Page 34 of Crown of Envy

The room fell silent as my words sank in. Lisa’s eyes widened with dawning comprehension while Damon’s brow furrowed in thought. I could almost see the gears turning in their heads.

“Think about it.” My voice grew stronger with conviction. “Zara’s desperation to save her sister, our arguments about trust and loyalty? It’s all playing into Maci’s hands. We’re letting envy and suspicion drive us apart.”

“I agree,” Justice stated, his red eyes meeting mine with understanding. “If looks could kill, I’d have a stake in my heart.”

As the words left Justice’s mouth, a surge of anger swirled in my chest, hot and ugly. The mere thought of Zara looking at Justice with anything resembling ill intent made my blood boil. My fingers twitched, longing for the familiar grip of my blade. For a brief, intense moment, I imagined driving it between Zara’s eyes if she so much as looked at Justice cross-eyed.

The violent thought shocked me, and a wave of shame washed over me. Wasn’t I just preaching about unity and resisting Maci’s influence? Yet here I was, succumbing to the emotions I’d warned against. The irony wasn’t lost on me, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I drew a deep breath, trying to quell the storm. My reaction was proof of how insidious Maci’s influence could be, how easily envy and protectiveness could twist into something darker.

“We’re all susceptible,” I admitted. “Even me. Maybe especially me.” I looked at Justice, then at Damon and Lisa. “We need to be vigilant, not only against external threats but against our own emotions.”

The battle against Maci and her envy demons wasn’t merely out there in the world. It was here, in this room, in our hearts and minds. And it was a battle we’d have to fight every day if we hoped to stay united and strong.

I looked at them, willing them to understand. My heart raced, pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. “If we keep fighting amongst ourselves, we’re doing Maci’s work for her. We’re making ourselves vulnerable.”

The tension in the room shifted, transforming from anger to a dawning sense of unease.

“We need to stand united, like the Mirror of Aethereal foretold,” I insisted. “It’s the only way we’ll have a chance against Maci and her demons.”

As my words trailed off, I slumped back against the pillows, exhausted by the outburst. But I saw the impact of my revelation rippling through the room. The atmosphere had changed, the angry energy replaced by a somber realization of the true battle we faced, not only against Maci but against the envy and discord she sought to sow among us.

“I keep telling you. It’s not that easy.” Lisa’s voice was tight with frustration. She ran her fingers through her hair, tugging at the strands. “Zara’s really torn up about this.”

A twinge of guilt gripped my chest, but I pushed it aside. “I hate to say this, Lisa, but Damon’s right. You can’t trust her.” The words felt heavy on my tongue, like I was betraying someone.

Lisa’s eyes flashed with anger, her body tensing as if ready to spring. “You’re only saying that because she’s a witch,” she spat, her words sharp enough to make me flinch. “Everyone on this team treats us like second-class citizens. Only vampires and hunters are valued.”

My heart sank, and a cold feeling spread through my chest. I stretched my hand out and took her stiff one. Her skin felt cold and clammy against mine. “Lisa, that’s not true,” I murmured, trying to infuse my voice with sincerity. “You’re the one who saved us more than once with your healing magic. You’re the one who healed me, aren’t you?”

Lisa gave me a troubled smile. “Yes, with my incense and spells.”

I squeezed her hand. “We’re determined to help you find your phoenix and your dog. You’re part of our team. That’s why the mirror chose you.”

Lisa’s brows furrowed, creating a crease between them. Her gaze darted back and forth as if she was trying to process what I was saying. Conflicting emotions played across her face.

Fatigue washed over me in a sudden wave, making my eyelids heavy. I lowered my voice to a whisper. “Your statements sound envious, don’t you think?”

Lisa’s hand jerked in mine as if she’d been physically struck. The room seemed to hold its breath.

I swallowed hard, hoping my words would break through the fog of envy that seemed to be clouding Lisa’s judgment rather than push her further away.

Lisa’s face cycled through a range of emotions. Shock, anger, denial, and finally, a flicker of understanding. Her body tensed as if preparing to flee, but then she seemed to deflate, her shoulders sagging.

“I…” she started, her voice barely audible. She cleared her throat and tried again. “I didn’t realize… Is that really how I sound?”

Tears welled in her eyes, and she blinked rapidly, trying to hold them back. Her hand trembled in mine, and I gave it a gentle squeeze.

“It’s not your fault, Lisa,” I insisted with relief and concern. “Maci’s influence is subtle. It creeps in when we’re vulnerable.”

Lisa nodded slowly, her gaze unfocused as if looking inward. “I’ve been so worried about my phoenix, about being left behind…” Her voice cracked. “I didn’t even notice how it was affecting me.”

Damon leaned forward, his expression softening. “We’ve all been affected, Lisa. It’s not just you.”

Justice nodded in agreement. “The important thing is that we recognize it and fight against it. Together.”

Lisa drew a deep, shuddering breath. “You’re right. I’m sorry, all of you. I… I need some time to think.” She stood, her movements slow and deliberate. “I won’t go far, I promise. I only need to clear my head.”

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