Chapter 44 

~Valeria ~ “Are you okay?” Grimm asks me. “Yeah, my arm hurts a little, but I’m okay.” I watch him pick up a tray of food. The kitchen is alive with movement and chatter, buzzing as the Generals’ banquet is about to begin. “Why does that new girl have it in for you?” he asks. “A boy.” I steal one of the tiny crab cakes. “A boy? You mean your man?” I giggle but don’t answer him, popping the stolen goods into my mouth. “Damn, these are good.” He smiles. “I’ll give the chef the compliments. My mom made them. Anyway, after the banquet, I’ll be at the tower if you want to come and practice with me.” “Uhm… I probably won’t.” He gives me an exasperated stare. “You’re afraid of it, aren’t you?” “Of what?” “The power. Your power.” “No. I just don’t have time right now. Maybe tomorrow.” He’s not wrong. I am kind of afraid of it. But I said no because I’m going to spend my night with Raphael. At least I hope so. I didn’t get to see him all day. I brush the crumbs from my dress—a simple long gown