The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven)

Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Cassian's face did shift-just not how Isla wanted.

It wasn't warmth or interest; it was impatience, sharpening by the second.

His cool, distant eyes landed on her, and his voice sliced through like a knife, hitting her square in the chest.

"I didn't come here for this nonsense," he said, flat and to the point.

Isla's beautiful eyes were filled with shock and unwillingness as she listened to Cassian Lysander's heartless words.

Isla froze, her gorgeous eyes filling with shock and a stubborn refusal to buy it.

Her charm-something every guy around her fell for-felt worthless with this man. Normally, she'd just snap her fingers, and guys would stumble over each other to win her over. But him? No.

Is he so picky that I don't even make the cut?' That idea slammed into her, making her stomach drop.

But then she brushed it off-no chance.

Family? She was from one of Regalhold's top five.

Looks? She could outshine any actress and leave the other heiresses eating dust.

Skills? Top five at Regalhold Academy, hands down.

She was absolutely sure no woman alive could beat her at her own game.

And still, this guy wasn't biting. That's what really got under her skin.

Before she could sort it out, Cassian's patience ran out.

His sharp, icy stare locked onto her, practically yelling he was about to snap. "Where's the info I asked for?" he pressed.

Isla's little fists tightened as his words-completely ignoring her confession-hit home.

Then, like she'd settled on something huge, she pulled out a card the size of a tarot deck.

It gleamed green like crystal, with a classic wooden design carved right in the middle-a Starcard. She slid it his way.

"Cassian, this Starcard's for you!" she said, her voice perky with hope.

As she talked, her eyes stayed glued to his sharp, handsome face.

الحمد الله الله الله

She figured no matter how frosty he was, he couldn't ignore something this good.

But to her surprise, Cassian glanced at the Starcard, and not even a flicker of want crossed his face.

If anything, he just looked colder, darker.

"I'll ask one last time," he said, his voice low and edged with heat. "Where's SHE?"

Isla could feel the tension rolling off him, thick and risky.

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SEND THEr neck

fear jolted

spit

nod, his cold eyes sweeping over her once before he said. "Come

turned and made a beeline

off. Her failed confession still

just him being slow to

problem-she could play

that if she stuck with it, her charm would eventually melt

it did, he'd regret shutting her down and trip

cheered her up

excuse for when Cassian didn't find Raven up

in the

over

beat down, Ruth's

Raven's eyes slid to Franklin, who seemed like he'd run out of steam

she told him coolly. "Your family's

a second, then added, "You've got to own your messes, and that dream of yours-getting the Valor family into the big leagues? That's still doable." Franklin's head jerked up, a spark lighting in his eyes as he stared at

see the Valor family climb to the top clans before he kicked it, he'd die

a moment later, his look turned cautious as he sized

it gonna cost me?"

=

that Raven-someone who'd fought tooth and nail to

would just

a small smile. "I heard someone in the Valor

off by the

slowly. "Yeah,"

her for a beat, surprise and doubt

Starcard on you?" he

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Chapter 67

were only a few Starcards in all of

even a sealed one, useless for now, wasn't something

answer. Instead, she flipped it back on

it?"

as he caught the silent yes

a second, he met her stare

to unseal a Starcard, and you make sure the

only knew the how-to,

everything Franklin had done to Ruth; and Ruth, however, still gave a

it was,

quick nod. "Deal,"

glanced at the others in the room, then paused

the military's big shot," he said carefully. "I'm counting on you not

let out a quiet laugh. "Getting the Valor family into Regalhold's top tier is a one-call favor for me," she said. "No point in screwing you

that's wild," someone

really do that?" another

Valor family crew sucked in sharp breaths at

she could pull