The Viper's Venom

Caffeinated Squirrel

~Valeria's pov~

One last time? I scoffed mentally at his words.

But then again, if I wanted to get out of here, I had to play along with his charade. I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, pleading for some kind of response.

Taking a deep breath, I finally spoke, "Fine, I'll trust you one last time. But if you betray me again, there will be no forgiveness."

His eyes softened, relief evident in his expression as he pulled me into a tight embrace. Despite my reservations, I couldn't deny the comfort of his arms around me. 

Deep down, a small part of me still longed for the connection we once shared. 

As our bodies pressed together, my face buried against his chest, I couldn't help but feel the familiar warmth that radiated from him. It was both comforting and unsettling at the same time.

Verena was right all along...She was right about everything.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I clenched onto his shirt, the fabric bunching up in my fists. The emotions swirling inside me were too overwhelming to contain. 

I wanted to push him away, to scream at him for everything he had done. But why couldn't I bring myself to do it? Why did I still crave his touch, his presence, despite the pain he had caused me?

He let go of me with a smile, a smile that somehow managed to melt away some of the anger and hurt I was feeling, his smile working its magic. 

It was that same smile that I had fallen for in the beginning, the one that made me feel like I was the most important person in the world.

 He cupped my face in his hands, using his thumb to wipe away a stray tear that had escaped my eye and in that moment, as his touch brushed against my cheek, I found myself softening towards him once again.

NO. VALERIA NO , I had to remind myself. 

This can't happen again. I pulled away from his touch, leaning back and shaking my head.

 I couldn't let myself be drawn back in by his charming smile and comforting gestures, knowing that they masked his true intentions.

"Would you like to meet the others, or would you prefer to stay here and rest for a while?" he asked, his voice gentle and concerned.

 I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself before responding.

"I think I need a moment alone," I said softly, avoiding his gaze.

He nodded understandingly and gave me a small smile.

"Alright, I'll let you have your space. But when you're ready, I'll be here." With that, he softly kissed my forehead once more before slowly backing away. 

I watched him leave the train car , feeling a mix of relief and melancholy. 

As the door slid shut behind him, I exhaled slowly, closing my eyes as I leaned back against the seat. 

The rhythmic sound of the train moving along the tracks provided a calming backdrop to my thoughts. 

I knew I needed this time alone to process everything that had happened, to prepare myself for what was to come next.

I let out a deep sigh and ran my hands across my face, feeling the weight of the day's events.

"What have I gotten myself into?"

~Alton's pov~

I pushed open the door to leave, and my friends tumbled backwards in surprise. They had been waiting outside the door of the next train compartment, eager to see my reaction.