Byron snorted. ‘Sort yourself out. When you’re decent, I’ll be waiting in the library.’

Like I was supposed to know where that was. He spun round and stalked out before I could ask him for directions. I glared at his retreating back. God, this place was even worse than I’d thought.

Chapter Twelve

After dousing myself with water and scrubbing my skin clean of slime, gunk and Jamie’s lingering scent, I went in search of Bob. Byron’s glowering face could wait.

I ignored the many Sidhe who stared at me with unchecked fascination and limped downstairs. It was painful to breathe; I could swear that the damned worm had broken one of my ribs. Whatever, I was going to have some brightly coloured bruises. Going by the looks I was getting, there was a good chance several of them would be on my face.

I glared at a few of the less subtle Sidhe and they backed off. I also scanned every face for signs of disappointment that I was still alive. One of these wankers had summoned the stoor worm. Unfortunately, if my would-be executioner was one of these guys, he or she was a damned good actor.

I’d just reached the front doors and was about to step outside when there was an alarmed shout. ‘Chieftain Adair! You can’t leave! Not yet.’

I turned, sucking in a breath as my body complained at the sudden movement. ‘It’s Taylor, not Adair. Whoever my parents were, the Adair Clan is dead.’

The Sidhe who’d addressed me was an older woman with a lined face and less than pristine clothes that marked her as a lower-class Sidhe. She caught up with me. ‘You should be proud of that name,’ she scolded. ‘Pride is important. Like lions. Lions are strong. They’re the kings of the jungle. That’s why they live in prides.’

I raised my eyebrows. I’d been accosted by a mad woman. ‘Why should I be proud? Everyone treats me like I’m a leper because of that name.’

She shook her head. ‘They’re just too scared to come and talk to you.’ She grabbed my shirt and started pulling, as if she wanted to drag me back inside. ‘The Adairs are legends in their own right.’

‘Were legends,’ I said flatly, shaking her off. ‘But thank you for your words.’ I supposed the least I could do was to be polite. I turned to go.

‘Where are you going? Don’t leave! We need you.’

‘I’m not leaving,’ I said through gritted teeth. ‘I’m going for a walk.’

Her eyes rolled in an alarming fashion. ‘Walk the walk and talk the talk! Let me get you an escort at least.’