Bound by fire, Claimed by love

Evelyn's fingers curled into the folds of her dress as she forced herself to meet Alistair's gaze. The morning sun barely touched the estate grounds, casting long shadows over his face, making it impossible to read his expression.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice calm despite the unease twisting in her stomach.

Alistair tilted his head, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "Is that any way to greet an old acquaintance?"

Acquaintance? That word felt wrong. They had never been close, not even before her family's downfall.

"You're in my way," she said coolly, stepping toward the carriage door.

He didn't move. Instead, his gaze swept over her, calculating. "Leaving without a word to your fiancé? How cold, Lady Evelyn."

She stilled. How did he know?

He chuckled softly, as if sensing her thoughts. "You Ravenshires always were good at keeping secrets. But not good enough."

Her breath hitched. Was that a veiled reference to what had happened to her family?

Evelyn lifted her chin. "If you'll excuse me, Your Grace, I have no interest in playing games."

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Oh, but you're already a player, whether you realize it or not."

The weight of his words pressed against her, and for a moment, she hesitated. Was this a warning? A threat?

Before she could respond, the sound of heavy boots approached.

"Step away from her," Damian's voice cut through the air, cold and sharp.

Evelyn turned, relief flooding her for a brief second—until she saw his expression. His jaw was clenched, his golden eyes stormy as he strode toward them.

Alistair, however, merely straightened, unbothered. "Duke Ashbourne." He nodded in greeting. "What a shame. I was just enjoying a lovely chat with your fiancée."

Damian's gaze flickered to Evelyn, searching her face for answers, but she kept her expression unreadable.

"I suggest you find someone else to waste your time on," Damian said, stepping between them.

Alistair sighed dramatically. "So possessive. I wonder…" His gaze drifted back to Evelyn. "Does she know everything, Damian?"

A tense silence stretched between them.

Evelyn's heart pounded.

What did he mean by that?

Damian's hand brushed against hers, a silent reassurance—but she felt the stiffness in his posture. The tension in his grip.

Whatever Alistair was referring to, Damian wasn't unaffected by it.

And that realization sent a chill down her spine.

"Farewell, Lady Evelyn," Alistair finally said, offering her a slow, knowing smile before turning away.

Evelyn watched him walk off, her mind racing with more questions than answers.

And when she finally looked up at Damian, she knew—

Something was being kept from her.

And she wouldn't stop until she found out what.