Chapter 66: Glimmer

Chapter 66: Glimmer           Valerian pushed open the heavy front doors and stepped inside his mansion. This was once a place that had long been nothing more than a house to him. But tonight, for the first time in years, he was coming home with excitement.   After Noelle had fully recovered, he had brought her here to stay, ensuring she would have everything she needed. His estate which was a cold and empty fortress before, now housed her. And with her presence, something about it felt warm.   He expected to hear laughter the moment he arrived, or perhaps the soft murmur of Noelle's voice drifting through the corridors as she humored Alexei's endless curiosity.   But instead, the first thing he saw was Alexei.   The little boy was making his way down the grand staircase with a thick blanket dragging behind him. His small hands gripped the fabric tightly while his silver-grey eyes blinked sleepily under the dim chandelier light. He had clearly just woken up. His hair was a tousled mess