‘I’ll be behind a screen, don’t worry. I don’t need a minder.’ Inside, she wished she had that option.

They hung up.

Demi looked sympathetically at her and Kelly felt her concern.

‘Do you want me to create a profile while you’re away?’ asked Demi.

‘You took the words out of my mouth,’ said Kelly.

‘We’ve got air, earth and spirit to go,’ Demi said.

‘Fred said spirit was in charge of the others and that it’s not strictly speaking an element. How would you kill somebody with earth?’ Kelly asked.

‘Burial?’ asked Demi.

‘I agree. What about air?’

‘That’s trickier. Pushing someone off something?’

‘Needle in a haystack isn’t even close is it?’ said Kelly.

‘Let me know if The Teacher enlightens you. I wish I could come, but I’m glad I’m not at the same time. It’s the kind of meeting that sits in your head.’

‘I know. I’ve spent plenty of time in that head space.’

‘Yes, I’m sorry. You must have been terrified.’

‘I was never terrified for myself, but for those I knew might still be alive somewhere. My biggest fear was that I might never find them.’

‘But you did. And you will again.’

‘Try explaining that to my sister. We haven’t got much time though. Fred explained to me that next week is the festival of Mabon.’ Demi looked oddly at her. ‘It’s when the equinox happens and day is equal to night. Remember The Teacher’s reference to dark and light being equal?’

‘Bloody hell. That’s next week?’

‘Next Thursday. I’ve checked the trains and I can go this afternoon.’

‘Good luck.’

Chapter 38

Daphne shook.

He’d made her watch.

His face told her nothing. Her mother and father were looking older by the day, by the moment, even. He’d always ruled their house with an iron will, and her mother acquiesced every time. It might be something as tiny as how he took his tea, but it could also be something so grave and portentous that it could impact all of their lives. But his power had dimmed. Even his clothes looked shabby now and she found herself repulsed by him.

She dreamt of escape. To run away from this hellhole. At times, the child inside her came skipping back into her life and she forgot, for a moment, how monstrous her existence had become. Other times, the child was forgotten and she sank back into her world of secrets, sacrifice and fear. It was safer that way; there was no room for games.

He said she’d get used to it, like Mother. And she had.