Highland Harmony: Avelina and Drew (Clan Grant Series Book 8) by Keira Montclair

Lina’s head and leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Someday, my dear, I will do the same for you. But first you must believe in yourself. Then you will be surprised by how high you can soar.”
    In a flash of light, Erena disappeared, and Lina found herself back in her chamber. She blinked back tears as she stumbled over to the window to look out over the garden.
    Erena was gone.
    As she climbed back into her bed, Avelina decided it had probably been a dream. She settled her head on the pillow and tugged the covers up to her chin with a trembling hand. Just as she was about to close her eyes, a strange sound greeted her. She sat up, then moved back over to the window, pulling the fur covering back. She searched for Erena, but did not see her. Just then a golden butterfly flew over to her, suspended in front of her face, its wings flapping for her attention. She held her hand out, and the butterfly landed gracefully in the middle of her palm before flapping its wings twice and departing. Lina watched the creature until she could no longer see it.
    Even if had been a dream, Erena had given her something she had been searching for forever.
    Hope.

 
    Chapter Six
     
    Drew scowled as he stood next to Aedan in the Cameron lists, where Neil and Boyd were running two different groups through training exercises.
    Aedan’s brother, Ruari, joined them, having just arrived from the keep. “Aedan, may I work with Boyd today? Mayhap we can discover some new moves.”
    His exuberance was enough to give Drew a headache.
    Aedan cast a sly glance over at Drew. “Aye, work with Boyd. Hopefully, he’ll teach you something new we can use with our men. Drew is a great trainer, as well…or at least he is when his head’s not full of ale.”
    Ruari gave his brother a surprised look, then glanced at Drew.
    “Ignore your brother, Ruari,” Drew hollered. “I had naught to drink last night.” Drew crossed his arms and stared out at the field of warriors, not wanting to talk to anyone.
    Ruari snickered as he ran off toward the training grounds.
    “What has you so fierce this morn, Menzie? Couldn’t find a lass last night? I told you Senga would take care of you.”
    “I found her and she was agreeable, but I changed my mind.” He didn’t glance at his friend, fearing he would spill all if he met Aedan’s eyes.
    “Then why are you miserable? Too much ale? Unable to perform?” Aedan laughed at the expression on his friend’s face.
    Drew sent a clump of dirt flying at Aedan’s head, but his friend easily ducked it. Chuckling, Aedan made his way over to the group of guards practicing in the middle of the field.
    “Halfwit! Nay, I said I did not drink last night,” Drew growled. He stood at the side of the field, his legs planted wide and his arms crossed, daring anyone to bother him. He had intentionally kept himself from imbibing too much. While he couldn’t seem to stop himself at home, it was easy to control himself at Aedan’s. Though his body language was intended to repel attention, it was not as effective as he’d hoped. Aedan’s guards continued to come his way. They actually lined up to speak with him.
    “I heard your guards compete against one another in teams,” the first asked. “Can you not do the same for us?”
    Drew motioned with his head, indicating that the guard should move on.
    The second one took two steps back as soon as he got a look at Drew’s facial expression. “Menzie, would you be able to show us that new move you showed us one moon ago? The one that takes down twice as many guards?”
    Drew growled and pointed toward the field. “Go see my second, Boyd.” The lad took off running. Could they not see he had other things on his mind today? Things like plump pink lips and an innocent smile…a smile that he had destroyed with one careless action the previous night.
    The third man stood five paces away. “Could you not watch us and see what we are doing wrong? That maneuver is the best we’ve