A R I A
Blood drips steadily from my nose, staining the hardwood floor beneath me. The metallic taste floods my mouth, and I can barely register the gasps around me.
Lucian's eyes are locked onto Soren, a storm brewing within them. He takes a step forward, fists clenched, but I reach out, grabbing his arm weakly.
"Don't, please…" I whisper, my voice barely audible.
Lucian looks down at me, his expression softening for a moment. He kneels beside me, gently cupping my face to examine the damage.
"We need to get you cleaned up," he says, his voice tight with concern.
Soren stands frozen, his face pale. "I didn't mean to... Aria, I'm so sorry," he stammers.
I don't respond. The betrayal cuts deeper than any physical pain.
Angela steps forward, her arms crossed. "Maybe it's time you lef
