ISABEL POV

The room seemed to buzz with an indiscernible sound, a subtle vibration that stirred something deep within me. It felt as though I was tuning into a frequency, a wavelength that resonated with a primal urge. Despite my efforts to resist, the sensation only intensified, amplifying my desire to mate.

Confusion and apprehension gnawed at me. Was I the only one affected by this strange phenomenon? Valerian showed no outward signs of being aware of the inexplicable sensation coursing through the room. His demeanor remained composed, his attention seemingly fixed on me with occasional glances that hinted at a deeper appraisal, but he didn't seem to register the...