Katie lifted her hand to Alexis. “Alex? What’s happening?”

“Her pulse is strong now,” Bhal said.

Alex pulled Katie into her arms and kissed her head. “You’re alive. I love you, I love you.”

Katie grasped into her tightly. “I feel strange, Alex.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll get you through this, okay?”

Bhal patted Alexis on the shoulder. “I’ll call and get a clean-up crew here. Let’s get her back home.”

Chapter Twenty

Amelia sighed in frustration as she again failed to tune in to her ancestors. She had been sitting in the witches’ circle with Magda for thirty minutes, and nothing.

“I can’t do this. It’s not working,” Amelia said.

Magda squeezed her hand. “Take deep breaths and try to focus.”

Another minute passed. “This is pointless. It’s like there’s a block in my head.” Amelia slammed her hand down on the floor, and a bolt of power came from her hand and scorched the floor within the circle.

Magda opened her eyes and said, “You see what happens when you don’t have control? There is a block. You were at your parents’ funeral today. Your grief and anger are getting in the way.”

Amelia got up and walked out of the circle. “What’s the point anyway? I’ve had four lessons with you, and all we’ve done is sit in this circle and try to listen to voices. I’m supposed to be fighting and defeating a great darkness that this Madam Anka is bringing. How am I meant to do that listening to voices?”

Without saying anything, Magda raised her arm. An object on the ritual table rose and then flew past Amelia’s head and was impaled into the wall behind her.

Amelia jumped in fear and looked behind her at the knife and contemplated how close it got to her.

Magda got up and walked over to the knife. She pulled it out of the wall and rested it in her hand.

“We are not tuning in to listen, Amelia. We are tuning in to our ancestors to harness their collective power. That’s why this basic level of understanding is key. Once your mind becomes more disciplined, you can use it to dangerous effect, I think you’ll agree.”

Amelia rubbed her forehead. “You’re right. I’m sorry for my outburst. It’s been really difficult. I shouldn’t have come.”

Magda put the knife down on the table again and came back to give Amelia a hug.

“I understand, and I promise you, I will teach you so you are well equipped for what lies ahead. I promise you.”

“Thank you, Magda. I’ll be more patient.” Amelia clasped her hand to her mouth and took deep breaths. “I’m sorry, I haven’t felt well today.”

Magda smiled. “No, you wouldn’t, but it’ll soon pass.”

“Why? Is it a magic thing?” Amelia asked.