Aria’s POV
The red moon hung low, casting a haunting glow over the valley. My heartbeat pounded in my chest as the mist moved, unveiling Zac’s army like a waking nightmare. Their crimson eyes shone bright, and their growls echoed across the battlefield.
For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. He was supposed to be dead. I had seen his blood, smelled it in the dirt, and felt the end of his reign in my bones. Yet he stood there, untouched, grinning like death itself.
Damon’s body tensed beside me, his wolf's presence pressing close with a snarl in his throat. “Stay behind me,” he growled.
I shook my head, clutching the dagger at my side. “No. Not this time.”
He turned toward me, eyes blazing gold. “Aria...”
“I’m fighting with you,” I said, voice trembling but steady. “I won’t hide while othe
