Chapter 73: Dynasties

“Steer clear of that line.” My mother said as we stepped back into her room through her chalk door portal. “Constance and her ilk are nothing but trouble. None of her witchlings ever made it to ascension, only her boy survived.” She said with little compassion for the gravity of her words. “What a pity to have your line reduced to a stud.” Her tone devoid of pity.

“Who?” I ask, still trying to absorb all that has occurred.

“Constance. The last one we were speaking to. Honestly, Ceres. How can I teach you if you do not pay attention?” She asks. Her tone is sharp and biting.

“Kai— Anchises and his mother?” I correct myself.

My mother laughs heartily. “You will learn soon we care little for men.” She says after several hearty laughs. “A coven is not a packhouse, men carry no power. Their value is in forming alliances and gaining power in marriage.”

“Do you not bow to your alpha?” I snap back.

Her smile fades. “I do what I must to protect what is mine.”

An uncomfortable silen