My senses tell me day has broken, though down here in the catacombs there is not so much as a sliver of daylight to indicate that night has fled. I have been so involved in my magic these past hours I have not been aware of the passage of time. I could never have imagined the power that resides within me, had I not taken the decision to save Freddie from the Land of Night, whatever it takes. The first surprise was the clarity of my own resolve. Since the instant I set upon this path, I have not felt a moment’s hesitation. Freddie was not meant to die; he is too young to have his life so needlessly snuffed out. It was not his fault he found himself caught up in a conflict between rival magic orders. The quarrel was not his, and he should not pay the price. I am his sister, I love him, and I will do whatever I can to help him. Indeed, it was my failing that I could not keep him safe in the first place.

And then there is Mama to consider. She is so very fragile. I fear losing her only son now would send her into a place of such despair that I might never bring her from it.