Highland Harmony: Avelina and Drew (Clan Grant Series Book 8) by Keira Montclair Page B

actions. In fact, what you did tells me we were right in choosing you. You are so strong, Avelina.”
    “Truly? I will not burn in hell for taking what was not mine?”
    “Nay, lass. You were wronged, not Lachlan. There is evil in him, though it is not entirely his own fault.”
    “So how do I get him to leave me alone? I do not want him touching me again. Help me, please?”
    Erena set Abby on the ground and pulled her into an embrace. “Ah, child, sometimes we must live through many trials in order to learn about ourselves and others. There are many here who would protect you now. Lachlan holds no power, and you must not let him convince you otherwise. ‘Tis you who holds the gift. He should fear you. He will come to understand that soon.”
    Lina breathed a huge sigh of relief and leaned down to pick Abby up again and settled her back on her lap. “See, Abby. Everything will be all right.” Abby sat up and wagged her tail, and Lina giggled in response to her. “You’re just too cute. What should I do with Abby?” she asked, turning to look at Erena. “Are you giving her to me for a reason?”
    “Aye. Someone else will need her love soon, but not yet. You’ll know when it’s time.”
    Lina thought about this for a moment, scratching Abby’s head. Who would benefit from a puppy’s love?
    Erena added, “However, your possession of the sword does bring up one small complication.”
    Lina jerked her attention back to Erena. “What complication?”
    “I’m afraid ‘tis part of the legend.”
    “What is it?”
    “Whoever holds the sapphire sword must marry within two moons, or tragedy will befall their clan.”
    Lina gasped, startling wee Abby. “Marry? Are you certain of this?”
    “Aye. Avelina, we couldn’t be happier that you now have the sapphire sword. We feel ‘tis finally in the right hands. ‘Twas destiny. But you must marry soon, or you will lose it.”
    She’d have to marry within two moons. Somehow, she felt there wasn’t a chance that she’d find a husband that quickly. Again, she was doomed. But this time, she was forewarned, and she had a little time to do what she must.
    Erena reached for Abby and set her on the ground, then tugged Avelina up and wrapped her arms around her. “Aye, you will be tested along the way, but I have faith you will find your husband. Tarry not, my dear.” She spread her arms wide to the heavens and disappeared.
    Avelina sat staring into empty space. She had no idea what to do now.
    ***
    Since he had promised Logan Ramsay to watch over his sister, Drew was heading home to tell his parents of his duty before returning to Aedan’s keep. He had no desire to go, but he only thought it right. How he wished he could just yell across the Highlands and they would hear him.
    He hummed to himself all the way home until he arrived at his own gate. Slud, but he hated coming home. The guard waved to him as he passed. “’Tis about time you got your lazy arse back here, Menzie. Get to work.”
    Drew smiled and ignored the lad. He was oft teased about his supposed laziness because his sire so frequently ranted about it in front the clan. As he dismounted near the stables, a lad ran out to assist him.
    “My lord, I promise to take good care of your horse. I’ll give him a fine rub down.” The lad’s eyes lit up with excitement.
    Drew reached over to ruffle the lad’s hair. “Now do not be too nice, or he will not want to ride with me again.”
    Moving through the courtyard, he greeted his clan members as he passed.
    “Glad to have you back, Menzie.”
    “Calm your sire down, if you please.”
    “Your sire’s been on a rant again.”
    Drew sighed and made his way up the steps to the keep and inside his great hall. As usual, the hall was dark and gloomy. His mother sat crying in a chair near the hearth.
    His sire sat beside her and hadn’t even noticed his arrival. “Would you stop your blathering, woman? ‘Tis bad enough our only son stays away. If you’d