The knock came just after nightfall. Firm. No hesitation.
Evelyn opened the door expecting a message—or maybe Caelan again.
But it was Alexander.
He stepped inside without waiting, his gaze sweeping the room once before landing squarely on her.
"You didn't come back to your quarters."
"I took a walk," she said, arms folding. "Is that forbidden now, too?"
His jaw tensed. "With him?"
Evelyn's spine straightened. "You don't get to ask that."
He didn't move, but the energy between them charged like lightning waiting for a spark.
"You trust him?" he asked, voice low.
"I've known him longer than I've known you."
"That's not an answer."
She crossed the room, refusing to let him tower over her. "Why are you really here, Alexander?"
He stared at her for a long beat—cold mask cracking.
"I don't like watching someone else reach for what I—" He cut off, turning away. "For what's mine to protect."
Evelyn blinked. "You think I belong to you?"
"I think," he said, turning back, "I care more than I should. And watching him look at you like he's already in your heart—"
Her breath caught.
He stepped closer. "I don't do this. Feel like this."
"And yet," she whispered, "you do."
They stood inches apart, and in that charged space, every wall between them trembled.
Evelyn reached up slowly, fingertips brushing his collar. "So what now, Alexander?"
His hand came up—just barely—hovering near her cheek.
But he didn't touch her.
"I shouldn't want you," he said hoarsely.
"But you do," she said.
Silence.
Then, finally, he broke. His mouth brushed hers—not quite a kiss, but a surrender.
And when he pulled away, his voice was softer than she'd ever heard it.
"You undo me, Evelyn."
And then he left.
Leaving her breathless. Shaken.
And irrevocably seen.