The ravine glowed with the orange light of the burning crypt, the flames licking the night sky as Eryn MacLean and her group hurried away from Duncreag Keep. The air smelled of smoke and wet stone, and the ground shook a little from the explosion they'd caused. Eryn's heart beat fast, her hands still holding Callum Reid's as they ran. The knife in her belt bounced with each step, and her coat was heavy with mud. They had hurt the Order of the Knot, but she knew it wasn't over.
Callum kept up, his gray eyes wide with worry. The tome was safe under his arm, its warm glow dim now. Isobel Reid ran beside him, her dark hair messy, clutching the papers they'd left behind. Mairi Fraser led the way, her quick steps showing she knew the path. The fire behind them lit up Lachlan's angry face for a moment before he and the other guards pulled back, shouting orders.
"We need to get out of here," Mairi said, her voice steady. She pointed to a narrow trail leading down the hill. "This goes to the old road. We can head to Inverness from there." Her blonde hair shone in the firelight, and her smart thinking made her stand out as a true friend.
Eryn nodded, her mind racing. The feedback about her last book's slow start pushed her to keep things moving. "Inverness is far," she said. "But we can show the police the Order's secrets there. Let's go." She squeezed Callum's hand, feeling his warmth. The love between them was growing, a quiet strength in the danger.
Isobel looked back, her blue eyes sharp. "Eadric won't let this go. He'll send more after us. We need a plan." Her voice was strong, even though she looked tired. She was Callum's sister, and her bravery made her special in the group.
The trail was rough, with rocks and roots tripping them up. They walked for hours, the night turning colder. Callum stumbled once, and Eryn caught him, their bodies close for a moment. "You okay?" she asked, her green eyes meeting his.
"Yeah," he said, smiling a little. "Thanks to you." His hand stayed on hers, and she felt a flutter in her chest. The love conflict was clear—he needed her, and she was starting to need him too.
As dawn broke, they reached the old road, a dirt path lined with heather. The sky turned pink, but the peace didn't last. A horse's neigh broke the silence, and a cart rolled into view. A man jumped down—tall, with gray hair and a kind face. He wore a worn jacket and carried a stick. "I'm Hamish," he said. "Saw the fire. You lot in trouble?"
Eryn stepped forward, cautious but hopeful. "Yes. We need to get to Inverness. Can you help?" The feedback about weak characters pushed her to make Hamish real—a simple farmer with a good heart.
Hamish scratched his beard. "Aye, I can take you. But it's a day's ride, and I heard strange men asking about a book. Best be quick." He waved them to the cart, and they climbed in, the wood creaking under them. The tome pulsed softly, and Callum held it tight.
The cart bumped along, and Eryn sat close to Callum. "Tell me about Hamish," she whispered, wanting to know more.
"He's a local," Callum said. "Lives off the land. He's helped runaways before—quietly. We can trust him." His voice was soft, and his trust in her grew their bond.
Isobel sat with Mairi, going over the papers. "These names—Eadric, Lachlan, others—they're all here. If we get this to the police, the Order's done." Her focus made her stand out, a key part of the plan.
The ride was long, the Highlands rolling by—hills, streams, and sheep dotting the land. Hamish hummed a tune, his cart steady. But halfway, a shout rang out. Lachlan appeared on horseback, his scar glowing in the sunlight, with two men behind him. "Stop them!" he yelled.
Eryn's heart jumped. "Go faster!" she told Hamish, grabbing her knife. Callum pulled out his dagger, ready to fight. The cart sped up, the horse whinnying, but Lachlan gained ground.
Mairi leaned out, throwing a rock from the cart. It hit one man, making him fall back. "Keep going!" she shouted, her quick thinking saving them. Isobel clutched the papers, her face set.
The chase went on, the road twisting through a forest. Trees flashed by, and Eryn felt the danger close in. Callum turned to her, his hand on her arm. "If we split up, they might follow me. You take the papers."
"No," Eryn said firmly. "We stay together." The love conflict grew—she wouldn't leave him. He nodded, a look of respect in his eyes.
Hamish swerved, the cart jolting. They hit a bridge, and Lachlan's horse stumbled, giving them a lead. But a shot rang out, a bullet whizzing past. Eryn ducked, her breath short. "They've got guns now," she said.
Hamish cursed, pushing the horse harder. The forest opened to a valley, and Inverness's lights glowed in the distance. "Almost there!" he called. Lachlan fell back, his men scattering, but Eryn knew he'd return.
They reached the town as night fell, the streets busy with people. Hamish stopped near a police station, a solid building with lights on. "This is your stop," he said. "Good luck."
Eryn thanked him, and they got out, the tome and papers in hand. Inside, a officer listened as they explained—cult, rituals, proof. He took the papers, promising to act. But as they left, a shadow moved—Eadric, watching from across the street, his gray hair catching the light.
"We're not safe yet," Callum said, taking Eryn's hand. The love between them was strong now, a promise in the danger. Isobel and Mairi joined them, ready for the next step.