Page 89 of The Splendor of Fire
She picked up a damp cloth and ran it over the table, trying to work out her thoughts. If he would just leave her alone for a few minutes… She palmed crumbs from the table and tossed them into the rubbish bin.
“Moira?”
Was it folly?Was there any point in any of this? Did she really wantto try again with him? Could they get it right or did they simply not suit?
“Moira?!”
She spread the cloth over the basin to dry and rounded on him.I don’t know if I can trust you. You asked me to give you my heart and you shattered it. Again, and again, and again. I love you, but I don’t want to love you.
Crossing the kitchen, he closed the distance between them. His hand came to her cheek and her eyes closed.
“Open your eyes. Moira, please.”
Sorrow burned her chest. Her name was not Moira.
“Moira…”
She opened her eyes.
“You love me?”
Tears stung her eyes and she felt desperate, ready to confess the truth so she could move beyond it.I’ve loved you since I tripped over you in that darkened cell. From the first time you muttered at me. From the first time you kissed me, I was lost to you. I am at your mercy.
Hope lit his eyes. “I lo?—”
Her fingers grasped the plaid from the table, and she pulled it between them, throwing it back over her shoulders.
And I hate it. Do you hear me? I hate this. I love you, but I don’t want to.
Chapter 26
MACKINNON TREASURY - SEPTEMBER 11, 1385
The great basalt island of Staffa jutted out of the steady rolling tide. Pillars of narrow rock shot upward to the sky and became more numerous as the bìrlinn coasted to the tender point. Something in Birdy’s eyes seemed frightened.
Sea navigated the narrow opening and tossed the rope to Beithir who waited along with Lightning, Thunder, and Rock on the rocky shelf of shore.
Leaning forward, Lion tucked a stray curl behind Birdy’s ear. “Is it the open sea?”
Eyes wide, she nodded.Yes.
“I’m right here. We’ve been training for this. If you go in the water, I’ll go in after you.” She didn’t argue with him, only nodded again. He’d never seen her like this.
Beithir signed to him.No talking. Their guard is just around the corner.The tide dropped and rose, and they bobbed in the surf. Pointing to the water and the mouth of the cave, Beithir added,How long do we have?
Lion studied the tide crashing against the low rocks.The swell is down right now, seas are easy. Perhaps a few hours. My father always said it could change quickly.
Beithir nodded and turned to Birdy. Are you ready?
A cloud rolled away from the moon and lit the cast to her face and the dullness in her eyes.Birdy?
She shot up and leaned forward over the side of the bìrlinn, vomiting into the surf.
Sea shook his head.Maybe we should call it off? If she’s shaking or sick, she can’t fly.
Beithir jumped aboard the bìrlinn and leaned over the side catching her attention. She rose, her fingers to the back of her mouth. He brushed a hand over her sweaty forehead.Do we need to call this off? Is it sea sickness?
She shook her head.It isn’t sea sickness. It’s…
