Father nodded. “And if you had any idea of how difficult it can be to retrieve a demon once he has escaped it might give you pause. You are both born witches, so have had the advantage of growing up in families who have understood and nurtured your birthright to belong to the coven and learn our spellcraft. But Lazarus witches are set apart, in that their main function is necromancy. Working with spirits from the Land of Night is a skill that must be learned. And learned well. Never forget that.” He paused, studying our faces and then suddenly slapped his knees with his palms and made his tone lighter. “Now, children, indulge your tutor. Give me the Lazarus creed, if you please. Loud enough to show you mean it, but without shouting, if you can manage that.”

Louis and I exchanged brief grins. The scolding was over. Together we recited:

“Faith in Silence:

To Protect the Great Secret,

To Preserve it for those yet to come,

To Honor those who have gone before us,

To Spare the innocent.”

He nodded, and I swear I saw a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, his eyes crinkling just the tiniest bit.

“Very good. Well now, let’s not keep Druscilla waiting any longer. I believe she is hoping you will both succeed in fully summoning a spirit without any of the mishaps you are so clearly well-versed in. Go on, she’s an old lady. Her time is more precious than most,” he said, waving us toward the Great Chamber.

And now the spirit who stands before me, as clear and vibrant as any living being, is my own dear father.

“Daughter, my darling girl,” he says softly, his voice, as is so often the case with the risen spirit, sounding thinner, lighter, less substantial than his corporeal one had been.

“Oh, Papa!” I must fight to control my tears.

“Hush now, this is not the time for weeping. We both knew this day would come. And, as you see, I am still here, am I not?”

I shake my head, digging my fingernails into my palms to force myself not to crumble. “But … Father.…”

“I know. There are … adjustments to be made.”

“And to step into your shoes, as Head Witch … will I command the respect that the leader of a coven should do?”

“You will, Lilith. In time. I grant you, it is unusual for a girl scarcely twenty-one to take on such a role. Unusual, but not unheard of. Think of all those who have stood where you now stand, doubting themselves just as you doubt yourself.”

“But what if I fail?”

“You will not fail,” he tells me. “Look at me, child.”

I do as he asks, my mouth firm with determination, but my eyes, I fear, giving away my deep anxiety.

“You will not fail because you must not fail. You understand, don’t you, Lilith?”

“Yes.”