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CHAPTER 320
~Valerie's POV~
The words weren't shouted so much as roared, vibrating in the air like a command the soul couldn't disobey.
I froze completely. I never expected what I heard to be true, let alone…
"Riven?" I called softly, but his rising and falling chest was every indication he was too gone.
My gaze flicked to Solstice. Her head was slightly lowered, avoiding my eyes.
How had I been so blind? I'd noticed her subtle change in attitude, but not enough to realise my baby cousin had found her mate.
I should've been thrilled, but she clearly wasn't. And I knew why.
Riven had shown interest in me… and now fate had bound him to someone else.
My heart ached for Solstice, but before I could fully process it, a gasp from the side cut through my thoughts before I saw who it was, followed by words that shattered whatever hold I had left.
"No way. If she's his mate, and she's betrothed to you…"
"What?" Dristan's voice was sharp, coming from my left.
