“No. I don’t think they even thought about opening it. They only took my weapons, and they better return them to me.”
She reached for her bag, pulled the map free, and unfolded it. No black. Thank the heavens.
Alaric frowned. “What do you think happened to Reuben?”
Evelyne had been waiting for this moment. To say the words out loud, and finally speak the thing that had been clawing at her mind for days.
“You saw his eyes. He wasn’t himself. It was like he wasn’t even there.” She held the edge of the map like an anchor before forcing the words out. “That night in the carriage… he cornered me. Grabbed me.” She turned to Alaric, voice trembling. “He was so strong. I thought he’d snap my wrist.”
Alaric stiffened. “He hurt you?”
“I’m fine,” she said quickly. “Honestly, with everything that happened after, I almost forgot about it. But when he talked to me, it wasn’thim. It was something else. Something hateful.” She glanced back down at the map before passing to Alaric. “Here. It’s yours.”
“Thanks, but you keep it for now. It seems to give you comfort.”
She nodded and tucked it back into her bag. “I think the pack is hunting the darkness. Maybe they know more about Vaelora than we do, but I need to know more.” She sighed softly. “And as much as Iwant to leave, I think staying tonight might be our best chance at finding answers.”
Alaric slowly nodded. He understood what they had to do. “Then I guess I’d better get ready,” he said with a playful wink.
Evelyne huffed a laugh. “Good. We’re going to need your Stonebridge charm.”
He turned to leave, then glanced back over his shoulder. “That’s quite the look on you, Ev. Not at all what I’m used to… but I can’t say I mind.”
Chapter 27
Evelyne sat cross-legged on the cot, watching Heidara move gracefully around the tent, gathering clothes and accessories as if she’d done this a hundred times before. The young woman looked wild and untamed, yet elegant, like she belonged to the night itself. She was already dressed for the ritual, her golden-blonde hair woven into a beautiful braided headband that circled the crown of her head. A thin leather strap rested just above her brows, fastened with a small silver emblem shaped like a wolf’s head.
Evelyne had never seen a woman dressed like this. Heidara’s cropped leather top clung to her form, leaving her toned stomach bare, and her slit skirt revealed strong, muscled legs that moved with confidence. A thick belt sat at her waist, lined with small sheathed daggers.
“You’re staring,” Heidara teased as she caught Evelyne’s wide-eyed gaze.
“I’ve just never seen a woman dress like… this. At least, not in front of men.”
Heidara chuckled, tightening the last strap of her belt. “You southern women cover yourselves up too much.” She motioned to Evelyne’s tunic and slit skirt. “That’s already an improvement, but the boots ruin it.” She knelt and placed a pair of simple leather sandals in front of her. “Here. These will suit the night better.”
Evelyne hesitated, then sighed and unlaced her boots. The sandals were lighter, and though she wasn’t sure how practical they’d be in a forest, she had to admit they were comfortable.
“Better.” Heidara nodded approvingly. “But your hair needs work.”
Evelyne instinctively reached up, brushing her fingers through her long hair. “What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing,” Heidara said, already moving behind her. “But if you’re going to attend a moon ritual, you should at least look the part.”
She worked quickly, weaving Evelyne’s hair into a similar braided headband, her fingers surprisingly gentle as they twisted and threaded through the strands. Evelyne sat still, listening to the rhythmic sound of Heidara’s movements.
“There.” Heidara stepped back, nodding in satisfaction before tying a matching strap across Evelyne’s forehead. “Now you look less like an outsider.”
She held up a small, cracked hand mirror, and Evelyne smiled at her reflection. The braids framed her face beautifully, and the leather band, while simple, made her look… different. Stronger.
She looked to Heidara, who stood with arms crossed, a mischievous glint in her striking green eyes. “You’re stunning,” Evelyne admitted, eyeing the soft freckles dusting Heidara’s nose. “You don’t even need the effort.”
Heidara laughed, adjusting her daggers. “Flattery will get you everywhere. Now, come. The pack is waiting.”
She extended her hand, but Evelyne paused. Instead of taking it, she asked, “Why are you so kind to me?”
Heidara’s brow furrowed. “Is there a reason I shouldn’t be?”
“It’s just hard to tell if your pack plans to kill me or not. And I already feel like Holden is waiting for the first excuse to try.”
