Page 13

From this point on the road, you can see every promise the Highlands offer. The sun kisses the water in a way that hints at endless hours of wonder. The cliffs, worn by centuries of waves, stand tall and unyielding. To the left, atop the hill, sits our home—a serene and steadfast presence.

I close my eyes, breathing in the rushing wind. The air carries a floral sweetness mingled with the briny musk of the sea, a potent bouquet that has become a profound comfort. Having lived here my whole life, it wraps around me like a familiar embrace.

The waves crash loudly against the cliffs, drowning out conversation. Not that we’ve spoken much. The past few hours have been quiet, a tense silence hanging in the air. Callan hasn’t said a word, his eyes fixed on the horizon, his expression unreadable. He doesn’t notice my gaze lingering on him, or how his face betrays emotions that ripple just beneath the surface.

Perhaps it’s our arrival weighing on him. His usual gruff remarks and derisive comments while Casey and I bicker are conspicuously absent. I suspect there’s more behind his silence, but I haven’t worked up the courage to ask. A few days ago, I overheard him speaking in hushed tones with Deidre. Something about the last whiskey shipment going awry. Whatever happened sits heavily on his shoulders, and I suspect he’s bracing himself for the potential fallout with our father.

A soft chuckle beside me pulls me from my thoughts. Casey, who I thought had been resting, grins as if he’s caught on to something.

“What’s got you gaggling?” I ask, half-curious, half-amused.

“D’ye think the reason he’s so quiet,” he whispers, gesturing toward Callan, “is because the sun’s drainin’ his dark magic powers?” His attempt to lighten the mood sends a ripple of laughter through me, his infectious humour impossible to resist.

“Oh, now you’re on about him being the Abhartach?” I tsk playfully. “And laughing at your own jokes, like Da?”

“Ye’re no fun.”

“I’m plenty of fun,” I retort, crossing my arms with mock offense. “I’m not the one brooding the day away.” My voice carries just enough volume to ensure Callan hears, finally giving in to the incessant urge to pull him out of his dark, silent reverie.

“Naebuddy’s broodin’, Triona,” Callan replies dryly, turning just enough for me to catch his narrowed eyes. “Some folk dinnae need every second of the day filled wi’ noise. Or rather, dinnae feel the need to talk just to hear themselves.”

I elbow Casey as he tries—and fails—to stifle his snickering. “Some of us require human interaction,” I say, raising an eyebrow and daring Callan to challenge me.

For a moment, his lips twitch as though a smile threatens to break through, but it falters. He pulls away, retreating into himself, leaving me chewing my lip in mild disappointment. I thought I’d finally coaxed him out of the shadows that seem to cling to him.

The silence stretches between us again, and I’m about to give up when Callan mutters, “Speakin’ of human interaction.” There’s a flicker of relief in his tone, as if grateful for the interruption. “Look who’s ready to greet ye.”

Curiosity flares, and I lean over the side of the wagon. In the distance, three figures wave enthusiastically. My face lights up and I wave back with equal enthusiasm. The knot of anxiety I’ve carried over this journey starts to fade.

I am home.

The first to move toward us upon arrival is my dearest friend, Dealla. Ignoring Callan’s outstretched hand to help me down, I practically leap over the side of the wagon and go running toward her.

“Dealla!” I call out, lifting my dress to keep the hem clear of the lingering mud from the recent rain.

Dealla is more like a sister than a friend—she’s a lifeline who found me in a time of need. Like a skilled storyteller, she opened me up like a book, coaxing out every hidden chapter. She took a chance on the quietest soul in the room, albeit forcibly, and her efforts changed us both for the better.

She’s the sort of friend who mirrors the love and beauty you should see in yourself. Dealla has a way of silencing the noise within me. In my lowest moments, she doesn’t wait to be called—she just appears. Her laughter isn’t merely infectious; it revitalises me in ways I can’t explain. She’s a steadfast pillar of acceptance, reminding me to embrace every facet of myself in a world that often demands too much.

We collide just outside the gateway leading to the main courtyard, both of us on the verge of tears.

“Oh, how I’ve missed you!” Dealla practically squeals, her arms tightening around me.

I pull back slightly to get a better look at her, admiring the way her fair hair falls in soft waves around her face. The lilac dress she wears suits her perfectly, highlighting her graceful features. With a grin, I reach up to tug playfully at the ends of her hair.

“You look wonderful, Dealla. Are we wearing our hair down in defiance again?”

She laughs, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Aye. I won’t be told how to wear it simply to attract men.” She sneers dramatically.

“And you,” she says, stepping back to inspect me with mock seriousness, “look like you’ve just spent far too many days riding in a wagon.”

I pinch her arm, earning a laugh. “You’re such a little shite sometimes.”

Dealla cackles and winks, her laughter spreading through me like warmth. She has a charm similar to Casey’s, her voice a melody that lingers in the air, pulling everyone into her orbit. It’s impossible not to laugh with her, and I find myself grinning wider.

“Ah, and are we nothing to ya now?” A high-pitched voice rings out behind me.

I turn to see Saoirse and Eamon standing a few strides back, Saoirse grinning wide, arms spread as if she means to gather the whole world into them.