Her words curl into me like fish hooks. She says it with such certainty, as if she can see her sister within me. It makes me feel that there’s nothing I can do and I may as well as accept it, but how can I? It’s bad enough knowing there’s someone else inside me, without trying to wake her. I don’t want to see her face in the mirror, I don’t want to hear her thoughts or relive her memories. If that’s what reclaiming my power means, I don’t want it.

Something flutters in my chest, a thump of an extra heartbeat just missing the rhythm of my own. I can feel her inside me, knocking to be let in – or trying to get out.

I lean back on the bed and cross my arms. ‘I don’t know who I was before, but I’m not that person any more. I’m sorry.’

A cackle bursts from Morgan’s lips, the noise so violent and unexpected I’m not sure if she’s angry or amused. ‘Just because you can’t feel the magic inside you, doesn’t mean it’s not there. You can drain the oceans of water and fill them anew, and the tide will still flow. Magic is the tide. You have only to wade into the water to feel its pull.’

She straightens her shoulders and adds firmly, ‘If you want to save your mother, you must remember who you are and become a witch once more. Your sisters and I can train you in magic. It’s the only way.’

I get to my feet and look at Tom sleeping in the next bed. His face is clammy, his hair slick with sweat. ‘Will he be OK?’ I ask.

Morgan frowns. ‘If the demons are driven out of him, there’s a chance he will survive. I will do my best, but I’m not as strong as I once was. I may need to call upon your energy.’

I chew my thumbnail, wary of what she’ll ask of me, and yet knowing I can’t let him stay like this. It’s my fault he’s on the island. I would never forgive myself if I didn’t do everything I could to help him. Morgan raises her eyebrows and something deep in my gut tells me I can trust her.

I nod and she pats my arm, then steps towards the bed.