“Perhaps,” she mused. “Yet even the loftiest of stars may guide a sailor home. Our dreams might serve us similarly, should we dare to heed their direction.”
As their gazes locked, they shared an embrace. In each other’s arms, they found sanctuary from the chaos of their world.
“Until we meet again, Lachlan,” Ailis whispered against his shoulder, her lips forming a melancholic smile as they separated. She wished she could spend every waking moment with him, but she knew better.
“Soon, Ailis,” he promised, fingers brushing her arm before stepping back. “Nothing will stop me from coming back to ye.”
*
Cameron, concealed atthe forest’s edge, watched Ailis and Lachlan part. Anger flooded him as he observed their tender embrace, realizing that Ailis’s affection was for another.
“Curse this fate,” he muttered, turning away from the scene. Each step back to Sinclair land felt heavier than before, his mind occupied by fear of Laird Arran’s anger.
Upon arriving at Clan Sinclair’s great hall, he hesitated before entering. Inside, Laird Arran and his sons Ian and Callum stood like imposing statues.
“Laird,” Cameron began softly, “I bring news.”
Ian fixed a cold gaze on him. “Speak.”
“I’ve failed in the task ye set before me,” Cameron admitted. “Ailis McAfee’s heart is not mine to claim. She has found love with Lachlan McClain.” He stood tall, waiting for the laird’s wrath.
Laird Arran’s sharp gaze pierced him. “Ye were to secure an alliance that would fortify our lands.”
“We must consider our next move with care,” Ian added. “Cameron is obviously not the man we thought he was.”
With remorse, Cameron bowed his head. “Me efforts were earnest, but she seems to love only Lachlan.”
“Enough,” Laird Arran commanded. “We will deliberate further. For now, take yer leave.”
Cameron retreated, his footsteps echoing against the stone floor. He was happy to be dismissed. It was better than facing the brunt of the laird’s wrath.
*
Cameron faced LairdArran, his past failures burdening him. The room was silent, with only the hearth fire’s crackling as company. Arran’s presence dominated the space, his eyes reflecting a tactician’s mind at work.
“Ye have been too subtle,” Arran scolded. “We must change tactics. Ailis McAfee cannot fall to Lachlan McClain.”
“Laird, what would ye have me do?” Cameron asked, his inner turmoil masked by a steady voice.
“Interrupt them,” Arran commanded emotionlessly. “When they are alone, sow seeds of doubt. Tell her Lachlan has been seen with another woman. Do whatever it takes to keep them apart.”
Unease coiled in Cameron’s gut at the deception he was tasked with, but loyalty outweighed his conscience. He nodded, accepting the unsavory mission.
“Consider it done,” he answered, resolve hiding his internal conflict. Arran gave a curt nod, satisfied with Cameron’s agreement.
