VERONICA

My parents are on the veranda lounging on one of the sofas when I arrive home from school. Dad has a fire going in the fire pit.

My mother is sipping a glass of wine with her feet in his lap.

Mama closes her eyes and sighs, relaxing as my father rubs her foot.

My little brother is sitting across from them working on his homework. I walk over and plop down next to him.

My gaze drifts to my mother. "What's for dinner?"

Before she can answer Nicky murmurs, "Dad has pork chops in the smoker."

Mama smiles at me over her glass of wine.

I turn to my father. "What's new at the pack house today?"

He shrugs. "Transitioning your brother to take over for me."

I raise an eyebrow at him. "So, you're going to do it? The great Alpha Philip will retire? Jeez, what will you do with your time when you don't have alpha duties to deal with anymore?"

He smirks before tossing a thick envelope into my lap. "Maybe I'll take dancing lessons."

I hold my breath. Mama is smiling at me. Could this be an invitation to the Northern California Spring Cotillion?

The annual spring cotillion is one of the biggest social events of the year.

The formal is by invitation only. Every year fifty girls are selected to be debutantes.

The season begins in September and runs through spring when the cotillion is held.

Every little girl in Northern California dreams of going to the ball.

Fantasizing about dressing up in a white gown and finding our Prince Charming.

Erica had Pinterest boards dedicated to her dream cotillion. She had it all picked out - the perfect white dress, the elaborate updo hairstyle she wanted to wear.

My friends and I dreamed of going together and sitting at the same table.

Dancing beside each other with our handsome escorts.

We imagined we would find our fated mates at the stroke of midnight just like Cinderella.

Now, I am holding an invitation in my hands and Erica is gone. My heart squeezes at the thought. I brush it away and open the envelope.

The Northern California Ladies Society have cordially invited me to be a part of this year's debutante season and attend the Spring Cotillion.

I glance up. Dad grins at me. "Like I said, maybe I'll learn the waltz."

Nicky looks up from his homework."Dad dancing? Ha! You're crazy."

My father leans over and ruffs the hair on his head. "Hey pup! I will have you know I have swept your mother off her feet on the dance floor more than a few times."

Nicky rolls his eyes skeptically. We all chuckle. My thoughts stray back to memories of Erica.

She would make all of us practice the waltz under the gazebo in the garden behind the coven house.

She followed our every step determined we master the dance so we would all glide around the floor like fairytale princesses at the ball.

As if reading my thoughts my mother smiles at me. "She would want you to go moro mou. She would want you to enjoy every minute."

I manage a small smile in return."Yes, she would."

After dinner I sit on the sofa in my room talking to my friends on Google Chat.

Caroline is bouncing with excitement. "Monica's in! She opened her invitation before heading to the chess match,"

"Bianca, you'll be the first elf attending the cotillion!" Emma squeals.

Bee nods wide-eyed. "I know, hard to believe, right?"

Our group chat buzzes with excitement. Everyone's invitation arrived this afternoon, and we're all going together, just like Erica always wanted.

Caro's face morphs into a determined expression. "The mother-daughter kickoff tea party is this Sunday. The dress code is pink or white. We'll have to go shopping in the city on Saturday,"

If Erica were here, she'd be the one organizing everything. But, she's gone, so Caroline is taking charge.

The talk of the cotillion turns to finding our mates. Caroline's face lights up. "You guys, the cotillion is on my eighteenth birthday! Do you know what this means? I'll find my mate at the ball!"

I imagine myself dancing with Alix at the cotillion. I shake the image from my head. There won't be any fairytale ending for us. All I can do is pray he rejects me soon.

I need to start visualizing myself with someone else. But, no matter how hard I try, I cannot see myself with anyone else.

Every damn traitorous cell in my body screams I belong to Alix.

I'm going to have to build a wall around my heart because Alix certainly doesn't seem to care if he breaks it.

That damn dragon stole my heart like he owns it, lit my soul on fire, and then expects me to act like nothing has happened.

Someone should hand me an Oscar for the performance I've been giving all week.

This would be easier if he were indifferent towards me. But, I know he feels something. Its like, he cares, but maybe he doesn't care enough, and I'm

not sure which is worse.

The chat ends. I close my laptop and set it on the table in front of me. I look over at the chair in the corner where his jacket is draped across the back like it's waiting for me.

And though I know shoudn't do it, I get up and walk over to the chair and pick it up.

I slip it on as I crawl into bed. A traitorous tear slips from my eye as I inhale his scent before falling asleep.

Its still dark outside when I wake up. I pick up my phone to check the time; ugh, it's five-thirty in the morning!

I don't know why, but I'm wide awake.

I look up at the sky through my glass ceiling. The sun isn't up yet, but my mother is. She performs a sunrise ritual almost every day.

We haven't talked about my magic since I've come home. We've been so busy.

I climb out of bed and throw on a pair of leggings and a sweatshirt.

Padding downstairs as quietly as I can, I make my way outside to the backyard where my mother sits on the ground surrounded by small white candles arranged in a circle around her.

Just inside the circle of candles she's created another circle of salt.

Glistening quartz crystals of varying sizes are arranged in a sacred pattern around her.

The candlelight bouncing off them gives an otherwordly glow.

With a serene expression, she sits on the ground facing East, deeply engrossed in her meditative pose.

I've always respected her magical practices, allowing her space and privacy. But now, something feels different.

Sensing my presence, she turns and looks at me, her eyes sparkle like stars, inviting me to join her in this mystical circle.

I cautiously step inside, mindful not to disturb the sacred symbols.

Finally, the time has come to share this magical bond with my extraordinary mother.

Her tender touch sweeps a stray strand of hair behind my ear, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"Veronica, I'm so happy you're here," she murmurs, her voice a soft secret in my ear.

"Me too, Mama," I reply my words barely a whisper.

With a nod, she rests her hands on top of her legs, palms upturned, fingers dancing in the air, mimicking the playful dance of the wind through the trees.

I settle beside her, mirroring her hand posture.

Her voice, deep and resonant, carries a weight of reverence as she begins the prayer, coinciding with the sunrise.

"Divine Hecate, Goddess of the Crossroads, in this sacred hour of the rising sun, we come before you with reverence and love.

Mistress of magic, guardian of the liminal spaces, we seek your presence in this blessed embrace.

As the dawn breaks and colors fill the sky, we call upon your wisdom, ancient and high.

Hecate, guide us through life's intricate maze, illuminate our path with your mystical ways.

Grant us clarity as the sun's rays unfold, reveal hidden truths that our hearts need to hold.

Goddess of the moon, torchbearer of the night, your presence brings balance, your powers ignite.

With crystals and incense, we honor your might, infusing this ritual with your sacred light.

In this moment, we offer our devotion, to you, Hecate, in sacred motion.

We seek your guidance, oh goddess divine, grant us strength as we embark on our soul's design.

Lend us your wisdom, your deep well of knowing, help us embrace the changes that keep on flowing.

In this sunrise ritual, we open our hearts, to the blessings and lessons your grace imparts.

Hecate, protector of crossroads and gateways, may your energy bless our sacred pathways.

As the sun rises, as a new day begins, may your presence stay with us, cleanse and mend.

With gratitude and love, we offer this prayer, Hecate, hear us now, in this sacred air.

So mote it be."

As my mother utters the final words, the sun bursts through the trees, illuminating the sky with a radiant golden glow.

Birds begin to chirp, and the crashing waves amplify, as if the Pacific itself refuses to be excluded from this sacred moment.

In a gold plate, Mama ignites a cone of frankincense. Gracefully, she stands and offers her hand to me.

I place my hand in hers, and she guides me to rise alongside her.

Together, we stretch our arms towards the heavens, tilting our heads back to bask in the embrace of sunlight.

The warm rays penetrate every cell in my body, surpassing the artificial glow of any sauna's lights.

Mama begins to chant the mantra. "Sacred sun, source of life, Illuminate our path, dissolve the strife.

With each rising sun, we are reborn, Aligned with nature, forever sworn."

With a nod, she signals for me to follow suit. I shut my eyes, extending my fingers to their limits, and chant the mantra three times, each repetition resonating deep inside me.

When I open my eyes, I find my mother beaming at me, her gaze shimmering with unshed tears.

Every fiber of my being senses her profound love, her pride in my power intertwining with my own magical essence.

Turning towards me, Mama intertwines her fingers with mine. We stand face to face, hands clasped, enveloped in a profound silence that stretches

on.

Then, with a subtle nod she prompts me to initiate the final prayer.

An unknown surge of emotion courses through me, causing my body to tremble.

Swallowing hard, I gather my strength and begin to recite the closing prayer.

"Divine Universe, Gods of Olympus, we offer our gratitude with hearts that are awed.

For the sacred sunrise that has graced this day, we thank you deeply in every heartfelt way.

We honor the elements, earth, air, fire, and sea, For their presence and blessings that surround us.

We thank you, Earth, for grounding and stability, Air, for clarity and the breath that sets us free, Fire, for passion and transformative energy, and

Water, for emotions and flowing serenity.

To the radiant sun, we express our appreciation, for the warmth, the light, and its divine revelation.

May its energy sustain us throughout our journey, Guiding our steps with purpose and harmony.

Gods of Olympus, we thank you for your love, for your guidance and blessings from above.

May your wisdom continue to illuminate our way, as we honor you each and every day.

As we conclude this ritual, we carry your light, knowing that in our hearts, you shine so bright.

With gratitude, reverence, and a soul filled with grace, we bid farewell, blessed by this sacred space.

So mote it be, and may it manifest true, As we walk our path, aligned with you.

With love and thanks, we close this rite, embracing the blessings of this sacred site."

Mama smiles at me. "I love you so much Veronica."

"I love you too Mama."