Chapter Ten

During a potion lesson, Altamira asks about Mika’s family, prompting Mika to admit she grew up without one and to explain common beliefs about witches: early orphanhood and a higher chance of birthing witches. The girls probe reproduction and risk, and Mika balances honesty with reassurance, steering them back to brewing.

Mika reflects on her first week’s progress—growing confidence, foraging, moonlight harvesting—and small hurdles: Altamira’s overactive magic, Terracotta’s spotty attendance and macabre banter, and Ian and Lucie’s hope that Mika can also guide the girls’ identities. Mika recognizes Rosetta’s quiet loneliness and curiosity about the wider world.

Acting on impulse, Mika invites Rosetta to a Norwich bookshop, then immediately worries about safety beyond Lillian’s wards. Rosetta’s tentative excitement convinces Mika to pursue it responsibly by asking the others.

At a house meeting, Jamie flatly refuses, citing unacceptable risk and potential exposure. Mika acknowledges the risk but argues incidents are usually dismissed as tricks, especially on video. Lucie votes yes for Rosetta’s happiness and growth; Ian votes yes; Jamie votes no; and Ken proposes a smaller first step—fish and chips nearby—though he supports the idea in principle.

With the vote split, Jamie surprisingly reverses himself and approves the bookshop trip, even agreeing to accompany them. Ian reveals Mika will get a vote after her two-week trial, and Mika’s startled reaction angers Jamie on her behalf, highlighting how unfamiliar she is with belonging.

The chapter ends with plans for the bookshop visit, Jamie’s reluctant guardianship signaling new trust, and Mika’s pending vote confirming her increasing place in the Nowhere House family.