Chapter 77

Chapter 77: Chapter 77

Chapter 71

Evelyn stared at the healer who was clearly still shaken from what shed heard in the woods, her hands twisted together.

Evelyn had listened to the full account without interrupting, the cloaked man, the tattoo, the three-day deadline, Sophia’s fear.

"You did well," Evelyn said finally. "Better than I could have asked."

"My lady, whoever he is, he frightened her. Truly frightened her. I’ve never seen Sophia afraid of anything before."

"Then whatever she’s hiding is worth being afraid of." Evelyn considered a moment. "I need you to go back. Find out what it is, exactly. Who he is, what she’s paying him for, anything you can learn without being seen."

The healer’s throat worked visibly. "My lady—"

"I know." Evelyn’s voice softened. "I’m not asking you to put yourself in danger."

The healer lowered her gaze.

"I need answers, but I won’t have you throw your life away for them. If you believe you’re being watched, you leave. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my lady." She replied.

"You have three days."

The healer looked up. "Three days?" She repeated.

"Return to me on the third day. Whatever you discover, bring it to me. If you discover nothing, come anyway."

The healer nodded slowly. "And if Sophia meets the man again?"

"You watch. You listen. You don’t interfere."

"Yes, my lady."

Evelyn studied her for another moment before adding, "Stay safe. Please stay safe."

The healer nodded, determined. "I will, I’ll take my leave now, my lady."

Evelyn watched her leave, jaw tight, thoughts running wild. What could Sophia possibly be hiding that she would lay someone else for?

"My lady.."Tristan called, jolting her out of her reverie. She turned around to face the man, her face still troubled.

"Don’t worry so much." He said.

Evelyn shook her head, "Perhaps I shouldn’t have asked her to go again. She was frightened and asking her to go there again, what if—"

"What if nothing. Stop worrying about her because she can certainly handle herself. It’s just for the next three days." Tristan replied.

Evelyn stared blankly for some seconds then nodded. "Let’s get this place cleaned."

"cleaned? Forgive my intrusion my lady but have you perhaps forgotten what tonight is?"

At the lost expression on Evelyn face, Clara shook her head. "My lady, Luna Veronica has invited you to dinner tonight. You need to get dressed."

Evelyn blinked, she’d been so caught up with things that she forgot tonight was the dinner. The same dinner that made Celine lash out and practically throw her out.

Evelyn stared at Clara for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh.

"Of course. The dinner."

Clara smiled. "Yes, my lady. And if you intend to arrive looking like you’ve spent the entire afternoon arguing with dust, I’m afraid Luna Veronica may be disappointed."

Despite herself, Evelyn laughed.

"Very well. Give me an hour."

An hour later, Evelyn descended the staircase.

Clara had chosen a deep emerald gown for her, the fabric falling elegantly around her figure. Her hair had been swept away from her face, with a few soft strands framing her features. A delicate necklace rested against her collarbone, catching the light whenever she moved.

Tristan, who had been speaking with one of the men he’d hired to begin arranging the house, looked up.

For a moment he said nothing but stared. Evelyn raised a brow. "What?" She asked.

He looked away, clearing his throat. "Nothing."

She narrowed her eyes. "You were staring."

Tristan cleared his throat, realising he’d been caught and couldn’t slid out of this one. "You look beautiful, my lady."

A small smile touched her lips. "Thank you."

She reached the bottom of the stairs.

She still remembered what Lucine had told her on the night of the summit and she’d promised him she would show up. That was exactly why she’d tried to dress up more than she would.

"The carriage is out," Clara said from behind her.

Evelyn nodded and reached for her gloves but before he could step toward the door, she stopped, turning towards her beta.

"Tristan." She called and he looked at her,

"What were you going to tell me before the head healer came in?" She asked.

He hesitated before giving her a reassuring smile. "It isn’t urgent. Don’t worry about it tonight. Enjoy your dinner."

Evelyn nodded, there was always going to be time for him to tell her whatever it was. She stepped out of the house and into the carriage.

For the first time since leaving Valemont and arriving here, she allowed herself to simply breathe.

She didn’t want to think about Celine, Or Kael, Or Sophia. Tonight, she would simply enjoy the evening even if Lucien didn’t want it.

_____

By the time Evelyn arrived at the Lucien estate, the sky had darkened into a deep blue.

The estate was illuminated by dozens of lanterns, their glow spilling across the courtyard. Servants hurried about quietly, preparing for the evening.

Evelyn stepped down from the carriage and barely had time to adjust her gown before a familiar voice reached her.

"Evelyn!"

She turned around only to find Luna Veronica walking towards her with her arms outstretched, a wide smile on her face.

"You made it. Oh, I’ve been expecting you." She pulled Evelyn into a warm hug.

Evelyn smiled, something about the woman made her feel like she was being held by her own mom. "of course I did."

Veronica pulled away from the hug, still holding Evelyn by the shoulders. "I sent a carriage to Valemont for you."

Evelyn blinked. "You did?"

"Yes. It left nearly an hour ago." Veronica frowned. "Didn’t you see it?"

Evelyn opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by a much deeper voice.

"She wouldn’t have." The deep voice came from behind, Evelyn didn’t need to guess who it was.

Lucien stood near the entrance, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his dark coat. "Could you, Lady Evelyn?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes at the dramatics. How was this the man leading their realm?

"Evelyn has been thrown out of Valemont." He stated, no, he declared.

Veronica’s eyes widened. "Lucien!"

"What?" He raised his hands innocently. "It’s true."

Evelyn couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "I wasn’t thrown out. How could I be thrown out of my father’s pack?" She faced Veronica now. "I unfortunately didn’t see the carriage, Veronica. I left the Valemont pack today."

Veronica looked confused for a moment. "Left? You—"

Evelyn shook her head while smiling. "Valemont isn’t my home anymore and hasn’t been for a long time. It was time to build my own place. One that belongs to Evelyn Valemont."

Veronica stared at her for some seconds then nodded, a proud smile coming to rest on her face.

"I think that’s wonderful. You’re sending out a very important message, Evelyn."

Evelyn smiled. "It is a little frightening," she admitted. "But I think I need it."

Veronica squeezed her hands. "You have spent enough of your life living according to what everyone else expected of you. Perhaps having a place of your own is exactly what you need."

She held Evelyn’s hand, "Come now child, I hope you like everything I have prepared for you tonight."

Evelyn couldn’t help but smile, it had been a very very long time she’d felt this motherly warmth.

Evelyn followed Veronica inside, the older woman keeping a gentle hold on her hand.

The warmth of the estate immediately made her relax.

"Lucien," Veronica called over her shoulder. "Come along."

"I am coming." He replied, his voice sounded closer than expected. Evelyn turned slightly and found him walking behind them, his expression unreadable.

Veronica led them into the dining room.

The table had been beautifully arranged, with candles placed between silver dishes and crystal glasses. The scent of roasted meat, herbs, and freshly baked bread filled the room.

Evelyn stopped for a moment. "You did all this?"

"Of course." Veronica smiled. "I wanted tonight to feel special."

Veronica guided her toward her seat and Lucien pulled out the chair before Evelyn could reach it.

Evelyn glanced at him, taken aback by the kindness. " Thank you." She muttered but he didn’t respond.

Veronica watched the exchange with a small smile before taking her own seat.

Once everyone settled, servants began bringing out the first course. For the first few minutes, the conversation remained light.

Veronica asked about the healing house, and Evelyn explained the work that had already begun. Although she didn’t go into it, not when her son was her enemy.

Half way into dinner, Veronica excused her self, leaving Lucien and her alone. Lucien cleared his throat, his gaze on her.

"So tell me, Did you send that package at the summit?"