“If it makes you feel better, I’ll ask Master Woolstenbury to ensure the woods are searched again by the guard personifates, but I really think what happened to the poor jackalope was a one-off. Now, off to mechanical lab three with you all. I have some business at the Sovereign Chancellery – the usual trouble in the city with the ASL. Honestly, these people.” He hurried away.

The three headed up the stairs towards the mechanical labs. Zareen was walking along the corridor, her golden fur bright in the morning light streaming through the sky-light above.

“Ah, the three net busters,” Zareen said.

“Word gets around here,” said Prue awkwardly.

“I’m not judging you. Many of the second lifers here think the intention was actually very nice of you,” Zareen said. “But be careful. There’s been reports of a strange animal roaming the streets of Medlock after dark. Two sightings in one week.”

“Really?” Prue said.

“The ASL are saying it’s the guard personifates getting above themselves and scaring first lifers for fun.”

Prue wondered if that was the business Craftsman Primrose had been talking about.

“Personifates wouldn’t do that, would they?” asked Edwin.

Zareen shook her head. “It’s probably just rumours the ASL have started purely to create fear of personifates. Even so, Master Woolstenbury is going to send a note over to the house to ensure everyone is extra vigilant. I just thought I’d tell you three, as you seem prone to trouble.” Zareen raised her eyebrows and carried along the corridor.

“I wonder what that was all about?” said Agapantha.

Edwin shook his head. “Probably just the ASL, like Zareen said.”

*

In the mechanical lab, Prue was glad to focus on something technical for the day. She still felt responsible for what had happened with the trap, and if she got caught for lying about who she was, or for the memory lab, she didn’t want the others to get into more trouble on account of her. She decided she’d have to keep her distance, for her sake and theirs, starting from that moment. She set up on a bench of her own and worked quietly by herself, then sneaked out before the others for lunch break.

When it got to the end of the afternoon, Edwin came and sat next to her. “Frances, you’ve barely said a word all day. If something’s bothering you, you can talk to me and Ag. I know we got into trouble with the trap, but it’s not that bad. I’m sure they’ll forget about it soon enough.”

Prue shrugged. “I’m fine. I’m going to take the trap equipment back – I just remembered we left it by the forest edge.”

“We can all go,” said Agapantha.

“No, honestly, it won’t take me a moment. I’ll see you both back at the house soon.” And she hurried off before they could disagree.