ARIA’S POV
The way Damien looked at me made me feel exposed, a prey cornered by the vicious beast. His eyes were dark, narrowed into slits, his chin raised; the only show of restraint was on his face.
“What are you doing?” I asked again. His head tilted to the side at the change in my voice.
“Forgive me, Aria,” he whispered tentatively, almost as if he cared.
“Forgive you for what?” I should have seen it coming. I shouldn't have been so distracted. But Damien hooked me in place, chaining my feet to the floor of his world, his reality. There was never meant to be an escape for me.
A sharp sting pricked the back of my neck. I jumped so hard my elbow smashed into Damien’s face. His face crunched up in pain. Otherwise, he didn’t move. My fingers closed around the needle he had plunged dee
