‘Whose hair?’ said Amber, urgent.

I could almost feel the cool metal of the brush’s handle in my hand, the texture of her long tresses responding to my strokes.

‘I’m her lady-in-waiting,’ I said.

‘Lady-in-waiting?’ said Amber. ‘That sounds about right.’

Laughter bubbled up from the group, propelling me forwards.

‘I’m scared of her,’ I said, a wave of terror sweeping through me like an unexpected tide. ‘I’m so scared,’ I added, grabbing tightly to Amber’s hand. The room was spinning again, a kaleidoscope of images.

‘You’re safe, Rachel. We’ve got you. Keep telling us what you see. What’s she done to frighten you? To make you feel so vulnerable?’

‘I made her angry…’

Amber’s voice was an intense growl.

‘Why is she so angry, Rachel?’

Tears were streaming down my face again, my breath tight in my throat. I was lightheaded. I tried to feel the solidity of the couch beneath my shaking body.

‘I wronged her.’ My language was changing. ‘I betrayed her trust.’

‘How?’ demanded Amber. ‘How did you betray her, Rachel?’ Her voice dropped lower. ‘And how is she going to punish you?’

A moan escaped from my mouth, my limbs thrashing around on the couch. This time Amber didn’t move to comfort me.

‘She betrayed him. Then I betrayed her.’ It felt so real, my mind a cinema screen. I could see her eyes in the mirror, the rage that burnt in them. ‘I told him. I forsook her.’

‘And then she destroyed you!’ said Amber. ‘My own body’s burning up now.’ She looked out to the group. ‘I can feel it right through me – your fear, your rage.’ I could hear her above me, taking great big gulps of air. ‘It feels like I’m choking.’ A strange howl came from her, almost animal. ‘Don’t hurt her!’

My body felt like it was nothing more than a streak of fear. I didn’t know who was howling now, me or her.

‘I think she hurt you very badly,’ Amber said, voice low and guttural.

‘I died at her hand,’ I said. It was so strange, the way my syntax was changing without any effort from me.

‘I can see it,’ said Amber. ‘You’re in darkness, so cold.’ Her whole body was swaying now, like branches buffeted by wind, her voice a piercing sing song. ‘It’s a dark cell, and you’re all alone.’

As she said it, I started to see it, her stories becoming mine. Her hands dove for my heart, kneading my trembling body. Arthur’s hands were around my head again.

‘I don’t want to die,’ I wailed, not sure where the words even came from.

‘Leave her now!’ she demanded. ‘I command you to leave her.’