Chapter 38
The cobblestone streets of Velenshire hummed as they always did.
Lantern light spilled across the walkways, illuminating couples strolling arm in arm and merchants lingering outside their shops to entice late patrons.
Gentlemen rested their hands lightly against their wives’ backs as they wandered between storefronts, their voices mingling with laughter and the soft clink of glasses from nearby taverns.
Night had only just fallen and the town thrived in that comfortable hour when people walked off a hearty meal and lingered in conversation with friends.
Few of the faces were familiar to Evelyne.
Most of the families she recognized from balls and society luncheons hailed from Caltheris or Rosewyth.
Only a handful lived in Velenshire itself, and those were likely at home by now, filling their bellies with wine or soaking in hot baths before retiring for the night.
Evelyne had lost track of the date. Perhaps even the month.
She knew only that autumn was nearing, her favorite season in the south, when the air cooled enough to sharpen her morning runs, though the warmth lingered longer here than it ever did in Centaro.
Winter could still feel cruel to southern bones accustomed to long days of sun.
Tonight, however, nostalgia would have to wait.
The plan was simple in theory: follow Alaric to Lord and Lady Shaw’s estate, ask whether they might shelter two wolf packs, and secure a carriage back to Caltheris.
In practice, it meant moving through Velenshire as though they belonged there.
They could not rush or skulk. They had to appear like ordinary visitors, like shoppers lingering in the evening market, or couples taking a pleasant stroll, until they reached the quieter road toward the Shaw estate.
Alaric walked beside Aurelia, the two conversing easily in case they crossed paths with anyone who recognized them. Evelyne and Cillian followed a few paces behind, as siblings naturally might, while Heidara kept close to Kaldrek.
Now that Evelyne studied them, she realized it might have been the worst pairing they could have chosen.
Neither had the faintest idea how to appear relaxed.
Heidara moved stiffly in her borrowed dress, as though the fabric itself had offended her, and Kaldrek—handsome as he looked in the fitted tunic—towered over nearly everyone on the street.
His height alone made him impossible to overlook.
They paused beside a jeweler’s window, pretending to admire the glittering display while Alaric and Aurelia continued ahead, laughing softly like old friends enjoying the evening market.
When they passed Velenshire’s grand library, with its ancient stone walls rising high above the street, Kaldrek nearly stopped in his tracks.
Heidara stared openly at the towering structure until he nudged her arm, urging her on.
“It is beautiful, is it not?” Evelyne whispered.
“Yes,” Heidara breathed, her voice hushed with awe.
Then Evelyne’s heart sank.
Lady Callista Evermere had just stepped through the library doors, her hand tucked around Lord Wesley Bavrick’s arm. His elder brother, Ivan, followed a few paces behind them, as though serving as chaperone.
Callista’s black hair was swept elegantly beneath a wide-brimmed hat, but Evelyne recognized her at once.
The Bavrick brothers were just as unmistakable with their auburn hair, though Ivan’s had thinned considerably since she had last seen him. His gaze caught hers for the briefest instant, then slipped away as though he had not seen her at all.
Evelyne’s world seemed to tilt. Memory rose like bile in her throat—his liquor-thick breath, his voice creeping close in the darkness of that alley in Caltheris, his hands clawing at her skirts as she fought to shove him away.
“Mr. Stonebridge?” Callista’s velvety voice carried across the street.
Alaric froze. Even from behind, Evelyne could see the tension locking his spine.
Slowly, he turned and forced a polite smile before bowing at the waist. “Lady Evermere,” he said with practiced ease. “What a pleasure to see you here. It has been quite some time.”
Callista approached, Wesley in tow and looking thoroughly enchanted. He smiled at her as though no one else existed. Evelyne remembered how readily he had once pursued any eligible debutante, and Callista Evermere was a prize few bachelors would overlook.
Ivan, however, remained where he was. Wise of him, considering Alaric had struck him the last time their paths crossed. Evelyne lowered her gaze, praying he would not look at her again—or worse, speak.
Kaldrek must have sensed the tension drawing tight through her body, because he and Heidara shifted closer without a word, flanking her on either side. Evelyne swallowed.
This was about to become painfully awkward.
“Indeed it has been quite some time,” Callista said. “I had wondered whether you fled society entirely after humiliating poor Evelyne so thoroughly.”
Her lips puckered in a theatrical pout as she finally turned toward Evelyne.
“Well, well… Lady Evelyne. We feared you had taken ill like your unfortunate younger brother. One so rarely sees him at court. I do hope he is recovering.”
Callista must not have even realized Cillian stood so close. And even if she had, Evelyne doubted she would have recognized him. The pale, fragile boy with wide golden eyes was gone. In his place stood someone older, steadier, and far harder to break.
“Lady Callista,” Evelyne said, her voice all polished courtesy. “For a moment I nearly believed you had developed a genuine concern for my welfare.”
Callista plastered a fake smile on her face.
“Let us not waste the evening pretending we enjoy one another’s company,” Evelyne added.
Callista laughed, clearly amused. “Yes, you see through me as always.” Her gaze swept idly across them all, then settled once more on Alaric with a wink.
“Though I confess, I do miss our little entertainments. Society has grown terribly dull when every suitor insists on worshipping me.” Her smile sharpened.
“And I especially miss playing with that one.”
Alaric sighed. “My lady, we wish you a pleasant evening.”
“Oh, Mr. Stonebridge,” Callista murmured. “I am not quite finished.” She tilted her head, her voice dropping just enough to be scandalous. “The last time we met, the conversation was rather… limited. Our mouths were otherwise occupied.”
Heat surged through Evelyne’s chest.
Breathe, love. Save that temper for me later. I promise it will be far more satisfying.
She forced herself to remain still, thankful to hear her mate’s steady voice.
“How many months has it been, Evelyne? You seem to have gathered quite the… curious collection of companions.”
Callista’s eyes lingered on Kaldrek, Heidara, and Cillian, her expression thick with disdain.
“It is unfortunate you never outgrew childish cruelty,” Evelyne replied calmly. “Perhaps when you do, you might discover what true friendship feels like.”
Callista’s composure cracked for the briefest moment. She gathered herself, then looped her arm through Wesley’s.
“For your information,” she said, with a crisp lift of her chin, “Lord Wesley and I have every expectation of an engagement in the near future. He is a most devoted and loyal friend.” She fixed him with a pointed look. “Is that not so, my lord?”
Wesley blinked, awareness returning to his face. “Ah—yes. Quite so. Most devoted.” His gaze shifted to Evelyne and brightened at once. “Lady Evelyne! What a pleasure to see you again.”
Evelyne fought the urge to laugh at how transparently distracted he was. “Good evening, Lord Wesley.”
Before Callista could resume her assault, Aurelia swept forward. “Forgive us, but we must be on our way. The hour grows late, and I confess I am in desperate need of a warm bath.” She offered a polite curtsey, but Callista was not finished.
“Oh, Lady Evelyne,” she said, “surely you will not ignore Lord Ivan, considering the… chemistry you once shared.” She beckoned him forward, and the moment Ivan took a single step, Alaric moved closer to Evelyne.
Her pulse thundered in her ears. She needed to leave. Now.
“She will not be greeting him tonight,” Alaric said coldly. “Nor ever again.”
He turned and began walking, and the others followed without hesitation. Behind them, Kaldrek released a low, quiet growl. Too soft for human ears, but Evelyne knew he had felt something wrong.