Page 67 of Kilted Abduction

“Aye. Undignified indeed,” Enya and Thora laughed.

Magnus just looked at them and grinned unabashedly then cut a glance at Ciara.

“’Twas a good morning,” he replied. “Fun.”

“Come then,” Domhnall said. “Get yerself cleaned up and tell us all about it over some food.”

As they all walked down the hall, Enya fell into step beside Ciara and offered her a gentle smile.

“Thank ye,” she said.

“Fer what?” Ciara asked.

“Fer making me braither smile. I dinnae think I’ve ever seen him look so… free.”

“’Twas me pleasure.”

Ciara smiled to herself as they stepped into the castle, the laughter from the siblings echoing off the stone walls all aroundher making her feel good. But the rumble of thunder in the sky outside felt like a portent. An omen that something terrible was on its way.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

“I’m tired,” Magnus said. “What is this about then?”

“We’ve got somethin’ important tae talk about,” Thora said.

“What?”

Late that evening, after the castle was sleeping, Magnus had made his way to Thora’s chambers. Kai and Enya were already there, seated in chairs, leaving him to sit on the edge of his sister’s bed as she paced around her bedchamber, seeming to be agitated.

“What is it, Thora?” Magnus pressed.

“Enya and I have been readin’ some of maither’s old diaries, lookin’ fer an answer about why Ciara is immune tae yer gifts and nae Enya’s,” Thora said.

“All right. And?”

“We think we’ve found an answer,” Enya said.

Her words hung heavy in the air for a moment as he waited for them to continue. His sisters exchanged a glance with each other, letting the silence in the room linger.

“Well? What is it then?”

Thora passed Magnus one of the old leather-bound books their mother kept. He took it and started to flip through the pages, recognizing their mother’s neat, elegant script, but having no idea what he was supposed to be looking for.

“Maither believed that some people can resist mental abilities like yers and Kai’s,” she said. “But physical contact might be a way around that shield.”

Magnus shook his head. “But I’ve touched her plenty of times and I still?—”

“Nae physical contact like touchin’ her arm,” Enya explained. “More like a kiss.”

The color drained from Magnus’ face as he stared at his sisters. “Ye’re kiddin’.”

“We’re nae,” Thora said. “But we dinnae ken if it’s true or nae. So it looks like… ye’re goin’ tae have tae kiss the lass,” Enya said with the hint of a smile on her lips.

Magnus gaped at them, an expression of shock stretching his features. “Are ye mad?”

“Come on, braither. ‘Tis nae like we’ve nae seen ye moonin’ over her,” Thora said. “We thought ye’d be lookin’ forward tae the opportunity.”

“’Tis nae proper. She’s nae me lady and I’ve got nay reason tae dae it.”