The tension in the living room was palpable. The ticking of the clock intermingled with Myrtle and Madison's intermittent cigarette drags in maddening, syncretic harmony. The cacophony of grating sounds only added to everyone's anxiety.

"Jesus! Can we start yet?" Madison breathed a cloud of smoke, "I'm going to go insane if I have to keep listening to you mouth breathers."

Myrtle interjected, "Oh, provocation is all part of the theatrics, Madison. Witches for generations have endured the same torturous wait as you. We absolutely cannot begin until 7 sharp!"

"Ugh, whatever," Madison flicked her cigarette in frustration.

Shortly thereafter, Myrtle spoke again, "The Seven Wonders. We usually move from easiest to hardest, but since we're breaking with tradition this year, let's begin with my personal favorite." she waved her hand theatrically "telekinesis."

The witches filed into the dining room and crowded around the table. Placed before them was a candlestick they would be required to move solely with their mind. As Misty stared at the lone candelabra, doubt seeped into her thoughts. Of course, she was going to throw the competition before she had to attempt Descensum, where Cordelia envisioned her death, but that didn't mean she had to throw in the towel completely. She still had her reputation at stake. She needed to prove to the coven and to herself that she was capable of great feats. Plus, it would be embarrassing to be the first eliminated-and on such a basic task at that. She would never live it down. Misty was capable of breathing life back into the dead. Surely she could move one stupid candle...couldn't she?

"What if I can't do it?" Misty questioned, glancing towards Cordelia.

"Then you're not the Supreme." Myrtle responded.

"And you can go back to your swamp." Madison snorted.

"Misty, you're first."

"Of course I am," she thought.

The swamp witch swallowed hard, inhaled deeply, and placed her hands before her. After a few seconds, it was apparent to everyone that she was struggling. Cordelia didn't need eyes to see that Misty was in distressed; she could feel it. It pained her to witness her lover in such a state.

"Intention," she coached from across the room.

Misty's shoulders relaxed and her breathing slowed. Focusing on Cordelia's energy, she closed her eyes and fixated her thoughts. The candle immediately jerked and made its way to her open palm. Jumping back at the sudden contact, her eyes snapped open.
A smile crept upon Misty's face, "I did it," she said more to herself than anyone else.

She repeated herself with confidence, "I did it," as her eyes flashed towards Cordelia, who was grinning back.

"Almost sounds like you want it," Madison spat.

Misty retorted, "It's not about want."

"You either are or you aren't a Supreme."

"Maybe I am."

Surprised by her own words, Misty pondered whether she should really compete. Sure, Delia had seen her die attempting The Seven Wonders, but what if it had just been a nightmare? A really vivid nightmare, but nothing more. It seemed like a pretty big risk to take...but she had always known she harbored great power. Hell, even Delia told her herself. For all they knew, she was the next, rightful Supreme. There was no harm in believing in yourself.

"Queenie?" Myrtle's voice brought Misty back to the present.

In an instant, Queenie had the candlestick in her hand.

"Yup," the witch said arrogantly.

"Madison, obviously this is your bailiwick." Myrtle proclaimed.

"Whatever that means," Madison scoffed.

Effortlessly, Madison completed the task.

"Last but not least, Zoe."

Zoe too passed with ease.

All of the young witches breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to be advancing to the next task. Misty desperately wanted to share her recent thoughts with Cordelia, but there was no way. She couldn't risk someone overhearing their conversation, which could result in Cordelia being stripped of her title as head mistress and both of them being excommunicated from the coven. At least they'd be together Misty thought with a sarcastic chuckle.

Unbeknownst to Misty, Cordealia too was pondering her fate, but with much more trepidation. She had heard the desire, the fire in Misty's voice when she snapped back at Madison. She understood the draw of the power and the control and knew Misty would only use it for good. Undoubtedly, she knew Misty was powerful and capable. Cordelia also knew that the swamp witch was not the next Supreme. Her vision was clear, and she knew the degree of her power. What she wouldn't give to be able to talk some sense into the other woman, but she knew there was no time. With concrete hardening in her chest, Cordelia prepared for the next task: Concilium.

Thank you so much for reading. The story will soon be drawing to a close. Please rate and review, and of course, keep reading! :)