Chapter 206: Challenge Given
**
This was it. I couldn't believe she'd finally done it. Odette stood there, shaking violently, her magical mask wavering between the middle aged woman she presented to the public and the withered, furious old crone she really was. Gram was actually beaming in joy, though I knew that happiness was fed on pure revenge.
"Challenging another coven leader is against our laws." Mom's magic rippled around her, branches and swirls winding through her clothing, her hair. She was prepared, I could feel it, the humming connection between she and I, and the rest of the coven loud and clear.
Against the law or not, she would fight. And be in the right.
Odette knew it. Held back because of it. She'd spoken the words, but no action had been taken. This could still end peacefully. Probably wouldn't, but there it was.
Until Gram decided to do some more prodding.
"You're as weak as your sister," she said with that same grin on her face, a hint of her old madness in her eyes. "I manipulated her too, you know. Made her challenge me. Just like you. So much alike, you and Naudia."
Odette refused to look at Gram, her gaze locked on Mom.
"Mother," Mom said softly. "Enough."
"No," Gram snarled, "it's not enough, Miriam. And it never will be."
"She's right," Uncle Frank surprised me when he took his place next to Gram. "This cannot be allowed to continue. You've challenged the Hayle coven, Odette Dumont, an illegal act according to High Council law. You must either fight or relinquish your power."
"Not so," Andre spoke up in haste, shoving his way toward his mother. "Not so at all. She can retract her challenge since no action has been taken." He leaned toward Odette, mouth close to her ear, real fear on his face. "Mon mere," he whispered. "You must recant."
She lashed at him with magic, driving him back and away from her, fury barely in check. But she was regaining control of herself, I could see it. Her façade solidified, false face settling once again.
Gram saw it too. "Coward," she snarled.
Odette finally met her eyes. "You call me weak," she hissed back. "You who lost your mind for all those years, gave it up, for what, Ethpeal? Look at you. Your life wasted." She spit in the dust at Gram's feet, a viper striking at her oldest foe. "You're pathetic."
Gram's anger was a fire burning in her eyes. "At least I survived," she said. "Unlike poor Naudia."
Odette growled like an animal, but didn't respond. In a flash of movement she spun and cast her magic directly at the Vegas and their hold on Ameline. Stupid, arrogant, desperate-whatever her motivation, she struck out at our coven with intent to harm after offering a challenge to our leader.
Mom was ready for her. Had been since the moment Odette arrived in Wilding Springs.
Time to fight. Finally.
***
