Thank you so much to those of you who wrote reviews! I'm loving this story and I'd write it regardless of whether or not I got reviews, but they always make this so much more fun. I love knowing I'm not the only one enjoying! So truly, thank you so much! Sorry for the wait between chapters. My mind tends to be all over the place, and I've been wrapping up a semester of college, so sitting down to finish this chapter has taken some time. But now it's written and I'm posting! :)

Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own rights to The Secret Circle. I do own pretty copies of the trilogy, though. I heart them.

Chapter Three

All that kept me from panicking was the memory of several sets of hands getting me there. Definitely at least three helped wrap me in that sheet. And someone carried me there-maybe they helped with the sheet or maybe they stood aside during that part. So there had to be at least two or three other people there. At least one of them would hopefully be less crazy than Faye.

"What-" I began while moving to look around me.

A pair of gentle hands firmly grasped my shoulders from behind, stopping my movement. Faye shook her head. "Don't move unless you're told. And don't speak unless you're asked a question."

I was about to ignore her and ask anyway, because what the everloving fuck was going on? But then Diana stepped around me, moving to join Faye. Adam's girlfriend, Cassie, followed her. The three stood in a line, Faye brandishing the knife. Confusion mixed with reassurance rushed through me. Why were Diana and Cassie with Faye? Surely they'd make sure Faye didn't murder me or anything, so that was good, but...what was happening?

Studying them as they stood there, I saw they were all wearing light shifts. How in the world they were comfortable like that, because even though there wasn't snow on the ground-and, glancing down and seeing the sand under my feet, we were on the beach-it was still freaking cold. Diana's and Cassie's were white while Faye's was black. They all had a slit cut all the way to their hip on one side. Diana had something slid up her toned thigh. A garter? Okay then. I didn't catch a close look, but it seemed to be green lined with blue. She also wore something on her head. Like, a diadem with a crescent moon, horns pointing upward. She still appeared to be the kind Diana I'd met earlier, but now she had a serious expression and an official air about her. All three of the girls gave the impression of...power.

This. Was. So. Weird.

As I stared at them, now unsure of what to even say, Cassie instructed softly, "Turn around."

Turning my back on Faye with that knife was certainly not something I wanted to do, but I turned anyway. It felt natural to trust Diana. And Cassie was Adam's girlfriend. Hopefully giving her a vote of confidence here was the right thing to do.

I turned and again, what I saw made me pause. The rest of the people who'd been in Grandma Franklin's living room earlier were there, Adam included. The twins, Melanie, Laurel, even Deborah. I eyed Adam for a second. He seemed to be doing the same for me, watching for my reaction. But he didn't look like anything bad was about to happen. He maybe appeared a little nervous, but I guessed it had to do with the fact that this whole situation was off the wall and there was a huge probability I would freak out about it. I didn't know him well but he was my brother, so some of my caution faded.

My eyes moved to Nick next. Our gazes connected, and there went the rest of my caution. The idea that anything bad could happen with him there, that he'd take part in something meant to harm me, felt impossible.

I'd met him only a few hours ago. This was stupid. But I couldn't deny the serenity simply looking at him gave me.

Someone bumped my shoulder walking past me and I broke my stare from Nick to see Faye, Diana, and Cassie joining the rest of the group-inside a circle. I hadn't noticed before, caught up in how crazy this was...and then seeing Nick, but there was a large circle in the sand. A small portion of it remained open in the northeast corner by my feet. Candles of all different colors and sizes were set inside and outside the line, stuck directly in the sand, wax melting onto it and everything.

I stood just outside the threshold of the circle.

Confusion filled me again. This was getting weirder by the minute, and even Nick's presence couldn't help it.

"Who challenges her?" Diana spoke up, and I snapped my attention back to her. She stood tall and detached, which added to the anxiety mounting within me.

"I do," Faye said from nearby. The next I knew, there was a dagger at my throat-the same one she'd been holding to begin with. I stood absolutely still, feeling the sharp edge pressing slightly into the hollow. A normal person probably would have been focused on Faye at that point, keeping an eye on her to gauge what the hell she might do next, but my gaze was locked on Diana. This whole thing was crazy, but Diana was calm, cool, and collected. Sure, maybe she was batshit crazy along with Faye, and the rest of this group, but for some reason I sensed that everything would be fine. I just needed to stay calm. And Diana seemed to be the one with the authority right now, so I was going to draw that composure from watching her.

Even when Faye leaned closer, her breath fanning my cheek, I kept my eyes to Diana. "I challenge you," Faye said to my cheek. "If there is any fear in your heart, it would be better for you to throw yourself forward on this dagger than to continue." There was a pause filled with the oddly loud sound of my breathing before Faye added, "So what is it, Elena? Is there fear in your heart? Answer carefully."

Alright, this was pissing me off now. Of course there was fear in my heart-I'd been kidnapped in the middle of the night by a group of near strangers I'd met less than twenty-four hours earlier. I wasn't stupid. Only an idiot wouldn't be freaked out right now.

I knew I couldn't say that, though. If I told them that, I'd have to stab myself or whatever it was that Faye said. And that was even more stupid than not being scared. So I did what I'd been doing the entire time and stared at Diana. Her gaze was unwavering, solid and serious. But...underneath that there was also a twinkle of encouragement. I latched onto that and shifted my gaze to Cassie. She wasn't even trying to shield her supportive expression. A hint of worry was paired with it, but for the most part she was clearly on my side right now-and that indicated she wanted no fear to be in my heart. Next, I looked over at Adam. My half-brother. The guy I'd been so sure was a grade-A asshole but was now learning that he was actually pretty damn decent. Maybe he'd even shape up to be a good brother. His expression had more worry than Cassie's had, but he also had a faint smile turning his lips upward. He was cautious of my take on all this, but other than that, he saw this situation as fine. As something I should embrace. Interesting.

Last, because I couldn't help myself, I glanced over at Nick. His expression was nowhere near the open book the others' had been. It took a few seconds of watching him to pick up on anything from him, and when I did it was just an impression. But that impression alone was the final ounce of strength I needed to push the fear out of my heart.

Nick would keep me safe. I wasn't sure how I knew or what it was in his expression exactly that gave me that impression, but I knew it. With everything in me, I was sure I would be okay. I had nothing to fear right now.

With the encouragement of Diana, Cassie, Adam, and Nick, I finally met Faye's daring eyes. "There is no fear in my heart."

Respect flashed in Faye's gaze, her smile easing its bite. She gave a tiny nod. "Then step inside."

Um. What? With the knife right at my throat… I started to overthink it, but forced myself to stop. Everything would be fine. With that thought, I took a step forward, into the open circle drawn in the sand. The blade followed my movement, yielding so I only felt a small trickle of wetness on my throat as Faye stepped back.

Diana grabbed the dagger from Faye's hand and stepped around me to where the circle was broken. She dug the knife into the sand, drawing the rest in to remove the gap. Now the circle was complete. The moment felt heavy, like something had just been sealed. Inside this circle was much different from outside. The world within could not be touched.

"Come to the center," Diana said, drawing my attention back to what was happening.

I did as I was told, back to pulling my serenity from Diana. She was clearly in charge.

"Turn around," she ordered next and I followed her order yet again. Hopefully someone would actually start explaining soon because my curiosity was killing me. Patience only went so far.

I faced Diana directly now. Her hands landed lightly on my shoulders steadying me, then she spoke. "You've been challenged and you've passed the tests." Her expression remained solemn, but her eyes had warmed. "Now are you willing to swear?"

All of this answering off the wall questions with blind trust was grating on my nerves, but I ignored my annoyance and nodded. The sooner I got through this, the sooner someone could inform me what the ever-loving heck was going on.

"Will you swear to be loyal to the Circle? Never to harm anyone who stands inside it? Will you protect and defend those who do, even if it costs you your life?"

Dear lord. This sounded serious. Protecting and defending with my life? I'd only met these people yesterday. But...if I was being asked these questions now, did that mean the rest of them had been asked them before? Did they swear these same things? If so, then this wasn't so bad. Still super serious, but at least I wasn't the only one devoted. I'd have a whole group of friends ready to have my back, always. With how sad I'd been over Mom's death, I hadn't spent much time dwelling on all the time I was spending alone, but it'd be nice to have that. A group of friends. This was all moving so fast, but I could catch up.

Again, the thought ran across my mind-everything will be fine.

"Yes," I said, my voice strong and clear. I was kind of impressed with myself. My inner turmoil was off the charts, but no way would anyone else be able to tell based off my tone.

"Will you swear never to reveal the secrets you will learn, except to a proper person, within a properly prepared Circle like the one we stand in now? Will you swear to keep these secrets from all outsiders, friends and enemies, even if it costs you your life?"

Another mention of costing my life. Damn. But I did what I'd been doing this whole time and pushed my concern for that out of the way. Diana had mentioned learning secrets. That had to mean I'd get to find out what was up. "Yes," I repeated, still firm.

"By the ocean, by the moon, by your own blood, will you so swear?"

"I will," I said with a nod.

Diana's eyes sparkled. "Say 'I will so swear.'"

"I will so swear."

"She has been challenged and tested, and she has been sworn," Diana said, shifting away from me and turning to speak to the others in the circle. "And now, since all of us in the Circle agree, I call on the Powers to look at her."

Diana raised the dagger I'd forgotten was even in her hand above her head, blade pointed to the sky. Next she pointed it toward the east, then the ocean, then toward the western cliff, and then the north. Lastly, she pointed it at me. I stood a little straighter, feeling her words flow down my spine as she spoke:

Earth and water, fire and air,

See your daughter standing there.

By dark of moon and light of sun,

As I will, let it be done.

By challenge, trial, and sacred vow,

Let her join the Circle now.

Flesh and sinew, blood and bone,

Elena now becomes-

"Wait," Melanie said, interrupting Diana. "I'm sorry. I know breaking into the ritual is terrible, but I'm not so sure about this."

Diana frowned, turning to her friend. "Melanie!"

Melanie lifted her hands defensively. "Think about it, Diana! We only met her several hours ago. We don't know her at all. Who knows if we'll get along? And she might not even have the ability to use the Powers. She is half outsider, remember."

Adam shook his head. "That's not fair, Melanie. And she can definitely harness the Powers. It'll take some work to learn, but she can do it."

Suzan tilted her head in thought. "How do you know?" she asked. She didn't seem skeptical, just curious.

His mouth quirked. "I spent a while in the car with her. Not hard to feel, especially when she's so upset."

"And were you in that room earlier?" Cassie added, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly. "You can't tell me you didn't feel it."

Melanie blinked. "It's always a lot when we're all gathered in a room like that."

Faye rolled her eyes. "Then you weren't paying enough attention. Trust me, this girl can use the Powers."

Now it was Melanie's turn to roll her eyes. "Right, because you're the person I want to trust."

"Shut up," a deep, stern voice demanded. Instantly, everyone quieted and turned to look at where the words had come from.

Nick, of course.

Until he spoke up, I'd been standing in a daze, confusion filling my mind. Powers? What did that even mean? And why did Melanie sound so negative toward me-half outsider? None of this had made any sense to begin with, but now things had spiraled beyond my control. Or, more accurately, Diana's control. With everyone arguing and throwing around terms that made zero sense whatsoever to me, I was so lost.

Nick's demand had broke me from it, though, and I faced him. His eyes were flickering across the group as a whole, but stopped on me often. They even seemed to linger on my form more than the others'. Pleasure ran down my spine, and I hurried to brush the emotion away. It was irrational, but even if it wasn't now was so not the time.

"She's in. She's sworn, the ritual was so close to finished it might as well be done. Too late to doubt, Melanie. Don't be a bitch."

Melanie's jaw dropped. "Nick!"

His jaw clenched. "You are not stupid. Don't act like it just because you're scared."

A blush tinted her cheeks, and she seemed to be speechless.

Good thing, too, because Nick was not done speaking. "She can use the Powers. We'll teach her. She'll be fine. She may be half outsider, but that doesn't mean she's any less than one of us. She's Adam's sister." His glare turned to my brother. "Way to stick up for your sister, asswipe."

Adam's eyes narrowed. "I did speak up! Just because I'm not telling people off like a douche doesn't mean I wasn't sticking up for her."

Nick ignored him, scoffing. "Finish the damn ritual, Diana. She deserves it. Though I will admit the timing is shitty."

And with that, he crossed his arms over his chest and focused on me, waiting for Diana to do as he said and...complete the ritual. Because that was what this was. A ritual. Was I being inducted into some sort of cult? Crap. Too late to back out now.

Not that you really want to, a little voice in the back of my head told me and, darn it, the voice was right.

Apparently eager to get through this before someone else spoke up to object, Diana once again lifted to dagger to the sky and pointed it at all the cardinal points of the compass. Then it landed in my direction and I again stood straighter as her words struck me:

Earth and water, fire and air,

See your daughter standing there.

By dark of moon and light of sun,

As I will, let it be done.

By challenge, trial, and sacred vow,

Let her join the Circle now.

Flesh and sinew, blood and bone,

Elena now becomes our own.

Finally, Diana smiled. "There you go. You're in." She reached behind her and unclasped a silver necklace from around her neck. A crescent moon hung from the chain, like the one on Diana's diadem. It was beautiful. "This is a token," Diana said as she settled the chain around my neck, "of your membership in the Circle."

Then she pulled me in for a hug. It didn't seem to be out of left field-this was another part of the ritual we were performing. I wasn't as anxious about it now, however. Diana's hug was kind. Like watching her throughout this had kept me calm, the hug helped me remain at ease. After a short moment, she stepped back. "The Powers have accepted her. I've accepted her. Now each of you has to."

And thus started a long chain of hugs. Some of which (from Cassie, Laurel, Suzan, and Adam) were kind and supportive like Diana's, while others (from Melanie and the twins) were cautious. The twins were friendly, but they seemed on edge about this situation. Sean's hug was nice, surprisingly. I'd been worried he'd lean toward inappropriate, but it wasn't at all. Yeah, I'd have to make sure to be nice to this guy. Deborah's hug was a little stronger than necessary but I didn't complain a peep. No way would I give her the satisfaction. Faye's was just plain uncomfortable. Something about the girl had me wanting to step away from her. Luckily, it didn't last too long.

The last hug, of course, came from Nick. I wasn't sure what I'd been expecting but what I got was definitely not it.

His hug was...magnificent. Fierce and protective. Warm. I felt so safe. My single complaint was that it ended too soon, but there was no way I could say that. So when he let me go, I stepped back and inhaled a deep breath-and caught his scent. I couldn't fully describe it no matter how hard I tried, but it was wonderful. Woodsy and musky and kind of soapy...which sounded odd, but it was a divine combination mixed with something that I couldn't describe as anything but Nick.

I didn't know how long I stood there mulling over my hug with Nick, but it was Diana's voice that brought me back to reality. "Okay, the initiation ritual is over," she said. "Normally we'd have a party or something after, but this is so short notice and we know you're still mourning your mother, Elena…" Her words trailed off for a moment before picking back up. "But we can hang out and have a regular meeting. There is some food and drinks, and we'll chat. More of a low key gathering than a party."

"But first," Cassie said, "let's formally dispel the Circle."

Diana nodded, and then leaned down to pick up a handful of sand and pour it over the line drawn in the beach. Just like that, the separation of the outside world and the reality within the Circle was broken. Almost all of the others followed Diana's lead, using handfuls of sand to erase the Circle. Nick and I were the only ones not helping. Instead, we stared at one another.

We did this for an entire minute until I realized what I was doing. This was crazy. Why did I keep getting drawn into those eyes? To that guy in general? It was the weirdest sensation, thought I couldn't say it was entirely unpleasant. Just strange.

Shaking off the feeling, I turned to face Diana. "Okay, I think now would be a great time to tell me what the hell is going on."

With the Circle gone from the sand, Diana straightened. She nodded. "Yes. You are one of us now. It's time to tell you what we are."

What we are? That did not sound good. But I really did need answers. "Yeah. That. Tell me about that."

Diana laughed, Lauren joining in. While they were reduced to giggles, Faye smirked. "Alright, Elena. Sit down. Time to tell you some wicked stories."

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you liked it :)