Chapter 330: Power Snap
That was it. When the power snapped, it drove Batsheva back into her seat with shriek of rage. It was hard to keep my seat as the blood magic recoiled and drove into her body, pinning her to her chair while the entire room suddenly came awake, their siphoned magic returning in a rush of energy.
Dominic turned to run for the now unsealed doors only to have his own Enforcers latch onto him and drag him back. Either they were no longer under the influence of Batsheva's power or they saw clearly where this was going and wanted to be on the good side for once.
Batsheva lurched from her seat and pounced on Andre. I was so shocked by her choice, and obviously not the only one, I just stared as she jerked his head back, a silver knife pressed to his throat. Odette cried out in fear, reaching for her son while her glamour collapsed completely, leaving her twisted and hideous true form completely exposed.
I'm not sure if Batsheva didn't think Andre had enough power in him to give her what she needed or her sense of revenge was just too strong to overcome, but within seconds of nicking Andre's neck with the blade she siphoned enough energy to leap like a fat spider, crossing the distance between her and Odette, the knife extended before her.
Batsheva landed with a thud on the old woman while the rest of us scrambled out of the way. No part of me felt even remotely sorry for her when Batsheva's knife slashed over and over, cutting the old woman to ribbons, though my demon raged at me to stop her.
Right. Blood magic. We'd had enough of that, hadn't we?
It was Mom who acted, the family magic lashing outward, her shell of holding broken, finally able to access it again. I threw my energy at her, felt Gram join with us with Mom as the lead, power flowing out of me as Mom slammed up a shield around Batsheva and Odette in an attempt to stem the flow of magic.
Too late, the blood magic was already answering Batsheva's call, curling around her like a live thing. In a flash of red fire, even from within our wards, Batsheva flared with crimson light and vanished.
The shield dropped away, no longer needed. I'm not sure why I bothered, but I found myself on my knees, cradling Odette Dumont's head in my lap, supporting her while she gasped for breath. Her icy eyes met mine, the only part of her she hadn't disguised. She opened her mouth, hand scrabbling for mine, as if she needed to tell me something. But her blood loss was so great, her life energy gone to feed Batsheva, and between one breath and another, she breathed her last, her death rattle a sound that would give me nightmares for years.
I looked up as someone gasped to see Gram release Naudia's spirit at the exact moment Odette's began to rise. The younger sister, haughty and furious, didn't wait for Odette's ghost to fully form, but dove on her, shrieking an otherworldly keening.
"You did this to me!" Naudia's ghost latched onto Odette's as the older witch's echo finally took shape. "I trusted you, dear sister, and see where it got me!"
Odette's shade fought back as the two rose above us, grappling together, spinning around and around as they howled and fought.
"How dare you blame me?" Odette's voice roared so loud I had to cover my ears. "I loved him and you made me give him up!"
"You idiot!" Naudia screamed. "He hated your ugly guts!"
Gram gestured at the two and they faded away, but I was certain as they went their echoes would cat fight their way into eternity.
Fitting.
Two Enforcers, likely from his own family, grabbed Andre when he tried to flee. He was dragged before the Council, stripped of his robe.
Blubbering like a little kid, he confessed to everything.
Dominic, sullen but terrified, kept looking around as if he expected Batsheva to appear and kill him too, also told all.
"She wanted control of the North American Council," Dominic said. "Odette knew everything, was in on it." The other leaders looked shocked and outraged. "This whole thing with Miriam was a setup so she could coerce all of you. It was less about the trial and more about taking your power."
Angry mutters. And yet, I didn't feel sorry for them at all.
Neither did Gram.
"Had the lot of you even one lick of sense," she snapped, "you'd have dug your damned heads out of your behinds and asked some questions. None of this would have happened if you all weren't so focused on your own personal positions."
More outrage. But I was pretty sure it was fed from guilt so I was okay with that.
"Once Batsheva had control, she intended to take your power and attack the European Council."
Why did they seem so shocked? My anger was bubbling again. Idiots.
It was Erica who called everything to order, had Odette's body removed, chairs righted, reassembled the conclave as Celeste, Demitrius, Dominic and Andre were led out under guard.
"I would like to offer my thanks from the entire Council," she glanced down the table to the rapidly nodding witches, "to the Hayle coven for uncovering this terrible conspiracy and refusing to quit until it was revealed." She bowed her head to Gram. "Ethpeal Hayle, our thanks." She looked at me, face blank but for the small official smile. "Sydlynn Hayle, our thanks." The only time she betrayed herself was when she met Mom's eyes. "Miriam Hayle," she said with deep emotion making her voice vibrate, "our thanks."
Mom smiled with great grace. "Our coven is, as always, at the service of the High Council."
Even if they weren't at ours. Grumble, mumble.
"Despite what has been revealed here," Erica went on, "we must still debate the charges against you. I would like to call recess to do so properly, without the evil influence of Batsheva Moromond and Odette Dumont."
The Council agreed while I sat and fumed. What the hell was Erica thinking? Just dismiss the damned charges already. But as the Council members filed out, Gram's voice reached through my fury.
She knows she needs to make it official, girl. Patience.
Yeah. And I was long on patience after this fiasco.
Right.
Mom was left where she sat at least, free. The Enforcers had backed off and from the confused and worried looks on their faces they knew they were about to be ejected from their special privileges.
I'd have been happy to do some personal booting myself.
Gram's mind latched onto me.
I'm very disappointed in you, she sent.
What did I do now? I was in no mood for a brow beating.
I wanted to kill Odette myself. She hummed a happy tune. You could have healed her so I had a chance to rip her heart out.
Gram!
She giggled. Did you see them? Fighting like that? Gram hugged herself across the room, eyes meeting mine. Delicious. So I forgive you. Besides, I'll find her grave later. Dig up her bones. Do a little jig. Just because I can.
Crazy old lady is crazy. I tried to keep it light while I felt my nausea rise. Ew.
Gram cackled. Girl, you have no idea.
It didn't take the Council long to return, only a matter of maybe ten minutes. It had to be a good sign.
Didn't it?
Erica was clearly leading them, so I felt a bit better. Until she fixed Mom with a grim expression and sighed deeply.
"Miriam Hayle, please rise."
Mom did, as graceful as ever, poised and perfect.
"You have helped us uncover a terrible plot against all witches and for that you have our eternal gratitude. But you must also understand in doing so, you have forced us to obey the letter of the law." Erica shook her head. "Now more than ever we must rely on our laws to guide us through this terrible time of transition."
Mom nodded. "I'm prepared to face my fate," she said.
I glanced at the window, saw the sun going down, knew at any moment the vampires would be awake again. And from the sinking feeling in my stomach, I figured I'd be needing their help after all.
Damn Erica. She couldn't just be on Mom's side, could she?
"I choose to trust the law," Mom said, her eyes meeting mine. Syd, remember I love you. No matter what happens. This is important. Please, honor my choice.
Damn her. Damn her!
***
