Kate grabbed his hand. “Yes, and I will love no other. Ravens marry Sinclairs, and I want to marry you.”
“Don’t be foolish. I cannot marry you, Kate. I can offer you nothing here. My life is in France.”
“Then I will go there with you.”
“No, you bloody well won’t!” her brother bellowed.
“Stop listening, Wolf!”
“It’s freezing out here, let me in then.”
“Not yet.”
Kate heard several curses, followed by foot stomping.
“You would leave England to be with me?” She could read nothing in his expression.
“I would.”
“About what I saw today, Kate—”
“Is that why you want to leave? D-do you see us as freaks?”
“What? No, of course not! How could you believe such a thing? Mrs. Radcliff said you have heightened senses, and she told me the story as to why. I don’t completely understand, but what you are is wonderful… all of you.”
“Good answer, brother.”
“Go away, Max.” This time it was Rory who spoke.
“Mrs. Radcliff?”
He waved her words away.
“My decision to leave had nothing to do with the miracle I saw in that room. The miracle that saved your life. I just need to leave here, Kate.”
“But I saved you and you are of Raven blood so we are bound together.”
“I have no idea what that even means.”
“Rory, please don’t go, not this way.” Kate touched his cheek.
“I’m not the right man for you.”
Suddenly the carriage started moving. The door swung open, and in jumped Wolf.
“It’s cold, you can discuss this further in the castle. Both of you are injured, and I’m freezing, as is Max.”
“I’m leaving, Wolf. It’s for the best, surely you can see that?” Rory stated, moving to the door.
“It’s not for the best. Definitely not for you or my sister, and if you jump, you’ll hurt yourself more. Tomorrow is soon enough to make decisions. You can leave your family in the morning if you must, which incidentally is Christmas Day and my sister’s wedding,” Wolf added.
Rory said nothing further. He threw Kate a final look, then turned to look out the carriage window as they picked up speed and headed back up Raven Mountain.
She’d taken the risk and told him she loved him but had no idea if he felt anything for her. Had she imagined the connection between them? Kate didn’t believe so. Neither did she believe he would come willingly if it was his wish to leave. This thought, she held tight.
They arrived back in the great hall to find the family still gathered around the Christmas tree. Lilly was there now also, and it was to her Kate went.
“You saved me.” Lilly rose from her seat and wrapped her arms around Kate. “I can never thank you enough.”
