He filled the doorway, looking exactly as she remembered and somehow different all at once. Still tall, still broad-shouldered, still dangerous. But there was something in his eyes she’d never seen before. Something vulnerable and desperate and terrified.
Behind him, Skye peered around his legs. When she saw Leona, her face lit up like sunrise.
“There ye are!” The little girl darted past her father and threw herself at Leona, wrapping small arms around her waist. “I missed ye so much!”
Leona held her tightly, her eyes still locked on Murdock as Skye chattered on.
“And Nyx missed me too, see?” Skye gestured to where the cat was weaving between Murdock’s legs, purring so loud it could be heard across the room. “She’s welcoming us! She remembers me!”
“Of course she does,” Leona managed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Murdock hadn’t moved from the doorway. Hadn’t taken his eyes off her. The intensity of his gaze made her skin prickle and her heart race.
“What are ye doin' here?” The words came out breathless.
His jaw tightened. “We need to talk.”
30
For a heartbeat, Leona couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. Could only stand frozen in place, taking in the impossible sight of Murdock Lyall filling her doorway.
He looked exhausted. Travel-worn and windblown, his cloak dusty from the road, his jaw shadowed with days’ worth of stubble. But his eyes, those dark, intense eyes, were fixed on her with such raw emotion that it made her chest ache.
“Da said we had to come right away,” Skye announced, still clutching Leona around the waist. “Said we couldnae wait another moment. He was very grumpy the whole way here. Very, very grumpy.”
“Skye,” Murdock said, his voice rough. “Perhaps give Leona some space.”
“But I missed her!” Skye squeezed tighter. “And Nyx missed me, too! I bet she meowed sadly every night. Didnae ye, kitty?”
As if in response, Nyx wound between Skye’s legs, purring like a small engine. The cat’s tail was high, her yellow eyes bright with what could only be joy.
Leona’s knees felt weak. Her hands trembled as she touched Skye’s hair, needing to confirm this was real. That they were actually here.
“I missed ye too,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Both of ye.”
Skye pulled back to look up at her, and Leona saw her own emotions reflected on the child’s face. Relief. Joy. Love.
“Then why did ye leave?” Skye asked with the blunt honesty only children possessed. “If ye missed us, why did ye go away?”
“I…” Leona’s gaze flickered to Murdock, then back to Skye. “I thought… I thought it was what I had to do.”
“That’s silly.” Skye’s expression was so earnest, so certain. “Ye should stay with people ye love. That’s what families do.”
The word hit Leona like a physical blow. Family.
“Skye,” Murdock said again, gentler this time. “Why daenae ye take Nyx and find the kitchens? I’m sure they have something nice for ye both.”
“I’ll take ye, sweetie,” Isla offered.
“But—”
“Please, wee one. I need to speak with Leona. Alone.”
Skye looked between them, her expression knowing beyond her years. Then she nodded solemnly, scooped up Nyx, and headed for the door with Isla. Rufus followed them.
Silence fell over the room when they left.
Leona stood frozen, her heart hammering so hard she was sure Murdock could hear it. He hadn’t moved from the doorway, as if he was afraid that coming closer would somehow make her bolt.
