Alexa's knees buckled when the spell hit her chest. She lost her footing for a second and tumbled down, gasping for air.

A hand gripped her shoulder and hauled her to her feet, bringing her face to face with the masked witch. Although the mask had no paint, lines, or holes, Alexa could feel her gaze. She could see her smile.

“So we meet again…” the witch spat.

Alexa tugged her arm back, but the witch's hold was too tight.

She tugged her arm again, focusing on ...