Page 46 of Kilted Sins

“The old laird’s sword… did ye ever see it?”

“Och aye, me lady,” the blacksmith said. “We all have.”

“Dae ye think ye could make it?”

The blacksmith shrugged a shoulder. “I dinnae see why I couldnae.”

“I’d like that,” Enya said. “I’d like that very much.”

“Consider it done, me lady.”

She only hoped Cillian would realize he was worthy of such a gift.

Just outside the main part of the castle, a large bonfire burned under the night sky. It was a clear night and the stars twinkled bright as Enya joined the clansmen and women who were already there, enjoying the celebrations.

The fire mirrored the one that had been burning in the great hall ever since the start of the festivities—the Yule log, which symbolized the return of the sun after the harsh winter. The entire clan seemed to be gathered around it, more people than Enya had ever seen together in the castle, all of them drinking and celebrating. Among them, at the other side of the flickering flames, she spotted Cillian, Archibald, and Duncan, the three of them laughing.

It was the first time she had seen all three of them so carefree. It was usually just Duncan who always made light of any situation, but she was glad that at least for one night, Cillian and Archibald could relax, too.

She was the only one, it seemed, who could not bring herself to relax. Even now, all she could think about was how she would ever manage to tell Cillian the truth.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Cillian suddenly materialized next to her while she wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings. When his hand found her arm, fingers curling loosely around it, she jumped, releasing a short breath when she realized it was only him.

“Are ye alright?” Cillian asked, his words an echo of that night they had spent together. Genuine concern tinted his tone and Enya had to swallow around the knot in her throat before she responded.

“Aye,” she said, forcing a smile on her lips. “What are they doin’?”

She pointed at a line of men who were standing by the flames, as if they were waiting for something. Cillian laughed and pulled Enya a little closer, making sure her view of them was not obstructed.

“Watch,” he said.

Only moments later, the first man in line jumped over the flames as the crowd cheered for him. Enya gasped, her hand flying up to cover her mouth. For a moment, she worried the man was burned and she took a faltering step forward, her first instinct being to heal him, but then he walked off as if he was completely fine.

“Doesnae that hurt?” she asked.

“Nay,” Cillian said. “Well, it doesnae hurt if ye jump high enough. Dinnae ye have this where ye’re from?”

Enya shook her head. She didn’t really understand the point of it in the first place, but both the men and the people around them seemed to be enjoying the show.

“I dare ye tae jump.”

Enya turned to glare at Cillian, who was looking at her with a smug grin on his lips. She rolled her eyes at him and made to pull away, but he tightened his grip on her, pulling her close once more.

“What?” he asked. “Are ye afraid?”

He was baiting her, that much Enya knew, but the fact that she knew what he was doing didn’t lessen her desire to prove him wrong. It felt as though they were going back to their old habits, only now the challenge was less frustrating and more exciting.

“O’ course nae,” she said. “Why would I be afraid?”

“Come, then,” Cillian said and before she could respond, he began to drag her close to the flames, all the way to the back of the line. “We’ll dae it together.”

Enya reluctantly followed Cillian, knowing this was probably a bad idea. Just as Cillian had predicted, though, she wasn’t going to refuse, and so she stayed in line, waiting for her turn. Cillian went first, to the cheers of his people, his long legs helping him clear the flames with ease. Once he had jumped over, he stood at the other side, looking at Enya expectantly.

Still, she hesitated.

“Afraid?” he called over the fire.

Enya’s eyes narrowed as she stared at him through the flames and she scoffed, taking half a step back to gather momentum. Then, she told herself that she simply had to jump. She had no other choice.