*Cait*
I wake before the sun, my cheek pressed to Rory’s shoulder, the scent of smoke and wool in my nose. The fire’s burned low, but his warmth is steady beside me.
He’s from another time. Another world.
The thought circles like a hawk above my head, never landing. I don’t know what I expected him to say last night. A tale of exile, a secret oath, or even some strange Lowland magic. But the future?
I should feel craicte for believing him, but I do.
His words keep threading through my thoughts like a song I half-remember: Everything’s different where you’re from?
Except fear, hope, and love….
A soft breath escapes me, and Rory stirs. I close my eyes as his arm tightens around me, just for a moment. We’re exhausted. We’ve been worried for too long, braced for too many days.
“Are
