Chapter 66
Valencia’s POV
Dante’s piercing gaze lingered on me for what felt like an eternity. My breath hitched as I braced myself for whatever angry. retort might come next.
My hands tightened protectively around Castor’s egg, the smoo shell warm against my palms.
But to my surprise. Dante let out a slow breath, Itis jaw unclencleng as he stepped back. “Fine,” he said, his tone softer than I expected. “I’ll send lunch to your room.”
And then, without another word, he left.
I sat there on the bed, frozen in place, staring at the door long after it had closed behind him. My chest felt tight, my mind spinning with possibilities. It’s fine, I told myself. Everything’s okay.
But was it?
Jaxon had started this way too. The anger, the quiet dismissals. He hadn’t turned violent overnight. It had been gradual, a slow descent into chaos that had left me broken in more ways than I could count
The sound of a knock startled me, and I flinched involuntarily. “Mrs. Steele, your lunch,” a maid called softly from the other side of the door.
I hesitated before answering, “Just leave it there. Thank you.”
I heard the tray being placed on the small table outside, but I didn’t get up. I wasn’t lying when I told Dante I wasn’t hungry. Even the thought of food made my stomach churn.
When 1 finally forced myself to open the door, the aroma of the seafood soup wafied up to greet me. It should have been appetizing. The cream of seafood soup, with its perfectly golden broth and hints of herbs, would have been delicious any other day. But today, it just looked… disgusting.
I closed the lid on the bowl and turned away, deciding instead to lie down. A nap would help. A half–hour at most, just enough to clear my head and steady my nerves.
The next thing I knew, a deep voice jolted me awake.
“Valencia?”
I blinked, groggy and disoriented, my heart racing as I sat up abruptly Dante stood by the bed, his tall frame casting a long. shadow in the dim room. His turquoise eyes were filled with concern as he reached out to touch my forehead.
“Are you feeling sick?” he asked, his voice low and steady.
I didn’t move, still dazed as his warm hand lingered against my skin. How long had I slept?
Dante’s frown deepened as he pulled his hand away. You don’t feel feverish. But why didn’t you eat lunch? Or dinner?”
widened in horror. “Wait, what time is it?” “Dinner?” The word hit me like a slap, and my eyes
“It’s almost midnight, Dante said, his tone cautious. “Were you asleep this entire time? Since noon!”
My stomach dropped. “Oh my god,” I whispered, running a hand through my hair. “I didn’t even realize. I only meant to nap for half an hour.”
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Chapter 66
Dante’s lips pressed into a thin line as he moved closer, crouching slightly so we were eye level. His hand rested on the bed beside me, his presence steady and grounding. “Valencia,” he began gently, “I don’t know why you’re so worried or afraid. I can see it in your eyes–even if you try to hide it, I can feel it.”
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1 tensed, but he continued, his tone softer now. “I understand th something happened to you in your past. And I know you don’t want to share it right now, but I’m truly worried about you His eyes softened, the turquoise depths warm and sincere. “Whatever you’re scared of, whatever you’re worried about… I won’t let it happen. I’ll keep Castor safe. And you as well.”
A small part of me wanted to believe him. His words were like a soothing balm against the storm raging in my mind. His pheromones, warm and comforting, enveloped me like a protective shield.
I nodded slowly, even though doubt still lingered at the edges of my thoughts. “I’m okay,” I said quietly. “Don’t worry.”
As if on cue, my stomach growled loudly, betraying me.
Dante chuckled, the sound warm and rich. “Should Heall the maid to serve dinner?”
I nodded again, grateful for the distraction. Within minutes, the tray was brought in, a variety of dishes spread across it. Dante pulled a chair closer to the bed, placing the tray between s
We ate in silence, the only sounds coming from the clink of cutlery against the plates. The food, though delicious, felt heavy in my stomach, each bite a struggle to swallow.
1
When finished, I stood and grabbed Castor, intending to change into something more comfortable. But Dante’s frown stopped me in my tracks.
“Let me take him,” he said, reaching out for the egg.
1 instinctively stepped back, shaking my head. “No, it’s fine. I’ve got him.”
Dante’s eyes narrowed, his expression a mix of confusion and frustration. “Valencia,” he said slowly, his tone measured. “You do realize he’s my child too, right?”
The words hit me like a punch, and my grip on Castor tightened Of course I knew. But the thought of handing him over to anyone–even Dante–made my stomach churn.
I had been fine handing Castor to him before. Then why did my hands tremble at even the thought of separation now?
But then Caius’s words from earlier replayed in my mind, sending a chill down my spine. What if Dante thought I was behaving weirdly and thought me dangerous?
What if he tried to take Castor away from me by force?
I forced myself to smile, though it felt more like a grimace. With trembling hands, I moved the egg toward Dante.
He sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. “Forget it,” he muttered, stepping back. “You’re acting like I’m forcing you to separate from him forever.”
Guilt prickled at my chest as
I watched him turn away, his frustration evident. A part of me knew I was being irrational.
But despite the sadness that lingered in his gaze, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of relief when he moved away.
I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, hoping the hot water would clear my mind. The steam wrapped around me like a cocoon, and for a moment, I let myself relax. But the unease remained, a persistent ache that wouldn’t fade.
When I returned to the bedroom, Dante was already lying on the bed, his arm draped over his forehead as he stared at the
ceiling.
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I slipped under the covers, curling around Castor as I tried to sele my racing thoughts. I didn’t expect to sleep anytime soon after the long nap. But I didn’t have anything else to do. Nor did I want to do anything but stay close to Castor and keep
hum warm.
Castor against my chest was soothing, and I closed my eyes, exhaustion pulling me under once again. I yawned, frowning
But even as sleep claimed me, one question lingered at the edge of my mind. This much sleep wasn’t normal, was it? What was happening to me?
