-Octavia-
He was here! He was really here! The relief I felt when he pulled down the blindfold and his handsome face came into view was overwhelming.
“Valerio?” I asked, surprised.
He gave me a small smile, his eyes scanning me for injuries. But my relief didn’t last long. He couldn’t be here—it was a trap.
“Let’s get you out of here,” he said, putting down his knife and reaching for the chains.
“No!” I yelled, making him pull back.
He stared at me, looking confused.
“Go! You need to leave,” I urged desperately.
He still looked confused. Why had he even come? I wasn’t worth risking his life for. Clearly, this was all because of our bond. He was even alone. His men hadn’t come, not that I blamed them—I had never given them any reason to like me.
“Octavia—”
I cut him off. “Please.
