“And what happens when we find whatever’s hidden?” I ask.
The women exchange a look that makes my stomach tighten.
“We’re not entirely sure,” Wren admits. “But given that Russians might be involved...”
“It could get dangerous,” Kat finishes.
Great. Just what I need—international intrigue on top of my personal drama.
“Look,” Wren says, clearly sensing my apprehension, “you don’t have to come with us for the actual... whatever this is. You could wait at the visitor center.”
Part of me wants to take her up on that offer. The rational part that came to Ireland for peace and quiet. But then I look over at Kane again. His shoulders are tense, his expression guarded as he argues with Declan. He looks like a man drowning in a sea of revelations, desperately trying to keep his head above water.
“I’m coming,” I hear myself say. “Kane asked me to be here, so I’m here.”
Wren studies me for a moment, then nods. “Alright. But stay close to one of us, okay? And if things get weird—”
“Weirder than they already are?” I interrupt with a small laugh.
She laughs too. “Fair enough. But you know what I mean. If it gets dangerous, you run. Don’t try to be a hero.”
“Trust me, heroism is not on my agenda. I just want to help Kane get through this.”
Kat tilts her head, studying me with a curious expression. “You’ve known him for what, a few days? And you’re already this invested?”
I shrug, not sure how to explain the strange connection I feel to Kane. “He saw me when no one else did,” I finally say. “On the plane, when I was falling apart. He noticed. That counts for something.”
Before either woman can respond, the men joinus. Kane looks annoyed but relatively calm, while Declan has the resigned expression of someone who’s conceded a battle but plans to win the war.
“We’re heading up to the Stone of Destiny,” Declan announces. “Everyone clear on what we’re looking for?”
We all nod, though I’m not entirely sure what I’m supposed to be looking for beyond “something mysterious.”
“Let’s go then,” he says, leading the way toward a path that winds up the gentle slope of the hill.
I fall into step beside Kane. “Everything okay?” I ask quietly.
“Peachy,” he replies, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Declan’s not thrilled I brought you along. Says I’m putting you in danger.”
“And what did you say?”
A small smile tugs at his lips. “That you’re tougher than you look. And that you’ve already seen me at my lowest—when he stuck me in the sand—so there’s not much more damage I can do to my reputation.”
“Charming,” I say dryly, but I’m secretly pleased he defended my presence.
We walk in silence for a few minutes, following the well-worn tourist path up the hill. The day is clear, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. In any other circumstance, I’d be takingphotos and enjoying the history of this ancient site. Instead, I’m scanning the ground for... what, exactly? Secret markers? Hidden doors?
“There it is,” Rory calls from up ahead, pointing to a standing stone about waist high.
We gather around what must be the Stone of Destiny. It’s smaller than I expected—just a rough pillar of weathered stone, unremarkable except for its history.
“So, this is the ‘ancient throne’?” Kane asks, looking unimpressed.
“According to legend,” Declan confirms, pulling out the copy of the riddle. “Now we need to find where ‘seven steps east, three to the north’ leads us.”
Rory pulls a compass from his pocket. “East is this way,” he says, pointing.
We follow him as he paces off seven careful steps, then turns and takes three more to the north. He stops at a seemingly random patch of grass.
