Page 117 of A Sunwoven Ascent

“I am very much aware.”

Evelyne turned slowly beneath Kaldrek’s guidance, her hand still resting in his. “Now, a turn,” she instructed. “Smoothly—do not drag your partner across the floor like prey.”

Kaldrek huffed a quiet laugh. “Noted.”

“Again,” she said. “Gentler.”

He adjusted and improved.

“Well done,” she said softly.

“Thanks, but I’d prefer fighting,” he replied. “But this…” His thumb brushed lightly against her hand as he guided her into another step. “…has its advantages.”

Evelyne flushed. Indeed it did.

Aurelia let out a sharp exhale. “This is hopeless.”

“It’s not that hard,” Holden muttered.

“Then why are you doing it so poorly?”

“Because it’s pointless.”

“Because you lack discipline.”

“Because I don’t care.”

Evelyne glanced across the room toward Aurelia and Holden just as her sister glared at him, lifted her chin, and tightened her grip on his hand. “Well, you will care,” Aurelia said coolly. “Because I refuse to be humiliated by you at that ball, and Evelyne deserves better. Now fix your hand and look at me.”

Holden blinked, then slowly adjusted his posture without another word.

Well. That was new.

Evelyne turned back to Kaldrek, allowing herself a small, satisfied smile. “Again,” she called to the room.

“Good,” Aurelia said, her voice softer now. “Keep your eyes on me.”

At last, the room settled. Movements slowed, voices quieted, and for a brief moment it seemed as though progress had finally been made.

Then—

A sharp crash shattered the calm. Porcelain struck the floor with a violent clatter, followed immediately by a startled gasp.

Evelyne turned at once. Holden stood half-caught against the tea table, one hand braced against its edge to steady himself, the other still raised where it had been holding Aurelia’s. Several teacups lay broken at their feet, fragments scattered across the polished floor. Aurelia stood frozen before him, one hand pressed to her mouth in shock.

“What in heaven’s name just happened?” Heidara asked, stepping forward. “Are you both all right?”

“We’re fine,” Holden snapped, straightening abruptly. He cleared his throat, tugging at the collar of his tunic as though it had suddenly grown too tight. “I believe I’ve had quite enough for today.” His gaze shifted quickly to Kaldrek. There was something almost desperate in the look he gave him. “Alpha?”

Aurelia, however, said nothing. She remained still, her hands now resting lightly against her chest, her eyes fixed entirely on Holden as the others began to move, bending to gather the broken porcelain. Strangely, she made no remark about the ruined display—no sharp reprimand, no exasperated sigh.

“I’ll fetch a broom,” Cillian said quickly. “There’s no need to cut yourselves on that.” He slipped from the room at once.

Aurelia took a small step back, though her eyes never left Holden. He avoided looking at her entirely, turning instead toward the door as Kaldrek joined him. Without another word, the two of them exited together.

Please tell me what is wrong with him, Evelyne sent down the bond.

Kaldrek’s reply came with quiet certainty.