The Academy's annual gala was a celebration of excellence, tradition, and power.
This year, it was a hunting ground.
Evelyn stood near the tall glass windows of the grand atrium, the soft hum of music echoing around her. Glittering gowns swept across the marble floor, and laughter rang too loud, too bright. But beneath it all was something colder. Sharper.
The Thirteenth Veil would make their move tonight.
And she would be ready.
Across the room, Caelan was speaking with a pair of professors, his usual easy smile in place. But he glanced at her often, watchful. Protective.
She wasn't alone.
Still, it was Alexander she felt before she saw him.
He emerged from the shadows at the edge of the ballroom, his black suit tailored to perfection, the silver cufflinks at his wrists glinting like silent warnings. He hadn't spoken much since that night in the archives. Hadn't touched her. But his presence was a constant weight—one she couldn't ignore.
Their eyes met across the floor.
And the air between them shifted.
He moved toward her like he had all the time in the world, cutting through the crowd as if it didn't exist. When he reached her side, he didn't speak right away. Just looked at her.
"You look—" He stopped. Swallowed. "Strong."
Her lips curved slightly. "Not beautiful?"
He stepped closer, voice quieter. "That too. But beauty fades. Strength... that's what keeps someone alive."
They stood by the window, city lights shimmering beyond the glass, casting them in soft gold and silver.
Evelyn broke the silence first. "You were going to leave."
"I still might." His tone was even, but there was tension in his jaw. "You deserve space to choose."
Her breath caught. "But you're here."
His gaze dropped to her lips, then back to her eyes. "Because even if I step back… I won't stop caring. And I won't stop protecting you."
A flicker of vulnerability crossed her face. "And if I don't want space?"
His voice was rough. "Then I'm already yours."
Something in her chest tightened—painful and thrilling all at once.
Then—
A shadow passed behind the curtains. Quick. Intentional.
Evelyn straightened. "They're here."
Alexander's entire body went still.
And just like that, the moment shattered.
Duty first. Desire could wait.
But the spark between them?
It had already been lit.