Oh, Christ. He and Kara moved at the same time, leaping for the door and banging it shut. There was another exit from the room; hopefully they’d get a chance to use it. Sam joined them. “Grab the table!” ordered Alex. Gripping the heavy wooden table, they dragged it in front of the door as the sound of shouts started heading their way. He and Sam threw a few of the chairs on top for good measure; it would hold them for a few minutes, at least.

A faint rumble shook the building.

It came and went in a second. Kara breathed in between her teeth, and Alex knew she’d felt it too: the sense of something having come loose in the world. “Oh my god,” she whispered, staring at him. He saw the fear in her eyes. “You were right, weren’t you?”

There was no time. Brendan was struggling to his feet, wincing on his injured leg; Liz stood still, apparently dazed. Seb staggered as he rose, his arms around a sagging Willow.

“Okay, you guys, move,” barked Alex as a pounding started up on the door. “Go out the other door but don’t turn left; it’s a dead end. We’re taking the stairwell. Kara, you help Brendan; Sam, help Liz but make sure she doesn’t have angel burn first. If anyone gets separated, don’t hang around – just get out of here. Now!”

As the others leaped into action, Alex rushed over to Seb and Willow. “Is she okay?” Seb had lifted her into his arms; she lay slumped against his shoulder with her arms around his neck, her cheeks white.

Seb nodded. “She’s just passed out, I think.” He still looked pale himself. As he shifted his grip on Willow, Alex saw how unsteady he was.

“Give her to me, you can hardly stand,” he said. The table shuddered as people banged on the door, shouting. The others were all gone now – Liz must be okay.

“I’m fine,” said Seb with obvious effort. He stumbled slightly as he started for the door.

“You are not fine,” snapped Alex. “Do you want her to die?” He took Willow from him just as Seb’s knees buckled. She clung to Alex with a small moan, not seeming to notice it was him. Alex held her tightly and put his other arm around Seb; he seemed ready to pass out now too. “Come on, hurry—”

“Must you really go so soon?” enquired a low, silky voice.

Alex whirled. Raziel was on his feet, wan but very much alive as he pointed a pistol towards them. “You know, I’m rather going to enjoy this,” he confided. “Isn’t it nice when the tables are turned?”

Alex stared at him dumbly as the shouting outside the door intensified. Or maybe only the Council will die. No. No.