Work Text:
Aine has a fatal flaw- that she always has to be at her best. She NEEDS to be at the top of whatever she does. This comes at a cost, however. Aria constantly feels overshadowed by Aine. She feels overshadowed when Aine graduates from Hexside at the top of her class. She feels overshadowed when Aine excels at beast-keeping magic. She feels overshadowed when she gets praised for following the grain of graduating and joining a coven. Aine is just perfect and Aria feels… second . Aria has felt like this for years, but it didn’t come to a head until about a month after Aine’s nineteenth birthday.
For a couple of months now, Aine had been entertaining the idea of joining the beast-keeping coven. She’s always felt drawn to it. Aine knows the coven system is flawed, after all, look at her parents and family. Aine is well aware, but she feels like she belongs there. She feels like she belongs in a coven. Aria on the other hand is very against it. Raine wanted her to choose for herself. The same with Eda even though she would rather Aine not join a coven.
Any time Aine would mention the beast keeping coven, Aria would grimace.
“Ace, why do you even want to join a coven? You won’t be able to do bard magic with Noni and me anymore.” Aine shrugs.
“Refining and improving my beast-keeping magic is important to me, and being in the coven is what will help me achieve that,” says Aine, taking a bite of her dinner. Aria grins slyly.
“What? Do you not like being wild?” Aria asks, poking Aine’s side. Aine snorts.
“It’s just not for me, okay?”
Raine taps Aria’s hand with the edge of their fork.
“Quit bothering your sister about her choices, okay?” They say. Aria huffs, sinking into her seat.
“I still think it’s a dumb idea,” Aria mumbles under her breath.
“Aria,” Eda says sharply. Aine glances over to Aria, then stands up from the table.
“I’m going to bed,” she says, chair harshly scraping the floor.
“It’s 7:30,” Raine says.
“Goodnight!” Aine yells, already up the stairs. Raine looks over to Aria pointedly with a raised eyebrow. Aria huffs.
“I’ll apologize later.” She stuffs a bite of food into her mouth. Eda and Raine exchange a look before going back to their meals.
Aria finishes eating quickly and washes her plate before running up the stairs to her room. She all but flies onto her bed and opens her scroll. She looks through her contacts and starts a call with her best friend and brother essentially, Elwin. Elwin’s face appears on-screen while a bowl is in his hands.
“Ugh El, I don’t know what to do.” She stuffs her face into her pillow. Elwin doesn’t look up from his bowl.
“Is this about Aine? Look, I hate that she’s joining a coven too, but she’s just as stubborn as you are so I doubt you’ll change her mind now.”
Aria groans.
“Elwin! She’s trying to join a coven. She’s falling for that stupid system.” She throws her hands up. Elwin swallows loudly.
“Or maybe she’s just made a decision…you know like she’s been telling you.”
“She can make a decision about beast keeping without sealing the rest of her magic away! Titan, she’s always been so traditional. ” Aria ends her sentence with a gagging sound.
“Ari, I know this sucks, believe me, I love Aine like a sister and I don’t want to see her like this either but this is something she has to figure out, okay?” Elwin is staring softly into the camera. Aria rolls her eyes.
“Fine.” Suddenly, there’s a clanging sound in the background of Elwin’s call. She then sees him roll his eyes.
“Opal and Nightshade knocked over my ingredients AGAIN.” Elwin groans loudly. Aria chuckles.
“I’ll let you go take care of that, bye I love you.” Aria waves and blows a kiss to the camera. Elwin pretends to catch it and put it on his cheek.
“I love you too.” Elwin ends the call. Aria puts her scroll away and covers her face with a pillow.
“How in Titan’s name am I going to convince Aine to not get that stupid coven sigil!” She yells, her screams muffled by the fabric. She rolls over staring up at the ceiling. She plucks a stray feather from her arm. She stares at it for a moment, the dark shades of grey and black shimmering in the light. She tosses it with a scoff. She hears a soft knock at the door. King opens the door and jumps up on Aria’s bed.
“Are you okay?” King asks, curling up in the crook of her arm. Aria gestures to her feather-covered arm and shakes her head.
“She's making me molt.” She rolls over on her side to face the wall. King snuggles up next to her and Aria rests her arm over his fuzzy body.
She gets lost in her thoughts and ends up falling asleep.
————
Aine ignores the sounds of her family talking downstairs; she curls up in her nest of pillows and blankets in the corner of her room. Her palisman, Olive perches on her knees, cooing softly. Aine scratches under her chin with a finger.
“I don’t know what to do, Ollie.” Olive cocks her head to the side and coos questioningly.
“I want to join the coven, but what if this is a mistake.” Aine ruminates to her feathery friend.
“I’ve worked for this my whole life. What if it’s all for naught?” It’s true. For Aine’s entire life she has been at the top.
So why is this so hard? Aine takes a deep breath. Aria’s face floats in her mind. For weeks now Aria has been trying to get her to change her mind about the coven.
Her biggest reason is that Aine won’t be a wild witch anymore. Aine won’t be able to sit by the fireplace and practice bard magic with Aria and her Noni anymore. Sure her magic will forever be limited, but she really only does beast keeping spells so what would she be missing out on?
She lays out, just staring at her canopy. Olive coos, hopping up to lay on Aine’s chest.
“I need advice.” Aine slowly gets up, brushing off her skirt. She holds out her hand, Olive returning to her staff form. Aine opens her window with a single spell and flies off into the night.
The cool wind against her face and the thrumming in her ears calms her down as she sorts out her thoughts. She weaves through and around trees and the Ribs before nearly face planting.
“I don’t know how Aria does that all the time,” Aine mutters to herself.
She continues flying low to the ground until she reaches the base of The Knee. Nestled below the snow-capped mountains, sits a small mansion decorated with gorgeous foliage and lights. On the top left side of the house, a single light is on and Aine grins.
She quietly lands Olive on a tree beside the window. Aine uses some of her magic to open the window and sneak in. On the inside is a luxe bedroom decorated with red and white. Next to the bed, Aine’s best friend Derwin is putting on a face mask and reading.
“Hi, there!” Aine says while sitting cross-legged on his bed. Derwin screams and jumps back, knocking himself into the foot of his bed. Aine giggles as Derwin huffs.
“Aine! You could have walked through the front door! You know you don’t have to ask permission!” Derwin hisses. Aine shrugs.
“It’s more fun to go through the window.” Aine bats her eyelashes at him. He rolls his eyes and sits on the bed beside her.
“Clearly you need my help if you break into my room at 10:30 at night. What’s up?” Derwin’s face changes from annoyance to concern. Aine looks down and sighs.
“Aria is mad at me.”
“About what?” Derwin asks. Aine runs her hands down her right arm where her coven sigil is going to be.
“Wanting to join the beast keeping coven. I just don’t feel like she’s supporting me. All she’s doing is telling me how bad of an idea it is and how I’m just gonna be one of Belos’ puppets.” Derwin bites his lip.
“You’re aware of how flawed the coven system is, yes?” Aine curls her lip in annoyance.
“Yes. I know that I’m not stupid…and aren’t you literally in a coven?” Derwin throws his hands up.
“Hey, I’m not trying to attack anyone, just trying to see the details.” Aine inhales, laying out on his bed.
“Yes, I know the coven system is fucked.”
“You still want to go through this, yes?” Derwin leans over to look Aine in the eyes. Aine mulls his question over in her head. Aine has wanted to join the beast keeping coven for as long as she can remember. It’s the one place she feels like she can actually belong. What if Aria is right? What if Mama is right? What if Aine regrets this? Aine closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. This is Aine’s choice and hers alone.
“Yes. I will be joining the beast keeping coven at the ceremony next week.” Derwin smiles and pats Aine’s leg.
“There’s the Ace I know. Look, no matter your choice, I’m here for you.” Derwin squeezes her leg and Aine smiles.
“Thanks, D.” Derwin shoved her playfully.
“Now, get out of my house and go to bed.” He says throwing himself into his bed. Aine laughs out loud.
“Okay, good night.” Derwin doesn’t look at her.
“Goodnight.” Aine leaves out the window on her staff back home.
——————
Over the next week, Aria did everything in her power to not speak to Aine. After all her parents said not to bother her. Aine tries to get Aria to talk to her, she offers to take her on joyrides and she refuses. Aine tries bringing Aria her favorite snacks, but she refuses. She tries to sit with her for movie night, no chance. Aria’s love for her family is only matched by her stubbornness.
Aine will ask Aria a question, only to look through her and turn back to giggling and playing with King. Aine will try to speak to King as well and even he is becoming more distant.
Aria’s refusal to speak to Aine has been weighing down on her. Aine had always envisioned that despite Aria not agreeing with the coven system, she would still support her decision. The opposite is happening, unfortunately.
The night before Aine’s coven initiation, Raine is sitting in their sofa chair reading when Aine perches on the armrest and rests her head on Raine’s letting out a soft whine.
“What’s the matter, Birdie?” Raine asks, taking Aine’s hand in theirs. They rub their thumb across the top of her hand.
“Aria won’t talk to me,” Aine says, burying her face in their hair. Raine sighs.
“This is going to be a big change for her, you need to just give her space, okay?”
“What if she hates me now because I’m in a coven?” Aine says, her voice cracking at the end. Her throat constricts as she blinks away tears. The thought of Aine not being close to Aria anymore is devastating to her. Raine pulls Aine down into their lap and hugs her tightly.
“Birdie, Aria will never hate you. She loves you so much, you just need to give her space.” Aine deflates, resting her head in the crook of Raine’s neck.
“Are you sure she’ll be okay?” Aine asks. Raine squeezes her and she giggles.
“I’m sure,” Raine says before pushing Aine off their lap. “Now go get some sleep, you have a big day in the morning.” Aine grins from ear to ear. She goes up to her room with a pep in her step.
In her room, she’s laying out her initiation day clothes which are a long black dress with puff sleeves and an orange cloak bearing the beast keeping sigil. She hangs it up off of her wardrobe. The sound of Aria clearing her throat spooks her. She’s leaning against the doorframe with a smile that doesn’t match the contempt in her eyes.
“So you’re going through with it, huh?” Aria says. Aine glances at her and then goes back to smoothing out her clothes.
“Yeah, obviously,” Aine says flatly. Aine stands up straight and takes a few steps into Aria’s room.
“So that’s it? You’re just okay with losing your magic?” Aria throws her hands up to make her point. Aine sighs loudly.
“Aria. I told you I’m going through with this, you’re not changing my mind.” Aine turns her back to Aria. Aria snorts.
“You’re impossible,” she says, turning to leave. Aine leans her head out of her room into the hallway and yells at Aria’s back.
“Me? At least I don’t scream and throw up when I disagree with someone.” Aine sees feathers pop up on Aria’s back and arms. Aine smiles coyly. “You know I’m right.” Aria turns back to Aine, her eyes full of fire.
"And you know I’m right about that poison you're getting on your wrist!” Aria raises her voice and stands up tall. Aine matches her stance and rolls her eyes.
“You’re dramatic, I use beast keeping magic primarily anyways.” She says. Aria curls her lip, her fangs poking out.
"After tomorrow, you'll be only using beast-keeping magic," says Aria, attempting to pluck the feathers from her arms "It's like you're not even listening to me!" Aine groans and throws her hands up.
“It’s because I don’t care! This is what I want to do! I want to join the coven! I don’t want to be a common, lowlife criminal like you!”Aine gasps and her hands fly to her mouth. Aria stares at her shocked, her mouth agape. Aine begins to stutter “Aria I- I didn't-…”
Feathers start sprouting from Aria all over her body. She lets out a scream and turns, running towards her room and slamming the door behind her. Aine chases after her and throws the door open
“Aria!” She yells. Aria is pacing furiously in her room, angry tears falling from her face.
"Get out" she growls, a beastly edge to her voice
“Aria please,” Aine whispers, holding out her hand. Aria backs away from her
"Leave me alone!" Eda hears the commotion and flies up the stairs and to Aria’s room to separate them with Raine following close behind.
“Aine. Leave her alone right now.” Aine tries to get a word in but Eda stops her “Aine. Go. Now.” Raine takes Aine's hand and brings her back to her room ignoring her protests. Aria lets out another beast-like howl before Eda closes the door. Aine in total shock turns to look at Raine who has an unreadable expression on their face. Behind them, King and hooty are at the end of the hall, staring at Aine with looks of betrayal. Aine lets out a sob and runs to her room. Raine chases after her.
Aine curls up in the nesting corner of her room. She’s panicking.
“I can’t believe I said that to her and now she’s gonna hate me and she’s gonna transform and leave.” Her voice raises an octave. Raine is talking to her in a soothing voice, but nothing is working on her, she’s in hysterics, completely inconsolable. . After Aine has calmed down a bit she stands up.
“I’m going to apologize.” She says. Raine grabs her arm as she’s about to leave her room.
“Leave her be, she’s not ready,” Raine says sternly. “You just get to bed, you can see her in the morning.” Aine makes a face of defeat and crawls into bed. Raine kisses her on the forehead.
“Goodnight, Noni,” Aine says.
“Goodnight, Birdie,” Raine replies. They get up and softly close the door behind her.
Aine doesn’t sleep well. She constantly tosses and turns and her thoughts are screaming in her head, playing on repeat. She groans at the sound of her alarm clock. She all but smashes it under her fist. She works quickly to get ready, her groggy expression is palpable though. Her eyes are puffy from crying and the lack of sleep has left her with dark circles. Aine touches up her appearance with magic before getting dressed into her initiation garb. The anticipation pools in her stomach as she makes her way down the hall. She stops in front of Aria’s door, her hand over the doorknob. She pulls away, tears pricking at the side of her eyes.
“I’ll give her space,” Aine mumbles before continuing down to the kitchen. Eda already has a quick breakfast set up for her. Raine is sitting at the dining table drinking tea. King is sitting in Raine’s lap, still dozing. They smile when they see Aine.
“Morning, Birdie. Are you excited?” Raine asks. Aine nods.
“I am!” She says. Aine notices Raine is in their official bard coven uniform. “Are you going too, Noni?” Raine nods.
“Of course, I’m high up in the coven after all. I also have to see my oldest baby be inducted.” Raine says, poking her side. Aine reels back and giggles. Raine checks their watch. “Okay let’s get going, Aine.” Aine hugs Eda and Eda kisses her on the forehead.
“Good luck, I love you,” Eda says. King jumps off Raine’s lap and crawls up Aine’s leg. He wraps his body around her shoulders and neck and nuzzles into her cheek. Aine scratches the top of King’s head and he hums in delight.
“I love you too, Mama,” Aine says. King leaps from Aine’s embrace to burrow in Eda’s hair. Raine gives Eda a soft kiss before following Aine out the door to the palace.
—-------
It hurts. The back-breaking, bone-crushing pain of Aria and the owl beast fighting for dominance over Aria’s body. She lets out a blood-curdling yell and Eda grabs her and pulls her to the floor.
“Shhh, you’ll be okay, Songbird just relax.” Eda’s soft voice makes Aria relax just enough for Eda to bring a vial of elixir to her lips. Aria greedily drinks down the potion, feeling the pain receding. Eda runs her fingers through Aria’s hair scratching her scalp which makes her hum in delight.
“Mama, she hates me.” Aria hiccups. Eda twirls a lock of Aria’s hair around her fingers.
“Aine loves you, Baby. I used to fight with my family all the time, and because of it, I ran away. That wasn’t smart of me and now I get that. Family fights and that’s okay.” Aria curls into her mom’s arms. She lays her head on Eda’s chest, listening to the humming. Aria melts into the sound, her owl beast being tamed by the humming of Eda’s beast.
“Will it be okay?” Aria asks. Eda rubs her back.
“It will be, now you get in bed it’s been a long day.” Eda lovingly pats her back and she stomps over to her bed. She climbs in, letting herself sink into the comfortable mattress and pillows. Eda covers her with a blanket and kisses her forehead. “Goodnight, Aria,” Eda says.
“Goodnight, Mama.” Eda opens the door to leave but squeaks in surprise.
“Raine! Don’t scare me like that.” She says, breathless. Raine chuckles.
“Sorry, Calamity,” Raine says, kissing her cheek. Aria hears Eda’s catlike, almost silent footsteps getting further away. Aria relaxes in her bed and closes her eyes but suddenly, her stomach somersaults when she feels Raine beside her, their scent of coffee and rosin wafting over her. Aria inhales deeply. Raine’s scent has always been comforting to her. When she was small, she would always curl into them when she was sad and their smell would comfort her.
“Noni?” Aria says, flipping over to face them. Raine smiles softly, kneeling beside her bed.
“Hey, Songbird how are you feeling?” Raine asks. Aria pulls her blanket up to her nose and whines, nodding her head. “Feeling better?” Aria nods again. Raine pats her side, kissing her forehead. Aria wants to thank Raine for coming in to check on her, but she can’t get the words to come out right now so she leans into them as much as she can.
Aria hums when Raine bumps their foreheads together.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better. You get some rest now, I love you.”
Aria hums again. Raine stands up and leaves, lightly closing the door behind them. Aria waits until she can no longer hear the sound of their footsteps before moving. She rolls onto her back and stares at the ceiling. She thinks about what Eda said…about how she ran away.
Aria bites her lip and glances at the door. Ren, her palisman chirps and lands on her chest. She scratches the top of his head and he coos in delight.
“Should I?” Aria asks. Ren flies over to the window and pecks at the glass. He chirps loudly, refusing to leave the windowsill. Aria glances at the door, then the window, then back at the door. Aria jumps out of her bed. Aria casts a quick silencing spell and takes her bag off her chair and begins packing. She doesn’t pack a lot, just enough for her to wander for a few days. That should be enough for Aria to clear her head. It will be okay, it’s not like Eda, Raine, and Aine will even notice she's gone. Aria beckons Ren to turn to his staff form. Before she can even step foot on her windowsill, Hooty is in her face. She yelps in surprise, jumping back and almost tumbling to the ground. Hooty catches her before she falls, thankfully.
“Where are you off to, Baby Owl?” Hooty asks, all but shouting in her ear. Aria makes a face. The last thing she wants is Hooty blowing her cover.
“I’m going out, I’ll be back soon. Promise you won’t tell Mama and Noni?” Aria asks, giving Hooty the most adorable pleading face she could muster. Hooty makes a face like he’s deep in thought.
“What’s in it for me?” He asks. Aria purses her lips.
“You can join the next cuddle pile?” Hooty cheers and wraps Aria in a tube hug.
“Deal!” He shrieks. Aria gives him a scratch under his chin and he leaves her alone. She throws her bag over her shoulder and out she goes, flying through her window.
Aria flies like the wind, letting the cool air dry her tear-stricken face. She weaves through the trees and over rocks. She continues to speed into the inner city of bonesborough weaving through busy streets and ignoring the protesting witches she almost runs over. Aria doesn’t care about anyone else right now, nobody cares about her right now why should she reciprocate?
Aria skids to a halt in front of the gates of an ornate mansion. The purple wrought iron fence looms over her. Despite being tall for her age group, Aria can barely see over the top of the fence herself. Aria takes a few steps back, then runs at the fence and gracefully jumps over it. She makes a beeline towards the aforementioned black manor. She nearly runs into the front door but trips over the stairs which keep that from happening. She curses to herself, the owl beast inside of her letting out a slew of profanities as well. Aria huffs.
“This is your fault.” She says. The owl beast retaliates by making feathers spring from her arms. She groans, shaking off the feathers. “Okay, okay I’m sorry, geez.”
Her commotion must have been deafening because the front door opens abruptly which startles her. Aria’s uncle, Darius is staring down at her, confused.
“Aria? What are you doing here? It’s late.” Darius asks. Aria stiffens, looking up at him and wiping the stray tears from her eyes. Aria opens her mouth to speak, but the thought of what happened makes her throat tight and tears well back up.
“Uncle, I…she…” Aria breaks down again and throws herself into Darius’s arms. She cries softly while Darius rubs her back.
“Let’s get you inside,” Darius says. He scoops her up and brings her into the house. Darius brings her to the living room, setting her down on one of the couches. Daris props her up on some pillows and wraps her in one of his soft fleece blankets. The warmth makes Aria sigh and she sinks into the plush of the couch. Darius walks into the kitchen and Aria closes her eyes. Darius always knows how to bundle up Aria when she’s upset, she often falls asleep in his blanket cocoons. He returns a few minutes later with a cup of Aria’s favorite nightshade calming tea. Aria feels the seat next to her sink with Darius’s body weight. “Here, some tea,” He says. Aria smiles and graciously takes the drink from his hands.
“Thank you,” She says quietly. Aria brings the cup to her lips, the warm liquid gives her goosebumps as it heats her body. She sighs and leans against Darius.
“Is it to your liking, Little Songbird?” Darius asks. Aria nods, taking another sip. “Are you ready to talk about it?” Aria shakes her head no. Darius leans back and stares at the ceiling. “I’ll be here when you’re ready.” Aria smiles at him. She continues to drink her tea in silence and Ren has fallen fast asleep in her hair. Darius is attentive, staying by her side and comforting her like he always does. Darius has always been like a third parent to Aria, he listens to her when her parents don’t. Darius always understands her point of view and gives her the best advice. Aria appreciates that more than he’ll ever know. Aria finishes her tea, throwing her head back to get every drop. She hums in delight.
“That was good, thank you.”
“Are you ready to talk?” Darius asks. Aria nods.
“I think so,” Darius sets Aria’s cup in the kitchen before sitting back down beside her.
“Whenever you’re ready,” he says. Aria takes a deep breath. She tells Darius everything . She tells him about Aine’s decision to join a coven and how that makes her feel, she talks about how Eda and Raine always side with Aine with her choice. The memory of what Aine said floats in her mind.
“Aine…she hates me now.” Aria’s lip begins to quiver. Darius hugs her, smoothing her hair down.
“Now why do you say that?” Darius asks.
“She called me a criminal. A criminal!” Aria’s voice cracks. Tears prick at the sides of her eyes. Darius squeezes her tighter, shooshing her softly.
“I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”
“Then why would she say it?” Aria squeaks, tightening her fist around the blanket. Darius doesn’t answer. He just rocks her softly, running his fingers through her hair. After a long pause, Darius breaks the silence.
“What are you going to do?” Aria shrugs.
“I don’t want to go back home. Not yet.” Darius chuckles.
“You can’t just run away from home like that, Little Songbird.” Aria sits up so that she’s nose to nose with Darius.
“I can’t go home yet, It will just be for a few days. Please, Uncle Darius, don’t tell Mama and Noni!” Aria’s voice raises several octaves. Darius holds Aria’s shoulders and gently removes her from his personal space.
“Ari, if I don’t tell them, your parents will kill me.” Darius grimaces. Raine has ripped Darius a new one several times over their daughters. Darius understands just how protective Raine is. Aria’s lip quivers and her eyes soften to give Darius one of her signature pleading faces, one that she knows Darius cannot resist.
“Please, Uncle. It’s only for a few days. I’ll be back home after that I promise.” Aria pleads. Darius stares at her face, his flat expression contorting to a grimace. He bites his lip and huffs.
“Fine. But under one condition: You have to stay the night here. You’re in no shape to go back out.” Aria giggles in delight and wraps her arms around him. She leaps off the couch and shuffles up to the room that Darius has for her in his home.
“I’m going to sleep, Uncle, good night!” She skips up the stairs. Darius waves sheepishly.
“Good night.” Darius watches her until she turns the corner, out of sight. He sighs, sinking into the couch. “She is too much sometimes.” Darius begins to scroll through his penstagram before gasping softly. “There’s no way I’m telling Eda and Raine she was here, they would kill me.”
—--------
The next morning, bright and early Aria is peacefully flying over the forest outside of bonesborough. The comfort from Darius and the peaceful night’s sleep has Aria feeling slightly better. She still hasn’t recovered from the emotional turmoil of her fight with Aine. That’s what Medea is for. Medea has a way of helping Aria forget about the trials and tribulations of everyday life. She’s a wild child, someone Aria can rely on to go bat-shit crazy. That’s why she loves Medea, she’s an impenetrable wall of crazy.
Aria makes her way down into the forest, weaving through trees. She comes up to a small clearing with a hut in the center. Medea is outside the hut, sitting cross-legged on a tree stump. Aria is so surprised to see Medea waiting for her that she nearly wipes out when she lands. Medea snorts.
“Nice landing, Klutz.” Aria shoots her a look and Medea chuckles.
“Nice to see you too, D,” Aria says, perching herself beside Medea. “How did you know I was coming? I didn’t tell you.” Medea grins and taps her head.
“Oracle magic, Ari. Did you forget that?” Aria makes a face.
“Oracle magic is so creepy, ” She says, shuddering. Medea jumps off the stump and puts her arms over her head and stretches.
“So, what’s up? You don’t look good,” Medea asks. Aria groans and puts her head in her hands.
“Aine and I got into a huge fight.”
“Yikes, do you want to talk about it?” Medea asks. Aria sighs, leaning back on her hands.
“I just don’t know how to get through to her, she’s set on getting that titan-forsaken coven sigil,” Aria says. Medea scoffs and rolls her eyes.
“If Aine wants to ruin her life that’s her fault. You shouldn’t feel responsible.”
“But I should have convinced her more to not get it.” Aria croaks. She can feel the emotions welling up again. Medea puts her hands on Aria’s shoulder and pulls her back straight.
“Aria. Aine’s stupid choices are not your fault or responsibility. If she wants to do that she can shove off and do it.” Medea’s voice is sharper than normal. Aria nods.
“Okay.”
“What do you want to do?” Medea asks.
“I want to go off the grid for a few days. I don’t want anyone to find me, I just need to clear my head.” Aria says. Medea nods. Medea is a master at staying hidden. Her beast-keeping magic skills rival that of Aine’s and Head Witch Eberwolf’s. Medea’s years of running away from home have made her a master of evasion.
“I got you, girl. Let’s disappear.” Medea pulls Aria into her hut and closes the door.
—-----
Aine can’t pinpoint exactly when during the ceremony her world came crumbling down around her. Was it the initial ceremony? Was it the reading of the oath? Was it getting the sigil? Was it watching the faces of her new coven mates being so excited for their new sigils while Aine just felt empty?
The sigil…the one she wanted and dreamed of for years is finally on her arm. The branding has left a dull burning sensation on the right side of her body. The second the sigil was imprinted on her, she could physically feel her wild magic being sealed away. It made her feel empty. There’s a void in her stomach now, one that can never be filled.
Watching all of the other witches her age fawn and giggle over their new sigils made Aine sick. She gazes at the stage before her, the coven heads and their right-hand witches look down on the recruits. She makes eye contact with Raine, who smiles at her with so much pride in their eyes. Aine gulps, and her stomach turns. A tap on her shoulder makes her jump and she loudly gasps. The culprit was one of her former classmates, they step back with a startled expression.
“Oh, I’m sorry Aine. I just wanted to ask if you were coming to the luncheon later. Head Witch Eberwolf is hosting one for the new coven members.” Aine gulps. The last thing she wants to do is to attend a party.
“No, sorry I promised I would celebrate with my family.” Aine’s voice comes out shakier than she wanted, but her classmate seems to accept her answer. As soon as they were out of view, Aine summons Olive into her staff form, and she high tails it out of the city. She flies faster than she ever has before, the concentration of not crashing keeps her mind busy from the throbbing of her new sigil.
Her heart flips when The Owl House comes into view. She sees Eda outside, pacing back and forth, King sitting on her shoulders looking worried and Aine wants nothing more than to fall into the arms of her mother. Eda spots her and waves, Aine waves back before finally landing. Eda jogs over to Aine, taking her face in her hands and kissing her forehead. Eda’s smiling, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. Eda looks melancholy, her eyebrows furrowed in worry.
“How was it, Sunshine?” Eda asks, her eyes searching for Aine’s excitement only for her face to fall. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Aine’s lip quivers and her eyes tear up.
“You were right, Mama.” She says. The floodgates open and Aine wails. Eda immediately takes Aine in her arms and rocks her, stroking her hair. Aine clings to Eda and rests her head in the crook of her neck. The tears are falling in waves, soaking Aine’s face and Eda’s shirt. “My wild magic is gone forever.” Aine cries harder. King perches himself on Aine’s lap, hugging her as much as he can. Aine pulls King into the group embrace, sobbing into her mom and brother. “I should have listened to you.” Eda shooshes her.
“Baby, you did what you thought was best, this is not your fault,” Eda whispers, pressing light kisses on her head and forehead. “You are still just as incredible and powerful as ever.” Aine clings to Eda and shakes her head.
“No, I didn’t listen to you…I didn’t listen to Aria. Now I can never practice wild magic again.” Aine’s voice croaks. Eda’s fingers run through Aine’s hair, massaging the back of her head. Aine looks up from Eda’s embrace. Aria still hadn’t come outside to see her. Is she still mad?
“What’s wrong?” Eda asks. Aine wipes her eyes.
“Where’s Aria?” Aine asks. Eda looks to King and Hooty all three of their faces falling simultaneously. Aine looks between them, her stomach getting the same sick sensation she had at the initiation. “Mama, where’s Aria?” Eda’s lip quivers.
“I…don’t know. Hooty, King, and I have been looking for her all day. She’s missing.” Eda begins to cry softly. King and Hooty wrap her in a hug, their faces downturned as well. The world stops for Aine like the way the world is calm before a looming disaster. She casts her gaze onto Eda, then Hooty, then King, then at Aria’s window. Aine calmly stands up, tears silently flowing down her cheeks. The world is silent around her, the questioning cries of her mom are drowned out and muffled.
She walks into the house and up the stairs with slow, methodical steps as if she were in a trance. The door to Aria’s room is halfway opened, Aine walks in, not even bothering to turn a light on. She stands in the doorway of Aria’s room, scanning the area with her head using only the light from the hallway. Immediately, Aine knows something is not right. Aria’s favorite bag is missing from her chair. She walks around her room slowly running her fingers across her furniture. At Aria’s window is when Aine finds it. Aria’s oracle stone, one that looks nearly identical to Aine’s their whole family has to track each other’s location on the ground, surrounded by her feathers.
“She ran away,” Aine’s voice is barely a whisper. Aine bites back a sob. Aria ran away . When Aine needs her most she runs away. Aine thinks about their fight last night. They fight all the time, but they’re always able to make up and come back from it. Aine’s words flash into her head. Of course. Aine called her a criminal for Titan’s sake. Aine falls to her knees and holds Aria’s oracle stone, crying softly. “This is all my fault.”
Aine hears footsteps down the hall, she recognizes the hollow, light steps to be Raine’s. Why are they back so soon?
“Aine? Where are you, Birdie?” Raine’s voice carries through the house. Aine doesn’t answer, she can’t bring herself to. She continues to cry softly, now leaning against Aria’s bed, running her thumb across the owl head carved into Aria’s oracle stone. Raine’s footsteps get close to Aria’s room before they stop. Raine’s shadow casts on the wall, but Aine doesn’t look up. “Aine, please talk to me.” Aine doesn’t answer. Raine’s shadow gets closer and their footsteps get louder. Aine feels Raine’s presence at her back. Aine turns her head to glance at Raine, then she looks back down at the oracle stone.
“She’s gone. She ran away.” Aine says numbly. Raine kneels behind her and places a warm hand on her back. They lean over her shoulder and let out a small gasp when they see Aria’s oracle stone.
“Songbird, why?” Raine’s voice trails off. Aine turns to face them, her face stained with tears.
“It’s all my fault. I did this.” She leans her forehead on their shoulder. Raine pulls her to them and they hold her.
“Don’t say that, Aine,” Raine says. Aine squeezes Raine’s shirt in her fist.
“It is my fault. If I hadn’t said those awful things to her if I hadn’t gotten this coven sigil she would still be here.” Aine wails. Raine rocks her back and forth, humming softly in her ear trying to get Aine to calm down but she doesn’t. Eda eventually comes back inside with King in tow and they walk up to where Raine and Aine are. The five of them sit there in silence until Aine essentially cries herself to sleep. Raine carries her to their room and set’s her in the nest that Eda and Raine share. King curls up beside Aine and keeps her company.
When they’re alone, Eda hugs Raine from behind and puts her forehead on the nape of their neck.
“What are we gonna do, Rainestorm?” Eda says. Raine sighs and rubs their thumb softly over the top of her hand.
“We’ll just have to look for Aria and bring her home.” Eda kisses their neck softly. Raine begins to sway side to side, and the fluidity of their movements begins to calm Eda.
“I hate when the girls fight like this.” She says. Raine gives her hands a small squeeze. “This is my fault, Raine.” Her voice breaks.
“What do you mean?”
“I told Aria about how I used to run away when I was a kid. I had to have given her the idea.” She scoffs to herself. “Eda Clawthorne-Whispers has made a terrible parenting decision yet again.” Raine spins themself around to look Eda in the eyes. They cup her face with their hands.
“Eda, you didn’t make a bad decision. You tried to help; this isn’t your fault.” Raine says. Eda whines and rests her forehead on theirs,
“Yes, it is. If I hadn’t told her about it she wouldn’t have run away.”
“Eda, our girls are sixteen and nineteen of course they’re going to have explosive arguments and make rash decisions. It’s not your fault what choices they make. They’ll have to work through it on their own.” Raine plants several kisses on Eda’s hands. Eda relaxes into their touch. “Let’s get some rest, you’ve been looking for her all day. We can start again tomorrow.” Eda hums in agreement.
“Okay,” Eda says. Raine kisses her sweetly.
“Turn that frown upside down. I don’t like when my girls are sad.” Raine says. Eda gives them a cheesy smile and they share a laugh.
The two of them walk up to their room and Aine is long asleep, curled up in the center of the nest. Eda and Raine lay on either side of Aine and hug her on either side. They give each other longing smiles before falling asleep.
—------
For the next two days, while Eda and Raine spend long hours combing the land from Bonesborough to Latissa to find Aria, Aine stays holed up in her bedroom. Aine spends all of her time laying in bed either staring at her wall or out the window. She doesn’t answer the worried texts she’s getting from Derwin and Elwin. She doesn’t talk to anyone except to give one-word responses to her parents and brother. She barely eats. When she’s not sulking, she stares at her coven sigil. It’s begun to heal, looking like it belongs on her skin. Aine’s stomach turns looking at it.
She walks to look out her window for what feels like the millionth time, hoping that she would see Aria walk through the trees.
She doesn’t.
On the third day, Eda finally coaxes Aine out of her room. Coaxing meaning dragging her downstairs to make her eat breakfast. Eda puts her in a chair and places food in front of her.
“Aine you can’t just hide in your room forever,” Eda says, sitting across from her.
“Yes I can,” Aine mumbles. Raine lightly shoves her with their leg and gives her a look. Aine rolls her eyes and takes a bite of food.
“It’s been three days, at least come in the living room,” Raine says. Aine props her head on her hand and shrugs. Raine sighs. “Aine, she’ll come back.” Raine tries to put sincerity behind their words, but they just sound exhausted. Aine shoves another bite of food into her mouth.
“Sure,” She says. The three of them are interrupted by Aine’s crow going off. “Hello?” She says curtly.
“Aine!” Elwin’s voice shrieks over the speaker. “Go check the news!” He abruptly hangs up.
“Uh, okay?” She says, opening her scroll.
What in Titan’s name?
On the front page of the news is reporting multiple sightings of an owl-like beast accompanied by a small beast keeper. Aine gasps when she sees a map of all the reported sightings. It looks like they've been spotted at and around The Knee. Aine jumps up from the table and runs to her room. She throws her clothes on and grabs some books on beast tracking. If Aine is stuck in the beast-keeping coven, she might as well put it to use. She throws her books and materials in a crossbody satchel and bounds down the stairs.
“Woah! Where is all this energy coming from?” Eda asks, pulling on Aine’s satchel to stop her. Aine turns on her heels and grabs both of Eda’s hands.
“Mama! There have been owl beast sightings! Aria is out there and I’m going to find her.” Eda cocks her head to the side.
“By yourself?” Aine turns around to open the door.
“It’s my fault Aria ran away, so I’m going to be the one to bring her home.” Before Eda can retaliate, Aine is out the door, flying on her staff.
Aine goes through each city on her list, asking locals and tracking footprints and stray feathers. Whoever is with Aria, they’re an expert at hiding their trail. By nightfall, she’s only gotten through about half of the places on her list. She’s sitting at the base of a tree outside of Latissa reading through some of her books on beast tracking. Olive perches herself on the top of her book and coos, ruffling her feathers.
“It is late, isn’t it?” Aine looks up at the sky sprinkled with stars. Olive coos again, lightly pecking Aine’s finger. “Okay, we’ll go home.” Aine jumps up and puts all of her things away before holding out her hand to beckon Olive into her staff form. She arrives back at The Owl House to see Raine and Eda chatting outside. She lands a few feet away from them, “Mama, Noni, what are you two doing out?” Raine smiles.
“We just wanted to see you come home safe.” They say. Aine grins sheepishly.
“Yeah, but I couldn’t find Aria.” Aine sulks. Raine uses their fingers to put Aine’s bangs behind her hair.
“You found more leads than your mom and I have in three days. Give yourself some credit.” Raine says. Aine leans into their touch. Eda comes up behind Raine and places an arm on their back.
“Go get some rest, Sunshine, you deserve it.” She says. Aine graciously accepts Eda’s advice. She trudges up to her room with King trailing behind her. She falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow, with King snuggled up beside her.
Aine spends the next four days following every single lead she has gathered from various news sightings and local sightings of Aria…all of which have to led to nothing. For four days, Aine comes home empty handed growing increasingly frustrated. At the end of the fourth day, Aine comes home and lies face down on the couch and groans loudly.
Raine walks into the living room from the kitchen and leans on the side of the couch.
“No luck?” They ask. Aine rolls onto her back to stare at the ceiling.
“No. Whoever is with Aria is very good at hiding their tracks.” Aine says. Raine perches themself on the couch next to Aine’s feet.
“You don’t think she was kidnapped do you?” Raine asks. Aine gives them a droll stare.
“Noni, what in Titan’s name makes you think Aria’s owl beast would go with somebody willingly?” Raine shrugs.
“Good point. Still, do you have any idea who it could be?” They ask. Aine shakes her head, covering her eyes with her arm.
“This person is an expert beast keeper. I am too…so why can’t I find her. I keep on just missing them.” Aine whines. “I throw my magic away for beast keeping and I can’t even find Aria.” A single tear falls down her face.
“Birdie, no,” Raine says, squeezing her leg. “You’re an amazing witch, Eberwolf sees a lot of potential in you.” Aine sighs loudly.
“So why can’t I find her?” Aine cries, squeezing her eyes shut to hide the tears. Raine shooshes her, placing a comforting hand on her cheek.
“It’s frustrating, I know. Just rest now and try again tomorrow.” Aine sighs and covers Raine’s hand with her own.
“What if I still can’t find her?” She asks. Raine grins.
“You’re more stubborn than you think, Aine.” Aine sits up, letting out a chuckle.
“I guess you’re right.”
—-----
On the fifth day of Aine’s search, she wakes up before the sun rises. She grabs her source material, her list, and her remaining sanity and flies out on Olive. While she’s flying, she runs through her list of cities and sightings.
“It looks like I haven’t checked the sightings in Serennity, Palmaris, Adrenmil, and Gastruc.” She says, talking to herself. She steers left towards the knee. “Aria, you better come home to us soon.”
Aine spends the first half of the day tracking Aria and asking locals with, of course, no luck. After finding absolutely nothing in Serennity or Adrenmil, Aine rests in Palarmis before going out to continue her search. She finds herself in a small cafe, sipping on tea. After reading through the fourth book on beast tracking, she groans and throws her head. On the table. What good is joining the beast keeping coven if Aine can’t even beast keep? Aine’s sigil has since healed and the orange mark stares at her mockingly. Aine wore shorter sleeves today since she would be out and about. Bad choice. The last thing she wants to look at is this stupid mark.
On the opposite side of her, a traveling market is set up. Delicious-looking food, beautiful clothes, jewelry, and other commodities are lining the streets. She smiles watching the city folk bustle to shop and the children laughing and running between the stalls. A stall selling hairpins catches her eye, the stunning colors and shining metals draw her to the stall to gaze at them. Aine makes a face when she sees the prices, however.
“Rats, I wish they were cheaper.” She mumbles. The stallkeeper gives her a pointed look before helping someone else. A glint of mint catches her eye. She jerks her head to a stall a couple of feet away from her. She slowly walks toward the other stall, craning her neck to get a better look. “Is that…” Aine’s eyes widen.
It’s Aria.
She’s standing at a stall with a hood covering her head, but the wild mint hair sticking out from under her cloak is a dead giveaway.
“Ari!” Aine yells, barreling towards her. Aria jerks her head in Aine’s direction. Aria visibly deflates upon seeing Aine. Aine doesn’t notice, if she does notice she doesn’t care. All she sees is her sister is there. She’s so close.
Before Aria can even react or run away, Aine is on her pulling her to the ground in a tight hug. Aine squeezes Aria, tears pricking at her eyes. It doesn’t feel real to Aine, but the feeling of Aria’s wiry hair tickling her nose makes it real. Aria doesn’t hug her back, she just sits on the ground dumbfounded that Aine even found her.
“Aine?” Aria whispers, staring at her. Aine pulls Aria out of her embrace, holding her out by the shoulders. Aria is shocked to see that Aine is crying.
“Where in Titan’s name have you been? We’ve all been worried sick! Do you know-” Aine trails off when she sees Aria’s face. The force of their hug knocked Aria’s hood off to reveal her face is scraped up with a bandage stuck to her cheek. “Aria, you’re hurt,” Aine brushes her fingertips along Aria’s bandaged cheek. She holds Aria’s face in her hands. “How did this happen? Are you okay? Have you been disinfecting?” Aine’s rapid-fire questions make Aria scoff. She brushes off Aine’s hands.
“Why does it matter?” Aria asks bitterly. She looks down at her feet, refusing to make eye contact with Aine.
“Why does it?” Aine whispers. She rolls her eyes. “You go missing for a week when I need you most. Now you’re injured just hanging out at some market?!” Aria looks up into Aine’s eyes full of sadness and bitterness.
“Why would you need a common criminal to help you? It’s not like you ever listened to me before.” Aria spits out. Her voice isn’t angry, it’s defeated. Aine opens her mouth to respond but closes it. She looks down at her hands. Her face falls with tears clouding her vision.
“I’m sorry,” Aine chokes out. She swallows, wiping tears from her face. She takes Aria’s hands in hers.
“You called me a criminal, Aine. Just because I’m wild. I see how you look down on me.” Aine squeezes her hands.
“Aria no, I love that you’re wild.” Aria bites her lip.
“Then why would you say that? Why would you go against Mama and me?” Aria says. Aine sighs. She looks down at her hands. Aria’s eyes follow and hone in on Aine’s coven sigil. Her eyebrows come together and she frowns. “You did it…you actually got the sigil.” Aine runs a finger over it.
“I did.”
“Do you regret it?” Aria asks, her gaze moving back to her feet. Her shoulders deflate. Aine squeezes her arm, her chest tightening.
“I do regret it. Mama was right, you were right.” Aine says. Her lip quivers. “I should have listened to you, now it’s too late. I’m sorry, Aria.” Tears fall down Aine’s face and onto her skirt.
“Aine-”
“No!” Aine interrupts her.
“You don’t have to forgive me, I did this to myself. I can’t be wild ever again.” Aria pulls Aine in a hug. Her arms wrap around Aine’s shoulders and she holds her close.
“I’m not mad at you, Aine. I’m sad. I’m sad that you would look down on me like that.” Aria chokes up as well, hiding her face in Aine’s hair.
“No, I love that your wild. I love your thirst for knowledge of all magic. I love how brave you are to openly stand against Belos and this titan-forsaken coven system. I love you.” Aine holds Aria tighter.
“I love you too, Aine.” Aria pulls herself away from Aine and gives her a pointed look. “If you ever call me that again, I’ll never speak to you again.” Aine nods quickly.
“Yes ma’am.” The sisters stare at each other, then break out into laughter. They pull each other off the ground. “So you’re coming home then, right?” Aine asks excitedly. Aria grimaces and then looks down.
“Not yet,” Aria says. Aine's face turns to confusion.
“Why not? You’re better right?” She asks. Aria shakes her head.
“Yeah, I just needed to leave home and stretch my legs. It’s been suffocating not being my person and being stuck in someone’s shadow. I just need a couple of more days, please?” Aine bites her lip then scrunches her nose. Maybe this will be good for her.
“Three days. Come home in three days. No more, no less.” Aine says, raising an eyebrow with a playfully serious expression. Aria grins.
“I’ll see you in three days,” She says. Aine pulls Aria in for another hug and kisses her forehead. Aria runs off into the forest and Aine leaves on her staff back to The Owl House.
Aine spares no second when she lands back home. She runs to the front door and throws it open. The noise makes Raine, sitting on the couch reading, throw their book.
“Ah! Aine what’s going on?” Raine asks. Eda rushes into the living room from the kitchen.
“What is it, Sunshine?” Eda asks. Aine, who is gasping and trying to catch her breath just smiles widely.
“I found her,” Raine jumps up from the couch and speeds over to the door, and stares over Aine to look outside.
“Where is she?” Raine asks. Aine pushes past Raine.
“She’ll be home in three days, but she’s okay.” Eda pokes her head around the doorway into the living room.
“So she’s not here?” Eda asks. Aine shakes her head.
“No, but she’s safe.”
Eda looks over to Raine. They stare at each other for a moment as if they’re silently communicating then smile.
“Do you know who she’s with? Raine asks.
“No, she was pretty vague about it, but she’s okay, I promise.” Aine’s earnest smile and relief calm Raine and Eda down. That night, Aine sleeps in the nest with her parents, cuddled between them. For the first time in over a week, Aine has a good night’s sleep.
Aine, Eda, Raine, King, and Hooty spend the next three days going about their normal lives. Things have calmed down since they know Aria will be home soon. The cloud of dread and tension has dissipated. Aine, who has been in a mood for the past week, is now back to her calm, mild-mannered self. She has started official work at the beast keeping coven. She enjoys it, though she does miss being wild she thinks she can make a mark in the coven. Eda has been doing her usual selling of human goods with King tagging along. There has been good news for Raine in the bard coven. There has been talk that Scooter Crane, the current coven head will retire and he’s thinking of making Raine his replacement. Hooty has been himself, protecting The Owl House and playfully tormenting its residents.
—------
On the third day, in the evening when the sun is beginning to set along The Head. A streak of dark red cuts through the forests of Bonesborough. A wren bird palisman staff being steered by a certain mint-haired witch weaves through the trees and in the sky.
Aria’s heart leaps in her chest when The Owl House comes into view.
Her home. One that she’s missed for a week. She skids to a halt just outside the front door. Hooty spots her and lets out a gasp.
“Oh my gosh! Aria! It’s you!” Hooty springs from the door and wraps Aria in an embrace.
“Ack! Hi, hooty! I’ve missed you.” Aria says, writhing in his tight squeeze. Ren chirps loudly, flying around Hooty. The commotion outside has Aine, Eda, Raine, and King running outside. The force of Aine opening the door causes Hooty to screech and let Aria go. Aria falls on her butt in an ungraceful motion. She looks up to see Eda, Raine, and Aine staring down at her. Then, they’re on her. Aria’s parents and sister pull her into a huge embrace.
“Oh, Aria, I've missed you so much. You had your mother and I worried sick!” Raine says, planting kisses all over her face.
“Noni! That tickles!” Aria says, giggling. Eda pulls Aria to her chest.
“You’re gonna take it! You took ten years off my life with that stunt, Songbird.” Eda says. Aria’s face is wide with disbelief.
“You mean, you cared about where I was?” Aria asks, looking into Eda’s eyes. Eda gives her a confused look.
“Of course, we do, Aria. You’re our baby, and we love you so much.” Aine smiles, lightly punching her arm.
“Yeah, we love you. So don’t scare us like that again.” Aine says. Aria leans into Eda and sighs happily. Bliss fills her body and she smiles.
“Okay.”