Bound

Faye and I had finished studying the grimoire and we headed back downstairs. My grandmother was not too keen to see me being close to Faye.

"Cassie, be careful around her." Jane spoke up.

"It's alright grandma, Faye was just teaching me some basic magic spells." I replied.

"So what did you learn then?"

"Oh, just a simple light spell. Faye says I probably need more practice before I start proper training in Hexside."

Faye had gone back with her mom and left the mansion first. Jane and I undertook final preparations and then we left to head into town.

In the town centre

Jane and I landed from the palisman and stepped off. I saw the rest of the coven – Faye, Diana, Adam and Melissa waiting for me.

"You're finally here Cassie! How was the time with your grandma?" asked Diana.

"It was great, I stayed in an exquisite mansion owned by Faye's grandad." I replied.

"Yes, my granddad was very successful with his career. Something I plan to replicate by training in Abomination magic," answered Faye.

"Hey guys, I discovered something cool," said Diana. She brought out an abomination pot and lifted the lid. "Abomination, rise!" she announced as a solid purple goop monster appeared.

Melissa was shocked. "How did you manage to create a stable abomination, Diana? I thought you were always poor at making them," she said.

"It's because Diana is cheating!" Faye announced.

"That's not true!" Diana complained. "You're just trying to put me down again."

I realised that Faye was right, and rebutted "No, what Faye is saying is correct. Whilst I was with my grandma, I found my family's grimoire and learnt that my presence in Chance Harbour means that our coven is at full strength. As a result, we can access magic that is outside our normal abilities."

"And we also learnt that our magic powers may not be controllable in this state. So, we need to bind the circle" Faye added.

"Oh, is that why your fire spell went out of control at the boathouse Faye?" Adam asked.

"Yes, and that is what happened to Cassie too when she cast a light spell at the Chamberlain mansion." Faye added.

"But I don't see a problem," replied Diana. "I now have power that rivals yours Faye, and my dad will no longer complain how I am a weakling who can only perform low level magic."

"We are doing this my way Diana. After all I am the coven leader," said Faye.

Diana moaned, and Adam was the first to reassure her. "Diana, I understand that you want to keep your ability to practice multiple tracks of magic. But ensuring the safety of our coven is the first priority, especially for Cassie."

Diana reluctantly accepted and spoke up "So guys, how do we do this binding ritual?"

"Diana, I heard from Faye that you have your family's grimoire. I believe the ritual may be in there," I replied.

"Alright then, so I just need to study the ritual and we can perform it tonight," said Diana.

"Before then, why don't we have some fun at the fair. The ritual can wait until tomorrow," answered Melissa.

We agreed and left the town square as a group to walk to the harbour.

At the town fair, by the harbourside

Faye and Melissa are playing ring toss whilst I observe them. Adam is chatting with his father Ethan outside the bar. Diana comes up to me and says, "Can I have a word Cassie?"

"Why, what's wrong?" I ask her.

"It's because you are hanging out with that snobby coven leader of ours," replied Diana in a rough tone. "Didn't you say she and her mom are the reason you want to leave this world in the first place?"

"Diana, you're overreacting. Faye is nothing like her mom, she is focussed on her studies and wants to be like her grandad Henry."

After I spoke, I saw Diana's father Charles approach us. He looked angry and pulled us away.

"Diana, a word please," said Charles.

"Dad, this isn't what it seems. I'm just trying to ensure Cassie is safe," Diana answered.

"Well Cassie is fine with Faye, in fact she is better off mixing with someone academically minded than a worthless loser like yourself," replied Charles.

Diana groaned but backed off. "Sorry Cassie, I have to go."

"It's fine, I will be alright as long as I stick close with my grandma."

At the Meade household

Diana arrived with Adam at her house, and they begin looking for the Meade grimoire hoping it would have more information about the binding ritual. Diana was still feeling uneasy having her magic powers stripped and being considered a loner as a result.

"Diana, I know you still hate your dad. My father says he can be a jerk at times too, but we will find a way to help you," said Adam.

"Ok thanks. By the way, I saw you speaking with your dad. What was that all about?" Diana asked.

"Oh, nothing. It's just an extension of the chat he had with Cassie about how our families are meant to be together," Adam replied.

"As your friend, I want to know whether you still believe in all that nonsense, and whether you have feelings for Cassie now she is here with us in this realm."

"Diana, I don't believe a word my dad says. Besides, I see Cassie as just a friend and member of the coven. No feelings for her at all."

Diana and Adam found the Meade grimoire and looked through it. "Here it is," said Adam as they found the relevant page.

"Now, we just have to get everyone together into the woods outside town tonight and perform the ritual," answered Diana.

In the woods outside town

We had gathered in the woods, and Diana had brought her family's grimoire with her. She walked up to Faye and showed her the incarnation. "Alright Faye, this is what we need to perform."

"Before we start this, I want to know you're still ok to go ahead with this ritual." Faye asked Diana.

"Adam and I had a long chat earlier, and I'm ready to accept what comes after this." Diana replied.

Once satisfied that we all accepted the binding ritual, Faye began the incarnation.

"Fire, earth, metal, air, water, and blood.
By these elements, we bind the circle
and follow in the footsteps of our ancestors
who pledged themselves to fight
against the forces of darkness.
When evil assails us, when fear weakens us,
when descent threatens us,
in the circle we will find out power.
We come to this place alone, but leave bound as one.
With this oath, our journey begins together.
Do you accept the circle?"

"I accept," we announced together.