"You must release it." Finnian pointed a gnarled finger at her.
"But my destiny depends on Brodie overcoming his curse."
"Nay, 'tis not true."
"My mother and my clan will force me to marry MacPeter."
"Will they?" Finnian raised a brow, eyeing her intently. "If you allow them to, they will. 'Tis your choice."
Her mouth dropped open. What on earth was he saying?
"Maybe 'twill ease your mind to know you are all receiving help from beyond the veil," Finnian said.
That sounded eerie. "What do you mean?"
"The spirits of your and Torr's ancestors are helping because they want the curse ended too. 'Twas never supposed to be and has thrown everything off kilter. Did you have any dreams afore coming here?"
"Aye, I dreamed of Torr and the missive from the MacTavish."
Finnian nodded as if he'd known the answer beforehand. She hoped he hadn't seen her sensual dream of Torr and that dreamy kiss.
"One of your ancestors communicated to you through that dream. I'm thinking 'twas your grandmother. Your father's mother."
"She died before I was born."
"Nay matter. Your ancestors are still concerned about the fate of you and your clan. They wish to help."
She glanced about the room, hoping not to see spirits. "Are they following me?" she whispered.
"The world of spirit exists alongside our own. Merely on different planes."
What on earth did that mean? What if her ancestors had seen her and Torr being intimate? How mortifying.
Well... in truth, that wasn't the worst of her problems. She had to make sure Torr fell in love with her... without him realizing what was happening. 'Twas the only way to save his future and hers.
***
"LET US GO," WILONAyelled to Alpin later that night. Fury blazing through her veins, she stamped toward the manor house's entry hall.
She could not believe she'd allowed her precious keek-stane to be stolen again. The whoreson had employed some sort of magical chain she'd never encountered before. She'd been forced to muster all her strength to escape its binding powers. Of course, shifting into the fearsome bear had also taken a toll on her. After that, she'd needed to rest for hours to regain her strength. The cut on her hip from Torr's blade still smarted as well.
Where was that lazy Alpin? She had no idea what he'd been doing all day while she rested and slept.
His boots clunked as he stepped into the room. He looked thoroughly mussed and smelled of whisky. "Where are you going?"
"To reclaim my keek-stane. Do you think I'll allow the knave and his wench to have it?"
Alpin emitted a long sigh as if he couldn't be bothered. "What's your plan?"
"Most likely, they've hidden my keek-stane inside the castle. Torr is a kelpie now, so he'll be outside in the open. Nay at the castle, guarding."
Alpin appeared skeptical. "Are you certain?"
"I've watched him many nights. The blackguard usually remains near the loch. Kelpies love the water, after all. 'Tis some distance from the castle." She narrowed her eyes, studying Alpin's wary expression. "Do you fear him?"
"Nay." Alpin emitted a faux chuckle. "Of course not."
She didn't believe him, but she needed his help. "When we reach the castle, you remain outside to watch for him. I'll shift into an owl, fly inside an open window, and search for the keek-stane. As an owl, I can see in near darkness. If no windows are open, we'll throw a stone and break one."
