The mood in Ravenclaw got gloomier each passing day; it was more than just quiet halls and more than forced smiles and quick bows from servants who looked away from her. It was the suspicion that stuck to everything, a quiet buzz of whispers that never seemed to stop. Every hallway held secrets, and every shadow seemed to be watching.
And through everything, Damien's urge to protect her grew sharper, like a knife.
Everywhere Evelyn went, his eyes followed closely. He put guards at every hallway she used, doubling the number of men watching outside her study. Wolves who once moved freely now shifted uncomfortably under the Alpha's constant orders. And Damien himself was always nearby. He had a way of appearing quietly, entering the room like a shadow she had not noticed was gone until he filled it again.
