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“Darragh died almost eighteen years ago. On your birthday, to be exact.”
Taking a closer look, I notice the similarities between us. We both have the same dark brown hair and shy smile. “How’d he die?”
Fiadh places her hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “That’s a story for another day, darling.”
I nod, then run my fingers over the next person in the photograph. “She looks happy here. I don’t think I have ever seen her look so carefree.” A lone tear slips free, slowly sliding down my cheek until I catch it at the corner of my lip with the tip of my tongue.
“She was always the wild card of the group, kicking arse and taking names. It’s why I love her so much. I know I only met you, but something tells me you’re a lot like her.”
I know she’s trying to comfort me, but her words only make me feel worse. As if I didn’t know the real Éanna Ryan.
“Who’s he?” My interest piques as my gaze roams over the man beside my mother. Unlike everyone else in the photograph, he’s not looking at the camera. Instead, his stare is fixated on the woman in his arms, and it’s…strangely possessive.
Fiadh’s shoulders rise as she inhales a deep breath, and her words rush out on her exhale. “Gabriel King.” There’s something about the way his name slithers off her tongue with poisonous disregard, and it stirs my curiosity.
“Is he?” The question lodges in my throat, swelling with uncertainty and blocking my airflow.
Fiadh recognises my struggle. “He’s not your father, Saoirse.”
“But you know who is?”
“Sadly, no. It was the one thing your mother refused to tell me. Although I have my suspicions about who your father is, I know you’re not a King.”
Turning to face her, I wait for her to give me something,anythingthat will help me figure out who I am.
For the second time today, she grips my cheeks between her palms and surveys every inch of my face. “Enough questions for today. Let’s get you back to the house so you can get some sleep. You look exhausted, darling. I’m sure the last few days have taken their toll on you. I know you want answers, sweetheart. I promise you, you’ll get them, but not until I know you’re ready to handle the life the truth will bring.”
“When will that be?”
“After we teach you everything you need to become a true Ryan.”
