I would kill anyone that touched her.
Caiden's shoulders were tense as he reached the outer gallery, his gaze sweeping the horizon as if searching for her silhouette. He cursed himself inwardly, the weight of his own heartache pressing down with a suffocating force. The very thought of Maisie becoming someone else's compelled him to move faster, yet reason held him back. He knew he could not chase her, no matter how much he wanted to, and that truth only stoked the fire in his chest.
By the time he paused, leaning against the cold stone balustrade, his hands trembled slightly with restrained fury. The wind whipped through the towers, carrying with it a chill that matched the storm of emotions raging inside him.
Caiden closed his eyes, breathing deeply, trying to quell the dark possessiveness that had surged the moment Norah spoke. But deep down, he knew the battle within him was far from over, and Maisie's absence gnawed at him relentlessly.
He turned away from the wind and made his way back toward the castle, each step heavy with frustration and longing. Hismind replayed her every glance, her every word, and he could not deny how much he wanted her near.
Norah's words lingered like a shadow, reminding him of what he had done, what he had lost, and what he would do to protect her, even from himself. Caiden knew, with a cold certainty, that Maisie was never truly safe from the pull of his dark, unyielding heart.
His thoughts were consumed by Maisie, the memory of her laughter, her defiance, and the warmth she brought even to the coldest corners of his heart. He realized, with a sharp pang, that he could no longer bear her absence; he wanted her at his side, no matter the cost. The decision crystallized in his mind.
I will go to her. I will fetch her back and see that she remains safe with me. I will be the protection she needs.
He paced the length of his chamber, each step echoing with purpose. For too long he had allowed his darker tendencies to rule, pushing away the one person who had managed to pierce the walls around his heart. Now, for Maisie, he would subdue the shadows within himself, focus solely on her, and protect her from the cruel fate that seemed always to follow him. The thought of holding her close, of seeing her smile without fear, strengthened his resolve.
Caiden moved to his wardrobe and began pulling items into a pack, a cloak to shield him from the elements, and provisions for the journey ahead. His hands were methodical, but his mind raced, rehearsing every step of the path he would take to reachher. Each item packed was a promise to himself, a vow that he would not falter until Maisie was safely returned. The room felt charged, the air heavy with the anticipation of what was to come.
He descended the stairs swiftly, each footfall deliberate, and stepped into the cool air of the courtyard. His horse, a sleek and powerful beast, was already being saddled by the stable hands at his command.
Caiden's jaw tightened as he mounted, his eyes burning with determination, ready to ride for the one person who had captured his heart completely.
"Laird," Eric's voice stopped Caiden as he mounted his horse.
"Aye?" Caiden said.
"The guard I set on Fowler, Laird… he's lost him, sir," Eric said, bowing slightly.
Caiden's eyes narrowed, a dark fire igniting within them, and he rose from his chair, every muscle taut with anger.
"Lost him? Nay, we will scour every room, every corridor, and the castle grounds if need be until that scoundrel is found!"
He strode with heavy steps toward the servant quarters, Eric following closely. The corridor smelled faintly of candle wax and dust, the silence only adding to Caiden's rising fury.
When he reached Fowler's bedchamber, the door creaked open under his force, revealing a room stripped bare. Every item—clothes, personal effects, even small trinkets—was gone, and Caiden's jaw tightened as rage coiled in his chest.
"Blast him," he muttered under his breath, scanning the room for any clue, any sign that might lead him to the treacherous butler. His mind raced, imagining the consequences if Fowler had conspired with someone to harm those he cared for.
The thought of betrayal gnawed at him, his temper darkening with each passing second.
"Eric," he barked, "search the kitchens, the corridors, the stables! If he hides, he hides nowhere in this castle!"
A sudden voice called his name, trembling and urgent, and Norah appeared at the doorway, her eyes wide and panic-stricken.
"Caiden… it's Arran… he's gone!" she cried, clutching the edge of the doorframe for support.
Her face was pale, her small hands shaking as she spoke, and Caiden felt his heart drop to his stomach. Every thought of anger and betrayal instantly turned to ice-cold fear, his mind flashing to the worst possible outcomes.
"Arran… gone?" Caiden's voice was low, tight, but trembling with suppressed terror. "Tell me exactly what ye mean, Norah.Where did ye last see him?" he demanded, his tone sharp but laced with dread, his eyes scanning every corner of the hallway.
"I was… I was in the garden," she gasped, voice quivering, "and I brought Hugh inside, and Arran… he was supposed to follow, but he's nae here, Caiden! I've searched every room, the kitchens, for one hour now, and I've called for him, but he's vanished!"
Her voice broke on the last word, and her fear poured into every syllable. Caiden felt a hollow ache in his chest as the reality of her words hit him.
He ran a hand over his face, his mind racing with possibilities, each more terrifying than the last. The castle seemed suddenly suffocating, every shadow a potential hiding place, every corridor a potential danger.
"Norah," he said, his voice steadier but firm, "we do nae waste a second. I will find him. He will be safe. Mark me, lass, I swear it."
