Chapter 32: Chapter 32

The letter sat on the table between them, its wax seal already broken.

Evelyn read it a second time, though the words hadn’t changed. Damon’s announcement to his pack was already spreading through the realm faster than she could have anticipated—faster than she’d wanted.

"This is what we get," Tristan said, "for partnering with a man like Damon." He paced near the window, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. "The agreement isn’t even drafted yet, and he’s already announced it to his entire pack. For what purpose? To provoke Kael? To provoke Lucien? He’s playing a game, my Lady, and you’re the piece he’s chosen to move."

Evelyn said nothing, her eyes still fixed on the papers.

"Tristan’s right," Varek said slowly, though his gaze lingered on Tristan a moment longer. "It was reckless of him." He paused. "Though I confess, I’m curious why it’s rattled you quite this much."

Tristan’s jaw tightened. "It hasn’t rattled me."

"No?" Varek raised a brow. "You’ve said his name four times in the last minute like it tastes foul in your mouth."

"Because it does." Tristan stopped his pacing, turning to face them both fully. "I know his type. I served beside men like him for years—Alphas who can’t stomach being told no. Damon isn’t doing this for Lady Evelyn’s benefit. He’s doing it because now he’s found a way to poke at his enemies. He’s found a way to hurt them both while wearing the mask of an ally." His voice hardened. "Men like that don’t partner. They collect."

Evelyn finally looked up. "Perhaps he’s trying to tie my hands before the ink even dries. Force my hand into the partnership before I can reconsider the terms." She set the letter down. "Or perhaps this was never about me at all. Perhaps it’s a message to his enemies—a reminder that he does exactly as he pleases, and no decree in the realm will stop him."

"Does it matter which?" Tristan asked.

"No." Evelyn met his eyes evenly. "The deal proceeds as planned. I won’t let his impatience undo everything I have planned."

Varek studied her for a long moment. "You’re certain about this, Evelyn? Once the contract is signed, there’s no going back. The entire realm must know by now, and that includes Alpha Lucien. Are you sure, Evelyn?"

Evelyn nodded. "I know." Her voice was steady. "But I’ve spent too long hesitating and second-guessing. I’m done with that."

She rose from her chair, walking toward the window. The morning sun shone brightly across the estate grounds.

"Besides," she continued, "Damon’s announcement changes nothing. The terms are still mine to set. The contract is still mine to draft. He may have forced my hand publicly, but privately, I still hold all the cards."

Varek nodded slowly, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "As long as you’re sure."

"I am."

Celine, who had been silent throughout, finally spoke. "Does that mean your stay in Valemont will be extended?"

Evelyn turned from the window, a soft smile on her lips. She crossed the room and took Celine’s hand in hers, squeezing gently.

"I’m afraid so, Celine. I hope you’re not tired of me yet."

Celine laughed, but the sound was weaker than usual, her fingers cold against Evelyn’s. "I could never be tired of you."

But even as she said the words, her gaze flickered away.

---

Hours had passed now, and Celine stood by the window, staring outside blankly, her mind fully occupied.

She should have been reviewing the household accounts. She should have been doing anything other than what she was about to do.

But she couldn’t stop herself.

Her maid, a quiet woman named Mira, stepped into the room, her voice soft. "Luna, you called for me?"

Celine flinched slightly, as if pulled from a trance. She shook her head, clearing the fog from her mind.

"Close the door," she said quietly.

Mira obeyed, her expression curious.

Celine turned from where she stood, licking her lips nervously. She looked down for a second, trying to convince herself she was doing the best thing.

"I’ve made up my mind," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mira’s eyes widened. "My Lady?" The woman said, remembering their conversation the previous day. She’d thought the Luna was merely curious, but this...

"Take me there, tonight."

"My Lady, are you certain? The Underveil is not somewhere I can just—"

"Enough, Mira. I am certain, and I know the risks." Celine cut her short. "My mind is made up. You will take me to the Underveil Market tonight."

---

Meanwhile, the news had reached Sophia through a servant’s gossip.

She had been walking through the eastern corridor when she overheard it—two maids huddled near a window.

"Did you hear? Lady Evelyn has partnered with Alpha Damon of Bloodmoon."

"Everyone’s heard. It’s all anyone can talk about."

"Alpha Kael must be furious," the other replied.

"He’s been in his study all morning. I heard him shouting earlier."

Sophia’s blood ran cold. She turned sharply, her heels clicking against the floor as she retreated to her chambers. The moment the door closed behind her, she pressed her back against it, her breathing shallow.

Damon. Evelyn had partnered with Damon. Of all the people in the realm, she had chosen him.

Sophia’s hands trembled at her sides. She had known Evelyn was dangerous. She had known the woman would find a way to rise again. But this—this was worse than she had imagined.

Damon was no ordinary Alpha. Sophia had once been married to Damon, and in those five years of marriage, she lived in hell.

He had used her, discarded her, and moved on without a second thought. She’d given an illusion to Kael, one that looked like Damon cared about her, that he loved her and would fight for her... except it was the total opposite. Damon loathed her. The anger and frustration he couldn’t carry onto Kael was transferred to her.

And now, the same Damon was partnering with Evelyn. She was sure this was in a way going to turn on Kael and, by association, her.

Things weren’t falling into place. Nothing was going according to plan.

Kael was growing distant, consumed by his rage and his losses. The pack was drowning in debt. The healers were watching her, waiting for her to fail. And now Evelyn was rising, partnered with Damon of all people.

She couldn’t continue to lie to Kael any longer. Eventually, he would demand results. Eventually, he would realize she couldn’t heal, couldn’t make potions, couldn’t do anything Evelyn had done.

And when he did, everything would collapse.

Sophia’s jaw tightened. She couldn’t let that happen.

She took a deep breath, walking toward the vanity. She stared at her reflection for what seemed like minutes. The calmness she’d lost came rushing back.

Sophia had forgotten who she was—how she managed to survive in a world like this. She’d gotten used to the comfort and luxury; she forgot just what she could do.

She wiped her cheeks dry, the panic in her eyes long gone. All she needed was in the Underveil Market.

There, the answers to her problems were waiting for her.

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