Chapter 15 - Forging New Paths

A few days later I was sitting in the Thorn and Veil, letting the warm glow of the lanterns help me relax. I had just settled into a corner table with a spiced drink when Dorian walked in, waving as he approached. He wasn’t alone though; a confident-looking young woman with sharp, intelligent eyes was walking in with him. 

“Hey there, Tyra. Hope you don’t mind, but I brought Alexia along so you could maybe get a better sense of how things are in the Icarus Coven,” he said with a smile as he gave me a hug. 

“Nice to meet you, Tyra,” she smiled. “Dorian mentioned you had some concerns about being in Aquarius, and might be interested in switching covens.” 

I shook her hand in greeting and nodded, feeling a bit nervous but grateful to have supportive friends who I could talk to about anything. “Yeah…” I sighed. “Aquarius just doesn’t feel like… me anymore. The parties, the nudity, the dancing… It started to feel like I had to perform instead of actually growing and learning. I wanted something steadier… More focused…” 

Alexia sat down beside Dorian and said, “Icarus is definitely more structured. We emphasize personal growth and mastering your craft in a safer environment. It’s not as wild as Aquarius, but the bonds that we build are strong and we’re supportive with those who are learning how to control their magic and abilities… I switched from Aquarius myself, and it was the best decision I ever made.” 

“Nobody will hold it against you if you do decide to switch,” Dorian insisted. “Switching covens is pretty common when you realize that the first one doesn’t really align with who you’re becoming. You wouldn’t be burning any bridges or anything… especially if you talk to Jezebel honestly.” 

The door opened and Nate Caeden stepped in, shaking rain from his black duster. His eyes scanned the room and landed on our table. He hesitated for a moment, then walked over. “Hey you three. How’re things this evening?” 

”Tyra’s thinking of joining us in Icarus!” Alexia beamed up at Nate, before I could answer him. 

Dorian winced a little and put a hand on Alexia’s wrist. “Tyra might have wanted to tell him that herself, Alex…” 

“It’s fine,” I chuckled and nodded to the empty seat for Nate to join us. “We were just talking about how Icarus might be a better fit for me.” 

”I could see that working,” Nate nodded as he sat down. “You have a lot of potential, Tyra, and Icarus could really help you nurture that inner talent in a less… chaotic environment.” 

”Really?” I raised an eyebrow at him. “I thought you would have been ‘team Aquarius’ with how often you spend over there…” 

Nate cleared his throat and eyed me. “I spend equal time at all the covens, you just don’t see it. If you need any help with the initiation process, I’m sure Alexia here will be more than willing to help you out.” 

“Oh definitely!” Alexia beamed. “Icarus has this ceremony called the Ascent. New members climb a sacred spire at dawn and release a lantern with something they want to overcome. It’s about declaring ambition and letting go of limits.” 

“Don’t you have some sort of journaling thing too?” Dorian looked over at Alexia as he drank his coffee that had come in the meantime. 

“Yes! It happens at the end of each season,” Alexia explained. “You write your failures and lessons, then burn the book. The ashes get mixed into the ink for new goals. It’s all about transforming pain into fuel.” 

“That sounds kind of intense,” I admitted, sipping my cafe mocha. “But also kind of beautiful. Like you’re forced to face everything instead of running from it.” 

“Exactly,” Nate nodded. “From what I’ve heard, since men don’t attend such ceremonies,” he added with a knowing smirk, “Icarus doesn’t let you hide. Their Shadow and Light Dueling tradition is difficult though.” 

”It really is,” Alexia winced a bit. “You face each other in controlled magical sparing to learn about balance - when to yield, when to rise. It’s not about winning, it’s about mastering talent.” She studied Tyra and said, “You would fit in really well, hon. We value discipline and growth, and we support each other through the falls.” 

“I think it’s the right next step,” I nodded, though part of me still wasn’t entirely certain about it. 

”Whatever you decide, we’ll be here for you,” Dorian promised, smiling at her. 

“Even if you decide no coven at all, like I did,” Nate winked at me. ”You’re already stronger than that first day I met you at the Gallery… You even know where to find the classrooms,” he teased. 

”Oh come on!” I chuckled, punching him in the arm playfully. “That place is a labyrinth and the doors are basically hidden into the walls.” 

We laughed together and continued discussing the latest lessons that we had attended. It felt good to relax and share with friends, feeling like I was starting to carve my own path.