Lincoln looked bemused. ‘How did you know?’
She shrugged. ‘He’s a good shopping partner and someone else,’ she looked at me, ‘is always busy training.’
‘He offered and I didn’t have time to go home and change.’ He glanced at me again. ‘There were things to be done.’
‘Clearly,’ Steph said dryly. ‘I do hope you left my brother in one piece.’
‘I didn’t touch him,’ Lincoln said.
‘I meant emotionally,’ Steph replied, following as we all entered the lift.
‘Oh,’ Lincoln said, and offered no more.
CHAPTER FIVE
‘There is little struggle; the doom of the heroes is fixed on high, and they pass in sublime composure, to fulfil their destiny. Their sorrows are awful …’
Sir Thomas Noon Talfourd
Dad and Evelyn were sitting at the dining table. Both of their heads snapped up when they saw me walk in. Dad smiled ear to ear, one of his proud-to-be-Dad looks. ‘Violet, you look … Wow.’
I smiled. ‘Thanks, Dad.’
‘Very beautiful,’ Evelyn said, a strange expression on her face.
I rolled my eyes. ‘I’m going to get changed.’ And before she could say anything else, I took off for my room, where I proceeded to change into old jeans and a T-shirt and instantly felt more myself.
Walking out again, my eye caught on my portfolio and all my new supplies waiting to be used at the Fenton course. I bit my lower lip, shut off the light and headed back to the living room.
Griffin was standing at the head of the dining table, while Lincoln had moved to the back wall and was leaning against it. Everyone else had taken seats. I chose the empty space beside Dad. It was strange having everyone together, and in my home. My two worlds had collided and I desperately hoped it was a good thing.
‘Here you are, sweetheart,’ Dad said sliding a coffee towards me.
I gripped the mug in both hands, took a sip and sighed with relief – coffee had that effect.
‘I imagine everyone is wondering why we’re here …’ Griffin started.
‘Not particularly,’ Evelyn responded, flicking her badly chopped bangs from her face. ‘If you’re here, you’re here for me.’
Griffin nodded. ‘I’m afraid so, Evelyn. The Academy, it seems, are well aware of your location. They’ve demanded that you travel to New York for a full evaluation. “Non-negotiable” were their words. And,’ he looked at me and I knew my night had just gone from hopeful to hopeless, ‘they’ve strongly urged that Violet makes the trip as well to attend formal Grigori assessment. If she doesn’t, they’ll consider it a hostile act against the Academy’s procedures and will respond accordingly.’
‘Meaning they’ll send forces here,’ Evelyn said.
Griffin’s lack of response and weary downcast eyes were answer enough.
Evelyn sighed. ‘Josephine?’
Griffin tilted his head to the side and half smiled in tacit acknowledgement. He turned to Dad. ‘Josephine is second in command on the Assembly that controls the Academy.’
‘I don’t care. Neither of you will be going anywhere,’ Dad said, looking between us and then to Griffin. ‘Forces or not.’
Evelyn took Dad’s hand in hers. ‘It’s okay, James. Josephine and I go way back. I know how she operates and I also know when not to push her.’ She glanced at Griffin. ‘I would never bring Academy forces into your city. You’ve already taken an undeserved risk harbouring me for the past three weeks and I’m very grateful.’
Evelyn’s words seemed genuine but her tone remained clipped. I couldn’t work her out.
‘Of course. But with all due respect – it was deserved.’ Griffin looked at me and nodded.
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
‘Indeed,’ Evelyn said.
Griffin settled into a chair. ‘But you’re right. In my position, I cannot go up against the Academy personally. I’m bound to the Assembly and it directly affects the safety of this city. I’d never normally put you or Violet at risk but there is another reason I believe you both need to go.’
Evelyn took a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she opened them I saw something new – her inner warrior. She stared at me and I had to work hard not to shrink back.
‘Lilith has gone home.’
Griffin gave a weary nod.
‘I guess the party really is over,’ Spence said, slumping into his chair.
I couldn’t have agreed more.
‘What do you mean, gone “home”?’ Lincoln asked, pushing away from the wall.
‘As much as anywhere was a home for her.’ Griffin rubbed his eyes, the weight of his words increasing. ‘We suspected she would, but only just received confirmation. Lilith lived long enough to travel to all corners of the world, but before Evelyn returned her she’d taken a shine to the state of New York. Manhattan is heavily populated by exiles. She will have strength and numbers there.’
Evelyn pushed back in her chair, paused, then stood up.