Chapter 39

Valentine's offer of an evening walk hung in the air, and Althea couldn't help but feel a flutter of surprise. Her mind had been occupied with the recent nightmares and her baffling experience. She looked at Valentine, her brown eyes locked with his deep blue ones, and let out a soft chuckle.

"Oh, you're asking me out," Althea said with a playful grin, her attempt at levity to break the lingering tension that clung to her like a phantom of the past.

Valentine raised an eyebrow, offering a small, amused smile in return. "Well, yes, I suppose I am," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of humor. "After all, an evening walk in good company can be quite refreshing, don't you think?"

Althea nodded, and her expression softened as she considered the idea. She had always been one to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, and a tranquil walk sounded like an inviting way to step away from the chaos and confusion that had been plaguing her thoughts.