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I inhale the cleansed air of the chamber and stand at the edge of the pentacle circle carved into the earthen floor. The five Sun Witch elders are readying the space, preparing for the ritual.
Against the far wall, Emilie Broussard stands wearing the moon phases pendant, signifying her as the Moon Witch High Priestess.
Grand-Mère always said she was a dear friend of my mother’s and a driven and honest sister in the coven. She meets my gaze and crosses the room to greet me with a warm smile.
“Good luck, Josephine. It will be my absolute pleasure to work alongside you going forward.”
“I have to be chosen first.”
She winks. “I have a good feeling.”
“I’m glad someone does.”
The elders continue as Beatris and Summer step into the chamber to join us. I keep my expression blank, unwilling to give Summer any hint of what we’ve got in store for her.
Summer’s here. Phi, did you see her leave?
I’m sorry. I don’t know how I missed her.
Dammit. She likely had a cloaking spell. It’s all right. Is Sebastian back yet?
Not yet, but Rune is here with your witch friends. We’re ready as soon as we have a target.
Okay. Thanks.
I was worried my connection to Phi would be compromised by the tunnels, but this chamber has the same all-encompassing and all-powerful energy as the tree stump in Lilian’s cabin.
The elders finish with their preparations and each of them moves to stand at one of the five points of the pentagram star. “Welcome, ladies. The circle is cast, and the chamber is cleansed. Are you ready to begin?”
I lift my chin and meet the gazes of the elders. “I’m ready.”
Summer is glaring at me. “Didn’t you have something you wanted to tell the elders?”
I meet their expectant gazes. “Just that I thank you for this opportunity and hope to mend the brutal past of my mother’s betrayal. Blessed be.”
Edith bows her head. “Blessed be, child.”
I can almost see steam coming out of Summer’s ears. What? Did she really think I’d just bend to her threat? I believe in my friends and in good winning out over evil.
“Beatris? Summer? Are you ready?” Francine asks.
When they express their readiness. Zana raises her hands. “Hail to Mother Gaia and the ancestors of witches past. We invite you to come forth and join us for our workings this night. We are honored to serve you and do your bidding. Hail and Welcome.”
“Hail and Welcome,” we all repeat.
Phi, I don’t know if I’ll be able to hear you once the trial begins. Any news?
Nothing yet.
Good luck.
To you as well.
“Please kneel within the circle and raise your chalices.” Zana gestures to the three vials which have been placed within the circle. “The potion provided will allow you to channel your natural connection to the elements, and, in turn, enter the meditative plane of Mother Gaia herself.”
Enter the meditative plane?
Easy for her to say.
