“Not ofyourtime.” Isobell guided her through the great hall. “It is exactly as it should be inmytime. Castle Lachlan as you see it now is naught but a crumbling ruin in your time. That is why it is known in modern times as Old Castle Lachlan. This castle will fall into ruin after the MacLachlan chief is killed during the Battle of Culloden. Archie’s descendants will build a new home on the mainland which will also be known as Castle Lachlan.”
“How do you know such things?”
“Iain read to me from one of his many history books when I visitedyourfuture.” Moisture pooled in Isobell’s amethyst eyes, but the woman didn’t shed a tear.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you sad. It must be terrible to know of awful things that will happen in the future.”
Isobell’s features brightened. “You finally believe?”
“Let’s just say I’m begrudgingly considering the possibility that something otherworldly happened to me and Tevin.” Emily tucked a stray hair behind an ear. “You mentioned a faerie mound.”
“Aye.Foxgloves’garden gate and the mound beyond are enchanted by the Fae.”
“Faeries really exist?”
“They do. As do other fae creatures such as—”
“Unicorns?”
“Perhaps. Though I dinnae really ken much about the horned beasts. I intended to tell you about Munn. Archie’s wee man. He is abrùnaidh—a brownie. He found Tevin at theSithichean Sluaigh, the faerie mound here in the Fir-wood, and brought the lad to us.”
Before Emily could respond, Archie stepped from a doorway and signaled for them to join him.
Isobell touched Emily’s sleeve. “Come. I believe Archie wants to introduce you toyoursavior.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Emily stepped past Archie and entered the indicated room—a near medieval version of Patrick’s study in Anderson Creek. A large parchment-strewn desk sat before a high window faced by two wooden chairs. A hearth—
A young man rose from one of the two chairs facing said hearth, and slowly turned toward her. She stumbled, almost losing her footing.Oh my Lordy. The long-haired guy she’d zeroed in on earlier from the bedroom window faced her. His intelligent gaze was piercing in its intensity.
He was even more breathtaking in person. Would his light brown hair feel silky to the touch? She flexed tingling fingers with the thought. She took a step toward him.
“Good day, mistress,” he said.
Dear God!She melted on the spot, loving his yummy Scottish accent, getting lost in the dark pools that were his eyes. Eyes such a dark chocolate color they almost appeared black.
Isobell cleared her throat, bringing Emily back to her senses. Somewhat.
“U-um. Good day,” Emily managed to sputter.
His full—very kissable—lips curved into a gorgeous smile.
Her stomach did a slow jiggle.
“Glad I am to finally meet you properly,” he said in that sinful deep voice. “I hope you can forgive me. I feared the worst after my—”
“’Twas hardly a proper introduction, lad.” Archie laid a hand on his shoulder.
Emily frowned. There was something familiar about the long-haired guy. From before she’d seen him in the castle yard.
Ohmygod. In the woods. This is the guy who shot at me. With an arrow.
The certain memory surfaced in a rush. She jerked a hand to her ear. The fleshy edge stung like a minor burn. She stared at the clean fingers she withdrew, having half-expected them to be stained by blood.
“Let me make formal introductions,” Archie continued, unaware of her mounting distress. “Emily, our lad here is Gregor. He—”
“You shot me with afriggingarrow,” she sniped, ignoring Archie, her glare directed at the arrow-shooting idiot. Heat flushed her chest and face. She planted fisted hands on hips. “You could’ve killed me.”
