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He had told the truth. He wanted to reach Isla as fast as possible to tell her that it was finally over. But Duncan was not wrong either. He longed for the relief of it to finally close whatever distance lingered between them.

The thought spurred him on, and soon MacLeod Castle came into view. A smile crept onto his face as he thought of Isla welcoming him at the gates.

As they approached, he saw the gates open and his men pouring out. His heart sank.

“Nay,” he muttered.

He spurred Treun through the gates and into the courtyard. Whatever solemn peace he had carried since the battle evaporated the instant he saw the worry etched into every face waiting in the courtyard.

He reined Treun in hard, and swung down from the saddle before the horse had fully stopped.

“Me Laird.” One of his men approached him.

Alisdair ignored him and scanned the yard for Isla, dread coiling in his stomach.

“Me Laird, I⁠—”

“Where is me wife?” he asked. “Isla!”

No one in the courtyard moved as the rest of his warriors galloped in. Duncan looked at him, his eyes filled with worry.

Alisdair fixed his eyes on the man in front of him. “Where. Is. Me. Wife?”

“Braither.” Ewan came running out of the keep, pale as a sheet.

Alisdair felt his knees go weak upon seeing his brother’s worry. His mind briefly flashed back to that night. The castle had been so silent, and⁠—

Nay. Nae now.

“Where is she?” he pressed.

“What happened?” Duncan spoke up.

“Isla was taken,” Ewan said, swallowing hard.

Alisdair felt his whole world tilt, a wound that had never properly healed reopening. But he wouldn’t let it bring him to his knees. Isla could still be alive.

“What happened?” he demanded. “Where is Aunt Moira?”

He felt her absence like a blow to the chest. Almost all the people he loved were gone.

Then he saw a figure appear behind Ewan. It was his aunt!

Relief crashed over him so fast that he almost felt dizzy. She was well and alive… and crying.

“Auntie?”

She walked up to him and hugged him, sobbing softly. He clenched his jaw and wrapped one arm around her.

“It is me fault,” she sniffed. “I shouldnae have left her alone.”

Alisdair guided her into the Great Hall, lowered her into a chair, and ordered her maid to bring her ale. Then he turned to Ewan.

“How did they get into the castle?”

Ewan took a deep breath. “I followed some men from the east. They were heading here for sure. Sinclair colors. They moved stealthily, and they attacked the castle. We were upon them before they even hit the gates, and some warriors from inside the castle joined us.”

“And they took Isla?”