Page 47 of Midnight Witch

His spell bounced offContain.

Mae shifted forward in the chair and focused her powers past Jared’s pain to the thread that would unravel the mirage magic that had obscured his true memories. The sword drew her eye where it lay on the floor. She frowned, an idea coming to her.

Assimilate!

The blade trembled, the power it contained resisting her attempts to consume it. Jared fell to his knees.

Mae ground her teeth.Absorb!

Golden light bloomed on the surface of the sword. It faded a moment later.

Mae concentrated on Jared’s consciousness once more. The doors opened just as she found what she was looking for.

Bryony and Valentina Flores barged inside the chamber.

“Shield!” the two witches barked.

Mae felt their protection spark around Jared. The Immortal’s eyes rolled into the back of his head. He collapsed on the floor. She shuddered and withdrew her magic, her heart thundering against her ribs. The runes surrounding her regained their original colors.

Did it work?!

Hate burned in Abraham’s eyes as he dragged Jared out of the circles.

Bryony glanced at Valentina, her expression cold. “Do it.”

Indigo shackles exploded around Mae. She gasped as they wrapped around her forehead, body, and limbs, pinning her to the chair. Her gaze found the witch who’d attacked her, the insidious magic in the new chains licking atSoul Shield.

“What the hell is this?!”

A look of distaste twisted Valentina’s face. She stepped inside the magic circles. “Something I am loath to do since it involves touching you, but I cannot ignore the command of my superior.”

Mae blinked.Her sup—?!

The corruption that descended around her snatched the rest of her words from her lips. Mae grunted as an agonizing pressure weighed her down. Concrete cracked beneath her feet. The chair groaned as it sank a couple of inches into the ground.

Barquiel’s power burned Mae’s throat and made her flesh itch.

To her utter lack of surprise, Bryony, Abraham, and Valentina seemed unaffected by the demon archduke’s energy.

Mae’s gaze swept the chamber for her enemy while Valentina pressed her fingers against her temples. It took but seconds to find the blonde figure framed in the doorway.

Rose smiled beatifically. “Hello, Mae.”

CHAPTER21

Mae clenchedher jaw until her teeth ached. “When it rains, it fucking pours, huh? How about you come over here so I can punch your pretty face?!”

She noted Bryony and Abraham bowing deferentially as Rose strolled inside the chamber at a leisurely pace.

The demon put her hands on her hips and tilted her head to the side. “My, my, you sure are full of vim and vigor today. I’m afraid that’s gonna be impossible real soon.”

Mae stiffened. “What do you mean—?”

“Seal,” Valentina said grimly.

Icy fire exploded inside Mae’s head. She choked, her vision blurring and the taste of blood blooming on her tongue.

What—is this?!

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