Evelyne's pulse quickened at the name—Rylen Ashford. It was a name she had only heard in passing, spoken in hushed voices among the guards, in whispers at the edge of court gossip. A deserter. A traitor. An outlaw. But to some, a legend.

She glanced at Kieran, whose jaw had tightened at the news. His sharp features, always so composed, now held a flicker of something she couldn't quite place. Anger? Annoyance? Fear?

"I'll send a patrol at once," he said, his voice firm, commanding. "If Rylen Ashford is anywhere near the borders, we will deal with him swiftly."

"Deal with him?" Evelyne asked, her voice even, though a strange unease crept up her spine.

"He's a threat to the kingdom," Kieran stated simply. "A rogue soldier who turned against his own. He does not belong in Velmora."

Evelyne swallowed. She had never met Rylen, never even seen his face, but something inside her resisted Kieran's words. If Rylen had truly turned his back on Velmora, there had to be a reason.

Mira shifted beside her, her hands clasped tightly. "Your Highness, there are conflicting reports," she said hesitantly. "Some say he was seen helping travelers escape bandits near the northern border."

Kieran scoffed. "Helping?" His tone was laced with disbelief. "That man is an outlaw, not some noble hero."

Evelyne held her tongue, but something about the way Kieran spoke unsettled her. It wasn't just contempt—there was something personal in his disdain for Rylen.

"I'd like to hear more of these reports," Evelyne said, turning to Mira. "From those who actually saw him."

Kieran turned to her, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "You're interested in a traitor?"

"I'm interested in the truth," Evelyne replied smoothly.

Their gazes locked, a silent battle of wills. It was the first time she had openly questioned him, and she knew he did not appreciate it. But she refused to back down.

After a tense moment, Kieran exhaled and turned to one of the waiting guards. "Double the watch along the borders. If Ashford is sighted, he is to be captured immediately."

Evelyne's stomach twisted at the word captured.

Mira gave her a hesitant glance, as if to say be careful, but Evelyne barely noticed. Her mind was already racing.

Rylen Ashford.

The name was no longer just a whisper in the wind. It was real. And something told her it would change everything.

That night, sleep did not come easily.

Evelyne sat by the open window of her chamber, the cool night air brushing against her skin. The city beyond was quiet, lanterns flickering in the streets below. Somewhere in the distance, she heard the faint howl of a wolf, a sound that sent a shiver down her spine.

The forests beyond the palace walls stretched for miles, dark and wild, untamed in a way that called to her soul. She had always dreamed of riding beyond them, of stepping outside the boundaries of her world.

And now, Rylen Ashford was somewhere out there.

She exhaled slowly, her thoughts tangled. She knew Kieran would not let this go. He was a man of duty, a soldier at heart. If he saw Rylen as a threat, he would not hesitate to eliminate him.

But something about this did not sit right.

Pushing herself up from her seat, Evelyne crossed the room and grabbed a cloak from the back of a chair. If she wanted answers, she would not find them in the palace.

Her heart pounded as she slipped through the corridors, her steps silent against the stone floor. The guards patrolled the main halls, but Evelyne had long since memorized the quieter paths, the hidden doorways meant for servants and messengers.

A lifetime in the palace had taught her one thing—secrets were always waiting to be uncovered.

And tonight, she was determined to find them.

The stables were quiet when Evelyne arrived, the scent of hay and horses thick in the air. Moonlight spilled through the open archways, casting long shadows across the stalls.

She moved carefully, her fingers brushing over the familiar leather saddle of her mare, Astrid. The horse nickered softly as Evelyne fastened the straps.

A sudden sound made her freeze.

Footsteps.

Evelyne turned sharply, her breath catching in her throat. A figure stood just outside the stable doors, half-hidden in the darkness.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then the figure stepped forward, the moonlight revealing sharp, storm-gray eyes and a face half-shrouded in shadow.

Evelyne's heart stopped.

She had never seen him before, but she knew.

Rylen Ashford.

The outlaw. The traitor. The legend.

And he was standing right in front of her.