Valentina stood in front of the mirror, staring at the crimson silk dress clinging to her curves. It was beautiful, luxury draped in violence. A gift from Adrian. Another symbol of control wrapped in elegance. Her reflection stared back, but she barely recognized the woman looking at her.
The blood oath had changed everything.
She wasn't just his prisoner anymore.
She was his partner.
At least… that was the illusion.
Behind the title, behind the glassy surface of promises and whispered power, she could feel it, something was off. Adrian was hiding something.
And if she’d learned anything in this world, it was this: secrets were more dangerous than bullets.
---
“You’re restless,” Adrian said as she stepped into his study.
She didn’t sit. Just paced.
“I need answers,” she said shar
