Chapter 82. I Won’t Give You Up Without a Fight

Valen couldn’t shake off the tension weighing heavily on his chest as he approached Ella’s room. Her scent lingered in the air, a comforting reminder that she was still here. But he knew this peace wouldn’t last. The news Lucian had brought earlier replayed in his mind like a haunting melody—Alpha Derek was here, searching for her. The mere thought of losing Ella to another man, even if that man was her mate, churned his insides with an emotion he rarely allowed himself to feel: fear.

As he reached her door, he paused, his hand hovering over the handle. For a moment, he debated leaving her to rest, but the pull was too strong. The door creaked softly as he pushed it open, his gaze immediately landing on her sleeping form. Her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, but even in sleep, her brow furrowed as if caught in a troubling dream. Valen’s heart clenched at the sight. He couldn’t bear the thought of her suffering, even in her sleep. Valen stepped closer, his footsteps sile