As everyone stood, including the coven leaders, my eyes fixed on a large wooden door on the opposite side of the room. The moment we were all on our feet, the whisper of clothing and shuffling of feet stilled, that door swung outward and a line of people walked through.

Dressed in jet velvet robes trimmed in blue, the members of the High Council of North American Witches strode with aplomb and self-importance toward the raised platform and their appointed seats. My eyes ...