Chapter 420

Rosalind's information might prove valuable.

Evelyn could only pray for them before departing from Blackwood Manor.

The car ride back to Blackwood Estate felt endless. Each passing mile weighed heavier on her shoulders.

She pushed open the grand oak doors with exhaustion. The revelations from Solterra, her parents' captivity, and Donovan's deteriorating health pressed upon her like physical weights.

It was becoming too much to bear.

As she slipped off her shoes in the foyer, her gaze fell upon Liam lounging on the velvet sofa. The sight of him intensified her sorrow tenfold.

An overwhelming urge to collapse into his embrace seized her.

Liam immediately set aside his phone upon hearing her return. "Sweetheart," he murmured, his voice wrapping around her like warm sunlight.

Evelyn rushed forward, burying her face against his broad chest. She inhaled his familiar cedar scent, seeking solace.

Liam froze momentarily, arms suspended in midair. Then slowly, deliberately, he enfolded her - one hand cradling her head, the other drawing comforting circles on her back.

"What troubles you, my love?" His breath stirred her hair.

"I'm just... so exhausted," she whispered into his shirt.

"Tell me everything." His fingers traced patterns along her spine. "Let me share your burdens."

Evelyn remained silent, the words sticking in her throat. How could she explain Solterra's ultimatum about Aldenria?

"Liam," she finally said, nuzzling closer. "Just hold me."

His heartbeat accelerated beneath her ear. When his lips brushed her forehead, something inside her fractured.

They stood entwined in the dimming light, two souls clinging together as shadows lengthened across the marble floors.

Eventually, she pulled away enough to meet his gaze. "I visited that imposter Victoria today."

Liam cupped her face, thumbs brushing away unshed tears. "And?"

"She claims my parents live. That Julian has them imprisoned somewhere. And... I have a baby brother."

His grip tightened reassuringly. "As long as the family assets remain beyond Julian's reach, they're safe."

Evelyn nodded. "I also saw Donovan. His condition worsens daily. The doctors say-"

"Evelyn." Liam's interruption startled her.

"Yes?"

His jaw tensed visibly. "Next time you visit Donovan, I'm coming with you."

"Why?" She tilted her head in confusion.

"No reason." The forced casualness in his tone rang false as he retreated to the sofa.

"Alright." Too weary to press further, she massaged her stiff neck. "I need to rest."

As she turned toward the staircase, Liam's voice halted her mid-step. "Evelyn."

She pivoted to face him. Moonlight through the windows cast his sharp features in silver relief.

"Come to the border with me."

The words hung between them like an unspoken plea. Evelyn's breath caught. This was it - his recovery complete, duty calling him back to military service.

Valtoria's border lay far from Aldenria. Visits would become rare, brief, stolen moments between deployments.

She schooled her features into careful neutrality. "When do you leave?"

"After Mother's birthday celebration." His gaze never wavered. "This assignment... it may be some time before I return."

The unspoken words echoed louder than what was said. This wasn't just another deployment - it was the beginning of their separation.