Retribution 의 모든 챕터: 챕터 61 - 챕터 70

Valencia NightingaleThe hardwood floor was cold under my feet as I walked behind Vladislav, shoulders swaying with fluid ease towards God knows where.This floor of the mansion was foreign to me, I had never been here, Hell I didn't even know it existed. Apart from the underground vault where Vladislav and I had first signed the contract and this floor, I had practically walked through every inch of the building. My brows furrowed as I rubbed my chest, trying to massage the pain away. It wasn't as sharp as when I had first woken up, it had dulled to a throbbing sensation. That drug he'd given me—the one he said was rare—was already working. I could feel it in my bones like liquid strength, my steps were firmer and I could carry my body weight properly without feeling like I was seconds away from tumbling back to the ground. Whatever was in that stuff was magic. I shot a glance at Vladislav's back, his black shirt hiding the bite mark I'd left on his shoulder. He walked with that ea

Valencia NightingaleMy fingers flexed as I stared at my bare chest in the mirror, peeking behind the numerous bandages to see just how far the gunshot wound had healed.The healing rate was unnaturally fast. In less than the space of two weeks, it didn't bleed anymore and was moving towards total healing. I think it had something to do with the vial Vladislav gave me.He really needed to tell me where on earth he got that substance from and who was making it because it truly worked wonders.Speaking of the devil dressed in Cifonelli, he was hell-bent on keeping me in this room. Absolutely refused to let me step my foot out of the door, all in the name of making sure I was healing properly without straining myself. He had every single thing I needed delivered to my bedside.Every. Single. Thing!It wasn't like a few steps through the hallway and down the stairs would maim me but hey... he's the boss.If I wasn't so aware of the man he truly was underneath his mask of picture-perfect c

Valencia Nightingale. "You want me to seduce the archbishop?" I repeated, utterly flabbergasted. Anatoly nodded, his eyes dead set serious. I opened my mouth to speak, to say something at all, but the words weren't coming out. I had been trained for all things, killing, infiltration, kidnapping, stealing, but never had I been trained in the art of seduction.It required femininity, required patience, and even submission. None of those words has ever been associated with someone like me.I stood up from my seat, hands on the cold wood of the table as I bent over it, the bandages pulling at my chest with every move. I needed to think.Besides, the archbishop knew me. He was neck-deep in politics, probably heard every rumor about the church ambush, the explosion at Downing Street. He'd know I was tied to Vladislav, that I'd fought his men, taken a bullet. And if he was under Malcolm's wing? Getting close would be like walking into a lion's den with fresh meat strapped to my back. He co

Valencia Nightingale.The flash of cameras was blinding. The moment Caspian clasped Vladislav’s hand in greeting, the paparazzi went rabid — a flurry of voices shouting questions that jumbled together, barely making sense. “Mr. Moroz, is it true that Prince Caspian has your full support in the claim for the throne?”“Princess Valencia, what does your appearance here mean? Are you now in a relationship with Mr.Moroz?”“The gun fight at Saint Dustan street and the bombing at the prime minister's office. Are they related, and if so, who is behind it?”I didn’t know whether to laugh or roll my eyes.Caspian’s men were already forming a human barrier behind, ushering us forward with polished smiles, while the rest of the press strained against velvet ropes, snapping photos like hyenas spotting rotting meat.They tried to push harder, sending one of Caspian's men tumbling to the floor. All it took was a single glance from Anatoly, sharp and lethal even behind his mask, to have half the rep

Valencia NightingaleThe entire ballroom shifted as though a spell had been cast. Every head turned toward his figure as he stepped further into the light. For a single moment, no one did anything. The press, the guests, even the string quartet went impossibly still. Every back rigid with the unmistakable weight of his presence.But less than a second later, the hall gasped back to life, like the spellcaster had snapped his fingers, allowing time to flow in its continuity. The press rushed towards him, almost tripping over their own feet, the attendants followed suit, mumbling apologies and bowing."Forgive us, Your majesty," The Chief of protocol gushed alongside the royal event coordinator."We were not aware you would be gracing us with your presence today."Christian waved them off with a dazzling smile, his movements smooth and confident. “Please...please, no need for such a fuss,” his voice was light as he spoke, practically dripping with honeyed charm. "I was the one who came i