The air shimmered as molecules snapped and re-formed. I blinked in astonishment and looked around: everything glinted and gleamed with a rich opulence. Whatever I’d been expecting, it wasn’t this.

‘I have re-modelled based on what the Sultan of Brunei is currently enjoying in his palace,’ Bob announced with considerable flourish.

No wonder there was so much gold. The cabin was the same size but now there were shiny walls and large mirrors, creating the illusion of something far larger. Plush cushions and five red brocade-covered beds took the place of the sleeping bags.

I whistled. ‘Pretty impressive, Bob.’

His smile widened. ‘I know.’

Brochan was still frowning. He opened the door, stepped outside, look around and then came in again. ‘It looks exactly the same as it did on the outside but in here … good work, genie,’ he said grudgingly. Then he sneezed again.

‘Well,’ I said, ‘that’s the comfort part taken care of. Now we just need to worry about security.’

Bob’s eyebrows snapped together. ‘Hold on a minute,’ he said. ‘Are you telling me that…?’

I interrupted him before he could get worked up. ‘We should take turns to stay on guard,’ I said. ‘We need to be prepared for anything.’

‘Do you expect Aifric to attack?’

‘I think that where he’s concerned, we need to expect anything,’ I said grimly.

‘I’ll take the first watch,’ Taylor said.

‘Great.’ I yawned and jumped on the nearest bed, stretched out and closed my eyes. Judging by the last few hours, I was going to need all the rest I could get.

‘Good idea,’ Lexie said approvingly. ‘I think I’ll bed down myself.’

There were murmurs of agreement from Brochan and Speck, followed by faint creaks as they also lay down. Taylor grunted and headed outside to take up position.

‘You’re all having me on, aren’t you?’ Bob said gleefully. ‘Very funny, guys. Pretending to sleep instead of partying? Hahahahaha!’

There was a loud snore which only Speck could make. I pressed my lips together and tried not to smile.

‘It’s barely evening!’ Bob yelled. ‘What about that party? The team-building? The jelly shots?’

Nobody answered.

‘Guys?’

Silence.

‘I hate you all.’

Chapter Eight

I slept for a good five hours before doing my stint outside, then returned to bed for a further snooze. When I woke up, Bob was obviously over his sulk because he was curled up next to me in a pair of silk pyjamas and snoring louder than Speck.

I yawned, stretched and got up. Then I frowned; it was already morning but the outside world was remarkably quiet. Something felt wrong.

There were five sudden taps in quick succession on the door, the code for danger. I woke the others, putting my finger to my lips to encourage silence. Bob refused to open his eyes but everyone else was alert within seconds.

I stepped to the door and pressed my ear against it. Lexie was outside on guard duty. ‘What’s going on?’ I said, hoping my voice would travel enough for her to hear.