Anastacia was but a hazy outline in the afternoon sunshine, little more than a ghost beneath the oak. The sight provoked an unfamiliar pang of sympathy in Calenne’s heart. Whatever the demon’s nature – however strained their relationship – she couldn’t imagine being reduced to an echo of herself, more memory than substance.

She stared at the bower passage beneath the tree, still struggling to comprehend what she saw. How had the roots parted at Anastacia’s command? She’d grown up with tales of such things, but to actually witness it for herself? How little she knew of the world.

“A fine time to ask me that. This was your idea.”

The demon shrugged, the motion almost invisible as she. “Then stay.”

Calenne glanced towards the house. No. She couldn’t go back to a house steeped in Josiri’s lies. Not with freedom so close. Katya’s old travelling clothes fitted her like a second skin. A raid on the kitchens had provided food for several days, and she’d no shortage of coin. Only the sword buckled at her waist felt out of place – a burden, where her heavy haversack was not. But she could use it well enough, if pressed. One advantage of the tutors Anastacia had earlier disdained.

All that remained was to actually leave. Assuming that the demon wasn’t playing a cruel joke. That was one reason to make the attempt in the afternoon, rather than waiting for night. If Anastacia was playing her false, better to find out sooner and cushion the disappointment. And Calenne was wise enough to recognise the folly of straying into unfamiliar territory by night.

“You’ll explain to Josiri?”

The demon nodded. “When it becomes necessary.”

“It shouldn’t be until morning. I left word with one of the maids that he shouldn’t expect me at Ascension. He won’t like it, but he’ll understand.”

She stared again at the passage. At the insectoid shapes skittering across the exposed roots, and the gentle curl of fibrous tendrils in the shadows. The overpowering scent of damp earth clung to every breath she took, sweet and cloying with decay.

“How do I know it won’t collapse?”

Anastacia shrugged. “It won’t.”

“Easy for you to say.”

The demon sighed. “If you don’t believe me – if you don’t trust me – then stay here. Join your brother at the Ascension table and waste your prayers on a goddess who cannot hear them.”

And wonder for ever at what might have been? No.

“I’m sorry,” said Calenne. “I suppose I don’t understand why you’re helping me. I’ve given you no reason to offer me kindness.”