Caelan found her beneath the canopy of blooming silverwilt trees, the petals falling like soft snow around her.
"You always come here when you're upset," he said gently.
Evelyn didn't look up. "I'm not upset."
He sat beside her anyway. "He's a fool, you know."
She let out a faint laugh. "You think I don't know that?"
"But you love him," Caelan said. Not a question—just a truth laid bare.
Her breath hitched, but she didn't deny it.
"He doesn't deserve you," he continued. "But I'm starting to think... maybe that's the point."
She turned to him. "What do you mean?"
Caelan's gaze was steady. "You're not a prize. And he keeps trying to protect you like one. But I'd rather stand beside you while you fight than lock you away to keep you safe."
Evelyn's eyes softened. "That's why you've always been my friend."
"But I want more," he said, voice low. "And I won't apologize for that."
She didn't speak for a long moment, and then: "Caelan... I don't know what I feel. Everything's been chaos."
"I know," he said. "But when the chaos settles, I'll still be here. Not as your second choice. Just as someone who sees you. All of you."
Evelyn swallowed hard.
And then a voice cut through the quiet.
"You always were good with words, Caelan."
They both turned.
Alexander.
He looked like he hadn't slept in days, cloak half-tossed over one shoulder, shadows under his eyes. But his gaze?
It was clear. Piercing. And this time, not hiding.
Caelan stood. "Didn't realize you were invited."
"I wasn't," Alexander said. "But I'm done waiting for permission."
He looked at Evelyn—no, into her. As if trying to memorize every part of her before the moment slipped away.
"I lied," he said. "When I said you're not mine to lose. Because you are. And I already have."
Evelyn's heart stilled.
Alexander took a step closer.
"You're right. I've been hiding. Protecting you wasn't the only reason I stayed away—it was the excuse I clung to. But I'm tired of pretending I don't want you."
He exhaled slowly. "If you choose him... I'll walk away. I won't fight."
Caelan said nothing—but the set of his jaw tightened.
Alexander's eyes never left Evelyn's.
"But if there's even a part of you that still wants me... say the word. And I won't leave."
Silence.
The wind stirred between them.
Evelyn stood at the edge of two hearts.
And finally... she spoke.