Page 19 of The Witch and His Crow

‘Welcome, all.’ Jonathan swept his gaze over the crowded room, delighting in the countless faces watching him. There were so many witches, the cavern humming with the magic and the potential for chaos. I couldn’t even begin to understand the number that had gathered— it had to be more than had ever partaken in a single contest before. ‘It has been close to thirty years since the last Choosing, and from the sheer number of you, I can see this year will be one written down in history and remembered for an eon.’

My palms screamed in agony as I dug my nails into them. Warmth spread across my skin. I knew if I looked down, I would find my palms coated in blood.

‘You all know the rules, but as a man who celebrates custom, I will share them with you.’ Jonathan paused, his eyes drinking in his adoring crowd. I wondered if he, like me, was searching for the Witch Hunter. ‘For the next few weeks, until Samhain, you will face four trials. Each one is designed to test specific qualities, with the hope of finding the witch most suitable and deserving of the title of Grand High. May I remind you that you that during the trials, you are outside the Coven’s reach. It will only be each of you in a place beyond our rules. Stay vigilant, for you will only truly be safe when the final trial is completed. Therules are simple. If you wish to withdraw from the contest at any point, you must simply speak it aloud with intention. Otherwise, good luck. And remember—anythingcan happen.’

Like rigging the competition and allowing a Witch Hunter to join?The thought was as hot as coal in my mind. How could a mundane Witch Hunter even win against over a hundred witches with access to magic? It made no sense. The limits to what Gifts these witches possessed ranged from empathic abilities to elemental-conjuration.

If Jonathan truly believed the Witch Hunter had a chance, I had to believe whoever this champion was had the means to win. Whatever that meant.

‘You will know when a trial begins when the bell tolls once. The same goes for the end of the trial—another bell shall toll. I cannot tell you how each will present, for every Witch Trial has been different. Draw on the past, remember those who came before you, as clues will be left woven amongst the trial from the last Grand High. Messages—’ Jonathan’s eyes settled on me. ‘--from beyond the grave.’

From beyond the grave. Messages. The last Grand High.

I knew this detail—every witch did. But I hadn’t contemplated just how tied my mother’s spirit was with the contest. It made me want to push through the crowd and set off into the waiting archway first.

‘I am sure you are all educated on those who won before you. It is as much talent as it is skill, knowledge, and respect for our history. Now, I ask you all, are you ready?’

The chamber erupted in excited shouts. Feet stomped against the floor, making the ground shudder with the weight of over a hundred witches. Every soul in this room, including me, knew the bloody history of the Witch Trials. It was well documented, and part of a witch’s education.

‘Hector,’ Caym’s presence spread through my mind like unfurling wings. ‘You have a chance to change your mind. Ask it of me, and I will get you away from here.’

‘No,’ I replied through our bond, my finality unwavering.

‘So be it. Just know that I may not be able to interfere during the Witch Trials. As the traitor explains, where you are going is outside of the reach of normal laws.’

‘I can do it.’Could I?

‘Your mother believed the same, and she was victorious.’ Caym’s response offered me comfort, making me feel the slightest bit closer to her. Had she stood in this room, listening to the very same speech, not knowing what she was to face?‘I believe in you, Hector, just as she would have.’

What would she think, seeing me now? Would she regard me with pride or fear? Either way, I would never know. Mother was dead, murdered by the very people now hoping to steal the source of our magic.

I’d do this for her. I’d do this for all witches. And most importantly, I’d do this for the chance to eradicate the Witch Hunters. With the power of Grand High, I could do it. Finally.

‘Step forwards for judgement, in the name of those beyond the veil.’ Jonathan’s voice rose in volume, bouncing off the stone, from pillar to pillar. As though encouraged by his words, the rune markings glowed brighter, the water-like mist between the archway becoming more erratic. ‘Prove thyself worthy of the gauntlet of power, the source of the craft, and we shall discover whom shall claim the title of Grand High.’

‘Oh,’ I replied aloud, not caring who heard. Jonathan’s neck practically snapped as he found me again, tilting his head like an inquisitive, feral dog. The rustling of the bodies around me proved that everyone looked at me too. ‘I intend to.’

Jonathan’s eyes narrowed, drinking me in, likely reading my knowing expression.

Yes, you little prick, I know all about your plans.

‘The prodigal son,’ Jonathan said, raising his arms towards me. As he did, the crowd parted ahead of me. ‘Hector Briar, child of the late Grand High. It is only fitting that you are the first to enter the Witch Trials. Please, come. Make your mother proud.’

A crack spread beneath my foot as I took a step towards him. There was no controlling my gift anymore, not when I could barely keep my mouth shut. Jonathan noticed, his brow raising. I felt some strength knowing how Jonathan would react to me having access to my gift. It was enough of a message, especially when combined with my unwavering gaze locked on him.

The wall of faces blurred beside me. At one point I was sure I heard a familiar voice hiss name—Romy, no doubt. But I couldn’t take my eyes off the traitor, the man who’d put his vile feet into my mother’s boots, who was trying to lead the witches to our demise.

I would see that he paid for his deception, preferably with his life.

Jonathan stood aside, allowing me a full view of the archway. What I thought was water in the midst of the archway was actually shadow. It seemed to reach out for me like a phantom hand, drawing me in. But before I passed through it, I stopped at Jonathan’s side. My back was to the crowd, and I kept my voice low so that my threat was only for us.

‘I will find your little champion,’ I hissed, teeth slick with blood from my torn lip. ‘And I will see them ruined. Then, when I take the mantle of Grand High’ I turned my full attention on him, delighting in the expression of shock and horror on his gaunt face. ‘I’ll be visiting you first.’

Before he could respond, I stepped through the doorway of shadows, and entered the arena of death.

Whose death, exactly, was yet to be decided—but I was sure as fuck going to make sure it wasn’t mine.

CHAPTER FIVE

---