Classic Parisian-style decor with a plush twist. Note the mix of plum reds and rich pinks to complement the delectable walnut furniture, each piece selected carefully, from the antique canopy bed frame to the mirrored armoire, all blending effortlessly with the personal touches. Chanel memorabilia, designer make-up over the dressing table and gold-framed photos above the headboard, all telling of the edgy but innocent pizazz of the elite youth. Even the view of the sports field from the twin alcove windows, with the athletic students in their matching uniforms, looks more like a scene from a renaissance painting. This room is everything you’d expect from the elusive and exclusive Rosewood Hall.

The picture had been added to since then, with Anastacia’s Rosewood Lancers fencing gear and jacket proudly displayed by the door for all to marvel at.

Standing by the bay window that looked out over the field, Saskia peered out through the curtains, eyes glazed.

Anastacia turned to them from her dressing table, hairbrush still in hand. ‘Good, you’re here,’ she said. ‘We have a problem.’

‘Don’t we always?’ Ellie moaned, throwing her open backpack haphazardly to the floor, contents spilling out. The action was a little too aggressive, like a wolf letting out a warning growl.

Saskia finally turned to them, gesturing with her chin for them to look at something.

Lottie went over and could smell Anastacia’s Chanel perfume on Saskia – and a completely unwarranted thought came over her: how would it feel to have Ellie’s scent lingering on her in the same way? She quickly shook the thought off, embarrassed.

She saw what Saskia had been gesturing towards. Like a bronze statue in the afternoon light, Jamie stood on the field, stretching and looking more like he was preparing for a battle of the gods than a friendly race. Next to him, also getting ready, were Raphael and Haru.

Ellie let out a curse in Maravish, sucking in a breath so hard it sounded like a snake’s hiss. Lottie’s words dried up in her mouth. She’d allowed this.

‘They’ve been out there for about twenty minutes so far just … playing.’ Saskia shrugged. Through the window, they saw Haru lean back, guffawing, while Jamie rubbed his forehead, the silent laugh on his lips obvious. ‘I guess we can safely assume Raphael has made a terrible joke – again.’

It was such a strange sight because it wasn’t strange at all. Three young men laughing and joking in the hot sun, sweaty and content. Haru had promised Lottie that Jamie would come to no harm if she followed his rules, and, whether she liked it or not, it seemed the most relaxed Jamie had been in a long time.

She turned to Ellie, and by the way her fingers had curled into fists she could tell she was thinking the same thing.