Dr. Akeylah’s voice haunts me from a distance. Bane magic—using your powers to tap into dark, sinister forces for your own will. I’m sorry. But something in me can’t. Bane magic is tempting me. Please, I need your help. Peeling the letter back, really studying the words, feeling the edge of the piece of paper. Damn, something was clearly bothering my mama, but what?

