"My house," Alexander says. His tone leaves no room for disagreement. "Let's go there to talk. Catherine and Nick will meet us soon, and Nick can help."

"Help what?" I ask, my voice a whisper straining to keep up with the weight of this moment.

He hesitates, just long enough for a flicker of anxiety to break through his calm facade.

"We're not on good terms with that coven," he admits. "If my mother and Evelyn's father have been denying the head's ...