Alice wasn’t sure what to say. It felt more nerve-wracking to be alone with Grace in a normal environment where they could talk as equals, rather than as the captured and the sympathiser. Talking to strangers had never been her strong point. She liked to be alone. She liked the solitude and lack of judgement that came from a reclusive life. Letting Lily behind the barriers of her heart had been hard enough… Could she find the strength, the courage, to let someone else in?

‘How did it go with Hecate? From what I heard, she seems to like the look of you, so that’s a good start.’

‘I … I didn’t really know what to make of the whole situation. I couldn’t even find my voice to speak. And there’s something about her that makes me feel strange.’ She shivered, recalling Hecate’s ancient eyes.

‘Hey.’ Grace leant forward and took Alice’s hand in hers. Alice flinched. ‘I’ll help you through this.’ She removed her hand and poured hot, fragrant tea into the mugs, passing one to Alice. ‘Now, let’s not talk about where we are – it’s boring and stressful. Tell me about something that makes you happy. What did you used to do, back home? I want to see if there is anything I can do that will bring you a little bit of calm.’

Alice was touched by Grace’s thoughtfulness, although she wasn’t sure how to take it. She didn’t know how to trust. She couldn’t help but be suspicious of every kind gesture. What if Hecate had put Grace up to this? And why was Grace making her feel so strange, so … different?

Alice shook her head. The only other person who had ever been kind to her was Lily, but this felt different. Lily’s friendship was like a beacon in the night, constantly guiding Alice through life, supporting her hopes and dreams. Lily and Alice were two sides of the same coin. So completely different and yet utterly perfect companions for each other. In Lily’s company, Alice felt safe and warm. Here, sitting in front of Grace, Alice felt like she was burning, feverish. Her hands shook and her stomach churned. Every time Grace looked at her, her heart jolted.

‘I-I…’ she stuttered. ‘My home made me happy. Being there, reading my cards, my tea leaves, my grimoire.’ She blushed, avoiding Grace’s eyes. ‘I like my own company. I like the company of people who don’t drain my energy, and I’ve only ever met one person who I could spend any length of time with. We used to sit for hours and hours by the fire in my cabin. Or sometimes we’d go for walks in the meadows, or we’d get lost in the foggy forests that surrounded my home. Sometimes, at the end of the day, my tummy would hurt from all the laughing.’ Alice smiled, lost in the memory. Grace was watching her, unblinking.

‘Do you love him?’

‘What?’ Alice was taken aback. ‘Do I love who?’