The hair on the back of Alex’s neck rose as he stared at her. “This doesn’t even make sense,” he said in a low voice. “If the angels destroy so much of humanity, how will they live?”

“It’s not the angels, it’s just Raziel!” cried Willow. “He knows the Twelve will kill him anyway, so he’s willing to take the gamble! And if it pays off for him, the AKs will all be executed – the information Sophie gave you is flawed. There’s a...a hallway on the map that’s not right, or something. You can’t get out that way.”

Remembering the plans, Alex suddenly felt cold with dread; his stomach clenched so tightly that he felt physically sick. Oh, Jesus. Was this really true?

“Please believe me,” said Willow softly, her gaze fixed on his. She made a motion as if to take his hand and then pulled back, her face pained but imploring. “No matter what’s happened between you and me, you know I wouldn’t lie about this. Alex, the attack can’t go ahead. It just can’t.”

“Okay, that is enough,” hissed Kara’s voice. “I don’t know what she’s been saying to you, but I hope you’re not believing it.”

Alex spun, and saw that she’d come in through the kitchen; Sam was behind her. Seb had straightened too, his eyes watchful as Kara strode over to them, her boots rapping against the floor.

“Let me deal with this, Kara,” said Alex shortly.

“Alex, please,” whispered Willow, ignoring everyone but him. Her hands were tight fists at her sides. “Please.”

“She’s Raziel’s daughter!” cried Kara. “Of course she’s trying to get you to stop the attack – she’s trying to save the angels!”

Alex slowly shook his head, staring at Willow as he remembered her sobbing with relief in his arms to know that her mother was still alive. “She hates Raziel, she always has,” he said. All he could think was...millions dead. Even if there was a chance that it wouldn’t happen, if it was a possibility at all, they couldn’t take the risk.

Watching him, Sam’s expression had turned dumbstruck. “Alex, you can’t really be listening to her, right? This is saving the world, man! We gotta do it, we don’t have a choice!”

“Yes, tell me you’re not listening to her,” said Kara, her eyes hard. “She lied to you, remember?”

“I remember.” Alex’s gaze was still locked with Willow’s; on some distant level his heart felt shredded just from being next to her. Yeah, she’d lied to him – but he couldn’t doubt her, not about this. He let out a breath. “Look, guys, I think—”