‘Whatever it is, it’s not natural. Even from our vantage point we couldn’t see anything. It’s all obscured by these damn trees.’ He poked one as if scolding it for existing.

I was puzzled. ‘Then how did you know I was in trouble?’

‘I didn’t. We only knew you were alone. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to come and talk to you.’ He looked troubled. ‘It’s just as well I did.’

I nodded fervently. ‘Amen to that.’

Going by what Byron had said, only one person was ever allowed into the grove at any one time. I wondered if that was merely tradition or if Brochan had gained access because he wasn’t Sidhe. Either way it gave me an edge on all these Fey wankers. Doing the unexpected and the unthinkable seemed to be the only way I’d have of surviving this stint.

‘The smartest move is for all of us to lie low. It’s not ideal and I know you’re hoping for a fresh start in Oban but we’ve talked it over and, if it’s okay with you, we might come and join you. Just temporarily,’ Brochan added hastily. ‘We don’t want to cramp your style or anything.’

I laughed, then regretted it when my ribs complained again. ‘You lot are hardly going to cramp my style. I’m more likely to get extra cool points for having you with me.’

Brochan grinned, relieved. ‘Now we’ve got the money to sort out Taylor’s debts and we’re out of jail, we can all skedaddle. Is there anything you need to fetch before we leave?’

I sighed. Skedaddling was incredibly tempting. Unfortunately I had to choose another path. ‘I can’t go,’ I told him reluctantly. I explained about the Foinse.

‘I’m not sure if you were paying attention, Tegs, but one of those people who’s so desperate for you to stick around and save them, just tried to kill you. Do you really care if the magic fails? I understand things will be bad for a lot of people for a while but maybe you need to think long term. If this weakens the Clans’ hold, it might end up being a good thing.’

‘Where’s the line, though? Is one death enough to shove the Sidhe into oblivion? Is one hundred?’ I ran my hand through my hair. ‘A million? Because that might be what it takes.’

Brochan was silent for a moment before replying. ‘It’s not up to you to save the world, Tegs.’

I bit my lip. ‘Actually, in this scenario it might be.’ What I left unsaid was that the trippy images I’d just experienced had made me wonder if I’d done the right thing by abandoning my Sidhe heritage. Maybe I was going to stick around here until I had a better grasp on all this Adair shite.