Elle had to admit that Lilly was right. She wasn’t sure why she had always been reluctant to let Lilly do a tarot reading for her, only that in the back of her mind were Gran’s stories about the ‘gifts’ people sometimes had. Gran believed in things like that—a lot of her stories were about women and healers and ancient rituals, and they had scared Elle a little. ‘So, you think hearing Gran is … normal?’

Lilly shrugged. ‘If that’s what’s happening, then who am I to argue? If she’s telling you to go to Scotland, you should listen.’

She always was a sensible young thing, Gran said warmly.

‘Look, Elle, I’m not going to tell you you’re crazy,’ Lilly said, reaching over to top up their wine glasses. ‘In fact, you’re one of the most down-to-earth, honest people I know, so if you tell me you’re hearing your gran, then I believe you are.’

‘But isn’t that … strange?’ Elle rushed to ask.

Lilly lifted her glass and pointed towards her bookshelf. ‘I have an entire library of new-age books covering everything from aromatherapy to Buddhism … I’m probably not the best person to ask to define strange.’ She chuckled. ‘Elle, your gran was a very special lady. She took me in when my mum turned her back on me, and I will never forget that kindness. She had strong ties to her homeland, and if anyone was determined enough to come through and make her wishes known—then it would be Iona.’

See? Gran piped up, sounding somewhat smug.

‘Yes, but it’s more than that,’ Elle said, ignoring Gran. ‘She bakes biscuits.’

Lilly lifted an eyebrow.

You should have left it at hearing the voices, dear, Gran said. I think we’ve lost her.

‘Never mind,’ Elle said quickly. ‘The thing is, she wants me to take her to Stormeil. The castle. We don’t even know where it is—not exactly. And that’s where she wants to be scattered.’

Lilly looked at her thoughtfully. ‘Elle, you know I spent time with your gran when you were away at uni. She was there for me during one of the scariest times of my life. I’m not saying we shared the same relationship that you did, but I will say we found we had a lot in common. You’ve listened to her stories your whole life. You know how important they were to her. If she’s still here, there’s clearly a reason, and I think you’re doing the right thing by listening to her.’