Crimson Highlands

The dim light of the Montgomery stronghold barely illuminated the scene as Celia stood amidst the cruel cacophony. Harsh demands and screams cut through the cold air, each one a reminder of her unwanted existence.

Her father, Charles Montgomery, his face contorted with anger, bellowed, "You will do as you are told, girl, or I swear on my grave you will be gone this day!"

A resigned silence fell over Celia as she murmured a reluctant, "Yes, father," her head lowered in submission.

Henry McGregor, her cousin, sneered, "She is something, isn't she, Montgomery? Who would ever want this piece of filth?"

Before she could protest, her father delivered the crushing news: "Brian Armstrong will wed you and give you a home. Children, even."

A gasp escaped Celia's lips. Brian Armstrong, the enemy. The leader of the strongest clan. The idea of marrying him filled her with icy terror and an inescapable sense of fate. Her father's brutal slap echoed through the room as she dared to show her shock. Later, alone in her meager room, the howling wind and lashing rain mirrored her despair, solidifying her desperate vow to escape.