Page 112 of Magic's Rise

“See, this represents the moon madness, while this other one represents the wolf. They’re two different creatures. I think it’s more like… a witch twisted what nature had already created. If that’s the case, then maybe we can undo it.” My words tumble out faster than I can think them through, but something tells me I’m right. “The werewolves don’t have to be dangerous. We could help them!”

Aspen’s eyes widen, and as his nerd-brain thinks it through, his expression turns thoughtful. “You might be onto something.”

I bounce on my toes. “I also think your theory about vampires is wrong.”

Aspen sighs and repeats, “Again, it’s not my theory.”

I ignore him, too excited for semantics. “When I protected myself from Ros’s dad and from Bryant, I only got one of these puppies, not two. Vampires aren’t cursed. They’re just bloodthirsty creatures with a bad sun allergy.”

“Who make people horny by biting them,” Tris adds. “Nothing cursed about that.”

Aspen takes the diamond-shaped stone from me and considers it. “There’s another theory that all werewolves come from a single curse, which means they’re all connected by this magical virus. If we destroy the curse, it could set off a chain reaction and wipe out the moon madness.”

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” That damn hope blooms again.

“After we cast the new barrier, we should perform one more ritual before we leave Silver Hollow.” He grins at me. “A super-secret one known only to the Wendall family.”

I hold my hands to my mouth, my eyes wide with the possibilities. “Are you joining the misfits?”

He half-heartedly pumps his fist into the air. “Adventure?”

Snorting, Tris grabs his arm and pulls it over his shoulders. “That’s a start.”

The setting sun shimmers over the pack gathered in front of where I stand with Aspen, Tris, and Kaela, the Silver Hollow coven forming a semi-circle behind us.

A brazier crackles in the center of our group, and as I look out over the crowd, performance anxiety creeps in. And I thought dancing naked earlier with Tris in the middle of town was bad. The barrier resurrection spell had gone off without a hitch, so this one should go as smoothly, right?

“Remember,” Aspen whispers, his voice steady, “let your instincts guide you.”

“Someone’s sure changed his tune,” I mutter, resisting the urge to wipe my sweaty palms on my borrowed robe.

Elana had insisted that if we were going to perform a ritual, we needed to look the part. Which is great for everyone who’s average height, but the white material of mine drags in the dirt. I look like a toddler playing at being a high priestess.

“Focus on the tingles,” Tris adds.

“Let’s begin.” Aspen nods to the witches gathered behind us.

Elana stands tall at their center as her coven performs a basic blessing Aspen had worked up, their voices rising and falling in sync as they weave a tapestry of enchantments. I carefully place the curse stone on a grate over the brazier, and Tris, Aspen, and Kaela step forward, summoning fire.

Flames ignite the coals within the metal basin, turning red, then white, then blue. My heartbeat quickens, my mind flashing back to the fire in the meeting hall, and I take steadying breaths as the air heats, the fine strands of my hair lifting.

“Rowe.” Aspen nods toward me. “It’s time.”

“Here goes nothing.” Reaching into my mind, I open the door on my toaster, and the world washes out to silver.

I raise my wand, focusing on the magic that floats around us, carried on the wind, thrumming in the earth, snapping from the fire.

Prickles dance along my skin and gather on the tip of my wand, forming a crackling ball. I sweep my arm downward, releasing the bolt of lightning, and it strikes the curse stone, shattering it into pieces.

As the light fades, the fire disintegrates the pieces into ashes, and its dark power vanishes. A sudden sting in my stomach catches me off guard, but I push the pain aside, focused on completing the ritual.

“Is it done?” Kaela asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aspen’s gaze sweeps over the gathered werewolves. “We’ll know when the moon rises.”

Smoke billows into the sky, curling and twisting through the crowd. I watch, my heart pounding, as the last of the sun’s light disappears, and the full moon casts a shimmering glow upon the Silver Hollow pack.

“Here we go,” Tris murmurs beside me, taking my hand.

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