Chapter Nineteen – The Quiet Ache
Evandra
The kitchen smelled of warm bread and fried eggs when Evandra finished scrubbing the last pan. The chef gave her a broad smile and clapped her lightly on the shoulder, thanking her for the help. Evandra only bowed her head, murmured a soft “you’re welcome”, and slipped out before anyone else could notice her.
She didn’t know exactly where her feet were carrying her, but she welcomed the movement. Sitting still made the walls close in. Her body still remembered the ropes. Her mind still remembered Jalen’s voice.
Her wandering brought her to a set of double doors, one left slightly ajar. A soft chorus of giggles and coos drifted through. Curious, she peeked inside.
The nursery.
Half a dozen pups tumbled across padded rugs while two women tri
