Ailis’s solemn gaze fell upon the two bound men. “And what of yer people, the Sinclairs?” she asked icily. “Without a leader, what becomes of yer clan?”
Arran shifted uneasily, avoiding Ailis’s unyielding stare. Callum remained stoic, clearly unconcerned for those who once obeyed his every whim. Their silence conveyed self-preservation rather than stewardship.
“Speak,” Ailis demanded. Yet their apathy persisted, revealing their indifference to their kin and lands.
With a sorrowful sigh, Ailis turned and approached the oak door, grabbing the iron handle. She hesitated, torn between the healer’s heart and the chieftain’s duty.
Twice this day, she had crossed the line and killed men out of necessity. It weighed heavily on her soul. Could she condemn these men? They wreaked havoc but now they were simply pathetic. They did not need to die for her to live.
Ailis McAfee could find no solace in retribution. She stepped through the doorway, burdened by command.
Ailis entered the great hall, steps echoing softly against ancient stones that witnessed countless councils. The air was still as she found them waiting—Duncan, Alisdair, Lachlan, and Brodie.
“Ye have me gratitude.” Ailis’s voice carried both strength and weariness. Her gaze rested on Brodie. His eyes held quiet understanding. Gracefully, she approached him, kissed his cheek, and whispered, “Yer bravery has not gone unnoticed. I thank ye for the rescue.”
Addressing the gathered men, Ailis continued, “The Sinclairs are vanquished. Their kin must now choose—to join our clan or rebuild their own under a virtuous leader.” Her proposal hung in the air as she sought her brethren’s counsel. “I must think more about what to do with the laird and Callum. They do not deserve to live, but I am not certain I can order them killed and still have a clear conscience.”
As murmurs of agreement rose around her, Lachlan stepped forward. “Come, let us walk,” he suggested with affection.
They strolled through the keep’s gardens to a small clearing where the widow who had helped them stood alone. “Elspeth,” Lachlan announced softly. “She gave us yer location when we couldnae find ye,” he whispered to Ailis.
Ailis approached the widow whose courage had changed their fate. “Ye have me deepest thanks.” She clasped Elspeth’s hand. “Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help ye and yer family settle on our lands.”
Elspeth nodded with a smile that showed resilience and fortitude. In her eyes, Ailis saw the essence of Clan McAfee—strength, loyalty, and commitment to kin. “I would be forever grateful if ye would allow me to serve in the keep. I am a good cook, and I need work.”
Ailis smiled. “Come to the keep in the morning, and I will introduce ye to Granny. She is the head cook, and she will be happy for the help.”
Elspeth smiled. “Thank ye.”
“Nay, thank ye for yer aid, even when it went against yer laird.”
“I did what was right, as I always try to do.”
As Lachlan guided Ailis deeper into the woods, ancient trees interlaced above them. Ailis’s thoughts were tangled with recent events, but Lachlan’s presence eased her slightly.
“Ye ken how I feared for ye,” Lachlan spoke, weighted by concern. “When I discovered yer capture, ’twas devastating. I’m so sorry I left ye when I was supposed to be standing guard. I will never forgive meself for that.”
Ailis glanced up at Lachlan. His eyes reflected both worry and relief. “I do not blame ye. And I’m fine now. I’m happy to be home where I belong.”
“Knowing ye are safe once more… It pleases me beyond measure.”
Before she could respond, he stepped closer and cupped her cheek gently. His touch was soothing yet filled with unspoken promises.
Their lips met in a fervent kiss that sought to banish fear and affirm life. They kissed again, each caress an echo of longing endured apart. In the forest’s serenity, they found solace in each other’s embrace.
Lachlan put everything he had into the kiss, as if he could protect her from the world’s cruelties through love alone. Sheaccepted each offering. His arms healed wounds seen and unseen.
In Lachlan’s arms, Ailis momentarily forgot her burdens. She was a woman reunited with the man who captured her heart. As the woods stood watch, the future—with its trials and triumphs—lurked just beyond the horizon.
