Chapter 39
“Once the binding vow array is activated, not even Magnus can break it,” Kieran said. “He wants you to live well with Lucius and stop trying to break the array through devious tricks.”
Valerie couldn’t resist a sharp laugh of exasperation. “That cunning old fox cries foul play while being the biggest cheat of them all. He calls me out for using crooked tricks, but what was he thinking when he set up the binding vow in the first place?”
Chuckling, Kieran tried to soothe her by saying, “Magnus only wants what’s best for you. We’re all mystic masters, so you know your astrological houses better than anyone.
“Whether or not you see Lucius as the right match, Magnus believes that you’re suited for each other, so you must be.”
Her temper flared. “What if I insist on breaking it?”
“Like I said, no one can undo a binding vow.”
“Magnus‘ heartblood is the key,” she said coldly.
Kieran gave her a sidelong glance and shot back, “Would you really do that? He’s your dad- the only man who ever exists to love you the most.”
Valerie fell silent. As much as she complained, she knew she could never truly hurt Magnus. He
was her only family.
“I know what happened a year ago left you scarred, but the dead are gone. Those who live must learn to move forward. It’s time to let go, Val.”
“I can’t!” A flicker of killing intent flashed in her eyes.
He reached out like an older brother, ruffling her hair. “Still the same fiery kid I know.”
She slapped his hand away and demanded, “Pull over. I’m getting out.”
But he kept driving and said, “I’ve got a gathering lined up. Come along, and I’ll introduce you to a few people.”
“Not interested.” She frowned like she resisted the thought greatly.
“Connections are everything if you want to survive in Windmere.”
To Valerie’s surprise, Kieran brought her to The Golden Chalice, where she’d once set foot. It seemed that even though Windmere was huge, its elite circles were small.
When they entered, Lucius unsurprisingly sat at the center of attention. At his side was Sonia,
Valerie’s half–sister.
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From where Valerie stood, they looked every bit like a couple deeply in love.
Sonia seemed surprised to see Valerie here. It had been just some time since Valerie had smashed up Lucius‘ hotel, and she wondered how Valerie dared to walk in here boldly. Wasn’t the latter afraid that Lucius would kill her on the spot?
Lucius was equally surprised. This morning, he’d woken up cuddling Valerie in bed, but now, they stood across the room like strangers.
The gathering was arranged by Noah, who’d wanted to introduce Kieran. Yet, somehow, Valerie had shown up here with the latter.
It got Lucius wondering how the two of them even knew each other and what their relationship was. Though his expression remained neutral, a turbulent turmoil had long stirred up in his mind.
Valerie met his intense gaze briefly, then calmly looked away. They had an agreement that they were strangers outside of Azure Bay.
Kieran leaned in close and whispered teasingly in her ear, “Don’t you think this is fate?”
“I’ll remember this,” she said, glaring at him. She didn’t believe for a second he hadn’t known who they were meeting.
“Such a grudge–holder,” he groaned.
Their voices were too low for anyone else to catch, but the sight of their intimate posture and heads nearly touching was burned in Lucius‘ eyes.
Chapter 40
