Highland Harmony: Avelina and Drew (Clan Grant Series Book 8) by Keira Montclair Read Free Book Online Page B

butterflies—their wings decorated in purples, yellows, and greens—dance in the air around the woman in front of her. This was not a dream, though. This was real. Somehow, she knew. This otherworldly woman was here for her , and her life was about to change for the better. No longer would she be quiet little Lina in the corner.
    “Hello, my dear, I am Erena, the Fae Queen of Peace and Harmony. Our purpose is to bring harmony to the land of the Scots and protect it from evil. My kind rarely appears to humans, but I have a special role for you.
    “Unfortunately, you have been harmed in a way that is difficult to repair. Confused lads have injured your confidence, which must be restored before I can tell you what your purpose is in this land. You will prove to be a strong lass, but you will not believe me for some time. I shall prove it to you.”
    Lina stared at the vision in front of her, certain she had turned daft. Nay, this could not be true, but who would play such a cruel trick on her? What act of trickery could summon so many butterflies to one place? Could it all be a dream?
    Erena sat on the bench and patted the spot next to her. “Come sit with me, and I’ll try my best to explain.”
    Lina hesitated, but only for a moment. The vision of Erena tugged on her soul, so she stepped closer and placed her hand in the faerie’s outstretched one. An immediate sense of harmony spread through her body, soothing her soul and stopping her trembling. She lifted her gaze to Erena’s, still unable to believe this was truly happening to her, and took a seat next to the faerie.
    “This is a verra confusing time for all,” Erena continued. “After all the fighting ended on Cameron land, we thought the situation had improved, but another negative force has pushed its way to the forefront, hiding behind the face of one of Aedan’s neighbors. Our council has decided to choose a human to assist us. My dear, we chose you. Though I cannot reveal what we wish you to do for us just yet, you will know in good time.”
    Avelina gasped, her eyes widening. “Me?”
    “Aye, you are much stronger than you believe. Someday you will understand that, but we must move forward one step at a time. For now, you must trust me and do as I say, though I have few instructions for you today.
    “In this land, there exists a sword, Avelina—not a large one, but one that carries certain gifts. What those gifts are does not matter at this moment, but it does matter who possesses this sword.
    “Evil has found its way to the sword, and if we do not regain it, the future of the Scots will be in jeopardy. I wish we could keep the sword in our possession, but it is destined to be in human hands, so we must guide you along the way. Eventually, I will tell you how you can assist us in this endeavor. For now, I only wish for you to determine its location. The handle is encrusted with rubies and sapphires. You will know it when you see it.”
    Erena ended her explanation and folded her hands in her lap. “Do you think you could accomplish that?”
    Lina nodded, unable to speak.
    Erena stood and held her arms out from her body. A soft sound emanated from the sky as a swarm of butterflies landed on her arms. Lina could not take her eyes from one butterfly in particular—the speckles of gold on its wings matched the faerie’s golden slippers.
    “Whenever you spy a golden butterfly,” Erena said with a smile, “trust that I am nearby. I cannot protect you from everything, but I will help you learn to protect yourself. Believe in your strength and allow others to assist and protect you as well. You will find your way.”
    She lifted her arms in a slow, graceful arc toward the sky, sending all the butterflies aloft but one. The golden butterfly had moved into the palm of Erena’s hand, which she extended toward Lina and lifted quickly through the air. The butterfly took off and flew over Lina’s head. Then the faerie placed her hands on either side of