Bound by fire, Claimed by love

 Secrets in the Garden

Evelyn followed Damian deeper into the estate's gardens, the air growing cooler as they stepped beneath the shade of towering willows. The winding path led them toward a secluded stone archway, half-hidden by ivy.

She had never seen this part of Ashbourne's estate before.

A flicker of unease curled in her chest. "Where are we going?" she asked, her fingers tightening slightly in his.

Damian glanced over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "Somewhere only a few have ever seen."

He led her through the archway, revealing a small courtyard enclosed by aged stone walls. At its center stood an iron-wrought gate, its design intricate yet worn by time. Beyond it, a narrow staircase disappeared underground.

Evelyn's breath caught.

"Damian," she murmured, turning to him. "What is this place?"

He studied her for a moment before stepping forward, pushing open the gate. The creak of rusted hinges echoed through the stillness.

"A secret," he said, "that only those who bear the name Vale are meant to know."

Evelyn hesitated. This wasn't just some hidden garden. This was something deeper—something buried, both in history and in purpose.

"You trust me with it?" she asked, searching his gaze.

Damian exhaled softly. "I wouldn't have brought you here if I didn't."

For all his guarded nature, his voice held sincerity.

Heart pounding, Evelyn stepped past the gate. The shadows of the underground passageway stretched before her.

Whatever lay ahead…

It was something House Vale had kept hidden for a long, long time.

And now, she was about to uncover it.