We reached the border in moments, once Aoilainn ordered her people to stand aside. She looked so tired and worn I wondered if she put the last of her energy into moving us as quickly as possible. It seemed the air shimmered from a blank horizon to suddenly flaring with green flame and a gathered army of fading Unseelie.

I approached the doorway to the other side with Ameline next to me, gesturing for Odhran and Niamh to join us at the barrier. They came, looking as beaten down ...