“Did he say anything else about the Traveling magic? Like if it’s common in Lochmatten?”
“He said it was an ability his family had. Heinrich and Tasia would’ve used it to leave the palace if they could, right? Haydn probably brought them here. Did you find them?”
Damien shook his head. “No. It’s like they vanished. But I think you’re right. It would’ve been easier for them to disappear from the ballroom instead of running away. I don’t think they can Travel like Ritter does.”
This is a disaster.
“I’m sorry, Evelyn.” Damien frowned. “I should’ve seen that there was more going on before it got this far.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong! You were always trying to help me. I fucked up.”
Damien took her hands and held her gaze. The gesture felt oddly familiar.
This is what the Invenion showed us in Lochmatten. This moment was the third scene it revealed.
“I need you to listen to me,” he said. “You are not responsible for what Ritter did. That bastard is not your fault. You made sure your brother, sister, father, husband, guard, and me were all able to walk away.”
“Simon was my guard, too. Then Camille… You heard Leo screaming.”
“This will become a war against Heinrich and Tasia. More people are going to die before it’s over.”
Evelyn balked. “You aren’t very good at making me feel better.”
“I’m not trying to make you feel better. I’m telling you this wasn’t your fault because it’s the truth. I’m telling you that the fighting isn’t over because it’s the truth. You trust me because I’m honest with you. I will always protect you, but I won’t hide you away when things are scary. You are so much more powerful than I am. You can handle it.”
“You waited until I distracted Haydn before you attacked the men holding the swords,” Evelyn realized.
Damien grinned. “I knew you’d come up with something. I just didn’t expect the plan to involve kissing Ritter to death.”
Evelyn blushed. “Shut up! It worked, didn’t it?”
“It did. You’re really fucking impressive, Evelyn. Gods help anyone who underestimates you. But I need you to make me another promise.”
“Which is?”
“No more secrets. I’ve told you before that I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s going on.”
“No more secrets,” Evelyn agreed.
Damien pushed her hair back and kissed her cheek. When he straightened again, Evelyn couldn’t read the look in his green eyes.
“Something wrong?” she asked.
When Damien spoke, his voice was low and quiet. “I’m glad Ritter’s dead. But I don’t blame him for how badly he wantedyou.”
Evelyn took in a sharp breath before there was a tentative knock at the door. Damien opened it, letting Rowan inside with the tea he’d brought.
“Perfect timing,” Damien said brightly. “Your sister gets snippy without tea.”
Rowan laughed. “Good to know she’s made herself at home here. How many important things has she set on fire?”
“Nope,” Evelyn said. “The two of you don’t need to be friends. No, thank you.”
“I believe I said the same thing when you started conspiring with my sister,” Damien reminded her.
“That was different.”
“How?”
