carrying wood for the fires, tending to livestock, and sharpening weapons. There was a rhythm to their work, a unity born fro

ight. "The laird suggested I show you around,

ful for the distract

e and the surrounding village. The people they passed regarded Isolde with a mix of

n metal ringing out in steady rhythm. A burly blacksmi

ff but not unkind. "You'll find th

smile. "I've no doubt.

granary, the stables, and the small chapel tucked against the castle's outer

ther to weave cloth or tend to the communal gardens. Isolde felt a pang of longing for the structured yet famil

hered in a loose circle, cheering and shouting encouragement. Lachlan's ta

rds clashing in a flurry of strikes and parries. Lachlan's opponent was skilled, but it was clear

a swift twist of his blade. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Lachl

rp and assessing. "Enjoying the tour?" he ca

epping closer. "Your pe

"The MacRae are warriors first and foremost

tone teasing. "Does milady know how to fight? Or

e refused to be cowed, however, and raised her chin. "I may not wield a sword,

enough, milady. But perhaps you'd like to learn? A la

Accepting would mean stepping further into this unfamiliar world,

"If she's willing, she'll learn from me

met Lachlan's gaze. There was no mockery in

lse quickening. "If I am to live am

lan retrieved a wooden practice sword and handed it to he

e," Lachlan said, his

arlier. He stepped closer, adjusting her grip and repositioning h

cted. "Without it, you'll fall b

dy while shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Des

hen she faltered, his v

ort. The next drill involved blocking strikes. Lachlan demonstr

ly raised the sword in time to deflect it. The imp

his gaze intent. "Don't

old her ground. Sweat beaded on her forehead, but she refused to

owering his practice sword. "B

she replied, her breat

lips, brief but genuine

ion, but there was a sense of accomplishment in the fatigue. She had taken the first step toward earning

but she sensed a shift in their dynamic. He had given he

carrying with it the wild, untamed spirit of the Highlands. She was beginning to understand why Lachlan and his p

me-not with swords, but with trust, loyalty, and the fragile hope