DANTE'S POV
The command was still ringing in the air when my mother opened her mouth to say something, her expression fierce and ready to argue. But before she could get a word out, I turned to her, giving her a look that I knew left no room for discussion.
A low growl escaped my mouth, and I saw her flinch, her shoulders dropping just enough for me to know that I had gotten through to her. She lowered her head, though her face was tight with a barely hidden frown.
I let out a scoff, feeling the frustration building up inside me. Shaking my head, I turned away from everyone and began walking back to my room.
Every step I took felt heavier than the last. My chest was tight, my mind racing with a mess of emotions I couldn’t sort out—anger, hurt, confusion. I couldn’t even bring myself to look back at Aria. I didn’t want her to see me like this, to see my weakness or see that I was jealous.
As I reached my room, I gave one final order to the guards stationed outside.
“No one is allowed
