Chapter 129

• || VALERIA's POV ||
• The cold Russian wind whipped against my face as I stepped out of the car. I pulled my coat tighter around me, but the chill that sank into my bones had nothing to do with the weather. It was the sight before me — my father, Daniel Volkoff, standing with his men, waiting for me as if I were nothing but a delivery. His black coat fluttered against the snow, his face carved from stone, unreadable. Around him, the Bravta soldiers stood in a silent, imposing circle.
• Prince Leonard stepped around the car and offered me his hand. I took it briefly, more out of formality than need, my heart hammering against my ribs. This was it. I was back.