Annabeth opened the door only a crack, her hand resting lightly on the handle.
“Good day, sir. How are ye?” she said.
“I’ve been better. Things have changed for me, and so they’ve changed for ye, lass,” Kyle said.
Marcus strained to listen, his eyes narrowing as he heard the deep voice of a man coming from outside.
“I daenae understand. What has happened?” Annabeth asked.
“Let’s just say I’ve had a wee turn of bad luck at the cards,” Kyle said.
“’Tis unfortunate, sir. I still daenae ken what this means, or how it brings ye to me door,” she said.
“I’ve changed me mind,” Kyle said, his tone sharp. “Ye’ve two days left, not a moment more. Get the money, or ye’ll be out.”
Marcus’ brow furrowed as he listened, but he could only hear pieces of what was said between them.
Was this man speaking of rents? Or did they owe him money for other reasons linked to this cottage?
With a snort of frustration, Kyle turned on his heel and walked away. Annabeth stood for a moment, staring at the door, her breath shallow. Then, without a word, she closed the door softly, locking it behind her.
Marcus watched as she walked back to his side, her face pale, her posture tense.
“What was that about?” he asked, his voice low but filled with concern.
She hesitated for a moment, eyes flicking to the window before meeting his gaze.
“It’s none of yer concern, Laird,” she replied shortly, her voice tight, before quickly changing the subject. “Now, I’ve got to put a fresh bandage before ye leave.” She moved to gather her supplies, her hands steady, but Marcus could see the tension in her shoulders.
She worked quickly and efficiently, the skill and precision in her movements impressive as she began to wash the wound. Marcus couldn’t help but admire the focus she displayed. Her hands were gentle but firm, and though the pain was still sharp, he could already feel his body responding, the wound starting to feel less tender. He wasn’t sure if it was the medicine or her skill, but the healing seemed to be progressing faster than it had any right to.
“Yer good at this,” Marcus murmured, his voice quiet as he watched her, captivated by her movements. “Ye’ve a steady hand.”
Once she was done, Annabeth applied a fresh bandage, making sure it was secure.
“I’ll have Murray bring yer horse round,” she said, her voice calm though the undercurrent of unease from earlier hadn’t quite faded. “He’s been preparing the saddle for ye.”
Marcus shifted, preparing himself to leave. The pain in his side had dulled to a manageable throb, and he knew that even though he wasn’t fully healed, he couldn’t stay here any longer. His clan needed him, and this was a debt he had to repay.
“Thank ye, Annabeth,” he said, his voice sincere. “I’m in yer debt.”
She didn’t respond immediately, but her eyes softened just a bit as she looked at him. Without saying another word, she turned and left to see to the horse, leaving Marcus to contemplate thestrange connection he felt to this village girl—someone whose life was so different from his own yet who seemed to have captured a part of him he hadn’t known was missing.
When she returned Marcus looked at Annabeth. His gaze softened with genuine gratitude.
“Thank ye, Annabeth,” he said, his voice low but sincere. “I’ll send a messenger to pay ye for yer kindness. Ye’ve done more than enough.”
Annabeth gave him a small nod, her face flushed slightly from the effort of tending to him.
“There’s nay need for that,” she replied quietly, looking down at her hands for a moment before meeting his eyes. “I did what any healer would do.” She offered a small, humble smile.
Claire, who had been quietly preparing things on the side, came forward with a flask in her hand. She offered it to Marcus with a gentle smile.
“Take this with ye,” she said. “It’s water to keep ye hydrated on yer travels. May yer journey back be swift and safe, Laird.”
Marcus took the flask, his hand brushing Claire’s as he did, a small spark of warmth in the simple gesture.
“I appreciate it, Claire. Thank ye for everything,” he replied, giving her a respectful nod. He looked back at Annabeth, stillstanding by the bedside, and for a moment, he wanted to say something more—to tell her how much her care had meant, how muchshehad meant in the brief time they’d spent together.
