The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven)

Chapter 472

Chapter 472 The Emperor Arrives

Thorian stared into Raven's calm, unreadable eyes-and for a moment, he almost forgot the stabbing pain in his chest. His breathing quickened, ragged with suppressed panic.

But not wanting to raise her suspicion, he forced himself to settle down and spoke slowly. "You asked me to investigate Cassian's whereabouts... I received intel suggesting he might be here. I'd just arrived when I saw her attacking you. In the heat of the moment..."

Before he could finish, a fit of coughing overtook him.

Blood bubbled at the corner of his lips and splattered to the floor with each cough.

Raven frowned slightly and gestured toward the members of the Star God Association. "Help him up. Let him rest."

Thorian, pale as a ghost and now supported by two of her people, still forced himself to whisper, "Be careful,"

Even as he was being helped to safety, he didn't forget to warn her. But Raven's gaze lingered on him with a growing sense of unease. Among all the people present, most didn't know her true strength-and that was understandable.

But Thorian? He had followed her for years. He knew Estella wasn't her match. And if he knew that, why had he still leapt out to shield her? Why that warning, now?

Before Raven could think further, Estella-furious that her strike hadn't landed-let out a cold laugh, her voice sharp and mocking. "My, Raven, your charm really is something. To think a man would throw himself in front of you like that.

"But don't get too smug-he blocked one attack, not the next. Since you insist on courting death, I'll gladly grant your wish."

With that, she raised her palm again and lunged, unleashing the same deadly move directly at Raven.

thought, 'Raven won't

her death meant no one would be left to hold him accountable for what

without blinking, waiting for

that moment never

Raven, her body

shrill, piercing scream ripped through

like a rag doll, crashing to the ground over

hit the floor hard, coughing up blood as her limbs spasmed. Gasping, she looked up at Raven, eyes wide with

thought. 'How can she be this

way..." Rin breathed, eyes going

the Ortega family banquet, but Estella? She was one of the most formidable warriors in

couldn't land

a hammer to the chest. His confidence shattered. What now? How was he supposed to

Search the entire perimeter. Don't leave a single corner unchecked. I don't care if you have

members answered in unison before scattering like

raised her foot and

had nothing to do with you. You brought this on yourself.

didn't answer. She didn't have

don't leave weeds to grow back.

footsteps echoed from the

from the shadows, man