1.Elora
~VALERIANA~
“We’ve been dating for almost a year,” I whispered, my voice trembling as I tried to hold myself together. “Don’t do this. Please.”
His expression was ice, his eyes colder than I’d ever seen. “It’s over, Val. I’m breaking this engagement.”
“No,” I choked out, shaking my head as tears blurred my vision. “Why now? You accepted this engagement. You pursued me! What changed?”
His smirk grew, cruel and mocking, twisting his handsome face into something monstrous. “I came to my senses. You’re nothing but a duchess. I’m a prince. Why would you ever think you were enough for me?”
The room darkened, the walls seeming to close in. His words echoed, louder and louder, drowning out even the sound of my breathing.
“You’re no better than a commoner to me,” he sneered, his voice dripping with venom.
I stumbled back, the ground beneath me tilting like it would swallow me whole. Reaching out to steady myself, I found nothing to hold onto—nothing but his cold, mocking laughter.
He turned and walked away, his silhouette fading into the darkness as his footsteps echoed endlessly. Each step hammered into my chest like the final blow to my shattered heart.
Suddenly, I jolted awake, gasping for air, my skin damp with sweat. The echo of his laughter lingered, replaced only by the pounding of my heart. I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to calm the storm raging within me.
“It was just a dream,” I whispered to the empty room, though the ache in my chest told me otherwise.
A knock at the door startled me. “Duchess, we’ve landed in Elora,” a maid called from the other side.
Shoot. Elora. That had completely slipped my mind.
“I’ll be ready in a minute,” I replied, my voice steadier than I expected.
Throwing off the sheets, I forced myself into action. After a quick shower, I slipped into a sheer white shirt, black jeans, and my favorite leather jacket. My jet-black curls framed my face in soft waves, the way I like it.
Half an hour later, I stepped into the lobby, where Eva was waiting. The princess of Auravelle was the picture of elegance in a green midi dress, her blonde hair neatly combed back.
“Hey, Val,” she greeted, her gaze flicking over my outfit. She said nothing, but her disapproving look was enough to make me smirk.
“Relax,” I teased. “I’m not here to outshine royalty.”
She shook her head but didn’t argue. We both know the truth. She is the royal princess and I am…well.
“Let’s go. The car’s waiting.” she said, clearly changing the subject.
Our bodyguards escorted us outside, and an hour later, we arrived at the hotel. Jet lag hit me like a freight train, and I headed straight for my suite, leaving the maids to handle the luggage.
The moment I hit the bed, the dream replayed in my mind like a broken record. Even after a year, his words, his sneer, the coldness in his eyes—it all came rushing back. Sleep claimed me before I could push it away.
When I woke up, the sky was already painted in dusk. Good thing no-one disturbed me.
I stood up stretching and went to the window, removing its curtains.Well it's time to explore Elora.
After freshening up, I slipped into a sparkling black dress that stopped above my knees. A high ponytail, plum-red lipstick, and smoky eyes completed the look. Looking at the mirror I couldn't help but admire myself.
You look stunning, Val.
I stopped by Eva’s suite to inform her. She sat by the window, reading a book, looking like a perfect picture of royalty.
“Eva, I’m heading to Red Affair,” I announced.
Her eyes widened. “It’s been less than a day, and you’re already planning to hit the clubs?”
Oh baby! You don't know I had planned this trip to Red Affair, the moment I learned we were coming here.
“Yup,” I said, grinning.
“Be careful,” she called as I left.
My bodyguard, James, drove me to the club. By now, he knew me well enough not to ask questions.
Red Affair was alive, music and lights blending into a pulsating rhythm that could make anyone forget their worries. I walked past the crowd, ignoring the hungry stares of men as I made my way to the bar.
“Tequila,” I told the bartender, savoring the burn of the first sip.
I was minding my own business when a loud voice interrupted.
“Hello, beautiful!”
I turned to find a short, wiry man grinning at me. He lacked muscle and presence, and his confidence was absurd. I am not picky, but I do have preferences when it comes to men.
And this one is clearly a waste of my time.
“Hey,” I said flatly, not wanting to entertain him but too polite to ignore him completely.
“Would you mind if I knew your beautiful name?” he pressed.
I turned away, uninterested, but he grabbed my wrist. Anger surges through me, hot and blinding at his touch.
“Let go,” I said, my voice low and sharp.
He smirked, his grip tightening. “Feisty. I like that.”
I met his gaze, unflinching. “You’ve made a mistake,” I said, my voice like steel.
His laughter faltered, but he didn’t let go. “Oh yeah? And what mistake is that?”
I leaned in slightly, my lips curling into a dangerous smile. “Underestimating me.”
The lights of the club reflected in his widening eyes as I yanked my wrist free and stepped closer. For the first time, he realized the predator in the room wasn’t him.
I twisted his arm behind his back. He let out a yelp of pain, stumbling away with a limp as satisfaction surges through me.
“Ouch, that must’ve hurt,” a deep, velvety voice said from behind me, sending shivers down my spine.
