DANTE’S POV
Dawn breaks softly. Aria is asleep beside me. Her face is relaxed in a way I don’t see often. No tension in her brow. No fear pulling her mouth tight. She’s curled slightly toward me, one hand resting over my chest like it found its way there instinctively. I don’t move. I memorize this. The rise and fall of her breathing. The warmth of her body. The quiet weight of her trust. This is the version of her Sebastian will never have again.
Careful not to wake her, I slide out of the couch. The covers are cool the moment I leave, and I hate that I’m already taking something from her.
I dress silently. My phone buzzes once in my hand — a message from one of my men. Coordinates. Movement of Sebastian changing locations again. He’s running. Good.
In the kitchen, I move slower than
