Chapter 134

ANDRES Her silence was worse than Alessio’s laughter. Every step I took toward our chamber, her weight slung over my shoulder, burned me alive. Valentina didn’t fight me, didn’t shout—her stillness was sharper, colder. Like a blade pressed to my throat. When I finally set her down inside, closing the door with a snap, she did not look at me. Her hands clenched the fabric of her dress, her breath shaky yet firm. "Tell me." Her voice was soft, but it carried the weight of thunder. I froze. "Tell me everything," she pressed on, her eyes locking onto mine. "No more evasion. No more silence. Who is Dayneris? Why do you keep hiding her from me?" Her words struck like spears. My jaw locked, my chest tight. "Valentina—" "No!" Her voice rose, sharp, cutting through me. "Don’t you dare speak my name like that. Not when you’re drowning me in half-truths and shadows. You’ve given me your body, your bond, your rage—but never your truth. Not once!" I flinched, because she was right. Her hands trembl