ACROSS THE DEPTHS OF THE UNIVERSE

*REJECTED*

***author's pov***

Jerone’s steps were heavy as he made his way through the corridors of the castle towards Valeria’s chamber. His mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts and emotions. He was determined to find a way to reject Valeria that would satisfy both his own sense of detachment and his brothers’ expectations.

As he approached her room, Jerone’s resolve hardened. He had seen Valeria’s impact on his brothers and understood that his own feelings had to be secondary to their needs. Yet, the idea of confronting her again filled him with a deep sense of unease. He needed to devise a way to make his rejection sound justifiable, to ensure it would be seen as a necessary decision rather than a personal vendetta.

Standing outside her door, Jerone took a deep breath and tried to calm his nerves. He had to be diplomatic, yet firm. This wasn’t just about his personal irritation; it was about maintaining harmony among the elemental kings and protecting his own standing.

He knocked on the door with a firmness that conveyed his purpose. When Valeria opened it, she greeted him with a warm smile, which only served to irritate him further.

“Jerone,” she said softly, her voice laced with curiosity. “What brings you here?”

Jerone’s expression was stern as he entered the room, closing the door behind him. He could see that Valeria was still recovering, her demeanor calm but her exhaustion evident.

“I need to talk to you, Valeria,” he said, his voice lacking the usual warmth. “There’s something important we need to address.”

Valeria’s brow furrowed slightly, sensing the seriousness in his tone. “Of course, Jerone. What is it?”

Jerone took a moment to gather his thoughts, preparing to deliver his message with the necessary detachment. “You’ve been a significant presence here, and while my brothers may have their reasons for involving you in their lives, I have my own reservations. It’s become clear that our paths are not aligned, and I believe it’s best for everyone involved if we part ways.”

Valeria’s expression shifted to one of confusion and hurt. “You want to leave? Why?”

Jerone’s resolve wavered slightly at the sight of her disappointment, but he forced himself to continue. “It’s not about personal dislike. It’s a matter of practicality. My duties and responsibilities require my full attention, and I can’t afford any distractions.”

He kept his tone as neutral as possible, though internally he grappled with the harshness of his own words. He was keenly aware of how his rejection might affect the balance among the elemental kings, and he was trying to navigate this delicate situation in a way that wouldn’t exacerbate any existing tensions.

Valeria seemed to absorb his words, her gaze falling to the floor. “If that’s how you feel, I understand. I won’t stand in your way.”

Jerone nodded curtly, though a pang of regret flickered within him. He had delivered his rejection with the intention of minimizing personal conflict, but he knew that his decision would likely leave a mark.

Jerone stood tall and resolute, his eyes cold and unyielding. He looked directly at Valeria, his voice carrying the weight of his decision with a harsh finality.

"I, Jerone Kyle, the Wind Possessor, reject you, Valeria Issac, as my mate!" he declared. His tone was devoid of any hint of regret or hesitation.

The words hung heavy in the air, cutting through the quiet of the room. Valeria's eyes widened in shock, the pain of his rejection evident in her expression. Jerone's face remained impassive, his decision clear and unchangeable.

Without waiting for a response, Jerone turned sharply and walked out of the room, leaving Valeria to absorb the weight of his words. His steps were firm and purposeful, a man who had made his choice and was determined to stick to it, regardless of the emotional toll it might take.

Valeria’s body trembled as Jerone’s words reverberated in her mind. The rejection cut deeper than she had anticipated, the emotional pain manifesting physically. As Jerone's departure left the room cold and empty, Valeria’s heart felt as if it were being squeezed by an invisible hand.

Her vision blurred, and she clutched her chest, sinking to the floor beside the bed. The sharp, stabbing pain in her heart was overwhelming, and she could barely catch her breath. She gasped, her breaths coming in shallow, ragged pulls as if the very essence of her being was being torn apart.

Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to cope with the intense ache that seemed to consume her. The sudden, deep hurt was unlike anything she had felt before, a cruel reminder of the emotional cost of Jerone’s rejection. Valeria’s body shook with the intensity of her pain, her heartache palpable in the quiet room.

Despite her best efforts, she couldn't escape the crushing weight of the rejection. The pain was all-encompassing, and she could only clutch her chest and try to steady her breath as she sank further into the turmoil of her emotions.