My belly constricts and I drop my head, my body rocking backwards and forwards. I don’t know whether I need to scream, thump something, or be sick. My spine is burning, my bones shifting and rearranging themselves, pushing and protruding against my flesh. I lick my lips and taste salt. I’m sweating despite the cold, my skin slick with it. The witches push my damp hair from my forehead and I groan as my body contracts again.

I glance at the expectant faces of the women around me, the chant of their voices enveloping me like a membrane. Another wave of emotion surges through me. Love – love for my sisters who came back for me, who willingly shared my hurt, who would give their lives for me. I clench my teeth until the muscles in my temples ache and then my skin tears and I gasp as something thick and wet bursts from my shoulder blades. I turn and see black feathered wings slither from my body and open wide.

Tears of relief run down my face. I’m weak and wrung out, but I can finally breathe. A calm, bright feeling tingles through me and I smile, more clear-headed than I’ve ever been. The witches help me to my feet and their eyes are no longer white but brilliant blue. They look so much younger, their skin pink and flushed, their hair clean and glossy. It feels like I’m seeing them how they really are. I peer down at my bare feet and tattered black dress and they laugh to see my confused expression.

‘You did that,’ whispers Mazoe.

The witches step back to form a circle then hold out their right arms. I do the same and a golden flame appears above my palm. I throw the ball of energy upwards easily and it travels towards the others. This time when they meet, there’s a crack of thunder and blinding white light engulfs the room, blowing back our hair and what’s left of the window panes.

Magic courses through me, igniting every atom of my being, and I know I have the power to do anything – the power to bring life into existence or to destroy it. A single heart thumps loud and strong in my chest. I search for Moronoe, wanting to share the moment with her, and she steps forward in my mind and throws her arms about me. She kisses my cheek and it feels like a goodbye. I hug her and silently promise to make this life a good one for both of us. No more hiding my feelings, no more being afraid to get close to people in case I get hurt.