Sylvia gave her a considering look. The girl was persistent. And the question she asked wasn't easy, because it raised two conflicting issues. The first was Sylvia's mission to get rid of dark magic, and therefore Circle Midnight, altogether. If a Midnight witch died, well, perhaps it was for the best. They had taken down more than one dangerous, murderous witch in recent years. And after Circle Midnight's attack on Barnet, why shouldn't she look away if Abigail's witches were threatened? It was no more than they deserved, and less than many of her covens wanted.

But... She was the Mother of Witches. She had a duty to all her children, even the wayward ones. Even Abigail. That was why despite everything, Sylvia had sought a peaceful agreement with Abigail rather than killing her outright. She had allowed Circle Midnight to have their coven in Enfield, against her better judgement, because she could not destroy a fellow witch except as a last resort.

She folded her arms, voice soft. "If someone else targets a Midnight witch, it won't be because of what you've said here today. You have my word on that. Threatening to retaliate even if we had nothing to do with it isn't smart, Abigail. It's reckless and dangerous, and it will only harm you in the long run."