Page 154 of A Sunwoven Ascent

Kaldrek.

Where was the alpha?

He looked around, suddenly frantic, but everyone was occupied. Some cleaned blood from the floors while others comforted wolves too shaken to stand. Holden was with Aurelia, and Evelyne was too lost in grief to know anything beyond it.

But Kaldrek would have been at his mate’s side the moment the darkness retreated.

He would have—

Alaric’s stomach dropped.

Had Heidara warned him? Had she warned any of them about what he had told her before the attack?

“Holden!” Alaric called.

Holden looked up.

“Where is Kaldrek?”

At the sound of his name, Evelyne’s head lifted, and within seconds she was on her feet.

“I don’t know his every movement,” Holden said, frowning. “I’d assume he’s helping somewhere.”

Evelyne went still, her expression turning inward as if she were reaching through the bond. A moment later, worry sharpened her face. “He’s not answering me.” She moved toward them. “Do you think he’s in trouble?”

Alaric’s stomach twisted. “I think we need to get him the hell away from the Solwyn Tree. Now.”

Heidara’s eyes widened. “I’m so sorry. He told me to come straight to the estate. I never had a chance to warn—”

Alaric shook his head. This was not her fault.

Holden stared at him, then at Heidara, confusion knitting his brow.

“Now, Holden.”

“Evelyne,” Holden said, turning to her, “you need to stay here and rest. You are not in any state to endure more tonight, and I have no idea why Alaric is panicking, but he’s right about one thing. I should go find Kaldrek.”

“Absolutely not,” Evelyne snapped. “I’m coming with you to find my mate.”

“I’m second-in-command, and I’m telling you that you’re needed here.” Holden nodded toward the Oathroot wolves scattered throughout the manor. “Your sister needs you. Your mother needs you. Your family home needs you after this.”

“Holden, no. Please.” Evelyne’s eyes shone with fresh tears. “I’m fine. I need to go.”

Holden’s voice dipped into something tender. “Kaldrek would never forgive me if I let you come and something happened to you. So please, stay.”

“I agree with Holden,” Alaric said gently. “You’re needed here, Ev. And if Kaldrek were in immediate danger, you would feel it, would you not?”

Evelyne looked down. “Yes.”

“Then let us go.”

For a moment, she said nothing. Then she nodded, though every part of her looked as if it cost her.

“Fine. I’ll stay. But take your strongest with you. I will never forgive myself if my mate is hurt and I’m not there.”

Holden’s gaze flicked toward Aurelia. “And I would never forgive myself if mine was hurt in my absence.” A flicker of understanding passed between them.

Alaric’s attention snapped to him, but there was no time to ask what he meant.