Page 184 of Ashen Torment

“Stop here,” I order the coachman, my gaze never leaving the small group in front of the pavilion.

The carriage jolts to a halt, and I climb out without waiting for the coachman to open the door. The valet looks up, his eyebrows lifting for a second, a flash of surprise crosses his face before he forces himself into a perfect bow.

“Lord Vasiliev Ashford.”

I run a hand through my hair, trying to compose myself at least somewhat.

“The Viscount?”

“He is in company at present.”

“Where? In the main manor? Take me there.”

“No, my lord,” he replies. “The Viscount is residing here.”

Why would he be residing here?

“What is your business?”

“I told you. Take me to the Viscount.”

He pauses for a moment, then gives a slight nod and turns.

“Follow me.”

I follow him inside, the corridor is narrow and lit by flickering lights. From the other side, light laughter reaches my ears.

I recognize Richard’s voice at once. And Evander’s. The latter’s laughter pierces me like a sudden blow. I can no longer restrain the impulse; I push past the servant and open the door with a sharp gesture.

“Wait! You cannot do this!” he exclaims, his voice breathless, as he remains behind me.

They are there. All of them.

Evander is sitting with his legs crossed, a glass suspended halfway between his fingers. His face is tilted, excessively relaxed. His eyelids are heavy, his mouth slightly parted.

Nathaniel is beside him. A hand rests on his shoulder, two fingers sliding beneath the collar.

Evander does not move away.

He does not stop him.

Whenever I try to touch him, he recoils.

My stomach twists, an acidic grip rises to my chest.

He cannot touch him. He does not belong to him.

Evander lifts his eyes, his jaw locking, the glass remaining suspended. But he doesn’t stand up.

Nathaniel, however, does. With that slowness that makes me want to seize his wrist and snap it. He takes a step back and removes his hand.

But it’s too late. He touched him.

The valet behind me pants slightly.

“Viscount! Lord Vasiliev Ashford is here to visit.”

Evander gives him a nod, and he retreats.