Chapter 27

VALKYRIE

Everything is black. I feel heavy, like I’m sinking. Damian and Dimitri are in my line of sight. I’m anxious, but seeing Damian looking better brings a smile to my face.

“Follow it. You have to follow it.”

“They’re lying. Don’t listen to them. Listen to me.”

“You are… You know…”

My eyes are heavy, my body feels like lead. I groan, feeling sick. I’m being carried away again. I let myself go, closing my eyes.

Waking up is a struggle. My head is bobbing, and I wonder who’s carrying me. Dimitri? Michael? Damian?

Questions fill my mind, but I don’t have the energy to voice them. So, I let the darkness take over again.

Something sharp pricks my skin. I gasp, opening my eyes slowly. My eyelids feel like they’re made of lead.

I’m panting, feeling something cold being poured over my head. It trickles down my body. Is it water? What’s happening?

Someone calls my name, but I can’t recognize the voice. They sound angry, irritated. Am I in trouble?

Fear grips me, and a tear slips down my cheek. What did I do to deserve this?

I shift slightly, feeling something cold against my skin. The sound of rustling tells me I might be tied up. Did Dimitri sell me? Is he angry with me?

Pain flares up all over my body. It’s sharp, like needles. An intense pain in my head forces my eyes open.

I see silver eyes.

“Lilly?” I whisper.

A chuckle. A slap. I groan, using what little strength I have. Why is Lilly here?

Confusion clouds my mind. I lift my head to look at her. She looks annoyed, unhinged. An evil smile is plastered on her beautiful, pale face.

I lower my head, hearing her mutter something. Then, silence.

All I can hear is a faint commotion. I’m losing consciousness again. I can’t focus on what’s happening.

Later, I feel warm, strong arms around me. Someone whispers my name, but I can’t respond. My body won’t let me.

Exhausted, I let the darkness take over.

I groan, rolling to the side. Everything feels cold. Where am I?

I open my eyes, sitting up slowly. My head spins. Nausea rises in my throat. Panicking, I swallow it back, but it only makes me feel sicker.

I lean over the edge of the bed, throwing up. I feel awful.

I look around, realizing I’m alone. My empty room greets me. I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. It’s gross, but I don’t care.

“Mia?” I call out.

I give up, trying to stand. My legs are shaky, my body feels heavy. I do my best. I glance at the balcony, noticing the sun setting.

I take a deep breath, looking around. I’m wearing a thin dress. I look for something to cover up with, deciding to find Dimitri or Mia.

I walk down the stairs barefoot. Everyone I pass looks shocked. Why are they staring?

I decide to ignore them, heading to a place I’ve never been before: the throne room.

I have a feeling Dimitri might be there. As I get closer, I hear arguing. I recognize Damian’s voice.

I smile, heading toward the doors with shaky steps. The two guards at the doors look at me like they’ve never seen me before.

How long was I out?

I have so many questions, but they’re the least of my worries. I need to see Damian and Dimitri.

“Open the doors,” I say, my voice rougher than I’ve ever heard it.

The guards exchange a glance, then nod, smiling. The voices behind the door grow louder. Impatient, I clutch the sheet I’m wrapped in.

When the doors finally open, Dimitri’s loud voice reaches my ears. I step in.

“ENOUGH!” I shout, drawing everyone’s attention. Damian and Dimitri look at me, shocked.

I feel my strength leaving me. I plead with them one last time. Too tired to stand, I drop to my knees. Arms wrap around me, and I look up to see Prince Cian holding me.

I sigh, resting my head against him. I need to rest.

***

“Feeling better?” Michael asks for the third time. I want to roll my eyes, but I don’t want to be rude.

“I’m just tired,” I mumble.

Leo, Mia, Prince Cian, Damian, and Dimitri are gathered around my bed. They’re silent. Especially Damian and Dimitri.

I look at Dimitri. He’s looking at me, worry in his eyes. I meet his gaze, but he looks away. I frown, confused.

“Let me see your hand,” Michael says. I turn my attention back to him. After a while, I’m finally free from Michael’s checkups. I sigh, sinking back into the soft pillows.

“Want anything?” Mia asks, smiling warmly.

“Yes, water, please,” I reply, returning her smile.

My throat is sore. I sigh again, turning to look at the guys. Damian looks impatient. I smile brightly, beckoning him closer.

“Thank the gods you’re awake,” Damian says, taking my hand in his. His warm touch brings a smile to my face.

“I’m glad you’re doing better,” I tell him. “How long was I asleep?”

“At least four days,” Prince Cian says, sitting in the chair next to my bed. “You had us worried.”

I giggle, turning to smile at them. What is this warm feeling?

“Here, take a drink,” Mia offers, extending a glass of water my way.

I accept it with a nod of gratitude, taking a sip. It’s cool and soothing.

“Can you recall what happened?” Prince Cian inquires, his arms folded across his chest.

“No,” I admit, shaking my head.

“You don’t remember the reckless thing you did?” Dimitri interjects, causing me to flinch. Everyone turns to look at him. I lower my gaze, choosing to remain silent.

“Dimitri,” Damian warns.

I’m not in the mood for their bickering.

“Could everyone please give the king and me some privacy?” I request, causing a ripple of surprise to pass through the room. After a moment of hesitation, everyone begins to rise.

Damian’s gaze lingers on me a moment longer before he sighs and stands. The sound of the double doors closing signals their departure. I turn to Dimitri. He looks uneasy. Remembering why, I murmur, “You can come in.”

Dimitri lifts his gaze, his eyes searing into mine as his expression darkens. I avert my eyes, sitting up.

“Are you going to stay there?” I whisper, fearful of provoking his anger. He takes a seat on the bed, uncomfortably close. My body instinctively recoils. I clutch the bedsheets tightly.

I notice my knuckles turning white. We haven’t even begun our conversation, and his presence is already making me anxious.

There’s a heavy tension radiating from him that unsettles me.

“Answer me, Valkyrie,” Dimitri demands, causing my breath to hitch.

“What do you want me to say?” I stammer nervously.

“Explain why the fuck you did that?” Dimitri asks, his voice calm but laced with danger.

“I had to save him, Dimitri. I would have done the same for you,” I confess, my grip on the sheets tightening. “I didn’t have a choice.”

“No choice?” Dimitri echoes, then bursts into laughter. I lift my gaze, staring at him in confusion. When his laughter subsides, he meets my eyes. His golden irises are intimidating.

“You seem incapable of rational thought. I’m starting to think you’re a bit dim-witted,” Dimitri retorts. “A dim-witted slave,” he spits out like poison.

I bite my trembling lip as his words sting. My eyes burn, and tears threaten to spill over.

“Don’t,” I whisper.

Dimitri raises an eyebrow. “What?”

“Don’t call me stupid!” I snap, tears welling up in my eyes. “You can call me a slave, but don’t you dare call me stupid!” Dimitri looks taken aback.

“I… Valkyrie…” Dimitri stammers, but I cut him off.

“It’s okay if you call me a slave. I am a slave, there’s no denying that. But I won’t tolerate being called stupid!” I retort, my anger flaring.

“Don’t you dare call me stupid, Dimitri!” Tears stream down my flushed cheeks. My nose is running. I clench my fists, lowering my gaze in embarrassment. “I’m not your plaything…” I mumble nervously.

Dimitri remains silent. His lack of response surprises me. I glance up through my lashes to find Dimitri with his head bowed. He’s not even looking at me.

Feeling unsettled, I slide off the bed. I need some fresh air, so I head for the balcony. I can’t believe he’s not saying anything.

As I approach the railing, a warm hand wraps around my wrist. I turn around. The wind is blowing fiercely, causing my hair to whip across my face.

A gasp escapes my lips as another hand encircles my neck and cold lips meet mine. I try to pull away from his kiss, but his arms tighten around my waist.

“D-Dimitri…” I manage to stutter between kisses.

But Dimitri doesn’t stop. His arms constrict around me. I can feel that magnetic pull again, that warm sensation that makes my knees weak.

Swearing under my breath, I feel my body succumbing to his touch.

His lips move in harmony with mine. His kisses trail down my jawline, leaving me breathless. Snapping back to reality, I place my hands on his muscular chest and push.

“Don’t push me away, Valkyrie,” Dimitri murmurs in my ear, causing my body to tremble. “Please don’t.”

A shiver runs down my spine as his breath tickles my ear. I close my eyes, gritting my teeth. Does he really think he can fix this with kisses?

“Enough, Dimitri!” I assert forcefully. “This isn’t going to fix anything!” But my words fall on deaf ears. Dimitri pulls me into a hug. I feel trapped in his embrace, like a bird caged and stripped of its freedom.

“Let go!” I demand, struggling.

“I WON’T BECAUSE…” Dimitri begins to shout, but then falls silent. His sudden outburst startles me. I stiffen, my arms falling limp at my sides. I wait for him to continue, but he remains silent.

Feeling like this is a never-ending cycle, I push him away with all my strength. Dimitri doesn’t resist. As I step back, I meet his gaze. Dimitri’s eyes linger on mine.

“Just leave. I think I hate you…”