22. Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Two
Evandra
“ Most Riftborn possess an innate ability to wield basic magics, often referred to as thaumaturgy. These small spells, requiring minimal effort, allow them to light fires with a gesture, purify water, mend torn fabric, or even summon a faint breeze. While seemingly mundane, these abilities are a testament to their deep-rooted connection to the Rift— blending practicality with magic.” —Study of Riftborn and Every Day Magic, Introduction
I was pacing the room like a madwoman, wringing my hands and glancing at the clock every other minute. A date? With Eldrake? Good Gods, what have I gotten myself into? What would I wear? What would I say?
My thoughts spiraled until I gave in and called for Rae and Ren. As soon as I explained my predicament, their eyes widened, and then they squealed in unison. Actually squealed.
“You’re very lucky, Lady Evandra,” Rae said with a knowing smile.
“Yes, incredibly lucky,” Ren agreed, practically bouncing on her heels. “I’ve never seen him this way. Did you see how he looked at you in town?”
My cheeks flushed as I recalled the way Eldrake had kissed my palm, the pride in his smile as he led me around Riftreach. I could still feel the warmth of his hand in mine. I told the twins I needed their help—desperately—with my hair and picking a gown. Their excitement was instantaneous.
“We’ll make you look perfect, Lady Evandra!” Rae proclaimed, clapping her hands.
“More than perfect,” Ren added. “He won’t know what hit him.”
They set to work with giddy determination.
First, they helped me into a bath infused with rose petals, the warm water soothing my nerves.
Ren meticulously filed and shaped my nails while Rae pinned my hair into an elegant updo, accenting it with pearl pins.
A few soft red curls were left to frame my face, and they gently brushed my eyelids with a pale taupe shadow before adding a touch of rouge to my cheeks.
I was feeling more like myself, albeit a slightly more polished version, until Rae approached the wardrobe and pulled out a floor-length red gown.
“No,” I said immediately, shaking my head at the plunging neckline, the shimmering beads, and the daring slit. “Absolutely not.”
“Lady, with all due respect… That man is going to combust when he sees you in this.” Rae grinned mischievously.
“You’d look so hot in this dress,” Ren chimed in, laughing.
I gave them a skeptical look, but their excitement was infectious. Reluctantly, I tried on the gown. As I looked in the mirror, my breath caught. The dress didn’t clash with my hair as I’d feared—it complemented it, pulling out the rich crimson tones and making my green eyes pop.
The chiffon sleeves draped off my shoulders, connecting to an intricate, lace-covered bodice that hugged my curves in all the right places.
The tulle skirt flowed elegantly to the floor, with a single slit revealing just enough leg to feel daring.
I stepped into matching red heels, and the transformation was complete.
“See?” Rae said smugly, her hands on her hips. “Told you.”
“You’re stunning, Lady Evandra,” Ren said with a grin. “He’ll be speechless.”
I couldn’t help but smile at my reflection. For once, I looked… beautiful.
“So, Miss,” Ren started, blushing slightly. “Tell us… is it true?”
“Is what true?” I asked, glancing at her through the mirror.
Rae elbowed her sister in the ribs, but Ren pressed on, her cheeks turning scarlet. “You know… what they say about dragons. The, um, size of their— ya know.”
“Ren!” Rae exclaimed, smacking her on the arm. Both of them burst into laughter, and I immediately turned beet red.
“Oh my Gods,” I spluttered, covering my face. “I mean, I wouldn’t know—I’ve never…”
Their laughter faded as they realized my embarrassment was genuine. “You’ve never…?” Rae asked more softly, her teasing replaced with curiosity.
“I’ve never been with a man in that way,” I admitted quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.
My hands twisted in my lap. “I—I mean, I may have… seen… something in the bathhouse” I stammered.
“But it was dark, and the water—and I’ve never, so I can’t exactly…
compare.” Gods, my face felt like it was on fire.
“But if it was what I think it was, then—well—” I buried my face in my hands. “It was… big.”
The twins squealed, their laughter bubbling back up, while I wanted to melt straight into the floor.
“Well, surely this dress will get you wherever you’d like to go, milady,” Rae said with a wink.
The implications made my cheeks burn. Not that I didn’t want that, I did want that, more than anything, actually.
To be with him in that way. I just… I wouldn’t know what to do.
What if I disappointed him? I realized my palms were sweating.
I was pacing again, my heart pounding in my chest. A date.
With Eldrake. Was I excited? Terrified? Both?
Probably both. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror for what felt like the hundredth time, smoothing the crimson gown that clung to my curves.
The twins had outdone themselves. The dress was breathtaking, with a plunging neckline, delicate beadwork that caught the light like stars, and a daring slit that revealed just enough leg to make me feel both bold and vulnerable all at once.
Right at eight o’clock, a knock sounded at the door. Of course, he’d be perfectly on time. Taking a deep breath, I whispered to myself, You don’t look ridiculous. You look fine. The girls said so.
When I opened the door, time stopped. Or maybe it just felt that way because the sight of him stole every last breath from my lungs.
Eldrake stood there—tall, sharp, devastating.
A vision in tailored black, every line of the suit sculpted to his form like it worshiped him.
I suddenly understood why people use the word ‘swoon’ unironically.
The jacket gave way to an obsidian vest and tie, the faintest hint of his crimson scales peeking over the high collar.
His hair, free of its usual tie, framed his sharp features like a warrior prince.
His silver eyes found mine and stayed there, wide and stunned.
His mouth opened slightly, then closed again like he’d forgotten how to speak.
“You look…” he finally breathed, “beyond incredible, Evandra,” his voice was low and husky as his eyes roamed over me, lingering on every detail of the gown.
He stepped forward, cupping the back of my neck, and pulled me into a deep, urgent kiss, making me dizzy in the best way.
When he pulled back, his gaze was darker, more intense.
“Gods, woman. Looking at you all night in that dress is going to be torture,” he licked his lips ever so slightly, making my knees weak.
I smirked, teasing, “Should I change?”
“Gods no,” he said, nearly breathless. “Please don’t,” his arm slipped around my waist, pulling me firmly against him. My heart fluttered at the sheer strength of him, yes—but more than that, it was the look in his eyes. Like I wasn’t just the only thing in his world tonight—I was his world.
We crossed the ship deck arm in arm, the sound of my heels clicking against the wood.
Descending into the glowing city, I felt like royalty, the Riftborn stopping to watch us as we passed.
Their gazes weren’t unkind, more curious, and it made me feel.
.. important. Special. Eldrake’s pride was palpable as he led me down the winding walkways toward the private dining room he had prepared.
When we arrived, my breath caught. The restaurant was built into the cavern wall, with a vine-draped terrace overlooking the geyser that sparkled in the lantern light.
The private dining room was secluded and cozy, with a table adorned with flickering candles and a vase of flowers—bright orange and yellow blooms that seemed to glow softly in the low light.
I approached the flowers, brushing my fingers over their delicate petals.
“Sunfire lilies,” he said softly behind me. “They only grow down here. I thought you might like them.”
“They’re beautiful,” I whispered, touched by the thoughtfulness. “Thank you.”
He pulled my chair out for me, his hand brushing mine as I sat, sending a jolt of warmth up my arm.
As he took his seat across from me, the candlelight caught his silver eyes, making them shimmer like molten metal.
We ordered wine— red, smuggled from above—and an assortment of small plates.
As the first glass was poured, Drake raised his glass.
“To you, Eva,” he said simply. “For everything you’ve done so far.
.. and for everything I know you’ll do.”
Blushing, I clinked my glass against his and sipped, savoring the smooth warmth of the wine. “So,” I began, trying to shift focus, “how long have you lived in Riftreach?”
“Since I was seventeen,” he replied, his gaze drifting over the distant shimmer of the geyser. “My mother stays above ground… in hiding.”
“Why?” I asked, leaning in.