Senka fell silent, watching the others, who in turn watched her in various states of shock, concern, or in a few cases, sudden, painful, illumination. Mausya’s mouth hung open, just a bit, as she no doubt ran new calculations of outcomes and probabilities. Tzao stood stock still, head tilted just ever so slightly, processing in her own way.

Among the Patrons, Gault looked thoughtful, Tan nodding very minutely, Lison’s eyes gleaming, and Atta’s eyes darting around the room, taking stock of everyone else’s reaction.

“So, there it is. What would each of you do? Elders? Patrons? Where do you stand? And remember, the truth spells are still active, which should assure you of the truth of my words, and assure me of the validity of yours.”

“I am with you,” Lison said without hesitation.

“You have argued a most compelling case,” Gault said, rubbing his chin and glancing at Lison. “I have had more than my share of doubts, but seeing the outside manipulation and seeing what we have on our side, I will pledge myself to the cause.”

“I too find that this information alters my views. I pledge as well,” Tan said, carefully not looking at Tzao.

“You took insane chances with this tribunal. This fight could have gone badly for you any number of ways and times,” Mausya said.

“Perhaps. Maybe not as insane as they appear from your point of view. Omega’s drones were a major asset on our side. They could have fought through at any point if needed,” Senka said.

“Only if alerted to disaster. This chamber was sealed against technology,” Gault said, eyebrows raised.

“Sealed by magic against modern science. But was it sealed against the bonds of Chosen? Had Tanya fallen or felt imperiled, do you not think her Chosen would have felt something, even on the other side of the planet? With a word, he could have alerted the computer, who is virtually everywhere on this globe at once.”

Tanya glanced at Lydia, who was tapping the side of her own neck, right on a small tattoo, one of four that encircled her throat. Tanya had the same ones, as did Chris, Arkady, Stacia, Nika, and Declan. She nodded at her friend, agreeing that the team tattoos might also have been used to reach out, although it seemed too great a distance.

Senka glanced their way, eyes momentarily thoughtful before she continued.

“Regardless. Trust me when I say it wasn’t as great a risk as you might deem it. What of you, my sisters?”

Tzao looked thoughtful. She nodded slowly. “You, have in fact, answered the charges of this tribunal. I will stand with you.”

“Will you attack, hinder, or seek to undermine me?”

“Only if you falter in your responsibilities to this Coven,” Tzao answered. After a long glance between the two oldest vampires, Senka turned to Mausya.

“Well?”

“I will pledge myself to this cause,” the Russian vampire said.