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CHAPTER 328
~Valerie's POV~
Heat pooled deep within my chest, spreading to my stomach, my arms, my fingertips. A strange tingling sensation raced through my veins like liquid fire.
I barely had time to process it before a hard kick slammed into my stomach, knocking the air out of me. I fell backwards, coughing and gasping for breath.
The first man raised his foot, aiming to crush my skull, but I rolled away at the last second. My body scraped against dirt and roots, pain burning across my side.
I tried getting up, but the second man kicked at the ground, sending a spray of dirt and sand straight into my eyes.
"Agh!" I hissed, blinking furiously. My vision went white-hot with pain.
"Valerie!" Astra barked. "Focus! Listen to me! I'll guide you!"