Bound by fire, Claimed by love

The days passed, yet Damian still didn't visit.

Each morning, Evelyn woke with a lingering sense of unease, though she had no proof that anything was truly wrong. The preparations were proceeding flawlessly, the finest materials were being chosen, and everything about the upcoming wedding seemed grand.

But in her heart, something felt… off.

One afternoon, as she walked through the Ravenshire estate gardens, the winter air crisp against her skin, she overheard hushed voices near the entrance.

"…are you certain?" a servant whispered.

"Yes. The Duke's men came again this morning," another replied. "But he hasn't been seen with Lady Evelyn even once since the announcement."

"Strange, isn't it?"

Evelyn froze, her fingers tightening around her shawl.

They were talking about Damian.

Her heart pounded as she stepped forward. The servants immediately lowered their heads in fear, realizing they had been caught gossiping.

"Leave," she said softly, not out of anger but out of the need to be alone.

They scurried away, leaving Evelyn standing there with the weight of their words pressing against her chest.

It wasn't just her who noticed his absence.

Others had, too.

Later that evening, as she sat by the fireplace in her chambers, she finally made a decision.

She would go to Ashbourne.

She would confront Damian herself.

Enough of these questions. Enough of this doubt.

She needed to see him.

To look into his eyes and demand answers.

Because if she didn't… this unease inside her would consume her whole.