Adrian's POV
The hallway was silent once Talon disappeared, but his presence lingered, a thick and malevolent energy that pressed down on everything, as though he'd left a mark just by standing there. I looked over at Valeria, her face a mask of composure, yet the tightness in her jaw betrayed the turmoil beneath.
"What was that?" I demanded, forcing myself to stay calm even though my heart was still racing. "Who was he? And why does he think he... owns you?"
Valeria's gaze met mine, and for a second, I saw something flicker in her eyes-regret, maybe. But it was gone before I could be sure. "It's... complicated," she murmured, crossing her arms as though she could protect herself from the lingering chill of Talon's presence.
"Complicated?" I scoffed, unable to hide the frustration in my voice. "Valeria, I've been by your side, and through things I still don't understand. But I deserve to know who that guy is-and what he meant by you 'belonging' to him."
She exhaled, running a hand through her hair, her golden eyes dimmer than usual. "Talon is someone from my past," she began carefully. "Someone who... didn't understand the meaning of boundaries."
"Didn't understand, or refuses to?" I pressed, noting the way her gaze shifted away.
She hesitated, choosing her words with care. "Talon and I were... involved a long time ago, but he never really let go. He's obsessed, Adrian. Dangerous." Her voice dropped, carrying a bitterness I'd never heard from her before. "He's a type of obsession that's toxic, possessive, and powerful. And he's not human."
Her admission settled heavily between us, confirming the dangerous intensity I'd felt radiating from him. "And you... You're not human either," I ventured, barely a question but more a realization that had been building for days.
Valeria looked at me, her expression shifting between guilt and relief. "No, I'm not," she said quietly, her voice steady. "I'm a Siren-a being with the ability to compel and manipulate. And sometimes... much more." She glanced down, as if bracing herself for my reaction.
It all began to click into place-the way people seemed drawn to her, the strange power she'd displayed on the rooftop, the eerie aura that seemed to ripple around her whenever she was agitated.
"A Siren," I repeated, letting the word sink in. "So... all this time, I was with someone who could hypnotize me? Control me without me even knowing?"
She shook her head sharply. "No, Adrian. I would never do that to you. I've kept my powers in check-especially around you. The rooftop... that was something else. Something I haven't let out in years." Her voice softened. "You have to understand, I never wanted you to be part of this."
"Part of what?" I asked, almost shouting. "Valeria, you can't just keep half of yourself hidden from me and expect me not to ask questions! That guy, Talon-he acted like he has some kind of claim on you. And you... you just let him talk like that."
"It's not that simple," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Talon isn't just obsessed. He's bound to me in a way I can't fully control. For hundreds of years, he's hunted me, refusing to let me live in peace. His obsession is... eternal. And he'll never stop."
I could feel the anger in me cooling into something darker, something closer to fear. "So he's dangerous. To you, and to anyone you're close to."
She nodded, a grim look in her eyes. "I thought I'd hidden myself well enough this time. But when my powers flared on the rooftop... he must have felt it. That was like a beacon for him. And now that he's found me again..."
She trailed off, her gaze sliding away as if ashamed. I felt an ache in my chest as I took in her fear and regret. "Valeria," I said softly, stepping closer to her. "You don't have to face him alone. You're not alone in this, no matter what he thinks."
She looked up, her eyes shimmering with an unexpected vulnerability. "You don't understand, Adrian. Talon doesn't just want me; he wants to eliminate any threat, anyone he sees as standing in his way. You... you're a target now, just by being here with me."
A chill swept over me as I realized the extent of the danger. But I couldn't walk away-not now, not after everything I'd seen and felt. "Then let him come," I said, my voice hardening. "Because I'm not going to leave you. I don't care what he thinks he has over you. You're stronger than him, Valeria."
A sad smile touched her lips. "You don't understand his kind of power, Adrian. Talon is ruthless, relentless. He won't hesitate to hurt you to get to me." She took a shaky breath. "I never wanted this for you."
"Well, maybe I don't understand him," I replied, my tone fierce, "but I know you. And I know you don't belong to anyone. Not him, not anyone. And if he thinks I'm going to just step aside because he showed up-he's in for a rude awakening."
For the first time, a genuine smile softened her features. She reached out, her hand brushing my arm. "Thank you," she whispered. "For everything. For staying."
I covered her hand with mine, letting the warmth between us dispel the lingering chill of Talon's presence. "I'm not going anywhere, Valeria. And I'll fight whatever comes our way."
---
Valeria's POV
Watching Adrian's resolve sparked something fierce inside me-a desire to protect him, to shield him from the darkness Talon would inevitably bring. But I knew it wouldn't be that simple.
Talon's obsession wasn't just powerful; it was twisted, a venom that seeped into everything he touched. And I could already feel him drawing closer, his presence lurking on the edges of my mind like a haunting melody.
I had to prepare myself. Not just for Talon's inevitable return, but for the reality that I might have to confront him head-on. Because now, I wasn't just fighting for my freedom. I was fighting for Adrian's safety too.