The Reborn Omega's Revenge (Valencia)
Revenge Novel 71

Chapter 71

Valencia's POV

I had no idea where I was going. Well, I did, But I didn't know what exactly I was going to do.

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The streets blurred as the cityscape of Velhaven fell away, replaced by the winding highways stretching toward Ravenwood. My heart was pounding, my fingers gripping the edge of Castor carrier tightly. The Uber driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror every now and then, likely noting the tension in any posture, but he didn't say anything.

By now, it was evening, and I was sure Caius would be freaking out. He'd probably already called Dante, letting him know I wasn't at the hospital anymore. A pang of guilt jabbed at me for letting the blame fall on Caius, but I pushed it aside. I didn't care. I shouldn't.

I remember his words from yesterday as he spoke to Dante.

This was the only way.

Velhaven was too dangerous for me to stay in-not because of any external threats, but because of Dante. Because of Caius. Because they already knew I was going to run away to Velhaven before, so if I chose to stay here once again, I would only be walking straight back to him.

Marcelene, too, would know and I didn't want to implicate her. I didn't want to drag her into this any more than already had. She deserved to live her life in peace.

So, I chose Ravenwood. It wasn't far, but it was far enough.

I looked out the window as the city lights of Velhaven faded behind me. The sky was tinged with hues of orange and pink, the sun sinking lower by the second. The faint glow of Castor's egg shone through the thin fabric of the carrier, a soft turquoise light that steadied my nerves as much as it frightened me.

“Ma'am, we'll reach Ravenwood in about forty-five minutes,” the driver said, breaking the silence.

“Thank you,” I murmured, my voice barely audible.

I leaned back against the seat, my mind drifting to the events of the morning.

(Earlier That Morning...)

When Dante had insisted on sending a guard with me, I hadn't expected Caius of all people to show up. My heart sank the moment I saw him waiting by the car, leaning casually against the door with his usual smug grin.

"Morning," he greeted, his tone playful yet unreadable. "Your chariot awaits, my lady."

I rolled my eyes but forced a polite smile. “Great. This is just what I needed."

His grin widened. "Don't sound too excited."

The ride to the hospital was awkward, to say the least. Caius chatted idly, trying to make small talk, but I gave him nothing to work with. My mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with how I was going to leave without him noticing.

When we arrived at the hospital, I wasn't surprised to replace that Marcelene wasn't there. She usually visited during her breaks, which were closer to noon.

"I'm going to visit her mother," I told Caius.

He arched an eyebrow. "Alone?"

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Chapter 71

“Of course not,” I said sarcastically. “You're obviously going to follow me whether I want you to or not.” He smirked. "Glad we're on the same page."

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Marcelene's mother was a sweet woman with kind eyes and a warm smile. Her face lit up when she saw me enter the room.

“Valencia,” she said warmly. “And... oh, who is this handsome young man?"

Caius's eyes brightened, and he looked positively sinug as he stepped forward. “Caius Steele,” he said smoothly, shaking her hand. “I've heard a lot about you."

“Oh, have you now?" Marcelene's mother asked, her tone teasing She turned to me with a knowing look. "Marcy's mentioned him a few times. You know, she tries to act all tough, but she talks about him more than she realizes."

I suppressed a groan, feeling bad for Marcelene as Caius's grin grew even wider.

"Is that so?" he asked, his tone smug.

I rolled my eyes but managed a smile, trying to mask the sinking feeling in my chest. Watching the way Caius and Marcelene's mother interacted-the easy laughter, the warmth in their voices-made me realize something.

Maybe it wasn't a good idea to take Marcy with me.

As much as I loved her, as much as I needed her support, I couldn't uproot her life. She had her own happiness to think about, her own family to care for. She had finally settled in a good rhythm. Dragging her into my mess wouldn't be fair.

When Marcelene arrived later, she was annoyed to see Caius but accepted his explanation easily enough. The atmosphere between them eased quickly, and soon they were chatting comfortably. I had wanted this hadn't I? I wanted her to give Caius a chance. But why did I keep feeling left out?

At some point, Marcy declared that she was going to grab lunch from a restaurant fifteen minutes away. Caius offered to go with her, but she waved him off, saying she needed to stretch her legs.

However I had already called an uber for myself and told Caius that I wanted to eat stuff too. So Marcelene had reluctantly taken him along.

And as soon as they left, I took my chance to escape.

(Present...)

The Uber came to a stop in front of a cheap, rundown hotel. The building looked old, the paint peeling from the walls, but it would do. I handed the driver a few bills from the small stash of cash I'd saved up, my heart sinking as I realized how little I had left.

“Thanks,” I said, grabbing Castor's carrier and completely closing the zipper to stop any light from coming out and then stepping out of the car.

With the way I held it right now, it didn't seem too conspicuous.

The air was cold, biting at my skin as I made my way toward the hotel entrance. The neon sign above the door flickered weakly, casting a dim, greenish glow over the cracked pavement

I checked in quickly, keeping my head down and avoiding eye contact with the clerk. My hands tightened around the strap of the carrier, my nerves on edge as I made my way to the room

It was small and plain, with a single bed, a rickety chair, and a desk that looked like it had seen better days. The faint smell of

didn't care. mildew lingered in the air, and I thought I heard a cockroach skitter about, but I

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Chapter 71

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I set the carrier on the bed and unzipped it, gently lifting Castor out. I sat on the edge of the bed, cradling him

in my arms. For a moment, the weight of everything hit me all at once.

What was I doing?

I had no plan, no destination. I was completely alone, running or fear and desperation.

Doubt crept into my mind, whispering insidious thoughts. Was this the right thing to do? Could I really protect Castor on my own?

A memory flashed through my mind: the moment I signed the contract. When I had asked what would happen

if I breached

the contract.

"It would be better for both of us,” he had said in a dangerously low voice, “if we never try to replace out."

My throat tightened as I clutched Castor closer. What would he do if he found me? What would happen if he caught up to

me?

A weird heat pooled in my gut and I looked down at my egg, gulping as I slowly petted the shell.

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