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‘You’re working for a network run by amaurotics?’

‘For now. I’m trying to find President Sala,’ I explained. ‘I know why she’s been hiding, and I wanted to offer my assistance. I hoped someone in the Forum would know how to contact her.’

Carter considered me. So did Rohan Mistry, who was observing from the doorway.

‘Beatrice founded the Council of Kassandra,’ she said. ‘We were in regular contact before her disappearance in August, but not since. Her absence has baffled and worried us all.’

I tried not to feel too disheartened. This had been my best and only avenue of investigation.

‘I’m sorry to interrupt,’ Verca said, ‘but what exactly is this Council of Kassandra?’

‘Our answer to the tyranny of Scion and its makers, the Rephaim,’ Carter said, a note of contempt in her voice. ‘As you seem to have guessed, the Forum Project is something of a cover. Beatrice has framed it as a public space, but in fact, it is reserved for voyants’ use.’

‘The Council of Kassandra is a representative and legislative body for all voyants, founded in 2049. It is led by the Triumvirate – presently myself, Beatrice and Antoinette,’ Mistry chimed in. ‘The Forum is our headquarters, but we mean to send diplomatic missions across the globe, advancing voyants’ rights and interests in defiance of Scion. Within a year, we also hope to offer knowledge of the æther to world leaders. For a price.’

Verca exchanged a speechless glance with me. I tried to digest what they were saying.

Over the last year, my aim had been to dismantle Scion. At some point in the future, I had meant to find a way for humans to live alongside the Rephs.

This vision went far beyond that, outstripping mine by decades.

‘Offering knowledge to leaders,’ Verca said. ‘That sounds like the augurs of Ancient Rome – respected officials, consulted by emperors and generals.’

‘Quite right,’ Carter said. ‘Scion was not the first to threaten our place in public life. Since the dawn of time, people with our gifts have been treated with both reverence and contempt. Over centuries, we’ve become the object of ridicule, sidelined by science and technology, or been persecuted as witches. Scion is only the most recent iteration of a deep-seated hatred – but we have been mistreated and exploited for too long. It is time for us to claim our rightful place as valued advisors in the modern world. Only with our foresight will humankind be able to resist the incursion of the Rephaim.’

Jaxon had been remarkably quiet throughout this speech. I turned my attention back to him.

‘You’re advocating for voyants’ interests,’ I said, ‘but you’re working with Jaxon Hall?’

He smirked, crinkling the corners of his eyes.

‘My dear Paige,’ he said. ‘I have been advocating for our interests since before you were born.’

‘There is a great deal for us to discuss,’ Carter said. ‘Paige, perhaps you’d be kind enough to share what you know about why President Sala has disappeared.’

‘I can’t do that. My assignment is confidential,’ I said. ‘All I can say is that I’m here to find her.’

‘Well, until then, you are welcome in the Forum. We’re happy to host you.’ She turned back to Verca. ‘Veronika, as a sibyl, you have a right to a permanent room here. Yours for no cost whatsoever, to be used whenever you wish.’

Verca hitched up a smile. ‘Will I have to take a vow of eternal chastity, and keep a sacred fire burning?’

‘We’re not that old-fashioned. This is no longer the House of the Vestals, but the Sibylline House. It’s somewhere for you to lay your head in Rome, and to confer with your sisters,’ Carter said. ‘We find sibyls’ abilities are strongest together. A unique aspect of our gift.’

While they spoke, Jaxon and I locked eyes again.

‘Paige, I imagine you would like a private word with Jaxon. Perhaps he can give you a tour of the Forum,’ Carter said, ‘but you should know that we do not permit any violence between voyants within its limits, as stated in the Kassandran Code. Is that understood?’

After a moment, I nodded. Verca gave me a hesitant look.

‘I’ll meet you later?’

I replied with another nod. She must be aching to question Carter, and I couldn’t blame her.

‘Very good. Now, let me show you the Sibylline House.’ Carter extended an arm to Verca. ‘You can meet its permanent residents, Caoimhe and Nasrin. They’ll be so pleased you’re here.’

While they walked along the colonnade of statues, Jaxon led me from the Sibylline House. As soon as we were out of sight and earshot, I slammed him against a wall.

‘What the hell are you doing here, Jaxon?’