Damian's POV
I knew something was wrong before she said a word.
Aria came through the door and her eyes were red at the edges. Although they had been dried carefully. Thoroughly. The way she did everything she didn't want anyone to see.
I came down the steps a little and let her close the distance.
My thumb found the last trace under her left eye. Her jaw was warm against my palm. She leaned into it, just slightly and closed her eyes for one second.
Then she straightened.
"Inside," I said.
She talked. I listened.
Mara. The photograph. Cael Maren.
I knew that name.
Elise had said it once at a safehouse on the east side of the city, years ago. We were waiting out a hunter sweep on the cold floor with bad food. She'd said his name the way people said the names
