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

a short nod, his cold eyes sweeping over

another look her way, he turned and made a beeline for the banquet

back as he walked off. Her failed confession still stung, but a spark

told herself Cassian's brush-off was just him being slow to warm

problem-she could play the

that if she stuck with it, her

he'd regret shutting her down and trip over

cheered her up

an excuse for when Cassian didn't find Raven up there, took a deep breath, and

up in the second-floor

glanced over

after seeing Franklin looking so beat down, Ruth's face didn't show a drop of

who seemed

it yourself," she told him coolly. "Your

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

Valor family climb to the top

his look turned cautious

me?" he asked,

=

wasn't buying that Raven-someone who'd fought

was would just let old

small smile. "I heard someone in the

blinked, thrown off

nodded slowly.

beat, surprise and

got a sealed Starcard on you?" he

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Chapter 67

were only a few Starcards in all

sealed one, useless for now, wasn't something just

she flipped it back on

it?"

he caught the silent yes

he met

you make sure the Valor family gets a solid spot among

stomach dropped a bit when she realized Franklin only knew the

done to Ruth; and Ruth, however, still gave a damn about

that's how it was, Raven didn't mind helping

gave Franklin a quick nod. "Deal," she

in the room, then paused as he looked back

he said carefully. "I'm counting on you not bailing

ditch, yet he was pulling the "I trust you" line in front of everyone to lock her in. She let out a

that's wild," someone

really do that?"

family crew sucked in sharp breaths at Raven's almost

doubted she could