Lewis nodded. “Of course, Mayor Wolfe.” He turned and smiled at his daughter, a silent thanks for her support, and spun on his heel and exited the office.

  “I understand if you want to fire me.” She gazed at him with a stern face, though he sensed a touch of sadness.

  “I can’t fire you,” he said. “You’ve been with me through hell and back. Besides, no one else seems to want your job.”

  She grinned. “Good. I’ll keep you updated, then.”

  “Thank you, Miss Lewis.”

  One of the interns, hell, the only intern who decided to stay in City Hall, burst into the room. “Mayor Wolfe,” he paused to catch his breath, “we’ve cleared the area around City Hall, and we still have most of the reporters in the building. Are you ready to give that address?”

  “Yes, Kenny, I am.”

  People had already started asking him about declaring Martial law, but he felt that was too extreme. Still, he couldn’t allow innocents to be hurt in the midst of a deadly struggle playing out in the streets of Miracle Falls. He grabbed his suit jacket from the back of his office chair and slipped it on. Amanda and Kenny followed him out the door. He stopped by the adjacent office to grab Margot Jones. He hadn’t a clue where her father, Bruno Jones, was amidst all the chaos, but perhaps if some people saw Margot standing at his side, they’d think twice about what they supported and why.

  They went down to the front lobby, and when Detective Rosito cleared them to go as far as the front steps, they moved forward. Jacob’s stomach churned as armored police led him outside to a podium erected at the front steps of City Hall. The reporters who had managed to get in earlier, or, were already present, gathered around. Margot and Amanda stood to his right, and Kenny stood at his left. Flashes from cameras ignited balls of white light in his eyes. Roaring voices demanded to know what he would do to keep the peace until a new mayor was elected.

  Jacob stared over at the crowd of people over a block away. More officers had set up a perimeter and kept them at bay. He wasn’t sure if he heard only the demands of people, or if they simply blended with the war beyond the wall of armor. He raised his hands to hush the crowd.

  Silence fell.

  “My fellow citizens, as the mayor interim, it is my duty to uphold the law and watch over our fair city until a new mayor can be elected. Though the tragic death of Mayor Farley was an unfortunate loss, it should not destroy what we have built.

  “The crimes and violent acts from both the wizarding community and non-wizarding community are a disgrace to what we as a city stand for. If you have nothing to do with the Guardians or Watchers, then go home and stay home. It makes the MFPD’s job all the more difficult if they’re dividing their time between trying to run after stragglers and taking down a terrorist bent on destroying the city or taking innocent life.”

  The roars reverberated, but they were angrier than before. The cops in their tactical gear rushed toward a line of armored vehicles as people from the rioting factions tried to force their way between them.

  Jacob hoped he made the right decision. Would his words fall on deaf ears?

  “I’m not finished,” Jacob’s voice boomed over the speakers. “ All wizards, including myself, are called upon to aid those in need regardless of their opinion of non-wizards of our city. If we work together, and end the riots , we can bring our city back to the glory we all know and love.

  “I won’t promise a perfect day, tomorrow, next week, or next month, but I will promise the right step toward a positive, bright future together, regardless of magic ability, money, socio-economic status, or race. Let’s start by showing we can get along, starting tonight.”

  Jacob gathered his power and extended his hands, uttering in Latin, “Peace…”

  The shouting and screaming, the heckling and curses, faded like a bad memory, and the crowds fell silent. He knew he couldn’t keep this up, and even his magical reach was limited, but at least for a moment, he could impart something to make anyone who needed it, remember what it was like to just feel a sense of peace.

  16

  Aria

  Aria jolted from her nap in Harry’s back seat, just as they arrived into Miracle Falls. She could hear chanting and shouting, and wrinkled her nose at the scent of scorched items and sulfur. But, despite the insanity she saw in this world, the dream she had just experienced shook her. Her dream was a vision of destruction and blood, a darkness spreading across the world and consuming humanity .

  “Are you okay, Aria?” Clare asked.

  Aria met her gaze and nodded. Clare sat in the front seat, also stirring from a nap in the car. The rest seemed to have done her some good. The color returned to her cheeks and she looked more alert.

  “What are we going to do about Mira? She’s probably headed straight to Miracle Falls.” Aria frowned when they drove past her favorite coffee shop. Its windows had been shattered and the inside completely trashed.

  A belligerent group of Watchers, sporting masks and their sapphire armbands, spotted Harry’s car and started shouting. They carried bats, a couple of guns, and everything they needed for Molotov cocktails, which they can throw into buildings and ignite fires.

  “Not today, assholes.” Harry made a sharp left turn at Walker Avenue and sped up. He had been particularly surly since his fight with Jacob. He sported a swollen cheek and a black eye, which probably hurt like hell. An ambulance and MFPD squad car rushed by, heading in the opposite direction.

  Clare sat in deep thought, still turning to face Aria. “I don’t know what can be done, but to end her. For good.”

  She tried to not let the disappointment she felt show on her face. “I know she’s dangerous. I’ve seen it firsthand. I can’t help but think she’s also ill in some way, mentally, spiritually…magically. Clare, I’ve never killed anyone, and I don’t want to help kill my sister.”

  “I’m sorry, Aria, but she’s a monster.”

  For some reason, Harry bristled at Clare’s declaration. “Hey…granted, the chick eats souls and comes off as batshit crazy, but maybe she didn’t start off that way. It’s kind of easy to write someone off as a monster and want to destroy them. Why’d you even keep her alive this long if this is your solution? Seems to me you give up too easily. You gave up Aria, who’s a fine woman and a hell of a better human being than me, and now you’re talking about ending your other kid.”

  Clare sucked in a quick breath, but she said nothing in response to Harry. She focused back on Aria. “She killed your father, Aria. She ate Robert’s soul.”

  Hearing those words hit her like a blow to the stomach. “Why didn’t you tell me this?”

  “There are so many things you don’t understand, and we can’t exactly sit down in a coffee shop and chat about all this.” Clare turned to face Harry. “You don’t think I’ve tried? I’ve gone used over a hundred spells to try and cure her or at least weaken her abilities. I’ve kept her alive for nearly a century…”

  “I was meaning to ask about that,” Aria said. “My sin eating sustains me, so I assume her soul eating sustains her. I suspect this is more powerful than the Knight bloodline and would’ve cancelled out any longevity we would’ve inherited from you. So, for over ninety years, how did my sister survive if you kept her in your house?”

  Clare’s eyes watered, and she reached out to Aria. “Take my hand, and I’ll show you the truth.”

  She felt a slight electric shock as she clasped hands with Clare. Her vision clouded, and she felt both awake and in a dreamlike state. Murky images became clearer, until she saw her mother, fresh faced and happy, in the beginning.

  * * *

  * * *

  Clare held her baby in her arms while rocking on the front porch swing. She had swaddled Mira in a soft white blanket. A tiny hand poked out from the inside. Fighting back tears, she held onto her precious daughter’s hand, memorizing the soft feel of her skin. Her thumb then grazed a thumb over the raised “S” shaped birthmark that made her a sin eater. Clare’s heart ached at the thought of saying goodbye. But they said it would only last until she came of age, and that she and Robert could visit at any time.

  A 1914 Dodge Touring pulled into the driveway. Edwin Kovar stepped out of the passenger side and made his way up the walk to the porch.

  Clare stood, holding Mira closer to her heart. Why couldn’t she take more after her? Robert had a few sin eaters in his family, and he came out a normal wizard. But their first born wasn’t spared from that fate. Clare closed her eyes, squeezing them close so that the tears didn’t fall. Once Edwin stopped just in front of her, Clare’s eyes opened.

  Edwin nodded. “It’s time, Clare.”

  Robert came out of the house and stood at Clare’s side. His dark eyes watered with tears, but he managed to speak in a clear voice. “I’ve had cousins and uncles go through this, but it doesn’t make this any easier.”

  Edwin faced him. “I understand. Many witching families have a tough time with this, though I assure you, the other Shriveners such as myself treat this with the utmost gravity and respect. We are honored to raise your child in our ways.”

  A shuddering sigh escaped Clare’s lips as she passed her infant to the man. He carefully took Mira into his arms. She addressed him in a broken voice. “You’ll take care of her?”

  “Like I have all the sin eater children under my care. I will teach her, care for her, and protect her. You may visit her anytime you wish, so don’t treat this as if you’re parting from your child forever.”

  He studied Clare for a moment, and looked ready to say something else, but instead simply whispered goodbye. He walked back down the path to the car with her baby in his arms. The driver started the car and pulled out of the driveway. Clare rushed into the street, despite Robert calling out for her to stop. She watched the car fade in the distance.

  * * *

  Four years later, Edwin Kovar knocked on Clare’s door again. A strange girl stood beside him, holding his hand. The look in her eyes sent a chill down Clare’s spine. Could this be Mira? What had they done to her baby?

  “Edwin, what brings you to see me?” Clare asked.

  “Clare, might we come in for a moment?” His voice held a touch of urgency.

  A wave of panic raced through Clare’s veins. She nodded, then stepped further into the house, holding the door open so that the strange girl and Edwin could walk inside. “Please, have a seat. I’ll put on some tea. Robert! Mira’s here for a visit!” She rushed into the kitchen, feeling horrible that she didn’t stop to embrace the girl. But something was wrong, terribly wrong.

  “No need to go through the trouble, Clare,” she heard Edwin call from the living room. “I can’t stay long.”

  Clare thought it was odd that he referred to just himself. Mira was still a child, and usually the Shriveners kept sin eater children until the age of fourteen or so. She straightened her skirt then headed back into the living room, taking a seat across from the girl and the Shrivener. “What can I help you with, Mr. Kovar?”

  Before he could answer, Robert had run downstairs and spotted the girl. He grinned from ear to ear, his dark brown eyes glinting with joy. “Mira…Mira Day. Such a pretty little girl. I wish you would’ve told me you were coming, Edwin.”

  Clare shifted uncomfortably in her seat when Robert approached Mira and pulled her into a hug. He cupped Mira’s chin and then looked up at Edwin. “Maybe I can take her for ice cream? Would you like that, Mira?”

  Edwin’s gaze went from Robert to Clare’s visibly pregnant belly. “What is the girl’s heritage?”

  Clare gave Edwin a puzzled glance. “I’m a hedge witch, fifth generation, and Robert comes from a mix of sin eaters, alchemists, and psychics.”

  “My father and grandfather studied at Albertus Magnus academy,” Robert interjected.

  “Why do you ask? What’s this about?” Clare’s worried gaze went from Edwin to the girl.

  “Your daughter, Mira, is not a sin eater, at least not in the proper sense. She’s something else.”

  Robert’s expression fell. “Well if that’s the case, then give her back to us. It seems to me you Shriveners are growing incompetent if you can’t spot a true sin eater. You take our baby away and after four years you say you made a mistake?”

  “What are you talking about?” Clare rubbed her thin fingers along her forehead.

  Edwin’s nostrils flared. “She doesn’t eat sins. She eats souls. There are two dead children and a full grown wizard in a coma. Ultimately, I am responsible.”

  Clare’s heart sank in her chest. She knew something was wrong. Her magical instincts wouldn’t even let her touch the girl. She broke down and cried.

  Robert quickly stood, holding Mira’s little hand in his, and glaring at Edwin. “Why are you doing this to us?”

  Edwin gritted his teeth. “Why did you give her to me?”

  Clare broke through her sobs. “She had the mark of the sin eater. How were we supposed to know?”

  Edwin’s expression was unmoving. “Take her, or there are wizards who will deal with her.”

  “Okay, that’s it!” Robert jabbed his finger in the direction of the front door. “Get the hell out of our house. She was perfect when she was born. You all did something to her.”

  Edwin grunted as he rose to his feet and headed toward the door. His last words to them were, “If I were you, I’d sleep with one eye open, if at all.”

  “Out, you son of a bitch!” Robert looked ready to deck him.

  Clare ran her trembling hands through her hair and then brushed away her tears. “Robert, what are we going to do?”

  He ignored her and knelt down, giving Mira a tight hug. “I’m sorry, baby girl. I didn’t mean to scare you. They were wrong. Edwin’s wrong.”

  Mira simply stared at him.

  A chill ran down Clare’s spine. “What if he’s right? Honey…look at her, she doesn’t even react to anything. Look at her eyes.”

  “She’s in shock. She’ll be fine. Clare, look at me—we will be okay.”

  * * *

  “But we weren’t,” Clare’s voice said as Aria drifted away from the memory she imparted to her. “Robert thought we could train Mira ourselves, based on his own experience with his family who had produced sin eaters, but nothing worked. One night, after you were born, I awoke to find Mira standing over your crib, watching you. I knew something was wrong, her magic was so strong and so dark, that I started vomiting. I called for Robert, but he was downstairs in his study, dead. She had eaten his soul, and I believe that night she would’ve taken yours. So, I warded the house, locked her away, and reluctantly contacted Edwin, begging him to take you.”

  Aria’s hand slipped from Clare’s. Her chest ached. “That’s horrible. I’m sorry.”

  “I didn’t know what else do do, Aria. I wanted to protect you, and I couldn’t destroy Mira, at least not at that time. So, through trial and error, I found that if I provided her a soul once or twice a year, it was enough for her to live on.”

  “The fuck?” Harry blurted out. “You basically offered up people for her to eat?” He parked outside of Aria’s apartment building. Luckily, the crowds and fighting must’ve passed her neighborhood earlier in the day. The building across from her sustained fire damage and vandalism, and trash and glass scattered the sidewalk, but, for the most part, it looked clear.

  Clare bit her lower lip. Her cheeks reddened. “I’m not proud of it, and I only…provided her with people who society wouldn’t miss. Rapists, murderers, criminals who didn’t deserve to live.”

  Aria shook her head. “Who are you to decide who deserves life or death?”

  “No one. I realized after a while that I was becoming the very thing I feared. I gave you to Edwin and never looked back because I was afraid Mira would kill you—or, you’d turn out just like her. I didn’t want to know. So, I gave you my maiden name, so you couldn’t find your father’s family, and I emphasized to Edwin that I didn’t want to be found. I even lied to him about Mira and told him she had died of influenza.”

  Harry got out and came around to open the door for Clare, though he looked loathe to do it. “And now, Mira is on the loose. How many more people are going to die?”

  Clare stepped out and faced him. “She’ll follow us, I’m sure of it. When she comes, we need to be ready.”

  Aria pulled out her keys and gestured toward the apartment building entrance. “We will be, but in our own way. We at least need to give her one last chance.”

  Clare stared at her. “She’s had too many already.”

  Or maybe, Aria thought, she hasn’t had enough. Though her sister’s actions frightened and disgusted her, she also saw a girl abandoned and ostracized since birth, someone whom people referred to as a monster, probably straight to her face. She needed to at least try to reason with Mira, or else, Clare would have it her way and destroy her.

  17

  Jacob

  Two steps forward, one step back .

  That’s how Jacob felt when he continued to magically subdue the rioting between the Guardians and the Watchers. His calming spell of peace only lasted an hour, and only affected the people in the vicinity of City Hall. It did help the police gain more ground, though. Some of the officers even cheered him as he used his powers to fortify the barriers and deflect spells being slung by wizards who had joined the Guardians.

  “You should be in your office,” Detective Rosito said, adjusting his tactical gear and surveying the area just beyond City Hall. Jacob had managed to stay out front with the police force in a show of strength and solidarity.