CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

GENERAL POV

Valerie had barely taken three steps past the arched doorway when the shadow fell across her path. She looked up and Elara stood there, motionless around her. For one heartbeat Valerie forgot how to breathe.

“My queen…” The words came out broken, barely a whisper. “No, my queen. You don’t understand….I was…..”

“What are you doing here, Valerie?” Elara’s voice was calm.

Valerie’s mouth worked uselessly. “I was… I ...