_Aria’s POV_
Lucien and I went back home as the sky slowly darkened, and all I could think about was what Ryan had told me.
The car ride felt quiet, even though Lucien kept talking. His voice was calm and steady, filling the space between us but I barely heard the words. My thoughts were loud. They would not stop circling the same things again and again.
Eastern wing....His brother.....Prisoner....Monster.
Lucien rested one hand on the steering wheel and the other on my knee. His thumb brushed my skin in slow and gentle movements. It should have comforted me. It usually did.
But tonight, it only made my heart beat faster.
“We’ll need to send out the invitations soon,” Lucien said casually. “I want the engagement party to be perfect. The whole pack will attend.”
“That sounds nice,” I
