I sat across from Evangeline in my painting room, studying her pensive expression. She had been strangely quiet since we resumed our conversation after Alaric's departure.
"You've been avoiding Elara," I said finally, breaking the silence. "She mentioned she's sent you three invitations in the past month."
Evangeline sighed, twisting her handkerchief between her fingers. "I know. It's just... after what happened with Orion, I haven't felt much like socializing."
I nodded sympathetically. Orion's situation had sent shockwaves through our social circle. After being publicly outed by Eliza in a moment of vindictive spite, he had lost his position at the academy and been disowned by his father. The hypocrisy was staggering—many of the same nobles who had privately indulged in all manner of behaviors now publicly condemned him.
"Have you heard from him?" I asked gently.
