Damon's POV
The sound of the slap still rang inside my head. I deserved it.
I didn't loosen my clenched jaw as I looked back at Aria. Tears streamed down her face, her chest rising and falling with furious breaths.
Her scent had changed completely. It was laced with grief and hatred.
Rhein whimpered inside me. Our mate is broken... We broke her.
I know.
I took one careful step toward her. She immediately stepped back. The movement was small, but it felt like someone had driven silver straight through my heart.
She fears us, Rhein said quietly.
No... she doesn't fear us anymore. She despises us. That was worse.
I looked at her trembling hands. "Aria... I am sorry."
She didn't answer.
"I know my apology doesn't change anything. There isn't a punishment severe enough for what I did
