Kenneth and Masonclashed in a fury of steel, their swords ringing in the confined space. Mason's men rushed to aid their laird, but Kenneth's superior skill was evident. He moved like a force of nature, each stroke precise and deadly.
"Kill her!"Mason screamed to his nearest man, seeing his plans crumbling. "Daenae let them have this victory!"
The man hesitated,clearly torn between his laird's command and the morality of killing a woman. In that moment of indecision, Sophie rammed her shoulder into him, throwing off his balance just enough to buy precious seconds. She scrambled toward a fallen bow, her bound hands making her movements clumsy, desperate.
"Kill her!"Mason screamed again, locked in combat with Kenneth.
Kenneth's eyesmet hers across the chamber. In one fluid motion, he threw his dirk, the blade slicing through her bonds. Sophie's hands were just closing around the bow when Mason's man recovered, lunging for her. Her lessons with Kenneth flashed through her mind as she nocked an arrow with trembling fingers. The man was so close - she couldn't miss at this distance. Her arrow struck his leg, sending him stumbling back with a howl of pain.
Mason's facetwisted with hatred as he saw his last advantage disappear. "Ye always were a disappointment," he snarled at Sophie. "Just like our faither."
"Our faither was a good man,"Sophie shot back, tears pricking her eyes. "Ye're the only disappointment here, brother."
With a roar of rage,Mason launched himself at her, blade raised. But Kenneth was faster. His sword caught Mason in the side, driving deep. Mason's eyes widened in shock as he looked down at the steel protruding from his body.
"That was for threatenin'me wife," Kenneth said coldly, twisting the blade before withdrawing it. Mason crumpled to the floor, blood spreading rapidly across his chest.
Sophie watchedher brother's life drain away, feeling a complex mix of emotions – relief, sadness, and finally, a sense of freedom. The man who had tormented her for so long would never hurt anyone again.
Kenneth wasat her side in an instant, cutting her bonds with gentle hands that belied the violence they'd just delivered. "Are ye hurt, mo chridhe?" he asked, his voice rough with concern as his fingers traced the bruise forming on her cheek.
"I'm alright,"Sophie assured him, leaning into his touch. "I kenned ye'd find me."
"Always,"Kenneth promised fiercely, pulling her into his arms. "I'll always find ye, Sophie."
She buriedher face in his chest, breathing in his familiar scent of leather and pine, feeling truly safe for the first time since her capture. Around them, Kenneth's men were securing the remaining prisoners, but Sophie barely noticed.
"Ye fought well,"Kenneth murmured into her hair. "That shot..." Pride colored his voice. "Ye've learned more than just archery, it seems."
Sophie pulled back just enoughto look up at him. "I had an excellent teacher. In more ways than one."
The look Kennethgave her was full of such intense emotion that it took her breath away. Before he could speak, however, Lachlan appeared in the doorway.
"The area is secure, me laird,"he reported. "Laird MacDean and the others are keepin' watch outside."
Kenneth nodded,his arms tightening protectively around Sophie. "Any casualties among our men?"
"Just a few minor injuries,"Lachlan assured them. "Nothing serious."
Relief washed over Sophie.No one else would die because of her brother's madness. She looked at Mason's still form, feeling a sudden wave of exhaustion.
"It's over,"she whispered, more to herself than anyone else. "It's really over."
Kenneth presseda gentle kiss to her temple. "Aye, mo chridhe. Ye're free of him now. Forever."
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Kenneth strode through the castle halls, unable to keep away from Sophie any longer. Since their return from the watchtower, he'd been consumed with the aftermath - dealing with prisoners, meeting with the council, accepting the pledges of alliance from impressed clan chiefs.
He foundher in their chambers, seated by the window with parchment spread before her. The late afternoon sun caught the gold in her hair, and Kenneth's breath caught at the sight.
Me beautiful lady.
"Do ye need more ink?"he asked softly, not wanting to startle her.
Sophie looked up,a smile blooming on her face that made his heart stutter. "Nay, I have plenty. The experience gave me a sudden surge of inspiration for me novel."
Kenneth moved closer,drawn to her as he always was. "May I?" he gestured to the pages covered in her neat script.
