VALERIA

"No, no, please don’t kneel," I stop her just as she’s about to kneel before me.

"I will speak to everyone. I was the wife of the former village chief—they listen to my opinion."

"I’ll also speak on your behalf, don’t worry," the guide chimes in with a smile, the same man I gave a few coins to when we arrived, so he could lead me to the deceiving witch’s house.

I thank them, and although this small village may seem insignificant, it’s the first step toward changing the hearts of the people in this Realm.

My mother was my mother—a powerful Queen, strict but fair. I am me, a stranger who fell out of nowhere and now has to fix all the mess that traitorous Vampire King left behind.

"Come, let’s run. You need to free yourself from all these worries. I want some time alone with my wife," my mate’s deep voice caresses my ear as he intertwines his fingers with mine and leads me to an unknown place.

I follow him without hesitation, through the dirty, narrow alleys, weaving through the