“Now.”

Sorcha obeyed, scrambling behind the heavy tapestry that cloaked the wall. A narrow, dark hollow lay hidden there, just wide enough for a child to disappear into. Her mother pressed a kiss to her brow, then drew the cloth closed.

“Stay hidden,” she whispered. “You don’t come out unless I call. D’ye understand?”

Sorcha whispered, “Aye,” her throat tight.

“I love you.”