Page 102 of A Sunwoven Ascent

Aurelia waved a dismissive hand. “Gentlemen, wolves, males, whatever designation you prefer.”

“Mother has requested your presence at dinner tomorrow evening,” Cillian said without waiting. “All of you. At our home.”

“All of us?” Evelyne asked.

“Yes,” Aurelia added, pointing delicately between them. “You, your companions, Alaric, and his parents as well.”

Kaldrek snorted, swiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his arm. “Should I clean up before I’m handed another cup of steaming dirt?”

Evelyne nudged him. “It is tea.”

He only grinned wider.

“I will ensure these… gentlemen present themselves appropriately,” Evelyne said, turning back. “But you have no idea what this is about?”

Aurelia did not answer; her attention had returned to Holden. He stood stiffly now, fidgeting with the dagger at his belt, his eyes fixed firmly somewhere beyond them all.

“No,” Cillian answered instead. “She would not say. Only that it was important.”

“That sounds promising,” Heidara said, bumping Holden’s shoulder. “I do hope my brother is able to bite his tongue throughout the evening.”

He blinked, as though startled back into himself. “I know how to behave,” he muttered. Then, pointing at Cillian’s attire: “But I’m not wearing… whatever that is.”

“Just try not to bring mud into the foyer,” Cillian replied.

Holden frowned. “What the hell is a foyer?”

Alaric chuckled. “This will be entertaining. I look forward to it.” His expression eased as he turned to Heidara, his hand brushing gently along her cheek. “My parents will be so pleased to meet you as well.”

She smiled, happiness blooming across her face.

“Well then,” Cillian said, “it is settled. Tomorrow evening.”

Aurelia adjusted her hat and settled her hands one over the other. “Yes. Lovely.” She turned to Evelyne. “Would you mind if I remained to observe the rest of your… training?”

“You want to stay?” Holden blurted.

Aurelia’s gaze slid to him. “I may wear a dress, sir,” she said coolly, “but that does not render me delicate. Would my presence be a burden to you?”

Holden drew a hard breath and stepped back as though struck. “Not… at all,” he said, his voice rough. “Just didn’t think dirt-covered males would be your kind of entertainment.”

“Well, it is not,” Aurelia replied. “But I suppose we must all learn to adapt to the world as it presents itself.” Her chin lifted. “And I assure you, my interest lies not with you, but with my sister. Watching a woman best a man is far more compelling.”

Evelyne’s brows lifted in surprise. Aurelia had grown… quite bold, it seemed.

“Care to join us?” Kaldrek offered.

“No,” Holden answered before anyone else could speak.

Aurelia turned sharply. “I beg your pardon?”

“You’re not joining,” he repeated.

“You do not possess the authority to make such decisions for me,” she snapped.

“Sister,” Cillian said, his voice calm, “perhaps we observe today. We may return another morning.”

Aurelia inhaled, then gave a small nod. “A most reasonable suggestion.” She lowered herself gracefully onto the grass.