Chapter 37 

~Valeria ~ After about thirty minutes, the warriors return from battle. Raphael bursts through the doors, bare‑chested, only in his pants. I rise and hurry toward him, scanning for wounds, desperate to be sure he isn’t hurt. “You’re okay?” I ask, spotting a few scratches. “Yes.” He steps closer, his hand brushing over my shoulders in a gentle caress. “What happened?” I ask. “Our enemy attacked.” “They weren’t rogues?” “No—” A man in the crowd steps forward. “How did they get here?!” “Did they break through our army?” another asks. Raphael turns to the unsettled people. “We don’t know. But we took care of the enemy who attacked us, and we’re going to find out how this all happened. For now, everyone is safe.” People sigh with relief and begin to evacuate the room. Raphael turns back to me. “It’s best if you stay inside the castle today. I’ll be attending meetings nonstop, so please, stay safe.” I nod and step back, aware of the eyes beginning to watch. But I can feel his displeasure. He