They flew high over perfect, snow-blanketed hills and frozen lakes, avoiding flying directly over towns and houses where possible; there would be enough of an uproar in Medlock, let alone creating one in the countryside.

On a couple of occasions, Edwin’s wings faltered again, and they dipped, making Prue cling tightly to his mane.

“I’m sorry!” he called. “This body is … different.”

Prue softly patted his head. “You’re doing brilliantly.” But she had a terrible feeling that he was failing in his new body, and she sensed he knew it too. “Thank you for everything, Jack Swift,” she whispered.

He didn’t talk much for the rest of the journey. Prue felt he needed all his concentration to fly. Rising panic was building in her that if he was in this new body much longer it would all go terribly wrong. It had been bad enough being so close to Francis again and then losing him for a second time. She couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to Edwin too.

After a couple of hours, to her relief, the great thrum of the city came into view with smoke rising from chimneys, piercing spires, domes and rooftops one on top of another as far as the eye could see. They saw the great square from above and navigated from there to the Guild house. They drew some attention from below with people looking and pointing, having not seen a personifate quite as magnificent before.

Edwin dropped Prue off in the street outside the Guild house.

“I’ll fly to the factorium and update Master White. You tell Agapantha and the others,” he said.

“I’d rather go with you,” she protested.

“Agapantha will be worried. You should see her. I’ll be fine.”

“You need to get back into your old body as soon as possible,” she blurted.

He paused, looking deep into her eyes and nodded. “I know. See you soon.” And with that, he took flight.

Prue watched him grow smaller in the distance, her heart tight. She took a breath and let herself into the house. She found Lavender, Liddy, Queen Adelaide, Abel from the gardens, and some of the other apprentices in the dining room. A hush came over the room. Lavender rushed over and embraced her.

“Oh, my dear. Thank goodness you’re all right.”

Liddy hugged her next. “What a business! I can’t believe you’ve survived without a scratch.”

Cora glanced up from her lunch. “Oh great, you’re back,” she said flatly.

“Nice to see you too, Cora,” said Prue. And meant it.

“Where’s the little one?”

“He’s needed to see Master White right away,” Prue said, a lump in her throat.

Agapantha ran into the room, “You’re back!” she cried, in the loudest voice Prue had ever heard her use. Agapantha instantly turned a shade of scarlet as everyone stared.

“Now, where were we with the snow plans?” Liddy said.