Cerys tilted her head, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "You came here to save her, all in the name of love. But tell me, Valerius... does she truly love you back?"

She turned to Chloe, eyes gleaming. "Do you love him?"

Chloe's voice cracked as she screamed, "Valerius, I love you! You know I do, don't listen to her!"

Valerius's gaze softened, if only for a moment. "I know you love me, Chloe. I've never doubted that. And I love you too."

Cerys clapped her hands mockingly. "Oh, how sweet. How ...