A Discovery of Witches

Miriam produces DNA test results revealing that Diana is a chimera—someone whose cells “possess two or more different genetic profiles” (470). Marcus thinks that Rebecca had Vanishing Twin Syndrome and that Diana had a male twin who died in the womb early in Rebecca’s pregnancy. Diana inherited powers meant for her brother. Rebecca knew this, as evidenced by the fact Diana was born on the goddess’s feast day and named after her: The goddess Diana was twins with Apollo. Miriam believes this means that mixed unions, like Diana and Matthew’s, can lead to children: “Cross-species breeding is the next revolutionary step” (473).

Diana’s tests also show that she descends from an unknown female lineage—possibly Lilith, the first witch, known as the goddess of the moon and the mate of Samael, the angel of death. Their union produced children. Matthew thinks it is dangerous for Diana to have children and worries about losing them, like he did Lucas. Diana agrees to take contraceptives but thinks having children is “meant to be” (481). Miriam worries Diana’s relationship with Matthew brings danger to all creatures and will spark a war. The last time Matthew “lost his senses” over a woman, Bertrand, Miriam’s husband and Matthew’s best friend, died (477).