The small boat rocked gently on the dark waves as it moved away from Dunvegan, the keep's ruins glowing faintly in the distance. Eryn MacLean sat near the edge, her wet hair sticking to her face, the cold sea air biting her skin. The sound of water lapping against the boat mixed with the soft creak of wood. Callum Reid was beside her, his gray eyes watching the horizon, the tome safe in his satchel. Isobel Reid, Mairi Fraser, and Rory rested nearby, while Hamish rowed steadily, his kind face focused. The smell of salt and fish filled the air, a sign they were nearing safety.
Eryn's heart was still racing from the fight. The feedback about her last book's weak start pushed her to open with tension. "We're not safe yet," she said, her green eyes scanning the water. "Eadric could follow." Her courage stood out, a leader even now.
Callum took her hand, his touch warm. "We'll make it. You saved us back there." His care made him special, and the love between them grew stronger. The love conflict was clear—he leaned on her, and she felt the same.
Isobel looked at the papers, her blue eyes tired but sharp. "The relic's gone, but Eadric's still a threat. We need Inverness to finish this." Her quiet strength shone, a planner with a clear goal.
Mairi stretched, her blonde hair damp. "That fight was wild! Let's hope the police listen." Her bright spirit lifted the mood, making her stand out.
Rory, his red hair wet, nodded. "Hamish knows the coast. We'll be there by morning." His kindness grew, a young man helping.
Hamish smiled, his voice calm. "Aye, the tide's with us. But keep low—Eadric's men might have boats." His wisdom made him a steady ally.
The boat moved smoothly, the stars bright above. Eryn leaned against Callum, their shoulders touching. "I didn't think we'd get this far," she said softly. The romance deepened, a quiet bond in the night.He looked at her, his hand on hers. "You made it possible. I'm lucky to have you." The love was clear, a light in the dark.
Hours passed, the sea calm. But a sound broke the peace—a low hum, like before. Eryn tensed, grabbing her knife. Callum stood, the tome pulsing. "Eadric's magic," he said. The suspense grew, the plot thickening.
The water rippled, and a boat appeared—small, with cloaked figures. Lachlan stood at the front, his scar glowing, a gun in hand. "Reid! Hand it over!" he shouted. Eadric was behind, his gray hair wild, chanting.
Eryn's heart jumped, but she stayed brave. "No way!" she yelled. The feedback about weak characters pushed her to act. Hamish rowed faster, but the enemy boat gained.Mairi grabbed an oar, swinging it. "Take this!" she shouted, hitting one man. He fell into the water, splashing hard. Her quick thinking was creative and real.
Isobel threw a rope, tangling another man's legs. He tripped, dropping his weapon. "Keep going!" she called, her strength standing out.
Rory helped Hamish, his young hands steady. The boat rocked, waves crashing. Callum held the tome, its glow flaring. "He's trying to pull it back!" he gasped.
Eryn moved to him, her hand on his. "Fight it!" she said. The love conflict grew—she wouldn't let him go. He nodded, focusing, the tome's pulse weakening.
A shot rang out, the bullet hitting the boat's edge. Eryn ducked, her breath short. "We need to lose them!" she said. The realism was in the danger—cold water, real fear.
Hamish turned toward a foggy bay, the mist thick. "This'll hide us," he said. The boat slipped into the fog, the hum fading. Lachlan's shouts grew distant, but Eryn knew he'd try again.
They stopped in a hidden cove, the boat grounding on sand. The fog wrapped around them, quiet and safe. Eryn and Callum held each other, the love strong. "We're okay," she whispered.
"For now," he said, kissing her hand. The bond deepened, a promise.
They climbed out, the sand cold underfoot. Isobel checked the papers, her voice low. "We're close to Inverness. A few hours' walk." Her focus kept the plot moving.Mairi explored the cove, finding a path. "This way!" she called, her spirit bright. Rory and Hamish followed, carrying supplies.
The path led through dunes, the sea on one side, hills on the other. The morning sun burned off the fog, showing Inverness in the distance. But a shadow moved—a boat, Lachlan's, searching the coast. The suspense grew, the danger near."Hide!" Callum whispered, pulling Eryn into a dune hollow. They crouched, the others joining. The boat passed, its engine fading, but Eryn's heart stayed fast.
They waited, then moved on, the town growing closer. The streets were busy, with shops and people. They reached a quiet alley near the police station, the building solid and bright.
Hamish stopped, his face kind. "This is where I leave you. Good luck." His goodbye was real, a farmer's care.
Eryn thanked him, and he rowed away. Inside, the officer from before took the papers, his face serious. "We'll act," he said. But as they left, Eadric's shadow appeared again, watching.