​Ria Cantrell​
Characters
Rory MacCollum
Ruiri (Rory) MacCollum is the fourth son of a powerful Laird in 14th century Scotland. Handsome, rugged and powerful, Ruiri is plagued with guilt and anger over the death of his betrothed, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. An arrow meant for Ruiri found a home in Caitlyn McLeod’s heart. From that time on, Ruiri felt like his heart was pierced. He spent his days fighting the foes who had taken the life of his young love. As the years passed, Ruiri is filled with a growing anger, which he perceives to be an enveloping darkness. In reality, it is just a deep sadness. It is guilt and regret. However his reputation as a fighter earns him the title of Wolf of the Highlands. This name is a name of monster and while Ruiri fights the growing darkness, he does not want to admit that he is such a monster. He knows that the one thing to save him is love. Ruiri has tried to never love again, but Destiny has other plans for Ruiri, who is capable of great tenderness and compassion. Ruiri has vowed vengeance to the Clan Campbell since they were responsible for the death of Caitlyn. After a long exile in England, Ruiri decides to return home. He stumbles upon a carriage wreck with a lone survivor, a young widow. He cares for her and helps her heal. He finds himself falling in love with the woman, only to find, she is the enemy of his heart, but she will be his truest love. the enemy of his heart, but she will be his truest love.
Brielle Val Cour
Brielle Val Cour (Gabrielle Campbell) was a bartered bride by her evil brothers. She was practically sold in marriage to an elderly man, Marcus Val Cour, who succumbs to an illness after a short time. Brielle returns to Scotland after her husband’s death and is involved in a hideous carriage accident. She is left to die on the road, broken and battered, alone in the freezing cold. When she thinks there is no hope, a handsome Highlander saves her. When she hears his men talking to him, Brielle realizes that he is Rory MacCollum, the feared and hated Highland Wolf, only instead of hating him, she falls in love with him. Despite his rejection and avoidance, Gabrielle Campbell persists in winning the heart of her dreaded enemy. Brielle blossoms into a true beauty, with flawless skin, a sweet curvy figure, beautiful rich chestnut hair, and lovely violet eyes. Brielle is no match for Ruiri’s hatred, but it is her love that could cure the darkness that Ruiri perceives is growing in his soul.
Caleb MacCollum
Caleb MacCollum is the Laird and High Chief of the Clan MacCollum. His is a widower who has raised his five children after his wife passes away from a fever. As the years creep past him, he sees three of his sons and his only daughter happily married. Never remarrying, he devotes his life to his beloved Clan. Caleb is powerful and wise. His sense of family, and honor comes first and he spends his life overseeing matters of the Clan with wisdom, compassion, and fairness. When Gabrielle Val Cour (Campbell) is brought to his residence, after the horrible accident, Caleb takes such a liking to her. Despite her being the daughter of the rival Clan Campbell, Caleb believes that she is the perfect mate for his son. Caleb MacCollum is strong and distinguished with straight gray hair that just brushes his shoulders. He has intense eyes and a wonderful sense of wit and humor.
Morag
Morag is an ancient Wise One who is ageless. She practices the Old Ways and is the chatelaine of MacCollum Keep. She was pressed into service to help raise the children of the Laird of the Clan. She has taken them all under her wing and watched them grow into adulthood. She is steeped in traditions of the past. She experiences visions of the past and future. She is practiced in the arts of healing. She is the confidant of the Laird.
