Louis drops his gun and falls to the ground. I call to my Cavaliers to protect him, as I ready myself to send another spell in Stricklend’s direction. But Willoughby is too quick for me. He belches forth a foul-smelling cloud that envelops me, filling my nostrils, making me splutter and cough, causing my eyes to stream. I hear yet another demon roaring and Stricklend barking orders at Willoughby. The poisonous mist threatens to choke me. Through it I can make out Bram snatching up the dropped pistol and firing at the Sentinel, who curses as he dives behind a headstone. In an instant he has flung further magic at Bram, who cries out but does not relinquish his gun.

I can feel myself growing heavy, my movements slowed and weakened by Willoughby’s venomous miasma. It is difficult to think sufficiently clearly to spellcast. I can hear poor Louis gasping and I know that Stricklend will soon crush the life from him. Bram is doing his best to fight off demons and the blows of the Sentinel’s smaller spells. I must act.

Mistress, let us help you!

No, my captains, help Bram. He cannot save Louis alone. Help them.

Stricklend laughs. “Your followers are no use to you now, Morningstar. Did you truly believe they could stand against a Dark Spirit, and against me? They are nothing but a drain on your own … disappointing talents. I have to say, I would have expected more from a risen witch.” He sneers. He increases Louis’s suffering and bids Willoughby drag Bram to him. My poor darling fires the handgun again and again, but his aim is skewed by Willoughby’s magic, and not a single bullet finds its mark, either in the demons or in Stricklend. Soon Louis lies terrifyingly quiet, and Stricklend stands behind Bram, an arm tight around his throat, while the Dark Spirit renders his captive too weak to fight his way free.

“Face your failure, Morningstar. You have lost the Elixir. You have lost your precious lover. He must have seen you risen. He knows how it was done. When I have finished here—when you are finished—I think I will avail myself of his strong body and his unique knowledge. I believe he will provide me with the perfect volunteer for my next attempt to use the Lazarus Elixir. What do you think, Morningstar? Do you think I will succeed this time, hmm? Will he be raised like you, or will he suffer the same ghastly fate as my first revenant? Perhaps I will keep you with us long enough for you to witness his rebirth or to witness the flesh rotting from his bones before he is condemned to the pit.”