Embers in the Snow

Chapter 32 | Christmas

Snow blanketed the hills and valleys surrounding MacDonald Castle, transforming the rugged Scottish landscape into a pristine winter wonderland. The biting cold outside made the warmth within the castle all the more comforting. The Great Hall was alive with the festive spirit of Christmas, filled with laughter, music, and the rich smells of roasted meats and spiced bread. A large evergreen tree stood in the center, adorned with candles and ornaments, casting a soft glow that mingled with the flickering light of the hearth.

Aili sat quietly at the long table, surrounded by the sounds of celebration but lost in her own thoughts. The MacDonald clan was gathered in full, the mood joyful and light as the evening feast began. Laird MacDonald sat at the head of the table, his strong, weathered face softened by the sight of his family and friends celebrating together. To his right, Allistair and Sofia sat, their newborn son cradled gently in Sofia's arms. The baby, barely a few weeks old, slept soundly, oblivious to the world around him.

Ewan sat beside Aili, his presence steady and grounding as always. His hand rested lightly on hers, offering comfort in the way only he could. Though the castle was filled with warmth and love, Aili's heart was heavy with the absence of her father, Laird MacLeod, who was now imprisoned in the MacKinney's castle, paying the price for his actions.

She smiled faintly at the sight of Sofia and Allistair doting on their child, but the joy in the room couldn't completely soothe the ache in her chest. Christmas had always been a time for family, and though she had found a new family here at MacDonald Castle, the knowledge that her father was spending this holiday in a cold cell weighed on her. She couldn't stop the thoughts of him, alone and defeated, far from his people and from her.

Aili's eyes wandered to the fire, where she remembered spending countless Christmases by her father's side at Castle MacLeod. They had shared quiet moments together after the feast, talking about the future, the clan, and the weight of leadership. He had always been a complicated man, but he had been her father, and despite his mistakes, she loved him.

Ewan must have sensed the shift in her mood because he leaned closer, his voice soft and reassuring. "Are ye all right, Aili?"

She nodded, though her eyes remained fixed on the flames. "I'm just thinking of my father," she admitted quietly. "Christmas was always a special time for us. Even when things were difficult, we found a way to be together."

Ewan's hand tightened around hers. "I ken It's not easy, knowing he's not here. But you've made sure your people are safe, and your father's sacrifice ensured that peace."

Aili sighed, her heart torn between gratitude and sorrow. "I know he did what was right in the end, but I still miss him."

Ewan didn't say anything more, simply offering his silent support as they watched the others celebrate.

Sofia, glowing with the joy of new motherhood, caught Aili's eye and smiled warmly. "Aili, come here," she called, motioning for her to join them. "Ye must meet our son properly."

Aili stood, her smile returning, though the shadow of her father's absence still lingered. She walked over to where Sofia and Allistair sat, their faces alight with happiness as they gazed down at their newborn.

Sofia gently handed the baby to Aili, her movements careful and deliberate. "Here, meet him."

Aili took the baby into her arms, feeling the warmth of his tiny body through the swaddling cloth. The child stirred slightly, his small fists clenching as he nestled closer to her. Aili felt a wave of tenderness wash over her as she looked down at him, marveling at his innocence and the promise of new life.

"He's beautiful," she whispered, her voice full of awe. "What's his name?"

Sofia exchanged a glance with Allistair before answering, her voice soft. "We've named him Malcolm, after my father."

Aili smiled, her heart warming at the thought. "A strong name for a strong child."

Allistair, who had been quietly watching, leaned in, his expression serious but kind. "You've been a part of this family from the beginning, Aili. We want you to know that no matter what, you'll always have a place here."

Tears pricked at Aili's eyes, though she blinked them back quickly. "Thank ye," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "That means more to me than ye ken."

She handed the baby back to Sofia, her heart full of conflicting emotions—love for the family she had here, and grief for the family she had lost. As she returned to her seat beside Ewan, she couldn't shake the image of her father sitting alone in the MacKinney's prison, the cold stones of his cell replacing the warmth of the hearth.

But Ewan was there, his presence a constant reminder that she was not alone. He leaned in again, his voice low. "We'll go to Castle MacLeod soon, Aili. Your people need ye, and you'll give them hope."

Aili nodded, though the sadness still lingered. "I just wish my father could see it," she said softly. "I wish he could know that things will get better."

Ewan's hand slipped into hers again, his thumb brushing gently over her knuckles. "In his way, he knows. You've already honored him by doing what's right for your clan. That's what he would have wanted."

The evening wore on, the sounds of the MacDonald clan celebrating filling the hall with music and laughter. Laird MacDonald himself raised a toast to family and peace, his deep voice carrying through the hall as he spoke of the trials they had faced and the strength that had brought them through.

"To the bonds we've forged, and to the future we will build together," he said, lifting his cup high.

Everyone joined in the toast, their cups raised in unison, but Aili's mind drifted once more to her father. She closed her eyes, offering her own silent prayer for him—for his safety, for his peace, and for the hope that one day, he might see his clan rise again.

When the toast was finished and the hall settled into a comfortable murmur of conversation, Ewan leaned in close, his voice a quiet reassurance. "We'll visit him soon, Aili. You won't have to carry this alone."

Aili met his gaze, her heart swelling with gratitude for the man beside her. "Thank ye, Ewan," she whispered. "For everything."

He smiled, his eyes warm with understanding. "Always."

And as the evening continued, the weight of her father's absence remained, but so did the love and support of the family she had here at MacDonald Castle. This Christmas, though bittersweet, marked the beginning of a new chapter. Aili was ready to face it, surrounded by those who had become her family, and with the man she loved by her side.