Either way, the witches would soon see the gravity of not taking Jessica's words seriously, and one little boy would make sure of it.

‘Remember to report back here at 9am tomorrow morning freshers! See you all then, have a good day ahead!’ Ms Crushaw dismissed enthusiastically into the mic. It was as if someone had dialled the volume up by tenfold and students were suddenly off their seats and shouting to be heard by their friends over one another. Everyone was making plans to hit the beach or the mall, but two groups of girls wanted no part of that. Not today.

‘Let’s get outta here.’ Taeyeon and Tiffany yelled to their friends, synced perfectly even though they were separated by a sea of crazy kids. Once they managed to push their way out, the witches took off, not bothering to wait around. This was just as well, considering the four girls stumbled out into the school yard just a few minutes after.

‘I’m going to the shop,’ Tiffany motioned to the left and said once they reached the first intersection in the pathway.

‘Okay, don’t take too long. If you happen to run into anyone…’ Sooyoung raised her brow to convey what she meant, referring to the four girls.

‘Deny and run, got it.’ Tiffany waved a dismissive hand as she turned and walked away from the group.

‘Well someone’s grumpy…’ Sunny pouted.

‘Out of all the weird revelations we’ve had today, Tiff probably had it the worst. Everything’s somehow tied to Taeyeon, what with her remembering Tiff’s name, confronting her, asking her out? If we don’t figure out a way to placate Taeyeon soon, her determination to get closer to Tiff might compromise everything we’ve built here in Ubi.’

‘What do you suppose we do, Soo? We can’t possibly refuse Tiff the chance to be friends with Taeyeon. Isn’t that the whole point of starting college? So we can make actual friends and be normal for once?’ Sunny grumbled, raising her voice to emphasise her unhappiness.

‘No, the POINT of starting college,’ Sooyoung started, furious, ‘is to protect the people. Or have you all forgot? It’s the first day and look at the mess that’s stirred up!’ she sighed and held her temples, trying to compose herself. The witches had stopped walking to watch Sooyoung silently, each feeling the directive tug on their heart as they lowered their heads in submission. The union gems that tied their souls together glowed brightly on each of the four witches and undoubtedly on Tiffany as well, no matter how far away she may be. They knew they had stepped out of line. After all, Sooyoung wasn’t High Priestess for nothing.

‘Sorry Soo…’ Sunny immediately apologised, not daring to look up at Sooyoung.

Sooyoung heaved another sigh and opened her eyes. They glowed a stunning purple, the colour of royalty amongst the witches, blessed only upon High Priests and Priestesses. As High Priestess, Sooyoung could activate her sovereignty to demand compliance from her coven. She rarely ever did. More often than not, it was her own emotions that triggered the sovereignty, just like it had a few moments ago.

‘I’m sorry guys, I didn’t mean to set it off.’ Sooyoung didn’t like starting up her sovereignty. She hated how it forced her friends to bow down to her. Some coven leaders used it to remind members who’s in charge, but Sooyoung never saw the need for it. The Azura Coven’s smaller and much closer than many of the others out there. She knew they’d listen to her without her needing to rely on mental compulsion. The silence continued to stretch out, the guilt of disappointing their High Priestess still eating at the hearts of the other witches. It was a psychological control entrusted to all coven leaders to keep their group in check. Despite the regret Sooyoung felt each time her sovereignty booted up, the others didn’t hold it against her. They knew what they’d signed up for when they did the Coven Spell together and solidified their bond. They willingly vowed to submit to Sooyoung as High Priestess, and they’ve never wished any different.

‘Come on, let’s get back to the cave before we attract attention. Be careful, our eyes might still be glowing.’ She turned the front camera on her phone on and watched as the purple slowly dissipated from her pupils. The witches shuffled along,