Chapter 140: I'm a Monster

Ana

A tear traced a glistening path down Ana's cheek, catching the sunlight like a fallen star. She quickly brushed it away, her laugh a shaky exhale amidst the heavy atmosphere. "Well," she said, trying to lighten the mood, "can't be the only one trauma dumping here. Let's hear about you"

"Me? There's nothing interesting about me, to tell though."

"Really? What about your blood manipulation abilities? Your daddy Issues? Your little rebellion against the Prime Minister? I'm guessing those just didn't come out of thin air" Ana crossed her arms.

 She sighed " Come on, Valerian, Spill the Prime Minister's beans. Did you have a pet capuchin that turned out to be an anarchist?"

Valerian almost choked at Ana's statement. Valerian chuckled, the sound strained against the weight of his own hidden scars. "No capuchins," he admitted, his gaze flickering in the candlelight. "But my childhood… let's just say it wasn't all sunshine and castle picnics."