Running With Devils

Twelve

But I knew better than to trust my eyes because once we crossed the property threshold, the illusion broke revealing a stunning cottage chic home.

"Wow," I laughed nervously. "This place is gorgeous."

Genevieve grinned over at me from the driver's seat.

"Lydia just remodeled. Her eye for home decor is just amazing. Wait till you see the inside," she said excitedly.

We step out from the truck and walk up the whimsically looking steps leading to the softly lit porch. Inside, there were sounds of warm laughter and easy chatting. We knock on the intricately carved door.

When it opened, we were met with complete hospitality.

"Oh, Gen! You made it," the woman said excitedly, clasping her hands in front of her. This woman was drop dead gorgeous. Her hair was golden as if it contained sunlight within each strand. And her eyes were these rich cerulean blue. I almost mistook her for Barbie. "And you brought Coralynn."

I smiled awkwardly at her greeting.

"Cory, this is Lydia," Gen said cheerfully.

"Hi," I laughed. "Thanks for the invite. Your home is so beautiful."

She gave a downturned smile, cheeks becoming rosy.

"Thank you so much," she beamed. "I've been looking forward to hosting these for a while. But come on in. The others are just hanging out in the living room. We're about to start our activities."

My stomach knotted, but it was only for a moment. Aura reading wasn't necessarily a harmful ritual. But it still called for opening doors that probably shouldn't be opened.

No big deal. If I didn't want to do it, I didn't have to.

"Don't feel like you have to be read," Gen said quietly into my ear as we were ushered in. "It's all just some good natured fun."

I gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine. I'm not absolutely against it. Just weary."
She took my hand squeezing it. "Let's have some fun tonight."

***

There were only about nineteen ladies in total. All of them were bubbly and warm. I hadn't been a part of a gathering like this in years. My mom used to take me to these every so often. Every time, I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself.

I had forgotten what that felt like.
Genevieve chatted with some of the older ladies. Hilda and Opal. Most of the group were in their twenties and thirties.

Meanwhile, I was engaged in a conversation with one of my initiate friends, Maggie.

"How is everything, Cory," she asked curiously.

I nodded. "Great," I answered. "I work a lot, but I enjoy what I do. What about you?"

"Ugh. Crazy. Everything's going to hell, but at least I'm having fun on the ride," she joked. "Are you still living in the house you grew up in?"

I nodded again. "Yea," I laugh. "It gets pretty quiet. I'm thinking about maybe getting a cat."

Maggie laughed. "Aw. I have a tabby. He's super chaotic but I love him to death."

We discussed all sorts of things. Mostly pertaining to what we've been up to and what sorts of things we hoped to do.

Our conversation was cut off by the clinking of a wine glass.

"Welcome, ladies," Lydia beamed. "I'm so happy that you all chose to be here tonight. It's been a long time since our coven held one of these nights and I wanted to thank everyone for showing their support."