Black magic came at a great cost. Never to the caster, but always to their victim. The most powerful spells required life force. Most black magic practitioners used smaller forms—insects, small game, things like that, but those kinds of sacrifices couldn't make enough power to do what it had done today.

Someone had died for this.

"Evan," I said urgently. "Bring me a bowl of salt and fresh water, please."

His lips thinned, but he turned to do exactly what I asked. I ...