We arrive back at the house a few hours later. Drained, Attou and I finally lift our invisibility and lie on the grass for a moment while mum and dad run over to us with a makeshift stretcher for Mrs. Wrenshaw. They’re followed by Ru with Cratt and Baro, appearing even more enormous than usual in the bright sun.
“You’ve abandoned your barrier now?” I ask them wryly, remembering how furious they were with Attou for appearing outside it.
“Bethamous will not be focused on us now that he has the book. Hiding is no longer necessary,” Cratt says, somewhat coldly. “I trust Agatha Wrenshaw is unhurt? Entering her mind will be difficult if she is in pain.”
“I don’t think she’s physically hurt,” I reply, managing to sit up. “But Bethamous attacked her mind, too. Attou wouldn’t let me delve deep e
