Page 92 of A Sunwoven Ascent

“Let’s take a minute,” he murmured.

“No. I’m quite fine,” she said quickly, pushing herself back, though her eyes remained lowered.

“Look at me.”

“I’m fine. Truly.”

“Then look at me.”

Reluctantly, she lifted her head.

His dark eyes met hers with unhurried patience. He said nothing, only let his thumb drift along her cheekbone as he waited for her breath to settle.

The others could wait. The world could wait.

“I’ve watched you face demons in tunnels so dark most men would have fled before taking a single step,” he said quietly. “I watched you stand against a blood-magic witch who would have broken the world itself.” His voice warmed. “I’ve seen you push through every humiliation during training without ever once backing down. And I’ve seen you fight—not for pride, not for glory, but for the people you love.”

His hand slid gently beneath her chin, lifting it slightly.

“Whatever is weighing on you now, you will overcome that too. Because you, Evelyne, are the most extraordinary female I have ever met.”

A smile broke across her face before she could stop it.

“I love you,” she whispered.

Kaldrek tilted her chin upward and leaned closer, his voice dropping into a low murmur near her lips.

“Good,” he said. “Because I am completely, hopelessly obsessed with loving you.”

Then he kissed her.

His lips met hers slowly, as though reminding her exactly where she belonged. The moment stretched, the world slipping away as his warmth surrounded her. She melted against him. His hand slid into her hair as the kiss deepened, and when his lips parted, she answered without hesitation. Her fingers curled at the back of his neck, drawing him closer as their bodies pressed together. It grew urgent, consuming—his mouth moving with a hunger that made her head spin, his touch sending warmth through her chest and down her spine.

For a moment, she forgot everything—the manor, the fear, the grief waiting ahead. There was only him. Only the way they fit together, as though they had always been meant to.

The kiss was so intoxicating she barely registered the sound of someone clearing their throat behind them.

“Miss Evelyne Duskwood,” Aurelia said primly, “I believe you might remember your manners before our dear mother faints at the sight.”

Evelyne pulled away quickly, covering her mouth as laughter bubbled up despite herself.

“Oh—my apologies.”

Aurelia’s stern expression lasted only a moment before it transformed into a knowing smile.

Then the moment passed, and together, Evelyne, Kaldrek, Aurelia, and Cillian turned toward the place she had once called home.

Part Three

The Sunwoven Reckoning

Chapter 42

“Lady Evelyne!” Seraphine’s voice rang out as she threw open the great doors of Duskwood Manor. The moment she saw Evelyne standing there, her eyes widened in disbelief.

“Oh, dear heavens—you’re home! Oh goodness, I must tell everyone at once.”

Before Evelyne could say a word, Seraphine hurried down the steps and cupped her face between both hands, turning her gently from side to side as if inspecting every inch of her for injury. The woman’s silver-laced curls were pulled tightly into her usual bun, not a single strand out of place despite her sudden rush. At the sight of her—the familiar face that had soothed so many childhood tears—warmth bloomed painfully in Evelyne’s chest.