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Kirsten clutched Moira tightly. She could see the girl was trembling.

“Are ye well?” Kirsten asked in a gentle voice.

“I never…I never believed that he was capable of such a thing. And Ma as well…I knew that Da wasnae always the perfect husband, but I never thought she would dae anything like that. There are sae many secrets, and I was blind tae them all!” she sobbed.

“Ye cannae blame yerself, and ye shouldnae feel bad. Roderick played the part well. He fooled us all. I thought all he wanted was tae help me, but he had his own dark plots. At least the truth is out. It’s better that we see him for the monster he truly is rather than let him scheme.”

“Does Marcas know?”

“He knows that Roderick is responsible, but he doesnae know about everything else.”

“Dae ye think…dae ye think ye could tell him? I’m nae sure that I could make it through the conversation without breaking down in tears. I can barely face the truth even now.” Moira nestled her face into the crook of Kirsten’s neck.

“Of course, I will. I’m here for ye,” Kirsten said.

“I’m sorry, Kirsten. I’m sorry for nae fighting harder for ye. I should never hae believed him. I was just sae worried for Marcas. I didnae know what tae think.”

“I dinnae blame ye, Moira. Ye haed no reason tae doubt him. He’s family.”

Moira lifted her head to look at Kirsten directly. Tears swam in her eyes. “Aye, but ye are family tae. I know we are nae bonded by blood, but we are bonded. Ye are my sister, truly, and I promise that I will never doubt ye again.”

Kirsten smiled, and emotion overwhelmed her. She wrapped her arms around Moira’s shoulders, and they hugged while in the distance, the battle raged. The air was filled with furious cries and the sounds of steel clashing. The night was alive with fire and blood. Kirsten was very afraid of what might happen. She had claimed the truth from Roderick, but what good would that be if Marcas died? It was so difficult to see what was happening out on the battlefield, and she could not tell which warrior was Marcas, but she held Moira tightly as they remained safely by the dungeon and prayed that Marcas would make it through yet another battle.