47

Sibyl (she'd forced herself to use that name) started writing that night, and continued every night for the next four weeks. Every spell she remembered and had performed went in that book, including the oldest magic she knew. She ignored all contact with the outside world and didn't even respond to Adam and Cassie pounding at her door. Even Ethan showed up once, and after seeing her through the window and seeing she was OK, he walked away. But she felt him right there beside her, and knowing what was to come nearly killed her. So she put it out of her mind and went on with the task at hand.

When she was finished, Sibly wrapped the book along with Francis Balcoin's grimoire in plain brown paper. With a sigh, she dialed Jane and Dee and asked them both to stop by. When all were gathered around her kitchen table, she offered them green tea and told them what she believed to be true. "There is no other way," she said at the end.

"And the babies?" Jane asked with concern.

"Karin will do the right thing."

Dee said, "Maybe you should wait until they are born."

Sibyl shook her head. "Francis will come on Beltane as we perform The Great Rite."

"We?" Sibyl knew Jane's stance on sex magic, even the symbolic kind.

Dee nodded. "We will crown our new high priest and priestess."

Jane's eyes suddenly filled with certain knowledge. "The Elders won't allow it."

Sibyl smiled gently. "We don't answer to them, Jane, and they can hardly stop this. Adam and Cassie are the chosen ones."

"It's sacrilege to interfere with their circle."

Dee jumped in. "You mean the one that's falling apart where all the members distrust one another?"

Jane sighed. "You have a point, Deirdre, but you're overstepping your bounds."

Sibyl stood up suddenly. "Then let it be a symbolic joining only, leaving them free to make their own choice. Will that work?"

There was far more at stake here than either of them was saying. Jane finally said, "I think it will. What else do you need me to do?"

Sibyl handed her the wrapped package. "Give this to Cassie after I'm gone."

Jane opened her mouth to protest, but seeing the look in Sibyl's eyes, she finally nodded and tucked the package in her satchel. "Is there anything I can say to change your mind?"

"There's no other way."

"Doesn't Ethan get a say?"

Her eyes filled with tears. "He was always the end game, and now the game is up."

She knew they didn't understand, and wouldn't really get it until the moment before Francis snatched her away. And then she'd let them see all her evil deeds, right up to the moment when she'd stolen Karin Balcoin's life.