I spring to my feet, but the moment I stand, a chill cuts up my calves. I glance down. My feet are bare on the bitter-cold dirt floor.
Dread shudders through me. “What did you do with my shoes?”
Callum speaks gently. “’Tis for the best. ’Twill keep you safe.”
Safe? Safe fromwhat?
I need to get out of here. But before I can move, Donag clamps her hand around my arm. I force myself not to tremble.Don’t let her see you scared.
My voice comes out firm, even. “You need to let go. Right now.”
She tightens her grip, then snatches a fistful of my hair. I claw at her, throwing a desperate look at Callum…but he just stands there.
Donag yanks my head toward the glow of the hearth, tilting to study me better. Shadows carve deep into her face. Her expression shifts.
Recognition.
“Ah,” she sighs, like she’s just solved a great puzzle. “You’ve hair of the devil.” Her fingers tighten. “I ken who you are,” she whispers. “You’reherchild. Grown up.”
I twist free and back away. “What the hell does that mean?”
Donag just smirks.
I shake my head, disbelieving. “You have got to be kidding me. This is aboutJanet?”
When Callum’s sharp gaze cuts to me, I know the answer. “Please don’t tell me you know her too.”
He doesn’t reply. But his face says everything.
Something heavy sinks in my chest. “Who are you people? How do you know Janet?”
Donag tilts her head, studying me with a sneer. “We all ken Janet.”
She steps closer. Her movements are slow, deliberate, as her eyes flick over me from head to toe. “A Jezebel like her, are you?”
Awhat?
For a moment, I’m too stunned to react. Then rage burns through the fear. “Watch your mouth,” I snap.
A harsh laugh escapes her. “Acting so proper.” Another step. Then another. Too close. “Acting so pretty.”
Her bony finger lifts. Pokes me in the chest. Once. Twice. “There’s nae doubt whose loins you sprang from.”
I slap her hand away. “You don’t know anything about me.”
Her eyes gleam. “No?”
Something deep in my bones screams:Leave. Now.
I summon my calmest, most reasonable voice. “Look,” I say carefully. “If my mother did something to you, join the club. Do you think I can control the woman? If you have a problem with Janet, she’s staying at that hotel near the loch.”
Every muscle in my body tenses.Stay upright. Stay steady.I lift my chin. “As for me, I’m going.”
Donag clicks her tongue. “You cannae leave.”
She says it so simply. Like it’s not even a question. Then she turns. Lifts a heavy wooden bar. And slams it across the door.
The sound cracks through the room, echoes through my skull. I freeze.
