Page 79 of Morning's Light

Aisanna opened her mouth to retort and shut it quickly. No, she hadn’t done any of those things. She’d run like a scared rabbit, hid behind her parents’ might, hid in Elon’s bed. But never once had she thought to use magic to protect herself.

How stupid she felt now. She was the definition of stupid.

“You are witches,” Vane repeated for emphasis. “It is what you do. What we do. Astix found a way to keep Darkness out. She was strong enough to withstand the pull of evil. Cecilia—the energy that used to be Cecilia—has no power over you unless you allow it. She needs a host.”

“She wants a host?”

“Not everyone is completely pure, or completely wicked.” Vane changed tactics and kicked at the pool surface. Small waves spread out and slapped gently against the sides of the pool. “If you had been placed in a position you didn’t want, and you didn’t understand the repercussions of accepting, would you tire of it? Would you want someone else to take your place? Yes. You would want a chance to recapture the life you lost. The family you lost.”

“I suppose so.” Aisanna could understand that, absolutely. “But what can I do? The eclipse is coming, the veil will disappear, and the only person with enough power to stop it is the Harbinger.”

Before her eyes, Vane began to disappear, fading away gradually. “That, my dear, is something you need to find out on your own.”

“At least tell me how to find her. Him. Whoever it is!”

Too late. He was gone. She sighed with frustration, closed her eyes, tipped back her head.

When she opened her eyes a moment later, she was once more on the street. Cars drove by in startling regularity with headlights cutting through the haze of night.

She hadn’t lost much time at all.

Her hysteria took a backseat for the moment while she focused on what she’d done and what she had to do.

Oh God, she’d attacked two Claddium elemental heads. She’d thrown unnatural, dark power at them.

Well, damn it anyway.

Aisanna scrambled to her feet and considered her options. What had Astix said, something about finding a safehouse? She needed to pack a bag and find her sister. Would Astix still want to see her after their heated words? Probably not, but too bad.

She was a witch, dammit, descended from centuries of Cavaldi blood. They were one of the most respected families in the magical community, with members scattered throughout the world.

And it was about time she started acting the part.

---