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
Aria’s POVUnease settled deeper in my chest as I crossed the apartment toward the door.Lex almost never came here alone.Not because he disliked me, but because Lex moved through the Packhouse like a shadow most days, quiet and careful in ways Damon never was. If he wanted to speak to me, it usual
“I am proud of you.”The words hit harder than they should have.Damon noticed immediately because his expression shifted into concern. “Aria?”“Nobody’s ever said that to me before,” I admitted quietly.Pain flickered briefly across his face before he lowered his head and kissed me slowly, carefull
Aria’s POVI woke up tangled in Damon. One of his arms was wrapped tightly around my waist beneath the blankets while my face rested against his chest, warm skin and steady breathing surrounding me completely. For a few seconds, I stayed still, letting myself exist there without thinking about the c
A hidden compartment rested beneath the vanity drawer, I found it almost immediately. My heart hammered violently while I placed the velvet box inside.Then I closed it and walked away. By the time I returned to Damon’s room, my hands still trembled.I remember slipping back beneath the blankets car







