Page 134 of A Sunwoven Ascent

She blinked, but didn’t say a word. Color rose instantly to her cheeks, that sharp, unmistakable red that made everything worse. He watched it spread, felt her grip tighten just slightly as his fingers brushed against hers, tracing the edge of her hand without thinking.

And then—

Her scent hit him again, but stronger. And much closer.

His entire body locked in response.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Not now.

“Holden,” she said quietly.

Before he knew it, the music ended. Saved by the gods themselves.

He stepped back immediately, forcing distance between them before he did something they’d both regret. Kaldrek was already moving across the floor, looking like he was about to tear someone apart, which meant Holden was needed.

Perfect.

He gave her a quick bow—far too rushed to be proper—and turned away, grateful for the interruption. Because if that dance had gone on any longer, he wasn’t sure he would’ve been able to stop himself.

Chapter 54

They had been doing so well. Kaldrek had remembered every step and turn. He had looked the part, held his composure, and kept his mouth shut. Then Ivan had the audacity to show his face. Evelyne’s breath caught painfully in her throat. She could do nothing to hide the fear.

He was not supposed to be here. He had not been invited. She could only hope her mother noticed him before Kaldrek did something they could not recover from.

She did not know how he knew, but he did.

Kaldrek, please. Not now. This is not the time.

He did not slow. He barreled through the crowd, each step faster than the last. Evelyne followed, searching the room for someone, anyone, to intervene. Movement caught at her side, and she turned to see Holden. Relief flickered through her, though she was not entirely certain he would help rather than make matters worse.

“Lord Ivan!” Alaric’s voice cut cleanly through the ballroom as he stepped forward, intercepting him. He greeted Ivan as though this were a planned meeting, though both men knew it was anything but.

“Mr. Stonebridge,” Ivan replied with a shallow nod.

Kaldrek stopped before them, a low, dangerous sound rumbling in his chest. Holden stepped beside him and placed a firm hand against his back, the gesture almost convincing as friendly.

Kaldrek… please do not engage with him. The night has been going so well.

Still nothing.

Evelyne blew out a breath.

Stubborn wolf.

“I do not recall seeing your name on the guest list,” Alaric said. “I admit, I am surprised to find you here tonight. Very bold of you, Ivan.”

Lord Bavrick lifted his glass slowly, a cruel smile touching his mouth. “My plans changed,” he replied, calm as ever. “It seems I was able to attend after all.” His attention slid to Evelyne. “Once I heard my lovely Evelyne was no longer betrothed, I felt it only proper to present myself again.”

“You are well aware I would never accept you, Lord Bavrick,” Evelyne snapped. The fact that he had walked into her family’s home and spoken as though he had any claim to her made her blood burn.

Holden’s hand remained firm against Kaldrek’s shoulder—a silent warning.

Kaldrek’s gaze shifted to her. He’s the one who touched you. Not a question, but a confirmation.

Evelyne closed her eyes briefly. Then nodded.