Page 62 of Witch's Fate

“It’s not—not really. Witches are one of the oldest groups of Mytheans. Mortals have believed in witchcraft for millennia, after all. We’ve had our rules in place for that long. A situation like yours is forbidden. Except in certain circumstances.”

“Circumstances?”

“You’re really powerful for Bruxa. Your whole matrilineal line is enormously powerful. Mythologically speaking, you shouldn’t be that strong. Bruxas are moderately strong witches, but nothing like you or your ancestors.”

“Our strength has something do to with this problem, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah. Your ancestors made a deal with the High Witches thousands of years ago. In exchange for extra magical ability, their descendants and the village of Bruxa’s Eye would be forced into the situation you currently find yourself in.”

The breath whooshed out of Sofia’s lungs. Her color was ashen. “What?”

“Yeah. Your ancestors basically betrayed you before you were born. For the High Witches, it’s pretty much the best deal ever. That’s why my coven knew about your history. When we were reading your mind and realized who you were, it was easy to put two and two together.”

“How can she get out of this?” Malcolm demanded.

“It doesn’t matter,” Sofia said, her voice trembling. “It’s my responsibility. I have to do it.”

“No, you don’t.” Rage boiled in Malcolm’s chest.

“She does,” Inara said. “I don’t exactly know the nature of it, but she’s supposed to die if she abandons her post. She’s tied to it somehow. At least, that’s the rumor.”

Malcolm scrubbed a hand over his face. This was bloody awful news.

“I wouldn’t abandon my post. Or my village,” Sofia said. “And it’s okay. We got the book.”

Relief loosened the knot in Malcolm’s chest. He reached into his pocket and withdrew the coin, then laid it on the table. With a wave of his hand, he transformed it back into its original shape. The tome sat, heavy and bound in leather. Power radiated from it.

“Holy shit—that’s impressive,” Esha breathed.

“It’s our ticket out of this,” Sofia said.

It burst into flames.

13

Sofia jumped back. “What the hell?”

Flames devoured the book. Within seconds, it turned to ash.

Her heart began to pound and chills ran over her body. She lunged over the desk and grabbed Inara by the collar. “What the hell happened?”

“I don’t know,” Inara choked. She shook Sofia’s arm.

Shaking, Sofia let go and sat back.

Malcolm looked ready to commit murder. “Explain,” he growled.

“I really have no idea what happened.”

“That Grimoire is clearly enchanted,” Malcolm said. “Why? So it couldn’t leave the coven’s possession?”

“Makes sense,” Inara said. “But I’d really never heard of that before. No one ever talked about what would happen if it left, but that’s because everyone assumed it wouldn’t be stolen.”

Sofia’s heart sank.

“It makes sense,” Aurora said. “It’s an uncommon spell, but the Salem Coven is capable of uncommon magic.”

Sofia felt like the ground had fallen out from beneath her feet. “They’re going to destroy my home.” Her voice sounded dead, even to her ears. “There are no third chances.”

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