A howling gale swept across the capital, throwing sheets of icy rain against the dark slate roofs of the Merchant District. Thunder rumbled in the distance, heavy and deep, masking the low whistle of the wind through the alleyways.
While the city slept behind locked doors, shadows moved along the perimeter of the Vane Estate’s high stone wall.
Evelyn stood in the dark recess of an arched doorway, her charcoal cloak wrapped tightly over fitted black leather trousers and a dark tunic. Gone were the flowing silk gowns and formal court jewels. Tonight, she was not the future Duchess of Blackthorn making polite conversation in drawing rooms—she was a phantom returning to claim what was hers.
Beside her, Alexander stood like a silent monolith. In place of his striking crimson dress coat, he w
