Kora’s POV
Edward’s arm was warm beneath my hand, steady like a shield, and in that moment I clung to him as if the entire hall had disappeared. I wanted Aaron to see it—wanted him to choke on the truth that I was no longer his, that he had no power over me anymore.
But deep inside, I wasn’t as calm as I pretended to be. My heart was still pounding from our exchange, from the way his eyes tried to strip away the strength I had built. I wasn’t that fragile girl anymore, but the shadows of who I used to be still whispered inside me.
Edward didn’t say a word. He just wrapped his hand over mine, his grip strong, protective, almost claiming. His sharp gaze flicked once toward Aaron, then back to me, and I could feel the storm raging beneath his calm exterior.
“Let’s go,” Edward said softly,
