Chapter 12    

~Valeria ~ I rush inside, unable to believe what I just heard from Raphael’s mouth. How coldly he says those things after what he did—after he destroyed our fated bond. He’s toying with me. What a horrible man. They all are. At this point, I don’t want a mate. I wipe my tears and force myself to stop crying. Looking up, I see trapeze acrobats gliding across the ceiling. The show has begun. People watch in awe. “I’ve been looking for you!” Mother grabs my arm, her voice sharp in my ear, low enough that no one else can hear. “Explain yourself.” Which part is she talking about? “Why are you here, and how is it that you were dancing with the Alpha Crown Prince?” she asks. “Father allowed me to come since my bruises are gone. You can ask him.” She grips both my arms, her eyes locked on mine, waiting silently, demanding the rest of what I have to say. “The prince just asked me to dance. I don’t know why,” I reply. She studies me, her gaze sharp, searching for any crack in my words. Then her