Chapter 196

CHAPTER 38… ANDRES I knew Valentina had left our chambers before I opened my eyes. Not because I heard her— she moves too quietly for that, but because the space beside me felt wrong. Luciano slept through it, curled against my chest, warm and steady. His breathing hadn’t changed. That was the only reason I didn’t rise immediately. Whatever Valentina was doing, she had decided it did not require panic. That alone told me how serious it was. I stayed where I was until the palace shifted again— just slightly, like a held breath released with care. Only then did I rise, settle Luciano back into our bed, and follow the echo she had left behind… I found her in the foundation chamber. She stood barefoot on the old stone, one hand braced against the wall as if she were listening to something too deep to be heard. The silver beneath her skin was faint, restrained, responding rather than reaching. She didn’t turn when I entered. “They’re not done,” I said quietly. “No,” she agreed, not startled