Panic gripped her chest, making her pulse skitter with fear.
She was about to turn back and fetch Callum when the shadow suddenly stepped out into the hallway and began to walk toward her. The person’s face was hidden by a dark cloak, and the height and gait were all different from anyone that she knew. He closed the distance between them with impressive speed, and Eleanor only thought to scream when the flash of steel drew her attention to his hand.
“Nay!” her voice rang out through the hall, sharp and crisp as she began to back away, raising her arms in defense. It was far too late for her to run, and certainly not a good idea for her to turn her back on whoever it was.
The sound of her own heart racing filled the air as her back connected with the wall behind her. The man was practically on top of her as he raised the dagger above his head, brandishing it like a sword as he brought it down in one fell swoop.
Eleanor shut her eyes, fearing that her life was over as she crossed her arms over her face.
This is it. This is the end.
A loud snarl filled the air as the man suddenly cried out and dropped the dagger to the floor. The loud metallic clank gave her hope as Eleanor suddenly veered away from him and duckedunder his arm, running toward Callum, who was quickly coming up from behind.
“Are ye hurt?” he asked as he quickly gripped her upper arms and, in one fluid motion, placed her behind him.
“Nay, but he has a knife!” She quickly pointed toward the glinting piece of steel on the ground beside the man.
Bran had pinned him down and held one arm in his jaw, shaking his head from side to side as his large paws pinned the man in place.
“Get off me, ye beast!” the man snarled, and Eleanor realized that she did not recognize his voice at all.
Jumping back just in time, Bran managed to evade the man’s arms as he reached for the knife.
Callum sprang into action, closing the distance between him and the assailant with lightning speed. But it was too late.
The man moved back his cloak, held the dagger to his throat, and pulled the blade across his neck in one motion.
Gasping, Eleanor turned away from the scene as crimson blood spurted across his face. The sharp, metallic scent of wet iron filled the air.
“Dobber!” Callum snarled from somewhere behind her.
I cannae look. I cannae look.
Eleanor repeated over and over again until Callum came to her side and wrapped his strong arms around her. “It is over now, lass.” His words were soothing, but Eleanor could not help but tremble from the near-death experience.
The man had had a knife, a knife that he had intended to end her life with.
She turned in his arms, feeling the pull to run into his protection as she buried her face in his chest.
Pushing her back gently, Callum lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “Are ye hurt, lass?”
She quickly shook her head, but winced when a sharp pain suddenly shot through her arm. Looking down, she noticed the rip in her dress and the small trickle of blood that was darkening the fabric.
“Ye used yer arms for protection,” Callum said gently, lifting her arm in his hand.
“Aye, it was stupid of me, I ken.” She winced again when he turned her arm, examining the wound.
His face remained stoic for a moment before he spoke again. “Nay, ye were brave. It was smart for ye to use yer arm; it could have been yer face or yer chest.” His voice was soothing despite the fear pulsing through her veins. “Go with Bran to yer chambers, I will send for Marion to come and see to yer wounds,” he said gently before stepping away from her.
Eleanor wanted to protest, but found him turning away from her.
“The council and I have to see to the body. I daenae ken the man, but perhaps one of them will.” He strode toward the man just as the rest of the council members began to file into the corridor one at a time.
What had taken them all so long?
Eleanor stepped aside, watching them all very closely as they headed toward the body.
Iain was last as he came up beside her, glancing down at her arm. “I heard the commotion from the chambers.” He glanced at the body on the floor. “Aye, ye were very lucky indeed.” He gulped back a breath as his face paled slightly.
