ACROSS THE DEPTHS OF THE UNIVERSE

*SHE IS EXAUSTED*

***author's pov***

Kian entered Alexander’s chamber with a determined stride, his expression one of concern and urgency. The room, adorned with rich fabrics and elegant furnishings, was illuminated by the soft glow of enchanted lights. Alexander, seated behind a grand desk cluttered with maps and documents, looked up as Kian approached.

“Alexander,” Kian said, his tone serious. “We need to talk. It’s about Valeria.”

Alexander’s brow furrowed as he set aside the document he was reading. “What’s happened to her?” he asked, a note of worry creeping into his voice.

Kian took a deep breath, trying to steady his thoughts. “Valeria is experiencing a profound exhaustion, one that seems to be coming from a source far away. She’s been affected by something beyond her control, and I’m concerned it may be tied to recent disturbances we’ve been sensing.”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed, and he stood up, moving to the center of the room. “What do you mean? How can this exhaustion be linked to external forces?”

Kian explained the situation in detail, recounting Valeria’s sudden fatigue and the strange connection he suspected. “It’s possible that the source of her exhaustion is linked to Zelerious. The fatigue she’s feeling seems to resonate with a distant struggle or sacrifice. We need to understand the connection and find a way to address it.”

Alexander’s face grew contemplative. “If Zelerious is indeed involved, we must consider the implications. His actions could be influencing Valeria’s condition, either directly or through some sort of magical link.”

Kian nodded in agreement. “Exactly. We need to investigate further, but for now, Valeria needs rest and protection. I’ve ensured she’s comfortable in her room, but I fear this might be a symptom of a larger issue.”

Alexander’s expression softened with resolve. “Then we’ll act quickly. I’ll gather more information and see if there’s any way to counteract the influence affecting her. In the meantime, we should remain vigilant and support her as best we can.”

Kian appreciated Alexander’s prompt response. “Thank you. I’ll keep you updated on any changes. We need to solve this mystery as soon as possible.”

As Kian turned to leave, Alexander called out, “Kian, ensure you take care of yourself as well. We need all our strengths for what’s ahead.”

Kian nodded, acknowledging the concern. “I will. We’ll find a solution together.”

With that, Kian left the chamber, ready to tackle the challenges ahead and determined to uncover the truth behind Valeria’s distress.

Jerone, who had been lurking in the shadows just beyond the threshold of Alexander’s chamber, listened intently to the exchange between Kian and Alexander. His irritation was evident as he folded his arms, leaning against the wall with a scowl on his face. The mere mention of Valeria seemed to irk him further.

“Again, this woman,” he muttered under his breath, his tone dripping with disdain. “Why must everything revolve around her?”

His frustration was palpable. Jerone had never been one to tolerate unnecessary complications, and Valeria’s presence had been nothing but a source of turmoil for him. From her mysterious past to her complicated relationships with the elemental kings, she was a constant reminder of the disruption she had caused in his life.

As Kian and Alexander discussed Valeria’s condition and the potential connection to Zelerious, Jerone’s irritation grew. He had always been a man of action, preferring straightforward solutions to problems, and this situation felt anything but straightforward.

Jerone’s mind churned with thoughts of how he could distance himself from the entire situation. His bitterness was compounded by the fact that he felt trapped in this web of supernatural entanglements. The more he thought about it, the more he wished he could simply dismiss the entire matter and focus on his own pursuits.

With a final, exasperated sigh, Jerone pushed away from the wall and decided it was time to leave. He had no intention of being involved in any further discussions about Valeria. He had made his stance clear; he was done with her and the mess she brought with her.

As he walked away from the chamber, his frustration simmering just below the surface, he resolved to focus on his own goals and find a way to navigate around the chaos that Valeria seemed to bring into his life.