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Chapter 204
~Xade’s POV~
"Shit," Isla and I said at once.
We didn’t even speak. We just bolted and shoved through the double doors, past stunned faces and flashing lights.
And there she was.
Valerie was at the foot of the staircase, halfway through the crowd, frozen like she’d been slapped with an entire theatre spotlight on her.
Her expression was unreadable—eyes flat, face blank—but I could see it in her clenched jaw and the slight shake in her shoulders.
She’d heard every word, no doubt, and the realisation was beginning to sink in.
I had betrayed her by bringing her here.
Kieran walked up to her slowly and I knew it was already embarrassing for her.
"Valerie Nightshade, I know I have wronged you, and it is with a sincere heart that I kneel before you to apologise today."
I saw Kieran go on one knee, but the next second, Valerie turned on her heel, and then she stord out.
"Valerie!" I called after her, but she didn’t look back.
"She’s going to hate you," Isla said beside .
I didn’t argue. Because I already hated myself. Still, I chased after her, not giving her a chance to walk away.
By the ti we got outside, she was already charging toward the main gates, her heels clicking furiously against the stone pathway.
I hurried and blocked her path, nearly getting shoved in the process.
"Move," Valerie ordered, her voice sharp enough to cut steel.
"Val, sweetie, please... Just wait and listen."
"Listen?" Her voice trembled slightly, the fury in her eyes barely containing the pain beneath. "I think I’ve heard enough for one night, don’t you think so, hmm?"
I opened my mouth, but nothing ca out at first. The words jamd in my throat.
How was I supposed to explain betrayal? How do you excuse hurting the one person who trusted you?
"I—Val, look, I didn’t an for it to go this way, alright? Kieran... He begged . Said he wanted to apologise to you."
Her laugh was bitter. "And of course, you said yes, didn’t you? Just like that."
"I thought maybe—"
"You thought," she cut in, eyes narrowing. "You always think, Xade. You think it’s okay to speak for , decide for , and plan for without ever asking if I’m okay with it. First it was Axel and now Kieran."
"Valerie, please. I just wanted him to own up, maybe it would give you so closure—"
"Closure?" she barked a laugh, stepping closer until we were face-to-face. "You dragged here to perform my pain like it’s so show for everyone to see! That’s not closure. That’s just him raising his reputation."
"Val..."
"I want to go back , Xade. I don’t want to be a part of Kieran’s charade."
"Please, wait, stay a little..."
Before I could stop her, she brushed past . "Infact, I’m not getting in that car with you," she threw over her shoulder.
"Val, please, let explain everything. I won’t take you back until—"
"Then don’t!" she yelled back without looking at . "Don’t take anywhere!"
She stord back toward the house. I wanted to chase her, say sothing—anything—that would make it better. But nothing would. Not now. Not yet.
I stayed rooted on the spot, watching her silhouette disappear through the tall arched doors again.
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~Valerie’s POV~
The noise hit like a truck the mont I stepped back into the hall. People were cheering, shouting, and dancing—so even clapped when they noticed re-enter.
"Valerie Nightshade!"
Soone hooted. Another person whistled.
It was deafening. Overwhelming.
I wrapped my arms around myself, scanning the sea of faces for Solstice. I needed to get out, and she was the only one I trusted right now.
But I couldn’t find her.
"Valerie!" I turned and found Isla weaving through the crowd to reach . I instantly shook my head, warning her not to speak.
But she did anyway.
"Please, I know you’re angry at Xade for what he did, but... please forgive him."
I blinked, sothing shifting behind my gaze.
"You..." I squinted, stepping closer. "Wait a minute—you knew?"
Isla froze. Her shoulders sagged a little. "Val—"
"No," I said coldly. "Just tell why, Isla. Why?"
"I’m sorry, alright? I was just trying to help. I thought maybe if Kieran truly apologised, it might help you move on. Maybe Xade could help fix things, just a little..."
I stared at her. Then smirked. "I’m done with you two for the day." I exhaled, exhaustion weighing down my limbs. "I just want to go back to my room."
"I can take you, you know," Isla offered.
I shook my head. "I’ll book a cab."
"You can’t," she said quickly.
I paused. "Why?"
"The Killain residence doesn’t allow random vehicles through the gates. You’d have to walk almost a mile to get to the street first."
I let out a frustrated breath. Of course, it couldn’t be that easy.
Without saying a word, I turned toward the exit again. I’d walk if I had to.
But as I reached the doors, I collided with a solid chest.
I looked up to see Dristan.
His eyes scanned my face instantly, concern written all over him.
"Are you okay?" he asked, voice low.
I opened my mouth, then closed it. "I want to—You know what? I think I need a drink."
His brows arched as I turned and walked back inside.
I made a beeline for the bar, ignoring everything else around . I grabbed a shot glass, poured it, and downed the drink in one gulp.
Then I grabbed another. Drank it.
By the third, just as I lifted it to my lips, a hand stopped .
Dristan again.
He took the drink from and tossed it back himself, then winced. "That’s very strong, love. You shouldn’t be drinking this."
I sighed, turning away. "I just... I just want to feel free. Just a mont where I’m not angry or humiliated. Can’t I just have that?"
"No," he said gently but firmly. Then he pulled aside.
We stepped into a quieter corner of the grand hall and stayed in front of one of the closed downstairs doors.
"What?" I asked, not looking at him at first, but Dristan stepped closer. I took a step back.
Dristan moved again, and I stepped back till my back was pressed lightly against the door... until we were nearly chest to chest, breath mingling, the music muffled behind the thick wood.
Dristan said nothing and only just looked at , deep into , and in that pause...
He leaned in and kissed .
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