The Reborn Omega's Revenge (Valencia) novel Chapter 158

Valencia’s POV:

"You can be discarded even as a Luna… if your husband doesn’t love you," I countered, my voice calm but sharp.

Lethia let out a low chuckle, shaking her head as if amused by my foolishness. "Love will come eventually," she said smoothly. "As long as he marks her, Celeste will be the only Luna. That’s all that matters."

I exhaled, my patience wearing thin. "And yet, you’re the perfect example that even being marked and claimed doesn’t mean security," I pointed out. "Tell me, Lethia, how well did your mark protect you when Drogo found out his ‘son’ wasn’t actually his blood?"

Her face twisted in rage, but she quickly smoothed her features, forcing on that ever-present mask of composure. I could see the barely contained fury in her silver eyes, but she refused to give me the satisfaction of watching her unravel.

I turned to leave, satisfied that I had gotten under her skin, but she stepped into my path, blocking my way.

"I’m not requesting this, Valencia." Her voice dropped into something almost sickeningly sweet. "I truly can’t let you leave unless you drink this vial."

I stiffened. My eyes flickered down to the small glass container in her hand. The liquid inside shimmered ominously under the dim light.

"Why are you so against it when I’m only trying to help you?" she coaxed, tilting her head.

I snorted, crossing my arms. "This isn’t help. And I don’t need your help," I stated coldly. "I’m not actually barren. That was just an excuse I used to get away from Jaxon."

I deliberately left out the fact that I had already been pregnant.

Lethia’s brows shot up, momentarily caught off guard. Then, her expression darkened as her suspicion settled in. "Then why aren’t you pregnant yet?" she asked slowly, her eyes narrowing.

I lifted my chin, staring her down. "Because neither of us are ready to have children yet," I said matter-of-factly. "It’s the twentieth century. We’re only in our early twenties. What’s wrong with waiting a little?"

Her gaze burned into mine, searching, weighing my words. Was she buying it?

Then, to my surprise, she let out a small scoff, as if amused. "You expect me to believe that?"

I took a slow step backward, ready to leave. Enough. I got what I came for. Her confession about my mother—her own crimes—were already recorded. I needed to get out of here before things spiraled any further.

I turned, but before I could take a single step, a hand shot out and yanked me back.

"I don’t believe a single word you’re saying," she hissed. "How should I trust you when you might just be lying to get away?"

Her fingers tangled in my hair, yanking hard enough to make me wince.

"What the fuck?" I gasped, my scalp burning as she twisted my head back.

She was freakishly strong.

How the FUCK was she so strong?!

Before I could react, she released my hair, only to slam me against the wall. A sharp jolt of pain shot up my spine as my back collided with the cold surface. My breath hitched.

Lethia moved swiftly, prying open the vial with a flick of her nail.

Panic surged through me.

I shoved against her with all my strength, but she didn’t even budge.

Her grip tightened around my wrists, and suddenly—I couldn't move them.

My breath came in sharp gasps as I looked down at my hands, now fused together by some invisible force.

No. This… this wasn’t normal.

A sickening realization crept over me.

She was using magic.

Dark energy rippled in her silver eyes, something unnatural swirling beneath the surface.

My heart pounded against my ribs as she pried my jaw open with terrifying ease.

And before I could even scream, she poured the vial’s contents into my mouth.

The liquid was thick, syrupy. Bitter.

I gagged.

She clamped a hand over my mouth and nose, cutting off my air.

Swallow or suffocate.

I thrashed against her, but my lungs screamed for air. My vision blurred, black spots dancing in my sight.

And then—I swallowed.

Lethia finally released me, and I crumpled to the floor, coughing violently as the vile substance burned down my throat.

I barely had time to think before I scrambled to my feet, staggering toward the door. I needed to get out. I needed to empty the contents of my stomach, but if I did it here, she’d just feed me another of these godawful concoctions.

I reached for the handle—locked.

I spun around, frantically searching for the key.

Before I could react, Lethia’s hand slammed against the door beside my head.

I froze.

Her lips curled into a slow, sinister smile as she leaned in, her breath brushing against my ear.

"You can go running to your husband and your little friends," she whispered mockingly. "You can tell them everything that happened here."

She stepped back, her gaze unreadable.