Page 57 of The Sirin Sisterhood (The Sons of Echidna #2)

Agata

She had dreamed about this day for decades. She’d imagined it and played it out in her mind, step by step: the ceremony and celebrations, her adopted little sister becoming a full firebird after earning her feathers, another capable witch at the head of the coven.

Agata had Freya’s dress prepared for her years in advance.

Countless nights had been passed in secret, embroidering the skirt’s hem by moonlight with all the love and dedication she could muster.

She would be a shining star when she wore it for the first time as the newest headmaster of the coven, awe-worthy and adored.

The victory was meant to be Freya’s and Freya’s alone.

But now, she wouldn’t be the only one to shine above all at the celebration in her honor. She would be sharing the spotlight with a usurper. A usurper who was going to take her away to fight in a war that the coven wanted no part of.

“You are seething, dear sister.”Sabira placed her hand on Agata’s shoulder, gently turning her around and pulling the woman close in a soothing hug.

“Can you blame me? She is going to take her from us. I’ve raised Freya from a babe. She’s ours .”

“I know. Freya knows it, too. She is ours, and she will return. She is a firebird, and do you know what young firebirds need? To stretch their wings, Agata.”She stroked her hand over her sister’s hair as though smoothing down feathers.

“Every hatchling takes flight. All across the world, they follow the sun until they return home at sunset. We did before her, as did our mother before us; we can not deny her that rite of passage just because we are fearful for her. Otherwise, what use was there in giving her wings at all?”

Agata pressed her face against Sabira’s shoulder. She knew they were words of reason, but she also knew that Freya would not be following the sun. Freya was flying into darkness, and she would burn herself up trying to light her way.

“You need to trust her. You need to show her that you trust her. Whatever you are planning will only push her away.”

“I’m not planning anything. I’m merely lamenting.”She traced her fingers over the embroidery she had poured so much love and pride into, the smooth silk threads feeling rough to her touch.

Sabira pulled away, seeking Agata’s eyes. “Go and wish them well. She couldn’t have done it without Lucy; you need to honor the help given. We have enough enemies. Do not create more.”

Sabira didn’t understand. It had nothing to do with creating enemies. Agata had seen the signs and was taking the necessary steps to protect her sisters. Lucy and her family were merely the unfortunate collateral damage.

She lowered her head, nodding acceptance to Sabira. Her sister smiled in return, gently squeezing her hand.

“We have to trust that the spirits will guide us,”Sabira said before taking her leave to help with the celebrations.

Agata looked at the tray of treats and tea cups on the kitchen table, waiting to be used.

Her decision had been made. Lucy could not be allowed to sow her seeds of death and chaos within her family.

She poured a cup of water into the kettle, willing the liquid to freeze.

Ice cubes would make iced tea, sweet and cold, like the American girl enjoyed.

Agata picked up the tray and left the room.

I hope that bitch likes tea.