The door swung open and a man peered out. Human – not Sidhe. Thank heaven for small mercies.

‘Need a lift?’ he asked, his voice rasping in the cold air.

The girl blinked. This was far from what she’d been expecting. She looked him over. He had carroty orange hair, a quick smile and a friendly light in his eyes. He didn’t look particularly strong and he was definitely human. It didn’t mean he was good, though.

As if sensing her indecision, he held up his palms, indicating that he was weaponless. ‘I’m not very trustworthy,’ he said. ‘But I’m not going to hurt you.’

She considered his words. ‘I’m Sidhe,’ she answered finally.

‘I can see that.’

‘It means I’m very powerful,’ she lied.

He nodded his head gravely. ‘I have no doubt.’

She weighed up her options. Climbing into a car with a perfect stranger wasn’t ideal but there was something about the man that made her trust him – and she had little alternative. If he tried anything, she could always make a grab for his groin and twist. She’d seen Tipsania do just that to one of the guards. It had seemed to hurt. A lot.

The girl pursed her lips then slowly nodded. His face broke into a smile and he jerked his thumb towards the back seat. After some difficulty, she opened the door far enough to squeeze herself inside. The radio was blaring, some political pundit jabbering away. ‘What Sidhe royalty lack is integrity,’ he argued. ‘They’re not like the rest of us.’

She stiffened. She’d thought that once she was out of the Clanlands, she’d be free of the Sidhe. Less than five minutes into her escape and already they were being discussed on the radio. That didn’t bode well.

‘What Clan are you?’ she asked.

The man flicked her an amused look. ‘I’m not with any Clan. I don’t hold to those Sidhe ideas.’

She frowned. ‘But everyone’s in a Clan.’

He laughed. ‘No, they’re not. I’m Clan-less. I don’t follow their rules. If that bothers you, you can still change your mind.’ He gestured towards the door.

She glanced outside. ‘No. I’m here now.’

He pointed downwards. ‘Seatbelt then.’

The girl stared at her new benefactor. He frowned and repeated the word. Finally understanding, she hastily pulled the seatbelt across her body, clicking it into place. With a satisfied grunt, he re-started the engine. ‘Anyone asks,’ he said, ‘you’re my niece, alright? We’re on our way to see your grandparents.’

Confused as to why anyone would care, she bit her lip and nodded. He opened the glove box and rummaged around, then tossed her a faded baseball cap. No less baffled, the girl put it on, tucking her hair inside. Her stomach had a strange squirmy sensation that she didn’t like very much.