The ballroom had emptied. Only the echo of music lingered like ghosts in the chandeliers.
Isabella had been taken. Contained. Stripped of her illusions and dragged into the darkness she had once so delicately wrapped in lace.
But the Academy was still buzzing.
Rumors flew. Faculty whispered behind closed doors. Students exchanged wide-eyed glances. A silence hung over the courtyard—less peace, more anticipation. As if the building itself were holding its breath.
Evelyn sat on a bench beneath the old ash tree, her gown torn at the hem, hands clasped in her lap. The moonlight painted her skin silver, but she didn't feel beautiful.
Just… tired.
Alexander stood nearby, arms folded, his gaze fixed on her.
She spoke first.
"She knew what that dagger was. That wasn't a reckless choice."
"No," he agreed quietly. "It was part of something older. Darker."
Evelyn looked up. "She said she was only the wind. So what's the fire?"
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stepped closer, lowering himself beside her. "There are groups… shadows hidden behind noble houses, old bloodlines. Cults disguised as tradition. I've heard of one that uses serpent sigils."
"The one on her letter," Evelyn said softly.
He nodded.
"And the worst part," she added, "is that she truly thought you'd never choose me."
Alexander turned then, fully facing her. "Because she didn't understand."
"Understand what?"
"That I already did."
The air caught between them. For once, no sarcasm. No teasing. Just silence that pulsed like a second heartbeat.
But then… he drew back.
"I told you I would give you space," he said carefully. "I meant that. After this settles, I'm leaving for a while."
Her throat tightened.
"Why?"
"Because I want you to be sure, Evelyn. Sure that when you choose—if you choose—it isn't out of survival or gratitude. But love."
She looked away. "And if by the time I'm sure, you're not there?"
"I'll always be there," he said quietly. "Even if I'm not standing beside you."
For the first time in days, Evelyn didn't have an answer. Her heart did, but her voice had yet to catch up.