Merciless Declaration

Vesperia's POV

Humiliation burned sharp beneath my breastbone at the drunkard's slurred words. Still, letting this crowd catch even a glimpse of weakness was the very last thing I would allow. What would Valerius do right now?

I squared my spine and lifted my chin high, mirroring the exact unyielding posture Valerius had carried the day he first rode into my old pack. I had sworn to myself that