She huffed as if offended, and leaned against his leg. The sound of hooves followed. Quiet hoofbeats, not the usual thunder of them. No baying of hounds, either. When I caught a glimpse of the riders, they were nearly impossible to see, dark figures against the night, no fiery hooves and glowing eyes.

“Go talk to him,” Gabriel murmured to me. “We’ll wait.”

—

Ioan was dressed like a guy out on a modern-day foxhunt, in jeans and a jacket and boots. He swung off his horse as he motioned for the others to join Ricky.

“I’m glad you called,” Ioan said.

“I need help,” I said. “And I trust you a lot more than I trust the Tylwyth Teg right now.”

“Whatever’s happening, they would never all betray you. This is one or two fae acting alone.”

I managed a smile. “You give them the benefit of the doubt, even knowing they’d never do the same for you.”

“It’s the right thing to do.”

I chuckled. “They got the names wrong, you know. You guys are the fair folk. The Tylwyth Teg…”

“They are fae. Pure-blooded fae. With good examples and bad. The Cŵn Annwn are no different. You’ve seen our bad side. My mistakes with Edgar Chandler and the sluagh. Our own capacity to turn out examples of evil, like the rogue who abused Lloergan.”

I looked toward the hospital. “I have no idea what’s going on here.”

“I wish I could enlighten you, but I can only guess. Fortunately, we may be able to get answers to those questions.” He nudged Brenin at his feet and then nodded up at a raven winging past. “Let’s see what they can tell us.”

Ioan turned to Ricky. “I’d like to take Liv with me. You’ll go with the rest of the pack, splitting up to survey the terrain. Liv and I will ride closer and see what Brenin and Lludw”—the raven swooped, as if recognizing its name—“can tell us, while I keep Liv safe.”

Gabriel cleared his throat. “As you have failed to include me in those plans, I assume it’s implied that I travel with Olivia.”

Ioan hesitated. Gabriel knew that wasn’t what he had in mind, but he only stood there, his cool blue eyes leveled at the Cŵn Annwn leader.

“I can’t take two passengers,” Ioan said. “I meant for you to stay with Ricky. You’re right, though, I should consult you as well. I apologize.”

“Accepted, but I am not certain I approve of any plan that sees Olivia separated from both Ricky and myself.”

Ricky shifted, and I could tell he wanted to leap to Ioan’s defense, but he kept quiet as Gabriel continued. “We’re questioning the allegiance of several Tylwyth Teg elders. I agreed with Olivia about seeking your help, but I’m not convinced I want to also entrust you with her safety.”