"He's gone?" Evangeline raised a delicate eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
She glanced at Drake's profile, but could see no ripple of emotion. After a moment of thought, she said softly, "That makes sense. Julian is a tribe leader, after all. He has plenty of matters to attend to and can't stay away from his nest for long."
Evangeline moved closer, sitting down beside Drake. She took his hand, placing her palm against his calloused one.
She laced her fingers through his and said softly, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of you. The day your Star Pattern is restored and your feathers bloom anew, if you wish to return to your nest, I'll personally see you off. How does that sound?"
Drake suddenly tightened his grip, his hand clamping around her fingers with enough force to nearly crush her bones.
His golden-red pupils contracted into thin slits as he looked up at Evangeline, his gaze seemingly enveloping her whole being.
