ALEXANDER"S POV
The gates of the mansion closed behind me with a muted click, the night's silence settling over the estate. Inside, the hallways were dimly lit, shadows stretching along the walls like careful sentinels. Everything was in its place, untouched, orderly—the way I liked it.
I stepped into the main estate, the echo of my polished shoes swallowed by the soft carpeting, and made my way up the stairs, past the silent corridors, until I reached the door to the room where she was staying.
I paused just outside, noticing the faint glow of moonlight spilling in through the window. And there she was—Evie. She lay across the bed simply, elegantly, her dark purple dress slightly rumpled, her hair cascading across the pillow like a soft river of silk. Even asleep, she carried an air of calm and innocence that made the edges of the world blur slightly. She looked… peaceful. Vulnerable.
I didn't move immediately. I watched her for a long moment, studying the way her chest rose and fell with steady breaths, how her hand rested lightly against the sheets. For someone so small, so seemingly fragile, she carried a strength that fascinated me—an invisible tension I could feel even from where I stood.
"Sleeping so soundly," I murmured to myself, my voice low, uncharacteristically quiet. I didn't step closer yet. There was a measure of restraint I hadn't exercised in a long time. She deserved that calm, even if only for this night.
I felt the shift before she fully woke—the subtle flutter of her eyelids, the barely audible intake of breath as consciousness crept back. My body tensed instantly. Too many times, had I misjudged timing, allowed someone to see me in a way they shouldn't. Not this time.
I rose quietly from the chair, muscles tight, careful not to make a sound. The floor beneath me didn't betray me, not with the rugs muted under my steps. For one last glance, I let my eyes linger on her face, so serene, so completely unaware, and something in me… softened, just slightly. But only just.
Then I turned, moving toward the door. My coat swished softly as I left the room, closing it behind me with a gentle click. She stirred once more, a faint murmur escaping her lips, but I was already gone, slipping into the shadows of the hallway.
The mansion was quiet, the hum of the night settling over its corridors. I didn't linger in thought; there was business to attend to. The main estate awaited, and I had a purpose there—a need to locate something, something important.
The drive there was brief. My mind was methodical, going over every possibility, every detail I already knew. Nothing could be left to chance. Not now. Not ever.
By the time I reached the estate, my focus was absolute. The sprawling grounds were almost empty at this hour, save for the soft rustle of leaves in the night breeze. Every shadow held potential, every movement a variable. I moved quickly but with precision, taking the private entrances, I alone had access to, making my way through corridors that had become all too familiar.
I reached the room I was looking for, the one that housed what I needed. Carefully, I opened it, eyes scanning immediately, taking in the objects inside, memorizing placement, noting anomalies. Every second counted, and I couldn't allow distraction—not from thoughts of her, not from anything.
Even as I worked, a flicker of awareness tugged at me—the thought that she might wake up fully and notice my absence. But I pushed it aside. She needed rest. I needed results. And the night was far from over.
EVIE"S POV
I woke up slowly that morning, stretching under the soft sheets, feeling the quiet hum of the mansion around me. Everything was orderly, peaceful, almost too peaceful. I ran a hand over my face and thought—maybe it's time to stretch my legs. To breathe outside, even just for a while.
I stepped into the hallway, my slippers soft against the floor, and called out for Charles. The butler appeared almost instantly, as if he'd been waiting for me to wake. "Yes, Miss Evie?" His voice was calm, professional, the usual crisp tone that somehow made me feel safe even in this giant house.
"Charles… do you think it would be possible for me to leave the house for a bit? I just… want to stretch my legs, maybe get some fresh air," I asked carefully, trying to keep it casual.
He gave a small nod, his expression unreadable, but there was a faint understanding in his eyes. "Of course, Miss Evie. The grounds are secure, and your safety will not be compromised. If you plan to go into town, I can have a car ready for you."
I smiled, feeling a small relief, and added, "No it's okay, really, the car would be too much. It's been a while."
"Very well," Charles said, straightening.
I nodded, grateful. It felt strange—being able to move freely, even if it was just for a few hours. After the last few intense missions, a simple walk and the chance to see familiar faces sounded like a small, precious freedom.
I went to my wardrobe and changed into something comfortable but cute jeans, a soft sweater, and my favorite sneakers. I tied my hair back loosely, grabbed my small bag, and followed Charles waiting outside. The city awaited, bustling and alive, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of calm creeping over me.
As I walked down the streets l felt so relieved, I couldn't help but think about how odd it was—being able to just step out, to enjoy a little normalcy. But even with that thought, I kept my senses sharp. Old habits die hard. I glanced out everywhere, the familiar streets coming into view, and a little smile tugged at my lips. Maybe today would be simple. Maybe today I could just… breathe