Chapter Forty Six: Heated Encounter

I quickly made my way towards the training grounds on the morning of my assessment. I spent the week practicing with Roland and Derrick, making sure that I became stronger, even if it was only the slightest bit. I was going to prove to them and myself that I was capable of helping. I wasn't some useless human, as I had been deemed.

Many servants eyed me as I passed them, their voices rising and falling in whispers. Ever since the night of the banquet, this is how it had been. Most managed to learn about the strange relationship I had with Elias through the grapevine. I couldn't help but admit that rumors were powerful things, and they were becoming the bane of my existence.

Ignoring their looks of disgust and judgement, I continued forward. At the moment, I had no room to worry about them.

"Valerie!" Whirling, I turned to face Nathan, who was quickly making his way towards me. "Thank goodness I caught you."

"What's wrong?" I asked, raising my brow.

Nathan seemed to be on edge. Even as