Evangeline outstretched her hand, trying to catch Hades before he left, but her fingers barely brushed the edge of his coat, grazing nothing more than cold fabric as he strode away. His voice followed after him, sharp and commanding, sending a chill straight down her spine as he ordered Steward, "Keep Evangeline in the carriage."
"Wait—" she called, but he was already gone, leaving her behind with a knot of unease tightening in her chest.
Yes, Cerdery had attacked her, that much was undeniable. Yet it hadn't been entirely lethal, had it? Or perhaps that was just Evangeline making excuses, softening the cruelty of what had been done to her because facing it directly felt far more frightening. As the thought lingered, her raised hand slowly fell back to her side, her earlier concern giving way to quiet reflection, heavy and unresolved.
