3
Toby and Nicko barged down the door to Belle’s room. Behind it was chaos. Charlie was with her, standing in a coating of glass shards next to the window. Cracks in the surrounding wall indicated that whatever hit it was larger and stronger than a simple brick.
‘What happened?’ Toby demanded.
‘There was a light,’ said Charlie, breathless. ‘Then the whole wall just blew up!’
‘Did you see anyone?’
‘No!’ Belle was wailing. She fixed her hair with a shaky hand. ‘What’s happening, Tobe?’
‘Nothing. We’ll handle this.’
‘Get down!’ Nicko ordered.
A second fireball of dazzling light flew through the window. It hit the ceiling and the whole surface, chandelier and all, rained down from overhead.
While Toby ushered his brother and sister to the stairs to meet his parents, Nicko slid against
