Chapter 21: Declaration Of War

We burst through the other side, my power taking a second hit as the magic wards of the cavern pushed down against me. Not that I cared. My heart was far heavier, the gasps and cries of fear from my waiting coven only making things worse.

Mom was first to reach me, hands taking Violet's empty shell from my grasp. Dad joined her, lifting the feather light remains and carrying the fallen coven leader to the shelf by the wall, laying her out on the natural bench protrusion and covering her gently with a blanket.

"Syd." Mom wept, though her face remained calm and poised. "What happened?"

"Your daughter," Sassafras said while the handful of Violet's people collapsed into a sobbing heap, "just declared war on the Brotherhood and the North American Witches Council." He didn't sound accusatory. Just pissed off.

I knew the feeling.