My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53: Solstice Aura Gold

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Chapter 53

~Valerie’s POV~

By the time I made it back to the dorm, my legs were tired, and my head felt like it was carrying a thousand unspoken arguments.

The corridor was quiet, the evening sun painting golden stripes across the tiled floor through the long windows.

I opened the door, praying for a little peace, just for an hour, maybe less, but as soon as I stepped in, the soft clink of a glass greeted me.

Astraea.

She was seated at the kitchen counter, her back straight, one hand curled tightly around a mug that wasn’t steaming anymore. Her eyes were fixed on the window, and she hadn’t noticed me at first... until I shut the door gently behind me.

Her head snapped toward me.

I blinked. "Hey," I said, offering a tired smile and a small wave.

She stiffened just slightly, which was not enough for anyone else to notice, but I noticed.

The way her shoulders pulled back, her grip on the mug tightening, and how her eyes darted for just a second to my face and then away again.

My smile faltered. "You okay?"

Astraea opened her mouth like she wanted to say something... but then she just gave me a quick nod and a small smile. "Yeah, it’s all good. I just... zoned out."

Right.

I didn’t push it. I couldn’t afford to right now with everything I had swimming in my chest and wrapping around my ribs like a cage.

"Cool," I muttered, already brushing past toward the bedroom. "I’m just gonna... yeah. I’ll be inside."

"Val," she called softly.

I stopped mid-step and looked back.

She hesitated, the orange streak in her hair glowing faintly under the light. "If... if you ever need to talk or—just want someone to listen, you know..."

Her voice was so soft it almost broke me. Although I did not know what got into her in that situation, I was appreciative that she was willing to be there for me even though I never mentioned what happened to me.

I guess my eyes or tiredness gave me away or something.

"I know," I said, and this time, the smile I gave her was real, even if it hurt a little.

She nodded and I disappeared into my room, shutting the door behind me.

I didn’t even take off my shoes at first. I just slumped against the closed door, letting out a breath I didn’t realise I was holding.

Everything felt like it was slipping—the rejection, the bond recoiling, Dristan’s words and the look in everyone’s eyes.

Gods... what had I done?

I hadn’t even fully sat down when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I frowned, reached for it, and saw the caller ID flashing:

Solstice.

I hadn’t heard from her in weeks.

The last time we spoke was the night I left home for PSA. Solstice had joined me in stealing everything I needed and sneaking out of the mansion that night to go to school ahead of time.

I stared at the screen for two more rings before finally picking up.

"Aura?" I said cautiously.

Her voice came in fast and low. "Valerie!"

I placed my hand on the mouthpiece to keep her shut until she stopped screaming into the phone.

"Aura," I hushed her quickly. "What is wrong with you?"

"Dude, is that any way to greet your favourite cousin?" I parted my lips to speak, but she beat me to it. "I’ve missed you."

"And I, you." I sighed and looked around before placing my phone on the bed against my pillow and propping my neck and chest on the second pillow.

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