“Brynn, I need your help,” Izzy gasped. “Join me.”

I raced over. It might have looked funny that we both had our backs pressed against the door, given it swung inward, but it helped solidify the magical barrier Izzy had thrown up. I went silent to hear what it was she was whispering under her breath.

“Lock the door. Shut it tight. Protect Evanora from her own might.”

I closed my eyes. All I had to do was repeat the charm and fuel the words with my own will. Nothing easier. But I couldn’t.

Nora let out a shout of frustration, right before something smashed against the door. A heavy bookend, by the sound of it.

“This isn’t right! We don’t have to stand for this.”

Neither Izzy nor I budged, even though the sparks at our ankles had a really nasty sting.

“Brynn, I need more help,” Izzy panted, her eyes darting over my face.

“I’m sorry. I know.” I did know what Izzy wanted from me. I also knew I couldn’t give it to her. I couldn’t explain why though. Now was definitely not the time. “How did you get her in her room?”

“Pull and muzzle.”

Wow. That was some powerful magic. The pull would have dragged Nora backward by the waist into her room, while the muzzle would have kept her mouth shut.

“It drained me. As you can see, I’ve already lost half the spell. I’m not sure how much longer I can hold on.”

“Let me out! I can handle them all myself. You don’t have to do anything!”

“We can’t let you do that, Sister,” Izzy called back. “Did you see how many of them there are? Think of the consequences!”

“Consequences! You and your consequences! You take every last bit of fun out of being a witch!” Something else exploded against the door, shattering on impact. Vase, maybe? “We aren’t just any witches. We are Warren witches. The very best witches! And you would have us behave like frightened mice!”

Izzy squeezed her eyes shut. “Lock the door. Shut it tight. Protect Evanora from her own might.” She repeated it a few more times before opening her eyes again to look at me. “I’m losing my hold. Are you giving me everything?”

I tried to answer, but I couldn’t find the words.

Izzy’s eyes locked on mine as she waited for me to explain, but, thankfully, Nora saved me from having to say anything at all.

She had gone completely silent.

Izzy’s gaze drifted back to the door. “Sister? Is everything all right?”

“It is now,” an unnaturally calm voice said from the other side.

My aunt and I exchanged glances. Somehow Nora’s calm voice was even more unnerving than the objects being thrown against the door.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. It was just a shock to have all of those police show up so unexpectedly. And, of course, being attacked by my sister’s magic was upsetting. But I’m fine now.”

Izzy and I exchanged looks again. I shook my head side to side, mouthing the words She’s not fine.