AUTHOR'S POINT OF VIEW

A chorus of malicious laughter erupted from the young witches. The words sliced through Vespera like a blade.

A cockroach? Damn people could've used a better insect.

The humiliation was suffocating; she wanted the stone ground to open up and swallow her whole.

Every single young witch in the circle was laughing, their faces twisted in amusement—except for the fierce girl standing right in front of Vespera.

She remained entirely stern. Her dark eyes ...