By the end of Winter break things were finally starting to look up. It was the first day of a new semester back at the Academy and this time Ambrose would be joining me for our First Assembly together. I couldn't have been more excited to finally have my best friend back by my side with no looming threat hanging over our heads. At least for the time being. It was high time the Spellmans took back the Church of Night. Naturally every take over needs a killer outfit. Figuratively or literally your choice. I slipped on a pair of black slacks that were tight in all the right places paired with a lace top that showed perhaps a little more skin than was appropriate. It dipped low leaving little to the imagination. To complete the look I slipped on a matching black blazer. Music echoed through the walls from Sabrina's room and I smirked to myself in the mirror as I applied a sinfully deep crimson lipstick. Sliding into a pair of black stilettos I flipped my long hair over my shoulder checking my appearance in the mirror. Satisfied and ready to take the Coven by storm I joined my family downstairs. "Damn, Cous. Pulling out all the stops are we?" Ambrose smirked as he took in my appearance. "Me? Look at you! You'll have all of those Warlock boys eating out of your hand," I smirked back, adjusting the collar of his navy suit. Sabrina sighed loudly entering the kitchen, "Morning, Aunties. Cousins." Ambrose and I shared a look as I made a cup of coffee and he opted for a bowl of cereal. "Deafening morning you mean," Mom corrected as Sabrina took her seat beside her, "Wasn't that music rather loud?" Ambrose chimed in, "Loud enough to wake the dead." I snickered as I took a sip of coffee. However, the two older women in the room did not share our sense of humor. "Too soon for resurrection jokes?" Ambrose asked smugly. "Mm-hm," Aunt Hilda hummed, raising her eyebrow. "And since when do you wear black? Trying to be edgy, are you?" My mother questioned Sabrina ignoring us. Sabrina's change in color scheme did not go unnoticed and I found myself wondering if she had somehow gotten into my closet undetected. "Loosen up, Aunt Zee. It's a new year, a new cycle. Time to blow the cobwebs away," Sabrina smirked. "She's scaring me," Ambrose murmured to me. "I like it," I whispered back winking at him as I moved to join them at the table. "On that, we can agree. Oh, Hilda, any calls for the mortuary?" Mom questioned glancing at my Aunt over her paper. "Not a sausage," Aunt Hilda answered, her head popping up from where she'd been digging around in one of the many cabinets. "And I checked the obits, it should be quiet here. Like the tomb," Ambrose confirmed. "Marvelous. We'll take the hearse to the Academy," Mom announced. "Oh, can I ride with you guys?" Sabrina asked. "Oh! We're going tout de suite. The High Priest would like to introduce me to the other faculty members before First Assembly and isn't Baxter High back in session today?" Mom questioned moving to pour herself more tea. "It is, but I was thinking I should start focusing on my witch studies more...exclusively. For a bit," Sabrina explained. "Are you dropping out of high school, cousin?" I smirked. "I'm just taking a sabbatical," She shrugged. Aunt Hilda finally gave up on her search to join our conversation. "What's this about, love?" she asked concernedly. "Education, Aunt Hilda. At Baxter High, I study geometry. At the Academy of Unseen Arts, I study sacred geometry. The Academy's curriculum is just more rigorous and rewarding than Baxter High's," Sabrina told us. Ambrose and I shared a surprised glance and my mom looked like she was going to burst with pride. "Do you not want to see Rosalind and Susie, and Har—" Aunt Hilda choked on the last name, "Uhhh... your other friends?" Mom glared in her direction at her near slip of tongue. "I'll call Baxter High and tell them you've contracted scarlet fever and not to expect you for the next two weeks," Mom offered happily. "Don't worry, Aunt Zelda. I've already spoken with the new principal and she's given me an indefinite leave of absence," Sabrina said smugly. "How interesting," I smirked. I was intrigued by my cousin's new outlook on life. And it seems Baxter High was under new rule.
As we left the house I assured my family I'd meet them at the Academy and be there before the assembly. I had a stop to make first. The looks and whispers I received whenever I walked the halls of Baxter High continued to entertain me. I strode confidently up to Ms. Meeks' desk that was adjacent to the Principal's office. "Ms. Spellman?" she asked, confused. I flashed her a charming smile, "Good Morning, Ms. Meeks. Is the new principal in?" She seemed taken aback by my question. "I-I believe she's making her rounds but-" She stuttered. "Wonderful. I'll wait in her office," I said coolly, plucking a lollipop from the candy bowl on her desk. I didn't wait for her to protest closing the door to Lilith's office abruptly. It certainly was more spacious than the water closet they had Mary Wardwell in before. I unwrapped the lollipop and tossed the wrapper in the trash, placing it in my mouth as I looked around. Instantly the tart flavor of wild cherries spread across my tongue. Finally I came to stop in front of Lilith's desk and filthy delicious thoughts began to course through my mind. Deciding that was the best place to wait for my lover I draped myself over it casually. It wasn't long before my demoness herself walked through the door. Surprise flashed through her eyes before she schooled her features once again. "Principal Wardwell," I purred. She flashed a predatory smirk as she stalked towards me. "And why is it that my little witch is sitting so prettily on my desk for me during a school day when anyone can walk in?" She growled, stepping between my thighs. Her eyes traveled up my body appreciatively until they stopped on my painted red lips wrapped around the stick of candy. Her pupils dilated when I released it with an audible pop. "I heard Baxter High was under new management. I had to congratulate the new principal myself," I murmured, dragging a manicured nail down the front of her well tailored blazer. Her resolve crumbled as she captured my lips in a heated kiss. Her tongue slid against mine and she swallowed the moan it coaxed out of me. "Wild Cherry?" She asked, pulling away to let me breathe. "Mm. Your favorite," I hummed in response, kissing her again. "Don't you have a First Assembly to attend?" She breathed between kisses. "Yes. An incredibly tedious affair if you ask me. I'd much rather be here," I smirked mischievously, "Perhaps since Sabrina is attending the Academy full time for the foreseeable future I should transfer back to Baxter high. You know to assuage the loss of your favorite student." A dark look flashed through her eyes as she kissed her mark inked on the inside of my wrist and her canines scraped against the sensitive skin there. "Now you know very well why we can't do that my little witch," She purred as her hands began to trace the exposed skin just below the delicate lace of my top. "Scared you'll play favorites, Principal Wardwell?" Maybe I'd behave after a few private detentions," I challenged looking up through thick lashes. For a moment her true nature had shown through and I could practically feel the power of Hell radiating off the Mother of Demons. Her hand gripped my chin as she drawled, "Now darling don't you think you scandalize the town of Greendale enough? Besides these mortals are beneath you." I huffed indignantly. "Fine. I'll go to the assembly and be a good little handmaiden. That doesn't excuse you from completely ravishing me on this desk later though," I smirked, slipping past her. She smiled revealing her canines, "I look forward to it, my love. Please don't scare Ms. Meeks on the way out." Ignoring her I swung the door open with a wolfish grin. I shot the mortal receptionist a wink and she squeaked as I breezed past, using my thumb to swipe away stray lipstick.
I made it to the Academy in the nick of time as everyone began to gather in the main hall. "Trying to be fashionably late are we, daughter?" My mother quipped as she and the rest of the faculty began taking their seats. Before I could come up with a witty retort Father Blackwood was there. The man snuck up like the plague. "Ah Nicole. Now that you're here shall we get started?" He gave us a smug smile taking his spot at the podium. I slowly turned to the student body but not without noticing the uncomfortably long look shared between my mother and the high priest. "Alright you lot. Gather around. It's that time of year again you know the routine," I silenced the younger members of our Coven. The High Priest nodded to me before beginning, "Good morning to you, my young warlocks and witches. If I could have your attention, please. Now, with every fresh cycle at the Academy comes the customary election of a new Top Boy, tasked with serving as a liaison between students and faculty, as well as providing a much-needed example for the rest of you lot. The floor is now open for student nominations!" Murmurs rippled excitedly through the crowd. "Nick!" One boy in the back shouted. At the mention of his name everyone began cheering. Nicholas Scratch was a worthy candidate. Possibly the finest Warlock his class would produce. I looked back at the High Priest and he simply nodded his approval. They all began to chant Nick's name in unison as he stepped forward to join me in front of the podium. "As candidate for Top Boy, the Academy recognizes Nicholas Scratch," I announced. Everyone clapped and a few of the older boys shouted their approval. "Would anyone like to challenge Nicholas?" Blackwood projected over the crowd. Instantly the room fell quiet, no one daring to step forward. "I thought not," Blackwood chuckled, "Young Master Nicholas, if you accept this nomination—" Before he could finish a clear familiar voice cut through his speech. "Excuse me, Father Blackwood, but... can anyone run?" Sabrina interrupted. At that moment I locked eyes with my mother who didn't seem sure how to react to my cousin's sudden outburst. "The Top Boy is traditionally a male student," Blackwood informed her. Sabrina would never let that lay. "But is that an actual rule in a rule book, or—" She started. "All Top Boy candidates are required to be full-time students, committed to our unseen arts," Blackwood answered agitated. "Well, I'm here, Father, full-time. For the foreseeable future. And I signed the Book of the Beast, because that was the Dark Lord's will. But unless He specifically hand-picked Nick, I'd like the opportunity to contribute to the Academy in a meaningful way," She stated stepping forward. "By disrupting the first morning assembly you attend?" The High Priest quipped. "By ensuring that all students, regardless of gender, feel they have a voice," She corrected. I couldn't help the proud smirk that broke out across my face. Especially when I noticed the way Blackwood was positively seething. "I nominate Sabrina Spellman," Nick interjected. Surprised whispers and gasps broke out amongst the crowd. "Seconded," Prudence agreed. We all turned shocked at the Weird Sisters support. They giggled looking over the second floor railing. "I don't mind a little competition. Especially not when it's so damn cute," Nick flirted. Everyone laughed and clapped accepting the new competitor. I squeezed my cousin's shoulder proudly and she smirked up at the High Priest who looked like he was about to burst at the seams. "Indeed, the Academy recognizes Sabrina Spellman, who will join Nicholas Scratch in three challenges of witchcraft to be held in the Desecrated Church. The Inquisition, the Boil and Bubble, and the Conjuring. Followed by a vote. And may the Dark Lord be with you both. Dismissed," He said finally. We may have won this battle but Sabrina would have to win at least two of the trials and the final vote. Blackwood knew it would take a Hellsend for her to make it that far. Everyone cheered and applauded their new candidates. A group of Warlock's surrounded Nick, clapping him on the back and I nudged Sabrina who looked like she was just realizing what she had gotten herself into. "You've got this, Cousin," I reassured her.
Later that night we sat in our parlor pouring over books that could help Sabrina with the upcoming Inquisition. "Remember, Hilda, when Edward was Top Boy at the academy?" Mom reminisced, fondly. "Mm," Aunt Hilda hummed in acknowledgment, continuing her knitting. "How he dazzled the coven with his knowledge and rhetoric. That appointment changed his life. It's a straight shot from Top Boy to High Priest!" She continues paying my Aunt little mind. I looked at Sabrina over one of the history books I was reading and she simply rolled her eyes hearing my mother ramble. "Top Boy, Sabrina? I mean, that suggests a certain permanence, doesn't it?" Aunt Hilda questioned. "The gauntlet was thrown, Aunt Hilda," Sabrina shrugged. "And you, rabble-rouser that you are, had to take it up," Ambrose added, waltzing into the room with his boyfriend. "Hm. You two look dashing," Sabrina observed. "We'll give Nick your best," Ambrose smirked. "You're meeting Nick? Where?" She asked, raising her eyebrow. "A club for Warlocks. Dorian's Gray Room," Luke answered smugly. "It's Academy tradition for the High Priest to take prospective Top Boys out for a night of debauchery," Ambrose explained. "Then why wasn't I invited?" Sabrina questioned skeptically. "Ahh, it's a... club for men only," Luke began awkwardly explaining. "Pish-tush, you couldn't go even if you were invited, Sabrina. You've got far too much studying to do before the Inquisition," Mom scolded. "If you hurry you might catch Cassius before he shutters the Academy's library for the night. Hm?" Ambrose winked at her. "I'll do that," She responded dejectedly, "but, guys, when the time comes, I will have your vote, won't I?" Ambrose didn't say anything, choosing instead to give Aunt Hilda and Mom a kiss on the cheek. "Not mine. It's Top Boy for a reason, Sabrina," Luke responded. "Thanks for the support, Luke." Sabrina drawled. "Don't listen to him, Sabrina. Chalfant is just worried a witch will beat him and his merry band of boy toys," I said with a glare in his direction. He didn't dare challenge visibly recoiling. "Ambrose?" Sabrina asked. "Let's see how you do in the three challenges first," Ambrose snapped before leaving with his beau. "Am I crazy... or was Ambrose just throwing shade at me?" Sabrina asked incredulously. "Throwing what?" Aunt Hilda questioned. "Hm. Definitely throwing shade," Mom confirmed not once looking up from the book sat in her lap. Sabrina looked at me in question and I simply shrugged. Nothing my mother said surprised me anymore. "You know, Sabrina. The High Priest may be taking out his warlocks but that doesn't mean us witches have to get left out. What do you say?" I winked at my cousin. "What did you have in mind?" She smirked. "Nicole," Mom warned. "It's alright, Cousin. Thank you though. It looks like I'll be spending my night at the Academy library," Sabrina sighed. "I'll be up if you need anything," I told her. I had half the mind to go straight to Dorian's Grey Room and crash their little night of debauchery myself. Visions of destruction flashed through my mind as I made my way upstairs. Flames climbing higher, glasses breaking, bottles shattering and me shoving the High Priest's pretentious cane so far up his- "Darling, I could hear you simmering coming all the way up the stairs," Lilith interrupted my thoughts as I entered my room. I stopped in my tracks taking in the sight of the Mother of Demons herself laying so casually in my bed like it was the most ordinary thing in the world. Although I suppose for us it was. Wordlessly she opened her arms and needing no further encouragement I fell into them burying my head in the crook of her neck. Everyone has their safe place and that was mine. We would burn the world for each other before we let anything or anyone touch the other. One hand carded through my hair while the other traced up and down my spine. "Shall I kill the High Priest for you, my love? Gift you his head on a spike perhaps?" She murmured finally. I pulled back surprised, "How did you-" She simply smirked down at me before kissing my head. "I know you as well as I know myself. No one gets you quite so vengeful as that man. Should I be jealous that he inspires such passion in you, my little witch?" She murmured into my hair. "You have no one to be jealous of. Everyone pales in comparison," I smirked pulling her in for a kiss. She hummed into the kiss melting against me. "Care to tell me what happened?" She questioned. "Where do I even start? Sabrina put herself forward for Top Boy despite being woefully unprepared. That's not even the worst part though. The entire male population at the Academy save for maybe Nick Scratch won't even give her a chance! And they're headed by Blackwood. That greasy misogynistic asshole is heaven bent on seeing a teenage girl fail. If he had his way, witches would be nothing but housewives and slaves to their warlock husbands. What sense does that even make? The first witch was a woman! Everything we are came from a woman! Just as she's our Dark Mother, should witches not be the matriarchs of our covens and held to a higher standard?" I rambled. Realizing I was lecturing the first witch herself I blushed. Her eyes simply twinkled, "Oh do go on, darling. I love hearing you get so worked up when you talk about toppling the patriarchy in my name." I raised my eyebrow at her pleased expression. "That's not quite what I was saying," I rolled my eyes playfully. She tucked my raven locks behind my ear before kissing me softly. "And yet it's what you want," She murmured against my lips, "Soon, my love. Soon they'll all bow." Before I could question her further the phone began to ring on my bedside table. When I picked up it was Sabrina's frantic voice on the other end of the line. "Cousin?" I asked, confused. " 'Cole. Please you have to come get me. I've been attacked by a demon," she rushed. "I'll be right there," I told her before hanging up. I quickly moved about my room slipping on my shoes and grabbing my keys. "I have to go. I'll explain later," I explained to Lilith, kissing her quickly before rushing out of the house. I was at the Academy in record time. I was relieved to find Sabrina unscathed and only a little shaken. "I think it was Luke," Sabrina told me as we pulled into our drive. "We have to be careful with those types of accusations, Sabrina," I warned her. When we got inside we found Ambrose in the parlor pouring a drink. "Fancy a nightcap, Cousins?" He offered. "How was your night with the warlocks?" Sabrina questioned cutting to the chase. "Decadent. Though I believe Father Blackwood has somewhat lost his head," Ambrose told us moving to the couch still oblivious to the severity of the situation. "I bet it was better than my night. Considering I was attacked," Sabrina continued. "Attacked? By who?" Ambrose frowned. "A demon and his pet rats. So, of course, I'm wondering if your rat-fink boyfriend was behind it," She accused. Ambrose looked between the two of us. "L-Luke? Why?" He stuttered. "Demons don't just summon themselves, Ambrose. They have to be freed or called forth," I said, treading carefully. "You think Luke summoned a demon to attack you...why?" Ambrose asked defensively. "I don't know. To throw me off my game? I mean it's clear neither Luke nor you are supporting my bid to be Top Boy," Sabrina retorted. "Now hold on I never said I wasn't—"
Sabrina cut him off, "You never said you were." Which was fair. Ambrose seemed all but willing to declare for our cousin when his boyfriend had been around. "Need I remind you the only reason you're even at the Academy is 'cause a court of witches ordered you to be," He argued. "Things are different now, Ambrose. I want to be Top Person because I believe I can make the coven better," She reasoned. The room seemed to become smaller as the argument became more heated. Ambrose sat his drink down, "Really? Because you spurn the coven at every turn, you question our every ritual, you assail every tradition, so excuse-"
"Not every tradition. Just the ones that involve the murder and cannibalization of young witches. Not unlike Nicole," Sabrina rolled her eyes. "Please. You know what? I don't even want to argue," He said finally standing to leave. The door slammed, closing us inside as Sabrina moved in front of him. "Maybe I do. Maybe I want a warm-up for tomorrow's contest," She said darkly. "You're crazy," Ambrose said. "No, Ambrose. I'm mad. Top Boy? Seriously? Blackwood takes warlocks out for drinks at a gentlemen's club? What century are you living in?" Sabrina prodded. As she spoke the house began to creak and wind whipped through the room. "Sabrina, you're picking a fight and I have no idea why," Ambrose reasoned. "Didn't you hear me Ambrose?! I was attacked and I think your boyfriend or one of his warlock buddies was behind it," She said, beginning to raise her voice. "That's...That's absurd. I was with Luke the whole time," Ambrose explained. "Tell Luke, tell all your chums, if anyone in this house is Top Boy... it's me," Sabrina shouted. The door finally swung open revealing a concerned looking Aunt Hilda. "What's happening in here?" Aunt Hilda asked sharply. "Nothing, Aunt Hilda," We all said in unison. "Well, I heard yelling and wind and furniture shaking," She rambled checking the room. "Everything's fine, Hilda, go to bed," Sabrina snapped. Which naturally didn't go over well. "I beg your pardon, Miss? You go to bed. School night," our Aunt scolded. Ambrose finished off his drink and we shared a wide eyed look as we stalked off in opposite directions. Whatever the outcome of the next few days would be, we were certainly in for a wild ride.
