Aria POV
The pain was everywhere. In my back from the fall. In my ribs where something had cracked. In my head where it had slammed against the marble. But worst of all was the pain in my abdomen—sharp, cramping, relentless.
“Julian!” Selene’s voice cracked, high-pitched and panicked. She released my jaw immediately and spun around, her hand flying to her chest.“Since when have you been there?!”
I tried to lift my head to see him, but the movement sent waves of dizziness crashing over me. Through the haze of pain, I could barely make out his silhouette at the entrance to the hallway.
Julian’s eyes moved rapidly between me and Selene. His jaw clenched tight, a muscle jumping beneath his skin. His hands were fists at his sides.
“I just—” Selene’s voice changed completely. Gone was the
