Leo gave a heavy sigh. “It’s hard to believe it could work. Then again, had someone told me one bite would cause an aversion to the sun and force me to consume nothing but blood, I would have believed them to be a sure candidate for Bedlam.”
They all chuckled, but anxiety and apprehension still hung in the air.
“I shall read through the notes once more.” Alexander took the book and sat down behind the desk. “When our wives return, I suggest we follow Talliano’s instructions and begin the process.”
Elliot brushed his hand through his hair and sighed. “In a matter of hours, we may be free to walk in the sun.”
Ivana noted the glimmer of sadness in Leo’s eyes. Despite it being his decision for his brothers to take the cure, her heart still ached for him. In a matter of hours, he would be different from his friends. He truly would be alone and abandoned to the night.
Chapter 19
“I pray everything will work out well,” Grace said, touching Evelyn’s arm as they hovered at the top of the stairs leading down to the crypt.
Despite spending a pleasant couple of hours with Herr Bruhn and the children, Evelyn’s shoulders sagged from the weight of the heavy burden. “I cannot imagine a life without Alexander, and so I must have faith that we were all sent here for a reason. Whatever happens in this castle was always destined to be.?
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Grace covered her heart with her hand and sighed wearily. “I wish I could share your optimism.”
“I may look calm and composed, yet inside my heart is breaking. In truth, I do not want Alexander to take the cure. But then I do not want him to watch me grow old and frail, either. I couldn’t bear to see pity in his eyes when I am used to his heated gaze and looks of desperate longing.” Evelyn shook her head to eradicate all sorrowful thoughts. Being subdued and downcast would only cause Alexander to worry. “But we must be brave for our husbands. We must let them believe we are confident in their success.”
Grace grasped her hand and held it tight. “We will help each other through the next few difficult hours. If you see me looking all sad and forlorn, I give you permission to pinch me.”
Evelyn smiled. Although they had been friends before the long journey to Bavaria, the three weeks spent confined to the carriage had brought them closer. “It is comforting to know we have each other.”
Graced nodded but then her faint smile faded. “I do worry about Ivana. She looked terribly distraught earlier. By rights, the cure belongs to her. It was more than generous of her to offer it to our husbands.”
The gesture had helped to ease their husbands’ bitterness towards the woman who had changed their lives. Ivana’s love for Leo shone like a bright beacon, which had eased their fears for their friend, too.
“Then we will offer her the hand of friendship. We will let her know that we forgive her for everything that has happened before this day.” Evelyn knew it was the right thing to do. “Leo loves her, that much is obvious, yet I am still a little confused by it all. We will embrace them as a couple, as our kin.”
“You have a kind heart, Evelyn.”
Evelyn forced a smile. “Let us hope God sees fit to reward us both for our generous spirits.”
They descended the steps to the crypt with a renewed sense of confidence and determination.
“There you are.” Elliot came towards them. He took Grace’s hand. “We have decided to remain down here when we take the cure. We have no notion how long the recovery period will last and cannot risk being in a room where the sun’s harmful rays can penetrate.”
Evelyn forced a smile. She stared at Grace, who soon followed her lead. “That sounds like a logical idea.” Evelyn glanced at the tiled floor. “But I cannot imagine it will be comfortable.”
“That is why we were waiting for your return. We need you to help Sylvester move items from one of the chambers, as we are all bound to the shadows until nightfall.”
Evelyn felt the hairs on her nape tingle and knew Alexander approached.
“You’re back.” He stood behind her, kissed the top of her head affectionately.
Be brave. Don’t let him see your fears.
She turned to face him, sucked in a breath at the magnificent sight of his handsome countenance. In her mind, she imagined hugging him, standing on the tips of her toes to feel his soft lips on hers. But she smiled and said, “Did you miss me?”
He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “Always.”
Evelyn stared longingly into the steely-blue eyes that had held her captive from the first moment she’d met him. “I love you,” she mouthed silently.
The corners of his mouth curved up into a sinful grin.
“We will need pillows and blankets.” Elliot’s words invaded the tender moment. “Perhaps water and a cloth to wipe the brow.”