Vivienne awakened at the sound of a barking dog. It was not simply the bark of a local peasant’s dog, for numerous dogs barked in unison and with some anxiety. There were hounds on the hunt, Vivienne realized when she heard the thunder of horses’ hoof beats along with the dogs’ baying.
Who would hunt so close to Edinburgh?
She spared a glance to the darkening sky and nestled into Erik’s embrace once more, reluctant as she was to move. He moved away, to her surprise, his gestures brusque.
“Rise,” he bade her. Vivienne might have protested but he turned upon her, his eyes blazing blue. “Immediately!”
Fearful of whatever he anticipated, Vivienne found her boots. She managed to don only one before the bush around them began to snap with vigor. The hounds barked closer at hand, hunting bird
