Once I’ve had a couple of squares, he hands one to Wylder, and then jogs across the circle to Rowan, Orion, and Sebastian.
Around the circle, witches collapse to their knees or brace themselves against trees. Mica sits heavily on the ground, her multi-colored hair plastered to her forehead. Jane wipes ash from her hands, breathing hard. Stuart looks like he might pass out.
Laurel remains standing, though even she looks drained. She surveys the clearing with sharp eyes, then nods once. “The veil is sealed. The ley line is stable.”
A ragged cheer goes up from the Emberwood witches, and they gather to congratulate one another on a job well done.
Our group doesn’t celebrate because we all know this is only a small victory. That tear was massive, and there’s no way it got that bad without something equally massive and powerful coming through.
The six of us step off to the side and leave the members of the coven to their back-patting.
“How many do you think came through?” Orion’s quiet voice cuts through the exhausted silence.
Sebastian’s expression hardens. “I don’t know, but when we arrived, the demonic energy was concentrated, deliberate. Something powerful crossed over.”
“Tharuzel?” Rowan asks.
“If I had to guess, I’d say yes.” Sebastian’s jaw tightens. “But whatever it was, it’s in Emberwood now.”
“Or long gone,” Wylder says.
Sebastian shakes his head. “No, I have the entire perimeter of the town warded against demons. Nothing in. Nothing out. If Tharuzel made it through the rift, he’s here somewhere. I’ll know if something challenges the warding.”
I shiver, the idea of that makes me want to puke.
Laurel leaves the circle of coven celebration and strides over to join us. She looks at us as if taking our measure. I’m not sure what she sees, but I honestly don’t care.
She straightens and frowns at Sebastian. “What’s done is done. Together, we sealed the rift, and that is a victory. I’m sure you’ll agree that working together rendered better results than infighting and working alone.”
To Sebastian’s credit, he doesn’t throw back any of the remarks that burn on my tongue. Instead, he arches one ebony brow and forces a smile. “Working together was all I ever asked.”
Laurel’s grin is way too smug for my liking. “Excellent, then I hope we can put the past behind us.”
Wylder’s gaze narrows, but he doesn’t say anything.
Asher opens his mouth, and I’m afraid of what is about to come flying out, but Sebastian beats him to it. “Are you nuts? Not a fucking chance.”
Laurel sputters, looking honestly confused.
“After what you did to Zoe and her family, and the way you continually manipulate the will of the Goddess Mother to your own ends, I will never trust you, nor will I work with you.”
“Drop the mic,” Asher spouts off. “Not to mention totally gaslighting Wylder and treating Orion like a second-class citizen. Bridges burned, bitch.”
I send Wylder an unapologetic smile. Asher is loyal to a fault and says what he thinks. I won’t apologize for that.
But he doesn’t seem to look for an apology for mouthing off to his mentor. Instead, he lifts his chin and meets her gaze. “I know how you think. You’ve realized demons escaped and things are about to go to hell, quite literally. Now you’re hedging your bets to recruit the only people willing to step up to the dangers of the hellspawn. Too little, too late.”
Laurel shakes her head. “What? No, I’m making amends. I’m doing what should’ve been done from the start. We are stronger together.”
Sebastian scoffs. “What you’re really saying is you’ll be stronger with us there to do the dirty work. Sorry. Not interested.”
Yeah, me either.“A coven should be a family where everyone is welcome, and all affinities are embraced as gifts from the Goddess Mother. You don’t get to play favorites and pick and choose who you think has value.”
“Damn straight, baby girl,” Asher says. “We’ll make our own coven. One where everyone gets support and respect.”
“Why stop at witches?” Orion’s grin is magical. “I know other empowered people who would love to be part of a fellowship where they could train, fight the good fight, and be accepted for who they are.”
“Like our own Justice League,” Asher shouts, fist-pumping the air.
