She paused outside the library, marvelling at the curved white building, cream and yellow flowers like lace spiralling up its bones. She put on her best smile, finding it came easier to her here, her favourite place in the school. No one could suspect she was here to do anything other than study. This was something she had to handle on her own, especially given how everyone had been at the meeting.

People stared at her as she stepped inside, but she was starting to get used to the irritable whispering that followed her everywhere. The midday sun shone through the stained-glass rose at the top of the library, which drowned the books in a coral glow. House emblems hung above the office alcove and it was underneath them, in a booth, away from any snooping eyes, that Lottie chose to do what she’d been dreading the most.

With Ellie at fencing and Jamie on a run with Raphael, Lottie was alone, and neither of them would have to know the extent of how much she wasn’t taking a break. It was her job as a Portman to shoulder such burdens; it wasn’t something she could put away at a moment’s notice.

Carefully she pulled out two history books and a textbook, laying them on the table. Nestled in the history book was the envelope – the cursed object Haru had given her that she still hadn’t opened. She wished more than anything she could contact Sayuri, that they could do this together, but she had to do this on her own. It was the only way to protect everyone.

Slipping her finger under the glued-down surface of the envelope, she imagined Claude’s tongue sliding along the paper, and all she could see was the forked tongue of a snake. As soon as it ripped open, she could smell it: spiced wine, rich and intoxicating, wafted up like perfume from the scented paper inside.

She shook the contents out on to the table: an A5 oblong of thick black card coated with a glossy finish. In the centre of the card elegant gilt lettering shimmered when she moved it in the light.

To my charming young niece

Lottie paused immediately at the condescending language; Ellie would have torn it up right then and there.

Although I have delighted in our little games these past two years, there comes a time when those in charge must decide when too much fun has been had, and, though it delights me to see my own niece play along and solve each puzzle, our next game is one of a far more serious nature.

It is my understanding that you are, like me, a lover of folklore, so, while I give you a chance to put right what has been wronged, I gift you these clues to set you on the right path.

Sometimes stories wield power greater than we know.

This is your first clue.