Chapter 102

Valen POV

Dad’s place was like a shrine of my childhood; even today, he still had my artwork framed on his walls, photos hung on the walls, and on all the furniture. Growing up, his entire life revolved around raising me, and his house showed that clearly. Despite having done some horrid things in the past; he loved me, and that much showed. One thing I loved, though, was seeing that some of Valarian’s artwork and school stuff was also displayed like treasured possessions alongside mine. It was embarrassing that he kept some of this crap, yet I knew it meant something to him despite how crappy my art skills were. Dad cooked dinner for us and we watched movies, trying to keep the TV off after the media displayed everything from the challenge. Valarian didn’t need to see that or become involved in adults issues, so after the fourth headline, dad put a movie on.

Later that night, Valarian wouldn’t sleep without talking to his mother, so I let him call her. Still, he was restless, tossing and turning on the couch as I rested my head. My father had muted the TV, and we were watching it with captions. “Everly alright?” He asks, and I nod.

“I have Tatum staying with her. He is outside the door,” I tell him, and he nods.

Our argument was broadcasted across every TV station. Luckily, no one knew what it was about, and John and Claire were tight-lipped and said no comment when interviewed. John even slapped one of the reporters for coming too near.

It was all on display, and assumptions were made, so it would only be a matter of time before they figured it out.

Dad had been quiet most of the night and let me be, though I could tell he was itching to say something. Turning my head, I looked over at him to find him watching Valarian, whose head was in my lap.