Chapter 137

VALENTINA The hall was empty now, the court dispersing with whispers that carried both awe and fear. But in my chest, the echoes of what had just happened thundered louder than any noble's words. I sank to the marble floor, letting my knees buckle beneath me. The relic—the fragment of Dayneris’ essence was gone, crushed beneath Andres’ hand. I should have felt relief, but instead, my stomach churned with something heavier, something darker. A strange sort of guilt tangled inside me. I had seen it in Andres’ eyes—the golden storm, the raw, untamed fury. He had stepped between me and Alessio, and in that instant, I had felt both protected and fragile. Like I was a flame he would guard with his life… but a flame that could easily be snuffed out by the very power meant to protect it. ‘Kira,’ I whispered under my breath. My wolf stirred inside, sharp and fierce. He is dangerous… but he is ours. We are bound. But… Can I survive all this? The garden offered a welcome respite, a sanctuary from