Chapter 38

Aria

Shock roots me to the spot as my gaze collides with piercing blue eyes I haven't seen in months. Callum stands in the doorway, tall and imposing as ever, his presence hitting me like a physical blow.

My heart lurches against my ribs, confusion and fear swirling in a toxic mixture. "What are you doing here?" I demand, my voice coming out high and thin.

Callum's eyes flicker to my mother, comprehension slamming into me with sickening force. She brought him here. Betrayed my location to the one person I've been running from all this time.

I whirl to face her, hands balling into fists at my sides. "How could you?" I choke out through the rage constricting my throat. "How could you tell him where I was?"

My mother reaches for me beseechingly. "Aria, you must understand, I only want what's best for you..."

"Best for me?" I shriek, jerking violently out of her grasp. "Bringing the monster who shattered my heart and trust here is what's best?"

"He explained everything, dear," my mo