-Madeleine-
“Maddy, thank the Goddess,” Kate said, hugging me tightly.
I wrapped my arms around her, savoring the comfort, before she pulled away and placed her hands on either side of my face, examining me closely. “Are you okay?” she asked. “What happened?”
Lucian stood right behind me, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I glanced up at him, and he gave me a small nod, as if to say everything would be okay. The entrance hall was filled with everyone, their eyes full of concern and questions.
“I… did something,” I began, my voice trembling.
“What?” Kate inquired.
“Our mother,” I whispered. “She’s… She’s dead. I killed her.”
My voice faltered at the end, and I saw the shock on everyone’s faces. Before anyone could respond, I hurried to explain.
“I know you’ll need to punish
