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CHAPTER 322
~Valerie's POV~
Before us lay a hidden spring, clear, rippling water cradled in smooth rocks, with sunlight breaking across its surface in molten gold patterns.
The air here carried the faint, calming scent of water lilies.
I inhaled deeply, feeling an odd peace settle over me.
Ace came up behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist in a gentle, unhurried hug. "This is my space," he murmured against my hair, "where I come to breathe when everything feels too loud."
I held my breath and let him do what he wanted.
Astra was also a constant reminder in my head that I needed this kind of calm, the type that the Lycans brought.
I wrapped my arms around his and let the moment pass.
After some time, Ace pulled away, gave that apologetic smile and stood beside me. Instinctively, I reached for his hand in mine.
"Who owns this mansion?" I asked out fo the blue.