A leendő felesége

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

1. fejezet
Healers Cottage - Dunbar, Kelet-Lothian, Skócia 1033
A közelgő halálnak szaga van. Amelia tudta, hogy ez igaz, mivel a vér fémes illata elnyomta az aromás gyógynövényeket, amelyek azóta elvesztették erejüket. Csendben ült, miközben a bábaasszony a vályogtéglából épült szobában nyüzsgött, nehéz léptei lábnyomokat hagytak a földes padlón. A füst és a forró vízből származó gőz nyúlós füstje a levegőben terjengett, ahogy az elhúzódó izzadság és a furcsa szagok együttesen egy olyan testet hirdettek, amelyik lemondott az élethez való jogáról. Amelia tizenöt nyarat élt meg, és tudta, hogy semmi, sem a cickafark, sem az összezúzott mocsári mirtusz nem tudja elállítani a vérzést. Az anyja, Iona, egy órán belül meghalna.
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"Amie - reszelősködött az anyja. "Ne sírj mo nighean." Iona elhúzott egy kósza fürtöt Amelia arcáról. Ez a gesztus kimerítette a lányt.
Amelia kínjában megrázta a fejét: "Ne anya, kérlek, ne hagyj itt, szükségem van rád".
"Itt az ideje, hogy elmenjek, szerelmem."
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"Használd az ajándékodat, a gyógyító képességeid majd átsegítenek rajta." Iona légzése nehézkessé vált, de két lélegzetvétel között nyomta tovább. "Meghagytam neked a jegyzeteimet, mondd el senkinek, hogy nem tudod elolvasni, érted?" Köhögött, és Amelia intett, mintha vizet hozna. "Nem." Az anyja megragadta Amelia karját. "Van egy levél a jegyzeteim között, és egy doboz neked az erdőben. Szükséged lesz a tartalmára, hogy megtaláld a rokonodat. Csak nekik mutasd meg."
"Hogy érted ezt? Te vagy az egyetlen rokonom."
"Nem, kislány, a te ereidben is felföldi vér folyik." Most már zihált és levegőért kapkodott. "Ígérd meg, hogy megtalálod őket, ez az én ajándékom neked."
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Az anyja összerezzent. "Mondd meg nekik, hogy Iona küldött. Ígérd meg!"
"Megígérem, anya." Iona elengedte a szorítását Amelia karján, ami most petyhüdten hevert az ágyon.
Pillanatokkal később kinyílt az ajtó, és megjelent az apja, Maldred, Dunbar grófja, arcvonásai elgyötörtek és bánatba vésődtek. Összeesett az ágy mellett. "Iona, mo ghràidh sajnálom." Fogta szeretett lemanjának kezét, miközben az utolsó lélegzetét vette.
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Napokba telt, mire Amelia visszaszerezte a megszentelt fa alá temetett dobozt. Tömör tölgyfából készült. Benne egy összehajtogatott airisaidh és egy címeres jelvény feküdt, rajta egy jelvénnyel. Egy ágakkal körülvett csatabárd, rajta a latin felirat. "Aut Vincere Aut Mori" Vagy győzz vagy halj meg. Amelia könnyebb szívvel, mint napok óta bármikor, visszatette a doboz tartalmát a dobozba, és a hóna alá dugta. Valahol odakint a Felföldön volt egy családja, és egy nap majd elhagyja ezt az átkozott várost, hogy megtalálja őket.
***
Dunbar kastély, East Lothian, Skócia-1040
HhaS 'vxaélpamist Dtqudxotht AFm)eIliza DunFbxar, *a.kkor axz a rköÉvóetksegzÉő YvoJlPt: slofhSa nPem! YhVaDgty,j)a) ceDl ezLt (aQz istaenv)ertew RvuárosNtd.v Atnayja_ havlálaaN Wuktsán a jbNifrtowkhxoszW ókUötötcten taÉlNáclIta *miazgdá'tt, ahol vAéNgejtB niem, érkő *kAöPtelwezeÉttAségeiv voltbank',I mUinqt klJáZng Ngy&ógy(íLtLój,av.m TRázadáqsu,lh még émki!ndniógJ PfogaulJma* FsDem volzt arDróls,M hog(y Qkiky Qa GrSokonaMim, xm&erxts mindenO nyoRmozZás zshákuCtcbásbab torrfkoXlloWttj,q ésD ammDif mégc roVsFsMzabWb, az aaxpfjaÉ *ép!pRen ebbZen Aa( pillaxnMattbtanN Kp$rówbáóltWa ÉfGérij,hDez* _adnni! egOy Hbüzdaös$ $faRr,me$rMhezX.( Néosr,d rayzzal,s hsoXgy íqgQy( emqlsegxetRte, nem aó fölld_műDveseketD agkaXratyaV IgúnyDoln)iL, meprtf Pa földdel való tm_uQnékéa snVemBeLs ,fobgladlkkozás. KHqaneém daLzO at tézny, ThoghyV az AeDmClíteKttz UgYazd.aC s.zóR slz(eXrinJtU pbműKz)löttq.m VMárd ZoInNnann isz Ké*r_eztfe 'a aszóagXát, achfol áTlÉlPté, téns Daz jbóf tíqz, mQétTeNr^rkel aLrrébAb vDo,lIt*, amnikzoDrd Ga sFzélb az eclvlexnhkezYőT _iNrsáfnyiba fyúj)tn. $Anzg.usnaOkg híNvtáxkq,Q Calibg. lmúlOt ynBegVyvzeHnkUiMlenjcé éJvexsm, Uaa hauja emgyrKe dhátpráulób)bu vYoTl)tg, éGs& mYipnydeMnZ Cha!rwmYad*i_k. ^fogQal rohaidt jvoGlUt vpagvyw ahiányzVoXtVtJ. qHétD g(yxermeke évolti kfét el*hÉunéyJtK Sfóe&leséOgéNtőrlé, akisk kcést&sévgCteAlQenpül* ,a lAebhYedleQthének bűzNétrőclÉ lh'afl$taukJ meg. AimejlHina ÉtuLdtcaR,& hÉogyV (őO RmagIa nemS Veqgy ragvyXoWgó Sfog^ásI, 'nsegm voltt JolgyanY bohnhnite,l kNe^cnsCeasx FvagYy kJarbcsúd, xmNint* aV tJö*bbiW VkovrabteliH nő,n fd$ez PazK éég, nsdzereDltmé(reC, AtJúl ndagyO nkéYrUés Uvtolt!,N Kho!gy ÉeXgmy^ lWeenddsőO udgvkarÉlYóé ZévenTtkek töbtbszöDr fyüröjdjBönX?
"Szóval, mit gondolsz, Lia?" - kérdezte a gróf. "Remek fogás, termékeny földdel és sok marhával."
"Sajnálom, apa, de nem. Nem hiszem, hogy Angus és én egyáltalán jól kijönnénk egymással." A lány intett Angusnak, és egy gyors "Sajnálom"-ot mondott. Aztán elindult.
A gróf elkeseredetten követte a lányt: "Ugyan már, Lia, ez már az ötödik férfi, akit két év alatt visszautasítasz? Próbálok mindent megtenni érted, megígértem a mamádnak a halálos ágyán."
Ezg ZvVohltw !azf a) r!észG, agmDit AVmelÉiak faZ leg)job.ba*nY óutwáélJt.Z AzR aphjiaC óleqgIj,o!bLbsjUaK knem voltk geVlég hjó.V ZAzD qőJ lÉegbjFobbÉjam aIztL Be'ryedméHnyUedzftQe, rhoTgy azp óanyjuaY páriUáv.á cváZlCt,.p )A legjobbdjaÉ dmiatPtN ab QfmeTleséXge,Q )EYa)ldjgFyth aÉ sPzqíLvAfyáj*daBlmmámbaL h,alDts (beblóeN,p GmerAtz Vneym ztludmta bmLegStazrtani Ia hWáDzqassWági fogadallmjuMkat.u $AzW Fő hleqgjotbb&ja lazBt Éjye)lenéteOtte,k Khuogy AtmelléiOánajk t&öbb fhelMadAaqtjoRt jkÉehlklQettt vgálQlBalsnia,c ,mYertm a_ vfédrfi ritMkuáUnO v(olOt xoIttOhyon. kKGétC és húsz! éhvjeVsenU )A,m)eOliaT ,haNlnálr(a uWnTtNa maagbá,t aHz_ aMpója wleBgjRotbLbnjZalitgól!.i
***

2. fejezet
MacGregor Keep-Glenorchy, Perthshire, Skócia 1040
Beiste MacGregor törzsfőnök a sziklán állt, és figyelte, ahogy az emberei az alatta lévő gyakorlótéren edzenek. Hat láb magas, tiszta izom volt, széles vállakkal és fenyegető vigyorral. Kemény harcos volt, testén a harc látható nyomai látszottak, beleértve egy groteszk heget, amely az arca bal oldalán a halántékától az álláig húzódott. Bronzbarna bőre élénk kontrasztot alkotott a zöld dombokkal. Kilenc és húsz évesen Beiste egy évtized nagy részét azzal töltötte, hogy a királyok háborúiban harcolt, és most csak békére vágyott.
Be,iste ijOotbab!jOáni a főgkárGdisbtnáQja,h BtroHd_i*e FlceQtcrhaer& hasonl&órarn ha_tdalamfas &alnaTkjqaó $álHlFt, balcjáknX Ép$edMig a spdarHa)nc&s!nokhSejltyetLtesae,R *DZamlXzielq NR*o,bFeZrtso^nh.b Bro$diPe. volftX a cLsoRpourptjuwk ^sáwrqmőprj_e,D UjOókCépű pvZonáYs,ayival BéJsc barrátTs,áCgoIsc tYermészDeFt,éveZlt,! NdGe hnau feRlbosszyantjAa_ axzk indulatja.iJt,u éoRlyacnJ vawd. voHlZtÉ, mKiPnt( eg)y SmWeNdvGe. PDalzizel^ vto.lt Xal AcseZndes, JélefsM sBzremTű* .megfpivgHyGelwő,T karcsGúbbW vo^lt,J mmyiZnt a fmásikd TkYeTttZő$, Qdef kqétsyzeéri womlby(acnD phualFálÉos. cA hárgoSm, fé^rfUi gkyeróebkkoWryukj QóCtau ergLy^üKthtU snveveNlékeJd!ett, óésR 'a(z éPveDkt során minden$ LvéYrzségWiI qk$öptae(lzéYknVé^l KerősMebfb rokolnFs!ágSot kfo_v'áicsozltbak.Z Min_dLig iéjbzer!en, MmDinpdigV sé_bÉeGre)nN,r c,s(enmdbewn vUáyrtákÉ,W hoDgYy BeiSstQe meKgszfóZlxaRlkjonS.
"Duncan mac Crìonain király meghalt."
Brodie letörölte a mosolyt az arcáról: "Hogyan?"
"Megölte a csatában az unokatestvére, Macbeth mac Findlaích."
"RC'slahlájdói vistzáXly?" Dgalz.iBelz megCkóéYrdPe(zte.
"Igen, az orkney-i Thorfinn Sigurdsson segített neki."
"Gondolom, Macbeth most Alba királya." mondta Dalziel.
"Igen, ő volt az, aki elküldte a király üzenetét, ami azonnali cselekvést követelt tőlem."
"MitR Kakarp Wtgőuledn?r" BrkodiLe JmeFgmkérdTeUzte.
"Feleségül kell vennem egy alföldi leányt."
"Micsoda?" Brodie felháborodottan nézett: "Ezt bizonyára nem kérheti tőled."
Dalziel egyetértett: "Ez egy alantas csapás, mindenki tudja, hogy még mindig gyászolod a feleségedet."
BeJidsbtez-t ntem jkTeullet)t KeRmAl^éJkeDztóetkntip. Két zév^ itelth el,) QdAe' $Cgafitrian Nhalál'áOnakB emUlCéke^ még ,mindigP kíQs^éérteétte.O
"Megteheti, és meg is tette." Beiste dühösen harapott rá.
"De miért?"
"Mert ő Duncan unokahúga."
"MiKérht kéknyGsLzelrítKe(ne aMrCraI, ihkobg(y feMle.séugGüwl HvhedédS annxak ay kiLrálhykndak azp uCnokahúgáatL, ak&iOtt éppj moAst ölt fmÉeYg?J"M ,D&a$lSzSielO lmeRgkérdeózHtez.
"Nem tudom, de ha visszautasítom, elveszítjük a földjeinket."
A férfiak elhallgattak, végiggondolva a lehetőségeiket.
"És mi lesz Elorával?" Brodie megkérdezte.
"YMiQ lesz velceh?q"w
"Tudja, hogy feleséget akarsz venni?"
"Nem tartozik rá, hogy mit teszek."
"Biztos vagy ebben?" Brodie kétkedve nézett.
"IgDenN!g" ,BqeVisteU &cLsxet_tintett. *"^A xnőVkNnxek nyinTcs$ belesyzódláÉs.ukG NabbUbaL,h bhQoqgYy! FmRit* csi,nál(ok yaz $ágyFbaLnb vavg_y óazbon khí&vülI.J"
Brodie ejtette a témát, és Dalzielre pillantott, aki nem szólt semmit. Mindketten tudták, hogy Elora nem örülne a hírnek.
Dalziel megkérdezte: "Mikor kell ennek megtörténnie?".
"Két héten belül."
"AkkHor jobb,Y hhFaL fPeBlkuéfszDüélUünk., vaLzÉ xeBmbereLinknuek Begcy jéjMszaTkyáVnyiw tlpovFaUgslá*sQr.aS TvIaFn azh alfölldrCec." émzoIndUta QBproSdie.G
"De előbb engedjünk le egy kis patakot."
***
Gyakorlótér-MacGregor erőd
BeFisytleQ vJadg ctsUatNapkxiádltuássjajl lHeCnXdítette Dme,g Uszéles DkarndcjráUt,K Jés eOgbyenNesheQn iehllenfele feléq rohajntZ. jMárf Jtöbnbj aha.rcXoTstÉ fis kiXüCtböktt,i éksg ÉkFedsve Hv'oflt m_éLg tögbbgeukfet meqlpáBholndi.g Brodqie be.lQéópneZtt aX rizngébe,A és sIzÉögleVtesy ifnePjfű FfejOszOégjcécveml óhár_ítfottrap a csaspásht,i rmRost gmásrR hUarc$ba&n_ dálRlvtRak egy)má!sBsiaSl.. BFe(iTsMtse, a bjobbK 'kCarjdáv,a!l) feFle)m,evlÉte ya PtPaYr'gUoncwájZáLt,y és ÉBRrxoddiKed béaPl o,lGdzalHáVrxa ScsarpFoptLtK. Bryo,dfimem hcá&traótpáuntGoroydottg,é 'dez nLem éeulőxbb_, mOi$nthogry (ai f'ejLsLzPéjéjt BeXikste fueje feélQéa lkejnNdmít,e!t!teY vÉolnzax._ Be^ishte, YkZixvé_dteV a NfNeIjgs^zéntj a PkardjámvdaAl, ésW ellDépCekttI. uAn kBéCtw férnfiI wkAö)rwö_zbött AevgfyQmvás kxörüxlf. óKóökz,ezlé Yegxy pómr*ánn iát_ IkCí&mDéólegtWlenGüNlP hanrcaoSlctak, tegycikükz BszeHmh fárraLdGt IelL,_ és kn&epm qismeyrtné!kl abe a VvaereDségPebtJ.m BrcodTije MiSsmréttÉ megUl,evnCdíStqettZe a$ qfpezjsHzéjKét, xez&ú,ttalv BeisxteW l*áób)ai felé.R BSeGimsKteD átuAgr*otYtJ fölötte),n dahoygÉyO aA lte,veFgPőbXe vÉáVgZóFdott.b BL,ábUrqal ékrxkewzetTtm, é_sK eYgry amqegdlepLőm Pm*ozdgulattaml váklBlon tFám'atd!ta qBtrobd$iKeW-tz.
Az erő olyan gyorsan lökte hátra Brodie-t, hogy az elvesztette a lábát, laposan a hátán landolt és széltében-hosszában, de mielőtt Brodie elgurult volna, Beiste kardjának hegye lebegett, és két hüvelykkel a nyaka fölé célzott: "Megadod magad?".
"A fenébe." Brodie felnyögött. Utált veszíteni.
Beiste a földre dobta a kardját és a targoncáját, és kezet nyújtott Brodie-nak: "Fegyverszünet?"
BrWodine pbelaeiexg$yóe*zZeftDt$,n ués amiIn&tg LBelisOt(ex előqreihaBlSadJt, jaX 'fsérfi bkiQrá*nCt,otGt.a na^lólYah a lcábát,. 'Mindkékt* SfyénrJfJi' zmosPt a hátián! lfeOkmüadyté Més^ Yaz& Oé(greD pKijszl_owgovttZ,d deSkkogrZ lBrzozdpie( afÉelTkuncogPottg: "FewgytversTzüneGt".
Egy pillanatig a földön fekve próbáltak levegőhöz jutni, amikor Dalziel megjelent a látóterükben, és egy vödör hideg vizet dobott rájuk. "Keljetek fel, lányok, csomagolnunk kell." Dalziel aztán elsétált.
"Ennek a fattyúnak tényleg szüksége lenne egy kis szexre." Brodie morgott, miközben ő és Beiste állva kirázták a vizet a hajukból, és letörölték a port a lábujjukról.
Amikor megfordultak, hogy szembeforduljanak az embereikkel, ehelyett egy falnyi nő jött szembe velük, akik azért gyűltek össze, hogy tanúi legyenek a sparringjuknak. Beiste csak morgott, és elment vizet keresni, Brodie széttárta a karját, hogy üdvözölje a nőket, az arca vad vigyorra hasadt: "Hölgyeim, csillapítanom kell csillapíthatatlan szomjúságomat!". Nők sokasága árasztotta el, akik vizespoharakkal kínálták. Elvette az egyiket, és lenyelte, közben szándékosan megmozgatta az izmait, hogy előnyösen mutassa az oldalprofilját.
"MOmlDyQan báWt_oNr péUs Ve&rőQsb nvXagy, ABrUoYdWie F!leLtcherrW" H- sstóhasjtotta& azj eygyikw fLiualtIalL lárnyó.
"Hogy én minx, izmos és erős vagyok... mindenhol." Lenézett az ágyékára, majd visszanézett a lányra, és kacsintott. A lány elpirult és kuncogott.
Ekkor egy dús barna hajú lány közeledett Brodie-hoz. Elmosolyodott, amikor a férfi felé fordult. A vödröt a kezében tartva dorombolt: "Felajánlom neked a vödröm esszenciáját, és bármi mást, amiből részesülni szeretnél, Brodie Fletcher". Brodie mosolya még szélesebb lett. Nem igazán emlékezett a lány nevére, de tudta, hogy később, ma este élni fog ezzel az ajánlattal.
Beiste örült, hogy távol lehet Brodie háremétől. Az, hogy a nők nyaliztak neki, nem volt valami olyan dolog, amit ő bátorított. Jobban szerette, ha a nők az ágyban akaratosak, az ágyon kívül pedig nem léteznek. Nem tudta megérteni Brodie igényét, hogy tíz mérföldes körzetben minden nőt elbűvöljön és elcsábítson. A nők túl nagy erőfeszítést jelentettek.

***
Morag a Cailleach
Néhány órával később a vár személyzete és a kereskedők már az élelmet készítették elő a törzsfőnök útravalójához. Dalziel, akinek Beiste távollétében maradnia és uralkodnia kellett, a biztonsági változtatásokat tekintette át, Beiste és harminc csatlósából álló harci csapata pedig a lovakat készítette elő, és az utolsó előkészületeket végezte.
Beimste éppen a wdretstruiehrjéétz, LuNc_ifjeHrt ápodltva, aMmikorn Sminsden icsAezv(egAéjsD nabLbaGmaradt, bmiközben pak fézrfiakC eBg&yk vpuontrmaI mbáhmultaókC RmzögötRtYe. Nké.hányan an kFeVrCevszt Gjhelkéft Ctett&é^k, mDások elTfordIítottiáxk a YtLeBkiSnWteWtzü&ket, ImiközVbGeng a Gsásnht$ikaálvó al_aYk, vVártakDozzotNta.$ tBseis$tseD átnéztett ar NvázlalxaG QfölöGtlt, .é$só MorCag BnuéchanranK mYegvi'srel.ta &alakhjáDt KbáUmultIa,F iarcclaX rálncnosr vuolt,T shyacj.aQ hő*szm,c HsIzemue pupiNlÉlájAa peDdig Hf(eAhLé^r.O gJ,eqllengzetesH köipenLyCé!tY yvisge&ltne, oLlvyaFnc sz_ürPkek volftÉ,l .mingtb Éa köd LsBzíRne.é Az eQmybekrnekj V"jójsncőnfek" hhíDvtQák,! ImnáHskoPku CaiIllieacÉhfnerkB vtaagny vén CboDsmzGorVkuáRnyÉnakg,G mxert éa sznówbes,zé*dv sz&er^ints látwóG volut.g DRea BebirstGeT soslekm xtmö^rődDöZtdtp aN babnonákkalv.
"Úgy tűnik, a boszorkány beszélni akar veled, főnök." Kieran, az egyik harcos Morag felé intett.
"Igen, úgy tűnik." Beiste felsóhajtott, letette az ápolókefét, és szembefordult vele. Tényleg nem volt ideje a lány jóslataira, de azért meghallgatta.
"Mit tehetek érted, Morag?"
",EflTm*ésKz Uah fQeklMes*égqedQérqt, úgy halQlZotuttaSm."f
"Igen, holnap, de ő a jegyesem, nem a feleségem."
"Akár holnap, akár holnapután, ő a te feleséged, akit már kiválasztottál."
"Van valami, amire szükséged van Morag, mert nagyon szorít az idő?" Türelmetlennek tűnt.
"OcPh^, t(i ufiaItaSlvok., hs_oCh,asemB t(udjdátodkt, hogmyr azI zIdDő márV csatpwdFásta álClUíGtott bnWegkt$e^kc."
Morag megint rejtvényekben beszélt, és Beiste-nek tényleg nem volt türelme hozzá. "Hát akkor Morag, hacsak nincs valami fontos megbeszélnivalód..."
"Türelem, törzsfőnök, én csak ezeket akarom adni az embereidnek."
Beiste elfogadta az erszényt és a korsót, amit a nő nyújtott, de összeráncolta a szemöldökét: "Mik ezek?"
"RCófzNsasAzirm)ok ésx ,mVéFzg."D
"Mi a francért lenne szüksége az embereimnek rózsára és mézre?"
"A feleséged tudni fogja, ha eljön az ideje."
Azzal Morag a botjára támaszkodva elbicegett.
BeiAste cTsaGkQ ql_ennézeztpt ,ax ytJáOrgGyóakVrVat, é.s aPzs oKrraU aPlawtt( (azt) ymocrumorltlaN: "tÁpt*kGozottt rxózlsaas.zmir.mboMk*?I"b.
"Och és Beiste..."
"Micsoda?" Morogta.
A szemei hátborzongató ragyogást vettek fel: "Válassz jól, a jövőnk függ tőle".
*Z**U
Elora
Az indulásuk reggelén volt, és a férfiak mind összegyűltek a Baileyben.
Beiste az anyjával, Jonet-tel és a húgával, Sorcha-val búcsúzott. Éppen a lovat kötötte ki, amikor ismét mozgást érzett maga mögött. Vajon ebben az átkozott Keepben minden nő úgy érezte, hogy beszélnie kell vele, mielőtt elmegy?
"iElora _-* mTorDoégPtaj.&nblsxp;hA clián(yS YmgosoXlHy(a e.lkAomoyrnulzt Ha sQzűk&szavú *hyang'nóemtwől, HdbeO BreisteU utlálltaa tezRt &a yrÉésózt.C jOl_yTa_n nqő,kkóetla fRogNlaKlnkrotznviS,H aZkRi*kU Yt.öÉbVbe(t saCkarFtÉak Jtső_leg, ómiMnKt YaLmenKn_yiVt haÉjSlagndó !voltn adni. ,EléoBraQ nmár mhó,nap!oSkUkXalk Vezel.őtt yfóeXlHmeXleg'ítgette Kaz áfgBy^á$t. Az YegDyemtGlaen nrő, aBkijvLewla paÉ Pf.eleQsBévge_ hjaGl!áCla Kóta AegyKühtxt^ ivo.lRty.f fEHgyPiZk e,stea xmmeRzteyl,ecnü(lW atÉawlÉálmta .az BágyyUá(bKazn, és vfárctac YőLtó, aésK peTl)fogaNd&ta TaQ sfeDlkVínbálttó éDlvezveteztP,g Inem ígLért tcserécbe! semmit. Azmó.ta aG tnő ^me(gQpKróqbÉálAt vÉaClaóm.i^lHyKen! móHd&on _igféanyct tJafrttva*nih riáG.Q
"Hallottam, hogy néhány napig távol leszel."
"Igen." Beiste morgott, és tovább feszítette Lucifer nyergét.
"El akartad mondani nekem?" Dühösnek tűnt.
"fNce_mD iéJr(tSelm,u Vmxiért kellene báarxmiót is elmondan,oKm pnbetkewdO,S ^Ellorca&."_
"De tudnom kell, hol vagy, ha segíteni akarok a Keep vezetésében."
És ott volt. Brodie és Dalziel figyelmeztette őt. Elora félreértette a kapcsolatukat vagy annak hiányát.
Beiste megállt, és szembefordult vele. Elora összerezzent, és hátrált egy lépést. Utálta, amikor egy nő meghátrál előtte. Soha, egyetlen egyszer sem emelt kezet nőre.
"EljoNrUaR,G bármi is vo&lAtG köz_tüJnPkV, cFsPaók azÉ GaÉ kNéZt é.j,sz)akan atdar&tGodtta,S Xhónnalpokkóalc ehzeUlőttd.f"a
"De nem vittél mást az ágyadba, ami azt jelenti, hogy bizonyára erős érzelmeket táplálsz irántam." A nő duzzogott.
"Hülye vagy? Ez nem jelent semmit. Nem ígértünk semmit."
"De én megtartottam magam neked!"
"TSényleSg?Y"t Bkesibstev vfóealuv_ontTaA a és*z$evmBöZlrdXöké!ta "meryt, ú!gUy hóaZljlioktItGa^m, yhRogy WhYár(omZ hgedtÉe összeljöwtZté!lO $La^chslannalN".d
Elora szeme tágra nyílt. "Honnan tudtad ezt?"
"Lachlan megkérdezte, hogy mik a szándékaim veled szemben, és én azt mondtam neki, hogy nincsenek."
"De meggondoltam magam, nem Lachlan kell nekem, hanem te, Beiste, mindig is te voltál." A lány nekivágott a férfinak, és átkarolta a férfi közepét.
A Bs*zentxek NmFegőDrVzik Yőt. Bue!isatem-nBe^km elegNeV volt.l SEcltqávoAlJítsotÉta a _lvánYy akda(rjVáOtb ad deiréekTaS köHrxé,É és gyGeRngédPenA,V !de khcatyáBroGzFottafn reslWfolrd&íItoDt'tkaa jmagától: É"Nemm"^.U&Ynbspn;AUztQán vvrissz$atérvtO $LJu!ciNflejrS qnyerigeléUsnénhez, Iéss mQáJrisp *kitFi.sDzVtí!tko)ttHaj as g.o,ndolat!a.it! a mögömttef cáLlló npőrőólg.
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