able to see how good of a parent I can be. I hope you'll get along well with everyone, even Aisha."

"I'll try..." was all I replied, sighing.

"I heard what happened before I arrived, but she'll warm up to you after a while, don't worry." Oliver spoke, smiling. "She's simply very protective of Aga and the coven as a whole."

"I see... Where is she, exactly?"

"Outside, taking a stroll." He said, pointing at the front door. "She often does that when she's angry or upset, she should be back soon."

"Tell me, what are you going to do about your sister?" My mother asked.

"I'd... still like to go back tomorrow, to inform her of my decision in person."

She chuckled. "That's a good idea, I'll even come with you."

I stared back at her, surprised. "What?"

"I do want to see my other human child now, and maybe meet this skinwalker who turned you. I'm curious to see how they're like. Maybe Claire could even join you here. If she's under my protection, I assure you that no one would ever try to do anything to her." She replied with a grin. "Oh, and before I forget. Ashley."

"Yes?" Ashley asked timidly.

"Please do take care of my daughter's boyfriend so he doesn't worry about her absence tomorrow. You know where to find him."

"Y-yes! It'll be done right away!" She said more enthusiastically as she stood up.

As I tried to hide the shameful satisfaction I felt from being called a daughter, Ashley quickly left the room and the house, on her way to do what my mother asked.

"What is she going to do?"

"She'll simply wear him to make sure he doesn't suspect anything." My mother said, shrugging.

"Why?"

"Would you perhaps prefer if Minh makes him your ****? It can be done too. I've been with John enough times to know that he would worry about Elise should she suddenly leave for a day. Be grateful that I asked Ashley to temporarily deal with him so you can do as you please." She added before giggling. "Not that she wouldn't have tried to help you on her own, knowing her. You should take this evening to get to know each other better, it'd make her happy and I'm sure you two will get along especially well~"

I crossed my arms and sighed. "It's not like I really have a choice, don't I? If she's going to wear him, I'll be **** to be with her tonight."

My mother chuckled, but before she could reply, Matthew, or Chelsea, spoke. "Don't be harsh on her, Edward, please. Ashley really admires you, you know? Give her a chance, she's a sweet girl."

"Maybe... I'm just... overwhelmed..."

"Do you want me to sing something for you? I know a few calm and relaxing songs." She offered, resting her hands on her waist. "Not to brag, but I am a pretty good singer and pianist."

"One of the best pianists I've ever heard." Oliver said, smiling, as he and my mother turned to face her.

Chelsea blushed slightly at the praise and blew a kiss at him. "Thanks, darling~"

She sat in front of the piano and stretched her arms before starting to play a tune and sing something akin to Jazz. Her voice was sweet and melodious, everyone in the room was captivated, me included. Despite being more into Rock and Metal, I couldn't help but feel myself calming down and relaxing as I heard her sing. It was almost... bewitching... It was like all my worries and anxiety were being washed away by the sound of her voice. I couldn't look away, I couldn't focus on anything other than the songs at that moment. She was incredibly talented indeed. For what felt like hours, I stayed still, enticed by the songs. It was unlike anything else I've ever heard.

Finally, Chelsea stopped and bowed to her audience, visibly satisfied. Everyone clapped while I tried to break free from this dazed state I found myself in.

W-what happened? I though, looking around and blinking confusingly.

"Ah... I hate when you do that..." An annoyed voice complained from further behind. "Why did you use them?"

Aisha was back but, like me, she was shaking her head, as if to regain her composure.

Chelsea smiled shyly. "Edward wasn't feeling well, I thought I could help him clear his mind."

"Just playing normally wouldn't have been enough?" She replied with a groan.

My mother giggled. "It only bothers you because you're still lacking the experience to resist it, dear."

"Resist what, exactly? What happened?" I asked, confused.

"Matthew has the ability to influence the emotions of those around him." Oliver spoke. "It's very potent on humans, but even us skinwalkers need some time before being able to shake off its effects."

I stared back at Chelsea. She could control people's emotions? Even if not as frightening as Minh's brainwashing abilities, it was still extremely worrying to know that she had this much power.

"Edward, I'm sorry if I scared you. I simply believed it'd be the best way to have you calm down, since you seemed so anxious and depressed." Chelsea said in an apologetic tone. "I promise that I won't do it again without your consent, if it can reassure you. I just wanted to help you."

"Okay..." I simply said, lost in thought.

I was getting more and more terrified of this coven. I already learnt of Minh and Matthew's abilities, but what else did the others have in store? What kind of abilities my mother had? Oliver? Nikolai? Aisha? I was feeling utterly powerless against them, my spirit was completely broken. All I could do was play along and try to stay in their good graces...

"I think... I should get back to my apartment, now..."

"Let me drive you back, Elise~" Minh offered as he went down the stairs.

Viola and Luke were by his side, his feminine arms wrapped around their waists, a blissful and loving look on their faces. It was the complete opposite of how I remembered them. They were clearly completely submissive and loyal to Minh.

"Your place isn't far from where I live." He said, getting closer. "I'll also drop Melissa on the way."

Melissa nodded, smiling shyly. "Thanks."

"Thank you..." I replied quietly.

"Nikolai will pick us up tomorrow morning to drive us to the airport. Make sure to wake up early, my child." My mother announced as I started to walk away. "And enjoy your new life to the fullest~"

As I left, I glanced at the window nearby, seeing Elise's reflection. My reflection, from now on...

I'm sorry, Elise... I couldn't do anything to save you... But I'll do my best to protect your life, I promise... I'll be a good Elise...