a's

from the depths of sleep. His words sent a jolt through me, and I turned swiftly to face him. Th

he bloodstains on the sheets confirming the loss of my virginity. Tears

you were a virgin," he murmured, approaching me. "Had I known, I

nd regret too overwhelming. Without another word, I gathered m

part, and I immersed myself in my duties, hoping to avoid

ice rang out, commanding and clear. "Where's A

he departures, turned to Darius with

don't believe I need to exp

ed to slip by unnoticed, but Darius spotted me.

ld respond, Kael interjected, his tone dripping with disd

elf protectively between Darius and me.

ed I remind you who I am? I am the Lycan King,

with visible unease. I felt torn, caught b

trembling. "I... I don't underst

ave matters to discuss, Aria. Importan

and Darius, the king I was bound to obey. Though my heart yea

aid, turning to him. "I

arms. "This is ridiculous.

glare before turning back to me. "Prepa

, Ronan Vale gent

anything at all, you

fully, touched

ould the Lycan King possibly want to discuss? Was this abo

ag at my feet. Darius nodded approvingly when h

ached me on

id, Aria. You're al

ed a we

for everyth

back didn't look like someone embarking on a new chapter. She looked haunted. Her wide eyes shimmered with uncertainty, lips pressed into a

indow, watching the scenery blur past-forests thick with mist, winding roads that twisted like fate itself. With every mile

o view, guarded and formidable. Beyond them stood the palace-looming, grand, and intimidating. Its stone walls were kissed w

out of the car, the

s sharp gaze slicing through me like cold steel. His disappro

s presence instantly shifting the balance. Power clung to him l

one formal but firm, "Aria will

king the disdain simmering beneath. "As you wish, Your Majesty," he said s

word. Outsider. It

ough the tension like a blade, laced with sarcas

age creeping up my neck. I wanted to vanish. Or screa

glare on both men, silencing them instantly.

steadier, softer. "Aria,"

llowed him through the grand halls of the palace, past ornate portraits and polished stone c

ed it to reveal a spacious, elegant room. The bed was massive,

us said, turning to face me. "And you're go

hit me lik

to read between the lines. My thoughts spiraled. Was th

elf, feeling suddenly exposed. Was this because of what happened

moment-his expression unreada

aid noth

ither