Page 83 of Bride of Fire
“Colban?”
Morgan would never forgive himself if something dire had happened to his right hand man.
“Nay. Only…hurry.”
With that vague directive, Bethac scurried out the door.
Morgan wasted no time. While Cicilia discreetly fed the bairn in one corner of the nursery, he threw on his clothes and hurtled down the stairs.
The clan was crowded into the great hall, most only half-dressed. A few guards held aloft flaming brands, illuminating something in their midst.
“There he is!” someone called out.
All heads swiveled to him. Their faces were full of wonder and nearly as pale as Bethac’s had been. They quickly separated to make a path for him.
By the light of the brands, Morgan could see Bethac crouched beside what appeared to be a cloaked body. Only when he ventured forward did he see the blood staining the wool.
He prayed it wasn’t the Rivenloch lass Colban had been tracking.
“’Tis a miracle, m’laird,” a woman gushed as he passed.
“God’s hand,” someone agreed.
“The stars must be smilin’ on ye,” a young lass said.
None of their comments registered. As he drew nearer to the cloaked form, Morgan felt chilling recognition shiver along his spine.
He knew this body.
Bethac’s baleful glance toward him confirmed it.
But his mind couldn’t fully comprehend what he saw. Until a soft moan came from the ground.
He froze in his tracks.
’Twasn’t possible.
He’d shoveled dirt over her grave himself.
And yet he’d wager his entire fortune that was Alicia.
Chapter 40
Morgan couldn’t speak.
He couldn’t breathe.
Alarm sucked the spit from him, leaving his mouth as dry and dusty as…as an empty grave.
The absurd thought almost made him laugh.
But laughing would have proved him mad. And he didn’t dare lose his grasp on the few wits he had left.
She groaned again.
He swayed, dizzy from shock. Itwasher.
Half grateful, half fearful, he crept forward, cautious lest his hopes be dashed. After all, she was obviously in pain, and all that blood…
