Chapter 156: Chapter 156: The Past Awakens

She would have reached me far more quickly if her passage hadn't finally triggered what had been building inside her for years. I watched with fear for her as the walls built around her shattered in a visible explosion of light. The pieces, still containing some energy, ricocheted from the inside of the family's wards. Pain/Cydia staggered and almost fell. But when she gained her balance again, I knew I was in serious trouble.

Her power hovered around her like a tangible spirit, pale gold mixed with green. Her body vibrated with the release of her magic and she laughed once, so loud it was almost a shout.

"This is what it feels like!" That was Pain. "You will die another death, sister." Cydia. "One from which you will not return." Her power lashed out at me but Mom was there, her shields protecting me. Pain/Cydia hissed at her as the magic was absorbed this time, retained to strengthen the coven.

"Syd," Mom whispered in my ear, "tell me."