Killian’s hold on the hilt of his sword tightened and so did his jaw. He would show no mercy. His last thought as he leaped towards Fletcher was that all of this was finally over.
Killian aimed the sword for the man’s neck but missed his first blow. Laird McLennan and his men joined in the fight against Fletcher and the men loyal to him.
With a loud cry, Killian stuck his blade in Fletcher’s gut when Fletcher lunged at him. The man’s jaw slackened, and his eyes widened as blood sputtered out of his mouth.
As Fletcher dropped to the ground, and coughed out more blood, Killian drew back his sword, touched Fletcher’s shoulder, then lowered his head to whisper to him, “I hope you burn in hell.”
Fletcher’s men fled as Laird McLennan ordered his men to kill them all. All that was left to do now was to put out the fire.
Niamh had Lily in her arms while one of Laird McLennan’s men helped wash her face.
The rest of the hours burned away till the fire licking up the walls became smoke.
Killian and Laird McLennan stood next to each other as they watched the servants and their men put out the fire.
“What kind of laird doesnae ken that his house is divided? How did I nae ken it was Fletcher all this time?”
Laird McLennan patted Killian’s shoulder once and offered him a soft smile. “Ye took care of yer people, regardless. Ye’re a good laird. Ye will get through this.”
Killian returned his smile before he extended a hand to him. “Call me Killian,” he said. “And I apologize for the wrong accusations.”
“Duncan,” Laird McLennan responded, shaking his hand steadily. “Our clans will be allies from now on, and all is forgiven.”
Killian’s smile stayed as he glanced over to where Lily lay in front of the keep, and as he watched her, his heart thumped wildly.
I love her.
Now, all he had to do was say the words to her and hope that she would say yes to spending the rest of her life with him.
34
Lily opened her eyes slowly and realized she was lying on a bed when she felt the warmth of the sheets around her. She licked her lips, sighed, and then forced her gaze to focus on the man in the chamber.
For a second, her heart plummeted in her chest, and she gripped the sheets beneath her tight.
“Lily?” Killian turned around to face her, and seeing him flooded her with relief.
She tried to sit up on the bed, but he moved to her and pressed her down again.
“Ye need to lie down,” he said, gently brushing his fingers through her hair.
Her heart fluttered at his touch. Lily had not expected she would ever feel it again.
I’m alive.
“Fletcher?” she asked, licking her lower lip again.
“He willnae bother us ever again. I made sure of it.”
Lily wasn’t so sure she understood him at first until the solemn look in his eyes made it clear.
“He’s dead,” she murmured, then shuddered a little.
Killian came to her side, gathered her close, and pressed her face into the crook of his shoulder. She loved his warmth and how safe he made her feel. She was so certain she never wanted to leave.
I love him.
That love was enough to make her want to stay here.
