Subtle Victory
Stefan's POV~
Clara’s thin frame, bruised by Natasha’s cruelty, trembled within Valenticia’s arm, and her gratitude came in a whisper. I’d made Clara promise not to speak of her capture, the part of rescuing her from Galden’s clutches. I owed her family for getting them entangled in this mess.
The only sound I could hear was the one in my head as we drove to Clara’s house through the rain-slick streets of Seryne later that night. At the station, Clara had called her family to inform them about her safety and her journey back home. I’d built security around her scruffy row house, shielding her from whatever move Natasha intended to make next. Valenticia was seated next to me, a bandage covering her hand and a look in her eyes both far away and scared. When we arrived at
