CHAPTER 281: CONNECTED

****************

Chapter 281

~Valerie’s POV~

Later, after everything had settled, surprisingly, Ash and Ace left the house when they got a summons from their father for a call.

I was slightly surprised that Riven was here and not Xander joining in too, but knowing Xander, he probably wasn’t one with the crowd.

And after all that, well, who knows?

I was taken to my room, the fifth room for the fifth heir.

Honestly, I was still surprised they had that set in, even when I was supposed to be long dead.

I shook my head, not wanting to think about it, when my eyes caught my reflection in the mirror. My black hair stared back at me, and this time it was freer and framed my face perfectly.

But then my gaze fell to my neck. Instinctively, I reached for the imaginary necklace and felt my neck.

I had been feeling strange for days now, like heat bubbling underneath my skin, but somehow, Astra’s power and aura helped suppress it without me losing control.

Still, that act left her weak most of the time; she wasn’t her usual bubbly self.

And that sacrifice alone made me want to shift and let her change, breathe.

She hadn’t had that opportunity, but what if someone saw?

I needed to focus on searching Titania, tailing her and finding out what she knows about my necklace.

As for Nightshade... I guess going back online to check would be the best choice.

I knew it was dangerous, but these people were so well hidden it was frustrating.

"Okay, Valerie, as much as you want to bond, let’s find Nightshade first, get rid of those who killed my family and then tell my mates who I am. That way I can be sure no one, absolutely no one, would harm me again."

I turned, picked up my laptop bag, and pulled it from the confines, then gently placed it on the reading table in the room.

I had already freshened up when I was in my dorm, and right now, all I wanted to do was search.

As soon as the laptop screen turned on, a knock landed on the door. I lifted my head from the laptop, turned towards the door and waited for him to enter.

The door pushed open, and Xander walked in.

Xander?

I definitely wasn’t expecting this.

He had that concerned expression on his face as he gently dusted his hands on his white jeans.

"Hey, I asked and was told I could come in?"

"Sure."

I closed my laptop and walked over to meet him in the middle of the room.

"I’m sorry, I had a few things to take care of after we arrived. As soon as I finished, I came here to see how you were doing. Did you see her again? Astraea? I heard she was..."

Before Xander could speak further, I hugged him, which shocked both him and me. For a few seconds, he stayed still before he hugged me back.

And God, that felt good. It felt like... I was tempted just to cry.

"Valerie, are you okay?"

I nodded but still stayed in the hug.

The thing about Xander and anytime he was close was how insanely safe I felt, how connected it was to be close to him, in a way that reminded me of my dad, was still a mystery to me.

I pulled back and apologised for my behaviour.

"Sorry."

"Valerie, stop apologising. It seemed like you knew what I needed."

"I did?"

Xander nodded.

"How?"

"Nothing much. On my way here, I got word that my mother wasn’t feeling too well and given who we are as dragons, that is serious."

"I’m so sorry. I never knew you were going through that. Now I feel bad that the hug was for me and not to pet you."

Xander chuckled dryly. "Who says it wasn’t for both of us, huh?"

He gently held my chin, lifting my face so I stared into his eyes. And what lovely deep violet they were.

"You are beautiful, in and out. Never forget that."

"With you here, how could I?"

We both laughed as I led him towards the bed to sit. Anything bringing anyone close to my laptop was off-limits.

"So..."

"So?"

I looked down at my hands, unsure of what I was going to say to him. It was now that it dawned on me that I had only truly built a connection with Kai and Dristan, and as for the rest... I still had a way to go.

And not until I reached a level where I felt I truly understood them, then I doubt I deserved them.

"Hey, I hope you haven’t received any threats since?"

"Threat?"

"Yes, Ms. Heart and..."

I quickly placed my hand over his lips and gestured with my eyes to the door. Xander, thankfully, quickly got the memo.

But just as I tried removing my hand, he pecked it and smirked.

"Xander."

"Hey, I just want you to know, I’ll always be by your side. I’ll protect you and ensure no harm comes to you again, okay?"

"That’s a big promise to make," I said softly.

Xander smiled at my response, but there was something hidden behind his calm exterior.

A hint of tension in the way his shoulders sat or maybe in the way his fingers rubbed against the crease of his jeans.

I didn’t miss it. I never did, not when I was around someone I truly liked.

"You don’t have to promise me anything," I murmured. "But thank you."

He opened his mouth to say something else, but I cut in before I lost the nerve.

"Xander," I began quietly, my voice slower, "have you ever heard of the Nightshade Thorn emblem?"

His expression faltered.

It wasn’t just confusion that passed over his face—it was recognition.

His posture changed slightly, more alert than before, and I could see the way his lips parted, ready to ask the question I knew was coming.

But I didn’t get the chance to answer it, because before he could say a single word, the door pushed open without warning.

Xade stood there, brows furrowed, his icy eyes narrowed right at me. His presence filled the room instantly, dark and commanding, like a shadow that carried answers no one wanted to say out loud.

"Why are you asking about Nightshade?" he asked in that almost accusing tone.