Chapter 96

VALERIA’S POV I slept peacefully, wrapped in the rare comfort of knowing I was with people I trusted. People who wouldn’t hurt me. People who wouldn’t betray me. But I knew Elijah didn’t sleep. I could feel his presence, alert and unmoving, standing watch through the night. He was making sure Magnar didn’t come looking for me, making sure I wasn’t forced to deal with more of his possessive, territorial behavior. A part of me felt guilty that he had to stay awake on my behalf, but I knew he didn’t mind. That’s just who Elijah was—always watching, always protecting. By the time the first light of dawn crept across the horizon, I knew I couldn’t avoid the packhouse any longer. As much as I wanted to stay with Elijah and the others, I had my responsibilities. And I would not give Magnar the satisfaction of thinking I was running away. So, as soon as the sun had fully risen, I forced myself to return. Walking into the packhouse felt like stepping into a den of waiting predators, but I kept