Page 103 of A Sunwoven Ascent

Holden clenched his jaw, a low growl escaping him.

“It’s not a game,” Evelyne murmured. “It’s training. For what’s coming.”

“I am aware,” Aurelia replied.

Then, with sudden resolve, she removed her gloves and hat, tossing them aside before settling more firmly into the grass.

“Well then,” she said, waving a hand. “Do carry on.”

Holden stared at her for a long moment before turning away, dragging a hand along his jaw in clear frustration. Evelyne, watching the exchange, had no doubt that whatever was unfolding between them was far from over.

Chapter 45

“Do stop fidgeting with those,” Evelyne murmured under her breath, casting Kaldrek a sidelong glance as he continued to prod at the silver fork and spoon beside his plate.

“What?” he replied quietly. “They would make rather effective weapons in a pinch.”

Evelyne suppressed a smile, folding her hands neatly in her lap. Despite her composed posture, a nervous energy hummed beneath the surface. She could not quite place the cause of it, only that something about this evening felt… unusual.

What could possibly have compelled her mother to host a dinner requiring not only Kaldrek’s presence, but Holden and Heidara’s as well? And then there was Alaric and his parents, and even Alia, who had apparently been invited at Mrs. Stonebridge’s request.

It was all just… so very odd. And it left her trembling slightly in her chair.

She had asked Heidara to braid her hair in a delicate crown across her head that morning, with only the lightest touch of cosmetics to soften her features. She had not dared arrive in leathers—not tonight. There was no need to make a statement. Her mother already knew where she stood. Instead, she had reluctantly accepted one of Aurelia’s gowns for the occasion. A decision she immediately regretted the moment Seraphine caught sight of her.

“Goodness, my lady,” Seraphine had said, ushering her firmly toward the small mirror in the foyer. “Did you quite forget how to lace a corset? This is scarcely secured at all.”

Evelyne had barely managed a breath before the strings were tightened further.

“I thought,” she gasped, placing her hands on the wall for support, “that I had missed you. I must take that back at once.”

“I most certainly did not miss your sarcasm,” Seraphine replied briskly. “Now do hold still.”

“She is just as stubborn with me,” Kaldrek had added from where he leaned against the wall. “Quite defiant, in fact.”

“Ah, yes,” Seraphine agreed with a knowing smile. “That does sound like our Evelyne.”

Evelyne let out a huff. “Would you both kindly cease? I can scarcely breathe, and you are finding amusement in it.” She looked to Kaldrek. “And if my behavior is so disagreeable, perhaps you might seek out a more agreeable lady—one who is a bit more submissive.”

“Never,” Kaldrek replied with a grin. “I quite like that sharp tongue of yours.”

Seraphine did not miss the look that passed between them. She smiled faintly to herself before clearing her throat and excusing herself.

Evelyne pointed firmly at Kaldrek. “You had best behave yourself this evening.”

He leaned closer, his voice low. “Do I need to remind you that I am the alpha? You do not command me.”

She placed her hand against his chest, pushing him back just enough to meet his gaze. “The only time I will permit you to command me is in private. Now straighten yourself and mind your manners.”

His grin only widened.

“Tonight, then,” he murmured. “I shall be certain to remind you.”

The scrape of a chair across the polished floor pulled Evelyne from the memory, returning her to the present. She lifted her gaze just in time to see Holden awkwardly lowering himself into the seat beside Cillian.

Aurelia sat just to Evelyne’s right, watching him from across the table, perfectly arranged for the evening in a deep purple gown that flattered her complexion beautifully. Her hair was pinned half up, jeweled earrings caught the candlelight whenever she moved, and the rich pink tint on her lips completed the look with effortless elegance.

Evelyne did not miss the way Holden’s attention kept drifting back to her, again and again, as though he could not help himself. Some things, it seemed, had not changed at all. Aurelia still had that rare ability to command attention without ever asking for it.