The rain drummed lightly against the high windows of the Ravenshade Manor, its soft cadence lost to the heat rising in Julian's chambers.
Julian returned to the balcony, bare-chested, his gaze lost to the silver-washed hills of Eldhollow in the distance. Behind him, Elowen stood within the changing space, wrapped in modest privacy but flustered beyond measure. Her soaked dress clung to her like ivy, and the ornate corset lying on the chair beside her looked more like a puzzle than clothing.
The new corset was made from silk and raven-thread embroidery, clasped with silver-lined ribs and sapphire-threaded lacing that shimmered in the firelight. But Elowen's fingers trembled as she fumbled through its laces.
She sucked in a breath, twisting to tie the back.
The sound of slow footsteps behind her made her freeze.
Warm fingers touched the bare curve of her back — firm, unhurried, like they had all the time in the world.
Her breath hitched.
"Lord Julian?" she whispered.
"Hmmm."
