May couldn’t yet talk properly. The sensation of using an organ which she’d become so used to doing without meant that it was easier for her to continue communicating with Fergus through sign language. It didn’t mean that she wasn’t going to practise the ‘new’ sounds she could make, however. When I got up to leave, murmuring to Fergus about what I needed from him next, she clutched at his arm and beamed, her brow furrowed in deep concentration. ‘Fer … gus.’

I pressed my lips together hard. It was difficult to say who was more jubilant, Fergus or May.

I turned to go, leaving them to enjoy her newfound skills. Fergus grabbed my arm. ‘You should know,’ he said, his eyes focusing on mine with an intensity I’d not seen from him before, ‘her tongue wasn’t removed as a punishment. It wasn’t done to hurt her.’

‘Then why?’ I asked, my voice barely audible above the raucous cheering of the trolls around us.

He shrugged awkwardly. ‘From what she’s told me, it was some kind of parasite. It burrowed its way in and cutting out her tongue was the only way to get rid of it. Even then, she didn’t think she was going to make it. Most demons affected in this way don’t.’

‘I assumed it was torture,’ I said.

‘So did I. But she keeps saying that the Fomori aren’t as bad as we all think.’

We exchanged glances. I bit my lip, nodded and walked away. There was still a lot to do before the night was over.

***

We reconvened at the prow of the ferry. I checked my watch and gave a satisfied nod. Three in the morning. Many of the trolls were still on patrol but I reckoned we had a good five minutes before they’d swing round this way again.

Fergus had already worked out what was going to happen. He leaned nonchalantly against the side of the ship, a smile playing around his lips, while I outlined the plan. Byron remained impassive and I appreciated his silence until I’d finished talking. ‘That’s an even worse idea than planning a fake wedding,’ he told me.

I was expecting this reaction. ‘Right now, there’s no alternative. Not unless letting an all-out war start is your idea of fun.’ He looked irritated. I shrugged. ‘I’m telling you all this because I’m not keeping any more secrets.’

Byron raised his eyebrows. ‘Is that why Lexie, Speck, Brochan and Taylor are currently tucked in bed and not here?’

I met his eyes. ‘Taylor almost died. And you’re right, this is a really bad idea. It’s risky and stupid and if he knew, Taylor would give me astronomical odds against the chance of success. If any of them was aware of what I’m about to do, they’d demand to come along but I’m not putting them in that kind of danger. I’d prefer not to put you in that kind of danger either. But for you,’ I gestured helplessly, ‘full disclosure.’