Chapter 74. The Source of Power

The soft clink of glass against marble echoed in the dimly lit room. Valen sat on a leather stool in his personal mini-bar, a sleek, modern space tucked away in his manor. The polished counters gleamed under the soft glow of pendant lights, and the shelves were lined with an assortment of bottles.

Valen reached for the frosted glass in front of him and took a slow sip of the chilled animal blood he had stored in the fridge. It wasn’t as satisfying as fresh blood, but it was enough to keep his urges in check. His thoughts wandered as he stared at the faint crimson color in the glass.

Ella.

She was everything he never expected. The mere thought of her brought a flicker of warmth to his otherwise cold demeanor. He clenched the glass tighter, thinking of the obstacles still in their way.

His quiet moment was interrupted by the soft click of heels against the marble floor. Valen didn’t need to look up to know who it was. The familiar scent filled the air, a scent