Claire and Dahlia discover the coven

Before we even walked in, and like when I got introduced myself, I could hear Chelsea playing the piano and singing. It really was her passion, it seemed. Even from outside, hearing her made me feel calmer.

Claire stayed glued to Dahlia as we followed Minh and Mother inside the house. All those I met before were here: Nikolai, Chelsea, and Oliver were sitting on the couch while enjoying the musical show, while Ashley, still wearing John, was in the back with Melissa. Aisha was in the open kitchen, pouring herself a glass of wine, but she froze when she noticed us, and Claire more specifically.

“Thank you for coming, everyone!” Mother announced with an excited smile. “I know it's another sudden meeting, but I have more news to share!”

All eyes were immediately drawn to Claire. And while most seemed surprised in a good way, Aisha was clearly already fuming inside.

Mother placed her hands on Claire and Dahlia's shoulders, looking proud. “Our coven is gaining two new members. Please welcome my daughter Claire, whom I decided to bless, and her girlfriend Dahlia, the one who blessed Edward.”

“Three new members in such a short time? How wonderful!” Chelsea exclaimed, giving us a warm smile as she approached Claire. “Welcome, Claire, Dahlia. I'm Matthew, but you can also call me Chelsea.”

It was Nikolai's turn to get up, raising his hand for a handshake. “And I'm Nikolai, or Judith currently. Nice to see you in good shape, Claire. And nice to meet you, Dahlia.” Claire and Dahlia both awkwardly shook his hand, still nervous about the situation. It made Nikolai chuckle. “You're safe, here, don't worry. Chelsea will play some music later, you'll love it.”

“Wait, Mother! You really intend to have her join? And a skinwalker we know nothing of?” Aisha protested. “We can't trust them!”

Mother looked at Aisha. Her smile was still here, but her eyes told an entirely different story. I wasn't even the target of her glare but it still made me shiver. And Aisha instantly appeared very meek.

“Aisha, dear. I know my daughter perfectly well, and I wouldn't have introduced Dahlia had I believed her dangerous for us.” Mother replied, her tone colder. “Besides, they won't stay here for long, they are leaving tomorrow and will occasionally return. Edward will be the only one staying, and I want you to stop your childish tantrum towards them. Understood?”

“Y-yes, Mother…” Aisha looked away, acting like a kid who just got scolded.

I really didn't know why she hated us so much, but I hoped she'd get nicer with time, I certainly didn't want all my meetings with her to become conflicts.

Mother approached Aisha and caressed her cheek gently. “I love you, Aisha, just as I love all my other children, and you know that,” she continued, this time with a more soothing voice.

Aisha weakly nodded but didn't say anything else. She just walked away, probably to take a stroll like she did last time. Mother, meanwhile, returned to us.

Once things had calmed down, Oliver joined Mother's side. “I apologise on Aisha's behalf. I'm Oliver. I am elated to welcome you two to the coven. I really wanted to be present for your arrival, but unfortunately I cannot stay much longer, so I hope you'll enjoy your stay. If you need anything, ask Aga. You are now part of the family too, and we take great care of each other.”

Oliver gave Mother a brief but tender kiss, which took Claire aback, and then quickly left the house. He seemed to have quite a busy life considering he showed up late during my own introduction.

Ashley went towards us, Melissa and another girl following her. The girl had tan skin and curly blonde hair, and was wearing a torn punk tanktop alongside leather shorts, fishnets, and knee-high leather boots. The tattoo of a thorny rose could be seen on her bare left shoulder.

“W-welcome,” Ashley shyly said. “I'm Ashley.”

“A-and I'm Melissa, Edward's assistant. It's, uhh, nice to meet you.” Melissa followed, bowing at us.

I smiled. “Hey Ashley, Melissa.”

“You, uhh, seem to be feeling better. I'm glad,” Melissa commented with a warm smile.

I nodded. “Yeah, I had time to think about everything and talk to Mother. A part of me is still uncomfortable about it, but I'm ready to be Elise for the time being.”

Ashley seemed relieved to hear that, but didn't speak. We'd most likely have plenty of time for a discussion this evening after the party, when we'd return to Elise and John’s flat.

The blonde approached Claire, smiling. “I'm Rebecca, and I'll be your assistant starting today.”

“Oh, uhh, nice to meet you,” Claire awkwardly replied.

Rebecca giggled, winking at Claire. “Don't be shy, honey. Master Minh briefed me, I'm to take good care of you.”

I could hear a trace of a southern accent when Rebecca spoke. Not very pronounced, but present nonetheless.

Claire blushed, clearly not indifferent to Rebecca's charms. “I-I see.”

“Would you like to wear me now to feel better? You look a little… ‘worse for wear’.” Rebecca laughed at her own joke before regaining her composure. “Sorry, I couldn't resist.”

I was surprised by Rebecca's personality. I've been told she was one of Minh's brainwashed servants, I didn't expect her to seem so… normal.

Claire timidly nodded. “Hmm, s-sure. Thank you."

Rebecca grabbed Claire's hand, smiling. “Great~ Let me show you where the bedrooms are.”

While Claire was being dragged upstairs by a way too enthusiastic Rebecca, Mother approached Dahlia.

“What kind of assistant would you prefer, Dahlia?” Mother asked.

“I don't need one, thank you,” Dahlia instantly replied.

“Are you sure? We can certainly find someone you'd enjoy the company of.”

Dahlia seemed almost annoyed by the insistence. “I'm sure. I'm sorry but I don't want one of your brainwashed victims, no matter how cruel they might have been before. If you ever need to reach me, Rebecca is enough. I'm not leaving Claire's side, and I'm certainly not going to change skins anytime soon.”

Mother smiled. “Very well, I respect your decision. In any case, make yourself at home. There's plenty of food and drinks, and Chelsea will resume her play shortly. Feel free to take a look at the garden too, I believe it'll be to your liking.”

Mother went to the kitchen, grabbing a can of beer and a slice of pizza, while Chelsea returned to the piano. After flexing her fingers, she started to play and sing. It was a soft song, slow and relaxing, and everyone was drawn to her, happily enjoying the show. Minh and Melissa were dancing together, and so were Nikolai and another woman I didn't know. Ashley was on the couch, clapping her hands and tapping her feet in rhythm, while Kate and Mother were leaning against the counter, drinking together.

Dahlia seemed taken aback by the scene in front of her, her eyes wide. She most likely didn't expect this from a coven of skinwalkers either. Now that I had grown to accept my situation more, I had to admit that I didn't dislike the atmosphere. It felt really cosy. Like a group of close friends, or a family, enjoying a party together.

After a few minutes, Claire returned, wearing Rebecca's skin. She stopped for a brief moment on the stairs, also surprised by the show, but then came closer to Dahlia and I. The two of them exchanged a loving glance before Claire turned to me, almost expectantly waiting for me to say something.

“Hmm, you're good, Claire?” I asked.

She smiled shyly, playing with her hair while looking at her current body. “Yeah, I'm feeling much better.”

I gave her a hug, which was still a bit weird considering how much smaller I was even to Rebecca. “I'm glad.”

“I didn't expect the coven to be like this,” she then said, looking at Chelsea.

“Yeah, I had a similar reaction two days ago,” I agreed.

Mother and Kate approached us, cans of beers in their hands.

“Here, get something to drink,” Mother said, handing Claire and Dahlia the cans.

“No thanks,” Dahlia replied, while Claire hesitantly took the can.

Kate gave me one as well, smiling politely at me. “Here’s for you, Edward. I'm relieved to see you in a better state than last time.”

I gladly grabbed and opened the can. “Thanks, Kate."

“Claire, Dahlia, here's Kate, my dear assistant,” Mother said, gesturing at Kate. “Unlike Rebecca, she joined the coven willingly, like Melissa.”

It seemed to surprise Dahlia. “Willingly?”

“Edward's mother and the coven greatly helped me when I… was in a very bad spot,” Kate explained.

“Our coven seeks to have a kind and symbiotic relationship with humans in need. We help them, and in exchange, they help us,” Mother continued. “Trying to reign over humans with fear and being overly selfish and greedy is stupid and dangerous in the long-term. When you fear someone, you are prone to betraying them on the first occasion. Humans and skinwalkers, we are a family, taking care of each other. Even our unfortunate brainwashed followers are treated well. Despite sometimes deserving it, they're not mindless slaves. You can confirm, Claire.”

Dahlia and I focused on Claire, who nodded, her cheeks reddening. “Minh… has been kind to her…”

If I had to guess the reason for her embarrassment, Minh most likely shared a lot of intimate moments with Rebecca, moments Claire was currently remembering.

“I see…” Dahlia said. “I need some fresh air.”

She suddenly walked away, towards the backyard. Claire and I followed her, discovering the garden which did indeed looked pretty well-maintained and colourful. Roses of multiple colours surrounded a large swimming pool, smaller flowers scattered all around their bases.

Dahlia approached the roses, observing them. I was under the impression she still felt uncomfortable despite the overall warm welcome she'd received.

“You alright, Dahlia?” I asked, standing next to her and enjoying the beauty of the vegetation.

“This coven, it seems so different from the one I knew,” she quietly said.

“You were part of a coven?” Claire questioned. “How was it?”

Dahlia sighed. “It was… horrible… The skinwalkers there were disgusting monsters, toying with humans as if their lives were worthless and they only existed for their own amusement… Just talking about them is making me wanna vomit.”

“We tend to get rid of skinwalkers like those,” a familiar voice spoke from behind us. It was Aisha, crossing her arms. “They're cruel idiots who only endanger all of us by risking the ire of hunters.”

Her declaration surprised me. “You're hunting evil skinwalkers?”

Aisha snickered. “We're no paragons of justice, we just take care of the most problematic ones, and all those who dare hurt a member of our family. But Mother made sure the other skinwalkers in town understood not to mess with us.”

“You, umm, hunted skinwalkers yourself?” Claire wondered.

“A lot,” Aisha simply replied before glaring at us. “Make sure I don't have to hunt any of you. I'll have no mercy if you betray Mother's trust.”

I couldn't help but sigh. “I don't know what your problem with us is, but we're not looking for trouble. I just… want to adjust to Elise's life in peace.”

“I'll be watching you,” Aisha announced before walking back inside.