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Key makes an indignant sound. “You went snooping in my grandmother’s attic?”

“I think I’ve more than earned the right, all things considered,” I snap.

Key narrows her eyes. “Point taken.”

“Regardless, I didn’t see anything of note, but there’s so much stored up there…I could have missed something. Haven’t foundanything in any of the wee rundown buildings around the farm either.”

“What about the auld Greer castle?” Blair asks.

Key perks up. “Castle?”

“Belonged to my ancestor,” I tell her. “There’s nothing there. I’ve searched all over that place.”

“But not with Key,” Rory urges. “Maybe her kelpie magic will pick up on the scent of something.”

“She’s not a bloody hound,” I snort.

“I mean…it couldn’t hurt,” Key says.

I peer at her suspiciously. “Are you sure you’re not just wanting to see the place as some sort of tourist excursion?”

“Oh, fuck you,” she huffs, rolling her eyes. “Like any of this trip has been atalla holiday. I haven’t done a single touristy thing since I got here!”

Rory raises a finger. “Youdidvisit Loch La—”

Key shoots him a glare.

“Never mind,” he finishes.

“We have to start somewhere,” Key urges. “I justknowI’m here for a reason. I can feel it.”

“It’s a two-hour walk,” I tell her. “Land is too rough that way to go by car.”

“I can walk,” she answers eagerly.

I rub my lower lip, frowning. It feels pointless to visit a place I’ve already crawled all over a dozen times before, but I can’t help wondering if perhaps thereissomething I missed. Something that Key and her strange, burgeoning magic might uncover. The possibility is enough to shoot a tiny thrill through my stomach, but I don’t let it show. I don’t want her to realize just yet how desperate I am. It would only frighten her.

“S’pose it can’t hurt,” I sigh. “But it really is a hell of a walk.”

She juts out her chin in this petulant, adorable way, and justthinkingof her as adorable has me reeling, because I should be holding this woman at arm’s length. And yet, here I am, signing up to go trekking across the countryside while she most likely complains the entire time. My da would think I was completely mental if he knew.

I ignore the pang in my chest at the thought of my father.

I’ll save him. It can’t be too late.

“All right,” I concede wearily. “I guess we’re going on a hike, then.”

“Right now?”

“In the morning. There’s not enough time today. I have to get back and check on the cows.”

“Oh.”

That look is in her eye again, and I’m not quite sure I like the way it makes me feel. Almost likeIshould be comfortingher. Mental, I tell you.

“You just be ready for me at sunrise,” I tell her. “You can meet me at the cove.”

Her sympathetic expression morphs into a smirk. “Will you be clothed this time, at least?”