LOGINAria’s POVBut my father’s hand came down sharply against the armrest of his chair. The sound silenced everyone. His eyes burned with fury and betrayal as he pointed directly at him.“I saw you, Kellen,” he said, his voice rising. “You and Darren were in my room that night. You offered to care for me but you poisoned me! You and Darren!” His hand trembled but his words struck like knives. “Dareen spoke of finishing what he started. Of power, of succession, of killing me before the council meeting.”All color drained from Darren’s face.For a single, delicious second, I saw panic flicker in his eyes before his mask returned, smooth, charming, composed.Then he laughed.Like, he actually laughed.“Alpha,” Darren said, tone calm and measured, though his jaw was tight. “You’ve been unwell for months. You accused Derek not long ago, remember? And before that, one of your guards. You’re confused. You’re letting paranoia speak for you.”Murmurs spread through the room like wildfire. Elders e
Aria’s POVThe news had drawn everyone out.The room was full now. Elders in their ceremonial robes, pack members lined along the walls, betas murmuring quietly. Even the servants lingered near the doors, too curious to leave.Eros stood beside me, every inch of him calm and regal, his presence commanding silence as soon as he walked in.And then, at the far end of the room, seated in his high-backed chair, was my father.He looked stronger than the last time I’d seen him. His eyes, though weary, carried a new light, one that spoke of truth finally remembered.Daniella and her twin, Derek, stood close to him, their faces a mix of anxiety and relief. Derek gave me a small nod when he saw me, one that silently said; finally. But my eyes drifted past them, to the two faces I had been waiting to see.Darren and Elara.They stood near the back, side by side. Darren had that same arrogant smirk plastered across his face, his hands tucked casually into his pockets like he had nothing to fea
Aria’s POVSo, before Eros could stop me, I stepped closer to Eros, sliding my hand around his arm, pressing my body against his side in a way that made Darren’s eyes narrow instantly.Eros stiffened in surprise, looking down at me, but I met his gaze with a knowing look. Play along.And he did.He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me in tighter. I tilted my face up to him, smiling sweetly, then rose on my toes and kissed him.Right there. In front of Darren and Elara. In front of everyone.The kiss was deep and deliberate. Not a peck. Not something innocent. It was a declaration.Eros hesitated for just a breath before his hand found the back of my neck, returning the kiss with a slow, devastating tenderness that made my wolf purr in satisfaction. When we finally broke apart, his thumb traced my lower lip, his gaze still on me as if we were the only two people in the world.And Darren...Darren looked like he wanted to tear the world apart. His eyes were molten, his lips p
Aria’s POVMy cheeks burned. “You’re not supposed to say that out loud.”He kissed my hair. “Then don’t make it so obvious.”I elbowed him playfully, but he only laughed and tightened his arm around me. And that was how we fell asleep, curled together, heartbeats tangled, in that perfect in-between of comfort and longing.Morning came with a pale gold glow cutting through the windows. By the time I opened my eyes, Eros was already up, dressed, and leaning against the wall with two steaming cups of coffee.“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he teased. “You’re lucky I didn’t leave you behind.”I stretched and yawned. “You wouldn’t dare.”He grinned and handed me a cup. “You’re right. I wouldn’t.”“Thank you, Eros.”“For what?”“For… this. Thank you for bringing me here, I didn't realize how much I needed to clear my head until now.”He smiled, sitting beside me. “If you thank me one more time Aria, I’ll eat you up in the instance.”“Thank you!” I said, louder this time. “Thank you!”He jumpe
Aria’s POVHe took a small step closer, his voice dropping lower. “You’ve given me something I never thought I’d have again.“What?” I asked softly.“Joy,” he said simply. “Peace. A reason to wake up and want to live whole again.”The sincerity in his tone shattered every wall I had left. My eyes stung as I looked up at him, my heart pounding hard enough that I could barely speak.“I..." I began, my voice trembling. “Eros, I...”He looked at me then, not as a king, not as a protector, but as a man stripped bare by love.And I couldn’t hold it back anymore.“I love you, Eros.” I whispered.The silence that followed wasn’t just awkward, it was electric. He blinked, surprised at first, and then his entire face softened, as if the world itself had stilled around that moment.“Say it again,” he murmured.I swallowed, smiling through the tears threatening to fall. “I love you. I love you so much!”He moved before I could blink. One hand came up to cup my cheek, the other resting at my bac
Aria’s POVHe didn’t answer immediately. The faintest smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, that secretive, infuriating kind of smile that told me he was planning something.“You’ll find out soon,” he said simply, his voice smooth but laced with quiet excitement.I folded my arms, pretending to be annoyed, though inside, a flicker of warmth stirred. “You and your surprises again.”He chuckled. “You’ll get used to it. Hopefully.”The drive stretched longer than I expected. The city skyline came into view, all shimmering glass and distant lights. We turned into a long, tree-lined driveway leading to what looked like an exclusive resort. It had tall gates, fountains, elegant stone arches dusted with lantern light. My breath caught.“Eros,” I said softly, “what is this place?”He parked the car, turned off the engine, and glanced at me with a boyish grin that melted every protest in me before it could form. “It’s a date.”For a heartbeat, I just stared at him. “A date?” I repeated, h







