‘And … you think we’ve … what was it? “Bonded”?’ Alice didn’t understand.

Grace nodded. ‘Yes, I think we have. Today, when you were with Hecate … I can’t explain it, but it was horrible. I realised, then, that what we have isn’t the norm. I don’t know when it happened, but we need to keep this to ourselves. The strength gained from bonding terrifies some people – Hecate included. There’s only one existing partnership still living here; the others were stripped of their powers and flung out into the night.’

‘I wonder…’ Realisation flowed through Alice, momentarily quietening the coursing pain.

‘What?’

‘I wonder if Hecate and my mother were bonded… That’s why I’m here; that’s why she wanted me.’

‘But … bonds between two witches are even rarer than with Protectors.’ Grace was frowning.

‘Rare doesn’t mean impossible.’

‘I guess…’

‘What if she thinks she can recreate the bond she had with my mother? Imagine the power she thinks she can wield with me by her side. It makes perfect sense. That’s why all of this has happened; that’s why she’s put all this effort into tracking me down.’

Grace was nodding now, a look somewhere between understanding and horror etched on her face. ‘Alice, she can’t find out. If she knew … about us…’ she reached out and took Alice’s hand, as if looking for reassurance in her own feelings, ‘I’d be a goner. She couldn’t let me live.’

Alice dashed across the room without warning and vomited violently into Grace’s chamber pot. She stood, tears coursing from her eyes for a few moments, before wiping her face and turning back to Grace. ‘I won’t let that happen,’ she whimpered. ‘I won’t.’

Chapter Thirty-Five

‘I don’t understand why you won’t let us come with you. You could use all the power you can get! We’re strong, and we’re only a few years younger. Please, Jem. Please.’

Jem had already explained, as had Lily, that it just wasn’t possible, but Morven was obstinate. They had already told her that she and Cass needed to lie low, and that a young couple going about their business would look miles less suspicious than a group of children skulking around. She hadn’t been convinced.

Morven had followed Lily from the kitchen, all the way across the courtyard, relentlessly begging her to change her mind.

‘No, Morven,’ Lily finally snapped. ‘We’ve said no. Please respect that.’

She stomped off in frustration, muttering under her breath. Both Morven and Cass always liked to feel included, be part of the action, but this was far too dangerous and they were still both barely fifteen. No, Lily knew they were right to keep them here, especially because they needed them to look after Maeve, Brenna, and Glenn.

Lily entered Jem’s study with her worn carpet bag slung over her shoulder. Between them they were going to share the research materials, maps, lists, as well as blankets and food and any other essential items that they would require on their journey. Jem had his leather bag already open on his desk by the window and was attempting to organise everything.