I watched, transfixed, as Nicki and Talia set the ingredients they would need for their tracking spell in a perfect circle. They each worked methodically and with precision. I couldn't even name half of what they used, but Talia said that each ingredient was absolutely necessary. Talia began a strange, rhythmic chant, and her whole body swayed. As she touched each ingredient, it glowed incandescent and then shriveled away in ashes. Behind me, I began hearing drums that were in tune with Talia's chanting. As Talia touched the last flower, Nicki burst into red flames. Or at least that's what it looked like. If Talia and Rosa hadn't warned us that this was going to happen, I would have full on panicked. After a few moments, my eyes adjusted, and I could see that Nicki was unharmed. She lo
