Chapter 29: A Life for a Life

Black magic came at a great cost. Never to the caster, but always to their victim. The most powerful spells required life force. Most black magic practitioners used smaller forms—insects, small game, things like that, but those kinds of sacrifices couldn't make enough power to do what it had done today.

Someone had died for this.

"Evan," I said urgently. "Bring me a bowl of salt and fresh water, please."

His lips thinned, but he turned to do exactly what I asked. I hadn't done a single spell since I'd left my coven for fear they'd find me, and sitting here with my knees soaked in Cane's blood, a rage such as I had never known flooded my veins.

Maybe if I'd embraced my magic instead of hiding it, none of this would have ever happened. If I'd done what I was born to do, maybe I could live free.

Evan shoved a container of salt and a bottle of spring water in my hand.

"Thanks."