Evangeline
As she rounded another corner of a hall she did not recognize, Evangeline finally lost it. Sobbing hysterically, she let it all go. She spent most of her time poised and in control of her emotions, trying to be strong for the others. After all her power was the base, the glue that kept them all together. At that moment, she could no longer be the pillar of strength she had spent so much time convincing the others she was.
At that moment, she was a sister and a friend hurt by the treachery of people she trusted. She also grieved for the loss of every life in Bastriean. Every one of those poor souls’ pain and suffering echoed inside her. There were so many she wanted to help and probably could have if she had more time and more power. The sound of footsteps approaching startled her and she did her best to wipe away the evidence of her tears.
“Evangeline? What are you doing up here?” Lord Byron asked.
“Looking for Ava. I seem to have gotten lost.” Evangeline said, then asked, “What are you doing up here?”
He shifted slightly. “I was looking for you. I wanted to make sure that you were alright.”
“I’m just fine. I could use some help finding Ava though, if you don’t mind.”
He looked as if he wanted to say something more but then decided on, “Gladly.”
They walked for a while before finally finding Ava in large room just off the kitchen newly dedicated to helping the wounded. Evangeline tried to speak with her, but there were too many people that needed attention. She set to work, healing when she could and giving comfort when she couldn’t.
When they finished tending most everyone, Ava motioned for her to follow. She took a seat at the kitchen table while Ava made tea and she explained everything that had happened up until that point. They sat quietly and sipped their tea. The hot liquid warmed her insides and she suddenly felt completely drained.
Ava took hold of her hand and looked her in the eye, “I am not sure how to proceed after this, but I know we must. I will consult with Samhelia and find out if she has any insight into this mess. Just hold on to that faith of yours, we all need it.”
Evangeline nodded, unsure of what else she could say. There would be enough talking in the days to come. The quiet was comforting. Ava stood and bid her goodnight and Evangeline called out to her before she left the room.
“One more thing. Is Ayden my father?” She asked.
Ava walked back toward her and spoke gently. “I do not know. Genevieve, your mother, was very secretive about the identity of your father.”
“But my eyes—“Evangeline started to say.
“Yes I know. I have only seen that remarkable trait in one line of men. Axiom and Ayden both share the same violet eyes as you and your brother Gavin. As did the old king and his father and his father’s father, and so on. It has been passed down to every male in the family line. I find it strange that you are the only female to inherit the trait. It is entirely possible that Ayden is your father, but just as possible that Axiom is. Only they know the truth.” Ava said sadly.
Feeling winded, as if kicked in the gut, she sat back down unsure of what to make of the news. It could not be true. Axiom could not be her father. It had to be Ayden It just had to be. Surely, Axiom would have already claimed them as his own, knowing what power they possessed. Ava left her to her own thoughts and Evangeline was grateful. Just when she had her thoughts under control, Ayden walked in. He stopped when he saw her and seemed unsure of what to do next.
“How are you holding up?” He mumbled.
“Are you my father?” She blurted out before she lost the nerve.
His eyes widened.
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” He started to say and then stopped.
“I don’t know. I really do not. We both loved her and she had no ties to either of us. I was blinded by my princely duty and told her I would never marry her. Axiom was blinded by his lust and only wanted to consume her. My father sent her away and we never saw her again. I never loved another.” He said reluctantly.
He left her alone after several minutes of silence passed between them. What was she to do with the information? She decided it did not matter. All that mattered was stopping Axiom. He had already taken Gavin and Ryhan. She wouldn’t let him have anyone else. Time for grieving had past and there would be no more tears shed from her eyes.
The war had just started and she knew there would be more bloodshed, more loss. She was not sure what Axiom had planned next. All she knew is that she would figure out how to stop him, or die trying.
The End
Author’s Note
Thank you for reading Fated Volition. If you enjoyed it, please take a moment to leave a review at your favorite retailer, subscribe to my newsletter, or check out my website. I enjoy hearing from all my fans and cannot wait to hear from you too!
Thanks!
A.L. Meinhold