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and believed in them. Perhaps Derek just stood near the castle on the first evening, enjoying the scenery, and after seeing that she was in danger, carried her safely to her room. Maybe she appealed to him, and decided to get acquainted with her in this unusual way. Methods of acquaintance do vary. Derek, presumably, preferred this one. After all, they are Highlanders; perhaps this is their custom.

      “Are you going after the fern flower?” Derek asked with a grin.

      “No, of course not.”

      “Why so categorically?”

      “Firstly, I don't believe in it. Secondly, I'm afraid of the dark and anything unexplainable.”

      “Really?” he asked, smiling enigmatically.

      “Yes really. And do you believe in these fairy tales?”

      “The fern blooming once a year is an absolute fact. And I am not afraid of the darkness or the inexplicable,” he answered with a serious expression on his face.

      “I hope you're not saying that you've once picked the flower and now possess magical powers?” she teased him.

      “I have never picked a fern flower, and I do not have any magical powers,” Derek said just as seriously.

      “That’s good to know, because I was starting to get scared.”

      “Scared of what?”

      “Well, as I’ve already mentioned, I’m afraid of what can’t be explained.”

      “But even the inexplicable can be explained; don’t you agree?”

      “I don’t know. But I do know that I don’t like this topic,” Megan responded, frowning.

      “Did you enjoy the festival?”

      “Yes, I did.”

      “How long are you planning to stay here, Megan?”

      “Another week, I think, and then it’ll be time to go back home,” she answered with a slight sadness in her voice.

      At these words, he grew more serious and thoughtful.

      “And who will manage the distillery?”

      “I suppose my cousin Warren will. Wait, how do you know about the distillery?” Megan asked surprised.

      “Everyone around here knows about it,” Derek smiled and again lapsed into silence.

      After waiting a bit, the girl asked, “What are you thinking about so deeply?”

      “You,” he said with a smile.

      “And more specifically?”

      “If you leave, how will I live without you?” He seemed to be joking, but her heart beat faster at these words.

      Suddenly Derek pulled her close and kissed her passionately. Megan's head spun and her chest pounded so loudly that she thought even he could hear it. She was overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions. This kiss was the sweetest she’s had in her life.

      Derek looked into her eyes.

      Megan thought about the astonishing feeling taking over her, as if she has known Derek for a long time. He felt so familiar and beloved to her. Her entire being was drawn to him. Her soul sought his. The girl ran her finger across his face, from his temple to his chin, carefully studying his handsome features. Flawless skin, precise eyebrows, dark thick hair. Today, Megan noticed, he wasn't wearing his beret.

      “You’re admiring me?” he asked with a smile.

      “Yes, you’re remarkably attractive; how old are you?”

      He was silent for a moment, continuing to gaze at her intently.

      “I'm twenty-nine,” he said after the brief pause.

      “What do you do for a living? Where do you work?”

      He did not seem to expect this question and wasn't ready to answer it right away. It was the first time Megan saw him at a loss.

      “I work in the city administration of Thurso,” he said calmly after a moment's hesitation.

      “And what about you? What do you do in London?”

      “How did you know I'm from London?”

      “You're originally from here, you just live in London,” he emphasized. “Everyone knows the story about how your mother left this place many years ago, being pregnant with you.”

      “Yes, that's right. I keep forgetting that this is a village. Everyone knows everything about each other. I own a restaurant; my mom opened it many years ago. She moved to America to live with her husband while I stayed in London. Sam, the restaurant manager, helps me out. He’s great; without him, I wouldn’t have been able to do it."

      “You’re great, Megan.”

      “Thanks. Have you got family? Brothers, sisters?”

      "I was an only child. My father and mother have long passed away."

      “I’m sorry to hear that.”

      “I’m used to being alone,” he said calmly and emotionlessly.

      “You know, me too,” she said, smiling. “Do you hear that? The sounds of bagpipes have nearly fallen silent. Everyone has probably gone looking for the flower.”

      “Are you scared?”

      “No. After all, you’re here with me.”

      “I'm glad you feel safe in my presence.”

      “I think my family is worried about my disappearance. I left them at the beginning of the festival. They don't know where I am. I need to go. I don't want to cause any panic.”

      “Responsibility is one of the main traits of your character,” he smirked. “Let's go, I'll walk you back.”

      They walked slowly towards her home, enjoying each other's company. It had completely darkened. The moon was entirely hidden behind the clouds. Without getting too close to the castle, Derek embraced Megan, kissed her goodbye, and wished her a good night. She expected him to suggest meeting again or to set a date, but he remained silent. Apparently, he was the type of man who decided when and where the next meeting would occur before letting others know. Discussions and agreements were not his style.

      “Good night, Derek,” said the girl, and walked away without looking back.

      Closing the door behind her, she stole a quick glance at the spot where they had just said goodbye, but he was no longer there.

      “Megan! We were looking for you, where did you go? I was so worried. We couldn't find you among the people at the celebration, so we thought you had returned home before us, but imagine our horror when we didn't find you here either.”

      “Sorry, Glenn. I met a young man, we got to talking, and I lost track of time.”

      “Well, that’s a pretty good reason,” Glenn said approvingly.

      “What time is it?”

      “Past one in the morning.”

      “Oh, that’s late indeed.”

      “It's okay, don't worry. I'll go calm Warren down. He went up to our room for his jacket and was about to go out looking for you.”

      “Megan! Thank God you're back!” her cousin was already descending the staircase.

      “I’m sorry; I really didn’t mean to worry you.”

      “Everything’s fine. The main thing is you’re home and you’re safe. Now we can all sleep in peace.”

      All three went upstairs and dispersed to their rooms. Megan was happy. She remembered Derek; his handsome face, his kisses, and realized that she didn't want to leave for London anymore. A light, dreamy smile appeared on her lips as she went to bed, full of anticipation for their future meetings. That night, the girl slept soundly and sweetly, without any dreams.

* * *

      In the morning, Megan invited Gregor to Malcolm's

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