Page 95 of A Sunwoven Ascent

Aurelia frowned in confusion. “What is it?”

Evelyne opened her mouth, but the words would not come.

“Father began searching for me after I disappeared,” Cillian said, his voice low. “Evelyne as well, as you both know. He left with several of his men to assist in the search.”

Lady Celeste lifted her teacup calmly, then set it back down upon its saucer with delicate precision.

“You mean to tell me your father has passed.”

The words struck the room like a thunderclap.

“What?” Aurelia whispered, tears already rising in her eyes.

“You knew?” Evelyne asked, stunned.

“I know it now,” Lady Celeste replied with an even tone. “Tell me how it happened.”

Only then did Evelyne notice how tightly her mother held her teacup. Her expression was calm, but the strain beneath it was clear.

“Oh gods,” Aurelia murmured. “When?”

“Before I found Cillian,” Evelyne said, voice trembling. “I am so sorry I did not tell you sooner. I wished to wait until everyone was safe.”

“We,” Cillian paused. “We wished to wait.”

Aurelia stared at them both in disbelief, shaking her head slowly. “You knew Father was gone… and you said nothing to me?”

Lady Celeste turned her attention to Kaldrek. “Perhaps we might have a moment alone.”

Kaldrek looked toward Evelyne. “Is that what you wish?”

Before she could answer, Lady Celeste spoke again, her tone sharper. “I believe I still conduct this household. I would appreciate a moment with my children.”

“Mother,” Evelyne said, each word certain, “do not speak to him that way. He is welcome here.”

Kaldrek pushed his chair back and stood, the legs scraping across the polished floor in a manner no noble gentleman would ever allow.

“I’ll wait just outside,” he said calmly.

You do not have to leave, Evelyne sent through the bond.

He only gave her a reassuring smile before stepping from the room. The door had barely closed before Aurelia turned on them.

“You both knew Father was gone and never thought to tell me?”

“Aurelia,” Cillian spoke with care, “forgive us, but when we found you… you were barely alive. Evelyne and I had time to grieve. You did not.”

Aurelia exhaled sharply, though her entire body trembled. Dark claws began pushing through the tips of her fingers. Evelyne reached out to touch her shoulder, but Aurelia pulled back.

“You must breathe,” Evelyne said. “Before you lose control.”

Aurelia glanced down and gasped, pulling her hands to her chest as the claws slowly retracted.

“This,” she whispered, “is why I cannot return to Leopold, Mother. I am frightened. I have changed. And now I have lost our father.” Her voice broke. “I came home because I did not know where else to go.”

“We are not the same people we once were,” Cillian said with a stern voice. He straightened in his father’s chair, and for the first time Evelyne saw him truly command the room. “We are shifters now. We know of magic where others do not. We have seen horrors no one in these lands has ever imagined. But we are still Duskwoods, and we will not falter. Father would not want us to.”

Pride swelled in Evelyne’s chest.