24. Chapter 24
Chapter 24
The Coven common room was full but eerily silent. A Coven-wide summons like this was rare, especially during the working day. All eyes were on me and the tension was palpable. Everyone gathered there knew that what I was about to say would not be good news. You could have heard the rune stones drop such was the strength of the silence.
I touched the pentagram pendant that hung at my neck and felt a surge of affection and confidence through it. My sisters believed in me. I felt confidence from inside too, from myself and from Bastion. He believed in me, too.
I cleared my throat and broke the silence. Best deliver the news like ripping off a plaster, I decided. ‘Brace yourselves. It’s time for some hard truths. Firstly, Hannah Lions is dead. ’
Gasps and wails rose from the assembled witches. They paired up to offer comfort, pulling the nearest person into hugs of misery and commiseration. Hannah had been popular with good reason; she had been kind, friendly and hardworking.
I let my Coven have a moment of disbelief and mourning but my news bulletin was not done, far from it. The hits had to keep on coming. I waited until there was a lull in the noise, and spoke again. ‘Secondly, the black Coven, the evil Coven, is real.’ Shocked silence fell. ‘They killed the former Crone, Abigay. I have been tasked with rooting them out.’
I took the time to look around and meet the eyes of those assembled there. ‘Thirdly, Ria and Meredith were targeted by them, and that was why Cindy was killed.’
‘I KNEW it!’ Melrose snarled. ‘I knew Ria and Meredith wouldn’t miss Cindy’s funeral. Where are they?’
‘With Hannah’s help, I hid them in a safe house,’ I replied calmly, mixing a little lie with the truth. I wouldn’t risk the circus, even for my Coven. ‘Hannah was tortured and killed to ascertain their location.’
‘Good Goddess above,’ Melrose gasped. ‘Are they—’
‘Meredith was attacked but we managed to save her. Ria is fine. They have been moved to another location. ’
‘Who?’ Melrose gasped. ‘Who would kill Hannah? She was the best of us.’ She sobbed the last few words.
‘She was,’ I agreed. ‘All evidence points to Edward Tenby being the one who killed her.’
Murmurs of ‘her own guard’ circulated around the common room as they digested the horrific news. In for a penny, in for a pound. ‘Jeb’s death was not accidental. He was a necromancer working for the evil Coven. He was responsible for High Priestess Melva’s death.’
More gasps and wails. I tried to stifle my impatience; this was a lot of dreadful, upsetting news, a news bulletin full of deaths and betrayals. I looked for anyone who didn’t look genuinely upset, anyone who didn’t look shocked.
There was no surprise on either Ethan’s or Jacob’s faces, but they knew all about it already. Henry and Sarah were cosied up together close to his fathers. Henry looked a little smug, though that might have been due to the nubile young woman pressed against him rather than any dark inclinations on his part.
John had his arm around Venice; his eyes were grim but he didn’t look particularly shocked. Timothy was next to Briony and he didn’t look particularly emotional, either. Toxic masculinity at work? Or something more? Goddess, I hated this. Looking at everyone as though evil might be in their hearts and their actions was draining.
Enough time had passed and I needed to move this along. ‘As you know, Hilary Mitchell was an evil witch. I fear that the evil Coven’s rot has spread insidiously. Guard your hearts and minds. Do not give into temptation to use pain to boost your powers – greater power is not worth your soul. Examine your companions and watch their actions. Any suspicions, please consult me. As you know, it is my job as the Crone to root out evil wherever it exists – here or in the council.’
I paused then went on. ‘As such, this is my notice to you that I will be stepping down as Coven Mother. I will serve a week or two’s notice and will shortly be opening the application and interview process. I will provide more information about this in due course, but for now know that it has been my absolute honour to serve you. I will continue to serve you in my new capacity as the Crone. My door will always remain open to you.’
I waited a beat but no applause followed. Tough crowd. ‘All those who wish to say farewell to Hannah, please join us in the cremator room.’ No one moved. ‘Now,’ I added firmly .
They started to move towards the door in a trickle at first, then in a wave. It was time for a eulogy for Hannah.
I hoped I could do her justice.