“That’s all I ask. Just keep an open mind.”
As they walked up the steps to the mansion, she could feel Chad's nervousness radiating off him. She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before pushing open the heavy oak doors.
The grand foyer stopped Chad in his tracks. Marble columns stretched up to a wide ceiling painted with intricate celestial scenes. A massive crystal chandelier bathed everything in warm, golden light. Portraits of stern-looking witches lined the walls, their eyes seeming to follow them as they moved.
"This is... incredible," Chad whispered, his eyes wide as he took it all in.
Before Brianna could respond, a familiar voice rang out. "Welcome, Professor Patterson."
Bas glided down the sweeping staircase, her silver hair gleaming and her emerald robes flowing behind her. She fixed Chad with her piercing gaze, and Brianna felt him stiffen beside her.
"I am Bas, the high priestess of the League of Amazing Witches," she said, her voice carrying an air of authority. "We're glad you agreed to come."
Chad glanced at Brianna, clearly overwhelmed. She gave him an encouraging nod.
"It's an honor to meet you," Chad said, his voice only slightly shaky. "Though I have to admit, I'm not entirely sure why I'm here."
Bas's lips curved into a small smile. "All will be revealed in due time, Professor. For now, let us go to the dining room. I believe Brianna promised you dinner."
She turned and glided away, clearly expecting them to follow. As they walked through the mansion's opulent hall, Brianna could see Chad trying to take in every detail. His eyes darted from the paintings to the floating candles, illuminating their way.
Before they entered the dining room, one witch after another introduced themselves, shaking Chad’s hand. “I’m Rayna,” said a fit auburn redhead.
“I’m Joell,” said a stern-looking, tall woman with light brown hair.
“G’day. I’m Magda,” said a classic redhead in an Australian accent.
“And I’m Crystal. Blimey, you’re cute,” said a blue-eyed blonde in a British accent.
“I’m Sahara,” said a serious-looking woman with long, sandy-brown hair.
“I’m Lioness,” said a petite blonde with a wild, shoulder-length mane and a bright smile.
“And I am Victoria. Bienvenue,” said a stunning brunette in a French accent.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Chad," they all said in unison.
Chad hesitated for a moment. "Um, hi. It's... um, nice to meet you too." As the other witches departed, Bas said, "I'm sure you’ll have many questions," then led them into the luxurious dining room. "Please, take a seat." She indicated the chair to the right of the end spot where she sat. Brianna took the seat next to Chad.
As they settled in, Bas steepled her fingers and fixed Chad with her penetrating gaze. "I understand Brianna has told you about the League of Amazing Witches?"
Chad glanced at her before nodding. "Somewhat. But I still don't understand why I'm here." His voice was tinged with a mix of awe and apprehension. "I'm just an English professor. I don't have any magical abilities."
Bas smiled enigmatically. "You may not possess magical abilities in the traditional sense, Professor Patterson, but you have a unique role to play in the events to come. Your connection to Professor Emerson is of particular interest to us."
Chad's brow furrowed. "Professor Emerson? What does he have to do with all of this?"
Brianna exchanged a glance with Bas, unsure of how much to reveal. Bas nodded slightly, giving her permission to explain.
"Chad," she began gently, "Professor Emerson isn't just a renowned literary figure. He's also a powerful seer—someone who can glimpse the future. And he's foreseen something big. Something that could change the world as we know it."
Chad's eyes widened. "What? What has he seen?"
Bas held up a hand. "The details of the vision are not important right now. What is important is that Professor Emerson has chosen you as his protégé for a reason. He believes you have a crucial role to play in the events to come."
Chad shook his head, looking overwhelmed. "But I don't understand. What could I possibly do? I'm not magical, I'm not a seer. I'm just... me."
Brianna reached out and took his hand. "Chad, you're selling yourself short. You have qualities that are rare and valuable. You have a unique perspective," she said, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "Your analytical mind, your ability to see patterns and connections in literature… These skills translate to the realworld in ways you might not realize. Professor Emerson saw that in you."
