Chapter 77

Valeria’s POV

Kaelen’s voice echoed in my mind, sharp and filled with a bitterness that cut deep. “If you wanted to leave, all you had to do was say so, Valeria. You went too far,” he accused, and though his tone stung, I held onto the sound of his voice. Even angry, it was a connection, a reminder that he hadn’t entirely abandoned me.

“I didn’t do it,” I whispered back, my voice breaking, despera