The Ominous Ritual

Valerie’s POV

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, and I groaned as I turned my face away from the intrusive rays. My eyes ached, swollen from the tears I’d cried all night. The sting of King Maverick’s reaction was still fresh, like it just happened minutes ago.

I sat up slowly, wincing as I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. Puffy, red-rimmed eyes gazed back at me, a dis