I've never been so proud of Mom. How she held herself like a queen, not a prisoner, the way she smiled at everyone as though they were there to see her, as a star, someone they admired.

And they did admire her. The outswell of positive energy was almost overwhelming. So much for the jealousy and bad feelings Pender mentioned toward us and our coven. They loved Mom, it was obvious. I didn't take my eyes off of her to know it and didn't need to. Our magic was so close it felt ...