‘And wet,’ Ashes muttered.

‘Isaac is really the one to blame,’ Alice said. The thought of his smug, dismissive expression brought heat to her cheeks.

‘That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,’ Ashes said. ‘Did you say anything about Isaac to Geryon?’

Alice frowned, replaying yesterday’s conversation in her mind. ‘No. I don’t think so. I didn’t really have the chance.’

‘That’s something, anyway.’ He sat down, folding his forepaws under him. ‘Listen. You can’t mention him to Geryon, or Mr Black, or anyone.’

‘Why not?’ Alice’s eyes narrowed. ‘What’s he doing living in the library, anyway? Is he supposed to be there?’

‘It’s complicated—’

‘He’s not, is he?’ Alice grinned. ‘You’re keeping secrets from Geryon.’

‘It’s not me keeping secrets. I just do what I’m told. As for why, you’ll have to take that up with Mother.’

‘You mentioned her yesterday. Do you mean your real mother?’

‘Yes,’ said the cat. ‘She guards the library for Geryon. Letting Isaac stay there was her idea.’

‘If she guards it for him, then why would she—’

‘I don’t know, all right? You just have to keep quiet until she gets a chance to explain it to you herself.’

Alice considered. She really ought to say something to Geryon. But Ashes had helped, in the world of the Swarm. Without his explanation, she might never have survived.

Besides, said a sneaky part of her mind, if Ashes and Isaac are breaking the rules, maybe they’ll be more likely to help me. She hadn’t given up on finding the yellow-and-black fairy, though she was starting to appreciate that it might be more difficult than she’d originally thought.

‘All right,’ she said. ‘For now. But no promises. Does Geryon know you’re here?’

‘Actually,’ Ashes said, ‘since I let you get into the book, he’s given me the job of being your minder when you’re in the library. We’re supposed to go there after breakfast and see Mr Wurms.’

‘We’d better get to breakfast, then.’

Ashes waited while Alice finished dressing, and padded at her side to the main stairs. Halfway down, he froze, back arched, and a moment later the massive form of Mr Black came into view from the first floor. His expression, usually sour at the sight of Alice, was positively pinched this time, but it twisted into a sneer when he noticed Ashes.

‘I’m going to have to get Emma to put down traps,’ he said. ‘The vermin are getting into the house again.’

Ashes gave a low growl, and Mr Black snorted. Alice glared at him. It had been his voice she’d heard talking to the yellow fairy, and now she wondered if Geryon knew anything about it. They certainly hadn’t sounded like they were doing anything above board.