Page 54 of Fallen Angel

Mara swept a finger to her chin. “Go on.”

“Do you want to be looking over your shoulder for the rest of your lives—just waiting until I prove exactly how powerful I am? Or would you rather use me, my magic—Raven’s magic—to do your bidding?”

“Hannah, stop,” Callan urged.

She ignored him just as he ignored her. “I may only have one week to live, but if you agree to spare Callan—to never go after him again—then you can turn me into a Siren.”

“That is enough.” Callan ran at Mara. He clenched a fist and leapt toward her.

In a blur, Nathaniel caught him and twisted his arms behind his back.

Callan struggled against the Vampire, tears glistening in his eyes. “You made me a promise,” he yelled, his voice harsh.

Hannah promised never to save him, but she couldn’t keep that promise now. She offered him a sorrowful glance.

“I lied.”

Chapter Sixteen

Callan’s face fell. Hannah looked away, holding back tears. She cleared her throat and redirected her attention to Mara. “While Callan would have to track down each witch individually and compel them to go with him, my magic would dramatically speed up that process.” Hannah gulped, her throat dry, not knowing if this was actually true. While Mara could probably smell her fear, Hannah only hoped that she couldn’t sense her uncertainty.

“An interesting proposition,” Mara said.

Hannah knew that Mara could never give up the chance to control Raven’s white magic. “And then, once my time is up, you’ll never have to worry about me again.”

“She shall break her curse after you are under her control,” Callan yelled. “She would not dare let you perish if she possesses your magic. You shall be her prisoner for the rest of your life!”

Hannah didn’t consider this. Though her expression froze, she resisted the urge to show any signs of panic. If she only had one week left to live, then she had nothing to lose. She couldn’t back out now.

Raven’s words scrawled across her mind:Though a witch may not have chosen the power granted to her by light magic, she must ignite that spark within herself and let it burn for the good of the world and the safety of those she loves.Hannah hoped that if Mara turned her into one of her creatures, her magic would be awakened and would somehow find a way to fight back. Hannah had learned that magic was an entity unto itself. It had its own desire and agenda. Even if Hannah was compelled by Mara, she hoped her magic would fight for light.

“I have had witches break my bond before,” Mara said. “I would not want to risk keeping you around.”

While she didn’t trust her, Hannah felt a soothing relief at Mara’s interest and reassurance in their proposed deal.

“I believe you,” Hannah said, even though she assumed she was lying. The only reason Callan was able to break free of Mara all those years ago was because of Raven’s counteractive spell. “I still need to hear you say it. Vow to leave Callan alone.” Hannah felt a sense of pride surge within herself.

Before, she thought she was nothing like Raven. She considered herself a downgrade—not as strong, not as smart, not as brave, not as selfless. But there she was, confident in her actions, despite the fear that trembled beneath her skin. Maybe she was exhibiting such bravery because she only had days to live, or maybe she and Raven truly were one soul.

“I promise to never go after Callan,” she said. “As long as he desires to be free of me, it shall be so.”

Good.Hannah nodded and pushed aside her fear. If Mara was true to her word, then Hannah will have upheld Raven’s sacrifice. And in a matter of moments, she’d access her magic.

She held out a hand to Mara. “Do we have a deal?”

“Hannah, stop!” Callan shouted. “Don’t do—” Nathaniel smothered his mouth with his hand.

Hannah avoided looking at Callan. She knew she was hurting him. History was repeating itself, and there was nothing he could do about it.

Mara took Hannah’s hand and shook it tight. Hannah’s magic writhed within her, and she could feel a sharp shock between their hands.

Mara winced, yet held her grip. Her lips curved into a venomous sneer. “Welcome to my coven.”

Hannah kneltin front of Mara’s altar—a natural elevation in the cave with a boulder that acted as a podium for her grimoire—encircled by candles and raw crystals.

Mara took her time flipping through the pages of the book with a smug expression. “You know, this was where I was buried for all those years.” Mara loured at Callan. He sat restrained and gagged on the other end of the cave. “I could sense my book in this godforsaken library. Before I could reach it, however, I was cast beneath the earth.”

Hannah’s hands trembled. She wished Mara would shut up and get on with it. “You can let Callan go. I’m not going anywhere.”

---