31

For a moment, you stiffen with shock. It's not the first time you've heard Carys speak—but you've gotten so used to Arctus's silence that it caught you off guard. You let out a slightly shaky breath as all the while Carys stares up at you, unblinking.

You realize after a second that it was such a surprise to hear her say anything that you've half forgotten what she actually said.

"Wait—did you say—"

"Diary!" Carys repeats in her shrill voice.

Then, a moment later, she flaps her wings and takes off flying into the house.

"Carys—wait!"

With no idea what's going on, you follow the crow all the way into the hallway and up the stairs (with Arctus not far behind). When you reach the top and spot Carys gliding through the open study door, you turn and sprint after her—but by the time you get into the room, Carys is already perched on the lip of a cardboard box and throwing scraps of paper indiscriminately over the edge.

"Hey! Stop that!"

Carys glances up at you as if to ask you to keep it down—and then goes right back to scattering paper all over the office.