The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 54

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed

**Chapter 54: Testing The Tea**

[Evelyn’s POV]

It was honestly astonishing to me just how much popularity my tea blend had garnered. Reflecting on its humble beginnings—when I had simply offered a cup to Alexander’s Grandmother in hopes of easing her discomfort—I could never have foreseen the whirlwind of success that would follow.

While I felt a sense of fulfillment in assisting those who sought out my tea, the overwhelming praise and accolades that accompanied it were, to be frank, a bit disconcerting. Was it wrong of me to feel this way? Perhaps it stemmed from my inherent modesty; I had never been one to seek the spotlight.

Wendy and Nina, on the other hand, were adamant that I deserved every bit of recognition for my efforts. They believed that my contributions should be celebrated, but deep down, I was simply content knowing that I was making a difference in people’s lives.

What truly surprised me was the speed at which word had spread about my herbal concoction. It seemed that neighboring packs were eager to place their orders before the flu season descended upon us, and this realization only heightened my sense of responsibility.

With every batch I prepared, I took it upon myself to ensure the perfect blend. Before sealing each package, I meticulously examined the mixture for balance and harmony. In a ritual that had become second nature, I would measure out a few tablespoons and brew a fresh cup for my own taste test.

After enjoying a light lunch with Nina, I made my way to the greenhouse, where the vibrant green of my flourishing herbs greeted me like old friends. I took a moment to breathe in the earthy scent of the soil and the sweet aroma of the plants, feeling a wave of satisfaction wash over me.

Once I was certain everything was thriving, I redirected my steps toward the tent that housed the dried leaves, flowers, and herbs I had collected over time.

But then, I froze. My gaze fell upon Fiona, who was walking in the opposite direction.

What a peculiar sight… What on earth was she doing out here?

I was aware that she had her own practice tent, far removed from this area, so her presence here was puzzling.

Calm yourself, Evelyn. Don’t let your imagination run wild. Perhaps she was simply taking a stroll, or maybe she had heard whispers about my tea and was curious to learn more.

Yet, a knot of unease tightened in my stomach. It had only been a day since her return, and while nothing seemed amiss, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Fiona had never been one to easily let go of the past, and our history was fraught with tension. Why would things be different now?

I tried to dismiss the unsettling thoughts swirling in my mind and stepped inside the tent. To my relief, everything appeared to be in order.

So, maybe Fiona hadn’t even ventured in here.

Pushing aside my lingering doubts, I set about my usual routine, preparing to test the latest batch of my tea. As I waited for the kettle to boil, I took a moment to gather my thoughts, hoping to calm the storm within.

Perhaps I was overthinking Fiona’s presence. If we could just maintain our distance, surely there would be no cause for concern.

As the kettle let out its high-pitched whistle, I scooped a small portion of the tea mixture from the vat and placed it into the diffuser, my heart racing with anticipation.

After allowing it to steep for a good five minutes, I removed the diffuser and brought the cup to my lips, savoring the complex flavors that danced across my palate. There were earthy undertones, bright citrus notes, and a hint of warmth from the spices I had added.

But there was something else lurking beneath the surface—something unfamiliar that I couldn’t quite identify.

With a growing sense of urgency, Alexander retraced his path toward the kitchen, where he spotted Nina engaged in conversation with another staff member. He scanned the room, searching for any sign of Evelyn, but found nothing.

“Nina,” he called, his voice steady despite the anxiety curling in his gut. “Have you seen Evelyn?”

The look that crossed Nina’s face was unsettling.

“No, sir. I was just asking if anyone else had spotted her earlier,” she replied, her brow knitting in worry. “She was supposed to meet Wendy and me a little while ago, but she never arrived.”

The weight of her words only deepened Alexander’s unease. He inhaled deeply, trying to rein in the rising tide of concern.

“When was the last time you saw her?”

Nina hesitated, her mind clearly racing. “We saw her yesterday when she returned from her trip, and then again at breakfast this morning. But after that… I’m afraid I can’t say.”

Calling out for Oliver, he watched as the young man rushed over, his expression attentive. “Sir?”

“I think something’s wrong,” Alexander stated, his voice firm. “No one has seen Evelyn since this morning, and we need to find her. Get the immediate house staff together and have everyone search the grounds.”

“Yes, sir.”

“The only task she had planned for today was testing the tea mixture before it gets shipped out,” he added, determination fueling his words. “I’m heading out there now.”