Damien's POV
The moment Aria collapsed, my world stopped.
Fear exploded inside me — the kind I hadn't felt in years. Not during wars. Not during rogue attacks. Not even when my own mate abandoned me.
"Aria!"
The banquet hall fell silent. I didn't care. Nothing mattered except her.
Her breathing stayed steady. Her heartbeat was strong. But my wolf had gone quiet in a way I didn't recognize — not calm, listening. Waiting, as if he sensed something approaching.
Her eyes opened.
The instant our gazes met, something pulled taut in my chest — violent, ancient, undeniable.
MATE.
No. Not now. Not her. Not Aria.
But the connection didn't care what I believed. I could feel her heartbeat. Her fear. Her confusion — the same emotions rushing through me, mirrored.
She knew. I could see it in
