‘That was Rory,’ says Yanny, watching her go. ‘I’ve really made a mess of today. Let’s get inside before we cause any more chaos.’

We follow mutely as he treads down the bank to the hidden entrance of his home. Rory’s words keep repeating in my mind. She could see straight away the danger I bring here. Does Yanny see it too? Will his family?

Yanny stops at the hatch, looking back at me. ‘She has a sharp tongue,’ he says, as if he’s reading my mind. ‘Don’t take it personally. She was afraid for us, and fear makes her fierce.’ He looks between Zara and me. ‘This was my fault. I was the one who got us into trouble. You should head back. Take my faelight . . .’

He thrusts it out, but Zara shakes her head.

‘Yanny . . .’

‘I know – it’s spineless to make you go back on your own. I just can’t . . . do any more right now.’

‘What did she mean, Yanny?’ I ask, knowing I shouldn’t; knowing he’s already reassured me as much as he can right now. ‘About your family having already lost too much?’

‘Not now,’ he says.

‘But I didn’t mean to put you in more danger. She said about darkness . . . I’m sorry.’

‘Pfft,’ says Zara. ‘Take no notice of that. I see no darkness in you. And besides, Yanny’s already explained, she was just cross . . .’

I nod, trying to let her words outplay Rory’s, but before we can say goodbye to Yanny, the door swings open behind him, and he topples in with a surprised yelp. His father stands bristling on the doorstep.

‘In,’ he commands. ‘All of you. All the forest is whispering of truant children. I can only imagine it’s you, Yanny . . .’ He hauls his son up none too gently and starts propelling him down the corridor. The door slams shut behind us, and the quartz in the walls flares. ‘Really, this is the last thing we needed. It’s enough to get you out to school and back without bringing more trouble.’

Zara and I look at each other as we follow Yanny and his father down the corridor. I guess we’re the trouble. My chest feels hollow, my legs like rubber. Nothing ever seems to go the way it should. I can hear Nan telling me to be careful what I wish for, and Peg saying going to school was a really dumb idea. Were they right?

I didn’t mean to bring more trouble here.

‘Look at this place, Stella!’ Zara whispers. ‘The roots, and the lights . . . and there are tiny little mushrooms growing in the walls! And flowers!’ She grins, clapping her hands together. ‘I knew there were things I didn’t know about – I just knew it!’

Her eyes dance, but before I can say anything, we’re interrupted.

‘Stella,’ says Yanny’s mum, her expression bright and wild and a little alarming as she darts at us from the kitchen. She takes us both by the wrist and draws us into the warmth. ‘Come, we must sort this out. Sit down.’