VALERIA

I walked out accompanied by Aldric, his hand on my waist, pulling me protectively against his side.

Outside, voices could be heard. I didn't know whose they were; they seemed to be coming from the courtyard.

I looked up at the tall ceiling beam. Even though this was the best house in town, it still felt dark and oppressive.

The green striped wallpaper on the walls gave off a dizzying and claustrophobic effect.

Turning a corner, we arrived at another hallway with bedroom doors on one side. Quinn was standing in front of one of them.

"Quinn, why aren’t you resting? Are you okay? How's Celine?" I quickly stepped forward.

I know Aldric doesn’t like my closeness with this Lycan, but we've been through too many life-or-death situations together.

To me, Quinn and Celine are like comrades-in-arms, my friends, and I feel nothing else for him.

"I'm better, and Celine is resting. I'm really glad nothing happened to you; that’s what matters most," he says with a nod.

He looks exhausted an