My parents are at a staff meeting. Alfie is off with Annipe by the river somewhere, and Jordan sits on the laptop with his earphones in. Sitting beside him, he barely acknowledges me until I pull them off.

"Sup?"

"How did your mission go? Penny said it was a flop."

"Then you already know how it went." He snatches the earphones back but doesn't put them in. "Your bear friend was upset though."

"Why?" Oz hadn't mentioned anything to me when we last spoke, Paul hadn't said anything either.

"Some werewolves went and trashed his bar. Things got messy, but I'd hate to see him in bear form fighting off a bunch of those man beasties. He won, but they're still replacing furniture and things."

"Paul never mentioned it."

"He handled it, no need to get our kind involved or to worry. They're a bit wild out that way aren't they?" Jordan typed something before closing down his account with the Council. "No new missions, things seem to have got real quiet this week."

"Good point. Even the vamps aren't still whining about everything. Ailin hasn't called any meetings or sent out any alerts. When it gets quiet like this, it's never good." I bite my lip nervously, unsure if we're looking for trouble where there isn't any.

"Tom and Sam, I think Drew as well, are all coming by tomorrow. That should be fun." He changes the subject. "Annipe said you were leaving when I went by after dinner. Nice timing, but where you off to now?"

"I meant soon but could be a good time to go. It's even weirder now Tom's nice to me," I shrug. "I'm grabbing V and heading out to the coven if you want to come?"

"Thought they were anti-men?"

"Well, he's hiding in the bushes with some of his friends, and I think it's a light fae that was helping them spy on the coven. Nothing's come up yet, but the surveillance team have noticed a lot of other things coming and going over the last couple of weeks. Witches, some demon species, you know, the things we try to avoid most of the time."

"I got nothing else on. What does the golden boy think of this? Thought you were taking a step back from it?"

"He isn't here, and what's the worst that could happen? I'm not going along, not technically." I shrug.

"So you're going to be in trouble when he finds out?" Jordan shakes his head.

"Only if he finds out." Secrets. We all have them, and hell, he keeps more of them than I do. "You going to be a dobber?"

"Please. My lips are sealed Elliephant. Pretty sure you used to be the one to open your mouth first when Mum and Dad wanted to know something. You're the biggest dibber dobber I know!"

I laugh. I can't help it. The ridiculousness of it breaks me, and I can't stop until tears are streaming down my face. Jordan laughs too, and for a second, I wonder if maybe we should stay home. Put on a movie, cook some popcorn; we hadn't hung out in ages, and not just the two of us. CJ was always around, but now he had his girlfriend, I couldn't actually remember when I last saw him.

"Come on, we better get ready." Jordan puts his things away and gets changed, while I pick at dinner leftovers and ignore the tiny wave of guilt that turns up whenever I think about what we're about to go and do.

"Why is it so dark?" I wonder, tripping over something as Jordan's phone light seems unable to stay pointed down to where we need it.

"We're in the forest. No street lights here!"

"Funny," I snap before muttering under my breath. "Idiot."

"If you two were any more obvious, we may as well just head on over and set up watch from the balcony!" V scolds us, and slowly I begin to make out his shape. "It's a New Moon, so it's extra dark as it's night time and there's no moonlight."

Makes sense, and Jordan instantly looks up as though he was prepared to argue that point. He keeps quiet and the other vampire grunts in greeting. A small screen sits on his lap that lights up as we sit beside him.

"More witches." The crackly female voice comes through so quietly, its barely understandable.

"Where is she?" I ask, the image flickering to the front door of the building.

"Tree by the driveway. We have two cameras at either end of the yard. Best we can do, but there is something in the back blocking one of them, maybe it's gone down, or it might be some kind of stage. We haven't been able to check, and there is a bit of interference happening with those undercover." The vampire whispers.

"Three witches that work with us are inside. So far, nothing suspicious to report." V tells me. "You'll have backup if you need it."

"Ok, good to know. Well, let me get in there and see if I can get this party started hey!" I stand, dusting off my bum and just before I go down, Jordan grabs my arm stopping me.

"Please be careful."

"Aw Jords, you do care!" I pat his cheek.

"Only because I value my life if anything happens to you and your boyfriend finds out." He quickly adds.

"Sure, sure. I know you love me."

"Love is a very-" Jordan starts.

"Can you two not do this now?" V sighs. "We are meant to be hiding. Who knows if they have any patrols out here!"

I stand on the doorstep and adjust my shirt before running a hand through my hair. Deciding to make my arrival quiet, if that was possible, I don't bother knocking before walking in. The music is loud, the base low and the rhythm of the song vibrates through my body. Every inch of me seems to tingle and react. It's strange, and I walk further in surprised at how at ease I feel here, my previous worries disappearing as I feel lighter with each step. Black magic taints the air in a manner that pleases me rather than warns or makes me want to turn away. A mage smiles my way as he passes, one of the fae from the coven tucked securely under his arm as she gazes up at him adoringly.

The front room is where they go, the sounds that echo over the music through the thin veil of lace that hangs from the doorway makes it clear what's going on in there. I pause as they go in, just as a naked female emerges; demon, judging by the tiny little horns that protrude from her forehead. She winks at me as she passes, and somehow I end up following her, sidestepping other couples so lost in each other that they don't even notice us passing.

Hazel's parties were never like this.

Ivy isn't Hazel.

To my right, another room is full of robed fae of the coven. I peek in, their chanting so soft yet powerful it pulls me closer. A goat lays in the middle of their circle, pentagrams and shapes I don't know surrounding it. Something pushes in the back of my mind, but I keep it blocked. The dark fae are able to communicate telepathically, only keeping everyone out of my head was a big priority for me. Ivy tried constantly, and I felt her questions in her expression whenever she did - why stop her, stop them? Too much had happened for me to feel comfortable with anyone doing anything like that and I also didn't feel the need to explain myself to her.

Something else pushed now though.

Something in my gut that had my instincts on alert. It was probably because of the creatures that filled this house. I hadn't even had a drink yet, and I was starting to feel anxious. My eyes played tricks on me, especially when I drank a lot. Hazel and her shadow following of murdered sisters appeared regularly. Her eyes red in defence, I almost thought that maybe she was stuck here and I wasn't welcome at all. Plus I wasn't here to actually party. I was here to stop Ivy, wasn't I?

Swaying, I lean against the doorframe and look again at the goat. My head feels heavy, like something inside is trying to break out. Looking away, I know I haven't had anything to drink. I just arrived. I had sobered up from this afternoon. I still manage to see Hazel now though, standing on the opposite side of the room to me and I know it her in my head; playing with the anxiety in my stomach, feeding me those emotions that something isn't right.

I look at the goat.

Hazel's coven named their goat, making it impossible for them to ever use it for any other purpose than keeping their lawn under control. Besides, they didn't use sacrifices and meeting her eyes now, she tells me as clearly as she had the first time.

"We are not witches, our magic is our own, not borrowed from the gods for some spell!"

I close my eyes, and when I look again, she's gone.

"Elise!" Ivy calls excitedly, "you're finally here! I didn't think that man of yours was going to let you join us!"

"He's, preoccupied," I tell her, not liking the way she has hold of my arm as tiny little claws pinch my skin. "It's super busy here tonight. I thought it would be a smaller gathering, like usual?"

"Well, tonight a special night."

"It is?"

"You'll see!" She winks, pulling me along towards the kitchen.

Everyone we pass notices us now, the fae all pausing to dip their heads in her direction while those not of the coven all keep their eyes on me. I understand why they notice her though, her headdress is a work of art. Black roses are the base of the crown, with small skulls, diamonds, and feathers covering it. The same pentagram and shapes that had been with the goat are also found within the decorations and down the soft sleeves of her robe. Someone is a little more dressed up than usual.

A vampire hands me a drink as we enter the room and I hesitate, the back of my neck prickling in warning. There are too many people here, too many things happening. The music is too loud. Three shifters crowd around what looks like a small cauldron and set it on fire. The smoke takes over the room, and I can't breathe.

"Come on, let's get some fresh air," Ivy suggests, taking her own drink from the vampire. "Maybe upstairs."

"What about outside?" I suggest, wondering if I can do something to unblock the camera's view.

"Later. One of the witches brought along an Incubus, and he doesn't handle his drink well. Last I saw, he was throwing up in the bushes." She frowns, her eyes not hiding her rage.

"What's with the outfit?" I look around as we go up the stairs, noticing how empty up here always seems to be.

"As I said, it's a special night. I decided to dress for the occasion." She shrugs. "I'm surprised you didn't bring your redheaded Hunter friend."

"I wasn't sure if she was invited tonight. Your invitation seemed as though it was meant only for me."

She doesn't even flinch at the mention of the invitation, instead of smiling. "I wouldn't have minded. She seemed, sweet."

"Apollo was a little, upset by it. You could have just texted." Like you usually do, all the damn time.

"Sometimes it's just nicer to receive something, personal." Her eyes find mine and the smile plastered on her face is semi-delusional with a side of fake. "You're not drinking tonight?"

"I won't stay long. Apollo will be wondering where I am if I'm gone for too long."

"But he isn't here, what does it matter?" She dismisses it, finishing her drink as we enter her bedroom. "He only seems to bring you down. Suppressing your wants and needs, holding you back from your full potential. I mean, I'm no expert, but you never seem happy when talking about him. It's always he won't let me do this, I can't because he won't like it, we had an argument. Blah blah blah!"

"It's not that bad." I manage to bite back my anger.

It then hits me what she said. How did she know he wasn't here?

"It's not that good either. I've never understood humans and their need for monogamy. You are a young, beautiful, powerful female. Why not let yourself experience and enjoy all that brings?" She sits on her bed, motioning me over to join her. "You deserve better."

"Thank you for your concerns, but you really have no idea what you're talking about."

This annoys her, I can feel the change in the air - especially when I go to the window instead of the bed. From this angle, I can't really see anything except the garden.

"So, what is so special about tonight?"

Forgetting everything, I take a sip of my drink. Sweet wine fills my mouth, and it's actually pretty good.

"It's a new moon," Ivy tells me, moving to the mirrored dresser to adjust her headpiece. "Tonight is a significant night."

"Cause it's so dark?"

Coming closer, her pixie-like features seem more evident tonight. Her teeth have pointed ends, ears pointed, pale skin that has a shimmery, pearl look about it. I thought that more light fae, but let it go.

"We are friends, are we not?" She asks, and I nod, taking another sip of my drink, before finishing it completely. It hits my stomach hard, and I regret not eating more before coming out. "Despite being given the honour of High Priestess, I often find myself wondering if this is all life is."

"Orgies and goat sacrifices?" I ask, annoying her further but she tries to hide it well.

"Loneliness. Never feeling as though I truly belong here. I want more, a real purpose. I want happiness. I don't want to be around those that hide who they are from me, keep secrets and lie. I hate being thought less of because I am female, being treated differently, like what I want and say doesn't matter. That if I do something they don't like, I'm too emotional, unstable or weak. None of us here do. It's why we come together this way. We celebrate what makes us unique." She touches my arm. "Do you understand? Do you know what that feels like?"

"You're laying it on a bit thick, Ivy. I'm not that fucking stupid. What is going on?" I snap, unable to play along anymore. Did she think she found an Elise manual and actually knew me?

"Well, you are because you drank the wine," She retorted. Clearly not playing along anymore either. "Before I finish talking you are going to drop like a sack of potatoes."

I did.

I couldn't get myself away from there. Paralysed on the floor of her bedroom she sat down beside me, gently smoothing my hair away from my face.

"It could have been easier if you just went along with it, but no. You had to keep going back to him, keep fighting the gift we plan to give you. You poor, stupid girl. Don't worry, you'll be out of your misery soon. Enjoy the afterlife, Hunter."

I look back to the window and see Hazel shaking her head.

Then nothing.

______________

"Oh, you're awake!" Ivy greets, her cheeks are rosy and eyes bright.

The tiny skulls in her headpiece get my attention, and in the shiny reflection of a bead, I catch sight of something on my face, and my head. Reaching up, I feel the weight of my own headpiece and standing from the bed, I wobble over to the mirror.

Elise isn't staring back.

This woman is a warrior.

I know her, and she knows me. We nod in recognition before I study her closer. A black stripe of paint covers our eyes, going from one to the other unbroken. Our lips are black, cheeks marked with various shapes and markings. This headdress is bigger than Ivy's. My hair is teased and wild, like a mane around it.

"We match. Kind of." I smile at her.

"I knew you'd like it."

There's a ringing sound coming from the floor. Clothes I recognise are in a heap, and Ivy quickly blocks them.

"Let me." She is so helpful and attentive. "Yeah?"

She sounds like I do.

"Everything is fine Jordan. I won't be much longer, don't worry!" Ivy hangs up the mobile, drops it on the clothes and then crushes it with her heel.

I take a step towards her and hear the jingle of bells. It's nice to hear. I walk, again and again, the sound is coming from me and looking down, I stop. Apparently, I now dress like a rebellious, overly sexualised version of Princess Jasmine. Black, silky fabric floats around my legs while the bulk of the material is all connected and wrapping around my body where it's needed to leave me with some feeling support. A feather and leather armband is on my left arm, while a silver one engraved with the three moon phases is on the other. Bangles of more silver, leather and gems cover my wrists and the ones on my ankles have the bells on. I've never felt more exposed, feminine, and powerful in all my life.

"What are we getting ready for?" I ask, unable to stop touching and staring at myself as everything feels new, fresh and sensitive.

"Oh, you'll love it. We're going to be welcoming back our Great Mother." Ivy tells me.

"Where has she been?"

"Hell from all we know. We couldn't do it without you!"

"I'm happy to help."

"I know you are. It's why you joined us tonight, isn't it." Ivy comes over and takes my hand. "You're like our sister Elise. Our big sister we all love and look up to. Mother will be so happy to have found you."

"I can't wait to meet her!" Baked treats. Warm hugs. Love. My stomach churns. "I feel, strange."

"Oh, Elise. You drank too much, again! Here silly, have some of this. It'll help you with what's next."

She hands me a glass of something pink. I sip it, and the sweet wine brings my tastebuds to life. It's okay, so I drink it. And another one.

"What is it?" I ask as she takes the cup away. "It's just, the best!"

"It's an aphrodisiac laced poison. Just a mild dose, we don't want any real harm to come to you, but I do need you to be, obedient." Ivy giggles and I find myself doing the same.

"That sounds terrible!"

"It is. But it won't matter soon." She shrugs. "Come on, it's nearly time."

We go downstairs, and everyone stops bows and then silently follows. The music changes, so it's no longer the deep base that thrums through my body, but the combined voices of our followers as they hum. I feel like dancing, but something tells I shouldn't.

I do it anyway.

Two faes from the coven, join me - they laugh and sway, having a good time. It is a party after all. My skin is tingling, I feel like I could float away. The fabric tickles my legs, sending sensations up my thighs while the beading across my stomach feels like one hundred fingers lazily tracing up and down, around and around. The feathers on my arms prickle in a good way, and I slowly run a hand down my neck, across my collarbone and between my cleavage.

"Elise, this way!" Ivy calls, and suddenly hands are lifting me up.

I'm on the shoulders of two demon creatures, no, they're something else. Human. But not really. They walk me up to a set of stairs and put me down. One steps back, the other lingers; his fingertips press into my hip. He moves in closer for a kiss and-

He's gone. Ivy's hand relaxes as the blast of light vanishes and the ash of his body floats across the group.

"Disrespectful, vile, creature." She curses, turning back to the box.

The fae mumble to themselves.

"He would dare taint the vessel?" One growl.

I look at her, and she smiles. I smile back and look around me at the crowd. There is a big group here now. More than I think there was before. Ivy beckons me closer from the top of the stairs, and I climb the stage to find a big chair, a throne. It's covered in the same black feathers as my armband, grey furs cover the chair as the surrounding area is covered in trees, pillars of crystals, animal skulls and offerings, flowers and at the very top in the centre the three moon symbol. It's like an altar, a place for royalty to sit and observe.

I go towards it, but the fae pulls me back. Sand makes star shapes on the floor, while the light from the hundreds of candles around us has our skin on fire; trails of smoke reach for the sky on the larger ones as I pass them. I feel the heat, hear the crackle of the flame. It burns into my core, and the humming gets louder as I make the fire rise around us. My head is spinning, my body floating.

Wine.

Sweet wine.

I drank, something.

Hazel is there by the Ivy, her message clear as she silently screams and shouts. Run!

I wave at her and stand where Ivy directs. The sand under my tones vibrates with energy. Diamonds and gems litter the ground making it sparkle. The dancing fae now stands either side of me, and I look to the crowd that has gathered. They wear robes like Ivy's. I can't tell who is who or what they are, as their faces are hidden. I can't seem to feel them either. It's like we're miles apart, yet the distance isn't far at all.

"It is time, my friends!" Ivy calls, her voice loud and firm. "On this, the oh holy night of Noumenia, the dark moon of our great mother, divine leader, Hecate, we summon thee."

Hecate.

I look at Ivy, for a moment I contemplate throwing up as I sway and the ground seems to tilt. The fae at my side helps steady me. They're so lovely, caring, gentle and friendly.

"We summon thee, Hecate our great mother, divine leader." The crowd murmurs before the chanting start again.

Ivy stands in front of me, a silver dagger in her hands.

"We thank you for your sacrifice." She whispers, and then her words aren't ones I know, yet I understand. "We give you great mother the blessing of life for all you have given us. Your time has arrived. This vessel was created in your image, a gift to reward you for your great suffering. Rise our dark goddess, you have been unbound from your silent prison. Rise. Rise and let the world hear you!"

She moved fast, her arm coming up and the dagger at my throat.

"No, Elise!" Someone shouts.

"Grab them!" More voices.

The humming doesn't stop.

I don't feel the cut as she does it.

I do feel the pulsing rush of liquid on my chest, on my neck. I can hear the roar of my body respond to the attack. I see the crimson liquid covering Ivy's face as her eyes glow a similar red. The fae that holds me let go, and I drop down. Nothing hurts. I feel the warm wetness reach my chin and cheek. I smell the wood, the earth, the blood against my nose.

The humming doesn't stop.

Ivy's voice is like a lullaby; her words strong and repetitive.

I close my eyes as the candles all go out.