‘Get ready,’ she whispered.

The queen dismissed Nancy with a wave of her hand, but just as she was about to press the goblet to her lips, a familiar figure appeared before her throne.

‘Your Majesty,’ he said, with a sweeping bow. It was the creature Cat had danced with. The one who smelled like fallen leaves after a rainstorm. The one who seemed to know far too much about what she had been through this evening. Cat locked eyes with Nancy who had gone deathly pale.

‘What’s happening?’ Shane whispered and Cat shook her head.

‘Ah, Master Pooka,’ said the queen. ‘I thought I saw you earlier. How kind of you to finally find the time to come and pay your respects.’

Pooka. The name sent a shiver down Cat’s spine, and she remembered what Granny had told her in the kitchen only the day before: ‘Some cruel Pooka whispered lies into Nancy’s ear …’

‘Forgive me, Your Majesty,’ said the Pooka, ‘I have been busy.’

‘Weaving your usual mischief, no doubt.’

‘Perhaps,’ said the Pooka with an impish grin.

‘I should not be surprised. What else would a trickster be doing on Oíche Shamhna? At least you had the good grace to send a gift,’ said the queen, waving her hand toward Shane and Cat. ‘And what a marvellous gift they are. A little wilful perhaps, but they will learn in time.’

‘I have to admit it turned out even better than I anticipated,’ said the Pooka, grinning at Cat. ‘But Your Majesty, that’s not why I’m here.’

‘Oh, no?’

‘I couldn’t help but notice you have been seated all evening. I came to ask if you cared to dance with me. It won’t be long before the sun comes up.’

‘And why should I dance with you after you spent all evening ignoring me?’ pouted the queen.

‘Because,’ said the Pooka, still staring at Cat. ‘I am a marvellous dancer.’

Cat watched with fading hopes as the queen set her goblet of wine down untouched and allowed the Pooka to lead her onto the dance floor. As the musicians struck up into a lively jig, Cat swore the creature winked at her.

‘She’s leaving!’ said Shane, panicking now. ‘What should we do, Cat?’

Cat sat back with a moan. ‘Nothing,’ she said. ‘You heard what the Pooka said. It’s almost morning. Whatever Nancy had planned, it doesn’t matter. It’s too late. We’re never getting out of here.’

Shane didn’t reply and Cat could feel hot tears stinging her eyes. She tried to hold it together, but she couldn’t. She was so tired, and now she knew for sure that she would never see her mam or Granny or Mikey ever again. She began to cry, deep wracking sobs that made her whole body shake. Then, she felt a comforting arm slip around her shoulder.

‘It’s OK, Cat,’ said Shane. ‘We tried our best.’

‘But we failed,’ Cat said, sniffing and wiping her nose on the sleeve of her jacket.