Bertha POV
So here I am, leaning against the wooden doorframe, feeling like a criminal with her hand caught in the proverbial cookie jar. Except, instead of a cookie, I apparently skewered a guy on a branch. How classic of me to blow things out of proportion or mess them up. Not that I meant to, of course. I was just trying to help Ethan prepare for the induction trials. I was going easy, too—I swear. Then bam! The memory of the branch piercing his ribs and jutting out of his heart floods my mind again, sending a chill that causes my shoulder to shudder involuntarily.
Agnes is already doing everything in her power to stabilize him, but a dark feeling lingers. Despite her skill as a revered witch, something tells me he won’t make it.
Then I sense Friedrich, that strong scent of mate ener
