’Twas well past midnight when Gavin found Isabelle in the chapel. She sat in front of the altar, tears streaming from her eyes. He knew she’d dismissed Father Michael earlier, for Gavin had spoken with him briefly in the great hall as he sat with Lady Madelyn. He told Gavin he’d already been to his laird’s chamber and prayed with Lady Gwendolyn before she, too, had dismissed him.

Gavin walked to Isabelle and knelt on the floor beside her. The look she gave him nearly broke his heart. He took her in his arms and rocked her against his body.

“Does he live, Gavin?” she asked, clutching him.

“Aye, Bella. Greylen’s strong. He’ll not die by the hand of a coward.”

“Mother wouldn’t tell me what happened. It must have been horrible, Gavin. The chants of our people still ring in my head.”

“I must go, Bella.”

“You’ll find him, and you must kill him, Gavin,” Isabelle demanded as she grabbed his shoulders.

“Aye, Isabelle, I will.”

“Come back to me, Gavin. I’ll stay away no more.”

“I won’t be back, Bella,” Gavin said, shaking his head. “Seagrave is no longer my home.”

“How can you say such a thing?” She gasped.

“I’m the reason your brother almost died. And from the look he gave me…I’m no longer welcome.”

“’Tis untrue! Greylen could never turn his back on you.”

“Some things can’t be forgiven, Bella.” He stared at the floor before cupping her face. “I will always love you, Bella. I have always loved you.” He gathered her close, kissing her with all the emotion that poured through his heart. He looked at her one last time, his eyes filled with unshed tears as he stood and left the chapel.

Gwen heard her chamber door open and looked up as Gavin stepped inside. He closed it behind him and walked slowly to the bed. She’d been told of the attack, and more importantly, of the shock it revealed. She watched Gavin look at her husband and bent to place his lips to his forehead.

“I’m so sorry, my friend,” Gavin whispered. His shoulders were shaking and when he turned to her, she threw herself in his arms. She couldn’t contain her sobs any longer, and they were violent in their release. She held Gavin tight, and he held her back with the same intensity.

“You saved his life, Gwen, I can’t thank you enough.”

“If you hadn’t gotten him home, Gavin, you saved his life as well.”

“I only broke his heart.”

“He loves you, Gavin. And until he tells you differently, I won’t believe anything else.”

“I can’t change who I am.”

“Oh, Gavin,” she cried, shaking him in despair and trying to get him listen. “You’re the most honorable person I’ve ever known.”

“I’ll miss you, Gwen. I’ll miss you all so very much.”