The Ascendant Shadow

Chapter 12: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Valentina's POV:

"Come on," Vero tugged me toward the kitchen, her excitement palpable.

As soon as we stepped in, a guy at the counter perked up. "Ahh, two beautiful girls entered, I must make them drinks," he said, his eyes lingering on us a little too long for comfort.

I immediately felt a wave of unease wash over me. Trust wasn't something I gave easily, and with Vero here, I was even more protective. "I'll make them," I said firmly, stepping between him and the counter.

Vero, oblivious to my tension, just shrugged when I asked her what she wanted.

"I'm good at making drinks," the guy insisted, following me closely, too closely. My instincts were on high alert now.

"I said, I'm making them," I snapped, opening a fresh bottle of rum. My eyes scanned the half-filled Coke bottle that sat nearby, already opened. Suspicion crept in. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a girl grab it, filling her cup without a second thought before walking away.

There was no way I'd let Vero drink anything unless I'd seen it prepared with my own hands.

I poured a small amount of rum into a cup and added Coca-Cola, mixing it carefully with a plastic fork. "Vero?" I called, and she immediately came to my side.

I handed her the cup, my voice low but firm. "This is your drink, so don't let it out of your sight. If you do, tell me, and I'll make you another one." I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to watch over her like a hawk.

She took a sip and smiled, satisfied. But I couldn't relax. The nagging feeling of distrust was a constant, especially when it came to keeping Vero safe. I quickly made myself a vodka and cranberry, my eyes never straying far from her. It was always like this—my mind on high alert, scanning for threats no one else seemed to see.

Because when it came to Vero, I couldn't afford to trust anyone. Not here. Not ever.

"Ladies, come join us!" a stranger called out, and Vero pulled me over to a group on the couches.

"I'll watch, you play," I whispered, noticing her hesitation. When she saw the smile on my face, she nodded and sat down. And I sat down next to her, watching as the game of truth or dare unfolded.

Kissing was rampant, and the atmosphere buzzed with energy as the game escalated. The music thumped in the background, the steady beat syncing with the adrenaline coursing through everyone. I sat back, a smirk on my face, watching as the dares became bolder, each one pushing boundaries.

Vero had her usual soft smile lighting up her face as she sipped from her drink. She was the kind of girl who drew people in without even trying—a carefree spirit, effortlessly kind and radiating warmth. Everything about her was gentle and inviting, from the way her light brown hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders to the way her pink dress hugged her petite frame. She had always been the one to make friends easily, to go with the flow, unbothered by the chaos that often surrounded her. Quite the opposite of me.

The attention of the group shifted to her when someone dared her to kiss Kyle. I could see the light blush dusting her cheeks, but she wasn't one to back down from a challenge. She laughed, brushing her hair behind her ear as she glanced over at Kyle, her soft brown eyes full of curiosity and a hint of mischief.

Kyle wasn't like the other guys at the party. He was cute in a boyish way—skinny, with messy blonde hair that always seemed to fall perfectly out of place. His features were sharp, almost delicate, and there was something about his awkward smile that made him charming. 

"Come on, Vero," someone cheered, and the group joined in, their voices egging her on. I leaned over to her and whispered with a grin, "It's just a kiss, right?" She rolled her eyes playfully at me, then turned toward Kyle.