Chapter 140

VALERIA’S POV "Now, I’m leaving," Dimitri murmured, his voice casual, almost amused. He reached out, lightly tapping my shoulder before turning away. "But be a good girl and wait for my signal. Remember, Valeria—many innocent lives are in your hands as well." I stood frozen, my mind whirling as he walked away, his confident stride as unshaken as ever. I lifted my gaze to the grand ceremonial stage, my stomach twisting at the sight before me. Riven. She sat rigid in her throne, her shoulders tense, her sharp eyes searching the crowd. She had felt my warning. I didn’t know how, but somehow—through the smallest of signals, a glance, a shift in energy—she had understood that something was wrong. But it wasn’t enough. I had no way of telling her what was coming. I clenched my fists, my breath shallow as I scanned the sea of royals and Alphas gathered in the clearing. Each of them sat on the elevated platform, their chairs arranged in a semi-circle to form the Royal Council. The rest of the