Author's note: Numerous people pointed out to me that I forgot to post this. Thank you for letting me know. I tried to keep track of which chapters I needed to post, but I messed up. Sorry for the confusion, and I hope this helps to make chapter 6 flow better.

Chapter 5: Sleepover

As we stepped into the luxurious penthouse, the cool evening air melted away, leaving us enveloped in the familiar warmth of home. Fawn and I hung our coats with a sense of relief, closely followed by Julia and little Millie, who was practically buzzing with excitement. After the whirlwind of a day we had faced, I knew I craved the comforting presence of my sisters more than ever.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I reached for my phone, my fingers flying over the screen as I sent out an enthusiastic message to the entire coven of witches in our generation.

Me: Coven sleepover at my place. ASAP. Bring snacks and magic.

The responses started pouring in, each ding of my phone signaling the arrival of eager confirmations.

Fawn sprawled dramatically on the oversized sectional couch, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. “So, you really needed everyone here, huh?” she teased, her voice laced with affectionate amusement.

I shot her a mock glare, the corners of my lips curling upward. “After the day I’ve had? Absolutely.”

Julia chuckled softly from her perch in one of the plush armchairs, little Millie nestled comfortably in her lap, her golden curls framing her cherubic face. “You girls always have a knack for transforming a rough day into something spectacular,” she mused, her voice warm and inviting.

A grin spread across my face, my heart swelling with pride. “That’s the magic of sisterhood,” I replied, glancing at the little witch who was now leaning forward, her eyes ablaze with curiosity and wonder.

Millie’s bright, shining eyes sparkled like stars as she leaned closer, her voice a soft whisper full of excitement. “Does that mean we get to do magic tonight?”

Fawn and I shared an amused glance before I turned back to the eager child, the promise of enchantment dancing in my words. “Oh, definitely.”

The night, rich with potential and the promise of shared laughter and connection, was just beginning to unfold.

The girls began to filter into the penthouse, each arrival filling the air with a lively buzz of energy and infectious laughter that echoed off the sleek walls.

Evie was the first to make her entrance, her long, wavy blonde hair cascading over her shoulders like sun-kissed waves. She was draped in a cozy olive-green sweater that added warmth to the atmosphere, paired with earthy-toned leggings and sturdy boots—always the practical one in our group. In one hand, she clutched a small leather-bound book, its cover slightly scuffed after countless adventures, undoubtedly brimming with her keen observations of the city's vibrant wildlife.

As she crossed the threshold, a playful smirk danced across her lips. “You called, and here I am,” she declared, her voice laced with a teasing undertone.

Fawn flashed a bright grin, the corner of her mouth curling up in amusement. “Took you long enough,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Evie rolled her eyes with exaggerated patience and released her scarf, letting it fall gracefully onto the plush couch. “You know I couldn't help but jot down the behavior of that raven I saw on my way here. It was watching me, you know?”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A raven? That might not just be a bird, Evie.”

With a casual shrug, she unwrapped her scarf as if shaking off the chilly evening air. “I know. That’s exactly why I wrote it down,” she replied with a knowing glance.

As more of our coven sisters began to pour in, the atmosphere blossomed like a fragrant flower. I could feel the energy shifting, an electric pulse coursing through the room. This wasn't merely a sleepover—it was a sacred gathering of power, a night for us to embrace our true selves, free from judgment and the weight of the outside world.

Not long after Evie arrived, Mira glided into the penthouse with an effortless grace, her presence embodying the serene fluidity of the ocean she cherished. Her shoulder-length chestnut brown hair danced lightly around her face, tousled by the gentle breeze that whispered through the open window, while her deep, dark blue eyes sparkled under the warm, inviting glow of the overhead lights.

She wore a flowing blouse in a soft sea-green, its delicate fabric billowing slightly as she moved, complemented by deep blue leggings that hugged her athletic frame just enough to accentuate her natural grace. Around her wrist, her signature silver bracelet shimmered, a familiar sight that hinted at the magic she wielded—a dazzling hint of light that would come alive with her enchantments.

As she surveyed the room, her gaze absorbing the vibrant energy swirling around us, her lips curled into a playful smile. “You all started the party without me?” she teased, the lightness of her voice making the atmosphere feel more vibrant.

Fawn scoffed playfully, tossing a fluffy pillow in her direction. “Barely. You’re only, like, the second one here,” she replied with mock indignation.

Mira caught the pillow deftly, her reflexes sharp, and twirled it in her hands with a mischievous grin before tossing it back with a flick of her wrist. “Good. I’d hate to miss anything important,” she replied, her tone light and teasing.

She settled down onto the plush couch beside Evie, her bracelet glinting with a soft brilliance as it caught the light, casting fleeting reflections on the nearby walls. With each new arrival, the air thickened with our intertwining magic, an unspoken bond that wove us together, palpable and electric, swirling around us in a warm embrace.

The next to arrive was Rory, her confident stride slicing through the air as she entered the penthouse, exuding an air of ownership that made it feel like she’d been there a thousand times before. Her short, straight platinum blonde hair danced in the slight breeze, tousled just enough to give her a effortlessly cool and edgy vibe. Bright amber eyes sparkled with a lively curiosity as they swept across the room, landing with delight on Millie.

“Millie!” Rory exclaimed, her voice ringing with enthusiasm as she sprinted forward, the black leather of her jacket flaring dramatically behind her like a superhero’s cape. In an instant, she scooped the little girl into a warm embrace, lifting her off the ground as Millie squealed in pure joy, her tiny feet kicking in excitement.

“Rory! You’re here!” Millie’s laughter filled the room, a sound so genuine and infectious that it could light up the darkest corners of any space.

Rory beamed, spinning Millie around in a playful twirl before gently setting her down. “Of course I am. How could I possibly miss a chance to hang out with my favorite little witch?” Her voice was rich with affection, and a playful grin danced across her lips.

In a proud display, Millie held up a tiny crystal charm that sparkled under the soft lighting. “Look! Mommy let me bring my magic stone tonight!” Her eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and pride.

Rory knelt down, her expression turning serious as she examined the charm closely. “That’s a very powerful stone, Millie. I bet it makes you super strong.” Her tone was almost reverent, as if she genuinely believed in the magic of childhood.

Millie nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing with each affirmation. “It does!”

With a delighted laugh, Rory ruffled the little girl’s hair, then stood back up, adjusting her fingerless gloves with a sense of casual coolness. She shot a teasing smirk in my direction, her energy infectious. “So, what’s the agenda, High Priestess? Or are we just embracing the chaos?”

I grinned back, feeling a thrill of anticipation. “A little of both.”

Her laughter mixed with the sounds of the bustling penthouse as she plopped onto the couch beside Mira, the atmosphere increasingly electrified with every arrival. The night was still young, and already it felt like a whirlwind of laughter and magic—exactly what we all needed.

The door swung open once more, and before anyone had the chance to announce their entrance, a vibrant blur of colors streaked into the penthouse.

“LILITH! FAWN! EVERYBODY!”

Hazel burst into the room like a whirlwind, an explosion of energy radiating from her. Her wild, curly red hair bounced exuberantly with each eager step she took, while her big hazel eyes sparkled with uncontainable joy. She dashed straight toward me, nearly knocking me over with a fierce embrace before racing to Fawn, then Mira, and finally Rory, ensuring that each of us received a healthy dose of her boundless affection.

Her bright orange sweater, a riot of color that seemed almost to glow, clashed delightfully with her rainbow-patterned leggings. As always, twigs and leaves were tangled playfully in her curls, a testament to her adventures outside—at this point, I was convinced she collected them deliberately, decorating her hair with nature's treasures.

Behind her, her mother stepped inside, radiating warmth with a gentle smile that lit up the room. “She’s been bouncing off the walls ever since she heard about the sleepover,” she explained, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Rory chuckled, scooping Hazel up in an affectionate embrace for just a moment before setting her back down. “She is our little ball of chaos,” she declared, affection lacing his tone.

Hazel’s face broke into a wide, mischievous grin. “I like chaos!” she proclaimed proudly, her enthusiasm infectious.

Mira laughed, her voice light and carefree. “We know you do, Hazel.”

Without missing a beat, Hazel plopped down onto the plush couch beside Millie, immediately launching into an animated discussion about their favorite magical stones, her hands gesturing animatedly as she spoke.

With each new arrival, the penthouse transformed, pulsing with life and energy, our coven slowly knitting together as one vibrant tapestry. This wasn’t just a sleepover; it was a gathering—a sacred reminder that, regardless of what turmoil or challenges lay beyond these walls, we were a family united in love and laughter.

The last to arrive was Elle, gracefully gliding into the penthouse with her characteristic quietude. Her pale blonde curls, reminiscent of spun sunshine, framed her delicate visage, while her expressive gray eyes flitted curiously over the group already assembled. Wrapped in an oversized cream-colored sweater that enveloped her petite frame like a comforting embrace, she bore the essence of cozy nights spent curled up with a good book. The sleeves cascaded past her wrists, and a thick, textured scarf was artfully wound around her neck, adding an extra layer of warmth to her appearance. It was as if she had stepped out of a dreamy autumn scene, ready to lose herself in the pages of a beloved novel.

Yet, beneath her soft and ethereal exterior, those who knew her well understood that Elle possessed a resilient spirit.

Fawn was the first to catch sight of her arrival, her face lighting up as she waved enthusiastically. “Took you long enough!” she called out, her voice bubbling with playful energy.

Elle responded with a small, knowing smile that hinted at untold stories. As she kicked off her boots, the cozy ambiance of the room seemed to welcome her fully. “I was collecting supplies,” she replied, her tone light yet mysterious. From her bag, she produced a small, intricately embroidered pouch, its fabric glinting subtly in the soft lighting, and dropped it onto the coffee table with a soft thud. “For spellwork later.”

Rory’s eyes brightened, excitement shimmering in the air like magic itself. “Ohhh, I like where this is going,” she said, leaning forward eagerly.

Millie and Hazel exchanged gasps of exhilaration, their eyes wide with anticipation, while Mira leaned in closer, intrigue written across her features.

I couldn’t help but grin, feeling the vibrant energy of our coven fully settle now that everyone was present. “Perfect timing, Elle. Let’s get this night started,” I declared, reveling in the warmth of our sisterhood.

With our magical assembly complete, the night was ours to shape, filled with all the possibilities the universe had to offer. I could sense it deep in my bones: this evening would hold a magic all its own.

Once everyone had settled into their cozy spots, I summoned Rory, Evie, and Mira to the kitchen while the younger girls giggled and played in the living room, their laughter echoing like soft bells. The warmth of the afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a golden glow on the surfaces. I leaned against the cool counter, feeling the weight of the day on my shoulders, and exhaled slowly.

“There’s something important I need to share with you all about what happened at school today,” I announced, my voice steady but laced with urgency.

Instantly, the air shifted, thickening with anticipation as their eyes locked onto mine. Fawn, arms crossed and brows furrowed, leaned against the counter next to me. “It was eventful, to say the least,” she said, her tone laced with curiosity.

I recounted the chaotic events with a sense of urgency—how Billy had confronted us in front of everyone, the tension-filled meeting with the principal, and my mother’s fierce showdown with Billy’s father. I poured every detail into my words, leaving nothing unsaid.

Rory’s expression hardened as her fingers gripped the edge of the counter, knuckles whitening. “So, let me get this straight—this kid had the audacity to preach at you about ‘dark forces,’ then ran to his daddy like a coward?” she spat, disbelief etched on her face.

I nodded, feeling the frustration bubble within me. “Pretty much.”

Mira, her dark blue eyes gleaming with intensity, toyed with the glowing bracelet on her wrist, its soft light contrasting with her growing ire. “And his father really thinks your mom should just hand you over to his twisted version of the truth?” she scoffed, disgust rippling through her words. “That’s absolutely revolting.”

Evie sighed, the sound filled with resignation, as she flipped open her small leather book, the pages crackling softly. She began jotting down notes, probably documenting the bizarre ways humans reacted to the unknown with a mix of fascination and dread. “I mean, we always knew that some people would have issues with us, but for him to drag your dad into it? That’s a whole new level of entitlement,” she remarked, her pen scratching across the page.

“I know,” I muttered, rubbing my temples in an attempt to ease the tension building there. “And my mom didn’t hold back. She shut him down before Mr. Darby could even step in to calm things. She’s already looking into a restraining order.”

Rory let out a low, impressed whistle, a grin forming at the corners of her lips. “Good. Because that man isn’t going to back down easily.”

“I know,” I reiterated, my heart heavy with the weight of it all. “That’s why I wanted you guys to know. The coven needs to stay vigilant—especially at school.”

Fawn unfolded her arms, her brow furrowing slightly. “I already let our moms know. They’re on high alert.”

Exchanging glances, Evie, Mira, and Rory nodded in unison, their expressions determined.

“We’ll keep our eyes open,” Mira affirmed, her voice firm.

“And if they try anything again,” Rory added, cracking her knuckles with a confident smirk, “we won’t just stand there.”

Evie’s lips curled into a playful smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief. “We don’t start fights, but we finish them.”

A wave of relief washed over me, and I felt a smile break through the tension. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

We weren’t just witches bound by craft; we were sisters woven together in unwavering solidarity. And no one dared to mess with us.