Morgan nods, a faint smile curving her lips. I can’t tell whether she feels sympathy for me or is pleased her sister is growing stronger. I’m afraid to know, but I have to ask.

‘Is that what happens? Do I become a witch by letting her take control of me?’

Morgan’s eyes widen. ‘Every human has led many lives. People may carry the scars of their previous incarnations – a person who drowned may fear the water in their next life – but most don’t remember their previous existence. But then you are not most humans. You are a sorceress, a magical being of immense power. It’s hard for you to reconcile this, I can see that. But there are not two souls inside you. There has only ever been one.’

She watches my face as if waiting for me to respond, but I can’t bring myself to nod. I know that Moronoe exists within me. I can hear her thoughts; I can see her memories and feel her emotions.

I get to my feet and brush the concrete dust from my legs. ‘Tom must be wondering where I am.’

She nods and I glance at the cottage, remembering. ‘There was something I wanted to ask you. Last night, I was thinking something and Tom answered me even though I hadn’t spoken, and then this morning I heard his voice even though his lips didn’t move.’

‘I see.’

‘Why did it happen?’

She shrugs. ‘Sometimes a person can lose a part of themselves after a demonic clearing. It could be that his mind has lost some of its defences, leaving him more receptive to the thoughts and feelings of those around him. People have been known to change in all kinds of ways. Mostly the changes are harmless: subtle differences in personality that only those closest to them would notice.’

I don’t say anything and Morgan asks, ‘Is there anything else you’ve noticed about him?’

‘Like what?’

She stands up, her wings opening wide and her feathers ruffling in the blustery wind. ‘Tom was able to see Merlin and your mother in Avalon because his mind merged with the demons. It’s possible they gained access to his thoughts in turn. If Merlin is able to influence him, it could put us all in danger.’

A chill runs through me as I remember how Tom could still feel the demons after Morgan exorcised them. He said they were drawing on his worst thoughts and feelings, trying to make him like them. I thought he was just traumatised by the experience, but what if they are still in him?

The rain is coming down hard, pounding against the gravel track and making the tiny stones jump into the air. Morgan glances at the darkening sky. ‘A storm is coming. I must return to the others and make sure they are safe.’