Mhairi took it with shaking hands. The metal was cool and solid against her palm, proof that she had control. That she could lock the world out when she needed to.
"The room's a bit smaller than the first one," Alpin was saying, "but it's quiet. Private. And the lock is solid, I checked it meself."
"Thank ye," Mhairi whispered, closing her fingers around the key. "Fer this. Fer... fer everythin'."
"Ye have naethin' tae fear here, Mhairi." Alpin's voice was gentle but firm. "Nae in this castle. Nae from anyone. I've made that clear tae every person who lives within these walls. Ye're under me protection, and that means somethin'."
"I'm startin' tae believe that," she admitted. "That I might actually be safe here."
"Good." He reached past her to open the door, pushing it wide so she could see inside.
The chamber was indeed smaller than her first one, but it felt warmer somehow. Cozier. There was a bed with thick blankets, a wardrobe, a writing desk, and a chair near the hearth where a fire had already been lit. Her packages from town were stacked neatly on the bed.
"I'll let ye settle in," Alpin said, already stepping back. "Supper's in an hour if ye're hungry. Or I can have somethin' sent up if ye'd rather eat alone."
Mhairi considered. Part of her wanted solitude, wanted to curl up in this safe space and just... breathe. But another part, a stronger part, wanted company. Wanted to keep feeling that new, fragile sense of normalcy.
"I'll come tae supper," she decided.
Alpin's smile was warm. "I'll see ye then."
He left, his footsteps fading down the corridor. Mhairi stood in the doorway for a moment longer, then stepped inside.
And closed the door.
The lock clicked into place with a satisfying sound—solid, secure, final.
Mhairi leaned against the door, closing her eyes and just... feeling it. The weight of the wood at her back. The key still clutched in her hand. The knowledge that she could keep the world out if she needed to.
For the first time since the auction, she felt like she could breathe properly.
She was safe.
And maybe, she was going to be all right.
Alpin was halfway through reviewing supply reports when a knock came at his office door.
"Enter."
Callum stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He waited until Alpin gestured to the chair across from him before sitting.
"Me laird," Callum said, though his tone was warm with familiarity. "I hope I'm nae interruptin'."
"Ye are, but I could use the distraction." Alpin set down his quill and leaned back. "What's on yer mind?"
Callum's mouth quirked. "I think ye ken what's on me mind. Or rather, who."
"Mhairi."
"Aye. Mhairi Munro." Callum's expression turned more serious. "Ye've clearly taken an interest, me laird. As yer friend—and as someone who's served this clan alongside ye fer years—I feel I should speak plainly. May I?"
"When have I ever stopped ye?" But Alpin's tone was lighter, acknowledging the respect Callum was showing even as they spoke as friends.
Callum's expression was thoughtful rather than teasing. "I've served ye long enough tae see when somethin's... different. And this is different."
Alpin was quiet for a moment. "Aye. It is."
"She's under yer protection, I ken that. But it seems like more than duty." Callum chose his words carefully, respectful. "I saw how ye were with her this mornin'. The care ye took. It's nae just about keepin' her safe, is it?"
