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“Thank you, Warren. I've learned so much these days, it's incredible. By the way, I really wanted to visit the neighboring islands. Can we go on a tour there? I can't wait to see them,” Megan asked with genuine interest.
“If you like, we can go there tomorrow.”
“That would be great.”
The girl sighed with relief, finding a way to spend another day.
“Megan, tonight our family plans to have dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in town. Will you join us?” asked Warren.
“With pleasure.”
After lunch, the girl headed to the library she had discovered a few days ago while roaming around the castle, and continued to explore the vast rows of ancient books. Reading was one of her most favorite hobbies. Moreover, just as in Castle Raven, she found a book of Scottish tales and legends on a shelf and reached for the thick, old, ancient volume with remnants of a greenish image on the cover.
She binge-read stories about the mysteries of Scottish castles, about the blood shed within them, and the bodiless spirits forever locked within these stone walls. Here, she also learned that many Scottish families had their own spirits or house ghosts. She became so engrossed in the history and her own thoughts about it that she didn't notice how quickly the time had passed.
10. What Is Love?
The restaurant chosen for dinner specialized in game dishes, and its interior was largely adorned with hunting trophies.
“This is the best place in town. Malcolm and I used to come here often for freshly brewed ale and delicious meat,” Alaric recalled, smiling as he remembered the good old times.
“You won't find better game preparation anywhere else,” Duncan added.
“You praise the local cuisine so much that I can’t wait to try everything,” Megan laughed.
Ordering various dishes of wild boar, venison, duck, hare, they drank ale and enjoyed the food. The conversation throughout the evening revolved around the factories; they also discussed the latest local news. Megan didn't wait for the planned family meeting to announce her decision and share her plans, which she had previously discussed with Warren.
Alaric was pleased with this turn of events, saying, “I think you made the right decision. It's quite hard to split your time between two cities and manage two enterprises. Warren is a worthy candidate and will handle the business well. You are a member of our family. This is your home, and you are welcome here anytime. We will always be happy to see you.”
“I completely agree,” Duncan chimed in approvingly.
At that moment, a man in his thirties approached their table: tall, broad-shouldered, with light hair and green eyes. The McKenzie men warmly greeted him – he turned out to be an old friend of Warren's. Without much thought, Alaric invited him to join them at the table.
“Craig, I'd like to introduce you to my cousin Megan. She's Malcolm's granddaughter. She came to take care of her inheritance and decide its fate,” Warren explained.
“Nice to meet you,” Craig said, looking at her with an admiring smile, extending his strong firm arm for a handshake.
Megan found the highlander quite attractive. It seemed that the feeling was mutual because throughout the evening, almost all his attention was directed at her. Craig clearly wanted to learn as much about the girl as possible, and she happily engaged in conversation, enjoying the company of the young man and her family members.
“Craig, what do you do for a living?” she inquired.
“I work for one of the local shipping companies.”
“Tomorrow we're using one of your ferries to get to the island,” Warren said.
“Really? What are you heading there for?”
“We're going to sacrifice Megan on the altar of the druids,” joked the younger cousin.
“Thanks, Duncan. At least I know the real purpose of our journey now,” Megan laughed.
“If you don't mind, I’d like to come along,” the young man said, looking hopefully at the girl.
“Of course, you’re welcome to join us. Megan, you don't mind, do you?” Duncan asked.
“Of course not.”
“What time will you be at the dock tomorrow morning?” he asked Warren.
“I think we'll arrive by eleven thirty.”
“Well, Megan, prepare yourself! You're in for an unforgettable experience, since it will be conducted by true local highlanders,” Craig said with a proud smile.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she replied cheerfully.
After dinner, everyone said their goodbyes, and went their separate ways. On the drive home, Warren said, “Megan, in just one evening, you've charmed my friend. I've known him for a long time, and he's already smitten with you.”
“Is he always so quick to fall in love?” she laughed.
“No, quite the opposite! I can't remember the last time he was so enchanted by a woman. Since Craig decided to join us tomorrow, it means he wants to get to know you better.”
“Did you like him? He's quite interesting and handsome, isn't he?” Glenn chattered.
“Glenn!” Warren protested.
“What did I say? I just asked if she liked him. I would be really happy if she found her love here and stayed with us.”
“I understand you'd be happy, but it's tactless to ask such questions. They've known each other for a few hours, and you’re probably already imagining a wedding and a bunch of kids in your romantic fantasies. Let people get to know each other better and then we'll see.”
“Don't worry, Warren. We're women and it's normal for us to ask such questions. Craig is certainly a charismatic and handsome young man, in my opinion. But it's too soon to say anything more. We barely know each other to draw any conclusions.”
As they arrived at the castle, Megan checked the time; it was already 11:10. Her heart beat faster. Was he waiting for her tonight? What if he came, saw no light in her window, and left?
She eagerly anticipated their next meeting and feared it might not happen anytime soon.
After wishing Warren and Glenn goodnight, Megan rushed to her room and ran to the window. He was there, on the hill, waiting for her. Her hands trembled, butterflies fluttered in her stomach, and a joyful smile lit up her face. Without a second thought, she quickly left the castle.
Coming close to Derek, she said, “I'm glad you came; I was waiting for you.”
He smiled, brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, and kissed her.
“I'm glad to see you too,” he whispered softly in her ear.
“Derek, I don't understand why all the mystery? These meetings under my window, without any warning… It's as if we're living in the Middle Ages and there's no other way to meet. Can't we do it differently?”
“You don’t like this?” he asked with a barely noticeable smile.
“Well, it's a bit strange.”
“I work late every day.”
“Don't you have any days off?” Megan asked surprised.
“Not at the moment. I'm currently working on a secret project, and I’m only free in the evenings.”
“There are secret projects in city administration? I never thought that was a thing,” she said dubiously.
“I can't explain everything to you yet. It's not just about the city administration. I've signed nondisclosure agreements regarding my current mission. So, please don't ask me about my work for now. I'll definitely tell you everything when the time comes. This… mystery, as you call it, is temporary.”
“Alright, I understand. Non-disclosure means nondisclosure. You’re probably a 007 agent,” she joked.
Derek just smiled, “How was your evening?” he said, changing the subject.
“Very good, I wasn't as bored today as I was on the other days.”
"Who entertained you?" he inquired.
In his question, Megan sensed strange notes, as if he knew about her new acquaintance.
“We had a family dinner,” she shared without going into details.
“I'm glad you had a good time. Would you mind taking a walk with me? We could go down to the sea or up the hill.”
“I'd love to,” she responded, happy for the opportunity to spend more time together.
Derek wrapped his arm around her waist, and they headed towards the beach. Megan was dressed warmly, so the light breeze blowing from the sea didn't bother her. Large boulders were scattered across the sand. The young man sat down on one of them and pulled her close. They sat there for a long time, talking about various topics. The conversation flowed easily and naturally. Megan noted to herself that Derek was intelligent, well-educated, and knowledgeable on many issues; with his wisdom and tact she felt they could discuss anything and everything. He seemed perfect. For the first time in her life, she felt truly happy, spending almost the entire night in his strong embrace.
“You know, Derek, I find myself liking you more and more,” she said with a smile, gazing into his eyes.
“Thank you, I'm flattered. And what did I do to earn such affection today?” he asked, cocking his right eyebrow.
“You're smart…, interesting. It's very easy and comfortable to talk to you.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
“It's hard to believe that one person can embody incredible beauty, wisdom, romanticism, and so much more,” she continued.
“So many compliments! You're idealizing me, I'm embarrassed,” he laughed.
“I'm not idealizing. Actually, I was thinking… there must be at least one flaw in you! Tell me, what's not right, what am I not seeing?” she playfully said.
“Like everyone, I have my downsides.”
“Such as?”
“The most serious one you'll find out about later,” Derek said, devoid of any emotion.
“You're a sadist? Or a maniac?”
His loud laughter broke the silence of the night. It was the first time Megan had heard Derek laugh so genuinely and contagiously. The suggestion amused him greatly.
“Why of all things did you come up with these ones?” he asked, still laughing.
“I don't know,” Megan chuckled.
“Your guesses are wrong. Any other ideas?”
“You're not really a 007 agent, are you?” she asked, making a disapproving face.
“What an imagination you have!”
“I can't think of anything else. You tell me,” Megan insisted.
“In time, you'll definitely find out,” Derek replied, kissing her face.
“Alright, we'll see how imperfect you can be,” she said.
But her companion had already resumed his usual serious demeanor.
“Dawn is soon,” he whispered.
“Already? That was quick.”
“It's time for you to go home. I'll come tomorrow if you don't mind. We could have dinner at that restaurant,” Derek pointed towards one of the hills.
“I don't mind,” Megan replied, looking forward to their next meeting.
“I'll be there at 10:00 p.m.” he said, releasing her from his embrace.
“Great!”
“Let's go, I'll walk you home.”
She embraced him around the neck and gently kissed him. She didn't want to leave him at all, and he didn't want to let her go. But he knew it was time…
When the girl found herself in her bedroom, she understood what it meant to be the happiest person in the world, because that's exactly how she felt at that moment. She discovered what love is. Love that fills every cell of the body. This intense emotion seemed to squeeze her heart so tightly that it was hard to breathe. For Derek, she was now ready to go to the end of the world and back again. And now, she very well understood what her mother meant before she moved to America. Megan's ears echoed her words, “Baby, I know it’s a very difficult choice right now, but one day you’ll understand me. There’s nothing more powerful in life than love. When it comes – everything changes: the values, the meaning of being.” Megan was amazed at how quickly and unconditionally one can fall in love with someone, how in one moment everything changes, and there's no turning back.
It was difficult to fall asleep. Thoughts overwhelmed her, emotions ran high, but she needed to rest at least a little before the trip to the islands tomorrow.
* * *
She managed to sleep only a couple of hours before the alarm went off and it was time to get ready. Megan thought about the unfortunate day they chose for this trip. But somehow, the usual predictability of life didn't apply here. Nobody could have known in advance that on this sleepless night she would find the love of her life.
She quickly washed up, combed her gorgeous hair, dressed warmly, and went down to the kitchen to drink a double shot of strong coffee. Warren and Glenn were just finishing breakfast.
“Good morning, Megan,” the couple said in unison.
“Good morning,” she said with a smile and reached for the coffee.
