Evaline | L. Lioncourt ✔

[22] Release

Evaline was pacing in the room impatiently, her hands clenched tight as her features were evident of concern. Lestat had assured her that he would get her out no matter what happened, but an unnerving fear clawed its way inside her.

The door opened and Theresa entered, rushing forward to grasp Eva by the arms. Her eyes were shining in relief and her face was set in a beautiful smile that had not graced her features in so long.

"Eva, my sweet Eva... You are free!"

The words fell like music upon her ears but she could not bring herself to believe it just then, "Theresa... Are you certain? Rob agreed?"

"Yes," she nodded, "it may seem shocking but apparently your French gentleman knows how to use his words very well. Rob took his time but did not resist."

At last a soft smile crept over her lips as the anxiety from her features faded, the color returning to her cheeks. She reached forward and hugged her friend, tears of relief welling up in her eyes.

"I am so happy for you, my dear," she whispered gently stroking her head, "and do not ever feel that we are parting. I will make sure to visit you often."

"Oh Theresa... I am so grateful for everything you have done for me. I will never ever forget your kindness."

She smiled gently pulling apart, "now come, he is waiting for you."

It was the first time ever since she had remembered that Eva did not have a sinking feeling in her heart as Theresa brushed out her hair and applied the rogue onto her lips and cheeks.

It was the first time she was going from her own will with no restriction to return.

She leaned back to look at Evaline, her eyes flickering with a mixture of sadness and relief. Relief that her friend was finally free from the pitiful life she led and sadness that she was going away from her.

"You look stunning," Theresa remarked, "the wonders freedom can do to our caged hearts... I pray your wide eyes never see another sorrow. I pray your heart fills with love and nothing ever entraps your blithe soul."

"I pray the very best for you too, my dear friend," Evaline embraced her for the last time, her fingers lingering gently on her arms.

"Amen."

The two turned to see Lestat leaning against the door. His eyes landed on Evaline and shone in adoration upon taking in her happiness.

"Monsieur Lestat..."

She had stepped forward and he held his hand out for her to grasp. Though no words left his mouth as he took in her beautiful self; the shining blue eyes, rosy skin and scarlet lips.

"Thank you," she breathed, her eyes lowering as a blush crept over her cheeks under his intense gaze.

"There is no need to thank me, my sweet maiden," he spoke at last, a gentle smile playing upon his lips, "I am already in debt to you and this in fact a small attempt at repaying your kindness to me."

Bidding farewell to Theresa, she finally stepped out, her hand linked through his arm. There was an unnerving silence in the tavern with all eyes focused on them. Faint whispers could be heard throughout the place.

But as they crossed the main room headed towards the entrance, the whispers stopped for Lestat's slender cane had collided with the wooden floor slightly harder than usual, silencing the gossip raging in the corners of the tavern.

Her grip on his arm tightened as they passed by Rob as if she was afraid he would stop her. But Lestat's grey eyes connected with Rob's frightened ones as he spoke in a soft tone, "remember, none of you will even look her way again. She is free now and I do not want any of you to trouble her."