Edwin shrugged. “It’s a big responsibility to name someone.”

“Don’t worry, the personifate can say if they don’t like it,” said Master White.

“Corabel?” said Cora.

The eagle winced.

“Maybe not,” said Master White. “Agapantha, or Frances, any suggestions?”

But the room felt as though it was closing in on Prue. Her heart ached so much for Francis. She couldn’t speak.

“How about Gisella?” said Agapantha.

Master White smiled. “I like it.”

“So do I,” said the eagle.

Green curtains were drawing over Prue’s vision, her ears buzzed. Something soft brushed her hand. Edwin’s paw was nudging her.

“Frances, are you all right?” he said.

“Francis,” Prue whispered.

Then the curtains shut and there was silence.

*

When Prue woke, it was just her and Master Woolstenbury in the room.

“It’s all right, Frances, you haven’t been out for long.”

The memory of the evening came back to her. Master Woolstenbury must think she was useless, fainting at a harnessing. Panic hit her – if they contacted her parents to ask about her health, then she’d be found out.

“Here, have some sweet cocoa, it will help.”

Prue took a sip. It warmed her and made her feel less hazy. “I’m fine, honestly,” she said, swinging her feet around to sit up. The eagle personifate had gone, but she noticed Zareen was now in the room sitting quietly beside Master Woolstenbury’s desk. “Silly, really; it must’ve been because I didn’t eat much for dinner.”

Master Woolstenbury narrowed her eyes.

Prue hoped if Master Woolstenbury was going to tell her she was too weak to be an apprentice, that it would be over quickly, and she could just pack her things quietly and disappear. Master Woolstenbury’s eyes met Prue’s, and much as Prue tried to hold her emerald stare, she found herself looking away. What if she’d already realized about Francis? Had she mumbled something accidentally while she’d been out?

Master Woolstenbury leaned forward. She spoke kindly. “You’ve recently lost someone, haven’t you, Frances?”

For a moment, Prue felt the ground disappear beneath her. She thought it was all over.

Then she realized that Master Woolstenbury had called her Frances, which meant she probably didn’t know everything.

Prue nodded.

“It’s happened before with apprentices. An experience of loss can make the harnessing process difficult to deal with. If you need to talk to anyone, of course you have Craftsman Primrose, but I want you to know that my door is always open too.”

“Thank you,” Prue said quietly, her muscles relaxing with relief.