“Let’s go out for a walk,” Valen suggested, his voice gentle yet firm after making sure Ella had calmed down.
“I guess that’s what I need now,” Ella replied, her voice still slightly shaky but eager for a distraction.
Valen smiled faintly, relieved she agreed. “I’d love to show you my speed,” he teased.
Ella looked up at him, her lips curving into a small smile. “I’d love to experience it,” she said, her tone light, though her heart still felt heavy.
Her smile stirred something deep within Valen, those sparkling eyes making it harder for him to hold on to his restraint. He swallowed hard, trying to focus. “Alright,” he said, “though I would have loved to race with you in your wolf form.”
At the mention of her wolf, Ella’s smile faded, and she looked downcast. Valen cursed himself sile
