‘Run!’ Angus yelled.

I faltered. Angus had stopped right in front of the flags. Why hadn’t he already passed the finish line? What was he waiting for?

I picked up speed, skidding to a halt next to him. ‘What are you doing?’ I shrieked. ‘You could have won by now!’

One corner of his mouth curved up in a disarming smile. ‘I’m under orders from my Chieftain,’ he said. ‘He’s been called away on business so he can’t meet with you like he planned. Between you and me, he’s thrilled to have the excuse to avoid the rest of the Games but he’s disappointed not to be able to do this himself. I think that he’ll appreciate my timing though.’ His smile grew. ‘Clan MacQuarrie is prepared to pledge allegiance to Clan Adair and we will prove our loyalty in any way necessary.’

I stared at him. ‘There is no Clan Adair. There’s only me.’

Angus’s smile grew. ‘The Kincaids might be the only Gifted with foresight,’ he said, ‘but my allegiance to you is about more than what happened with Lily. We haven’t forgotten the prophecy.’ I frowned. There was that prophecy palaver again. What did he mean? Before I could ask, he glanced towards the sky and noted the drone above us. He knelt down and for a bizarre moment I thought he was about to propose. ‘On behalf of Clan MacQuarrie,’ he intoned, ‘I swear fealty.’

It was a bold, public move that made no sense. My mind spun. Was it really to do with the mysterious prophecy? I didn’t believe in mumbo-jumbo like that any more than I thought I’d one day perform my own comedy routine on stage. I continued to gape at him, like a guppy on its slowest setting.

‘You should get a move on,’ Angus said. ‘Tipsania and Byron have just reached the giants.’

I finally found my voice. ‘Get up,’ I muttered.

He did as I bade. ‘My lady.’

I pointed at the finish line, glittering ahead of us less than twenty feet away. ‘Go.’

He frowned. ‘No.’

‘You won this fair and square, Angus,’ I said firmly. ‘If these Games are supposed to be about honour then you need to show everyone that you’ve come first.’

‘You need the win,’ he argued.

‘I’m already in the lead. Coming second won’t change that. Besides, the staggered start might still work in my favour.’ I grinned. ‘I might still beat you even if I wander in after you.’

‘But…’

‘You swore fealty to me,’ I reminded him. ‘You should do as I say.’

He gazed at me then gave me an easy grin and a sloppy salute. ‘As you command.’ He took off and jogged to the finishing line. As soon as he passed it, there was an explosion of fireworks that lit up the night sky with multi-coloured flowers and sparkles. I waited for as long as I dared. I really did think he deserved first place.

When I finally heard footsteps pounding behind me, I ran after Angus. Byron was hot on my heels and Tipsania came right after him. Both of them were soaking wet. I couldn’t help noticing how Byron’s clothes clung to his body so that every muscle and bulge was clearly delineated. When I caught his look and glanced down, I realised I was in the same state.