We burst through the other side, my power taking a second hit as the magic wards of the cavern pushed down against me. Not that I cared. My heart was far heavier, the gasps and cries of fear from my waiting coven only making things worse.

Mom was first to reach me, hands taking Violet's empty shell from my grasp. Dad joined her, lifting the feather light remains and carrying the fallen coven leader to the shelf by the wall, laying her out on the ...