A girl around Prue’s age smiled back at her.

“She died when she was only twelve.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Prue. It was terrible for a parent to lose a child. She’d not wish to see anyone go through what her parents had endured.

“It was a long time ago, but as you know, a wound is left in your heart that never heals. No matter how inventively we look to fill it. I searched for years; it was what drove me to succeed. I was always interested in what happens beyond, from a young age, but after Ferne, and when I was so close to discovering qwortzite and the connection, I became obsessed with finding her and bringing her back.”

Prue swallowed. She knew exactly what she meant.

“I never found her, Prue. And no good can come of trying to make it happen. As you may have guessed, I have confiscated your adapted GODAR machine.”

Cora must have told her. She would certainly be told to leave now.

“What we do at the Guild … it’s complicated, and not just scientifically, but morally. You understand that, don’t you? Your invention presents a real danger to all personifates too.”

She nodded, even though she didn’t really understand.

“Perhaps we’re all still finding our feet and learning. I hope we can all grow from this ghastly experience.” Master Woolstenbury clasped her hands together. “Taking all this into consideration and the fact you find yourself without a mentor, I’m afraid it leaves both you and me in an unusual situation. One I believe I have an answer to. I wonder if you would accept an offer of transferring your apprenticeship to a new mentor?”

Prue’s eyes lit up. Despite having to let go of Francis and her mission to bring him back, she found she wanted to stay at the Guild more than anything. Right now she would have taken anyone as a mentor, even Sollentude. “I’d like that very much!”

“Good. Then I shall expect to see you after the winter break. You will report directly to me.”

“To … you?”

“I haven’t taken on an apprentice in years. I feel it may be time for a change. I plan to speak to Apprentice Snow-Moon too. There’s never been a more important time to ensure the success of a personifate apprentice.”

Prue beamed. “Thank you!”

“Of course, you understand that remaining here is on the strict condition that you give up your memory plans and all related machinery?”

Prue nodded.

Master Woolstenbury put her hands together. “Good. Now, I’ve called a meeting in the atrium in an hour to bring everyone together. I will see you then.”

*