Chapter 2: Meeting with the Coven

Jenny woke up the next day in the Silberwald Mansion, extremely sore. Sunlight streamed through heavy velvet curtains, casting golden patterns across the ornate bedroom they’d claimed for themselves. She was sure the Coven wouldn’t mind. The Demoness was lying next to her, hugging her in an extremely tight grip. She found her face pressed up against the Demoness' rather large and supple bosom, which Jenny honestly didn’t mind much.

The outcome of last night's debacle wasn’t something Jenny felt too bad about. There was, of course, the constant sense of danger of the Demoness trying any and all tricks to dominate her completely. But that was a problem for future Jenny. Present Jenny was happy. She had made a contract with a powerful Familiar, and to top it off, she had pretty good intercourse. There was nothing bad going to come of this, nope, no way, nuh uh. This was all perfectly within her control.

Thinking happy thoughts, she tried to slip out from underneath the Demoness' grasp, only to find herself being hugged even tighter, sharp claws pressed against her skin.

“Ummm, Dravisha, can you let me go? Dravisha?”

Dravisha was already more than awake and aware of the stirring witch. She simply pretended to be asleep so that she didn’t have to let go. As a Demon of Domination, Dravisha liked to hold her possessions tightly. Especially if she found something new and interesting to her. It simply wasn’t within her nature to let go. Certainly, once she got bored with something, she wouldn’t care about it. But right now, the little witch within her grasp was extremely interesting to her and her most prized possession, even if she didn’t have complete control over her. She knew eventually, she would have complete control and that made her as happy as perhaps any demon could be.

Jenny sighed, embarrassed, deciding she would let the Demoness have another minute or two. She could feel the Demoness’ smooth skin and her radiating heat. There was a strong temptation to just stay like this, “Alright, Demon, I need to get up now, and I’m serious this time.”

In response, the demoness merely hummed softly, nuzzling closer as if savouring the warmth of their shared bed.

“You’re supposed to be my Familiar,” Jenny grumbled, trying, and failing, to keep irritation out of her voice. “Stop hugging me and start being helpful. We made a contract, remember?”

The Demoness opened her eyes, “Are you that eager to start learning already? It’s still early.”

“It’s almost noon!” Jenny retorted, jerking her head toward the window where sunlight streamed through gaps in the heavy curtains. “Look how high the sun is already.”

Dravisha tilted her head lazily, glancing at the light with feigned disinterest. “If you say so,” she drawled, her tone dripping with mockery. Still, she reluctantly began to loosen her grip, though not without trailing her claw deliberately across Jenny’s skin as she did. “Such impatience. You humans are always in such a rush.”

“Yeah, we don’t have eternal life.” Jenny slipped out of the bed, looking for her skirt. The only article of clothing she owned right now that wasn't ripped up. She looked at her greatcoat with great sorrow. Shortly after she had summoned that demoness, she had torn it up. Torn it up. Her greatcoat. Anyone who owned a greatcoat knew it was like a second skin. A core part of you. It’s something bonded to your soul. Sorrow stirred tears in her eyes at the tragic loss.

She picked up her lost article of clothing and muttered silently, “You will be missed but not forgotten, coaty.”

“Why the hell are you crying?” Dravisha said in a tone that was beyond incredulous.

Insurmountable fury overwhelmed Jenny. Fury that wasn’t there yesterday because she was at first fighting for her survival, and then afterward caught up in fierce, passionate sex with a Demoness. At that point, concern for her coat had faded into the background. But now that she had a bit of time to understand her loss, fury hit her like an avalanche. “It’s nothing a soulless demon like you’d understand.”

Dravisha was extremely confused. Had the little witch lost her marbles, she thought. Was she perhaps the one who had made a mistake in agreeing to the contract?

“Was that coat sentimental?” She ventured a guess.

“Of course it was,” Jenny screamed. It was sentimental, by the sheer virtue of the fact that it was a greatcoat. What greatcoat was not sentimental to its owner?

“Ohhh,” the Demoness replied, pretending to understand. “Here, let me.” With some magic, she gathered the shadows in the room and converted them into thin threads, then she simply sewed the coat back together. In a matter of seconds, the coat looked as good as new. With a simple glamour enchantment, she disguised all the stitches, and it practically was brand new. As a Demon of Domination, she understood the loss of something sentimental deeply. Did this mean that the Demoness had unlocked an understanding of sympathy? Of course not. This was simply another way to manipulate the witch.

“Coaty, your back,” Jenny said eagerly, embracing the coat tightly in her arms. Jenny quickly put her coat on. She was wearing nothing but panties, a skirt and a coat. Which reminded her, couldn’t she just ask the Demon to repair her other clothes?

“Can you repair those?” She said, pointing at her bodice and shirt.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“What’s in it for me?”

“So what? I’m just supposed to be going around commando?”

“You have the coat.”

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” Jenny sighed. She needed to get some clothes before they met with the Coven. Which meant they would need to buy a shirt and bodice while she was wearing nothing but a coat to cover her boobs. Which would be deeply embarrassing, and of course, she was getting off to the very thought.

Jenny picked up her witch hat and turned on an enchantment with a simple incantation that turned it into a fancy, wide-brimmed hat. She turned to Dravisha and asked, “You’re a Familiar now, can you turn into an animal?”

“Of course, but why would I, a Baroness of Hell, want to become a mere animal? It’s beneath me.”

Jenny pinched the bridge of her nose. “Because we are going outside to meet with humans. Humans… that are going to be very scared when they see a literal demon walking amongst them. You can’t go out looking like you.”

“They are right to fear me.”

“Look, do you want to be hunted by Inquisitors? You know what they’ll do to you when they catch you. At best, they’ll banish you back to hell; at worst, they’ll torture you for days with divine instruments and a whole lot of holy water.”

“Puny mortals can’t catch me.” Dravisha proudly declared.

“There were other Demons that were as confident as you, and look what happened to them. Look, do you want me to be burned at the stake and for you to be eventually banished back to hell?”

“No, but I’m not turning into an animal.”

“Fine, can you turn into a human at least?”

Dravisha thought about it. And thought about it some more. By the end, she was pacing around the room, having an internal monologue that was way too long to describe.

“Are you really so proud that you can’t turn into a human?”

“Noo. I mean a little. I’ll do it.”

“You know what I think, it might be better if you just wait and I go out alone.”

“I said I’ll do it.”

“And what, you’ll growl at the first human who disrespects you and completely expose us?”

“I’m a demon that specializes in shadow magic. I can do subterfuge if I need to.”

Jenny narrowed her eyes. “Alright, let’s go.”

The Demoness transformed slowly, her features shifting like shadows under the moonlight. First, the slits in her blood-red eyes widened into round pupils, their fiery hue softening into deep amber with just a subtle hint of crimson lingering at the edges—like embers smouldering beneath the ash. Her jagged spiralling horns shrank gradually, melting back into her skull until only tiny nubs remained, easily concealed beneath her cascading black hair streaked with shimmering crimson highlights.

Her massive bat-like wings folded inward, dissolving into her body as though they had never existed. The swishing motion of her leathery tail slowed to a halt before it too vanished, retreating into her spine without a trace. Her razor-sharp talons smoothed over, becoming long, elegant nails that gleamed faintly, as if polished but still carrying an edge of danger.

Finally, her skin began to shift, its charcoal-gray tone lightening first to brown, then softening further into a warm beige complexion. Faint shimmering undertones lingered beneath the surface, catching the light in ways no mortal skin could. When the transformation was complete, she stood tall and poised, exuding an aura of quiet confidence.

“Well?” she asked, tilting her head slightly, her amber eyes glinting with mischief. “Do I pass as human?”

“Yeah, mostly, sort of,” Jenny said. “Can you use some shadow magic to weave together some clothes? We judge scantily dressed women harshly around here. Might even give them a public flogging every now and then.”

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

She weaved herself some black pants, some black gloves and a greatcoat over her corset. She looked both stylish and practical. “Happy.”

“Yes, let’s go.”

Together they went to the market. The Silverwoods town was not large; in fact, it was rather small for a town. But there were plenty of boutiques one could go to. Which was exactly why a Coven gathered here. It was just out of the way enough, while also being convenient. Inquisitors rarely came here.

Jenny was self-conscious the whole way to the market. She noticed some stares but they most likely weren’t due to her not wearing anything under her greatcoat. No one could see her free-hanging boobs, she told herself. She had also made extra sure no one could see her witch mark, which she covered with her coat collar.

Dravisha blended in perfectly with human society. No one seemed to notice anything off about her. Many still stared due to her beauty, but that was about it. They had found a clothing shop relatively quickly, and Jenny bought a new shirt and corset bodice before getting dressed in a change room. The Demoness had wanted to come along, which turned people’s heads towards them. Gayness and Lesbianism were strictly prohibited in the Ecclesiastical Domain and could get you a flogging. Jenny had to insist that the Demoness stay outside.

Afterwards, the pair made their way back to the mansion. Inside the mansion was a secret set of passageways if followed correctly, led to the meeting place of the witches. It was a spooky place with lots of candles and ancient tomes. Coven members met there often to discuss what to do about conducting shared rituals, exchanging arcane knowledge, and, of course, most importantly, evading and fighting the church. Today, Jenny was going to complete her initiation and become a member of the Supreme Coven of Witchcraft. All she needed to do was show off a Familiar. Or at least that’s what the guidebook said.

Sure, Dravisha wasn’t a normal Familiar, but she was still technically a Familiar. Jenny was sure it wouldn’t present a problem. Being a member of the Coven was something Jenny desperately wanted. The Coven had a ton of resources and connections. If she wanted to get revenge, getting into the Coven was her first step. Then she could avenge mother dearest for the wrongful execution at the hands of the Prince-Archbishop and her father.

They made it to the Hall of Judgement on time. Thankfully, Jenny was not too late. Two Coven members greeted them. They were a little confused about who Dravisha was. But once Jenny explained that she was her Familiar, they accepted. They were surprised that her Familiar could turn human. Normally, the Lesser Demons could only manage to turn into animals. Advanced witches could have Familiars that turned human, but they were rare. Jenny had simply said that Dravisha was a bit special.

Jenny and Dravisha were told to wait, and wait they did. It took nearly half an hour before they were summoned into the Hall of Judgement. Jenny could feel her breathing steadily increase, and she was feeling slightly dizzy from anticipation.

Inside, they were greeted by five elders in the round hall. They were each on large pedestals in a semicircle, gazing down at her. Jenny recognized one of them. Eryndor Veylin, an associate of her mother. They had helped each other over the years. Although her mother, Seraphina, never engaged in witchcraft directly, she had associates who did. Her mother had a sort of pragmatic mindset about it, and it is likely part of the reason she was burned at the stake. After her mother’s death, Eryndor had watched out for Jenny on multiple occasions, and Jenny was thankful to her.

After the mundane formal greetings were out of the way, the meeting started. The elder woman in the middle began to speak, “Initiate Jenny Nachtdorn, to complete your initiation and become a full member of the Supreme Coven of Witches, you must have completed a successful summoning ritual where you contacted a demon and made them into your Familiar. Show us your contract and your Familiar undisguised.”

Jenny’s face turned an unimaginable shade of red at the mention of her contract with Dravisha. “Do I have to show the contract?” Jenny peeped quietly.

“What? Initiate, can you speak up? We can’t hear you.”

“Do I-I have to show the contract?”

Dravisha snorted, barely being able to contain her laugh. She found Jenny’s embarrassment and the elders' confused looks beyond amusing.

“Of course you do, it is a necessary precaution so that we know you have your demon properly under control.” The middle elder said.

That… made sense, Jenny supposed. She was fretting, playing with the long hem of her coat. The heat in it was suffocating. Sweat was already trailing down her back, and she could swear she heard her own heart beating. Why is it so hot in here? She thought.

“What’s the problem?”

“Yes, what is the problem, Jenny?” Dravisha chimed in, smiling from side to side. “You look a little ill, are you alright?”

She shot the Demoness a pointed glare.

“After last night, I didn’t think you’d be such a prude,” the Demoness purred. “The way you were so eager to…”

“Alright enough! Fine, I’ll share the contract.” Jenny took a deep breath to steady herself.

The elders looked at each other, some confused, but some of them definitely had figured it out, and they were smiling in that old people way.

Jenny summoned forth the contract and gave it to the middle elder, who read it out loud. There were a lot of gasps and oh mys in the room, much to Jenny’s growing shame. By the end, her face was tomato red.

The middle elder pointed to Dravisha, “We’ll also need to see your Demon’s true form.”

Jenny nodded to Dravisha.

“Finally, this form is so restrictive,” The Demoness complained while changing into her true form. Jenny thought her true form looked a lot more majestic. The feline predator grace she exhibited in it added a lot to her sensuality.

The elders, however, did not seem to agree with Jenny’s assessment as all of them gasped out. “Greater demon,” they whispered amongst each other. A heated debate soon took place, which as at once stopped by the middle elder.

“Order everyone, order!” She waved her hands through the air, making a sip-it gesture. “Jenny Nachtdorn, do you have any idea what you have done?”

Jenny had, in fact no idea what she had done and so strictly shook her head.

“You have violated Article Six, subsection four of our constitution, which clearly states, ‘No Witch is permitted to summon a greater demon.’”

Jenny’s heart dropped to the floor, metaphorically speaking of course. She probably should have looked at the Coven’s constitution more closely. But in her defence, every law had a lot of subsections and so on. And she never had anyone who gave her truly formal training. Sure, Veylin had given her some, but for the most part, she was self-taught. How was she supposed to know all that?

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” Jenny pleaded as her defence. It was a poor defence.

“Not knowing the law doesn’t excuse breaking the law,” One of the elders called out.

“Oh, come now, Tilda, give the poor child a break,” Veylin said. “She is very new to this and didn’t have any formal teachers.”

“That is irrelevant, Eryndor. The child has put us all in grave danger. The wardens should execute her immediately.” The same elder shouted.

“How dare you threaten what’s mine?” the Demoness said while pooling dark power into her palms. The candles in the room flickered.

“Calm down, everyone. Order! Order!” The middle elder shouted. “Let’s not be hasty, Tilda.”

“Jenny isn’t even a member of the Coven yet, so technically she hasn’t broken any laws, since she is not subject to the laws yet.” Veylin came to Jenny’s defence.

“That is a technicality, Eryndor, it is the principle that matters, the principle. Great demons are too dangerous. Look at her threatening us right now. If we do not banish her now, she can bring great danger to us all.”

“This is true,” Another Elder nodded.

Jenny glanced around nervously. Was she about to be executed by the very people she tried to join? This was beyond unfair. No one had told her it was wrong to summon a great demon, and she had just done what the Grimoire they gave her told her to do. Jenny tried to keep her emotions under control.

“We could also simply exile Jenny and let the inquisition deal with her,” The middle elder said. “Why get our own hands dirty with witch blood? We are an institution built to protect witches. What reputation would we have if we executed those who came to us for help?”

“An interesting and pragmatic solution as expected of the eldest,” the Elder who had not talked until now finally chimed in.

Exile, Jenny thought. It meant certain death. Every magical institution in Hochwalden would turn her away. All witches in the country would shun her. She would have an extremely hard time getting spellbooks, wards, magical items, potions, anything magical, really. She would be completely cut off. And to top it all off, the Inquisition would be after her. Jenny wanted to object desperately, but what case did she have? What could she use? She raked her head and looked at Veylin pleadingly.

“All those in favour of exiling witch Jenny Nachtdorn raise your hand,” the middle elder said. Two out of five raised their hand instantly. Veylin joined them a moment later.

Jenny understood, of course. It was the only choice to save. It was certain death vs just instant execution. She did not hold it against Veylin and thanked her with a small bow.

“Witch Jenny Nachtdorn, you are hereby sentenced to exile. Vacate the premises immediately and never return,” the middle elder said.

Jenny nodded and simply complied. All while they were escorted off the property, Jenny was in a stupor. Her heart had a stinging pain that only grew in intensity as she walked. The Demoness walked beside her completely unbothered. Sensing Jenny’s emotional turmoil, Dravisha found the perfect opportunity to tighten her grip on her little witch. As they walked, she pulled Jenny into a tight embrace, her claws digging gently but firmly into her waist.

To anyone watching, it might have seemed like a gesture of comfort. But Dravisha wasn’t motivated by kindness; she revelled in Jenny’s despair, savouring the way her devastation made her more pliable. This is perfect, she thought, suppressing a smirk. She’s broken, and now she has no one else to turn to but me.

“Don’t be sad, little witch,” Dravisha purred, her voice low and velvety. “You still have me.”

Jenny didn’t respond. She barely registered the Demoness’s words, let alone the possessive edge in her tone. Her mind was elsewhere—or perhaps nowhere at all. The world around her felt distant, muffled, as though she were walking through a thick fog. Even the sensation of Dravisha’s claws pressing into her skin barely registered. All she could think about was the crushing weight of her exile and the bleak future ahead of her.

Dravisha leaned closer, her breath ghosting against Jenny’s ear. “You’re stronger than you think,” she murmured, her fingers trailing lightly along Jenny’s spine. “And besides, with me by your side, you won’t need anyone else. Together, we’ll carve out our own path. We’ll show them, we’ll show them all.”

Still, Jenny said nothing. Her silence was deafening. But Dravisha didn’t mind. She preferred it this way. The quieter Jenny became, the easier it would be to reshape her—to mold her into exactly what Dravisha wanted.

Jenny still had one tiny hope that she could cling to, and that hope was Klaus Richter. A former trading partner and friend of her mother, and an Alderman of the Guildhall in Bramholt, where her father lived. After her mother died, he became like a father to her, and he had some resources and connections Jenny could use.

But reaching out to Klaus wasn’t without risk. Now that she was a witch, any connection she had with him would put him in danger. Could she really endanger Klaus? Someone who was more of a father to her than her own father. It felt wrong. It was wrong. And yet she could think of nothing else to do.

Once they were left alone in the quiet forest, they heard a voice, “Jenny, wait.” Veylin came in hurried steps. Despite her age, she still managed to maintain a jog.

Jenny turned to face the old woman. She wanted to say something, but there was a clump stuck in her throat.

“Before you go, I have something I want to give you,” Veylin said, showing off a black and silver sceptre wand with small embedded amethyst gems that glowed lightly. “I wanted to give you this after your initiation. I enchanted it myself.”

Jenny grasped the sceptre. It had some weight to it, like a sceptre should. “Thank you,” she managed to croak.

“Here with this enchantment, you can turn it into a staff.” Veylin activated her enchantment, turning the sceptre wand into a long sceptre staff. “It’s useful for conjuring more powerful spells. Be safe out there, child, and I’m sorry I couldn’t do more.”

Jenny shook her head, blinking back tears. She understood Veylin had done all she could. Clutching the staff tightly, she watched as the elder disappeared into the trees.