Holli
I stood nervously outside the door to the Witches Council, flanked by my friends Abbi and Gracie. We had been summoned to appear before the council, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen.
The room was grand and imposing, with high ceilings and walls lined with ancient books and artifacts. At the center of the room sat a long table, surrounded by three witches and three warlocks. It was obvious they were waiting on someone else, when suddenly the room filled with glowing purple smoke and sparkling bubbles. The sparkles fanned out into a rainbow of colors that whipped through the air, blowing everyone willy-nilly. I felt dizzy and disoriented, but Baba Yaga’s voice cut through the chaos. Once I regained my bearings, I quickly understood why her entrances were infamous and occasionally dangerous.
"Welcome, Holli, Abbi, and Gracie. You have been expelled from your previous school, and the Witches Council has deemed it necessary to send you to Ho, Ho, Ho Academy. You will be trained to become Christmas witches and take your place in our community."
“Oh, for Goddess’s sake, Baba Yaga! Must you always be such a blowhard,” Zelda interrupted with a roll of her eyes.
I watched with fascination as Baba Yaga – the most powerful and horrendously dressed witch in existence - address her attacker. She had blonde hair, long manicured fingers, and a serene smile that was a bit scary. Not to mention, she was dressed like someone from the eighties. Her outfit was a neon pink and green spandex bodysuit with shoulder pads that could rival any football player’s. She wore chunky bracelets and a large gold belt that clashed horribly with her bright blue eye shadow. Although Baba Yaga was 300 years old, she looked like she was in her mid-thirties.
“Bite me, Zelda. You may be the Healer of Shifters or as you so often refer to yourself as the Shifter Wanker, but I’m the highest-ranking witch in this building. I haven’t retired yet and don’t you forget it.”
Enthralled by the scene playing out before me, Abbi, Gracie and I watched in shock as the two powerful witches threw insults back and forth at one another without blinking an eye.
“Just because you’re bonking my father doesn’t mean I’m afraid of you Baba Yaga. Sit your bony ass down so that we can explain to these young ladies why they’re being sent to Ho, Ho, Ho Academy with a little more finesse. I swear you’re like a bull in a china shop.”
Baba Yaga glared at Zelda before she walked around the table and took her seat. “And don’t you forget it. I can throw you back into the pokey if you don’t adjust your attitude.”
When Zelda raised her eyebrow at Baba Yaga and smirked like she didn’t have a care in the world, I knew I wanted to be like her when I grew up. A woman who was balls to the wall and didn’t take shit from anyone. Not even the most powerful witch in the Universe.
Not only was Zelda sassy and witty, but she was also beautiful. She had curly auburn hair, green eyes, and a petite frame. The Shifter Whisperer was the epitome of fashion, wearing a sleek black dress and a matching cape. Her light and dark magic shown from her eyes. And then there was Scroogess – the current Christmas witch. She was a gorgeous blonde with crystal blue eyes, a tall frame and a slim body like that of a runway model. But her frustration was evident as she sat with a scowl on her face. It seemed they needed three new witches fast, and we were their last resort. The other council members were just as striking, but they chose to remain quite during the entire process. It was obvious Baba Yaga, Zelda and Scroogess were running the show.
I didn't want to go to Ho, Ho, Ho Academy, but it seemed like we had no choice.
Scroogess spoke up, her frustration palpable. "We need new witches, and we need them fast. You three are our only hope."
I groaned inwardly. I had heard of Ho, Ho, Ho Academy before. It was a school for Christmas witches, and everything about it sounded like Christmas on steroids. Did I forget to mention I hate Christmas.
“No way,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. “I’m not going to some ridiculous academy that’s all about Christmas.
Gracie and Abbi tried to reason with me, but I was having none of it. Baba Yaga, on the other hand, was not amused.
“You don’t have a choice,” she snapped. “You are the next generation of Christmas witches, and it’s time for you to start your training. The decision has been made, and if you don’t abide by it, I will throw you in the pokey along with Zelda.”
I knew better than to argue with Baba Yaga. She was a powerful witch, and I didn’t want to end up in her jail cell.
Baba Yaga glared at us as Zelda rolled her eyes again like she was annoyed with the whole process. “You ladies have one week to pack your bags and get your affairs in order.
With a heavy heart, I nodded in agreement. We were going to Ho, Ho, Ho Academy whether I liked it or not.
I swallowed hard, trying to hide my fear. I didn't know what lay ahead of us at Ho, Ho, Ho Academy, but I knew it couldn't be good.