RACHEL
I blinked fast. My ears were ringing like someone just screamed beside me. I didn’t think I heard her right.
I stepped back a little, my voice shaking. “What… what did you just say?”
The witch’s smile didn’t fade. In fact, it grew even wider. Like she was enjoying the look on my face. “I said…” she leaned even closer, her red eyes staring deep into mine, “You must give me Melina.”
My lips parted but no sound came out. My throat felt dry. My heart was beating so loud I could barely hear myself breathe. “But… she’s my maid… she’s been with me since I was twelve. I—I care about her.”
The witch tilted her head to the side, still watching me like I was a puzzle she already figured out. “You said you wanted him to love you. You said you’d do anything. That is the price.”
I turned ar
