Most of the panel of Patrons glanced at Senka, who stood, stock still, but Tzao remained blank and Mausya was not surprised.

“She admitted to manipulating the election?” Lison asked.

“I did,” Senka answered for herself. “It was necessary that the Coven realize the power of young Christian Gordon, and Frimunt was a woefully unqualified candidate. Elder Tzao’s many-times great-grandson has some highly predictable triggers. An underage feeder was clearly one of those. That he could handle Frimunt, I had no doubt. That he could kill us old vampires with a mild blast of his power, I had no idea. Imagine my delight. The more dangerous the vampire, the easier it is to kill. What protection for my granddaughter, what a specimen to bring into the bloodlines.”

“An abomination, a danger to the Coven,” Mausya said.

“Gut reaction, my fellow Elder? Or is that a prediction born of your personal Gift?” Senka asked. “And recall, if you will, that while Berit is not here, the truth wards placed on this chamber will demand the truth—with painful consequences for lying.”

Tanya hadn’t known about any wards—no one had said anything till now—but it made sense. It also explained why they had to leave all jewelry, personal items, or anything that could be used as an object of magical protection outside the chamber.

Mausya didn’t grimace or glare, but her stony expression was enough to convey her attitude.

“I am allowed my own feelings,” she finally said.

“Why did his power not terrify you? You are one of the eldest among us,” Tavian asked Senka.

“Because of who and what he is, my grandson-in-law has a stringent code of ethics and morals. I am in no danger from him unless I were to threaten his own. And I would point out that most of his own are also my own. So he is perfectly harmless. Unless, say, you threaten his children, his Chosen, or perhaps his goddaughter. Witness New Hampshire.”

“More icing on the abomination cake,” Mausya said.

Senka laughed. “All this time and you still don’t wish to face the reality of what he is. Of what Tatiana over there is. They are Angels of God, brought to Earth to fight His battles. And they both are of the Coven. Can’t any of you wrap your head around what kind of gift that is to Darkkin?”

“Much as I would love to hear you preach to me about religion,” Tzao suddenly said, “it is time this tribunal paused for a break. We will convene back here in six hours’ time.”

Then the tiny Chinese vampire stood, her fellow Elder smoothly copying her. Together they glided from the chamber. The panel of Patrons, taken by surprise at the unscheduled break in the tribunal, left a bit behind them.