But I know how to read the compass on the map and which markings are for streams and rivers, trees, and villages. The first is of Parilla, detailing an area I’ve passed through before. I believe it was while the Lady’s lieutenants had us chasing Emmeline, the shadow weaver, as she fled her home. The village of Wren is not noted on it, even though the map is quite old.

I pull another map closer and try to focus, but my mind begins to wander, and soon my feet follow. I circle the room, fingers trailing over the worn spines. There is so much information in this one room, let alone the entire building, that I can’t help feeling like a mind could burst before taking it all in.

Something stops me, and I realize Maeve’s hands are on my shoulders.

“Little one, I know it is hard, but we need to focus on the task at hand. Do you think you can try for a little while longer?” Her face is kind and her mind clear of anger, but my cheeks redden anyway.

“Sorry,” I say, staring at my feet. My shoes are still dirty from the hike up the mountains last week. It’s the only pair I brought with me. “I’ll try harder.”

Maeve squeezes my shoulder. “That’s all. I know it’s difficult for you after what the Lady did. But I have faith you can do it with a bit more practice.”

Hope rises within me. Wouldn’t it be lovely if I find my family, she finds hers, and Jemma arrives soon too? That’s all I want. All of our families to be reunited. Everyone back where they belong.

I return to my spot at the huge round table and begin my search with renewed gusto. I will do this. I will try my hardest. For me, for Sebastian. And for Maeve.

* * *

The afternoon passes in a blur. It must be nearing dinnertime when I finally spy something. Excitement jolts through me. I hesitate, my hand hovering over the edge of the map beneath my fingers. I was about to put it in the pile with all the other maps that didn’t pan out, but now I’m glad I didn’t. In the upper corner, nearly faded, are four letters that make my heart skip.

W-R-E-N.

“Rachel!” I cry, trying to keep my hands from shaking.

The librarian raises her eyebrows and stops at my side. Her eyes widen. “Well done, Simone. I think you found it.”

Sebastian gasps. “Really? You found Wren?” He hurries over to me, and so does Maeve.

My heart thrums so fast I fear it will fly right out of my chest. I don’t dare close my eyes, terrified the map will disappear if I do. That map contains the only remaining link to my family. It’s a fragile thread that could just as easily vanish. Maeve smiles down at me, and I give her a shaky grin. I’ve been searching for my family for so long that it doesn’t seem possible this could be real.