A/N: Hey everyone! If you read the chapter 2 that was posted, that was the wrong version, I am so sorry for the confusion! Here is the ACTUAL version; I hope you enjoy! ~ FF

TW: Graphic description of a panic attack; I'll tell you where it starts and where it ends. Please make sure to skip if this triggers you!

Chapter Two


There was a bright flash of light as the portal to the human realm opened; Owlbert came hopping through, a large brown sack gripped firmly in his tiny beak. Luz hurried to accept the bag from the Palisman, who hooted to her gratefully before flying over to Eda.

"COMING THROUGH!" the witch shouted, diving on top of the bag. Luz was barely able to step aside before Eda could land on top of her, a bemused expression on her face as she watched the Owl Lady practically swim through the items.

Vee slithered over to join Luz, Owlbert nestled on her shoulder. "Is that safe?" she asked the Palisman, who hooted with a shrug.

"Now this will make me rich!" Eda popped her head up, triumphantly holding a bar of deodorant. Luz and Vee exchanged glances.

"Should I tell her?" Luz whispered to the basilisk.

"Probably not," Vee whispered back. "She won't listen, anyway."

Luz hummed in agreement. Owlbert hooted, gliding over to the trash pile and nudging several things aside. The girls joined him. "What are you looking for, Owlbert?" Luz inquired. Owlbert merely continued digging, disappearing among the items he'd collected in a matter of seconds thanks to his size.

"What in the Titan's name is this?" Eda's voice demanded, resurfacing with a book clutched in her claws. Owlbert was hanging from it by his beak, trying to tug it away from the witch. "Owlbert, will you let go of that?"

"Eda? I believe that is the item Owlbert was attempting to find," Luz pointed out.

"This ugly thing?" Eda held up the book. "It looks ridiculous - HEY!" With one fierce tug, Owlbert grabbed hold of the book, sending Eda crashing to the floor. Her Palisman triumphantly presented the book to Luz.

"Thank you," Luz laughed, accepting it and opening to the first chapter. "Let's see. Chapter One . . ."


"Were you three up reading that all night?" was the first thing Eda said when she came downstairs the next morning.

"I do not see how we could have slept with this treasure in our grasp!" Luz replied, turning to the next page. A hoot interrupted her and she looked up. "Oh, Owlbert! You are right on time; we are nearly finished with this chapter."

Owlbert had come flying through the open door with a Good Witch Azura book clutched in his beak. He deposited it next to Luz, who looked over at Eda.

"You look as though the Titan himself has risen from the dead," she commented mildly. "Is everything alright?"

"Uh, have you seen the state King and Vee are in?" Eda demanded, pointing.

King was tearing voraciously through one of the books, cackling loudly; Vee was standing in front of a large chalkboard, covered in conspiracy theories and ship names and other things.

Luz looked back at Eda. "Is there something you are attempting to show me?"

Eda groaned loudly. "Alright, that's it. Today's stall day - and no one is bringing those stupid books along, understand?!"

"Yes, Eda," the kids chorused, marching out the door with their noses in the books. Eda was forced to guide them through dangerous areas without letting them get eaten; when she finally got to an open area and started setting up her stall, Vee, King, and Owlbert had convinced Luz to read aloud to them, much to the older witch's irritation.

'"Emboldened by the dishonor Hecate had shown, Azura lifted her staff to the cotton-candy skies and shouted, "I challenge you to a Witch's Duel!"'"

"Show me the picture!" King interrupted.

Luz blinked. "Pardon?"

"The picture!" the demon insisted.

Smiling, Luz turned the book around, showing King the illustration.

"Ha! I can draw better than that! They once called me King of Artists!"

Vee giggled; her arms were folded on the table of Eda's stall, her chin resting on them. "Aren't you the King of Demons!"

"Unimportant!" King declared. "My followers would leave me offerings in fear of me!"

"Shall I continue?" Luz asked, laughing.

Eda groaned loudly. "No, you should not! Its flowery language is an insult to all witches, not to mention it's driving away our customers!"

Luz and Vee exchanged glances. ". . . What customers?" Vee asked hesitantly.

"I do not see any other stalls around, either," Luz added.

"This is a bad omen," Eda muttered darkly.

"Luz! Vee!"

The girls perked up as Gus and Willow came running toward them.

"Hello Gus, Willow," Luz greeted.

"Hey, guys," Vee added shyly. She was gaining more confidence around the two Hexside students, but it would take time to overcome all of her wariness of other witches.

"Today is the annual Covention!" Willow announced, holding up a poster. "There's gonna be a mystery guest there, too! Guys, you could use this as your way of getting to know the Covens better so you can join Hexside!"

Luz and Vee exchanged panicked glances. "Well, while we appreciate the sentiment, I am uncertain if this is the wisest decision . . ." Luz began hesitantly.

"I agree," Eda put in. "You're giving up your independence and becoming part of a crooked system! There is no way whatsoever that we -"

"Why not?" Gus interrupted, staring at Luz and Vee and ignoring Eda's glare. "Have you been to one before?"

"Long ago," Luz agreed quietly, her mind wandering back to that day. It was the first, and only, Covention the Emperor had taken her and Hunter to. Luz shook her head firmly, pushing those thoughts away and schooling her features. "I am merely worried about being in the presence of the Emperor's Coven."

"They're definitely the worst," Eda agreed, planting her elbows on the table and propping her chin with her fists.

"We can avoid them, if you like," Willow offered. "I just thought it would be fun to do something as a group. We haven't really had the chance to hang out."

Luz sighed. "Very well. I suppose it would be nice."

"No," Eda said flatly.

Vee shook her head. "Maybe next time. I'm heading back to the Owl House." She glanced at Luz and raised her hands to sign, Be safe.

I will be, Luz signed in reply. Aloud, she said, "King, are you coming?"

"Yes!" the demon shouted. "My followers shall fear me once again!"

"I'm going with Vee," Eda said, placing her hand on the basilisk's shoulder. "Come on, kid, let's head back."

Luz turned to her friends, taking a deep breath. "Alright," she whispered. "I can do this."

Luz had been at an eleven the entire walk to the Covention, her scenes on high alert and her eyes darting about at every little noise. Infiltrating a school had been easy; no one was looking for a basilisk and a fifteen-year-old witch there. Walking straight into a Covention, where Luz was likely to be recognized? That would be a lot more challenging.

"You know," Willow said as they neared the building, she and Gus watching Luz in concern, "you don't have to come. You're clearly freaked out about something."

Luz shook her head, a bit too quickly. Forcing a smile onto her face, she explained, "I am merely disconcerted. It is unusual for me to appear in public these days. And as I live with the Owl Lady, I am bound to be recognized by some. I am concerned that I may lead soldiers back to the Owl House."

"We'll be fine," King said. "You're pretty unnoticeable." Willow and Gus glared at him. "Uh, no offense."

Smiling slightly, Luz patted the demon on the head and pulled off her gloves. "I am going to change into something more . . . inconspicuous," she said to Gus and Willow. "Go and wait for me inside. And keep an eye on King; he has a tendency to go off alone."

"I do not!" King protested.

"You're acting weird," Gus said, peering closely at Luz. "Everything okay?"

Luz averted her eyes, steering her friends into the Covention building. "I most assuredly am not. I will see the three of you momentarily." She hastily turned away, slipping down a side alley and taking a deep breath. With a wave of her hand, sparkling white snow enveloped her from head to toe. When it cleared, she wore a long, dark blue dress, grey leggings, and knee-high boots. Her hair was in a braided bun, her face covered by a veil. Shoving her gloves back on, she mounted the steps and walked inside.

Willow, Gus, and King were waiting for her near the entrance. They stared when they saw Luz's new outfit. "Luz! Wow! You look incredible!" Willow exclaimed.

"You had this outfit on you the whole time?!" Gus exclaimed. "How?!"

"Magic," Luz replied evasively. "Now, would you care to show me the different Covens?"

Gus and Willow looked at each other, shrugged, and linked their arms through Luz's. "So there are a bunch of minor Covens, but the main ones that we focus on are the Abomination, Bard, Beast-keeping, Construction, Healing, Illusion, Oracle, Plant, and Potions Covens." Willow smiled happily at the Plant Coven members. "I'm hoping to be a part of the Plant Coven, myself."

Luz tensed. "I would advise against joining any Covens. Similar to Eda, I do not believe in giving up my magical independence. And the sigils make me anxious." Gus and Willow frowned at that, but Luz continued before they could get a word out. "Gus, what Track are you in at Hexside?"

"The Illusion Track!" Gus said proudly, disappearing in a cloud of shimmering blue smoke and reappearing a few feet away. "We magic with a hint of showmanship."

Luz couldn't help giggling as she and Willow clapped. Willow gasped suddenly. "The Emperor's Coven!" she shouted, pointing to a nearby doorway flanked by bird-masked guards.

"Do you think they'll sign my forehead?" Gus demanded eagerly.

"Only one way to find out! Come on, Luz!" Willow exclaimed, rushing toward the doors while dragging Luz along behind her.

Luz whimpered softly as she drew closer to the guards. She avoided eye contact with their hollow eyeholes, hoping against hope that they wouldn't recognize her with the veil on. Please don't notice me, please don't notice me, please, please, please. . . .

"Luz? You okay?" Gus asked. Luz cracked open an eye to see her friends watching her with concern. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed with relief that her surroundings had changed; they had gotten past the guards with no trouble.

"We were just about to get Gus's forehead signed," Willow said. "Do you . . . wanna save some seats for us?"

Relieved, Luz nodded, opening her mouth to say something reassuring. The words wouldn't come out. Swallowing, she clasped a hand around her throat, coughing slightly. It had been months since her voice had last given out like this, and usually it only happened when she was around the Emperor. Noticing that her friends were still staring at her with concern, she managed a weak smile and a small wave before heading off toward the auditorium.

Picking her way through the aisles, she found a spot of benches that was completely empty but still provided a good view of the stage. Settling down, she fiddled anxiously with the finger of one of her gloves, eyes darting about, thankfully hidden by her veil. When Willow and Gus entered, she waved to catch their attention. As they came closer, Luz noticed Gus's forehead proudly displayed the words EMPEROR'S COVEN in bold white letters.

"Luz, are you feeling okay?" Willow asked as they settled down on either side of her. "You've been off ever since we got here. And when I asked you to save us seats, you didn't even say anything."

"Not to mention how tense you've been," Gus added. "Is there something you haven't been telling us?"

Luz stared at her friends, shocked that they could tell something was wrong. Whenever she tried telling the Emperor she didn't feel well, he would either completely ignore her or tell her to stop complaining and go about her duties. If she made a mistake, he would immediately take the chance to punish her. Before Vee, she had never had anyone who could tell and actually cared that she wasn't in the best state of mind.

But she still couldn't speak, no matter how much she wanted to. Fortunately, at that moment, the lights dimmed and Principal Bump rose to the stage, illuminated by a spotlight. The audience applauded and cheered as he summoned a mic.

"Greetings, Bonesborough!" the principal called. Luz couldn't help flinching, remembering how Bump had very nearly dissected her when he thought she was an Abomination. "Students ask me all the time, 'What is the height of magical achievement?' I'll tell you now: it's being selected to join the Emperor's Coven, the most powerful witches on the Boiling Isles!"

Three guards appeared in a flash of light, drawing spell circles above their heads; one produced flames, the other water, the third lightning. The elements exploded in fireworks that transformed into candy, which Gus and Willow eagerly grabbed for. Luz hesitantly, delicately plucked a candy from the air so as not to seem suspicious, but tucked it away in a hidden pocket to discard later.

"Members of the Emperor's Coven," Bump continued, "have access to all forms of magic. But only the best can join them! Someday, it could be one of you!" He pointed at a green-haired girl whom Luz recognized as Amity, Willow's bully.

The guards grabbed their capes and disappeared in a flash of light.

The principal continued. "Now, I am very pleased to introduce the leader of this Coven and this year's mystery guest!"

Luz's eyes widened; she had a very bad feeling about this.

"You know her, you love her: Lilith!"

*It would be safest to stop here; TW of panic attack ahead!*

Luz's stomach dropped completely; she felt dizzy and ill as she stared at the magical raven flying toward the stage. When it landed, it burst into a shower of sparks and the head of the Emperor's Coven, Lilith Clawthorne, was revealed.

Luz didn't even realize she had bolted from her seat and away from the noise and chaos until one of the Emperor's Coven members grabbed her wrist. "Hey, miss, are you -?"

Luz wrenched her hand away, taking off into the crowd. She had to find King. She had to get home.

"Luz! Hey, Luz!"

Luz jerked to a halt, whirling around to see King coming toward her, draped in accessories. Her heart stopped when she noticed the ice that was beginning to cover the floor thanks to her panic. As it reached King, he slipped, sliding on his stomach over to Luz.

"Crazy where all this ice came from, huh?" he said breathlessly, standing and brushing himself off as he collected his treasures. He noticed Luz's expression. "Hey, is everything okay?" he asked cautiously.

Luz shook her head frantically, scooping King up and quickening her pace as she headed to the doors.

Please don't stop me, please don't stop me, she thought frantically.

"Luz?"

Years of training forced Luz to stop and turn, preparing to obey any orders that came from the Emperor's Coven leader. Lilith walked toward her, looking delighted; Amity was by her side, glaring at Luz as she followed.

"Luz! It's been months since I've seen you!" Lilith placed her hands on Luz's shoulders and brushed her veil aside, frowning as she took in Luz's appearance. "Are you well? You look rather . . . frightened." Then she gasped. "Oh! Luz, you think I'll hurt you, don't you? Don't worry! Honestly, I'm relieved to see you again. The Emperor has missed you so much these past few months. Why don't you come back to the castle so you can reunite?"

Luz shook her head, trying to wrench herself from Lilith's grip. The witch only held on tighter, a concerned frown on her face.

"No? But you were always close with the Emperor. He's been looking for you for months now. I've never seen him this frantic."

Luz bit her lip, glancing quickly at Amity, who was watching her with an odd expression on her face. "Ma'am?" she said, stepping up beside Luz and bowing to Lilith. "How does this girl know the Emperor?"

Lilith hesitated. "I'm afraid that's classified information, Amity. Ah, and where are my manners? Luz, this is my star student, Amity Blight. Amity, this is Luz, a coworker of mine before she left."

"Hi!" King chirped. "I'm King, the King of Demons!" He let out a tiny growl; Lilith eyed him cautiously.

"Is that so?" she said, turning her attention back to Luz without waiting for a reply. "Please, Luz," she grasped the younger witch's hands. Pounding began filling Luz's hearing; she could tell that Lilith's lips were moving but she couldn't hear what she was saying. Her breaths were becoming shorter, sharper. She couldn't breathe.

She couldn't breathe.

Suddenly, Lilith let go; with no more support, Luz collapsed to her knees, clutching her chest as she fought desperately for breath. She could hear faint crashes around her, and heard something coming towards her. She tried to back away but nearly collapsed.

Hands grasped her own, pulling her into a partially-seated position. One of Luz's hands was pressed against something smooth, with a consistent thumping. Almost automatically, her breaths began to slow and her mind began to calm. Her blurry vision cleared enough that she was able to make out Vee's human form.

"Are you with us?" Vee asked gently. Luz frowned. Us? "King is here too," Vee explained, gesturing to the tiny demon.

"Luz!" he shouted when he saw her look at him. He lunged forward, hugging her tightly. "Are you okay? That was so scary! I didn't know what was happening, you couldn't hear me or Vee and -"

"Hey," Vee interrupted gently. "Let's give her some space." King reluctantly let go, but Luz didn't let him go far, pulling him back into her lap so she could cuddle him comfortably.

"Are you gonna be okay?" Vee asked hesitantly.

Luz bit her lip; she still didn't feel up to talking, so instead she lifted her hands and began to sign. I will be alright. I am sorry to have scared you both. She glanced between Vee and King as she signed that.

"It's ok," King assured her; while he couldn't sign himself thanks to his claws, he understood enough of it to communicate with the girls.

How did you know to come? Luz asked Vee.

"The guards in town were talking about the Head of the Emperor's Coven being there," Vee explained. "Eda and I immediately rushed over; and it looks like we arrived just in time."

Luz nodded. I was not expecting Lilith to be here. And she - she broke off, beginning to fall into a panic again.

"Hey, breathe. Breathe," Vee whispered, hugging Luz tighter. "You don't have to keep going."

But I do. Luz shakily pulled herself together and continued. She said she wanted to bring me back. That he missed me.

*Panic attack end! To summarize what you missed if you skipped over, Luz runs away at the mention of Lilith, remembering her from the castle; Lilith tells Luz that Belos misses her, which is the final straw for Luz; Vee and Eda arrive just in time, and Vee helps Luz calm down*

Vee's eyes widened and she began hissing several things in Basilisk. While Luz didn't understand any of what her friend was saying, she could take a guess. Looking around, she noticed that she and the others were on a platform of yellow light. Eda's magic.

A loud explosion caught her attention. She looked down quickly, eyes widening when she saw the duel currently taking place between the Clawthorne sisters. Both were holding their own against each other.

Abomination goo suddenly sprang up, startling her into falling backwards on the platform. Amity stood on the makeshift steps she'd formed, not meeting either Luz or Vee's eyes as she stretched her hand towards them.

"I may not like you," she muttered, "but I can't just stand by when someone's hurting." She sent them both quick glares. "So get over here before I change my mind."

Luz and Vee exchanged uncertain glances. King was the first to make a move, trotting over to Amity and sliding down the goo.

Vee sighed, climbing to her feet and helping Luz to hers. "We should probably go before Amity decides to leave," she said gently.

Luz, while still wary, willingly let herself be guided to the green-haired witch. They slid down the goo together.

"Alright," Amity said, "which way -" They all screamed as a combined blast from Eda and Lilith slammed into the wall inches from them. Amity stumbled to her feet, quickly casting a spell circle and making her Abominations rise again. She looked Luz over once before rolling her eyes. "I really couldn't care less about why you infiltrated Hexside. I'll leave you alone if you don't bother me again."

"That may be a bit difficult since we all live in the same area," King pointed out, letting a small "Weh!" escape as Amity glared at him.

"Just - just go!" she snapped, turning away from the girls and King.

Luz felt a burning desire to help the Owl Lady, and while King and Vee clearly felt the same, they still hastened Luz to the exits. "Eda will be fine," King said. "She's survived worse than this."


"Ah, that was fun!" Eda shouted as she slammed open the door to the Owl House. She paused, taking in the scene before her. "What's going on in here?"

The three had gathered around a table, and Luz and Vee were currently teaching King the more advanced signs. Luz looked up at Eda with a small smile. "We are merely playing."

Eda raised an eyebrow but shrugged, heading for the kitchen. "If you say so. Oh, I missed that," she added fondly, snagging some apple blood.

"Missed fighting your sister?" Vee asked, confused.

"Nah. I missed seeing her. It's been years since she joined the Emperor's Coven, and I've never really had the chance to bond with her since then."

Luz grimaced. "If that's your idea of sisterly bonding, I don't think I want to know what your idea of sisterly fights is."

Eda laughed with a snort, ruffling Luz's hair as she plopped down on the couch. "Ah, kid, you really are too funny sometimes."

"It's a viable concern," Luz protested.

Eda shook her head. "Nothing's gonna happen between me and Lily. She just wants me to join a Coven because 'Belos' will is law'." The last part was said mockingly, with a roll of the grey-haired witch's amber orbs. "She always was a suckup to higher figures."

"Not to be rude," Vee said, "but are you two actually sisters? You're so . . . different."

Eda snorted. "Oh, trust me, Lily has a bit of a wild side, too. She's just more boring than I am and never uses it. That's why she's perfect for the Emperor's Coven. They're all mindless drones, and she's one of 'em."

"Pretty sure she isn't mindless," King put in. "Otherwise she wouldn't be so angry at you for not joining a Coven."

"Please do not consider it," Luz added to Eda. "It is highly dangerous for you to do so."

"Wasn't planning on it," the older witch muttered. "Now, who wants to watch some stupid human shows until dinnertime?"

The kids immediately crawled beside her, Vee and Luz leaning against Eda's sides while King curled up in her lap. The door swung open and Hooty stretched out to curl around them at the back of the couch, resting against Luz's shoulder; she tended to be the only one who didn't get annoyed with him, and the two got along quite well.

"Alright," Eda grumbled after a couple hours; she stood, stretching. "I'm gonna grab my potion. I'll be back."

The kids nodded as Eda started to walk off.

"We interrupt this program to bring you a broadcast on why you should join a Coven-"

CRASH!

"Eda!"

"What? The ball had it coming!"