Page 107 of A Sunwoven Ascent

His eyes moved toward Holden and Heidara. Heidara inclined her head without hesitation. Holden, on the other hand, looked thoroughly displeased—but he did not argue.

“Good heavens,” Aurelia sighed, pressing her fingers to her temples. “It would seem we have a great deal of work ahead of us.”

“I will assist,” Cillian added. “Though I suspect this one will require particular attention.” He reached over and gave Holden a firm, almost amused tap on the shoulder.

Holden stared straight ahead, a muscle ticking in his cheek. “Fucking hell.”

Chapter 46

They settled upon a week’s time for the ball. It would give Lady Celeste ample opportunity to send word of her husband’s passing and prepare a memorial in his honor—an evening that would serve as both a celebration of his life and a formal declaration of Cillian as the new Lord of House Duskwood.

Though her mother appeared more at ease once Kaldrek agreed to the arrangement, Evelyne could not ignore the toll it had taken. It showed in the faint shadows beneath Celeste’s eyes, in the careful way she carried herself, as though holding everything together required constant effort.

And Evelyne felt it.

Her mother was not only mourning her husband. She was trying to secure the futures of all her children while bearing the truth of Aron’s death. Evelyne had been mated to Kaldrek only a short time, yet the mere thought of losing him made her stomach turn. To imagine living with such a loss felt unbearable. And still, her mother did. Dressed in black. Unbroken only in appearance.

Evelyne understood her a little better now. Her reasoning. Her urgency. And for the first time, she did not feel the need to resist it. She would see the plan through.

After dinner, Celeste followed them from the dining room, something she rarely did, and to Evelyne’s surprise, drew her into a brief but firm embrace. It revealed more than any words could have. She then asked Evelyne and Kaldrek to remain for the night and extended the invitation to the others as well, offering tea and dessert in the adjoining room. Holden and Heidara declined, choosing instead to return to the packs. Evelyne quietly asked Heidara to check on Oathroot and make sure all was well, and her friend agreed without hesitation.

Alaric and his family lingered a while longer, accepting tea before eventually taking their leave. Cillian, however, showed no interest in leaving the table once he realized Alia meant to stay with the Stonebridges.

The small spark of excitement in his eyes did not escape Evelyne, and it warmed her to see him so steady, so safe, and perhaps even a little hopeful.

Now, at last, the evening had settled. Evelyne and Kaldrek sat in her chambers, the space both familiar and strangely new at the same time. Seraphine moved quietly about the room, finishing preparations for a steaming bath Evelyne now wanted more than she would admit. Kaldrek stood near the tall window, his broad frame outlined against the night, looking out over Caltheris as though trying to take it all in.

“Would you care for more tea this evening, my lady?” Seraphine asked.

“No, thank you, Seraphine.”

The handmaid smiled warmly. “Then I shall wish you a good evening. It is truly good to have you home.”

Seraphine slipped from the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Evelyne rose from the bed and crossed the room to join Kaldrek at the window, the quiet night stretching beyond the glass. She slipped her arms around his waist, barely able to encircle him, and rested her cheek against his back as she drew in a slow breath. The warm scent of cedar and musk settled around her, grounding her in a way nothing else could. She exhaled softly, leaning into his heat and the steady strength of him. For a moment, neither spoke. Kaldrek tilted his head back slightly, as though he, too, was savoring the stillness.

Then he turned, and the intensity in his eyes stole her breath. It was as though he had been waiting for this moment all day, waiting to have her to himself. The look alone sent her pulse racing, and the faint smirk that followed told her he knew it. Heat spread through her in response. A low rumble rose from his chest as he stepped closer, lifting her with ease. She gasped softly, gripping him as he drew her in.

His breath brushed along her neck before his lips followed, pressing just at the edge of her shoulder—near the place where their bond marked her. When his tongue traced lightly over the scar, something low in her belly flipped, warmth unfurling through her in a slow, consuming wave. She leaned into him without thought.

Gods… she needed this. Needed him. His touch, his warmth, his scent—the way he both steadied her and unraveled her all at once. So when he finally set her back on her feet, the sudden absence of him felt almost unbearable.

“Get in the bath,” he said in a low, rough voice.

Evelyne turned slowly, glancing back once before stepping toward the bathing chamber. Her fingers found the ties at the back of her dress, working them loose with careful intent, though not quickly enough. Kaldrek moved in behind her, whatever patience he had clearly gone. With one firm pull, the corset gave way, the fabric tearing as its tight hold around her chest loosened.

“I do not like those,” he murmured as he began to peel off the remainder of her gown. “I’d much rather you bare beneath.”

She stilled beneath his gaze as it moved over her, as though he were taking in every detail. A moment later, Evelyne lifted her hands to her hair, pulling free the pins and letting soft waves fall around her shoulders, never once breaking eye contact as he shed the last of his leathers.

Kaldrek remained where he stood, still watching her as she stepped into the steaming water.

Are you going to stand there or join me?

He smiled wickedly. Oh, love. Not yet. I’m going to watch you first.

You’ve already been watching me—