"No—"

Rachel's scream was cut short before Narcissa raised her hand and flicked her wrist.

A flash of purple light sliced through the air, and Rachel's hands were severed cleanly at the wrists. As blood sprayed across the floor, she let out one agonized cry before losing consciousness.

Muffled gasps and stifled sobs filled the hall, but no one dared cry aloud. They were terrified of being the next victim.

"Take her away."

Narcissa waved her hand dismissively, as if shooing off a fly.

Two trembling Weston family maids shuffled forward and dragged Rachel's limp body out, leaving a bright trail of blood behind

"Anyone else want to challenge me?" Narcissa asked, her piercing gaze sweeping across the room.

Everyone lowered their heads. Not a single person dared to meet her eyes.

Kael still wasn't satisfied. He walked toward a young woman kneeling on the floor.

She was Oswald's granddaughter, Marilyn Weston, a college freshman home for summer break to help with the family busines