Page 116 of Taken By the Vicious Highlander

“Finley will go with ye to ensure that ye leave without delay,” Damon continued.

Tristan turned to him, gratitude plain in his eyes. “Aye, thank ye, Laird McCallum.”

“I’ll send word to Ewan. Ye’ll be well settled there, but he will ken wellwhoye are.”

“Understood, Me Laird,” Ariah mumbled.

Those were the last words Damon heard them say.

Ye should have waited for Lilith to be here for this. She would have wanted to say goodbye.

He said nothing as the door closed behind them, and then he exhaled, sinking back into his chair.

He rubbed his hands over his face, exhaustion setting in, but his mind still raced.

Lilith had the letter delivered to him. When? Why? Was this her way of asking for his trust? Was it an offering? A plea?

He leaned back, staring up at the ceiling.

“All good?” Ryder’s calm voice broke through the silence as the door clicked shut again.

“Aye. I think I messed things up with Lilith, and I just went and sent her best friend away without so much as lettin’ her say goodbye.”

“I dinnae see how that’s messin’ things up. It’s nae like ye went back on yer word and had the lass hanged for treason. She’s safe, just exiled. Ye just got married—I reckon ye get a pass…” Ryder ventured, a hint of laughter in his voice.

“I thought it was Sebastian, because he was there in the glen leading the attack, but he said ‘things are in motion’. Ariah revealed that the Sinclairs were behind it all. Well, actually, Mrs. Bryant told me, but Ariah confirmed it just now.”

“Mrs. Bryant kenned it?”

“Aye, told me and Lilith as such while stichin’ me up.”

Ryder smirked. “Wordreallytravels fast, nay?”

“Indeed, it does. I wonder just how many kenned about their involvement.”

“Plenty enough to carry out an attack today. I saw how many they were. Nae all of them were from our lands—they had backin’, to be sure. Glad we ken who it is now. And Sebastian?”

“Dead,” Damon said plainly.

“I figured as much. But how involved was he?”

“The mastermind. After I murdered Magnus, his plan was set into motion.”

“Why?”

Damon paused only for a moment, knowing very well that while he couldn’t tell Ryder the truth, he couldn’t lie to him either.

“He was a supporter of Magnus. Anythin’ to get revenge on his master’s murderer.”

“Shocking, truly. Ariah played her part well. I wonder how Lilith feels about it all.”

Damon sighed, leaning forward again, meeting his gaze. “Ugh… I most definitely messed up, man.”

“What do ye mean?”

“I mean, I got caught up and just started ramblin’…”

“Ah, and ye said too much?”