‘But I won’t be alone. I’ll be with Sarah.’

David’s face tightens as if that’s what concerns him. ‘It’s like this. I take both of you or neither. Why don’t you have a little chat about it and decide.’

The boatman walks away and I stare out to sea, my stomach heaving with the waves. The island is right there. I can’t believe I’ve got this far and might have to turn back.

‘Tom, I don’t think he’s going to change his mind.’

He rubs the back of his neck. ‘Before you ask, I’m sorry but I can’t. We’re launching the game soon and I need to catch up with the team. Not to mention the fact I need to sort out a new job and find a place to stay. And then there’s my stuff. I can’t risk leaving it.’

I glance at his car. ‘I can’t see many people coming down this way – the track’s pretty deserted.’ I hate asking him for help, or anyone else for that matter, but I don’t have a choice. ‘I know it’s a lot to ask, but it would really mean a lot to me.’

When he doesn’t say anything, I hang my head, unable to keep the disappointment from my voice. ‘I’ll tell David we’re leaving.’ I turn and walk after the boatman, my hopes sinking with each step I take.

‘Wait, it’s OK. I’ll come.’

I release a breath – which I’m very aware that I’ve been holding, and spin around. ‘Thanks, I owe you. But only if you’re sure?’

‘Yeah, I can stay for one night and come back with him tomorrow. I don’t know what he’s so worried about anyway. Your mum wouldn’t have invited you if it was dangerous.’

A gull wheels in circles overhead, its harsh cry mocking me. My mum practically ordered me to stay away from the island. She was right about people attacking me, so maybe I shouldn’t go? I’ve no idea whose ‘powers are strongest at the lighthouse’, and after my dream about the woman in the chrysalis, I’m not sure I want to find out.

Tom must see the anxiety on my face, as he adds, ‘Don’t worry – I won’t get in your way. I’m used to kipping on the sofa. You’ll barely notice I’m there.’

‘Time’s up! Are you coming or not?’

Tom calls back to the boatman. ‘We’re coming. Hang on, I’ll just get our things!’

He lopes off towards the car and I chase after him. I’ve no idea how my mum will react when she sees me; I can’t let him do this without warning him.

I grab his arm. ‘Tom, there’s something I need to tell you. My mum didn’t invite me here, she told me to stay away. She said some weird stuff on the phone and, well, I’m not sure how pleased she’ll be to see me.’

His face drops. ‘Oh.’

‘If you don’t want to come, I’ll understand.’

He leans into the open boot of the car and I watch as he shoves clothes into a rucksack, trying to read the movements of his body. He puts my wet clothes into a bin liner then hands them to me, along with my work bag.