Zak and Pipsqueak diligently staple fliers to lampposts throughout the town, each one proudly announcing the merger of our formidable pack, Shadow Crest, with the Midnight Coven.
As our pack members gather to read the posts, uncertainty hangs in the air. Nina and I step forward, eager to reassure our pack and quell any lingering concerns.
'Hello, everyone,' Nina addresses the pack with a warm smile. The pack members respond with polite smiles, their curiosity palpable. 'I want to reassure everyone that joining forces with the Midnight Coven is a beneficial move for all of us,' Nina continues, her voice carrying a reassuring tone. 'Having extra aid around town will be advantageous, and the magical protection they can provide will enhance the safety of our community. Witches are not to be feared. I am one, along with my sister May, and we have never caused any harm to anyone in the pack. The Midnight Coven is on our side, aiming to live peacefully among us and to help keep both humans and our kind safe from any threats to our communities.'
A collective nod ripples through the assembled pack, and smiles of understanding gradually replace the initial uncertainty. Nina's talk seems to have eased some of the pack members.
Nina holds her head high. 'You are all welcome to join us at midnight tonight to be introduced to the Midnight Coven,' Nina invites, and the pack exchanges glances that now carry a sense of curiosity and excitement.
***
As the clock inches closer to midnight, an air of excitement blankets the packhouse members and the gathering crowd where we wait outside the packhouse. All eyes are fixed on the circle decorated with stones forming a star, and murmurs of speculation from the pack members waiting fill the night air.
'How does this work? Do you think they'll materialize in the circle, or perhaps a mist will emanate from within and bring them forth?' May queries, her curiosity mirroring that of the onlookers.
'We'll find out any minute now,' Nina responds, her eyes sparkling with excitement and curiosity.
The stroke of midnight signals the arrival of the Midnight Coven. In a flash, Yiselda emerges, followed by Fern, Ela, Ria, and Lilac. Gasps of surprise rise from the crowd, mingling with whispers of awe.
Yiselda, with a grin, acknowledges the gathering and addresses us. 'I assume you consented to join us as one community?' She smiles at me.
'Welcome back,' I respond, my voice carrying across the crowd. 'Yes, we are all thrilled to have you join us. Nina and May are also delighted to join your coven and become your sisters.' I catch a glimpse of my parents in the crowd, their smiles reflecting my own excitement.
'Let’s begin the initiation then and have you join our pack,' I propose.
An athame with a black wood handle is brought forward, and I take the knife, cutting across the palm of Yiselda's hand and then across my own. Our hands clasp together in a symbolic gesture of unity.
'I, Alpha Magnus, of the Shadow Crest Pack, with the Moon Goddess as our witness, accept the sisters of the Midnight Coven into our pack. Wolf and Witch have merged.'
As the declaration echoes into the night, lightning dances across the sky, and thunder roars with the same ferocity as it did the night, I accidentally cursed Nina.
'The Moon Goddess has blessed us,' I announce aloud.
As we release our clasped hands, the wounds on our palms have all but healed. Cheers erupt, and the crowd showers their welcome upon the witches of the Midnight Coven, sealing the merging of wolf and witch with jubilation and a sense of unity that transcends both packs.
Yiselda's little mouse appears from the hood of her cloak and perches on her shoulder. Nina, curious about the peculiar companions the witches have, directs her question to Yiselda.
‘I have to ask you, Yiselda, about these pets you all have. Is it part of being a witch to have one?’ Nina asks.
The corners of Yiselda's lips tug into a wide smile. ‘These are not just pets, my dear. These are our familiars. This mouse is not just a mouse. Nibbler gives me a source of extra power when I need it. I can see through her eyes and hear through her ears at any time. She also helps me with potions and ingredient gathering. She is a unique familiar since she can transform into many animals. However, her most common choice appears to be a mouse in general. I'm guessing it's due to her fondness for cheese.' Yiselda's laughter echoes through the night.
Nina, intrigued, wonders, ‘How would May and I receive a familiar?’
'Well, a portal to Silverfay Forest will open during the initiation into our coven. All the familiars dwell there. You'll trek through the woods until you come across your familiar. You'll know when you've discovered yours, much like a mate bond. You will feel a deep connection and be pulled toward each other. When you touch your familiar, your wand and clothes will alter, and the mark of your familiar will appear on your chest.'
‘Like a bite mark?’ Nina says, her expression cringing at the thought.
‘Not at all. It will be a symbol, like a tattoo,’ Yiselda explains, alleviating Nina's concern.
‘Oh, I was worried for a moment there,’ Nina says with relief, her worry dissipating.
‘So was I,’ I add, not liking the notion of anyone else marking my Mate with a bite.
‘This is so exciting,’ May exclaims. ‘I wonder what familiar I’ll get?’
‘If you want to find out, we can start the ceremony?’ Yiselda suggests with a warm smile.
‘Yes, let’s start the ceremony. I’m ready,’ Nina says, her eyes filled with excitement, ready to enter the Silverfay Forest and connect with her familiar.
The night is aglow with a mystical energy as the five witches form a circle. 'Nina, May, come forth and join us,' Yiselda beckons, her voice comforting. Nina and May gracefully step towards the circle, surrounded by the enigmatic power of the Midnight Coven. The witches, hands interlocked, create a sacred bond.