Maeve shrugs. “In all fairness, she grew to like you and Sebastian. She just needed a big nudge to let us in the door.”

I frown again. “But what were you doing with her that night when we found you controlling her?”

“Again, access,” Maeve says. “She can access any room in the Archives—more than any other librarian. In order to get the information I needed, I had to use her.”

“Why didn’t you just make her change her mind?”

“Because I needed her to take the action, not just say something to make others do something. Even if I made her agree, she’d never actually do it. Taking her over was the only option.”

I shudder. It’s incomprehensible to me that Maeve can speak of using another person’s body against their will in the same manner as she might discuss the best route to the nearest village.

I don’t know what else to say, what more I can try to make Maeve see reason. I let my talent wander, seeking out anything living in these caves. Anything that might be useful. I have to warn Sebastian and the others. Maybe even begin thinking about how to escape with Jemma.

At first, all I find are small creatures, mostly insects and bats, and a little warren of wild rabbits and a fox den not far from the cave entrance. I don’t know how I could use any of them to help.

But then I find the familiar shape of a human mind. Quite a few minds, in fact. Sebastian and Rachel have returned. And they’ve brought guards from the local village. My heart soars, but I do my best not to react. I don’t wish to give them away.

Rachel! I call out to her.

I’m here, she responds. So is Sebastian.

I know. I’m with Maeve. She wants Sebastian back. Her plan is to return to the Archives for him. We’re leaving very soon.

I can hear the smile in Rachel’s thoughts. Good. We’ll be waiting in the woods to ambush her.

Be careful.

Anxious knots form in my stomach, making it impossible to eat any more. I set the remains of my breakfast down, which doesn’t escape Maeve’s notice.

“Done already?” She shrugs. “Well, we ought to be going anyway.” She packs up the rest of the food and gets to her feet. “Come,” she says, holding out her hand. I take a deep breath and let her pull me up to standing.

I’m not sure how to navigate this strange relationship with my newfound mother, who is also the person I’ve been fleeing for weeks. But right now, going along with her is the best course. And the safest one for my friends.

To my surprise, we don’t exit immediately. Instead she holds me at arm’s length and looks at me with a strange expression. One glance at her thoughts tells me that emotion is sincere regret.

“Simone, I know you’re not thrilled about me using these other children as hosts for your sister and brother. I’m sorry about it. What you said last night about being as bad as Lady Aisling… I never intended that. I just want our family to be back together again.” She rubs my arms in a manner that should be comforting, but all I feel is cold and confused. “If there is another way to get them back that doesn’t require me to use your friends, I will do it. I’ll see if I can find a way, I promise.”