Mia's scream cracked through the dungeon walls.

In the hallway above, Haspan and Sergius turned sharply. The witches froze.

"What was that?"

"Guards!" Sergius barked. "Open the cell!"

The ground trembled. The torches flickered out one by one.

A violent wind howled through the corridors. The guards at the cell door were flung like paper dolls, bodies slamming into the walls.

Inside, Mia knelt, clutching Ariya's limp body. Her tears glowed crimson.

"Mother! ...