Chapter 91

Valerie’s POV

The parking lot brimmed with cars, engines still humming as everyone prepared to head off. In less than ten hours, we’d be on a flight halfway across the world, leaving this place behind. I watched a cluster of people lugging suitcases toward the terminal and felt a flutter of anticipation—and dread—knowing how much hinged on the next few hours.

“No, no, don’t put that there!” I half-shouted at Clara, my voice carrying more annoyance than I’d intended.

She spun around, eyebrows raised, lips curling with irritation. “I know where it goes, Valerie. I’m not an idiot!” She jabbed a finger at the pile of boxes where I wanted them stacked and then went right back to her work without waiting for my response.

Her sudden sharpness stung. Clara was only a kid—sixteen, maybe seventeen—yet the way she snapped at me felt like a personal affront. Still, a dozen other thoughts crowded my mind, and Clara’s petty rebellion faded to the background. I turne