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It was nearly an hour before Ducos emerged. Seeing me, she escorted the Rephs back to my side.

‘That was an invaluable discussion. Thank you again for attending,’ she said to them. ‘Command is made up of twelve individuals. Pivot and I would like to consult our colleagues, who may have additional questions. Is there any possibility you could be here on Sunday?’

‘I must leave,’ Terebell said, ‘but Arcturus will remain in Venice for the time being.’

‘I am willing,’ Arcturus said.

‘Thank you. You’re welcome to stay here,’ Ducos said. ‘You would have to keep to a room for your own safety, but the concierge will provide you with anything you need.’

Arcturus glanced at me. I said nothing, unsure of what Ducos was doing.

‘Very well,’ he said.

‘Good. I’ll take you,’ Ducos said. ‘Flora, could you show the Warden out?’

When I nodded, she led Arcturus away, leaving me alone with Terebell.

‘You say you have to leave,’ I said to her. ‘Are you going back to London right now?’

‘Pleione sent a psychopomp,’ she said. ‘Apparently an urgent situation has arisen, and my presence is required. I will leave tonight for the cold spot in the Apennines.’

‘You’ve no idea what this situation is?’

‘No.’ She started to walk. ‘Arcturus is too weak to travel. I will return for him once Fitzours is gone. In the meantime, I expect you to ensure his safety, Underqueen. Do not lose him again.’

An urgent situation didn’t sound good, but I pushed it out of my mind. I had to focus on the task at hand.

‘I’m leaving for Rome tomorrow,’ I said, ‘but I’ll check on him as much as I can. Ducos will keep an eye on him.’ I managed to keep pace with Terebell. ‘How was the meeting?’

‘They asked many questions about our history, and the reasons we came to Earth. They also asked about the Emim.’ She looked straight ahead. ‘I did not reveal our vulnerabilities. We cannot trust unfamiliar humans with knowledge that could be used against us.’

‘Does that mean you trust me?’

‘By necessity, not choice, Underqueen.’

‘Thanks,’ I said. ‘I appreciate it.’

I opened the door to the alley. Before Terebell could leave, I took one of the phones from my pocket.

‘This is for you.’ I offered it to her. ‘It will stop working in Scion, but I’d like you to call me as soon as you’re back in Italy. I want to know what’s happening with the Mime Order.’

‘I cannot take that into the Netherworld.’

‘Leave it near the cold spot, then. Hide it and pick it up on your way back.’ I held it out. ‘Look, with all due respect, you’re the one who said you didn’t want me doing séances. I put my number in there.’

Terebell accepted the phone. Giving it a look of distaste, she stowed it in her coat.

‘I will tell your high commanders and the interim Underqueen of your survival. Use your time in Rome wisely,’ she said. ‘Fitzours poses as much of a threat as Senshield, if not more. Rid us of this enemy, Paige. Do this, and the Mime Order will survive to fight another day.’

Terebell vanished into the darkness. I wandered back inside, shivering at the chill of the night.

I debated leaving Arcturus to rest after the meeting, but the golden cord told me he was awake, and I might not have another chance to speak to him before I left. I didn’t want to leave him here, miles away from me, but I had to protect him from Cade. He would be safer in Venice.

I collected the old novel from my room before I knocked for him. When he answered the door, he leaned against the frame at once.

‘Good evening, Paige.’

‘Sorry to disturb you,’ I said. ‘I wanted to make sure you were comfortable.’