SHADE POV -
I didn't even see her.
Not until Aria went rigid in my arms.
She was kneeling at the foot of the bed. White dress. Head bowed like she thought she was part of something sacred. Like she somehow belonged in the twisted display the Council set up to humiliate the woman who had taken her place.
She was alpha. She wasn't here by accident or command. She chose to kneel there. I caught that smug little grin she didn't think I'd notice while she stared at the floor. She thought this was her power play. That showing up like this ruined everything. She was exacting some pathetic revenge for Aria, having what she could never have.
I hadn't expected it so soon. Hadn't thought they'd play their hand before the night even ended. But of course they would. The Council didn't wait. Not
