She tilts her head. ‘You will begin training with your sisters in the morning?’

I glance at Tom and push down my fear. I don’t know what will be expected of me, but I have to help him. Whatever it takes, I need to rescue my mum. ‘Yes,’ I answer quietly.

Morgan crosses the room and pulls back the curtain, the red glare of the lighthouse accentuating the deep hollows of her face. She sways on her feet and my heart reaches out to her. She might look like a nightmarish creature, but I owe her so much.

I pull up the sash window and icy drizzle hits my face. She stands tall, the smell of the sea seeming to revive her a little, then shuffles her feet. I move to one side and she grabs hold of the window and hauls herself up. Her wings beat the air and then she jumps out. I rush forward, relieved when she rises up a few seconds later. She flaps her wings once, twice, and in the blink of an eye she is a cormorant. Wiping the rain from my face, I watch as she swoops around the tower then turns and heads out to sea.

18

I wake to the cries of cormorants, their raucous honks and cackles so loud it sounds as if they’re in the room with me. Tom is lying on his back, snoring quietly. I swing my legs out of bed, relieved to see that some colour has returned to his face. Morgan said she would drive the demons out of him once he’s regained his strength, so I just have to hope they’re dormant for now. He murmurs something and I touch his shoulder. No healing energy flows into him this time, and I can’t help missing the spark of magic in my fingers.

Several dark shapes swoop past the window and I hurriedly throw on my clothes. I don’t know where I’m meant to meet my sisters, but if I don’t go out soon their cries are sure to wake Tom, and Morgan said to let him sleep. Fastening my coat, I pause and glance back, wishing I could stay by his side. I have a sudden urge to go over and hug him, but I don’t. Getting emotional isn’t going to help. Now more than ever, I need to be strong.