“Ye’ll stay here,” he said, “and ye’ll behave.”
Eva lifted her chin, shaking despite herself. “Why are ye doin’ this?” she demanded, her voice trembling but fierce.
Jack’s mouth twisted as he turned to face her fully. “Because Connor took me son,” he said, his eyes dark, “and now I take somethin’ of his.”
Her breath caught painfully in her throat.
“Michael?” she whispered, shock crashing through her in waves.
Jack nodded once. “Aye, Michael,” he said, bitterness sharp on his tongue, “the boy yer Laird stole from me.”
Eva stared at him, her mind reeling as pieces fell together in dreadful clarity.
“He’s nae stolen,” she said faintly, “he’s Connor’s brother.”
Jack laughed harshly. “That’s what he’d have ye believe,” he snapped, turning away. “But ye’ll serve well enough as payment.”
She was pushed toward one of the tents, her legs weak beneath her. Eva stumbled inside, the dim space smelling of smoke and damp wool, and sank to her knees.
Tears streamed down her face as she pressed her bound hands to her mouth to stifle a sob. In the darkness, her thoughts clung desperately to Connor, praying he would find her before it was too late.
Her mind raced, searching for any opportunity. She called out, trying to sound calm, “Water. Ye daenae want me faintin’, do ye?”
Jack’s eyes narrowed as he entered. “I said quiet!” he barked, towering over her.
Eva flinched slightly but forced herself to look him in the eyes. “I need water, Jack. Aye, just a sip, or ye’ll have me cough and choke all night.”
Jack growled but handed her a flask. Eva’s fingers closed around it, her mind calculating. As he bent to snatch it back, she kicked him hard in the gut. He doubled over, a grunt escaping him, and she bolted.
Branches whipped her face as she ran through the forest, her heart hammering.
“Help! Someone!” she screamed, desperate for anyone to hear.
Jack’s enraged shout tore through the trees, “Catch her! Get the lass!”
Two guards sprinted after her, but Eva’s adrenaline kept her moving. She ducked behind a tree, then rolled to dodge a grasping hand. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her, weaving through the thick undergrowth, but the forest was alive with the shouts of her pursuers.
A hand grabbed her shoulder, spinning her around.
“Got ye, ye stubborn lass!” one guard snarled.
Eva struggled, kicking and biting, but they forced her to the ground.
Jack appeared moments later, fury etched in every line of his face.
“Daenae think ye can outsmart me, Eva!” he roared. “Ye have only yerself to blame for this!”
With a swift motion, they dragged back to the camp. Jack tied her to a tree at the camp’s center. The ropes cut into her wrists as she was tied high, the firelight flickering over her face.
Eva gasped for breath, her chest rising and falling quickly. “I daenae care what ye do! I will escape yet!” she shouted, glaring at Jack.
He laughed, a low, cruel sound that echoed in the clearing. “Ye’ll learn the cost of defiance tonight, lass. Ye could have had a roof over yer head in the tent, but now ye will stay out here.”
Eva hung her head for a moment, sweat and tears mixing on her cheeks. Her heart still burned with rage, and though her body ached, her spirit remained unbroken. Every muscle in her body screamed to fight, to run, to be free.
“Connor,” she whispered fiercely, “I’ll hold on for ye. I’ll nae give up.”
Jack leaned closer one last time, his shadow casting over her.
