The Crystal Ball's light went out. Lilith and Namelia looked at each other, each seeing fear in the other's eyes.
It was the first time they had seen the Society President so angry. If they disobeyed his orders and he activated the blood contract, they would die without even a place to be buried.
Lilith and Namelia sat on the cushioned couch in the secret chamber, the Crystal Ball lying off to one side.
Namelia's long, silvery-white hair fell across her pale face.
"Big sister, do we really have to go back? The Society President must be furious right now." Her slender fingers clenched tightly, betraying her nerves.
Lilith bit her thumbnail, a habit she had when anxious. "What else can we do? We're bound by the blood contract. Why don't we try contacting the other deacons and ask them to sound out the Society President?"
Namelia said, "That's our only option."
The sisters naturally ruled out Carlos. They would be lucky if he refrained from badmouthing them; how could he possibly put in a good word?
The Crystal Ball lit up and went dark five times in succession.
Every deacon they contacted either mocked them or cut off the communication outright.
The worst was the Fifth Deacon, Gregory. That scar-faced old man actually made obscene gestures at the Crystal Ball. "I hear you two are quite skilled. Every time, you keep that Personal Guard from the Holy See entertained until the next day."
Lilith was so furious that she smashed the Crystal Ball.
Just then, a soft knock came at the chamber door. Veronica entered carrying tea and refreshments, her black hair arranged in a dignified bun, the beauty mark at the corner of her eye appearing and disappearing from view.
"Thank you for your efforts, my ladies. Has