“Are the barrier spells not working?” Ahren asks.
“We’ve had the strongest of witches create barriers alongside Enrique, but the Indomitable also have witches, and one is Hecate’s favoured…” Uncle Leo explains. “And when people enter and exit the barrier, it weakens in those moments, and that’s when they act.
Also, even with Enrique’s power, they cancel each other out, because Enrique is Hecate’s descendant and Calindra is her favoured,I write.
“How does that work?” Grandpa Alejandro asks me,taking a drag on his cigarette.
I uncross my legs and stand up.It’s a rule of magic, just as certain elements are stronger than others. Hecate controls all elements, and this is exactly what she’s given to her favoured, too. It’s what Enrique has as well, although he favours fire like Roja. We need a new kind of magic to counter Calindra. A power different from the common elements,I write.
“It’s almost as if Hecate fucking planned that,” Carter mutters. “Making someone powerful enough to rival Enrique.”
I wouldn’t put it past her…
“So, what do you suggest, Heaven?” Ahren asks me, knowing I have something in mind. I pause, looking between Allie and Sienna.
I think the Hallowed Blood Trinity witches can create something stronger,I write.
Sienna and Allie look at me, both raising an eyebrow, so different yet mirroring the same expression. Everyone looks at me sharply, and Mama raises both eyebrows.
“The Hallowed Blood Trinity? As in connection to the Book of Flame, Crown and Veil; that’s the name of the grimoire you have, isn’t it?” Aunty Delsanra asks.
Yes, because Mordana, Aldona, and Caladena are the next Trio of the Hallowed Blood Trinity. Weare the next trio,I write, pointing at Sienna and Allie when I say their names.
“We are?” Sienna asks.
I nod.Yes, but we have a lot of work to do,I write. I don’t know exactly how I know, but I can see it, the link that connects us, formed of the same symbol that is on the cover of the grimoire already in our possession.
Grandpa Alejandro smirks. “If you’re saying this bottle of poison is a witch, then she must be like the caretaker from Hogwarts, right?” he says, looking at Allie.
Aunty Kiara shakes her head as Allie narrows her eyes. “Even a squib can roast your ass, Dad. Besides, I might not be a strong witch, but I still am one,” Allie says in a deadpan voice.
“I’m just shocked Uncle has read the Harry Potter books,” Uncle Rayhan remarks.
“Half the time, I’m impressed he can even read,” Uncle Leo adds. Both men smirk at one another as they share their joke.
Grandpa Alejandro takes a drag on his cigarette. “Yeah, yeah, don’t get cocky, fuckers. I was reading when you were both in nappies,” he counters with a cocky smirk.
“Yeah, your age is catching up on you,” Uncle Leo shoots back, making Uncle Rayhan chuckle. Mama smiles, shaking her head.
Theo is snickering, drawing my attention, and I notice he’s looking at Ahren, who is frowning at him. I remember Theocalling Ahren ‘diaper boy’, and I’m curious what nightmare he had conjured in his mind.
“The grimoire you have, does it have protection spells?” Mama asks.
There’s one, though I don’t know if it’ll work, but if there isn’t, we can make our own spells,I write.
“Heaven, creating spells is a skill long forgotten. We use the grimoire to make sure we practice magic safely,” Mama says.
“But they were also created by witches of the past…” Sienna points out softly, and I nod.
“And Heaven’s already created some pretty successful ones,” Allie adds.
I don’t want to mention the grimoire that Hecate has given to me quite yet. I can feel its presence, just waiting close by for me to summon it.
“These girls are something else,” Renji says with a grin. “A badass witch trio, I like it.”
“Well, if Heaven thinks there’s a way, let’s try it. The bunkers won’t be ready even if we try to move people now; we need time,” Uncle Leo says quietly, and we will still have to come out for supplies and other things.
Where’s Tatum?I ask, thinking everyone is here but him.
