Page 146 of An Oath at Midnight

Bram cupped my face. “Mags?” he snarled. “What the fuck’s going on?”

I tried, but I still couldn’t speak, my back arching against the stone floor when another wave crashed over me, through me. The pain increased, until I couldn’t take any more—

Another surge of power caused my body to jerk under the strength of it—then it seemed to wash away, taking the pain with it.

“Magnolia,” Bram called, shaking me.

“I passed,” I choked out. “I passed my task. I-it’s okay. I’m okay.”

He pressed his lips to my forehead, then scooped me up in his arms. “What the fuck was that?”

“Our coven’s powers taking hold. It’s done.”

“Thank fuck,” Bram said, fisting my hair and holding me tight against him.

A crash came from below the church, then another one.

Bram cursed and helped me to my feet as a council enforcer ran into the church, his face white, visibly shaken. “Whatever was in the basement, it got out. Looked like two of them. They ran into the forest.”

“They’re strong and fast,” I said to Asuka. “We don’t know how old they are, but they’re only going to get stronger with every hour that passes.”

Shouts, screams, came from outside.

“Maybe they doubled back?” I pulled my knife free and ran outside. The witches who came with Asuka had backed up, awe and horror on their faces.

Then a rattle echoed through the night—a sound I recognized all too well.

The mother, in her serpent’s vessel, was sliding across the school field, heading straight for me. I dropped my knife and braced, not sure what was about to happen.

She stopped in front of me, so close, her hiss blew my hair back. Her massive head swayed as her black eyes locked on me.

You passed your task, young witch, but you are no longer the mother’s child alone. You are Death’s servant, and you have an unfair advantage.

She stared down at me, and I wasn’t sure what she wanted me to say. “I didn’t seek Death out, mother.”

Did I ask you to speak?

I shut my mouth.

A combat trial is now pointless. You would win, easily. But your touch cannot kill the undead.

She paused, and I didn’t know if it was for dramatic pause, but I was close to jumping out of my skin.

One final test for you…and your sisters. Her head shot forward, her tail rattling with the sudden movement. No mates, no familiars. The four of you, alone, must destroy the undead, and you, reaper, will deliver their souls to Death.

CHAPTER 36

Magnolia

My sisters were gathered around me, dressed for battle and ready for anything.

“I’m sorry you have to do this,” I said.

“Don’t.” Willow planted her hands on her hips. “This isn’t on you, and who’s to say this wouldn’t have happened anyway? You’re the last, this might’ve always been the mother’s endgame.”

“Wills is right,” Iris said. “It makes sense this is how it ends, all of us fighting together.”

Rose took Iris’s hand. “We’re stronger together.” She looked over her shoulder. “I just hope Ronan stayed at the house with the others.”