Page 70 of Wicked Kilted Highlander

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

Lara's eyelids fluttered open, her surroundings a blur of shadows and shapes. Her head throbbed with a dull ache, and the weight of exhaustion clung to her limbs like shackles. As her vision cleared, she recognized the healer’s chamber—dark wooden beams stretched across the ceiling, and the flickering glow from the fireplace cast dancing patterns upon the stone walls. The scent of lavender-filled pillows and the warmth of soft blankets enveloped her, offering solace in their embrace.

"Quinn?" she croaked; her voice low. Her brother sat beside her on the bed, his brow creased with worry.

"Easy now," he urged, his hand resting gently on her arm.

Panic surged through Lara's veins like wildfire, searing her chest and clawing at her throat as questions plagued her mind. "Darragh… where is he?" she choked out, her heart pounding against her ribcage. She could feel the icy grip of dread tightening around her core, threatening to suffocate her.

"Shh, calm yourself, Lara," Quinn implored, his eyes softening with concern. "Ye've just woken up, and you're still weak."

"Quinn, please," Lara pleaded, the urgency in her voice unmistakable. "Tell me, where is Darragh!?"

Quinn hesitated, his gaze darting away briefly before he spoke. "He's gone Lara. Faither suspects he is the one who poisoned ye and asked him tae leave once he made sure ye were well enough. We all tried to defend him as best we could but Faither’s mind was made up…"

Lara's breath hitched, and a cold shiver ran down her spine. Her eyes, now filled with determination, locked onto her brother’s. "We must speak tae Faither now. Darragh never poisoned me, Quinn. What if he’s in danger?"

With Quinn's assistance, Lara swung her legs over the edge of the bed, planting her feet on the cold stone floor. The chill seeped through her soles, grounding her as she clung to her brother for support. Together, they made their way toward their father's study, each step fueled by an unwavering resolve.

"Thank ye, Quinn," Lara whispered, her gratitude mingling with the fear that coiled in her stomach.

"Of course, little sister," he replied, his grip on her arm tightening reassuringly. "We'll bring him back home, safe and sound."

As Lara and Quinn walked towards the laird’s study, she saw two guards entering the room.

"Laird Campbell is gone! We tried to bring him your message me laird but he hasnae been seen here or at his castle since yesterday!"

"Keep searching, lad!" came Harris’s response.

Lara's blood ran cold, her mind racing as she pieced together what she'd overheard. Gregor's disappearance… It all fit together in a sickening puzzle. Her gut clenched with dread, and she exchanged a worried glance with Quinn.

"Quinn," she whispered, "I think that if someone has something tae dae with the poisoning, it must be Gregor. And if he did it, then—"

"Then Darragh could be in grave danger," Quinn finished, his own worry evident in the furrowed brow.

"Exactly," Lara said, her jaw set in determination. She couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out for Darragh, and every second they wasted brought him closer to an unthinkable fate.

Her thoughts were a whirlwind, swirling with fear and uncertainty. But amidst the chaos, one thing remained crystal clear: she had to find Darragh, no matter the cost.

"Faither must ken about this," she insisted, her eyes filled with resolve. "We need to find Darragh before it's too late."

"Agreed," Quinn replied, his grip on her arm steady as they approached the door to the study. Lara steeled herself for the confrontation to come, her love for Darragh and her fear for his safety fueling her determination. She knew she had to be strong, to advocate for him with all the conviction she could muster. And with Quinn by her side, she felt a glimmer of hope that, together, they could bring Darragh home safely.

She glanced over at Quinn, whose jaw was set as he knocked.

“Enter,” came the laird’s booming voice. They opened the door and went in. He was seated behind his desk. He looked shocked to see her.

"Faither," Lara began at once, not giving him time to speak, "we have reason tae believe that Gregor might harm Darragh. Please, we must find him."

Her voice wavered, but she forced herself to meet her father's piercing gaze. Harris MacLean leaned back in his chair, his eyes scrutinizing his daughter's desperate countenance.

"Gregor?" He asked. "Why would he take Darragh?"

"Because," Lara replied, her fingers twisting nervously around the fabric of her dress, "I believe he’s responsible for poisoning me, and now he’s targeted him."

"Poisoning ye?” Harris's brow furrowed, his surprise lessening. There was an undertone of fear in his voice, betraying his concern for his children.

"Please," Lara pleaded once more, her love for Darragh shining through her anguish. "We cannae waste any more time. We need tae search for Darragh, or I fear we may lose him forever. I overheard some guards telling you Gregor is nowhere tae be seen, Faither. Is that nae enough fer ye tae act?"

The fire crackled and the scent of leather-bound books and parchment mingled with the faint aroma of burning wood from the fireplace, reminding Lara of countless hours spent in this room. But now, she felt as if she were a stranger, begging her father to save someone dear to her.

“Faither, I must be totally honest with ye. I lied to you to protect Darragh because ye were blinded by your suspicion towards him. He and I are not wed and I am not with child. I lied to you without him even knowing, to buy him some time, because of your hatred for the Clan MacDonald. I understand that it was hard to trust my instinct about Darragh but I promise you that he saved me many times and that he always had my safety at heart. We love each other deeply and I will do anything to save him.” She looked at Quinn for support and he nodded.

“What Lara says is true and I saw firsthand that Darragh really loves her Faither,” said Quinn as he looked him straight into his eyes.

A tense silence filled the room, broken only by the distant murmur of guards outside the door.

"Very well," Harris finally conceded, rising from his seat and meeting Lara's eyes. "We shall search for Darragh. But I must warn ye, if we find him involved in any treacherous affairs, he shall be dealt with accordingly."

"Thank ye," Lara breathed out, relief washing over her. She knew she could not save Darragh from his own actions, but at least now, they had a chance to find him and bring him back home.