LOGINFor a moment, he just stared at me then, slowly, his expression softened again, like he was slipping back into a version of himself that knew how to win me over.“You’re really choosing him,” he said quietly. “After everything I did for you?”I let out a short, humorless laugh. “You didn’t do anythi
Aria’s POVThe infirmary was too quiet, not peaceful—never peaceful—but had this kind of silence that felt forced, like the walls themselves were holding their breath. The smell of antiseptic was sharp enough to sting my nose the moment I stepped inside, and for a second I almost turned back.Almost
For a moment, he just stared at me then, slowly, his expression softened again, like he was slipping back into a version of himself that knew how to win me over.“You’re really choosing him,” he said quietly. “After everything I did for you?”I let out a short, humorless laugh. “You didn’t do anythi
Aria’s POVThe infirmary was too quiet, not peaceful—never peaceful—but had this kind of silence that felt forced, like the walls themselves were holding their breath. The smell of antiseptic was sharp enough to sting my nose the moment I stepped inside, and for a second I almost turned back.Almost
Aria's POVThe feeling wouldn't leave, it followed me through lunch, through the reports stacked on my desk, through every conversation I barely paid attention to and no matter how many times I reminded myself that Damon could handle himself, that he had survived far worse than a day spent with Kade
Aria’s POVSomething in me refused to settle and I know that it wasn’t exactly panic, but if it was, it wasn’t the mind that made you shake or lose breath. It was quieter than that, sharper too, like a thread pulled too tight under my skin, waiting to snap the moment I stopped paying attention. Dam
I suddenly understood how quickly packs turned on people once fear entered the conversation.Mira moved directly in front of me now like she physically intended to shield me from the entire room. “Damon would never allow this.”“He isn’t here,” the elder replied coldly.The reminder landed heavily.
Aria’s POVI had never seen the Packhouse descend into chaos that quickly before.Servants rushed through the halls whispering frantically to one another while guards searched room after room with increasing aggression. The atmosphere felt suffocating, thick with suspicion and panic, and every time
“That’s generally how clothes work,” I muttered.“Still sarcastic. Good. She’s recovering.”I stared at Alina carefully because there was no hostility in her voice. That alone felt suspicious.“I came to see Aria,” Alina said calmly. “There’s a gathering in the east sitting room.”My stomach tighten
Aria’s POVFor the first time in days, the Packhouse felt quiet. I won’t say it was peaceful because peace never lasted long around the Rowans, but it was quieter. The corridors were no longer filled with healers rushing back and forth, and no one was watching me like I might collapse if I breathed







