Chapter 48

VALERIA’S POV “Okay, but what if I get distracted? What if things don’t go according to what we’ve planned?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The doubt I had buried deep inside bubbled to the surface. Elijah tilted his head, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. “Do you have friends, family, or anyone there that you care about?” The question hit me harder than I expected. I shook my head slowly, my throat tightening. “No,” I replied. “I don’t have anyone there. Not anymore.” “Then there’s no place for distraction, Valeria,” he said simply, his voice calm yet firm. “There’s only one possible distraction for you, and that too depends entirely on you.” I frowned, confused. “Who?” “Magnar,” he said, his tone sharp. My frown deepened. Just hearing his name made my chest tighten, but not with affection—never that. It was anger, betrayal, and something I couldn’t quite place. “Why would he be a distraction?” I asked, crossing my arms defensively. Elijah’s eyes didn’t waver. “He tried