“Here you have me to protect you, Sarafina,” Theo ground out in response. He glanced around at the roomful of witches, all of whom had their eyes on her. “Here you have everyone to protect you.”

A part of her wanted to deny that she needed protection because admitting that she couldn’t fight all her own battles made her feel weak and fragile. But all Sarafina had to remember was the look in Bai’s eyes, and it made her snap her mouth shut and swallow her denial.

Claire, sitting beside her, touched her knee. “Everyone needs protection against the Atrika, Sarafina, even the great and glorious Theodosius Winters.” Sarcasm bit into the last few words. Perhaps Theo was getting on Claire’s nerves, too.

“So maybe Theo can go with her.” That came from Micah. Everyone turned to stare at him. Micah spread his hands. “Theo has had little direct contact with the Duskoff since he was a teenager. Mostly, he hunts down wayward warlocks and lawbreaking witches away from the organized structure of the cabal. He did have that skirmish with Stefan a couple weeks ago, but there are earth charm glamours that can be used to change his appearance enough for him to avoid recognition. He might be able to go in with her.”

Thomas pursed his lips together and examined Theo. “I don’t know.”

“I don’t want Sarafina in there.” Theo growled.

“We’ve established that at length,” Thomas responded drily, rubbing his hand over his chin. “Let’s consider our options.”

“There’s nothing to consider.” Theo snarled.

Thomas shot him a dangerous look. “Last time I checked, you weren’t the one in charge of Sarafina.”

“You made it my job to guard her. Putting her in the middle of a nest of warlocks and within reach of a daaeman who has an unhealthy fascination with her is not guarding her.”

“We need to do what’s best for the Coven,” Sarafina answered evenly. “I will do whatever I can to help defeat those who might mean innocent people harm.” She turned to look at Thomas. “You said Mira can’t break through the Duskoff’s warding?”

Mira spoke from across the room. “It’s smooth as glass and ten thousand times stronger. I can’t find a way through and none of the earth witches can find a way to break it. I’ve been all over it, every inch, and I can’t find a flaw. It’s almost as if it’s not made by witches, like it could be . . . well, I hate to say it, I really do, but it could be daaeman warding.” She shook her head. “I can’t hear a thing unless it’s said outside Duskoff walls and they’re being very careful never to slip.”

Sarafina turned her attention back to Thomas. “So how else can we gather the information we need? Someone has to go in.”