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“If the Waning continues, the protection spell will fail.” Lucas sounded horrified. “We’ll be completely exposed, and the fae won’t hesitate to slaughter us.”
It hit me like a spell to the chest. “I don’t think the Waning is causing the tree to die. I think the tree is causing the Waning.”
Lucas gasped. “Of course. The coven’s dividing, which means our magic is no longer working together to support the spell. The tree has to siphon more magic to keep up, but it’s draining us. That’s why the Waning is getting worse. The more we divide, the worse it gets.”
“This must be why the Waning is centered around the school,” I realized. “Because the students are the closest source of magic to the tree. I need to tell the priestesses! I need to get them to listen and to see we’re on the same side. Maybe Mandy was right that we can do this peacefully. We all want to end the Waning. There has to be a way to reach a compromise.”
“I’ll come with you,” Lucas offered.
“No,” I told him. “I’m a priestess. I have to negotiate with them alone. I’ve got this.”
He hesitated for a moment, but I saw the trust in his eyes. “Be careful.”
“I will.” I practically ran to my car, and Isa followed. I tore out of the parking lot toward the Imperium headquarters. I didn’t know if the priestesses would be there, so I called Priestess Margaret on my way.
“I know what’s causing the Waning,” I told her.
Margaret didn’t say anything for several moments, but I heard a distant conversation on the other end.
“Did you hear me?” I demanded. “We have to talk about this!”
“Meet us at the Imperium headquarters as soon as possible,” Margaret said diplomatically. I thought she was trying to sound indifferent, but I sensed worry in her tone.
When I reached the Imperium headquarters, the priestesses were already there. Concern marred their features.
“It’s the Protection Tree!” I blurted as I burst through the door. Isa meowed loudly as she followed me in. “The tree is siphoning our magic to maintain the protection spell around Octavia Falls! The buds aren’t blooming. The tree is dying.”
Claudia leaned back in her chair. “The spell has kept us safe for centuries. How could it possibly be failing now?”
“Because we’re dividing,” I pressed. “Our magic doesn’t work together unless we work together.”
Margaret sat straighter in her chair. “It’s a fine theory, but you’re forgetting the spell we cast last year, indicating the Waning was caused by demon magic.”
“We have demonic origins,” I reminded her. “Perhaps the spell was picking up on that.”
Lilian wore a worried look. “It’s certainly something we should look into. Thank you for the heads-up, Nadine. You are dismissed.”
“No!” I slammed my fist down on the table. “I will not be blown off as if I’m not a part of this council. If you don’t let me work with you, you only perpetuate the divide. The Waning will only get worse. We all want to protect the coven, but we must—”
“How dare you try to tell us what to do!” Margaret exploded, shooting out of her chair. “You are nothing but a broken little child who wants to play the hero. All you’re doing is getting in our way. You wouldn’t be on this council if we had any other choice. You’re here for nothing more than appearances. We will have solutions, and we will unite, but it will be on our terms.”
“Then let’s talk about the solution,” I begged. “I am a priestess, too. Let me join the conversation.”
“Join the conversation?” Lilian laughed. “You’re lucky we’ve let you live this long, considering your list of crimes.”
“What crimes?” I crossed my arms.
Lilian narrowed her eyes. “You and your friends have been nothing but trouble since the day you arrived in Octavia Falls. You have voted against us at every turn.”
“That’s not a crime,” I argued. “I’m simply doing my duty as a priestess.”
“Priestesses uphold the law, which you and your friends do not!” Lilian snarled. “I know Chloe’s been getting prescription medication for other students. I know you’re in cohorts with Everly Hall, who’s been spreading anti-Miriamic propaganda. Don’t think I don’t know about your other violations.”
She didn’t know a damn thing, or she’d be accusing me of it right now.
“You have no idea what you're dealing with,” Lilian spat. “You will do as you are told, or you will get us all killed.”
“You want to control your people,” I shot back. “How does that save anyone?”
