The balcony window was open, so Kyran reached out and shut it before pulling Deirdre into his arms. “Why are you standing here? Aren’t you cold? I wouldn’t like you catching a cold.”

He was so caring and attentive, though he could not help but express seriousness at the thought of her health.

Deirdre chuckled, a little guilty, and explained, “I heard it was raining out there, so I was worried the journey from Village Alnwick would get a little bumpier. Good thing you came back so soon, though!”

She pressed the side of her head against his chest until a scent caught her attention. It was the same thing she had smelled from the previous night.

Was it that woman again? Did he just come back from that woman’s side?

Deirdre lowered her eyes, and Brendanm caught on. “What’s wrong?”

She shook her head and smiled. “Nothing! Are you hungry? I’ll make you something hot.”

“Nice.”

A little while later, the weather worsened. The rain washed over the ground with palpable ferocity. The next