Echoes Of The Heather Wind

g the faint light of the torch Mairi had scavenged from the inn. The air carried the mineral tang of water seeping through the rock, mingling with the earthy scent of th

hem time, but the weight of Lachlan'

script, the scar on his eyebrow deepening with concentration. The binding was broken, but the toll showed-his skin was pale, his movements slower. Eryn watched him, her h

s," she said, her voice brisk. "One here, leading to the ridge, and a back tunnel-narrow, but it hits the old smugglers' path. We can use it to lose Lac

ening pushed her to keep the stakes high. "Lachlan won't stop," she said. "He'

t to the authorities in Inverness, it could dismantle them. But we'd need proof beyond m

e emerged-slender, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes that mirrored Callum's. She wore a tattered cloa

ug. Eryn's chest tightened-another piece of his past, a sister he hadn't mentioned. Isobel Reid was

the Order had you after Edinburgh. I've been tracking you since." H

yn saved me, and Mairi's helping. This is m

l after us." Isobel's eyes widened, and Eryn noted the resemblance-same jawline, same int

aps, plans-proof of their rituals. But I was followed. Lachlan's not alone." She unfolded a map,

ndoned since the Clearances. If they're using it, it's their bas

there. We can't outrun them forever. We need to

about pacing warned against drag. "We hit at dusk," she said. "Mairi, can you get

l copy the key details. But we'll need to

ty forming. Eryn caught Callum watching her, his gaze softening. "You'

antic tension flared, a spark amidst the danger, their hands brushing as he handed her the map. The feedback

re here!" Footsteps crunched on the ridge, and shadows flickered at the entrance. Mair

heir knees. Isobel moved with agility, her satchel thumping against her side, while Callum stayed close to Eryn,

ed figures-entered the cave. "They'll find the tunnel

apel ruin loomed ahead, its broken spire a silhouette against the fading light. Mairi scouted ahead,

"We use the distraction. Isobel, get the paper

eir shouts echoing, drawing Lachlan's men away. Eryn and Callum slipped inside, the air thick with the scent of incense

them, the proof of the Order's crimes fluttering down. She raised her knife, smashing the crystal, its l

but the villagers' lanterns flooded the ruin, forcing him back. Eryn and C

haos. "We did it," she whispered. But Lachlan's retreating figure pr