Bound by fire, Claimed by love

As they left the drawing room, Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Damian, sensing her silence, gently squeezed her hand.

"Don't let my mother's words trouble you," he murmured. "She will come to accept us in time."

Evelyn forced a smile. "Of course," she said, though deep down, she wasn't so sure.

Damian led her through the halls of the grand estate, his grip on her never loosening. As they reached the entrance, he paused. "Stay a little longer," he said softly. "I barely had time with you."

Her heart clenched at his words. How easily he made her want to forget all her doubts.

She nodded. "Alright."

Just as she turned back, a voice called out from the corridor.

"Lady Evelyn."

She stiffened. That voice—it was familiar, yet unwelcome.

Duke Alistair Graves.

Damian's grip on her hand turned ironclad.

Evelyn slowly turned, meeting the calculating gaze of the man who had once sought her hand. He looked every bit the noble—tall, refined, his dark green eyes sharp with intrigue.

"It has been some time," Alistair said smoothly. "I must say, I was rather surprised when I heard about your engagement to the Duke of Ashbourne."

Evelyn stood taller, refusing to show weakness. "Duke Graves," she greeted coolly. "I did not expect to see you here."

Damian's expression was unreadable, but the tension in his stance was impossible to miss. "You seem to be lingering in a place you have no business in," he said icily.

Alistair chuckled. "Oh, but I do have business here. Lady Celeste and I have much to discuss."

Evelyn felt her breath hitch. Lady Celeste?

Damian's hold on her tightened, but Alistair's next words sent a shiver down her spine.

"It's a shame, really," he mused. "House Ravenshire once held such promise. Such power. But I suppose… all things must fall."

Evelyn's blood ran cold.

Alistair held her gaze a second longer before offering a polite bow. "I wish you all the best, Lady Evelyn. Truly."

With that, he turned and disappeared down the corridor, leaving an unsettling silence in his wake.

Evelyn's fingers trembled. That man…

Damian cupped her face, forcing her to look at him. His stormy eyes searched hers. "Evelyn. Ignore him. Whatever game he is playing, it means nothing."

But Evelyn wasn't so sure.

Because for the first time, she felt like she had come one step closer to discovering the truth.

And she wasn't sure if she was ready for it.