Chapter 27
Evelyne sat cross-legged on the cot, watching Heidara move gracefully around the tent, gathering clothes and accessories as if she’d done this a hundred times before.
The young woman looked wild and untamed, yet elegant, like she belonged to the night itself.
She was already dressed for the ritual, her golden-blonde hair woven into a beautiful braided headband that circled the crown of her head.
A thin leather strap rested just above her brows, fastened with a small silver emblem shaped like a wolf’s head.
Evelyne had never seen a woman dressed like this. Heidara’s cropped leather top clung to her form, leaving her toned stomach bare, and her slit skirt revealed strong, muscled legs that moved with confidence. A thick belt sat at her waist, lined with small sheathed daggers.
“You’re staring,” Heidara teased as she caught Evelyne’s wide-eyed gaze.
“I’ve just never seen a woman dress like… this. At least, not in front of men.”
Heidara chuckled, tightening the last strap of her belt.
“You southern women cover yourselves up too much.” She motioned to Evelyne’s tunic and slit skirt.
“That’s already an improvement, but the boots ruin it.
” She knelt and placed a pair of simple leather sandals in front of her.
“Here. These will suit the night better.”
Evelyne hesitated, then sighed and unlaced her boots. The sandals were lighter, and though she wasn’t sure how practical they’d be in a forest, she had to admit they were comfortable.
“Better.” Heidara nodded approvingly. “But your hair needs work.”
Evelyne instinctively reached up, brushing her fingers through her long hair. “What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing,” Heidara said, already moving behind her. “But if you’re going to attend a moon ritual, you should at least look the part.”
She worked quickly, weaving Evelyne’s hair into a similar braided headband, her fingers surprisingly gentle as they twisted and threaded through the strands. Evelyne sat still, listening to the rhythmic sound of Heidara’s movements.
“There.” Heidara stepped back, nodding in satisfaction before tying a matching strap across Evelyne’s forehead. “Now you look less like an outsider.”
She held up a small, cracked hand mirror, and Evelyne smiled at her reflection. The braids framed her face beautifully, and the leather band, while simple, made her look… different. Stronger.
She looked to Heidara, who stood with arms crossed, a mischievous glint in her striking green eyes. “You’re stunning,” Evelyne admitted, eyeing the soft freckles dusting Heidara’s nose. “You don’t even need the effort.”
Heidara laughed, adjusting her daggers. “Flattery will get you everywhere. Now, come. The pack is waiting.”
She extended her hand, but Evelyne paused. Instead of taking it, she asked, “Why are you so kind to me?”
Heidara’s brow furrowed. “Is there a reason I shouldn’t be?”
“It’s just hard to tell if your pack plans to kill me or not. And I already feel like Holden is waiting for the first excuse to try.”
At that, Heidara stepped closer and took Evelyne’s hand anyway, squeezing it lightly.
“Holden is insufferable,” she admitted. “He’s powerful, irritatingly protective, and incapable of minding his own business when it comes to me, but beneath all that, he has a good heart.
He’s also fiercely loyal to Kaldrek, like we all are.
So if Kaldrek has decided you won’t be harmed, Holden has no choice but to obey. ”
“Are you and Holden… together?”
“Oh, gods, no.” Heidara cringed. “Gross. He’s my brother.”
Evelyne’s jaw nearly hit the ground. Holden—the same man who had shifted into a monster before her very eyes, who had looked moments away from ripping out her throat—was Heidara’s brother?
But then she remembered how Heidara had stepped into the tent that night and stopped him with a single touch. She looked at Heidara again, and suddenly, it was apparent. The golden hair, the striking green eyes. It was a wonder she hadn’t pieced it together sooner.
“Hard to believe, I know. He’s an ass, and everyone likes me better.”
Evelyne huffed a laugh. “How old are you?”
“Nineteen. But Holden still treats me like a child, even though he’s only three years older.
” She rolled her eyes, then shrugged. “I suppose it’s not the worst thing in the world, having someone watching out for you.
Though I’d prefer someone a little more handsome. And not, you know, related to me.”
Evelyne found herself smiling. Aside from her sister, she had never really had close girlfriends before, but this felt easy. Nice.
“Don’t worry,” Heidara went on. “Holden won’t give you any trouble. Honestly, even the smallest hint of interest from you, and he’ll probably spend the whole night trying to prove himself.”
Evelyne scowled. “Not in this lifetime.”
Heidara laughed. “Unless, of course, you and—what was your handsome friend’s name again?” She tapped a finger to her chin, pretending to think.
“Alaric.”
“Right. Unless you and Alaric are already… acquainted in that fashion?” There was a teasing lilt to her voice, and her eyes were full of curiosity.
Evelyne sighed. “It’s complicated.”
Heidara hummed in response, then tugged her out into the night.