“I saw the light,” the girl said, in a voice so low it was almost a whisper. “And I thought . . .” She blinked, and shook her head. Her stance relaxed a fraction, and Alice nodded encouragingly.

“I’m Alice,” she said. “You’re new at this like me, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” the girl said, after a moment’s careful consideration.

“What’s your name?” Alice prompted.

“Soranna.”

“That’s a nice name.”

There was another silence. Alice found herself somewhat at sea with this strange girl who spoke in monosyllables. In the days before Alice had come to Geryon’s—which now felt like memories from another lifetime—she’d never been comfortable around children, preferring the company of adults. She based her manner on the slow gentle tone taken by grown-ups who didn’t know her, which she’d always privately thought sounded like someone talking to a lapdog.

“Why don’t you come back and meet the others?” Alice said. “They’re all very nice, and they won’t hurt you either.” She paused, compelled to be honest. “At least, I hope that they’re nice, I’ve only just met them. But I’m pretty sure they won’t hurt you.”

The girl narrowed her eyes, but nodded. Alice led her back toward Ellen’s light, which was shifting and brightening as she continued her argument with Garret. The raised voices made Soranna hesitate, and Alice encouraged her with a smile.

“Sister Alice!” Dex said. “I see that you have retrieved our wayward lamb.”

Soranna gave Dex an alarmed look, but held her ground.

“Her name’s Soranna,” Alice said.

Ellen looked the little girl over, clearly unimpressed. She sniffed and turned away.

“Little Sora,” Garret said, with an affected joviality. “Good to meet you.”

“Soranna,” said Soranna sharply. “Not Sora.”

Garret blinked. “All right. Soranna it is.”

“Is this everyone?” Ellen said. “I’d like to get on with it.”

“My master told me to expect five others,” Garret said. “Maybe someone’s running late.”

“Well, I certainly don’t plan on waiting around here all day,” Ellen said. “I say we give it another five minutes.”

“There is strength in numbers,” Dex said. “Better not to venture forth unprepared.”

“We’ll be fine,” Ellen said. “I’m sure the three of us can handle whatever is in there.” Then, as an afterthought, she added, “And Alice and Sora will help too, of course.”

“Soranna,” Soranna said. “Not Sora.”

“Ellen’s right,” Garret said. “I’m not worried. But if we leave without someone, the masters might not like it.”

“Then his master should have gotten him here on time,” Ellen said. “I think—”

“I’m here,” said a familiar voice from the darkness. A boy stepped forward, swathed in an ancient, battered trench coat.

“Isaac!” Alice took a half step forward, then stopped when he refused to meet her eyes. He brushed right past her and took up a slouching position beside Garret.