I couldn't breathe.

Lana's words hung in the air between us, impossible and terrifying and somehow, impossibly, true. The green smoke still swirled around us, pulsing with that ancient magic that seemed to confirm everything she was saying.

"Family?" The word came out broken, confused. "What do you mean family? I don't understand."

Lana's hands were still on my shoulders, her grip tight like she was afraid I'd disappear. "Your mother, Elise. She was my best friend. More than that, she was ...