Her words only seemed to incense Glaisne, and a spell sent her hurtling backward. She was briefly suspended in midair before her body crashed to the ground.
She started to stand, to issue a counter spell, but yet another spell struck her—a Binding spell—and she was unable to move as Glaisne stalked toward her.
“Then ye ken that the wee lass will grow tae become a powerful stiuireadh, and she’ll marry the laird of a Highland clan. With her help, that clan’s power will grow and force my clan to submit. I was a boy when our clans fought, and I lost everything! She tried tae take me in, but I wouldnae allow her or her clan tae take me. I vowed tae destroy her, tae stop her. ’Tis taken me years tae get tae the right time. Ye donnae ken what I’ve had tae do tae come tae this time, what I’ve had tae sacrifice! It wasnae her parents I cared about killing when I conjured the waves tae down their ship. Cadha was supposed tae be with them. She should have died that day!”
Horror struck her at his words. Bhaltair had suspected that Boyd’s drowning was no accident, and this proved it. Glaisne had killed Cadha’s parents to get to Cadha.
Anger and grief for Bhaltair and Cadha flooded her. They had lost their family because of Glaisne's evil.
She pushed past her fury and uttered several counter spells to release herself from the Binding spell, but none of them worked. Glaisne had used a particular spell that she didn’t know how to counter.
Panic and terror swirled through her veins as he raised his hands, uttering the words of the Killing spell.
Avery shouted a counter spell to block it, but it was too late. She could feel the wave of dark power careening toward her, power that she couldn’t stop, that would soon render her lifeless—
But a figure barreled in front of her, taking the force of the spell.
It was Bhaltair. Her immobilization must have released him from her Binding spell.
The spell struck him and he slumped to the ground, his body going still.
Chapter 25
Avery gazed down at Bhaltair’s still body, horror and grief tearing a jagged edge through her.
A strangled sob erupted from her, and she turned eyes full of fury toward Glaisne, who opened his mouth to issue yet another spell.
Her magic was like a living thing rippling beneath her skin, responding to her fury and grief. She welcomed the force of its power as she raised her hands, her voice booming as she screamed, “Marbh an stiureadh seo!”
The spell struck Glaisne, and his eyes went wild with shock, anger, and finally horror, before he slumped to the ground, his body still and lifeless.
Avery stumbled forward to check on Cadha, who remained unconscious but still breathed. She looked her over for injuries, magical or otherwise, but there were none. Glaisne must have used a Sleeping spell on her.
She turned her focus to Bhaltair, her heart in her throat. She crawled to his side and reached for his wrist. Please, she prayed, to every god she could think of. Please let him be alive. Please.
Relief burst in her chest as she felt his pulse—faint, too faint, but it was there. She nearly sobbed with gratitude, but there was no time. Bhaltair still hovered close to death.
She placed her hands on his chest, murmuring the most powerful Healing spell she knew. She then raised her arm toward Cadha and issued a Transport spell, one that sent her, Cadha, and Bhaltair back to Dunadh Castle.
She heard the shouts of Bhaltair’s men as soon as they appeared on the glen outside Dunadh Castle. She didn’t move, keeping her hands on Bhaltair’s chest, uttering Healing spell after Healing spell, tears streaming down her face.
“Dean leigheas air feoil an te as fhearr leam.”
“No . . . no!”
She heard Hamish’s cry behind her, but she didn’t move, keeping her hands on Bhaltair’s chest, pouring her life force into her spell, not caring about her own strength, her own life. She just needed Bhaltair to live.
“We need to get him to his chamber!” Avery shouted, not taking her eyes off Bhaltair. “And take Cadha to her chamber. She’s not injured, but she needs rest.”
The men obliged. Avery kept her hands on Bhaltair’s chest even as Hamish and Seamus lifted him up and carried him past the front gates, through the courtyard and into the castle, lowering him to the bed in his chamber.
“I’ll send for the castle healer,” Hamish said, but she shook her head.
“No. It was magic that did this to him; it’s magic that will save him. He took a Killing spell that was meant for me,” she said, her voice breaking. “I need to focus—I need to be alone with him.”
Hamish hesitated. She reluctantly tore her eyes away from Bhaltair, tears blurring her vision.
“I have to save him!” she cried. “Leave us.”
After another moment of hesitation, they left.
Avery turned her focus back to Bhaltair, whose breathing remained faint. He still hovered in that fragile state between life and death, one that the stiuireadh called eadar—the in-between. She feared that if she stopped pouring all of her magic, all of her life force into the Healing spells, he would drift away forever. And she couldn’t bear that. She needed him—more than her next breath.
Why hadn’t she told him she loved him when she’d had the chance? She should have told him as soon as she’d realized, her pride be damned.
“I love you, Bhaltair,” she whispered to his unconscious form. “Stay with me. Please.”
She blinked back another wave of tears before continuing to utter Healing spell after Healing spell, both the ones she’d learned from her own coven and the ones she’d picked up from Lioslaith’s grimoire. She didn’t know how much time passed, but she could feel herself weakening, and her voice grew hoarse. Her power was draining, slipping from her grasp like gossamer . . .
“Avery.”
She recognized Lioslaith’s voice behind her, but she didn’t lift her hands from Bhaltair’s chest, though beneath her panic and grief, anger stirred. Where had Lioslaith been during the battle with Glaisne? They’d been on the mountain where her cave was located. She could have helped, could have saved Bhaltair.
“Avery.” Lioslaith’s voice was firmer now. “Ye’ve done all ye can do for him. Ye need tae stop. Ye will only drain yerself tae the point where ye will nae recover.”
Tears blinded Avery’s eyes, and though some part of her knew that Lioslaith was right, she couldn’t remove her hands from Bhaltair, couldn’t—
But her hands did fly back, and she realized with a surge of anger that Lioslaith had used her magic. She wanted to scream, but she was too weak. Instead, she could only offer a feeble protest.
“Please. Let me save him.”
“He is in a Deep Sleep . . . what people in yer time call a coma. Ye’ve done all ye can.”
“No! He took a Killing spell for me, and—"
“It wasnae meant for him; it is the only reason he still lives. Bhaltair risking his life for ye was an act of love. It will be love that saves him, nae draining yerself of strength, of life.”
Avery tried to weep, but even her tears wouldn’t come, she was so drained. Lioslaith was right. She didn’t have much strength left.
Not caring that Lioslaith hovered behind her or that she was in her sweat-soaked and dirty gown, she climbed into bed next to Bhaltair. She trained her gaze on his handsome face.
“I love you, Bhaltair,” she whispered, her voice wavering with unshed tears. What if he never recovered, never knew the depths of her feelings for him?
“Focus on yer love, nae yer fear,” Lioslaith said with that eerie ability of hers to know what she was thinking.
Avery obliged, releasing her mind of worry. Lioslaith hovered over her and Bhaltair, pressing a hand to her back and murmuring a spell Avery didn’t recognize . . . and then she was gone.
Avery closed her eyes, taking Bhaltair’s hands. She recalled the desire she’d felt when she’d first seen him, her admiration at how he’d comforted Cadha from her nightmare. Their time in the cave. Their
first, hungry kiss. The first time they’d made love . . . the last time they’d made love. Their walks together in the forest. Their whispered conversations in bed after lovemaking. Tucking Cadha into bed together. The love that coursed through her at the very sight of him.
The images roiled through her mind, and she could feel her love for him, her need for him, course through her body. She hoped that he could feel it, wherever he was. It was what would bring him back to her.
“I love you, Bhaltair,” she whispered, over and over, until her voice again grew hoarse, and she could no longer resist the weight of her fatigue.
* * *
When Avery awoke, she felt strong arms wrapped around her.
She shifted, her gaze colliding with a pair of beautiful gray ones. His face was still pale, his eyes shadowed, but he was awake. Alive.
Avery let out a grateful sob, curling into him. He held her as she wept tears of relief, pressing herself even closer to him, never wanting to let him go.
“Bhaltair,” she whispered. “Is this real?”
“I hope so,” he murmured. Her heart leapt at the sexy rumble of his voice, the voice she so loved.
He pressed his lips to hers in a kiss. This kiss wasn’t about desire or lust. It held a deeper meaning, a promise. When they released each other, she whispered, “I love you.”
“I ken,” he said, capturing her hand and bringing it to his lips. “I—felt it. I was in darkness, unable to move, paralyzed by it. I felt yer love, Avery. It pulled me from that place. That—and my love for ye. I love ye so, Avery. I would have gladly died for ye.”
Both terror and joy filled her at his words. She tightened her arms around him, as if she could prevent him from slipping away.
“Don’t say that,” she hissed. “Don’t ever do something like that again. The only reason you lived is because the spell wasn’t meant for you.”
“I cannae make that promise,” he said firmly. “I will always risk my life for ye. Ye are my life, Avery. The air I breathe. I was a fool tae nae realize it before. I kent what I was doing when I threw myself in front of that spell. And I’d do it again.”
Tears sprang to her eyes, and she swallowed hard.
“You stubborn Scot,” she whispered.
Bhaltair let out a soft, weak chuckle.
“When it comes tae ye, aye,” he said. He stiffened, frowning. “My niece? Where is she? And Glaisne?”
“Cadha’s fine,” she reassured him. “She’s resting. And Glaisne . . . I killed him.”
Her lack of guilt surprised her. But she’d tried to reach Glaisne, to stop him. Had he succeeded, he would have killed all three of them.
Relief flickered across his features. He lifted her hands to his and placed another kiss on her palm.
“I should have told ye I loved ye before. But I kent ye didnae even want tae be in this time. I thought it selfish tae ask ye tae stay.”
“Why don’t you ask me now?” Avery asked tremulously, her heart pounding.
He smiled. Joy encircled Avery’s body; she would never tire of seeing that smile.
“Avery Fletcher,” he murmured. “My bonnie witch from a time yet tae come. Will ye stay with me, at my side, as my wife and lady? Aunt and guardian tae Cadha? Will ye be mine, as I’m already yers?”
“Yes, Bhaltair MacAidh,” she whispered. “I will stay with you. I will be your wife. Do you remember when I told you there was something missing, something that I couldn’t find, no matter how hard I searched in every time period I traveled to?”
At his nod, she continued, “I found it here, in this time, even though I wasn’t looking for it. Lioslaith was right . . . time was right. My place has always been here. With you.”
And as Bhaltair pulled her in for another searing kiss, she knew that she’d found her home. Her forever.
Chapter 26
Six Months Later
Carraig Castle
Avery stood at Lila’s side with their mother, clutching her sister’s hand. Her sister looked remarkably composed for someone in the midst of labor; her breathing was steady, her gaze focused on the midwife who stood at the edge of the bed.
“Yer bairn is almost here,” said the midwife, beaming up at Lila.
Lila turned to look at Gawen, who stood at her other side. Though his face was pale, his eyes shone with love as he smiled down at his wife. It wasn’t common in this time for men to be present during birth, but Gawen had insisted. Avery wasn’t at all surprised; Gawen wouldn’t let his wife go into labor without his protective presence at her side. She knew that Bhaltair would do the same.
Avery smiled, remembering how envious she’d felt of Gawen and Lila’s love at their wedding. It was now a love she understood well. It was a love she had herself.
Avery and Bhaltair had married one month after he’d recovered. During his recovery, she’d told him that Glaisne had confessed to killing his brother and sister-in-law. The news had devastated him, but it also seemed to bring him peace. She’d accompanied him and Cadha to his brother’s grave, where he’d assured him that his niece was safe and loved, and the one who’d brought about his death was gone.
Bhaltair had then turned his focus to the clan which was no longer in chaos now that he was in charge. Daileas’ attack on Clan Roideach’s stronghold had gone as well as Bhaltair’s offense against Dunadh Castle, and Cormag had perished in the battle. Bhaltair had come to a peace agreement with the new laird and chief, Leith, who wanted no more bloodshed and hadn’t agreed with Cormag’s violent and deceitful tactics. He’d agreed to not make another attempt to take the lands of Clan MacAidh.
Bhaltair had exiled the men of Clan MacAidh who’d turned against him in favor of his cousin, while he pardoned those who’d only followed Odhran out of fear for their lives.
Once the peace between the clans was settled, they’d had their wedding, a lavish affair at Dunadh Castle, with nobles from both Clan Caithan, Clan MacAidh, and in an act of good faith, Clan Roideach’s new chief, Leith, in attendance.
The nobles of Clan MacAidh accepted Avery as Bhaltair’s choice of wife, many of whom knew what she’d done on behalf of Bhaltair, Cadha, and the clan. Bhaltair had insisted he’d have married her regardless, but Avery was happy for their acceptance.
It was Cadha who was the most delighted to have Avery as a permanent part of her life; she’d burst into tears of happiness when Bhaltair and Avery told her they were to wed.
“I kent that ye loved each other, from the verrae beginning, but I kent it wasnae my place tae say anything. I would have made my uncle tell ye he loved ye if he didnae tell ye himself,” Cadha had told them earnestly, making both Avery and Bhaltair laugh.
Cadha had recovered well from her ordeal with Glaisne. Avery was relieved that she didn’t recall anything of her abduction, Glaisne had cast a powerful Sleeping spell on her. Now Cadha was a happy young girl, eager to continue her magical training with Avery as her aunt.
Their wedding had been the happiest day of her life. A pregnant Lila and Gawen had attended, along with her parents, who were thoroughly amused that both of their daughters had married fourteenth-century Scottish lairds.
Blissful months had passed since their wedding day as Bhaltair adjusted to his role as laird and chief, and Avery adjusted to being lady of a castle and an aunt to Cadha. When she wasn’t at Bhaltair’s side, she spent her days helping Hamish run the castle, training Cadha, and working on her own magic. Cadha was gradually becoming stronger, and Avery knew that one day in the years to come—with Bhaltair’s grudging acceptance—she and Cadha would embark on time-traveling adventures of their own.
Her evenings and nights were for her and Bhaltair. They spent their time making love, taking walks or horse rides around the castle grounds, just . . . being together. Avery didn’t know it was possible to feel so happy, so complete. With Bhaltair, she felt whole. She’d never bought into the whole soul-mate thing until now. Who would have thought that her soul-mate lived centuries before her? She was grate
ful that her magic had pulled her back through time to be with him.
She’d seen Lioslaith once since marrying Bhaltair. Lioslaith had appeared to Avery in a forest grove after she’d just finished training Cadha.
“Do ye understand now? Why time drew ye here?” Lioslaith asked.
“Yes,” Avery replied simply. “It’s home. Bhaltair and Cadha have always been my home.”
“Aye,” Lioslaith returned, giving her a rare smile. “And the reason Cadha grows up tae be a powerful yet kind witch is because of ye. Without ye, darkness would have tempted her. ’Tis ye and her uncle who drew her tae the light. Ye were always meant tae raise her, tae be with Bhaltair.”
Avery recalled the brunette woman she’d seen in Glaisne’s memories. The adult Cadha, the woman she’d help raise. The one she loved as fiercely as she loved Bhaltair. She reeled at the knowledge that time had pulled her back not just for Bhaltair, but for Cadha as well—to prevent darkness from claiming her. Her presence in this time had always been twofold.
She’d closed her eyes, feeling tears brim beneath her lids. When she’d opened them again, Lioslaith was gone. Avery suspected she’d never see her again.
Lila’s low moan of pain pulled Avery back to the present, and she squeezed her sister’s hand as she gave a final push. The screams of an infant soon filled the chamber.
Lila began to weep with joy, and Avery beamed as the midwife cut the umbilical cord and gently wiped the screaming baby down before wrapping him in a blanket. Avery could see that the baby had Gawen’s mop of red hair.
“Congratulations, my laird and lady,” the midwife said. “Ye have a son.”
The midwife approached Gawen and Lila, who looked at their newborn son with the awe of new parents.
Bhaltair's Pledge: Highlander Fate, Lairds of the Isles Book Two Page 14