ALPHA XAVIER POV

My heart skipped a beat when Valerian's firm knock echoed through the silence of my chambers. As he entered, his expression grave, I knew that our conversation would not be an easy one. Today was the day I had promised Alpha Dario military aid, and Valerian was here to ensure that I kept my word.

"We are nothing without our words," Valerian reminded me solemnly as we stepped outside the castle walls. His words lingered in the air like a haunting refrain, a stark reminder of the importance of honor and integrity in our world.

But as we engaged in a heated exchange, our voices rising in...