VALERIA.

I stagger back in shock, my heart nearly crawling to my chest. Auric stands back as though he’s also shocked, but he rearranges his features into a smile.

“Hi,” he says lamely. “I… I didn’t know Eden is going to be here.”

Eden looks at him solemnly. “I can just leave if you want.”

“No, don’t go,” I say, not really knowing what to do. On one hand I want Eden to stay so we can catch up, but on the other hand, I just want to get things ...