Alice saw the glow from the wardrobe sheeting out from the seams before Rose threw the doors open and the light from the etched words poured over her.
For a moment, Alice thought it would be enough. Rose sang, the words in the wood pulsing in time with her song, the light pushing the doll back, making Alice feel stronger. But the doll reached for her again, pulling her with it, draining her to keep its power alive and Alice knew, then, as she sank to her knees before the glowing wardrobe while the voodoo priestess above her sang and wept, there was no hope.
Rose knelt, pressing the scissors into Alice's hand. Her eyes begged forgiveness as she moved Alice's fingers, pushed the blades against the doll's left arm.
Pressed down.
Alice's hand convulsed, the doll falling from her useless fi
