As the girl rushed crying out of the room, Saffron felt a tiny stab of remorse. Perhaps she should have been a bit more gentle. But in the middle of a war, there was no time for gentleness. Helena needed to know that this was a serious situation. Saffron hoped the new girl could find her way to a friendly set of arms and learn to deal with her new life in the Mansion.

Considerably less angry, she put away the teacups and returned to her room. Perhaps all was not yet lost for her mission.