Chapter 122 Empty Castle

VALERIE

Xavier led us to the sentry post before the sun had fully risen in the sky. The horizon was a brilliant lavender, the air crisp and chilly.

There were no guards around, and carnage spilled upon the grass. Blood, fur, weapons and signs of struggle in the dirt.

I supposed there would be a lot of violence from this moment forward. That this would not be the last puddle of blood I saw. I just hoped, with all my heart, that none of it would belong to Xavier.

Distantly, Lucas stood beside the cab of a black sedan, patiently staring down the sunrise. We had but a moment to say our goodbyes, and I was afraid to start. The sooner I began, the sooner it would be over with.

And I might never see Xavier again.

When the time came, when I heard his voice whisper my name, “Valerie.”

I did not hesitate. I threw my arms around Xavier and clutched onto him with all the strength in me. I didn’t want to go. I didn’t want to leave him here, but I knew I would only be a liability. Besides, h