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“I know!”

My voice cracks through the room. Golden-red sparks shoot from my fingers.

I barely notice.

“I know she has magic. I know she’s talented. I know she’s beautiful. I know she’s everything a Ramos Witch is supposed to be because you have spent my entire fucking life making sure I knew it!”

“Belinda Ramos!”

“No. You don't get to scold me for swearing while you're trying to take the first thing anyone has ever left solely to me.”

The sparks intensify, crawling over my hands.

My pulse pounds.

For once, I don't shove the anger down.

I don't apologize.

I don't make myself smaller.

“And you know what? Maybe Melida did earn being your heir. Fine. You chose her. I accepted that.”

Even though it broke my heart.

Even though some stupid little piece of me had kept hoping that one day my mother would look at me and see something worth choosing too.

“But Aunt Margarita chose me.”

My voice drops.

“And you can't stand it.”

Chapter 19

Belinda

Mother stays quiet for so long, I think she might have actually hung up on me.

Then, she sucks in a sharp breath before speaking, “That's absurd.”

“Is it?”

“Your aunt didn't even know you.”

“Then why is my name in her will?”

Mother says nothing. The silence sends a strange thrill through me. Because for once, she doesn't have an answer.

And for once, I don't need her to.

My throat burns.

“Your aunt only left this to you because she didn't know⁠—”

“Don't.”

My mother stops. I hardly recognize my own voice.