ANDRES
The word relic hit me like a blow to the chest. My pulse spiked, my eyes flaring as my every instinct screamed at me.
Alessio! That bastard!
Always bold, always scheming. And now… he dared to drag the shadow of Dayneris back into my world.
“Jarvis, tell me you’re mistaken,” I growled, my voice low and dangerous.
Jarvis’s eyes were wide, he trembled beneath my stare. “My King… he’s serious. The court, They're gathered. And the second prince—he has brought it. He has brought out a relic of Lady Dayneris.”
I felt the world narrowed to a single point: the name itself was the echo of her essence—once mine—now weaponized by my own blood.
I clenched my fists, knuckles white, and my wolf stirred, snarling beneath my skin, hungry for confrontation.
I felt Valentina’s eyes on me.
“Stay here,” I gritted my teeth, my words were sharp.
VALENTINAThe 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 fro
ANDRESThe word relic hit me like a blow to the chest. My pulse spiked, my eyes flaring as my every instinct screamed at me.Alessio! That bastard!Always bold, always scheming. And now… he dared to drag the shadow of Dayneris back into my world.“Jarvis, tell me you’re mistaken,” I growled, my voice low and dangerous.Jarvis’s eyes were wide, he trembled beneath my stare. “My King… he’s serious. The court, They're gathered. And the second prince—he has brought it. He has brought out a relic of Lady Dayneris.”I felt the world narrowed to a single point: the name itself was the echo of her essence—once mine—now weaponized by my own blood.I clenched my fists, knuckles white, and my wolf stirred, snarling beneath my skin, hungry for confrontation.I felt Valentina’s eyes on me.“Stay here,” I gritted my teeth, my words were sharp.
VALENTINAMorning 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.&
ANDRESHer silence was worse than Alessio’s laughter.Every step I took toward our chamber, her weight slung over my shoulder, burned me alive. Valentina didn’t fight me, didn’t shout—she remained quiet, as if a blade pressed to my throat.When I finally set her down inside, closing the door with a snap, she did not look at me. Her hands clenched the fabric of her dress, her breath shaky yet firm."Tell me…" She spoke finally. Her voice was soft, but it carried the weight of thunder. Thunder in my soul.I froze."Tell me everything," she said again, her eyes locking onto mine. "No more hiding. No more silence. Who is Dayneris to you? Why do you keep hiding her from me?"Her words struck like spears. My jaw tightened, my heart clenched."Valentina—""No!" Her voice rose, sharp, cutting through my words. "Don’t you dare speak my name like that. Not when you’re drowning me in
VALENTINAThe morning sunlight illuminated the grand chamber, yet I did not feel truly warmed. There was a tinge of uneasiness that felt colder and heavier.Although Andres remained by my side throughout the night, even his presence could not fully protect me from the lingering phantom voices that echoed within my dreams.Well, last night wasn't even a dream. It was alive and I had experienced it. Both of them were there—Dayneris and my darker self.I sat at the edge of the bed, my fingers clenched around the silk bed sheets, my chest heavy with the residue of nightmares.Andres was still asleep, and his hand was on mine like he was scared I'd disappear if he let go. Even when he was sleeping, his jaw was all tight, and he was stiff like he was fighting off the shadows only he could see.I kissed his knuckles softly and slipped away. He needed rest, and I needed air...————————
ANDRESTerrified gasp sliced through the silence, flying my eyes open.I sat up instantly, my instincts faster and sharper. Valentina struggles in my embrace, her breathing ragged and frantic, as though she is submerged in something beyond my ability to reach.“Valentina!” I grip her tighter, pulling her against me, my voice breaking through the hazy moonlight. “What is it?”Her lashes fluttered, terror still clinging like shadows around her. She doesn’t answer at first, only trembling in my hold. My heart felt like it’s being ripped from my chest.“Valentina,” I breathed her name again, softer this time, almost pleading.“N-nothing,” she whispered, her voice still shaking slightly. “Just a dream…”A dream… The word tasted too bitter in my ear.She's lying. I have lived too long to know this was not just any dream, this was something else&mdas