ous day, including Aria's amazing display of strength, her closeness to the twins, and the range of feelings she had s

g mist, watching for any hint of her. As he neared the clearing where she had been practicing, he sensed trouble

ounded her; their guarded stances were clear even from a distance. E

es echoing through the woodland. "Your father

I will not be forced into a marriage I do not

gh he knew he should step forward, curiosity

t get it. If you refuse, they will take you by for

way to uncertainty and a hint of fear as her eyes wi

way to a deep fatigue. "Aria, there is much you do

husband's arm. "Maybe it's time, Marcus, that

ulders and casting worried looks at her. Though he ignored it, the sight

Years before you were born, our pack made a deal with a powerful group called the S

aised eyebrows. "What

l," Marcus said with great sorrow. "At the time, it seemed like a

ords, barely audible. "Th

began to show. The arranged marriage was meant to protect you and tie

il plotting behind the scenes and threateni

keeping the hierarchy, following your strict rules, and in

whisper. "If the Shadow Council learned about you

protective instincts clear. "We won't

is part of our family and pack

h. The Shadow Council has ways of getting what they want. Whether it's

ught her, gently lowering her to the ground. She lifted her head to see her par

ger. Before he could stop himself, he stepped out of the shad

ed at Aria, hoping she could see his sincerity. "I'm sorry for interrupting and for... many t

ou don't understand. The Shadow Coun

ty as Alpha to protect Aria and everyone else.

with hope. "Zander, I appreciate the sentiment, but given

ds could change everything. "Because, Aria, I made a mistake. About you and your strength. I have seen your power a

's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and emot

s unlike anything they had ever heard before. It was darker and more menacing

. "They're here. T

. We need to move quickly and quietly. Ethan, Liam, get Aria to safety. Take her to the old caves just

or a moment, the world seemed to fade away. "I know you have no reason to trust me," he s

ncertainty. "I believe you," she sai

etween the trees deepened, darkness seemed to fall in the middl

He had made a promise, not only to Aria but to his entire pack. Whatever the Shadow Council's plans, he would oppose them. But as the terrifying cries drew ne

the distance, her heart pounding with fear and another feeling: intense resolve. One thi