Chapter 276. Quick Ping

Valen’s POV

“It did,” I swore promptly, clinging to faith that it worked. My arms fell to my sides like dead weight under her scrutiny. “It had to.”

Raina shook her head and stepped back as distrust took over. “There are still eight minutes on the timer.”

Despite my assurances, a claw of doubt hooked into my skin. I might not be entirely certain, but I couldn’t let my mate spiral into a pool of endless possibilities.

According to my future self, the trial was to kill each other, and if we refused, then there would be no trial anymore. However, it wasn’t that simple. It had to be done as a blood oath made to Selene, and blood oaths gave no take-backsies.

“That's not possible,” I told her, feeling a dull fear rising inside of me.

“You're pure evil. Keeping me alive to taunt me,” Raina said in short, curt tones with fisted hands and a blade-sharp glare. “You and your ridiculous aspirations.” She tapped a finger against her temple. “G