Octavia’s second Life of payback.

OCTAVIA'S POV

"Four vases, one by the top, three on the right. Don't forget the fire rings," I explained, trying to keep the exasperation out of my voice. It was the third time I'd given these instructions, and my patience was wearing thin.

"I'm sorry, your highness," Janet apologized, her hands trembling as she arranged the ceremonial objects. I glanced sideways at her, uncertain how to handle her nervousness. This wasn't just any ordinary day—it was arguably the most important day in our coven's recent history.

Tonight, all daughters and sons of the moon were expected to dance in the moonlight and perform our sacred rites for the new set of witches joining the coven. But this year, something unprecedented was happening. After years of isolation, the coven had finally agreed to let outsiders in.

It had taken countless arguments, pleas, and negotiations, but the eldest witches had at last relented to my persistent appeals. Now, we stood on the brink of a new era, one where the barriers between supernatural beings might finally start to crumble.

Werewolves, elves, vampires (or "bloodsuckers" as some of the older witches still insisted on calling them), and representatives from every tribe of supernatural beings had been invited. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on my shoulders. I couldn't afford to let anyone mess this up.

As I watched Janet scurry about, I couldn't help but reflect on the history that had led us to this moment. After decades—no, millennia—of endless war amongst the supernatural tribes, we witches had often found ourselves on the losing end. Despite our unparalleled powers—spells, potions, chants, and raw magic that could reshape reality itself—we were feared by all. This fear had driven us into isolation, hidden behind a powerful cloaking spell that no outsider could penetrate.

But the spell, for all its power, came with a price. It required balance, a living anchor to maintain its potency. That anchor was me.

I still remember the day my mother realized the extent of my abilities. I had been quite young when she claimed I had powers far beyond those of other children my age. As I grew, my abilities only became stronger, sometimes spinning out of control.

Most witches specialized in one or two areas of magic. Some could manipulate the elements—earth, wind, and fire. Others had cloaking abilities to keep themselves hidden from danger. Many were skilled in spellcasting and potion-making. But I... I was different. I had all of these powers, and more.

I could bend the forces of nature to my will, cloak myself for as long as I desired, cast powerful spells, and conjure complex potions with ease. But there was one power that even my mother insisted I keep hidden: my ability to glimpse the unforeseen future. I was a seer, a rarity even among our kind.

It was this combination of abilities that had led to my selection as head of the coven at an age many considered far too young for such responsibility. Now, the veil that kept us hidden from the world was bound to my very essence. As long as I lived and willed it, the barrier would stand. It was both a privilege and a burden, one that I bore with pride and no small amount of trepidation.

Year after year, I had upheld my duties, maintaining the veil and protecting our people. Some had claimed I was too young to wield such power and hold such a position. But tonight was my chance to prove them wrong. Tonight, I would show that witches and wizards could coexist with every other supernatural being. This gathering was just the first step.

"Octavia," a familiar voice called out, pulling me from my reverie. I turned to see Alan, my childhood friend, approaching with a mixture of concern and amusement on his face.

"Don't tell me you were off in your mind again, dreaming about your grand plans for world peace?" he teased, giving me a playful shove.

A smile tugged at my lips despite my nerves. Even on a day as momentous as this, Alan had a way of keeping me grounded. "Isn't that 'your highness' to you?" I shot back, arching an eyebrow. "You can't go around addressing the head of the coven so casually. I might have to cut that tongue out of your mouth."

Alan rolled his eyes, reaching out to tug gently on a strand of my hair. "You wish. But seriously, Octavia, I'm worried. It's been years since we last lifted the veil. Are you absolutely certain you've thought this through? One mistake could jeopardize our entire existence."

I met his gaze, seeing the genuine concern in his eyes. "What's life without a little risk?" I asked, but my tone was softer now, acknowledging the weight of his words.

"I hope you don't regret this," Alan called after me as I made my way towards the great gates that separated our hidden realm from the outside world.

I waved him off, quickening my pace. The gates loomed before me, ancient and imposing. Guards stood at attention, their faces a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. The decorations had been set perfectly, and I allowed myself a moment of pride. This was it. The moment that would define not just my legacy, but the future of our entire coven.

I would be remembered forever. This was my first step towards ensuring that our coven wouldn't have to stay hidden and feared anymore. We were just like every other supernatural being, and it was time the world recognized that.

Glancing behind me, I saw that a crowd had already formed. All our troops were in place, ready to welcome our guests. Taking a deep breath, I began to chant, drawing in air and weaving my spells.

A scream tore from my throat as I separated my essence from the veil. The sensation was indescribable—my body went numb, muscles contracting painfully as I was lifted off the ground by an unseen force. Blinding light filled my vision, and for a moment, I feared I had made a terrible mistake.

But then, as suddenly as it had begun, it was over. I found myself back on solid ground, the veil temporarily lowered. With a nod to the guards, I watched as the gates slowly creaked open.

For a breathless moment, nothing happened. Then, hesitantly at first but with growing confidence, our guests began to enter. My smile widened as I saw beings of all kinds make their way into our grounds. My heart swelled with joy, threatening to burst from my chest. This was everything I had dreamed of and more.

But in an instant, everything changed.

The world around me seemed to blur and waver. I blinked hard, trying to clear my vision, but the strange sensation persisted. Slowly, I shut my eyes, praying that when I opened them, everything would be back to normal.

It wasn't.

A gasp escaped my lips as I took in the scene before me. Where moments before there had been a joyous gathering, there was now only carnage. Blood covered every surface, the metallic scent overwhelming my senses. Agony and pain radiated through the air, almost tangible in its intensity. And everyone—witches, werewolves, vampires, elves—they were all gone.

A scream built in my throat, raw and primal. It tore from my lips as I raised my gaze to the sky. The moon that had shone so brightly silver was now a sickening shade of red, casting an ominous glow over the scene of destruction.

As if to punctuate the horror, droplets began to fall from the crimson sky. But it wasn't rain—it was blood, warm and sticky, pattering against my skin. All around me, I could see heads rolling grotesquely across the once-pristine ground.

In that moment, as I stood amidst the carnage of my shattered dreams, I realized the terrible truth: sometimes, the future we see is not a promise of what will be, but a warning of what could come to pass. The question now was, could I find a way to prevent this vision from becoming reality, or had I already set in motion events that could not be undone?

The red moon loomed above, a silent witness to my anguish, as I struggled to find a path forward through the blood-soaked ruins of my grand design.