Bound by fire, Claimed by love

Shadows & Sunlight

Evelyn studied Damian as he regarded Isabelle with familiarity. It unsettled her—not because she distrusted either of them, but because it was a reminder of how little she truly knew about the man she was engaged to.

How many layers did he have, hidden beneath that composed exterior?

"You seem surprised," Damian said, turning his attention back to her.

"Should I not be?" she replied, tilting her head. "I never knew you were acquainted with my best friend."

Damian's lips quirked. "There are many things you don't know about me, Evelyn."

Her heart skipped a beat, but she refused to let him see it. "And whose fault is that, Your Grace?"

Damian chuckled, a rich, deep sound. "Touché."

Nearby, Adrian had not taken his eyes off Isabelle, though he remained as unreadable as ever. Isabelle, on the other hand, seemed determined to appear unaffected—yet there was something in the way her fingers curled ever so slightly, as if resisting the urge to reach out.

The tension between them was palpable, but Evelyn chose not to comment. Not yet.

Instead, she returned her attention to Damian. "You asked to see me," she prompted. "What is it?"

Damian regarded her for a long moment before stepping closer, lowering his voice.

"There's something I need to show you," he said. "Come with me."

Evelyn frowned, glancing at Isabelle. But her friend merely waved her off with a knowing smirk.

"Don't mind me," Isabelle teased. "I'll keep Sir Adrian entertained."

Adrian's jaw tightened ever so slightly.

Damian shook his head, amused. "Then let us leave them to their games."

He extended a hand. Evelyn hesitated—only for a breath—before taking it.

And as Damian led her deeper into the garden, away from prying eyes, she couldn't shake the feeling that whatever he was about to show her…

Would change everything.