Chapter 59

VALERIA. Stefano steps in front of me, and for a whole moment, the world seems to stop spinning. I look at him, wondering where he came from and how he knew I was here. But most of all, I’m just wondering why he came to save me considering everything that happened between us. I almost can’t believe he’s real. Yet here he is, pushing me behind him, shielding me as Professor Blossom turns to us again. He sneers, spitting on the ground, his eyes still fixed on me. “Hand her over, and perhaps I will spare your life,” he commands. For one scary second, I thought that this would translate into another round of control, with him making Stefano do his bidding. But to my surprise, Stefano doesn’t budge. They continue to circle each other, with Professor Blossom trying to find an opening to get to me. His shoulders are tense, his eyes flashing red. He doesn’t take his eyes off me, and when I step a little to further to my side, he lunges. But Stefano is quick. Perhaps much quicker than he i