‘Alice?’ Concern was etched on Grace’s face.

Alice forced a smile and tried to swallow, but it felt like there was a ball of dry, rough sand sitting at the back of her throat. ‘Yes, yes of course, I really appreciate your help.’ She managed to speak but the words sounded forced. She was panicking. She hadn’t thought about these feelings for such a long time and now, in this terrifying place, surrounded by danger, she was being forced to face them.

She was acutely aware that she needed a level head, and she was worried that if Grace held her hand again, or visited in the night, she would be forced to face the fact that these niggling feelings were real and it was Grace who was causing them.

Alice shook her head and tried to busy herself, but she didn’t know what she needed or how she was supposed to prepare for the day. Her breathing was panicked, laboured, and she dashed from one side of the room to the other, muttering to herself. She felt hot and uncomfortable, the high collar of her dress was irritating her neck, and hives started to appear on her skin.

‘Alice, sit down.’ Grace had noticed that Alice was unsettled and behaving in an unusual manner. ‘I’ll get everything sorted for you, all right? Take some deep breaths; I promise you’ll be all right.’

Alice forced a smile and sat. One of her legs was bouncing up and down uncontrollably. She was thankful for Grace, of course, but why did everything feel so complicated and terrifying all of a sudden?

Grace pottered around the room, her leather boots clicking a tuneless melody on the unwaxed floorboards as she walked. Alice sat and watched her work, trying to regulate her breathing.

She found that she was both alarmed and excited by the feelings that were growing, that were unfurling like a flower to the sun in her heart. She wanted to run as far away from Grace as she could, but she also wanted to run full pelt towards her. She wanted to be far away with Lily again in her cabin, but she found that she couldn’t cope with the thought of being more than ten feet away from Grace.

What is happening to me? Her brain felt like it had melted in her head; she couldn’t string two coherent thoughts together.

Grace knelt down in front of Alice and held her hands in a tight, unfailing grip. She was still concerned. ‘You can do this, Alice. I promise you. You are strong, you are brave, you are capable. You’ve just got to show them that you’re worth their time and their energy.’

‘But…’ Alice shook her head. I need to concentrate on this stupid training and less on the girl kneeling in front of me, damn it, brain. ‘What are we training for? What’s the point of all this?’

‘Honestly? I’m not even sure. Hecate has something planned, something important, but she won’t divulge the details until everything is organised and she has enough witches and Protectors. Until then, it’s a mystery. So relax, you won’t be charging into battle any time soon.’ Grace nudged Alice.