Chapter 169

CHAPTER 13... VALENTINA Its voice sank into my bones. And something inside me trembled in response. “Andres…” I gasped. He grabbed me, dragging my body flush to his, grounding me in his strength, his heat, trying to hold onto me. “Keep your hands off her,” he growled at the Guardian, Czer’s snarl slicing through his voice. The Guardian tilted its head. “You are a shadow. She is the moonfire. You cannot stop what she is.” The words struck with the force of truth — and the lingering prophecy. I felt Andres stiffen against me. The Guardian faded as quickly as it had appeared — dissolving back into mist. But the damage had been done. Andres’s breath came fast and harsh. He pressed a hand to his chest as though something inside him stuttered. “Andres?” I whispered. “It drained me,” he hissed. “It recognized you. Not me.” he sounded horrified. Confused even. I cupped his face, forcing him to look at me. “You’re my mate. My equal. My choice. I recognize that and you must too.” His eyes soften