For a moment after my words left my mouth, the throne room felt frozen. “I’ll make you pay for this, Dad.” The promise still burned in my chest. My father did not look shocked. He did not look angry. If anything… he looked tired. Slowly, he leaned forward on the throne, his fingers folding together as he watched me with those same calm eyes I was starting to hate. “There’s nothing you can do now, Aria,” he said quietly. The words hit the air like cold rain. My jaw tightened. “I am only looking for a way to protect you.” Protect me. Again with that word. Something ugly twisted in my stomach. My hands curled into fists at my sides. “I don’t want anything that has to do with you, Dad,” I shot back immediately. My voice echoed louder than I expected. Jason shifted beside me, but I didn’t look at him. I couldn’t. Not right now. Because if I did, I might break again. And I was done breaking. Done crying. Done being confused. My father’s gaze followed me carefully, l
Mehr lesen