Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR When Layla got back to the dorm, Ava pulled her inside. "There you are! We were about to search the library. We thought you might have been buried by an avalanche of books." "Or kidnapped by an evil villain who wanted to use your knowledge of the island," said Sophia. Before Layla could tell the others about her encounter with Ms Nettles, Olivia started speaking. "You'll never guess what Ms Tulip told us after the lesson." "This is SO exciting!" burst out Scarlett.

"What is it?" said Layla. "We're going camping!" whooped Isabel. "On Sunday we get to spend a whole night with our unicorns in a tent on the edge of the woods!" "Our unicorns aren't sleeping in the tent with us, obviously," said Sophia. "Shame," said Ava, and they both collapsed in a fit of giggles.

Layla did her best to smile but it felt like the blood in her veins had turned to ice. A night outside in the dark with only a thin bit of canvas to protect her from who-knew-what and two whole days spent galloping around the countryside? It was her worst nightmare! "Is… is everyone going?" she stammered. "Yes! It's not compulsory but who wouldn't want to go? It's camping with unicorns!" Scarlett leapt on her bed and began jumping up and down with excitement. On her own bed, Isabel bounced next to her. "It's going to be mega brilliant! I think we should go for a midnight walk! When the teachers fall asleep let's sneak off on our own." "Genius!" shrieked Scarlett, almost falling from the bed in excitement. "A midnight walk deep in the woods." "But the wood is out of bounds." Layla's voice came out raspy so she cleared her throat and tried again. "Isn't the wood out of bounds?"

"Yes, but we're going to be allowed to camp at the edges," said Sophia. Scarlett's eyes sparkled. "Which means it will be an awesome chance to go further in! Who's going to come with us?" The blue dormitory walls rang with the cheer of "Me!" Only Layla stayed quiet. I don't want to go, she thought anxiously. What if something happens in the night? What if something horrible comes out of the trees? "You are coming too, aren't you, Layla?" asked Olivia. Layla hesitated as Ms Nettles' voice came back to her. "Understanding the island is just as important as flashy magic and showmanship." Of course, that was the answer! She felt as if a weight had fallen from her shoulders. She didn't need to go camping to become a good guardian. She could just go to the library. "I think I'll stay here," she said. "I'd rather

catch up with some reading." "But we'll miss you!" said Ava. "Won't you be lonely?" said Sophia. Layla smiled back at her friends. "Honestly, I'll be fine. Just make sure you tell me all about it when you get back!" Olivia slipped her arm through Layla's, looking disappointed. "Are you sure?" "Yes," said Layla firmly, feeling relieved that she wasn't going to have to go. "I really am." The next morning Layla was woken by a shout from Ava. "Look at the trees!" Layla had to pinch herself to make sure that she wasn't still asleep as she looked out of the window. Last night the trees had been green and vibrant but now the leaves had changed to autumn colours and huge piles were scattered over the lawns. Many of them had blown into

Sparkle Lake and were drifting on the surface like an orangey-brown carpet. "This isn't right," said Ava, a frown creasing her face. "It's far too early for the leaves to fall. What's going on?" "Look, some of the teachers are out there," said Layla, pointing. For a moment she saw a figure behind the other teachers moving deeper into the shadows of the trees. It looked like Ms Primrose. She must be back! Relief rushed through her. If something strange was happening again, then they needed Ms Primrose at the academy. "Let's go and find out what's happening," said Ava. Throwing on clothes, they all rushed outside. As they ran to where the teachers were standing, Layla heard a humming, buzzing sound. "What's that?"