Page 28 of The Darkest Knight

“Well, but more than ready for all of this to be over.” Liam told them. “We have volunteered to remain behind at Middlesex to defend the village from further attacks from Meliot. It is not the best of circumstances, but at least it gives us the freedom to return here at will.”

Gwen stood and went toward the doorway. “I will get you something to eat. Please sit down Liam, I’ll be right back.”

He followed Tristan to the desk and sat. Tammie studied Liam. With the whitest blonde hair she’d ever seen, clear complexion, and ice-blue eyes, he was very handsome. She knew he could leave the alter-world at will. His enchantment was broken. Yet, she wondered why he chose to remain behind until the other two left. He was in love with a man named John, and yet, didn’t seem in a hurry to remain with his lover. Was it loyalty?

As if sensing her though process, his gaze met hers. “I am very anxious to see John again, but we’ve decided it’s best for him to remain in Edinburgh for now. It would be too tempting for him to utter the words that would force me to break my word to remain in the other region.

“Of course,” Tammie told him, warmth filling her. “I am just in awe of your loyalty and the strong ties you men share.”

He smiled at her and nodded. “It is rare indeed to form such a strong bond with others. Yet in our circumstances, it was not our choice.”

“Oh I think it was,” Tammie insisted. “You could be in Edinburgh and away from all this; you choose to remain so that you can be of help.”

Tristan patted Liam’s shoulder. “Tammie is correct. Do not take away from what you are doing for us.”

“Liam,” Tammie started. “Do you have any idea regarding the conditions of Niall’s enchantment? You have the ability to see the future. Have you at any time seen anything that could help?”

He shook his head. “Niall has never spoken of the terms. None of us ever pushed him, knowing it must be a rather difficult thing for him. I know he rarely sleeps well. Of all of us, he is the one found pacing the keep at night while the rest of us slept. I sometimes wondered if breaking his enchantment had something to do with whatever happens to him while he sleeps.”

“I think he is attacked at night. I am not sure how often.” Tammie met each of their gazes. “I believe he thinks that it will continue even if he breaks free and comes here. Is that possible?”

“I do not know,” Liam replied. “But it’s possible.”

“I will have to confront that woman, thing, whatever she is. He is going to tell me everything.” Tammie frowned at the thought.

Both men had identical reactions, their lips pressed together to keep from saying anything.

Tammie waved her hand at them. “I know he will probably react badly, but we’re running out of time. I am going to have to go at him with everything I’ve got. There has to be some way of getting him to talk.”

“Promise me you’ll come home immediately.” Her mother’s voice, edged with urgency and something close to desperation, echoed through the phone. “You must listen to me. You can’t stay in Scotland any longer. It’s too dangerous.”

Tammie inhaled deeply, willing herself to remain calm, though frustration prickled beneath her skin. “If you’d just explain what this supposed danger is, I might consider it. But you can’t expect me to drop everything and board a plane without a reason.”

“Tamara …” Her mother’s voice hardened, using her full name as she always did when anger flared. “I need you to trust me. It’s not safe for you there, and I’ll explain everything when you get home.”

“I’m sorry, Mom. I will call you later. Call me if you want to tell me why you’re so against me being here. I love you.” Tammie’s tone was firm as she ended the call before her mother continued.

Anticipating that her mother would call back immediately, she powered off her phone and stuffed it into her pocket. Her heart raced, more from the tension in her mother’s voice than from her own irritation.

The house was eerily silent as she wandered through it. The library was empty, as was the sitting room. Even the kitchen, where the scent of baking or simmering soup usually lingered, was void of life. She glanced toward the stairs and hesitated, debating whether to check upstairs. Gwen had mentioned staying close by since they expected tension to rise with the impending third moon in the alter-world.

Climbing to the second floor, she found the master bedroom door slightly ajar. Peeking inside, she was surprised to find it empty. A pang of unease rippled through her. If Gwen and Tristan had gone somewhere, they would have told her, especially now, when every movement felt crucial.

Crossing quickly to the window, Tammie scanned the garden below. No sign of Gwen or Tristan. Her eyes landed on the housekeeper, bustling across the yard with a bundle of linens in her arms.

Tammie raced from the room and down the stairs. She dashed outside, cutting across the lawn to intercept the housekeeper.

“Have you seen my sister or Lord McRainey?”

“They’re at the stables checking on the horses since Mr. Campbell is away,” the housekeeper replied without slowing her pace. “Your sister said she’d be back soon to discuss dinner plans.”

Tammie offered a distracted nod and returned to her bedroom. As she reached the hallway, a sudden chill washed over her. She paused, instinctively glancing behind her, and gasped. A figure loomed in the shadows, cloaked in thick furs. Before she could scream, his hand clamped over her mouth.

“It’s me, Niall.”

Relief coursed through her, and she relaxed, allowing him to lower his hand. “You really need to stop appearing out of nowhere,” she muttered, leading him into her room. “I was just about to grab my spell book. I found something interesting—something that might help with your enchantment.”

Niall shrugged off his furs, and Tammie hesitated mid-stride. It was impossible to look away. He filled out the dark jeans and fitted sweater far too well, his broad shoulders and lean hips making her pulse flutter involuntarily.