Who are you?

Her defenses were insufficient, the mind battle too exhausting. Swan needed a different tack, and the moment's respite gave her opportunity.

"Tell me about yourself?" she asked the intruding consciousness.

Deep womanly laughter responded, almost too genuine.

"Oh, would you like to hear my big evil plan?" an enchanting alto asked. "Or are you looking for a chink in my armor?"

Swan kept her thoughts and emotions carefully neutral, tinged with a mirror of amusement.

"I'm just a woman trying to make it in this world. Queen Witch for those who know neither magic, nor power, when they see them."