Lord Grimes does his best to keep the peace. “We are fortunate indeed that not all the young consider us nothing more than an encumbrance. Morningstar, once again, permit me to offer my condolences at the regrettable loss of your maid. Please know that if there is anything we can do to help you in your new role, any assistance we can offer, you have only to ask.”

The four turn their faces to me expectantly, for once quiet. I am keenly aware that they are all so very much more skilled and experienced, both as witches and necromancers, than I. I try not to let my lack of self-confidence show, particularly in front of Louis’s father.

“I have asked you here today because I have become aware of a threat to the Lazarus Coven.”

Druscilla shrugs. “There have always been those who are jealous of what we have, and who would try to take it from us.”

Lord Grimes nods. “We are ever on our guard.”

Victoria gives a light laugh. “Scarcely a year goes by that some coven or other does not declare themselves the true followers of Lazarus. Or else they have been inflamed by politics and wish to put an end to a coven composed in the main of aristocrats, such as ours.”

“I understand that,” I tell them, “but this is something … different. Something more specific, somehow, more … imminent.” I hesitate, and then continue, “I mean to say, the threat is new, but the adversary is not.”

A different quality of silence falls upon the assembled company. At last it is Lord Harcourt who asks the question they all have in their minds.

“Are you referring to the Sentinels?”

I nod.

“As you say,” he goes on, “they are old foes. It is hardly news that they wish us harm.”

“Huh!” Druscilla glares at him. “Harm does not say it. They wish us dead. All of us. Finished. Exterminated like so many rats. They would erase all of our work, our teachings, our rituals, everything.”

Lord Grimes puts a hand on her arm. “They consider that we took the Great Secret from them.”

“And so we did!” she agrees. “We had to. They were not and are not fit to own such power.”

Victoria hurries to agree. “Their work was without restraint. Their use of the Elixir reckless and ruthless. They used it not to gain knowledge or to preserve wisdom, not for the greater good, indeed, but to simply make themselves more powerful. And the power of a risen necromancer is quite terrifying.”

“This was their goal,” Druscilla adds. “To raise the dead of their group, so that these revenants could wield their dark magic for the furtherance of the Sentinels. Had they sufficient numbers of such sorcerers, none could have stood against them.”