London, September 1869

"I'm nervous," Evie admitted as she adjusted her cloak, mentally preparing herself for her meeting with Jacob. She didn't have to leave for another half hour, but she figured a long walk might help clear her head. After all, it wasn't every day she'd tell her twin she was moving halfway across the world with her husband and child.

Henry gave her a soft smile. "Understandable. Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"

Evie shook her head, though she appreciated the offer. "I do, but this is something I have to do on my own. Jacob and I have never really been apart. Back in Crawley, we were known as the 'unstoppable Frye twins,'" she chuckled, "though, in truth, it was more like 'inseparable.'"

Henry's smile faded, a flicker of worry in his eyes. "Evie… if you want to stay in London, we can. I don't want you feeling torn between Jacob and me."

She reached up and gently cupped his face. "How did I get so lucky to have such a compassionate husband?"

Henry grinned, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Well, someone has to keep you balanced," he teased. But as he held her hand, his smile wavered, revealing a hint of the anxiety he'd been carrying. His voice softened. "Evie… I wouldn't blame you if you had doubts. If you wanted to stay here."

Evie's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him. "Henry," she said gently, "is there something you're not telling me?"

With a heavy sigh, he sank onto the couch, rubbing his temples. She sat beside him, slipping her arm around his shoulders. "Henry… you don't have to carry everything alone."

After a moment, he spoke, his voice low. "I've been writing to my mother, telling her all about you, our unborn child, and our plans. I thought it would make the idea of going back easier. But… you know, when I was sent here, it was exile or execution, and I keep wondering if there's still a place for me there. If… if they'll truly accept me back."

Evie's gaze softened. She kissed his cheek and rested her hand on his. "You were treated unfairly, and the punishment was rash—cruel, even. I'm grateful every day my father helped bring you here." She paused, giving his hand a squeeze. "No one else knows the Brotherhood as you do, and they need people with your integrity. You didn't just survive in London—you built something. And we'll do the same in India. You're not alone in this."

Henry met her gaze, finding comfort in her steady conviction. He nodded, taking a deep breath as if to let her words settle over him. "You always know what to say, Evie. Thank you."
"Well, I learned from the best," she smiled and kissed him once more and "I should go. We can talk some more when I return."

"Good luck," Henry whispered, watching her leave.

Half an hour later, Evie arrived at the train hideout to meet Jacob. She took a steadying breath, steeling herself for the difficult conversation. When she entered, Jacob's usual playful grin greeted her.

"So, what's on your mind, Sis?" he asked, his tone light.

Evie managed a small smile, though she felt a knot tightening in her stomach. She'd spent her whole life beside Jacob, and now, she was about to tell him she was leaving. "Well… Henry and I… we've decided to relocate to India after the baby is born."

For a moment, Jacob's face froze, his usual carefree demeanour slipping. "India?" He forced a smile, but there was a tightness in his voice. "Leaving London?"

Evie placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "It's not forever, Jacob. Henry's family is there, and it's important to him—to both of us—that our child knows that part of their heritage."

Jacob's shoulders relaxed slightly, but his eyes remained clouded. "So you're really going?"

She nodded, feeling the weight of her decision even more. But then, Jacob let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "Well, since we're sharing news… Saoirse and I are expecting too."

Evie's eyes lit up, a grin spreading across her face as she threw her arms around him. "Jacob! That's wonderful news! You're going to be a father?"

Jacob nodded, a proud but nervous smile tugging at his lips. "Seems like it. Guess we're both stepping into this parenthood thing together, huh?"

She laughed softly. "Seems so."

Jacob grinned, though a hint of sadness lingered in his eyes as he looked at her. "Guess the Frye twins are going international, then," he joked, though his voice carried the weight of the coming distance between them.

Evie squeezed his hand, a silent promise passing between them. "We'll always be the Frye twins, Jacob. No matter where we are."

Jacob sighed, chuckling softly. "You'd better write. And you'd better bring the baby back to visit." His voice softened in a way she hadn't heard in years.

"Of course," she said, grinning. "But don't think I'm leaving just yet. You still have time to enjoy your dear sister's company," she teased.

Jacob laughed, pulling her into a tight hug. "I will, Evie. I will."

A few days later, Jacob was tending to some business at the train hideout when he heard a familiar sound. He turned to see Henry a short distance away. Henry's expression was somber, but he managed a small smile as he approached.

"Thought I'd find you here," Henry said, clapping a hand on Jacob's shoulder.

Jacob's usual grin softened. "I think part of me still expected her to change her mind."

Henry nodded. "It's hard to say goodbye, even if it's not forever." He sighed. "Look, Jacob, I hope we're good. I hope you don't blame me. After all, it was my idea to go back to India."

Jacob smiled. "Well, Greenie, you're the best thing that's happened to my sister—apart from me, of course. You make her happy, and that's all that matters to me."

"Thank you, Jacob. That means a lot," Henry said, his voice sincere.

Jacob gave a faint nod, studying Henry's face. "Look, I'll be blunt. I've seen new faces around London, people trying a bit too hard to blend in. At first, I thought it was nothing, but now… I'm not so sure."

Henry's expression darkened. "I've noticed similar things. That's why I came to you. Unfamiliar faces in familiar places, too many eyes on us. I didn't want to worry Evie with it."

Jacob crossed his arms. "Then I'll be the one worrying. I'll keep an eye on things here, make sure the Templars don't get too comfortable. Besides"—he forced a grin—"London's mine to protect."

Henry chuckled, though his tone was resolute. "And I'll do everything I can to keep her safe in India. If you find anything serious, send word. We'll keep our families safe, no matter the distance."

The two men clasped hands, sharing a look of understanding.