"What?" Ziva said in disbelief. For a moment, it felt like she hadn't heard correctly.
The blind witch, Edith, who had been the one to propose the idea, answered calmly, "You heard Eleanor. Your blood would act as the anchor we use to bind Violet's spirit. If you permit it, we can begin the ritual immediately."
For a long moment, Ziva said nothing and simply stared at them, silence stretching uncomfortably around the table.
When the staring became too unsettling, Sakura cautiously asked, "Is something the matter, Ziva?"
That seemed to snap her out of it and Ziva suddenly burst into laughter. The laughter was not the normal type, rather it was unhinged enough to make the room tense instantly.
She laughed so hard a snort escaped her nose, yet she didn't seem embarrassed by it in the slightest. Instead, Ziva doubled over the table, her shoulders shaking violently while one hand pressed against the wooden surface for support.
None of the witches spoke.
