A few hours later, a loud knock sounded, on the door, at the top of the stairs. Mary was crying on the other side. Alba released Amy's hand and raced up the stairs. When she threw open the door, she could see tears on Mary's face. Alba placed her hand on Mary's shoulder and then stopped. She could smell the cats on her.

"What have you done?"

Tossed backwards down the stairs, Alba was unable to stop herself from falling. The cats poured into the cellar. Victoria entered ...