Chapter Five - Storms and Sisters
The Aquarius Coven building was less a “building” and more a living extension of the bayou itself. It was a sprawling, multi-level wooden pavilion rose organically from the misty wetlands, its dark cypress wood weathered silver by years of rain and magic. The structure curved gracefully around a large natural spring, with open sides framed by flowing white curtains that stirred in the human breeze. Lanterns and glowing blue runes hung from the rafters and moss-draped eaves, casting an ethereal, ever-changing aquamarine light across the entire grounds. In the front of the main pavilion lay a wide, naturally formed pool fed by the gentle waterfall that trickled over the smooth black stones. The water itself glowed with soft bioluminescent blues and purples, alive with the swirling motes of magic. Steam rose easily from the surface, full of the scent of jasmine and sacred herbs. The smooth stone ledges surrounded the pool, where girls were lounging casually in bathing suits of all levels of coverage. Submerged runes pulsed gently beneath the water, responding to the auras of those who entered. The ancient cypress trees draped in thick, Spanish moss encircled the entire area like protective guardians, their branches forming a natural canopy overhead. It looked like something out of a dream - beautiful, hypnotic, and more than a little dangerous. It was exactly what I was craving.
As I walked up the path, still processing my decision, I slowed as I spotted an increasingly-familiar face leaning against a tree, black duster draped over a nearby branch and his sleeves rolled up. His golden magic faintly glowed at his fingertips as he seemed to be “monitoring” the gathering.
I approached him with a small, teasing smile. “Well… if it isn’t the Warden. You do tend to show up everywhere, don’t you?”
He turned, his expression going from a hint of surprise to giving me a slow smile. “Tyra Pierce… Seems you’ve made your choice,” he looked me up and down.
“I’m… testing the waters,” I admitted, stepping closer to the pool’s edge. I kicked off my shoes and sat down on the smooth stone ledge, dipping my feet into the glowing water. The magic immediately reacted and soft, purple sparks danced across the surface where my skin touched it. Looking over at him I asked, “So are you gonna stand there pretending to work all night, or are you gonna let yourself come closer for a better view?”
He chuckled, stepping a bit closer, but still staying just out of the water. “Careful, sweetheart. That sounds dangerously close to an invitation.”
“Maybe it is,” I grinned, leaning back on my hands. “I’ve spent my whole life following the rules. Tonight I’m just… feeling rebellious.” I trailed my fingers through the water, sending ripples of purple energy outward as the pool brightened in response. “So are you on duty or…?”
“I’m supposed to be monitoring things,” he kept his gaze on me. “Making sure the Accords are followed… But you make that difficult, Miss Pierce.”
“Do I?” I grinned wider. “Well, at least I’m not completely ruined by those who tried to control me for so long… It’s exhausting.” I stood up slowly and peeled off my outer top, revealing a simple bikini top underneath. The humid air and the pool’s magic was making my skin glow faintly and I couldn’t resist tempting the man… just a little… “You can come closer if you want, Nathaniel… I don’t bite, unless you ask nicely.”
His smirk deepened, and he stepped right to the edge. “You’re going to get me in trouble, Tyra.”
“Only the fun kind… Come on, Caeden…” I said as I lowered myself completely into the pool after shedding my shorts and revealing that I was wearing a bikini bottom underneath. “The water feels incredible, and I could use someone I trust to explore it with…”
I could see him hesitate, and almost consider it, before he finally crouched down closer at my level at the pool’s edge. The tension between us crackled, but the moment was interrupted as a voice broke the silence.
“Well, well… Looks like our newest sister is already making friends,” Jezebel smirked, followed by a couple of other girls. “Ladies, this is Tyra Pierce, our newest sister.
“Hi there!! I’m Bethany! Have you had a chocolate martini yet? They’re absolutely delicious!” She offered me a glass and I took it happily.
“How could I refuse?” I chuckled as Nate stood and nodded awkwardly to Jezebel. Of course I knew why there was heat between them both, but I wasn’t about to let out the secret that I actually had witnessed them being intimate at the Blue Moon ritual. He cleared his throat and backed away, returning to his post against the nearby tree and letting us chat.
“And I’m Esther,” the other girl smiled at me. “I’m in the Taurus Coven, but the Aquarius sisters invite everyone to their pool of healing magic,” she beamed.
“Pool partyyyyy!” Shrieked another girl suddenly, running in and practically diving into the pool. “Someone get me a drink!”
Jezebel and the other girls laughed knowingly and explained to me, “That’s Ophelia… She’s quite… excitable,” she chuckled.
More girls arrived as the night went on, and I continued to meet them and promised I would try to learn their names. At one point, I met a girl named Haven, from the Icarus Coven, who brought her friend, Nolan, a rogue wizard who wasn’t in any fraternity at all.
“We heard a new sister joined the Aquarius coven and had to come!” Haven exclaimed.
Nolan kicked off his shoes and slid into the pool near me, moving with casual confidence. Haven settled on the edge, dipping her feet in but staying mostly dry. “So a new free spirit has joined the ranks… You’re literally glowing, sweetheart,” he observed, looking me over.
“Careful, I might shock you,” I smirked, splashing him lightly, sending purple sparks through the water. “What about you, hmm? Not claimed by any coven huh? Aren’t there groups for wizards?”
“Sure there are,” Nolan shrugged. “But I prefer not being caged.” He swam a bit closer and whispered, “Besides… The best views are usually off the beaten path…”
Suddenly, a stray dog with messy fur and strange-colored eyes (one blue, one green) wandered out of the trees, its tail wagging curiously as it sniffed the air near the pool.
“Oh my gosh! Look at him!” I exclaimed, loving dogs. “Come here, buddy!” The puppy ventured further in, paddling happily. The aura water swirled around him, and the faint golden-purple sparks flickered harmlessly around him and he looked absolutely delighted. “Wait… what happens when the dog touches the water in here? Does it hurt him?”
“He seems to like it,” Nolan chuckled, still swimming close to her. “Looks like even the strays know a good time when they see one.”
The puppy swam over and nuzzled against me, clearly enjoying the magical water. I laughed, petting him, glancing between Nolan and Nate. I felt like I was caught between the easy flirtation with this rogue wizard and the intense connection I was building with him. As the healing waters created a relaxing, calm environment, I found myself letting go of all the stress and worries I had been carrying. I was excited to see where things would go from here, and the best part was that my life was finally in my own hands…
Comments
Post a Comment