ACROSS THE DEPTHS OF THE UNIVERSE

*YOU were SHADOW OF A POWERFUL BEING*

***author's pov***

In the dimly lit palace of Tharollin, Valeria lay on the cold marble floor, her body weakened and trembling from the trials she had endured. Her breathing was shallow, and her once vibrant aura was now faint. She tried to move but felt an unbearable weight pressing down on her, as if the very air around her was suffocating her spirit.

Tharollin circled around her, his presence dark and looming, his green eyes glowing with twisted satisfaction. He seemed to revel in her broken state, a cruel smirk playing on his lips as he observed her struggle.

"You were always too proud, Valeria," Tharollin sneered, his voice echoing in the grand hall. "But look at you now-so weak, so fragile. A shadow of the powerful being you once were."

Valeria's vision blurred as she fought to stay conscious. The memories of the trials, the pain of Zelerious, and her shattered connection to her mates weighed heavily on her heart. She wanted to fight back, to summon the strength that once flowed through her, but her energy was spent, leaving her vulnerable to Tharollin's cruel intentions.

Tharollin crouched down beside her, his fingers brushing a strand of hair away from her face. His touch was cold, sending a shiver down her spine. "You should have stayed hidden, little queen," he whispered mockingly. "Now, no one can save you. Not Zelerious, not your precious elemental kings."

His words cut deep, and Valeria's heart ached with the weight of her isolation. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the overwhelming fear and despair creeping into her mind. But deep inside, a small spark of defiance flickered. Even in her weakened state, she wouldn't let Tharollin break her completely.

Tharollin stood up, looking down at her pitiful form with disdain. "I'll keep you here, in this palace of shadows," he continued. "And when Zelerious comes, he will find you broken, just like the rest of your kingdom."

As he walked away, Valeria's hand twitched slightly, a faint reminder that despite everything, there was still a fight left in her-however small. She would hold onto that spark, waiting for the moment she could ignite it into a flame once again. For now, all she could do was survive. And somewhere, deep in her mind, she knew Zelerious was coming.

Tharollin had left, smug in his belief that Valeria was broken and helpless, unaware that Zelerious was closer than he ever imagined. The dark halls of the palace remained eerily silent as Zelerious made his way to the chamber where he could feel Valeria's pain, pulling him like a beacon.

As he entered the chamber, the sight before him nearly shattered him. Valeria was lying on the cold floor, her body writhing with pain. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, and her once vibrant aura was now a dull shimmer. The black veins crawling up her arms were a terrifying reminder of the trials she had endured, and her face, tear-streaked and pale, was etched with suffering.

"Valeria..." Zelerious whispered, his voice filled with anguish.

He strode forward, his every step heavy with emotion. The dark energy that usually surrounded him seemed to wane as he neared her. Kneeling beside her, he gently placed a hand on her forehead. She flinched at the touch but didn't open her eyes, lost in the depths of her pain.

"Valeria, it's me," he said softly, trying to reach her. "I'm here now."

Her body convulsed slightly, her groans of pain growing louder. Zelerious felt a rage rise within him-rage at Tharollin for what he had done, rage at himself for not being there sooner, for not protecting her from this agony. He clenched his fists, his power swelling as his emotions roared through him.

But Valeria needed more than anger, more than power. She needed him, his presence, his strength. He carefully lifted her into his arms, her body limp and cold against his chest.

"I'm sorry," Zelerious murmured, his voice cracking. "I failed you."

Her head lolled against his shoulder, and though she couldn't respond, her shallow breathing seemed to ease slightly in his presence. Zelerious held her tighter, knowing he couldn't undo what had been done, but he would do anything to protect her from further harm.

As he looked around the room, the eerie silence was broken only by the sound of her faint breathing. He knew Tharollin would return, and when he did, Zelerious would be ready. But for now, his only concern was Valeria-saving her from the torment that gripped her body and soul.