“I had my reasons,” Leticia said coolly. “I’m sure they’re fine without me. Ethan always was the better parent.”
“Ethan is amazing. But that’s not the point. You let those girls grow up wondering what they did wrong. Yougave them a hole in their lives where their mother was supposed to be.”
“I was trying to survive.”
“You were trying to feel powerful again,” she shot back. “And maybe you got that. But you left three girls behind who are still waiting for a happy ending.”
Leticia looked away, jaw tight.
“Besides, you left your power,” Honey said.
“No, I didn’t.”
“Yes. You did.” She took another step forward, heat rising in her chest. “And while you’ve been here playing witch queen, your power has been running alongside the Marrow’s.”
Leticia rolled her eyes. “Clover and Juniper are nothing compared to the kind of power I’ve found here.”
“I wouldn’t say that.” Honey’s voice turned cold. “Because they still show up for your girls. And if you don’t show up to at least take your power back,” Honey continued, “they’re going to lose everything. Your girls are going to lose their home.”
Leticia’s cold veneer faltered at that. Her eyes darted left toward the door she’d come through.
“I can’t leave,” Leticia snapped. “You don’t understand. Once you’re in the Core?—”
“Well, try.” Honey was furious now. “Because if you still care about them, even a little, you’ll find a way. You don’t get to be the tragic figure anymore. You’re not a victim. You’re their mother.”
She dug into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. The notice from the bureau.
“This is the date of the formal hearing,” she said, thrusting it toward her. “You want to keep hiding behind magic and excuses? Fine. But you show up there, or so helpme, I will drag your name through every circle of witches in the state.”
Leticia stared at her.
“Be there,” Honey said, eyes blazing. “Or stay gone for good. But don’t you dare pretend you don’t have a choice.”
And then she turned and walked out, shoulders trembling, as Ruby silently followed behind.
Chapter 33
Ethan
For the first time in his adult life, Ethan Hale was early to a town hall meeting.
He’d already unfolded two dozen metal chairs and lined them up. He’d tightened the loose knob on the projector until it finally stopped jiggling. He’d even rearranged the cookie trays twice, like anyone would care if the brownies came before the apple pie cookies.
And now he was pacing back and forth across the front of the room, heart thumping like he was about to walk into a fistfight instead of a civic meeting.
The doors creaked open.
Juniper Marrow strode in with a clipboard pressed against her chest. She wore a charcoal-gray pencil skirt with heels that clicked with every step, and a blouse patterned with stars so subtle they only caught the light when she turned. Her glasses slid down her nose as she took in the sight of him before her.
She stopped short. “Early to a town hall meeting, Ethan? Are you ill?”
A dry laugh scraped from his throat. “Not yet.”
One eyebrow arched.
“I, uh…have a request.” He cleared his throat, trying for nonchalance and failing.
Juniper gave a small hum. “Ah. Don’t tell me. I’m not usually one for surprises, but I’ll make an exception in this case. I have a feeling.” She swept past him to drop her clipboard at the front table and busied herself flipping through the pages.
