Chapter 34

Valeria’s POV

I stepped into the dining area, finding Kaelen waiting at the table, alone. Katya was truly gone, just as he’d promised. I felt a strange mix of relief and pressure all at once.

“You look good,” he said, his voice warm and genuine. My heart betrayed me, leaping at the simple compliment, though I forced myself to remain neutral, trying to keep my emotions in check. But the mate bond’s