June. That was almost a year away. Far too long. Sylvia would hope to put a stop to this fledging coven long before then. Clearly, the girl wasn't going to give up the names of her own accord. Which left Sylvia with no other choice.

"I see," she said.

She exhaled, then walked around her desk to stop and open one of the drawers. The vampire in the corner grinned suddenly, sensing that she would be needed. Sylvia picked up a small crystal vial with an ornate stopper, twirling it around in her fingers, and then an ordinary teaspoon.

If Abigail was having second thoughts about having come here, the vampire would soon prevent any attempt at escape. She moved forward to take Abigail by the arm, then twisted her hands behind her back, forcing Abigail to approach the desk.

Sylvia opened the crystal vial and poured one, two, three drops of clear liquid onto the spoon. No need to waste more than was necessary.

"I'm afraid I need to be sure that what you say is true," she explained. "If it is, you have nothing to fear."

"Open wide," said the vampire, a hint of a laugh in her voice as Sylvia approached.

Abigail could take the truth serum. Or she could struggle and have her head forced back and her jaw prised open until she had to take it. Either way.