Page 65 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage

A bolt of lightning zapped the ground beside the bonfire, mere inches from Laird Oliver. The man sprung straight into the air before uttering a slew of curses. Everyone started screaming and running toward town.

But then Briony glimpsed another bolt just a few feet away! This one singed Daniel Calhoun’s clothes, and—

Briony’s nose wrinkled at the smell of burned flesh. Daniel howled in pain as he cradled his right arm. His pregnant wife tugged on him desperately, but Dr. Sherwin had to grab the man by the shoulder before he came to his senses enough to get moving.

Lightning bolts struck all over Mary’s Hill, hitting the tables and chairs—

One of the nearby trees caught fire! The flames spread slowly across the wet bark, sending up a thick plume of smoke.

Adrenaline surged through Briony’s veins, urging her to get to safety.

“Niall, did you—”

Briony turned to the man, but in all the chaos, he had vanished. She scanned her surroundings and spotted Adaira with the Burgesses, hurrying through the sea of people. Adaira waved to her, but Briony gestured for the younger woman to keep going.

I have to find Santiago first. He can’ have gotten far with that leg.“Santiago!”

A hand seized her arm. Briony started and tried to pull away—

“Briony, it’s me!”

Briony relaxed—it was just Lucia. She was drenched and trembling, but she appeared unhurt. “We have to go!”

“But what about—”

“I’m here.”

Briony spun around, and when she saw the green-eyed merchant, she let out a shaky breath.He’s fine.

Santiago stood there, cane in hand, like a beacon in the darkness. His eyes were full of relief as he looked at her. “I was trying to find you…”

“Santiago, I—”

Another bolt of lightning cut her off.This is no time fer a conversation.

She took hold of Santiago with one hand and Lucia with the other. “Let’s go!”

Briony led the Mendes siblings down the path to Drulea Cottage and ushered them inside. She heaved the door closed, praying that lightning wouldn’t strike her home.

She stumbled into the kitchen and lit a candle. She took a few deep breaths, trying to staunch the fear gripping her heart. “We should be fine now. Let me make some tea to calm everyone’s nerves. Feel free to have a seat while I do that.”

Santiago nodded in gratitude, though his smile was tight as he helped his shaking sister into a chair. Briony went about her task mechanically, just barely remembering to get out three teacups rather than one as she tried not to glance out the windows.If I focus too much on the storm, I’ll be as out o’ sorts as Lucia is. I’m na even sure she could carry on a conversation right now with how distressed she is.

When the tea was ready, she turned back and almost leaped out of her skin when she saw Santiago standing a foot away.

“Thank you for providing us with shelter.” He gave her a heartwarming smile that made Briony’s hands jitter.

He grabbed her hands in his. “Are you all right?”

“I-I’m just a wee bit shaken up still,” she squeaked, glad the candlelight hid her blush.

Santiago nodded, but he said nothing before walking away with a cup of tea.

Briony frowned at the rude gesture, but within seconds, he had given his sister the cup and returned to Briony’s side.

“Briony, I wanted to ask you—”

“Aye?” She gazed up into his eyes, and the rest of the world disappeared for a moment. She forgot about the tempest and what Niall had said; she even forgot that Lucia was just on the other side of the room.