“You are correct,” Bai answered. “Before he died, Ashe planted a small bit of daaeman magick on Eudae for Stefan, which allowed communication to be sent back and forth through the use of an air witch. Ashe loved his people above all else. He must’ve deemed the alliance with the warlocks as something of benefit to the Atrika.” Bai paused. “Indeed, it has been an advantage and will be even more so if Stefan produces the elium.”

Sarafina frowned, trying to wrap her mind around it all. Then she remembered the kidnapped air witch from Boston. The one who’d only had enough power to send and receive messages. The woman they’d kept awhile and then simply killed without trying to use in a demon circle.

Had she acted as their telephone?

Sarafina blinked at the implication. “But how did Stefan get the elium?” She shook her head. “For that matter, how did you-all open a doorway between Earth and Eudae and get over here in the first place?”

“Ah, that brings us to love. Stefan manipulated Rue, the Cae of the Ytrayi and the holder of the elium, into believing that he and the Duskoff had kidnapped Claire and intended to kill her. Thus, Stefan led him into opening a doorway in a specific location. Once they did, the Duskoff was ready for him. It was a trap, you see.”

“So they extracted the elium and killed Rue?”

Bai shook his head. “No. It is my understanding that the Duskoff are keeping the Cae alive for the time being and the elium intact within him. I don’t know how they have done this or where they are keeping him, but we have been promised his body and the elium once we have accomplished what Stefan requires of us.”

“The destruction of the Coven.”

Bai nodded sharply. “Yes.”

“What do you intend to do with Stefan and the Duskoff once you have what you want?”

Bai blinked. “We are not without honor.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“The Atrika do not take well to being placed on a leash and told to heel.” His voice had taken on a sharp quality and his eyes flashed red. “Stefan Faucheux has destroyed himself in his quest for revenge. He wanted it badly enough to risk his life and, thus, he will likely lose it.”

“You’ll kill Stefan, then take the elium from the Cae, return to Eudae, and overthrow the Ytrayi.”

Bai nodded once. “You will see it all because you will return with us . . . with me.”

He stepped toward her and she glanced down at the sword. “And what if I say no?”

He bared his very sharp teeth. “You cannot. Your magick is strong and you’re perfect in every way to carry my children. You’ll return to Eudae and do that.”

“How many other wives do you have?”

He looked surprised. “You will be my only one.”