Isabelle stabbed her finger in the air. “On Eudae. Those are the key words. Yes, perhaps Boyle’s death was unexpected and threw a kink in the original deal Stefan made with Boyle. But let’s say, hypothetically, that Boyle had a backup plan and planted something on Eudae that would help . . . I don’t know . . . open a doorway or leave some way for the Duskoff to make some kind of a deal with the Atrika.”

Micah shot out of his chair and began to pace.

“Micah?” Thomas asked. “Could she be on to something?”

Micah stopped in the middle of the room and rubbed his chin. “It’s a possibility, but there are lots of questions.”

Theo shifted his weight and uncrossed his arms. “The primary question must be why Boyle would help Stefan and what possible reason the Atrika would have to agree to ally with the Duskoff. Their goals are not the same. The Atrika want Eudae and the Duskoff want more control on Earth.”

“I would go so far as to say,” Thomas broke in, “that Stefan wants all control of Earth. He’s got a hell of a superiority complex. I saw it while he was in Gribben. He thinks that because witches have the power of magick we should rule over the non-magickals.”

“Yes, but the Atrika don’t seem to care about Earth,” Micah answered. “So Theo is correct. There’s no motive for them to form an alliance when their objectives are literally worlds away.”

“Stefan Faucheux is not a stupid man,” Thomas said, leaning forward in his chair. “I would never underestimate his ability to manipulate a situation to his advantage. I’m sure he could find something to entice the Atrika.”

“Like us? As in female witches?” Isabelle answered, eyebrows high into her hairline. “I hate to point this out. I mean, I really, really hate to point it out, but Boyle took an unhealthy interest in me and this Bai demon is taking an interest in Sarafina. Maybe female witches hold a fascination for them.”

“But none of the demons on Eudae took an interest in Claire,” Thomas answered. “None but one, right, Claire?”

“That’s right.” Claire cast her gaze downward. “It was forbidden for any of the daaeman, any of the breeds, to show such interest in an aeamon female.”

Isabelle gestured impatiently. “Yes, but those weren’t Atrika demons. Claire lived among the other three breeds. Not the Atrika.”

“Point taken,” answered Thomas.

“It’s a possibility.” Micah threw his hands up. “Anything’s a possibility at this point. Again we find ourselves playing a guessing game with the Duskoff, one step behind their agenda while we try to prevent whatever they’re planning from coming to fruition. It’s a familiar, exhausting dance.”