‘I promised sanctuary in the event of more Fomori attacks,’ I pointed out. ‘I don’t believe they’ve ventured across the Veil since I died.’

‘You’re nit-picking.’ Fergus stepped forward, letting the bike drop to the ground. His features were clearer now that he was closer to the flickering torches and I realised how pale he was. He was in considerable pain. ‘I need asylum.’ He swayed slightly.

Alarmed as I was by his condition, I still needed to know more. I couldn’t afford to be soft-hearted. ‘Why?’

‘I might have slightly irritated the Innes Chieftain.’

‘Go on.’

Fergus’s eyes were growing unfocused. ‘I might have met his only daughter in a Dundee nightclub. And I might have taken her back to my place.’ He paused and shrugged ruefully. ‘She had fun but Daddy Dearest is less than impressed. Our Sidhe overlords don’t like the idea of their bloodlines being tainted.’

Tiring of the conversation, Sorley waggled his spear. ‘I suggest we keep him outside the border until we can be sure, Chieftain.’

‘Let him in,’ I said. ‘He’s telling the truth.’

Sorley’s heavy bottom lip jutted out. He did as I bade, however, gesturing to two other trolls who took hold of Fergus by the arms to help him.

‘Bring him up to the mansion,’ I said. ‘At least Taylor will be kept busy for a while.’ My old mentor was no surgeon but he did possess some sterling first-aid skills.

‘Wait,’ Fergus whispered. ‘There’s something else.’ His eyes fixed on a patch of ground to my right; I was, after all, still invisible. ‘I was right before, wasn’t I? Tipsania Scrymgeour is here.’

I took a leap of faith. ‘She is.’

Fergus chuckled softly. ‘Is her dress ready?’

Confused, I asked, ‘What do you mean?’ His jaw worked in response. Judging by his pupils, he was on the verge of passing out. ‘Fergus!’ I demanded. ‘What do you mean?’

‘The invitations have gone out,’ he said. ‘Her wedding to Byron Moncrieffe is happening in thirteen days’ time.’

I drew back. What? That didn’t make any sense. I opened my mouth to question Fergus some more but his head dropped forward. He was already out for the count. Shite.

Chapter Two

‘He’s still unconscious,’ Taylor informed me. ‘I don’t think he’s in any real danger but he’s travelled a long way and he’s lost quite a bit of blood. There’s probably mild concussion too.’

Tipsania flounced towards him, hands on hips. She was the perfect modern-day representation of Scarlett O’Hara. ‘Can’t you throw water in his face or something? I need to know what’s going on!’

As ridiculous as her statement was, I sympathised with her. Even her father, the Bull, wasn’t thick-headed enough not to have noticed that she’d been missing for months. How on earth he planned to hold a wedding without the actual bride was beyond me. Tipsania wasn’t concerned with logistics, however; despite the appearance she maintained in public, she had no interest in Byron. Not these days, anyway. Her heart belonged to a rather intimidating Wild Man by the name of Candy.