THE NIGHTMARE

Chapter 98

“Were you able to find any traces of Aleksei?” I questioned, trying to forget about my unbalanced emotions and focus on the mission.

“Yes. We can get on the road whenever you are ready,” Valerian explained as he intertwined his fingers with mine.

“I’m ready. We need to rescue Aleksei and my mother if they are alive,” I declared.

Valerian smiled lightly as he wiped the wetness from my cheeks with his thumbs.

“We will find them,” he said before he kissed the top of my nose.

He escorted me into the group huddle with Ivan and Rafael. I glared at the house that was crumbling before me. It would be the last time I would ever see that place. It was a strange feeling. A part of me felt relieved that I would never have to step foot in that house again, but another part of me felt a sense of loss. I grew up in that home. I had many memories playing with Aleksei and running through the garden. I had memories with Valerian, and the beginning of our relationship started within that home, but then