Page 138 of The Witch and The Blood Oath

Penance for my coven’s misdemeanors.

“Dear Goddess,” I whispered, “Cordelia’s Embracing her slowly to preserve her own long life.”

We had always been told the High Witch’s power was eternal and Goddess-given, but maybe that, like so many things, had been a pretty lie. The High Witch was known for harsh punishments, but those punishments were supposed to be made on the grounds of justice. They were not supposed to be twisted mechanisms for preserving Cordelia’s reign.

“Is that what she’ll do to our coven?” Cady asked. “To punish us?”

“What was that?” the ancient witch asked.

“Nothing,” I answered. “Nothing. We’ll let you get back to your rest.”

“Okay,” the witch said and laid down. “I’m so glad my mother sent a message. I can’t wait to see her again soon.”

“Of course,” I said, though this witch would never go home. In only a few weeks, she’d gone from a witch in her prime to a crone.

Soon, she would die.

That won’t happen to us,I reminded myself.

Believing the thought was the only path to survival.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Walker

Cady’s words rang in my ears.

Is that what they’ll do to our coven to punish us?

Josephine had already tried to steal Cady’s power—would the High Witch attempt to steal her youth?

I followed Freya’s lead and pushed those thoughts aside. We couldn’t let that happen to any member of the coven—we wouldn’t.

We just had to find Elle and Arion, spot the ripple, and get the hell out of here.

Piece of cake.

The hall ended abruptly, and we skidded to a stop. Ryder tried the nearest door, but it was unlocked. Immediately, the smell of herbs, cleaning supplies, and dirty laundry assaulted my senses. I shut the door behind us, and Freya lifted a small ball of flame to reveal an outdated janitor’s closet.

“At least no one lives here,” I said with a wrinkled nose.

“That’s for sure,” Ryder agreed.

Cady stared blankly at the floor. I gently lifted her chin.

“Hey,” I said. “We’re getting out of here, remember? What was that awesome plan you came up with?”

Cady was still unsure. Though her bravery usually scared the crap out of me, she couldn’t afford to lose it now.

“C’mon Cady-Cat,” I whispered. “You can do this.”

My sister took a deep breath and nodded. Pride blossomed in my chest. No matter what, Cady would get out of here.

The world didn’t deserve to lose her.

Cady rummaged through the shelves and pulled down a jar of pink powder. We scooted back, so she had room to pour it across the floor. Cady closed her eyes, and her magic flared. Its tinny song was overwhelming in the small space, but her finger traced through the Himalayan salt.

“I’ll try to mask her spell,” Freya said.

---