Chapter 47: Terrified

Chapter 47: Terrified           Noelle's fingers twitched as she tried to move. But she could feel something holding her back. Panic bubbled up in her throat at the feeling of being restrained, but just as quickly as it came, it faded when she noticed she wasn't alone.   Slumped in a chair beside her bed was Valerian.   His arms were crossed, his head tilted slightly forward, and his dark hair were falling over his forehead. Even in sleep, he looked tense, like his body was on high alert. But the sight of him made a strange warmth spread through her chest.   She was relieved knowing she was free from Adrian.   A shaky breath left her lips. Her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she slowly lifted her hand, reaching toward him. It was the smallest movement, barely anything at all, but it was enough to wake him up.   Valerian's silver-grey eyes snapped open, sharp and alert in an instant. The moment he saw her awake he immediately leaned forward and began checking on her.   "Noelle,