Chapter 57 

~Valeria ~ “Valeria.” Raphael tries to catch my hand, but I take a step back. Everyone stares, the whole festivity grinding to a halt. “You… promised,” I whisper now. “You know I love you. You know you’re my only one. I’ll explain, but not now.” “NO!” I shout. “YOU PROMISED! AND I BELIEVED YOU!” “Valeria, I had no choice. Astaroth wouldn’t accept anyone but the crown prince to be mated with his daughter. I had to accept. Please, I’ll explain—just not here.” “I don’t care! You promised! I trusted you! You know what that meant! After everything I went through… why do I do it? Why do I hope? Hope only hurts.” “Valeria…” He tries to get close, but again, I pull back. “This is it,” I tell him. “This is the moment you decide whether you lose me or not. Me, or her.” “Please don’t do this. You don’t understand what’s happening. I have no choice but to accept… for now—please, trust me.” “He’s doing his duty, girl,” the King speaks. “You are his first mate, meaning you’ll still be the Royal Luna