Chapter 278: Abdicate

Even Celeste looked shocked at that. None of us expected Mom to go that far. Not even me. But there she was, hands outstretched while Erica gaped like she couldn't breathe.

"Miriam," she choked at last, "what are you doing?"

"The only thing I can do to keep my family safe." Mom had calmed, real calm this time, not the fake coven leader type I'd grown used to over the years. This was Mom fully entrenched in a choice and happy to have made it, utterly willing to face the consequences. "Now, will you accept leadership?"

It was then I realized she hadn't offered it to me. Probably knew I'd never take it. Or, more likely, that offering it to me wouldn't distance our family far enough from the rest of the coven for her to act. Grim and heart aching, I decided then and there I was behind Mom completely and sent her my support.

Erica had gone so pale I thought she'd pass out. "Miriam, I can't." She backed away a pace. "Don't you see this is what the Dumont's want? If we lose you, we lose e