Chapter 23

Valeria’s POV The tension in the air was thick, pressing down on me as Tony stood in my path, his broad shoulders blocking my way. His sharp eyes bore into mine, and I could feel the weight of his judgment even before he spoke. “What are you doing, Tony?” I asked, my voice wavering despite my attempt to sound steady. He didn’t answer my question. Instead, his gaze narrowed, and he countered with one of his own. “Where do you think you’re going?” His words were sharp, cutting through the fragile resolve I had managed to muster. Still, I held my ground, clutching my bag tightly as if it were the only thing tethering me to reality. “A safe place,” I said softly, but firmly. “Somewhere far away. Because as long as I’m here, this place won’t be safe for any of you.” Tony crossed his arms over his chest, his stance unyielding. “And you get to decide that?” I swallowed hard, the storm of guilt and fear inside me threatening to spill over. “Don’t you see what happened? Chaos has somehow follow