Chapter 74

Valerie's POV

Just as I expected, the news of Kaelen's sudden appearance had already traveled quickly. By the time Darius and I returned from patrol, the corridors were filled with murmurs. Servants bowed their heads as I passed, but their eyes lingered, heavy with questions they dared not speak, thinking I wouldn't notice their sneaking glances.

The mark on my skin pulsed faintly, as if mocking m