Aria Vale
Lucian leaves without another word, and I'm alone again with my thoughts and the guards outside my door. The mate bond aches where he pulled away, a physical pain in my chest that won't ease.
I hate it. I hate that my body responds to him despite everything. Hate that some part of me wanted him to stay.
Hours pass. Someone brings me food, a tray of breakfast that sits untouched on the small table. I can't eat. My stomach is too knotted with anxiety.
Around midday, the door opens again. This time it's Sierra, her red hair wild like she ran the whole way here. She throws herself at me, wrapping me in a fierce hug.
"They wouldn't let me see you," she says, her words muffled against my shoulder. "I've been trying since last night but the guards kept turning me away. I had to get
