Chloe’s body shook as she backed up, her voice barely a whisper. “Who… who’s there?”

A light flicked on in the corner of the room, and her eyes widened. There he was… Valerius, standing there, composed, but somehow even more commanding than ever.

“Valerius?” she breathed, disbelief and fear mingling in her tone.

“Yes,” he said, his voice smooth, almost teasing. “Relax. I just wanted to make sure you’re calm… because seriously, you’re shaking like a leaf. Look ...