Page 85 of A Sunwoven Ascent

“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.”