Page 97 of A Shadow Amongst the Roses

Half an hour passed. Then another.

When the latch finally turned, she exhaled so sharply her knees weakened.

Thomas stepped inside, rain dampening his shoulders, hair tousled by wind. His eyes found hers instantly as though he’d known where she would be.

“Eliza.”

Just her name. Quiet. Raw.

She moved toward him, stopping only when mere inches separated them.

“You’re hurt,” she breathed, seeing the tension in his jaw, the guarded way he held one shoulder.

He shook his head. “No. Only rattled.”

But his voice betrayed what his body did not. Ashwood had shaken him.

Her hand lifted before she could think better of it. She hesitated, propriety tugging her back, then brushed her fingers lightly along his sleeve.

He closed his eyes.

That simple touch undid him more than any injury could.

“What happened?” she asked softly.

Thomas opened his eyes, meeting her gaze with steady intensity.

“He wanted to corner me. Rattle me. Accuse without naming the accusation.”

Eliza’s breath quickened. “Did he?”

“No. But he tried.” Thomas hesitated, choosing his words. “Eliza… he is not as in control as he believes. The house does not respond to him.”

She nodded. “I’ve felt it too.”

Thomas stepped closer, lowering his voice. “And he knows the house favors you. That is making him reckless.”

Her fingers curled gently into his sleeve. He covered her hand without thinking, their hands fitting together too naturally.

“Tell me the truth,” she whispered. “Are you frightened?”

He didn’t lie.

“Yes,” he said quietly. “For you.”

Her breath caught.

He continued, voice steady but low. “If he turns desperate, he will not come for me first. He will come for whatever he believes weakens me.”

“You,” she finished.

He nodded once.

“Eliza, you must stay close to the west corridors. Do not walk the grounds alone. If anything feels wrong, go to Eleanor or Clara. Stay where the house’s presence is strongest.”

“And you?” she asked.

A faint smile, tired, wry, utterly Thomas, lit his face.