Page 74 of The Laird’s Sinful Obsession

But which of me people would actually dae it?

The question gnawed at him as he moved through the castle, checking exits, questioning guards, piecing together the timeline of the escape.

The postern gate showed signs of recent use, fresh scratches on the bolt, muddy footprints leading away into the forest beyond.

"Here," Lachlann called to James. "He went out this way."

"Gate should have been locked from the inside." James crouched beside the prints. "One set of tracks. Light step. The archer was alone when he left."

"But someone let him out first." Lachlann studied the surrounding walls. "Someone who knew the watch rotations. Knew when this area would be least guarded."

A soldier ran up, breathing hard. "Me laird! We cannae find Thomas. His chamber's empty, and no one's seen him since the watch change."

Lachlann and James exchanged a look.

"Thomas," James said quietly. "The lad's barely nineteen. Fresh to the guard."

"And probably easy to manipulate." Lachlann's hands clenched into fists. "Or bribe. Find him. Now."

The soldier saluted and ran off.

Time seemed to blur as Lachlann continued the search, moving from one section of the castle to another, barking orders, demanding answers. The morning sun climbed higher, painting shadows across stone floors that usually felt like home but now felt tainted.

A traitor. In me own castle. While Alba sleeps upstairs, unprotected.

The thought hit him like a physical blow.

Alba.

"James." Lachlann turned sharply. "Double the guard on Alba's chamber. Now."

"Already done. Put Malcolm and Finn outside her door soon as I heard about the escape."

Some of the tension in Lachlann's chest eased. Malcolm and Finn were solid. Loyal. He'd trust them with his life.

With her life.

Because she's Calum's sister. Because I promised tae keep her safe. That's all.

But the lie felt transparent even in his own mind.

He cared about Alba MacKinnon far more than duty required. Far more than was wise, given that she was his best friend's sister. Given that every moment he spent with her, every kiss they'd shared, felt like a betrayal of the Covenant that had bound him and Calum together since childhood.

What would Calum say if he knew?

The thought had been haunting him since that first kiss in the corridor.

That I've been touchin' his sister? Wantin' her? That I stood on the battlements with her last night and thought about a future I have nay right tae want?

Calum would be furious. Rightfully so.

And yet Lachlann couldn't bring himself to regret it.

"Me laird!"

A different soldier appeared, this one carrying something wrapped in cloth. "Found this in Thomas's chamber. Hidden under his mattress."

Lachlann took the bundle and unwrapped it carefully.