Aria's POV
"I remembered." Damon's gaze was murderous. "The avalanche. The woman who saved me. It wasn't you."
Silence. Claudia's lips trembled. "I... Damon... I..."
"You lied to me. You stole Aria's place. You let me believe that lie for five years." He growled.
Claudia was already shaking uncontrollably. "I can explain!"
"No." His voice cut through hers like a blade. "There is nothing left for you to explain."
He turned toward me. His expression softened instantly. The contrast was almost startling.
Regret, pain, and determination. All of it filled his eyes.
"Aria. I wronged you. I hurt you. I failed you as your mate."
His jaw tightened. "But I swear to you..." His voice rang through the room with absolute conviction. "I will make this right."
Damon's words lingered in the room
