Page 25 of A Little Highland Magic
Aria is correct. Lady Janet’s voice entered all their thoughts. The aid of a magical day will help Aria and Graeme not lose their way, their minds, or their lives. And Oberon will be expecting a direct assault. Lady Janet turned to Aria. I am certain you are aware that the shadow realm is as difficult to escape as it is to enter Fairyland.
“I understand,” Aria said. “But I believe it is our best chance of success.”
The ghostly entity paused, shifting her gaze between Graeme and Aria. I have discussed this very idea with others like me trapped in the spirit realm. We could help you move to the shadow realm, but from there you will be in a place of eternal darkness, where the shadows are alive. It is a realm of magic and strange creatures, where the darker forces rule.
Aria nodded. “We accept that challenge.”
Graeme pressed his lips together, considering. “What are the chances of our success?”
I can help prepare you for what you might encounter. With that foreknowledge, there is a chance you might survive and break free of the shadows to rescue Keiran. As humans your chances would improve greatly if you had help from someone inside the shadow realm. Lady Janet’s gaze was direct, as though compelling Aria to reveal her mother and her half-sister’s presence there, but if she did so, then the MacLeods would want to hear the whole story of what led to their imprisonment. Was it time to reveal the painful secret to her kin?
Aria’s knees started shaking so violently beneath the table she was forced to put her hands on them to steady herself. The decision whirled through her mind, making her head spin with a combination of regret, humiliation, and dread. She stared blankly at the parchment on the table before her and swallowed the lump that swelled in her throat.
“What is it, Aria?” Anxiety drove Gwendolyn to her feet. She made her way around the table to Aria’s side. “You look positively grey. Have we said anything to offend you?”
“There is something I must reveal about my past, and I am not quite certain how to tell you,” Aria admitted.
“You can tell us anything. We are your family,” Gwendolyn said, her gaze searching Aria’s pained expression. She gave Aria’s shoulder an affectionate squeeze.
“I am not so certain of that.” Aria swallowed hard. If the MacLeods deserted her after her confession, she would continue the quest to save Keiran alone. Her decision made, she drew a deep breath to fortify herself as she turned her gaze on each of the MacLeods. “I am responsible for the death of your mother.”
Gwendolyn’s hand jerked back, leaving a chill in its wake. Graeme’s features were sombre but not judgemental. Alastair’s brows creased. Tormod’s cheeks darkened. Orrick’s gaze filled with an unanswered question. But Callum stood so quickly his chair fell backwards. “You killed our mother?”
