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The trip had been a success and Tessa now carried a bag containing a brand-new diary, covered in shiny green plastic. It even had a strap with a heart-shaped padlock and a key to lock it with.

    â€œI really hope this cheers Fay up—even just a little bit,” she said, glancing down at Storm.
    But he seemed to have run off.
    â€œStorm? Where are you?” Tessa called.
    She looked across the field, expecting to see him chasing rabbits, but there was no sign of him. Puzzled, she circled around, scanning the field more carefully, and just spotted the tip of Storm’s rusty-colored tail as he dove into the bottom of some bushes.
    She hurried over. “What’s this hide and seek—” she began and then stopped as she realized that Storm was trembling all over. She bent down and looked through the tangled branches at him. “What’s wrong?”
    â€œShadow has found me! He has put a spell on those dogs!” Storm whined in terror, his midnight-blue eyes wide and fearful.
    â€œWhat dogs, Storm?” Tessa looked up. In the next field a man with two black-and-white sheepdogs was herding some sheep into a pen. The dogs were running back and forth and snapping at the sheep’s heels.
    â€œI don’t think those dogs are after you. But how can I tell if they’re under a magic spell?” Tessa asked Storm.
    Storm whimpered and went deeper into the bushes. “They will have pale cold eyes and extra-long teeth. And be very fierce and strong.”

    Tessa looked hard at the sheepdogs, which were following their owner’s orders closely. “They don’t look like that. I think they’re okay. But you’ve had a bad scare. Let’s get back,” Tessa said.
    Storm squirmed toward her and she bent down and reached for the terrified puppy. As Tessa set off again with Storm in her arms, she felt his little heart fluttering against her hand. The glimpse of possible danger reminded Tessa that Storm might have to leave suddenly in order to save himself.
    She felt a pang as she realized that however much she might try to prepare herself for losing Storm she would never be ready to let him go.

Chapter EIGHT
    The moment Tessa and Storm reached Harpford Manor, they went to find Fay and give her the new diary. Tessa checked the living room and the game room before she finally tracked her down in their bedroom.
    Fay was reading a book. She looked up as Tessa came in and gave her a small smile.
    Tessa felt encouraged. At least Fay seemed willing to talk. “Good book?” she asked hopefully.
    Fay nodded. “It’s fairy stories, with really great illustrations. See? Ogres, goblins, and monsters, and there’s a handsome prince who rescues a beautiful princess from a swamp monster.”
    â€œSounds exciting,” Tessa said, even though she didn’t think she’d enjoy reading it herself. She went and peered over Fay’s shoulder. “The prince looks a bit like Donny. Don’t show it to Kelly or she’ll get drool all over the page!”
    Fay giggled. “Tessa. I wanted to talk to—” she began shyly.
    â€œOkay, but me first,” Tessa said quickly, thrusting the plastic bag at Fay. “I got you this. I hope you like it.”
    â€œFor me?” Fay’s eyes widened as she reached inside the bag and took out the shiny new diary. “Oh, it’s awesome! And it locks, too. Look at this cute little key.”

    â€œYes. So no one can read your diary now,” Tessa said. “Look, about the other evening. I know you probably still won’t believe that I didn’t read—”
    â€œBut I do believe you!” Fay broke in excitedly. “That’s what I was about to tell you just now. I came in here and caught Kelly reading my diary earlier and she admitted everything. She didn’t even bother lying. Anyway, I know that you had nothing to do with what happened.”
    Tessa took a second or two