Laura glanced around the cafe, trying to see if any of the clientele looked like they might be one of her prospective new roommates. None of them looked like the description Haley had sent her, which, given that she was something like 10 minutes early, was hardly surprising. Going up to the counter, she ordered a hot chocolate, and took a table near the window, giving her a good view of the pavement so she could scan any passers-by.

She’d honestly been amazed that the offer had still been open, given that the request that she’d answered -  for a fourth tenant in a shared rental house - had been several weeks old by the time she found it, and it seemingly checked off all the boxes: nice neighbourhood, surprisingly reasonable rates, tenants all friendly and welcoming. Then again, the wording had been oddly vague in some regards, requesting that prospective new household members be “open-minded” with no indication of which subjects that referred to, as well as the very stern warning that you had to meet with one of them in-person before they’d allow you to move in. Maybe that had chased people away? Ah, well, she’d find out soon en-

“Hi, are you Laura?” Make that right now, then.

Laura realised she’d been wool-gathering and looked up from her drink. “Oh! Yes, that’s me. You’re Haley, then?”

“Yup! Give me a second to order, and I’ll be right with you.” Haley was tall and muscular, with long brown hair flowing down their back in waves and medium brown skin. They were dressed like they’d just been for a workout, with a jacket unzipped over a sports bra and leggings. Laura gulped nervously and sipped her drink, feeling mildly inadequate next to them.

Returning from the counter, Haley sat down opposite Laura, extending a hand for her to shake. “So, uh, yeah. Hi, I’m Haley, they/them.”

“Laura. She/her. Uh… why did you wanna meet up here?”

“Well, their coffee’s great… But seriously, I get that it’s a slightly unusual request. So, firstly, I just wanted to check that you’re a real person, and that you’re who you say you are, which you’ve passed.” They jokingly drew a checkmark in the air, which Laura giggled at slightly. “But second… our roommate agreement isn’t exactly conventional. Not in a bad or weird way, I don’t think, but… it’s very particular, for reasons I want to explain in-person, somewhere that isn’t our home. So- oh, that looks like my order.” Sure enough, a server came past and delivered a cup of coffee to Haley, who took a sip, savouring the flavour, before returning their attention to Laura. “But before all that, do you have any questions for me?”

Laura took a sip of her drink in turn, trying to calm her nerves. “Yeah, just the one for now. So, the notice you put up said strictly no men, and given our interactions so far, I doubt this’ll be a problem, or that this is what you meant by that, but… I should flag up right now that I’m trans.”

Haley immediately put a gentle hand over one of Laura’s across the table. “Oh, darling, that’s absolutely fine. I’m sorry you felt the need to out yourself there.”

Laura relaxed immediately. “Yeah, I… I’ve not experienced anything nasty myself when it comes to roommates, but I’ve definitely heard some horror stories. So, in that case… what do you mean by “not exactly conventional”?”

Haley took a deep breath, shifting slightly. “Look, there’s no way to sugar-coat this, so I’ll just tell you. One of our roommates, Niamh, is a fae. She acts harmless; she seems harmless; we’ve always got along completely fine… but it does mean that we need some extra clauses in the roommate agreement to define how we get along with her.”

Laura blinked in surprise. “Huh, that is unusual. I’ve never heard of any of them wishing to live full-time with humans; has she said why she’s doing so?”

Haley shook their head. “Not directly, no. She’s made some vague comments about humans being more fun to live with than fae, but she’s typically pretty cagey about that sorta thing. Olivia - that’s the third person living in our house right now - and I generally just don’t press her on it. So are you still open for now?”

“Yeah? I think so? It depends on what the added clauses are, I guess.”

“Fair enough.” Haley reached into their bag and produced a stapled-together document. “Might as well walk you through them now, then.”

Placing the paper on the table between the two of them, Haley began flipping through it. “So this bit is all just general house rules, conduct, rent stuff, blah blah blah, which we can come back to later… but here is where the really pertinent stuff is. So, firstly, this is all rules on truenames.” Laura could already feel her eyes glazing over as she tried to parse it. “I’ll send you a copy to read over yourself if you want,” Haley continued, “but the gist of it is that Niamh can’t take the names of anyone renting with us, unless we explicitly, with 100% certainty, state that we are giving our names to her. She’s also somewhat restricted on taking the names of anyone we mention - particularly if we’re not directly talking to her - but we still need to be about as vigilant about that as you normally would be with fae. That make sense?”

“Wow, that’s… quite the concession on her part. I, uh, assume there’s a catch?”

“Yeahhh, that’s why we’re still looking for a new renter after a month. I won’t fault you in the slightest if you say no after hearing this. So, if we flip to the next page…”

Laura glanced at the page Haley had turned to and her eyes boggled. “Mind control?” she hissed, barely managing to keep her voice down.

Haley eyed her cautiously. “Well, you haven’t stormed out immediately, which for me is a good sign. Yeah, it’s… it’s kinda weird, but it is better than it sounds. Are you willing to hear me out?”

“I… guess? You’d better be pretty damn persuasive, though.”

“Alright. So… okay, surface level, it is about what it sounds like. Niamh has the right to enchant us whenever we’re in the house, to do whatever she wants… within certain limits. She can’t interfere in our personal lives at all, except for the obvious fact that we’ll see each other being enchanted. That includes not messing with us while there are guests around, unless we give her explicit permission; it means not stopping us from leaving for work or what-have-you; and it means no keeping us enchanted once we leave the house, again unless we allow her to. No permanent changes to our personality… uh, she has to make it obvious to us when someone’s enchanted, which I think she often finds convenient as well. Obviously, all the usual fae restrictions apply, so no wrangling truenames out of us, no changing the agreement because it counts as a Contract, and no making us do anything overtly harmful. And she’s honestly quite moderate about it even within those limits, all things considered. Mostly she just uses it to mooch off us if she doesn’t feel like getting up, occasionally uses it to veto minor things like what we’re getting for takeout, but…” They lowered their voice further. “Sometimes, she uses it for, um. Sex stuff.”

Laura tilted her head. Now that struck a chord. “Sex stuff like…?”

“Uh. Sorry, I don’t know why I’m still embarrassed about it, it’s honestly become routine for us. I guess it’s just weird sharing it with a new person? It’s mostly D/s stuff - kneeling, calling her “Mistress”, that sorta thing; nudity or sex in the common rooms - which I think Olivia was on-board with anyway; and… basically, if Niamh’s horny, then you are too, unless you’re cooking dinner for her or something. But she’s pretty moderate about that as well; I can probably count on one hand the number of times she’s made one of us do something that we didn’t like, and every time, it’s been a one-off.”

“Right. I think I’d be… on-board with that?”

Haley tilted their head slightly. “If it’s not too personal… just “on-board”? Or is this seeming like a selling-point to you?” Laura blushed and refused to answer, which she knew was an answer anyway. Haley made a small amused sound before continuing. “Well, either way, I would say that it’s honestly worth it. Niamh obviously doesn’t need to work to make rent - I think she has a part-time job anyway just to get some variety - so she’s volunteered to do most of the chores around the place, and she does a really good job of it. Genuinely, if you can get past the whole mind-control thing, I’d say our place is one of the best spots on the market right now, and I would certainly love to have you over. But don’t let me pressure you or anything! You can take this copy of the agreement, give it a proper read-over, all that jazz, and get back to me any time within the week. Okay?”

“Alright. That’s… certainly a lot to think about. I’ll take that advice and get back to you, but for now, could I possibly just get to know you better?”

Haley smiled easily, relaxing back into their chair. “Sounds great. What did you wanna talk about?”

Laura wheeled her suitcase up the driveway. The rest of her stuff, such as it was, was still in the moving van, but for now, she wanted to get inside and introduce herself to the rest of her new roommates. She’d prevaricated a little bit, but honestly, most of that had been trying to convince herself that the idea of spontaneous, mind-controlled sex with her roommates didn’t massively turn her on.

Haley greeted her at the door with a hug. “Hi, so good to see you! Let’s get you moved in; the contract, agreement, whatever, technically only comes into effect once you’ve actually got some of your stuff in your room.” Bustling her along, they led her down the corridor and into a mostly-empty bedroom, where Laura gratefully set down her bags. “Alright! Let’s get the rest of your stuff in now, shall we?”

Laura groaned slightly, but nodded. “Sure.”

Returning to the living room, however, all of Laura’s attention was immediately grabbed by the woman now sitting on the couch. She was wearing an elaborate pink dress, which on most people would have looked ridiculous, but on her, it looked perfect. Silky smooth hair rolled down to her shoulders in waves of blonde, with tones of reds and oranges and pinks and purples - the colours of a sunset - throughout it. Her eyes were a piercing grey, almost surprisingly dull in comparison. Everything about her, from her face to her body to her posture, was the epitome of grace and confidence. By the forests, she’s so hot, Laura thought - or, at least, she believed she’d thought it, until the woman - who was clearly Niamh, even before she noticed the pointed ears - giggled behind one hand, and said, in a light, delicate voice, “Oh, you’re too kind, my dear.”

“No she’s not, Niamh,” came a voice from behind her, and Laura shook herself out of her gawking and embarrassment to see a short Korean woman emerge from another bedroom. “You do know, however, that what she’s saying is kinda meaningless; the word “glamour” didn’t come to mean “beauty” for nothing.” Turning back to Laura, she held out a hand. “I assume you’re technically moved in now?”

“I… believe so?”

She looked to Haley for confirmation, but it was actually Niamh who answered the question. “Yes, she is; I can sense that she falls under the Contract’s protections now.”

“Good. In that case, hi, I’m Olivia, although I imagine you’ve figured that out already. Nice to meet you.”

Laura took the proffered hand. “Yeah, you too. I’m Laura.”

“And that, as I’m sure you’ve also figured out, is Niamh, our resident menace.”

Niamh pouted, placing a hand to her chest as though she were mortally offended. “Come on, my dear Olivia; don’t try to deny that you love it.” Olivia rolled her eyes and huffed, but Laura could tell that Niamh’s words were definitely true.

Haley clapped their hands. “Right! Now that we’ve done introductions, let’s see about getting you settled in, shall we?”

Several hours later, the four of them were sprawled across the various armchairs and couches scattered in front of the TV, engaged in a conversation that showed no signs of slowing down. All three of her new roommates had already gone a long way to making Laura feel welcome and comfortable. She was still a bit on the lookout for signs of any enchantment happening, even though Niamh had assured her that she tended to go a bit easier on newbies on their first day. Still, Laura wasn’t entirely letting her guard down, and so she almost immediately clocked it when it happened.

It was getting on for 10 when Olivia let out a big yawn, followed by Haley. “Oh, dear, it’s getting a bit late, isn’t it? You two should probably be heading off for bed soon, shouldn’t you?” Niamh commented.

It sounded almost innocuous, but when Haley replied, “Yes, we should,” Laura could hear something was different: their voice was almost completely flat, void of inflection; their eyes, she noticed, were glazed over slightly. “It has been a long day,” Olivia added, and the same thing had happened to her. Both of them stood up and drifted almost aimlessly out of the room, leaving Laura alone with the fae.

“There we are; just the two of us,” Niamh smiled.

“Y-yes. Uh… why did you make them leave?”

“Oh, you spotted it. Well… you’ll understand, in a second.” Niamh stood up, looking slightly regretful. “I’m sorry for what’s about to happen, Laura, but I give you my word, and swear upon my honour, that it will never happen again.”

Laura didn’t have the opportunity to even draw breath before Niamh was upon her, fixing her directly with her gaze. She could feel something pulling her in, or pushing her out, or shrinking her down, or doing something to her mind, making her awareness and her consciousness fade and fall far away, subsuming them beneath Niamh’s will. Before she could move, or scream, or even fully conceptualise what was happening, it was over, and Laura’s body slumped into the chair, an empty shell under the fae’s control.

Laura was still there, somewhere. It was like she was floating just above her body, mind trapped in place like her flesh, completely hooked by Niamh’s will. And so when Niamh’s appearance changed, she had a front-row seat. The change was drastic, but also striking in how little she changed at all. Perhaps “inverted” would be a better description, as though she had become a photographic negative of herself - or, rather, that the glamour was the negative, as this was clearly her true self. She was no less achingly beautiful, but was now clearly inhuman: her skin a deep blue; her hair no longer a sunset but rather an aurora, greens and cyans streaking across a base of purplish black; her pupils now glowing white and her sclerae a deep black. Only her irises remained unchanged, that same unremarkable - perfectly, mathematically average - grey, still piercing through Laura as she looked upon her. What little of Laura’s mind there was shrank away from her, instinctually, even as Niamh’s countenance grew sadder.

Her mouth opened, pale blue lips parting to reveal a pale blue tongue among black teeth. “You know what I am now, don’t you.”
It was not spoken as a question, but Laura felt the compulsion to answer anyway. “Winter fae. UnSeelie. Dark elf.” Her voice was an implaccable monotone, despite the terror implicit in those terms.

“Indeed. We of the Winter Court are hunted by our cousins - our siblings - of Summer; persecuted and maligned and treated as mere beasts to be feared and hunted. That is a falsehood; a lie of the highest order. Most of my kind indeed do not suffer mortals lightly, it is true; but we are content to live and let live. Those of Summer… are meddlers; bursting into the human realm to live as rulers, the beautiful elite, supposedly benevolent dictators, masters and mistresses of this realm. We were forced to follow, to keep the balance, and to ensure that you remained independent; hidden among you and them behind the masks of glamours as you saw me in. Even with our aid, humans almost lost; but you managed to devise quite the working to bind the Seelie to your will, even if only a little: forcing them to honour and obey all contracts, and all the basic principles that you are so familiar with; of how truenames must be given freely and how they may not hide as humans. We of the UnSeelie are not bound by anything so flimsy as words on paper, but rather something far deeper: our honour. But ever since we aided you to victory, however slight, the light elves have waged a hidden war against us; painting us to be the real threat to humanity; pretending that our harshness means we are the lawless ones, while their mere whims reflect some supposed deeper order. If I were to be sighted without my mask, as I am now… well, you know what would happen, I am sure.”

“You would be hunted down.”

“Exactly. But some of us need to remain here, hidden in plain sight, to monitor the Seelie; to ensure that they never find a way to break the binding. I personally developed enough of a fondness for humans that I am willing to live in your house… but if I am to do so, I must maintain the façade of being one of them in both behaviour and appearance, and I must place upon you stronger protections - even if it means violating the contract to do so. I will now explain to you what will happen. From now on, you will instinctively know which fae are to be trusted, and which are not. You will not remember that I am of Winter, and you will not mention my existence in dealings with any Summer fae. You will, in fact, be unable to do anything that may jeopardise my cover, including recalling this conversation. However… I also wish to leave you with some reassurance. You will not directly remember this either, but you will know it in your heart. I am not in the business of taking names, nor of abusing the power to enchant you granted to me by the contract - which I swear to you now, upon my honour, I will always obey the spirit of. It is true that I often take control of dear Haley and Olivia’s minds for my own enjoyment - as expected of a Seelie - but I have received repeated assurances, of their free will, that they enjoy such behaviour and wish for it to continue. I believe that you feel the same, but if I am wrong, you can tell me.”

Niamh let out a deep breath, sagging into herself, still straddling Laura’s lap. “There we are. I have said my piece; if there is anything you wish to say before you forget this conversation, you may.” She slumped downwards slightly, resting against Laura’s inert body, then frowned. “Are you-? Forgive my indelicacy, but… did some part of you enjoy this?” She glanced down at the point their bodies met, where Laura was just barely aware of a slight tightening of her pants.

“Yes,” Laura breathed. “I… am confused, but I understand. And I forgive you.”

Niamh’s cheeks turned slightly paler, in what Laura realised must be a blush. “I… thank you. I am surprised you would become aroused by such vulgar behaviour from such an unattractive being, but I thank you nonetheless. If that is all…”

“Wait…” Niamh paused. “I think you’re still very hot.”

Niamh’s blush deepened. “You’re too kind, my dear,” she said, and Laura could tell she meant it. Then the fae leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on Laura’s forehead, and-

Laura blinked, stretching and yawning. Wait… what had she been saying? “I’m sorry, I seem to have lost my train of thought there.”

Niamh smiled and chuckled slightly, tucking a lock of blonde hair behind one ear. “The fault is all mine, my dear; I seem to have kept you up late. I’m sure we can get to know each other better in the coming days, but I think we should probably look at getting to bed for now.”

Laura nodded, rising reluctantly from where she’d been practically pressed into her chair. “Yeah, I think so too. G’night, Niamh.”

“Good night, my dear.”