Helen's funeral was held at the church in the town she had lived in. A coffin had been made for her though there was no body to put in it.

There were many mourners at the funeral, and they sat in the pews in the church, all wearing black. Lily was no exception. Since she was family, she sat in the front pew. Sebastian sat beside her, at her request.

The priest led the service, talking about how a life had tragically been cut short and that the deceased woman was now with God. Others spoke highly of Helen and shared their memories of her.

Then, it was Lily's turn to speak.

The teenage girl walked to the front and faced the crowd. She showed no emotion as she began to speak.

"Helen Radcliffe was my aunt, the only sibling of my father, Henry Athelward. She was a no-nonsense woman who loved her family. She faced adversity with her head held high, and she conquered her fears. It is a tragedy that she has passed, especially how she passed, but we also must keep in our minds what she accomplished and how she treated her fellow man. That is the only way our hearts will be eased. May her soul rest in peace."

Lily walked away and again sat in her spot on the pew.

The funeral ended an hour or two later. Lily was late leaving because so many people expressed their condolences to her. She became weary but listened politely to them all. Finally, she left.

Her other three servants were waiting outside the church. Lily said a word to no one as she got into the carriage. She spoke very little on the ride home.

Everyone was relieved to get back to the Athelward Manor. Lily told everyone to take a day off and to not disturb her. The gardener, maid, and cook were happy they didn't have to work, but at the same time, they felt awful for their mistress.

Lily went into her bedroom and put the two books back in the box, locked it, and slid it under the bed. Then, she walked into the study and sat at her desk. Sebastian came in with a tray of tea and sweets. "My lady, it is tea time. I brought you your favorite dessert and tea."

"I gave you the day off, as well."

"Lady Lillith, you cannot go the entire day without help."

"One day won't hurt me."

"If you want to find out how the two books are connected, you need to have a mind that is clear. It cannot be so if you are deprived of nourishment."

Lily stared at him. "You saw the books."

"I did a bit of light reading, yes."

"I am not surprised. So, Detective Michaelis, what did you make of them?"

"Detective Michaelis, is it? You are quite the comedian."

"I am glad you find that amusing. I am serious about the other part, however."

"Yes, I know. If you want my opinion, my lady, I believe the two books are indeed connected."

"Do you know what the spell book says?"

Suddenly, there was a knock at the front door. Lily was exasperated as Sebastian answered. At the doorway was a sharply-dressed man carrying a suitcase. He took off his hat. "Pardon me, but I am Mr. Peter Johnson, Helen Athelward's lawyer. I am here to discuss her will with Lady Athelward."

Sebastian bowed. "Of course, Mr. Johnson. Do come in."

Mr. Johnson waited until Lily entered the room. "Good afternoon, Mr. Johnson. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

"Lady Athelward, I am here to discuss your aunt's will."

"Very well. Let us talk in the study."

The lawyer nodded and followed the teenage girl into the study. They both sat down while Sebastian stood by Lily's side.

"Pardon me, but this is a private matter. I would like to speak to Lady Lillith alone."

Before Sebastian could speak, Lily immediately said, "Sebastian is my butler, and I trust him with my life, as well as all my important matters."

Mr. Johnson cast Sebastian a withering look, but the butler was unphased by it. The lawyer turned his attention to Lily. He took papers out of his briefcase. "Lady Lillith, you are mentioned in Lady Helen's will." He paused. "Since you were her only living relative, you were to receive all of her personal belongings."

Lily didn't bother to mention that her parents might still be alive; she wasn't in the mood for a debate. "What about her estate?"

Mr. Johnson hesitated. "I am not at liberty to discuss that. All I can reveal is that you were to inherit objects and pictures that were special to her. Unfortunately, because of the fire, they were all lost. I am sorry."

Lily nodded. "Thank you for telling me."

There was nothing more to discuss, so Mr. Johnson left, not before offering his services should Lily ever need them.

"Well, that was a waste of time," Lily said, slightly annoyed.

"My lady, I believe we now have more information than before."

"I don't see how myself inheriting destroyed things provides information."

"I was able to see who inherited the estate."

Lily looked at the butler is slight amazement. "Well done. So, who is it?"

"A Grell Sutcliffe."

"I do not know of him."

"Allow me to find out. It will take very little time to do so."

"Please."

Sebastian bowed and came back, shortly. "My lady, I have found-"

Lily was not in the study, nor anywhere else in the manor. It was beginning to rain. Sebastian found her sitting in the garden. "My lady, you must come inside before you catch a cold."

As he put his hand on her arm, Lily said, "I command you not to touch me until I say."

Sebastian bowed, frowning. "Yes, my lady."

"Sit by me."

He sat by her.

Lily was quiet for a moment. At last, she spoke. "They are all lunatics."

"My lady?"

"They kept talking about how my aunt is in God's hands now. They said the same about my uncle. I have received many prayers for my parents. They all say that God saves and protects his children, but if he is all-powerful and all-knowing, then that means that he can save people before tragedy stikes and prevent bad things from occurring in the first place. The fact that he doesn't….would make him evil, and if he created all, then he created both good and evil. Why don't people realize that? Why would people worship a malevolent god?"

"That is very thought-provoking. My opinion on this is that humans want to believe that there is a creator who had made each and every one with a purpose. They want to think that they are never alone and need someone who will protect them and always be there. Humans need comfort and the thought that they are special. It is what keeps them going. Also, religious beliefs are passed down from generation to generation, so they know nothing else. Unfortunately, those who question said beliefs are persecuted and even murdered. Religion is simply used as a means of control. You would be wise to not tell anyone else your thoughts; you would be putting yourself and your family name in danger. I commend you for examining the world around you."

"Thank you. You are more righteous than God or any angel."

"My lady, I must disagree. My kind are the epitome of evil."

"I disagree with you. You are bound by a contract to protect me, and if it was anyone else, you would do the same. That is more than God has done for his own children."

They sat, quietly for many moments. Then Lily said, "You may touch me."

Sebastian quickly picked her up and ran with unnatural strength into the manor. He immediately had Lily change into warm, dry clothes and sit by the fire. He brought her a cup of tea. "I gave you the day off," she said.

"I am your butler; my work never ends. Besides, if I couldn't help you get warm and dry, what kind of butler would I be?"