Isabella’s POV
My eyes widened as his words sank in. I shot up from the bed, and he immediately stood with me.
“Bella, listen to me,” he said, grabbing my hands. “None of this means anything. It shouldn’t—to either of us.”
But I couldn’t shake the confusion spiraling inside me. My thoughts tangled like vines. Why didn’t Mom tell me any of this? What’s really going on?
“Bella,” he asked, voice tight, almost fearful. “What are you thinking?”
I looked up at him, the weight in my chest growing heavier. “What if it’s true, Asher? What if everything they said is real? I don’t want us to be the reason everything falls apart.”
My voice trembled. “I’m scared, Asher. If the valley is weakened because of us—it could destroy everything. Our people… our home…”
“Bella.” He growled softly, more li
