#group fic

Fishing went exactly how Raja expected — judgement…judgement from Bianca.

“So you want to turn her into a human,” the witch had said, tossing a spear into the waters before her.

Raja didn’t want this — a discussion. She hadn’t been to the beach in so long. This could have been time to soak it all in. But Bianca just couldn’t help but…well, be Bianca.

“I mean, yes, I want to turn her human. But I won’t be the one carrying the spell out,” Raja tossed her speer too. “Raven will do the dirty work. Thank’s for the information.”

Bianca chose to ignore the remark and refrained from calling Raja out on the fact that she gave that information against her will. Instead, she only said, “You’re kinda obsessed with your mermaid.”

The dark witch spared Bianca a glance, the two going to fetch their weapons again. “I’m not obsessed. I’m in love.” She pulled the spear from the water, finding nothing on the bottom. “We’re tethered, Bianca.”

“I know - I know.”

And Raja glanced at her again. “You sound…disappointed.”

Bianca didn’t answer immediately, searching her brain for a spell that would make the fishing less taxing. But with shit on her mind, she couldn’t think. “I just…I wish there was another way.”

Raja whirled around to look at her best friend, her dress treading the water. “Another way?”

Bianca held her hands up in defence, signalling she would say no more. Raja wanted to press her for a real response, but at the same time, she knew deep down this conversation was already exhausting.

Nothing else Adore-related was said until they returned to the camp two hours later, having managed to catch five fish.

That’s when they saw the whole camp of witches gathered around Raja’s hut.

“The fuck?” The dark witch said, dropping her bag of fish to the ground and rushing towards her home. Her heart was pounding now. Did something happen to Adore while they were gone?

“Move, bitches!” Bianca yelled as both witches shoved past the crowd.

“Sorry, Raja,” Farrah said, allowing the two to pass through.

Once inside, they could see how they all gathered around the now filled tub, Adore leisuring to her heart’s content, fins flapping slightly, signalling her delight. The last time Raja had seen the mermaid, she was deep in sleep, hydrating her body.

Now everyone was gathered around, babbling to her about all sorts of things.

“I got another one,” the enigmatic Katya was sitting on the ground beside the tub, Adore’s attention solely on her, “What do you call two witches who live together? Broom-mates!”

Not one laugh was given.

Adore just stared blankly.

“Oh, come on. That’s a classic! It’s stupid as fuck!” Katya pled with everyone around her.

“Sorry, sweety. Just give up and accept defeat,” Trixie rubbed the jokester’s shoulder.

“What’s going on?” Raja rushed to the tub, Adore reaching for her hand to kiss it.

“We just…heard singing…” Courtney explained, “Coming from here. We think she drew us in.”

Adore smiled sheepishly. “I honestly did not know we could do that.”

“An incredible ability to hold,” Sasha said in admiration.

“Okay, I don’t want to sound rude, but can you all get out?” Raja’s eyes glared at the crowd.

They whined in frustration, but when Bianca barked at them, the witches began to file out.

Now only Adore, Raja, Bianca and Courtney remained. The pregnant witch approached the tub before going to leave herself. “Do you want to come mingle with me later?”

There was a hint of something on her face, almost like excitement.

“Yes. I would love that, Courtney,” Adore shared the light witch’s expression.

“Great.” Courtney then took Bianca’s hand, leading her out of Raja’s hut, “Come on you. We have shit to discuss.”

Once they were gone, Raja sat on the ground where Katya had before, her hand still in Adore’s. “So, you can sing, I’m guessing.”

The mermaid blushed. “I always thought I sounded good. But…never that good,” she glanced at the door where all the witches had disappeared. “Do you want to hear a song?”

Raja never shook her head so fast. “As much as I would love that, it’s probably not a good idea.”

Adore’s face dropped, and Raja felt like a dick. 

“Look, I promise, I’d love to hear you sing, but it’s not safe,” the witch said quietly, “there's…” she gulped, “We’re not alone in this forest, Adore. Of course, there’s the warlock camp, it’s not far at all, and they’re all lovely. But… we’re not the only witches.”

“You have other sisters?” Adore’s eyes squinted.

“Oh, Adore. They are not my sisters.” Raja’s thumb stroked the back of the mermaid’s hand, “They're…Well, let’s just say they aren’t very nice. We’ve feuded with them in the past many a time. You know, sometimes even going to war. It’s been going on for centuries. Even the witches who came before me had to deal with them.”

“That’s awful,” Adore practically whispered. “I don’t understand. You’re all witches, all the same, so why the feud? I mean, back home, all merpeople… we’re one and the same, and all we share is love.”

God, this woman was too pure… Raja’s heart was melting again. She brought Adore’s damp knuckle to her lips, kissing each one sweetly. “I wish that’s how things were for us." 

"Maybe someday,” Adore shrugged.

Raja’s smile turned sad. “I wouldn’t count on it.”

The mermaid lowered her face, “I’m sorry for singing.”

“Oh, Adore. Don’t feel bad.” Raja lifted the mermaid’s chin, “you didn’t know. Fuck, I should have told you before.”

And Adore laughed through her nose, “I probably wouldn’t have understood a word.”

“Oh. Well, true,” Raja giggled.

-_-_-_-

Courtney didn’t explain what she was doing, let alone why she was doing this.

But Adore just let her put whatever this weird stuff was on her face. 

At first, it felt weird, and that weirdness made the mermaid uneasy. But the way Courtney delicately smeared crushed beetroot over Adore’s lips made her feel safe.

“This stuff will stain your lips; give them a nice bit of colour.” Courtney finished painting Adores lips before wiping the beetroot mush from her finger on a cloth.

Adore nodded in understanding. “So, this is what land girls use to…as you say, make themselves look pretty?”

“Yes. I mean, in the towns and cities, ladies wear real makeup. But being out here, all we have is the nature around us. So we make do with what we got.” Courtney explained as she began crushing up rose petals. “Honestly, though, I prefer the natural way. Better for the skin, and even more so for our powers.”

“I don’t think you need makeup.” Adore shrugged.

“Aw, thank you, Adore. Keep talking, please.”

“I don’t think you need makeup. I think you’re beautiful, and Bianca is very lucky to - -”

Courtney raised a hand to silence the babbling mermaid. “Don’t worry, it’s just an expression.”

“Oh. Gosh, human language confuses me.”

“This isn’t ‘human language’ you’re speaking. It’s wican.” Courtney explained, taking a brush and dabbing it into the rose petals, crushed up so much they were now dust.

Adore let Courtney dab the pink powder on her cheeks, and her eyes were stuck on the small bump.

“You know what’s in there, right?” Courtney asked, knowing full well Adore was staring.

“A baby?” Adore answered.

“Yep.” Courtney swept a hand across her belly. “I’m only four months in, so they’re not that big yet.”

The mermaid let out a laugh through a breath before confusion took over. “So, it’s possible for…for two women to make a baby on the land.”

“Oh, no. That’s not what Bianca and I did.” Courtney laughed even more. “We have a mating season with the warlocks, kind of like a pact that’s been going on since before I was even born. They’re nice boys over in that camp.”

“They sound nice.”

“Yeah. I think I chose the right man too. He seemed nice. I’d like to think that if the baby was a boy, and he’d be taken over there, he’d have a great father.” Courtney’s eyes drifted off, fantasising about this future to come.

“And, what if it is a boy?” Adore asked.

Courtney looked back at her, “Honestly, I don’t even think I give a shit about gender. Boy, girl, anything… I’m keeping my baby. And I’ll love them no matter who they are.”

A warm smile found its way to Adore’s face, her green eyes trailing back down to Courtney’s bump.

“Do you want to touch it?” Courtney already took the nodding mermaid’s hand. 

Placing it on Courtney’s belly, Adore felt it, the tiny heart inside beating.

“I mean, there’s not much going on in there right now, but….” Courtney said.

Adore placed an ear up to the bump. “Wow.”

“What? What is it?” The light witch said with intrigue.

And Adore peered up at Courtney again. “I can hear her heartbeat.”

Courtney’s eyes widened. “Her?”

The mermaid nodded.

“Adore, you are fucking incredible.”

-_-_-_-

“Bianca, what is the meaning of this?!” Raja shouted as her best friend shoved her out of her own home.

“You’ll fucking see! Fuck, patience is a virtue, you know,” Bianca shoved the witch again.

“Alright! I’m fucking moving, God!”

For the last two hours, Bianca had been a pest — insisting Raja skip dinner, weaving silk through the dark witch’s hair, forcing her into a beautiful yet uncomfortable dress. And for every question Raja hurled at her, her friend refused to answer.

And now, here Bianca was, pushing her around, literally.

Almost every witch was outside now, jumping around with excitement and yelling out into the night sky. Even Willam was out — odd for the daylight witch. As soon as she lowered the sun and Blair raised the moon, Willam would be long gone, hitting the hay before anyone could beg for her attention. Yet, there she was, whooping with joy, Alaska carrying her on her back.

“What the fuck is going on?!” Raja exclaimed.

Bianca groaned, taking her friend by the hand and dragging her to their destination instead, “We’re all going over to the warlock camp for a good old time.”

“We’re going to get some dick!” Willam cheered.

“B-But,” Raja couldn’t keep up with this shit anymore, “the mating season is over.”

“Oh, fuck the rules, Raj’,” Katya brushed past, hand in hand with Trixie. “We made them so we can fucking break them whenever we want.” And she carried on with her partner.

“Bianca, what about Adore?” Raja questioned. “I know the men are nice, but…I don’t think it’s safe for her to be out there.”

“And that’s why you’re both going to be staying here,” Bianca glanced over her shoulder with a teasing smile.

Finally reaching the end of the camp, the witches rounded the last hut there.

“B’, I swear to God, whatever you bitches have going on here, I’ll - -”

“Shut up already!” Bianca then gestured to what was in front of them, “Look! We did this for you two.”

In the middle of the green was a small table fit for two, a red candle burning in the middle. A bottle of red wine stood next to the candle, most likely made by one of the witches. And then there were the two plates, the fish Raja and Bianca had caught earlier in the day cooked to perfection.

“You did this,” Raja said, the words sounding more like a question.

“Well, it was Courtney’s idea. She roped me into it.” Bianca put a hand on Raja’s shoulder and the other on her hip. God, she was proud of herself. “Just thought it would be nice for you to have alone time with your mermaid.”

“Okay, you can stop calling her my mermaid. One — she has a name. Two — Adore is her own person. And three — Bianca, Adore and I do have alone time.”

“Yes, but now, you’ll both be even more alone.”

“God, you really are childish,” Raja swept a hand through her hair.

“Oh, wow. You know, that’s a lovely thank you for the fish we cooked and all the work we put into making this shit,” Bianca held a hand out to the display. “Fuck, Nina made that table from scratch!”

Raja looked at said table and back to Bianca, “Bullshit.”

“It’s not bullshit.”

“Come on. That’s probably just a fucking spare table.”

Bianca tsked. “Well, believe whatever you want.”

“What are you two bickering about now?” Courtney’s fed-up voice sounded as she stepped up to the two.

“Nothing amazing,” Bianca rolled her eyes. “Where’s Adore?”

“Oh, she’s just coming now,” the light witch glanced over her shoulder before turning her attention to Raja, “So, do you like it?”

Raja peered at the set table again, “Yes. I love it, Courtney.”

Bianca’s eyes widened. “What the fuck? What did I do to you to make you not nice to me tonight?”

Raja chuckled. “Nothing. Maybe I just like pissing you off,” she playfully shoved Bianca on the shoulder.

“Oh, I know you do. So, what about you, Court’? Ready to go over to the warlock camp?” Bianca swung an arm around her tethered.

“Can’t lie; I’m excited to meet the baby’s father again.” Courtney kissed Bianca softly. 

“Who knows? Maybe I could meet a man, give the kid a sibling,” Bianca teased.

“Oh, come on, honey. We can’t be thinking about that so soon.”

“I know. I’m just joking.” Bianca kissed Courtney’s head.

Raja wasn’t paying much attention to the two anymore. 

For Adore just rounded the corner of the end hut, and the dark witch couldn’t take her eyes away.

The mermaid’s hair was now separated into two messy braids that lay on her shoulders, a crown of dark red roses dawning her head. Her lips may have been a deep blood colour, but her eyes stood out the most, shades of red and orange surrounding those green orbs, making them pop.

The dress came to her ankles, with burgundy lace and black roses lined along the waistline. The sleeves came to her elbows, hanging down to her knees in drapey lace.

She looked…just like a witch.

And, fuck…she was so so beautiful.

“Hello,” Adore waved nervously, approaching Raja.

Courtney and Bianca were also now watching, the light witch smiling proudly. 

“Um…hi,” Raja’s nerves kicked in. “Y-You look beautiful.”

Adore cocked her head, “Even without makeup?”

“What? Of course.” Raja took the mermaid in her arms, “No matter what you look like. Just, right now…you look…fuck, like a goddess.”

The red on Adore’s cheeks intensified. But she didn’t hide it. She took Raja’s face in her hands, pulling her into a heated kiss.

Bianca glanced at Courtney, her eyes telling them they should leave.

“Alright,” Courtney clapped her hands together once, “I guess that’s our cue.”

“Absolutely,” Bianca nodded, taking her tethered partner’s hand and aiming for the forest where the other witches were headed.

When they were alone, Raja pulled out of the kiss, “They made us food.”

Adore only now sniffed the air, her eyes moving towards the table. “Oh, pretty.”

“I know, right?” Raja led Adore towards the table. “And it’s fish. So I think you’ll like it.”

“Ugh, it smells so angelic,” was the only word Adore could think to describe it. She took her seat, ready to dig into the meal. Never had she had fish like this. 

“You know, what’s interesting is that being a witch, we usually give a blessing before we eat, but that tradition only comes into play when there’s a Mother Witch present. But, we haven’t had one in so long,” Raja already picked up her knife and fork, carving into the cooked fish. “Fun fact, it’s supposed to be me, but I - -” She paused, watching Adore pick the fish up with her hands, biting into the tender meat. “D-Doesn’t that… Isn’t it hot?”

Adore shook her head, her smile wide.

“You amaze me,” Raja lifted the bottle of wine, pouring the deep red liquid into both glasses.

“You witches amaze me,” Adore said with wide eyes and a full mouth. Swallowing, she continued, “Do you know, earlier, I saw Jinkx. She was outside her house, and she was breathing fire.”

The dark witch raised a brow, sealing the bottle and putting it back. “Oh really?”

“Yes. She was…” Adore paused, returning the fish to the plate as if trying to make sense of her thoughts, “She was sucking on this little stick, and just…smoke…smoke came from her mouth. Is she a dragon?”

That was enough to make Raja chuckle. Ah yes, Jinkx with her cigarettes. She was the only witch on sight who could grow tobacco plants, and the others adored her for it.

“Oh, I see what you’re talking about. Yeah, it’s pretty cool.” The dark witch took a sip of the wine, and Adore did the same, “I love how amazed our world is to you, yet so…normal to me.”

The mermaid grimaced, coughing some as she put the glass down. “W-What is that?!”

“It’s wine.” Raja suppressed a giggle. “It comes from the grapes.”

“Grapes?”

“Yes.”

And Adore took another sip, swallowing with ease now. “I-I think I’ll adjust to it.”

“Don’t drink too much. I’m guessing this is the first alcohol you’ve ever tried.”

“Oh? And what’s alcohol?”

“Alcohol is amazing. But too much, you’ll start to feel… light-headed, I guess? Maybe lose control of your own actions.” Raja explained. “Between you and me, one time Bianca drank too much wine and thought her shadow was a demon latched onto her soul. It was a wild night.”

“…Alright, but that just makes me want to drink as much as I can,” Adore admitted, her eyes wide with intrigue.

“Well, good thing we have just this one bottle,” Raja held it up as if the mermaid couldn’t already see it.

“I love this place,” Adore let her eyes wander around the camp. “It feels like… every day I’m learning something new that just…blows my mind.”

And the dark witch felt all sorts of excitement brewing from within. If only the mermaid knew she could have the chance to stay here for the rest of her life. As much as Raja hated Raven, she hoped the bitch would come through with her promise. The thought of Adore not being here…it was enough to make her heart ache.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Adore.” Raja reached a hand across the table, taking Adore’s. 

They both seemed to forget about the fish now, preferring to sit and talk for a while.

“You know that day in the cave?” Raja asked.

“The day we met?” Adore smiled fondly.

“Of course. Do you go there often? I mean…what are the chances of us meeting that day?” The dark witch stroked her thumb over the back of Adore’s hand.

The mermaid looked at Raja’s hand, her stomach stirring, just feeling that spark between them both. “I usually go there, just for alone time. My realm isn’t too far away, and sometimes I need a break from everyone else. I have a lot of suitors looking for my hand in marriage, you know?” She teased with a raised brow and coy smile. “I have to meet with at least five a day. It’s exhausting.”

“Five?” Raja exclaimed. “God, I think the King does that with his daughter,” and with that thought, “Wait, are you a princess? Like…soon to be the queen of the ocean?”

And the mermaid laughed, pressing her hand to her sealed lips as she took another bit of wine. “Do I look like royalty to you?”

“Uh…yes.”

“I love you. But no. I am not a princess. Although my father is a noble merman. He works as one of the King’s many advisors.” Adore explained. “So, I’m kind of a big deal.”

“You and me both,” Raja said. 

“So yes, I just like to be alone for a while. Just to…sing and swim around and make new friends with the clown fish,” Adore reminisced. “And that day, I just…saw you looking down at me. And I had never ever met a human before. I heard tales that they were dangerous creatures. But, just looking at you…I thought…how is that even possible?”

Raja lowered her now red-stained cheeks. “Well, I am kind of dangerous, being a dark witch and all. But, I only ever hurt those who hurt my family or me.”

“As I would do the same for mine." 

At the mention of Adore’s family, Raja gulped, lifting her wine and taking another sip. Best to change the subject. "I’m sorry I made you cry that day.”

“It's…ugh, it’s fine. I’m sorry. Sometimes I can’t control my emotions.” Adore looked away as if pained by the memory. “I just…you know, meeting with all those other merpeople coming to ask for my hand in marriage, when I met you, and when I kissed you…I just felt it. We were supposed to be together.” She looked back at Raja.

The dark witch let out a wavered breath. “Oh, Adore. We’re tethered, that’s why. It’s strange. I thought that was just a witch thing. I mean, I’ve never heard of any other species tethering.” Then she shrugged, “Then again, I don’t meet a lot of other people.” She laughed pitifully, gesturing to the world around her.

“Funny thing is, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of tethering before.” Adore pointed out. 

“Well, maybe…maybe you have a bit of witch in you. Probably explains why you can grow legs when you’re dry.” Raja suggested.

“Nah, mermaids can do that anyway.”

“Oh. I see." Damn.

"Gosh, I’m stuffed.” Adore declared, having barely touched her food.

Raja was just the same, “Oh, me too. Come on.”

Sitting before the lit fire in the centre of camp, the two sipped their wine, talking some more.

“I meant it, by the way, when I said you’re beautiful every day,” Raja stated, holding Adore close.

“I know.” Adore smirked, “I can’t lie, though. I think I look beautiful times ten now,” the mermaid stared into the flames. “I’m pretty like Courtney now.”

“Well, between you and me, you’re prettier than Courtney.” Raja kissed Adore on the cheek.

“Oh, come on.” The mermaid moved out of Raja’s grasp, sitting in front of her now. “Courtney’s one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen. Besides you, of course. At first, I thought she was another mermaid. One I’d never met before.”

“Well, I can assure you Courtney is a full-blood witch. I remember the day she was born. Bianca and I were only five.” And the dark witch looked at the flames next, remembering that day. “It was so cute. Bianca just…reached out her tiny hand and held Courtney’s.” God, her heart was melting, “Bianca’s mother, Valentina, she just…she knew. She knew by Bianca’s face and how Courtney woke up that they would be together.”

Adore sighed, almost dreamily. “I love hearing you talk about this stuff. Even when I couldn’t understand you.”

Raja giggled. “I just…I don’t know. If it weren’t for those two, I wouldn’t believe in tethering.” She shrugged, “I’m more inclined to believe not all tethered relationships work out. Fun fact; Bianca and I were a thing for a long time.”

Adore nodded. “A…thing?”

“Yeah, like… we’d see each other, you know? We’d kiss, hold each other…fuck sometimes. I don’t know, I just thought maybe she was the one I wanted to be with,” Raja tried her hardest to explain. “But, we both realised that we were better as friends.”

The whole time Adore was suppressing her laughs. But eventually, she couldn’t hold it in any longer. “You and Bianca?!”

“Yes. Why?” Raja squinted her eyes.

“It’s just…I don’t see it, but I can see it at the same time. Yesterday, Katya was saying you two were like…like…God, what was that phrase?” The mermaid tried her hardest to remember.

“Chalk and cheese?”

“Yes! Chalk and cheese! I may not know what that means exactly, but I have an idea.”

“Well, judging by what you’re saying, you’re probably right. Bianca’s my bestfriend. And Courtney is lucky to have her as her tethered one.” Raja stated. “They just…reassure me that there’s someone for everyone.”

Adore’s smile turned warm. “And what about us? Does our connection make you believe in tethering?” The mermaid was leaning close to the witch now.

And Raja reciprocated. “Oh, absolutely.”

Their foreheads connect, Adore lifting a hand and stroking Raja’s cheek.

The witch couldn’t tell if it was the warmth from the fire or the heat pooling in her stomach, but her body was warm now. All sorts of feelings stirred within, and she dared herself to say, “Adore…Do you ever think we could - -”

Marry. That’s what Raja wanted to say. Just to get it out of the way. The hardest part of it all.

But she stopped when Adore flinched, hearing the howling from the forest. “What was that?”

“Oh, God,” Raja groaned. Fuck these bitches for ruining the moment, “Don’t worry. It’s just the warlocks. I guess they decided to move the party over here.”

And true to her statement, the men began to pour out of the trees, invading the witch camp. A specific group of them howled at the moon, witches running behind them, thirsty for skin on skin. Another group worked their magic, sending blasts off into the sky, loud explosions painting the night with bright colours.

At first, Adore flinched again, but…this was pretty. Nothing like she had ever seen before. “What is it?”

“I can’t remember the exact name. I think the boys call them fireworks,” Raja also stared up at the exploding colours. “It’s incredible, right?”

The mermaid didn’t have the words to describe it. The loud banging was harsh on her ears, but the…fuck, just taking it all in, it was breathtaking.

“Guess who’s getting dicked down tonight?!” Willam hollered, riding the back of one of the men, rushing to the witch’s hut.

“Me! I am! Me!” Laila was just excited, leading her man for the night away.

They weren’t the only ones. While some witches and warlocks danced around the flames of the fire as they played music with what instruments they had, the others rushed to their homes, ready for a long night of fucking.

“Everyone’s so excited,” the mermaid observed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Yep. Most of these witches rarely get the chance to meet up with a man,” Raja explained, “mating season is once a year.”

“But tonight,” Adore turned her attention back to her love, “fuck the rules?”

“Fuck the rules,” Raja clarified, drawing Adore into another kiss.

Maybe it was the mixed feelings of love and lust in the air, but Raja was thriving on it all. This was how she wanted it to be forever — just sitting here with Adore, kissing passionately in front of this fire, not a care in the world.

The mermaid’s hand crept along Raja’s leg, making the butterflies in the witch’s belly go wild.

“BOO!”

Adore yelped as soon as her lips parted from Raja’s.

A warlock ran off, cackling wickedly as he rushed for Tatianna, holding her arms open, hungry for a kiss.

“Hey, fuck off!” Raja yelled after the stupid warlock. But when the mermaid’s fear turned to amusement, giggles leaving her lips, the witch relaxed.

“Come on!” Adore stood, taking Raja by the wrist and leading her away.

They were running now, Raja having no idea where she was being led to. As long as it was with Adore, she didn’t care.

Reaching Raja’s hut, they both stood in the doorway, Adore giggling as she leaned back against the bookcase. Raja also laughed, standing opposite Adore.

They just stood there for a moment, eyes shifting between the shenanigans going on outside and then back to each other, just laughing. Why was this amusing?

Maybe just the sheer joy of being here together.

When Adore’s chest stopped heaving, she stepped forward, kissing Raja again.

So many times they had done this already…So many times they kissed.

Yet Raja knew where this was going. 

Fiery flames engulfed her insides, coursing through her body as she allowed Adore to pull her closer. The witch’s hands found their way around the mermaid’s waist, her fingers trailing the line of roses.

Adore pulled away briefly, “Don’t let go of me,” she whispered in Raja’s ear.

“I won’t, Raja smiled, tilting her head and allowing the mermaid to nip at her neck. "Why would I do such a thing?”

No response from the mermaid as she kissed Raja’s mouth again, her body curving against the witch’s. She lured her back, Raja didn’t know where, but she trusted Adore. She trusted Adore with her life.

They found the bed, and Adore pulled away, guiding Raja down. She then climbed the length of the witch, like she had done this many times.

But was this actually happening? Did Adore even know how this worked?

“Adore, do you….” But Raja couldn’t bring herself to finish the statement as the mermaid sucked on her neck some more.

“Hm?” Adore sounded against the witch’s skin.

Her lips were so hot, sucking Raja’s soon-to-be bruised skin. The witch gasped, her hand finding the back of Adore’s head. “Nevermind.”

Adore had to know what she was doing now that her fingers were undoing the black ribbon that bound Raja’s corset. Not like they hadn’t seen each other naked before, but…

This was different. They both knew that. 

And they wanted it.

When the lace was gone, the corset was pulled away from her. Raja sat up, quickly pulling her dress up over her head. Adore giggled, Raja unable to tell if it was because of nerves or excitement.

As soon as the dress was tossed to the side, Adore took it all in – the sight of her tethered partner, like it was the first time seeing her like this again. “I can't…I can’t believe this is real,” Adore’s delicate fingers trailed from Raja’s chest all the way down to her thigh.

“My body?” Raja chuckled, skin tingling as Adore touched her.

The mermaid smiled coyly before correcting her lover, “The fact that we’re together.” She traced the side of Raja’s face.

And the witch sat up again, a hand stroking Adore’s side, the other caressing her cheek.

Adore reached around, untying the threads of her own corset, dropping it from the side of the bed while Raja reached for the bottom of the expertly made dress, lifting it up and over the mermaid’s head. 

As soon as it was removed, Adore didn’t allow Raja to look at her just yet, capturing her lover’s lips with her own again.

The hot sensation of skin on skin, the mixture of their energies tingling between them…This was to be the perfect moment.

Raja grabbed Adore’s hips, momentarily stroking her skin as she lowered the mermaid onto the bed. Pulling out of the kiss, Raja let her thumb trail Adore’s cheek and then her lips. She stared into Adore’s green eyes, the mermaid staring right back.

Fuck, how it made her stomach twist…but in a longing way…almost as if insecurity was taking over but only connected them further. 

They hadn’t even barely started yet. But it was already so intense.

“You’re driving me insane.” Raja kissed her sweetly before moving these kisses down towards Adore’s breasts.

Adore whimpered sighs, music to Raja’s ears. The rise and fall of the mermaid’s chest was a heavenly sight, riling Raja up even more. She teased Adore’s right nipple with her tongue, the right with her thumb. 

Adore arched her back, gasping when Raja’s mouth enveloped her nipple, her thumb flicking the other back and forth. The mermaid squeezed her knees together, mewling with pleasure.

Raja could have done just this all night, anything to hear Adore gasp the way she did, anything to prove her love for Adore. But when she teased her breasts enough, Raja kissed Adore’s nipple again, her lashes fluttering as she looked up at the mermaid. “I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you too, Raja,” Adore smiled slightly, letting her fingers get tangled in Raja’s hair. God, she wanted more. She had never experienced something so…special…this need to be pressed against each other…the need for Raja to kiss her places she had never been kissed before.

Raja’s hands were wandering again, stroking Adore’s thighs, along her stomach and back up to her breasts. She savoured this all – the heat of Adore’s skin against hers. She knew the mermaid was ready for her…to take this further.

“Do you want to keep going?” Raja asked, just to be sure.

“Yes,” Adore said breathlessly. “God, yes.”

Fire coursed through Raja as her kisses lowered. “Is this your first time?” She whispered against Adore’s stomach.

The mermaid closed her eyes. She may not have known fully what that meant, but she knew she wanted this – Raja’s lips all over her body. “Yes.”

“Okay. I’ll go easy on you,” Raja kissed Adore’s belly button before trailing her lips further down her body.

Even though the mermaid didn’t necessarily want easy, her stomach quivered as she allowed Raja to part her legs. Something inside her fluttered as the cool air hit her between her legs. This was so unfamiliar but so so delicious.

Raja kissed Adore’s knee, then the inside of her thigh. She glanced up once more at the riled-up mermaid before her tongue flicked over Adore’s clit.

Adore moaned, eyes rolling to the back of her head as she arched her back again. She was crumbling just under Raja’s mouth. This was…something.

Raja’s tongue circled Adore’s clit while her eyes flickered upwards, enjoying the reactions from the mermaid. 

“Fuck…fuck,” Adore writhed, tightening her hold on Raja’s hair. Her legs spread wider, her left knee brought up into a bend which Raja caressed. 

“You’re beautiful, Adore. You’re so beautiful.” Raja sucked Adore’s clit.

“It’s s-so hot,” Adore murmured, her torso arching as hew mewls of pleasure turned pathetic.

Raja knew Adore was close, the witch’s tongue lapping up her lover’s wetness whilst her finger rubbed against the sensitive clit. “Come for me, baby.”

Her chest still heaving, nails gripping the blanket, Adore glanced down at Raja. Her eyes were wild yet slightly confused.

Placing a sweet kiss against Adore’s core, Raja murmured, “That hot feeling inside,” she rubbed harder at the mermaid’s clit, “Just let it go, Adore.”

“I…I want to….” Adore quivered. “Oh God, I need to.”

“Come for me, Adore. Please,” Raja whispered, her hot breath teasing.

And Adore just couldn’t take it anymore. A lightning-hot course of electricity shocked her whole being, her head rolling back against the pillows as she cried out in pure ecstasy.

Raja sat up again, licking the fluids from her fingers as she watched Adore whine.

“F-Fuck,” Adore’s skin glistened with sweat, her eyes half hooded.

The definition of perfection.

Raja wiped her mouth, sweeping her black hair out of her face as she leaned down to kiss her lover. 

Adore wrapped her trembling arms around Raja, her kisses hungry.

They weren’t done. Now, it was Adore’s turn.

She kept her lips over Raja’s as she flipped the witch onto her back, still panting.

“Did you…” Raja gasped when Adore kissed her neck again, “Did you like that?”

“Of course,” Adore smiled against Raja’s skin, letting her hand slowly creep its way down Raja’s chest, past her flat belly, all the way down to between the witch’s legs.

Raja parted her knees, only now realising there was more to come. She was never the one on the receiving end. But she couldn’t resist Adore’s touch. She moaned as soon as the mermaid delicately brushed the tip of her finger over her clit. Just the simplest touch…it was torture.

“Adore, fuck…” Raja’s fingers tangled in Adore’s hair.

Adore brushed Raja’s clit again, teasing her with no mercy. “You want more?” She brushed her lips against Raja’s ear.

“Please.” Raja squeezed her eyes shut, already soaking wet.

“How much?” Adore giggled mischievously, nipping Raja’s earlobe with her teeth as she pressed harder on Raja’s clit and rubbed it in hypnotic circles. “How much do you want this?”

“God, so much. Please, just…fuck.”

“Are you begging?”

“Y-Yes.”

“I don’t think you are, Raja.”

Fuck, this mermaid was driving her insane. Who knew someone so…mystified by the world…so amazed by all the things she didn’t know…so adorable…Who knew she could be so cruel in the sheets.

“Please, Adore,” Raja whined, wrapping her legs around Adore’s waist. “I want you so bad. I need you.”

This must have satisfied Adore, “Good girl,” she murmured as she slid two fingers inside Raja.

The witch gasped, tightening her hold on Adore, her vision blurring.

Adore slid her fingers in and out, sucking Raja’s neck, leaving behind a pretty red mark. The smell of Raja’s hair and skin only increased her hunger for this intensity. The ecstasy was building within her again, bringing her to rock her bare hips against the bed. The blanket rubbed against her clit, the feeling not as sensational as Raja’s tongue. But this was heaven.

“I love you,” Raja’s hips began to ride against Adore’s fingers, pressing a kiss against Adore’s blush-covered cheek.

Adore pumped harder, biting down on Raja’s neck. “You’re so…fucking…beautiful…”

Raja couldn’t take it anymore. She sat up, Adore’s fingers still deep inside of her. She continued to rock her hips against the mermaid’s hand, wrapping her sun-kissed arm around Adore’s waist.

Again, they stared into each other’s eyes, Adore’s gaze intense, whilst Raja’s was half closed. Their lips brushed against each other, almost like threatening each other with a kiss.

Adore’s free hand trailed along Raja’s arm, up her shoulder and wrapped around Raja’s throat. 

A pitiful crying sound left Raja’s parted lips as Adore squeezed the sides of her neck and continued to bury her fingers inside of her. Her body was now covered in a film of sweat, and her skin was on fire.

“Adore…Adore, fuck!” Raja gasped, her whole being completely surrendered to her lover.

“I love you. I swear to God, Raja. I fucking love you.” Adore’s forehead met Raja’s. She wanted this to last all night but knew it was impossible. For soon, she would start to dehydrate again and need to rejuvenate in the tub. But for now, she would prove how much she loved Raja.

Raja’s whines were now loud moans, matching those of which sounded from outside her home. She was getting close, especially now that Adore had added another finger and was clawing at the witch’s back.

“Come for me, Raja,” Adore whispered, just as Raja had. She ground her hips against the bed sheets more, close to releasing herself. “Come with me.”

And Raja threw her head back, her body trembling as she released against Adore’s hand.

The mermaid did just the same, her free arm now wrapped around Raja’s body as she held them both tightly together. They were both sweaty messes of pure euphoria.

Raja panted, kissing Adore’s cheek before flopping down onto the bed. Now they were done.

Adore pressed a kiss to Raja’s thigh, her stomach, her chest, and her lips before she relaxed her body against the witch’s. 

Raja was still catching her breath, playing with Adore’s blonde hair as her body relaxed.

“You made white blood,” Adore closed her eyes, fingers dancing delicately along Raja’s abdomen.

Raja chuckled. “That’s the come, Adore. That’s why we tell the person we love to come for them.”

“Oh. Humans are so bizarre sometimes.” Adore smiled.

“Yeah. We can be,” Raja looked down at Adore, trailing a finger along the mermaid’s brow. “I want to know though…what you just did to me…how did you know how to do that?”

Adore shrugged slightly. “I don’t know. I just wanted to touch you there. I just…knew I wanted to.”

“I see.” Raja nodded before a thought crossed her mind. “So, like, how do merpeople make love?” Her nails moved to Adore’s back, relishing in this moonlight that seeped in from the roof.

Adore giggled, “Maybe I’ll tell you another day. Let’s just enjoy this.” She kissed Raja’s breast. “While it lasts.”

And Raja’s smile wavered. “I wish I could just hold you all night.”

“You can always get in the tub with me,” Adore hinted. “Not like we haven’t done that before.”

“True.”

“But I’ll let you sleep in your own bed tonight. Maybe some other time,” Adore’s fingers stroked delicately along Raja’s belly now, the witch shivering. “God, they all sound in pain.”

Raja noted the sounds of pure ecstasy coming from outside, witches and warlocks fucking like it was their first time. “Yeah, it’s kind of noisy, I guess. But they’re having fun.”

“I had fun,” Adore giggled, lashes tickling Raja’s chest. “I want to do that again.”

“Oh my God, you’re hilarious.” Raja chuckled, her fingers now in Adore’s snow-like hair. “There’s nothing stopping us.”

“We can’t,” Adore groaned, however, “I’m starting to dry out again.”

“Oh.” Raja panicked internally, sitting up. “You need to go in the tub?”

“Yes. But I can do it myself,” Adore also sat up, getting off the bed.

Making her way to the still-filled tub, Raja still lay there in her bed, taking in the sight of the mermaid’s naked form. Just looking at her skin, she could still feel the softness of it under her fingertips. And it was pure heaven. 

The mermaid was pure heaven.

Before getting in the tub, Adore looked over her shoulder, “Would you come sit with me? Until I sleep, at least?”

Of course, Raja couldn’t say no. She stood by the tub, watching Adore’s legs seal together, forming her long shimmering tail. When the transformation was finished, she sat down.

And that’s when Adore asked, “Which part of me do you like the best?”

“What? Like, body part?” Raja asked.

“No. I mean, do you like me human or mermaid?” Adore raised a brow.

And Raja gulped. “I…I like you no matter what.” It wasn’t a lie. The witch adored every bit of her tethered one. But, deep down, she wanted the human version because that meant they had a future. And, fuck, she wanted that so bad.

Adore seemed satisfied with the answer, reaching her hand out of the tub.

The witch took it in her own, leaning her head against the cold tub.

“Goodnight, Raja,” Adore said breathlessly. “I love you.”

Raja’s heart pounded, cheeks staining red. “I love you too.”

And with that, the mermaid let go of Raja’s hand, letting her body slide down, the water now submerging her.

And that was it. All Raja could do now was get up and drag her tired ass to bed. 

But she simply couldn’t move. 

Just…sitting there beside the tub, knowing Adore was still in there…she couldn’t bring herself not to be away from the mermaid.

Not after what they had just shared. Part of her mind couldn’t grasp any of it, how this was even possible. Of all the other witches she had fucked in her lifetime, nothing compared to what happened with Adore. Her skin could have lit itself on fire when Adore pressed her body to hers. That tethered feeling, the electric light flowing through them both, it reached its peak the moment Adore kissed Raja’s skin. 

Fuck, it was almost as if she was high, the buzz beneath her skin making her see bursts of colour behind her closed eyes.

Yes…A feeling the witch had never experienced in her life.

A throaty moan from somewhere outside brought Raja back to reality. And when she was aware of her surroundings again, she felt it. 

Like she was being watched.

Looking around, the dark witch knew her instinct was correct. Looking towards the door, there was Raven — just standing there, her arms folded, shadows covering most of her.

“Can I help you?” Raja could tell; there was something about the way Raven looked at her, almost like…she was disappointed. But the dark witch paid no heed, finally standing up, uncaring of her nakedness.

“I thought I heard some sort of commotion.” Raven cocked her head.

Raja cringed, “Yeah, sorry we kept you awake.” She finally reached for her night dress.

“It’s fine. It wasn’t just you. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there are a lot of riled-up witches out there tonight.” Raven glanced outside, the sounds of ecstasy still echoing in the night air, “And I was also awake anyway. Just thought I’d let you know I’ve finished preparations for the spell.”

Raja’s breath caught in her throat, eyes widening. “Oh. R-Really?”

“Yes.”

“Oh. Good.” Raja nodded, now fidgeting with her hands.

Raven cocked her head to the other side now. “What’s wrong, Mother Witch?”

“Raven." 

"Answer the question.”

Raja scoffed, looking away. “Nothing is wrong.”

“Oh, really?” Raven’s hands were now on her hips. “How odd. I could have sworn I heard a bit of hesitation just now.”

And Raja shook her head. “No. No, I didn’t hesitate.”

“Hmm. Having second thoughts?" 

”No.“ 

To this, all Raven did was blink. And, fuck, Raja could have punched her in the throat.

"I see,” Raven nodded. She turned and slowly inched her way back to the door. Before leaving, however, she looked over her shoulder. “Well? Aren’t you coming?”

Raja’s brows knit together. “Where?”

“My place. I need a hand carrying the equipment.” Raven answered, her voice suggesting it should have been a given.

Raja then fidgeted with the knot tied around her waist. “We're… We’re doing it now?”

And Raven was silent for a moment. “Are you sure you’re not having doubts, my love?”

“Raven.” Raja’s voice raised. “No. I am not having doubts.”

Raja wasn’t sure how she’d get used to this, let alone when. Five weeks had passed, and the memories of Adore were still fresh in her brain. No matter what she did, no matter how hard she tried, everything always led her back to thinking about the mermaid — taking a bath, eating breakfast, staring at the quarter amount of seaweed remaining in the once filled jar, the little moments in which the tethered witches would share a sweet kiss.

One could say it was torture. But then again, didn’t Raja deserve this? Afterall, there was a reason Raven used the word unspeakable in her spell.

“Raja? Raja?”

The witch was brought out of a trance, having been staring at the thin blades of grass below her, reminded of how Adore would run her hand through it all, like she was combing someone’s hair.

The five baby witches sat in front of her, awaiting her critique of their spells.

This. Tutoring. Something she used to do for years on end. Yet now, even after these five weeks of not having Adore anymore, it felt unfamiliar…

She was lost.

“I’m sorry, Kim. What were you asking?” Raja tucked a strand of hair beneath her ear.

“I said we finished turning the roses black,” the baby witch answered, glancing down at the now black rose before her.

Gia, Aja and Farrah had theirs turned black too. But, of course, Laila’s was still a vibrant red.

Raja looked at the baby witch, too busy playing with her hair to be interested in this morning lecture. It was clear she had enjoyed her time off while Raja was busy looking after Adore, helping her adjust.

“Laila.” Raja only said.

The baby witch looked at her with half hooded eyes and a raised brow. “What?”

“Did you even try?”

“No. But that wouldn’t be a problem if you weren’t busy trying to hold your mermaid wife prisoner.”

Fuck. It stung. 

Rage flooded through Raja, taking all her strength not to hex Laila.

“Don’t look at me like that. You know it’s true,” Laila flipped her hair.

It wasn’t like Raven to speak of anything like this, giving the opportunity for gossip around camp. Katya had most likely heard of it somehow, and, of course, did her thing — whispering in the ears of people who didn’t need to know.

Before Raja could snap back, Laila let out a yelp, flinching back and away from the group.

A familiar small snake had slithered it’s way over her hand, scaring the fuck out of her. The baby witch stood quickly, running for her life, leaving her peers to their amusement.

Raja only wished she could join in their amusement. She turned her gaze away from the terrified witch, seeing Alaska lingering outside her home, beckoning the snake to return. She was one of the few witches who were the smallest bit sympathetic to Raja’s mourning.

The dark witch mouthed a thank you to Alaska, the snake witch giving a quick smile as she waited for her baby to return.

Turning back to the group of baby witches, Raja wasn’t fully convinced she could keep doing this. Not now at least.

And as if sensing this…

“Hey, girls?” Courtney’s voice sounded from behind Raja, “Why don’t you go have some more tea. Jinkx is brewing up a second round. Better get it fast before it’s gone.”

The baby witches didn’t need to be told twice. They were already on their feet, running for Jinkx’s place.

Courtney then look Raja by the hand, bringing her to stand. “Come on, Bianca wants a word with you.” She kissed Raja in the typical witch greeting — another thing so awkward to Raja now.

“What’s going on?” Raja asked, being led away.

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad.”

That’s when Katya pranced by, “morning Courtney. Morning Raja.”

Raja pointed at the mischievous witch, “Don’t talk to me.”

“Wha - -” Katya gave her a questioning look.

But Courtney only pulled her along more. “Don’t. It’s not worth it.”

Raja sighed, disagreeing with Courtney. Like, who else could have spread the rumours around camp?

Once in Bianca’s place, Courtney let go of Raja, “I found her.” She sauntered up to the filled bath tub, aromas of dark cherry in the air as Bianca lounged. Courtney leaned down kissing Bianca.

Raja averted her gaze as her stomach twisted.

“Do you mind if I do this alone actually?” Bianca asked quietly, lifting a wet hand from the soapy water and stroked Courtney’s cheek.

“Sure.” Courtney kissed Bianca back before retreating away from the tub. She offered Raja a smile as she passed by, almost like she was wishing her good luck.

“Well. Get over here,” Bianca settled back into the tub, closing her eyes as she relished in this pampering session. “Pull up a chair ‘cause I’m not getting out.”

“You don’t need to, B’,” Raja obeyed, pulling up the wooden table chair to sit next to the tub. Sitting down, she could tell by how Bianca was looking at her, the bitch wanted the usual kiss. But Raja didn’t budge.

Bianca lifted her hand to Raja’s face. “Here. A kiss on the knuckle at least. I don’t want to be fucking cursed.”

Finally, for the first time in weeks, the dark witch let a smile appear on her lips, breathing out a small laugh. “Of course,” she took Bianca’s hand and kissed the back of it. “I don’t want you to get cursed either.”

Bianca didn’t let Raja let go of her hand, however. For a moment, her thumb brushed along the back of the heartbroken witch’s skin. “I was going to invite you for a little run in the woods earlier, but you were already preoccupied with your students.”

Raja just stared at their joined hands. 

No. She stared through them.

“I just…want to get back to normal.” Raja said sadly.

Bianca’s closed mouth moved to the side slightly. “You didn’t grieve for your mother like you’re grieving Adore.”

Still, Raja was unable to meet Bianca’s gaze. “Mother and I weren’t the closest.” She paused, the tears already threatening to surface. “But…Adore…Bianca, you wouldn’t understand.” Raja held a hand to her heart, as if showing where this feeling of longing was coming from.

Bianca let out a short laugh, her fingers playing with the bubbles surrounding her. “Do you forget that I am tethered to Courtney? I do understand, Raja”

“Well, at least Courtney’s still here,” the dark witch replied solemnly.

“Oh, quit feeling sorry for yourself.” Bianca scoffed. “You know; maybe if you had at least proposed the idea to her the second day she was here, she would have agreed.”

“No. I don’t think so,” Raja said dejectedly. “You should have heard the way she said it, B’. How she had a home of her own…Like this was just a little getaway.”

“Okay, now you’re starting to sound very ‘woe is me’,” Bianca rolled her eyes, “like ‘how dare she do this to me’.”

“That wasn’t my intention.” And then Raja sighed, “Fuck, I just…I don’t know what to do. Or how to act now that she isn’t here anymore.”

The bathing witch was silent for a moment, as if debating on saying what was on her mind. Raja knew this. Therefore, she refrained from saying anything else. Not until Bianca said what she needed to say.

“You could be practising for the crowning ceremony,” Bianca stated, ignoring how Raja groaned, “Or, I don’t know, maybe even planning for compatibility trials if you’re still hellbent on not taking the throne.”

“Bianca,” Raja pulled her hand out of Bianca’s grasp, sweeping it down her face.

Bianca held her hands up in defence, “All I’m saying is that it’s been over a year now.”

“Please, stop.”

“We need a Mother Witch already.”

Finally, Raja was able to meet her bestfriend’s gaze, her brows furrowed. “Look. We have been through this hundreds of times already — I don’t want this. And, fuck, I’d dare say I don’t even fucking deserve it now, what with the fact I fucked up so badly.”

“Then hold the trials, Raja,” Bianca was leaning her arm on the edge of the tub now, moving closer to her friend, “If you’re so insistent that you don’t want this then let someone else have it.”

“Bianca!” Courtney’s voice sounded from the door, stopping Raja from snapping back at the pampered witch. The blonde rushed in, excitement practically radiating off her. “She kicked! The baby kicked!”

Bianca was up like a shot, foamy bubbles dripping down her body. Her eyes were wide, shifting between both Courtney’s eyes and the bump of her stomach, “Oh, fuck. Is she okay?! Did it hurt?”

“What? Yes, it hurt. But I’m fine. She’s fine,” Courtney rubbed her belly as if soothing the little witch within.

“Thank fuck,” Bianca sighed with relief, placing a hand over the bump, “Don’t rush in here and scare me like that. Damn, you interrupted my leisuring.” She sat back down in the tub.

“You’ll get over it, diva,” Courtney tucked a strand of hair behind Bianca’s ear before turning her attention to the now quiet witch. “You okay, Raja?”

The dark witch was fiddling with her hair, eyes turned away. “Hm? Oh, yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.”

The word ‘liar’ was on the tip of Bianca’s tongue, but she refrained from saying it. Not that it needed to be said. Courtney could just see it in Raja, how she seemed to grow more miserable with each passing week. She brushed her delicate fingers through the dark witch’s hair. 

“I know you probably don’t want to do this, but,” Courtney began, “maybe you should go talk to Raven.”

“Why?” Raja asked, confused. She hadn’t talked to Raven since the incident, let alone looked in her direction. Not because of any ill feelings she held towards the cunty witch, but because she knew Raven had even more reason to resent her.

“I heard she’s feeling quite guilty actually,” Courtney informed her.

“Raven? Guilty? Who told you that? Katya?" 

"Actually; Alaska. One of her snakes went to spy on her the other night. Said she was just sitting there by the fire, calling out to the spirits to reverse what was done.” Courtney then averted her eyes for a moment. “I know we all tend to stay away from her, but I think she could use the company right now. Both of you.”

Raja’s gaze flickered away from Courtney to Bianca, the bathing witch’s eyes speaking for her. Do what my wife says.

And turning her attention back to Courtney, Raja sighed. “Okay.”

-_-_-_-

Much like the whisperings from Alaska’s snake, Raven was kneeling in front of the fire, Raja just barely hearing her whisperings. The witch was rocking back and forth slightly, as if trying to will the spirits to hear her pleading. Who knew how long she had been at this.

Before taking any steps further, Raja cleared her throat to which Raven turned around. Her eyes were rimmed red — from crying, or exhaustion?

“Good morning, Mother Witch,” Raven swallowed before clearing her own throat.

Raja didn’t wait for an invite. She approached the open fireplace, kneeling down and kissing her fellow witch, only for Raven to sort of flinch.

“Forgive me. But I don’t deserve a blessing.” Raven turned her attention back to the fire.

“How come?” Raja asked.

“Pfft. Because,” Raven let out a pitiful laugh, “I’ve brought shame to my name…this camp…to you,” and she looked at Raja, her eyes half hooded.

Raja raised her brows. “You really think that?”

“How can I not?”

“Raven,” Raja dared herself to take Raven’s hand, stroking the back of the witch’s skin with her thumb, “You have nothing to be ashamed about. None of this was your fault.”

“Wasn’t it, though?” Raven breathed out long and hard through her nostrils. “Fuck, I should have just…just fucking told right off the bat that it wasn’t right. Turning one species into another without their knowledge…I should have fucking told you.”

“Well, I mean, yes. You could have. But, without sounding like a bitch, it’s not very in your style to express concern for others.” Raja pointed out.

“Well I was concerned. I cared, Raja. I saw the way she looked at you. And the way you looked at her,” Raven paused, her eyes burning into Raja’s. “I saw how much this meant to you, and that was the only motivation I needed to go through with it. But I guess…I was only thinking about you and not Adore.”

Raja was silent, eyes flickering down to their joined hands. This was nice — connecting with Raven like this despite the circumstances. For once, Raja wasn’t wary around her. “Raven…You shouldn’t have to feel bad for this. At the end of the day, I shouldn’t have suggested it. I was the one who started this shit, and you were only helping a client out. You were using your gifts. But the motive was all my idea.”

And the way Raven was looking at her now…something Raja had never seen in this witch. Something almost like…admiration. “I think we’re both responsible, to be honest. Okay, maybe more so you. But we’re both guilty, Raja.”

“Okay,” Raja nodded, pulling her hand away from Raven’s, and sweeping a dark hair from the witch’s face, “then do me a favour. Let’s just forget about this. Just…stop this, whatever it is you’re doing because we can’t reverse what’s been done. We can’t fix it.”

Raven only blinked. “Can’t believe you won’t be the Mother Witch.”

Raja let out a quick laugh. “Why?”

And a smile slowly started to appear on Raven’s lips. “Because you sound so wise right now but in the most condescending and egotistical way possible.”

“I am my mother’s daughter.”

The two chuckled for a moment, enjoying this sweet moment. Finally free to be themselves around eachother — Raja not so guarded, and Raven much more down-to-earth.

“Alright, but onto that subject,” Raven brought her laughs to an end, “You’re still adamant about not taking over as Mother Witch, right?”

“Pretty sure. Why?” Raja tucked a knee to her chest, clasping her hands on her calf.

“I don’t know,” Raven shrugged, sliding out of her kneeling position so her legs were tucked under her. Her dark eyes stared into the fiery flames, prodding them with the tip of a burnt poker. “I just think you’re wasting your potential.”

“Potential? Raven, there are so many other people on sight who have just as much potential as me. Fuck, maybe even moreso.”

“Like who?”

“Well…Bianca definitely.”

“Okay, favouritism.”

“Shut up. You know I’m right.”

Raven smirked again, “Okay. True.”

“And - And, I just…my heart’s just not in it, you know? And, after what we did…I just don’t think I deserve it.” Raja continued to plead her case.

“Well, everyone’s allowed to make mistakes. I mean, look at Chaderia. She married your mother.” Raven’s smirk only grew more mischievous.

Raja playfully pushed the witch over, again; thriving in this atmosphere they both created. “I’m being serious. Look, if someone is going to take over then it’s just…it’s not me. Because I don’t want it. I want…something different…something…something beyond everything I’ve ever known.”

Raven’s smile was slowly disappearing, hearing the distress growing within Raja. “And…that something is…?”

That something…What was that something?

But, of course, Raja knew what it was. And now that there was in no way she was going to get the chance to live that life, was there even a point in saying it outloud?

A finger found its way under her chin, lifting her face up to meet Raven’s dark eyes. 

“Tell me, Raja.” Raven uttered.

And a lump formed in the dark witch’s throat. “I want to be with Adore…For the rest of my life.” There was a crack in her voice, one she tried to control, and not let her emotions get the better of her. But when Raven traced her finger up from Raja’s face, along her cheek and brow bone, the tears began to surface.

And Raven just stared back, watching a single salty tear slip down the dark witch’s face. Her heart ached for her, a feeling she hadn’t felt in so long. “Raja…” she said quietly, practically whispering, “I think…I think there’s something we can do…”

-_-_-_-

It took two whole days to prepare, with the help of Raven and some from Sasha. Even though Raja knew Adore better than anyone else, Sasha knew mermaids.

This was risky, and Raja should have been done taking risks. But, it was a risk she was willing to take. 

It would be her last shot.

Now standing in the cave, Raven by her side, her hands were shaking. 

Being here now, the first place she ever met Adore, it was strange…Like the ghost of their connected energies was gone.

Like their first kiss never happened.

“Well, are you going to do it?” Raven nudged Raja.

“Wait. We’re all ready to go?” The dark witch looked at her friend quizzically.

“Of course. We did all the prep back in the woods.” Raven nodded. “We’re lucky the spirits even listened to us again.” She cast a look around the cave wearily, adjusting the strap of her satchel.

“We truly are. Fuck, I thought they would have cast us out with a storm or a flood,” Raja laughed nervously.

“Oh, me too. Now, shall we continue?” Raven gestured towards the pool, the waters slowly rippling, reflecting their blue glow off the walls.

And Raja nodded, her nerves sky rocketing. But she did as she was told. She stepped forward, looking down into the depths of the pool, the void she once fell into, only to find herself in the arms of the one she loved the most.

Kneeling down, the dark witch simply reached a hand out and let it penetrate the surface. And she squeezed her eyes shut.

Already, she could feel it, the tendril, almost like a third limb, made up of her power. It reached out through the tips of her fingers, deep down into the depths of the pool. It searched and searched, seeking out any trace of her.

As powerful as Raja was, there was no way her magic could find one person out of the whole ocean.

“Don’t give up,” Raven sensed the dark witch’s apprehension, “magic works on intent. If you give up, your strength will too.”

Raja opened her eyes, just for a moment, hopelessness draining over her. But as much as Raven’s words seemed useless, all she could do was keep trying.

And so she shut her eyes again, willing the tendril to find the one she loved. For if their love was real, and they truly were tethered, it would work. It had to work.

Despite keeping her distance, Raven stared over Raja’s shoulder. The water was beginning to ripple, more and more with every passing second. Was this Raja’s energy, wild with desperation to find the mermaid? Or was there something coming?

Someone?

Within seconds, her question was answered.

The surface of the water seemed to crash, the head of a mermaid springing up from underneath and launching at Raja.

The dark witch backed off immediately, yelping in shock. “V-Vixen!”

Raven grabbed Raja’s shoulder as if it would protect her, as the green haired mermaid spat vile words in her own language. Soon enough, the rest of Adore’s sisters arrived, sharing the same spiteful look as Vixen’s.

“You called the wrong girls,” Raven uttered quietly, her eyes trailing each one of them.

The one with the pink hair pulled Vixen back, whispering in her ear almost like she was scolding her sister. 

“I…I don’t know what to do now,” Raja clutched Raven’s hand.

“Wait. Look,” Raven watched the water, how it’s rippling increased again.

Someone was coming. Raja hoped, she begged internally, that she had called the right mermaid.

And finally, when a head popped up, out from under the surface…

There she was.

Adore.

Raja watched with bated breath as the mermaid moved closer to the edge of the pool. Her green eyes were half-hooded as she stared at Raja.

Vixen moved to Adore, putting a hand on the blonde mermaid’s shoulder, whispering something unintelligible. The witches may not have been able to translate the words, but the concern was hard to miss.

Adore glanced over her shoulder at her sister — her eyes doing the talking. And Vixen backed off giving Raja a warning look.

“What are you doing here?” Adore asked. It was hard to tell what emotion was behind this obvious question. Hurt? Shame? 

Longing?

“I…” Raja uttered. 

Raven ushered her to stand, the dark witch having been too stunned in the presence of this beautiful person to even move an inch.

When Raja stood, her hands brushed down her skirt, her nerves all the more apparent now.

“Um…I came to say…” how to do this…fuck, how to fucking do this, “to say that…I’m sorry. And, I know I’ve already said that and sorry won’t make things better. But…fuck…”

Adore’s face softened somewhat, but her mouth was still a hard line. “Raja. I…I forgive you, but…” she paused, glancing down, gasping as she tried her hardest to contain her emotions. “You have to understand that I can’t live on this land. I can’t. I’m a creature of the sea. I make the sea the beautiful place that it is to live. We all do,” Adore gestured to her sisters. “Look, I loved my time up there, but I love the sea even more. I can’t part with it. Please, just understand that.”

Raja’s chin was trembling. Of course, she knew this. That Adore would never part with her home, her family. And therefore, she had to do what she had to do. “Adore?”

“Yes?” Adore cast her green eyes back up at the witch. 

“I…I love you, and,” Raja paused, her hands shaking, “I want to be with you until my dying day.”

The line of Adore’s mouth loosened, a sad smile appearing as the outer corners of her eyes crinkled. “I want that more than anything too, Raja.”

“Alright,” Raja nodded, “then please…take me as not a witch, but also as a creature of the ocean…”

Fuck. It felt so good to say it out loud. A weight instantly lifted off Raja’s shoulders.

Adore’s lips parted, eyes widened slightly. Almost as if…a glimmer of hope shone through.

“I don’t care how long it takes me to learn your language, or how to even be a mermaid. But we’re tethered together.” Raja’s smile was slowly appearing, “And I couldn’t be happier knowing that you’re the person I was supposed to fall in love with.”

And Adore was smiling now, eyes turning crystal like. She let out a small. “How do you know if it’ll even work?”

“It will. Raven and I already got a head start,” Raja gestured to her friend behind her. “Now, it’s just up to you…that’s if you’ll have me…”

Adore squeezed her eyes shut, a single tear rolling down her deep cheek. “Forever?”

Raja nodded.

And Adore beckoned the witch to step forward.

Once so afraid of rejection, anxiety rattling through her, Raja moved with confidence — the witch Adore had fallen in love with.

Now kneeling before the pool of water, all it took was a single drop of blood from Raja’s cheek, and the taste of one of Adore’s tears to initiate the rest of the spell.

Raja dipped her feet into the waters, but before submerging herself, she took Adore’s face in her hands, drawing her into that magic kiss.

And just like their very first time, the tingling sensation of their connected energies coursed through the two lovers. It was enough for Raja to clasp the back of Adore’s head and pull her deeper into the kiss. 

The mermaid wrapped an arm around Raja’s waist, her other hand clasping the witch’s cheek, accepting the invitation. The ghost of Raja’s kisses had lingered on her lips for weeks now, and as hurt as she was by the dark witch’s actions, she had missed every single kiss…every touch. 

Raja’s lips were soft and delicate as they moved against Adore’s. And yet, such a hungry kiss, fiery even. How could Adore ever leave this woman again?

She pulled away, just to take in the sight of her tethered’s dark eyes — her favourite part of Raja. The mermaid let her fingers trail the witch’s brow bone, just staring, their love reignited.

Only when Raven let out an audible gasp did the two lovers snap back to reality.

Adore felt it first, how something brushed along her tail.

And Raja felt it next, how her legs were practically stuck together. Looking down — a long, glimmering gold tail.

The spell worked.

Adore gasped, sort of laughed too. It really worked.

“Fuck,” Raja said with bated breath, unable to take her eyes away from her new feature.

“The witch is a mermaid now?” Vixen raised a brow, nudging her pink haired sister.

“I suppose we can’t fight her anymore,” another mermaid said.

Raja didn’t pay much attention. Her forehead connected with Adore’s, the two giggling with sheer happiness while the sisters continued to discuss things.

“What are they saying?” Raven could hear it in their tones, the unease. And in turn, that made her uneasy.

That’s when Raja finally acknowledged her friend again. “You can’t understand them?”

“Do I speak mermaid?”

And again, Raja let out a half gasp - half laugh. Finally, she could understand mermaid talk. This truly was real.

“It’s fine,” Adore looked past Raja’s shoulder, smiling warmly at Raven. “They won’t hurt you. Not unless they want me to cut their hair off in their sleep.”

Vixen scoffed.

Taking another moment to soak up this moment, the fact her fate was sealed now — she was going to be with the one she loved for the rest of her life.

Looking over her shoulder to Raven again, she let out a sigh, her stomach twisting. This certainly wasn’t goodbye forever. But there was still a level of sadness there. “You remember what I asked you to do?”

Raven could practically sense it, the sealed letter in her satchel. And she nodded. “I won’t forget.”

“Thank you.” Raja blinked, wishing she had at least kissed Raven as a sign of goodluck before she did this. The bitch wasn’t as bad as she always thought her to be. “Thank you for everything.”

Raven only nodded.

Finally, Raja turned back around to face Adore. And her hands lifted, taking the ribbon from her corset in her fingers and undoing the bonds. When the piece was gone, she lifted the red burgundy dress up over her head, abandoning it to the side. Not like she’d need it where she was going.

She tossed it to the side of the cave knowing if she were to ever return for a visit, at least it was there.

Adore backed off in the pool, taking Raja’s hands in her own, and pulling the former witch towards her.

And Raja fell forward, her body dropping down into the depths. 

And Adore appeared before her, taking Raja’s face in her hands, “I love you, Raja.”

And Raja pulled Adore close to her. “I love you too.”

And the distance between them was closed.

Just one of the thousands of kisses they would ever share.

-_-_-_-

“Have you thought of any names yet?” Courtney asked sweetly, still lounging out having not left her bed yet. It was nearing the afternoon and she was feeling lazy. Just laying there, staring up at the ceiling barely making out the blue sky through the thatch work of the hut. Her hand absentmindedly stroked her round belly, thinking about the little life inside.

Bianca was at her work desk, fixing up an elixir to get her through the day. She barely slept the night before, what with her mind always taking her back to Raja, and how the poor witch hadn’t been happy in so long now. Bianca hadn’t been sleeping all that great for weeks, just thinking of all the ways she could make her best friend feel better. And now, she was exhausted.

“Bianca?” Courtney looked up in the bed slightly.

“Hm? Sorry. Trying to make an elixir to ensure Katya pisses every time she cries.” Bianca chuckled. “What were you saying?”

“I said have you thought of any names yet?” Courtney’s smile was refreshing.

Bianca needed such a sight, what with where her mind was at. “Honey. We’re literally half way through the pregnancy. Why? Have you?”

“Well, I was thinking Willow would be sort of nice.” Courtney suggested. “Or maybe even Elle.”

“Eh. I say Bianca Two.” The working witch shrugged, finishing up her elixir, the vial emitting a small cloud of pink smoke. It was down the hatch within seconds.

“Bianca Two?” Courtney’s brows joined, her mouth moving to the side. “As if we need another.”

“Well, if you ask me,” Bianca stood, already feeling the potions properties working on her, the tiredness vanishing with each passing second. Carrying herself towards the bed, she climbed on and made her way to Courtney, “The damage has already been done. There’s going to be a little Bianca - Courtney hybrid running around her and none of these bitches can do anything about it.” She kissed the baby bump, laying her head down and relaxing. As much as she was feeling her energy levels rising, she could lay here with Courtney forever.

“Well, depends. Like, maybe she’ll be lovely like me. Or a bitch like you.” Courtney suggested, stroking her fingers through Bianca’s hair, the soft locks having yet to be put up.

“Maybe both.”

“Well, I guess. But even at that, would she be nice to your face and a bitch behind your back? Or a rude cunt who actually has a heart of gold?”

“Stop. You’re giving me baby fever. I just want her to come already.”

“You know? I think she’ll be like you.” Courtney looked down at Bianca, her fingers moving from the hair to the witch’s neck. “Rude with a heart of gold.” She could feel it, Bianca’s smile.

Such a sweet moment, not their first and certainly not last either. But it came to a halt when the sound of someone clearing their throat came from the doorway. Both witches sat up, seeing Raven standing there, clutching the strap of her satchel.

“A letter for you, Bianca,” Raven said, pulling the folded piece of paper out from her bag.

“From who?” Bianca’s brows knit.

Raven didn’t answer, and judging by how a small smile appeared, and vanished just as quick, Bianca wasn’t getting an answer. The dark witch simply held out the paper, ushering Bianca forward.

“Ugh, do you always have to be so mysterious and shit?” Bianca dragged herself up off the bed, making her way towards Raven and taking the letter. “Shoo. Your dark aura smells like dead animal carcass.”

Courtney tsk’ed.

“Be careful, Bianca. Or I may just turn your teeth black.” Raven let her hand trail the wall as she left the two alone again.

“This better be important,” Bianca clambered back onto the bed, resting against Courtney’s body, the light witch playing with her hair again, “not like Raven of all people to show up on my door step. Think she’s cursing us with this thing?” Bianca flipped the letter open.

“I don’t know. I mean, what motive does she have?” Courtney enjoyed the feeling of Bianca’s curls in her fingers. “I’m nice enough to her whenever she leaves her house. Don’t know about you though.” And she closed her eyes, hoping to get at least another hour of sleep in, not that she needed it.

Bianca didn’t mind. For her attention was now stuck on this letter. Upon opening it, her eyes were instantly drawn to the bottom of the page, seeing Raja’s signature there. Just from seeing the letters of her bestfriends name, how elegant they appeared, Bianca could see in her head how Raja scrawled it effortlessly, her wrist flicking softly as she wrote, the sound of the quill scratching the paper.

It wasn’t like Raja to send her letters. In fact, the dark witch hadn’t ever written to her like this, what with them being in close proximity of eachother. The only person Bianca had ever known to receive a letter from Raja was Jinkx — that one time Raja was romantically interested in the red head witch, using her charm with a sappy love letter. It didn’t work.

So why now? Bianca had seen Raja only an hour prior, the dark witch just casually waltzing up to her, wrapping her long golden arms around her. Bianca of course returned the gesture. But Raja went the step further. For after she kissed Bianca in that traditional witchy greeting, the dark witch kissed the top of her head and whispered, “I love you, B’.”

Of course, Bianca didn’t know what to make of it at the time. But it didn’t bother her.

And yet, now reading this letter, she understood why.

‘My dearest Bianca,

You’re probably wondering where I am right now, or most likely fighting with Raven to get the fuck out of your house.

Or cuddling Courtney. I don’t know.

But now, as I’ve said that first statement, you’re panicking. I want you to know, B’, that I’m fine. I’m safe. And this isn’t goodbye forever.

I’ve decided to try and patch things up with Adore by doing the only thing I think is left for me to do — to become a mermaid and live as a creature of the ocean for the rest of my life. And if it doesn’t go well at all, then you won’t even get the chance to read this. But if you are, then the plan was a success.

Adore’s accepted me, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life with her.

As for the rest of you, I’m proud to say that the coven is not without their Mother Witch anymore. For I’ve ensured that Raven deliver this very note to the only person I deem worthy.

Lead these ladies, Bianca. Be the best Mother Witch there ever was.

I will see you again. Afterall, mermaids can come to land whenever they please.

Goodluck, my sister. And thank you for being the bestest friend I could ever ask for.

All my love,

Raja.’

"Laila, did you eat your slug this morning?" Raja stopped her marching, staring down at the group of baby witches kneeling before her. 

Laila in particular failed to make her dead fly come back to life, let alone even show any sign of resurrection.

"Yes, I did. And slugs are slow. Maybe that's why I'm so sluggish today," Laila quipped. There was a bit of bite there, Raja could hear it. It was always Laila who decided to be a cunt about everything.

But Raja tried to smile, one that suggested she wasn't having it. "Laila, you and I both know if you had eaten the slug, your magic energy would be soaring right now." And then the sass came out, "maybe the reason for your fatigue this morning is because of that drop of pixie dust you had last night."

As usual, whenever Raja would bite back at one of her students, both Kim and Farrah snickered, while Gia and Aja glared. 

"How do you all expect to become the best dark witches that you can if you can't take this seriously?" Raja’s dark eyes scrutinised all of them now, enough to make them silent again. Fuck, how she loved this once upon a time, tutoring the younger girls. Not even just the task, but this whole camp. Set on the edge of the forest not too far from the coast, the coven resided, and they stayed there. 

Being surrounded by so much beauty and nature, one would think that was paradise. But with other covens nearby, not the friendliest of bitches, not like they could venture too far. 

The last ten years saw the claustrophobia set in. And Raja was slowly losing the will power to tolerate it any longer.

"Oh, Raja!" A voice called.

Already, without turning, she knew that voice. How could anyone fail to recognise it?

Raja's baby witches smirked, the dark witch already over the oncoming shenanigans. "Fuck you all," She murmured under her breath, sweeping down her long dress.

Even before turning, she already knew how this conversation was going to go. It felt like a weekly occurrence now when Bianca would approach her with preaching words.

"Yes, Bianca. How can I assist you today?" Raja dragged herself towards Bianca's hut, the woman already lingering in the door, her auburn hair freshly curled without any use of magic.

When Raja was below the doorstep, she leaned up and kissed Bianca — not something unusual within the coven, unless blood-related. It was their sign of peace, the wish for good luck.

The redhead glanced at the baby witches, all of them running free before Raja could call them all back to continue their morning lessons.

"You're kind of wasting your time on tutoring those sperm donations." Bianca raised a brow as she looked at Raja again.

"Somebody has to. I mean, who else is going to teach them?" Raja threw a hand up in questioning as she watched her students flee to their homes. "Don't call them that, by the way."

"Raja, you know fine well there are other dark witches here who are capable of teaching them how to use their powers."

"Like who?"

"Raven?" Bianca raised her brows tauntingly.

"Pfft. As if I'd let Raven train anybody. Darkest of the dark witches. No fucking way." Raja leaned against the door frame.

"Oh, well, that's true. But still. There are others here capable of what you're doing right now." Bianca started, and Raja rolled her eyes. "No - no. Don't do that, honey. You know you could be learning for when you take over as the Mother Witch."

The Mother Witch. Oh, how Raja was sick of hearing that term. Why did her mother have to be tethered to the late Chaderia, why did they have to marry? 

It had only been a year since Raja's mother passed away, and twelve years since Chaderia did. Of course, this left Raja, the only heir to the throne left.

But she didn't want that. Having gone a whole year with no true Mother Witch, the ladies of the camp were feeling lost. But what Raja wanted was to break free, venture further out of the forest, live something bigger. And if it took a couple of trials and tests to determine who would take over, then so be it.

"Or maybe I could be training you to be the Mother Witch," Raja's smile was teasing.

"Oh, honey, I already know so much more than you do," Bianca leaned in close to Raja before pushing her away from the doorstep.

The dark witch chuckled. God, she loved Bianca. Of all the centuries she’d been alive, Bianca was always right there with her, having been born the same year. Of course, they became bestfriends. And there was that strange period in which they thought there was something a bit more between them. Every time they locked lips, however, every time they fucked, there was just something not right. With no real spark no feeling of energies mixing together, they were a complete mismatch.

Raja had tried to reassure herself that, in more current times among the witch clan, just because one may not tether with someone else, they can still love each other just as strongly.

But Raja longed for that — to find her tethered other half.

And Bianca had potential for things greater than sticking around and trying to make things work out between them. As much as Raja wanted freedom, Bianca wanted it ten times more. And with that willpower, she could take the throne, be the best Mother Witch that ever lived, and bring the wider circle of covens together.

“Well, maybe you should pursue that, Bianca,” Raja was already walking away from her bestfriend’s home.

“And put myself through the whole trial process? Oh, sounds delightful.” Bianca quipped, following behind her.

"How's Courtney?" Raja changed the subject. 

"Great. She's fine. Still manifesting for a girl so we can keep the baby. Not that Courtney cares. She says no matter the gender, it's her baby and the warlocks aren't getting them."

Raja felt like a dick, for she was losing track of how far along Courtney was into her pregnancy. Most likely four months at this stage.

Every year, both the witches and warlocks of the other camps looked forward to spring time, when they got to fuck like rabbits in the wild and produce many more little magical beings.

"But let's not change the subject, dear," Bianca's voice drew the dark witch’s attention back.

The dark witch ignored her friend and carried on. She had baby witches to teach. Striding across the camp, the green grass tickling her bare feet, her brown eyes scanned the area for them.

Trixie was sitting outside her hut playing her handmade guitar. “I once met a young man by the glittering blue stream…It was very la-da-de-da.”

At just two hundred years old, she was the only musical witch on sight. Before her birth, predictions said a trickster would come into the lives of the coven. Of course, they assumed it was Trixie, hence the name. But along came another baby girl from another witch, a child who would grow up with Trixie and become her best friend. This one was Katya. Now she was the torture, and her cunning ways brushed off on all the other witches. Hence why…

“Then again, you don’t have the brains to fulfil the role,” Bianca commented, now walking alongside Raja.

Raja shot her a look. “What? How? I’m so fucking intelligent. You can’t even - -”

“Oh, what’s that over there?” Bianca pointed.

“Where?” But there was nothing. “Bianca…” Raja started to look back around at her friend, “What are you tr - -”

Nothing could have prepared her for the illusion of a moth flying at her face. Raja flinched, swiping it away until it was nothing but dust.

Bianca lowered her hand, quickening her steps as she chuckled. “Intelligence at it’s finest.”

“Oh, you wicked old bitch!” And with Raja’s voice now raised, she moved faster too.

Bianca laughed harder, taking off in a run, too much energy for the morning. 

But Raja ran right after her. “You’re a dead woman, Bianca!”

As much as the dark witch could kill her, she loved this side of Bianca ー the one that wasn’t so sharp and quick with her wit. Despite being four centuries old, she was still young at heart, with her playful wiles.

And because Raja loved it so much, she chased Bianca into the forest, calling after her every cruel name she had ever learned.

But Bianca kept running, cackling at one point even. 

The two witches ran straight forward, hopping every fallen tree log, avoiding any sinkhole, ducking out of the way of any puddle. This wasn’t the first time they did this after all; they knew what to avoid.

The only thing different this time, taking Raja by surprise, was when Bianca dived to the left of the trees.

“Bianca, stop!” Raja shouted. She brought her body to a grinding halt at where Bianca disappeared, and peering off to the left; the witch was nowhere to be seen. The fuck? Was this a spell used to hide her? “No magic! That’s cheating!”

Raja just stood there for a moment longer, waiting for any sign of movement. But when none came…yes, this had to be a spell. There was no way Bianca would be able to disappear that fast.

“Okay, if that’s how you want to play the game, B’, so be it.” Raja didn’t know how just yet, but if she was going to use magic, then it would need to be a quick one. 

Maybe a revealing spell…too slow of a build-up. 

Then perhaps a quick blast of wind to knock Bianca off her feet, and probably make her yell in shock…Eh, maybe she’d end up hurt somehow.

Then, maybe - -

Fuck, Bianca must have read her mind. A strong gust of wind practically slapped Raja’s whole being, sending her sprawling to the ground. The witch yelped in pain when her body met the ground, nothing agonising but still irritating.

“Fuck,” Raja rubbed her elbow as she gathered herself.

Bianca rounded the trunk of a tree, stepping up to Raja, a quiet chuckle leaving her lips. “Sorry. Magic makes it more fun.”

“Magic makes it unfair, actually,” Raja grumbled as she brought herself to her knees, catching her breath.

“Might want to slip yourself a bliss elixir if you’re going to cry about it.” Bianca put her hands on her hips, raising a brow.

“I will get you,” the dark witch was already standing to her feet.

“Should be good.”

“Count your days, witch.”

Bianca had no counter insult, her long skirt wrapping around her legs as she spun and took off in another sprint.

Raja cussed before she could even chase her friend. Her body was already wrecked, having been awake for just an hour. Right about now, she should have been finished with her morning tutoring and enjoying a relaxing cup of tea with Sasha. Yet here she was, acting like a child, a baby witch, exploring this forest.

As she finally took off running again, she was reminded of the barrier separating her coven from the others. Raja had no idea where in the forest she was right now, therefore couldn’t be sure how close to it she was. 

Now she wished she could have at least warned Bianca before she ran off again. For if she were to accidentally run past the barrier…it would not be pretty.

Bianca wasn’t stupid however, so hopefully she’d remember.

“Bianca! Remember the barrier!” It was the least Raja could do, just shout out to her friend.

If she didn’t see the bitch back at the grounds later, the dark witch would bring her back and beat the shit out of her.

Raja kept running, her heart hammering now. God, this was so tiring. She’d need a good bath and nap after this.

As much as she thought the forest was unrecognisable anyway, just an endless sea of trees, she knew now, that this particular part was unknown to her.

She came to a stop when she saw the rocks building up high in the sky, almost like a barrier in of themselves. Yes, definitely unrecognisable. Even the smell around her, salty almost, unfamiliar.

There in the wall of rocks was a large hole, leading into a cave. 

Raja sighed. Of course, if Bianca came across this, she’d investigate. “Damn it.” She neared the cave carefully, “Bianca? Are you in there?” 

The dark witch braved herself and entered the cave. “Bianca!” Her voice echoed all around. The smell of salt was intensifying now, and the air seemed to turn cold. Raja trailed her hand along the stone wall as she ventured further in. 

Her vision took a few seconds to adjust to the dark. She peered around her as she rubbed her arms in an attempt to keep warm, not that it was doing much. Before she could even give in and spark up a flame from the tip of her finger, she saw the blue glowing light at the end of the walkway, trailing around a corner.

What was this place?

Curiously coming closer to the blue light…the salty smell in the air, she could taste it on her tongue now. What did she just stumble upon? 

That’s when the sound of water rippling reached her ears. 

Again — what was this place?

Raja reached the end of the tunnel, rounding the corner. And she took it all in. The source of the blue light.

A bigger, more open space — cave walls surrounded her, of course, but in the middle of the room was a large pool of water.

“What…” she stopped herself from speaking, moving further into the room. How had she only found this now?

“Bianca?” She said quietly as she neared the edge of the pool. Surely Bianca wouldn’t have gotten into the water, right? The bitch loved her curly hair too much to ruin it.

Raja inspected the bright blue water for a moment as if she’d be able to see Bianca floating around in there.

But the witch was nowhere to be seen. Not even her berry smell lingered in the air.

And when Raja turned to leave, ready to find that witch and put her in her place…

Curiosity got the better of her. She turned back around, unable to leave. How could she? This was just…too interesting not to investigate. She neared the pool once more, bending down to get a better look.

The water was so pretty, and mesmerising to look at, but the bottom was invisible to the eye. How far down did this thing go?

She reached out a hand, the tip of her finger hovering over the calm surface, as if too afraid to even break through that barrier of water.

And the pool began to ripple, gentle at first, but eventually becoming more aggressive…as if something was moving down there…

Or someone.

Raja let her hand remain there, above the surface as dots of salty water sparked her fingers. Her eyes were too focused on the dark abyss just below her.

And her heartbeat quickened.

Yes. There was someone…moving closer to the top, moving too fast for Raja to comprehend. 

Too fast for the witch to react before two hands shot up from beneath the surface, snatched her wrist and dragged her right under.

Breaking through to the water, all Raja felt was cold. The salty taste was overwhelming now, and her ears filled with bubbling water.

At first, she squeezed her eyes shut upon going under. But if she was going to get back out, she would need her vision. So she opened her eyes. 

All around her was blue, small bubbles leaving her lips and floating up to the surface in front of her face.

Everything was a blur for a moment. But when her vision cleared…There it was…

There she was.

A woman floating towards her, practically face to face.

Before Raja could even open her mouth to yell in fright and fill her lungs with water, the mysterious woman moved even closer, long bright blonde hair floating around her alluring face. So blonde it could have been white. 

Raja just stared, watching this mysterious woman as she took the witch's face in her pale hands…

And she pulled Raja towards her…the dark witch accepting what was happening…

Their lips making contact. 

And that was it…There it was…Energies passing between them both, time seemingly stopping. Raja was warmed in this cold pool now, and she couldn’t deny her hands that moved to the woman’s face in return.

It was…euphoric.

So when the woman pulled away, Raja could have cried. This felt like…life force…the only way she could breathe.

And with that thought…how the fuck was it possible she was breathing right now? How could she inhale air when she was surrounded by all this water.

Her train of thought was pulled back to the woman again. This mysterious yet beautiful stranger caressed Raja’s cheek, searching the witch's dark brown eyes with her own green ones. There was something about this look…as if…she knew it too…she felt it — the energies mixing.

The woman smiled, almost playfully. Raja couldn’t help but reciprocate.

She was just about to kiss the woman again when she felt something slither along her bare foot. And looking down to investigate…

Her blood ran cold. 

Fins…feathery white translucent fins attached to the long white, almost iridescent white tail that was this woman’s lower body..

Reality sank in. Raja backed away, eyes back on the woman’s face.

The stranger’s smile dropped, brows joining together in concern. And when she tried to move forward again, Raja pushed her away.

The witch didn’t even take time to watch how the woman seemed to crumble. She powered it to the surface, finding she wasn’t that deep in.

Reaching the top, Raja yelled, clambering out of the pool, water pouring from her whole being.

“Fuck! Fuck!” She yelled, dragging her body up onto the rocky surface of the cave, scrabbling away from the edge.

As she neared the far wall, a chorus of splashing sounded all around, bringing her eyes back to the pool. The creature was clambering out after her, her face practically contorted, something monstrous compared to how she previously looked. The woman yelled a series of nonsensical words. Raja may not have recognised this language, but she could feel the venom in the words.

Raja didn’t know what to do with herself — to just run for it, or try and reason with the woman.

But her answer came when the creature’s angry shouting ceased. Now, she was crying, letting out a quiet disappointed sound at first before this became sobs. The poor thing hid her face, her trail curling up under her as she wept into her lap.

Raja’s heart ached for the poor woman. “I’m…I’m sorry. I - -”

But the creature held her hand up, silencing the witch’s words.

And that was it — Raja’s cue to leave.

-_-_-_-

Of course, Raja was met with so many comments when she returned to the coven grounds.

“A wet look! Love it, Raja!”

“Wow, you look like hell, honey.”

“Bianca get you with a blast of water or something?”

“What’s up, loser?” Bianca began, lingering outside her home while Courtney wove berries into her tethered partner’s hair, “I know I’m hot, and the chase is intense as fuck but I didn’t realise it would get you that riled up.”

“Shut up, Bianca!” Raja growled, storming towards Sasha’s hut.

She’d have the answers for her. Sasha may have been the Autumn witch, but she prided herself more on her knowledge. She knew shit.

Inviting herself in, Raja shouted, “Sasha,” her dress dripping all over the floor.

“Oh, good morning, Raja,” Sasha’s voice came from the makeshift fireplace, her back to the dark witch, “next time you invite yourself into my home, make sure you dry yourself off first. I can smell it.”

The dark witch cussed, quickly putting the spell out there and instantly drying herself.

Sasha looked around, putting down the book she was invested in, “come sit with me, darling.”

“You don’t need to tell me twice.” Raja stepped up towards the fire, already feeling its warm flames warming her. She sat down on the ground next to the smart witch, rubbing her hands.

“Um…excuse me?” Sasha’s voice pulled Raja’s attention back, puckering her red lips.

The dark witch rolled her eyes, leaning towards Sasha and kissing her gentle. “Sorry.”

“Not like you to forget the greeting,” Sasha eyed Raja, sniffing the air and finding herself enjoying the smell of salt water. “And not like you to go down to the beach this early? You normally go out there when Blair lowers the moon.”

“I wasn’t at the beach,” Raja swept a hand over her face. “I was…I…” Fuck, how was this going to be easy? “Alright, please don’t judge me and don’t repeat anything we talk about. Promise me.”

“Well, of course, I would never - -”

“No. Promise me, you’ll keep your lips sealed.” Raja lifted a now glowing hand. 

Now Sasha was concerned. In situations like this, when an oath was being made, it had to be serious. “Alright.” Sasha placed her hand against Raja’s. The gold glow intensified for a moment.

And Raja began. “So…I found a cave. A-And, there was this…this pool and, something came up and dragged me under.”

“Something?” Sasha repeated.

“Yes…And…” Raja swallowed, casting her eyes at the flame for a moment. Fuck, she could still feel it, “she kissed me…” those soft and gentle lips, “and something happened…”

“Wait. Hold on. She…kissed you?” Sasha raised her brows.

And Raja nodded. “Um…do you think that…that mermaids exist?”

Sasha was silent for a moment. “Mermaids?”

“Mermaids.”

“...Well, I mean,” Sasha paused, looking around at her long bookshelf, seeing the exact one, “I’ve read that they do. Or, at least, they did. There have been no sightings of them for so long. We’re talking millenia here.”

“But, they could still exist?” 

“I guess, maybe. I mean, we’ve been stuck in this forest for so long, I haven’t found a way to claim new books.” Sasha shrugged.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay, honey.”

Raja sighed. Finally, the glowing of their hands stopped, so they lowered them. She knew how she sounded — crazy. But she had to know. “So, what do…what do mermaids do? Are they…” and the image flickered in her brain — the woman’s contorted face of anger, “are they evil?”

Sasha shrugged. “Sometimes. I read tales of mermaid sightings that didn’t end well. You know; women of the ocean luring handsome sailors into the dark waters and drowning them. Then again, how do these records exist if no one survived such an event. On the other hand, I’ve read mermaids just…stay in their own grounds, those grounds being the ocean, and mind their own business. The only time they show aggression is when they’re threatened.”

Was that what happened back there? The creature was trying to drown Raja? But when the witch resisted her advances, she felt threatened?

Those eyes…that look…It couldn’t have been the case. The woman seemed too smitten with Raja to do such a thing. And not to mention, she gave her the ability to breathe underwater. Not a very deadly gift to give someone.

“So, do you think there would be mermaids in this area?” Raja raised a brow, looking back at Sasha.

The witch laughed a bit, “Oh, my future Mother Witch,” she tucked a strand of Raja’s hair behind her ear, “anywhere there’s saltwater belongs to a mermaid. Of course, they could be in this area.”

“Ah, I see.” Raja nodded. 

“So. Let me guess; you think this was a mermaid who kissed you.” Sasha proposed.

“Look. Don’t judge me. I know what I saw Sasha. I could…I could breathe underwater. It was just so…magic.” Raja shook her head like she couldn’t believe it herself.

“I believe you.” Sasha said sincerely.

“Good.” Raja nodded again. She moved forward and kissed Sasha again. “This stays between us. Okay?”

“An oath is an oath.” Sasha nodded.

And just as the twisting in Raja’s stomach was beginning to subside…

“Well, too fucking bad you didn’t make that oath with me!”

Both witches turned their heads to the entrance.

Oh, fuck. Katya.