"You know," Relia's voice filled Evelina's mind with its usual teasing lilt, "all this sneaking around, pretending to be a maid, and pining after our mate—do you ever wonder what happens when the moon cycle is up?"
Evelina sighed, staring out the cabin window at the forest bathed in moonlight. "Of course, I do. I think about it every day, Relia," she admitted. "Damian gave me one moon cycle to prove my innocence, but… things feel so different now. The lines are all blurred."
Relia let out a low chuckle. "Different how? Because he's in love with you? Because you're in love with him?"
Evelina stiffened. "I didn't say I was in love with him."
"You didn't have to," Relia replied smoothly. "Evie, you've gone from glaring at him to sneaking into the palace just to check on him. Your heart races every time he looks at you, and don't think I haven't noticed how you defend him to me in your head."
"I don't—" Evelina started, but Relia cut her off with a playful laugh.
