Chairs scraped as they all made their way out of the room. Stepping outside they found Mrs. Radcliff wearing a dark cloak and holding a candle.
“Mrs. Radcliff, is all well with you?” Eden asked her. “Has something happened?”
“Have you found the box?” Her voice sounded different. Deeper somehow.
To Warwick, the woman had been old for as long as he could remember, but suddenly her shoulders did not seem stooped and her face appeared less lined.
“What box?” James asked.
She spoke, and Warwick scrambled to understand which language she was speaking.
“Yes, those words are on a box that we found here in Raven Castle,” Ash said.
The tension in the air swirled.
Mrs. Radcliff nodded. “My family are the keepers of the key. Since the contract was signed and Sinclairs became protectors of the Ravens, we have overseen and guarded your secrets.”
Samantha stood before him, and Warwick put his arm around her, holding her close. Something momentous was about to happen, and he wanted her in his arms to hear it. He felt it then—tension and power. It was there and more.
Dev stepped forward with James at his side.
“My ancestors can be traced back to the first Sinclair to live at Oak’s Knoll. Since then, we have always watched over you.”
Suddenly things and events filtered through Warwick’s head that she had been part of but until now he had not connected. He watched as she lifted a gold chain over her head, and his eyes fell to the key hanging from it.
“This key will open the box.”
“But why are you returning it to us now?” Dev asked.
“With the marriage of the last of the Sinclair siblings to a Raven, it was time for you to have the key in your possession. Neither the Duke of Raven’s family, nor yours, Lord Sinclair, will disrespect what you learn from the documents inside the box, so I do not fear you reading it.”
Mrs. Radcliff stepped forward and held out the chain to Dev.
“Your families are now united. Children have the blood of both families and will strengthen the bonds you have.”
“My thanks for keeping it safe, Mrs. Radcliff.” He took the key from her.
“I am old, and while I do have family, they live from Crunston Cliff. It is right that you now protect what brought about the link between your families.”
“Ceux de sang Sinclair protègent ceux de sang Raven.” She bent her head.
“Those of Sinclair blood protect those of Raven blood,” Ash translated.
Dev bowed deeply, as did James. Warwick felt Samantha sink into a curtsey and then they were all bowing and curtseying to Mrs. Radcliff. She then walked away.
“Should we offer her a ride down the mountain?” Cam asked.
They heard the turning of carriage wheels.
“I think she has one,” Wolf said.
“Did that just happen?” Harry asked.
“I think so,” Essie said.
“She’s always been such a strong force in our lives, but it’s not until I really think about it I realize just how much now,” Eden said.
“Inside now, everyone, before we freeze to death. Dorrie and Somer, get the box,” Dev ordered.
