“Not yet,” said Florence. “If he is, he will be marked as you were. The left hand finds its way, its fingers have their reach. It cannot be hidden. It radiates. I know what you feel for the boy. I’ve seen you together. You are full of love for each other. We thought that the boy was talented. We still believe it, though he hasn’t manifested just yet. If he is, he will be your heir. If he’s not, I know it will be difficult for you to perform the Rite when the moment comes. But you will use his body, and you will want to. Who wouldn’t? It’s an act of love. We have children so that we can continue on, they are our immortality. I’m sorry the Rite is impossible now, with the boy still so young. I know the rules. It’s better if you are the one who takes his body, right? If you decide to kill yourself, someone else can take it. You don’t want that, of course you don’t.”

Juan took a deep breath before speaking.

“These next few years, until Gaspar is of age for the Rite, I want you to leave him alone. I don’t want him to hear anything from you. Nothing. I want him to be a normal child for what remains of his life.”

“Of course, my dear,” Florence said, and she shot Mercedes a warning look. Don’t anger him, her eyes said. “We won’t break the agreement we’ve had with you and Rosario up till now: life will be normal. A medium, as you well know, is revealed on his own terms. And it’s a powerful revelation. We will know. There are always members of the Order near you: they are already watching over your son, and they will continue to do so. If Gaspar reveals himself, they will inform us. A medium cannot be hidden indefinitely. Plus, he will be close to the girl, the black miracle. She will strengthen him, she has been touched. You don’t want to bring him with you every summer for the Ceremonial? Then don’t. I agree with you. It could be dangerous. What if the Darkness wants him, and we lose his body? It’s your decision, and I won’t oppose it.”

“None of you will come near him. He won’t have a relationship with Mercedes or Adolfo either.”

Mercedes rose from her chair. Juan saw the fury in her eyes.

“He will be watched over,” Florence went on, “and we will receive reports. It’s impossible for him to escape. He’ll have nowhere else to go. His body is precious and necessary. We will find ways to keep you alive until he is older and can receive you.”

“You never kept me alive. I owe this vile life to Bradford alone.”

“We will never agree about that. He has been fundamental. But we helped too.”