VALERIA

I ran without thinking twice toward the small park.

I didn’t know anyone here, but I simply couldn't stand by while watching a child's life in danger right before my eyes.

"Valeria!" Aldric's voice thundered behind me as he realized I had moved away from his side.

I reached the spot where the pup lay on the ground, blood flowing from the deep wound on the back of his head, matting his brown hair into a sticky mess.

"Hold on, little one. Stay with me," I whispered, pulling the handkerchief from my pocket and pressing it firmly against the wound to stop the bleeding.

I held him against my chest, trying to turn him slightly. My hands trembled, terrified he might already be dead.

He was pale, with round cheeks, and barely breathing.

"Edward!" I heard the voice of that murderous man nearby and lifted my gaze, seeing him rush toward the child's body with a look of concern.

"Don't come near him! I saw exactly what you did!" I shouted, clutching the boy protectively against my body.

H