The Twelve had shown no reaction to his statement. Yet.

The knowledge that they were deliberately keeping quiet to let him do exactly what he was now doing – writhe uncomfortably, wondering how they’d respond – made Raziel’s teeth clench. The time for their demise couldn’t come quickly enough for him now, in more ways than one. But if his own death was caused by the Council perishing, at least he’d have the pleasure of knowing he’d taken them out with him.

The plan was now securely in place – though Charmeine had found something out that made its probable outcome less uncertain than before, and not in an especially reassuring way.

After her brief trip to Mexico City, Charmeine had managed a day away from the Twelve and spent it here at the cathedral with him, in his private quarters. He’d given orders to Jenny that he wasn’t to be disturbed – he’d had a feeling things would resume between him and Charmeine, and had been correct, as it turned out. Enjoyable, but utterly calculated on both their parts; it had cemented their alliance even further, making it easier to read each other’s thoughts.

“So I found Luis without any trouble,” she’d said later on. Raziel had already gleaned some of this from her mind – flashes of an earnest-looking young man with brown eyes and thick black hair – but still listened with interest as she described the encounter. “He’s pretty smitten with this Kara person. It didn’t take much to get him to trust her.”

“You fed from him,” summed up Raziel. They were on the luxurious leather sofa; Charmeine had her long legs draped over his lap.

“Well, obviously. Several times, just to make sure he got the message.” She stifled a yawn. She had on Raziel’s black silk dressing gown; her pale hair spilled down it in stark contrast. “Sorry. I have to keep myself shielded all the time around the Twelve, without them realizing – it’s pretty tiring.”

“You’re holding out against them though.” Raziel’s voice had sharpened.

“Yes, don’t worry. I’m fine, it’s all right.” Charmeine rolled her eyes, nudging his thigh with a slender foot. “As if I thought for a second that my welfare is what’s concerning you.”