Chapter 135

VALENTINA Morning light trickled into the chamber, soft and golden, but to me it felt like a cruel reminder that nothing was truly resolved. I lay there in Andres’s arms, my cheek pressed against his chest. His grip was tight—too tight, as though if he dared to loosen even a fraction, I would slip away forever. His heartbeat was steady, yet it thudded with a desperation that made me ache. I thought his confession would bring me peace. That knowing the truth of Dayneris would put my doubts to rest. Instead, it left me tangled in contradictions. He said he loved me. Swore it. Bled it. And I believed him. Goddess, I did. But belief is not the same as certainty. “Valentina,” his voice rumbled above me, low and husky with sleep, “you’re awake.” I hummed softly, not trusting my voice. His hand brushed my hair back, his fingers lingering against my temple as if memorizing me again and again. “Did you dream?” he asked. I shook my head. “Not this time.” Relief flickered through his golden eyes,