Evelina sat silently on the edge of the fountain in the palace gardens, staring at the rippling water with a faraway look.
Her mind replayed the events of the day, Brenick's face flashing before her eyes—his desperate plea, the sudden dagger, the sickening realization of his death.
Her fists clenched against her thighs as she whispered, "So close… and yet, nothing."
Relia's voice cut through her thoughts, soft but with an edge of sass. "Don't get too worked up, Evie. The bastard didn't deserve your tears."
Evelina sighed. "It's not about him. It's about the truth. Every lead I've had either disappears or dies."
Relia snorted. "They can try to cover it up all they want, but we'll figure this out. Together. You've got me, after all."
Before Evelina could respond, Jasper's voice broke the quiet. "Lady Evelina," he called gently, approaching with a sheepish grin. "You've got that look. The one that says someone's about to get punched. I'd prefer not to be the target."
